Stand firm but don’t stand still

What are you doing to make the world a better place for your children? Quite often people feel passionate about something, not quite as often do they do something about it. I have a saying on my wall, I pass it every day and it reminds me not to complain about a situation unless I am willing to act to improve it. Here’s the saying: Stand firm but don’t stand still. Are there any situations you see could use a little help? Maybe you’ve noticed that your child’s teacher could use a classroom volunteer, or an elderly neighbor might appreciate a little help in the yard. Noticing your neighborhood could benefit from a community garden is good, but picking up your shovel would be even better. Making the world a better place for our children doesn’t mean that we have to single handedly stop all crime or end global warming but it does mean it that we do anything we can, anywhere we can, to make the world a better place. Do something you’ve been thinking about and show your child that one person can make a difference. Remember your children are watching and it only takes a moment to make a memory that may last a lifetime.

Kids in Sports

Today’s topic…kids in sports. With the popularity of certain team sports on the rise such as soccer and la cross more and more families are joining the world of competition. Children involved in sports benefit much more that you might imagine. By being part of a team children learn lessons that will carry off the field as well. We all know that the physical activity alone is good for kids but here are some benefits you might not have considered: Commitment to an activity, working as a team player, learning good sportsmanship, taking care of your physical body as well as practicing a positive attitude. Parents and coaches have a perfect chance to shape their children’s personalities. We can show our children how to win gracefully as well as lose and still hold their head high. We can teach our children winning or losing is not what it’s all about. Going for it with pride is what will make you a champion! When you’re out there rooting for your kids think about what you say and how you say it. Remember it’s at times like these that it only takes a moment to make a memory or teach a lesson that may last a lifetime!

Bullies

I’m sure it won’t surprise you when I tell you there are bullies at school. Harassment in school doesn’t wait until children are older. It might shock you that kids in kindergarten are even at risk of being pushed around literally. Bullying can indeed take the form of hitting and pushing. But usually it isn’t physical violence. Bullying usually involves threats and name-calling. School safety experts say kids, parents and teachers can work together to stop this problem. Our local schools are working hard to teach empathy and compassion as well as the art of conflict resolution. Talk to your children. Let them know that they can stand up for themselves. Here are tips to teach your children: If you are being bullied, tell the bully in a firm voice that you don’t like what he or she is doing, Walk away quickly, and find an adult right away then tell them what has happened. Teach your kids to be smart and to know that they only deserve to be treated with kindness.

Be NICE!

Teaching your kids to behave properly in one easy step: Now I’ve got your attention. I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about all the rules we try to teach our kids. Treat people with kindness, don’t hit, bite or push, don’t yell or talk back, show respect, and don’t tease. The list seems to never end. Now a days parents are always coming up with new ways to teach their kids to behave. With the never ending parenting suggestions I can’t help but revert back to the line that has withstood the test of time. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Or in two words BE NICE! Nice might sound like just a cute little word with not much to base your behavior on but look it up. It means requiring tact, to be delicately subtle and sensitive, pleasant and kind. It’s source is Latin and means only by a very tortuous path did it reach its present sense of pleasant. It’s not always easy for children be nice It’s our job to show them how it’s done.

Unstructured Days of Summer Are Behind Us - Whew!

With the start of school upon us it’s time to leave the unstructured days of summer behind. Although the thought of a scheduled day may sound a bit more stressful it may actually make life a bit easier. Your children spend their day at school passing from one activity to the next easily. Without much thought or uncertainty. They know exactly what comes next. You might want to follow this lead at home. If you have battles over homework or getting you child dressed in the morning. Hold a family meeting. Talk about what things need to be done each day and make a plan that everyone agrees on. Remember after a full day at school, children are hungry and need a bit of time to unwind. Choose a time slot just for homework and provide you child with a comfortable place to work. With a bit of planning back to school time may actually be easy.

Back to School Transitions for Parents

Preschool or Kindergarten

• Visit your child's classroom a few times before school starts
• Always say a loving good-bye to your child, but once you do, you leave promptly--  Never sneak out.          
• Take time for yourself     

Middle School Jr High

• Be a good and supportive listener but try not to give advice too quickly.
• Problems young people can solve for themselves help to build confidence   
• Remember they are still young children but now have more pressure 

 High School

• Reassure your teenager that it is normal to feel confused and unsure at first and that most other teens feel the same way.
• Give your teenager as much control as you can (within limits) over the wardrobe so he/she feels that he/she "fits in".
• Stay involved                        

Off to College

• Encourage your kid to get involved. There are many activities on campus, so go ahead and join. Don't wait, either. Go ahead and get involved your first week of your freshman year
• Adjusting to college life can take a lot out of your kid because of the new class schedules, studying, and having to figure out how to handle it on your own. Because of this encourage them to stick to a schedule for eating and sleeping.
• Seek support from other moms and remember-- Take time for yourself again!