Monday, December 29, 2008

Parents Help With Homework?


Although schools are one primary source for your children's education, parents play a role in supporting their children by providing encouragement, material supply support and basic survival needs.




Here are several ways in which parents can help:

  • Make sure that your children to school each day, well-rested, fed and with a positive outlook.
  • Show interest in your children's schooling. Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your children feel about it.
  • Be positive. Avoid letting any of your past negative school experiences keep you from supporting and encouraging your child's learning. Let them know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning both informally and formally, to impress its importance upon them.
  • Set up a consistent, quiet, comfortable study area with good lighting. Provide appropriate school supplies that your children need. This can be almost anyplace in your home; you don't need a special room.
  • Set a family "quiet time" where you and your children can work together on homework, reading, letter writing and playing games.
  • Allow your children to study in their personal space and manner. For example, some children work best when they're lying on the floor with background music playing.
  • Make homework a daily routine. Help your children develop good homework habits.

Homework: My Child Seems Bored


Parent Question "My child is bored by homework. Is this normal? What Can I do?"

Yes, it's normal for students not to want to do their homework. But if your child always seems bored or unhappy, you need to try to find out the reason by talking with your child. Then talk with the teacher to come up with a solution.

Teachers want students to learn from homework; not to become bored or frustrated. Tell the teacher if your child thinks the homework is too easy or too hard. This will help the teacher match homework with student ability and maturity levels.



Other tips include:

  • Providing your child with some helpful homework hints that includes their interest. For example, if he has a choice on what topic to write about, choose an area of interest. Go to museums or other community centers that encourage academic lessons outside the school.
  • Set up your child to do homework with his or her friends that share the same class. Set up a time for study and a time for fun.
  • Ask your child's teacher(s) if they have a homework helpline, Web page or assignment page on the school Website.
  • Avoid spending hours of homework time when your child is frustrated. Share this concern with your child's teacher(s). Most schools promote a time limit of 1 hour of homework in elementary, 2 for middle school and 3 for high school students.

Parenting Homework Tips


The National Education Association supports parent in their quest to assist their children in doing homework The following helpful homework tips will keep you, the parent, and your child to team together to make homework more enjoyable. One key point to consider is: Homework is for your child, not for you. Your job as a parent is to provide support, encouragement and some guiding options to problem-solve.

Homework Hints To Help Your Child

  • Assume that your children will have studying to do every night.
  • Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together.
  • Ask your children to show you their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well. See if your children did the work correctly.
  • Stay in touch with your children's teachers. Ask about their classes and what they are studying. Ask their teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, etc.).
  • Remember, you and their teachers want the same thing — to help your children learn.
  • Don't be afraid to get in touch with the teacher if you and your child don't understand an assignment or if your child is having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents run into these problems, and teachers are glad to help.
  • Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn how to do it themselves.
  • Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home.
  • Praise your children for doing well. Make praise a habit.
  • Maintain a portfolio of "best pieces."
  • Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your children develop good study habits.
  • Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Finding A Babysitter: Steps to Follow


Finding a qualified babysitter to care for your child is a responsibility which most parents have to do as an important time in parenting. While the task may not be fun, the time and effort you put into it is well worth it. Knowing that your child is safe and well cared for while you are away will give you peace of mind.

Steps In Finding A Babysitter

  1. Investigate all of your resources.
  2. Ask relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers for the names of babysitters they can recommend.
  3. Look on community bulletin boards in grocery stores, schools, laundromats for babysitting notices.
  4. Check with local churches, synagogues or other places of worship. Sometimes they maintain a list of members who are interested in babysitting.
  5. Read the Classified sections of your local newspaper under such headings as Child Care.
  6. Put your own ad in the local paper, community bulletin or college job board. Tailor your ad to the specifics of your need: what hours, days and qualifications you are looking for.

Step To Interviewing Babysitters

  1. Always interview the prospective babysitter.
  2. Recommendations are helpful, but your own evaluation and judgment are the best guides in selecting a babysitter for your child.
  3. Tell the baby sitter about your children and the needs and expectations for the job.
  4. Share your general expectations (dependability, warmth, honesty, communicativeness, etc.).
  5. Learn all you can about the babysitter.
  6. Prior experience with children of your child's age.
  7. References (take time to check them out).
  8. Rates and transportation.
  9. Feelings about discipline, safety, bedtime, mealtime and other situations that will arise.
  10. Discuss your specific needs (days, hours, special child care responsibility, extra household duties, etc.).
At this time if you do not feel comfortable with the prospective babysitter, thank him/her for their time and walk them out. If you feel they are a candidate then introduce them to your children. Observe how they interact and how he/she treats your child. Is she/he warm and responsive? Sensitive to shyness? Ready to join your child in play and get down at your child's level?

The final selection of a babysitter will depend on your personal needs and preferences which will
determine who can provide the best care for your child. You will most likely be looking for someone who is mature, dependable, warm, flexible, creative, responsible, has a sense of humor, etc.

First Day Babysitting

Request that the babysitter arrive early (15-30minutes) to allow enough time to convey all of your instructions. This will also let your children become comfortable with the new babysitter while you are still present.

Give the babysitter a complete house tour, pointing out:
  • All Exits and how to secure locks
  • Pets
  • Bathrooms
  • Telephone
  • Thermostat/Air Conditioner
  • Children rooms
  • Light Switches
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Provide the babysitter with specific instructions. It is best to have them in writing so the babysitter is not confused.
  • Meals/Snacks
  • Family rules/routines
  • Bath time
  • Medications
  • Bedtime
  • Visitors allowed

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Flu Protection For Children


Protecting Your Child From The Flu
As more and more parents share their growing concerns of influenza, also known as the “flu,” some hospitals and clinics throughout the United States have period of time when they are inundated with parents seeking the flu shot for themselves and their children. Some studies indicate that as many as thirty thousand U.S. citizens die each year from influenza. Although many of these individuals are seniors or younger children (some with other preexisting medical conditions), some are healthy individuals who become violently ill due to this disease.

Parenting children who are healthy and, for the most part, virus free during most of their childhood is scary enough when you consider all the situations they are faced with on a day to day basis. For example, parents often have no control over immunizing or protecting their child from a sports related injury. Now, however, parents can have a chance (or some control) by immunizing their child against influenza. The following article, written by Maura Lerner of the Star Tribune, describes how school are now playing a bigger role in helping to protect your child from the flu.

Shots may go to where kids naturally gather: schools. More walk-in clinics would also play a role.

With a federal panel now urging annual flu shots for all school-aged children, Minnesota health officials are looking for new and creative ways to offer the vaccine en masse.

In the fall, flu-shot clinics may start popping up in new places, such as schools, as officials try to efficiently deliver the vaccine to more people. If everyone the federal panel recommended was vaccinated, as many as 30 million more Americans would seek flu shots next year.

But so far, no one is predicting a run on the vaccine, said Kris Ehresmann, who heads the vaccine program at the Minnesota Department of Health. “The thought that the public would all of a sudden come in one mad rush to pursue vaccine is a very, very unlikely scenario,” she said. Mainly health officials are studying ways to make it convenient so more people will try to get kids vaccinated.

Even yet this flu season, the push is on. March is past the peak of flu season in Minnesota and far beyond when most people consider getting a flu shot. But renewed interest in the vaccine surged last week with the state’s first death of a child this season to flu.

Jasmine Levy, 12, whose step-grandmother said the girl had not had a flu shot, died during the night before her mother even realized she was sick with flu and an accompanying staph infection. Levy had an underlying health condition — asthma.

A few days later, the vaccine advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted to recommend flu shots for virtually all children ages 6 months to 18 years.

Until now, healthy children ages 5 to 18 were generally considered a low priority. But officials are looking anew at school-aged children as the population that initially gets the flu and then spreads it to the very young and very old — for whom the flu can be far more dangerous. In the wake of Levy’s death and the CDC recommendation, the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency organized late-season flu shot clinics that were held Friday and Saturday.

The Flu: What Parents Can do To Help Their Child

Fighting the Flu

Flu season begins every year mainly in late fall and early winter and usually spreads widely. The peak season for the flu in the Northern hemisphere is from November through March. Influenza is highly contagious. The virus is spread when someone either inhales infected droplets in the air. Coughing and sneezing are common examples. Kissing, sharing items or when someone comes in direct contact with an infected person's secretions can spread the flu bug.


Flu Symptoms In Children


Symptoms may begin 2-3 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms usually last for 3-4 days, but cough and tiredness may linger for 1-2 weeks after the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts often have a similar illness. The flu comes on quickly and attacks the upper respiratory system. Classic symptoms include:

  • High-grade fever up to 104°F (40°C)
  • Chills
  • Muscle achesBulleted List
  • Headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Dry cough

  • When To Bring Your Child To A Doctor

The most difficult question for parents is when to see a doctor about flu symptoms. Many parents may believe their child may just have the common cold. Here are some guidelines about when to call the doctor:

  • Fever continues after 2 days.

  • Nasal discharge lasts more than 10 days.

  • Nasal discharge becomes thick and yellow.

  • Discharge is coming from the eyes.

  • The child has difficulty breathing

  • A seizure occurs

  • Headaches last for more than two days

Flu symptoms may last more than a week. Parents can help their child's aches and pains with basic home care that may involve bed rest, encouraging the child to drink lots of fluids, treat fever with acetaminophen (as directed by doctor), provide humidifier and listen to your child. Flu prevention techniques should be discussed with your child. These teaching techniques should include:

  • Hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel is an important way to prevent picking up a flu virus. Avoid touching the mouth, nose, or eyes prior to hand-washing.

  • Vaccination- a flu shot should be given during the fall. In children, the flu vaccine can be given to children older than 6 months and in 2 separate doses for children younger than 9 years who have not been previously vaccinated. The flu vaccine is also available as a nasal spray (FluMist) for healthy children aged 5 years or older, adolescents, and adults aged 49 years or younger.

  • Avoid childhood sleep-overs during the flu season.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Anorexia: What Parents Need To Know


What is Anorexia?

Anorexia (full name- anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder characterized by a significant weight loss caused by excessive dieting. The cause of this illness in women, and now, an increasing number of men, is motivated by the strong desire to be thin and/or the fear of becoming obese. Anorexics see themselves as being fat. An anorexic’s actual weight has little to do with this eating disorder. Many anorexics do not even recognize they are underweight. They often report that they still "feel fat" when their weight is at 80 lbs. Some anorexics, even to the point of death, will show you on their bodies where they feel they need to lose weight. In their attempts to become even thinner, the anorexic will avoid food and taking in calories at all costs, which can result in a shut down of vital body organs (liver, pancreas and heart). An estimated 10 to 20% of diagnosed anorexics will eventually die from complications due to this disorder.

Eating Disorders: What Parents Need To Know


Eating Disorders

When people hear of someone with an eating disorder they often assume the person has a food or diet problem. Eating disorders are not a sign that a person has a problem with their diet or the food that they eat, but a sign that there’s underlying problem(s) in their life that that need to be addressed. Before children enter school they are under a tremendous amount of pressure from their parents, relatives, friends and the media that they need to act or behave a certain way to fit in. Part of “fitting in” means that you have to fulfill an image to meet the demands of societal looks, fashion and behavior. This, compounded with the growing trend to be successful often leads some individuals to find away out of the pressure and demands. For some, it’s chemicals (alcohol and drugs). For others, it involves other forms of addictive behavior that come with an eating disorder.

By definition, an eating disorder is a psychological disorder centering on the avoidance, excessive consumption, or purging of food. When eating becomes an individual’s object of dependency and interferes with a “balance” in life, a disorder is occurring. An eating disorder is an illness. It is also treatable. The most common examples of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive eating.

For more in-debt information regarding eating disorders (i.e. What is Anorexia?), please refer to the other eating disorder articles on this site.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

My Child Is Late


My Child Is Always Late


It’s important for parents to teach their children the importance of “time” before they begin school. Parents who allow their children to be late for activities that have set times are only setting them up for many life activities that require an individual to be “on time.”
Think of this. By the time your child begins any formal education he or she is expected to:

1. Know how to tell time by looking at a clock or watch,
2. Arrive on time to a friends house, church, sports or doctor appointment,
3. Go to bed and get up “on time,”
4. Come to super “on time,”

Many people in our society believe that a person who is late is being rude and discourteous to others who have to wait due to tardiness. Many states include tardiness to school as an unexcused absence that could place the child in truancy proceedings in court. Adults who are habitually late may lose their job.

Below are some parenting guidelines to help your child be on time.

  • Sit down with your child and tell him or her the importance of being on time.
  • Set time limits for your child. Tell your child that he or she has ten minute to get dressed and hold the child to the set time.
  • Set an example for your child by being on time for the activities that you are involved in. Show your child that you are organized. Keep a calendar with dates and times.
  • When your child is striving to stay on time, help him or her by reducing distractions (TV, radio, games etc.) that may interfere with them being on time.
  • Allow natural consequences to occur when your child is late. Your child may have to miss going to a friends house, attending a sports activity or going to see a movie if he or she is late. Use positive consequences too! Tell your child that she can have a friend over after school if she’s on time to school.
  • Use a timer. Timers may be used for all kinds of activities. Tell the child, “when the timer goes off, you should have your bedroom picked up.” You can also say, “When the alarm clock goes off, you have 45 minutes to get ready before the school bus comes.
  • Get your child into a daily routine. When your child gets up and goes to bed at the same time each day and has regular activities on a similar time basis, life for the child becomes more simplified.

Teen Communication: Parenting Is About Saying The Right Words


How Teens Normally Communicate



Teens normally come to their parents when they need to talk. Be patient. Listen. It's difficult to listen when we, as parents, are in the habit of being in charge, providing direction and literally holding their hands. But, they are not six years old anymore...they are teens! This ScottCounseling article provides simple, but effective points to consider while communicating with your teen.


  • Your teen may appear to be rude, in a hurry or cut you short. This is not their intention. Be patient.
  • Teens are not adults. You may from time to time have an adult conversation with your teen. Treasure this moment! Don’t expect it all the time.
  • Teens often are more comfortable talking to their friends or peers than they are talking to adults; especially their parents. Again, nothing against you mom or dad, but kids their age are more fun to talk with. Be patient.
  • Moody teens will avoid conversations with you. Happy teens may talk your ears off. You may have to listen, nod your head and smile. Be patient.
  • Use open-ended questions like, "Hey, science class today...the lab?"
  • Avoid overreacting to communication that your teen is sharing. Yes, parenting can be emotional because you love your child. But, displaying an emotional outburst often shuts the conversation down.
  • Be genuine. While you are conversing with your teen, be sincere, look your teen in the eyes and display honest interest.
  • No matter how you conversation goes (Good or bad), end with, "I love you."


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Monday, December 15, 2008

Counselor: When To See A Counselor?



When to See A Counselor, Doctor or Psychiatrist

"Do I need to seek counseling help?" or "What counselor should I contact?" Sometimes it’s a difficult decision to make. You may be asking, “Does my child need to see a counselor or a doctor.” This article will help you make that decision. There’s a difference between all of these professional services that these individuals provide. The differences are listed below.

School Counselor
  • Your child’s teacher(s) request that you speak with a school counselor.
  • Your child is receiving failing grades.
  • Your child continually reports that he or she is unhappy in school.
  • Your child is not willing to talk to you.
  • You see a big change in your child’s behavior and academic performance.
  • There is a death in the family. This may include a pet.
  • You are concerned that your child is using drugs or chemicals.
  • You are concerned that your child is hanging around other children who are getting into trouble.
  • A family change, divorce that may affect school performance.

Psychologist or Clinic Counselor (Outside of School)
  • Your child talks, writes notes or you feel may try to hurt him or herself.
  • Your child runs away from home.
  • Your child continues to show anger or withdrawal behavior
  • Your child continues to challenge your authority at home and breaks rules that place the child in unsafe situations. (Examples: steals, uses physical force (hits), and continually lies)
  • A family change or death that may about an on-going emotional reaction.
  • Your child continually has sibling rivalries that do not end after you implement sibling rivalry strategies for change.

Medical Doctor or Psychiatrist
  • Your child attempts suicide.
  • Your child overdoses or misuses chemicals or drugs.
  • Your child is cutting or demonstrating self-injuring behaviors.
  • Your child continually reports that he or she is ill when you feel the child is well.
  • Your child has any physical or emotional signs that you feel are unusual.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Test Taking: Answering True or False Questions





True & False Test Questions

Test-Taking is an important and necessary academic skill. Once a child understands the basics in test taking, test become less threatening. The following are test-taking tips to help your child score higher on true and false test questions.



  • Always read each test question carefully. Look for familiar key words or facts that you learned about the question. Normally true and false question that include words such as “usually,” “generally” or “sometimes” lead to TRUE answers.
  • True or false questions that include words like “never” or “always” are usually FALSE.

  • If any part of the question is false, then the entire question is FALSE.

  • Usually there are more TRUE answers on a true/false test.

  • If there is no penalty for guessing, then guess! You have a 50/50 chance of getting the right answer.
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Preparing To Take A Multiple Choice test



Multiple Choice Test



The following are test taking tips that can be applied to improve multiple choice test questions:

  • Read the question twice before you look at the answers

  • After reading the question and before looking for the answer provided on the test, try to come up with the correct answer on your own.

  • Read all the possible choices before selecting one.

  • Use a process of elimination to discover the correct answer.

  • If “All the above” is a possible answer and you see two correct answers, then “All the above” would be a correct choice.

  • In most cases, a positive choice is more likely to be the correct answer (or true) than a negative choice.

  • The correct answer often has the most information included in the answer.

  • Usually your first choice will be your best choice.

  • When there is no penalty for guessing then make an educated guess when selecting an answer.
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The Secrets of Taking Any Test

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Test Taking Math



Improving Your Math Test Scores


Practice! Practice! Practice! Nothing beats practice!

The best method to begin using to improve any score in life is to practice. Children who learn early in life to enjoy practicing often achieve their goals. Besides practicing, here are some other helpful hints to improve math test scores:


Before Taking the Math Test


  • Practice problems for each topic that will be tested. Be able to solve a math problem for each topic listed in the math section or chapter.

  • Show all your work when solving a problem.

  • Use the book or your notes first when you are having a difficult time solving a practice problem.

  • Ask for help! Stay after class or school and ask the teacher or another student for help.

  • Don’t say that you “understand” when you don’t understand. Ask for another example.

  • Memorize the formulas or math rules that apply.

  • Complete the math section or chapter review example test question. Some text book companies have extra chapter review test online.


While Taking the Math Test


  • Read each question carefully.

  • Answer all parts of the question asked.

  • Show all your work!

  • Before beginning the test, write all the math formulas that apply on the corner of the test.

  • If you are not sure that you are solving a problem correctly, leave the work that you completed on your test. You may scores some points for trying to solve the problem.
Great Book!

Strategies for Test-Taking Success: Math

Test Taking Tips For Eassay Test

For more test taking tips and strategies, go to: Ask a Counselor




How To Do Well On Essay Questions & Test



When studying for essay tests that provide you with questions in advance:

Research and find all the information or facts to thoroughly answer the question.
Write the essay in advance. Practice answering the essay by actually writing it before you take the test.
Study and memorize. Outline key points in your mind.


While taking an essay test it is important to do the following:

  • Read the directions! Read the directions! Read the directions!
  • Only give your opinion if the question(s) asks for your opinion.
  • Be neat and organized with your thoughts and writing. Neater papers often score higher.

  • If the question is asking for facts, then stick to the fact. Do not provide your opinion unless you are asked for it.

  • Write down and provide information that thoroughly answers the essay question. More quality information is better than little or poor information.

  • Watch your time! Don’t spend too much time on one essay question.

  • Write out an outline of possible points, facts or information that you want included in the essay before you begin writing.

  • Use appropriate grammar, sentence structure and paragraph formation while writing your essay.
STRATEGIES FOR TEST TAKING SUCCESS-WRITING

Test Taking Tips: Helping Your Child Score Well On Test







General Tips That Work for All Test


Have your child get plenty of sleep the night before a test. Your child will be more alert and have a better chance of focusing on the test questions.




  • Eat breakfast! Eat Lunch! Don’t take a test when your body is low on fuel. Don’t over eat either. Fresh fruits and vegetables along with foods high in protein are excellent sources of fuel. Avoid high fatty or greasy foods such as French fries.

  • Take advantage of practice test. Most text books have questions at the end of each chapter that your child can practice before the test. Many text book companies have online practice test for your child to take in preparation for the real test.

  • Studying for a test over a long period of time is better than “cramming” for a test the night before. Have your child study for a short period of time each day on a regular basis and avoid the one time “cram session.”

  • Do or complete all the assignments that lead up to a test. This is especially true for a math test.

  • Help your child with organization. Studies indicate that organized children are often better test takers.

  • Encourage your child to join before or after school study groups. Some teachers encourage their students to come early or stay after to get extra help.

  • Help your child to form questions prior to a test that ask the teacher questions about the test. Examples of good questions to ask may include:

“What is going to be on the test?”
“What’s the best way to prepare for the test?”
“Is the practice test similar to the real test?
“Where should I spend most of my time preparing for the test?”

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A Quick Reference to Study and Test Taking Skills
Test-taking Power Strategies

Test Anxiety: How To Help Your Child






How To Reduce Test Anxiety In Children

Test anxiety occurs when a student worries about doing well on a test to a point where he or she becomes overwhelmed. This type of anxiety often interferes with sleep and eating patterns, social relationships with friends and family and may even cause one to become physically ill. This disorder can become a major hindrance on test performance and cause extreme nervousness, memory lapses and other stress-related symptoms. Parenting children going through test anxiety is not an easy task .



The following are tips to reduce test anxiety:
  • Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.
  • Space out your studying over a few days or weeks, and continually review class material, don't wait until the night before and try to learn everything the night before.
  • Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.
  • Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.
  • Get a good night's sleep before the test.
  • Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late.
  • Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.
  • Read the directions slowly and carefully.
  • If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.
  • Skim through the test so that you have a good idea how to pace yourself.
  • Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry about forgetting them.
  • Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
  • Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.
  • If you don't know a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.
  • Focus on the question at hand; don't let your mind wander on other things.
  • If you're still experiencing extreme test anxiety after following these tips, seek help from your school counselor.
For more ideas: Ask a Counselor

Money: What All Children Need to Know

Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC



Teaching Children About Money


Parenting children to learn to manage money is important. Too many parents avoid this area of teaching until the child is an adult; 18 or older. When we wait to teach children about money, and how to manage it until they're adults, they learn primarily as a result of their own successes and failures.

Some high schools offer “Personal Finance” classes. The majority of high school students, however, do not select these types of courses because they interfere with other required math classes for college preparation. Many parents report that their money management skills are often not what they’d like them to be or our finances are so complex that how we handle our money doesn't mean much to a child.

Many children will learn to manage their money through their own personal experiences and the guidance you, as parents, may give them. In other words, children learn from trial and error.

Below are some parenting tips that you may want to consider to help you child learn to manage his or her money.

Provide an Allowance
Benefits of an allowance:
Having a regular amount of their own income is the only way kids can learn to manage money.
They need to be able to make mistakes when the cost is minimal.
Knowing the limit of available funds forces kids:
To think about how much things costs, and
To make spending choices between the many things that they may want.
They have more appreciation for the things they buy when they use their own money.
When should I begin providing an allowance?

Once your child begins to show an interest in money and asks you for money to buy something that the child wants- start talking about money. It’s time to teach the concepts of:
  • What money is, and is not
  • How money works
  • How money can be good
  • How money can be misused
  • How people can earn money
  • The importance of spending
  • The importance of saving

When a child is ready to learn the fact that money can be exchanged for goods, they are ready to start learning the basics of money management. For many children, this may occur as young as three or four.
How much should the allowance be?

There are plenty of diverse opinions on how much money should be given as an allowance for children. Some child development behavioral experts say a dollar should be given for each year of age. Others would suggest you match the amount their friends get. Neither amount may be appropriate.

When coming up with the amount, consider the following:
Determine how much money you already give them. If your child does not get an allowance, you are managing their money for them by deciding what they will buy and what they will do. Their role is salesperson and manipulator. Consider letting the child begin to manage their own money. Refrain from doing all the work. Simple total up the amount you are giving them now (through you) and provide that amount as an allowance. You'll save money and avoid some of battles along the way.
Make a list of what they are expected to pay for with their allowance. Once you have the amount, sit down with your child and make a list of everything they are expected to pay for.
Keep in mind the fact that kids have three uses for their money - spending, saving and sharing. Consider all three areas when you are coming up with the amount. In addition to setting the allowance, this process puts an end to the constant requests to buy this and that and to give them money to do whatever their hearts desire.

Should Allowances be tied To Chores?

Most parents believe that their child has a certain amount of responsibility around the house. Responsibilities, however, have very little to do with allowances. In fact, if those responsibilities are not fulfilled, the loss of privileges would probably be more appropriate than the loss of allowances. Other points to consider:
  • How can a child manage their money if they don't know how much they will be getting on a regular basis? Consider this:
  • If a child does not need their allowance that week, is it acceptable not to do the chores? And, do we really want your children to ask, "How much?" every time a parent ask them to do something around the house?
  • Money is an important concept to teach. Yes, many schools are beginning or continuing to teach students the importance of having and spending money. Is your school teaching what you want your child to learn and know about money?

My Child Cries To Get What He Wants

Highlights Catalog


My Child Cries When Not Getting Own Way

Crying is a response to a natural feeling of unhappiness, sadness, hurtfulness or other feeling of discomfort. Crying is the only natural way that babies can communicate. Children who are between the ages of five and ten years of age who resort to crying are often using this behavior because:

  • Crying works. “I get what I want when I cry.”
  • Displaying other appropriate behaviors does not get the child what they want.
  • Parents often feel sorry for their child when he or she cries and gives in.
  • The child may be overwhelmed, confused, stressed or frustrated for long periods of time.
  • The child has not been taught or given positive reinforcement for appropriate non-crying behavior.


What Can Parents Do?

  • Parents need to model for they child the appropriate responses when not getting his or her own way. Teach your child how to solve problem without crying.

  • Sit down with your child when he or she is in a “happy” mood and discuss their crying behavior to get what is wanted. Tell the child that this behavior is not acceptable and how you are going to react to it. Set up a play that both parents can agree upon before meeting with the child. Both parent need to be consistent in how they respond to inappropriate crying.
  • Let your child know that crying is appropriate at times (when one is physically hurt, feelings hurt, a pet or person dies etc.) and not appropriate at times (to get a favorite food, toy, movie etc.).
  • Remain calm when your child displays inappropriate crying behavior. You want to refrain from getting upset and not in control of your emotions.
  • Let your child know that there will be negative consequences for using crying as a behavior to get what is wanted. Consequences may include ignoring the behavior, removal from a store or public setting, loss of a privilege etc.
  • Provide your child with positive consequences for appropriate non-crying behavior. Once your child refrains from crying to get what he or she wants, positively reinforce the behavior with a positive comment; add additional responsibilities showing that you trust the child’s improved maturity.
ScottCounseling.com offers free online counseling services at: Ask A Counselor.

New Teen Smoking Statistics: Should We Be Happy?

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Teen Smoking Is Dropping but...

Yes, we are all happy that more and more teens are avoiding smoking. The fact is, however, too many are still engaging in this behavior. While we want to avoid being negative about hearing (even the smallest of) changes in teen smoking behavior, the facts still indicate...


...that out of approximately 700,000 teens in Minnesota, over 140,000 have smoked in the past 30 days!

Here's a copy of the new MDH report:

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced results of a new survey showing that tobacco use among Minnesota's teens continues to decline. The 2008 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey provides a wide range of data on tobacco use among teens over the past three years.

Among the findings:

  • The percentage of middle school students who used any tobacco products in the past 30 days fell from 9.5 percent to 6.9 percent.
  • The percentage of middle school students who smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days fell from 5.2 to 3.4 percent.
  • The percentage of high school students using any tobacco products fell from 29.3 percent to 27.0 percent.
  • The percentage of high school students who smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days fell from 22.4 to 19.1 percent.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Teenage Girls: All Stressed Out!

Apple iTunes



Teen Girls & Stress

During adolescence, your body is going through many changes that are happening at a fast pace. These changes might make you feel unsure of yourself at times, or stressed. They might make you worry about your size and wanting to fit in with the rest of the crowd.

Does your teen daughter ask questions, worry or show signs of stress in any of these areas of her life?
  • Why am I taller than most of the boys my age?
  • Why haven’t I grown any?
  • Am I too skinny?
  • Am I overweight?
  • Why is my weight going up and down?
  • Am I normal compared to other girls?
  • Are my breasts are too small?
  • Are my breasts are too large?
  • Why am I so emotional?
  • Why am I getting pimples?
  • Do my clothes look right on my body?
  • That new dress style doesn’t fit me – my friends won’t think I’m cool.

Does your teen son ask questions, worry or show signs of stress in any of these areas of his life?
  • Why am I smaller than most girls?
  • Why don’t I grow?
  • Am I too skinny?
  • Am I overweight?
  • Why is my weight going up and down?
  • Am I normal compared to other boys?
  • Where is this anger coming from?
  • Why am I getting pimples?
  • Do my clothes look right on my body?

During puberty, females are normally grow taller and faster than males. Female teens also have wider hips, bottoms, and thighs. Because females produce new hormones (like estrogen), their body weight may change more rapidly. Changes in estrogen levels can also cause mood swings – especially around her period. These physical factors in female teens may cause stress!

During puberty, males begin to grow facial, arm and body hair. Males, who have larger breast tissue, begin to lose this fatty tissue as it is replaced by muscle. Testosterone is the new male hormone that may cause mood swings, isolation and anger in some teen boys. These physical factors in male teens may cause stress .

For more help, go to: Ask a Counselor

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Youth Sports: Parents Out of Control

Champs Sports

Youth Sports is support to be fun. Some parents are getting out of control. The benefits of sports out weights the negative aspects of sport. But, some parents are losing control. Sports are for the kids, not the parents.

Are you a parent in control of your behavior at a youth sporting event?

This YouTube video asks the right questions:



Teaching Children About Money

imView



Money and Children: What To Teach Your Child

Parenting children to learn to manage money is important. Too many parents avoid this area of teaching until the child is an adult; 18 or older. When we wait to teach children about money, and how to manage it until they’re adults, they learn primarily as a result of their own successes and failures.

Some high schools offer “Personal Finance” classes. The majority of high school students, however, do not select these types of courses because they interfere with other required math classes for college preparation. Many parents report that their money management skills are often not what they’d like them to be or our finances are so complex that how we handle our money doesn’t mean much to a child.

Many children will learn to manage their money through their own personal experiences and the guidance you, as parents, may give them. In other words, children learn from trial and error. Below are some parenting tips that you may want to consider to help you child learn to manage his or her money.

Benefits of an Allowance
  • Having a regular amount of their own income is the only way kids can learn to manage money.
  • Children need to be able to make mistakes when the cost is minimal.
  • Knowing the limit of available funds forces kids to:
  • To think about how much things costs
  • To make spending choices between the many things that they may want
  • They have more appreciation for the things they buy when they use their own money
When should I begin providing an allowance?

Once your child begins to show an interest in money and asks you for money to buy something that the child wants- start talking about money. It’s time to teach the concepts of:
  • What money is, and is not
  • How money works
  • How money can be good
  • How money can be misused
  • How people can earn money
  • The importance of spending
  • The importance of saving
  • When a child is ready to learn the fact that money can be exchanged for goods, they are ready to start learning the basics of money management. For many children, this may occur as young as three or four.
  • How much should the allowance be?

There are plenty of diverse opinions on how much money should be given as an allowance for children. Some child development behavioral experts say a dollar should be given for each year of age. Others would suggest you match the amount their friends get. Neither amount may be appropriate.

When coming up with the amount, consider the following:
  • Determine how much money you already give them. If your child does not get an allowance, you are managing their money for them by deciding what they will buy and what they will do. Their role is salesperson and manipulator. Consider letting the child begin to manage his own money. Refrain from doing all the work. Simple total up the amount you are giving them now (through you) and provide that amount as an allowance. You’ll save money and avoid some of battles along the way.
  • Make a list of what they are expected to pay for with their allowance. Once you have the amount, sit down with your child and make a list of everything they are expected to pay for.
  • Keep in mind the fact that kids have three uses for their money - spending, saving and sharing. Consider all three areas when you are coming up with the amount. In addition to setting the allowance, this process puts an end to the constant requests to buy this and that and to give them money to do whatever their hearts desire.
Should Allowances be tied To Chores?

Most parents believe that their child has a certain amount of responsibility around the house. Responsibilities, however, have very little to do with allowances. In fact, if those responsibilities are not fulfilled, the loss of privileges would probably be more appropriate than the loss of allowances.
  • How can a child manage their money if they don’t know how much they will be getting on a regular basis? Consider this:
  • If a child does not need their allowance that week, is it acceptable not to do the chores? And, do we really want your children to ask, “How much?” every time a parent ask them to do something around the house?
  • Money is an important concept to teach. Yes, many schools are beginning or continuing to teach students the importance of having and spending money.
  • Is your school teaching what you want your child to learn and know about money?

Youth Sports: Prventing Burnout

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Preventing Youth Sport Burnout
By Susan E. Stoker

Sport is not only physically challenging, but it can also be mentally challenging. Criticism from coaches, parents, and other teammates, as well as pressure to win can create an excessive amount of anxiety or stress for young athletes. Stress can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and research has indicated that it can lead to burnout. Burnout has been described as dropping/quitting of an activity that was at one time enjoyable.

The early years of development are critical years for learning about oneself. The sport setting is one where valuable experiences can take place. Young athletes can, for example, learn how to cooperate with others, make friends, and gain other social skills that will be used throughout their lives. Coaches and parents should be aware, at all times, that their feedback to youngsters can greatly effect their children. Youngsters may take their parents' and coaches' criticisms to heart and find a flaw in themselves.

Coaches and parents should also be cautious that youth sport participation does not become work for children. The outcome of the game should not be more important than the process of learning the sport and other life lessons. In today's youth sport setting, young athletes may be worrying more about who will win instead of enjoying themselves and the sport. Following a game, many parents and coaches focus on the outcome and find fault with youngsters' performances. Positive reinforcement should be provided regardless of the outcome. Research indicates that positive reinforcement motivates and has a greater effect on learning than criticism. Again, criticism can create high levels of stress, which can lead to burnout.

Coaches should know more about their sport than teaching skills, conditioning, or basic first aid. Knowledge concerning the psychological aspect of coaching, especially the prevention of burnout, is also needed. Some basic suggestions from researchers (Gould, Udry, Tuffey, Loehr, 1996) include:
  • Teach young athletes and parents how to manage stress.
  • Keep travel time down.
  • Do not overuse "playing up" (younger athletes competing against older athletes).
  • Players should have some input in training.
  • Use positive reinforcement instead of criticism.
  • Set goals that are realistic.

It is difficult for parents to let go and allow a coach to do her/his job. The coaches are there, however, to help and guide youngsters through the sport. Done right, coaches can help build self-respect in the youth on a team. Martens and Seefeldt (1979) gave these suggestions for parents:
  • During the game, stay seated in the bleachers.
  • Do not yell to the children about how to play or about what they are doing wrong.
  • Comments to young athletes, parents of opposing team, officials, or league administrators should not be derogatory.
  • During the game, do not interrupt what the coach is telling the athletes. Parents must be willing to give up the responsibility of their children to the coach during the game.
  • Coaches and parents can prevent burnout by working together in youth sport. Youngsters will be able to develop self-respect in a positive sport environment.

Internet: How To Keep Children Safe

imView

Internet Tips To Share With Your Children

Parents who are concerned about their child’s use of the Internet need to have a discussion that includes the following talking points:

  • NEVER give out your full name, your telephone number, name of your school or your address over the Internet unless you have permission.
  • NEVER arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you meet online. Be careful if you receive e-mail messages or files from a stranger --ALWAYS let us open them first. Sometimes web sites ask you to send in material for them to post online.
  • ALWAYS check with me before sending a photo or anything you've written to someone you don't know.
  • ALWAYS let me know if you see bad language or something that makes you feel uncomfortable online.
  • ALWAYS see and tell me before clicking on links to other sites (including ads).
  • NEVER buy anything online or give out credit card information without my permission.


Let your child know that the Internet is a great place to communicate, seek information and make our lives easier to live.

Also tell your child that the Internet can be unsafe or even dangerous. Depending on your child age, provide your child with the Internet information that is presented in this category.

Does Your Child Watch Too Much TV?









My Child Watches Too Much TV

What is the number one activity (per hour) that U.S. children spend their time? If you picked sleeping, then you are correct. Watching television was number two! Yes that’s right. According to the Kaiser Foundation, the average U.S. child spends 22 to 28 hours a week watching television. Other research has found that the average child spends 900 hours a year in school and over 1100 hours in front of the TV. Some children in some parts of the country are watching 4 to 6 hour of television per day! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 1 to 2 hours per day.

Television in moderation can be a good thing. There are educational themes, appropriate entertainment and news worthy information. But, what can parent do if they are afraid that their children are watching too much television? Review the “Television Help” list below.

Television Help

Set television guidelines for your children. Here are some examples:
1. One hour of TV per day.
2. One hour of G-rated TV.
3. TV only after homework and chores are completed.
4. One hour of G-rated TV and unlimited educational shows on Discovery or
PBS (Public Broadcasting).

Work to get your child interested in other activities other than television. Tell your child that you want them to help you select an activity (outside of school) that they are interested in trying. Here are some ideas: Boy or Girl Scouts, sports, church activities, academic camps, art clubs etc. You may get more information from your local Community Education programs.
Set up a TV contract with your child. Have their television shows placed on a calendar. Provide your child with some natural, positive incentives if he or she follows the contract. Natural incentives may include having a friend over, a favorite meal, time with you at the mall etc.
  • Limit the number of channels that come into your home. Limit the number of channels that your child may watch by using the channel locks provided by your carrier or television remote control.
  • Set a good example. Limit the number of hours of television that you watch. Read a book with your child, put together a puzzle, play a game or take your child out for a bike ride. Most of us need more exercise. Go do something!
  • Post a list of television shows that your child is allowed to watch. This will come in handy when you have a babysitter watch your child.
  • Limit the number of televisions in your home to one. No bedroom TVs!


Avon

Family Vacations: Planning A Trip With Your Child's Help

CheapOair.com


Making the Most of Your Family's Vacation
By Janet Lombardi, Featured Author

What makes a great family vacation? There is no one way to do it, even if you've taken the same vacation year after year. Keeping an open mind, recognizing that the vacation is for everyone, and striving towards compromise can separate the sparklers from the duds.


For starters:

  • Drop the idealism. If you think the family getaway will measure up to some idealized version of perfection, you will be disappointed. As one parent said, "My kids whined in Disney World just like they do at home!" Instead of perfection, strive for memory-making moments that keep everyone feeling good about being together.
  • Get the whole family involved in planning. Nothing helps someone feel good about an experience like being part of the decision-making team. Look at travel brochures, Web sites, and newspaper articles together. Elicit your child's ideas. You may not end up doing what they want—or you may—but you will have fostered communication, decision-making, and compromise.
  • Schedule something for everyone. Dragging your kids from museum to museum because it's your vacation, too, will probably not work (unless your kids love museums) if your children would rather go to an amusement park. Nor do you have to feel obligated to indulge your child's every wish just because you're on vacation. Strike a balance so everyone gets some time to do what he or she likes.
  • Give teens some latitude. Judy, a 15-year-old, was griping about having to get up early every day to sight-see, so her parents gave her mornings off. They made arrangements to meet before lunch. Everyone won. Judy got the rest she wanted and her parents didn't have to spend their mornings with an unhappy kid.
  • Break off and do things separately. A family vacation doesn't dictate unconditional togetherness. If you and your daughter want to visit the science museum but your son and his dad want to play wiffle ball on the beach, so be it. The goal is an enjoyable experience for everyone.


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