Struggling with your child's behavior? See the importance of understanding child development and behavior to help you stay calm and patient. I sometimes imagine what a day would look like if my kids behaved like adults. They'd share toys all the time, to start. They'd know better than to run with a plate full of crumbs and instead would place it slowly in the sink. Or they might understand it's the end of the day, and I don't have the mental energy to listen to endless stories. Of course, that isn't what happens—often, the opposite does. And I'd find myself feeling exasperated, … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Child from Biting Others
Have you found your toddler biting other kids or even adults? Here are 7 important steps on how to stop your child from biting others. My twins' teacher wanted to talk at preschool pickup, which is usually not a good sign. But I figured, Ok, maybe one of them had a potty accident. Nope. "Today, one of your boys was about to bite his brother on the arm," she began. "And another child said he'd bitten him during circle time." I turned out that my little guy was biting other kids. I'd also noticed it at home, especially when he was excited and tried to bite my hand or arm. I'd … [Read more...]
Why We Need to Stop Comparing Kids
It's easy to compare children and their milestones, achievements, or interests. But here's why we need to stop comparing kids to others. I jinxed myself, again. I was just beginning to think my toddler's tantrums didn't seem as terrible as in the past. And of course, he threw an all-out, can't-catch-my-breath tantrum in what should've been a fun birthday party. We had to listen to him cry the whole ride home—through traffic, of course—before he calmed down. All the while, I noticed how his cousin—the birthday boy—was laughing with family, sharing toys, and accepting gifts like a … [Read more...]
Fine Motor Skills Activities for 5-6 Year Olds
Fine motor skills activities for 5-6 year olds are important as kids enter kindergarten. Encourage hand dexterity—even with an active child—with these fun activities! If you're like most parents, how your child holds a pencil may not be top of mind. But once she enters kindergarten, you suddenly notice how well the other kids hold theirs in comparison. You also realize that she can't write her name well, much less cut with scissors (and forget about pulling a zipper). Come to think of it, you don't even know what her dominant hand is yet. Or perhaps it's the opposite. You're well … [Read more...]
9 Useful Techniques for Dealing with Anxiety in Children
Worried about your anxious child? Learn useful techniques to ease anxiety in children you can apply immediately at home. Anxiety—everyone deals with it to varying degrees. But handling anxiety in children can be a challenge because they're still learning how to cope with difficult emotions. Symptoms of anxiety can happen at any time, but common culprits include a change of plans. Your child might throw a fit because you have to leave the playground sooner than expected. He might have an irrational fear, like of monsters or thunder. A new environment and meeting new people can also … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Your Child’s First Haircut at a Salon
Getting a haircut at a salon can be overwhelming for kids. Learn how to make your child's first haircut at a salon a fun experience. There was no denying it: My son needed a haircut. I had been saving a lot of money by avoiding the hair salon, but my home cuts just weren't, well... cutting it anymore. It was time for his first cut at a salon. I avoided formal haircuts for over two years, thanks to the texture of his wavy hair that hid even the most lopsided, uneven haircuts I gave at home. But when a heat rash showed up on the back of his neck, I knew there was no way I'd be able to snip … [Read more...]
What to Do When Your Child Doesn’t Like What Other Kids Like
It can feel worrisome when you see your child not interested in things other kids seem to love. Here's what to do when your child doesn't like what other kids typically do. My family got together at my mom's house for a swimming party. "Perfect!" I thought. "This will be a great opportunity for the kiddo to splash around in the pool." With his swim shorts and sunscreen packed and ready, we headed to my mom's. Except when we arrived, he took one look at the pool and belted, "No—don't want to swim!" I wasn't too surprised. He had been fighting a few of his baths, crying if even a few … [Read more...]
How to Encourage Autonomy in Children
Giving kids more control can nurture a love of learning and responsibility. Learn how to encourage autonomy in children with these tips. Want to know the one thing we need to stop doing if we want to encourage our children's love of learning? We all do it, hidden even with the best of intentions. Some of the most common ways it happens are when we: Bribe them to do something with an incentive. Threaten to confiscate a treasured item if they don't obey. Hover over their actions to make sure they do it right. Judge their emotions, behaviors, and even personalities. Give … [Read more...]
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