Worried about predators, both strangers and those you might know? Here are 7 smart ways to protect your child from predators. You've heard the advice a zillion times: "Don't talk to strangers!" Now we know better, as that advice isn't always so effective. For one thing, 90% of child sexual abusers are people we know and trust. Second, not all strangers are terrible. When kids are lost, they may have to rely on a stranger's concern and kindness. And it isn't one warning, a "big talk." Instead, it's a constant and evolving conversation. Protecting our kids isn't about telling them … [Read more...]
The Simple Truth about Your Child’s Constant Questions
Does your child bother you with question after question? Learn why your child's annoying questions are actually good for him. "What is time?" "Why is an orange a circle?" "How do people love each other when they're apart?" Your kids chase you around the house, even as you try to ignore them by reading a book or doing chores. Do these "annoying questions" seem useless? Maybe to our over-scheduled, harried adult selves. We like to discuss things that make sense. Stuff that happened at school, what she wants to eat for dinner, and where she put her teddy bear. You know, real … [Read more...]
How to Get Your Child to Listen to You
You're embarrassed to admit it, but it takes several tries to get your child to listen. Discover effective techniques on teaching children to listen even the first time. Tonight was rough. One kid kept pulling the blinds even though he knew he shouldn't. Another wouldn't clean up his toys, even though I've asked him nicely to do so. All three were taking turns acting grouchy, crying, or whining. Teaching children to listen Getting kids to listen involves parents as much as them. When I'm testy, they antagonize. When I'm removed, so are they. And when I'm calm and matter-of-fact, they're … [Read more...]
Why You Should Always Apologize to Your Child
Kids aren't the only ones learning how to say sorry—parents make mistakes, too. Learn why you should always apologize to your child. Parents are not infallible. Many times we'll wish we could retract harsh words or hasty actions. We're angry with our kids, or we yank at our daughter's arm a little too hard coercing her out of a tantrum. But we can't undo our mistakes. No way to rewind and change what we've done. Instead, we do the next best thing: We apologize. On a recent article titled "Before You Get Mad at Your Kids, Read This:" SSBE reader Carla commented: It’s also important to … [Read more...]
Warning: 5 Things You Tell Your Kids but Probably Shouldn’t
You'd never know that these innocuous phrases may not be the best to tell your kids. Avoid these 5 things you tell your kids but probably shouldn't. You'd never know that these phrases may not be the best to tell our kids. They're bubbly and innocent, and day after day I still catch myself saying one of them, so what gives? 5 things you tell your kids but probably shouldn't Turns out a few of our often-said phrases could carry some negative consequences. 1. "You're so smart/creative/athletic." Paying compliments seems like the right way to go. After all, kids get a kick out of praise … [Read more...]
Why It’s Not Good to Say “Good Job” (and What to Say Instead)
You probably hear—and say—it all the time: "Good job!" Discover why doing so may not be a good idea and learn different ways to say good job instead. I'm one of those parents who will say "Good job!" over every little thing, from worthy accomplishments like playing well with his brother to not-so-worthy when I just don't know what else to say. It's understandably why we say "Good job" all the time. We're proud of our kids and amazed with what they do. We want to promote positive behavior and hope to boost their esteem and confidence. But could saying "Good job!" and other similar … [Read more...]
3 Ways We Unintentionally Disrespect Our Kids
No parent would disrespect her child on purpose, but sometimes we do so without knowing. Check out these three ways we unintentionally disrespect kids — and what to do instead. Would you say you disrespect your kids? If you're like me, you would assume no, of course not. I love my kids and would never disrespect them. I wouldn't want others to do so, much less me. 3 ways we unintentionally disrespect kids Except sometimes we disrespect our kids without even knowing it. We mean well and may not see how our words and actions affect them. We overlook the repercussions of our actions, … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Respond when Adults Tease Your Child
Do adults tease your child, even with good intention? Learn why you need to respond to others' teasing and how to do so firmly yet tactfully. You're at a family party, and grandpa teases your child and pretends to take away his toy. He means well, as most adults do when they try to make kids laugh, but now the teasing has grown out of hand and your toddler is getting upset. On one hand, you don't want to be that parent everyone has to be careful about with what they say to her kids. So you laugh it off, while still dropping enough hints that it's time to stop the teasing. But you … [Read more...]