Tips on How to Get Our Children Out of Bed

Sometime it can be a bit difficult to get our children out of bed in the morning and when they are finally up, they look as though they did not sleep throughout the night. This is not good because it will affect their concentration at school. Indeed, they may be so sleepy that this is all they can think about and at the end of the day, they cannot say to you what they had learned that day.

The following tips will be helpful in making sure that they have enough rest during the night and when they awake, they will be more than ready for the day's activities.

A Reasonable Time

Make sure that your young ones goes to bed at a time that you and they (if of age) considers to be reasonable and he/she should always goes to bed at this time. Yes, occasionally, due to other influences such as Parent Teacher Night, this may shift a bit.

However, this should be the regular bedtime.

On the other hand though, if the time that you have set is a bit too late, you will have to change it to an earlier time. You will be able to evaluate it in about a week or two. However, you must take into consideration everything that they do after school.

Babies

If there is a baby in the home, make sure as much as possible that the other children are not disturbed during the night. You can pull the bedroom door in and leave it ajar only slightly.

After School Activities

Always make sure that your children are not involved in too many after school activities. Sometimes children will not say to us, when they have had enough because they do not want to disappoint us. Therefore, they will keep going and going until one day it is too much for them.

This is why it is so important that we pay close attention to them, so that we will be able to see what they are saying to us and what they are not saying to us.

One child may be able to handle five after school activities without any problems. The next child may not, he/she may only be able to handle two after school activities and if this is the case we should not be forcing him/her to reach five. At least, not now and as time goes by, maybe he/she will be able to handle more.

How Open is Open Adoption?

I think something's missing from the collective "openness in adoption" discussion, and I think it's something we can't afford to miss. It's this: before it's anything else, openness is a state of mind.

True openness is acknowledging and respecting the whole of the adoption experience. It's inviting in the entirety of adoption and really meaning it.

For adoptive parents it means so much more than pictures and letters and annual visits with birth family.

It means not just listening, but being genuinely interested in what your adopted child has to say about adoption.

It means believing that your child's experience is (and will always be) different than yours, and accepting that even though you love them, even though they love you, even though they wouldn't want any parents other than you, they have lost people, places and things that matter.

For some adoptive parents, it means accepting that even though you love them, they may not love you the same way, and they may want parents other than you, and as difficult as that is for you, they don't "owe" you anything anymore than biological children "owe" their parents anything. Really not.

It means embracing your child as who they are and celebrating everyone and everything that shapes them - your personal feelings aside.

It means showing (not just telling) your child from day 1 that family is a safe place. It means showing (not just telling) your child how how to explore deep, confusing feelings without falling apart. It means showing (not just telling) your child that you're not threatened by their feelings for anyone else.

It means encouraging your child to think and feel whatever, whenever, however they need to as long as it's not destructive.

It means being mature enough to understand that whatever thoughts, feelings, wishes, fantasies, and experiences there are between your child and their birth family is about them, not you.

It means wanting more than anything for your child to live fully and authentically and always with the certainty of being loved.

It means seeking out other voices - other adoptive parents, adoptees, birth mothers, birth fathers, birth family - and really listening to what they have to say, especially if it's uncomfortable or painful. It means being secure enough to thoughtfully consider their perspective without scurrying into the emotional safety zone of "Oh, that's not going to happen to my child." or "Well, they're just that group of bitter, victims-by-choice."

It means accepting that at some point your precious darling child may self-identify as a bastard.

It means never taking responsibility for your child's feelings and never expecting them to take responsibility for yours.

It means having the confidence that children need their parents to have. It means being very clear about your role as Mom or Dad and very clear about the permanence of your family, because sometimes your child won't be, and if you're not either, it's going to freak them out and do some serious damage.

It means recognizing that everyone experiences life differently. Everyone experiences adoption differently. Everyone experiences parenthood differently. It means getting very comfortable with the fact that you don't speak for anyone but yourself. No one does.

Which is why after thinking a lot about what an open state of mind means for adoptees or birth families, I conclude that I really haven't a clue. I only know what it means to me.

Child's Play - Throw Away the Toy and Keep the Box

How many times have you seen the scenario where a baby or toddler receives an educational toy as a gift and the box is more exciting to them than the toy? Do you know why that happens?

Babies and toddlers love creative play. This is how they learn and develop the skills they need to survive and prosper. A toy that offers little use of the imagination will not hold your baby's attention for long. Once the challenge of learning the skill the toy offers is gone, the baby will want a new challenge. This is instinctive and normal.

A truly educational toy will encourage creative play and imaginative thinking. These toys are classic and will offer years of entertainment value to your child while at the same time allowing your baby to develop the motor and cognitive skills they need to reach their milestones of normal growth and development.

A simple box is a good example of such a toy. As a young baby, they may spend hours putting something in the box and taking it out again. This is helping them develop some of the spacial skills, manual dexterity and creativity they will need to go on to the next stage of development.

A toddler may use the same box to imagine a little house for their toys, a garage for their cars, etc. Their imaginations are allowed free reign to create all kinds of scenarios and situations through the use of pretending. While your child is pretending, they are actually working out problems, processing things they have learned and developing their creative mind.

There are educational toys that stand the test of time and will give your child years and years of creative play and entertainment. Things like playhouses, play kitchens, ride on toys, dress up costumes, etc. will never go out of style and will help your child develop physically and mentally into prosperous little individuals.

Instead of buying the next best electronic gadget for your child every year, invest in your child's future. You will get much more value for your money with an educational toy that never goes out of style, gives hours and hours of entertainment value for several years and encourages both physical and creative play.

Tips For Children - How to Stay Safe When Alone at Home

In our society as with many other societies we have homes that are made up of only one parent and because of this, this parent is the one who supports the family financially. Additionally, we are living in a time where both parents have been working away from the home.

As a result of the two facts mentioned above and due to many other reasons, our children may find themselves at home, alone, for a little while after school. If this is the case with your family, there are a few things that you can encourage your child to observe so as to remain safe until you return home. Some of the things are

Knock On The Door

This is an age old one, but it is always worth mentioning and it is, when they are at home, they are not allowed to open the door and when you are there, they should ask you first, before opening it. Additionally, after they are inside the house, they should double check to be sure that they have locked it. Kidnapping is a very serious matter that no parent should have to face it.

Music

They should keep the music level to a certain level, that is, not too hard for others to conclude that a child is alone at home.

Telephone And Computer

When the telephone rings, although they are allowed to answer it, they should not give out any information about any member of the family. If a stranger call, they are to say, sorry, wrong number and then put down the receiver.

As for the computer, if they are not allowed to use it, except for their homework assignments, then at no time should they give out information about the family, which includes them, to anyone, while using it.

Blocked Programmed

Don't forget to block some of the television program.

Friends

Remind them that they are not allowed to bring over their friends because there will be no adult supervision within the home. Additionally, to take it a bit further, encourage them not to mention it to anyone outside the immediate family and friends. That is, they should not tell anyone that they are the only ones who will be at home for a little while.

You Choose

Since you know the behavior and the age of your own children, some of the suggestions may and may not apply to them. Nevertheless, it is all about keeping our loved one safe.

Keeping Your Child From Getting Sick

As parents, we've all had days when we're obliged to stay home with our kids, who are too sick to go to school. We rearrange our schedules to fit theirs, but we can't help but wonder, where might have they caught this bug?

The first thing that comes to mind is our kids' school. But then again, there are times that we still send our kids to school if it's just a slight cold or cough? It's simply a double-edged sword.

In this article, I will help you decide whether it's a good idea to keep you child home or still send them to school in such a condition.

First things first, assess how your child is feeling. If a child is feeling feverish, you should definitely let them stay home. This condition is contagious; you don't want your child spreading the sickness to other kids in school.

Out of courtesy to the other kids in school, it's only right to have your child rest it out at home. The other moms will thank you for doing so.

But if your child isn't feeling that bad, and is just suffering from a slight runny nose, giving them cold medicine and orienting them on good hygiene practices will do. Simple things like properly discarding tissue they used to blow their nose, and washing their hands right after are always good practices. You may want to place a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their bag for such cases.

Whenever they sneeze, teach them to cover their mouths or use their upper arm to block the sneeze. This will definitely help keep the germs from spreading.

Good hygiene practices can help prevent your child from getting sick or catching a cold from someone else at school. Remind them to always wash their hands after using the bathroom and also before eating. We can't always protect our children but we can teach them to do their part.

Child's Play - Are You Creating a Baby Genius Or Are You Encouraging Normal Growth and Development?

As a retired nurse who worked for years with children, I am very concerned about how babies are being "taught" to be academic geniuses these days. You see, babies are born inquisitive and it is human nature for them to want to explore their environment. This is a built in mechanism that ensures our little ones will grow and develop the skills necessary to survive and prosper.

Today I am seeing the trend for parents who want to create baby geniuses because they feel it is necessary to give their child an academic edge over other children. Every toy they purchase for their "Baby Einstein" revolves around academic learning and developing cognitive skills beyond their physical years. The result can be seen all around us. We have these little academic whiz kids who are overweight, and socially inadequate.

By the time our little genius heads off to school at the tender age of three, he can count to 10, print his name and recite the alphabet. Good for you Mom and Dad! BUT he can't get along with other children and he can't climb on the playground equipment without getting hurt. He doesn't understand his environment and is fearful of social situations. He acts out and is put on Ritalin.

Did you do him any favors by developing his brain beyond his years? No. In order to have a well rounded child, you must allow him to explore, make mistakes, climb, jump, play ball and pretend. Your child must develop all of the skills necessary to not only survive but excel in today's world. Giving him skills in only one area will not give him an edge over anyone.

How many times have you met a truly remarkable child that left a lasting impression on you? Chances are this child had great interpersonal skills, was not afraid of social situations and understood the world around him. You only gain those skills through creative play, physical activity and exploring the world you live in.

So the next time you are considering purchasing an educational toy for your baby, think about his growth and development as a whole and not just developing his brain. You want the whole package for your child. A Baby Einstein will be the child sitting in the corner all by himself, and quite unremarkable.

Single Parenting - Parenting Teens and Living to Tell

Parenting teens is never a picnic, but if ever a person can be tested to their limits, it's the single parent dealing with a difficult teenager. (Or, heaven help you, more than one.) Teenagers are by nature, a challenge. They are moody, inconsistent, and even devious. They test the limits in their own lives and make bad decisions. They can seem selfish, narcissistic, and even cruel. The challenge for single parents is to walk the fine line between setting firm limits and guidelines, and letting them find their way to the adults they are trying so hard to be. And, to walk it alone. Here are some great guidelines to help you stay sane through all the craziness.

What is too much, and what are you gonna do about it?

Make sure you know exactly what you consider too obnoxious to ignore...and make sure they know it too. Maybe it isn't worth making a big deal about the fact that your 15 year old, who could probably program the computers of a small country, can't get his dirty clothes from his bedroom floor into the hamper. But perhaps when it spreads to the family bathroom, its gone too far. Make it clear what your expectations are, but also make it clear the things you are willing to let them have control over. Its good for teens to realize we aren't ALWAYS the bad guy. (Don't expect them to thank you for it though!)

Also make sure its clear what the consequences are for not following your rules. I used to think contracts were a bit over the top, but I now think writing down exactly what will happen if a teen chooses not to follow the rules takes away their ability to manipulate and make you feel guilty... a teens best weapon against a single parent. For instance, if a teen comes home an hour late, the rule is that the next week they will come home two hours early. If the dirty clothes are on the bathroom floor after the teen has left for school, they clean the entire bathroom when they get home, before they can do anything else.

So figure out what battles are worth standing up for, and what you are gonna do when they step over the line. That will make it a lot easier to stand your ground and feel good about it when the inevitable occurs. Single parents don't have a partner to back them up, so they need to be more prepared with a strong response.

Seek help. Every one of you!

If you are a single parent parenting teens, you may be one of the few having no trouble. Your teen may always be respectful, always clean, honor roll, never chooses a friend you don't like, and never ever makes a bad choice. Lucky you! For the other 99% of us, we single parents need help. If you have a good relationship with the childs other parent, then that's a good place to start. If that isn't possible or wouldn't be helpful, it doesn't mean you have to go this alone. Tap into the resources around you for advice. The internet has a large number of legitimate sources offering quality parenting advice, including forums where you can talk with other parents. Friends and family are ALWAYS ready to offer their two cents! Instead of being defensive, listen with an open mind. Just because you listen to their advice does not mean you are required to take it. Read teen parenting books. Speak to a minister or a school counselor if you are having serious concerns or are just feeling lost. Just remember, in the end, you know your child. Your parenting instinct is your best guide, and while you may take bits and pieces of all the advice you seek, it will all come together in your own personal brand of parenting if you trust yourself. As a single parent, that's the hardest part.

Emphasize the positive

Remember, as hard as single parenting teens can be, its not all bad. Your teen still has a lot of great qualities that in time will help shape them into good people who will always love you. But for those days when you want to pack your bags and head for a far away beach with no forwarding address, remember these things.

*Just because they say it, doesn't mean they mean it.

*Deep down inside, that sweet kindergarten smile still exists. Wait. It will be back.

*There are gonna screw up. Repeatedly. Love em anyway.

*Don't try to "keep up with the Joneses" when it comes to your kids. There will always be someone there to make a single parent feel like they aren't doing the job they should. You know the ones... their kid has the best grades, the perfect friends, follows all the rules. The same people who would be horrified to learn your kid just got caught shoplifting a candy bar, or failed American Lit, or was busted trying a beer at a party. Realistically, these things are likely to happen to most parents, not just single parents. Don't buy into the hype. Teenagers are tough for everyone. Be your own back up, and believe in your kids, but do it in the real world.

*You will make mistakes. Some big, some small. Learn from them, admit them, make changes, and realize making mistakes does not a bad parent make. It makes you human. And that's a good thing for teens to learn as well. All you can do every day is the best you can do. Your teens can expect nothing more and deserve nothing less.

*Remember, this too shall pass. Your teen will grow up, and will eventually be thankful for all you sacrificed and all you went through to get them to adulthood in relatively one piece. Eventually. Live for that day.

If you have a teen who is truly out of control, seek professional help, and do it now. Violence, drug or alcohol addiction, eating disorders and depression/ suicide need to be dealt with today, don't wait. Sometimes the most important thing we can do as parents is the hardest. Its not a judgment on your parenting if your child needs help, it happens in all walks of life. If you need immediate help, call your primary care physician for recommendations.

10 Fast Tips For Handling Child Aggression - Ways to Stay Calm When Dealing With Aggressive Children

Parenting is tough and in the end we are all human. You are under a lot of stress whenever your child expresses themselves in rebellious ways. This will be helpful for any parent faced with openly defiant kids or dealing with aggressive children.

This is no easy task and in many cases it is just plain easier said than done. Yet these little strategies can help you to keep your cool when your child is pushing those buttons. Okay, here are 10 quick tips to help you remain calm in those trying times.

1. This will sound funny but it does work wonders. Count to ten. Let the child see this while your doing it. While you are counting take slow deep breaths. Also visualize yourself as calm and overcoming this scenario with positive results.

2. Recognize that no one has any real power over you unless you let them and that it is your decision to get angry or upset. Remind yourself that the more power you give away, the less power your misbehaving child can take from you. You hold the key to your own actions and no one else.

3. Always keep a record of your progress. Make a list of times you were successful when dealing with aggressive children or behavior. Then when you believe you will falter, simply remind yourself of these good times that you have prevailed in and made the best out of a situation.

4. Remind yourself to feel good about yourself for taking responsibility for your own emotional reactions. Allow yourself the freedom of positive feelings and thoughts. This is a lot like positive affirmations only 'In the moment,' and often when you need it the most.

5. Keep telling yourself that this will not last more than a few moments. A drop in the ocean of time when you think about it. This will pass and nothing lasts forever. Also your child whether aggressive or defiant will grow up. More than likely faster than you really want them to.

6. Think about the fact that someone always has it harder than you and even you have more than likely been through worse. Keep in mind that the greater your trial the greater and more fulfilling the triumph will feel. Use this as motivation until you get there. And You Will Get There.

7. Remember never respond to aggressive behavior with aggression. This will only enforce and validate the child's behavior. Your child wants desperately to be just like you and will mirror any behavior you demonstrate. So it stands to reason that the next tip will be equally important.

8. Lead by example. You will have to practice what you preach in order to effectively guide your misbehaving child in the right direction. Always demonstrate and teach your ability to control your emotions. Always remember that the spotlight is on you. So whenever you feel tempted to yell or curse, stop and rethink that line of thought.

9. Show your child alternative methods to controlling his or her emotions. Providing methods that are more positive and more constructive. Teach them to channel their emotions through creative expression. Ask them to tell you when they are feeling angry or upset whenever possible.

10. Praise their efforts continually. Giving them a reason to want to change is often as easy as sharing positive recognition. Your child wants attention no matter what. Bad attention is better than no attention at all. Always offer your support and use positive encouragement whenever possible. All these methods combined with Positive Encouragement will help to shape your aggressive child into a more developed and controlled person.

There are ten good tips to staying calm when dealing with aggressive children. Remember that there are a number of ways that these can be adapted to your specific needs. There are as many more methods and tips as there are situations that call for them. Being creative and patient will help aid you in your progress.

You can remain calm when dealing with aggressive children and all it takes is knowing what ways to react ahead of time. You will love the positive outcome of utilizing the best information available when it comes to parenting children who are continuously misbehaving. It does not have to be so difficult and all you really need is a fresh perspective.

Empowering Your Child - A Parenting Crossroad

The word "empowering" is floating around the parenting community quite a lot these days. When asked, most parents are in favor of it. When you speak to parents about educating their children about the principles of the law of attraction, most are in favor of it. Parents love the part about their children thinking positive thoughts, choosing positive actions, and being grateful for what they have in their life. However, as you go further into the meaning and purpose of children having an understanding of the law of attraction in their lives, parents tend to hesitate.

Actually letting go of control and allowing their children to make their own choices is uncomfortable to say the least. Concerns and the desire to protect them are the most common reasons. Of course the fact that the role of a parent to protect their children from physical and emotional harm in any parenting method goes without saying. On the other hand, allowing children to make choices that do not always produce successful results is necessary for them to grow and learn. Control over these kinds of situations is the area of contention.

While many of these concerns can be easily addressed, the more important point to look at is what is behind this hesitation and concern.

And that is that many parents are uneasy with relinquishing their power in their children's lives and supporting the real premise of the law of attraction which is that we all are responsible for and in control of our own lives, what happens in it, and what we experience. And yes, that includes children.

For the most part, the fear of relinquishing power that many parents feel reflects the way they were raised by their parents.

This new approach to parenting that inspires and encourages a child to follow his own path in life and create his own journey is appealing but at the same time is completely foreign to how they grew up. And so parents feel an inner tug of war taking place.

Instinctively they know to move forward in their thinking is what makes sense and what is in the best interest of their children. However, their beliefs from their own upbringing act as an anchor that holds them to "old school" ways of raising children.

"Empowering" children means teaching your children about their power in their own lives, encouraging them to be aware of it and to use it.

While it might mean they will make choices that are not necessarily in line with your preferences, it also means that they will have the skills to be confident, courageous in their convictions, enjoy a healthy self-esteem, and assume responsibility for their choices and actions.

"Empowering" children does not mean that they will no longer need parents or respect parents. Parents are still the parents. The criteria of your role is simply adjusted from being a dictator in your child's life, making all the choices and decisions for him, to being your child"s biggest supporter, best role model, and most of all their number one source of unconditional love.

As today's parents come to this crossroad in parenting, the most important thing to remember is that an empowered child will become an adult who can and will create a life he truly wants. It will be a life carved out of his own preferences and choices.

After all, isn't that what all parents from all generations have always wanted for their children?

Planning Your Parenting Road Map

Parenting is a job that many of us have no real training for. The demands may be a bit overwhelming, and it is normal to feel a little lost along the way. We all want to teach our children good behaviors and social skills as well as a positive relationship with our children.

This can be achieved by sitting down with your partner and coming up with a parenting road map. Older children can also be involved in this process. You literally need to grab a pen and piece of paper and outline your behavior wants. What is your definition of a good behavior? Do you want your five year-old to pick up their toys every night? What kind of bedtime routine do you envision? How will you enforce the rules?

When you are jotting down your ideas, make sure you are writing down the behaviors you do want. It is much easier to do what we are told, rather than guess what the right action is. Making a list of the hundred or so things you do not want your child to do is counterproductive. A list of desired behaviors will give the child a goal to work towards.

Wow! Once you have it down on paper and broken up into clear directions it is so much easier to visualize for you and your child. Post the list in an area that is visible to all members of the family. The next time the child veers off your parenting road map, refer to the list as a gentle reminder about your expectations. Having a clear set of directions will make your job as a parent much easier.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?

Should I Give My Child Choices?

As parents, we have a set of expectations and goals in mind for our children. The problem many parents face is determining how to communicate those expectations to their children. It is easier for us and our children if we explain those behavior expectations in clear words that cannot be misconstrued to mean something else. Remember, when you are explaining your expectations to your child, it should be on a level they understand.

Sometimes, we attempt a diplomatic approach, and we will tell our kids "okay, you have this many choices." Whoa! How confusing is that? Instead of giving them a list of choices, when we already know what we would like them to do, why not give them the top two? This method can save you time and frustration as your child ponders all of their options. Your child may need a little incentive to make a quick decision. Counting down from ten is a great way to get them to decide between the two options.

Parents often resort to asking a child to do something they already know they want done. For example, you want your child to pick up their toys. If you ask them to pick up their toys, their response may be a flat out no, or they may say they will do it later. When you phrase your directions into questions, you are leaving the option open for the child to say no. Save yourself the time and frustration, and tell the child, they need to pick up their toys. It is important you use please and thank-you while you are directing the child. This teaches them to do the same when they want things.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?

How Can I Help My Child Prepare For Mealtimes and Bedtimes?

One of the most common struggles any parent faces is getting their child to stop doing one activity and moving on to the next. It may be getting a child to go to bed when they are told, or getting an older child to get out of bed and on their way to school. Each of these requirements needs to have some kind of transition period.

Transition periods allow the child to prepare for the next item on the day's agenda. Although things like sitting down to dinner, taking a bath or cleaning up their toys may not seem like major events, a child still needs time to change gears. An effective method that is useful for nearly all transitional phases is a ten minute warning system. Most kids under the age of eight may not actually have any real concept of time, but it is still important to let them know the schedule ahead of time.

The warning system can be you verbally telling them they have ten minutes before it is time to eat or maybe setting a timer that beeps when they have five minutes left. Just giving a ten minute warning is not enough especially for younger kids who do not realize how quickly ten minutes goes by. After you have issued the ten minute warning, remind them again at five minutes, and again at one minute if necessary.

Timing mealtimes, nap times, or bedtimes around the conclusion of their favorite television program can also be very useful. This lets the child know that once the show is over it is time to move on to the next activity on the schedule.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?

What to Do When Your Child Hits Another Child

Anytime a parent is faced with a child that resorts to physical violence it can be very stressful. Although it may seem like a serious, deliberate action, that is not always the case. Before you jump to any conclusions or harsh punishments, step back and look at the entire situation. The most important thing you can do is to remain calm. Do not add to the chaos of the moment by shouting or becoming physical yourself.

It may sound kind of silly, but you need to ask yourself a series of questions to help you find the root cause of the outburst. In a case that involves hitting or another violent act, it should be stopped immediately before you begin to research the bigger issue. A number of different factors may have been at work that would cause a child to react in such a way. What happened the moments before the child lashed out? Did the child possess the vocabulary needed to express their anger or frustration? How do you as a parent react in explosive situations?

Your job as the parent will be to teach your child how to handle similar situations in the future. Children still need plenty of supervision and that may help to eliminate these types of situations. A parent or other supervisor will be able to stop a situation from escalating to the physical point. Those interventions can be used to educate the child about what kind of things he or she can do in the future when they are beginning to feel hostile. If a child continues to respond with violence, it may be necessary to seek out the help of a professional.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?

Authoritative Parenting - An Overview

There are many different parenting styles out there and many parents strive to find the best style for them, while others go with the flow and naturally fall into different types. This article is about Authoritative parenting, an approach to parenting that seeks to set rules and guidelines that are in the best interests of their baby. Authoritative parenting is a style that provides rules and structure to a child's life. The rules give structure without being overly strict thus allowing your child to explore, test and begin to learn acceptable behavior. This type of style also allows parents to express love as it isn't a style that believes showing love and affection will undermine their control in the household.

Authoritative parenting makes it clear that the parent is in charge of the household but it does so without creating a rigid environment, as it believes in flexibility. This is because this style believes in creating structure but not so much that a child is scared of trying new things or scared of doing anything on their own. Instead of seeing bad behavior as a challenge to authority, parents see bad behavior as an opportunity to teach, encouraging children to see why their behavior is bad and what behaviors are more appropriate in different situations.

Those who use this approach believe that children benefit from this approach in several ways. These include having the confidence to try new things, having a desire to learn new things, having mental and emotional balance, having freedom to express and develop their character and also developing a loving respect for family and people in general. This parenting style is considered to take all the attractive qualities of other approaches and tends to eliminate approaches that are based on fear or negative factors.

Authoritative parenting has some pros and cons to it. This style can be difficult to maintain if a child is particularly difficult or willful. It requires a great deal of patience to be ale to maintain and adds an additional responsibility on to parents. This approach also requires periodic reviews, as one needs to factor in the growth, development and change in needs of a child. Despite these, authoritative parenting can give children the power and freedom to ask questions and voice opinions. Children also know exactly what is expected of them and responsibilities are catered to their age and development. This is a style that tries to put your child's development first.

Things to Do When Bonding With Your Kids

No parent would want to have their child cooped up in their home, staring at the TV all day long. However, there may be a few exceptions. On wet and cold days, a movie marathon at home may just be the best way to keep your kids safe, warm, and happy.

Make the movie marathon day for the kids a truly planned event. Go to your local video store and let each child rent a video of their choice. Make sure to set clear ground rules.

Let them know that they can pick out the movies that they want so long as they agree to watch the movies that the others pick out as well. If you don't have any yet, pick up some snacks for them.

Don't forget to set the mood. Let the kids create their own movie theater in your very own living room. Let them use whatever furniture they may please to make themselves comfortable.

As a parent, your duties include manning the concession stand. It's okay to have some snacks but don't forget to serve some filling food as well such as sandwiches or veggie sticks. These types of food are not only healthy; they won't be that hard to clean up either once the movie marathon is over.

When children watch TV for long periods of time, their energy tends to get pent up. To release some of this energy, take breaks in between movies and do some fun activities like playing games.

You can actually play any game you want; follow the leader around the house, Simon says, or even doing jumping jacks will work. Just make sure to keep things fun.

Once the rain stops, this is when you can send the kids outside to play. If you do this every so often, you'll notice that they won't ask for TV time as much anymore.

John Deere Riding Toys Can Help Your Child Develop the Balance and Coordination He Needs to Grow

When parents are looking for fun and educational toys to help their children develop and grow, riding toys are some of the best investments they can make. With all of the makes and models on the market today, some parents may wonder which ones could provide the best tools to help their children learn. The following article will provide you with some suggestions for choosing the right fit for your child.

John Deere riding toys are a very popular brand that has been trusted in many homes for years. Made to be durable and enduring just like their grown up counterparts, these toys bring joy to children ages 2 and up.

For your tiny tots, the ability to learn hand to eye coordination, balance and the need to try things out on their own are a few of the main developmental stages they will go through. Investing in a John Deere Tractor Rocker will allow them to have fun and prepare for the next stage of movement. You can watch as they learn to rock themselves back and forth when they understand just how it all works.

When your child reaches the age of 2 to 4, they are going to want to start hauling things around the backyard, building things with the tools and items they find lying around, and using their imagination in so many ways. The Peg Perego John Deere Farm Tractor and Trailer will help your child learn to maneuver with a chain driven pedal mechanism. This will prepare them for the harder task of pedaling a bike. Imagine the fun your child will have as he can ride over any terrain, help load up his trailer with leaves or mulch to help you garden, and see his smile beam as he helps out around the house, just like a big boy.

As he grows older and his balance improves, you can upgrade to the big boy bike. And not only are John Deere riding toys available for little boys but they also come in a variety of colors and sizes for the little girl in your life. These sturdy bikes come complete with training wheels that can be removed once your little one has mastered the art of balance and speed all on his own.

John Deere riding toys are not only great for development and imagination, they are a ton of fun that will help your little one build lasting memories for years to come. When looking for a toy you can trust with the safety of your little one, go with a name that has been reliable for many years. Both affordable and enduring, these are just the type of riding toy your child will love.