Protecting Kids From Bullying

February 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Protecting kids from bullying is the parenting advice being shared today. Bullying is far from being a new phenomenon! However, modern technologies allow it to take various forms and become even more widespread. As a parent, you need to empower yourself and your kids and learn how to help them to protect themselves from bullying! 

 

 

protecting kids from bullying

 

 

Several years ago, our nine-year-old daughter declared one Sunday evening that she is done with going to school! You can imagine our shock while we were asking her about reasons! She didn’t say anything; she kept insisting that school is not for her. We didn’t want to make a big fuss about it, thinking it is some children’s thing, and so we said “Okay, you don’t have to go to school tomorrow! But can we talk about it again?” “Not tomorrow”, she said, “I am never going to school again! I am done!”  It was alarming indeed, but we still didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable more than she already was, so we tucked her in and wished her a good night while reassuring her that she won’t go to school the next day.

We went back to the living room and said at the same time – “How did we miss it?!” Given that one of us is a psychologist, we thought there is no way we won’t notice if someone is messing with our kid. Nonetheless, it happened! The day after, we talked about bullying with Audrey, and explained that it has nothing to do with her discussing things we can do to protect her from bullying. We then realized that if we failed to recognize there is a problem, it must be even more challenging for other parents. Kids grow up so quickly, and for us, it is often hard to imagine that one moment our biggest worry is baby gear, and bullying in the next one. Hence, we decided to share our story but also some tips on how to prevent child bullying!

 

Protecting Kids from Bullying

 

Understand Bullying

When you understand bullying, it will be simpler to recognize it and know how to stop it.  The thing that can be confusing is that we know that kids often tease each other. But there is an enormous difference between playful and friendly teasing that usually involves two sides and bullying. By definition, bullying is a form of physical or psychological violence that has three characteristics. It is always deliberate, repeated, and involves power imbalance (bully is older, stronger, male, richer, white, etc.). It has a lot of manifestations.

  •       Physical – pushing, pocking, pulling hair, punching, kicking, beating, etc.
  •       Verbal – shouting, intimidating, insulting, name-calling, etc.
  •       Relational – excluding, spreading rumors, getting others to hurt someone, etc.
  •       Cyberbullying –sending harmful content on Facebook, WhatsApp, and so on.

 

Recognize Signs of Bullying

If your kids experience bullying at school it isn’t very likely that they will immediately come to you. They often think that bullying is part of growing up, or that they should have been stronger and fought for themselves. They also might convince themselves that they shouldn’t be crybabies and make a big deal out of it. That is why you need to learn to recognize the signs of bullying.

 

Talk With the Kid

It is paramount to praise your kid when she or he tells you that they have been victims of bullying. It hasn’t been easy for them to come forth, and it is necessary to tell them how brave they are and that you are proud of them. Also, explain to them that bullying has nothing to do with them and that it is the violent kid who is causing the bullying. It will mean a lot for their confidence, which can be pretty shaken by bullying. Research about bullying and self-esteem shows that kids experiencing bullying at school have a lack of confidence.

 

protecting kids from bullying

 

 

Contact the Teacher

Kids often don’t want you to do this because they are afraid of retribution. Talk with your kid and explain to her or him why this is important. Say that other kids in this situation are maybe not so brave but also need protection. Propose to talk with the teacher after school hours. If nothing of this works, you may have to do it without your child’s consent.

 

Final Word

Many people still today see bullying as an unfortunate byproduct of childhood! We don’t! We see it as a product of the violent, patriarchal society in which we live. The fact that something always existed doesn’t mean we need to tolerate it.  Bullies do this because they want to exercise their power over those who they perceive as less powerful. The worst thing we can do is to turn a blind eye, whether it is happening to our or other kids that we know! Only by reacting, we can stop this! Have you ever suspected or had a kid tell you he or she is a victim of bullying?

I hope this post will give you some insight on protecting your kids from bullying.  It’s real, and it happens everyday.  You may also like:  Signs of Bullying. 

 

 

Author’s bio: Laura Casey is a blogger, mother, and housewife who shares her vast experience in parenting, motherhood, and pregnancy. Her articles have already helped a lot of people who deal with parenting. She draws inspiration from raising kids, Motherhood itself and blogging. One of the most useful blogs in her list is https://top-mom.com/ . Check it out! 

 

Filed Under: Health, Safety Tagged With: , , ,

Mom’s House Dad’s House Co-parenting Together

February 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to co-parent successfully at mom’s house dad’s house.  Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when kids are involved.  Sadly, your feelings towards each other probably aren’t good.  However, finding a way to share parenting responsibilities so you that you can give your children the best childhood is imperative.

Growing up across two happy homes is undoubtedly better than growing up in an unhappy household. However, it will take a conscious and joint effort to make that happen. Focus on the following, and you won’t go far wrong.

 

 

moms house dads house

 

 

Mom’s House Dad’s House:

 

Mom’s House Dad’s House Access

First, kids need to enjoy a positive relationship with both parents unless there is an extreme circumstance. Child custody can be a difficult subject to resolve, which is why you will need the right expert on your side. However, it’s important to avoid using your child as a weapon to hurt your ex. The goal of co-parenting is to find a fair solution for everyone.

The time-sharing elements will vary from one family to the next. Some children do a four-day/three-day split. Others see one parent on the weekends. There are many contributing factors ranging from geographic distances to your careers. Do what works best for the child.

 

Consistency at Mom’s House Dad’s House

Transitioning from one home to two is tough on a child, but they are resilient. Nonetheless, one thing they will need is a sense of stability and consistency. Otherwise, the whole process of splitting their time across two properties becomes very confusing. So, while the two households needn’t be identical, they should work together.

This can manifest itself in many ways. From implementing the same bedtime routines to giving your child the same responsibilities in both homes. Children benefit from having transparency and clarity in their lives. When co-parents work together to provide it, their behavior and development should thrive.

Comfort

If your child is going to spend their time split across two households, the key is to make them happy homes. Unfortunately, you cannot have much of an impact on your ex-spouse’s property. Therefore, it’s vital that you create a winning environment within your own property, starting with their bedroom.

Having that place to call their own can make a world of difference. At this time, especially with the changes caused by the pandemic, a winning backyard is crucial too. Whether used for burning off energy, enjoying summer BBQs, or relaxing, it can be a very useful space. Most importantly, your child needs to feel the sense of belonging.

 

 

moms house dads house

 

 

 

Civility

There’s a very strong chance that you aren’t going to share a close friendship with your ex. After all, there is a reason you split up. However, co-parenting is a lot easier when you can remain civil. Even if you don’t want to see each other face-to-face, cloud computing allows you to share schedules or files. Embrace it.

 

Most importantly, you must always refrain from bad-mouthing the other parent. Political point scoring will only upset your child, which is the last thing any of you want to do.  As your grandma used to say, if you can’t say anything nice say nothing at all.  Your mission tis to create positive vibes and a good environment for your children to grow up in.

Filed Under: Divorce, Family Time Tagged With: , , ,

History of Chicken and Waffles – Black History

January 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on the history of chicken and waffles. This post contains Black History Month educational facts for kids. Historians researched this dish, and it first appeared on the menu of the Wells Supper Club in Harlem in 1938. Many people believed that chicken and waffles originated in the South, but no it was New York.

So, the Wells Supper Club was a popular late night stop for jazz musicians. Patrons found that it was too late to order dinner, but too early for breakfast from the menu.  Fried chicken on a waffle was an acceptable dish for hungry musicians and other patrons. So it became a hit.

Black History

 

 

History of Chicken and Waffles:

 

People have asked what makes chicken and waffles so appealing?  The perfectly seasoned chicken over a crispy waffle is the appeal. Topping it with lots of sweet syrup is a bonus.  You can’t beat the salty chicken, crispy waffle and sweet syrup combination.

 

  • Fried chicken was only served to wealthy Whites. Prior to the Civil War, chicken and waffles were extravagant breakfast staples in plantation houses cooked by slaves.
  • Slaves could not eat any of the dishes created for White families.
  • West African slaves were experts in seasoning food.  They introduced southern whites to spices and the technique of using seasoning and batter on food.
  • Palm oil was used to fry battered, seasoned chicken.
  • When fat was rendered into lard, it became the oil for frying chicken.
  • Chicken became a popular dish in Black homes after the emancipation of slaves. Freed slaves could raise their own chickens.  They were cheap to feed, and had lots of meat on their bones.
  • Black women sold fried chicken, pies and biscuits to make money for their families once they were emancipated.
  • Once Black women became entrepreneurs, fried chicken became associated with Black people and poverty.  Even though wealthy White people devoured fried chicken that slaves fixed in their kitchens for years, but they created the stereotype of Black people and fried chicken to make them feel inferior.

 

Black History

 

 

  • The Dutch introduced waffles to America. However, Thomas Jefferson made waffles popular in upper class homes and plantations.  He purchased a waffle iron in France, and brought it back to the United States.

Black History Month - chicken and waffles

 

 

 

However, The Wells Supper Club combined the two and they served their famous chicken and waffles for 50 years.  Sadly, the club closed in 1982.  But, if you’re ever in the Los Angles area, stop by Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. President Obama stopped by in 2011, he ordered the Country Boy, 3 wings and waffles.

I encourage you to whip up a batch at home.  I use my Belgian waffle iron when I dish up chicken and waffles, I like the thickness.  However, regular waffle irons will work to.  Wings are my favorites with waffles, but chicken legs and thighs work too.  Some people even use skinless, boneless chicken breasts.  Whatever you do, drizzle lots of  syrup over the dish.  The salty and sweet combination will explode in your mouth.

 

You can download the Black History Month kids printables here.  You may also like my Black History Facts on the Lone Ranger.  Also, you may like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.

 

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

Creating Child Friendly Backyards

January 24, 2021 by 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on creating child friendly backyards.  With many venues closed because of Covid-19, there are going to be very few outdoor activities for children this summer. Your yard can be the perfect place for them to stay safe and have fun. But, you’re going to need some tools and some creativity to help create a child friendly backyard. 

 

 

creating kid friendly backyards

 

Tips for Creating Child Friendly Backyards:

 

Installing a Pool

In the past, most people wouldn’t entertain the idea of having a pool in their yard.  Pools can be costly to install, with tiles, pumps, and required accessories to build a permanent pool.  However, above ground pools are available now, which can make a backyard pool  cheaper. You will still need a hose to fill up the pool.  But, you can easily assemble and disassemble an above ground pool without much help from others.

 

Swing  Sets

Swing sets are almost like theme park rides to a child. They love the motion of going up and down and back and forth.  It makes them feel they’re having the time of their lives. Swing sets can be found cheaply online or in big box stores.  However, make sure that you have the tools to anchor the new swing set safely into the ground.  Ensuring the swing set is anchored properly will avoid accidents.  There are loads of guides around the web that can help you to achieve this goal.

 

 

 

creating child friendly backyards

Cornhole Games

Cornhole games are a traditional outdoor pastime that many people haven’t played before or haven’t played in a long time.  A small beanbag is thrown at a ramp that has a hole in it.  The objective is to get the bag into the hole.  Cornholeworldwide.com is one of the leading companies offering this game.  Furthermore, it has a large range of options that will make your yard look great.  Get your children involved on which game to buy for the family.  They will love being involved, and will be more open to playing games they choose. 

 

Tetherball

Tetherball has been around for a very long time.  It has been providing tennis players with the means to practice their skills when they are on their own.  For those who are not familiar with tetherball, it’s a ball  attached to a pole by a rope.  And, players can bat it between each other.  The goal is to wrap the rope around the pole in a set direction. You can get both floor mounted and freestanding options.  So, when you are looking at equipment make them perfect for a wide range of gardens.

 

I hope my tips have motivated you to add a few ideas to your backyard.  It can be hard to find things for the kids to do during a pandemic, but your outdoor space can be much more inviting if you put the work into it.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Time Tagged With: , ,

Black History Facts – The Lone Ranger

January 22, 2021 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on educational activities on Black History Facts.  Our feature today is Bass Reeves, the original Lone Ranger.  Many people remember the Lone Ranger TV Show played by Clayton Moore.  He had a Native American partner named Tonto.  The Lone Ranger rode a white stallion and wore a black mask.

 

 

Black History Month Facts

 

 

Black History Facts About the Lone Ranger:

 

However, the original Lone Ranger was Bass Reeves.  Reeves was born a slave in Arkansas.  Bass’s mother worked in the kitchen, and his father was a house servant. Young Reeves worked in the cotton fields as a water boy.  Bass Washington was Bass Reeves’ grandfather and namesake.  However, he took his slave master’s surname. Which, wasn’t unusual during slavery.

Bass fled to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) after getting into a fight with his slave master.  He lived with Seminole, Cherokee, and Creek Indians learning their language, customs, and tracking skills.  Furthermore, he became a skilled marksman.

 

 

Black History Month Facts

 

 

He purchased land in Arkansas once he was emancipated after the Civil War, and became a successful farmer/rancher.  Reeves married Nellie Jennie and fathered 10 children with her.  They had five girls and five boys. He made a good living as a rancher and as a horse breeder, and served as a guide for the U.S. Deputy Marshals searching for outlaws.

Furthermore, Bass Reeves was ambidextrous and became an expert sharpshooter from both hands.  Historians said he never missed a target. He armed himself with a colt on each hip, and wore them with the butts facing forward.  He was also an expert shooter using the Winchester rifle.

His life as a rancher would be interrupted by the law.  Not in a negative way, but in a positive way.  U.S. Marshall James F. Fagan hired Bass as a U.S. Deputy Marshall.  Fagan had heard of Reeves’ reputation as a marksman.  He also knew Reeves spoke several Indian languages and was quite knowledgeable of the territory. As a result, Fagan knew that naming Reeves as Deputy Marshal was the right step. He was the first Black to hold the title.

 

Black History Month Facts

 

 

Although taking the position was dangerous, Reeves was up for the job.  He stood 6′, 2″ and weighed around 200 pounds.  He stayed in the position for 30+ years.  Furthermore, Reeves wore disguises to capture many of his targets, and he never missed a target if the capture ended in a shoot out.  Reeves captured over 3,000 criminals during his career.

Bass Reeves lost his first wife, and married a second time to Winnie Sumter.  They had one child together, making a total of 11 children for Reeves.

 

Black History Month

 

 

The history books have finally found a place for Bass Reeves.  He was the first African-American inducted into the Great Westerners Hall of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.  Furthermore, he was  inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2010.  He also has a bridge named after him, the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge.  Last, he has a bronze statue depicting him riding on a horse in Fort Smith’s Pendergraft Park.

Reeves great-great-great-grandson is National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves.

I’ve included facts in a Bass Reeves printable.  It’s perfect for Black History Month homeschooling units or teaching your children about Black History.  So, print my Black History Month kids printables for your kids.  I’ve also included a crossword, fact sheet, coloring page, and word search puzzle.  You can download them here.

 

Filed Under: Education, Printables Tagged With: , ,

California Educational Activities for Kids

January 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing California educational activities for kids. The activity pack includes a word search puzzle, fact sheet, and famous places in California. I’ve also include coloring pages of the state flower, state bird and state animal. 

 

 

California educational activities

 

 

California Educational Activities:

 

First, I created a word search puzzle.  You can also find the information listed in the word search in the California Fact Sheet.  The word search  includes the state bird, state flower and other historical facts.

 

 

California Educational Activities

 

 

You can expand your lesson plan by having your kids do research.  For example, what famous places are in California?  I’ve put together a list of famous places for you, if they research they can learn more about each place.  For example, a famous place in Disneyland. If they research, they can learn the differences between Disney Land and Disney World.

 

 

California Educational Activties

 

 

Kids can have fun coloring the picture of California’s state bird the Quail. The California Quail is also known as the Valley Quail.  It was adopted as the official bird in 1931, and recommended as the state bird by the Audubon Society.  Quails travel in conveys of 2 to 200, but break out in pairs in the spring.  The female lays 6 – 28 creamy white eggs with brown spots.

 

 

California Educational Activities

 

 

Next, California’s state flower is the Golden Poppy. The Golden Poppy is known as the California Sunlight or Cup of Gold. It blooms from February to September.

 

 

 

California Educational Activities

 

 

The grizzly bear also known as the brown bear is California’s state animal.  The grizzly bear has been extinct since 1922 in California.  There are approximately 500 grizzlies in the state now; however, there is talk about reintroducing the grizzly.

Last, California’s official insect is the Dogface Butterfly.  California is its only home, and is sometimes called the Doghead Butterfly.

So, be sure to incorporate these California educational activities into your homeschool history lesson plan or extra homeschool activities.  You can download the activity pack here.  Be sure to check back for other California activities.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Getting Over Christmas Blues

January 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on getting over Christmas Blues after the holidays.  Those post Christmas blues can be a nasty.  It seems that there is nothing major to look forward to now. Sadly, the world can be pretty bleak at Christmas.  The Coronavirus is still taking its toll, even though vaccines have started to roll out across the world. 

But, there are ways you can keep you and your family happy. Winter can be a wonderful season.  It’s the perfect time to work on goals, get caught up on reading, pull out those crafts you’ve been wanting to work on and more.  Nothing sounds exciting, check out these suggestions. 

 

 

getting over Christmas blues

 

Getting Over Christmas Blues Tips:

 

Try A New Health Kick

Getting into a new health regime or trying out a new diet can be a chore.  But, if you make it fun everyone can enjoy it. Think about taking bike rides with the family. Indulge in less fast food , and use new recipes that can be cooked at home.

It’s a great way to get everyone in the family healthy.  If a child’s diet has been poor over an extended period of time, they may end up having to see pediatricians.  So, make it a family affair. There are loads of workout videos on YouTube.  If your family room is large enough, gather once a day to do a workout as a family. It could be difficult getting the family motivated initially, but once your family gets over the hump they’ll thank you.  

 

getting over Christmas blues

 

 

 

Focus On A Side Hustle

Next, get a side hustle.  A little extra money can go a long way. But, where do you start? There’s so many things you can do to earn a little side cash. You can sell products on Amazon, or think about offering your intellect as a tutor for children.  If you like crafts, think about monetizing them and sell them on sites like Etsy. Speak two languages? Maybe you can offer translation or transcription services. You might be sat there, thinking that you have nothing to offer, but odds on your do! You just have to take the time and really think about it. The money you make can be used to make this bleak part of the year a little better and happier for your family and yourself. 

 

Consider A New Purchase

People don’t usually go out and splurge in January because most people don’t have much cash after Christmas. But, the recently launched and hugely successful PS5 would be a great choice for the family.  Especially. if you weren’t lucky enough to get one for Christmas. The kids will be happy and it will make this year a bit more bearable. They’re hard to find, so a Nintendo Switch or Xbox series might be just as great. Your new purchase doesn’t have to be a games console either. Think about new bikes for the family.  They can be ties into your New Year health kick. 

 

 

how to get over Christmas blues

 

 

 

Try To Do More Together

Last, Christmas is all about family. So, try to extend those vibes into the winter months. You can have family movie night once or twice a week.  Or, play board games as a family.  A brisk walk around the neighbor to explore new places and see new sights can make new adventures exciting.

 

Finally, the goal is simply to keep the happiness level up in your home.  Get creative, and make sure it’s activities everyone can participate in.  

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: , ,

Instilling Character in Kids Tips

December 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on instilling character in kids.  Every parent wants to raise a kid with strong character. However, instilling character in kids can be an uphill task fraught with challenges and frustrations. If you have no idea on how to make your kids more honest, responsible, or kind, I have a few tips for you.  

 

 

instilling character in kids

 

 

Instilling Character in Kids Tips

 

Be a Role Model

 It is a well-known fact that kids learn more by what they see than by what they hear. This is why you must model the behavior you wish your child to acquire. If you want your child to be more generous, you must be generous yourself. Telling your kids to be generous then refusing to share something with others will send confusing messages to them. Additionally, they will most likely do what comes easiest to them, which is being selfish.

 Another advantage of practicing what you preach is that it gives you the authority to correct misbehavior. If your kids view you as a kind person, they will likely follow your instructions to be kind to others. They will also be more accepting of the punishment that flows from their unkindness.

 

Take Advantage of Teachable Moments

 You also need to learn how to take advantage of certain situations to instill character lessons to your kids. Often, this will be when the child misbehaves or inquires about an issue. For example, a child who lies about eating all the cookies can be taught honesty from that one misdeed.

 In the same breath, you should try to discipline your kids appropriately. Punishment should not be given for its own sake. Teach them that unpleasant consequences follow misbehavior and that punishment comes from a place of love. Also, try to ensure that punishment aims at amending a wrong.

 

Positive Reinforcement

 As parents, criticizing the wrong that kids do is almost automatic. Unfortunately, it can be counterproductive if you are trying to instill good behavior in your children. This is because children tend to repeat the actions that catch their parents’ attention, whether negative or positive. If you are always yelling at kids for misbehaving, they will continue misbehaving to catch your attention.

The smart thing to do is to notice when your kids do right. Saying something as simple as, “Ethan, I noticed you organized your room today,” is enough to get your child to keep his room organized.

It would be best if you also watched how you point out misbehavior from your child. Avoid using words like always or never. For instance, don’t say, “Joan, you never share your toys with your sister” or “Tony, you are always mean to other kids.” If you do, your kids will internalize this message and develop a negative self-image, which is fatal to good character development.

Another tip to encourage positive behavior is to show your faith in your child’s potential for doing good. Show them that you trust them to do the right thing, and they most likely will do just what you want them to do.

It’s imperative that you consistently work to instill character in your children.  While you’re working on rewarding positive behavior in your older kids, reward your infant with one of the best baby swings on the market.  Soothing them in one of these beautiful and functionable swings will free up time so you can get creative with your rewards.  

 

Lean on Literature

Another way you can instill positive life lessons in your kids is to read children stories that illustrate the benefits of doing right. You can also tell them real-life stories where virtue triumphed over vice. This will impress on them that doing the correct thing is beneficial.

 

 

 

instilling character in kids

 

 

Control Their Consumption of Media

 Children today learn quite a lot from the media. Therefore, your role as a parent is to ensure that they are exposed to the kind of media that emphasizes the values you want them to acquire. It would be best if you also tried to limit their exposure to negative media.

Admittedly, controlling your kid’s consumption of media is easier said than done. Your job as a parent is to not be your child’s friend, but be friendly.  Share an interest in who they are and what interests them.  Discuss world events and what’s happening in your local area.  Eventually, they will trust you enough to let you into a part of their world. This will give you a chance to influence them positively and put the things they learn from the media in perspective.

 

Give Them a Chance to Practice What They Learn

Finally, allow your children to practice the virtues you teach them. Provide opportunities for your kids to get involved in volunteer work. They can volunteer at an animal shelter.  Or, have them volunteer at a local soup kitchen to instill selflessness and care.  Furthermore, you can ask them to donate some of their money to a local charity to teach them generosity.

 As parents, instilling good character in your kids is a sacred duty. Although it might be hard, it is also gratifying. Start practicing the tips shared in this blog post, and you will find it much easier to mold your kids into the adults you want them to become.

 

 

Filed Under: Character Building

Practical Tips for Raising Happy Kids

December 13, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on raising happy kids. Raising a child is the biggest task in life for any parent.  Its difficult and tiring task, but most importantly it’s incredibly rewarding. Many people believe that they will be a good parent; however, it’s impossible to prepare yourself totally for the task of being responsible for another life.  So, the only thing you can do is prepare yourself to be the best parent possible.  

 

raising happy kids

 

Tips on Raising Happy Kids

 

Bonding

Bonding with your kids is an important task for a parent. It is something that takes place from the moment your child is born until one or the other is no long on earth.  So, creating activities and spending time with them is an excellent way to bond with your child.  It is also a great way to maintain a healthy and fun relationship with them at all ages. Neglecting your kids from a young age can have a negative impact on them throughout their life.  As a result, bonding with your children should be a priority!

 

 

 

Care

In addition to bonding with your kids, you will spend a lot of time and money caring for them.  As a parent, you are responsible for providing a roof over their head, medical and dental attention, food, education and host of other products for your kids.  It can be difficult to keeping up with their needs, but it’s your responsibility to cover all basis from infancy to adulthood.  

So, make sure that you’re providing everything they need to help stimulate and comfort them through their youth, teens and into adulthood.  Your first step is nurturing them as an infant.  So, putting your money toward a topponcino can be a great first step.  This pillow will provide comfort and support through the first months of their life.  

 

 

 

raising happy kids

 

 

 

Diet 

Providing healthy and nutriouts meals for your children is important.  Research recipes to find meals that are delicious and provides the best diet for your kids.  Every parent wants their children to be healthy and happy.   You are responsible for their health, so set a good example with healthy meals and snacks.  You want your kids to grow up feeling healthy and fit.  

 

Sleep

Every soul on this planet needs a healthy amount of sleep.  But, some kids are more reluctant than others to go to bed at a set time and get a good night’s sleep.  From a very young age, kids can struggle to stay asleep or will even refuse to go to sleep. It’s up to you to teach them the value of getting the sleep they need and even find ways to encourage them to do so.

 

 

raising happy kids

 

 

 

Praise and Encourage

Praising accomplishments that your children achieve is a must.  It helps them strive to do even more. It’s important to recognize things from their perspective. Be proud of your kids!  They need your approval more than anything! Additionally, encourage your kids to do more.  But, never imply that they aren’t doing enough.  You don’t want them to feel that their best is not good enough.  Push them without belittling anything they do. 

 

Having Boundaries

Setting boundaries for your children is another in raising happy children.   While they’re young, kids are very impressionable.  And, it’s not healthy to allow them to think that they can have whatever they want or do whatever they want.  Learn when to say no!  You don’t have to be a cold parent, but teach them that saying no isn’t always a negative thing.  

 

Don’t Be Too Strict

Strict parenting can often lead to rebellious kids. Kids won’t often understand why you act strict and it can come across as you being a cold parent. Make sure to maintain a loving relationship with them and try to help them understand why you are making the decisions that you make.  They don’t need to approve your decisions, but letting them know that you’re making the best decision for them and the family is needed.  

 

Listen To Them

While you might not trust your kids on most topics, trust and believe they know how they’re feeling.  As a result, you should not ignore how they feel.  You may be thinking that you know what’s best for your kids.  That may be true, but having someone to listen to them is important too.  Even if what they have to say doesn’t change your decision, knowing when to listen to them is very important for building strong relationships.  

 

Set Examples

Don’t do anything that you wouldn’t want your kids to do. Number one on this list is lying. You should never lie to your children, and always find a way to tell kids the truth and help them understand. If you teach your kids that it’s okay to lie, that’s something that you’re going to have to deal with as they grow up.

 

Being a parent isn’t an easy journey, not for anyone, but hopefully our raising happy kids tips has prepared you a little more!

 

Filed Under: Family Time, Health

Helping Kids Through a Move

December 9, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on helping kids through a move. The average American moves to a new home over 11 times in their lifetime. Moving is always a big decision, especially if you’re moving to a new state or even a new country. For adults, the experience can be daunting. But for children, it can be a source of stress and anxiety as they have no control over what happens. 

Unfortunately, children often feel trapped by a big move. Sometimes moving comes out of the blue, and they don’t understand why it is happening or how to cope. As a parent, you have a responsibility to make things as smooth and stress-free as possible for your children. 

 

helping kids through a move

  

 

Helping Kids Through a Move

 

Address the situation honestly

Ideally, you don’t want to leave it until the last minute. You have to be honest and upfront about the move. If the family is planning to relocate in a different city or state, have a conversation with your child.  Let them know what is happening and when as soon as possible. It is even more important to be up front and honest in a case where only one of the parents will be moving with them, such as following a separation.

Your child needs to understand that it isn’t their fault. More importantly, you need to reassure them that their parents will always be there for them, even if they live in different houses. You can also take the time to discuss what their bedroom will look like in a new home. In a divorce, the child can share their life between both homes, which means they have two bedrooms.

 

Dealing with removal stress

Moving is synonymous with packing. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of packing and the task can take up a lot of your time.  So, give your kids a chance to spend time with their other family members or friends. Also, it can be helpful to keep things hassle-free by reaching out to a professional removal company. They can pack and ship your belongings for you. For long-distance moves, you can even consider car shipping services to your new address, so you don’t have to drive across the country! Ultimately, when you’ve got the move under control, you’re in a better position to arrange a goodbye party for your kid. 

 

 

helping kids through a move

 

 

 

Make sure there will be memories

It is terrifying to leave the friends they’ve made behind. So, it is important to reach out to friends, neighbors and teachers as soon as you know the move is happening. You can plan a going-away party for your child (and even yourself). Don’t forget to bring a book to collect all addresses and contact details.  For example, bring a sign-in book or a huge box where people can leave their cards. You can also create a Facebook page or an Instagram #hashtag for the occasion so that those who couldn’t make it can still get in touch. 

 

Moving into a new home can be difficult for everyone. It forces you to change your habits and to meet new people. For children, it can be a scary experience, whether the whole family is moving out or just one parent. You can help them understand and prepare for the move by making time to talk. 

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: , ,