Mi Choza De Nipa

Image by ashley.adcox via Flickr By Dr James Dobson When you teach your child about the natural world, you can start in your own backyard. Teaching children to appreciate nature is one of the most enjoyable tasks of parenting. It is also one of the simplest. Children are naturally curious about the world around them. When you start teaching your own child about nature, I suggest you take a cue from his own curiosity. If he walks into the house with an earthworm or a frog in his hand, see it as an opportunity. Our own two-year-old once asked his mother if worms could yawn. She was unprepared for the question. If you have a backyard, walk around with your child and look under the leaves and rocks to see what you can find. Even in a small fish tank , you can grow a garden and teach the miracle of plant life from seed to harvest. It only takes a little effort to kindle in your child a lasting fascination with the natural world. From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 16-April-2010...

Image by michaelgoodin via Flickr By Dr James Dobson Many people have a hard time saying they are sorry to anyone, let alone their children . Although it is difficult to do, apologising when we are wrong provides opportunities to teach valuable lessons to our sons and daughters. I remember a time when our children were young and I was weighed down by the pressures that made me tired and irritable in the evenings. One night, I was especially grouchy and short-tempered with my 10-year-old daughter. After going to bed I felt bad about the way I had treated her and I just felt like I needed to apologise to her. I did so before she left for school the next morning. My daughter put her arms around my neck and said it was okay. Most children are very resilient and eager to reconcile. Asking them for forgiveness shows that you are human, with flaws and imperfections. It also creates an atmosphere wherein conflict and frustration can be resolved. From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 15-Apr...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson William Shakespeare wrote: “Grief fills the room of my absent child Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words.” Let me tell you about my mother. My parents walked a rocky road in the early days of their marriage . But their relationship was soon cemented tight. And from that time until the day my mother died, she loved that man. It is impossible to describe how much she loved him. It was the kind of love for a husband that most men only dream about. A few years after my father died, my mother went into the hospital . She was experiencing some symptoms. So they ran a barrage of tests, and finally two physicians sat down with her. They said: “Mrs Dobson, your problem is not a physical ailment. It is grief that is killing you, and you must find a way to release it.” But she never did. She couldn’t do it. She simply loved my father too deeply. Grief for a lost family member is good and necessar...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson According to a study by Dr Burton White at Harvard University , there are six key factors that contribute to the development of intelligence in children . Here are the first three: It is increasingly clear that the origins of human competence are found in a critical period of development between eight and 18 months of age. The child’s experiences during these brief months do more to influence future intellectual competence than any time before or after. The single most important factor in the life of the child is his mother. Says Dr White: “She carries more influence on her child’s experiences than any other circumstance.” Fathers are important too, but nothing compares with a mother’s love and involvement during that critical period. The amount of live language directed at a child (not to be confused with television , radio , or overheard conversations) is vital to his development of fundamental linguistic, intellectual, and social sk...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier We hear a lot about mothers struggling with Empty Nest Syndrome, but often it’s good old dad who takes it the hardest. All parents have a hard time when kids leave home, but a recent survey showed that many fathers actually take it harder than their wives. Some men go through long periods of depression and anxiety . Experts believe this is because fathers often have more regrets. They’ve been so busy building a nice home and a successful career that they’ve let the years slip through their fingers. Suddenly, they look up and it’s too late. Their child is gone, and they never developed the kind of relationship they wanted to have. If you still have children at home, take the time now to enjoy being with them while they’re young. Use the time you have to invest in their lives, and get to know them while you have a chance. From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 09-April-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta Parent...

Image by fikirbaz via Flickr By Dr Bill Maier What would happen if you started a new career with no training? You’d probably have a hard time doing your job. In the same way, you can’t expect a new father to naturally know how to raise a family without a little training. Most of us get that training by watching our own fathers, seeing how they react to certain situations, and taking notes as they care for their children . But what happens to a boy who grows up without a father? How does he know what to do? In many cases, he doesn’t. I recently received a tragic letter from a young man in that very situation. He grew up fatherless, and now found himself unequipped to deal with his kids. The best thing a new father can do in this situation is to find a mentor who can give advice and encouragement when problems arise. Every job takes a little training — especially fatherhood. From TODAY, Voices - Wednesday, 07-April-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related artic...

Image via Wikipedia by Dr Bill Maier You say your toddler’s room is bursting with toys, shoes and books ? I’d say it’s time for a crash course in organisation! Teach your children how to organise while they’re still young, and you’ll be developing a skill that will stay with them well into adulthood. Here are a few key guidelines: Make sure they have the tools they need, like a box for toys, a bookshelf, and a place to keep their clothes and other items. Spend a day helping them get everything set up the way they like it. It’s better to let them choose how they want to organise, as long as it’s neat and tidy. Once this is done, praise them for their efforts and encourage them to work hard at keeping it that way. Check up on their efforts daily. If they have trouble staying organised, you may need to help them more often. Be patient but firm. From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 05-April-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta Home libraries give chi...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson Considering how expensive and difficult it is to be a good parent, many people wonder these days why anyone would want to even have children . I’m reminded of a woman whom I met a few years ago. Her hair was a mess and the black circles under her eyes revealed a state of utter exhaustion. As she stumbled past me with seven youngsters, I asked: “Do all those children belong to you? Or is this some kind of picnic?” She replied: “They’re all mine and believe me it’s no picnic”. The woman is right. Parenthood is an assignment that demands everything we can give it. And to do the job right requires some sacrifice and maybe even a few tears. And yet nothing worth having comes cheap. Speaking as a father, there’s never been a greater moment in my life than when I gazed into the eyes of my newborn daughter and son. What could be more exciting than seeing those tiny human beings begin to blossom, grow and learn? And what reward can be more mean...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson One of the best ways to show your children how to succeed may just be to teach them how to fail. It’s not news to anyone that youngsters mimic the behaviour of their parents. And since parents are being watched, they obviously need to be careful about what their children see. This is especially true when it comes to handling failure and disappointment. Do we set ourselves up as models of perfection that never fall short of our goals? Or are we able to say to our kids: “I’m sorry — I really blew it this time.” If we miss out on something that we really wanted — say, a new job — do we mask our feelings by offering phony excuses, or do we simply say: “Apparently the bosses thought Mr Lim would be better suited for the job.” Our children must see that Mum and Dad can admit their failure and their shortcomings, and that the world won’t end because they did. Some of the greatest times of growth between parents and children can occur when youngs...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson When you want to offer advice to a person about a flaw or a shortcoming in his or her character, it’s best to do it the way porcupines make love: Very, very carefully. It’s often difficult to open the eyes of friends or relatives to their own blind spots. It’s even more risky to discuss a mistake in the way parenting responsibilities are being handled. You’re liable to get your ears pinned back, even when your motives are honourable and you have the other person’s interest at heart. Let me offer a suggestion that may be helpful in handling this delicate assignment. The right to criticise must be earned, even if the advice is constructive and desperately needed. Before you’re entitled to meddle with another person’s self-esteem, you must first demonstrate your respect for him as a person. You have to invest some time and effort in his life in an atmosphere of love and kindness, and human warmth. When a relationship of confidence has been c...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson If self-esteem is something we value for our sons and daughters, maybe it would be helpful to assist them in achieving it. It seems like every teenager has to come along today and bump his head on the same ol’ rock , experiencing those terrible feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. To help kids minimise that experience, I’ve found it beneficial to talk to them about confidence long before adolescence has arrived. For example, when a young child meets another who’s too shy to speak or even look at him, you might say afterwards, “Did you notice that Jimmy didn’t look at anyone when he spoke? Why do you suppose he seemed so embarrassed when he was talking to us? Do you think he doesn’t have much confidence in himself?” And as the primary school years unfold, you can talk openly about feelings of low self-worth, and how they translate into action. When we train our children in this way — to see others in a truer light, while preserving t...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier Here’s a great game you can play with your spouse! It’s called: “Let’s see who can be the most courteous.” It’s an easy game to learn, and you only need two players — preferably a husband and wife . And all it takes to play is a little love and a lot of imagination. The object is to see who can outdo the other player with kindness. At every opportunity, do something that your opponent would never expect, like leaving little love notes around the house, or in their pockets. The way to really win is by racking up little points throughout the day. Compliment your mate every chance you get, and look for ways to make them feel special. Trust me, it’s a great game. And the longer you play, the better you get at it. The best part is everyone wins! From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 26-March-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta The Hole We're In (lukeford.net) Help Save Marriage (stepbysteptips.co...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier It’s hard to watch your kids go through tough times, but struggle is an important part of growing up. We’re all tempted to shelter our kids from grief and heartache, but life isn’t always easy, so they need to learn how to deal honestly with emotions — both good and bad . When sad times come, don’t make the mistake of trying to shield kids from the pain. And don’t distract them from their feelings by pretending nothing is wrong, or by bribing them into being happy. Sometimes they need to grieve; because that’s the only way they will learn to process their emotions properly. Kids need to learn that there’s a right and a wrong way to be sad. Grief is painful, but it’s not an excuse to get angry, or to lash out at others. It’s something everyone has to go through, and good times are always just around the corner. From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 25-March-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta The grievi...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier At the age of 19, many children head off to university , and parents tend to think their job is done. But just because your kids are older doesn’t mean they don’t need a parent anymore. You’ll always be mum and dad — it’s just your role that has changed. For 19 years you’ve disciplined and directed your kids, but now it’s time to become their adviser and friend. Trying to control them after they’re grown will only push them away. But all children need comfort, advice and encouragement — even if they are grown up. Give your kids the freedom to become their own people. It takes a lot of restraint to allow your children to make their own decisions, but it’s the only way that they’ll learn true independence. Be their friend, and be there when they need you, but beyond that, learn to let go. From TODAY, Voices - Wednesday, 24-March-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta Common Mistakes in Parenting (...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier IS THERE anything quite as frustrating as catching your little angel in a lie? All kids tell fibs from time to time – some worse than others. And as parents, it’s important that we head the problem off before it becomes a habit. Kids who learn that they can get away with little lies, often begin telling bigger lies, which can lead to major problems later in life. Before acting too harshly, remember that there’s a very thin line between fantasy and reality in the mind of a preschooler. But kids who are clearly lying to get out of trouble need to be held accountable. Explain to them how important a person’s word is. If it happens again, don’t be afraid to punish them. Honesty is a critical virtue, and the time to instill that trait is while kids are still young. From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 23-March-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta The Tooth Fairy Milestone... (jer979.blogspot.com) The Fant...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier When kids start to get insolent with their parents, it’s almost always a symptom of a greater problem in the relationship. Kids don’t simply become defiant and disrespectful overnight. They usually learn that behaviour through watching how the rest of the family interact with one another. When your child starts to talk back, ask yourself, “Am I modelling a caring and kind attitude when I talk to my spouse and kids?” If the answer is no, then you can begin to see the problem. And the solution is to start modelling the kind of respectful behaviour you’d like to see in your children . Kids tend to mimic what they see in their parents. If you want to raise kind and considerate kids, become a kind and considerate parent. From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 22-March-2010 ----- Blogged with the Flock Browser Related articles by Zemanta Tips to be a Better Mother (teabreak.pk) Schools should take more bad parents to court, says minister (gua...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr James Dobson Fences make good neighbours. Sibling rivalry was responsible for the first murder on record when Cain killed Abel. And it has been going on at a furious pace ever since. While conflict between brothers and sisters occurs in virtually every family, it is possible to lessen the antagonism and create a more family-friendly atmosphere at home. The key is for parents to enforce a reasonable set of boundaries between warring factions. Someone said: “Fences make good neighbours”. And I agree. Let’s suppose the man next door and I lived in a rural village 100 years ago, without policemen and laws . We would be more likely to fuss with one another than in a civilised society where laws are known and can be enforced. So it is with children . When the older child can make life miserable for the younger boy or girl, or when the younger one can break the toys and mess up the things of his big brother or sister, then hatred is a natural outgr...