To all the busy moms out there balancing work, kids, and other obligations, try to carve out some time for yourself.
Even just ten minutes will help you recharge your spirit, energy, mood, and body. This Mother’s Day weekend, be sure you include some self-rejuvenating self-care.
One way to help your child feel understood is…
…by listening for the feeling behind their words or actions. Then try tentatively reflecting back what your child may be feeling before addressing their words or actions. i.e. “Sounds like you are feeling sad that your friend has moved away.,” “You seem disappointed that the trip was cancelled.,” or “You must be feeling proud of […]
One way to teach children responsibility is to…
…allow them to solve their own age-appropriate problems and coach them on how to solve the tougher ones by brainstorming some solutions together and then selecting the best one. Want to learn more strategies to help your child become more responsible? Join us for our virtual live 8-week program (via Zoom), The 3 R’s: Raising […]
This coming long weekend, why not try some outdoor family fun activities?
You could play hopscotch in the driveway, have a scavenger hunt, play a family soccer game at the park, or do a hiking trail together. Just remember that spring weather can be unpredictable, so have your child dress in layers of spring clothes so they can adjust. as needed.
If you are teen parents trying to co-parent your baby…
…have both parents go to baby doctors’ appointments to ensure both parents feel involved. Looking for more tips specifically for teen parents? Click here: https://familyedcentre.org/categories/teen-parents/
If your child has ADD/ADHD…
You can help your child develop social skills by teaching them ways to self-regulate such as telling themselves to ‘Pause and think first’ or when they feel angry to hand squeeze balls instead of lashing out. If you know or suspect your child has ADD/ADHD, check out our resources here: https://familyedcentre.org/categories/parenting-a-child-with-add-adhd/
When it seems like the children are always fighting…
Try acknowledging their anger first (without judgement or taking sides); then respectfully and objectively describe what you think is the problem. Now express confidence in their ability to resolve this problem on their own. For more strategies and ideas, take our FREE eLearning course, Coping with the Combat: When Siblings Fight.
Fun Physical Activity for Families on a Budget
No money for activities for children? No problem! Try at home options that are free, fun and will keep children of all ages moving and laughing at the same time. For example, try Dance and Freeze. Everyone dances to the music. When the music stops, freeze in position until the music restarts. For more free, […]
If your child is a fussy eater and you are on a budget….
You can encourage your children to eat healthy, even when you are on a budget by focusing on choices rather than limitations. For example, give them choices in the food planning – “We have carrots for vegetable tonight. Would you like them as carrot sticks, coin rounds, or cooked with your dinner?” Involve children in […]
Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated it cannot be harvested. – African Proverb
Parents can help their children learn positive behaviours that will help them succeed in school and beyond by role modeling these behaviours themselves and using natural and logical consequences as part of positive discipline.