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Aug
27

Quirky after school programs

Posted by admin

With the growing interest in after school programs shown by the Government
as well as parents, new and hitherto unheard of programs are being
explored. In an attempt to make a child aware of his responsibilities as
an individual and as a citizen, these after school programs make use of a
child’s natural curiosity and his irrepressible energy.

Investigative Skills:
In some schools in Kernersville, children are developing their
investigative skills. Children meet with adults who introduce them to the
details of fake non-violent crimes. They take notes, visit the scene and
gather information. Students learn to listen to alibis, collect
fingerprints and gather any other pieces of evidence. According to the
principal, these activities challenge her students’ problem solving
skills. Children learn to think critically and to form informed judgments.

Fisheries and sciences:
In North Carolina, children who are interested get a chance to win a
scholarship through their after school activity. Here, students are given
a chance to face hands-on fisheries science experiments in a freshwater or
marine setting. Professionals, educators and experts from the world of
Fisheries act as mentors. Students accepted into the program get a $3,000
scholarship.

The above examples go to show that after school activities are becoming
serious. They are slowly morphing into important parts of a child’s
education and moving away from the fun-and-frolic-only programs of the
past.

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In our effort to balance very full and hectic lives with our families and our jobs, we may have been neglecting an all-important facet of our child’s life: their emotional well-being. The first three years of a child’s life is a critical time for a child, and the trauma of changing child care providers or having a ‘part-time’ parent float in and out of their life can be very traumatic and destabilizing for them. It’s imperative that parents, educators, involved adults and care providers make a concerted joint effort to ensure that a child’s emotional needs are met on a daily basis, just as their physical needs are. The effects of not meeting a child’s emotional needs, especially during the first three years of life, can have devastating consequences. Violent, disruptive or defiant behaviors can result.

The first three years of life are critical in a number of ways. This is when bonding and emotional separation takes place. If there are interruptions in either of these processes, misbehaviors from the child can result. This can later have an affect on their relationships later in life and hinder them in developing their own healthy relationships as adolescents or adults.

During the first three years of life, the brain goes through its most rapid development ever, the likes of which will never been experienced again. By the time they are three years old, a child’s brain is already ‘hardwired’ from the experiences they’ve had to that point. It’s imperative that these be loving, supportive, safe, positive experiences so the brain will be conditioned to expect positive things. If they’ve been frightening, hurtful, abusive, or dangerous, then the brain is conditioned to expect negative occurrences.

Therefore it’s critical that parents, caregivers and other involved adults make a concerted effort to make sure the child’s emotional needs are met in a positive, constructive and healthy manner. Parents should ensure that the child’s care providers are stable and consistent, and don’t move them around to different childcare providers during this important phase. Ensure a child feels safe and secure with structured and consistent schedules and routines. Be sure to spend as much quality time with your child at this time as possible, regardless of your otherwise busy and hectic lifestyle. A child can sense that such a schedule is stressful to you and it can become a frightening or confusing element for them. Therefore it’s important to take time out to reassure them that you’re never too busy for them.

Remember that your child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical, so do your part to ensure your child knows he’s growing up safe, secure, treasured and loved.

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Disciplining your child is never easy. You probably know from experience and mistakes how important it is to be consistent, firm and to always follow through with designated disciplinary consequences. But when there are two parents involved, it’s crucial they are both on the same page and apply discipline consistently regardless of marital status.

Parents should agree on how to discipline their children. To become reliable to children, both parents must be consistent in dealing with similar situations. In a situation where the parents are separated or divorced, disagreeing with each other over upbringing can create a confusing situation for children. They should make a concerted effort to keep their child’s best interests at heart and sit down with their child and line out the rules and expectations and the consequences for violating those rules. Both should agree that the intended discipline is fair, and apply it consistently in a firm yet fair manner in each home.

In addition, if there are disagreements regarding discipline or other parenting issues, they are best resolved when the child is not present. If the child senses discord, they may attempt to manipulate the situation to their advantage.

When teaching good behavior, parents should “practice what they preach.” Children learn values and beliefs more by examples adults set than by verbal instructions. Screaming at a child to be quiet or paddling a child for hitting is hypocritical and ineffective. Decide what is important and what parental response to use to teach your child. It would be more effective to calmly tell your child to be quiet or use “time-out” when a child is physically aggressive.

And remember what works now may not work later down the road. Situations may dictate a different approach, and time and maturity may demand a child’s rule be modified or abolished altogether. Sometimes your common sense will help you decide when bedtime rules should be modified or table manners relaxed. Some rules will be the same, others will be modified or abolished, and new ones will be introduced. But regardless of the situation, parents should always present a unified front and work together and not against each other in providing effective discipline for their child.

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Children always seem to find a way to ‘push our buttons’ at times and really try our patience. It’s easy to feel irritated, sad, angry, annoyed, confused and hurt. It’s at these times when our parenting skills are really tested, and that it’s imperative we maintain a kind but firm stance when it comes to doling out the discipline. And let’s face it – none of us ever want to hurt our child with physical or verbal abuse. We want to teach our child that such things are wrong, and punishing a misdeed or inappropriate action by yelling or hitting is hypocritical at best.

Our goal when disciplining our children is to teach them to be responsible, cooperative, kind and respectful. The best way to teach this is to always remain consistent, follow through with the same punishment for the same misdeed, and to discuss the discipline with your child openly and honestly afterwards.

Always keep in mind that the age, maturity level, and temperament of your child should always be considered when enforcing a set disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions should be discussed and understood in advance so that children know what they have coming when they’ve misbehaved and can give pause and hopefully choose an appropriate route to avoid it. And most importantly, remember that it’s not the child you dislike; it’s his or her chosen behavior, action or misdeed.

If you need to, give yourself a brief ‘time out’ before responding with appropriate discipline. Sometimes we need a short cooling off period before dealing with our children’s misdeeds in order to avoid a misdeed of our own. Yelling and hitting should never be an option.

Keep an open mind as a parent, and be willing to learn with and from your child. We all make mistakes and it’s important to realize that not every form of discipline works with every child. Children are just as unique as adults are, and forms of discipline should be tailored to fit the individual needs of both parent and child. But with a little forethought, patience, firmness, love and understanding, the discipline can have a positive outcome for all involved.

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Apr
26

Discovering The World of Babies

Posted by admin

How dull this world would be had we no babies to tend! Imagine the monotony of sounds without their contagious giggles, pitiful cries, and puzzling babbles. Oh how awful it would be without their incredible innocence or their charming naughtiness, what with their ways that can open a whole new world of perspective for us adults.

But whether for you babies are powerful tiny persons or cherubs sent from above, there is a wealth of things to know about these little humans (just when you thought you knew them all!).

Do you know that daily naps are vital not only to aid their physical growth? Daily naps are recommended, for without them babies will become hyperactive or fussier as the day wears on. Babies are indeed energetic but they do need breaks, you know. So send them to snooze, regularly! Oh, you know that already?

How about the reason why toys come in attractive colors? Why playpens have soft, dangling items on them that infants cant help but stare at for long? Whats going on as they see these bright colors and hear these chimes?

Speaking of toys, what does the Lion Mark symbol that you see attached to some toys signify? How are these different from the ones without the mark? There are toys that are specified for 0 to 6 months babies only and toys for 6 to 12 months, but would you know which is for which if there werent any age advice stamped on them? Why bother to care when they grow to reach that age sooner than youd realize, anyway?

Do you know how to make bath time fun for them, instead of torture? What bathing strategies should you employ for the newborn? How about for a toddler who can easily jump out of the tub and splash water all over (reminds you of Calvin and his Hobbes, right?).

What should you feed these babies? What should you have them wear? These topics seem basic but would you not like to know the recent findings about nutrition? The recent trends and developments in baby clothing to give them ultimate comfort and protection?

In traveling, when is it safe to have a baby on the front passenger seat? Is it okay to use an infant carrier as a car seat? What tests should you do to make certain a baby will be secure in the car, whether on front or on the rear seat?

How can you avoid baby bottle tooth decay? Why do babies pull their ears could it be related to teething or to ear infection? What is an exersaucer? When and how should you toilet-train them? What novelty gift ideas are available so you can have something truly helpful for your mom-to-be friend?

If you do not know the answers to these questions, or know only a little, or would want to know more apart from the above topics, its time to discover these babies info! Parents, parents-to-be, nannies, those whose careers are related to babies and practically anyone can benefit from the knowledge about babies. For the love of them, for the love from them discover babies now!

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Mar
27

My Child Steals

Posted by admin

Parents need to know that it is very common and normal for children under the ages of four and five to take things that do not belong to them without understanding the concept of stealing. Children need to be taught lessons in personal property and not taking something without permission. Children under the age of five are generally self-centered and their primary focus is often seeing and taking what they want. Thats why parents need to begin teaching their child the manners involved in asking permission to take, borrow or use someone else’s belongings. Parents who overlook these important lessons often receive embarrassing phone calls from their child’s school, youth programs or neighbors in regards to their child’s theft issues.

Why Do Children Steal?

There are many reasons why children may take things that do not belong to them. Parents need to become more concerned when they see a repeated pattern of stealing and are beginning to identify their child with more then one of the reasons for stealing listed below.

A child may be stealing to get attention. The attention that they may be seeking, other than the parents, may include their peers or brothers and sisters.

Children often learn from adults. When a child sees a parent take items from their work, neighbors or even stores in front of their children, are modeling the behavior of stealing. Children often learn from this example that some stealing is acceptable behavior.

A child may feel that they “found” an item that does not belong to them, and therefore they may keep the item. Parents need to teach their children that a “found” item is not necessarily theirs to keep.

A child’s basic needs may not be met. Some children who steal often feel they are lacking something that other children may have. For example: Some of your child’s friends may have pocket money to buy extra food while they are at school. The parent may not view this desire as necessary or the parent cannot afford the “pocket change” to give to their child, so the child steals the money to meet his or her needs.

Some children steal to gain control or power.

Some children steal for the thrill. This often occurs with older teens and adults. This type of stealing often becomes habitual.

Some children steal to fit in or to be accepted by their peers. This type of stealing is often caused by peer pressure.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents who do nothing to react to their child stealing are only condoning the behavior. Parents need to take steps immediately when they catch their child taking something that does not belong to him or her. Below are some parenting solutions that can be implemented for children who exhibit stealing behaviors.

Parents always need to be aware of where their children are and what they are doing.

Sit down and talk with your child about stealing. The conversation should include what is and what is not stealing. This conversation may take place, depending on your child’s reasoning abilities, between the ages of four and five. Tell your child that stealing is wrong.

Have your child agree that he or she will not touch some ones property without their permission.

Make sure that your child knows that there will be natural consequences for stealing. Examples of natural consequences include loss of friends, loss of trust and not having a good feeling about stealing.

Let your child know that there will be negative consequences from you. Your child should either return the item to the owner or pay for the item. If the child does not have money, he or she should do some extra tasks to earn the money. Hold your child accountable for the inappropriate action.

If your child is stealing items from other kids at school and the items include things that he or she needs (pencils, paper and crayons), tell your child not to take another students belonging, you will buy what is needed.

Avoid lecturing or labeling your child as a thief. Once your child realizes and agrees that the behavior was wrong the child should be given a chance to start over.

Put all items that you do not want your child to have in an area that he or she cannot get to them.

Teach your child that he or she will have a chance to earn the item in the near future. This will teach your child patience and delayed gratification.

Teenagers who steal often do so for the thrill of the experience. Get your child involved in other activities that will fill their need for excitement.

Children, especially teenagers who have habitual stealing behaviors, arrest for shoplifting or other reports of theft should see a trained professional (doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist etc.) who specializes in the area of stealing for more necessary interventions.

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Mar
27

Moving With Kids Made Simple

Posted by admin

If you plan to move this year, there’s a lot to know before you go, especially if you have children.

As difficult as the move is for adults, it has a far greater impact on children. Psychologists tell us that moving is the third most traumatic event in a child’s life, just after death and divorce. Not only do they have to adjust to a new home and school, but all their best friends will be gone.

With today’s highly mobile society, relocation is a fact of life. But just because it’s a necessity doesn’t mean it has to be traumatic. There are many things that parents can do to make a move easier for their children.

When you first break the news, don’t think you have to provide all the details right away. Family Psychologist Thomas T. Olkowski, Ph.D., says, “The best way to deal with the initial news is to give it some thought. I suggest giving it some time to sink in.” A child will talk when it feels right. Then, children will have lots of questions. So parents need to be ready with appropriate answers.

Let Them Participate

In Planning

One of the most important things parents can do is to allow their children to participate in the planning process. Dr. Olkowski says, “This is a chance for a child to take part in the adventure of moving.”

In addition to helping with important decisions, children should be involved with packing and unpacking their own belongings. Knowing where their possessions are gives them a little control over a situation that, otherwise, seems completely out of their control.

Another activity that Dr. Olkowski believes can make a difference is leaving a memorial behind. A child can plant a tree or hide a special toy where no one will ever find it. He says this creates a lasting connection, and lets the child feel that “they’re a part of this house and it’s a part of them, even though they’re moving to a new neighborhood.”

Exchange Gifts With Friends

It may also help to exchange gifts with their best friends. In this way, they’ll know that something of theirs is with their friends, and they’ll always have something special to help them remember their friends. And, of course, it’s important to exchange e-mails and phone numbers so everyone can keep in touch. A reassuring phone call or e-mail can make it seem like nothing has changed at all.

When arriving in a new neighborhood, it’s essential that parents walk the streets with their children, so they can become comfortable with their new surroundings. And before a child has to face a new school alone, it’s a good idea to make a visit together, to break the ice. Just knowing the new teacher, and where the bathroom is, can reduce a great deal of anxiety.

Perhaps the most difficult moving experience for children is making new friends. This can be very awkward, but parents should take the time to teach their children how to easily introduce themselves. Using a few common tips, a child can have several new friends in no time.

Most Kids Actually Feel Better After A Move

Dr. Olkowski finds that most children adjust well in time, and actually feel they’re better off after a move. He has learned that “they discover how moving can be fun, and in the end, they end up having even more friends.”

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You are busy. I know. Working all of the time to “provide” for your family. Trying to “make ends meet” and acquiring all of that stuff you want. Just keep in mind what you may be giving up in the processthe precious memories you fail to create with your children.

You see, as you grow older you begin to place less emphasis on acquiring and more on reflection where you begin to truly take notice of all of your accomplishments as well as painful regrets.

Now take a minute and put yourself into the future when it becomes this time of reflection. Imagine you in a time where your children have grown into respectable adults raising families of their own. Imagine the all the time that has passed of your children’s lives that you will never have a single chance to see again.

As you imagine yourself into this position, begin to think all of the stuff you “have” acquired. You know the big house and the big screen TV, fancy cars, elaborate vacations, etc. Take notice of all the feelings this stuff gives you. Think about all of that stuff but without a single memory of your children. How would you feel? Would you feel as if you had regrets of NOT creating memories of your children? Wouldn’t these regrets be a bit painful to have knowing there is nothing you can do to change the past?

Now imagine yourself without all of that that stuff. Just thinking of memories of your children in their early years and that is all. Think of all of the simple things that moved you emotionally and the time spent with them. Take notice of all the feelings these beautiful memories give you. Look at their faces, their smiles, and their actions as you see them growing through the years. How much stronger are your feelings now? Would you feel any regrets NOT having stuff? Wouldn’t these regrets seem rather insignificant compared those warm memories you have made?

By imagining yourself in the future reflecting on life you can get a glimpse of what really matters most. I am not saying it is “evil” to acquire possessions, rather I am saying to get too caught up into it that you loose sight of some of the things that are more important in lifememories. These memories are yours to keep and will fulfill your life now and into the future more than any possession can. Think about all that stuff you acquired that ended up in the trash or you no longer use? More than likely if you think about that stuff now you will realize that the emotional impact they once created no longer has the same effect. A memory of your child has just as much impact as it did when the memory was created. And it LASTS through your life as you look back upon them from time to time.

Remember also that the memories you create with your children are their memories also. They get to carry them through life. They get to reflect upon those times with you or the lack of. They will use them as references throughout their lives in which the will base their future actions upon. Keep this in mind as you consider making changes in your lifestyle to spend more emphasis creating memories and less on acquiring temporary stuff.

What I am saying is

Sometimes you need to evaluate your position in life. Many times we spend so much time in needless acquiring that we tend to overdo it. Spending our money and dragging ourselves into needless debt to where we are FORCING ourselves to make “ends meet.” Keeping ourselves at our jobs late sacrificing the little time we do have here on earth for the things things that end up being less important. Yes, you do have to provide for your family. But when you have yourself financially extended because of needless spending you may be ultimately sacrificing the most important thing in your life as well as your children’s livesmemories.

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Mar
18

Managing Parental Stress

Posted by admin

Being a parent is not easy, but it is a great challenge. After all, we are responsible for helping, raising and educating our children from the stage of a baby into the stage of adulthood. Although they move on into adulthood, we never stop being parents and always want to make sure that they are doing well. As a paradox, we need to learn how to be less of a parent, in order to reduce parental stress!

As good parents, we want to protect them from the world, but the world will show up and then we need to transfer control, in other words, to let them learn to deal with the world, and even more, to let them learn from their own mistakes. Of course, this will make parental stress worse for a while, but in the long run it will be better for them to learn this way. However, this does not mean that we should not keep an eye on our children, but also we must allow them to be imperfect and they will learn to find their own way.

Helpful Resources for Reducing Parental Stress

We must keep our stress under control, even if our children may become rebellious for a while (especially during the teenage years) and they will probably try to act in a way that may shock us.

Keep in mind the following things and you may be able to keep your parental stress to a minimum:

- Teenagers are not perfect, neither are adults

- Teenagers are always eager to go their own way

- Try to figure out what is going on in their heads

- Do not forget that we were their age once…

When the parental stress gets to be too much, we have a lot of helpful resources, such as: support groups, books, and websites that want to help us through our child-raising stress.

By managing our own parental stress, we allow our children to grow up and keep our emotions under control. So, rather than allowing parental stress to take over our life, we better keep an eye on our children, making sure that they are doing well and enjoying their life together within the family.

Conventional and Unconventional Stress-Relievers

You may here about all kind of popular stress management techniques, but I will show you here some original and creative stress relievers that keep myself and my family feel more relaxed and enjoy our life.

Playing With Kids: Have fun, play and interact with your kids! If you have small children, do not just supervise them, better really play with them! This can be a great diversion from your stress, and the children will love it, too. Walk and talk with your older children, shop and talk with your teens and the parental stress is gone!

Maintain a Clean and Organized Living Space: Cleaning your house and getting organized at home it is very important task. A beautifully decorated, comforting environment in your home can be a safe haven where you can escape from daily stress.

Gardening: Digging, planting, fertilizing and tending a garden of vegetables or flowers, can be a wonderfully relaxing time, with the reward of delicious organic food, or a gorgeous yard as well! The physical activity of planting can be a great stress release, while sunshine is a great source of vitamin D.

Singing, Loudly: We have seven musicians in our home, so we can tell you for sure that loud vocalization releases tension from your body. A great way to start the day is by singing in the shower and in the car.

Put on Some Music: Listening to good music as you get ready and start your day will create positive energy and a soothing sense of peace. Music can compliment other healthy habits, as your morning walk, or your journaling.

Stretch in the Shower: The hot water will loosen up your muscles, but the act of stretching will help you to release stored tension and enable you to start the day feeling more relaxed and ready to handle your everyday jobs and problems.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast: You may start the day by drinking coffee, but do not skip the breakfast, known as the most important meal of the day! A healthy meal in the morning, plenty of protein and fruit, can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle your daily stress.

Drink Green Tea: You may drink coffee, but green tea is loaded with antioxidants, so it is a delicious and healthy alternative. We drink daily a warm cup of tea and this fact helps us to feel nurtured and to prepare for the day ahead.

Organize Your Time: Keep a schedule, learn to say no to urgent and excessive demands on your time, and you will have more time to do the important things in your life. You will have more time to do things that you enjoy in life, and raising children is one of the most important things. Believe me, what I write here it is not just theory! I have nine children and I know what I am talking about.

Write in Your Journal: Journaling or blogging (if you use a computer) has many health and stress management benefits, and can help you keep focused on important issues of your life, process negative emotions, and solve your stress problems.

Morning Walk: A morning walk with or without your kids can get you ready for the day, lower your stress level, help you sleep better at night, and reduce your risk of many health conditions. And if you bring a dog with you, as my wife and I do, you will totally enjoy your walk!

Cultivate a Supportive Social Group: Having school age children you can find a helpful social group within the school, with people to talk to in times of crisis. Make the commitment to meet more people, develop better relationships for yourself and for your kids, and you will find that the reward worth the effort.

Take Care of Your Body: Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (3John1:2). An unhealthy body can cause big stress, so getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting massages are all good ways to take care of your body and to decrease stress.

Renew Your Spirit: If you left the church behind other urgent and important activities try to go back to church. If you never went there, you should try. Nothing to lose, life to gain! Do not be ignorant! I find real life, entirely free of stress, every Sunday in my church and in every Christian church I visit!

Conclusion: As you develop these stress-relieving practices in your daily life, you should experience less parental stress, being able to handle it. This will lead you to a happier and healthier family lifestyle.

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Looking For Enuresis Information Find Out About The Enuresis Alarm

Enuresis is the term that doctors use when they are talking about bedwetting. Bedwetting that occurs during the night is called nocturnal and this conditions affects people of all ages. It is quite common for young children to wet the bed during the night but it becomes a source of alarm for parents who have teenagers with enuresis. In addition, the teenagers themselves are embarrassed and dont want anyone to know about it. Adults too are embarrassed by bedwetting and try all sorts of treatments to help reduce the occurrences.

Once a medical condition as the cause of nocturnal enuresis has been ruled out, then it is time to start trying various methods of treatment for enuresis. One of these is the enuresis alarm, which will wake up the person wearing it at the first sign of moisture. There are various kinds of these alarms and at varying prices. They also differ in the sound of the alarm they emit to wake a child or an adult out of a deep sleep. For children, there are alarms to help reduce the number of nocturnal bedwetting occurrences with funny sounds and blinking lights, which really makes them attractive.

Using an enuresis alarm is a form of behavior modification. In most cases of children and teenagers who wet the bed, they have not learned how to sense the bodys signals that the bladder is full. The nocturnal behavior needs to be modified so that they will learn to wake up on their own. Once a child or an adult wears the alarm for a period of time, he/she will get used to waking up at a certain time to go to the bathroom. This is one way of reducing the episodes of nocturnal enuresis. It has been proven that these alarms do work to reduce enuresis within a few weeks.

When you are buying an enuresis alarm, there are some factors that you need to keep in mind. It must be comfortable for the child to wear. If it isnt, it probably wont have any effect on the nocturnal enuresis because nine times out of ten the child takes it off when he/she goes to bed. It also has to be set to the right moisture sensitivity so that a child with enuresis will have enough time to make it to the bathroom once the alarm wakes him/her. At the same time, you dont want to have the alarm too sensitive because perspiration may set it off.

An enuresis alarm must be easy for the child to reset when he/she goes back to bed without having to wake you up to reset it. If not the child could wet the bed after that and still feel guilty about the enuresis. There are alarms of this nature that the parent can reset by means of remote control from the bedroom, but this also means you have to wake up when the child goes to the bathroom. Chances are, though, that if you have a child with enuresis and he/she wakes up to go to the bathroom, it will be a cause for celebration and everyone in the house will be up.

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