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How to Spruce up Your Parenting Blog

You have a blog devoted to parenting and want to make sure your ideas, photos and text not only get the word out but keep parents coming back for more.

Here are some ideas:

  • Make sure your blog has easy to read information. The copy in your blog is just as important as the photos and/or video you attach to it. If you have a difficult time with grammar or find that you just can’t get creative enough to make your copy stand out from the rest, hire someone to do it for you; or get someone to read over your material and search for errors before you post it.
  • Have some fun on your blog. Parenting isn’t all about rules and boundaries, it’s about places to take your children and free events found within your city. Through a blog you can add the latest juicy gossip about kids and how to raise them, what foods your children should eat, or where the next best place to go on vacation is located and what a family should do there.
  • Make sure you have a terrific way to connect with your readers. KISS Insights, for example, provides you with a real-time tool that allows readers to ask you questions and lets you know when a question is asked so that you can reply quickly. Email is a fairly easy way to communicate, but KISS Insights allows folks to take a look at your blog, and, at the same time respond to what they like and don’t like about it.

Parenting is an important duty, but because it’s also a fun duty, you’ll want to show your readers that you care through the articles you produce and the fun that you have along the way.

 

Filed Under: Family, Parenting, Resources Tagged With: , ,

Agreement on Child’s Discipline Should be Talked About Early On

Children in Hanoi 

Image via Wikipedia

 

Parenting is one thing that everyone seems to have an opinion about – even those who don’t have any children have advice. Everyone has an idea of how to do it better, whether better is for the child or the parent. 

 

One thing (of many things) parents need to agree on is discipline. Children need discipline occasionally and if the parents always fight over what disclipine is utilized, it teaches the kid to always fight the decision handed out by their parents. It becomes the normal, natural way to handle things. 

 

If a couple cannot agree on some responses, they should at least agree to explain the reasons for their decision and what their line of thought was on it. That way kids aren’t absorbing how to fight to get their way and a better principal is instilled in growing children. 

 

They Might Have Good Reasoning 

Once one parent says why their decision is best, discussion can happen, bringing the parents to an informed compromise that‘s best for the child. 

 

A good way to start a conversation about this with the other parent is to straight out ask what they think. For instance, “I believe that swearing children should have their mouths washed out with soap. What do you think we should do if our child swears?” 

 

Starting a conversation about discipline tactics can eradicate the need to fight about it later, and it gets the couple to talk to each other for the best end result. It’s all about the child’s well-being and not who is the more argumentive or aggressive parent. The only one who should ‘win’ is the child.

 

 

Filed Under: Child Development, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

What to do During a Child Temper Tantrum

It’s inevitable during child development that your son or daughter will have a temper tantrum or two. Tantrums at home are one thing, but public temper tantrums are often embarrassing and more difficult to control. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to deal with your child’s next tantrum.

My humorous rendition of Nikki Grahame and her... 

Image via Wikipe

1.) Identify the cause of the tantrum- There is usually a method behind the tantrum madness. If your child has not eaten recently they may just be hungry. On the other hand, it may be attention they desire, so if there is a tantrum going on and you’ve been working on your own things for a while, it’s likely your child is just looking for some attention.

2.) Keep communication open- Most times while a child has a tantrum they are also screaming and yelling. If you reciprocate this behavior and yell back at them, you will surely only escalate the situation. Instead, continue to get at the root of the tantrum by asking your child simple questions. Eventually they will get around to what’s really bothering them and the tantrum will subside.

3.) Isolate the child until the tantrum runs its course- If your child continues to tantrum and being calm and communicative isn’t working, they may need a little private time. Find a room in your home or a quiet area where you can place your child in a time out. Often when they are no longer getting the negative attention they are seeking, the tantrum will subside and behavior will once again become stable.

Filed Under: Child Development, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

What to Expect from the Terrible Twos

The developmental stage known as the “terrible twos” involves a number of negative features from the child at this age. However, there are some things that you can do to aid your child during tough stages such as these. In the end, there are questions whether this is even a fair title for such a difficult stage.

During this stage you can expect some mood changes and temper tantrums. You might hear your child start making use of the word “no.” Additionally, during this age, it can become normal for them to have difficulty expressing themselves, and they may thus resort to hitting and biting.

In this time-frame you will need to implement effective techniques to help your child. Setting limits and using timeouts can be effective in terms of discipline. You also might have regular routines for meals and naps, and offer choices which will enable your child to make decisions. There is no single easy answer, though, and persistence is the key here.

You could also implement rewards for behavior. This is particularly effective if your child is in daycare, but also relevant at home. Perhaps you could reward your child with American girl doll clothes or another favorite object.

Your child may experience this difficult stage around two or three years old. Do your best to find ways to help your child cope, with effective discipline, routines, and rewards as part of the mix. It may not be easy, but you can help your child get through this troubling stage.

Filed Under: Child Development, Family Tagged With: , ,

What ‘Type’ of a Parent are you?

"Under the horse chestnut tree", 1 p...

Image via Wikipedia

Every parent his or her own way to dealing with their kids. Whether it is motivating them or disciplining them, how you tackle situations with your kids will differ greatly from how other parents go about it. Based on how parents handle scenarios related to their kids, they can be classified into certain ‘Types’. Here is a look at the different types of parents:

  1. Diplomatic Parents: This is often known as one the most effective methods of parenting.  Diplomatic parents (often also known as democratic parents)give their kids the freedom to make their own decisions. The idea here is to give children a sense of responsibility as well as make them feel that their parents have confidence in them. It is generally noticed that the children of democratic parents have high maturity levels and are better capable of problem solving at an emotional level. Such parents deal with their kids as they would with a grown up. Even when kids make a mistake, they choose to reason with them instead of reprimanding them.
  2. Authoritarian Parents: Such parents are the military leaders if the parenting world! They have a strict set of rules that their kids are expected to follow at all times. They govern everything that their kids do, their food habits, the friends they make, how they spend their time at home, how long they get to stay out and so on. These parents aren’t too forgiving of their children’s mistakes and use punishments for disciplining. Although this might sound like an overly tough attitude (especially when compared to democratic parents), it can be a very effective method if done properly.
Filed Under: Family, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

Parenting tips

When it comes to parenting no one ever told you it was going to be an easy ride.  Parents aren’t given a parenting manual, they just learn on a trial and error basis.  What used to work for you when you were a child, might not work with your own children.  The following are some tips for being effective with discipling your children.

if you want to get through to your children and refrain from spanking the key is consistency.  If you say that you are going to do something if the child misbehaves and you don’t act on that, they child will then get the picture that they can most likely get away with the behavior, and the next time they do it, your threats won’t mean anything.

If your child misbehaves consider taking away what they love the most.  This could range from anything to a particular privlege, a toy, an electronic devise ect.

Make sure to set guidelines.  Write out your household rules.  Explain them to your child, and also explain to your children what will happen should they choose to misbehave and not follow the household rules.  It is imparitive to make sure that you are consistent and that you follow through with what you say you will do.  Speak on your childs level and make sure that they know that if they misbehave that the same discipline will happen each time.  If they can predict the consequences for their misbehavior then more likely then not you will find that the children will behave.

Filed Under: Family, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

New Mother, Newborn: Tips for Parenting

mother in nuclear family

Image via Wikipedia

There’s no force in this world more natural than motherhood. This is the expectation all women share, with knowledge meant to be gleaned through pregnancy and efforts meant to be easy.

The truth, however, is far less simple.

New parents may instead falter. Their children can prove to be enigmatic: with every desire misunderstood and every need mistaken. And this can lead to anxiety — which can greatly impact attempts at mothering.

It’s imperative therefore that first-time parents remember these suggestions:

Understand Limitations

Perfection isn’t easily won. It’s gained instead through time (earned with years, not instinct). It’s vital then that all new mothers recognize their limitations. Never assume that experience isn’t needed. Choose instead to remember that each day will offer new lessons and new understandings.

Seek Support

Help is an unfortunate word: this is the belief of many first-time mothers. No aid should be needed; no support should be sought. Their children should be reliant only on them. This is the natural order of parenthood. That order must be forgotten, however. Ask for assistance. Allow those with practical knowledge to provide suggestions. Learn from their mistakes. Accept their advice.

Defy Shame

Uncertainty is too common. Inadequacy is all too familiar. Mothers may find themselves struggling to blend the obligations of their past lives with their new ones. Every gesture may seem to fail. Every attempt can seem strained. And this can summon feelings of shame and anger. Do not accept them. Remember instead to remain calm. Don’t become overwhelmed. Voice all concerns and receive help for them — rather than burying them all.

Use these suggestions to battle worries and gain balance.

Filed Under: Child Development, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

Keeping Your Sanity While Raising Your Children

Have you ever wondered how parents keep their sanity while raising their children? How did your parents do it? Nowadays there are so many things we have to worry about that your parents did not have to consider when raising you. There are environmental dangers, social dangers, technology dangers, etc. How do we sort it all out, deal with the day-to-day problems of raising children, and manage it all without losing it? Well, we love our children and it is our job to “keep it together.” It isn’t always easy, but it is worth it.

As far as the dangers in the world, there is nothing we can really do to change the fact that those dangers are there; but, we can do whatever possible to protect our children from them. Do your research. Learn about the dangers, how to avoid them, and how to protect your children before they even reach the age that it is an issue. Set very firm boundaries for your children and stick to them. Teach your children your expectations, values, and goals for them. Trust your children.

Keeping your sanity also has a lot to do with how you manage contention, arguments, and defiance. These attributes begin in your child at a very young age. The level of defiance with change over time, which means the way you deal with your child’s behavior will also change. Talk to other parents and get ideas from them about how they have managed the difficulties you may be dealing with. Take a deep breath and try to focus on the issue at hand. When all else fails… take a hot bath, read a good book, recharge yourself, and try again tomorrow!

Filed Under: Budgeting, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Life Insurance is Important to Your Family’s Future

As parents you want to ensure that your children grow up happy and healthy. You want to make sure that they get the best possible education. You make sure they are engaged in out-of-school activities that can enhance their talents and skills. You feel your goal in life is to also make sure they are protected from harm and injury.

You currently have a college tuition savings account as well as other investments that will help guarantee their futures. But do you have enough (or any) life insurance that will make sure they are taken care of in case of your death?

Many people and parents figure that a minimal amount of insurance will take care of their final expenses, and that funeral and/or medical expenses are all that is needed to be covered. However, this may not be the case, especially if you are a young parent just starting a family.

In addition to your final expenses, you should make sure that other debts – such as loans and home mortgages – will also be covered. This will ensure that your family has a home and a roof over their heads.

You will need to consider how much you need to replace your income. First, you should take your current annual income and multiply that number by the number of years remaining until you retire. You should also factor in such things as inflation and potential raises and advancements in your income.

Add in costs for tuition and other daily activities such as maintenance in the home and new automobiles.

From this number you can subtract any assets that you have such as retirement accounts.

You may think that life insurance may be out of your budget, but these insurance costs are surprisingly affordable. Get some online insurance quotes and start making sure your family’s future is protected.

Filed Under: Expert Advice, Family Tagged With: , ,

Avoiding Common Discipline Mistakes

When it comes to disciplining children, we’ve all had to deal with backfired attempts. It’s not easy getting a child to mind without breaking down and threatening him with an empty lie, but a smart kid will almost always call you on it. It’s a common mistake parents often make, but how can you avoid the most common ones?

You want your child to learn the value of honesty, so practice what you preach. If your youngest is refusing to put on his shoes for the car ride home from Grandma’s, don’t give into the threat of “then you’re not coming home today!” Instead, use this as an opportunity to talk about how we often have to do things we don’t want to do. Be firm but empathetic.

Giving in to a child’s demands during an outburst is another common mistake. Don’t do it. Issue one warning and then dish out the consequence. There will be no room for your child to be left wondering if he can get away with it this time around. And talk about the consequences together, before the fits occur. Depending on the child, you may even be able to get him to agree on which consequences fit the respective crimes, so he plays a big part in his own discipline. This will begin the personal responsibility lesson early.

Never break your own rules. For all intents and purposes, consider them set in stone. This is also why it’s a good idea to have your child contribute his own ideas regarding consequences. There will be no surprises for either of you.

Another mistake parents often make deals not so much with the child, but in undermining each other. If Dad has put a screaming five-year old in time out, Mom should never come to the rescue, or vice versa. As a couple, discuss discipline before it happens, and be sure that the other spouse will support your consequence.

Filed Under: Child Development, Family Tagged With: , ,
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