|
|
|
|
Tips for the Fussy Eater
[Report Abuse]
Reason
Posted by:
lostchild
The parents of fussy eaters will be happy to know that they are in good company; nearly every family has at least one fussy eater. The parental concerns regarding a fussy eater are generally twofold: the child's nutrition, and the kind of habits the child is forming. The good news is that overall, even fussy eaters are able to fare well nutritionally, and, eventually even the most particular of eaters seem to come around. 
Here are a few tips to arm you while you are in the meal time trenches with your little one:
1. Do not make it a power struggle.
Granted, this is challenging. But, if you make this a power issue with bribes, ultimatums, and frustration, the child will gain control over the situation. They will also begin to build negative associations with meal time. Instead, use praise as a motivator, keep offering good choices, and modelling the desired behaviour.
2. Offer limited choices
A great desire for all children is to be able to control their environment. Sometimes offering a choice where each option is acceptable can give your child the feeling that they have some power over the situation, without you having to surrender true control. Choices like, which colour bowl or cup, an apple or an orange, carrots or cucumber, etc. Offering these inconsequential choices can go a long way in easing the power struggle, especially if you proactively offer the choice, before the struggle even has a chance to begin.
3. Offer healthy choices with lots of variety
If you are concerned with your child's nutritional intake, be sure that every choice you offer is a healthy one. By limiting sweets and processed foods, and offering plenty of whole foods, you can be sure that whatever your child chooses to eat, they are getting something of value. Continue to introduce variety with vegetables and other foods; you never know when one will strike a responsive chord and become a favourite.
Tags: Children, Parents, Nutrition, Motivation, Family ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discipline Checklist
[Report Abuse]
Reason
Posted by:
lostchild
Disciplining your children is both one of the most important and most difficult elements of child rearing you can face as a parent. On one hand you feel a duty to raise your child with the correct boundaries and moral ideas that make us fit and proper members of society and the human race in general. On the other it is sometimes hard to make your children understand the meaning of your actions, particularly when your actions risk making you unpopular with them. In order to help parents strike the right balance when they dole out discipline, here's a check list of things to run through in your head when you feel you need to take action.
First off, make sure you are not losing your temper. This is, of course, easier said than done, and it is often our first reaction to simply lose composure if a child is being naughty. All this does is show the child that you are as irrational as them – remember they are still learning about the concept of reason and right. Even if you think they are deliberately misbehaving you need to keep calm as much as possible.
Secondly, explain why what the child has done is wrong. It is not enough for them to feel bad – they must know why they should not behave that way. “Because I said so!” is not a good reason to give a developing brain as to why they should or should not do something. In fact it just makes them more likely to do the same thing when your back is turned.
Thirdly, be careful with both criticism and praise. Both of these things should be earned by a child in order to give them a proper balance in terms of right and wrong. Discipline is really all about just that – balance. A good, healthy, balanced child is also a happy one. Children who never get told off or criticised in their youth often turn into deeply unhappy adults, as their expectations are completely out of line with the reality of society.
Tags: Child Rearing, Disciplining, Temper, Children, Pa...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits of Rewards Charts
[Report Abuse]
Reason
Posted by:
lostchild
Studies on how to motivate people, from children to grownups, have consistently shown that praise and encouragement are the best motivators. The great thing about a rewards chart is that it gives on the spot recognition for good behaviour, as well as a visual aid (such as a sticker on the chart), helping them to visualise how their good behaviour has helped them progress toward a desired goal.
Reward charts help to teach the child good behaviour by offering a series of small rewards (stickers, spaces moved, etc) that move gradually towards something bigger. As the positive behaviour is reinforced through the recognition and encouragement, th .jpg) e behaviour becomes more habitual.
One of the biggest benefits for parents using reward charts is that it helps to reduce nagging. The child definitely wants the reward, and therefore puts the effort into exhibiting the desired behaviour. With this system, the responsibility for earning the reward is completely on the child - which is a great way to help build their character. The satisfaction they receive through earning each sticker, and finally reaching their goal, goes a long way in boosting their confidence and preparing them for their next challenge.
There are many ways a reward chart can be used. Each child in a family can have their own chart (and even target different behaviours) or a group chart can be used with everyone's good behaviour contributing to reaching the end reward. A chart can run for a set period of time (i.e.: a week) or until a specified number of stickers are earned.
The end reward can be one of either the parent's or child's choosing. It ideally should be something that fosters family time together like a special outing, a storybook, or an activity that you both love.
Tags: Parenting, Children, Motivation, Praise, Rewards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anger Control Tips
[Report Abuse]
Reason
Posted by:
lostchild
As much as we might not want to admit it, every parent has moments when our temper gets the better of us. It's all too easy to start throwing a tantrum because our child is doing the same, but it's important to try and keep cool and remember that there are a number of factors contributing to our anger – whatever the situation.
One of the first tips for  controlling your anger is to ask yourself exactly what it is that you are angry about. Do you have some bad news you are dealing with? Are you dealing with some difficult marital issues? Are you not feeling well? Sometimes just the recognition that the cause of your anger is NOT your child can be enough to help you keep a lid on your emotions.
Sometimes you might need to give yourself a ‘time out'. Step out of the room for a moment to gain control of your anger or, if you can't do that, take a few deep cleansing breaths. It really does help.
If you are angry or frustrated because of something your child has done wrong, try to convey your feelings in a patient and respectful tone. By using your words to express yourself, you are also teaching your child how to express their feelings. It is very important for a child to learn how to properly express negative emotions such as fear, frustration and disappointment. Always use respectful and positive language. Focus your disapproval on the behaviour, not the child.
Most importantly, if you ever do lose your nerve: apologise to your child. When a parent loses their temper with their child, the child's feelings will be hurt. Whether your child shows that hurt through crying, pulling back or lashing out, you can be sure that they are hurting. A genuine apology will help to restore your relationship and convey your deep affection to your child.
Tags: Anger, Child, Parents, Emotions, Communication
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|