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
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Is It Possible to Teach Toddlers Respect?
by Tania Cowling May 16th, 2022 | 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 and respect for others is something parents need to dish out in small doses throughout the day.
During my teaching days, our program philosophy was supported by the 10 Principals of
During my teaching days, our program philosophy was supported by the 10 Principals of
Entertaining Fitness for Teens
by Jane Wangersky May 9th, 2022 | Entertainment, Teens
Teens’ -- and adults’ -- first thoughts on fitness and entertainment may be that the two are mutually exclusive. Unless, maybe, you listen to music while running . . . no, wait, that’s not safe. But there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself entertained while getting your body into better condition. Here are a few.
Choose an activity that leaves your hands free. For example, a minicycle or table bike (a set of pedals only) lets you sit in a chair and read while strengthening your leg muscles and joints. Books and e-readers are good for
Choose an activity that leaves your hands free. For example, a minicycle or table bike (a set of pedals only) lets you sit in a chair and read while strengthening your leg muscles and joints. Books and e-readers are good for
Respect & Tweens: Reciprocity & Patience
by Michele May 2nd, 2022 | Behavior, Tweens
I cannot stress this enough, the tween years can be hard. For everyone involved. Out of the pre-college parenting years, I think middle school is the hardest. The kids are trying to figure out where they fit, are dealing with hormonal fluctuations, and are having greater responsibilities placed upon them. Their parents are trying to figure out how to deal with them during this time.
However, a difficult age doesn't mean that tweens get a pass on behavior. Even more so, they need to be reminded that good behavior is key. Having waded through the tween years with my two children,
However, a difficult age doesn't mean that tweens get a pass on behavior. Even more so, they need to be reminded that good behavior is key. Having waded through the tween years with my two children,
Bullies are Easily Handled
by Joe Lawrence April 25th, 2022 | Elementary, Safety
“If he does it again, hit him and he will stop.” This is the advice many of us received as youth while discussing the school bully. For many generations the way to deal with bullies was to out-maneuver them or to stand up to them. Thankfully, there are much better ways to do this, and schools are finally getting it right.
I actually heard a teacher mentor another kid about bullying when I was in elementary school. He told him that if the bully in our class kept bothering him to go toe-to-toe. He went on to share how he did
I actually heard a teacher mentor another kid about bullying when I was in elementary school. He told him that if the bully in our class kept bothering him to go toe-to-toe. He went on to share how he did
Protect Your Child From Zoonotic Diseases
by Tania Cowling April 18th, 2022 | Preschool, Safety
Did you know that your pet might cause your child to get sick? Are you aware of zoonotic diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans? These maladies range from bacteria to viruses and internal and external parasites to fungal infections. Since having a pet (dogs and cats are the most popular) are common in households, it’s best to know what zoonotic diseases are and speak to your veterinarian to see if your pet is up to all vaccines that are necessary. It's also important to keep your family safe by using protective measures, such as the disposable gloves available
Teaching Toddlers About Sharing and Caring
by Tania Cowling April 11th, 2022 | Infants/Toddlers, Social
Toddlers aren’t born with the knowledge of sharing and caring about others – it’s acquired as they grow. To egocentric toddlers the world revolves around them – and yes, they are in the MINE stage. I think the awareness of sharing and caring begins with the sense of self and
Teen’s Perspective on Family Dinners
by Sam P. April 4th, 2022 | Seasonal, Teens
I have always considered family dinners a sort of magical thing. It gives the appearance of being the perfect family and has this wonderful feeling when you're there. Something about crowding around the table and asking for people to "pass the mashed potatoes" or "toss me a roll" has this sense of wonder to it, your family almost never feels so close and together. Apparently, there is a reason for this. And that reason has a lot of good reactions from your brain and your body.
Family dinners are the greatest amount of time you typically get through out the day
Family dinners are the greatest amount of time you typically get through out the day
If You Have Nothing Nice to Say
by Michele March 28th, 2022 | Behavior, Tweens
The tween years can be trying. For everyone. As the parent, you may be feeling frustrated with this hormonal, pre-adolescent person, but remember, he or she is feeling that frustration, too. Of course, frustration is not a get out of jail free card for poor behavior.
The key piece of advice I have for parenting during those moments of frustration is based on something my mom used to say:
So, how did I implement this advice, besides seeking quiet instead of complaining?
There are several steps that can be taken. First, encourage your
The key piece of advice I have for parenting during those moments of frustration is based on something my mom used to say:
If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.
So, how did I implement this advice, besides seeking quiet instead of complaining?
There are several steps that can be taken. First, encourage your
How to Foster Effective Communication in Children
by Lori Sciame March 21st, 2022 | Communication, Elementary
Every person has strengths and weaknesses. For example, some people are born communicators, while others struggle to connect with their peers. As a parent, you must assist your child with becoming an effective communicator, even if he or she can be classified as "shy" or as an "introvert." This does not mean you should change your child's given temperament- introverts are great thinkers! It just means you should assist your child in understanding both verbal and non-verbal communication, and to use it to his or her advantage.
LISTEN UP!
One way to teach communication: attentive listening. That's right. Just listen. A parent
LISTEN UP!
One way to teach communication: attentive listening. That's right. Just listen. A parent
3 Steps to Changing Your Preschooler’s Behavior
by Joe Lawrence March 14th, 2022 | Behavior, Preschool
When it comes to our preschoolers, there are so many things to discover. They are mingling with like-minded children and really becoming who they will be in terms of behavior. That is why it is so important to help set the right foundation today.
I watch my five year old interact with my 21-month old and am usually very proud. She is the sweetest and most caring big sis. However, there are the times when she decides to push or yell at her little brother and we scold her for it. It puzzles me how this little, sweet girl can
I watch my five year old interact with my 21-month old and am usually very proud. She is the sweetest and most caring big sis. However, there are the times when she decides to push or yell at her little brother and we scold her for it. It puzzles me how this little, sweet girl can
Bubbles Are Entertaining For Young Children
by Tania Cowling March 7th, 2022 | Entertainment, Infants/Toddlers
Remember the joy of blowing bubbles when you were a child? Now that the weather is getting warmer take this opportunity to share some bubble blowing with your little one. Along with blowing bubbles outdoors I’m going to share some fun bubble activities to do with your toddler that will help her to develop skills along with having some entertaining fun.
We all know that blowing air into a liquid forms bubbles, and these round shapes
We all know that blowing air into a liquid forms bubbles, and these round shapes
3 Social Influences for Teen Health
by Jane Wangersky February 28th, 2022 | Social, Teens
Getting a teen to live a healthy lifestyle is one more of those things that take a village. It takes more than just parents, anyway -- though your example is a strong influence, your teen is likely too intent on becoming an independent person to let that show. (That’s why
Family Activities to Keep Your Tween Healthy
by Kimberly Hays February 21st, 2022 | Seasonal, Tweens
It can be difficult to get your tween to disconnect from technology and move to get some exercise. Most often, they’d rather play a video game, watch a movie, or chat with friends on social media. Having at least one activity that you do as a family will assure that your tween, and you, stay healthy and get exercise, all while enjoying time together.
Hiking – Hiking as a family can be a lot of fun for everyone. Be sure to take some photos so you can document your fun day. Choose something to look for while hiking, like leaves to
Hiking – Hiking as a family can be a lot of fun for everyone. Be sure to take some photos so you can document your fun day. Choose something to look for while hiking, like leaves to
4 Truths to Communicating with Our Children
by Joe Lawrence February 14th, 2022 | Communication, Elementary
Communication is the most important part of any relationship. When we communicate well, things run smoothly. When we do not, there is much frustration. Most people would agree with this; however, most of us (me included) are very intentional with making our children better communicators.
We practice communication from the moment we are born. All parents know the frustration of trying to relay a message to a child that simply does not understand and even worse is the feeling when watching our child try to communicate a message to us and they can’t get the message across. It is a wonder
We practice communication from the moment we are born. All parents know the frustration of trying to relay a message to a child that simply does not understand and even worse is the feeling when watching our child try to communicate a message to us and they can’t get the message across. It is a wonder
4 Ways to Help Kids Reach Activity Milestones
by Marnie Bii February 7th, 2022 | Development, Preschool
During the preschool years, the timing of hitting movement milestones tends to spread out across the peer group. Some preschoolers may exhibit a strong ability to run, climb and jump, while others are a bit clumsier. Most kids’ abilities tend to even out upon approaching kindergarten, which is important due to the increase in group activities during PE, music and recess. You can help your preschooler hit movement milestones faster while having fun by enjoying these activities together on a regular basis.
Hopscotch
Keep a pack of
Hopscotch
Keep a pack of
5 Tips for Creating a Healthy Toddler Schedule
by Marnie Bii January 31st, 2022 | Infants/Toddlers, Seasonal
Toddlers of all personality types, from outgoing to reserved, thrive on routine. A stable daily routine helps eliminate constant anxiety from expecting the unexpected. Toddlers are taking in new information a mile a minute, so it is important to keep some areas of life stable and calm. You do not have to create a rigid routine to have success with this tactic either. Simply creating a loose daily schedule gives toddlers anchor points to rely on throughout the day. Here are five tips for creating
Teen’s Perspective on Schedules
by Sam P. January 24th, 2022 | Seasonal, Teens
Schedules are everything. They are so important in my life and many of my friends' lives, simply because they keep us organized. My friends and I all keep fairly busy schedules, so having a way to lay out our day and what we need to achieve makes it much easier
Middle School and the Art of Friendship
by Ronald A. Rowe January 17th, 2022 | Social, Tweens
There are the friends we choose and the friends that are chosen for us. Sometimes relationships aren’t quite so simple as we’d like. Middle school is a hornets’ nest of new feelings, experiences, and social hierarchies. Jill may be friends with Julie because they like each other and have similar interests. But maybe Jill isn’t so fond of Julie’s BFF Jillian. Jill and Jillian still have to find a way to get along – or at least coexist peacefully – if they are both going to be in Julie’s sphere of friendship.
Or maybe Blake and Billy are next door
Or maybe Blake and Billy are next door
Catching up From Sick Days
Gary Hays January 10th, 2022 | Elementary, School
With winter comes cold and flu season. Let’s face it, when subjected to the confines of a classroom full of other sneezing students, your child is a target for airborne enemies, and more than likely, before the season is over, will catch their own case of the bug. It simply comes with the territory. When this happens it, of course, means staying home from school, but it also means they have
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