I have two little boys; a five-year-old and a three-year-old. At times, they get along wonderfully. At others, however, you would think that World War III has broken out in our home. Although they don’t typically fight physically with each other, the arguing, screaming, and yelling is enough for any parent to command a cease-fire.
However, simply demanding an end to a battle does not help children learn how to prevent the next one from getting out of control as well. Instead, we, as parents, need to equip our children with tactical plans for working out their problems with others.
Since my own children don’t tend to hit or kick, simply demanding that they use their words does not mean much to them. They are already using their words. The words they have chosen, however, are either mean and hurtful or they are at a volume level that makes our pets run for cover.
Instead of waiting for the next skirmish to develop, take the time during times of peace to work with your children on developing appropriate words to solve some typical childhood dilemmas. For example, you make act out scenarios that involve a toy being taken away by another child or what to do if another child hits you. Come up with a couple of dialogue phrases that a child can always fall back on, such as, “That hurts my feelings” or “Please don’t do that.”
Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati
Written by Laura on April 13, 2011
My three-year-old has an imagination that goes non-stop. When his older brother isn’t home, and he is able to spend some time playing on his own, I love to listen to him taking control of the imaginary situation and playing all of the roles in whatever scene he has scripted in his mind.
Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati
Written by Laura on January 5, 2011
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I attended our kindergartner’s “Back-to-School” night. His teacher had done a wonderful job preparing her classroom along with a scavenger hunt in which the parents could learn about the various areas of the classroom and school. One of my favorite areas was the writing center where parents were encouraged to write a letter and put it in th
Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati
Written by Laura on September 20, 2010
Why is it that we, as human beings, seem to focus so much on the negative characteristics of a person? Perhaps it is because they seem to stick out more or maybe it is because the negative attributes elicit a more powerful emotional response. Whatever the reason, it takes practice and focus to concentrate and react to the positive attributes of a person. This includes those of our own children.
Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati
Written by Laura on August 13, 2010
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence to teach your preschooler the joy of reading and writing.
Sponsored by Bridges Reading & Writing Institute -- teaching the JOY of reading and writing to students in preschool through 12th grade.
