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
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
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?
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
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
Remember when scolding to attack the behavior, not the child. Instead of “You were a bad girl” change to “You did a bad thing”. The behavior was bad but the child is intrinsically good and would benefit from separation of behavior and person. Let’s fill out children’s head with the belief that they are good people who sometimes make mistakes (just like us!). Angela DiCicco Continue reading Scolding your Children
In these times there are a lot of families on a tighter budget, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t host people over. Below are a few tips to help save money Plan a menu a few weeks before the party. Be on the lookout for sales on the items you need. Be open to changing the menu based off the sales. Set the party … Continue reading How to Host a Party with Little Money
When my children were small and under my feet while I was preparing meals, I would keep dry macaroni, spoons, rice, fennel, etc in a drawer they could open themselves. I would lay out blankets do they could cook with me! Allow children to crack eggs in a separate bowl to catch any shells before they get into the other food! Wash hands well and often! … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Becca: 5am wake up call for a photo shoot- “Mommy it’s middle of the night!” Mom: “You’re up with the birds” Becca: “The birds aren’t even up yet!” Angela DiCicco and Becca Souder Continue reading Heartwarmer
July 4th can be a lot more than just a cookout and fireworks, below are a few fun activities for the family to celebrate the 4th! Organize a neighborhood parade. Help the children decorate bikes, wagons and outfits in red, white and blue. Have a picnic before the fireworks start. Usually there is music and fun activities for the children. Host a side-walk chalk contest. … Continue reading Family Fun: July 4th
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 