Frustrated when your kids don't follow instructions? Communicate effectively with kids by changing a few words. Hang around kids long enough and you'll know they don't always follow instructions. If they do, they might spend a few minutes sulking or dragging their feet. Other times, they outright balk and refuse. What if we can avoid much of that with a few simple tweaks to our words? Or a quick change in our tone of voice? What and how we communicate to our kids sends powerful messages., sometimes so meaningful that it can alter their behavior and willingness to follow directions. … [Read more...]
Why We Need to Stop Telling Boys to “Man Up”
Want to raise strong, confident boys? Stop telling boys to man up. These 5 reasons explain the downsides of telling a boy to be a man and what to do instead. We value a certain kind of boy. The ambitious and popular boy all the girls have a crush on. The class clown who can make anyone laugh, and of course the boy who won't back down from insults or harsh words. Being ambitious, popular, funny or assertive isn't the problem, but hiding other aspects of being a boy in the name of "manning up" is. The documentary The Mask You Live In addresses these issues and how often we're telling … [Read more...]
Are You Teaching These Life Skills Your Child Needs in Adulthood?
Parenting includes teaching life skills your child needs in adulthood. Find activities and ideas to make learning life skills easy and effective at an early age. It's hard to imagine, but our kids will be adults. We assume we have time before they really need to buckle down and learn a few things. We don't think about important life skills they need to learn before becoming adults. Author and former Dean of Freshman at Stanford, Julie Lythcott-Haims, says many young adults don't have the skills they should've learned throughout childhood. Her book, How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of … [Read more...]
These Are the Things Your Kids Will Remember About You
Do you feel pressured to create the "perfect childhood"? Don't add unnecessary stress—these are the things your kids will remember about you. A mere toddler, I remember running to my mom as she came through the front gates. I had been sitting on the steps with my brother and sister when I saw her squat down and stretch out her arms. At about five-years-old, I remember my sister and I vowing to stay up the entire night. To cap it off, we sneaked downstairs to the basement to watch The Flintstones at five in the morning. Feeling proud, we couldn't imagine why our parents were furious when … [Read more...]
Ask the Readers: Should Parents Post Pictures of Their Naked Kids Online?
I'm sure you've seen it before: You're scrolling through Facebook—and bam! A butt picture. Your friend's baby is crawling naked on the floor, bare butt and everything. Then you see another friend's video of her son taking a bath, never mind that his privates are available for all to see. While I'm not normally a paranoid person, in this case, I don't think parents should post naked or nearly-naked photos of their kids online. Regardless of age—from baby up to the teen years—kids' naked pictures shouldn't make their way for the public eye to see. Why? Misuse and abuse of the … [Read more...]
Why Parenting Is Harder than Your Day Job
Is parenting harder than a job? Read several reasons being a parent is often harder than your day job, no matter your career. I had always believed taking care of kids is not for the faint of heart. I read statistics in the past that claimed a stay-at-home parent's salary, if paid, would be worth at least $100,000. Such is the testament of the work and dedication we put into this job. I agree—taking care of kids has been harder than my own day job. Yes, I have perks—during maternity leave, I got to nap or veg out when the kids did. I didn't get ready, pack a lunch or drive anywhere. … [Read more...]
The Biggest Reason to Have a Life Beyond Kids
Moms, it can sometimes feel like we have no life. We hardly have time to shower or cook, much less pursue a hobby. Tasks clutter our to-do list and the kids clamor for attention. We can't always follow common advice to get away from the kids once in a while. And we know we should have a life beyond kids but can't seem to figure out how. Yes, it's important to balance parenthood with other aspects of our lives. We get a break from mommy madness, and we build the ubiquitous village to raise our kids. Learn how to balance parenthood with other parts of your life. Why you should have a life … [Read more...]
Why Boredom is Good for Your Child
Next time you hear "I'm bored!", don't be too quick to entertain your kids—boredom has its benefits. Learn why boredom is good for your child in many ways. We hear it a zillion times: "I'm bored." And when we do, we're compelled to engage with our kids. That's whether we work outside the home (I hardly see them enough!), or stay at home (Isn't this why I left work to begin with?). But guess what: boredom is good for your child. I get it though, it's hard not feel obligated to entertain our kids and save them from their boredom. This, despite the toys, books and opportunities for them to … [Read more...]