Parents Helping Parents » Common Sense Tip

Laughter

Sharon — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:46:01 +0000

A good laugh can cure lots of problems.

The Importance of Physical Play Physical play outdoors (ball games, bikes, scooters, trips to the...
Crying Some children need to “have a good cry” when they...
When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...

Sharing Upsetting News with Children

Sharon — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:42:38 +0000

When parents need to tell their children upsetting news, i.e. the cancellation of an exciting trip, the illness of a loved one, an important event in the news or an upcoming separation or divorce, it is best to find a quiet time to do so with plenty of opportunity for the child to ask questions and/or share their emotions. This can mean that parents begin by saying very little, following the child’s lead as the conversation unfolds.

One Way to Avoid Power Battles “You are a bad Mommy!” “I hate you Daddy!” These...
Words Don’t Always Work for Children Sometimes it is hard for children to express themselves in...
Arguing in Front of Children Children can become overwhelmed and worried when their parents fight...

Parents Sometimes Say Too Much

Sharon — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:51:10 +0000

It can be helpful for parents to say their ideas in as few words as possible. A short, clear explanation is often easier for children of all ages to understand and remember.

Picking your Battles Sometimes Moms and Dads find themselves saying “NO” to their...
An Idea to Help an Uncommunicative Child If a child won’t talk about something verbally sometimes they...
Words Don’t Always Work for Children Sometimes it is hard for children to express themselves in...

Correcting Children

Sharon — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:52:50 +0000

Children can only absorb a small number of suggestions and corrections each day. Things can go well if parents offer help with one thing at a time, waiting until that issue is resolved before offering more ideas.

ideas.

When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...
One Way to Avoid Power Battles “You are a bad Mommy!” “I hate you Daddy!” These...
Picking your Battles Sometimes Moms and Dads find themselves saying “NO” to their...

Rewarding Children

Sharon — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:27:48 +0000

Rewards work best when they are:

1. not used too often
2. tied to one specific, well defined goal
3. not too hard to obtain
4. children feel proud and happy when they accomplish the task at hand

The Value of Role Reversals Sometimes playing games that reverse the role of parent and...
Picking your Battles Sometimes Moms and Dads find themselves saying “NO” to their...
Crying Some children need to “have a good cry” when they...

The Importance of Physical Play

Sharon — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:16:45 +0000

Physical play outdoors (ball games, bikes, scooters, trips to the park or playground. etc.) or indoors (air or knok hockey, indoor bowling or velcro or magnetic darts, etc.) can help children laugh, relax and get rid of pent up energy and stress.

The Value of Role Reversals Sometimes playing games that reverse the role of parent and...
Competitive Games When a little one is going through a period of...
Crying Some children need to “have a good cry” when they...

Competitive Games

Sharon — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:21:28 +0000

When a little one is going through a period of low self esteem beating Mom or Dad in a fun competitive game can help build a child’s confidence.

Picking your Battles Sometimes Moms and Dads find themselves saying “NO” to their...
When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...
The Value of Role Reversals Sometimes playing games that reverse the role of parent and...

Words Don’t Always Work for Children

Sharon — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:41:13 +0000

Sometimes it is hard for children to express themselves in words. A grunt, sigh or exasperated gesture sometimes can communicate enough to move past the moment.

One Way to Avoid Power Battles “You are a bad Mommy!” “I hate you Daddy!” These...
When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...
Arguing in Front of Children Children can become overwhelmed and worried when their parents fight...

Crying

Sharon — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 01:12:07 +0000

Some children need to “have a good cry” when they are upset. If a parent can let the cry “run its course”, reacting with care rather than interference, sometimes a child can feel and act better when they’re done.

One Way to Avoid Power Battles “You are a bad Mommy!” “I hate you Daddy!” These...
When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...
The Value of Role Reversals Sometimes playing games that reverse the role of parent and...

Parental Worries

Sharon — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:40:32 +0000

All parents worry as they juggle the many responsibilities and decisions involved in helping a child grow into a healthy adult. It is important for Moms and Dads to take a break from the worry and compliment their child, noticing what is going well. Doing this regularly can make the challenges of parenting easier to sort through.

Tip from a Mom – Compliment Night A parent I know has a compliment night every week....
Arguing in Front of Children Children can become overwhelmed and worried when their parents fight...
When Can “Time Outs” Work? “Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling...