Simple Tips To Keep in Touch With Your Child While You Work

Here are tips on how to stay connected with your little one while you work:

• GIVE HIM A CALL. Set aside a regular time to get in touch with your child throughout the day so he has something to look forward to. Your coffee break and lunch break can be opportunities for you to make that call. You might want to synchronize your clock with your child when he is most alert, his caregiver can let your child know when you are about to call. Even if your toddler may not be able to speak to you yet, just hearing your voice will reassure him.

• LEAVE YOUR PHOTO. Let your child keep a small picture of you which he can hold on to when he suddenly feels your absence. Seeing your face can be a source of comfort for him.

• RECORD YOUR VOICE. Sing his favorite song, rhyme, or say a few encouraging words for your child like, "Mommy will be home soon!" "Mommy misses you!" and digitally record it for your child to listen to whenever he misses you. Ask his caregiver to play the recording at certain hours of the day like before he takes a nap (a lullaby); when he takes a bath (a bath song); when he's playing; or just because!

• MAKE LOVE NOTES. Surprise your preschooler by sticking a short note inside his lunchbox to remind him how much you love him and wish him a fun filled day at school.

Simple Tips to Encourage Your Child's Imagination

Do you sometimes wonder if playing make believe does your child any good? Yes, undoubtedly. Below are some of the reasons why you should encourage your child when he plays doctor, or when your child plays house.

Develop social skills. By playing around pretend, your child learn how to relate with other people's feelings. They become more willing to play fair, to share, and to cooperate.

Build self confidence. When your girl stands in front and imagine herself a teacher or plays mother, that boosts her confidence and affirms she has abilities and gifts.

Boost intellectual growth. Using the imagination is the beginning of abstract thought. This is important when the child starts to go to the school where a child will have to learn that numerals stand for a group of objects, that letters symbolize sound, etc.

Practice language skills. When your child plays with the neighboring kids or her own siblings, they talk a lot. This helps boos her vocabulary, improve sentence structure and enhance communication skills.

Work out fears. When your child indulges in role playing, it helps him gain a sense of control over things that are big and fearsome, like monsters for example. It also helps him vent confusing feelings he might have.

So read to your child daily before he sleeps, or make up a story of your own. Books offer children the opportunity to visit other worlds and create new ones of their own.

Signs that you Childs Yaya is Abusive

It's really hard to find a trusted Yaya now a days, although as of today Keona's Yaya seems like a nice one. But I'm not worried because my mom is always at the house to monitor Keona and the Yaya. Some parents on the other hand are not as luck like us, and may have a Yaya that is abusive to their children without them ever knowing it.

Common signs of abuse in children are depression, withdrawal, low self esteem, and frequent crying. For physical abuse, there may be unexplained markings. Another sign us if your child child seems terrified of his Yaya. Unfortunately Yaya who abuse their ward are pretty good at hiding things, often giving their ward stern warnings. They are also good at acting model as model employees when their employers are around.

The child may show irrational fears or anxiety towards the Yaya and dislikes being left alone with her. Constant bed wetting even if the child is already toilet trained is a sign of trauma, although the cause may not usually be the Yaya. Thumb sucking is another indicator of stress, and if you notice that your child seems happier when Yaya goes on her day off, then pay closer attention to how she treats your child.

Tips to make going to school easier for your Child

• PUT ON A HAPPY FACE. Children are very receptive to the emotions of those around them. So even if you feel like crying, put on a brave front, and mask your apprehensions with a smile and lots of assuring words. When your child sees you are okay, he is reassured that he will be okay.

• NEVER SNEAK OFF. If parents or caregivers disappear, this would only make the situation worse, and build more anxiety within the child. Do not sneak out of the classroom or keep coming back for a last hug or kiss. The caring thing to do would be to get out efficiently and effectively.

• HAVE YOUR CHILD COME TO SCHOOL WITH A REMINDER OF HOME. A family photo or a special toy will help bridge the familiar with the unfamiliar. It will also give the teacher plenty of opportunity to talk to your child about something he is familiar with, allowing the bond of trust to develop.

• TRUST YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER. Be assured that the teachers are equipped to handle your child's distress. It is easier for a child to warm up to a teacher if he can see that you trust her, too.

• ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PROMISES TO YOUR CHILD. If you say you will pick him up right after school, be outside when dismissal time comes so your child sees you immediately. This reinforces the trust between you and your little one and lessens the anxiety he is feeling.
  

Different ways to deal with Child Misbehavior

1. Divert their attention. Suggesting an alternate acceptable behavior, changing the setting to prevent misbehavior, or gently taking the child's hand and showing him what you want him to do are some of the ways to redirect a child's attention.

2. Ignore provocations. Children sometimes misbehave to get attention and ignoring fights between siblings is sometimes helpful. However, arguments between children in the family that put a very young child in danger should be addressed.

3. State the consequences firmly. Allow children to experience the consequences of their behavior. Unpleasant consequences will likely discourage a child from misbehaving. Remember to be firm when setting and reinforcing rules and consequences. Children can easily detect weak arguments.

4. Set clear, reasonable limits. Letting your child know and understand the rules allow him to expect the unexpected. Limits must be correspond to the child's ability and be consistently enforced.

5. Offer choices. Allowing children to make small choices prepares them to make bigger decisions in the future. Also, it's a good way to build confidence.

6. Call attention to good behavior. This approach reminds children to change behavior. Children who behave well deserve appreciation. In time, they will understand that good behavior is a way to get noticed. However, be careful with comments and how you express them. They may sound more like criticism.

7. Provide renewal time. Renewal time or time out is an excellent discipline method to use when your kids are bugging you. A child is asked to move to a quieter and safe place for some renewal time until he feels more relaxed.

8. Remove yourself from the situation. Some children consider a parent's presence rewarding. Try isolating yourself.

9. Use positive and encouraging words. Let children know what kind of behavior you approve of rather than those you disapprove of. Changing the "donts" to "dos" will definitely take time, but is worth the effort. Give gentle reminders. This will give children a sense of security and strengthen self control.

10. Practice thinking like a child. Children experiment on things they see adult doing. Providing ample and interesting opportunities for learning will keep your child busy and productive.

Tips for Effective Discipline on Children

• Trust your child to do the right thing within the limits of his age and stage of development.

• Make sure what you ask for is reasonable.

• Speak to your child as you would want to be spoken to if someone was reprimanding you. Don't resort to name calling, yelling or disrespect.

• Be clear about what you mean. Be firm and specific.

• Model positive behavior. "Do as i day, not as I do" seldom works.

• Allow for negotiation and flexibility, which can help build your child's social skill.

• Let you child experience the consequences of his behavior.

• Whenever possible, consequences should be delivered immediately, should relate to the rule broken, and be short enough in duration that you can move on again to emphasize the positives.

• Consequences should be fair and appropriate to the situation and the child's age.
  

Characteristics of the Only Child

The Only Child, considered as the parents "only hope".

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Is unfamiliar with relating to other children and may have difficulty sharing as he has few opportunities to learn how to successfully share.

• Prefers the company of, and gets along better with, adults; may seem mature for his age.

• Is not used to competition and can be demanding, unforgiving, and sensitive.

• Feels special because he is used to being the center of attention.

• May not take criticisms well.

HOW TO DEAL:

Parents should be careful of the 'onlies' because they will place all the 'eggs' in this one basket. Parents expectations should be realistic; they can place the child in play groups early on to teach about sharing and getting along with others.

Tips For Surviving Tantrums

Here are 8 tips on dealing with your child's tantrum.

1. Remain calm while it lasts. Try not to shout at the child or, worse, hit him. "We should refrain from attacking aggressive behavior like tantrums with another aggressive behavior, whether physical or verbal.

2. Let the child go through his tantrum until he tires and stops on his own. This way, he will know that the strategy is not effective because you do not respond positively.

3. Walk away but stay close enough. To be able to see the child as he gets through his tantrum. You can pretend to be busy so your child will see that his tantrum does not affect you.

4. When a child is over his tantrum and has quieted down, talk to him to find out the reason for his behavior. It is important for parents to know why their child is acting that way and look for possible reason behind the tantrum. When parents take time out to talk to their child calmly to find out the reason for the tantrum, they will be able to find a solution.

The child may be crying because he's feeling sleepy and irritable. Parents must be able to assess the mood of their child so that when he's feeling sleepy, they can set up the environment for a restful nap.

5. Offer alternatives when your child throws a tantrum. Because his bored, does not have anything to do, or is not allowed to do what he likes. Prepare activities for the child, things that he likes to do, so he can have something to look forward to.

6. If your child is prone to throwing tantrums while in public places like mall, have a talk with him before you leave the house. Discuss preconditions with your child, like you will all go home at a certain time or you have only much money.. to buy a particular items. This helps prepare a child's mindset.

You can also talk to him about the consequences of such behavior in public places. Explain to him what happens when he has his outbursts and what he and you will feel when people stare at you.

7. Be consistent. If you waver and bend the rules based on occasion, whatever tactics you decide to employ will loose their effectiveness. This will convince your child even more that tantrums can work.

8. If the situation worsens, take action. If the child tantrums become more frequent and more severe, it is best for parents to seek professional help.

10 Tips in dealing with sibling rivalry

Here are 10 tips on surviving your kids squabbles:

1. Don't compare. In an effort to push their kids to, maybe, do better in school or be more well behaved, parents often compare their kids with each other, "Your baby brother eats his vegetables, Why don't you eat yours?" The comparison may work in some cases . However comparing children with each other often sets them up for a great deal of jealousy and envy later on. Let each child feel positive about being different.

2. Do spend alone time with each child. Even just 20 minutes a day spent exclusively with your child without the distractions of your cell phone or of having to take care of her sibling, gives a huge boost to your child's self esteem. Studies show that one on one attention with a child per day will significantly reduce whining and aggressive behavior.

3. Do keep your cool. Once you blow your top and start yelling, too, you will just be throwing yourself into the melee. Block out the fighting for a second to take a deep breath. Then count to 10. Continue to 20 if you find you're still irritate at 10. Keep going until you're back in control.

4. Don't resolve the conflict while everyone is upset. Calmly but firmly separate the two children and lead them to separate rooms. Talk with them only after they and you have had a few minutes to cool down.

5. Do make each child feel uniquely special. Nurture each of your children's unique talents. Don't limit them with labels or comparisons; don't typecast. Let each child be who they are.

6. Do be demonstrative about your love for each child. Reassure your kids that you love each of them in his own way.

7. Do be profuse with praise when it is deserved. Let your kids know they did a good job when you catch them being their own. Always praise cooperative behavior when the kids are able to settle arguments on their own.

8. Do bolster good behavior, not with material rewards but with your time. Reward your children with your approval, affection, and personal attention. It is the most effective way to reinforce desired behavior.

9. Do encourage personal goals. Sometimes, it is helpful to encourage children to turn to their competitive feelings into personal goals for themselves. Teach your toddlers to 'compete' with themselves instead of with each other. Channel their aggressive behavior into mastering how to bounce a ball, hop, or tie shoelaces.

10. Don't take sides. Instead, calm them down separately, sit with them, and have each one 'confess' his own actions, not the other child's. This technique helps children accept responsibility for their actions and lessens blaming.

Tips on how to discipline your child when begging to buy something

One should not get worry when their child might grow up to be materialistic or greedy. This behavior can be curbed when responded to and addressed correctly. Giving in never helps. It just sets a precedent for other situations. Once you give in, then your child knows he can manipulate you. When you give in, your child learns that the next time he wants something and can't get it, he just has to throw a tantrum. Here are some tips to teach your child that he cannot always get what he wants.

• Talk to your child. Calmly explain to your little one in simple words that money is valuable. That you have to earn it to be able to buy something; that parents work hard to earn money. In the same way, (your child) also has to work hard to get what he wants. This will help him learn to value money as well as be more industrious

• Bring your child to work. Let your child see what you do. You can tell him, "I do this so you can have food, so you can go to school, so I can give you gifts when you're well behaved."

• Expose him to other children. children who are exposed to playgrounds or go to school learn about ownership and possession because there are other kids they need to share the toys and books with. This teaches them the value of sharing and taking turns.

• Be a good example. Parents can explain this concept to their kids by acting it out or role playing. For example, Mommy can ask Daddy if she could borrow his cellphone for a minute and then return it afterwards. Act this out in front of your child so he can observe you.

• Teach the magic words of sharing and borrowing. Instead of just saying "May i borrow.." get your child involved by saying, "May we borrow your____, please?" Parents should also follow up this lesson with the idea of things we cannot share and why we cannot share these. This will strengthen and reinforce the concept of possession. Examples of things we cannot share are personal objects such as toothbrush, underwear, towels, etc. Because it is not hygienic to do so.

• Give your child a piggy bank or savings account. Aside from teaching him about the value of money, this is also a way for your child to discover what possession and ownership are all about. Remind him that the money he saves is his and that he should use his money for things he believes have value.

• Read books on sharing and ownership. Storybooks about sharing help teach the concept of ownership quite well. It helps your child understand that some things are "mine" and some are "yours"

• Come up with a wish list. This isn't an ordinary list of things your child might want, but rather a wish list of expectation to be able to receive the item as a reward (its a good way to let your child understand that things aren't always given freely, but that you have to work hard to get what you want. This can translate to a good work ethic in the future where your child will be aware that you have put in effort to gain something in return.
  

Reasons to Become a Parent

I know some of you really want to be a parent, while some don't. But if you're not decided yet, or is planning to become one. The reasons for having children can be grouped into 4 categories.

Reasons People Want to Become Parents.

1. To build up one's ego

• To have a child who looks like me
• To have a child who will carry on the family name
• To have a child who will inherit the family business, money and property

2. To compensate for something that is missing in one's life

• To try to save one's marriage
• To make up for one's unhappy childhood
• To help one feel more secure as a male or female

3. To conform to what peers are doing or what others expect

• To please one's parent or guardian
• To do what one's peer's are doing
• To keep from being criticized for being childless

4. To love and to guide someone

• To have the satisfaction of loving a child
• To help a child grow and develop
• To teach a child how to be responsible

Now if you're a person who chooses one or more of the first three reasons, then your focus is on your own or his/her needs and not on the child's needs. Being ready for parenthood means being ready to focus on needs in addition to one's personal needs.

The fourth reason, the desire to love and guide a child, is the best reason to become a parent.

Golden Truths

The vertical file of a library has many nice articles worth reading. Heres one that caught my attention.

The Golden Truth( Things I have Learned from Children)
For those with children, those thinking about it or those who have an excuse not to..

1. There is no such things as child-proofing your house.

2. A four year olds voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

3. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh-Oh," its already too late.

4. Super glue is forever.

5. You probably do not want to know what the odor is.

6. Quiet does not mean don't worry.

7. A good sense of humor will get you through most problems in life( unfortunately, mostly in retrospect)