Enjoy Your Children and Parenting! » Parenting Resources

Online Learning Sites for Kids

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:28:23 +0000

We are always hearing about how the internet can be detrimental to children if we don’t have some rules and consequences in place. The internet can be a very helpful and useful tool. Kids today are very tech savvy and pretty much “plugged in” to technology these days. With that in mind there are several web sites that offer alternatives to traditional study aids such as flash cards and multiple choice quizzes. Kids can access these tools wherever and whenever they want on their own time and many cost very little or nothing at all. These study aids are for students that range in age from 7 years old to the teenage years. These sites represent a dramatic evolution in online learning by encouraging active participation in activities created by experts. Check out in more detail the new online learning sites for students.

The Secret to Loving Teenagers

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:40:36 +0000

I recently read about a book called “The 5 love languages of Teenagers” by Gary Chapman who talks about how important parental love is for a teenager’s emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual development. He makes a point that all teenagers are different and they all respond differently to various ways that parents communicate love. In Chapman’s book he explains the five languages of love; words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service and gifts. He also offers advice on how to break down destructive patterns and forge constructive paths. parents will learn that even though teens want independence, they need responsibility. This looks a like a great resource for how to better communicate with your teen.

Tips for quick Health Family Meals

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:06:39 +0000

Now that the weather has gotten better and the sun is out the motivation for cooking can really slow down. You want to be out enjoying the day, not slaving away in the kitchen or going grocery shopping. Saving time is a big deal but so is eating well. Keeping the family fed is one of the most time consuming parts of being part of a family. We could all use some help if we get home late, or when we just need a mental break from keeping the family fed. Parent hacks has some great lists; quick and easy meals, time-saving meal preparation ideas and meal planning and grocery shopping. You are bound to find some excellent help with these time saving family meal tips that will also help your sanity!

Choosing Childcare

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:47:16 +0000

Finding somewhere and someone to take care of your child is a big deal and not something to take lightly. here are basically two options to consider, a center or an in home location. Both can have advantages and disadvantages depending on what you are looking for. Child care centers are regulated by the government so you know that there are certain standards in place for health, programming and supervision. Many are large and have a lot of kids, but offer many structured activities and usually are available longer hours than an in-home location. In-home locations usually have fewer children and may get more attention. The best thing to do is to go the locations that you are interested, at a center or a home location to get a feel for it. Talk to the child care providers in every location to get a sense of their style and their background. To get a more extensive list of things to keep in mind and ask check out this article on finding a child care center.

Is it Worth Getting a Babysitter?

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:20:16 +0000

Is it really worth the cots to get a babysitter if you’re spending more money for a good time away from the kids? Some parents would say definitely, that it’s good for your mental health and your marriage. Others think that creating a “night out” at home can be just as nice, ordering in and watching a DVD. Babysitters are not cheap especially those that are in college. If you’re watching your financial situation it may make more sense to stay in. Another alternative is to do a time share of sort with other parents so that parents take turns watching the kids, so everyone gets some time, no one has to pay and everyone can have some time for themselves.

Helpful Parenting Books

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:21:33 +0000

Sometimes parents just need immediate help when their children are going through issues in school and for just the every day challenges they face. If you find that your child has trouble in school, “Smart but Scattered” by Peg Dawson may be able to help. It gives you ideas on how to help your children develop skills for organization, planning and staying on task. “The NDD Book” by Dr. William Sears deals with how nutrition effects children’s brains and helps parents plan meals for children in order for them to be better prepared for learning. “Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross offer advice on how to achieve a less hectic and more nurturing environment for your child. You can find all of these helpful parenting books at amazon.

A Child’s Educational Success Requires Parent Involvement

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:04:49 +0000

A good education for your child involves support at school and at home. Explain your expectations to them so they understand what will happen if they do or do not meet them. Helping them schedule their time will provide a balance to their work and play. It’s important for them to have have learning experiences outside of school, which will help them do better when they are in school. Always be a support for your children, praise their work ethic when completing assignments and how great you think they are doing in school it’s a great confidence booster and they will want to continue to do better. It’s a good idea to talk with your child’s teacher so they know what to expect with your child and to develop a relationship with them for when things are going well or if problems arise.

Say "No" to Your Child and Mean it

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:03:46 +0000

Sometimes it can be hard for parents to say no to their children and they often give in to upsets and tantrums. The problem is that the more you give in the more they will continue with that behavior, they begin to believe that they are entitled and they become the boss, not you. Children you understand that they don’t always get their way are more likely to succeed in school and in their relationships. They learn how to deal with disappointment, how to argue and how to prioritize. The most important thing to remember is to not go back on your word when you say no, or your child may not take you seriously in the future.

Strategies for Single Parents

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:03:23 +0000

Being a single parent can make success a challenge with work, home and down time. Committing to your schedule and being clear about timing and boundaries and being able to communicate what they are will work very well. Manage your expectations at work and home. When you’re home you want to be focused on our children and not have work at home with you. Find good childcare you may have to pay a little extra but it’s worth it. You don’t want to spend your days wondering if your kids are ok and you want to trust the care givers. When you do have down time make it count and take advantage, you’ll need that time to regroup and recharge.

Parenting as a Single Father

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:54:04 +0000

Most people think that it’s harder for dads to parent especially if they are single. While sometimes this may be true it only seems to be when they try to parent as the mom would. This parenting blog post is from the view of a single dad who discusses common myths about being a single dad. He explains that it’s just as hard and as easy as people think. He advises that the best thing you can do is be yourself and understand that you will screw some things up, but can also parent without even trying too hard. Single dads can rise above the stigma and be just as good of a parent as a single mom can.