Consistent Boundaries Makes Discipline Easier

Consistent boundaries and standards give a child and the whole family a feeling of security and safety. It is within this environment that self discipline and life skills begin to flourish and develop.

When we, as a community as well as a family, give consistent messages to our children concerning dangerous and unkind behavior, it will be easier for them to forgo temptation to participate. It is our responsibility as adults to help them learn and live by the basic rule that actions have consequences.

Those children who develop a habit of thinking about the connection will be in a position of strength. Their choices will be immeasurably easier to make because they have been given a framework for decision making. Repair or rebuild the boundary, if necessary I encourage you to be firm, consistent and kind in your discipline.

It is vital to always follow through. Don’t make threats, make promises. If you take away TV privileges the first time he doesn’t take out the garbage, but ignore it the second and third time, he will soon learn that you don’t always mean what you say. The child will learn how to be a manipulator, and you will still have the misbehavior to deal with. You are the adult, and so it is your job to repair the fence when it is broken or stretched out.

Boundaries don’t fence us in but rather they allow us freedom to grow and develop, knowing that we are safe and loved unconditionally. It is never a guessing game of what will happen but rather a sure foundation. You can do it. I believe in you. You are doing the most important job in the world, raising self-disciplined thoughtful and contributing children.

This article was written by Judy H. Wright, author and international speaker on parenting and family issues. For a full listing of books, articles, tele-classes and workshops please go to www.ArtichokePress.com You may also sign up there for FREE articles and
newsletters having to do with “finding the heart of the story in the journey of life.”

Indoor Play  Ideas For Kids

Grocery Play Store

How about a Grocery Play Store for your little ones?
When I was a kid my mom collected the boxes in which the food came in.

Examples would be:
*macaroni boxes
*spaghetti boxes
*jello boxes
*dry soup boxes
*chocolate bars wrappers
*cookies boxes
*crackers boxes
*etc

For money we use monopoly money but maybe it would be better to use coins so the children can learn about counting change at the same time.

The children will enjoy hours of great fun with this easy to set up game.

Gifts Buying For Kids

How to Choose Toys for Baby’s First Birthday Gifts
By: Sherry Frewerd
 

A baby’s first birthday is an exciting time for parents and family members.The baby has no idea what’s going on, just that everyone is smiling and happy and handing him new ‘stuff’ to play with. Very often, children receive toys inappropriate for their age, and will find more enjoyment from the wrapping paper and box than the new treasure.

Well meaning Aunts and Uncles feel that they must give little Johnny the best gift and head straight to the big name toy store and spend a fortune on the ‘hottest’ toy of the season only to be let down when the baby shows little interest in the new toy or worse yet, is terrified of the ‘bouncing-flipping-singing’ media frenzied creation. Here’s an idea. How about giving a unique, but time-less toy that the child can learn and grow by? Simple, well-made toys are best for babies and toddlers.

 What kinds of toys are best suited for twelve months old babies? Some suggested toys are items like:

• Large plastic blocks
• Stacking rings
• Stuffed toys of different textures                  
• Cloth dolls
• Activity centers
• Music boxes and toys that make sounds
• Toys to ride, push or pull

Remember, babies of this age put everything in their mouths and explore their world through their senses, so make certain that any toy you give as a gift has no small parts or small pieces that will come off. Many of the
toys listed above can be used when the child enters toddler and preschool years as well, making quality and durability even more important.

A twelve month old baby is entering into the toddler stage, many are already walking by then, and love to explore with riding toys and other activities such as toy lawn mowers and wagons. A wonderful idea for a first birthday gift is a well-made, classic toy rocking horse. There are
beautiful rocking horses to be found, and will become a family heirloom as other children enjoy it throughout the years.

All young toddlers love to snuggle and cuddle soft dolls and animals, and they make great first birthday gifts. Rather than buy the same doll or
animal that everyone else will be bringing, look for a unique, well-crafted doll or animal that can withstand lots of love and ‘dragging around’ by the little one.

Everyone loves to give toys to kids as birthday gifts; however, not everyone knows what kind of toy is best suited for a certain age child.

                                            
Giving a gift that not everyone else will think of is a great way to make your gift stand out and be remembered. As strange as it may sound, a simple, wooden or classic toy is very often the ‘unique’ toy these days and
very rarely given. TV and movie characters will come and go, but the toys that stand the test of time will be enjoyed by children for years to come.
Do a little research and purchase a toy that will not only delight little Johnny, but will help him learn and grow at the same time.

Article Source


Sherry Frewerd publishes ‘Toddler-Birthday-Party-Ideas’ and other kid and food related websites.Stop by toddler-birthday-party-ideas and plan a fun, stress-free birthday party for your child! Plan fun toddler activities for your birthday party at  Family Play And Learn