What do you do if your child shows off to others, whether on purpose or not? Discover how to teach your child not to show off to other people. "I read the most pages out of the whole class," my six-year-old's classmate announces to us. She continues with her accomplishments, particularly how far ahead she is compared to everyone else. My son looks to me, unsure how to respond. "That's cool," I say. Later, after she left leaves, I explain to my son about showing off. It got me thinking how I'd want him not only to steer clear from showing off, but to respond maturely as well when he … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Child from Interrupting and What to Do Instead
Does your child interrupt conversations, whether between adults or children? Learn how to stop your child from interrupting, all without a meltdown. I was sitting across from my husband during family dinner time discussing the next day's schedule. Just as I was trying to get my head straight on what to pack for lunch or what time swim classes start, the kids cut in. "I colored and glued butterflies on paper!" "This broccoli?" "Aaaaahhh!" In most cases, my kids don't know any better about interrupting. They say what's on their mind at that moment, regardless of timing or … [Read more...]
How to Stop Siblings from Fighting and Teach Conflict Resolution Instead
Tired of the constant squabbles between your kids? Learn how to deal with sibling rivalry and teach conflict resolution for kids instead. No parent escapes sibling rivalry. Some days my boys seem to intentionally choose to fight. Even if we offered two of the same fire trucks, one would still want the truck that the other one had. And just when I'd finally convinced one child to play with the "less desirable" truck, the other would grab it, too. Let’s not forget the hitting, the "mine!" and the "being annoying on purpose." It's easy to become referees in our own homes. When my … [Read more...]
7 Effective Ways to Teach Your Kids to Share
Not sharing with other kids and family members is common with children. Learn how to teach a child to share with these 7 tips. Kids are notorious for not sharing. They won't let other kids play with sand toys. They refuse to let go of the steering wheel at the park, and they hold tight to their belongings even if they weren't interested in them a minute ago. Normal it may be, we still want to teach kids to share and interact with other children or siblings. My twins are learning how to share and take turns be default—they're twins, after all. Add in my eldest and you can see why I … [Read more...]
4 Things You Shouldn’t Say about Other People’s Children
Some comments can drive parents crazy. See if you're guilty of saying these 4 things you shouldn't say about other people's children. As parents, we get a ton of comments from others, whether loved ones or strangers, about our kids. Some of these we can laugh it off, such as when we can't help but agree. Others though need to be addressed, perhaps in defense of our kids or for thoughtlessness. The rest just drive us crazy. (Read more about being carefree in parenthood.) 4 things you shouldn't say about other people's children In most cases, people don't say these comments with … [Read more...]
Why You Should Always Intervene when Adults Overwhelm Your Child
Have you had to step in when adults overwhelm your child? It may feel awkward or frustrating, but here's why you need to intervene—and how. Imagine a family party and everyone is playing with the younger member, a two-year-old child. Grandpa is bouncing her up in his arms in what started as a game but has now been too much for her. Unfortunately, grandpa is oblivious and thinks the little girl is still having a blast. How do parents know when to intervene with family and friends—adults who may overwhelm kids but not know it? It's tricky dealing with family and friends with setting … [Read more...]
Picture Books about Friendship and Being a Good Friend
Being a good friend to others is an important skill children need to learn. Read these picture books about friendship to remind your kids the values of being kind to others. At school drop off the other week, I overheard a conversation between two moms. The first was praising the other one's daughter for having been a good friend to her son. My boy says the same about this little girl—how she helped him out in the classroom and "filled his bucket." She's popular among the kids because she's warm, kind and a good friend. Think back to your own childhood friendships. Maybe you befriended … [Read more...]
Scared at Extracurricular Activities: How to Help Your Child Cope
You hoped the lessons and classes would be fun. Instead, your clingy 3 year old feels scared at extracurricular activities. Here's how to cope: Jennifer didn't get it. Her three-year-old daughter is a champ with daycare drop offs. She has no problem saying goodbye to her mom every morning. She tried enrolling her in soccer, swim classes, and gym activities. But in every extracurricular activity she's enrolled her in, her daughter clings to her for dear life. She wants her daughter to enjoy these activities, grow independent and build her confidence. But she's getting discouraged. … [Read more...]