Mi Choza De Nipa

From Focus on the Family Have your children learned to take responsibility for their actions? Better yet, have you learned it? It is amazing how often we blame others for the things that happen to us. And it is not just a problem with children — I know a lot of adults who can’t seem to accept guilt when things go wrong. But part of growing is learning these five key principles of responsibility. We’ll call them the five “As” of accepting blame. First, admit when you do something wrong. Everyone makes bad choices and the first step in overcoming them is being honest about it. Second, apologise for how your transgression affected others. Make it right if you can. Third, accept the consequences of your actions. And don’t expect others to pay for your mistake. Fourth, ask for forgiveness. Just because you’ve apologised, don’t assume that others have forgotten how you hurt them. Fifth, alter your choices in the future. Decide now how you plan to do things differently the next time...

By Focus on the Family It’s the balance between the positive and the negative that provides the benefit. To illustrate, if you place the cable on the positive  pole of a car battery , nothing happens. Then take that cable off the positive and put it on the negative pole. There’s still no electricity . But what happens when you hook up both the positive and the negative poles? It’ll curl your hair, if you have any left. Understanding the interaction between these two forces is very useful to the task of raising children . There’s a time for affirmation, closeness, tenderness and love. That’s what nourishes the spirits of our kids. But there’s also a time for correction and discipline and even occasional punishment. Mums and dads who try to be eternally positive, ignoring irresponsibility, defiance or selfishness in their kids, will deprive their kids of the benefits of correction. But those who are oppressive and accusatory can also create serious behavioral problems. So w...

By Dr Bill Maier So how early should you start brushing your baby’s teeth ? That is easy – the first time you see a tooth. About one in five three-year-olds show signs of tooth decay . That is because many parents are not starting early enough to take care of their babies’ teeth. Most children get their first tooth around six months and that is the time to start brushing at least twice a day. For infants , use a soft cloth to rub the gum and teeth gently. Make sure you get all sides. When they get to be toddlers , it is time to start using a soft brush and a dab of toothpaste . You might want to get the non-fluoridated kind until they are able to spit it out. Around three, you can start teaching them to do it themselves but, even then, make sure you monitor the job they do. At least until they have the fine motor skills it takes to manoeuvre the brush alone. From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 12-July-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta Don't Scream Over Ice Cream...

By Dr James Dobson If you have checked out the parenting section of a bookstore lately, you’ve probably noticed hundreds of authors who want to tell you how to raise your children . Have you ever wondered if they really know more than you do? As a psychologist , I believe parents can learn from the specialists. But there is one thing a book will never provide, and that is one-on-one support from mums and dads who are going through the same thing. Our grandparents took it for granted that friends and family would always be there to help. But things have changed since then. These days, the best piece of advice I can give a new parent is: “Yes, read those books, but don’t stop there. Contact your local support group, hospital or family service centre and ask about parenting support groups .” You might find the encouragement and information our forefathers derived from large and loving families. Beyond that, I recommend that you go with your own instincts. You know more than...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier You say it’s time to move your child from a crib to a bed? That’s not always as easy as it sounds. Not all kids adjust easily to a toddler bed when they’re used to a crib. One mother remembers her child showing up next to her bed every night at two in the morning. She’d take him back to his room, but the next night, he’d be back again. She finally solved the problem by taping a sticker chart to the fridge and giving her son a gold star for every night that he stayed in his own bed. For every five stickers he could pick out a small toy. It took him two weeks to earn his first little car, but after that he became more consistent. Eventually, the nightly visits stopped completely. Now she’s using the same chart to potty train him. It’s a simple approach, but an effective one. From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 28-June-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta What age can a child start to use a toddler bed? (parenting-success.com) What ...

Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier Nearly every baby develops nappy rash from time to time, and it’s never fun to deal with — especially for the baby. The most common cause of nappy rash is prolonged exposure to a dirty diaper. Often parents will buy super absorbent diapers , and unintentionally go too long between changes. Other rashes are caused by chemicals or fragrances in baby wipes , detergents , or soaps . Some babies react to one brand but not another, so there’s a lot of trial and error involved in finding out the source. Treating a rash is often a matter of common sense. Change the nappy as soon as it gets wet or soiled. Switching to non-fragrant alcohol -free wipes and even tries other brands for a while. If you use cloth diapers, try using soap instead of detergent. You might also let your baby’s bottom air dry after cleaning. And ask your doctor about the best ointment or cream to use. From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 15-June-2010 ----- Related artic...

By Dr Bill Maier There’s a reason why mother birds push their babies out of the nest. If she didn’t, some of them would never leave. A lot of grown children are the same way. When they’re 15, they’re chomping at the rein to grow up, but then 25 comes around and they’re still hanging around the house. There’s nothing wrong with letting grown children stay, as long as you’ve taken the time to define some important ground rules. First, the arrangement must be mutually agreeable. Let them know that having a key to your door is a privilege, not an eternal right. And second, they need to take on the role of an adult. Tell them they’re welcome to live in your house, but only as an adult boarder. They should be expected to take care of their own cleaning and expenses. Treating grown kids like children only stifles their growth and maturity, and that’s not good for anyone — especially your child. From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 04-June-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta 5 review...

By Dr Bill Maier Hey, what’s that in your baby’s mouth ? Is it a rock ... a toy...? No, I think it’s a tooth! Waiting for baby’s first tooth is exciting. Unless, of course, you’re the baby — then it’s just painful. Well, here are some tips you should know while waiting. First of all, if your baby starts drooling a lot more at three to six months, don’t assume that he is about to sprout teeth . Saliva is his body’s way of protecting him from bacteria and viruses. Most babies get their first tooth at between six and 12 months, though it could be sooner or later. And the ones to watch for are the lower front teeth — called central incisors . The next to come will be the upper four incisors. You’ll notice a lot of crying and fussiness. Teeth-cutting is painful business, so make sure you have some medicine handy — and a good teething ring will help as well. From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 01-June-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta How do I know if my tooth is a baby to...

By Dr Bill Maier Kids love to own toys. Just watch any group of toddlers and listen to how many times they say: “Mine”, or “My turn”. And if this sense of ownership is important to them, why not use the opportunity to teach them how to care for their belongings? Even young kids can be taught to store things in their proper place. Not only does this prevent toys from being lost or damaged, but this keeps kids from tripping over them and falling. Make sure they have plenty of low shelves in their room, and a good storage chest – one with a removable lid or a spring-loaded top for safety. Then teach them how to put everything away when they’re finished playing. The toys will last longer, and they’ll be developing neat habits for later in life. From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 04-May-2010 ----- Related articles by Zemanta How to Potty Train Toddlers : Signs Your Child is Ready for Potty Training (parenting-success.com)

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 Bill Maier Don't you love people who brag about how their little one was potty trained at 10 months, while your two-year-old is still in diapers ? I've never understood why there's so much competition among parents to rush their toddlers along when it comes to potty training. But the pressure is very real, and almost all mothers feel it, even though it has nothing to do with intelligence or ability. Kids are just ready to do different things at different times. The best approach to toilet training is to relax and let it happen naturally. Dr Kevin Lehman suggests buying a little potty chair and putting it in the bathroom without saying a word to your toddler . Let them discover it on their own. Then let them decide when they want to use it. Curiosity is bound to get the best of them, and when they do begin to learn, really praise them and tell them how big they are getting. Before long they'll be out of diapers — and it will happen on their ...

Image by Brew*Crew via Flickr By Dr Bill Maier So, how would you feel if your husband brought home another woman? Believe it or not, that's how many kids may feel when a new baby arrives home from the hospital . When young kids struggle with jealousy over a new baby in the house, there are some things you can do to reassure them they haven't been replaced. First, start preparing them during your pregnancy , and make them feel a part of it. Tell them how much you're going to need their help with the new baby . Second, make sure your older children are part of the new baby pictures in the hospital room. Dad should have a gift for them to give to their new little brother or sister. Next, remind them of all the things they can do that the baby is too little for, like feeding themselves, or staying up a little later before bedtime. And finally, when your family makes over the baby, make sure they remember that you have other kids as well. From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 27-Jul-2...

By Dr Bill Maier Not all new parents are prepared for the changes that a baby will bring into their lives. Before having children, couples are free to go out to dinner at a moment's notice, or watch a movie. They can stay up late on Friday night and sleep in on Saturday. But all that changes when baby comes home. Now, your free time is spent caring for your new infant . Your schedule is no longer your own, and you can also forget about waking up late on Saturdays. Sounds grim? Only to those who haven't experienced the joy of parenthood! It's a lot of work, but nothing could be more fulfilling. The important thing is to go into parenthood with your eyes wide open. Make sure you understand the demands of childrearing before you decide to conceive. If you're ready, you're in for the ride of your life. From TODAY, Voices – Friday, 19-Jun-2009 Related articles by Zemanta Parenting Tips For The First-time Mom. Part II (stepbysteptips.com) Pregnancy Day by Day Tip #8: ...

By Dr Bill Maier You walk into the room and the first thing you see is lipstick all over the walls and furniture. And there in the middle stands your toddler grinning from ear to ear. You don’t know whether to cry or pat him on the head for being so creative? You have to love toddlers . They’re filled with energy and enthusiasm. But they also tend to get into a lot of trouble, especially when parents are distracted. It’s easy to get angry and frustrated at their childish behaviour. The key is patience. A toddler’s natural curiosity can often lead to broken lamps and colored walls, but instead of getting mad, learn to redirect their energy toward constructive things. Keep plenty of art projects and coloring books on hand. Learn to nurture their talents, not to suppress them. Remember, the best way to keep toddlers out of trouble is to keep them busy and supervised. From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 18-May-2009 Related articles by Zemanta Warning: Pet Doors Can Let Out ...

By Dr Bill Maier Are you wondering if your 12-month-old is ever going to walk? Babies don’t always develop as quickly as we’d like and parents are natural worrywarts. A good friend of ours recalls watching his 13-month-old boy crawling around the room, while a 10-month-old playmate walked circles around him. At the time, he wondered if something might be wrong with his toddler . Of course, he was worried about nothing. Within a few months, he was running with the rest of his friends. No two babies develop at exactly the same rate, and it has nothing to do with intelligence or maturity. Physical skills are linked directly to brain growth, and brains develop at a pre-determined rate. It’s all written into our genetic make-up. Babies walk and talk when their bodies tell them it’s time. Obviously, nutrition and fitness are important, but beyond that, there’s not much we can do to hurry them along. From TODAY, Voices – Thursday, 07-May-2009

The term “ blended family ” may sound pleasant, but in reality, blending is not as easy as you might think! With today’s high divorce rate , stepfamilies are more common than ever. And that means more parents are raising stepchildren. Making a marriage work can be hard for any couple, but when you throw in the added pressure of step-parenting, it can often turn into a nightmare for everybody. In these situations, couples need to work through their roles and plan beforehand how decisions will be made regarding the children. The stepparent and biological parent should not function in a vacuum ; isolated from each other. A unified front is critical to raising healthy, happy children. For discipline to work, children need to understand that both their parent and their stepparent set the rules — and both have the authority to carry them out. Problems come when couples allow the kids to pit them against each other. From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 06-May-2009   ...

By Dr Bill Maier Kids today have more homework than ever. They definitely need some guidelines to help them get through it all. Here are some ideas you might want to try. First, set aside a specific location for homework. A kitchen table can be distracting, especially if it is near a window. If possible, set up a desk that is private and well-lit, away from noise and activity. Make sure your children have all the books and resources they need at their fingertips. Second, help them get organised. Get them a good file, with separate pockets and pages for each class, and teach them to track their assignments on a daily planner. Finally, get them into a regular routine. Doing homework at the same time and place each day eliminates arguments like, “Can’t I do it after dinner?” Sometimes, the best way to solve “homework hassles” is by establishing a few good homework habits. From TODAY, Voices – Tuesday, 05-May-2009

By Dr Bill Maier People who grow up happy and successful often credit their achievements to a supportive family. So how do we develop that kind of encouraging environment in our home? One good way is to quickly acknowledge positive behavior in our kids. When we see them helping someone else we should reward them with praise. You might say to your son, "Thanks for giving your brother a hand with that, John." We should also resist the urge to compare our kids with each other, or with someone else's kids. Never say to your child, "Why can't you be more like your sister," or "You don't see David acting that way." Instead, focus on their effort and their willingness to try. You might say something like "I really appreciate you working so hard to bring your spelling grades up." The key is to actively look for ways that you can be supportive, and to teach your kids to do the same thing. An encouraging household is crucial to raising healthy,...

By Dr James Dobson There is nothing wrong with feeling good about our children's success. But problems can crop up when a kid's performance is driven by parental ego. This can be seen when a child has to keep winning in order to maintain respect and love from his parents. Boys and girls should know that they are accepted simply because of their own unique worth. I am reminded of John McKay, a former football coach at the University of Southern California (USC). I saw him being interviewed on television some years ago when his son, John Jr, was a successful football player on the USC team. The interviewer had asked Coach McKay to comment on the pride that he must have felt over his son's accomplishments. His answer was most impressive. "Yes," he replied. "I'm pleased that John had a good season last year. He does a fine job and I'm proud of him. But I would be just as proud if he had never played the game at all." Coach McKay was saying, in effect...