Archives for Positive Parenting Tips

The Loving and Caring Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is part of the Retriever family, which boast some of the most popular breeds around. For example Labradors are very popular among dog owners and so are Golden Retrievers. They are popular because they are great family dogs.

They are actually quite similar to Labradors in many ways. They are both very friendly towards strangers and other animals alike. They are both energetic types of dogs that like to play and be in the center of attention. There’s nothing they relish more than feeling an important part of the family.

The Loving and Caring Golden Retriever continued »

Five Important Summer Tasks to Finish With Kids

Summer is a great time to spend with kids, away from the hustle and bustle of the school year. Even though the schedule is more relaxed, there are five important tasks that need to be considered during these warm, sunny days.

A Summer Schedule

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How To Prepare Your Kids for Boarding School

One of the toughest events in a child’s life is going from a traditional school to a boarding school. It can be challenging simply because the rules, attire and overall atmosphere are or can be totally different. It takes a lot of preparation for a child to feel fully comfortable when transitioning into a boarding school, unless the decision was theirs and they are excited.

For each family, it will be different in how the below tips will be used because there are diverse circumstances, feelings and judgments related to boarding school. Each tip should be edited to fit within the family’s lifestyle, so that the tips are given the full possibility of working and becoming successful for the family.

How To Prepare Your Kids for Boarding School continued »

4 Family Vacation Ideas on a Tight Budget

Big or small, family vacations are a staple for most families. And for good reason! If your family took trips while you were growing up, you’ll understand the importance of this unique time. Family life is hectic and running from work, to school, to soccer practice, to music lessons, and more, can really be a drain! Everyone (including kids) needs a time to unwind and really get away. It lays the foundation for the family to reconnect and make great memories.

But, when your family can’t agree on what to do, or you’re on a budget, how do you decide what to do and where to go? I’ll give you some ideas.

4 Family Vacation Ideas on a Tight Budget continued »

15 Parenting Tips for Single Parents

It can be difficult adjusting to life after a divorce. This is especially true if there are children involved.  Single parenting is without a doubt more challenging that having both you and your spouse sharing the responsibility of raising children.  The following are 15 parenting tips to help you be the absolute best single parent that you can be.  Will you take advantage of these tips?

  • Don’t give up on parenting. Many parents choose to give up on parenting after a divorce. This is especially true if older children are involved.  As a single parent, refuse to give up on your duties until your children are grown. Realize that teenagers are not adults and will still need you to guide and direct them.  Don’t give up on parenting regardless of how old your children are!
  • Don’t force your child to choose sides. This is a common problem that occurs after many divorces. Children often feel the need to choose sides with either mom or dad.  Let your children know that it is okay to love both mommy and daddy.  Avoid speaking negatively about your ex or your children may feel that they have to choose sides.
  • Be cautious of dating too soon.  While you may want to get revenge or simply move on in your life, parenting must come first. Realize that your children will not understand the dating process and need time to heal from the divorce. Chances are, you need time to heal too. Avoid jumping right in to the dating scene.
  • Understand that your child will be very emotional in the beginning. Just as you are emotional over the divorce, you can expect your child to be emotional as well.
  • Get organized.  Once your lifestyle becomes one of a single parent, you must take the time to get organized. From your daily schedule to the cleanliness of your house, organization is the key to be successful as a single parent.  A chaotic lifestyle will make it hard on everyone involved – including the children.
  • Have fun.  Just because life has changed for your family and you are now considered a single parent, don’t give up on having fun with your kids. Plan family outings each week to keep life “fun.”
  • Stick to your guns.  You kids will quickly realize that single parenting may be difficult on you and may try to get away with things. Try to keep the same household rules as before and require your kids to obey.
  • Encourage your kids to help out. Because you will no longer have your spouse there to help out, you may want to enlist the help of your older children with household duties.
  • Find a new job. If your job doesn’t fit the lifestyle of a single parent, you may be forced to find another one. Make sure your job is kid friendly and works with the school schedule.
  • Keep your privacy. Your kids do not need to know everything that is going on between you and your ex.  Keep things private!
  • Communicate with your kids. This is perhaps one of the most important tips a parent can get.  Don’t lose communication with your kids because you are too busy as a single parent.
  • Make every effort to be involved. Be sure to attend as many of  the school events and activities that your children are involved in as possible.
  • Retain a sense of normalcy. The more normal your life seems, the better your children will be able to cope with the divorce. Continue family traditions and make things seem as normal as possible.
  • Be positive about the future. If things get tough financially as a single parent, ensure your children that things will get better. Be positive about life and the future.
  • Keep your children a priority. Last but not least, keep your children your number one priority. Put them before everything in life including your job, dating, and all the many problems that come with being a single parent.

15 Parenting Tips for Single Parents continued »

The Econundrum of the Christmas Tree: Real or Fake

When it comes to your family’s Christmas tree, the great tree debate continues. One would think that buying a plastic reusable tree is more eco friendly than the traditional real pine; but one would be wrong. A real tree from a farm doesn’t just fill our homes with the quintessential scent of the season; but it generates almost three times less green house gases than the increasingly popular artificial tree.

The green house gases emitted in the production, transportation and disposal of the two tree options were compared- including the tree stand and water; and although fake trees are used an average of about six years, they are often plastic and made in China. The best option is to find an organic farm and recycle your tree responsibly post holiday; most cities have a special tree pickup date allotted in their garbage disposable schedule.

The Econundrum of the Christmas Tree: Real or Fake continued »

Breastfeeding Diet for a Vegetarian

According to research, breast-fed babies make fewer trips to the doctor, especially during the first six months of life, than their bottle-fed counterparts. There are five main advantages of breast feeding:

  • Mother’s milk contains potent levels of fatty acids which are believed to play a significant role in the growth and development of the infant’s brain
  • Breast milk provides immunity until the time the baby is able to build its own immunity
  • There is reason to believe that breast-fed babies experience fewer allergies compared to their bottle-fed counterparts
  • Breast feeding is much more affordable and convenient
  • It facilitates and strengthens mother-infant bonding

Breastfeeding Diet for a Vegetarian continued »

5 Stocking Stuffers Ideas for 2011

The holidays are here, meaning it’s time to make our gift lists and start our holiday shopping. Doesn’t it always seem like there is always one or two people on your list that you have no idea what to get? You don’t want to give this person cash or a gift card, because you feel that it might seem too impersonal. At the same time, you don’t want to get them a popular gift that they already have and will likely get returned. Look no further for that perfect gift! We have you covered with five of the most popular, yet original gifts of the holiday season:

1.       Faucet Lights: My parents recently installed these on our kitchen and bathroom faucets and they make for a really cool gift when you have run out of ideas of what to get someone. They send out a beam of color as water comes out of the faucet. Not only does it look really cool, but it gives your bathroom or kitchen a really “high tech” feel. On top of the aesthetic value, it’s also nice to have some light when you are pouring a glass of water at night. The best part about this gift is very few people have it and almost everyone can use it!

5 Stocking Stuffers Ideas for 2011 continued »

Stress-Free Shopping

For many people, shopping is considered a way to relax. Window-shopping and buying things on a whim makes many people feel happier. When we are relaxed, we then become positive about making big decisions, like spending money. That is why it is exceptionally important for shopping centres and the high street to allow for a stress-free shopping experience.

However, with Christmas around the corner, our shopping centres and high streets are crammed with shoppers, buskers and solicitors wanting you to sign up for the latest something or other. It seems the only time of year that we hate to shop.

Stress-Free Shopping continued »

8 Tips for Parents Who Have Shy Children

Do you have shy children?  Chances are that at least one of your children falls into the category of  “shy.”  Shy children often struggle making friends and participating in enjoyable activities.  This can leave you, as a parent, wondering if your child will ever be “normal.”  The following are a few ways in which you can encourage your child to come out of his shell.  Use the tips to help your child overcome his shyness.

1.      Find opportunities for socialization. If your child is not willing to get out there and socialize, you may have to help him out a little. Find opportunities for your child to be social.  From going to the park, to accepting birthday party invitations, there are places where you can teach your child how to be social. Attend anything and everything in an effort to help him overcome the shyness. The more he is around people, the better chances he will have in overcoming shyness.

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Mall Santa Musical Video

Choosing the Right Stuff for Your Little Bundle

Going to a baby store for the first time parent is much like going to the amusement park. It is scary, overwhelming, loud, and flashy.  There is so much to choose from and some things are just more attractive than others…but will they disappoint?  Where to begin? And do you have enough money for everything?

Like most everything in life, it is good to go in with a game plan.  Baby gear shopping is the same.  For some people, that means consulting a friend, relative, or parent.  For others, that may mean doing your own research ahead of time and hoping for the best (we guess you are the latter or you might not be reading this).

Choosing the Right Stuff for Your Little Bundle continued »

Precious Cargo: My Road to Discovering Booster-Seat Safety

My kindergartener fits the “husky” size at the GAP. At five-and-a-half, he’s already 55 pounds. Lately, he has been complaining about the straps on his car seat. “I feel like I’m trapped in here,” he says. “Get me out.”

His Graco Turbo car seat converts into a booster, meaning I can detach the back, let him sit on the booster seat, use just a seat belt and let him be “free.” That’s what scares me.

Precious Cargo: My Road to Discovering Booster-Seat Safety continued »

An Education in Nature

The world as we know it today is overpopulated and our consumption usage is extremely high. It is absolutely essential that why try to make an attempt to keep people and more importantly our children in touch with Mother Earth. The beauty and delicacy of the Earth must not be ignored; it’s changing seasons, natural rhythms and its mystery. At the basis of it all, we need to teach people to love again.

Joseph Cornell is a man of notable mention. He is one of the world’s leading nature educators and teaches his classes and activities across the globe. His basic concept is to help people and in particular children regain a connection to nature, one that will benefit our planets future.

An Education in Nature continued »

Pregnancy Beauty – Safety First

There are plenty of myths afloat that make expecting mothers fret; and although some of it is hogwash, when pregnant, women must take extra care to keep harmful ingredients out of their beauty arsenal to protect their precious cargo.

At the Hair Salon

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