Ok, the title of this article may not be 100% accurate. Young teens may need some guidance in their morning routines, especially when they start high school and have to learn new times for their routine. However, your goal should be for morning routines to become completely teen-owned.
As you read in Tuesday's article, even tweens should be responsible for their morning
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TV as Family Entertainment: Tweens
by YPI Editors September 14th, 2020 | Entertainment, Tweens
The tween years can become the time when your child wants to be out of the house or with friends on weekend nights. So, those family movie nights you enjoyed during the elementary years may be fewer and further between. Your tween also may be wanting more alone time. There's nothing wrong with either of these changes; they're just part of growing up.
However, it doesn't mean that family bonding can't exist. There are many options, but one that worked particularly well in our house was watching tv. I know, you can feel free to judge and state that tv watching
However, it doesn't mean that family bonding can't exist. There are many options, but one that worked particularly well in our house was watching tv. I know, you can feel free to judge and state that tv watching
TV as Family Entertainment: Elementary Years
by YPI Editors September 7th, 2020 | Elementary, Entertainment
There's something so delightful about the elementary years, although it isn't obvious while you're in the midst of them. Your children are old enough to have a tiny bit of independence, yet they also welcome time with mom and dad. Since they're still young, small things are exciting: a later bedtime, ice cream sundaes for dessert. Why not take advantage of these factors and create a new family activity?
My suggestion is family movie time. Note, I didn't name it family movie night, as it should be when is best for your family's schedule. Maybe on Friday night there's soccer practice
My suggestion is family movie time. Note, I didn't name it family movie night, as it should be when is best for your family's schedule. Maybe on Friday night there's soccer practice
Allowing Preschoolers to Experience the Consequences of Their Choices
by Joe Lawrence August 31st, 2020 | Behavior, Preschool
As parents we want to shield our little ones from every possible danger. We see the things coming down the path and know we can help them avoid this danger or consequence. However, I do not think that we should be doing this for them all the time.
Let’s stop to think about how severe the consequences are to most decisions or choices made by a preschooler. If they choose not to share their toys with a kid at the playground, the long-term ripple effect is not going to lead them joining a gang while serving back-to-back life sentences in prison.
Let’s stop to think about how severe the consequences are to most decisions or choices made by a preschooler. If they choose not to share their toys with a kid at the playground, the long-term ripple effect is not going to lead them joining a gang while serving back-to-back life sentences in prison.
Discipline & Little Ones: Natural Consequences
by Michele August 24th, 2020 | Behavior, Infants/Toddlers
As a parent, I believe that discipline needs to start at an early age. Although naughty behavior may seem cute at the age of one, it's easier to manage at its onset than to try and correct it when it's less cute at the age of six or sixteen. Of course, you may be wondering how it might be possible to establish discipline with your little one who may not be verbal or possibly even walking. There are ways, which are quite simple.
First, before we begin to discuss discipline, we need to establish what is misbehavior for an infant or
First, before we begin to discuss discipline, we need to establish what is misbehavior for an infant or
Back to School Shopping for the College Freshman
by Sam P. August 17th, 2020 | Seasonal, Teens
Going into your freshman year of college can be stressful; trust me I know, I'm going through it, too. The first thing on your mind at all times is cost efficiency and "Will I be able to afford that after I pay my fees?" After fees and tuition are paid off, you still have to get bedding and towels, all sorts of things you didn't think of having to buy. I just recently purchased towels and was shocked not only that I had to buy my own towels (this was never something that had crossed my mind), but also how
The Terrible Tween Years?
by Michele August 10th, 2020 | Communication, Tweens
Your tween wants to be a teenager so very badly. It seems that the world of a teen is much more exciting- able to go to more places on their own, later bedtimes, driver's licenses, dating. Yes, it is an exciting world. But for now your tween is stuck in
Dealing with Children’s Emotions
by Joe Lawrence August 3rd, 2020 | Communication, Elementary
Ever since becoming a parent, I have learned so much. Some of it was from diligent study; however, most of it was on the fly. Dealing with emotional breakdowns is one those things I learned by winging it.
Growing up, my family was not overly emotional. We cried when something hurt badly and laughed when things were funny. There were not too many time where I saw someone crying for no reason or simply to have a good cry. My wife’s family was the complete opposite. The wind would change directions, and tears were flowing. Apparently, kids are emotional roller coasters.
I
Growing up, my family was not overly emotional. We cried when something hurt badly and laughed when things were funny. There were not too many time where I saw someone crying for no reason or simply to have a good cry. My wife’s family was the complete opposite. The wind would change directions, and tears were flowing. Apparently, kids are emotional roller coasters.
I
The Hazard of Heat This Summer
by Tania Cowling July 27th, 2020 | Preschool, Safety
The sun is shining, the temperature is soaring, and you are sweating. This sounds like you have to be indoors in the AC, but not really. With a little common sense and forethought you can be outdoors enjoying your summer and still keep your kids safe from the elements. Here are a few tips for you and your preschoolers.
Dehydration is the number one concern during summer activities. It has no age boundaries and can affect anyone from a newborn to age 100. Preschoolers have the ability to listen to their bodies and realize when they need to quench their thirst.
Dehydration is the number one concern during summer activities. It has no age boundaries and can affect anyone from a newborn to age 100. Preschoolers have the ability to listen to their bodies and realize when they need to quench their thirst.
Keeping Your Baby Safe During the Summer Heat
by Tania Cowling July 20th, 2020 | Infants/Toddlers, SafetyThe temperatures are soaring, and parents should take care to keep babies healthy and cool during the summer season. We think of summer as fun in the sun, but potential dangers lurk, so here are a few things to think about when out and about during these hot months.
Since a baby’s skin is thin and delicate, make sure to avoid direct sunlight for extended periods during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and always find shade whenever possible. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies younger than six months should only
Do’s and Don’ts for Getting Teens to Listen
by Jane Wangersky July 13th, 2020 | Behavior, Teens
While thinking about this article, I wondered if I really knew anything about getting teens to listen. It’s never easy, and even when you manage to do it you’re usually not sure you’ve succeeded -- at least not until much later. But after giving a mandatory safe environment talk to a group of teen volunteers with only minimal whispering in the audience, I realized that I knew something about getting teens not to tune out completely. So here are my do’s and don’ts:
- Do model good listening yourself. The way you do it is the way your teens will find
Listening Rules for Tweens with Earbuds or Headphones
by Michele July 6th, 2020 | Behavior, Tweens
Earbuds. Headphones. They are everywhere. It's not just a tween problem. Take a walk down any city street, and you'll see a multitude of people walking with either one or both ears hosting an earbud. From shoppers to joggers to executives, a good portion of them have their ears focused on something other than the noise that surrounds them.
So, it's no wonder that you're more than likely to find your tween with earbuds engaged at
So, it's no wonder that you're more than likely to find your tween with earbuds engaged at
Learning Over the Summer
by Joe Lawrence June 29th, 2020 | Elementary, School
“No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks” were the Alice Cooper lyrics I sang as I crossed the threshold from my classroom to the freedom that awaited. Then summer was time for us to dump all that we learned throughout the year. I think this is
Summer Day Trips That Educate
by Tania Cowling June 22nd, 2020 | Preschool, School
During the summer preschoolers love to accompany their parents, grandparents, or sitters on errands. Think about all the teachable moments that accompany a trip to the bank, veterinarian, grocery store, and such. Everyday places provide entertainment and learning. Then, on weekends you and your family may go on an extended day trip to special places that will increase your little learner’s understanding of the world and his/her place in it. Here are a few day trips your child may enjoy.
Animal Hospitals, Shelters and Stores:
Children love animals and it’s time to discuss where a pet goes to stay well just like
Animal Hospitals, Shelters and Stores:
Children love animals and it’s time to discuss where a pet goes to stay well just like
How to Get Started Swimming With Your Baby
by Tania Cowling June 15th, 2020 | Infants/Toddlers, Seasonal
Getting your baby into a pool is one of the smartest things a parent can do. It’s never too early to teach swimming, keeping safety in mind of course. Most of my tips below are about taking your little one into a full-size pool with you, but do keep in mind that placing your baby into a kiddie pool in the yard needs as much supervision as the big one. Children can drown even in a small amount of water if unattended.
If you are going to a community pool, get there early to avoid the crowds. Mornings are best, and
If you are going to a community pool, get there early to avoid the crowds. Mornings are best, and
Teens and Praise
by Sam P. June 8th, 2020 | Communication, Teens
As a teen, we often feel that our achievements are overshadowed by our mistakes, that all we ever hear are critiques, never praise for our success. Praise is an important part of the growth process for teens to gain self confidence in themselves and what they do. Without it they may never grow to be sure of themselves and their actions, which can hold them back in life. Praise is very important for children throughout their whole lives, but especially teens as their brains and
Tweens Need to Be Seen and Heard
by Michele June 1st, 2020 | Social, Tweens
When I was a child and through my teen years, I would sometimes hear at the dinner table the old saying, "Children should be seen and not heard." (Now, I'm not of an age that it was a common way of thinking. I grew up in the 70s and 80s.) I despised hearing that. I had important things I wanted to share.
As a parent, I have made sure that my children, whatever their age, were able to share in family discussions. If business was discussed
As a parent, I have made sure that my children, whatever their age, were able to share in family discussions. If business was discussed
Children Learn Respect from Good Role Models
by Tania Cowling May 25th, 2020 | Behavior, Elementary
The most effective way kids learn respect is by watching the important adults in their lives act respectfully. One of the biggest complaints today is that kids don’t respect their elders the way children used to. Is this a generational myth or true? I think kids need to learn self-respect,
How Can I Teach My Preschooler Respect?
by Joe Lawrence May 18th, 2020 | Behavior, Preschool
There are very few things that can get a parent’s blood to boil faster than being disrespected by his or her child. Where do they get this from? How can they be so ungrateful? We would never do this to our parents.
My father was fairly strict when it came to most things. He gave us a lot of leash in many areas like what we watched on TV, books we read, music, clothing, etc., but he ensured we were respectful and honest. He wanted to raise men of character. So he did not mess around with disrespect.
Now, this is what
My father was fairly strict when it came to most things. He gave us a lot of leash in many areas like what we watched on TV, books we read, music, clothing, etc., but he ensured we were respectful and honest. He wanted to raise men of character. So he did not mess around with disrespect.
Now, this is what
Is It Possible to Teach Toddlers Respect?
Tania Cowling May 11th, 2020 | Behavior, Infants/Toddlers
It’s never too early to teach respectful gestures, but you must understand that toddlers have limited vocabulary and attention spans. As you try to lecture your little one, he may just in turn stick out his tongue, yell “no”, and hit you. Now, this behavior will not last forever, but it does frustrate parents. Toddlers have a lot of learning to absorb in their formative years, so teaching good manners
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