Posts filed under 'Parenting Tips'
Springtime is here and its time for fun in the sun with inexpensive outdoor activities for kids. In the last twenty years, the number of overweight children in the United States has doubled making child obesity a serious parental concern. Outdoor games can help parents and kids stay in shape and create lasting memories in your own backyard!
Red Rover Red Rover
This old fashioned game involves running and stretching. Divide children into two teams with one team situated on either side of the backyard. Have the children stand in a line, face forward while stretching out their arms and clasping hands. One team starts the game by calling “Red Rover, Red Rover send (child’s name) right over.” The child named runs to the other team and tries to break through the clasped hands. If the child cannot break through, they return to their original team. If the child does break through, have them join hands with the opposing team. The next team then takes a turn. Play the game until each child has had a running turn.
Duck, Duck Goose
This is a fun game for small preschool children which involves running and memory skills. Have the children sit in a circle. Pick one child to be it. Have the child walk around the circle tapping each child on the head saying duck. When the child is ready to run, have them tap a child and say goose. The child tapped as the goose then gets up and runs around the circle chasing the other child until he or she finds a spot in the circle to sit down. If the goose child taps the duck child before sitting down, the duck child is out. Play the game until each child has had a turn.
The Two-Legged Relay Race
This game teaches teamwork, running and coordination skills. Divide children into two teams and have them buddy up with a partner. Have them stand with their legs side by side. Take an old rag and tie it securely around the left leg of one partner to the right leg of the other partner. Putting their arms across their shoulders, have them practice running across the yard. Set a starting point and have the first two teams race across the yard and back to the next set of buddies. Each set of buddies takes a turn tying the rag around the legs and racing across the yard. The first team to finish wins!
Find Parenting Tips for swimming and team sports at Childn’Parent and more fun games at: Rainbow/Org and Disney Family
By: Debby Hoffer
April 15th, 2008
My three-year-old son wants to name our baby “Mater” as in “Tow-Mater”. Though our whole family likes the movie “Cars”, we breathed a sigh of relief when we found out we were having a girl.
A baby carries its name throughout life and — love it or hate it — a name is part of what makes a person who they are. Shakespeare says “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, when it comes to naming our babies, the names we give in some ways reflect our hopes for our children. Do we call her Sunni or Susan? Do we name him after his grandfather, a favorite athlete, or a U.S. president
Some couples choose baby names before they are even pregnant. Others wait until after birth to see what name seems to fit the baby. Naming your child is an important, but fun part of being a parent. For help in choosing you have “The Meaning of Thousands of Baby Names” and “Baby Names World.” Here are some tips to help you find the perfect baby name.
Common or Unique? There are advantages to having a unique name or a common one. If the name is unique, your child is less likely to have other kids with the same name in his class and it can avoid confusion.
Having a unique name can make your child stand out. This can be good or bad. Your child may feel special and proud. However, if the name is too strange, your child may wish she could just blend in with the crowd. As children get older, some refuse to go by a name they don’t like.
Spelling should also be considered. While you may think a unique spelling is cute, your child may resent always having to correct people’s spelling and pronunciation. Baby names follow trends and what may be unusual today, may be very popular in five years. What sounds cute today, may sound silly in twenty.
Play the association game. Most of us have very powerful associations with names. We like the name of our favorite aunt, we hate the name of the kid that used to bully us at recess.
While your child will come to define the name, it’s important to choose a name with a positive meaning for you. Many people name their children after relatives. This can give your child a sense of family and belonging. Choosing names with a specific ethnic origin can help your child identify with that culture.
Some people choose names for meanings that reflect the qualities and traits they value and hope their children will embrace. Some babies are named for times (Summer, May) or places (London, Dakota) that have special meaning to their parents.
Does it roll off the tongue? Consider how the name sounds with your last name. Some people like to repeat beginning sounds or sounds in the middle of the name. How does the name fit in when you say it with the other names in your family? Think about potential nicknames and whether you like them or not.
Before your baby is born, family, friends and even strangers will be anxious to discuss potential names. Don’t try to please others. Any name you choose is sure to get mixed reviews. Some people wait to tell others about their chosen name to avoid this.
Find a name you love, and don’t worry about what others think. They will grow to love the name as they grow to love your child. We have more tips for announcing the new baby and for Great New Baby Toys.
By Megan C. Wallgren
December 2nd, 2007
“Look kids,” my husband exclaimed excitedly, “we are having castle bread for dinner.” I had to smile at my husband’s remarkable attempt to smooth over another one of my attempts at homemade wheat bread. Instead of turning out smooth and rounded, the way bread is supposed to look; it was sunk in the middle with pointy castle peaks on each side. With its wheat texture, it looked just like a dilapidated sand castle whose tide had come in.
In spite of all the “poke fun” dinner table comments, I did learn the secret magic about bread making. As I was gathering all of the necessary ingredients, I suddenly had two little helpers that, more than anything, wanted to sit on the counter and help mom make bread. As my little ones helped me mix and knead the strange stuff, we laughed and joked. It put a magical spark into my otherwise hum drum day. It also gave me opportunity to reflect how thankful I am for my little ones and their willingness to help mom in a pinch.
This bread making episode was just the sort of magical moment I want to have more often with my kids. I also learned that creating a magical moment of family bonding makes me a fairy princess in my own right; flour covered nose and all. This fairy princess is still smiling inwardly at her husband’s princely comment, and I just have to add that nothing should stand between the magic of a woman and her castle bread.
Look for more Parenting Tips at Childn Parent
By: Debby Hoffer
November 25th, 2007
Our house has always turned into the crazy house come bedtime. Taking two hours to get the kids in bed, or at least getting the kids to stay in bed was a nightly battle for us. By the time they were actually asleep, my husband and I were exhausted ourselves, not to mention frustrated and ready to sleep. One day we decided that we were done fighting with our kids every night. Enough was enough.
Now, at 7 o’clock, the kids know that it is time to start our nightly routine. We do the same routine every night so that there is not any confusion and by 7:30, all of the kids are asleep. We have heard of families like this, but never thought it could happen to us. Yes, it was a hard adjustment, but we remained firm and now bedtime is Mom’s favorite time of day.
Choose the children’s bedtime routine that is right for your family. You will not only provide your children with structure that they need, but will give mom and dad the time that they need.
Start by compiling a list of everything that needs to be done before the kids get in bed, things like brushing teeth, getting in pajamas, preparing for the next day, and story time. Once you know how long these things take, you will know when to start preparing for bedtime. Most important, let your kids know that you mean business. Reward your children for going to bed on time, and be firm and fair with bad behavior. After just a few nights they will be on schedule and you will have happier kids, and very happy parents.
Go to Child n’Parent.com for more great parenting tips.
By Vanessa Lee
November 20th, 2007
“Mommy, I did a lot of chores today and I earned my money.” I beamed at my 9-year-old son and looked at my sparkling clean kitchen. He had worked hard, doing the dishes and wiping off the sticky stuff on the counters. But even more gratifying than the clean kitchen was the fact that he had recognized and associated his hard work with the money I was about to deposit in his bank account. It was one of those parental moments where my feet did a little skip and I was shouting “all right” behind a big full faced smile. It also gave me an insight that I was taking steps in the right direction, helping my child understand that payment for services rendered is a simple fact of money matters.
Your Child’s Chores and Payment: How Much?
This issue seems to be of much concern to parents as no one wants to over spoil a child. Demanding, expectant children who are used to “having it all” will grow up with unrealistic attitudes. A reasonable payment that fits the family budget and lets your child practice making a personal budget is essential to family unity. Small children do not need a lot of money and are better off starting small with dollars and cents. Remember, it is not critical to pay your child a lot of money, it’s just critical that they learn how to earn and manage the money. As a child grows, payment is increased to fit the amount and difficulty of chores they are able to perform.
Throwing out the word allowance and teaching your child to associate good work with positive results, including money, can help them develop a positive work ethic. As a child grows older and develops skills learned from working in the home, they will be more comfortable with money and be able to tackle the real world on their own.
Read this helpful full article at Childn’Parent
By: Debby Hoffer
October 29th, 2007
Since school has started and my children have stepped up a grade, they seem determined to let me know just how big they really are. Whether its my three year old insisting on brushing his own teeth (picture toothpaste everywhere), my first grader wanting to do her own hair (picture many, many barrettes at once), or my 3rd grader fixing her own after school snack (picture chocolate syrup on any food imaginable), it’s clear my kids are growing up.
Independence is good, but sometimes can lead to conflict as kids try to push the boundaries.
We’ve had our share of tiffs in my home as we try to re-establish a school routine and decide what my kids can and cannot do. Those pesky “other people’s parents” seem to be able to throw a wrench in things, but it’s important for our family to establish our own patterns and rules.
Today a couple of things reminded me despite all the “good parenting” I try to do, the most important thing I can give my children is love.
In order to sign my kids up for basketball at the local community center, I had to sit through a 20-minute video presentation reminding me to be a good sport (i.e. don’t yell at the refs, coaches, or kids) because after all, it’s just for fun.
It was sad to see some of the kids on the video talk about how they feel when their parents yell at them from the sideline. It was a good reminder for me to let my kids have fun. After all, they’re never going to go pro out of high school — no matter how good of a sideline coach I am.
Last night, before bed, I read my kids two great stories, “I Love You Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt and “The Garden”, a “Frog and Toad” story by Arnold Lobel. The first taught me my kids need to know I’ll always love them – no matter what. The second showed me all growing things respond to love better than criticism.
Visit childnparent’s articles on parenting tips and youth sports for more advice and feel free to share a few insights of your own.
Good luck and have fun,
Megamom
Megan C. Wallgren
October 13th, 2007
Teaching your child from home or home schooling has many advantages. Classrooms in public schools average 30 to 40 students making it difficult for children to get the personal time and attention they really need. By home schooling your child, you can give them that personal time and actually nurture them as they learn.
Parents who are considering home schooling often wonder “Where do I begin? Fortunately, there are many options to choose from and through the internet, you can investigate curriculum and online academies at your leisure. Some school districts actually contract with online academies to offer FREE home schooling. The connections academy is a free online program that is offered to the residents of the state of Minnesota. The K-12 academy is another such online organization that is offered through districts in Utah and Idaho. The K-12 academy provides textbooks, note pads, testing assessment, and lots of fun learning materials. And it’s all free of charge!
Get the help you need with this article on Home Schooling and other great parenting tips at childnparent.com
August 23rd, 2007
Learning for your child does not just start in the kindergarten classroom. Creating a good home learning environment will help jumpstart your children into kindergarten, and give them a lifelong love of learning. Here are the parenting tips to help get your child started.
Parenting Tips for Home Learning
Everyone in your family should have a household responsibility, at least one chore that must be done on time. Have regular times to eat, sleep, play and work. This helps to establish routine and work habits that will help your child in the classroom.
Provide your children a chance to speak and be listened to. Encourage them to use good speech habits, using correct words and phrases and learning new ones. You may know what the cute baby words and phrases mean, but his teacher and peers won’t.
Writing has many developmental stages. Children move from random scribbling to controlled scribbling to random alphabet letters, and on through to consonants representing words. Each step is important, so don’t push your child too fast.
For the skills your child needs before kindergarten and the rest of this great article go to our website childnparent.com
Find more parenting tips at childnparent.com
By: Megan Wallgren
July 26th, 2007
Just about every child goes through the picky eater stage. Toddlers especially can frustrate parents by limiting their diet to one or two favorite foods. A child’s aversion to some foods and a parent’s desire to keep their child healthy can turn the dinner table into a battle zone.
Read this complete article and get your picky eaters to clean their plates.
Your resource for great parenting tips at childnparent.
By: Megan C. Wallgren
June 16th, 2007
My three year old son has a best friend. He talks about him all the time and is always asking if the two can play. The problem for me is that they don’t play nice. Give them ten minutes together and all my son’s good manners go out the window. Soon, I am pulling them apart.
No one wants to be the “little monster’s” mom, especially not me. (No one wants to read parenting advice from someone with ill-behaved kids.) So what do you do when your child has problems getting along on play dates?
See this article at Child N Parent
Look for more helpful parenting tips at child n parent.
By: Megan Wallgren
May 25th, 2007
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