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I can't tell you how many times I repeated that phrase to my four-year old while visiting my Mom this past weekend. Swimming nonstop for 6 hours straight combined with the fact that I overcooked her mac and cheese and forgot to pack her favorite Hello Kitty underwear really sent her over the edge. And I didn't miss the small smile forming on my mother's lips as she watched Miss R demand the crust be taken off her bread or when she told me that my singing "hurt her ears". (In her defense, I am a TERRIBLE singer. But still.)
Facebook is great! We love it! We use it! But is Facebook your child’s “friend”? We adults have found the answer to keeping in touch with old and new friends without too much effort. We can brag about our kids, our life, share precious moments with just about EVERYONE. That’s the thing parents need to understand. When you post something, even with privacy settings, EVERYONE can see it. Did you know that?
I was raised mostly by a single mom. My parents separated when I was in 8th grade, but before that my dad had been a long haul truck driver who was on the road more often than he was home. Most of my childhood it was my mom, my sister and I. Having this background of being raised by a single mom, I had a reference point for my own single parent journey. I knew specifically what methods I was going to take from my own mother, and the ones I would not be repeating. My mom had made mistakes that I was determined to avoid.
Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn new skills, build new relationships and have lots of fun--but if your child isn't prepared, the fun could quickly come to a screeching halt. Being prepared should be the mantra of every kid going off to summer camp, and packing these 10 things will assure that your camper will always be ready for fun.
Traveling with your kids this summer? Travel expert and mom Nicole Hockin gave us some incredible tips for making traveling easier when you're bringing the kids, and EVERY mom could use that, right?
Keeping your children safe from child predators sounds like a scary proposition, but it doesn’t have to be. We used to teach children about “stranger danger”, but studies have shown that most sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone known to the child. He might seem like the friendliest teacher, neighbor, uncle or coach. Unfortunately, this person, who is always showing an interest in your child and working to develop trust, can sometimes be a child predator. It is difficult for adults to recognize these people for who they really are, and of course, it is even more difficult for children. Just as we teach children about the dangers associated with crossing the street or going near a hot oven, we must talk to them about recognizing and avoiding threatening encounters with child predators. I have a short list of "tips" that have helped me talk to my children about safety. Here are some suggestions:
Being overweight might be an awkward phase your child is experiencing, or it could be a precursor of things to come. When a child is overweight, he may feel uncomfortable or inadequate and continue to feed those negative feelings with more food. As the child ages his feelings may turn to despair and he may settle for a life without physical activity, which will not be healthy. As a parent, you can change the course of this unhealthy cycle. It's important not to comfort the child with food when he is sad or upset. Affection, kind words and listening may be all the child needs, rather than an ice cream cone or a treat. Focus on the child's behavior, and call out the behavior not the child. Eating candy before dinner may be a bad idea for an overweight child, but that does not mean the child is bad. Thwart the behavior without hurting the child's feelings if you want to help the overweight child reach a healthy weight.
A baby's first birthday is cause for celebration. Keep in mind, however, that babies get overstimulated with too many guests or too long a celebration. Plan a laid-back afternoon in the park with a few family members and friends or a backyard garden party with snacks and fun activities. If several babies, toddlers and children will attend, set up some simple, unstructured party games to make the day special.
Although your 2-year-old may not really understand what his big day means, a birthday party can mark the occasion with fun and laughter. Entertaining a bunch of 2-year-olds can bring a mixture of excitement and fear to many parents. Keep the toddlers at your party entertained and content by planning some age-appropriate activities. With their short attention spans, your group of young revelers requires constant supervision and frequent adult interaction.
Below I have posted a summary of Mrs. Obamas initiative, every parent should be aware of. It is doable right now, no matter who you are. It is your obligation to read it, live it and pass it along. Chose one point this week, add another next week, and before you know it it is your own truth and way of living.
By the time many children turn 4, they have attended many birthday parties and understand their features and purpose. Make the most of the event by hosting a pint-sized birthday party that makes the day festive without over-stimulating or exhausting your child. Brainstorm birthday plans with your child to ensure the day reflects the guest of honor's interests, hobbies or birthday wishes.
Choosing a mattress for a child is often confusing for parents. We spend a good portion of our lives sleeping, so having a comfortable and safe mattress for a child is extremely important. A mattress may not be the most noticeable part of a child's bedroom but it is certainly one of the most essential.
A sleepover is a social event that children may experience at least once in their lifetime. It is a way that they can have social interactions with peers aside from attending school or participating in sports activities. Children can start to participate in sleepovers when they no longer have separation anxiety, usually when they start going to school and demonstrate that they can be a little independent and can follow certain instructions. A sleepover should be wholesome and filled with fun activities to keep the children entertained. Usually, the hosting parents and their child plan the activities ahead of time to ensure that the sleepover will be a successful one.
Before firming up any plans for a sleepover party with a child or teen, set a limit for the number of children invited to sleep over. Limiting the number of kids will make the party easier to handle and will keep down the costs of the sleepover. Remember that some guests may be able to attend the party but will not be allowed to stay for the sleepover due to curfews, family rules or early morning family obligations. On the invitations for any sleepover party request that guests bring a pillow, a sleeping bag, pajamas and slippers. Include any details about when kids should be picked up the next day.
With childhood obesity, autism and other childhood disorders on the rise, everyone from doctors to teachers and parents are seeking solutions for better health. At the most basic level, everyone can agree that kids can benefit from eating healthier. Truth is, with all the glitzy candy and processed foods competing for your kids’ attention how do you get them to eat healthy meals? Over the years, we’ve found many solutions, but we also salute the creative parents who’ve shared their tips for making healthy food for kids. Here are 7 powerful ways to get your kids to eat healthy:
If consulted, an 8-year-old may ask for the moon for his birthdays. Most of them, however, are entertained by anything from a backyard garden party with traditional games and snacks to a blowout at the pizza parlor, arcade, skating rink, skateboard park or movie theater. Consult with your child to create an 8th birthday party with a singular theme, menu and itinerary.
Your little girl is turning 9 years old, and both of you want something different from the clown or princess parties of the past. Celebrate a girl's 9th birthday by brainstorming with her for creative, personalized themes, activities, decorations and delicacies that reflect her own style. Whether you want a glitzy event at an off-site location or an old-fashioned celebration at home, you can plan for a longer and larger party than you've had in the past.
The Cub Scout Pack meeting was especially fun this time. The boys all made paper airplanes and flew them in groups through a snowstorm of newspaper “snowballs” thrown by the other cubs. My Sam, a Tiger Cub (the youngest group), made an airplane by himself and flew it several times through the barrage. It made it through a couple of times! We walked the three blocks home in the rain. Sam held my leg tightly as we splashed through the puddles and I let go of the mess he was making of his uniform. He was free and so was I.
My mother died sixteen years ago this week, and in one regard - and in only one regard - I consider myself fortunate in the timing: The anniversary of her death and Mother’s Day arrive the same time every year, the two days book-ending one miserable week of feeling underwater and angry and frustrated, a week steeped in loss. When the whole world is making brunch reservations and ordering flower baskets and picking out just the right card, I turn into a petulant boy. Every year
It is important to instill in all children a sense of comfort in communicating with their parents. As your child gets older, the questions and struggles that your child needs to address with you become more difficult. The queries don’t always have easy answers, but it is important to answer your child as honestly as is appropriate. As the trust and comfort builds in your child, you will realize that it is more comfortable for you, and that the scary, awkward conversations you have been dreading are now completely manageable.
It's normal for children to play and run around, occasionally daydream in school, fidget at dinner on some nights and act without thinking at times. However, when hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity seem to be the norm for your child, she may have ADHD.
Children's immune systems must develop in order to be more effective at fighting off dangerous bacteria and viruses that cause infections and diseases. By understanding the various components of children's immune systems, parents and teachers can improve children's immunity.
Whether you are planning curriculum for the classroom, the itinerary for a party or how to pass the time on a rainy afternoon, games and activities make the difference. Kids' games do more than teach skills. They help build community, reach children with diverse learning styles and encourage teamwork and good sportsmanship. Before planning children's games and activities, take into account the group size, the facilities and the age range of the intended participants.
Whenever you gather two or more toddlers, the potential for tantrums and tears runs high. This is especially true at toddler birthday parties where many toddlers are gathered together. The good news is that you can prevent most birthday party meltdowns by having a structured age-appropriate activity for the toddlers to enjoy.
Teaching children to love others is a parental responsibility. While children may feel love toward others, they aren't always sure how to express it. Parents can effectively teach their children to love others by helping them to find appropriate ways to express their care and concern. When they do, their children will have a better understanding of what loving others really means.
Women who find themselves in the unenviable position of getting a divorce often struggle to deal with the implications that this life change will have on their daily existence. While it can be difficult to see past the hurt and fear that associates with the dissolution of a marriage, moms have the added challenge of explaining the event to their children. While nothing can prevent your child from potentially facing emotional turmoil as your marriage ends, with careful consideration and an effort to educate your kids, you can help them understand the process and prepare for the changes they will face.
Adventure games allow kids to step into their own imaginations and explore. Games can happen in your own backyard, a local park or even the living room on a rainy day. Take advantage of the weather, your surroundings and a few items you may have around to entertain your houseful of kids.
This stay-at-home dad has some things to say about raising responsible, independent kids: I saw a three-year old and his mother going to daycare once. It was winter time, and the mom was loaded down, carrying her son, his bag, a rain coat, umbrella and his stuffed toy. This picture drove me crazy as it was not raining and so the mom had no reason to carry the child and his entire entourage. I decided then and there it would be different with my child, and I would teach him to be responsible for his own stuff. Here's how I did it:
After spending all day in school and over the books, children are itching to run, play and explore. Whenever the weather permits, let the students in your after-school program play games outside. The kids can learn a variety of important lessons, from academics to social skills, while burning off excess energy that has been building all day.
For many reasons, parents have begun considering alternatives to receiving gifts at parties. Rather than simply ask for "no birthday gifts" on the invitation, replace the gifts with something meaningful to your child. Rather than treating the absence of gifts as a sacrifice, frame it as a new and different experience and highlight what makes the birthday celebration special.
