Help your kids take on bullies

By Dr Bill Maier

Does your child know how to deal with a bully in school? Children who are bullied want to get the bully to stop — they just don’t always know how.

Parents can do a lot to help, but it is important that we do not embarrass our kids or make a habit of working their problems out for them.

Begin by talking to your child about the bullying. Help them open up and share their feelings and fears. Make sure they know that the problem is with the bully, not them.

The fact is, children who pick on other kids are typically the most insecure, and they are often the most in need of help. Encourage your child to talk to their teacher or principal about what has been going on, and then to report the details back to you.

Resist talking to the principal yourself unless you absolutely have to. By teaching our kids how to work through their bully problems instead of doing it for them, we’re empowering them to work through future struggles as well.

From TODAY, Voices – Friday, 24-April-2009

IT’S ONLY A GAME

By Dr Bill Maier

When it comes to organised sports for kids, there’s the good, the bad, and the downright ugly!

Sports can be a great way for kids to keep fit and learn the importance of teamwork and competition.

They can develop strength and coordination, and increase their level of self-esteem.

Sports also give kids an opportunity to build friendships. And good coaches make great role models.

The downside is some parents and coaches focus too much on winning, creating an air of tension and pressure.

When kids lose, their self-image takes a beating. And unhealthy competition is a breeding ground for physical and emotional injuries.

Team sports are great for kids, but they need to be kept in perspective. Let your children choose which activities they participate in, and get to know their coaches.

Praise them when they do well, and praise them when they don’t! It’s only a game, and kids need to see it that way.

From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 23-April-2009

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

By Dr Bill Maier

And you thought it was safe to send your children to the playground!

Most parents are pretty good about steering their kids away from outdated equipment and rickety monkey bars, but still, children find a way to get hurt.

There are a few important guidelines to remember when sending your children to the playground.

First, make sure they have adult supervision. If you cannot be there with them, see that someone else is.

Second, check the equipment for safety. Toddlers should never be allowed on anything higher than 1.2 metres, and the ground beneath should have plenty of sand — between 8cm to 23cm is the standard.

Finally, watch out for peeling paint, sharp edges or exposed bolts — anything that could cause a cut or splinter.

Parents assume most playgrounds are safe, but nothing can replace diligence and careful supervision.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 22-April-2009

Feeding the finicky

By Dr Bill Maier

Here’s a mystery I’ve never understood – how can a preschooler survive an entire day on one graham cracker and half a banana?

Obviously most preschoolers eat more than that but it doesn’t always feel like it.

Some kids seem to turn their nose up at everything their parents put in front of them.

So what can we do to see that they get the nutrients they need?

Begin by making sure their portions are the right size.

Pre-schoolers only need about a fourth of an adult’s diet, and parents often overfill their plates.

Also, watch their intake of fluids. A lot of young kids will fill up on milk or juice, leaving little room for the foods they need.

And make sure any between-meal snacks are healthy ones.

Finally, don’t worry too much. Kids tend to eat more than we realise.

They’ll hit a growth spurt before you know it and then just try to stop them from eating!

From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 21-April-2009

GOOD MANNERS FOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

By Dr Bill Maier

You know, good manners and social graces don’t happen by accident. They’re skills that people develop, and what better time to learn them than when we’re young? Why not start now teaching your children how to be polite and mannerly?

A good way to begin is to have them write thank-you notes for gifts and other acts of kindness. Get them their own stationery and show them how to write a thoughtful note. Teach them to take their time, and to be specific in their words.

Kids should also learn to open doors for people and wait on the elderly. They should smile and say, “After you,” or “Let me get that for you.” When waiting in line, make sure they know how to be patient and wait their turn. It’s also a good idea to let older kids order for themselves at restaurants, and to expect them to say “please” and “thank you” when addressing the hostess.

Good manners are critical skills in life, and children who understand that fact will always stand out from the rest.

From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 20-April-2009