The 7 Dont's of Bonding with a Teen

Follow these rules to keep your signals clear and your bong strong.

1. Don't ask endless questions; you're not an inquisitor.
2. Don't sing along to your teen's music uninvited (especially in front of her friends) or use her slang. She'll be mortified.
3. Don't tease or be sarcastic.
4. Don't talk when you could be listening.
5. Don't cut your kid off when he's venting.
6. Don't exclude your teen's friends from activities even when you'd rather have one-on-one time; making room for BFFs shows respect for your kid's life outside the family too.
7. Don't use Facebook as a way to spy, nag, or scold.

Newbie Parents Guide on Teething in Baby's

Although the average baby gets his first tooth between the sixth and eight month, Baby may get his, earlier or later. There is no need to worry because there are such wide variations in the ages when the first tooth comes through. Some babies will be over a year before they have any.

There are some discomforts during teething even for a normal baby.Also teething sometimes lowers resistance and if the baby gets sick or develops fever, you should consult your doctor.

Simple Ways To Stimulate and Bond With Your Unborn Baby

Though most moms to be just read to their babies all day or set their classical playlist on repeat, there are more fun and creative ways you can stimulate and bond with your unborn baby. Here are some ideas.

1. Stage a concert. Instead of playing a CD or cranking up the volume for your tiny iPod earphones, why not invite your friends and family members who play musical instruments to jam and perform for your baby bump? If you could play an instrument, that would be even better! Don't forget to record the performance so you can play it over and over again when everyone has gone home.

2. Curtain call. Invite Daddy to join in the fun and act out a play for your baby. Do different voices, too! If more friends and family members want to join in, why not? You can try simple one act plays or be ambitious and bring out the Shakespearean comedies (the tragedies might be too gory for your delicate prenatal sensibilities).

3. We are family. Record your family members giving different messages to your baby. You can even play it for him after he's born. See if he remembers and recognizes their voices! This works best for relatives who live far away.

4. Paint a picture with words. when you're alone, start describing what you see to your little one. Include colors, smells and textures. This is great practice for when he's born and you'll want to work on his language acquisition skills. By then, a one sided conversation will be second nature to you!

5. Play drummer. But a gentle one. Play music and start tapping away on your belly. Ask daddy to try it, too. Try this when your baby is awake and movie around. You'll be amazed at how he can already respond to you! Bring out the video camera, and film the ripples and waves your belly will make as your baby reacts to your drumbeats.

It's never too early to start letting your baby know how much you love him. Even if you can't hold him in your arms, communicating with him while he's still inside you is a great way to begin.

Tips To Help Children Cope With Traumatic Situation

• TALK. Discuss their experience with them. See if they have questions and help them find the answers to these questions. Let them freely express their own feelings and reactions. Reassure them that these reactions are very normal.

• SUPPORT. Explore different ways for your child to be able to seek the support of others, including parents, other adults (teachers, guidance counselors, relatives), or their peers. Having access to good social support is key to adjusting well.

• EXPRESS. Different people need to grieve in different ways. Encouraging various ways of expressing oneself in a productive and effective manner is ideal. The use of arts and sports is a good example.

• MOURN AND ACCEPT. Our culture has certain rituals to grieve over our dead. Some people offer prayers and light candles. Others might visit the cemetery on a regular basis. These activities are good in mourning the loss of loved ones. It is also a means of helping the children accept the reality of such a traumatic death.

• SEEK HELP. Admittedly, this is a very difficult life circumstance. Seeking the help of a psychologist or a psychiatrist can be valuable.

Whats The Best Time To Get A Pet For Your Child?

Well for me I don't think I would get Keona a pet, one thing is that it would be an added expense. Although having a pet for your child is one of the best ways to teach your child to be responsible, but I would rather let her learn other ways to be responsible, minus a pet hehehehe.

But if you want your child to have a pet, I think the best time to get your child a pet is when your child starts showing interest in animals and expresses the desire to have a pet. It is important that he is already able to follow instructions and is ready to be taught how to properly take good care of animals.

It is also recommended to get a pet that is of small size or breed, easy to handle or manage, is of good temperament, and matches the child's personality and interest. Young or newly weaned animals are preferable so it would be easier for them to adapt to the child and vice versa. It is also best if parents can research on the animals they plan to get for their child to see if the pet would be appropriate for their kids, their lifestyle, and budget.

Do All Newborn Startle?

All healthy newborn are born with an evolutionarily programmed involuntary impulse called Moro reflex. So if your baby is startled by the sound of a pot clanking or a siren, for instance, he'll fling his arms wide, spread hid fingers, then grab instinctively - for Mom, of course. Then he'll bring his arms back to his body and relax. Newborn's haven't learned to differentiate between common and uncommon noises. As you little one matures, his brain learns to distinguish sounds and movements and suppresses this primitive reflex.

Important Reminders When Raising Twins

The most important aspect in raising twins is allowing them to discover their own person. Here's how parents can build individuality in them:

• Never compare. Avoid labeling (such as "the smart one" or "the athletic one") because this will limit her potential. Make it a habit to call them each by their names.

• Identify each child through an item. (such as a different backpack or shoelace) to discourage people from guessing based on physical appearance (such as "the heavier one")

• Dress them similarly but not identically. This will help the child know that she is her own person and has her own things; give them their own closet space for their belongings.

• Spend alone with with each child. This will allow you the opportunity to see each child's personality as a while and not just as a part of the other.

• Build each child's interest without forcing one or the other to be the way; like taking one twin to a soccer game and the other to a guitar class.

• Show affection to each child with individual praise and recognition. Make sure you give all this equally no matter what.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Child

Parents adopt various "rules" when it comes to naming babies. The more practical ones include giving your child a name that..

• is easy to pronounce in most languages
• others can easily spell
• is short and singular (for someone with long surnames)
• is not owned by an infamous character
• hasn't already been "coveted" by a relative
• has a meaning you like
• goes well phonetically with your surname
• doesn't form monikers or initials that might be made fun of (like P.O.O. or R.I.P.)

Simple Internet Guide For Parents

The internet isn't called the information superhighway for nothing. It's one of the best educational tools your children can have, and many schools incorporate tasks that would require your child to go online. But the internet does not judge the quality of the information it provides. So as a parent, that's your job. Here are some tips and rules to protect your child:

• Learn how to use the Internet. This is very important if you want to be the right guide for your child. Check out www.netlingo.com for a list of cyber words a parents should know.

• Set down Internet rules in your house. Considerations include how many hours of Internet time during weekdays and weekends, what items can be downloaded, which websites are prohibited, etc.

• Ask your children never to give out your address, phone number, last name and other pieces of information that could identify them or you. Also, don't let them share password with anyone, except you.

• Make sure your kids tell you right away if they receive any message that's mean or improper.

• Tour the Internet with your child to get a sense of what sites he likes to visit, the blogs he reads, and the social network he belongs to. Be involved with his Internet friends as you are with his other friends and activities.

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 your Child is on Dope

It is not always easy for parents to tell if their child is using or experimenting with drugs. Some of the warning signs include:

• Drop in school performance
• Decrease in out of school activities (such as sports)
• Red eyes
• Always tired
• Suddenly having a new set of friends
• Irregular behavior and mood swings
• Withdrawal from family contact
• Changed eating pattern
• Money or valuable items going missing

Of course, many of these are features of normal adolescence, so tread warily if your suspicions are raised. Be honest with your child about your concerns and avoid being judgmental. It will only turn off your teener.

10 Golden Rules of Child Rearing

Raising children can be the most wonderfully challenging adventure of your life. Here are 10 useful reminders and rules.

1. Children are not pets.
2. The life they actually live and the life you perceive them to be living is not the same.
3. Don't take what your children do too personally.
4. Don't keep score cards on them - a short memory is useful.
5. Dirt and mess are breeding ground for well being.
6. Stay out of their rooms after puberty.
7. Stay out of their friendships and love life unless invited in.
8. Don't worry that they never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.
9. Learn from them; they have much to teach you.
10. Love them long; let them go early.

Your Baby is Bowlegged

Almost all babies are born with some degree of bowleggedness because of the cramped quarters in the womb. Since there isn't enough room in there for a baby to stretch his legs, the leg bones (which are still somewhat soft) become a little curved. As children walk and bear more weight on their legs, the bones naturally straighten. New walkers tend to look particularly bowlegged because they bend their knees to help them balance and support their body weight. Don't stress about bowlegs unless your baby;s legs are extremely or unequally curved, or the condition gets worse.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Outing

While lolo or lola will tell you that baby should not be brought to the mall until he turns 1, a short trip for Sunday lunch won't do much harm to most babies. While lugging baby supplies is important, bring only the essentials - you'll need your hands free to tend to baby.

What to bring:

1. Extra diapers
2. Alcohol free wipes
3. Changing mat
4. Extra outfits
5. Burp cloth

Notice no bottles? We encourage you to breast feed.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Few Steps

Witnessing baby's first steps is one milestone all parents look forward to. On the average, a child begins walking between 12 to 14 months, but some walk as early as 9 months and as late as 21 months! Experts say that when it comes to walking, parents can do little more than provide an encouraging environment for walking.

What you can do:

1. Encourage him to walk. It would be frustrating to always hear, "No, not there, it's not safe," or "Oops, you might break that."
2. Set a safe environment. Remove obstacles, such as chairs or toys. Have the area cushioned or padded, if possible.
3. Be very careful with using walkers, especially if your home has stairs. If possible, avoid walkers altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued warnings against their use.

7 Resolutions for Closer Family Ties

1. I will talk to my children more often. Some parents only talk to their kids when they get in trouble. But family discussions need not be like a third degree interrogation. Chat them up while on the road or doing the dishes together. Show that you are there to listen, not to judge.

2. I will listen and learn. Don't be afraid to see things from your children's point of view. As they mature, they can make more decisions and express themselves better. Understand and take their perspective seriously.

3. I will be a good role model. Role modeling is important because you are your child's first teacher, and no matter how much your child may seem to dislike you, deep down he wants to be proud of you and emulate you.

4. I will be more demonstrative and affectionate. Affection is very important in the development of your children as well as the development of your family. Touch is the universal language of love. Hold your children's hand, pat them on the back or shoulder, hug them.

5. I will boost self esteem. Bonding time is enjoyable for children only if they feel accepted, loved and wanted. Encourage them to be confident in small or big house or school projects, because their self esteem lowers as they grow older.

6. I will spend more face time with my family. With the 3G cell phones and other techie stuff, we think a call, a text message or a chat window passes off as communication. But this only works if you want to inform your kids of something. Take the time to really connect with your children by making face time.

7. I will make sure we stick to our resolutions. Change is a long and arduous process that needs consent and commitment from all family members. If kids are determined to have more family bonding moments, it'll be easier to repair gaps and silences; otherwise, give it some time and don't give up.

What do you Do when you child says "I HATE YOU!"

Its a painful word to hear from your child whom you have love so much and suddenly tells you "I hate you". But remember that asserting their independence is one process by which kids and adults grow up. So what do when they say that hurtful words , "I hate you!".

• Don't Overreact. Experts say that it's important for kids to hear you affirms their underlying feelings without contradicting or denying them. At the same time, help your kid realize that erupting angrily during an argument isn't appropriate. You can say, "I know you're angry at me but calm down before we'll talk."

• Air Grievances. Don't take too long before having your follow up discussion. Focus on asking questions and listening. And, don't interrupt. This will only frustrate them further.

• Ask for their Ideas. When you ask him to give a specific solution, the child will feel that you value his opinion and is also given the challenge to come up with something that will make him feel better.

• End with Love. Comfort your child by telling him that we all have feelings of intense anger and even hatred, but that these are natural and don't last long. Reassure him with your love.
  

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.

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.