Watching your child play with her peers can be an eye-opening experience. Is she sharing with others? Respecting her peers’ boundaries? “Being able to keep good boundaries with peers is essential for developing healthy self-esteem and friendships,” says Raquel Lefebvre, Vermont-based licensed psychologist. Help your child foster healthy friendships by teaching her about appropriate boundaries with role playing and activities that will enrich her understanding of herself and her peers.
Tag: parenting
Teaching Children to Learn From Failure
Ever wonder why some children throw in the towel as soon as things get tough while others get right back on the horse and try again? The fear of failure can stifle one child’s progress while motivating another. “Failure is an opportunity for a child to build their resilience muscles,” says Ingrid Kellaghan, founder of Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago. Learning to deal with failure, rejection and challenging situations shapes a child’s personality and opportunity for growth. As his parent, you have the power to teach him how to get back on the horse and continue to ride along on this important journey.
Teaching Children About Being Considerate
It’s tempting to scold your child for forgetting to say please or thank you, but many parents don’t realize that their children may not have learned considerate behaviors yet. If not, it’s time to give them the opportunity to show off their sweet and caring sides to family and friends. “Providing opportunities for children to learn considerate play are integral to kids learning these behaviors,” says Melody Brooke, family therapist in Richardson, Texas. By modeling considerate behavior and showing your child how to empathize with others, you will be molding his character for the future.
Teaching Children to be Good Listeners
Your little chatty Cathy probably shares every detail about her day with you on a regular basis. She talks about her friends, her toys, her wishes and her wants with excitement and enthusiasm. However, once the chatter stops, does she really listen to you and others? “Developing the ability to listen allows a child to learn not to see only their perspective on things, and to be open to connecting to others on a more intimate level,” says Melody Brooke, a family therapist in Richardson, Texas. Before children can really connect with others, it’s important that they are taught the skills to be good listeners – at home, at school and in social settings.
Teaching Kids About Feelings
It’s natural for your child to act out when she doesn't quite understand what she's feeling. Her thoughts and feelings naturally contribute to her behavior -- so teaching your child about her thoughts, feelings and behavior is key to her development and self-awareness.
Teaching Children How to Deal With Bad Influences
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.
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.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 