Parents Helping Parents » Common Sense Tip

Appreciating Your Child

Sharon — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:41:18 +0000

Parents often praise their children for doing what they want them to do. This is of course helpful but noticing and appreciating a young one for other accomplishments by displaying their art work, laughing at their jokes, commenting on how fast they run or noticing how wise they can be builds confidence and can make everyone relaxed and connected. It is also wonderful for parents to share how happy their little ones made them the day they were born. Take Our Poll

The Value of Cooking with Your Child Cooking is an activity that can help children of all...
Things to Keep in Mind when Your Child is “Acting Up.” Stressors from in or outside the home often contribute to...

Things to Keep in Mind when Your Child is “Acting Up.”

Sharon — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Stressors from in or outside the home often contribute to a child’s problematic behavior. It can help for parents to follow one or more of these suggestions if possible:

1. identify and lessen the troubling circumstances
2. respond empathically when a child is “misbehaving”
3. acknowledge and explain the difficulties
4. set up opportunities for young ones to communicate through play or discussion. Take Our Poll

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The Value of Cooking with Your Child

Sharon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:17:29 +0000

Cooking is an activity that can help children of all ages develop many skills. Completing a recipe requires math, reading, cooperation, focus, and an ability to follow directions. Making a dish with Mom or Dad can also increase interest in a variety of foods, build a young one’s pride and self confidence, and give parent and child an opportunity to spend important time together. If possible it is helpful for adults to understand that an exra teaspoon of salt or some spilled flour might ultimately become an interesting learning experience. Take Our Poll

Guilt Moms and Dads feel guilty about all kinds of things....
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Planning Ahead Many children repeat challenging behavior and parents understandably hope that...

A Game that Helps Pressures coming from School

Sharon — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:09:52 +0000

Children can get upset by challenges they face in school. Setting aside time to “play” school at home sometimes helps lighten the load. If a child gets to be the teacher and parents take the role of students it can be fun and help children process the details of their day and understand teacher requests as well as their own reactions. Take Our Poll

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Planning Ahead

Sharon — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:32:27 +0000

Many children repeat challenging behavior and parents understandably hope that these troublesome moments will somehow be better “tomorrow.”

As children grow things do change but even so it can help if parents keep track of “tricky” times, assume problems will return and think through strategies ahead of time that might help. Almost any plan can help Mom and Dad feel more “in charge” and less surprised or overwhelmed by a child’s behavior. Take Our Poll

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Can Long Trips Go Well?

Sharon — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:55:47 +0000

Family travel with one or more children can be frustrating as boredom and confined spaces easily fray everyone’s nerves. Interactive games that parents and children play can sometimes help pass the time more easily. Take Our Poll

Helping an Overwhelmed Child A child can feel like they “always lose” when they...
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Eye Contact Many parents as so busy with the countless undone tasks...

One way to reduce parental stress.

Sharon — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:34:26 +0000

When my children were younger some friends and I decided to set up a “dinner exchange.” Once a week one set of parents made a meal big enough for both families, the next week the reverse happened. We agreed to deliver the food and pick up the dirty pots. It was a nice break to have a home cooked meal prepared and delivered every other week. Take Our Poll

Sleep for Mom and Dad A comment from a mother of two young boys. “I...
A New Year’s Resolution for Mom and Dad One of the best things you could do for your...
Parenting Teens and Tweens One basic guideline for parents of adolescents is to know...

Solving Problems at Home

Sharon — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:12:17 +0000

Most parents hope that they can solve a problem with their child with one or two explanations or consequences. Unfortunately this is rarely the case, especially when a behavior reoccurs frequently. Thoughtful efforts over time often are the ones that produce results.Take Our Poll

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Parenting Teens and Tweens One basic guideline for parents of adolescents is to know...
Eye Contact Many parents as so busy with the countless undone tasks...

A New Year’s Resolution for Mom and Dad

Sharon — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:37:40 +0000

One of the best things you could do for your entire family this year is to take care of yourself by doing one thing – setting up a date with your partner or a close friend at least two times a month. (It doesn’t have to be expensive or lengthy). Take Our Poll

“Time Out” for Parents When parents are about to lose their tempers (often an...
Parenting Teens and Tweens One basic guideline for parents of adolescents is to know...
Eye Contact Many parents as so busy with the countless undone tasks...

Parenting Teens and Tweens

Sharon — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:16:27 +0000

One basic guideline for parents of adolescents is to know where their child is and who they are with whenever they are away from home. Take Our Poll

Eye Contact Many parents as so busy with the countless undone tasks...
When to Explain Rules to Children It is often more effective for parents to review...
Discussing the First Days of School It is useful for a child to share their thoughts...