On Mother's Day, we celebrate the most important job on the planet.
Most moms appreciate being acknowledged, but many still feel overwhelmed
by the pressures of daily life.
Would you like to fit more time with your children into your busy
schedule?
The solution may be easier than you imagine.
The most important thing you can do for your child is to create and
nurture a strong, loving relationship between the two of you.
Here are 17 EASY ways to strengthen your connection with your child:
(The good news is: they don't take much time.)
1) Always smile when your child comes in the room.
2) Hug at least once a day. For older children and teens, who may be
embarrassed, do it in private. Try telling them YOU are the one who
needs it.
3) Schedule time every day to connect with your child - to talk about
how their day went or perhaps read together or play a short game of his
or her choice. Regularity is more important than length of time.
4) Include your children in your daily activities: let them help in the
kitchen or the garden, but keep the atmosphere light and the
conversation easy - no scolding or criticizing.
5) Make up poems or stories together - taking turns adding a line.
Laughs are guaranteed.
6) Use words of encouragement rather than criticism.
7) If your child needs correcting, do it gently, in a way that teaches,
without scolding or put-downs.
8) Ask your children's opinions often - about little things and also
more important issues. Let them know you value their ideas.
9) Watch TV programs together that will help your children to learn
about life, then ask their opinion and talk about the issues from the
show.
10) Speak to them with courtesy: Say 'Please' and 'Thank you,' and use
kind words.
11) Apologize when you have been wrong. Show them we all make mistakes.
12) Write a note to let them know you're thinking about them - perhaps
with a joke or funny message - and hide it in their lunch box, book bag
or a dresser drawer.
13) Don't expect them to be perfect.
14) Forgive easily - then gently help them learn from their mistakes.
15) Let your children over-hear you praising them to someone else.
16) Create a bed-time ritual. It may include reading a story or poem,
saying a prayer, remembering loved ones, talking about the day, singing
a song, making funny faces or anything that helps you end the day in a
positive way.
17) As you are falling asleep, think of something you appreciate about
your child. Feel your love, and send some of it silently to your
child.
Sweet Dreams
* * *
About the Author:
Pat Downing has many years of experience counselling teenagers and their
parents, conducting family mediations and leading workshops and support
groups.
Pat and her husband, Larry, are co-authors of the e-Book, 'Feel Good
Parenting: How to Use the Power of Your Heart to Create an
Extraordinary Relationship with Your Child.'
For more information on how to create relationships that are peaceful,
harmonious, cooperative and joyful, you may go to: www.feelgoodparenting.com
Dressing Girls For School
I have spoken to so many parents who tell me it is a monumental task to get
their younger daughters ready for school in the morning. Unless your daughter
has only one set of clothes to wear, she probably wants to change her outfit
three times before choosing the one she will "agree" to wear to school each day.
Here's how we solved the problem in our family...
3 Easy Ways To Make An Awesome Playroom
Are you irritated every time you walk past your kids playroom? Paper here, toys
there, the floor is strewn with stuff that you can't even guess what it is! Most
of us feel a whole lot better when things are organized. Is it natural to be
neat and tidy or is it a skill that must be learned? We'll let you worry about
that question but we'll give you a few simple ideas on how to make that playroom
fun again.
What should you expect at 6 weeks, 6 months or 1 year? We provide useful
milestones and developmental stages so that you can keep an eye on your
baby's development in the first year. Baby Stages
Ideas For Sharing Stories
With Children
This two-part article discusses the ways in which stories and
storytelling play an important role in children's lives. Techniques are
offered for using stories to help develop children's verbal skills and
imaginations. This is part one.
Who Owns The Problem; Parent or Child?
It is tempting for parents to assume ownership and responsibility for everything that goes on in the life of their child. However, when the parent jumps in too soon to solve the problem or give the answer, the child never learns to trust his own judgment and become a critical thinker.
Parenting - Making A Schedule This article on the benefits of scheduling your day as a parent
really struck home with me. It took me a while to work this out for
myself when I had young children at home, and I wish I had done so - and
benefited from the much calmer household that was the result - sooner!
