Independent play helps children feel confident, builds a sense of capability, concentration skills and creates many opportunities for discovery and learning. While children do not need intricate and overly elaborate toys or play opportunities to develop well, offering diverse play materials and new opportunities is a great way to help children enjoy their independent playtime.… Continue Reading
Sharing, holding hands, helping tie shoes, siblings can share a lifelong bond of trust, love and friendship. They can also have many fights, brawls and squabbles. Recent studies on sibling relationships seem to show a pattern relating to sibling relationships and parental affection, attachment and attention. Children that reported having to fight for parental attention and being… Continue Reading
Just the other day, a doll went flying through the air. I saw it being thrown and land on the ground. I sat there contemplating for a moment…I wanted my daughter to pick up the toy and stop throwing. I had two choices: I could rashly insist that she pick up her toy OR I… Continue Reading
children will often become what their parents believe them to be. Don’t let a bad moment define your child as a bad kid. Continue Reading
Siblings teasing can be a huge source of annoyance and conflict for the whole family. If you find yourself wishing the teasing would just go away here are some tried and true ideas for reducing teasing between siblings: 1. Be wary of choosing sides: Even if you know which sibling started the teasing, pointing it… 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
This is a guest post by Olga Mecking I am a shy person and an introvert. I have three children one of which can be considered shy. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are six tips, both from my own experience and from what I read on parenting a shy child: 1) … 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
We have all heard, witnessed, or experienced stories of children screaming and throwing tantrums when they first see the dentist. This can be a very scary time for little ones and stressful for parents. With a little preparation and patience we can help our little ones feel more comfortable and ready to get through their first dental visit and many more for years to come:
5 Tips to help make the first trip to the dentist positive: Continue Reading
As parents, we are continuously looking at whatʼs best for our children. How often have you found yourself saying, “Not now, Iʼm busy,” “Yes, Iʼm listening,” “Let me just do one more thing,” “Just a minute…maybe later…Iʼll be right back.” Are these familiar to you? What message are we giving our children when in so many of our interactions with them our attention is divided? Continue Reading