The cruel reality is that if you send your child out into this world without a decent understanding of money these days, they are way behind the eight ball. Teaching your child the value of money will protect them for their entire life.

Here are some simple ways to get started:

• If your youngster is reluctant to save their money or they find saving a real struggle, offer to match their savings or give them a bonus sum as a reward when they reach their savings goal.
• Make it clear that your child needs to save up enough money before they buy the item they want – this means no pocket money in advance!
• If you do end up paying their allowance in advance to help them out, charge them interest on what you lend them. This is an excellent way for them to learn how credit works and affects us as adults.
• Discuss with your child some goals and objectives they can save towards.
• Encourage saving, especially if your child earns money doing household chores or other set tasks on a regular basis.
• Teach your children to shop around, just as you do. Promote smart shopping habits, show them how to look for bargains or, be patient until the item they want comes on sale and can be bought for less.
• Encourage kids to set aside at least 10 per cent of their pocket money as savings, either into a moneybox or into their bank account.

Why not work out a payday scheme with your kids? It’s a great way to start them on healthy saving habits – and make your life easier at the same time! Sit down together and make a simple spreadsheet where your child can keep a record of the money they’ve received, what they’ve spent and how much they’ve set aside in savings.

Talking to your child, about money habits can seem daunting, but, is very important in today’s world.If you are looking forchildcare in Virginia, or any of COA’s other locations, you can be confident knowing our curriculum continues your efforts in speaking and listening. Children of America currently has childcare centers in 12 states, offering childcare in Delaware, Virginia and many other states across the country. To learn more, contact the location nearest you today.

It can be easy to point the finger at the mom you pass in the mall who’s son is throwing a tantrum over not getting that top-of-the-line gaming system he’s begging for, but how can you be sure you aren’t spoiling your child? Here are some symptoms of The Spoiled Child:

• Frequent temper tantrums.
• Demanding; always wants things his way.
• Easily frustrated.
• Fighting, protesting, or saying “no” to any/every question or command.
• Rarely following the rules.
• Often interrupts you impolitely.
• Prevents you from going out in public for fear he will misbehave.
• Rebelling when you tell him “no” or “stop.”
• Frequently attempting to control other children or adults.
• Often complains about being bored and refuses to play on his own.
• Not understanding the difference between his wants and needs.
• Having little respect for what others want.
• Not understanding that there are consequences for not following the rules.
• Refusing to follow a schedule and doing things when he wants to (i.e. choosing his own nap time, bed time and what to eat).
• Demands to have every new toy he sees on TV.
• Needing to be bribed to do anything.
• Frequently hitting, biting and yelling when he doesn’t get his way.
• Not playing well with others because he is bossy and/or refuses to share.
• Easily bored with new toys after a few minutes and wants something new.

Although many of these behaviors are normal for young children, instances should be more the exception than the rule of each day. If your child is scaring away every babysitter within a 20-mile radius, it might be time to learn to set limits, enforce daily routines and to be consistent. If you’re still having trouble, talk to your Pediatrician, or consider seeing a child psychologist.

Teachers and caretakers at Children of America childcare centers are well-versed in the normal behaviors of young children. If you are unable to be with your child during the day, allow Children of America to teach and care for your child in a stimulating, loving environment. Whether you’re looking for childcare in Hockessin, DE or seek daycare in Appleton, WI, Children of America has convenient locations in 12 states to assist you. To learn more about COA’s unique childcare centers, contact the location nearest you to schedule a tour.

Striving for perfection. No childhood experience is created equal – some children grow up in a household filled with love and support, and others may have endured some sort of abuse by family members, friends or relatives. Despite having different childhood experiences, just about every parent wants better for their children. Parents place an incredible amount of pressure on themselves to be as close to “perfect” as possible in attempts to spare their children any trauma that could affect them as adults.

Maintaining a healthy balance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 70 percent of children are raised in families that are headed by either a working single parent or two working parents. In addition to holding full-time jobs, parents have the added responsibility of ensuring their children are cared for properly. Time management skills become critical, as parents must juggle work, their personal lives and the responsibilities of being a parent.

Heavy lifting. And we don’t just mean moving the 15-pound car seat between vehicles. There is no 9 to 5 when it comes to being a parent. Having children is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week job. Between temper tantrums, 3 a.m. wakeup calls and diaper changes, parents are always on call.

Children of America was founded by people who understand the challenges of being a parent. COA provides affordable daycare and childcare services to families throughout the U.S. so that parents can feel confident that their children are being cared for in a loving environment when they are unable to be together. Whether you’re searching for childcare in Illinois or daycare in Pennsylvania, Children of America has 51 locations and counting to help parents maintain a healthy personal balance. For more information, contact the location nearest you today.

Speak your native language. It is much easier for your child’s brain to discern between two languages if both you and your spouse consistently speak in your native tongue. Children learn a language based not only on the sounds they hear, but also by the facial movements and body language that accompany the sounds.

Stick with the foreign language at home. Your child will more than likely become fluent in both languages between the ages of 3 and 4. Once she reaches this point, begin to speak the minority language at home and the community language outside of the home. This will ensure that she is continually and adequately exposed to both.

Allow him to speak like a child. The main rule of speech development is that your child must learn to speak comfortably before he can speak correctly. Speech development should be a natural and enjoyable milestone, stutters, fumbles and all.  Making him feel self-conscious over mistakes will only impede his ability to fully learn the language.

Teaching your child your native language is just the first step in introducing her to your rich cultural heritage. Exposing her to people and places that correlate with the language she is learning will also reinforce everything you’re teaching her. Children of America includes Foreign Language Acquisition (Spanish) for preschoolers through words, phrases and singing. If you are looking for childcare in Indiana, or any of COA’s other nationwide locations, you can be confident knowing our curriculum continues your efforts to teach your child Spanish at home. Children of America currently has childcare centers in 12 states, offering childcare in Pennsylvania, Virginia and many other states across the country. To learn more, contact the location nearest you today.

All children love to see visual reminders of their accomplishments, making a sticker chart an excellent choice to encourage him to keep up the great work. Create a wall calendar with the day’s chores, and place a sticker of his choosing next to each one he’s helped with when it is completed.  The list below outlines appropriate chores for your child based on his or her age group.

Ages 2 to 3: Although you will have to help your child each step of the way, learning some everyday chores early on will help her enjoy contributing and being helpful around the house when she is older. She can help make the bed, carry laundry to the laundry room, pick up toys, help feed pets, wipe up messes and even help mop.

Ages 4 to 5: Preschool-aged children are more eager to help in any way that they can, and love spending one-on-one time with adults. You can use the aforementioned sticker chart, or choose to offer a different reward, such as a small allowance (this will foster independence, as he can choose which reward he wants). Some ideal chores for this age range include clearing and setting the table, helping prepare and cook food, dusting and carrying and putting groceries away.

It is ultimately up to you as a parent to decide whether or not your child is ready to learn basic household chores. No matter your decision, you can rest assured knowing she is old enough to handle some of the responsibility in helping you keep a clean and happy home. If you are unable to be with your child during the day, the staff at Children of America can help teach your child the value of helping others and learning responsibility. Whether you seek childcare in Charlotte, North Carolina or are looking for a quality childcare center in Appleton, Wisconsin, Children of America offers its unique childcare program in 12 locations throughout the country. Contact the childcare center nearest you for more information.

Respond quickly. When your child asks for something, answer her right away, even if the answer is no. Reacting promptly doesn’t give her time to begin crying in an attempt to get her way.

Keep him busy. Provide interesting toys and activities for your child, as this will busy his mind and help prevent him from focusing on trying to get things he wants by whining. An idle mind often results in attention-seeking behavior.

Give plenty of positive attention to good behavior. When your child is behaving well and asking nicely for things she wants, be sure to give her a lot of positive attention to encourage the behavior.

Tackle the obvious first. If the cause of your child’s crying is hunger, tiredness or boredom, you should deal with these issues first. These causes are easier to sort out, and can eliminate the problem before it becomes bigger than it needs to be.

You should never reward your crying child by giving into what she wants. This only teaches her that whining and crying are the best methods of getting her way. Responding quickly and rewarding good behavior will go a long way in raising an overall well-behaved child. If you can’t be with your child during the day, consider enrolling him at a childcare center with experienced staff members who know the proper way to handle a crying child. Children of America offers its unique childcare program in 12 states across the US. Whether you’re seeking North Carolina childcare or are searching for a daycare center in any of COA’s other 47 locations, our teachers have the skill and knowledge to help your child develop a love of learning in a positive environment. To learn more, schedule a school tour today.

“Me” time. As a parent, it goes without saying that finding alone time can be virtually impossible. Although many parents may not find a block of time for themselves to de-stress and relax, it is possible to take “mini” breaks throughout the day to help ease stress. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee, read a few pages of a book or work on a craft project for five minutes. Nurturing your own well being will increase your overall patience.

Improve your knowledge. Sure, we were all kids once. But as we grow older and develop, we lose sight of what it’s like to be a child. Understanding why your child behaves the way she does can go a long way in reframing your initial anger over her misbehavior. Picking up a good book on child development will help you learn that children are naturally self-centered, messy, noisy, etc., and that they are not purposely trying to get on your nerves.

Take a time-out. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to simply react to your anger. When your child does something that requires a disciplinary response, it isn’t necessary to react immediately. Take your own time-out to calm down, take a deep breath and gather your thoughts. Go for a walk, run an errand or do a couple household chores so that you can make a more sound decision that isn’t based off of anger.

Many couples struggle to teach themselves the virtue of patience when it comes to disciplining their children.Learning to effectively manage stress is the best thing a first-time parent can do to check her emotions before she disciplines. If you are unable to be with your children during the day, consider enlisting the help of the experienced staff at Children of America. COA understands how much it means for you to put your trust in our staff when you enroll your child in our daycare program. To learn more about our New Jersey daycare, or about any of our childcare centers across the US, contact the location nearest you.

Conversely, a child with low self-esteem may find that the same challenges are met with major anxiety, stress and frustration. Children who think poorly of themselves may be indecisive, and are more prone to giving into self-critical thoughts like “I’m no good” or “I can’t do anything right.” A lack of self-confidence can lead to your child becoming passive, withdrawn or depressed.

Children develop patterns of self-esteem from the moment they learn to walk. A series of failures and successes teach a child what she is capable of, as do the interactions she has with other people. This is why a parent plays such an important role in helping their child develop a healthy sense of self.Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can promote healthy self-esteem to nurture a positive self-perception for your child.

Be mindful of what you say. As a parent, it’s important that you not only praise your child for his successes, but for his effort as well. But be honest. For example, if your child doesn’t make the basketball team, avoid saying, “You’ll work harder next time and make it.” Instead, say, “You may not have made the team, but I’m very proud of the effort you put in.”

Create a safe and loving environment. Your child should feel safe at home in a loving environment. Children who feel unsafe and/or abused at home will likely suffer from low self-esteem. Respect your children, and if you and your spouse are having an argument, make sure it is not in front of them.

Redirect inaccurate beliefs. Parents should identify and redirect their child’s irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they’re about the way they look, their abilities or anything else. Help your child set more accurate standards and teach her how to be more realistic in evaluating herself.

Be a positive role model. As we always note, children are very perceptive and tend to mimic their parents’ behavior. If you’re excessively harsh on yourself, are pessimistic, or voice unrealistic beliefs about your own abilities and limitations, it is likely that your child will develop the same beliefs about himself.

Nurturing your child’s self-esteem is one of the best things you can do to assure she grows up strong, confident and well-adjusted. If your child attends a daycare center, make sure the teachers and staff members uphold the same values you teach your child in the household. Children of America not only provides an innovative, unrivaled curriculum, we understand the importance of a positive environment with positive interactions. Whether you’re interested in childcare in Indianapolis or are seeking a childcare center in any of the 12 states in which COA operates, Children of America is the ideal daycare for your child. For more information, contact the location nearest you today.

You and your spouse may be two different people with different views on issues, but you should have one voice when it comes to parenting. The best way to present a united front is to discuss any difference of opinion or belief in private. If your disagreement surfaces in front of your child, it is perfectly acceptable to tell your child that you need to talk it over before coming to a final decision. There is no harm in telling your child that you are disagreeing on the subject and need to discuss the situation in private.

As with any argument, it is almost impossible to predict how short or long the discussion will be, or whether or not it will become heated. This is why it’s so important that your child not be within earshot of the conversation. When you and your spouse have the opportunity to discuss the issue, do everything you can to understand where each other is coming from, and find some common ground. Take a step back and view the bigger picture to try and see if one of you has taken a stance that is more in line with the principles you’ve been trying to follow and teach your child. This will help you get to the root of the matter and come to an agreement sooner. If one of you is too intimately involved in the issue to view it objectively, and you are having a hard time coming up with a solution, it is okay to revisit the matter later (if it isn’t urgent, that is).

There will inevitably be some issues on which you and your spouse will not agree, even after thorough discussion. In these cases, it is acceptable to “agree to disagree,” pick a solution, and go with it. If you find out it was a mistake, you can always change your mind. The most important thing to do is to always adhere to your common values, and to be consistent with one another for the sake of agreement. Children are better off when at least one parent is following the principles of effective parenting instead of both parents forcing themselves to agree on a topic where they are both wrong.

At Children of America, we also want what’s best for your child. We provide a safe and loving environment that promotes learning and development in a daycare center setting. Our staff will uphold the values you teach your child at home. If you are interested in Maryland childcare or are looking for a childcare program in any of COA’s other state locations, schedule a tour with the location nearest you today.

The trick to getting your child into bed without a fuss (or at least too much of one) is to focus on establishing a rhythm that promotes calmness by convincing the body that it is time to slow down and recharge. But before you begin this routine, be sure to get all of the necessities out of the way first, including teeth brushing, putting on pajamas etc.

Create a checklist that you and your child can mark off together to help foster a sense of accomplishment (you can make it even more fun by using colorful stickers).  Include activities that promote calmness and serenity, like a bedtime story or listening to soft music. Allow your child the option to choose which activity he would prefer, as this will make him feel more in control and less likely to resist hitting the sack.

Consistency is also a key element of any lasting behavioral change, so set a specific time to begin the routine and do not deviate.  A child’s internal clock will adjust to a sleep pattern easier if it is consistent. If she requests “just one more” story or song, allow one more but do not give into this request after that. Also, try not to come back if your child continually calls for you. Check on her occasionally at your own discretion, but if you respond every time your child calls, she will have established that she can get mommy or daddy to entertain her at will, and the idea of a set bedtime loses strength.

Children who go to bed hungry don’t sleep as well as their sated counterparts, so if she asks for a bedtime snack, reach for one with a healthy combination of protein and carbohydrates. Keep a stash of healthy snacks handy, like whole grain crackers and cheese or yogurt with fresh fruit.

Just about every parent will have to fight the bedtime battle with their child at some point, but establishing your own routine will save both you and your child plenty of unnecessary stress at the end of each day. What your child does during the day can also have a big impact on their energy level in the evening. If you can’t always be with your child during the work week, consider enrolling them in one of Children of America’s unique childcare programs. At Children of America, children are provided healthy meals and plenty of active play time so that they return home ready to eat dinner and wind down at the appropriate times. If you are looking for Pennsylvania childcare, or seek a daycare center in any of COA’s 11 other state locations, contact your nearest childcare center today for more information.