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.

First Time Parents Guide if Feeding Problems Develop on Baby

Preventing feeding problems is much easier than correcting them. When, despite parent's good intentions, feeding problems do develop, there should be an analysis of the causes. Then parents should agree on and firmly adhere to a course of action.

What is feeding problem? It's when a child fails to eat as his parents expect him to. Whether these expectations are right or wrong the results is the same - tensions which create unhappy family situation.

Most feeding problems fall into two classes. One is the child's not eating enough, or what the parents think is "enough." The other is the child's not eating specific foods the parents would like accepted. Usually these are "good for you" foods such as milk, meat and vegetables. It's well for these parents to remember a child's appetite is a good guide to how much he should eat and there is no one food which a child must eat.

Few feeding problems develop in the first year. Growth is rapid, foods needs are high and babies' appetites are good. Parents are satisfied with the volume they eat. It's in the second and third year's, when growth rate, food needs and intake diminish, that trouble is more likely to occur.

Everybody likes attention. A toddler is likely to get it, the first few times he eats less than usual. Whether it's mild coaxing or forced feeding, the child knows he's being noticed. Pretty soon he knows that refusing food is an attention-getter. It can even be more fun than eating. The remedy is to be alert to ignore the lowered intake.Most toddlers go through a normal stage of saying "no" to everything, even when they don't mean it. If it happens to attract attention, saying "no" at mealtime can get to be quite a game and a habit. It should be ignored like any other play for attention.

Some youngsters use refusal of food as a bargaining device in obtaining certain desires. It's most unwise ever to bribe a child to eat. Families should always maintain the attitude that eating is a privilege, not a favor.

Babies are great imitator and quickly follow the example of a parent or older brother or sister. When they eat at the family table family member can help by being willing to set good examples. Only favorable attitudes, by word or gesture, should be expressed toward food. Too much discussion, even of the favorable type, is unwise.

Mealtime surroundings should be clean, bright and cheerful and the atmosphere a happy one. There should be no unnecessary distractions which draw a child's attention from eating. Decorations, conversation or activity should not be overdone. A desire to play can be a strong distraction for toddlers.Sometimes firm policies have to be made or its control.

Wise parents use every opportunity to develop and maintain a toddler's interest in food. Even though it's slow and untidy, self feeding should be encouraged. Protect the floor with newspaper and put the baby on his own. The food may often miss its target but baby's interest will be maintained through his sense of accomplishment. Toward the end of the meal, when the baby tires, he'll usually appreciate help with the last few spoonfuls.

Mealtime discipline, such as stress on table manners, can deter a toddler's interest in food. Training of this type is more effective in the later pre-school period when there's better muscular coordination. In the meantime, some progress might be made through imitation of good examples set by older family members.

Dawdling at mealtime is a common problem. Like refusal off food, it can easily become an attention-getter and is therefore ignored. Allowance should be made for a small child's lack of skill. But if a meal stretches beyond a reasonable period, it's well to remove thee food calmly and without comment.

Ending a meal for dawdling or outright refusal of food should be done in the most matter-of-fact way and without discussion or argument. The success of this procedure depends on the parents' calm firmness in withholding all additional food until the next regular meal. This is a hard thing for parents to do even when common sense and scientific evidence indicate a few hours of hunger can't hurt a child. Young children simply don't starve themselves.

This discussion shows most feeding problems to be psychological in origin and nature. Occasionally the blame may rest in the diet itself. Diets too high in fat, sweets or starch appetite is poor, the interval between meal might be increased. Sometimes feeding smaller portions helps. Seeing too much food can blunt appetite.

Sufficient fresh air, exercise and sleep are other factors known to have a favorable influence on appetite. In today's casual living, most youngsters get enough of these but they are worth checking if appetite is poor.

Tips for New Parents on Your Baby’s First Year Diet

Your baby's first year diet should be prescribed by a doctor. But you, as parents, have the day in, day out responsibility of carrying out these directions. The job is larger than simply buying and feeding certain foods. It includes making every mealtime a happy time.

Through happy mealtimes your baby's physical and emotional hunger are both satisfied. Since food meets a basic need, it is one of the first means by which a newborn baby can be given security. The young nursing baby, cuddled in his mother's arms, also has the warmth and support which satisfy two other basic needs. These early mealtimes are indeed happy!

Early in your baby's development, mealtimes become more than just a means to physical comfort.The love, expressed through your voice, your smiles and gentle handling, becomes meaningful. Before long, these are as important to happy mealtimes as the food served.

A little later, your baby makes many other pleasant associations with eating. He learns to like the bright color, smooth texture and pleasant odor and flavor of certain strained foods. He begins to anticipate a meal, just by being placed in his feeding table, having a bib tied around his neck, seeing a baby picture on a package of cereal or watching the warming of a dish of strained food. He learns to enjoy the companionship of other family members.

Sometime soon, it becomes impossible to count all the things that make your baby enjoy his meals, although his pleasure is obvious. You will feel it worth much planning and effort to maintain this happy state.

YOU'RE IN CHARGE. From the first feeding you will want to see that you - not your baby - are in control of the situation. This does not have to be accomplished with a battle royal. Arguing with a tiny baby is childish and futile. Calm, gentle, pleasant and patient firmness are earmarks of maturity in parents. As expressions of your love and concern, they give your baby far more security than having his own way.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES. Your baby's grandparents probably were "raised by the book." Perhaps you were too. Fortunately, the rigid feeding schedules which characterized the first forty years of this century have been abandoned.Modern parents recognize individual differences in food needs. This is true of the amount of food needed and the frequency with it should be fed.

Most babies will set up a rhythm of eating and sleeping, in keeping with their own special needs. "Big eaters" usually space their meals farther apart, while other babies will want less food, more frequently. With a little give and take, both baby and the rest of the family can settle down to a reasonably regular schedule. A recognition of individual differences and a calm, flexible attitude toward adjustments, if indicated, are all it takes.

First Time Parents Guide to How Tall Will Baby Be

Studies of the growth records of thousands of persons measured from birth to adult age provide a guide.

A boy who is well nourished and with an average history of illness will double his 2 year length at 18 years of age. A girl at maturity will be twice her length at 18 months, When a boy is 6-1/2 and a girl is 5, they have attained two thirds of their full height. Three quarters of adult height is reached by a boy at 9 and a girl at 7-1/2.

Poor nutrition is the most usual cause of retarded growth. For this reason, proper feeding beginning at infancy is extremely important.

Important Facts About Your Kids Height

2 facts about your kids height is that:

• Males experience their growth spurts between ages 10-14. Females experience theirs between ages 12-16.

• Both males and females generally reach their height between ages 18-20.

Factors That Contribute To Your Child's Height

Height often plays an important role in people's lives. Medically, pediatricians use growth chart to make sure that a child is growing at the proper rate. In May sports, such as volleyball and basketball, being tall is an important factor.

"Height is might" that is what most people would say. While Filipinos are not genetically predisposed to be a tall race, most parents still wish that their kids grow up to be taller than most children. But what exactly makes a person tall?

There are many factors that contribute to a person's height. Knowing what influences growth and development will help children achieve their optimum height.

1. Genetic make-up. Children inherit their parents attributes, so tall parents, in general, will produce tall off springs. Traits such as physique are also passed down from parents.

2. Prenatal Factors. While a baby is still in his mother's womb, the mom's habits, amount of exercise, and choice of food affect the child's development. Expecting moms need to stay in the pink of health to avoid any complications such as hypertension, anemia, and congestive heart failure, which could cause low birth weight in babies and a higher chance of perinatal morbidity incidence.

3. Nutrition. It is important to plan a balanced diet and incorporating a lot of "grow" foods in your child's meals. Include meat and egg in his meals, which are packed with protein. You must also encourage your child to drink milk, fortified with bone developing calcium.

4. Vitamins. Vitamins help maintain and facilitate the proper functioning of certain organs and organ systems found in a child's body. The following vitamins perform a vital role to ensure that the body efficiently absorbs nutrients and keeps the body's systems in prime working condition.

5. Exercise. While there are no definite exercises that promote height enhancement, certain activities like stretching help improve posture, since incorrect or poor posture contributes to slouching. This, in turn will make a child appear shorter than he actually is. Discrepancies in the vertebral curves, muscle coordination, strength, physical and mental health, and fatigue are leading causes of postural changes in a child.

6. Sleep. The daily amount of sleep your child gets affects his height. Growth hormones are secreted deep sleep. It is advisable for your kid to get sufficient sleep to boost a child's height.

8 Ways to Educate your Child about Mobile Phone Safety

Mobile phones make it easy for people to send and receive content. Even the unwanted and inappropriate ones. Your child is not an exception. Sexual offenders typically use the mobile phone as bait, as means of connecting with their would be victim. Much like Internet safety, supervision and regulation are the best ways you can protect your child from falling prey to abusers. Some steps you can take:

1. Program only your number and numbers of other people who have a legitimate reason for calling your child (such as caregivers or classmates). Teach your child to never answer calls from other numbers.

2. Some phones can be programmed so that they do not receive calls from unprogrammed numbers.

3. If your child receives a text message from an unknown number or person, your child should never answer and should show this to you.

4. Give your child the cellphone only if you will be apart, and make sure it is turned off when she is in class or it is time to do homework. You may also want to establish a phone curfew, by asking them to surrender their phones to you at a certain time of the night.

5. Set budget caps for load. She can only use a certain amount from her allowance or she cannot spend more than a certain amount in a week or month.

6. Ask from time to time who calls or texts her.

7. Even if your child is older (say, in high school), she should never entertain texts or calls from people claiming to be girls or boys her age who wants to be friends.

8. Even if the text message is from someone they know, if the content make them uncomfortable, they should tell you right away. Emphasize that you will not blame her or get mad.

Custody Battle: In the Child's Best Interest

When deciding on the custody of a minor, the courts take into account the particular financial, social, and moral circumstances of each parent. In case the court determines that neither parent is fit to take care of the child, custody may be awarded to a surviving grandparent, eldest brother or sister, the child's actual custodian, or any other person deemed suitable by the court.

The general rule" A child under seven years of age shall not be separated from his mother unless the court finds compelling reasons to order otherwise, such as neglect, abandonment, unemployment and immorality, habitual drunkenness, drug addiction, maltreatment of the child, insanity, and affliction with a communicable illness.

When a child is over seven years old, he may state his preference. But this may be disregarded when the court determines that the chosen parent is unfit or incapable of caring for the child. Ultimately, the grant of custody over a child may always be modified depending on the circumstances and the primary consideration shall always be the best interest of the child.

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 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.

Important Road Safety For Kids

Everyday thousands of children walk to school, playgrounds or the homes of their friends, often close to, or having to cross, busy roads. Parents and schools do their best to reduce the risk of accidents by sending children strong messages such as "Stop, look and listen" and "Look left, look right, look left again, before crossing the road."

Tests show that primary school children have poor peripheral vision (seeing what's coming from the side) and directional hearing (hearing where things are coming from). And they are not good at telling how far away an oncoming vehicle is, or judging its speed. All this means that it is simply not enough to make sure that young children thoroughly learn and understand the rules of the road.

The most important message is that adult supervision is necessary when children are near traffic, and critically importnt when they have to cross the road.

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.

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.
  

What to do When your Child is being Bullied

Yup, bullying can be found anywhere, especially on schools, no matter how big or small, public or private schools. There is always a person who loves to bully others. Here are some simple tips if you suspect that your child is getting bullied.

1. BE OBSERVANT. It's important that parents are present in their children's lives. Be observant of your child, he'll start behaving differently. Even if you ask them flat out, "is there anybody bullying?" They'll likely deny, especially if the bully is someone they look up to or admire. Of course, they won't say that the person is mean to them because they want to be friends with that person.

2. MEET THE TEACHER. If you notice that your child is acting differently. Ask for a meeting with his teachers. They'll be more than willing to help you.

3. BE THERE FOR YOUR CHILD, ALWAYS.

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.