Articles : Family

Overcoming Sibling Rivalry Challenges

2009-01-20T20:49:00-07:00

Tips on teaching your children to respect others. If you come from a family with brothers and/or sisters or you now have your own family with children, then you know all too well the many challenges faced with sibling rivalry. While a little bit of competition is fine, sometimes sibling rivalry can get completely out of hand, actually leading to sisters and brothers becoming lifelong enemies. Obviously, this level of sibling rivalry is not what any parent wants but be encouraged in that there are things you can do. While there are many positive aspect of having siblings, there are also times when competition becomes an issue. If you find that your children are battling one another instead of enjoying time together, you can help by providing the right type of direction. For instance, as a parent, do not expect that your children will be the same, feel the same, think the same, and enjoy like activities. Therefore, it is important first to view each of your children as individuals, finding the positive in each. This attitude can be taught to your children too. You can teach them that being themselves and all the differences is not only fine but also normal. Showing your children the strengths they possess and allowing each to express his or her interests will certainly help. A common cause of sibling rivalry is trying to outdo each other even if the kids have no interest in what the other is pursuing. For this reason, show your kids where they are strong and that instead of fighting, they should appreciate the positive differences.

The Importance of Family Dinner

2009-01-14T03:21:00-07:00

Tips on making the most out of family dinners. Although it only seems like dinner, the truth is that many studies have been conducted about the value associated with family dinner. In fact, the benefits that have been identified from families taking time to eat dinner together are astounding and should be encouraging for people around the country to make this time a priority. Interestingly, if you were to look back 20 years, it would have been rare for a family not to spend time around the dinner table but as lives have become increasingly hectic, this one event has fallen by the way side. Keep in mind, family dinner is not only about nurturing the body with healthy food choices but more importantly, a time of nurturing the mind while building a strong family tie. While sitting around the table, family members of all ages have the wonderful opportunity of talking about the day’s events whether about school, work, problems, or adventures. Okay, so what have studies shown to be the top benefits of family dinner? • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use – Numerous studies agree that as much as 60% of children who sit down at the dinner table with the family at least five times a week are far less tempted to becoming involved with alcohol consumption and/or tobacco and illegal drug use. • Suicide – While this is something no parent wants to think about, studies also show that children who eat with the family at dinner time at least five times a week are 70% less likely to consider or follow through with suicidal thoughts.

Tips for Being a Patient Parent

2009-01-07T03:44:00-07:00

Some useful ways to stay focused when you are ready to rage. As parents, we are all tested from time to time. Even if you have fantastic children who typically mind well, there will be days when you feel you have lost complete control. During these challenges, it is common to feel frustrated and find that patience is wearing thin. Being a parent is a beautiful responsibility but also one that requires a lot of thought and patience. The following tips focus on helping every parent to be a little more understanding when the children are not at their best. Expectations – Sometimes, the lack of patience is actually the parent’s own doing because expectations placed on the child are unrealistic. We all want well behaved children but the truth is that all children are going to act out or push our buttons on occasion. Be honest about what are fair expectations so you develop a more understanding and patient approach to handling different situations. For instance, if you have a two or three-year-old in the house, you know that child is going to show independence. While you should not allow tantrums or talk back, you also want to realize that displays of independence are going to happen. Personal Attack – There are some children who become so angry or frustrated who will blurt out hurtful words like “I hate you.” To the parent, this is devastating but you have to understand your child is dealing with something and does not have the ability to handle it the right way so this is not a personal attack on you. When your child acts out in a negative way, you will need to have set boundaries and appropriate measures of discipline established but never take your child’s outbursts personally. Parenting – Okay, you can read every parenting book on the market and while you will certainly gain some great insight, you will also find yourself being faced with situations not covered. Only you truly understand your child and what is effective for him or her. If you have been parenting your child one way but find it is not working, then never be afraid to make modifications. Parenting is something learned constantly so know that adjusting your parenting style is perfectly fine and often, necessary.

Building a Family Time Capsule

2008-12-31T04:21:01-07:00

How to create lifelong memories with your own time capsule. Often, when children reach adulthood, they will come across saved items or perhaps be handed a box of “goodies” their parent held onto for them. These items are often baby blankets, clothing, paintings from grade school, newspaper clippings, old but favorite toys, and so on. Going through these forgotten treasures can bring back wonderful memories or provide insight into childhood not remembered. If you want a fun and unique way of looking back, why not create a family time capsule. For this, you will need a container that is environmentally friendly and not biodegradable. Then, have a family meeting, advising each family member that he or she can choose three to four items considered important to them. For instance, one child might choose a book, a toy, a report card, and so on while another child would choose completely different items. Of course, even the parents need to get involved in the fun of building a family time capsule. Once all the items have been gathered, we suggest a note be written that has the date and a brief summary that goes along with each of the chosen items. Together, the family puts everything into the container and chooses a spot where the time capsule will be buried and not opened for a designated amount of time. If the children are small, try to hold off opening the capsule for 20 years and for the older children, 10.

Fun Indoor Activities for Winter Months

2008-12-23T17:53:00-07:00

A sample of fun indoor activities for kids With winter comes the challenge of trying to keep kids busy when not in school. If kids are not challenged and given outlets for fun, you will have your hands full of some very bored kids. Before winter arrives, take the time to stock up on things that can be used to include paints, paint brushes, wood for crafts, paper, etc. Then, you will also find a wide variety of activity books that have all types of interesting, fun, and unique projects that kids can work on alone or as a family unit. Paints are always a great investment. Take the cold winter days when getting outside to burn off energy is hard to get them involved with creating paintings. You can focus on one particular subject matter such as animals or landscapes and work with the kids in helping them express themselves with paint. Even small children love painting and once the new art is dry; make sure you have wall or refrigerator space for displaying it. Another option is to work with different paper projects. Again, there are some amazing books available that can show you and your children how to make things from paper. Take Origami as a prime example. This Asian art form is actually easier than you might imagine and for the older children, they can start by learning some of the easier designs, slowly building their skill.

Holiday Traditions

2008-12-16T16:12:00-07:00

Starting a tradition at first may seem like a waste of time but in a few years you will be glad that you did. When it comes to holidays you may think of different ways to turn each year into a tradition. There are several ways to start a tradition no matter what size your family is. If you don’t have a tradition your kids will appreciate all your efforts you put into starting one and keeping one going year after year. Dinner is always a part of the holidays and if you have a lot of cooks who gather around in your kitchen to help finalize the meal before it is presented then that would be a great opportunity to have each one of them to make a special dish from their own kitchen. Everyone can cook the same dish but each one will have a different taste. When you have everyone bring a special dish from their own kitchen it will also relieve the pressure off of one person. Decide on pre-dinner and after dinner activities. These activities could be board games, story time, sharing pictures of your latest vacation, video games, and more. You may have enough players to start a football game outside before or after dinner. It’s best to play before dinner when every one still has the energy. This also helps the cooks as well because no one is in the kitchen pressuring them.

Baby’s First Birthday Celebration

2008-12-09T12:24:01-07:00

Tips on how to make baby’s first birthday party one to remember. Celebrating your child’s first birthday is a joyful experience. There is just something incredibly special about that first birthday; even though they are too young to remember the festivities. Perhaps it is because this first birthday holds the hopes of many more birthday celebrations to come, and marks a transition out of infancy. However your family chooses to celebrate this milestone, enjoy the day and all the fun that it brings. When celebrating baby’s first birthday, be sure to keep their schedule and demeanor in mind. Planning their party smack in the middle of naptime is a surefire recipe for disaster. Try and plan the festivities for a time when your little one will be well rested and content with a full belly. Keep the guest list to include only those who are a regular part of your baby’s life. This is not the time to introduce him to your extended circle of friends and family; keep this day as calm and happy as possible by surrounding him with familiar faces that make him smile.

How to Throw a Winter Birthday Party

2008-12-02T19:27:00-07:00

Not all birthday parties take place poolside or in the sun; learn how to put together a fantastic winter birthday party. In some ways, throwing a warm weather birthday party is simple. Inviting children over and being able to send them outside for fun and games and perhaps even a dip in the pool is all that is necessary for a fun day in their little books. When the weather cools, however, parents need to be a bit more creative. Luckily, there are many options for winter birthday parties. Read on for some ideas. Keep it Winter Themed: You might as well take the winter theme and run with it. Decorate for your winter birthday party in shades of silver, white and blue with decorations in the shape of snowflakes, snowmen and igloos. Serve hot chocolate and ice cream cake to your chilly guests. A cute party favor idea would be to send each guest home with a new pair of gloves, scarf and/or a hat. Send Them Outside: If you are feeling ambitious, consider inviting your guests to play outside in the chilly winter air. Be sure to let parents know ahead of time so the children are dressed properly and bring a change of clothes. Organize games such as snowball and igloo making contests and encourage your party guests to burn off some steam before warming up inside.

Thanking Your Child’s Teacher

2008-10-23T15:19:00-07:00

Let your child’s teacher know how much you appreciate them with these ideas for saying thank you. Teachers are extremely important in the lives and education of children, and they deserve our thanks. The majority of all teachers chose their profession out of a love for children and a desire to help them succeed, not expecting to be thanked for their work. If your child’s teacher has gone above and beyond her expected job duties and has truly made school a warm, enriching place for your child to spend her days, why not surprise her and let her know how much she is appreciated. Some great gift ideas are: Gift Cards – Gift cards are the perfect, sure to be used gift…as long as the card is to a store or restaurant that you are sure she frequents. If you are unsure, consider purchasing a gift card to a grocery store with several locations (she may not live in the same town as the school,) or a pre paid card from your bank that can be used anywhere credit cards are taken. Another surefire option would be a gift card to a teacher supply or office supply store to purchase items for her classroom.

Giving Thanks to Good Neighbors

2008-10-22T15:22:00-07:00

Thank your neighbors for being the wonderful friends and community members that they are. If you have ever lived next to an undesirable neighbor, you are likely much more appreciative of the good neighbors that you are lucky enough to live next to. Good neighbors come in all shapes and sizes; the elderly couple who enjoys reading to your children, the quiet bachelor who always greets your family warmly, the young family who has become close friends with your own family. However they have won you over, the fact is that good neighbors make life much more pleasant, so take the time to let them know how glad you are that you happened to move in near them. How to thank your neighbors depends greatly on the relationship you have with them. If you are close enough to invite each other over for dinner, your gesture of thanks will be much different than the neighbor with whom you exchange casual pleasantries over the fence between your neighboring yards. Consider specific instances that made you thankful for your neighbor, and that will lead you in the right direction when it comes to thanking them appropriately.