As children get more involved in activities, and parents are working hard to make ends meet, sitting down to a dinner together can prove elusive. If more mealtimes together is one of your goals, try this experiment with your own family. Years ago the Oprah Winfrey Show conducted “Family Dinner Experiments.” Five families accepted the […]
You know you’re not supposed to do their homework for them. So how do you help? A few ways you can help set them up for success is to prepare the space, your child, and set some rules for homework time. Some guidelines suggested by the U.S. Department of Education include: Set a regular
Beyond the Classroom: Help With Homework Read More »
For the most part they’re fun and everyone has a blast playing them, but sports participation can serve other very important purposes as well. The benefits of playing sports go far beyond the obvious. The experts say sports can help children physically, socially, emotionally, and academically. Kids get important exercise that will help them
Benefits of Sports Read More »
It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of literacy development in the home. Even tots who are too young to read aren’t too small to enjoy literacy activities. Make time in the car for conversations. It sounds obvious, but think about how often you listen to music while your kid zones out to a movie
4 Ways to Encourage Early Literacy Read More »
Head Helmets can’t work if not worn correctly. Refer to the Don’t Thump Your Melon tips below. Feet Wear proper shoes for each activity, and make sure they fit. When hiking wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. (don’t hike in flip-flops!) For other sports, children may need specialized footwear like cleats, skates, or boots. Knees
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, before deciding consider these benefits and the impact it can have on you, your family and your community. The first benefit of volunteering is that it connects you to others and to your community and makes it a better place. Dedicating
Helping Yourself…While Helping Others Read More »
It’s a frequently debated topic among parents: should allowance be tied to chores? On one hand, parents want children to be contributing members of the family, but on the other hand, it’s an opportunity to teach them about finances. Some parents have found a happy medium in tying a dollar amount to the tasks
Chores and Allowance Read More »
So you’re finally getting bold and making the time for a date night with your spouse. Good for you! This deserves a pat on the back. As you plan for your evening, remember that life on the home front will continue on in your absence. The dog will still need to be fed, and
Prepare For The Sitter Read More »
You can find these kinds of stories every day. The ones where children dial 9-1-1 and the call ends up helping to save a life. You can’t possibly know when an emergency might arise. For this reason alone, consider teaching your children how to respond to an emergency. Some adults are apprehensive about teaching the
In Case of Emergency Read More »
Yes, going through the so-called “terrible twos” and “trying threes” can be stressful, but grandma’s cookies and milk and hugs can usually bring a smile to a child’s face that is priceless. Grandparents frequently fill the gaps and do their share of parenting when mom and dad want (or need) some time alone. Together
Putting the Grand In Grandparent Read More »
