Resources for Babies and Toddlers

For those of you with newborns through three year olds, there is a very interesting, informative, and fun journal/book for parents. Dr. Christine Harris has written several books. Baby's First Year Journal lets you record your thoughts and feelings while also gaining valuable information. She also has the Toddler Journal for 1-3 year olds! These are a great resource for parents!

Something to Think About

"One of the most obvious facts about grownups to a child is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child"

Randall Jarrell

Beware of Strangers

I've blogged about this important topic before, but I feel so strongly the importance of talking with our kids about strangers! I just heard on the Today Show that kid abductions has risen over 400% on the last 10 years or so!! That is incredible. Some of the important tips they stressed:
-Teach your kids it's better to be Rude and Wrong
-People who abduct may appear kind and appealing
-It's never too early to start talking about kids
-Ask your children what a stranger might say (This helps you know how they perceive them)
-Practice scenarios with them

Read more at http://www.msnbc.com/todayshow

Know Their Strengths

Knowing your children's strengths is one of the biggest keys to their success. Second to that is helping them use them!! A great resource to find out how your child will respond in situations based on their own skills and strengths can be found at www.kolbe.com. Children as young as 3 can use this tool to help determine their Kolbe profile. There is a fee involved, but is well worth it. This tool was recently featured in Martha Beck's column in Oprah Magazine.

Divorce and Kids

Did you know that research shows that the biggest impact on children and divorce comes from their financial situation (ie..if they experience poverty) and the degree to which the parents are able to get along. Of course it is important to look carefully how divorce impacts every child and take appropriate meausures, which may include professional counseling, to ensure they are doing well. However, it is also important for parents to keep in mind how they can keep their relationship as harmonious as possible. PBS kids at http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/ (It's my life) has some great resources for kids and coping with divorce as well as other issues.

My Middle Schooler is Ignoring Me

One of the biggest adjustments for parents of middle schoolers is that of how their child views them. Children under the age of 10 often enjoy spending time with parents and the focus is much on the family. However, that shift begins to move towards a focus on friends. Friends and social relationships become very important, especially by the middle school years. This can leave parents feelings hurt. Don't take it personally! This important step for your child is a natural part of growing up. Try to find a healthy and respectful balance of spending time together while also honoring their new preferences. Take the focus off of them and give yourself some time by picking an activity you enjoy.

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