Solutions for the “Nothing to Do” Syndrome
At some point in every parents life we will hear “I’m bored” or ” I have nothing to do” and we immediately think “the bathroom needs to be cleaned!” Here are some creative ideas for when your children come to you saying “I have nothing to do.” Prepare a story hour- have the younger children pick out books for the older children to read. Act out … Continue reading Solutions for the “Nothing to Do” Syndrome
This Works for Me: Monitoring TV
I tape any movies or specials that the children want to watch. While taping, I view the show so I can edit out commercials and determine if it is appropriate. This allows me to “screen” the show and has helped us develop a library of good movies. Linda Grant We have set times and shows that the children can watch. For awhile we tried afternoon cartoons, … Continue reading This Works for Me: Monitoring TV
You’re Not Alone……
Have you ever said “I’ll never spank” but find yourself using this occasionally in anger or frustration? Have a 2 or 3 year old child who still doesn’t sleep through the night? Do you find yourself realizing at 11am that you haven’t gotten showered or dressed yet? Do you run in to check on your newborn to make sure he/she is still breathing? Do you … Continue reading You’re Not Alone……
Insight
Sometimes I feel ill-equipped to be a parent. Raising children has made me question all of my values and everything I believe in. I am responsible for molding and shaping another human being. I have to choose what I want to teach them and what values I want to instill in them. This takes soul-searching. It takes a commitment, a willingness to pull apart, to … Continue reading Insight
Television: A Priceless Learning Tool or a Great Evil?
There have been so much debate over the question of whether television is a priceless learning tool or a great evil. I don’t know about your television set, but mine, left to its own devices, doesn’t have any real power at all, except an uncanny ability to attract dust. The only control my television has over my life is that which I grant it. With my … Continue reading Television: A Priceless Learning Tool or a Great Evil?
FEAR – 6 Steps to Help you Move Past It.
F.E.A.R – False evidence appearing real. Does fear stop you from reaching your goals, dreams, desires? Feel the fear and do it anyway. That is has been my motto as an adult. That’s how I raised my children. One day I heard my son say, “I hate bridges.”” I didn’t know that. He had just crossed a huge bridge and I asked him why he did … Continue reading FEAR – 6 Steps to Help you Move Past It.
Crunchy Living: Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
As part of getting rid of toxins in my house, plus save a little money, I have been on the hunt for different products that I can make at home. I normally buy the big container of liquid hand soap, which last a while, but I noticed that I can make my own for even cheaper! Ingredients: A bar of Soap Water Directions: Grate or … Continue reading Crunchy Living: Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Encouragement: The Prime Motivator
Encouragement and Praise When we praise, we send a restricting message (“You’re only worthwhile when you do things well”) But when we encourage, we respond to a wider range of behavior, effort, and improvement. Some children interpret praise as “To be worthwhile, I must do what you want.” When we encourage, we lead children to take responsibility for their own feelings of worth. Praise is … Continue reading Encouragement: The Prime Motivator
How Do You Define Success? Here’s 6 Ways.
My daughter recently asked me, “Do you see yourself as successful?” In my home-based business creating button bouquets, I’ve sold them in 8 countries and all across the U.S. & Canada. Am I successful? I’ve raised three beautiful children who are independent thinkers and productive members of society. Am I successful? Ultimately, the question comes down to, “What does being successful mean to me?” Success … Continue reading How Do You Define Success? Here’s 6 Ways.
Red Light, Green Light
Do you remember playing this game as a child? It is also a great way to teach your children to be safe outside! Once your child understands that RED means STOP and GREEN means GO, you can just shout RED or GREEN to get them to stop or go. This way they will find it fun and you will be able to keep them safe! … Continue reading Red Light, Green Light
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 