Get Your Child to Start Reading Before Age One

mom and child reading

You should not be skeptical of the fact that motherhood has become the most fulfilling task in our current world. As a matter of fact, each milestone of your kid’s development is demanding and challenging. If you are a mother, you will certainly concur with the fact that after taking the first step and speaking the first words by your kid, the next step is to enlighten him on how to read.

Research has claimed that the first years of child development are very important since it has an effect on his or her personality. That being said, children learning reading is a special comprehensive digital program designed primarily to teach your child to read even before going to school. Also, this program offers step-by-step systematic training to guardians or parents on child development.

In addition, this program intends to offer complete instructions on phonic and phonemic awareness to both parents and kids. Phonics awareness is not the same with phonemic because it concentrates on the growth of the ability of identification, hearing, and manipulation of distinctive phenomes. That being said, your kids should comprehend the sounds of the smallest part of constantly spoken words before you can read a text to them.

According to various studies, phonemic awareness is very effective especially in terms of enlightening your kid on how to decode written and printed words. It is also effective on how to manipulate the individual letter sounds and their formation.

Without going further, if you want to access the program and enable your child learning and reading abilities to be effective, simply click on the link below;

An Overview of the children learning reading program;

  • 1. Concentrates on children learning and comprehension abilities and improve his reading fluency
  • 2.Establish the fundamentals of learning and reading
  • 3. Enable children learning and reading process easy, swift, shorter, and smooth.
  • 4. Includes phonemic and phonics awareness, that is, the link between the sounds and alphabets.
  • 5.Introduction to easy and complicated advanced words
  • 6.Short and interesting stories and nursery rhymes
  • 7. Incorporates enjoyable and fun activities to learn and practice.

What are the advantages of reading this book?

  • 1. It develops phonemic and phonics awareness in every child
  • 2. It is a complete comprehensive e-book
  • 3. All the topics are concise and short
  • 4. It will be of assistance in interpreting letter sounds and demonstrating the right pronunciation in a child.
  • 5. Each topic is productive and highly  effective

A few of the Cons include;

  • 1. It involves every parent’s involvement and devoted efforts.
  • 2. You can only access the program in a digital format.

You should know that a child who is lacking phonic and phonemic awareness will find it very tough to read. This can eventually result in the child being a slow reader. The concept of either of these features is to teach your children to read by identifying the individual alphabets and sounds. These features also enable your child to read new and complicated words.

Your child shouldn\’t be left behind by their mates. If you\’re interested in getting your child to start reading before they\’re ONE, click the link below to watch video.

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How to help a baby choking

prevent baby choking

What can you do when you see your baby choking? Even though it is something every parent or guardian does not want to imagine, knowing the basics can be of assistance in potentially dislodging an object.

In this article, we will provide the basic methods you can help a baby choking and also list a few tips to prevent choking accidents in your home.

What are the steps you need to take assuming your baby is choking? Well, a lot of stuffs can occur quickly in emergencies. Therefore, we have made our point clear enough.

Step One: Check if your baby is actually choking

You may notice that your baby is gagging or coughing. We all know that any of them can be scary, but assuming it is just noise and they can breathe, then the baby is not choking.

Choking only occurs when a baby is not able to cry or even cough. The baby would not also be able to make any noise or breathe since their airway is fully hindered.

Step Two: Reach out to 911

The best idea you can think of when you find out that your baby is choking to reach out to a friend or family member or 911 services. Make sure you give a full explanation of the operation and give updates. It is very critical that you give vital information to the operator.

Step Three: Place your baby face down on your forearm

For support, simply use your thigh. Then, use the heel of your free hand to deliver five blows to the area between their shoulder blades. If you want these blows to be effective, then they should be strong and quick at the same time. Your baby’s airway should then experience vibrations and pressure that will hopefully force the object out.

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Step Four: Place your baby over their back

Place your baby on your thigh and also place their head lower than their chest. After that, use your index and middle fingers to locate your baby’s breastbone. Use enough pressure to press the chest down. Make sure you do this at least five times. When you perform this action, then the air from the lungs will be pushed into the airway. This will also potentially force the object out.

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Step Five: Repeat Step One to Step Four

Let us assume the object dialed to dislodge, simply go back and repeat the same instructions. In other words, give vital information to the 911 operator immediately your baby loses consciousness. Then, repeat the chest thrusts.

What can make Babies Choke?

It can be scary to even imagine this scenario, but it can happen. You may even be astonished that food can also result in your baby choking. That is why it is critical to introduce only age-appropriate foods, particularly purees, to your baby after they are four months old.

Foods such as hot dogs, grapes, nuts and seeds, popcorn, chunks of meat, chunks of vegetables or raw fruits, hard candies, chewing gum, peanut butter, etc can result in your baby choking. Other stuffs that can make your baby choke are as follows;

  • Dice
  • Pen caps
  • Marbles
  • Button batteries
  • Coins
  • Toys with small parts
  • Latex balloons and
  • Other tiny small household items
How to Treat Baby Sore Throat
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Become the best dad for your kids

Today, more fathers like you are reaping the benefits of taking a more active role in their children\’s lives. We drafted out some important ways to assist or remind you to begin a new journey today—one that will affect your relationships and your kid\’s life.

  • Love and Respect the Mother of your Children

Respecting your children\’s mother is one of the best things you can do for them as a father. If you\’re married, this should go without saying, but just in case, I\’ll say it anyway: keep your marriage solid and balanced. Make time to focus on this relationship at least once a week to keep it healthy. Even if you\’re not married, it\’s crucial to love and respect your children\’s mother. A father and mother who love each other and show it to their children create a safe atmosphere. Kids are more likely to feel welcomed and appreciated if they see their parents loving each other.

  • Create Time for your children

I recognize that this is more complex than it seems. However, how a father spends his time reveals what is essential to him to his children. No matter what you say, if you always seem to be too busy for your children, they will feel unloved. Spending time with your children sometimes necessitates sacrificing other items, but it is critical to do so. Kids grow up in just a short period. Chances that are misspent are forever lost.

  • Listen First, Talk After

Far too often, a father\’s only contact with his children happens while they are in trouble. Consequently, when their mother says, \”Dad wants to see you,\” many children can panic. Take the time to listen to your children\’s concerns and suggestions. They would feel more appreciated and heard if you listen to them. Start listening and conversing with your children when they are young so that tough topics will be easier to deal with when they get older.

  • Scold them with love

All children require guidance and training, not as a means of punishment, but rather to create appropriate boundaries. Remind your kids of the consequences of their decisions and give them tangible incentives for good conduct—fathers who discipline their children calmly and reasonably demonstrate their love for them.

  • Be A Role Model

Whether they realize it or not, fathers serve as role models for their children. A girl who spends time with a caring father learns how to handle boys with respect and what qualities to look for in a husband. By displaying integrity, modesty, and accountability, fathers will teach their sons what is essential in life.

  • Teach Your Kids

We have a propensity to assume that teaching is something that only other people do in a school building. However, a father who teaches his children the difference between right and wrong and helps them to do their best will see his children making good decisions. Fathers who are actively involved in their children\’s lives use daily examples to teach them life lessons. Consider how much essential information you, and you alone, have about music and classic films at this stage!

  • Encourage Family Meals

Sharing a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) with your family can be an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It offers kids the opportunity to talk about what they are doing what they\’d like to do, in addition to providing some structure on a busy day. It\’s also a good time for dads to pay attention. Above all, it is a time for families to spend quality time together every day.

  • Encourage Reading

In a world where children\’s lives are dominated by television and technology, fathers must attempt to read to their children. Doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing, are the best ways for children to understand. Encourage them to read independently as they get older. Imparting the love of reading in your children is one of the most important ways to ensure continued development.

  • Express Love

Children need the assurance that they are wanted, welcomed, and cherished by their parents and siblings. Make yourself at ease when it comes to hugging your kids, Dad. The best way to let your kids know that you love them is to express love daily.

Conclusion

Whether it\’s continued education, a new career, or a wedding, fathers remain an integral part of their children\’s lives as they grow, marry, and start their own families.

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How to Handle Separation Anxiety in Toddlers

mom, love, kiss

It\’s normal for your child to cry when you leave, but it\’s still upsetting. Leaving your child is never easy, and it\’s even more difficult if they call and clings to you every time you go. Separation anxiety, on the other hand, is a standard part of growing up. It\’s a sign of a child\’s attachment to his parents. Finally, this strong sense of security will aid your child\’s development into an intelligent toddler.

When Does Separation Anxiety Start in Toddlers?

Separation anxiety can be traced back to cognitive development. During the first few months of life, your baby has no idea that they are self-sufficient. That\’s why young babies jump from one lap to the next with ease.

Your baby, however, starts to differentiate between people around the age of eight months, and he develops deep emotional attachments to his caregivers. They are also learning about object permanence which means that objects and people (including Mom and Dad) continue to exist even though she can\’t see them. When you combine all of these developmental advancements, you have the perfect formula for separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in children usually begins between the ages of 8 and 14 months. It can show up when you\’re dropping your child off at daycare—or even when you\’re just going to the bathroom. Separation anxiety resurfaces about 15 months, just as it seems Baby is slowly adapting. This time, though, it\’s a little different: your child knows that you\’re going somewhere else when you go, but she has no idea whether you\’ll be gone for a minute or forever.

Factors That Affects Separation Anxiety

Your child\’s reaction rate is determined by their disposition. Other considerations come into play as well: Infants who have been introduced to caregivers other than their parents at an early age are more likely to cope with separation in later months. If you are leaving your baby tired, hungry, or sick, she would most likely give you a hard time.

Tips for Separation Anxiety in Toddlers

Although your baby\’s cries can persuade you to cancel your plans, doing so would exacerbate the situation the next time you need to leave. Here\’s what you can do to console your baby.

Practice separation: Play peekaboo to reinforce the idea that you\’ll still return to make break less of a shock. You may also send stuffed animals or dolls on mini-adventures before returning them to your child. Finally, consider leaving him with someone he knows and trusts for a few brief periods—a half hour to an hour. Try a babysitter until he sees that you still return (and that the other caregivers are all friendly and loving).

Develop a goodbye ritual: Routine is particularly relevant for younger babies. Build a farewell routine that will relax both of you while also preparing Baby for separation. Just before you step out the door, sing a little song, give your child a hug and kiss, or wave. Discover what works best for you and stick with it.

Resist sneaking out. Trying to leave while the child isn\’t looking or running out when the child is engaging in an activity without saying goodbye is a significant mistake. The child may become nervous or distressed because she did not have the opportunity to say goodbye or kiss goodbye. 

Don’t draw out leaving: Don\’t be shocked if your baby cries when you go; it\’s normal and safe. A solid emotional base is the ability to be conscious of and articulate one\’s feelings. That does not, however, imply that you should postpone your departure. Trying to console him would likely only add to his suffering. Instead, hug and kiss your child and tell him you love him before handing him over to the caregiver. He\’ll stop crying eventually, and you\’ll stop feeling bad.

Control your emotions. Keep back the tears, as tricky as it might be—at least before you get to the car. If your child sees you sad, he will become even more anxious.

Plan a fun reunion: The importance of happy reunion rituals in strengthening the parent-child bond and reducing separation anxiety cannot be overstated. If she approaches you when you arrive, give her a big hug and stay with her for a few minutes before returning inside. Get down and play with her for a few minutes if she waves a toy. These happy returns teach your child that no matter how sad it is for Mommy and Daddy to leave, it is still good when they return.

Always keep in Contact. It doesn\’t matter how often it tends to happen; your heart will break when your child cries when you leave. Checking in during the day isn\’t anything to be ashamed of. It will provide you with peace of mind and reduce your remorse about leaving.

Establish a tranquil bedtime. Dealing with nighttime separation anxiety in babies? Create a bedtime routine that involves stuff like a bath, reading, and a goodnight kiss. This will help Baby cope with the impending separation. You can also record yourself reading stories or singing lullabies and play it back for her when she\’s lonely or afraid.

Conclusion 

Children are developing, and they are growing attached to their parents or caregivers. Helping them understand how self-sufficient they are is a gradual process that you should rush. Separation anxiety can be corrected or avoided in children, follow our highlighted steps. We hope this could help; cheers!!

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50 Positive Phrases that Motivate Kids to Do the Right Thing 

We think about how they talk to adults and their peers when we think about how children interact. The focus of this post is on the way kids communicate amongst themselves, their internal dialogue.

Just as much as anything else, kids need to be prepared with constructive self-talk. Everyone, of course, has different barriers and different conditions, but there are still many problems that young people face. Some common challenges, for instance, that most children face are:

  • Seeking acceptance from their peers
  • Seeking acceptance from their parents
  • Low self-esteem
  • Judgment from others
  • Absence of patience towards their goals
  • Misappropriation of social media
  • Pressure from society to be successful. 

While children develop their identity, challenge the world around them, and define their abilities when deciding the life they will lead, how they speak to themselves plays a significant role. With kids integrating many of the values, principles, favorite phrases, and so on of their parents, let\’s ensure that they also get their good dose of motivational quotes. 

The following are a few great motivational quotes for kids that should be read when they feel too vulnerable or depressed about something.

Here are 50 Positive phrases that motivate kids:

1. You can guide yourself in any direction you choose. – Dr. Suess

2. Nothing is challenging if you break it down into small jobs. – Henry Ford

3. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. – Dr. Suess

4. It is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate. – George Burns

5. It’s good to have an end to journey toward, but it’s the journey that matters in the future. – Ursula K. LeGuin

6. Life itself is the most beautiful fairy tale. – Hans Christen Andersen

7. How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. – Anne Frank

8. Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning. – Diane Ackerman

9. Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm. – Earl Nightingale

10. Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do. – John Wooden

11. We all can dance when we find the music we love. – Giles Andreae

12. You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. – A.A. Milne/Christopher Robin

13. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – Winston Churchill

14. Not only must we be good, but we must also be useful for something. – Henry David Thoreau

15. The more you give away, the happier you become. – Anonymous

16. Happiness Doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give. – Ben Carson

17. It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. – Epictetus

18. When you know better, you do better. – Maya Angelou

19. To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe. – Anatole France

20. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

21. You always pass failure on the way to success. – Mickey Rooney

22. Make each day your masterpiece. – John Wooden

23. Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream. – Alice Munro

24. Politeness is the flower of humanity. – Joseph Joubert

25. Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

26. Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream, precedes the goal. – Pamela Vault Starr

27. To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle. – Walt Whitman

28. Time’s fun when you’re eating flies. – Kermit the Frog

29. No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers. – Wolfgang Riebe

30. Never waste a minute thinking of anyone you don’t like. – Eisenhower 

31. Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey

32. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? – Dr. Suess

33. Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, ‘Till you find your dream. – Sound of Music

34. We know what we are but do not see what we may be. – Shakespeare

35. Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. – H. Jackson Brown

36. There is a voice inside of you. That whispers all day long; I feel this is right for me; I know that this is wrong. – Anonymous

37. The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

38. You always pass failure on the way to success. – Mickey Rooney

39. Pulling someone down will never help you reach the top. – Kushandwizdom

40. All your dreams can come true if you dare to pursue them. – Walt Disney 

41. Always chase your dreams instead of running from your fears. – Anonymous

42. Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning. – Diane Ackerman

43. We grow great by dreams. – Woodrow Wilson

44. Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb

45. Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals. – Horace Mann

46. Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners. – Laurence Sterne

47. The test of good manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones. – Wendell Willkie

48. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life. – Sophia Loren

49. Give the world the best you have, and the best will come to you. – Madeline Bridge

50.  Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. – Dale Carnegie

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50 Short Prayers to Teach Your Child

short prayers

Teaching your children to pray is an important part of introducing them to Jesus Christ and helping them build a strong relationship with God. Our Lord gave us prayer so we can communicate with him directly. Getting your children comfortable with prayer helps them to understand that God is always close and accessible, and always there for them.

Here are Short Prayers to Teach Your Child;

1. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  Amen.

2. Dear God, thank you for loving me. Help me to love my family, my friends, and everybody around me.

3. Dear God, thank you for making me smile. Help my smiles to give joy to other people around me.

4. Dear God, thank you for being patient with me as I learn to obey You. Please help me to always be patient when things do not happen the way I want them to.

5. Dear God, help me know when I’m wrong and help me be kind to people who do not agree with me.

6. Dear God, thank you for being kind to me, even when I do not deserve it. Please help me to be kind to others, even when they are not kind to me

7. Dear God, thank you for Jesus, who always did the right things for people. Make me good like Jesus so I can be good and also do the right things for people.

8. Dear God, thank you for always keeping your promises to me. Help me to always keep my promises.

9. Dear God, thank you for always being gentle with me. Help me to be gentle with people, even when the things they do or say hurt me.

10. Dear God, be in my head and understanding, be in my eyes and sight, be in my mouth, control what I speak, and be in my heart and thinking.

11. Dear God, bless my tongue and help me to be careful about what I say. Don’t let me want to do evil or join others in doing evil.

12. Thank you, Lord, for a new day. Thank you for the breeze, food, sun, for your work and play.

13. Three things I pray for day by day

      1. To see you more clearly

      2. To love you more dearly

      3. To follow you more closely day by day

14. Dear God, teach me all that I should know so that I can grow in grace and wisdom. The more I learn to do thy will, the better I grow to love thee.

15. Lord, help me have a loving heart, a gentle hand, willing feet so I may grow more like you in all that I say and do, Amen.

16. We thank you, God, for the shelter around us, for the food before us, for the loving family around us, and love between us, Amen.

17. Dear God, be with us today. Fill our hearts with joy, our minds with learning, our classrooms with peace, our lessons with fun, our friendship with kindness, and our school with love.

18. Dear God in heaven, hear my prayers. Keep me in your loving, bless those who love me too, and be my guide in all that I do. Amen

19. Dear Lord, hold my hand, and lead the way, help me to be good to people every day. Let me know what is wrong and what is right. Let me know what you have planned, and keep me safe day and night.

20. Dear God, Please help me to honor and respect my parents, as your word said we should honor thy father and mother.

21.  Dear God, Please help me to love and respect my friends. Help me to always love as Jesus did.

22. Dear God, Please help me be grateful for the things I have and the things I don’t have.

23. He wakes me up; He makes me sleep. Provides for me the food I eat. When I cry, I call on him, Because I know with him I win. Even though the hardest day, I trust in him in every way. He’s the One who sees me through, Jesus lives, I know it’s true. With loving-kindness, he smiles at me. Because he died, I am free. Lord, for all, I thank you so, I know you’ll never let me go

24. Lord, thank you for a new day. Please go before me and clear the way. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

25. Good morning, dear Jesus, I give you this day, please, be with me in all I see and all that I do today.

26. Dear God, help me be the best I can be on this brand new day you have given to me.

27. Angel of God, my guardian, to whom God’s love ensures my love. Ever this day is at my side, to light, to guard, to guide, and to rule, Amen.

28. Now, as I lay down to sleep, I pray to the Lord to keep me safe. Let thy love go with me throughout the night and wake me with the morning light.

29. Dear God, please keep my family, friends, and loved ones safe. Please watch over them always, and let good health, happiness, and blessings befall them. Amen!

30. Dear God, help me spend today with a smile on my face, with love in my heart, joy in his grace, and my thinking cap on throughout the day. Amen

31. Dear God, as I lay in my bed to rest my little head, if I wake in the night, kiss my cheek, and I will be alright. Bless my family and the ones I love. Watch us from above. Amen

32. Dear Lord, thank you so much for my home and for my entire family. Thank you for the love you give to each of us to share it with others and help us live a happy life.

33. Lord, I praise you for all you’ve done, for the sun and the moon, for a bright day and the dark night. Thank you for taking care of us all the time. Amen

34. Dear Jesus, you promised comfort and care when we are ill until we are laughing and playing again. We trust you to hold our hands until we recover and get well.

35. Dear God, please give my parents wisdom to raise me in the way I should grow and to always be obedient and respectful to them at all times.

36. Dear father, our Lord, and savior, thank you for your love and favor, bless this food and drink that you have given us today, and also bless those who share with us today.

37. My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do the good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. Have mercy and forgive me, Lord.

38. Teach my heart to raise in a morning hymn of praise; And for Jesus’ sake, I pray, bless, and keep me through the day.

39. Dear God, please show me how to spend this day sharing love in every way. Help me to be kind to everyone, to play and have lots of fun and shining your light and sharing your joy with a smile on my face.

40. Dear God, Please give me the strength and courage to always do what is right.

41. Dear God, Please teach me to learn and to grow in all of Your ways. Please help me to think like Jesus.

42. Dear God, please teach me how to pray for those in need, please bring food to those hungry, I pray for people who don’t have drinking water. Please help them.

43. Dear God, please comfort me on the days that I’m lonely.

44. Dear God, I pray that I won’t be jealous of the things others have. Help me to be satisfied with what I have and be happy for others for what they have.

45. Dear God, please give my parents wisdom and strength to raise me in the way I should grow.

46. Dear God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for me.

47. Dear God, I pray for ways to teach people to love you and love one another like the way Jesus loved us.

48. Dear God, please help me always tell the truth at all times, and please help me make good decisions.

49. Dear God, please teach me to forgive others, as you forgive me.

50. Dear God, I give you praise for Your faithfulness, I praise you for your everlasting kindness, thank you for your unchanging love for me.

Teaching your children to pray is an important part of introducing them to Jesus Christ and helping them build a strong relationship with God. Our Lord gave us prayers to communicate with him directly, and getting children comfortable with prayer helps them understand that God is always close and accessible and always there for them at all times. 

Below are some ideas to make your kids develop the habit of praying and also enjoy it;

1. Make Prayer a Habit at Home.

2. Give Them Freedom in Their Posture When Praying.

3. Show Them Prayer “Works.”

4. Make Prayer Engaging Using Pictures, Prayer Songs, And More.

5. Become a Mom or Dad of Prayer.

6. Teach Them What The Bible Says.

7. Teach Them To Pray In Every Situation.

If there is one habit your kids should develop, it is the discipline and joy of prayer. You should let them know that prayer is not boring, a waste of time, or a tedious activity. Teach them to appreciate the power of prayer to draw them close to God and to bring about change in the world.

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How to Control Your Child\’s Anger

child anger

Children go through many phases in life as maturity and developments creep in. Angry emotions occur as part of this developing phase, and dealing with this stage is one of our greatest challenges as parents. 

What you do in the early development stages of a child can significantly influence how they express anger as they blossom into adults. However, there is a thin line between the normal expression of anger and distressful problematic anger expression as a child.

What Causes Anger Issues in a Child?

Children display anger in different ways for a different reason. They may have distressing underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, hyperactivity disorder, attention-deficit. Your child may be experiencing overwhelming family life or social situations, such as divorce or bullying. Find the underlying problems and address them to help them manage their feelings.

As parents, we are charged with the greatest responsibility of addressing the child\’s anger before it gets beyond our control. Here are some useful tips that could allow us to intervene when our child has emotional meltdowns like anger.

How to Manage Your Child’s Anger Issues

a] Walk the Talk: Parents are children\’s firsthand teachers and role models. Every child observes how their parents deal with anger. If parents portray a healthy expression of anger without flipping off, it would be less daunting to help our child control their anger. We cannot control our children\’s anger when we are not in control of our anger expression. Hence, it is of greatest importance to recognize we need to be the icon of controlling anger to help our child. Our children become ardent imitators of our behaviors.

b] Time Out: To control a child\’s anger, you need to break away from the situation. The timeout space could be the bedroom or any location outside of the anger location. This technique should be introduced before the anger period, adequately explaining why it has to be done properly. Help them calm their nerves until the emotions have subsided. It is important to let the child understand it is not a punishment technique but a calming procedure.

c] Communicate: Understand how they feel. When our children get angry, we need to empathize with how to feel. Clearly understanding just what made them angry will put us in the best position to handle the anger. Communicate with our children in a calm, composed manner to get the picture of why they are angry. Shouting and displaying anger during this period performs zero or no results in getting the reason for their anger. We want to emphatically listen, not with the intent of blame-shifting or faulting, but to provide useful suggestions of how best to handle the situation more positively in the future.

d] Rewards and reinforcements: Positive reinforcements increase the reoccurrence of positive behavior. Parents should provide practical ways to help their children control anger before anger situations or after any occurring anger situations. Taking deep breaths, counting from 1-10, etc. Reward your kids whenever they use this technique, either with commendations, warm hugs, or other suitable reinforcements. Rewards increase the occurrence of displaying positive ways of controlling anger till it becomes their everyday habits.

e] Guidelines: Guidelines should be given to our children on the acceptable and non-acceptable ways of expressing emotions. You should let them know that anger is part of our emotions that should be expressed. However, there are positive ways of expressing emotions without hurting themselves, their parents, and the public in general. Negative expressions like screaming, tantrums, headbanging. Smashing things should be strongly condemned by parents. Such behaviors associated with anger should be strongly unacceptable by parents when displayed.

Normal Anger vs. Anger Issues?

It\’s okay to be angry sometimes. We\’ve all experienced angry moments. And as adults, we know how it\’s difficult to manage anger. However, if you\’re noticing that your child is frequently having angry meltdowns or outbursts, has an unnecessary fuse, or quickly escalates to rage, kindly discuss the problems with a pediatrician.

Remember that parents are largely responsible for their children\’s behaviour. We want to do this with a firm yet gentle resolve by being role models and aptly grooming our children\’s personalities. If parents meet their child\’s emotional needs from babyhood, they are likely to develop a good attitude. 

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My Husband Wouldn\’t Do Baby\’s Dishes But Have Time for His Music

Wife lashes out at her husband for not helping out with baby\’s dishes even though he has the time to record a whole album. She complains that her husband only looks after their baby for just an hour when she\’s been with the baby all day and done all chores.

According to what she told slate.com,

\”My husband has recorded an entire album but doesn\’t have time to do the baby\’s dishes.

We have a 7-month-old, and I stopped working because we felt that daycare was too risky due to the pandemic. Now my husband is the sole earner, and I\’m home with the baby all day. He typically comes home and watches the baby for an hour while I quickly get some chores done. But then he gets on Facebook or takes a nap or works on music.

Meanwhile, when I ask him to do the dishes, he only agrees on occasion—with a big sigh and some eye-rolling. I tell myself that he needs downtime because he\’s working all day. Taking care of the baby is not as stressful as working. But something nags at me that it\’s not fair. Is it fair?\”

Please drop your opinions and advice on what she could do and how to approach the situation. Thank you!!

Source: Slate

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Ways to teach your child to care about others who have less

I have come to realize that children are always kind-hearted. They are considerate when it comes to sharing what they have with others. This allows some of them to have more friends because of this attitude. But do you know that these children are not the same? Should we say it\’s an attitude they inherited from the parents? Absolutely, not at that age. They are still young to imitate that. But they learn as they grow.

Since children are sometimes unpredictable, you can still teach them to care for others who have less. If they have this trait already in them, teaching them can strengthen it the more. Therefore, when it comes to caring, you are your child\’s main teacher. Like several other things, caring about others who have less is a quality that children learn over time and practice.

Caring about others who have less goes a long way. The ability to understand another person\’s needs or feelings develops with time. At times, your child may try to comfort a crying playmate by offering sweets or biscuits. He or She develops this from the comfort the mother offers at her crying moment. This is, in turn, transferred to another child.

How can you teach your child to care about others who have less?

The following suggestions will assist you in teaching your child about being compassionate and goodhearted. This act of kindness can be applied at home, in the classroom, or after school program. They include:

  • Model positive action: as a mother, you are your child\’s role model, and he or she will imbibe most of what they see you doing. Let them catch you in the act of kindness because what you say or do is very critical to their development.
  • Train your child to always pay attention to people\’s facial expressions and voice tone: it is a way to understand other people\’s body language and perspectives. When we make our kids understand someone else\’s point of view, they will attend to such needs without conflicts.
  • Let your child know that how they treat others matters to you a lot: it goes a long way because they will always want to do what will make you happy. Endeavor to always reward them for such an act to encourage them to keep it up.
  • Use kind words and smiles: let your kids see you use kind words to people. It may be when you go out on a shopping; a simple \”have a nice day\” to the waitress speaks something to the child. Several of these attitudes can be done to your neighbors at home or friends at the workplace, where your kids will be aware of this act.
  • Guard against spoiling your kid: if you want to teach your kids to care about others, make sure you don\’t spoil them. Kind children are charitable, know their parent\’s capacity in meeting their needs, and do not complain even when they do not get what they want at the moment. Kids like this are patient, thankful, and have self-control.
  • Guard against bullying and cyberbullying: as a parent, you should learn about bullying and ensure to prevent and stop it at all costs. Be aware of the dangers of cyberbullying and the effects on the affected kids. You need to be vigilant about what your kid sees and read online and keep close tabs on what they are writing and sharing. Always inform them to desist from bullying in any form, and they should report if they notice one of their friends is being bullied.
  • Always be kind to your child as kindness is contagious: always try to speak sweet words to your kid and those around you even if you are tired or frustrated. Learn to discipline with love, support them when they are down, and be kind as well. If your kid can imitate your act of kindness, they set examples for other kids that can spread to their social groups. Being kind makes a child feel good. Children will feel better about themselves and their world when kindness is encouraged. This will help them grow to be a happy and loving person.
  • Show your child how to help people in need: you can always encourage your kid to contribute to charity by donating some of their outgrown toys. He or she can also help you make cookies for the less privileged homes or come with you when you visit someone in the nursing home.
  • Do not overdo it: over-praising can be a distraction. Do not encourage lavishing too much praise on your child for a fairly ordinary task. Teach them not to always expect compliments at all times and even for small accomplishments. This might get in the way of their thinking about other people\’s needs.
  • Volunteer: you can allow them to volunteer or follow you for volunteering works. When kids are exposed to other people\’s sufferings, they feel grateful for what they have. It also helps them to be proud of being able to help someone.

What are the benefits of helping your child to develop empathy for others?

When you make your kids understand what others are feeling, the impact of their actions on others and why someone might be experiencing some kind of feelings at the moment will lead to the development of a valuable skill for them. Helping them to develop this caring attitude is essential in so many ways because:

  • It promotes good mental health.
  • It promotes social harmony and reduces the likelihood of bullying.
  • It encourages tolerance and acceptance of others.
  • It builds a sense of security in children.
  • It strengthens relationships with other children.
  • It positions them for learning well.
  • It increases the overall level of happiness.
  • It increases the ability to understand others.
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How to handle criticism of your parenting from other moms

mom criticism

Whether you do good or bad, you will still be criticized. No matter your choice of raising your child, you will hear about it. Should we take criticism as a norm in this world? But the attitude your child displays at times can lead to the criticism of your parenting by other moms. Haters will always hate, no matter how careful or competent you are. When the criticism is about your parenting, it can hurt. Most times, it is best to push those comments aside and let them slide.

The way a mother cares about her child is not the same. Some can be lucky with it, while others might not. It does not depict that you are bad or incapable. No matter how you choose to care for your child, you do not need to please people around you. You do not owe anyone an explanation as long as you do what is best. The main thing is to figure out what to tune in and what to tune out.

When you sit down to examine your parenting style and ask yourself questions, it can help you distinguish between useful advice and unhelpful criticism. This will help you learn how to handle critics.

Ways to protect yourself from unwanted parenting criticism

  • Keep your complaints private. It is what you discuss that people will know about. When you go out there with your complaint, you are exposing yourself more to parenting criticism. Carefully select whom you lodge your parenting complaint to. Ensure that the person shares your parenting philosophy and seek the listening ear of a like-minded friend. Never you ask questions you don\’t want to answer.
  • Protect yourself. No matter how tasking parenting might be, it should never affect you and your child. Endeavor to seek help when needed and always set the record straight. Let people know when you need advice or support, and when you don\’t.
  • Shield your child. Protect your child from negative comments from family and friends. Please do not go to places where critics will give your child a different thought about you or himself. Ensure that you do not discuss your child\’s challenges to critics.
  • Be positive. You will be picked up on how you assess your child by friends and family. If you are negative and always complaining about your child, expect your friends to react the same way.

How do you handle your parenting criticism from other moms?

Before you are criticized, you would have been monitored severally. You might be aware or unaware of this. Whether people criticize behind your back, it will reach a point where they will say it to your face. Before you give room for this, be sure of the following:

  • Always ask yourself if you requested for advice? Before you pick up a comment that sounds like a criticism, ask yourself: Is this an unsolicited advice? Did I ask for the person\’s opinion initially? If this is true, it means you are open to critics by inviting the person to share their thoughts with you.
  • Make your need known. When you clarify your need right from the onset, you achieve what you requested. It is always sad when you ask for help and receives an unfavorable response. Ask specifically for supports rather than asking for their thoughts. Seek out people who are educated on the topic and be prepared for whatever answer you are given.
  • Know the intention of the critics. Take a moment to understand what the person meant when you receive a piece of unsolicited advice that hurts you. Ensure you know the intention of the person criticizing your parenting: Has the person been there before? Is the person speaking up because of hatred, or they genuinely care? Are they speaking respectfully and lovingly? In this case, it is better to focus on their heart rather than their advice. If you feel you can\’t let go or ignore their message, set boundaries with the adviser. Let them know that you are comfortable with your parenting method, and you do not need any further advice.
  • Ensure to read between the lines. You can misinterpret advice some times. We add meanings and sometimes over analyze what was said. Read well between the lines and never give unintended meaning. When it comes to discussing parenting style, engage in active listening. Ensure you understand what the person is conveying and ask for clarification if you are unsure. Note that electronic communication makes it easy to misinterpret someone\’s comment.
  • Ask yourself if you are defensive. Your mood or emotion when a person is conveying information to you can make you sound defensive. Consider whether it is a sensitive topic for you or a problem with the person and not the advice. At times, we might be frustrated at our child\’s behavior and feel other people are always criticizing us. This then makes every comment hurt us even when it\’s nothing. Try as much as possible to always listen without interrupting. Do not always feel like justifying your parenting choices.
  • Let them know when it hurt your feelings. Some people might not know when to back off. If their advice is affecting you and your kid, you need to let them know they have gone too far. It would be best if you spoke your mind though it might be difficult.
  • Remind them that things have changed. The advice you might receive may be outdated, and critics set in when you fail to abide by it. Inform them that what might be right to them might be the opposite for you. We live in a technology world, and things should not be done in the same way.
  • Let them know that every child is different. They have only been parents to their kids, and not yours, so their parenting methods may not work for you. A reminder of this should inform them they need to back off.
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