Enjoy Your Children and Parenting!

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.

More about: Computers in Teen’s Bedrooms

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

Recycling and looking for ways to conserve energy can be a great family pursuit that can include everyone. You will be able to instill a love for the environment and  create a family activity. There is something you can do with children of all ages and it is never to early to start. Make a game out of finding things to do to keep the planet green.

More about: Go Green with Your Kids

There is evidence now that vaccines are not responsible for autism is written in an article in the Archives of General Psychiatry. There had been a feeling among parents that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in some vaccines might be responsible for the rise of autism. This news helps those parents who may feel guilty about submitting their children to the vaccines that may have posed a health risk. And, it does remove the concern that autism is linked to the use of thimerosal.

More about: Autism and Vaccines

Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States. As a parent you have more control over what your children eat than you may realize. You are in charge of what you buy and sometimes you have to deal with the whining about not buying the junk food that is advertised on TV. Start the new year with a commitment to eating better and supporting your children with outdoor play. It is easier to run off those calories than to change eating habits. It is a great place to start.

More about: Overweight Children

Having trouble finding books you want to read to your children? Check out this web site. Started by parents who wanted to promote books which support and expand children's understanding of their life experiences in positive, affirming, and educational ways.

More about: Children’s Books with a Positive Message

EarthTimes has an interesting article about purchasing toys for kids this season. Instead of listening to the toy requests from young children that have been prompted by TV, select toys that compliment your child's age, interests and developmental stage. Just because a child wants a particular toy does not mean she knows enough to select an appropriate one. That is a job for parents.

More about: Pick Appropriate Toys for Kids

Recently, some British friends were visiting their grandchildren in the U.S. They returned saying they had a wonderful time but noticed that their two granddaughters had so many scheduled activities that they had trouble when they were not going to some planned activity. The idea of free time to just "be" was foreign to them. Children need to have "down time" where they can learn to entertain themselves.

More about: Are Your Children Overscheduled?