As your children eagerly pack up toys and prepare their stuffed animals for a new location for tea parties and wrestling matches, the excitement of moving is likely building. Moving affects everyone in the family in both positive and negative ways; however, parents often question whether moving frequently can affect a child’s development. “Just as moving is stressful for adults, it’s also stressful for children, so it shouldn’t be a big surprise that children experience a variety of emotions related to moving,” says Christina Steinorth, the author of “Cue Cards for Life: Gentle Reminders for Better Relationships” and a licensed psychotherapist in Santa Barbara, Calif., with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. Recognizing the effects that moving has on your child’s development can help prepare the entire family for the adjustments and challenges that may result.
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Gender Neutral Activities for Kids
As a parent, you know that there are many differences between a boy and a girl in how they play. Your daughter may particularly like tea parties while your son wants to roughhouse with a football. Gender-neutral activities offer benefits for both boys and girls. “They are suitable because they do not focus or push the child into a category that is pre-prescribed based on gender bias,” said Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn, an associate nursing professor at Sacramento State University who specializes in brain and gender studies. Finding a common ground between your princess and your jock doesn’t have to be a challenge with the variety of gender-neutral activities.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
If it feels like you and your daughter spend more time arguing over clothes and chores than laughing over a late-night movie, it might be time to break out of your typical routine and schedule some time for much-needed fun and bonding. Get ready for some girl time with these innovative activities, designed just for you and her.
Top Kids Books for the Holidays
At a time of the year when the holidays bring magic to your child’s world, the gift of a special book can take them on a trip of magical fantasy. “Books stimulate a child’s sense of curiosity, creativity and imagination and validate their feelings,” said Dr. Donna Housman, founder of Beginnings School in Weston, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Choose just the right book as a gift to stir your child’s imagination this holiday season.Read the Rest of the Story Here
Babysitting at the Beginning
Leaving your baby or toddler with a sitter for the first time is always harder on the parents than it is on the child, child care expert Clair Haas of Kiddie Academy says. Preparing yourself, your baby and the sitter will help to provide a smooth transition and a nurturing, pleasant experience for all. Read the Rest of the Story Here
Sports vs. Personality
Published December 2012: Mom.Me How to Choose Sports That Fit Your Child's Personality Factors to consider before signing up your athlete Article Excerpt: From baseball and basketball to bowling and fishing, recreational sports beckon with the promise of positive experiences for your child. Choosing the best sport to fit your child’s personality is not quite so obvious. Avoid forcing your favorite sports, said Nancy B. Irwin, a Los-Angeles based therapist with an emphasis in sports psychology. Instead, let her choose. “Expose her to a variety of sports activities (on TV and in real life), showing her which ones you like and see if they identify,” said Irwin. Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott Share
Cold Season Prevention Pointers
Published December 2012: Mom.Me Cold Season Prevention Pointers Don't let a sneeze or sniffle get you down Article Excerpt: A sneeze or sniffle here and there may seem harmless at first, but as the cold season approaches, your family could be more susceptible to viruses that can cause colds. To help keep your family healthy, try these prevention pointers and navigate the season with greater confidence. Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott Share
How to Raise Responsible Kids
Published December 2012: Mom.Me How to Raise Responsible Kids Want a model citizen? Start teaching self-sufficiency now Article Excerpt: As parents, you want your children to develop into model, responsible citizens. Teaching responsibility requires visualizing the end goal, says Marina Williams, a Massachusetts-based counselor. "It's easy to get wrapped up with the day-to-day goal of simply getting through the day, but if you want your children to grow up to be responsible, self-sufficient adults, you need to parent with that [end] goal in mind." Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott Share
Double-Time: Housework and Family Time
Published December 2012: Mom.Me Double-Time: Knock Out Housework and Family Time All At Once These activities will help you complete chores and enjoy your family Article Excerpt: For a household to run smoothly, it takes teamwork. Yes, it's a (very) safe bet that your kids moan and groan when chores are announced, but there are ways to get them energized about that next load of laundry or cleaning project without prompting a tantrum or battle. “Depending on the age of the child, there are a multitude of things you can do to integrate relationship-building time with household responsibilities,” says Maria Marinakis, parenting expert and creator of 10minuteparenting.com. Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott
10 Tips to Not Overeat
Holiday get-togethers, with their spread of scrumptious goodies, are like a license to let go, the signal to abandon your hard work and discipline for just a few days or weeks. But don’t let the joy of the season leave you sitting around the table in a food coma. Instead, practice mindful eating and use simple tricks to ensure you don’t blow your healthy lifestyle.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 