“Positive Parenting Tips” newsletter August

Inspiring Parenting Quotes:

. "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary."
- Mother Teresa

"Follow your bliss."
- Joseph Campbell

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kids Activities:

Hide and seek

Rules

This game is also known as Hide-and-tig, Hide and Hide-and-go-seek.

One person is IT and they are the seeker, or person who will look for the other players.

The person who is IT stands at the base (home). They cover their eyes or turn around.

They count to an agreed number, or recite a tune or particular words, while the rest of the players hide.

When the counting or rhyme is finished, IT says “Ready or not, here I come” or “Coming, ready or not” and runs to find everyone.

The people who are hidden remain hiding until they are found and the last one to be found is the winner.

What you need

An open space with places to hide or players to be unseen

An agreed spot for the base or home

Marbles

Rules

Marbles involves rolling or throwing your marble to either try and hit a target marble or to hit the other players’ marbles.

Decide if you are playing for “keepsies” (players keep the marbles they win in the game) or “playing fair” (everyone gets their own marbles back at the end of the game).

Draw a circle on the ground. Each player should put an agreed number of marbles in it and stand behind a line drawn some distance away. The aim is to hit the marbles out of the circle.

Take turns to roll, throw or flick a marble (called a shooter) into the circle, trying to hit the marbles out of it.

If you knock a marble out of the taw you get to keep it. If the shooter stays in the circle, it stays there and it is the next players turn. If it comes out you can fetch it and have another go.

Carry on having turns until all the marbles in the circle have been won. The person with the most marbles wins.

What you need

A hard, flat ground surface

Marbles!

Visit for our Free Kids Games & Activities from A to Z

Easy Kids Recipe:

“Butterscotch Confetti”

Easy No-Bake Squares

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

• 1 bag - 80 oz mini-marshmallows

Instructions

Put butter and peanut butter in microwave proof bowl and microwave on high for approximately 3 minutes.

Remove and add butterscotch chips.

Stir until melted and smooth.

Add mini-marshmallows.

Stir until marshmallows are coated.

Scoop or pour into wax-paper lined pan.

Cool in refrigerator until set

. Cut and serve! These are a delicious change from chocolate.

Child Arts & Crafts Activities:

Apple & Pear Prints

Supplies: Apple & pear cut in half, paint and paper.
Directions: Use red paint to dip the apple, light green for the pear then have your child stamp prints of each on paper, cardboard, tile etc.

Leaf Bracelet or Rose Petal Bracelet

Supplies: Masking Tape and leaves or rose petals
Directions: Wrap a piece of masking tape backwards (Sticky side up) around your child's wrist, let them collect leaves or rose petals to stick to their bracelet.

Nature Collage

Supplies: Glue, paper plate or construction paper, leaves, flower petals, seeds, twigs, pebbles, sand.
Directions: Before you start this project, have your child go on a scavenger hunt for the items to use in the collage. Then have your child spread out glue over entire surface then arrange all of the nature items that they found right on top.

Positive Parenting Resources:

Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem

Healthy self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic.

In contrast, for children who have low self-esteem, challenges can become sources of major anxiety and frustration. Children who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If they are plagued by self-critical thoughts, such as "I'm no good" or "I can't do anything right," they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response is "I can't." Read on to discover the important role you can play in promoting healthy self-esteem in your child.

What Is Self-Esteem?

In order to equip your child with the tools that will help her develop healthy self-esteem, it is essential to better understand what self-esteem is. Brian Mesinger, PhD, a pediatric psychologist, defines the term this way: "Self-esteem is the collection of beliefs or feelings that we have about ourselves. How we define ourselves hugely influences our motivations, attitudes, and behaviors."

Dr. Mesinger notes that patterns start very early in life. "At about the age of 3 or 4," he says, "children are exploring many ideas and reaching conclusions about themselves that begin to crystallize." But the process starts even before then, during infancy. When a baby or toddler reaches a milestone, she experiences a sense of accomplishment that bolsters her developing self-esteem. Learning to roll over after dozens of unsuccessful attempts or finally mastering getting the spoon into her mouth every time she eats are experiences that teach a young child a "can do" attitude. The concept of success following persistence starts early.

As a child tries, fails, tries again, fails again and again, and then finally succeeds, she is developing ideas about her own capabilities. At the same time, she is creating thoughts about herself based on her interactions with other people. This is why parental involvement is key to helping a child form accurate, healthy self-perceptions.

Self-esteem can also be defined as the combination of feelings of capability with feelings of being loved. A child who is happy with her achievements but does not feel loved may eventually experience low self-esteem. Likewise, a child who feels loved but is hesitant about her own abilities can also end up feeling poorly about herself. Healthy self-esteem results when the right balance is attained.

Signs of Unhealthy and Healthy Self-Esteem

Self-esteem fluctuates as a child grows. It is frequently changed and fine-tuned, as it is affected by a child's experiences and new perceptions. It helps for parents to be aware of the signs of both healthy and unhealthy self-esteem.

A child who has low self-esteem may not want to try new things. She frequently speaks negatively about herself, saying such things as, "I'm stupid," "I'll never learn how to do this," or "What's the point? Nobody cares about me anyway." She exhibits a low tolerance for frustration, giving up easily or waiting for somebody else to take over. Children with low self-esteem see temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions. A sense of pessimism predominates.

A child who has healthy self-esteem tends to enjoy interacting with others. She's comfortable in social settings and enjoys group activities as well as independent pursuits. She's willing to pursue new interests. When challenges arise, she is able to work toward finding solutions. She voices discontent without belittling herself or others. For example, rather than saying, "I'm an idiot," she says, "I don't understand this." She knows her strengths and weaknesses, and accepts them. A sense of optimism prevails.

What Parents Can Do to Help

How can a parent help to foster healthy self-esteem in a child? Here are some tips that can make a big difference:

• Watch what you say. Children are very sensitive to parents' words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn't make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, say something like, "Well, you didn't make the team, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

• Be a positive role model. If you are excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your child will have a great role model.

• Identify and redirect your child's inaccurate beliefs. "The pervasive step for parents to take is to identify kids' irrational beliefs about themselves," says Dr. Mesinger. "Whether they are about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else, these inaccurate perceptions can take root and become reality to a child." For example, a child who does very well in school but struggles with math may say, "I can't do math. I'm a bad student." Not only is this a false generalization, it's also a belief that will set her up for failure. Encourage your child to see the situation in its true light. A helpful response might be: "You are a good student. You do great in school. Math is just a subject that you need to spend more time on. We'll work on it together."

• Be spontaneous and affectionate with your child. Your love will go a long way to boost your child's self-esteem. Give her hugs. Tell her you're proud of her. Leave a note in her lunch box that reads, "I think you're terrific!" Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Kids can tell whether something comes from the heart.

• Give positive, accurate feedback. A comment such as, "You always work yourself up into such a frenzy!" will cause a child to start believing she has no control over her outbursts. A better statement is, "Boy, you were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn't yell at him or hit him." This acknowledges her feelings and rewards the choice she made, encouraging her to make the right choice again next time.

• Create a safe, nurturing home environment. A child who does not feel safe or is being abused in her own home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and argue repeatedly may become depressed and withdrawn. Always remember to protect and respect your child. Make your home a safe haven for your family. Watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other potential factors that may affect your child's self-esteem. Deal with these issues sensitively but swiftly.

• Help your child become involved in constructive experiences. Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both children.

Sponsored resources:

TIRED OF FEELING TIRED? We know that life can get you down. Too much stress. Too much pressure. But it does NOT have to be that way!! Helene Malmsio has been a Nutritional Consultant for over a decade and has created a site that is devoted to helping you help yourself ... FREE! Come see our best health guide for free natural cures and herbal home remedy recipe resources - all designed to help you feel better and BE healthier today! Help is just a click away.
http://best-natural-cures-health-guide.com

Do you want MORE out of life? We believe that YOU deserve the best! The best health. The most happiness. And unlimited prosperity too. It's all possible when you help yourself using our FREE personal development resources and free self help books. You will be amazed at what only a few minutes on our site will do for you. Feel better NOW!
We're waiting for you at
http://personal-enterprise-self-help-resources.com

Elvis Presley Forever
This Elvis Presley biography site is dedicated to providing the site visitor with quality Elvis Presley biography information, pictures and articles for your entertainment. Everything you ever wanted to know about Elvis's life, loves and music. An Elvis Presley biography site by a fan for his fans. Get your free Elvis Presley biography here:
www.elvis-presley-forever.com

Editor’s notes & humour:

To pass half an hour or so, why not play Memory Master?

This is where you place a number of household objects on a tray and let the participants look at them for 30 seconds.

Cover the tray with a cloth and then get them to try and remember as many objects as possible.

21 things to remember... think about each one SERIOUSLY... before moving on to the next one.

1. Success stops when YOU do!

2. Look for opportunities... not guarantees.

3. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

4. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

5. We often fear the thing we want the most.

6. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

7. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

8. You will never "have it all together."

9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want, I will be happy."

10. When your ship comes in... make sure you are willing to unload it.

11. I've learned that ultimately, 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.

13. Life is a journey... not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

14. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.

15. He or she who laughs... lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

17. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

18. Life is what's coming... not what was.

19. Success is getting up one more time.

20. When things go wrong... don't go with the flow.

21. Now is the most interesting time of all.

Get your free parenting & kids e-book here...

Ten Ways to Be Happier ... right now

For more books, visit our Free Kids Books Directory page

Thank you for joining us this month, I hope that you have found some extra motivation and inspiration for your positive parenting.

Visit today for latest Toddlers Activity & Child Discipline Guide articles.
Free parenting resources added each week to help you use positive parenting in your child’s development, toddlers activities & games, toddler arts & crafts, kids easy recipes, free kids books for bedtime reading and even child discipline help!
http://free-toddlers-activity-and-discipline-guide.com

Your Editor,
Theresea Hughes.
http://free-toddlers-activity-and-discipline-guide.com

FREE! Powerful Daily Motivation
The power to change anything in your life that you want to change. The rare ability to control your own behaviour on a daily basis to create and maintain a lifestyle by YOUR exact design. Get your copy of “365 Daily Success Quotes” free self help book. IT’S TIME that YOU enjoyed a feeling of happiness and excitement about your life!
http://free-daily-motivational-self-improvement.com

Back to Top of page

================================================================
DISCLAIMER: The free toddlers activity and child discipline guide site resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This free toddlers activity and discipline guide site resources website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to.

The free toddlers activity and child discipline guide site resources contents are solely the opinion of the authors and should not be considered as a form of advice, direction and/or recommendation of any kind. If expert advice or counselling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any products or services mentioned, or any techniques or practices described. The purchaser or reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Neither the author nor the Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these materials.

This free toddlers activity and child discipline guide site content description: This free toddlers activity and discipline guide site has articles about with positive parenting tips, free kids games, recipes, arts & crafts, free .pdf book downloads, child discipline articles about potty training, temper tantrums, kids sleep problems, strategies for fussy eaters, including free child development parenting resources for parents .

This free toddlers activity and child discipline guide site article links include Parent Magazine, Child Development, toddler discipline, discipline for kids, articles on how to use positive parenting resources to discipline child and use your good parenting skills, inspiring parenting & childhood famous quotes, parenting toddler time out techniques, early childhood child behaviour problem parenting tips with free behavior chart, toddlers arts & crafts, toddlers songs, fussy eating & kid recipes for child nutrition help, free kid game ideas, child development training math for kid study resources, party games, child book downloads, mother parenting perfect child discipline guide to reduce child anxiety, angry kids fears, insomnia, child self esteem, toilet training and other relationship problem child issues with positive parent tips.
================================================================

Back to Top of page