DIRECTORY of Parenting Skills and Child Development resources
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This free toddlers activity and Parent Child Development guide site has articles about positive parenting skills, social skills training for child, positive parenting tips for Toddler Separation Anxiety and childhood depression, parenting advice about childhood anxiety, Child & Divorce, child self esteem, kids sleep problems, including free child development toddlers activity and Parent Child Development resources.
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1. Discover what makes your own spirit sing: Take time to engage in a long walk at the end of the day, a hot soak in the tub, a good novel, knitting by candlelight, laughing with a pal on the telephone - whatever it might be for you. By engaging in self-care, you show your child how everyday joy is spun. You are the mirror for him or her and reflect an adult who knows how to create happiness no matter what is going on in your world. When Mama or Papa is happy everyone's happy.
2. Praise the process not the product: If kids find their joy solely through their parent's approval, they set themselves up for a lifetime of disappointment. Make sure to be authentic with your kids and encourage them to take risks and try new things rather than only praising the outcome of a class, project, race, or game. Love them for who they are, not what they achieve and then watch their authentic joy unfold.
3. Help your children experience the delight in giving: Kids long for connection with others more than another new toy or trip, as hard as that might be to believe. Reach out with kindness as a family and watch the joy bubble back into your lives. What one kind deed might you do today with your child? Bake an extra loaf of banana bread for an elderly neighbor, write a thank you note to the bus driver for always smiling in the mornings, invite the child who is new in town over for a play date?
4. Make time to laugh together: The average family spends far too little time engaged in humor and way too much time engaged in complaining. Leave a book of tasteful jokes lying around the house or tuck a funny cartoon in your child's lunch box. Create a Funny Family Movie Night and watch classic family comedies. Surprise your child and turn an ordinary day into a celebration. Who knows, you might begin a tradition.
5. A healthy body can better express joy: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats healthy foods without a lot of sugar and has plenty of opportunities for quiet time, as well as wholesome exercise in their day. Doing so will help regulate moods so joy is a fluid ongoing experience whirling around a balanced mind, body and spirit.
About the Author: Mimi Doe is the founder of www.SpiritualParenting.com and the award winning author of, Busy but Balanced (St. Martin's Press) and 10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting (HarperCollins).
Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child
Buying a car seat can be a trying experience for any parent-to-be. There is so much jargon, it is difficult to figure out what is fact and what is fiction. If you are like most people, you spend a great deal of time in your car.
Trips to the doctors, grocery store, church, play dates, day care, work, and family outings are all just a few of the reasons that you and baby will need to commute. So it is imperative that you choose the safest car seat for your new baby. We will go over some of the tips and tricks to picking out the best in the market, and help you decipher some of that technical jargon that is floating around these days!
Educational & Fun Toys For Kids Of All Ages
Everyone knows that toys are some of the most important purchases that you are ever going to make. There are many thingsthat toys can do for your children.
Toys can entertain them, and they can help them learn. They can also be heirlooms. At eToys,you are going to find that there are toys for each of these occasions and many more. eToys can offer many parentseducational toys that not only fit the "fun needs" of theirchild but that also teach the child a lesson through playtime.
Baby Sleep Tips - Feeding During The Day
Every parent of a newborn will inevitably deal with many sleepless nights. Babies, of course, have many needs, and when they awake in the night they will cry for their mothers. One of your most important tasks as a parent is to establish good sleeping habits in your child. Every baby must go through a transition where he adjusts from sleeping with his mother to sleeping on his own. This is a natural transition of course, and takes some time, but there are things you can do to expedite the process.
How To Prevent Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is the result of an interaction between food,state of mind, family and the environment. One of the problemsis the sedentary life that many children lead, playing computerand video games or watching television instead of beingphysically active. The greatest problem causing childhoodobesity is the foods that make up their diet.
Childhood Obesity - What Are The Risks?
Let’s look at these risks in detail:
Type II Diabetes – Diabetes is a serious condition thatrequires dietary restrictions, and oral or injectible insulin.
Even with appropriate treatment, diabetes has long-term healthrisks that include circulatory disease, an inability to healfrom wounds and injuries, stress on the heart and pulmonarysystem, and even blindness, stroke and coma.
Bath Time Magic For Kids
Bath time is the perfect opportunity for parents and children to really get to know each other and spend quality time together.
How you view “bath time” is up to you. Many parents choose to treat it as a chore and dread the evenings – as do their children. In many homes, bath time is about as boring as brushing teeth. You, however, can choose to turn bath time into something special, which both you and your child will look forward to every day. For a child, bath time should be a transition between the noisy, busy world of day and the peaceful, cosy world of bed. With very little effort on your part you can make it a magic time for both of you.
EVERYONE GIVES ADVICE TO THE NEW MOM
This probably happens to the majority of the women that recently became mothers for the first time: they feel as if they really know nothing about taking care of the baby, feeding him, what to do when he doesn’t seem to stop crying, how to dress the little one. Of course, immediately older relatives or friends that have children appear and everyone is competing to give you the best advice. And the amount of advice is huge but many of the indications contradict themselves.
8 Steps To Good Child Behaviour!
1. Establish House Rules
Make simple rules for your child. Start with a few things we doand don't do. Discuss them with your child.
2. Prevention Is Better Than Cure
If you feel that your child's behaviour is beginning to get outof control, nip it in the bud by distracting your child'sattention onto a positive activity or game.
Single Parenting - Facts
Divorce is something that is becoming more and more common intoday's society, and as such more and more people are becomingsingle parents. This is not to say, however, that people aresingle parents because of divorce. Actually many people becomesingle parents for a variety of different reasons, and it isbecause of this that people should be aware of some facts aboutsingle parenting.
Child Day Care Centers – Helping You Juggle Your Responsibilities
Although some traditionalists may raise eyebrows on couples whoresort to entrusting their children to child day care centers,it's not really a matter of choice for a majority of parentsthese days. Due to financial constraints, the number of doubleincome families consistently increases each year, and anoffshoot of this phenomenon is their growing dependence on childday care centers.
9 Tips To Easier Single Parenting
The reality is being a single mom or dad is a tough job. Trying to juggle the roles of two parents each day can be exhausting, frustrating and overwhelming.
Getting organized is one way to minimize the amount of work andrun a more streamlined, calmer household. Try some of the tipslisted below and before you know it you will be less stressed,more focused and able to spend more quality time with yourkids!
Is It Time To Start Potty Training?
After changing diaper after diaper over the past two years, youcan’t wait to start potty training your toddler. But is it timeto start potty training yet? We don’t want to start to earlyand push our child into something he or she is not yet readyfor. So, how do you know it is time to give the potty a try?
Parenting Tips For New Families
Welcoming a new baby into the family is a wonderful time in aparent's life. It is amazing how something as beautiful as a newbaby can actually cause you so much fear and trepidationconcerning its arrival. With parenting comes worry and it oftenstarts the moment you learn you are expecting. You can beassured that many well meaning people will offer you tons ofparenting tips, but if you keep these three parenting tips inmind, and you will be able to keep some of that worry in itsproper perspective.
A Checklist For Planning Your Pregnancy To Get Ready For Baby
Since it is normally a good idea to prepare for major lifechanges, here is a check list that can help you prepare for yourbaby. Preparing for your pregnancy is a must just like preparingfor college, school and retirement are a must. A baby willchange many things in your life and there is a lot of planningthat goes into being ready such as, emotional, physical andfinancial plans. Being ready will make for a smoother transitionand a better future for all involved.
Causes Of Baby Diaper Rash And When To Seek Medical Advice
Diaper rash usually looks like a patchwork of bright red skinon your baby's bottom. Most babies develop a diaper rashsometime or another. Times diaper rash may appear most oftenare:
•After solid foods are added to your baby's diet
•When your baby is taking antibiotics
•When diapers are changed infrequently
Child Development And Toys
It is no secret that there are certain toys that should be usedat specific ages. Many of these toys are designed for certainage groups based on safety concerns. However, many others aredesigned to specifically encourage the development of a child.Studies indicate that children develop and reach certainmilestones at various age levels.
Disciplining Your Child
Too many parents in this country are unwilling to disciplinetheir children. They demand too little in the way of goodconduct and do not hold kids accountable for bad behavior. Theyhave been convinced by mental health professionals and earlychildhood development experts that children need to feel goodabout themselves above all. Building self esteem has taken theplace of forming good character.
Childhood Obesity: Physical Effects
Obesity can be a problem as early as kindergarten for somechildren. Children who suffer from obesity will mostlikely endure a lifelong struggle with physical andemotional consequences.
Physical effects of obesity in children include difficultykeeping up with physical activities, problems sleeping, andtrouble with breathing. Not only are obese children moreoften affected by asthma, they also have problems withsleep apnea.
Potty Training Your Child
Potty training your child could be a big challenge, especially if it is your firstborn. You may be a little nervous wondering if you are doing everything correctly to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Potty training is a natural part of a child's development and can be made easier just by understanding factors that indicate your child is ready to begin learning the task.
16 Essential Safety Tips For Your Baby
It has been shown statistically that the majority of accidents to newborns and infants are totally preventable. What it takes is for every new parent to be aware of the risk factors for newborns, and taking active steps to prevent it. You need to arm yourself with valuable knowledge in the care of your baby.
Baby Monitors
Baby Monitors are a great tool parents need to keep tabs ontheir infants and a must have item to alert parents to anyproblems their baby may be having. But how do you choose theright baby monitor?
How many different kinds are there?
Whichbrand names are better than others?
What features should I lookfor when choosing a baby monitor?
Child Care for Single Parents
Parenting is demanding enough, but parenting all by yourself without the help of a spouse is far more difficult. Single parents technically have double the responsibility any usual parent does. They cannot hand of half of their duties to someone else and hope to relax for a while.
Caring for a baby is backbreaking work, thus all single parents look for possible help. Thankfully, a large umber of childcare facilities has become available for single parents today. But, on the flipside, choosing the right childcare facility out of the hordes available is a job in itself.
Family Fun at Dinnertime
Even as a stay at home parent it's often difficult to find time to have meals as a family. Everyone has places to rush off to. You might have kids eating at different times due to their various activities or your husband coming home just a little too late to eat with the rest of the family.
Baby Sitter Tips: Choosing The Right Person To Watch Over Your Kids
The task of finding a good baby sitter can be a daunting taskfor many parents who have limited options. There are not toomany good resources available also there are some wiseapproaches to take when selecting a baby sitter for yourfamily. Furthermore there are signs that indicate you may havemade the wrong choice.
The major step is finding the right person to care for yourchild or children. A lot of parents simply dread leaving theirlittle tots with anyone at all, even professional daycareproviders. Leaving your little children in another person'scare is a difficult task but it is the right step to take toensure that your child build up a healthy attachment to you.
A Parenting Tip - Holiday Manners That Will HelpYour Kids Sparkle
If you are like most moms and dads, you could use a parentingtip on how to improve the holiday manners of your children.Manners are important in any season, of course, but teaching ourchildren to put their best foot forward during thisactivity-rich time of year would certainly lower most families'stress levels a notch or two.
Here are my top five "mind your manners" tips for helpingchildren get the most out of this holiday season.
“A-B-C’s Of Parenting”
Common sense in parenting is a rather relative idea. Some parents simply do not have it and they need to be told just how to parent. That is why there are so many bestselling parenting books out there. There is nothing wrong with needing a little help in the area of your kids, parenting is difficult during the best of times and if those books can help you then go ahead and get them!
“ The 7 Step Guide to Child Development Using Teaching Material with Child Stories”
Child stories are an excellent way to promote child development. You can use teaching material along with children's stories to teach moral lessons, factual knowledge or emotional intelligence. The beauty of using child stories in this way is that children learn without feeling like they're " Learning "; they learn by osmosis.
Deficit Disorder Without Hyperactivity : A Growing Problem Among Children
Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the mostcommonly talked about disorder in children today, attentiondeficit disorder without hyperactivity is just as much of aproblem. ADHD is more easily diagnosed because thehyperactivity is easy to see. So it is important for parents toknow what to look for to determine whether their child hasAttention deficit disorder without hyperactivity.
Effective Discipline for Two Year Olds
The "terrible" twos are a time of great change for most children. They are learning how to be independent and often defy their parents, yet this newfound freedom sometimes frightens them. They can understand far more complex concepts than they can express verbally, leading to frustration and tantrums. They are endlessly curious about the world around them but they have not developed a sense of personal safety, so they don't understand why certain activities are off limits.
A Parenting Tip - The Most Important Thing A Parent Can Do
The most important parenting tip won't drain your wallet, butit is costly. It doesn't require years of parenting education, instead it'sactually quite instinctive. The most important parenting tip is simple yet profound. Youcan start using it today and expect almost immediate results.
“Baby Sleep Tips - Some Tricks For The Transition”
As a new parent, one of your priorities will be to establish good sleeping habits with your newborn. Your baby needs to learn to sleep on his own; the transition from sleeping with his mother to sleeping by himself takes some time. Of course, as add added bonus, if you get your baby to learn to sleep on his own you will also get some much needed rest yourself.
“Babies And Germs”
Nobody wants to spend their day throwing up, yet food poisoning is one of the most common causes of illness in the UnitedStates. However, it can be prevented more easily than any other illness. Your baby is of very vulnerable to germs and is completely dependent upon your cleanliness and care for their health. To keep your baby safe, take the following advice:
“Are You Raising a Little Monster?”
You used to look at them with disdain; in the grocery store, at family gatherings, at church, in restaurants-"little monsters", you called them-children with no manners. You looked at the parents with pity, shaking your head, knowing it was all their fault, that they created these little Frankensteins.
“Baby Shower Ideas: Shower Planning Tips And Advice”
The arrival of a newborn family member is one of the most exciting times in a parents life. They would usually spend each waking hour counting the ticks of the clock, the droplets that tap on the window pane, and the days in the calendar just to confirm how many days are still left before the baby’s due arrival.
“Baby Monitor - A "Must-Have" Device For All New Moms”
The other night, I went with my partner to our friends' house with whom we used to play bridge with on a regular basis. That was, of course, before the baby. It had been four months since our last bridge game and we were keen to get back into the swing of things. The baby in bed, mum was enjoying her 'night out' when, out of nowhere, the squeal of a crying child filled the room. It jolted me near out of my skin!
“Being A Happy Parent – Part Of Good Parenting”
When you were growing up, did you ever wish that your parents were happy? Did you feel safe when they were happy and peaceful?
My mother was rarely a happy person. Most of the time she wasanxious, angry and felt overburdened, even though I was heronly child.
“Signs And Symptoms Of ADD”
The signs of Attention Deficit Disorder may or may not be incredibly apparent. Because of the intricacies of this disorder and the variations from child to child, diagnosis may prove to be a difficult process.
The first step is understanding that hyperactivity is not synonymous with Attention Deficit Disorder. While a child may exhibit an increased level of activity with this disorder, it is not an inherent factor of ADD.
“Potty Training Boys: Is It Harder?”
Girls often complete potty training at a younger age than boys which leads parents and caregivers to assume that boys are harder to potty train than girls. While this maybe true for some children, potty training boys isn't necessarily more difficult. As a mother of two boys, I felt that they just weren't interested for a long time, there was too much else going on and they wanted to be off doing it not worrying about stuff like using the potty.
“Baby Monitors Give Parents Peace Of Mind”
Years ago, parents kept track of their babies by waiting for them to cry out and then checking on them. At one time, it waseven advised by the experts not to check in too often, but to stick to a rigid schedule. Times have certainly changed. Now days there are monitors which will let parents listen in to the baby’s room so they will know if he is awake or asleep. They can also utilize a video monitor to keep the baby in sight while he is in his crib.
“Avoiding Tooth Decay In Children”
The best way avoiding tooth decay lies in establishing positive habits. This is especially important for children who must learn that frequent teeth brushing and eating the right food is important to maintain healthy white teeth.
“Avoid Dangerous Toys for Toddlers”
Santa's elves make all kinds of toys at the North Pole. From lavish electronic devices to simple board games, those in St. Nick's employ are a versatile group. Unfortunately, however, not all toys are safe for all age groups.
“Babies And Bedtime Fussiness”
If the baby is very small, is a new born baby then it is accepted that he will get up many times at night. But in case of older babies, it is not accepted. It is very frustrating for the mother if the baby goes to sleep after a great deal of effort and then keeps waking up frequently. It is a bigachievement for the mother if the baby sleeps uninterrupted throughout the night.
“Assembling A First Aid Kit For Babies”
When it comes to babies, nothing can be scarier than facing an emergency situation or injury. New and veteran parents alike – as well as child caregivers – will attest to the fact that nothing keeps them up at night more than imagining themselvesin a situation where they are unable to help their injured child.
“Are You Failing Your Child”
Now that Noah is a month into kindergarten I am happy to report that he loves it and is thriving. Every morning he pops out ofbed eager and ready to go to school. On the weekends he actually misses school although he does enjoy the opportunity to sleep in.
“Adjusting to a Second Child”
Nothing changes the dynamic of a couple's life together like the news that they're expecting their first child. And, later, nothing will change the dynamic of their young family's life more than the news that a second child is on the way-especially if the first-born is still very young.
“A Parent’s Guide To Day Care Services”
For many reasons a great number of parents now rely on someone else to care for their young children during the day. Some can count on grand parents or other relatives for the care.
“14 Amazing Things That Newborn Babies Can Do, And What They Cannot”
It is an exciting time for new parents when their newborn arrives into this world. They may seem vulnerable, and they are, but there are a couple of amazing things that newborns can do, much to the delightful amusement of many people. Healthy newborns can typically do the following at birth or within the first few weeks of their life
“Parents, Kids And Time Alone”
“What are some of the ways in which you explain to kids that mom and dad need time alone, without feeling guilty about it?”
A journalist, writing an article on having time alone and couple time when you have kids, asked me this question.
“A Guide To Step Parenting”
Step Parenting was once mostly tied to the loss of a parent, though in modern times it is becoming a situation where children’s parents split up as well. In reality it can be good or bad. If it’s possible for children to have 2 sets ofparents, and keep a good peaceful and positive environment, that can be great and give them twice the opportunities.
“A Family Christmas After Divorce”
The popular saying goes like this: "Breaking up is hard to do." Yet, when it comes to marriage in the U.S., a large percentage of us do it.
“A Bedtime Routine For Your Baby”
As soon as possible, you should start a bedtime routine with your baby. You can start when the baby is six to eight weeks old, and your baby will surely reap benefits from the early routine setup.
“Understanding Security Through A Child’s Eyes”
Are you familiar with Charles M Shulz's classic comic strip Peanuts?Linus Van Pelt is the sagacious friend who stuns Charlie Brown and the gang with his battery of philosophical and intellectual quips.
“Tips on How to Teach Your Kids to Save Money”
A lot of teens nowadays do not understand the value of earning and spending money. They were not oriented that investing is necessary even if they are still students. As parents, you play a crucial role in this area.
“12 COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS”
In a child’s education an important factor is the parents’ expertise for this “job”. No one is born holding all the knowledge, but we can learn and understand some things from books or advice from qualified persons.
Amongst the commandments a parent should strictly follow are the following:
“5 Important Points For A Successful Potty Training”
Potty training should not be an exasperating moment for both the parent and the child. As a parent, you know it’s not easy to potty train your child. Sometimes it’s even more frustrating for the child himself. You need to learn important things thatare necessary to obtain a successful potty training.
“8 Fun Ideas To Get Your Kids To Eat Their Veggies”
Do you have trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies? I sure do.
My daughter used to be great about trying and eating just about anything…and then she turned 2 ½. Now it is pretty much impossible to get her to eat anything other than corn when it comes to vegetables. So I had to come up with some fun and sometimes sneaky ways to get some veggies in her.
“10 Great Ideas For A Baby's First Birthday”
A baby's first birthday is a memorable event filled with fun and joy for family and friends. The growth and development of a young child takes place too fast, so take special thought and planning for such a major event to make it memorable for years to come.
The Challenges Of Single Parenting
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and written books on parenting and relationships, I’ve discovered that one of the greatest challenges for us as parents is to be loving role-models for our children, showing our children through our behavior how to take personal responsibility for their own feelings and needs.
“5 Tips On Buying Gifts For Children”
Buying gifts for children can very often be difficult. It is hard to figure out what they like or what is appropriate. For people who do not have children of their own, or who have not have children of that age for quite some time, the new selection of toys may be confusing.
“A Guide To Buying Baby And Toddler Shoes”
Choosing the correct shoes for infants and younger children can be a bit daunting, hopefully this guide will make you a little more confident when it comes to making your purchase. Babies which are not yet crawling or walking really do not need shoes, and it is advisable to let them keep their feet free so they can move and develop naturally.
“A home based after school program”
So, your son's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun. After school activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social development.
“A Guide To Choosing The Right Toy For Your Child's Age”
Choosing the right toy for your child's age is not just a matter of selecting a toy that will engage, entertain and educate them, it is also a matter of safety. If you've browsed the aisles of any toy store lately you probably know that selecting the right toy can be a difficult undertaking.
Baby’s Separation Anxiety
How do I feel about my child’s separation anxiety? Honestly, it’s absolutely one of the most delightful feelings I really enjoy as a mom.
I remember when my son was between 8-9 months old. Just like every mother, I couldn’t forget those moments.
Secrets Of Happy Moms
Have you ever noticed how some Moms seem to be very contented and confident in their role as Mothers, and others seem chronically stressed and approaching burnout?
Why are some Moms unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others overreact to the slightest stressors in their day?
The Importance Of Protecting Your Childs Skin
Using a baby sunscreen or in fact any sunscreen on your child is very important if they are outside. It is preferred that children particularly under 6 months stay out of the sun at all costs. We all know that this is more often than not hard to adhere to for many different reasons. If you do have your baby outside in the sun you must keep him or her fully clothed and apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.
Ideas For Your Baby's First Christmas
If this is your baby’s first Christmas, there are many wonderful ways to make it Memorable. The most obvious of course is to take many movies and still pictures of baby.
Under the tree, in their Christmas outfit, sitting with Grandma and Grandpa, visiting Santa Claus and sitting with cousins among the Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon.
Family Entertainment
Family entertainment can be very exciting and a great way to spend quality time together in an excellent environment. Children and adults alike need this time together to learn about each other and be close as a family. Entertainment can be fun and enjoyable and some forms of entertainment can even be educational.
5 Steps to More Effective Parenting
Raising children is one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world. However, it is also one of the most difficult. Here are 5 tips that will make you a more effective parent.
You Are The Child
I always believed myself to be this open, enlightened father in relation to my daughter, Thom.
I was genuinely convinced that during the first 4-year period of her life, I had not made any significant errors that had adversely affected her growth and development. She's a happy, bright and lovable kid and our relationship is wonderful.
What You Say And What Children Hear
Ever wonder what happens when your young children respond in unexpected ways to the words you say?
It's because the words they hear differ from the emotional messages they receive at the same time.
Ways To Help Your Child To Build Self Confidence
Self-esteem is your child's passport to lifetime mental health and social happiness.
It's the foundation of a child's well-being and the key to success as an adult. At all ages, how you feel about yourself affects how you act.
Ways To Raise Joyful Kids
Raising joyous children is easier than you might think. An "all is right with the world" kind of happiness is deeper and more penetrating than a new toy or a bag of gummy worms. Genuine joy nurtures your children's spirits now and gives them the ability to access that joy for the rest of their lives.
Whats Wrong With PERFECT
When teachers notice students who seem to be under pressure in their classrooms, they almost always blame mothers for these children's pressures. Mothers, who can't imagine how they could have pressured their children, tend to blame fathers. Fathers tend to plead "not guilty" and then, in turn, blame schools.
When Mom Has A Temper Tantrum
Each month, my five-year-old son's kindergarten class compiles a "book of days," in which the children share their daily home experiences with one another.
What Does It Take To Raise Happy Children
Each month, my five-year-old son's kindergarten class compiles a "book of days," in which the children share their daily home experiences with one another.
What every Leader Needs To Teach
The instruction manual that should have been delivered with each child.
What are we referring to?
Ways To Talk So Your Child Will Listen
A major part of discipline is learning how to talk with children. The way you talk to your child teaches him how to talk to others. Here are some talking tips we have learned with our children:
What Our Children Teach Us
Emilio, three years old, has been doing lots of jumps. He must have done a hundred of them. "Daddy, Daddy, look, how do you like this jump look," he says every time. "It's a new jump!" He is very proud of his jumps.
The Summer Time Parent
While most children were anxiously waiting for the school year to end, Jonathan was simply anxious.
Although most boys loved traveling across the country during their vacation, Jonathan dreaded the annual trek to see his father. It wasn't that he didn't love his father or enjoy being with him.
Ways Parents Can Handle Their Anger
Parenting can be therapeutic. It can show you where your problems are and motivate you to fix them. If your past is loaded with unresolved anger, take steps to heal yourself before you wind up harming your child. Studies have shown that children whose mothers often express anger are more likely to be difficult to discipline.
Under Their Thumb
Some of my clients have come to me feeling like their worlds were not under their own control.
They felt as though everyone else ran their lives and had some aspect of control in everything that they did. I asked them to note some specific situations in which they felt this way and how they felt "out of control" of the situation.
Typical Personality
Noise, activity and curiosity are features of your child between ages four to seven. Watch their vivid imagination go into overdrive...
Imagination running wild At first your child will be exploring new ideas and ways of behaving through pretend play and then by trying things out for real.
Twelve Winter Blah Busters
Feeling stuck in a never-ending winter? Declare an early spring with these quick ideas.
True Romance For Couples With Kids
In my marriage, some of the most memorable evenings have also been the least expensive. Sure, I have enjoyed the bouquets and the boxes of chocolate, but it is the folk music in the ski lodge, the sips of Chardonnay on our summer porch swing, and the nights spent reading in bed, side by side, that really stand out.
To Be Young Again
You lived as a child in the 50s or the 60s or earlier.
Looking back, it's hard to believe that we have lived as long as we have... As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Things You Can Do To Help A Shy Child
There are a few points about shyness in children which will help you better understand the best approach in dealing with your child. You will need to identify the nature of your child's shyness. Children are shy in different ways for different reasons.
Theres A Lollipop On Your Bottom
Callie had been starting with that little whine that babies adopt to alert mothers and sisters that their new crawling tricks have them wedged behind the furniture. But the whining had stopped--rather suddenly it seems in retrospect.
The Dark Side
Andi freely admits to having occasional negative feelings about motherhood and the way society treats moms in general... and she writes about it, sensitively -- and hilariously.
The 21st Century Parent
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large company. He’s married and has 3 children, ages 7, 9, and 12.
His wife works part-time as a nursing assistant, and they both do as much as they can to parent their children well.
The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Child
I have a reader who asked me a very serious question the other day. She has a grown daughter who at 24 years old lives in a messy, disorganized, smelly home.
The Parenting Quiz
I looked for one word to describe the parenting job. I settled on “intricate” when I read Webster ‘s definition: something hard to understand because it’s full of puzzling parts and details. I can think of no other job that requires you to be more flexible and open-minded, or demands that you stay alert and focused day after day
Tame Your Temper
While anger may seem like an uncontrollable emotion that rears it's head without much warning, actually, this emotion is fairly well understood by experts.
Simply put, people get upset and angry when they don't get what they want, explains Carl Semmelroth, PhD, author of The Anger Habit and The Anger Habit in Parenting
The Summertime Parent
While most children were anxiously waiting for the school year to end, Jonathan was simply anxious.
Although most boys loved traveling across the country during their vacation, Jonathan dreaded the annual trek to see his father. It wasn't that he didn't love his father or enjoy being with him.
TECHNIQUES TO SHAPE CHILDREN
Shaping means providing the child with cues and reinforcements that direct them toward desirable behavior. As you shape behavior, the child's personality tags along and also changes and improves.
Tending The Fire Within
It's in our nature to want to grow - to experience new things, to learn, to test ourselves, to be stimulated both mentally and physically.
When we deny ourselves the opportunity to grow, this can cause us to become unsatisfied with our lives, careers, and our relationships.
Supporting Sibling Friendships
When children don't get the attention they require, it creates an emotional hurt. Every child has been hurt in this way--we don't have enough resource around young children to prevent them from feeling disappointed and rebuffed.
Suggested Reading
After spending countless hours scouring the parenting sections of local book stores, these are my personal favorites.
Taming the Dragon in Your Child: Solutions for Breaking the Cycle of Family Anger Meg Eastman, Sydney C. Rozen
Surviving As A Single Parent
. Forgive even if you will never be able to Forget - Let go of grudges you may hold against your child's other parent. Holding onto feelings of anger will not change your situation and will probably consume a great deal of your energy - energy you need to devote to creating a positive environment for your child.
Single Moms Working From Home
While the circumstances as to how they assumed the role of a single mom differ, the fact that they are raising their children on their own presents itself with a slightly different perspective than that of dual parenting. In essence, the single mom is responsible for doing it all.
SINGLE Mother Success Stories
Over the years, I have been able to save thousands of dollars for myself and many people around me. Some are having the same financial success that I am having. Some are still waiting on the Prize Patrol and/or the Lottery.
Raising Optimistic Children
Julie believed she was a total failure and would never be able to change anything in her life. Julie also felt all her shortcomings were her own fault. Where, I ask myself, did such a young person acquire this negative and fatalistic thinking?
Some Things To Ponder
Fill in the blanks and see what you learn from your answers.
Reclaiming Her Indentity
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a mother of one, then suddenly seven made life very taxing for me.
I soon came face to face with a challenging question. How did my identity become so obscure that I lost track of my hopes and dreams?
Split Shift Parenting
For a dual income home, the arrival of a child leads to one unavoidable question: "Who's going to watch baby?" Many parents automatically turn to daycare, others to family members, and some simply forego their careers for the chance to raise their children themselves.
Reminders From Your Children
Avoid spoiling me. I know quite well that I don’t need everything that I ask for, I am only testing you.
Let me be silly sometimes. I know that it can be annoying, but I am having fun.
Spoiling Children
Myth #1 You will spoil your baby if you handle her too much. You should let her cry sometimes.
Reality: You can not spoil a baby. Babies need to be touched, squeezed, coddled, and held. Babies cry because they are hungry, sick, wet, messy, or desire attention. Pick up your baby and hold her. Do it as often as you like.
Seven Ways To Savor The Season
We live in a teeny tiny house in a great and gorgeous, magical forest. I'm certain that our land is worth more than our home, which is furnished with books we love, pictures that make us happy, and some really awful red carpeting left over from Floyd, the man who single-handedly and with much care, built the place where we spend our lives.
Styles Of Parenting
As a parent, you have the opportunity to set the tone in your home based on the style of parenting you choose. You can choose child-centered parenting or family-centered parenting-the differences will be discussed here.
Sibling Solutions
Raising one child is challenging in our fast-paced and adult-oriented society.
Raising more than one child brings added joys, and often, difficult feelings that start with the older child and eventually infect the younger child too. Those feelings can be lifted by a few important strategies which, employed early and often, can clear the way for rich, playful, and loving relationships between children.
The Smallest Things Mean Everything
Summer has come full blast to New England, and with it, humidity that forces one's hair to triple in size. Some days it is like living in a steam bath.
When the weather becomes oppressive, it is hard to find motivation to do much of anything. Sticking one's head in the freezer for momentary relief is the highlight of the day.
The History Of Mothers Day
All across the world, more than 46 countries honor mothers with a special day, but not all nations celebrate on the same day.
We honor mothers with cards, candy, flowers and dinner out. But have you ever considered how this became a legal holiday in the United States?
The Summer Time Parent
While most children were anxiously waiting for the school year to end, Jonathan was simply anxious.
Although most boys loved traveling across the country during their vacation, Jonathan dreaded the annual trek to see his father. It wasn't that he didn't love his father or enjoy being with him.
What Our Children Teach Us
Don't get me wrong; I love my child a lot. Even before he was born I had decided that I would spend a lot of my time with him. I was not going to be an absent father. Although we have a great relationship, after spending hour after hour with him, I have often caught myself looking at my watch, wondering when it was going to be my wife's turn to watch him.That's when I clock off, as we jokingly say, and am free.
George Constanza’s Words Of Wisdom
Based on the philosophy of the character George in the Seinfeld show:
Says George:
“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends.
I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time.
What do you get at the end of it? A death.
Getting Your Kids To Talk To You
Parents can often be frustrated by their kids' unwillingness to share their lives with them. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, there will be times when it's difficult to "break through" and find out what's really going on.
Here are ten ideas on how to create opportunities for your kids to open up and share their lives with you.
Give Your Child Life Skills For A Life Time
Many parents struggle with solutions to put their child on the fast track to success, and one such solution is not usually far from home. It is your local martial arts school.
How will martial arts change your child's life? The difference could be, as simple as, keeping your child away from peer pressure that leads to drug abuse. Although, the answer is much deeper, martial arts will give any child the tools necessary to become a success in life.
Giving Our Children What They Need
As parents we all share one thing in common - we want to give our children every advantage possible. We all want better for our children than what we had. This is a wonderful ideal, but one which can cause significant turmoil and guilt for the parent, and perhaps unnecessarily so.
Giving Praise
Praise is simply a genuine, positive comment, said with a warm look and tone. Praising your child helps them understand they're valued.
Ways to praise Your affection, looks, gestures and words allow your child to develop a view of themselves as loved and lovable. Acting in this way will encourage them to tackle new challenges and bounce back if things don’t go their way.
Grow A Successful Child
As parents, we all want to grow happy, healthy children. Unfortunately, parenting does not come with a guarantee, but there are some practical guidelines we can follow that will point our children in the right direction.
Parents- The No Child Left Behind
If the U.S. Department of Education wants to give real choice to parents, they should not be tinkering with a failed government-controlled school system that, by its very nature, strangles free choice and competition.
Family Traditions
Just the word "Thanksgiving," has always evoked a fond nostalgia...the aroma of the turkey. Cranberry sauce and lace tablecloths.
Now, I think of the local bowling alley, too. Plastic seats, light beer, and cigarette smoke. That's because, every Thanksgiving while the turkey cooks, we bowl for dollars.
Friendships
Friends will be friends After the age of nine years or so, it becomes more likely children will have a 'best friend' and may form more intense, longer-lasting friendships on the basis of a variety of shared interests and things in common.
From The Mouths Of Babes
SCHOOL: A little girl had just finished her first week of school.
"I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"
OPINIONS: On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother.
Full Circle
As a mother was tucking in her daughter for the night, the child reached up for a hug. Locked in her mother's embrace, she whispered, "Mom…Do you love me as much as I love you?"
Guidelines For Raising A Well Behaved Child
Whenever possible, teach rather than punish. The goal of discipline is to teach children acceptable behavior. Hitting children does not teach acceptable behavior. It teaches children that "might makes right" and hitting is a way to solve problems.
4 Forgotten Secrets To Self-Confidence
Many people know how to be confident because they choose to be confident.
You may know some people who appear to have been born confident, but confidence is a state of mind not an inherent trait.
Spiritual Parenting
We know more about nutrition than past generations. We've identified learning disorders and new educational techniques. We give our children every advantage we can afford, and some we cannot afford. We organize, direct, enroll, coach, and transport our children to and from lessons, games, practices, social events, doctor's appointments and schools.
Parenting With Good Sense
Some Basic Principles of Parent Education for Low-Income Families
Embracing Transitions
We have many tasks to juggle, and we often have to stop playing with our children, end their play with each other, or move them toward a new activity before they're ready to make a change.
Dealing With Family Stress
One of the problems with family stress is the fact that is knows where you live. After all, it tends to show up exactly where you live: at home.
This tends to be a bad thing, since working people generally try to come home in order to relieve their stress. Of course, it is even worse for those who are full-time homemakers, since the source of
Emotional Upset
Emotional upset-whether anger, sadness, or fear-is a normal response to different stresses in a child's life.
Children may not be able to express in words exactly what it is they are feeling.
Getting To Know Your Child
How well do you really know your child?
Can you predict the answers that he or she would give to the following questions?
Spend some time with your child discussing the questions below; you may get lucky and learn something about your child that you didn't know!
Dealing With Isolation
It’s easy to think the whole world is going on without you, and that nobody else out there understands what it feels like.
Did anyone out there know just how isolating it was going to be when you first started staying home with your children? It’s easy to think the whole world is going on without you, and that nobody else out there understands what it feels like.
Ten Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem
Give yourself positive, encouraging statements. Repeat them constantly and your mind will act on them. Work at feeling good about yourself and become more self-reliant. YOU are a capable person! Don't allow those inner voices to convince you otherwise.
Energize For A Happy Holiday Season
Decking the halls and spreading good cheer takes a lot of energy, and no one knows that like a mom. Here are some tips to make sure you enjoy every last fa-la-la.
Relationships And Life Lessons
When we do not get what we want from our relationships, we often feel hurt, abused, rejected, disappointed, bitter and angry.
We then have a choice to remain in our negativity or seek to use this as an opportunity for learning more about ourselves and contacting a deeper source of security, self-worth, inner fulfillment and love within ourselves.
Dealing With Parental Stress
One of the biggest problems with having children is the remarkable fact that they tend to be the source of parental stress.
This is, obviously, the unique stress that comes from being a parent and having to worry about the fact that your kids are growing up, learning new things, living their lives their own way, and -- all too often -- figuring out things the hard way.
Enlightened Parenthood Is All About Giving
For a long time I wished to write about parenting. However, every time I began I felt as though I was trespassing upon sacred ground.
Then, the other night, whilst I was reading my daughter "The Giving Tree" from her favorite bedtime book, I found the right symbol for what enlightened parenthood is to me.
Desperately Seeking Support
The importance of community Finding an existing group Forming a new group
The importance of communityThis summer, my car died with my 6-month old and I inside, so I pushed a rickety second-hand stroller nine miles to my mother’s support group. I didn’t pack a lunch and the trail snaked deep through an alpine forest--far from the nearest McDonald's--so I raided my child’s bag of Cheerios and graham crackers along the way.
Escape The Guilt Trap
When I was a teenager, my grandmother and I were on a family vacation in my parent’s RV. The quarters were close, the beds at a minimum. My grandmother insisted I take the couch and she take the floor.
Diary Of A Mother
This article is not meant to give you helpful tips to a pristine house in thirty minutes. It is an investigative piece into the real meaning of household cleaning tips as seen in women’s magazines and the like. It is meant to reveal the truth behind the lies we readers have been led to believe.
Create Happiness With A Positive Life Outlook
Changing what we believe about life, others and most important of all, ourselves.
The mind is the molder of our personal and communal world.
Every event we perceive through our senses is analyzed, evaluated and registered in the mind as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. Our belief systems seek to determine whether each perceived input is something, which will "protect" or "endanger" our security, self-worth and / or freedom.
Eight Simple Stressbusters For Moms
Among our most critical responsibilities as mothers is the responsibility to the self -- the responsibility to recharge our resources so that we feel balanced, energized and able to thrive under life's demands (and to model this healthy approach to stress for our children).
Moms Are Glue Parenting Confidence Tips
If you are a mom, you do. Kids hanging on you all day. 'Mom' this and 'Mom' that.
But, even more than that, you are the glue that holds your family together. Moms set the tone, the mood in their families.
When Mom's doing well, all is well. When Mom is struggling...the entire family feels the pain.
Loving Your Child
Some people never felt loved as children, and they worry that they will be unable to express the love they feel for their own kids.
They realize that it's not enough to love their children, they need to learn techniques to demonstrate that love.
If you felt loved as a child, you're fortunate.
Listening To What Children Want
A big part of our experience as parents has to do with developing ways to address the deeply felt wants and needs of our children. We deal with wants and needs from our babies' earliest moments through their entry into young adulthood.
Listen To Your Children
Discipline does not have to mean angry words. It does not have to mean hurt feelings. It does not have to mean physical punishment.
It does not have to be a struggle, an argument, or a battle that someone wins. Discipline does not have to happen out of anger.
Discipline means teaching children, caring about children, and trying to prevent problems before they happen. It means loving children and helping them grow into responsible adults.
Let Your Children Name The New Baby
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make your children feel important by letting them help you name the new baby.
After all, you're not the only one who's having a baby - your whole family is !
Use the process of naming the baby as an opportunity to get your other children involved in and excited about their new brother or sister, and make the process fun.
Momscape Articles
True Romance for Couples With Kids Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey bottle of perfume, but it takes creativity, forethought, and time to be truly romantic. The key lies in personalizing your celebration. Here are some ideas to fuel your own creativity…
Most Parents Are Not Idiots Or Negligent
In Japan, school is compulsory only up to the equivalent of junior high school (ninth-grade level). High schools in Japan, like colleges in America, are privately owned and charge tuition. Middle-school students compete fiercely for a place in high schools even though their parents must pay to get them in. Yet most Japanese parents push their kids to apply for high school and scrape up the money for tuition, without the Japanese government's pressuring them to do so.
Mother Matters
Ninety percent of men and 92 percent of women identify family as the most important institution in society. That’s according to Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Ben Yagoda’s book, The Value of Family: A Blueprint for the 21st Century.
The authors go on to point out a few incongruities. For instance, we point fingers at the family for a host of social ills, from street crime to school shootings.
My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy
When you conduct parent workshops, you start to see the same issues coming up over and over for parents.
The names and faces are different, but the issues are the same. And the truth is that parents are often responsible for many of these problems.
Number 1 Key To Good Parenting
The numbers are chilling. Teen suicide and homicide rates have tripled from twenty years ago.
There is a 50% increase in childhood obesity. Teenage pregnancy rates are the highest for any Western society.
SAT scores have plummeted. 15-20% of kids are flunking kindergarten. Millions of children are medicated to be more “manageable” at home and school.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Remember when your child was going through the "terrible two's"? Did that stage seem to continue as your child got older?
Children and adolescents with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, are much more difficult to be with than other children their age.
They display hostile behaviors which occur more often than normal and are usually seen before the child reaches eight years of age.
How To Grow Your Own Parent Support Group
Parent support groups are a terrific way for parents facing similar, challenging situations in life to offer each other encouragement, share ideas, and generally reduce the stress of a trying time.
Unfortunately, parent support groups are often started and lead by Moms who may have little experience organizing and managing a group. This can lead to poor outcomes for individual group members and great frustration for the group leader.
How To Feel Better About Almost Anything
Sitting around is stressful." I heard someone say that the other day, and I laughed. Everything stresses people out these days, I thought. But then I gave it a little consideration, and I agreed that few things are as stressful as doing nothing.
How Plugged In Are You To Your Child
Answer the questions below then find out how “connected” you are to your child by comparing your answers to those of your child.
Without looking, could you describe what your child is wearing at this very moment (clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc.)?
What is the last movie your child saw in the theater? What was his or her opinion of the movie?
How To Toddler Proof Your Home
Here's a room-to-room guide to create a toddler-friendly, toddler-safe environment.
How Your Divorce Impacts Your Children
If you were divorced a while ago, you may only now be seeing the results. Ten years after their parents’ divorce, young women who are now nineteen to twenty-three are afraid of intimacy with a male, afraid of betrayal, and/or afraid of losing love, says clinical psychologist Clay Tucker-Ladd.
Ive Got To Be Me
I do a lot of stuff. My family thinks I'm crazy and my friends sadly shake their heads with pity in their eyes.
Their concerns are well founded; I do way too much. I'm an author and a tireless promoter of my work. I'm part owner of a secretarial support service.
I'm a stay at home mother of three children (ages 5, 2.5 and 10 months) and if that's not all, I have a telecommuting job as an Internet Researcher.
Finding Our Life Purpose
Each of us has incarnated to play a specific role. When we find our special role and play it with love, we experience contentment and happiness. When we lose contact with our life purpose, or do not have the courage to live it, we experience discontent and sometimes depression. WE MAY NEED TO MAKE CHOICES
How To Keep Her In Love With You
It’s the saddest thing to listen to a man who has lost his heart’s darling.
The hardest part is when they don’t know why, and I hear this more often than you would imagine.
The plaintive, “But I loved her,” is followed by, “I have no idea why she left.”
Lesson 3 Listen To Your Children
Following are some ideas for discussion and activities. In a limited time, you will probably be able to do only one (or part of one) of the activities. Select the ones that you believe will lead to a point you want to stress, that you are comfortable with, and that you believe will interest your clients.
How Children Respond To Parents Anger
Brain research has given us a new understanding of why children behave the way they do. This article looks at how the brain affects children’s behaviors when they think their parents are angry and upset with them.
It then offers suggestions to parents on how to strengthen parenting skills so you can get your kids to listen to you.
How Can Parents Model Good Listening Skills
Listen Better, Learn More In one of the Family Circus cartoon strips, the little girl looks up at her father, who is reading the newspaper, and says: "Daddy, you have to listen to me with your eyes as well as your ears." That statement says almost all there is to say about listening, whether in our personal conversations or in learning in school.
Do Listening Skills Affect Learning?
Listening is not a school subject like reading and writing. Many of us seem to feel it comes naturally and that as long as we can listen to directions on how to find the restroom, nothing more needs to be said.
How Busy Parents Can Stay Involved
With today's hustling and bustling lifestyles, we as parents often find it a challenge to squeeze everything in to our already overflowing schedule. We are lucky if little Mary makes it to the school bus stop on time with the same color socks on both feet.
There are ways that busy parents can stay involved in their children's educational growth.
Whether you work outside of the home, run a home office, or take care of other children, you too can be a part of your child's school life that they will remember for a lifetime.
How Moms Can Change The World
It was the strangest time to have the blues. I was preparing to graduate summa cum laude from a prestigious university.
Once a week, a favorite professor would meet me in the hallway outside my classroom with a clipboard of ideas for the things I could do and achieve in my life.
But the more success I achieved, the less I cared, and it took me a while to realize why: Everything I did was all about me.
How Are Your Family Rituals
A few years ago, my four-year-old daughter was starting to say our grace before dinner. "Daddy, fold your hands like this!" she shrieked.
Everyone else at the table was stunned at the intensity of her outburst.
But if we consider the world from the standpoint of a four-year-old girl, it may make perfect sense. Sarah wakes up in the morning and isn't always sure if she's going to school or not.
How To Cheer Your Self Up When You’re Down
Got the colder weather, sour relationships, no money, poor health, plain ol' down 'n dirty blues?
Try some of these strategies to blow away those dark clouds and let the sunshine into your life again.
1) Dance! Put on your favourite music, turn it up loud and dance! This is guaranteed to make you feel good.
If you are unable to dance, don't let that stop you having fun-- sing at the top of your voice instead. 2) Smile! Force yourself to smile even if you don't feel like it. This tricks your brain into thinking that you are happy.
Household Expectations
Example of daily Chore and Schedule of Activities Chart:
Helping Children Cope With Death
Age is not a prerequisite to grief. Not unlike their parents, child must be allowed to experience the stages of grief.
Denial of opportunity to “release” feelings, participate in family loss, and share in recovery can be very da