Parenting: The Challenge

You'd think your kids would be extremely excited for summer camp, but that's not always the case. They may be a little apprehensive about leaving home and meeting new people. There are some ways to help with the anxiety. Sometimes camps will have an event to get to know people, go with them to that event. Go through the schedule with them so they know what to expect. Schedule with one of their friends so they have someone that they already know with them. Keep in touch with them while they are there, they will be happy to know you're thinking of them and have something to look forward to. Camp should be a fun adventure, when they leave take ...

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There are so many other ways to discipline children without hitting.  More often than not hitting a child will lead them into hitting others. Hitting only reinforces, violence and doesn't teach them anything except, fear, shame and anger. Children learn from their parents for the most part, being kind and firm with your discipline will teach them what is appropriate behavior without shaming them or making them wrong. Just think about being a small child and someone a lot bigger than you hurting you. That's not what we need to teach our children.

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It can be difficult for parents when they learn that their child has stolen something or has been stealing in general. They could be doing this for a variety of reasons, a need for attention, peer pressure, or because they are angry. First of all let the child know that stealing is not ok. Have them return the object or pay for it. Don't lecture them or tell them that they will become a thief when they grow up. Make it very clear that this kind of behavior is not acceptable. They need to understand that this is not a good way to get what they want or to prove something to someone.

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These parenting books are quite interesting dealing with different types of parenting. From "free range" kids to raising your children not to become wimps. These are really great books on how to raise self reliant children and how to prepare them for becoming successful adults. One book also deal with how parents get caught in the consumerism of the baby buying culture and what it can do to our kids. The theme of most of these is not over protecting, pampering, or being strict. They all look like very good resources.

More about: Seven Books About Our Parenting Culture

I came across a very cool web site for fathers , an online parenting resource just for dads. It provides tips, articles and news on how to be a better parent for your kids whatever age they are. There is even a form where fathers can meet and share experiences and get advice. It's important that dads also have good resources on parenting. After all they don't always think like moms and may go about things in a different way.

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Every parent has gone through these times when their child will not listen and they are often repeating themselves in order for them to listen. They don't do it on purpose, when they are doing something they find fun, they become very focused and want to keep doing it. There are some things to try that may work for you both. Be consistent and predictable. This means having clear rules and being fair. When you do this they will know when you are being serious. Be specific when giving requests and when asking for distinct behavior. Always let them know how much you appreciate them listening to you and doing what you ask instead of always punishing them when they ...

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There is new research that suggests fathers that are able to be a kid once in a while is a good thing. Teasing children in good fun while playing games can actually teach how to show affection and deal with conflict. It could be a video game and playful wrestling. As long as it's good-humored fun and they can identify when the teasing turns to bullying. This type of teasing play can benefit their social, physical and intellectual development.

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This a great article about how to nurture your child's potential. It is the parents responsibility to to provide an environment for empowering their children to become all that they can be. This article provides five ways to do this. Assurance, encourage, challenge, equip, and trust. Children need to be assured that you believe in them and need encouragement about their strengths and talents. It is important to challenge them and help them reach their potential. Parents need teach them the skills that they will need to achieve that they want to be. Make them understand that they will make mistakes, but that they will learn from them and apply them to their next endeavor.

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Parenting is a tough job and at some time or another everyone needs some help. There are many groups, web sites, books and classes that can help with this big job. This web site has very effective parenting classes to help parents who are really struggling as well as those who just want some additional resources. If you're interested in an approach where you can raise respectful, cooperative kids without punishing, hitting, yelling or grounding these classes may be for you. They offer two types, one is an 8 week course done all online accompanied by coaching. The other is a rapid class that you take at your own pace. Each comes with a free parenting book and ...

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It can be tough when your toddler starts to talk to keep cursing at bay. They repeat every word you say and the last words you want them to repeat are the curse words. Try as much as you can not to use them in front of your little one, but be advised there will be times you'll slip up. They see you saying them of course they want to emulate. What is most important is to teach that language has the power to convey impressions about other people. That there is a time and place and a code of being polite that applies to certain kinds of speech. It may difficult when they are young to explain that to ...

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