From lying and cheating to stealing and ditching class, negative influences and tough choices surround your child on a daily basis. Sitting back and hoping that your child makes the right choices isn’t enough when peer pressure can overwhelm children at any age. “Many parents acknowledge and worry that their children are subject to bad influences from other kids,” says Fran Walfish, Beverly Hills-based psychotherapist and author of “The Self-Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child.” “Confronting the influences doesn’t begin when the problems arise -- it should start much younger.” Parents can help their kids stay sturdy and wholesome by offering support and teaching strategies to deal with bad influences.
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Road Trip Travel Tips for Toddlers
Sitting still for hours on end is difficult for children of any age, but with an active toddler trapped in a car on a road trip, chaos can ensue. "Kids love to be entertained and there is nothing more difficult than a long car ride where your baby can't get the attention he needs and you can't focus on the road," says Christine Gutierrez, a New York-based psychotherapist. Instead, plan for a fun-filled adventure, complete with snacks, games and quiet activities.
What Can Toddlers Do On Their Own?
If your toddler is constantly uttering “me do” and “I want,” it’s likely that she is asserting her need for more power and freedom. “Although this may feel disconcerting and unbalancing for parents, remember [that] it is vitally important that your child learn to be independent, seeking a greater sense of power and control, as well as asking for and getting more freedom,” says Nancy Buck, developmental psychologist with Peaceful Parenting in Denver. Give your little tyke the freedom to explore her independence by encouraging daily responsibility.
Activities for Boosting Speech Development in Toddlers
As a parent, you're capable of boosting your child's speech development, and it can actually be fun for both of you. "Provide a lot of opportunities for the child to be exposed to language and experience a lot of vocabulary in a rich environment," says Lori Heisler, assistant professor of communicative sciences and disorders at California State University, San Marcos. "Make it fun -- children learn through play."
Mother’s Day Activities for Toddlers
Mommy-and-me time with your toddler is special any day of the year, but when Mother’s Day comes around, spruce up those moments with activities to keep you both entertained. From dance parties to story time, make this day one to remember by spending one-on-one quality time with your biggest fan.
Rainy Day Projects for Parents and Toddlers
It’s raining and pouring, and your toddler's not snoring. Don’t let a few raindrops put a crimp in your plans. Instead, use this time to teach your toddler something new and spend some quality time together with a rainy-day project. “Children gain confidence when they can do, or participate in, the things that adults do,” says Lisa Kathleen, Canada–based founder of Full Circle Parenting and former Montessori teacher. “Competence builds confidence.” From home improvement and baking adventures to crafty creations and cleaning projects, deepen the parent-child bond on a dreary day.
Teaching Children to Apologize
It’s bound to happen -- your child acts out, offends another person or refuses to share with others. When your child misbehaves, she may know the behavior is wrong but doesn’t know how to make amends. Therefore, it’s necessary for parents to teach children the importance of apologies. “All we have to do is show kids that they will be happier, healthier and feel better about themselves each time they do something good, and their behavior changes dramatically,” says Sandra Zerner, founder of the It’s Good 2B Good Kids Character Education program in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learning how to get along with others begins at home. Provide your child with the tools she needs to show empathy toward her family and her peers.
Teaching Children Not to Argue
If you constantly hear cries of “she took my toy” and “he pulled my hair” from your children, don’t fret. Disagreements are bound to occur; however, you can teach your children conflict-resolution strategies to avoid constant bickering. “Parents and other adults need to teach children how to get what they need and want responsibly and respectfully without interfering with other people’s ability to get what they need and want,” says Nancy Buck, Denver-based psychologist and author of “Peaceful Parenting.” Help your child discover his wants and needs while appreciating the wants and needs of others, to avoid future arguments.
Games for Taking Turns for Toddlers
It has finally happened -- your toddler is throwing tantrums and refusing to share with his friends and siblings. Though you chalk it up to the terrible twos or threes, it’s not too early to teach him the importance of give and take. “It is essential to teach children how to take turns because it’s a skill they will use for the rest of their lives and in every relationship they share with another person,” says Christina Steinorth, a California-based psychotherapist and author of "Cue Cards for Life." “From the school yard to dating to marriage to the work place, the concept of give and take is a key factor in forming healthy relationships with others.” Make this lesson fun and insightful for your toddler by including games in your daily playtime that teach the fine art of taking turns.
Regaining Trust in Families
It’s natural for families to have disagreements and experience disappointments, but when a breach in trust occurs, it takes more effort and time to restore your faith in each other. As parents, you may lose trust in your child at times, and your child may also question your actions as well. Teaching your child how to regain trust with family members begins with assessing your own behaviors. “You need to help them see how important it is for them to be able to trust you and other people, and that they won’t be able to trust others if they’re not trustworthy,” says Tina Tessina, a psychotherapist in Long Beach, California.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 