If you've got young children, then you know that an occasional outburst is par for the course as they learn how to interact with their siblings and other kids. Developmentally speaking, children's immature impulse control often interferes with their capacity for empathy, which can lead to hitting, biting and bullying. Unfortunately, these infrequent emotional outbursts may become routine if they aren't taught boundaries and discipline early in their development. As a parent, however, you can … [Read more...]
I’m Going to Miss Nap Time
My son will be 4 in two months. That amazes me because the time has flown by so quickly. I'll let you in on a secret: everyday, I still lay him down for a nap. Just like I've done the last 3+ years. In fact, as I'm writing this blog post he is leaning against my right side and arm, sleeping peacefully. We're snuggled under the comforter on my bed and it's warm enough to fall asleep with him. I'm going to miss nap time when he outgrows this stage. He naps for about an hour each day now. He has … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting with Preschoolers
If there’s one age group of children that will give you a run for your money, it is preschoolers. They have a mind of their own, yet they don’t quite know how to communicate how they think and feel. I've had a hard month. I've really focused and controlled my own parenting behavior. I am committed to positive parenting -- for me that means no more spankings, yelling, and time-outs without explanation. My son calls me, "The New Mommy". I've made a couple mistakes, apologized and we've gotten over … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids to Give Help for Families in Need
We live in a great big world. The population now exceeds 7 billion people! There are thousands of diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic groups. What's truly amazing, is that in this diversity, the Internet is transforming how we connect to each other. It is now easier than ever to embrace global citizenship from an early age. I'd like to share with you details about World Vision child sponsorship and also ways that parents can teach children to give help and be global citizens. Thank you … [Read more...]
Star Wars Inspired Chore Chart and Chore Bucks
I recently posted twice about chores and allowance: 10 Chores Your Preschooler Can Do 10 Ways to Let Children Earn an Allowance Today, I wanted to share with you a very fun printable: Star Wars inspired Chore Chart and Chore Bucks! Pin it for later: Both of my kids are huge Star Wars fans. My son really likes Darth Vader too. So if Darth Vader can help him do his preschool chores, well I'll use it! I gave you 10 chore ideas that preschoolers can do, you have room on this … [Read more...]
Our Good Deeds Jar at Home Has Helped
This month we had a family meeting about parenting, discipline, obedience, and honor. Parenting is so hard, isn't it? We've had a harder time with our rambunctious three year old boy than I thought we would. There were many days that I've been at a loss. But, I've re-focused, and came up with a personal plan to parent my kids. This plan doesn't include yelling, time-outs, or spanking. This plan includes correcting wrong behavior when it occurs in firm but gentle ways. It also includes taking … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child Handle Peer Pressure
No matter what age your child is, it's natural and normal to want to be liked. Everyone wants and needs friends. As kids grow and the hormones start taking over, attitudes change. They start moving away from the family and start taking steps into their own world, a world centering on their friends. It's scary for the child to go through, but it's even scarier for the parent who watches it happen, and feels helpless. But there are ways to help your child handle peer pressure when it comes … [Read more...]
