Image via Wikipedia Pictures of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts daughter Shiloh have been the talk of many magazines. It seems that the celebrity couple allows the girl to dress as a boy and swim only in trunks rather than a bathing suit. The question becomes is this helpful or harmful, should parents assist a child in forming gender identity or allow the child to choose what feels right? This can be a difficult subject and the famous parents are probably not the only ones struggling with it. What is the duty of parents? To stand by until children ask for assistance or to … [Read more...]
Communicating with Toddlers
Image via Wikipedia Toddlers seem to have a language all their own but parents who listen well can learn to communicate effectively with their children and stop many tantrums from happening. Tantrums often occur out of frustration. A child who does not feel heard or understood may resort to crying and screaming. What can a parent do? Parrot Children repeat words and phrases they hear in order to understand. Adults who do the same thing can increase communication. A toddler may confuse sounds or words but by parroting a parent can make sure they are hearing and understanding … [Read more...]
When and How to Start Giving Our Child an Allowance
Allowances are much more complex than they may seem. When parents first have a baby and begin to think about his future, they assume that it will include some way for him to earn money to spend so he will learn the basics of spending, saving and budgeting while their supervision. However, once their child gets a little older, many parents are surprised to realize there are many questions surrounding allowances and no right or wrong way to administer them to their children. It is entirely up to the parents as to when and how their kids will earn their allowances, but there are a few things … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child Develop Languaage Skills
Most parents eagerly anticipate the first words that spout from their child’s mouth. While every child develops at his own pace and it can be counterproductive to pressure your child to talk, there are several things you can do to help him develop his language skills. First, talk to him. Start talking to your child the minute he’s born. Even though he can’t respond and may sometimes not even give you any indication he hears you, he starts learning from you immediately. He’ll learn to recognize speech patterns and detect emotions just from hearing his parents’ voices. Read to … [Read more...]
Dividing Household Chores
Balancing household chores is tricky for many families. Even in a more traditional household, where one parent works and the other stays home, it’s hard. Families where both parents work may have an even more difficult time divvying up household chores since bother parents are away most of the day. It’s easy to let the issue come between you or to simple give up nagging your spouse and just do the chores yourself, but neither is a very good way to deal with the situation. Instead, try to figure out a way to divide chores that will keep both partners at least moderately happy. The … [Read more...]