Parenting Articles

Parents play a lead role in setting the overall tone in their families. Parents whose overall tone tends to be negative often have homes filled with stress and tension. While parents who take a more positive approach create calmer, happier homes. A Home Filled with Tension One mom told me about all the stress in her home. One of her three sons was doing very poorly in school. She and her husband were constantly nagging Joe to do his homework although it didn't seem to help much.

Imagine a child who can play legos for hours. He loves to build the most intricate fantasy lands with castles, bridges and towns. He is also a fantastic artist. He pencils very creative cartoons. When he is doing either of those two activities, he is able to direct his concentration for long periods of time. He couldn’t have ADD or ADHD, right? Wrong. Many parents witness their children concentrating on interesting hobbies or events and become confused as to why their children cannot maintain that same level of focus in the classroom or while cleaning their rooms.

Many of us hate our bodies. We shun swim suits. We are quick to find fault. Some of us are even self-loathing. The question is do you want your child to grow up with these insecurities, too? If not, what can we do as parents to help our child grow up feeling good about his/her body? And what can we do to try and prevent our child from developing an eating disorder? This month, I interviewed Becky Henry, a life coach, CPCC, who specializes in working with families fighting eating disorders to give us some guidance.

Your Expectations About the Emotional Needs of Your Child nn"My child will like me, attach to me, and learn to love me."nnThere are many books that address the dynamics of the child's attachment and bonding, but few have explored how the lack of a child's attachment and bonding create feelings in the parents. These feelings can manifest themselves as confusion, anger, rejection, and deep sadness. Many parents believe that if they love enough, their child will reciprocate that

Have you ever wondered to what extent virtues play in today’s world? It’s not a subject that many of the Earth’s inhabitants explore; yet to some extent, they still dictate our relationships, politics and cultures. nnVirtues play a significant role in families and the formation of critical thinking by children. How your child will grow up, the ease with which they fit into friendships, and how they view the world are all ways their lives are affected by the virtues they

Ask most parents about when their family experiences stress and getting out the door in the morning comes in among the top answers. With the right routine and words, mornings can flow and be one of the happiest times in your family’s day. As with any major parenting issue I always look at what routines are set up. Without a solid routine, one that is set up discussed and practised, most parenting issues cannot be solved.

Do you be on familiar terms with how to conceive a girl with confident? Well, if you can follow the information below closely, you will have higher chances than other couples to have the baby gender of your choice. Two of the most important factors that you must know is to know the exact ovulation period and the correct timing for intercourse. The chances will be much higher if you are able to find out your exact date. You should then know when is the best date to have more i

Have you ever walked down to the basement, saw piles of laundry in the corner of your eye, felt a pit in your stomach at how behind you are then tried to forget about it so you didn’t have to feel overwhelmed anymore? This is a common story that working moms talk to me about; it’s their “nemesis”.

Many parents of teenage girls would tell you that your daughter's behavior is normal, and they wouldn't be wrong. It's fair to say that, in many respects, your daughter is "on schedule" with her belligerent and disrespectful attitude. But that doesn't mean that you and your daughter have to be at war in the ways that you've described. The good news is that even if it seems like the only person capable of changing what's going on between the two of you is your daughter, you c

“I love you” are three words all children need to hear often from their parents. Do you want those words to have real meaning to your child? Do you want them to connect one heart to another? Do you want to use these words to develop a level of intimacy in your family that communicates your heartfelt affection for your children? If so, consider strengthening I love you with the following suggestions.nn1.) Use eye contact. Give your children your eyes when you say, “I lov

Five sure-fire signs you need couple counseling… Your relationship has been unsatisfying for some time. You’ve been toying with the idea of getting help, but just how do you know when you need to see a counselor? Here are five sure-fire signs: 1. No time together:

When parents of children with ADD and ADHD reflect on their interactions with their children, many find that a high percentage of those communications involve negativity. Daily nagging, yelling, threatening, pleading, and punishing are not what most parents signed up for. These parents fear the next 12 years will follow this same, exhausting path. They wonder how other parents of children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder survive and they pray for a magic solution to make life easier.

Have you ever talked sweetly to your child trying to explain that what they are doing is not very nice? What about the opposite? Have you ever yelled at your child out of frustration and hoped that by seeing you so angry your child would naturally want to stop their naughty behaviour? Or, how about this scenario - you start out trying to be the patient parent who wants to calmly and sweetly explain to your child why their behaviour is unacceptable, but when they ignore you your anger swells and you begin yelling.

Parenting is far from easy; it takes consistency and tenacity. While raising children, we plant many seeds in them and hope they will grow. It is difficult to know how we are doing as parents and what the end results will be, because these seeds take many years to cultivate. We may feel like we are not getting through or making a difference, but have no fear. We get out of our children exactly what we put in to them. It is often not until they leave the nest that we see the f

If you get hung up on the quantum of time, you may lose sight of the quality of your relationship now and for the future. At the end of the day some separated parents fight tooth and nail over how the children’s time will be divvied up between them. Children are even drawn into the dispute, feeling a need to fight on a parent’s behalf. Parents whose children who are drawn into the dispute may find their children suffering emotionally and even academically. If emotionally, the parent may not even be aware as the child may seek to protect the parent from their upset.

Mediation is not a single event, not a one-time meeting where magically issues are resolved. No. Mediation is a process that occurs with very predictable steps. Understanding these steps to the process can help you manage through the process. Separated parents entering mediation may meet greater success understanding these steps and their role within.

The time is 5 o'clock and your stomach clentches - what to make for dinner is the question racing through your mind. You know you want to prepare healthy meals for your family, but you are tired and do not have all the ingredients for your favourite "go to" recipe, so you pull out the frozen pizza instead. There are two fantastic and fun ways you can solve this ever-arising problem.

Every holiday from New Year's to Christmas and everything else in between provides opportunities for families and businesses to celebrate. It offers a time for families to gather and do something special and it gives business a chance to increase their revenues. As a result, the holidays and other occasions, such as back to school, are always accompanied by ample media messages in print and on the screen. We have come to know these as commercials and advertisements, and every holiday comes with new enticements to buy, buy, buy!

rnParents want their children to grow up to be kind and generous people. However, kindness and generosity are character traits that need to be modeled by parents to help children learn what they are. What are some ways in which mothers and fathers can help model charitable behavior to their sons and daughters? Donate Often If your local grocery store is asking for donations for a food pantry or some other worthy cause, you should agree to add $1 to your purchase. You may also

My recently turned 18 year old son passed his driving test on his first attempt back in July this year, 2015. Let me tell you the responsibilities for me in the year leading up to this event were not my favourite. Now as the mother and sole parent, I know I have many roles to play and many responsibilities to fulfill, I'm up for the challenges, that's why I chose to become a mum! However; one challenge I don't care for, is the one of Driving Instructor.

In connection with my fan page "Conscious Parenting" on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ConsciousParents?ref=ts&fref=ts I am contacted daily by youth in despair, via my private mail. They ask for my guidance,support and understanding. They want me to explain to them how humanity acts and thinks. They are confused about that, they are not being accepted for what they are.With my LOVE,I give of my time to support them via Skype or email.

Technology and digital media are a daily aspect of adults’ lives today, and the same goes for our children. Conversations about digital media, social media and early childhood learning focus on whether these new technologies may be a part of early childhood education, at home or school. In recent years, the conversation has shifted to an acknowledgment that these things are a part of learning. In this current national conversation about media use, technology and children’s learning, the focus has shifted to the need for human interaction with all children’s technology and media use.

According to a recent government study approximately 2.4 million college graduates are unemployed. Records show that this is the highest unemployment rate for people with a bachelors degree or higher since 1970. This is quite discouraging for many college graduates who are taught that the key to success & obtaining a good job depends on receiving a college education. I’m certainly not undermining the importance of a college degree & I would encourage any young person to pursue some form of higher education. However, I am suggesting that a college degree is NOT ENOUGH.

Once individuals become parents, they are parents forevermore. Their identities change perceptively the moment Mother Nature inaugurates them mom or dad. Yet the role they undertake when they welcome children into their lives is not a fixed one. As children move from one phase of their lives to the next, parental roles change. When these transitions involve a child gaining independence, many parents experience an empty nest feeling. Instead of feeling proud that their childre

nAt some point, you may think of adding another child to your family. Deciding whether to expand your family with one more children is one of the most significant decisions you will make in your lifetime and you may wonder if the timing is right.nnThere are no hard and fast rules regarding the spacing of children. Everyone has an opinion and everyone’s opinion varies widely. Some women find it great to have kids close in age and they are happy to see their kids grow up

During this season of shopping, wrapping and opening gifts, it is worthwhile to take some time to remind children that giving of themselves is the most important. Try these ideas to make your holiday season more meaningful for your family: 1. Family Trip to Food Pantry

When we talk about sexual abuse, we differentiate between intra-familial (from within the family) and extra-familial (from outside the family). When from within, it teaches the target of abuse to not trust people who are closest to them. When from outside the family, it teaches the target of abuse to not trust those around them, but who aren’t family.

“Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way- that is not easy.” -Aristotle When you are feeling emotional upset within yourself, acknowledge the emotion and shift the feeling ...

For some time the divorce rate in the USA for first marriages has held at about 50%. This is a national tragedy. This statistic also means that many people have subsequent marriages.

Foster parenting is a term that almost everyone has heard of, but few realize what the steps are to becoming foster parents and why people decide to do so. If you have ever wondered what foster parenting means, here is a glimpse into this amazing world. What is a Foster Parent? In certain special cases, the state or a social service agency deems it would be in the best interests of children to be separated from the custody of their biological parents. This situation is temp

Remember that relationships and love are not events, they are processes. Loving our children and others can bring many challenges. Challenges cause us to want other people to change. We need to be courageous and look inside ourselves whenever we think someone else needs to change. 1 Timothy 1:5, “The goal of this command is love which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Day after day I visit message boards and read the words of single mothers who are enraged. They are enraged at the man who left them, the man who will not pay child support, or the man who is fighting them for custody. Paralyzed by Anger The forums literally ooze with hatred, depression, and ...

Can’t stand the sight of your ex-wife or husband but you love your kids to bits and wouldn’t want that to get in the way of your co-parenting? You’ve come to the right place for answers. Children are often caught in the crossfires of matters that should be left between parents. To ensure that that is not the case for you, take a look at our co-parenting rule book. Speak in one voice If one parent prohibits the eating of ice cream before bedtime and the other allows it,

Imagine a situation where your child, who is starting college, gives you a call and says she is failing her philosophy, art and creative writing classes. She tested extremely well all throughout high school on standardized exams and can regurgitate any material given to her. Now, imagine another situation where your other child reaches out with this same call and says he is failing mathematics, language, and history. His mind flows creatively in some subjects, but he doesn’t have the discipline for learning repetition.

Let's say for purposes of this discussion that ‘trust' is believing that somebody or something will meet your expectations. Reasonable trust is then based on realistic expectations. ‘Blind trust' is a belief that somebody or something will meet your expectations, in the absence of any evidence ...

Teen’s First Job A teen’s first job is a right of passage. It provides the teen the ability to earn money independently and teaches them new meanings for responsibility. The first job also enlightens the teen to the responsibilities of the parents and for many, makes them appreciative not only ...

Is your family life peppered with upset? Are you falling into the tyrant trap? Look inside to find out how to stop finger-pointing and become a rational loving person. Successful marriages “Don’t smother each other. No one can grow in the shade.” Leo Buscaglia. Tyrants smother their spouse ...

Do you remember not getting what you had your heart set on when you were a child? Maybe it was a special birthday gift, or that trip to the zoo, or that new skateboard you coveted. That was childhood but now as adults we are more mature in how we deal with disappointment, or are we?

The most important part of discipline is the one most people struggle with- staying calm and speaking without emotion.

Can your well-intended words of praise actually be harming your child? The answer to that is “yes” and “no” depending on what words you choose, how sincere you are and how old your child is. Complicated? Yes, it is. One of the researchers that I like best is Carol Dweck. Dweck has spent the last 40 years studying what factors help kids succeed and fail. She wrote a book summarizing her findings called, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.” In regard to praise, Dweck did a study where students were given an intelligence test using puzzles.

by Susan A. Haid All children are extraordinary. The messages our children receive from the world around them affect their developing perception of themselves, often damaging their self-esteem very early on. If we want our children to grow up with a strong sense of self-worth, feeling free to apply their individual brand of talent without doubt or limitation, then we need do three simple things for our kids on an ongoing basis: 1) Make sure your child knows that every child is creatively gifted in some way.

While everyone loves watching a beautiful bride get married to the love of her life, what people appreciate more is a courteous bride (who is in love). More than likely, you’ve caught a glimpse of the television show “Bridezillas” which focuses on how rude and ugly some brides can be. If you are planning a wedding, make sure you don’t allow yourself to become this way! Below are a few tips for showing how genuinely courteous you really are (you’ve already got the beautiful part down!).

A common question asked by families with babies is how do I get a USA passport for my baby. Here are the steps... It is recommended that anyone traveling outside of the United States have a valid passport, and this is even true for your baby. A passport is required in many countries and you should check with your travel destinations if you do not plan on having a passport for your baby. In order to get a valid American passport for your child you must: 1. Fill out and print

Can parenting be exhausting, nerve wrecking, challenging and a drain on every other aspect of your life? Yes it can. Parenting can also be rewarding, exciting, fun, a source of great learning and a means of staying young, energized and happy. We as parents are trained by media, politicians, TV, ...

Do you cringe when your child asks you to play "Choo Choo train" or Barbies with them? It's the hidden secret that moms are only now speaking about. Moms are finally being honest about the fact that they don't like playing most of the games their children want them to play and that they actually feel resentful at times that they are being "forced" to play something they don't enjoy. Along with this feeling comes, you guessed it...guilt.

Of all the gifts that you can give your child, the gift of self-esteem can prove to be the greatest one—it will allow her to feel good about herself no matter what life throws her way. In a world that cares so much about image that it has spawned its own skewed version of beauty, self-esteem is one of the most important factors to personal achievement, forming friendships, and creating happiness. Here are some ways that you can help promote your child’s self-esteem. It al

If we believe, communication, we tend to think about how we can express us. This is certainly important, but listening detail the largest of all communication skills.nnTeen relations are sensitive things. Girls are often willing to serious bonds within their relationships while the boys want a little more presented again in their relationship. This is, of course, never a definitive conclusion.nnEither scenario. Teen relationships are just that, unpredictable. If you're in a r

For some curious folk, any conversation around them distracts them from their task. Their brain automatically wonders what fascinating topic is on the table. Others couldn´t really care. This group has a desire to constantly check their e-mail, facebook, and cell phone for the most current “local news.” Still others allow themselves to be distracted by preventable feelings of hunger or lack of energy. It is important to help our children reflect on what distracts them most and help them eliminate the culprit as much as possible. Below are some ideas to help.

Speak to your child the way you would like them to speak to you... respectfully, lovingly and with dignity. Maria Montessori has shown us that modeling appropriate behavior is particularly critical during a child's first six year of life, because children enter the Absorbent Mind developmental ...

It’s 9:15am and so far I have showered, put on my face, dressed, drove my daughter to camp, dropped my car off for service, walked to a neighborhood greasy spoon for a real breakfast and am now sitting on the patio of the local Starbucks, enjoying my Chai tea latte. Life is good!