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Parenting Like A Pro with John and Kendra Smiley

The Problem with “Friending” Your Children
Wednesday, 08 September 2010 23:20

Parents have found a new way to invade their childrens' "private space."  They are "friending" them on facebook and the response has not been positive.  This isn't a new issue but it is growing.

1. What exactly are parents doing that has created this negative response?

  • Quoting an article from the latimes.com, "...teens are mortified by nagging chats and clueless comments left by their mothers on their online profiles."
  • Moms are sharing about issues that don't interest their kids and are downright embarrassing to them.
  • In addition, they are posting annoying pictures and messages.
  • Unfortunately, I have to report that it is moms much more than dads who are the offenders.

2. You say this isn't a "new issue," but is a "growing" one. What has prompted the growth?

Read more...
 
“That’s a lie!” Children and Lying
Wednesday, 01 September 2010 16:29

As a general rule, parents do not want their children to lie. Let's take a look at why children lie and how they can be encouraged to tell the truth.

The untruths of preschoolers and those of teenagers are very different.  Are their motivations different too?

  • Preschoolers have a great imagination. They create stories and adventures that are make-believe.
  • Elementary age kids often tell a fib in order to please their parents or another adult. They tell an untruth because they determine that is what the adult wants to hear. For example, "I got the highest grade in class on my spelling test" - which is not the truth but garners lots of praise.
  • Teenagers usually tell an untruth in order to solve a problem. For example, when coming home after curfew, they lie to their parents about the traffic or make some other relatively plausible excuse.

Read more...
 
Parenting Your Parents
Thursday, 26 August 2010 17:45

In a perfect world, your aging parents would be healthy and independent until their dying day. In reality, your parents will probably need your support.

Over half of our nation's aging adults who need care are receiving that care at home. Who is providing it?

  • Over half that need care receive it in their homes with family and friends providing that care 80 percent of the time.
  • About 25 percent of those who need care actually live in the home of the caregiver - usually an adult child.

What changes are inevitable in the life of the adult caregiver?

Read more...
 
Ready, Set, Go! It’s Back to School Time
Thursday, 19 August 2010 04:29
School Year 2010-2011 is here! All over the US, kids are in there first days of school or getting ready for that big day. How can moms and dads help their children be ready as the new school year begins?

Let's begin with the youngest students. What are some tips for those little people going off to school for the first time?

  • Give the adventure a positive spin.
  • Be certain that your child gets adequate rest and a good breakfast to start the day.
  • Take time each evening to choose clothes for the next day and to put backpack, etc. near the door so that nothing will be forgotten.
  • After a week or two of school, consider going into the classroom to pick up your child when school is over for the day. This will give you an opportunity to see the environment and dialog with your child about his classroom.

Read more...
 
Are Your Kids Tough Enough?
Thursday, 12 August 2010 02:26
Teaching Your Children to Handle Criticism

No one likes it, but criticism is a natural part of life. Could it be that today's young people are not equipped to handle criticism?  Let's take a look at this possibility and the ways you can help your kids learn and grow from "constructive criticism."

What are some specifics that point to this issue?

  • Educators are seeing that kids have difficulty when they don't earn the grade that want or when they have to deal with correction.
  • Businesses are interviewing college grads who ask who they will be "in charge of." They want the corner office with windows. When they receive instruction perceived as critical, they feel rejected and do not handle it well.
Read more...
 
Family Life and School Performance
Thursday, 05 August 2010 14:37
The way your family interacts at home can affect how your children do in school.

What is meant by "the way your family interacts?"

  • Researchers spent three years studying the relationship patterns of families and found a distinct relationship between certain family types and problems in school.
  • The 3 distinct types of family relationships were categorized as:
    • Cohesive - Emotional warmth
    • Disengaged - Cold, controlling, withdrawn relationships
    • Enmeshed - Moderate warmth and emotional involvement AND hostility and meddling

Read more...
 
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