Enjoy Your Children and Parenting!

Taming the "Spirited" Child

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:45:14 +0000

Some may call them, "difficult" but spirited children are most likely to be able to walk on their own than being a follower. It can be a challenge being a parent to a spirited child, but there are some ways to make the job easier. Do what you say, being consistent and following through is very important. More action and less talk. Give limited options and stick with them. Be patient. Your child may throw a fit, but don’t back down, if you do, they will learn what pushes your buttons and do it again and again. Lastly remember to make time for yourself. Being able to relax and recharge will give you more energy and patience.

Stay at Home Moms Going Back to Work

admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:43:40 +0000

Many stay at home moms are now having to look into going back into the work force. Many families are having a hard time in this economy, with the rising gas prices and costs of food and mortgages, it’s hard to make ends meet. Many mothers are having to face the reality of being out of the work force for so long that it’s tough to make the a salary they once did before staying at home. The only upside is that some may be able to work from home which would be ideal for those not wanting to put their children in daycare. Many parents can handle being without, but believe it’s their children who cannot.

Kids "Out of Control"

admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:05:45 +0000

Parenting styles have changed since the 50’s where kids were seen and not heard most of the time. These days a lot of kids are wild and out of control and parents don’t seem to have the power they once did. The problem is that parents give in to their children or let them take the lead when its the parent that should have control. If children don’t learn respect, cooperation and self-control they will not be prepared for life as an adult. Parents can use a positive approach to discipline so that their children have the tools they need to become a respectful and effective adult.

A Mom Fights to do Nothing

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:04:36 +0000

Jen Singer is a stay at home mom that created "Please Take My Children to Work Day" in 2002. She doesn’t get personal days being a stay at home mom, unless she has a babysitter. She stresses that many people don’t get what it takes to stay at home with children, like it’s an easy job or that mom’s have a lot of free time. Raising children is a full-time job and then some. Apparently New Jersey has recognized Singer’s holiday three years in a row but this year they decided on "Take Our Daughters and Son’s to Work Day" which is geared toward mothers that work. It is kind of surprising that so many still think staying at home with your children is "time off".

Stay at Home Fathers

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:34:28 +0000

More mothers stay home than fathers. In recent years more fathers are staying home and the mother’s are out working. There is not as much network support for men who stay home with their children. Many mothers are leery of play dates hosted by dads. The decision is not an easy one for some, adjusting to time at home, not doing mom’s job but being a father and missing out on social interactions. Most importantly fathers as well as mothers just want to raise well adjusted children and not have a nanny be the one their children run to. Adapting to the change in the family dynamic requires flexibility from both parties and it’s all about the kids.

Giving Twins a Sense of Self

admin — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:33:41 +0000

In Joan Friedman’s book Emotionally Healthy Twins: A New Philosophy for Parenting Two Unique Children, she discusses how to give each twin a sense of self in their lives. She suggests having individual birthday parties, their own friends and having alone time with parents. She believes that some competition between twins is healthy, but that parents need to be aware if it becomes an issue and give them tools to get it handled. She gives seven guidelines to follow; Think of them as unique individuals, expect to have different feelings for each child, give them alone time with you, don’t try to maintain and equal or fair childhood, don’t compare them, encourage them to make their own friends and have their own interests, and don’t rely on them to be each other’s constant companion. This book is a great resource for those struggling with how to raise their twins.

Selfish Parenting?

admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:36:10 +0000

I was reading an article that talked about how Sheryl Crow brings her baby boy every where. She takes him with her on tour and he will sleep on the tour bus. He hangs out while she records music as well. Some seem to think it’s selfish, that she is not making room for him but rather making him adapt to her lifestyle. I think it’s very smart to have your child experience other people, places and things. They are way more resilient than people believe in my opinion. They can adapt much easier than we think. As long as the child is comfortable and well taken care of, there should be no issue. Plus they will grow and learn from being around the activity and meeting new faces, it will help them learn to deal with many different challenges and experiences in life.

Bringing Your Child to Work

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:35:22 +0000

We’ve all heard about people bringing their dog to work, but what about a child? This article talks about some states that actually give that option to employees. I think depending on the kind of work you do it could be a great thing. It would also be great if more companies included a daycare type of situation for employees who cannot afford it or that don’t have access to it. Some are in favor of it for these reasons, but others are not in agreement. They see it as a disruption and often wonder how much work employees are actually getting done when their child is accompanying them. Working at home seems to be the best solution for working parents if their company would allow it, otherwise you just work for yourself.

Helping Children get Through Grief

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:53:07 +0000

The death of a family member or friend can be tough. With small children it can be difficult to help them through it and explain that this person is not coming back. Address their questions, it’s advised that you talk to your children in the simplest way possible, but be honest about the situation. Tune into their behavior and allow them to work through their own grief or confusion through play. There are also some good books out there that can help with the process of explaining death and help children get a better understanding of it.

Is Your Child Entitled?

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:52:22 +0000

It’s an old story that some children think they are entitled to certain privileges, like a cell phone, a car, or being able to go to the mall whenever they feel like it. Surely they have some entitlements, like the house over their head, food and emotional and physical support. The problem to avoid is giving into their upset and anger at not getting what they want. Parents need to stand their ground with their decisions. Children need to learn how to handle upset and learn how to acquire things on their own and realize they are not entitled to their every want and desire.