Manners Matter: Putting a Halt to Interruptions- Many of us have sat in a restaurant, a movie theatre or perhaps you noticed this phenomenon just walking down the street. I am referring to the ill mannered child. The child that doesn't seem to be aware that others feelings need to be considered when it comes to behavior.
New Baby: How to Make Sure Your Older Kids are Sleeping Through the Night- If you are expecting a baby and already have one or more children, it's wise to solve their sleep problems before the new baby arrives. Remember, a newborn typically awakens every three to four hours and adapting to a new baby's schedule is very tiring for everyone in the house.
On Fast Food and Silver Bullets- When I sat down to write "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations," I vividly recalled how, when I was a small child, my mother had taken me to the local high school auditorium to stand in line with many other children to get my sugar cube laced with the polio vaccine. I must have also received a vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella, but I got the measles anyway. The chickenpox vaccine wasn't available when I was young, so I dutifully got my red spots like so many of my friends. We all survived.
Other People's Kids- Do you have a friend, relative or neighbor with kids who drive you crazy
with their misbehavior? I think we all know one family that fits this
description. It puts you into a very uncomfortable position. You know you
can't discipline the kids, but you want to be able to enjoy your time with
their family. What to do?
Pajama Games: Getting children to go to bed- They know every excuse in the book: I need a drink of water. I forgot to give you a hug goodnight. I heard a noise outside my window. Bedtime can be a nightly power struggle for parents when children do not want to go to bed resulting in no winners. Here are some ways parents and children have both won the pajama game:
Parenting with Style: Why You Might Clash with Your Child- Every morning, six-year-old Josh and his mom clash. A daydreamer by nature, Josh moves through life at a slower pace than his task-oriented mom. This is most evident in the morning when meandering Josh and his highly organized mother are trying to get out the door. This daily struggle highlights their obviously different personal styles.
Positive Thinking for Kids- During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively.
Public Manners- When we're out in public my son seems to forget all
the good manners he routinely uses at home. If we
run into someone I know he won't even say a polite
hello. He forgets to say 'thank you' and 'excuse me'.
The list goes on. How can I get him to remember to
use his manners?
Raising Well Mannered Children- "Manners are caught, not taught." What a true statement! I learned an important secret from my children's teacher: The first step to teaching kids good manners is to make sure you model them yourself.
Ready, Set, Go! | From Preschool to Kindergarten- The transition from "little school" to "big school" is
not so tough for kids but for moms and dads it can
be harrowing. Here's some advice from Early
Childhood Educator Robert Freeman to help you
feel secure in your choice of schools.
Reclaiming Play: Helping Children Learn and Thrive in School- Child development theorists, researchers, and educators have long known that play is one of children's most valuable resources, vital to their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Through play children make sense of the world around them and work through new experiences, ideas, and feelings.
Seven Tips for Eating Out with Kids- Ah... those good old days. Before you had kids, you could eat out just about any time you wanted. There were no worries about wait times and kid-friendly menu choices. Yes, it is more complicated to eat out when you've got a couple of kids in tow, but don't give up altogether.
Shy vs. Bad Manners- Even the most vivacious, talkative child can suddenly become
timid when faced with social situations around adults. Most kids
will overcome this with time and practice. Some, however, are
naturally more tentative with strangers and will always be more
reserved in social situations.
Simple Mommy Secrets to Choosing the Right Chores for Kids- Several years ago I learned a Mommy Secret from my girlfriend about kids' chores that I've never forgot. Cindy and I were busy chatting away when she announced to her kids: "Chore time!" As quick as a wink they jumped up from playing and scurried to their kitchen where they proceeded to unload dishes, and put clean ones in the cupboard. And they did so without an ounce of help or uttering one complaint. When finished they turned for their mom's sanction (she nodded approvingly), and then grinned and ran back to play.
Stop Picking Your Nose!- Nose picking is often done to relieve anxiety and bring comfort. Because the nose is always at hand (excuse me, I couldn't resist!), it's an addictive habit.
Stop That Tattling!- I have one child who tattles with a vengeance. The infractions run from minor issues to major crimes, and often cover incredibly ridiculous things, such as, "She breathed on me ON PURPOSE!"
Suddenly: Temper Tantrums- Our 6 year old has just started throwing temper tantrums. He has always been so well behaved that it has thrown us for a loop. Any suggestions?
Surviving Little League- "Woo hoo! You can do it!" A clapping parent yells out their encouragement to the awkward seven-year old standing at home plate. His stance looks uncomfortable, his arms crooked and bent, tongue sticking out displaying his complete concentration. The bat is ready, he swings and hits the ball. "Go! Go! Go!" come the cheers from a group of enthusiastic parents.
Talking To Children About Violence- Violence in society is a major issue for families today.
It's everywhere we look, it seems, and as a parent it
disturbs me deeply. Part of the job of parenting is to
protect our children from the ills, if not the evils of the
world, but what do you do when it comes looking for you?
Talking to Your Child: Death of a Pet- The loss of a family pet can be a traumatic time for everyone, but the grief can be especially difficult for children. Death is a tough topic for many parents to discuss with their kids, but it's an important conversation to have.
Teaching Good Manners- Good manners are a very important key to your child's social
success, but no child is born with good manners. Teaching them
is a parents responsibility.
The Cost of Competition on Kids- The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty strong feelings in the United States. In fact, even hinting that competition might not be such a great thing can cause one to be labeled un-American.
The Frequent Mover's Card- More and more people and families are relocating to new cities, states, and sometimes countries for their companies. For those folks who do this often, there should be a frequent mover's card!
The Identified Problem Child- Some people call them the "black sheep" of the
family and are content to let them stay that way.
Others try to change them and take them to
psychologists and doctors. A few give up on
them all together.
The Respectful Child- Often I encounter parents who complain about their child's lack of
respect for them, only to hear them turn around and screech at the
same child, "Stop it! What is the matter with you? You're behaving like a
wild animal!"
Throwing, Catching, & More: Help Develop Your Child's Sports Skills- Motor skills in which an object is typically manipulated (usually by the hands or the feet) are known as manipulative skills. Throwing, catching, and kicking fall into this category - and, as you can imagine, learning and mastering these skills come in handy in a number of game situations. Following the principle of "fundamentals first," you want to be sure your child acquires the ability to execute these important movements.
To Spank or Not to Spank?- In my house, my father had a belt hanging on a hook
in the kitchen. It was a visible reminder to be good or
to be put over his knee. We were all afraid of that belt.
One day, my father couldn't find it.
What Are Your Children Really Watching?- Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents started out our childhood weekends with this simple ritual? The trick was to wake up early enough to see all of the Saturday morning cartoons because after about 10 am, the children's programming was over until Sunday night's Wonderful World of Disney show came on.
When a Child Steals- Many children will steal something at least once in their lives. If parents don't panic and overreact, it can be a time for teaching a valuable lesson. There are different reasons that children steal, and it helps to know your child's motivation so that you can address your child's belief directly. The bottom line, however, is this: stealing is wrong and it's against the law. This is the primary message you want to convey to your child.
The cool weather is here and Halloween is quickly approaching! Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or costume ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...
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Send your own photos as an e-card
Watch slide shows
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Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets
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Rate images of other members
...more!
Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.
Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!
If you are expecting a baby and already have one or more children, it's wise to solve their sleep problems before the new baby arrives. Remember, a newborn typically awakens every three to four hours and adapting to a new baby's schedule is very tiring for everyone in the house.
"Manners are caught, not taught." What a true statement! I learned an important secret from my children's teacher: The first step to teaching kids good manners is to make sure you model them yourself.
Child development theorists, researchers, and educators have long known that play is one of children's most valuable resources, vital to their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Through play children make sense of the world around them and work through new experiences, ideas, and feelings.
The loss of a family pet can be a traumatic time for everyone, but the grief can be especially difficult for children. Death is a tough topic for many parents to discuss with their kids, but it's an important conversation to have.
The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty strong feelings in the United States. In fact, even hinting that competition might not be such a great thing can cause one to be labeled un-American.
More and more people and families are relocating to new cities, states, and sometimes countries for their companies. For those folks who do this often, there should be a frequent mover's card!
Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents started out our childhood weekends with this simple ritual? The trick was to wake up early enough to see all of the Saturday morning cartoons because after about 10 am, the children's programming was over until Sunday night's Wonderful World of Disney show came on.
Many children will steal something at least once in their lives. If parents don't panic and overreact, it can be a time for teaching a valuable lesson. There are different reasons that children steal, and it helps to know your child's motivation so that you can address your child's belief directly. The bottom line, however, is this: stealing is wrong and it's against the law. This is the primary message you want to convey to your child.
Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...
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