Pitchin' In - Simple Ways to Get Your Family Involved- If you're tired of nagging, begging and even pleading to get your family members to help out around your home, listen up. There's a better way to get the cooperation you want.
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. It is important that you really listen to your children, and help them overcome their negative thoughts and beliefs. This is, of course, easier to do if you practice positive thinking yourself.
Raising Responsible Teens- Peer pressure move over. There's a more powerful influence in the lives of teens and it's found at home. While peers undoubtedly influence each other,
social science research demonstrates time and time again that parents actually matter most.
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.
So Little Time- "Ring, Ring," it was the phone call that would change my life forever. My mom went over to answer and began to talk. An instant sinking feeling came over me like a ton of bricks sinking to the bottom of the ocean. Her once bright and cheery face turned as cloudy and as foggy as a dark, stormy day. Something was wrong, and it was not the same kind of wrong as when you failed a test. This was different.
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?
Teacher Student Relationships- Preventing acts of childhood aggression has become a major focus for schools throughout the nation, but their efforts may be lacking a critical ingredient to their success, say Texas A&M University psychologists.
Teaching Kids Their Financial ABC's- In this article, I will hopefully be passing on vital information to you about teaching your children good money management skills. In the process, of course, you too will hopefully learn better ways to manage your money. Before we delve into the nitty gritty of how to pass this knowledge on to your kids, let's first look at some of the reasons it is important to do so.
Teaching Your Child the ABC's of Money- Aaaarrrrrgh!!*!!*!! Do you scream every time you hear your kids say in that whiney, all-too familiar tone, "I want it, I need it, all the other kids have it." Do you hate your own financial planning and wonder how you can possibly help your child understand that money doesn't grow on trees?
Teaching Your Teen to Drive Without Driving Each Other Crazy- Parents who have taught their teens how to drive can relate to the anxiety and sometimes sheer terror that can go along with it, especially when they realize the invisible passenger-side brake really doesn't work, no matter how often it's stepped on. But it's all worth it if parents succeed in producing a safe teen driver.
Teens & Smoking- This is a most serious topic. I'm keeping my promise to
discuss the Parental challenge to prevent smoking and
drinking by a teen child. In my opinion, the challenge begins
long before the child reaches teendom. It begins in babyhood.
Teens on the Internet: How Can You Ensure Their Safety?- According to a recent report by Jupiter Communications and Media
Metrix, the most notable increase of Internet usage, by age group, from 1999 to 2000
was among teen girls age 12 to 17, with an increase of more than 125%.
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 Killer Under Our Sinks: Inhalants- Inhalants are common products found right in the home and are among the most popular and deadly substances kids abuse. Inhalant abuse can result in death from the very first use. About one in five kids report having used inhalants by the eighth grade.
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!"
The Truth About Teen Blogging- Blogging is quickly becoming the "teen" pastime of choice. It has huge appeal because it's fast and easy; if you can write, you can blog. It's a place that allows free self expression and it's interactive; young people post their replies to individual blogs. It's also social; kids can connect and share their ideas with other young people.
Try To Remember- I have always tried to remember, in dealings with my own child, of how I was at that particular age. What I was doing, how I felt. But, with maturity comes with a sense of forgetfulness of how we perceived situations when we were younger.
What Every College-bound Student Needs- If there's one day that high school seniors (and their exhausted parents!) both anxiously await, it's graduation day. And while college-bound students should be equipped with positive attitudes and good study skills, there are some practical necessities that make great graduation gifts as well.
What to Teach Your Teens About Money- Lessons learned now could save them a lot of grief later. So let's spend a little time talking about what to teach your teens about money.
When a Child is Caught Stealing- Money has been disappearing from my wallet, and my daughter is suddenly buying things that she couldn't possibly afford on her own. I suspect that she's been taking the money from me, and it makes me wonder if this is the only incident of her stealing.
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.
When Children Lie- Children lie for a variety of reasons. They lie to keep their
parents happy with them, they lie so they won't get in
trouble, they lie to cover embarrassment or inadequacy, or
they lie because they don't make the clear distinction
between fact and fiction. Teaching your child the value of
telling the truth takes time, teaching and patience.
When Your Child is the Bully: Five Important Issues to Address- I would recommend to any parent if they're told their child is a bully to look for the following: Uncontrolled anger, history of discipline problems, intolerance for differences, violent or aggressive behavior, expression of violence in writings or drawings, cruelty to animals, and destruction of property. These are just a few of numerous telling behaviors.
July 4th is almost here. Celebrate Independence Day this year with crafts, recipes and plenty of other ideas. Here are a few examples to get you started...
Fun Picture Riddles Help with Letter Recognition: Scholastic has done it again, releasing yet another fabulous book in its popular I Spy series. This time Jean Marzollo's witty riddles married with Walter Wick's vibrant photographs make for a fun and engaging read for children of all ages. Through the seemingly magical power of rhyme and repetition, children will obtain several early reading skills without even trying!
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!
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!
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.
I would recommend to any parent if they're told their child is a bully to look for the following: Uncontrolled anger, history of discipline problems, intolerance for differences, violent or aggressive behavior, expression of violence in writings or drawings, cruelty to animals, and destruction of property. These are just a few of numerous telling behaviors.
Fun Picture Riddles Help with Letter Recognition
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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...
