Enjoy Your Children and Parenting!

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 ...

More about: Helpful Parenting Books

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 ...

More about: A Child’s Educational Success Requires Parent Involvement

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.

More about: Say "No" to Your Child and Mean it

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.

More about: Strategies for Single Parents

As the school year begins again many parents are wondering how much help is appropriate to give to their children. Some parents may read the books their children are in order to discuss with them. Other parents may completely take over a school project to "help out". Having children work out things on their own first is a good idea. They can learn independence and problem solving skills. Using the socratic method with your kids can help them think for themselves and find solutions. Encouraging children to do homework around the family, instead of banishing them to their rooms to get it done. Most importantly parents shouldn't stress about their kids having perfect homework, it's not the only key to ...

More about: How Much Should Parents Help with Homework?

You are sure to experience a tantrum from your child at some point. The best thing to do is not to engage in the battle. Taking charge in a gentle and firm way can help you avoid an ugly scene. If a tantrum gets out of hand and you have given warnings take your child out of the area they are in to let them know that their behavior is not appropriate to be allowed to continue the activity she was doing. Your child should understand that actions have consequences whether they are good or bad. Create consequences that relate to their actions. Let your child know that you understand how they feel and that you don't like to take ...

More about: Don’t Fuel the Fire of Your Child’s Tantrums

Do you find that your teenager has a hard time getting out of bed or always wants to sleep in? According to the National Sleep Foundation Teenagers need almost 10 hours of sleep per night. In a recent poll it was shown that 45% of teenagers were not getting enough sleep on school nights. There are some consequences for not getting enough sleep that can affect them pretty heavily. They may fall asleep in class, be cranky and depressed, and their participation in sports can suffer. There are a few things you can do to help them get better sleep. Encourage a regular bed time and suggest they keep their room dark and slightly cool, they will sleep better. Getting ...

More about: Does Your Teen Need More Sleep?

There seems to be a misconception of children that are quieter than others. Children that talk often at home but not in public setting. Many, extroverts in particular may find these children to be snobby, mysterious or strange. There is nothing wrong with children who display introverted tendencies. Parents and teachers just need to understand their temperament and work with it. Making allowances for their temperament makes it easier for the child to become more secure. Parents can encourage their children to participate in activities of their choice outside the house. Prepare them for events by talking with them about their fears or requests. Parents should not give the impression that there is something wrong with their child, but be ...

More about: Introverted Children Don’t Need Fixing

Some may say that you should never fight in front of the kids. However, it can be a good idea in order for them to see that disagreements do occur, but that they can be resolved in a civil way. Children need to see that all relationships can run into problems and not everything always goes along happily. This doesn't mean parents should be screaming and throwing things in front of their kids. Having them see that there is a disagreement and letting them see you hash it out and come to an agreement is an important skill for them to learn. Of course you don't want fighting to become a regular event, and if you can't avoid the ...

More about: Fighting in Front of the Kids

There is a lot more violence on TV these days not just adult shows either, it's also in cartoons. Exposing your children to cartoons with violence can have negative effects. Children learn a lot from observing. When they see their favorite cartoon hero using violence to solve problems they can become more aggressive in their interactions with others. When watching thee cartoons their blood pressure rises and their heart rate increases. Choose some alternatives to TV, play with them or take them to the park to play outdoors. Talk to them about not using violence in any situation unless they need to defend themselves from serious harm. Ultimately limiting their time in front of the TV is a good practice. ...

More about: The Effects of Cartoon Violence on Children