Enjoy Your Children and Parenting!

This article was a great read discussing how American families these days put so much pressure on their children to succeed, not fail and to praise them so much that there is no disappointment experienced. Parents seem to set their kids up with high expectations, and we know that most kids just want to do good in their parents eyes. They need to experience failure, disappointment, unhappiness, and boredom, that is real life and it will teach them how to handle the real world.

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This is a great article that talks about two sisters who wrote a book sharing their experiences of parenting children with mental illness. They wanted to bring awareness to parents not only of those with mental illnesses but for those parents with children that don't have the illnesses. So often in our culture parents brag about their children, how well they do things and can be very critical and judgmental of children with mental illness or their parents. The book is called "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid", it may sound angry but it isn't. They share humorous and touching stories about their children who have Asperger's Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder. They believe the book to be a ...

More about: Personal Stories of Children With Mental Illness

I came across a woman's blog where she opens up the discussion of being an atheist and if that means her children are also. You may have your own truths and beliefs and most young children accept what their parents tell them as being true. I think it's important to present all options and possibilities of religion and/or spirituality. Encourage them to seek out their truth that works in their own lives, even if mom and dad have different views. This teaches them acceptance and tolerance of other views and beliefs.

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More and more in the news we're hearing of mother's killing their children. Is it because they have no help? A dispute with their children's other parent? They can't get help for mental disabilities that would allow them to better parent their children? These sad stories seem to be on the rise in our country. Currently there has to be some case of serious danger for social services to step in to help these families. A lot of the time it seems that these cases are random and that there are not any previous incidents that would create an alarm. What more can social services do to protect these children and help their parents?

More about: Mental Health Care for Parents?

It's all a buzz in the news that the court is now upholding that any home schooled child must be taught by a credentialed teacher.  Needless to say it has caused an uproar with families that currently home school their children. Many feel they will have to move in order to keep their kids home to teach them.  It all seems a bit fishy when you see the fact that every school gets money for every child that is in the classroom. This ruling stems from an incident of abuse to a child who was home schooled. It seems outrageous that children's' parents would not be able to school their own children based on this incident. Gov. Schwartzenegger is vowing ...

More about: California’s Courts Against Home Schooling Children

When it's dark, gloomy and rainy it can be tough to keep your kids entertained. Here are some fun ideas to help keep bad weather blues away. Build a fort. Using sheets, blankets, chairs and large paper clamps can create a fun dwelling, use your imagination and theirs! Get out all the art supplies you have and create a collage, draw a picture, or have them make something for their friends. Have story time, make up a story and let your kids add their own twists and characters. Get the cookbooks out and let them pick out a simple recipe have them help create the meal or dessert. These are sure fire ways to keep boredom away and be able ...

More about: Fun Activities for Children When the Weather Isn’t Pretty

In article that I read a few months back in Mothering magazine, it talked about a mother about to have her second baby. Before the baby was to arrive she planned a special weekend with her first born son, for just the two of them. It was a nice story about them being able to share special time alone to reaffirm the relationship between the two of them before the new family member arrived. What a great idea to prepare the both of them for upcoming changes in their lives to remind each other that their bond together is very special and always will be.

More about: Before the New Baby Arrives

Do not make the mistake of allowing your teen to have a computer in their bedroom. In a family with children, the computer should be a tool that has rules for its use, like parental controls to protect your children while on the internet. Have an area in your home that has the computer which family members share. Homework should have priority over chatting with friends and it is a good idea to limit that like your parents did with the phone when you were a teen.

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Sometimes parents get alarmed at their sons interest in dressing up in women's clothes or their daughter's pre-occupation with trucks instead of dolls. These interests in young children are normal and appropriate. When dressing up they are exploring their world and learning about the people they are imitating. Provide clothing and accessories of both genders and encourage talk about male and female figures in your children's lives.

More about: Playing Dress-Up Important for Boys and Girls

Where did spending hundreds even thousands of dollars on a child's birthday become the 'in' thing to do" Parents try to top other kid's parties in money spent and the children have their wildest expectations met. What will this mean for them when they are adults? What has happened to simple celebrations where fun is the object not how much money is spent.

More about: Over the Top Birthday Parties