Over time, as a baby’s sleep cycle matures he will be able to go longer periods between sleeps. It is not until age 4 or 5 that a child is able to go happily through the entire day without a nap, and sleep research suggests that even through adulthood a mid-day nap or rest break is extremely beneficial in reducing the pressure in all human beings. Continue Reading
Setting limits can be done in a kind, firm and non threatening manner. The thing is, sometimes it can be tricky to find the balance between kindness and permissiveness. I really find that having limits, particularly with three children is really important. Wanting to set a limit without provoking any sort of upset sometimes is… Continue Reading
Our children are capable, competent beings from birth. Often the struggles we find ourselves caught in with our children can be eased by recognizing and honoring their age appropriate capabilities. And with their capable, competent selves appreciated and affirmed, we can now build a strong foundation for the future independent and successful adult we all hope for. This continuing… Continue Reading
“My other mom lives down the street in that green house and she lets me play with the kitchen scissors all the time.” –told by Nicolas, age 4. Children lie, tell fibs, stretch a tale and tattle-tale. Lying, is actually a sign of intelligence. Nevertheless, lying is sometimes inappropriate and children may need guidance from… Continue Reading
Once children begin reading and writing on their own, it can seem like a whole new world opens up to them. Signs posted along the road, magazine headlines, signs at the grocery all become sources of information. While there are many “academic” focused ways to encourage reading and writing in those early days of stumbling… Continue Reading
Our children are capable, competent beings from birth. Often the struggles we find ourselves caught in with our children can be eased by recognizing and honoring their age appropriate capabilities. And with their capable, competent selves appreciated and affirmed, we can now build a strong foundation for the future independent and successful adult we all hope for. This continuing… Continue Reading
Patience can’t be acquired overnight. It is just like building up a muscle. Every day you need to work on it. ~ Eknath Easwaran *This is part two of the Nurturing Patience series by Kerry Spina* Patience is a character strength that helps us to slow down and practice mindfulness. It helps us work at… Continue Reading
Do you find yourself worrying or stressed about parenting? Do you feel awful or guilty when you lose your temper or worry about the right way to praise, encourage and discipline? What would happen if you stopped worrying about how to pull this parenting thing off perfectly, and focused instead on somethings that make practicing… Continue Reading
The way we treat our children directly impacts what they believe about themselves. Having respectful interactions with our children is not only important, it is at the heart of raising respectful kids. Respectful Parents Raise Respectful Kids Most parents would like to raise respectful, caring cooperative kids. But so often we end up modeling disrespect. When… Continue Reading
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience ~ Rolph Waldo Emmerson Patience is a character strength that helps us to slow down and practice mindfulness. It helps us work at our own natural pace. It allows us to respond to life’s challenges rather than react to them. Patience brings more love, calm, peace… Continue Reading