Parenting Tips for Teen Relationships

September 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dating and building relationships is part of growing up. Remember your teen years and remember how you felt about your first crushes and dates? That’s what your teen is going through right now. You need to be available to your teen and be willing to help them if they need it.

When should your teen start dating?

It should be when you think they are mature enough to do so. As a parent, it’s your job to be the judge. Think back to how old you were and talk to your teen about your experiences. Just because they are 13 and have a crush doesn’t mean that they are mature enough to date.

It’s your call. When they start talking about their crushes or caring about how they look, they are probably maturing. Communicating with your teen can keep them talking and keep you aware of how they are feeling.

Online Dating for Teens

If your teen wants to do online dating, make sure that you stress the importance of safety. Safety online requires common sense, so teach your teen about the importance of being anonymous online.

Have your teen sign up for a Skype account before they get an online profile. Phone numbers can be traced to an address, but Skype can be completely anonymous. As you read about Parship Ireland dating websites—which are hugely popular for online dating in Europe—you’ll see that their teen users remain anonymous with Skype voice chat.

If your teen ever wants to meet with someone offline, make sure that they do it in a crowded place and that they will have lots of friends with them—or even you! Discouraging in-person meet ups from online dating might cause your teen to do it secretly—which is very dangerous.

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Education Technology Helps Students Learn More Quickly

July 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Educational technology has seen many enhancements, such as the SMART Board and access to the Internet on computers. These improvements have made it so teachers have an easier time teaching and students have easier time learning.

HANNOVER, GERMANY - MARCH 01: Children try ou...Image by Getty Images via @daylife

In classrooms, instead of having only books to learn from, students have computers and access to unlimited information through the Internet. By being able to access much more information in a shorter amount of time, children have the ability to learn a lot faster. Before computers were so easily accessed, whenever information about a certain topic was needed, children would have to do copious amounts of research at the library, and they still might not find the amount of information that they would on the internet.

For example, if a child needs to learn more about the history of the light bulb, he can simply search for “light bulb history” on the Internet. He’ll find all sorts of information about the invention, the person who invented it, and people who have helped to improve the it.

Technology allows schools to better teach children. Computers are not the only advancement which helps make teaching and learning easier. SMART Boards are interactive whiteboards which teachers can use to save their lessons and post them online for their students to see and use at home.

By taking advantage of the advancements and accessibility of technology in classrooms, teachers are better equipped to teach students. Technology also allows students to do research quicker and more efficiently, making education easier.

 
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Filed Under: Development, Young Children Tagged With: , ,

When you Toddler has a Temper Tantrum

June 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Example of an American grocery store aisle.

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She’s at it again. You’re in the grocery store and she wants that bag of M&Ms in the worst way. She is screeching and kicking her legs on the floor. People are looking at you. Should you pick her up and give her the candy? Leave her there kicking and screaming? What?

  • Agree to disagree. Tell your child you understand that she wants the candy and she is sad about it. She will probably calm down enough where you can discuss the problem.
  • Discuss appropriate behavior at the store before you arrive. Practice being nice to mommy and asking for things without crying for them.
  • Letting your child know that he has been good on a particular visit and that you are happy to take him to the store because of that builds confidence where candy doesn’t.
  • Move your child from the area and stand by him silently until the screaming ends. Yes, you will get some looks, but don’t be bothered by them. Be calm.
  • Make sure your child is fed before going grocery shopping. Make sure he is not tired. Being hungry and sleepy are the two most common reasons children have temper-tantrums.
  • Realize that temper tantrums usually occur when a child is trying to get what they want. Giving in to their wants is rarely the solution to an escalating problem.

Temper tantrums in children end quickly when we don’t get angry and we acknowledge the feelings of our child instead of trying to quiet them through yelling or force.

 

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Filed Under: Parenting, Young Children Tagged With: , ,

Teach Your Child To Save Money: Buying their Own Apple Bottom Jeans

June 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The children of the world spend far less time than generations past learning to save money and the value of a dollar. Who can blame them? They have video games and microwaveable pizza. They would rather spend time playing games and hanging out with their friends than learning the value of a dollar. You, as a parent, can use their need to socialize and be “popular” to your advantage in order to teach them this valuable lesson.

Keeping your child in the name brand jeans or clothes assures some notoriety within the social ranks of school. Apple Bottom jeans are one of the most preferred among young teens. While Apple bottom jeans are not the only fashion that a teen desires, it is a great example. You can tell your child that in order to get these “high end” fashionable clothes that they will need to buy them all by themselves. They can save their allowances and earn extra cash by doing things around the house or for other friends and family.

The value of a dollar can be learned a very early age and studies show that the earlier children learn the importance of money, the more ingrained it will be in them as adults. This can mean the difference in your child living a financially stable life as an adult or living in poverty. You do not have to make them buy all of their own clothes, but simply the ones that are out of your budget, yet important to your child.

 

Filed Under: General

When your Teen Rebels

June 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Mella

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Rebellion. It isn’t something you want to deal with. He doesn’t listen; he does what he wants when he wants to. She is never home and recently you found drugs hidden under her bedroom mattress. What can you do?

Here are some helps:

  • Your teen’s favorite confidant will probably not be you unless you’ve developed a line of communication. But even if you have, many teens prefer speaking to their peers about their problems. For this reason it is important to be all ears when they want to speak up. The best times for teens are usually in the car or late at night; informal, inconvenient moments when you are doing something else. Be open to these times of sharing.
  • Privacy is more than likely at the top of your teen’s list. Be careful not to harm the trust you may have developed. Don’t do a search of their room unless you have a very good reason for doing so.
  • Give them space to live their life but don’t forget a good set of rules. Teens need curfews, rules about school and homework, rules that pertain to their room and other household chores. They need to learn how to work whether in the home or away from it or both.
  • Let your teen know you love them no matter what. Spend time with them. Keep positive about those things you see in them that are good. Let them know you trust that they will make good decisions. Let them know that you’re there for them if they ever need help.
  • Do some additional research. Find out the best ways to handle a teen in rebellion.
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Filed Under: General, Teens, Young Children Tagged With: , ,

Safety Tips for Dressing Up Your Pet

June 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dressing up your pet can be an exciting experience full of laughter and pictures. But you do want to ensure that you are safe, so as to not harm your pet through the experience.

Some women try to squeeze themselves into pants that are tighter than tight. Internally, who knows what damage is going on? But you certainly don’t want to squish your pet in the same way. Look for pet costumes that fit your pet with precision.

Since many shopping trips for dressing up a pet occur without them, it is wise to take your pet’s measurements to ensure that you are looking at costumes that will fit your pet comfortably. If zippers or Velcro come too close to your animal, it is likely that hair or even skin can get stuck to the costume, making dressing your pet a little uncomfortable. If you are shopping online for costumes, you also want to have specific measurements to ensure fit.

When dressing your pet, you want to make sure your pet is calm and not in a rambunctious mood, as they could easily hurt themselves as you dress them. You might want to find costumes that are easier to slip on if your pet is active or doesn’t enjoy being dressed. Get them comfortable in simple costumes before attempting something more close-fitting or a costume that has more substance.

Consider costumes parts. You don’t want your pet chewing on pieces of the costume that could potentially harm them. If your pet is a chewer, steer away from any excess fabric or pieces that dangle. Keep your pet safe.

Filed Under: Parenting, Young Children

Body Changes during Pregnancy

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many changes that women’s bodies grow through during pregnancy. You might be aware of the normal change in size and appearance that the woman experiences, but there are also other internal changes, some unexpected.

  • Morning sickness can occur early in the pregnancy calendar. Nausea and vomiting in the morning can often be relieved by eating toast or dry crackers. However, it is possible to experience this throughout the day as well.
  • A woman might also experience indigestion and heartburn. This can occur as hormones and the growing baby apply pressure, causing problems with digestion. Constipation is also a problem that can develop within a pregnant mother. This can lead to a woman developing hemorrhoids due to the increased constipation, the growth of the uterus, and pressure being placed on the intestines and rectum.
  • As the stages of pregnancy continue, women can feel an increased need to urinate. The growing baby will need more room, so the bladder will be able to hold a decreased amount of urine. The pregnant mother will also need to go to the bathroom more as the weight of the baby presses on the bladder.
  • In some instances, a woman can experience swollen hands and feet. She may feel tired during the course of the pregnancy. This is due to the nutritional demands and hormonal changes that the pregnancy is placing on her body. She might even have difficulty breathing and not be able to walk as fast as she used to. This can be true during the later stages of her pregnancy.

Women’s bodies go through many normal changes during pregnancy. Knowing what to expect makes these changes manageable.

 

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Filed Under: General, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

How to Save Money on an American Girl Doll

June 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front

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American Girl dolls are an American institution. With so many different dolls to choose from, there’s bound to be a look-alike for your little girl. However, keeping up with trends and new accessories can start costing a lot of money. Here are some ways to save money on an American Girl doll.

Clothing

A good way to save money on an American Girl doll is to find alternatives for clothing, other than the official merchandise. You can save money on dresses, doll shoes, and other accessories by searching around for the best prices. You can even test out your dressmaking skills and make your own clothing. This way, you can dress your doll in whatever you want!

Online Bidding Websites

Websites that sell both used and new items, such as eBay, can provide you with many opportunities to save money on American Girl dolls and their accessories. All you have to do is find an item you want, make a bid, and then wait until the item auction ends to see if you won it. Bidding on eBay is safe and secure, and you can see if the seller has a good history.

Thrift Stores

Depending on where you live and how much spare time you have, it may do you well to visit your local thrift stores. They could stock anything from used American Girl clothing and accessories to American Girl books. You never know your luck; you may even come across an American Girl doll!

Saving money on American Girl dolls is about being smart, so start searching for bargains today!

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Filed Under: Discipline, General Tagged With: , ,

Helping an Adopted Child Feel Part of the Family

June 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
father and adopted children

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The decision to adopt a baby or child has been made, and the rest of your family is anxious for the new addition. But what can you do to make sure the newcomer feels at home without jeopardizing the relationships you’ve already developed with the rest of your family?

These ideas should help:

  • Consider everyone’s feelings. When you spend one-on-one time with the adopted child, make sure your other family members know that you want to bond with the new child like you’ve bonded with them. Make sure you continue to spend one-on-one time with all of your children.
  • Allow the adopted child some room to be alone. It’s alright if they need to cry sometimes. It’s okay for them to have some time to themselves.
  • Tell your children you love them; don’t just assume that they know you do. With the new family member comes some special attention, don’t let your family forget that you love them too.
  • Spend time as a family getting to know the new member. Let him/her feel that you’re all together in the adoption.
  • Let your new child take part in the decorating of his/her room. If you’re receiving a baby, think about the age of the infant and choose appropriate colors for the room.
  • Keep positive. There will be some painful adjustments, but change is rarely as smooth as your favorite dairy dessert. When hard times come, discuss the problem early on, and decide as a family how everyone can do better next time. It might even be a good idea to set down some guidelines right before the newcomer arrives.

 

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Filed Under: General, Parenting, Teens Tagged With: , ,
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