10 Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season: Helping Kids Relax- Kids get pretty anxious over the holidays. It's a time of excitement and wonder, and they often have a hard time relaxing, staying calm and sleeping well.
Here are some tips to help your kids stay relaxed and on a healthy sleep schedule.
A Perfect Parenting Plan- I have a 4 year old son that I can no longer control, and on top of that I will be having another baby in 3 days. My son yells at me and my husband that he doesn't want to do something or that he is not going to do something....
All You Need to Know About Birthday Parties- At all ages, simple events tend to be successful and more fun. Complicated parties usually require extensive planning with little additional fun-value. What's most important to the kids? Friends, goodies and gifts!
Arguing & Back Talk- I know my kid's going to grow up to be a lawyer! He argues
whenever he's asked to do something. He debates his rights
when he's asked to stop doing something. He pleads his case
when I tell him he can't do something. He disputes every rule I
create. How can I put an end to this?
Baby-sitter Safety Tips- Making sure your family has a fire plan is one of the most important
things you can do, especially important is that everyone knows where
the meeting place outside is. Having everyone meet in one spot not only
helps the firemen know if everyone is out makes their job easier.
Unfortunately, most babysitters are not given this information.
Bedwetting Is Common And Usually Normal In Pre-School Age Children- We have a four-year-old daughter who has been toilet trained
since she was two. Recently, she started wetting the bed at
night, but has no problems during the day. We do not suspect
any problem at pre-school since she really seems to love it. Any
idea of what should we do?
Been There Done That! Toilet Training Tips- Toilet Training should be a fun and exciting experience for both
you and your child. Remember, your child should feel in control
of the process, not you. Take a slow, casual, matter-of-fact
approach, and make it fun! Always encourage and praise your
child.
Can Twins Have Too Much Togetherness?- Many twins begin to interact with each other around six to ten months of age. As same-age siblings begin to discover one another, it's a thrill for parents to watch as the two hug, play, and communicate. Even their sibling squabbles are fascinating to parents who are learning to discern each child's unique personality. Most enthralling to parents of twins, however, is the ease with which each twin seems to anticipate the other's needs.
Can't We Just All Get Along?- As frustrating as it can be for parents, bickering between siblings is normal for children. Getting along with a brother or sister isn't something your kids will "grow into." Children need to be taught how to get along, and it's never too early for parents to work with their kids on sibling relationships. In fact, the way adults interact with each other and their ability to compromise and solve conflicts can be traced all the way back to childhood and how they interacted with their siblings.
Chicken Pox Vaccination or Not?- My family physician has suggested that we have our 18-month-old
daughter vaccinated with the chicken pox vaccine. Is there enough
information out there to support this recommendation?
Child’s Play is Anything But- Child developmental experts have studied children at play for over a century. Their research shows that play is a child’s most important work, a way of learning, growing, and understanding the world. A parent’s involvement can make play a richer, stimulating, and more valuable activity for children.
Clean Your Room!- My child's bedroom looks like it's been put through a blender! I can't see the carpet, and to walk through the room I have to dodge clothes, toys, and last week's snack wrappers. My child doesn't care, but I do. When I yell and threaten we sometimes end up with one day of cleanliness, but in no time at all, the disaster magically reappears. What can I do?
Daycare Dilemma: When Your Child Cries- Does your child cry when you try to exit the daycare center and head to work? Leaving your child in the hands of another person is stressful enough, but to receive the guilt trip from your little darling doubles the pain. Read our expert's tips on how to ease the transition and make for a smoother morning all around.
Dealing with "Monsters" and Nighttime Fears- It can be difficult to think straight when your crying child shakes you awake in the middle of the night frightened and tearful by a nightmare or the monster she knows for sure has taken up residence in her closet or under her bed. Or a terrible dream that leaves her feeling shaken. Groggily, I would find myself talking half-asleep to my 4-year-old daughter, "Honey, I know that the monster moved out last week. He doesn't even like it here. He's completely afraid of you." But, to no avail.
Despite Some Mature Moments Kids Will Still Be Kids- Whenever we get together with family and friends who have small kids I can't help but to think to myself "I'm so glad we're out of that stage!" I recall vividly eagerly awaiting the days for our children to finally be past that phase of the unexpected.
Early Bird: Waking up too early- I don't need an alarm clock. Every day my daughter wakes up early - usually before 6:00. Is there any way to get her to sleep longer, or is she just an early bird? See what our expert has to say.
Easing the Transition from the Family Bed: From Co-Sleeping to Solo- Even if you are a proponent of the family bed, there will come a time when your child will need to sleep by himself. My rule of thumb is that when anyone in the family bed is uncomfortable it's time for the child to sleep on his own.
Eating Right for Sleep- Food has a huge impact on a child's well-being. It can energize, increase hyperactivity or induce fatigue. Just as a lack of sleep can jumble a child's thinking or cause learning problems, so can an inadequate diet. Each child is a unique individual, and it's unreasonable to think that "one size fits all" diet advice is realistic.
Ending Sibling Fights- My kids' fighting drives me crazy! It's usually over some extremely important issue, like who gets to use the red LegoTM piece. (Never mind that there are fifteen more just like it in the box!) I get so tired of the yelling, screaming and threatening -- not to mention what goes on between the kids! Please, I beg you, give me some ideas to put an end to this bickering.
Find Your Best Friends in a Playgroup- Quicker than I expected, isolation and loneliness
set in as I spent my days at home with a toddler
and a preschooler. Realizing that I had to find other
children and at-home parents nearby, my solution
was to start a playgroup.
Helping Kids Overcome Their Fears and Phobias- Children love the fantasy and fun of dressing up in costumes and Halloween is usually an exciting and fun event for them. During October, however, the television networks begin running their annual horror flicks. Remember, young children still have trouble differentiating real life from make believe and many scary movies should be "off limits."
Imaginary Friends: Should You Be Concerned- Young children often have imaginary friends. Sometimes they're human, other times they're animals, like the life-size rabbit in the old Jimmy Stewart movie, "Harvey." Sometimes the imaginary friend is an occasional visitor, stopping by only once every few days. But other times it may be a child's constant companion. Children may talk to their imaginary friends, draw with them, or even read books to them. And plenty of parents have had to set an extra place at the dinner table for the "friend." So are children's imaginary playmates causes for concern? In most cases, the answer is No.
In Search of the Perfect Playgroup- Many parents these days are seeking playgroups for themselves and their children. Although the perfect playgroup does not exist, one will likely be better suited for you and your child than others. To find the right one, you need to ask yourself:
Interrupting- Whether you're on the phone, busy on your computer, or talking to another adult, it can be frustrating when your children constantly interrupt you. What's surprising to learn is that they do it because they always get a response from you when they do!
Kids & Chores- Assigning children household chores is one of the best ways to
build self-esteem and a feeling of competence. Regular chores
establish helpful habits and good attitudes about work. Children who
grow up perceiving chores as a normal part of life will find the flow into
adulthood much easier than those without responsibility will.
Kids & Divorce- It is a sad fact that today all our children are being touched by the
shadow of divorce. Even if they are not among the growing number of
families split apart by divorce, they will be influenced indirectly. They
will know children whose parents divorce.
Making Moving Easier for Your Child- We're planning a move and want it to go smoothly for our child. What ways can we soften the blow of this major transition?
Managing Morning Madness- Are your mornings rushed, chaotic and disorganized? Then it's
time to get control and make morning a good start to a wonderful
day! When your morning activities run smoothly, and you're out the
door on time it can make your whole day feel better.
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.
The leaves are almost done falling and Thanksgiving 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...
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!
Kids get pretty anxious over the holidays. It's a time of excitement and wonder, and they often have a hard time relaxing, staying calm and sleeping well.
Here are some tips to help your kids stay relaxed and on a healthy sleep schedule.
Many twins begin to interact with each other around six to ten months of age. As same-age siblings begin to discover one another, it's a thrill for parents to watch as the two hug, play, and communicate. Even their sibling squabbles are fascinating to parents who are learning to discern each child's unique personality. Most enthralling to parents of twins, however, is the ease with which each twin seems to anticipate the other's needs.
Does your child cry when you try to exit the daycare center and head to work? Leaving your child in the hands of another person is stressful enough, but to receive the guilt trip from your little darling doubles the pain. Read our expert's tips on how to ease the transition and make for a smoother morning all around.
Whenever we get together with family and friends who have small kids I can't help but to think to myself "I'm so glad we're out of that stage!" I recall vividly eagerly awaiting the days for our children to finally be past that phase of the unexpected.
I don't need an alarm clock. Every day my daughter wakes up early - usually before 6:00. Is there any way to get her to sleep longer, or is she just an early bird? See what our expert has to say.
Even if you are a proponent of the family bed, there will come a time when your child will need to sleep by himself. My rule of thumb is that when anyone in the family bed is uncomfortable it's time for the child to sleep on his own.
Children love the fantasy and fun of dressing up in costumes and Halloween is usually an exciting and fun event for them. During October, however, the television networks begin running their annual horror flicks. Remember, young children still have trouble differentiating real life from make believe and many scary movies should be "off limits."
Young children often have imaginary friends. Sometimes they're human, other times they're animals, like the life-size rabbit in the old Jimmy Stewart movie, "Harvey." Sometimes the imaginary friend is an occasional visitor, stopping by only once every few days. But other times it may be a child's constant companion. Children may talk to their imaginary friends, draw with them, or even read books to them. And plenty of parents have had to set an extra place at the dinner table for the "friend." So are children's imaginary playmates causes for concern? In most cases, the answer is No.
Whether you're on the phone, busy on your computer, or talking to another adult, it can be frustrating when your children constantly interrupt you. What's surprising to learn is that they do it because they always get a response from you when they do!
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.
Win Fun Stuff!
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...
