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4 Successful Parenting Tips I Learned From My Harvard Mba Husband
My husband is an insightful businessman with the unique ability to create something out of nothing, envision the future, work efficiently and strategically, and quickly get to the bottom line. In his books and seminars he teaches useful business strategies to high level executives so that they can grow their businesses successfully. His clients rave about the results they achieve when they implement his lessons.
Eager to have the same successful results parenting that my husband’s clients have with their businesses, I have incorporated four of his business practices into my parenting technique.
Think Strategically
When one thinks strategically he or she devises a careful plan of action to carry out and achieve a goal. Strategic thinking is a helpful tool for today’s busy parents who are pulled in many different directions and pressed for time. Set a goal and devise a smart plan to achieve the goal. Strategic thinking can be used in conjunction with meal planning, grocery shopping, leaving the house in the morning, etc.
For example, getting the kids to bed at the same time every evening is a great goal that can often go awry for many households. Creating a step by step plan, in this case a bedtime ritual, is an excellent means towards achieving the goal of consistent bedtimes. As children become more and more familiar with the bedtime ritual their internal clocks get set and falling asleep gets easier and easier.
Strategic thinking makes parenting easier because the whole family knows and adheres to a good plan and with a minimum of stress, achieves their goals.
Time Management
Good time management asks two questions: Is the activity of value? If the activity is of value, what is the best way to do it efficiently? Parents who find that the day is overwhelming, should ask themselves whether the majority of their time is being spent doing important activities efficiently.
There are four questions that should be asked when determining the efficiency of their activities: Should the activity be done at all? Does the activity need to be done now? Can someone else do it? Does the activity have to be done perfectly or is good enough, good enough?
A simple example is setting the table for the evening meal. The answer for most families is, “Yes, this is an important activity.” Does mom or dad have to step away from the stove to set the table now? “No, a child would feel proud to do it now.” Does it have to be approved by the Queen of England? “No, good enough will do and I am proud my child completed the table, not guilty that it isn’t perfect.”
Create Possibility and Move Things Forward
Creating possibility opens the future to bright and wonderful situations and creates opportunity. Moving things forward happens when the person acts on the possibility created.
Parents should be coming from the possibility of love for children when there is opportunity to express it. For example, when a parent is faced with a challenging discipline situation, he can scream and lose his marbles or he can come up with ideas or possibilities to express his love while still managing the children’s behavior.
“Maybe my kids are out of control because we have been in the car all morning, if I take them to the shore and let them run on the beach for an hour I bet we would all calm down.” Moving things forward is then simply Dad driving to the beach and having a wonderful time rough housing with the kids for an hour.
Another way of thinking about this is Stephen Covey’s concept of choice. As he says in The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People:
“BETWEEN STIMULUS AND RESPONSE IS OUR FREEDOM TO CHOOSE. We have self-awareness, imagination, conscience and independent will. Responsibility is the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people recognize that responsibility. They do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feeling.”
Manage Risk
With every activity in life there is the chance that something could go wrong. Putting a baby in the tub and feeding whole grapes to toddlers are high risk parenting activities. Moving the baby from the crib to a bed with a rail is medium risk and coloring at the counter with washable markers is low risk but risky all the same.
Thinking ahead will help parents manage risk and will minimize the likelihood that something might go wrong. Parents need to get in the habit of asking themselves, “If I let my kids do this, what is the most likely outcome.”
Parents should measure the probability of something (good or bad) happening multiplied by the negative impact if it does happen. They should then ask, “What is the cost of eliminating the risk?”
For example: Electrical outlets are dangerous if a child sticks a fork in one, so parents are willing to go to the baby store and buy outlet protectors. A child might possibly be able to remove an outlet cover, but is that slight risk worth the parent hiring an electrician to come in and move all of the electrical outlets up to the ceiling?
Parents who overestimate the probability that something will happen, compulsively worry and hover. People who underestimate risk don’t provide a safe environment for kids. Good parents are able to correctly estimate risk so that they protect their children when the risk is too high and loosen up the reigns when the risk is low.
Applying these business management practices to the everyday challenges of parenting will help give parents tools to parent more efficiently and with less stress. Parenting thoughtfully and creatively will model effective adult behavior to children and create a calm and peaceful home.
Elena Neitlich is the co-owner and CEO of Moms On Edge Her company designs, manufactures and sells creative and effective children’s behavioral toys, games and parenting aids. Moms on Edge also produces a line of handmade luxury bath and beauty products design.
10 Tips for Parents on How to Handle Video Gaming
Gaming has taken root and there are no signs of the popularity abating. Children as well as adults are all hooked to computer and video gaming in a big way. And, the internet has added a dash of excitement into gaming as players can now not just play online but compete online.
The gaming world realizes that if they are to sustain a multi-billion dollar business they must care not just for the gamers but their parents too. The Entertainment Software Rating Board or ESRB has issued video gaming tips as a guide for parents. The ESRB is the one that tests video games and rates them so that parents can select suitable games for children of different age groups.
1. Parents must check the ratings and examine the rating symbol on the front of the package as well as read the content descriptor at the back when buying a game. The ESRB site http://www.esrb.org has in depth information about games rated by them.
2. Never depend on advertisements, always talk to parents and older children to get an holistic view of the game you intend to buy.
3. Be a friend to your child and play the games with him or her. There is nothing like a hands on experience.
4. Beware of online gaming as very often the game has unrated components. Online gaming also has features like chats and exchange of ideas and information. Parents must teach their kids especially very young ones about the dangers lurking on the internet.
5. Learn all about downloadable mods that alter the content of games. Mods can change the appropriateness of the game for young players so parents must be vigilant.
6. Always invest in video game consoles and handhelds that have parental controls. This will enable you to limit the gaming content your children can access. Using parental controls will ensure that the children only play games that are appropriate to them.
7. Know your child’s nature and buy games that will nurture the child’s holistic growth. Games are known to have many benefits, us them to your advantage.
8. Know the games your kids play by reading their reviews online and joining gaming blogs and forum. Read game reviews and watch game trailers and demos.
9. Make time to interact with your children. Play games with them and teach them that gaming is not harmful if played right. Win their confidence so that they are open with you and share their fears and joys.
10. Take the kids to game expos and exhibitions. Learn all about the gaming world. Keep one step ahead at all times and your kids will be able to play games without any problems.
The World Wide Web is a great information highway that has information about all games new and old. Make use of the knowledge to monitor your children’s gaming world.
Timothy Rudon is a writer for Online Video Games , the premier website to find video games, video games play, free video games, online video games, free online video games, new video games, play online video games and many more.
Dealing With Picky Eaters: Tips to Help Parents
Raising toddlers can be as difficult as raising teens. In these formative years, toddlers can be real tyrants. Oftentimes, this is where first conflict arises between kids and parents even before the stage of adolescence. Any toddler’s parent would do well with a nice parenting tip at this point.
Among other issues, eating habits of toddlers is one major concern of parents. Some toddlers are just so picky that their eating habits are a source of anxiety and frustration for some parents. At such an instance, parents will do well to apply a relevant parenting tip. One parenting tip in itself is to not assume that your kid will get over pickiness. Some kids don’t so parents should try to do something.
Be Patient
One parenting tip for parents of picky eaters is to be understanding of a toddler’s unique situation. The toddler stage is a time when kids first learn about things including food. They are still learning about taste and texture and some may simply just find something disagreeable. A related parenting tip is not to force your child. Pressure may translate to a life issue in the future.
Be a Model
Acting as the model is one indispensable parenting tip common to most child-rearing concerns. The rest of the family should be models too. Coming together as a family during meal time is a relevant parenting tip and one which you should attempt as often as possible. Make sure that your family dinner is full of healthy variety. Seeing you eat healthy food may encourage your toddler to do the same.
Stock on Healthy Food
A practical parenting tip is to not keep junk food and too many sweets at home. In relation to this is the parenting tip to keep good, healthy food in your storage bins and refrigerator. This way, when your toddler gets hungry, he’ll have to eat what’s around. Besides if your toddler has been eating your stock of healthy food from the very beginning because there is nothing else to eat, he may have gotten used to it already.
Be Creative
Parenting requires creativity, too. This includes being creative on the table. It is a suggested parenting tip to perhaps give unique cartooney names to dishes so that your toddler can relate to it. Another parenting tip is to be creative with recipes. Try mixing fruits with a favorite dessert or mixing yummy tastes with vegetables. One housewife for example recommends the parenting tip of mashing some vegetables like squash and potatoes and adding milk and a little salt and butter.
Don’t Be a Tyrant
Nobody wants to live with tyrants whether they are toddlers or parent-tyrants! Try giving them for example the chance to pick some food items for lunch. Ask them if they’d like peas, beans, carrots or corn. You can also cut down on deciding for yourself how much your toddler should eat. Put small portions on his plate and just ask him if he wants more.
Looking for modern parenting advice? Read more parenting tips online.
Top Tips for Toddler Shopping
I think Christmas shopping with toddlers, is given a bad press! With a little bit of planning and some common sense there are many practical ways to take the stress, frustration and tension out of buying your father- in – law his annual socks and festive tie!
I think it helps to remember that small children have limits. If you are shopping with toddlers, be alert to their needs: are they tired, hungry, overexcited by the noise and confusion, or simply in need of some fresh air or a reassuring hug?
I don’t think it’s fair to expect toddlers to go from sitting in the car seat to sitting in their buggy for hours on end, so make sure you take breaks in your shopping to let them get rid of some of their energy and have some physical fun.
Lots of shopping centres have places for them to let off steam – or while you have a coffee let them move about while you supervise them. I used to pop into the Early Learning Centre for a quick 20 minutes while they had a play to give us all a break!!
* A great idea is to get your child to wear something with pockets before you leave the house. Once you are at the shops fill their pockets with something healthy like raisins or grapes.
Toddlers love to sit in the shopping trolley or their buggy independently digging out the raisins or grapes and you are able to zip around happily picking up what you need.
* Bring a small container with their favourite snack or a sandwich as a stand by as a hungry toddler is a grumpy toddler!
* Babies and small children can also become dehydrated in the dry air of shopping centres, so be sure to take frequent nursing or juice or water breaks.
* Make shopping fun – play games in the shops and look for things and get your toddler engaged in counting the reindeer or looking for snowmen.
* Keep their hands busy with a toy or a book to occupy their minds.
* Remember that children are naturally curious and this is how they learn about the world around them. Make the trip a learning time and sing Christmas songs or Nursery Rhymes and talk about colours or shapes or see how many circles they can find along the way.
If they want to examine an attractive item in a shop, don’t automatically tell them off or shout at them. Instead, help them to hold the item safely, or let them know that it can be looked at but not touched. You might say something like “This is breakable, so let’s just look at it together.” Share your toddler’s enthusiasm and interest at this exciting time of Christmas with all its sparkle and magic and see the world from their perspective of curiosity.
* Choose a time when you know your little one will have a nap and make sure they are in the buggy so you can shop while they are asleep.
* How about sharing your kids with friends – they go shopping for a couple of hours on their own while you look after their children and then you swap. You get lots more done and you have a break and a bit of “me” time while your kids are having fun too.
* Toddlers can begin to be included in some of the shopping decisions so involve your toddler with questions such as “Which of these toys do you think Sophie would like to play with?” This can turn a boring, frustrating experience into a more pleasurable one, for everyone.
* Being surrounded by a crowd of adults can be a really intimidating business to small children, especially when shops are busy so using a backpack can be one way of bringing toddlers up to a height where they are more contented. It can also prevent the common, frightening experience of losing a toddler in a crowd.
A slightly older child can be a great help in shopping, if you approach it all in a spirit of fun and good humour. Ask them to go and get something for you while you supervise them as they love to be helpful and feel part of the shopping trip. Then praise them for their independence and help.
* Avoid the crowds. Shopping just before dinner, when shops are crowded, and parents and children are tired and hungry, can be very stressful. Try shopping in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, or move dinner up and shop during the quiet early-evening time between 6 and 7 pm.
When you avoid the stress of crowded shops, busy car parks and long check-out lines, you have more patience and energy.
Be prepared for the tantrum zone check out. With colourful, delicious sweets and treats on display be ready,as these can throw your little one into a temper tantrum as you are both probably tired out and fed up waiting and they will become demanding and fractious. Be prepared and bring a favourite healthful snack from home which is an easy alternative to keeping them content.
* If you reach your limit… If you reach the limit of your patience and energy, try to remain calm, centred and grounded and press your internal “pause button” and dig deep to find your positive ways of handling anger and fatigue. You might try saying, “I’m starting to lose my patience. I think I need a break from shopping for a bit. Let’s go outside for a few minutes so we can both get some fresh air” Even a few moments of fresh air away from the crowds can make a big difference for both of you
* If your children reach their limit… If, your toddler has simply reached the end of their tether – respect that. Shopping can wait; an exhausted, hungry, or overly-excited child can’t!
Remember that all children behave as well as they are treated. A toddler who is regularly given your time, undivided attention, patience, and understanding will have more tolerance for a shopping trip – and any other challenging situation – than the child who must face stressful situations without your understanding and emotional support.
* Look for lots of ways to positively praise your toddler for their good behaviour.
* And remember to make sure you have had enough to eat and drink before you go out to keep your energy up!
* You get what you focus on…………. If you think the shopping trip will be stressful, frustrating and tiring ….. guess what …. it will be….. . so get playful and creative yourself and remember to do this before you go out.
Imagine the trip going really well …. see what you see , hear what you hear and feel how good you feel when the trip has gone really well. Turn the pictures up brighter and bring them closer to you and relax.
Toddlers will pick up on your mood so make sure you’re in a good mood first and they will follow you example.
* Another tip is to remember a time when a shopping trip has gone really well and to go back and remember it in great detail. See the things you did and remember the things you said and how you said them. Remember the frame of mind you were in and remember how you felt and then simply copy what you did that day as it clearly worked!
Shopping with your toddler need not be a strssful experience so relax get focused on what works and have fun!
Sue Atkins is a Master NLP Practitioner and Trainer and a former Deputy Head. She has written many books on self esteem, toddlers and teenagers and has a collection of Confident Parent CD’s available from her website. She is also the author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the black and yellow series published worldwide and available from all good bookshops => http://www.positive-parents.com
Toddlers With Diabetes – Tips For Success
If your child is under the age of two and has been diagnosed with diabetes, know that there are many alternatives and options available that will control this condition and ensure your child has a happy, healthy, and normal childhood.
The number of toddlers with diabetes is increasing, so know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not process sugar effectively.
Since there are many different types of diabetes, ask your physician to explain the exact condition that affects your child.
Also, consider seeking out parents of other diabetic toddlers in your area to glean information and support from individuals who are in your shoes.
Learn About The Disease *
Diabetes can be frightening to anyone, but especially a parent of a toddler with diabetes.
Instead of allowing the disease to take over your life, strive to learn as much as possible about the specific type of diabetes that affects your child.
Also, be sure to learn the side effects of diabetes and any symptoms that you should be aware of that are associated with a potential problem caused by the disease.
By educating yourself, you take away some of the unexpected associated with any disease that affects a child.
Finally, learn about the proper ways to care for your child and exactly what medications or medical techniques are necessary in controlling this condition.
Many toddlers with diabetes can control the condition by switching to a favorable diet.
Test Blood Sugars Often *
Especially with children , testing blood sugar can be difficult.
However, this task is necessary in order to determine if your child is having problems so that you can stop any potentially deadly problems before they start.
Since a blood sugar test typically involves a pin prick, consider ways to make the entire process less scary and painful for your child.
There are several high quality testing monitors on the market that are made especially for youngsters with diabetes.
Also, speak with your child and let him or her know the exact reason why this test needs to be performed.
Education is the key to understanding.
Develop A Schedule *
Schedules are important in the life of any child, but especially one that has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
By developing a schedule for your child and ensuring that he or she sticks to it, you are working diligently to control the diabetes.
This schedule is especially important when it comes to meal times. Most diabetics need to eat smaller meals more frequently.
With small children, consider developing a game that will allow him or her to stick to the schedule without feeling regimented.
As you child grows and enters into schooling, you should maintain this schedule to prevent potential problems from developing during the day.
Plan For The Worst *
If you properly control the disease, the risks of complications or problems are less likely to happen.
However, you should always have a plan in mind in the event the worst does happen.
Create a special diabetes station in your home and be sure that everyone in your home (even another child) knows how to use the equipment properly.
You may also need to teach your child that suffers from diabetes on the correct way to use the medical equipment in case he or she needs to self medicate.
By developing a plan, everyone will know exactly what to do and panic will be avoided so that the problem can be solved immediately. This is also the case when you are traveling.
Carry a small kit just in case your diabetic child should have to need medicine to stop a potential problem.
Mike Herman Is The Publisher of 4HealthConcerns.com . Where He Has More Information On Juvenile Diabetes That You Can Research While Relaxing at Home
6 Practical Parenting Tips For Single Moms
All too often a lot of single moms feel that they have to be “super mom” and not expect or ask for any help. If you are among the super moms, you run a great risk of parenting burn out. We are all human and we all fall short of “doing it all” at some point. Hey, it’s tough enough raising kids as a 2-parent family. That goes double for single parents, especially single moms raising 2 or more children.
So is it OK to ask for help or support when you’re trying to raise 2 or more kids? It’s not only OK, it is suggested. Remember as a single mom, you have to work hard to bring home the bacon without depending on any child support, whether you are receiving it or not. You never know when that money will run out.
You also have to raise your kids to be compassionate and responsible adults. That’s not an easy task in today’s world. For single moms it is quite the challenge. You are responsible for your child’s schooling, the clothes they wear, the food they eat, and also the air they breathe. Let’s face it, anyway you look at it, that’s a tall order for any single mom raising 2 or more kids.
For the moms out there that don’t think they are “super mom” and are not reluctant at seeking advice, there are a lot of practical things you can do for support in general, financially or otherwise.
Let’s take a look at 6 of those things
* Take good care of yourself – There is so much more to this than one might think. Pay attention to your body and mind. You have to first take care of yourself in order to take care of your kids. Exercise daily. Eat right and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Get plenty of sleep. Watch your stress levels and try to avoid it at all costs. Smile, try it! It helps relieve stress.
* Join parenting network support groups – These can be in the form of online message boards, support websites, online chat groups, offline support group centers, and your church community.
* Start a parenting journal – This will strictly be for you as a parent and should be kept private. Writing in a journal can be quite therapeutic for some people. You can write about specific goals about parenting, anger management, and even special goals for yourself.
* Consider a roommate – Save a considerable amount of money on living expenses and have companionship at the same time. You will also have someone to swap babysit dates with. Your roommate will watch all the kids for one day, and then you take your turn at it. Beautiful concept if you are all for having a roommate. Some people like living alone and is a preference.
* Always show your love – Of course it’s crucial to your child that they know you love them. But there are special ways of showing your love. Give plenty of hugs, kids love them! Write a special message on a piece of paper and hide it in their school bag or lunch box. Show positive praise. Positive comments and encouragement goes a long way with your child’s self esteem and confidence.
* Discipline – Most often discipline is the most sought after advice for single moms. One important thing I have learned personally is controlling anger. If your child sees you angry while trying to discipline them, this gives them leverage to push your buttons even further. If you don’t get a handle on controlling your anger, you are sunk before you even begin.
“Stick to your guns” is also a famous motto you should always practice. If you tell your child one thing and then back out on it, what good is discipline in the first place?
Use your gut instincts with parenting and stay true to what you believe is the right thing for your children.
Parental Internet Safety Tips
Parental Internet Safety Tips Copyright (c) 2007 Kelly Liyakasa
Like most families in 2007, your family probably has at least one computer in the home, if not more. Many children and teens have workloads in school that require excessive PC-usage. Alright, so even if your kids use the World Wide Web for chatting and downloading games, they still need to be protected. There are plenty of parental internet control software. options available to concerned mom’s and dad’s, but it’s still wise to heed the following tips.
Protecting Your Children:
• Be aware of your children’s friends and if they begin mentioning someone they don’t hang out with at school or at home.
• Limit their Internet use. Giving each child an hour a day can lessen the chances they’ll run into dangerous situations and you’ll increase family time.
• Most parents know the best way to find out is to “ask.” If you have concerns or advice to give, ask your kids for 10 minutes to chat.
• Don’t berate them. You remember what it was like to be 13 and craving independence. Allow your pre-teens and teens to make some of their own decisions, while you coach them.
• Remind youngsters not to give out any personal information without consulting you first.
• Change allotted computer-time depending on how old your child is. Have a teen? They obviously need more Internet time than an eight year old.
• Check for warning signs: If your 11-year-old knows how to clear the browser cache and sets up her own passwords, you might want to keep an eye out.
• Try parental control software products. They don’t guard against everything, but they are a great start.
For you frustrated parents who don’t have any idea how to combat Internet predation and trash-sites, it is well worth your time to consider parental control software. 6StarReviews.com notes that a leading software product, Content Watch’s Net Nanny 5.5, completely logs all Internet activity and downloads.
What exactly can the infamous Net Nanny do? It blocks inappropriate websites, logs instant messages, and can monitor everywhere little Johnny’s been on the Web from any place. While you may have some reservations about essentially spying on your kids, catching your child in risky situations early-on can prevent a world of future hurt.
Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com. Also, if you have the time, check out the 6StarReviews Blog for product updates, new site reviews and to give us suggestions or feedback! Visit 6StarReviews.com Blog!
Handling Temper Tantrums – Simple Tips To Calm Your Toddler
Even the nicest of children can be unpredictably hard. They show it by throwing temper trantrums now and then.
A tantrum takes many forms, like kicking, screaming, breath holding and hitting. Girls and boys are equally prone to it, particularly at the age range of 1 to 3. Tantrums are more common among younger children, noticeably at age two. This is a time when they are yet on the threshold of developing their language skills. Their minds work faster than their mouth. But tantrums manifest less frequently as children grow older and their communicatin skills improve. Also individually, some toddlers may tend to exhibit more of these emotional outbursts than others.
A toddler is in that stage where he finds himself eager to test his capabilities and explore his surroundings. He likes to tinker with anything that catches his fancy, or to try to conquer the world, as it were. The problem is he wails when he fails. And he vents his frustrations with the most handy of tools under his command: by throwing himself into fits of tantrums. Parents everywhere have actually grown familiar with most of the causes that lead to tantrums. They often relate to situations where a child seeks attention, is hungry, tired or uncomfortable.
It often helps to keep children away from things that are beyond their grasp to spare them from struggles or frustrations. Try to divert his attention. Think of many other activities that can deflect his interests away from frustrating or prohibited work or leisure. When your child wants something, think about it and see if it is reasonable. If it is, accommodate it and spare yourselves of trouble.
Remember further that to a child whatever attention or response (including negative ones) he gets from his parents due to temper tantrums is much better than no response at all. So to keep yourself from reacting negatively to your child’s behavior, be on a look out for the nice things he does. Then reward him with praise for positive behavior. This gives him ideas on what makes you glad, which in turn encourages him to remain good in accordance with your standards.
Abhishek is an expert at child behavior psychology and he has got some great Parental Control Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 40 Pages Ebook, “Parental Control – How To Check Your Kids!” from his website http://www.Better-Parent.com/127/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Parenting Tips
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Bringing up a child is a very rewarding experience. But it is a challenging job, one that has tremendous responsibilities. It is a complex task and a lot of patience and understanding is required to give a good upbringing to the child.
A child’s behavior and needs change in different stages of his life. A toddler’s needs are different from a pre-teen’s and a teenager has his own set of unique needs. A parent needs to understand the wants and needs of his young one. The role of a parent is of utmost importance as the child looks up to his parents. Therefore it is essential for parents to monitor the behavior of the child, understand his unique needs and come up with solutions to the problems he faces.
In this section, we will focus on the common issues facing pre-schoolers i.e. children from the age group of 2-5 years. We will also dwell on the steps a parent needs to take for a child’s well being. A healthy parent-child relationship will ultimately reflect on the child making him a well-rounded individual.
Here are a few common behavioral problems that a child faces
Shyness Hyperactivity Eating Problems Temper Tantrums Phobias or Fears
Shyness
Does your child tuck her head into your shoulder when a relative or a friend gets too close or does she hold back from joining group activities? Shyness is extremely common among 2-3 year olds. It is believed that a child’s behavior patterns are a result of both genetic and environmental influences. Some children feel comfortable around peers but not around adults and sometimes it is vice-versa. But with a little bit of understanding, your child can come out of her shell. This is what you can do
Initially, stick with activities that involve smaller groups and quiet or familiar environments. At a later stage, expose the child to unfamiliar settings and people. Any time your toddler reaches out to make a friend or join in an activity, praise her efforts no matter how tentative.
Prevent labeling of the children as “shy”. Otherwise she will come to believe it.
Teach the children to identify and verbally express their emotions.
Hyperactivity
While some children sit quietly, some are exactly the opposite – they are hyperactive. They want to do something all the time – like running around or talking incessantly.
Their energy is boundless so they are hyperactive.
Reason
Most of the time, children are hyperactive because they are bored.
Solution
It is essential to get the child involved in some activity that is interesting and captures his attention. It should be something which is fun and also a learning experience. He can also be given small jobs around the house through which he can help his dad and mom.
Eating Problems
The dining table can see several wars between an unwilling eater (your child) and an aggressive feeder (you)! The problem can be easily dealt with if you accept the fact that the child will eat when she is hungry. Here are a few tips to deal with a child’s eating problems
Reduce the intake of the main meals if your child has snacked in between.
Don’t try to make her hungry and force her to eat just to fit it into your routine! Try and be a little flexible about the time.
Try to eat with the child – “I will eat one spoon and you will eat one too.”
Arrange the food in the shape of a car or castle and spin a story around it to get the child to eat. Avoid scary stories.
Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums are common in young children and are a part of the growing up process.
Reasons
The reasons could range from tiredness to anxiety or hunger. It could also be due to some changes at home or on account of sibling rivalry. Sometimes a child cannot express his feelings properly resulting in anger at himself or at you for not understanding. There are times when he throws temper tantrums due to some physical ailment. Of course, sometimes when you deny him something that he wants, he might throw a tantrum.
It is essential to find out the cause and then address the problem.
Solution
Set a good example for your child. Avoid arguing or yelling in front of the child. Try to remain calm. If you shout or become angry, it is likely to make things worse. The more attention you give this behavior, the more likely it is to happen again. As tempting as it can be, do not reward your child for stopping a tantrum. Rewards may teach your child that a temper tantrum will help her get her way. Distract your child from activities likely to lead to a tantrum. Suggest different activities. If you are indoors, try taking your child outside to distract his attention. Make sure your child is well rested, especially before a busy day or stressful activity.
Phobias or Fears
Most children as well as some adults face a variety of fears or phobias. Sometimes these fears do not cause a major problem in day-to-day life but sometimes they are cause for concern as it disrupts the rhythm of life. Some of the common phobias faced by children are
Fear of the dark
This fear is common in children between the ages of two and six. It is not actually the darkness that they fear; a child is frightened of the things he supposes are prowling around in the dark. When the child gets afraid at night, turn on the lights and search together for the things he is afraid of to assure him that it is not there. Sometimes the shadows that he sees at night also instill fear in the child. Show the child how these shadows are cast – in fact you can make animal shadows together with your hands – this will convince him of their harmlessness. This should help them cope successfully with the fear.
Fear of water
Some children hesitate to enter water. Do not throw the child in the water in order for him to get over his fear and do not shame him into doing it. It is essential to avoid putting any pressure on the child. Let him play on the beach or the bank till he gets the confidence. What could strengthen his resolve further would be to see you enjoying in the water. Of course it is essential to keep a watch on your child in the water.
Fear of doctor or medicines
Very often children are frightened of taking injections and medicines. As a rule, if very little is said about the whole thing, the child may accept the medication as a matter of course. But if he is still hesitant about that injection, tell him that the injection will make him healthy once again and that after he is fit you can do many fun things together. As for medicines, you can crush the pills and put it in syrup as per the advice of the doctor. You can also hide the small pills in bread, disguising the taste with some strong and accepted flavor like honey.
Tips in Choosing the Best Toddler Toys For Your Precious One
As a child reaches the toddler years, he begins to learn new things. He becomes curious and starts to learn his “firsts”. Being a toddler is a crucial phase in a child’s life. This is a year of milestones for him. Thus, it is imperative that parents give their child only the best toddler toys to aid in his proper development.
Each child develops at a different pace. There are those who develop quicker and there are those whose development lag behind others. If you want your child to become an achiever and to shine above his peers, be sure to give him all the attention, support, and encouragement he deserves. Moreover, give him toddler toys which can help develop his aptitude.
What are the best toddler toys for your baby?
There are many kinds of toddler toys. Toy makers have developed toys for specific age groups. In buying a toy for your precious toddler, make sure that the toy is designed especially for children his age.
For the one-year old toddler, it is best to buy him toys which can be filled and emptied. Two- to six-piece puzzles are also good. These toddler toys help develop the child’s ability in forming mental images of things.
Other toys best for this age group are squeeze toys, colored balls, assorted sizes of unbreakable mirrors, toy trucks, and colored books with vibrant and colorful pictures. Toddler toys like these help improve the child’s grasping and releasing ability, develop self-discovery, enhance creativity and imagination, and develop his conceptual development. Furthermore, toys that are imitations of real gadgets such as toy POS machines and toy cellular phones cultivate a child’s problem-solving skill and social and language development.
For the two-year old toddler, toddler toys such as mini cassettes, toy phones, toy trucks, building blocks, books of rhymes, picture books, and toys which let them play and hear music are the best. At two years old, a child can already form mental images of things, actions, and concepts. Likewise, he can already grasp the concept of simple puzzles and shape-sorting toys. He also hums and tries to sing and enjoys looking at colorful books. Giving him such toys would help develop these abilities.
At three-years old, a child already has the ability to speak clearly. It is at this period that he begins to ask questions about anything and everything that catches his fancy. This is the best opportunity to develop his mental ability. Toddler toys that are best for this age group are coloring books, toy PC, alphabet puzzles, easel companion sets, latches board, doll houses, dolls, and furniture set. Building blocks can also aid in the mental development of a three-year old.
Toy stores offer a wide variety of toddler toys. Make sure that when you buy a toy for your toddler, you buy only those which are safe for your precious one. Do not just buy any toy which catches your fancy. Buy those which have passed quality assurance and are truly baby-friendly.
For more tips and information about toddlers toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/toddler.html.
Parental advices 