High expectations from your child?

Here's a good link for all of us parents who have rather high 'expectations'  from our children...

http://www.mycity4kids.com/parenting/kavitha-sriram/article/mom-i-will-improve

To build or break a child's spirit

I have made this same mistake so many times. I am so sorry, my precious! I will try...

http://www.handsfreemama.com/2014/05/20/to-build-or-break-a-childs-spirit/

Top Ten Things to Teach

What should we be teaching our children?

Here's a good list -

http://www.scarymommy.com/things-every-child-should-be-taught/

Do children misbehave?

I consider myself to be a mom who is, in general, more aware than most about a child's psychology. I easily give advice to my patients with a smile on my face.
Why is it then, that the smile changes to frowns and stern looks and even gritting the teeth when it comes to dealing with my own 5 year old?
Why is it that I see her behaviour as a 'problem' that needs to be corrected?
What am I doing wrong in these situations?
Will my daughter grow up to remember her mother as constantly correcting and dictating?
I am the one who needs to change.

http://thealternative.in/education/the-myth-of-the-misbehaved-child/

Wonderful Words

As conscientious parents, we always try to do and say the right things to our children. But do we always get it right?
How often have I caught myself saying, " What a beautiful drawing this is!"
Such a statement, along with praise, imposes 'expectation' on our kids. They hear that we loved the drawing. The next time they draw, this could lead to them wondering whether we will love the new drawing as much. This leads to insecurity, self-doubt and hesitancy.

The right thing to say would be, " I love to see you drawing"

Just a happy statement, no expectation. The child can draw whatever he/she likes, with confidence and enjoyment.

This is applicable not just to drawing but any activity children do.

Read on - a lovely article -
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-macy-stafford/six-words-you-should-say-today_b_3863643.html

Handling Disrespect

Our parents were never ever disrespectful to their parents. We were, a few times. Our kids are; more often than we were.
That's because they have more freedom to voice their thoughts and express their feelings. Which is good. But how do we handle the disrespect?

http://sparethekids.com/2013/03/how-to-keep-cool-when-your-child-is-being-disrespectful/

Mommy Spanks are Worst

 We're tired, we're upset, we're frustrated. SPANK! We perhaps feel better 'cause we've found an outlet. We also feel bad that we let our feelings run away with us.

But what does it do to our child??

http://stopspanking.org/2013/06/25/maternal-warmth-doesnt-make-spanking-less-harmful/

More HEALTH, Less Health Care: My CRYSTAL Clear Stance on Vaccines (which aren't ...

 A perfectly rational analysis of the vaccine issue. By a doctor.

More HEALTH, Less Health Care: My CRYSTAL Clear Stance on Vaccines (which aren't ...: Recently, I asked for feedback with a survey that went out in my email newsletter.  If you did it, thank you for your feedback .  I want t...

On Meeting Little Girls

Don't we all start with the usual "Oh you're so pretty!!", "What a lovely dress you're wearing!!", "I love your hairstyle!!", etc., etc., etc.

Is that truly making them into confident youngsters or is it giving them the wrong message that they will always be judged by how they look?

A wonderful article to think about and implement. I shall be careful the next time I meet a little girl. I shall start with my daughter.

http://latinafatale.com/2011/07/21/how-to-talk-to-little-girls/

Truly

Yes, this is how I often feel! And it's good to know I don't always have to feel 'nice'.

http://www.stevewiens.com/2013/03/12/to-parents-of-small-children-let-me-be-the-one-who-says-it-out-loud/