When to start disciplining kids

mom angry

You start disciplining your child right from when he can differentiate the left hand from the right side. It begins at an early age. A child picks up quickly, and discipline needs to be imbibed as early as possible. It would help if you disciplined your child the best way so that they will not depart from it when they get old.

As your child grows, the memory improves, and they become receptive to new learning. When you introduce discipline at an early age, you start to teach right or wrong behavior. And because a child is more responsive to learning fast, they quickly imbibe those traits.

When you discipline your child, you help them learn what behavior is right and acceptable. The sooner you begin discipline and raising good kids, the better. Discipline is all about guiding and teaching your child, not punishment or anger.

When should parents start to discipline their kids?

For infants, discipline is of no use because all they know during that moment is eating, crying, and sleeping. They are too young to understand and be given any instructions. They only require consistent love, care, and attention from their parents during this stage.

Knowing when to start disciplining your kids in the early years is one of the most effective and powerful keys in raising a well behaved and a great child. You need not wait until your child can adequately talk before you instill discipline. Once the child can crawl, touch objects within reach, and interact with the environment, discipline should start.

Also, regardless of the circumstances, a child between 15-18 months should not be punished at all. Any form of physical punishment like hitting, beating, or shaking of an infant can cause severe neurological damage. The brain may be slammed against the skull in this process and cause serious injury to the baby.

During breastfeeding times, you observe that your baby gives you a sharp bite. At this moment, you spank the child to let him aware that a wrong has been committed. If you do not do anything at that point, it will continue and become a regular feeding habit for the baby. During this period, the baby has grown to a certain extent and can listen to corrections.

Also, the kind of discipline to instill will depend on the child\’s age. Setting limits to good and bad behavior can start when your child is still a baby. There are several things babies need to learn not to do as they grow, such as pulling your hair, clothes, or biting your nipples while sucking.

You teach them mostly on damage prevention and control rather than showing the actual lesson. Even as a baby, the child is still not capable of willful rebellion. What we consider as troublesome in the child is just a means of exploring his or her desires. The parent\’s primary responsibility at this stage will be to ensure the child\’s safety. This will means setting boundaries within the home as to where the kid can go and what can be within the hand reach for touching.

By the time the child is going to two years, the need for proper discipline can start. At this stage, they can understand what you\’re instructing them to do and not do. Failure to abide by your instructions can lead to punishments. Ensure that the kind of discipline you adopt does not harm the child or makes the child become violent but instead produce a healthy and confident child.

Types of child discipline

To determine the best discipline for you and your baby, you need to understand temperaments well. There are several types of training to inculcate into a child. They include:

  • Positive discipline. Instead of focusing on punishment, it focuses on praise and encouragement instead. A lot of teaching is done regarding discipline here. More of the work is done by the parents here. It uses more of family meetings where the authoritative approach is used in solving behavioral problems. The parents use problem-solving skills by assisting their child in proferring solutions to problems. For instance, if your child refuses to do his or her homework, you use positive discipline to sit the child down and see reasons while the homework needs to be done. You can encourage the kid in several ways and buy things for the child when he completes the tasks.
  • Gentle discipline. It focuses on problem prevention. The parents gently address the child\’s misconduct while putting their emotions in control. They tend to be calm while correcting misbehavior. The consequences of the child\’s behavior are stated and redirected towards going to the wrong directions.
  • Boundary based discipline. The parents set clear rules which the child must adhere to and limits at which they can go. The kids are given options to choose from, and there are clear consequences for misbehavior. You can instill rules on certain activities or the use of certain toys until they accomplish certain things.
  • Behavior modification. A reward is usually set in place if the child listens to the instructions given or gets work done. It focuses on positive and negative consequences. Excellent or positive behavior will be compensated with rewards or praise. Misbehavior or negative effects are discouraged and ignored, leading to a loss of privileges.
  • Emotion coaching. It teaches kids about feelings for themselves and others around them. The kids are made to understand that feelings are normal and that parents help them know how they can verbalize them rather than act on it. Teach them the appropriate way to handle their emotions.

Benefits of disciplining your baby

Discipline ensures that a kid acquires the needed skills to become a responsible adult. Discipline provides many benefits to a kid which includes (but not limited to):

  1. It helps kid manage anxiety
  2. It teaches kids to make the right choice
  3. It helps kid manage their emotions
  4. It keeps a child-safe
  5. It enables a kid to set and achieve goals
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How to be your child\’s best friend

The relationship between a mother and child is invaluable. The bonds that exist right from the womb continue to increase even after birth. Just like every other human being and the law of attraction that says like attracts likes. You can only be close to someone so dear to you. Someone who cares for you and gives you undivided attention will be the most sought after in your life. No wonder they say blood is thicker than water.

Before you can get so close in a relationship, you must make a lot of sacrifices. Now you see why a mother and the child are always inseparable? She\’s the best friend of that baby at the moment. That is why friendship molds a child\’s character and behavior. A child who is being loved as a kid will grow up loving everyone around them as well. It is the character that the child has learned and imbibed.

But mind you, a lot of things must have been put in place to attain this. Let\’s consider some of them.

How can you be your child\’s best friend?

A lot comes with parenting, and most mothers\’ perspective differs on this. Some think getting too close to a child will make them become rude and lose respect for you. But I\’ll say the approach to this determine the outcome. Here are some of the tips of how you can be your child\’s best friend:

  • Always be there for them. A child loves to see and cry to whom will always have his or her attention. There is more to what a child can observe. As the child is growing, it is the mother who will be so dear to the child. And if it was just the mother alone that caught the child\’s attention, she will be the best friend. Being there for the child starts right from birth. As they continue to grow, they might have problems at school or with colleagues and might need someone to discuss with. Always give them a welcome hand and make them so free to discuss anything with you. In that way, the child will build trust and confidence in you and be more willing to have subsequent discussions.
  • Endeavor to spend time with them. No matter how busy a mother should be, she must create time for her child. It allows them to build a stronger bond than before. A child feels rejected and ignored when you refuse to create time when it\’s needed the most. You can create time for them to have several discussions with you, take them out, or even teach them how to do the necessary house chores. The child will be so happy doing all these, and it will help increase the bond.
  • Don\’t be overprotective. Teaching and protecting a child from wrong is the right choice. It is safe to ensure that your child is going in the right direction, but being overprotective can sometimes ruin the mother and child bond. You should watch and guide them in the right way, but it is more important you allow them to decide by themselves on certain things at times. When you don\’t choke them too much and give them breathing space to make their choice, the bond and trust will increase, and they will be confident about their decisions.
  • Always respect their choices. You can give them options but allow them to make the final choice, whether in career-making or buying things. Parents should give their children a chance to choose from. Parents should know that it will get to a point when kids will be left to determine. That part should not be denied of a kid. And when you keep making choices, it can make the child be less confidence in themselves. That should be avoided. You can advise along the line but do not dictate.
  • Give them time for themselves. As a child grows, it will get to a stage where the child will love to be alone. At this point, it is best to allow the child and not to argue with him or her. It does not call for panic because it\’s usually for a period. The child is kept under watch as well, so it doesn\’t lead to another habit that may negatively affect the child. Always make yourself available in case they will like to share their issues with you. This usually improves bond, and your child sees you as a best friend.
  • Always encourage them. Try as much as possible to imbibe positive attitudes in your child. Bad habits should be corrected if noted. Always show that you are proud of them by expressing it in things they do. Where they lag, try to encourage them for improvement. Supporting them will make them work harder and believe in themselves. It also makes them do away with the fear of discussing other challenges with you.
  • Lead by example. A child is easily influenced by what they see around. As for the mother, the child mimics almost all of her behaviors visible at that moment. If you now preach what you don\’t do, it sends a wrong message to the child. Therefore, before you teach a child anything, assess yourself thoroughly, and be sure you also abide by what you preach.
  • Play with them. If you say someone is your friend, you\’ll always play with such a friend. A child still loves to play. Being your child\’s friend is a way to imbibe good traits and know the child better. When you take time to play with your kids, you quickly get to know some of their real behaviors, as a lot will be unfolded. While playing games, a second partner is usually required. Do not hesitate to join in there. This usually means a lot to the kid, as they will see you as a friend of like-minded. It leads to mutual understanding and a stronger relationship.
  • Asides playing games with them, you can also watch their favorite movies with them. Children love their movies, and it\’s usually a long list from animation to adventure. Watch as many as you can with them. It will make them feel you share the same taste for movies. In return, it will bring them more close to you.
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How to Nurture Your Baby During the First Twelve Months

\”I believe in love at first sight…because I\’m a mom. \”

Babies are a wonder to behold, especially if you are one who gave birth to them. Having a new baby is awesome, but being a new mother can be a little rocky. You always wanted to be a mother. You planned your pregnancy perfectly, got through all the hurdles, and the birth went as good as it gets.

Once the baby arrived, as time goes on, you find yourself uttering the phrases common to almost every new mother, such as: \”I\’m so tired… \”, \”If I could just catch up on sleep, I\’d feel better.\” \”My baby doesn\’t stick to a routine ― what am I doing wrong? \”, \”I\’m not enjoying this. \”Someone else would do a better job,\” etc.… 

This article is a form of parenting guide for new mothers and mothers in general on how to properly take care of your baby during the first 12 months, without wearing out.

Baby Sleeping Tips

As much as a mother loves her baby, it\’s pretty frustrating when you find every day as you are about to sleep, your baby keeps waking up. Here are a few tricks by sleep experts to help newborn babies (and their parents!) get some good night\’s rest. 

Dream-feed:

The dream-feed is the feeding given to the baby right before you (mom or dad) go to bed, and it helps prevent the baby from waking up just after you finally drift off to sleep. Generally if you can get a newborn to go 3-4 hour stretches during the night from birth to 6 weeks that is pretty good! From 6-12 weeks, it\’s great if you can get a 4-6 hour stretch. Some babies will go 8-9 hour stretches with the dream-feed.

Limit the length of naps during the day:

I know it\’s hard to wake a sleeping baby, but when a baby sleeps too long during the daytime, it can rob the baby of nighttime sleep. Breaking up sleep during the day will help your newborn baby sleep better at night. It also enables you to get more feedings during the day, which is very helpful. When your baby sleeps better, you will notice a more patient, more tolerant, more engaging baby after a good night\’s rest or quality nap.

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is not easy by any means, especially for new mothers. It can be painful, time-consuming, and draining on your body. According to a group of mums and lactation experts, here are some breastfeeding tips for new moms.

  • When breastfeeding your newborn, relax, and don\’t stress out. Your baby can sense if you are stressed out and may not latch properly. Just know that moms have been doing this forever, you are going to be okay and get the rhythm of breastfeeding eventually.
  • Breastfeeding moms must stay hydrated while breastfeeding the baby. Always have a large water bottle accessible near your favorite nursing chair. You are going to feel thirstier than usual.
  • If you notice your nipples getting sore, red, or pointy, it means that the baby is not latching correctly. Try to position the baby correctly and get the baby to latch properly. The baby should open her mouth very wide and take in a good deal of breast tissue with the nipple ending up way in the back of the baby\’s mouth, thus preventing any soreness or pain.

Common Cold in Children

Common colds in children, especially in newborns, are not dangerous, but they can rapidly escalate into alarming conditions such as pneumonia. There are over 120 types of viruses that can cause colds. Luckily, most of the colds a baby will get will help increase their immunity. Even so, their very first cold can be scary for parents. 

A runny nose may be your first symptom to show that your newborn has caught a cold. Their mucus from the baby\’s nose may start as thin and clear, but turn thicker and yellowish-green in color over several days. Other symptoms include coughing, especially at night, sneezing, and reduced appetite.

Some home remedies for your baby\’s cold include:

  • Give plenty of liquids, including breast milk to your baby.
  • A small amount of water may be offered to your baby if they\’re over six months old.
  • Ensure the baby doesn\’t sleep on their stomach, even if they have congestion.

Over time, the cold would naturally go away. The best thing you can do is make sure that you or another caring adult stays close to the baby to provide comfort. This will help your baby relax and get the rest they need.

Baby Solid Foods

Beginning your baby on solid food is exciting! Little spoons, pink-lipped mouths covered in baby food. However, before you rush to start feeding baby food to your little one, follow these tips to ensure a positive experience for both you and your baby. 

When should I introduce solid food to my baby?

Infants don\’t yet have the physical skills to swallow solid foods safely, and their digestive system isn\’t ready for solids until they\’re about six months old. Experts recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months before they try out solid foods. Here\’s a well prepared \”Healthy Meal Plan\” for babies aged 6-24 months. 

How can I tell when my baby\’s ready for solid food?

Your baby will give you clear signs when he\’s ready to move beyond a liquid diet. Cues to look for include:
– Head control: Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
– Sitting well when supported: Your baby needs to be able to sit upright in an infant feeding seat or highchair to swallow well.
– Curiosity about food: Your baby may begin eyeing or reaching for your food or may open his mouth if you offer him a spoonful.

How can I tell when my baby is full?

Your baby\’s appetite will vary from one feeding to the next, here are some signs that he or she is probably done with the food:

  • Leans back in his chair
  • Turns his head away from food
  • Starts playing with the spoon
  • Refuses to open up for the next bite (Sometimes a baby will keep his mouth closed because he hasn\’t yet finished with the first mouthful, so give him time to swallow.)

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How to manage Kids Mental Health and Sexuality Curiosity

Parents, especially mothers, are bound to face a lot of challenges as they raise their children. A lot of kids have sexuality curiosity and mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as they grow up. You need to understand these issues, what to watch for, and know how to help.

This article will help you as a parent in managing your kid\’s mental health and sexual curiosity.

Sexuality curiosity in children

The sexuality curiosity of a child starts between the ages of 4-6 years. It usually includes an interest in sexuality, both their own and that of the opposite sex. He/She may ask where babies come from, and about sexual organs in reproduction. Your child may play with her genitals and show an interest in the genitals of other children as well.

Please note that these are signs of normal sexual curiosity, and punishment or chastisement are likely to foster attitudes of secrecy and shame. The below tips will help you manage the situation when faced with this kind of challenge:

Tips on managing your child sexual curiosity:

  • Create an atmosphere that encourages your child to ask questions.
  • Answers should be honest and straightforward
  • Emphasize that his /her genitals or private parts are not a toy, so should not be played with or fondled.
  • Let them know that no person, including close friends and relatives, may touch their private parts, (Exception are doctors and nurses, and their own parents during appropriate caregiving).
  • Take your child seriously and give direct answers.
  • Help your child learn what\’s socially appropriate.

Kids Mental Health:

Mental health disorders in children often start in early childhood and may develop during the teenage years. Watch out for delays or deferrals in developing age-appropriate thinking, social skills, and behaviors. There are warning signs that your child may have a mental health disorder such as frequent headaches, drastic changes in mood, personality or behavior, withdrawal from social interactions, talk about death or suicide, short temper, lack of interest, hopelessness, concentration difficulty, etc.

\”According to the Child Mind Institute, mental health disorders are the most common diseases of childhood. It is reported that out of an estimated 74.5 million children in the United States, an estimated 17.1 million have or have had a psychiatric disorder.\”

Tips to help your child\’s mental health:

  • Learn about the illness.
  • Consult and share information with their pediatrician to seek further guidance
  • Reach out to your child\’s teacher, close friends, or other caregivers to see if they\’ve noticed changes in your child\’s behavior.
  • Praise your child\’s strengths and abilities
  • Tell them the story of the day they were born.
  • Find ways to relax and have fun with your child.
  • Spend quality time with your child, have conversations and listen to what your child has to say

To help manage your child\’s sexual curiosity and mental health illness, you need to be alert and available. Your child might be scared about what the future will bring, but with encouragement and support, he will be able to overcome the conditions.

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6 Secrets to Being a Less Stressed Out Parent

The Secrets to Being a Less Stressed Out Parent

Parenting never gets easier for anyone whether you are a stay at home parent, 9 to 5 parent, or you run a business. From the daily school run to cooking, cleaning, screaming, washing, gift shopping, clothes shopping, advising, and being their guarding. Just when you tell yourself that it will get easier once this phase is over, you then find out every stage has its hurdle, which you must cross.

Many areas of your life, especially your marriage, suffer from the stress you exert on yourself. You have to be deliberate about warding off anxiety and enjoying activities with your spouse that would only make you closer to each other.

How can you be less stressed out as a parent?

Stop trying to be perfect

Your children and spouse don\’t need a perfect parent. They want parents that they can lean on. Stop being concerned about what the society expects, at the end of the day it\’s just you and your family. A happy mom is a happy home, and a content father is a satisfied child.

Take time to rest

Don\’t feel guilty about taking a nap with a load pile of chores to be done. There is never an end to house chores. You should prioritize your rest and health. Secondly, you don\’t always have to talk or hand out a punishment every time your children misbehave. Learn to look the other way sometimes.

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Related Article: Top Parenting Tips For First Time Moms
Regular exercise

Include exercise in your routine. Regular exercise reduces stress levels and balances hormones. You might not be the gym type, but there are simple exercise routines like skipping, dancing, aerobics you can do at home.        

Don\’t be afraid to say no

When you are a parent with children to look after, you have to learn to tune down on commitments you didn\’t mind before now. Saying no to volunteer during a function at your children\’s school or to activities in the church isn\’t bad, and you don\’t need to feel guilty about saying no. 3 months after I had my daughter, they wanted me to pick up teaching Sunday school in the church. Still, I had to turn it down, seeing as I was already undergoing some level of stress managing a toddler and an infant alongside a business. A decision I never regretted.

Don\’t take life too serious

Laughter makes the heart merrier. It would help if you had more fun, play. Don\’t forget to spoil yourself. Visiting a spa or a recreational centre would help take the stress off you. Visiting cinemas without tagging your children along will remind you what it feels like to have a \”me time\” again.

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Related Article: 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Childcare
You don\’t have to do it alone

You should feel free to get help, whether paid help or assistance from friends and relatives. Parenting is a tough job to think you should do it alone. When you feel tired or exhausted, put a call across for help. For someone who can take care of the children while you take a nap, rest, or pamper yourself.

To effectively manage your stress, you should itemize what could be elevating your stress levels and see which of the suggestions listed would be most useful to you. It would help if you made taking care of your health a priority so that you can be healthy enough to raise your children.

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Tips for Spending Time With Your Child

Why spending time with your child is very important

The demands of keeping a roof over your family\’s head, giving your child the best clothes, education, toys, gadgets, saving for retirement, and aging parents. All those things that compete for your time and attention make it look almost impossible to find time for your child. Your work demands are never-ending, and you return home exhausted thinking only to shower and climb into your bed, but when you open the door to your sitting room, you are greeted with the beautiful voice of your child shouting out, \”Daddy,\” \”mummy.\” You hug your little one, but know you can\’t help with his homework. While you have a valid excuse, you still have to make out quality time for your child.

Importance of Spending time with your child

  1. It creates a bond that lasts for a lifetime and space in the life of your child that none can fill. It\’s the only way you can build a friendship with your child and get your child to tell you anything from a young age, and you are less afraid of him or her getting into trouble.
  • You can instill your values in them. If you don\’t teach them your values while they are young, another random human will teach them theirs, or they will pick up anything from the streets which most times spells trouble. You want your child to represent you well, so spend time with him teaching him things he should know. In watching and listening to you, he understands what you stand for and what he would like to stand for.
  • Children want a superhero, and when they can find that in you, they feel safe and surer of themselves. The trust that you would love your child to put in you can only be built when you are around. Their superhero teaches them lessons about life and how to behave when faced with individual circumstances.
  • When you are available for your child during his childhood, you reduce the possibility of creating a distance with your child when he becomes a teenager. Any friendship that is not created in your child\’s formative ages becomes difficult to form in teen years. You begin to complain about your teen\’s withdrawal and not spending time with the family.
  • Spending time with your child helps you understand his interests, talents, and dislikes. Knowing will help you guide him properly in taking decisions and making choices. When you know your child\’s interest, you can help him or her channel it properly, and you can groom this interest to become a career that is pursued.

Read Also: How to be your child’s best friend

Ways to Spend time with your child

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dad and daughter playing together
  1. Create time to join your child in doing homework or project
  2. Reading bedtime stories or telling them folktales is an exciting way to spend time together
  3. Organize family outing, camping or picnic
  4. Spend weekends playing chess, draft, monopoly or any game you know with your child
  5. If you attend clubs like lawn tennis club, badminton club, or any activity that is safe for your child to participate, you should consider taking him or her with you sometimes.
  6. It would help if you went grocery shopping together with your child from time to time. Don\’t be too afraid of the chaos of running around they might do. Just enjoy time with them
  7. You don\’t have to do the chores alone, you and your child can have fun doing it together.

You won\’t remain young forever, and they won\’t stay children forever. Don\’t throw away the memories you can build together. You want your children growing up to think of you as the father or mother they can\’t count on. No matter how tough it is, your child is the silver lining in the sky. 

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Baby Safety and Childproofing Tips for Moms

The first time you saw your baby crawl, how did you feel? I believe it is a moment you relive from time to time. And the first step your baby took his first step, you had to hold yourself back unsuccessfully from screaming.

You\’re likely unprepared when it comes to keeping your baby safe from all the hazards in his path. This is the story of many mothers.

The best time to childproof your house is before your baby is born, and the next best time is before he starts crawling. Childproofing is to prevent accidents. Statistics say domestic accidents cause most infant and toddler deaths. These accidents are preventable when you use these childproofing tips.

Install a stairway and door gate

These mesh gates are adjustable and removable when you don\’t need them anymore. It is to prevent your crawling or walking baby from going through the door and down the stairs.

Preventing burns

Avoid hot liquid or food while carrying or holding your baby. Keep hot things from the top of the table or kitchen cabinet. Do not bring your baby close to the cooker and keep him far from an oven in use. Keep your baby away from electrical appliances, wires, hand dryers, and television. It is easier to achieve with a Stove guard, TV guard, and a plastic guard.

Install cabinet and drawer locks

Kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, and refrigerator contain things you don\’t want your baby going near either because they are harmful to your baby or he will make a mess of things. To prevent him from going near these places, you need to install secure cabinet locks or drawer locks. There are two options of locks available; external locks that you can fit around the knobs or internal locks. Some available locks are Safety first cabinet flex-lock and slide lock, KidCo cabinet lock, Adhesive mount cabinet, and drawer lock, etc.

Baby Safety Tips

  1. When bathing your baby, use warm water and not hot water. Use your elbow to check the warmness or pour a little on your laps before you pour on the baby\’s body. Never leave your baby unsupervised in the bath. You can use a thermometer to check the water temperature.
  2. Prevent fall from height: Never leave your baby unattended to on the sofa, bed, stairs, changing table, high chair, and any position where the probability of falling is high. 
  3. When using a cot, avoid using soft and fluffy pillows and other beddings on the bed. Avoid leaving toys inside the cot when your baby is asleep in it. These could cause suffocation that might lead to death. 
  4. Repair any electrical socket that is bad. Don\’t leave any naked wire open in your house. 
  5. Take lessons in first aid and have your first aid kit at home.

In conclusion, keep all forbidden objects away from the reach of your baby. Objects like knives, scissors, pots, chemicals, and other hazardous materials should be locked away in safe places where the baby cannot reach.

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Best Ways to Improve your Child’s Social Skills at Home

Build your children's social skill

Social skills in children are the ways a child relates to others, which leads to positive interactions. Children who possess social skills know how to communicate effectively and engage their audience without any or much help. They also respect others\’ feelings, people\’s opinions, care about others\’ emotions, and never take advantage of their weaknesses.

Social skill is vital for children because it is the bedrock of relationships they will build and develop into the future. Social skills teach children emotional intelligence, prevent negative interactions. Ways by which children learn social skills are through examples, instructions from parents, peers, and adults.

List of Social skills
  • Asking for help
  • Politeness
  • Sharing and giving without a selfish motive
  • Having respect for people\’s right and property
  • Making eye contact
  • Ability to listen
  • Conflict resolution
  • Ability to properly manage negative emotions
  • Respecting people\’s view
  • Complimenting others
  • Agreeing to disagree
  • Teamwork
  • Helping others
  • Cooperating

How can parents build their children\’s social skills?

1. Teach your children to put others need before theirs

Research shows that when we meet other people\’s needs, we are happier and get a sense of fulfillment. If your children can overcome the selfish nature which is natural to every man and look into the needs of others and learn to serve others, they will grow to lead fulfilling lives.

2. Compliment their positive attribute than you complain

You often find yourself more ready to reprimand than compliment. Parents tend not to let any lousy behavior go but can turn a blind eye to a good attribute. Children learn how to compliment others from the way you compliment them.

Parents have to learn to elucidate the good of their children more than their wrongs so they can build confidence, and not pick up the trait of complaining. Children who are often scolded begin to see themselves as not good enough. My 3-year-old hardly pays attention to me if I shout at him or I scold him harshly. But I draw him close and speak to him in a soft tone calling him a good boy; he immediately does what I want him to do.

3. Create a healthy environment at home

Children from a happy home fair better, are happier, and are more successful in the future than children from a conflict-filled home. Create a good relationship with your spouse. A healthy marriage produces a happy and healthy individual that brings life to the people around. Children from a healthy home don\’t have to deal with an identity crisis. Children with stable emotions will handle every situation better, cooperate, and can work well with a team.

4. Do not shout or intimidate your children

Raising your voice on your children almost every time and not listening to their opinion is you teaching them to do the same. Threatening your children makes them lose confidence. Instead, you should teach them to be bold, respectful, and confident enough to make eye contact, whether with their peers or adults.

5. Teach them about resolving conflict and disagreeing respectfully.

Some of the skills children learn by being taught are conflict resolution and respecting others\’ emotions and opinions. Teach them how to handle conflicts. Let them know that winning an argument is not what makes them mature or intelligent, but winning a heart and people\’s respect and trust is what matters. Let them learn that everyone has a right to their opinions, and they should try to force theirs down people\’s throat.

6. Teach them teamwork and cooperation

Teamwork and Cooperation are about working together and helping others. There are certain things you can do that\’ll greatly improve your child\’s cooperation. Start by playing games where she will learn to take turns. Ask her to help hold the dustpan while you sweep. If you have more than one child, teach them to tell stories one after the other.

7. Teach them to compliment others

Children love receiving compliments, especially from their parents and teachers. It is your duty to train them also to encourage and praise other children. Because they learn from the things they experience; Make your praise specific and direct for example, \”Wow, I’m so impressed that you did your homework well, good job.\” Praise their new accomplishments, mastering of difficult skills. Encourage your child to clap or high-five another child for a job well done. Teaching them nice words and gestures to use as compliments will improve their social skills.

Social skills allow children to learn from their peers and adult. It helps them to be considerate of those they will meet in the future. Mastery over their environment and confidence is achieved from learning social skills.

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Bad Parenting? See what a 9-year-old girl wore for her birthday

This 9-year-old girl’s mum wore her this bikini and heavy makeup for her 9th-year birthday photoshoot. Every child’s birthday is a big deal for the parents, and many parents want to make it a memorable day, and I am sure that is what this mother was doing. But is there no better way to create a memorable experience than applying heavy makeup on a child’s face?

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Children are excited about new clothes, and it does make a world of difference when it’s for their birthday. But I wouldn’t imagine a bikini for a birthday dress talk more of a birthday photoshoot. In this age where pedophiles are on the increase, I wouldn’t want to imagine the message the mother of this child is sending. That her daughter is ripe enough for plucking? Or that she is sensual enough for admiration? The image she is helping her daughter build about herself is poor. A better covering dress will work the magic of the day.

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    9-year-old birthday shoot
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    9-year-old birthday photo

Share your thoughts
Do you think it is ok for a nine-year-old to wear makeup? Does it matter what type of clothing a child wears for the birthday? Do you think the mother is exposing her daughter to any dangers, and if yes, what dangers? As a mother, would you dress your kid in such style?

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10 Tips for Choosing the Best Childcare

You have given birth and nursed your baby, both of you have enjoyed each other\’s company and bonded and now it is time to resume from your maternity leave. You need people you can trust to look after your baby and take adequate care of your little one. You are either looking for a daycare or personal childcare.

There are several things to look out for when choosing either daycare or an individual caregiver.

 Tips for employing personal childcare

  1. Is she trained personnel? Does she have the certificate to back it up or years of experience with kids?
  2. Was she referred to you or she was recruited through an agency? Word of mouth from others that has employed her services can go a long way
  3. Get to know her address and have the contact of her relations. This is to avoid child theft and kidnapping.
  4. Check on her frequently after you have employed her.
  5. Take note of her personal hygiene, your baby is going to be in her care.
  6. Regularly check your child’s body for signs of inflicted marks.

Here are ways to choose the best childcare

Are they licensed to operate?

Make a list of the possible daycare you want to take your baby to. Find out those who are registered with the right authorities and are operating legally.

What policies do they have?

Visit the childcare services to see how the caregivers handle the babies in their care. Find out the educational policies they employ with the babies.

Do they have a clean and hygienic environment?

A daycare must have a clean and safe environment. Look to see how hygienic they are. Is it the same mop they use to clean the toilet that they use to clean the living area of the babies? How clean are the containers they use to wash the babies feeding utensils?

How large is their space?

Babies need plenty of floor time to play. Good childcare should have a large space for their babies. A daycare with a small space to baby ratio isn\’t the best. Infectious disease can easily be passed on within a small confined small, babies can easily bump into each other when crawling and playing.

Do they have baby-friendly toys?

You should take mental note of the types of toys the daycare has for the babies when you visit. Also, ask questions about their toys. Bouncing castles and merry-go-round are good but are not necessary for children below 1 year. Babies need singing toys, learning videos, building blocks, and the likes.

What is the ratio of care handlers to children?

Look to see how many caregivers are available to take care of the number of children on the ground. Babies could be a handful and if there are not enough available hands on deck then you can almost assume your baby won\’t get adequate attention.

What is their mealtime like?

Do they give babies snacks and drinks? Is a particular caregiver assigned to a particular number to children to look after them? Ask to know if they provide hot water to make the babies cereals.

Is the daycare childproof?

A good daycare should have childproof installed in the facility. Babies once they start crawling go to explore anything. A childproof in the form of a barricade should be in place since their eyes cannot be on every child at every point in time

How honest are they?

Word of mouth can ascertain this more. Some caregivers are not truthful enough to give you a true report of what happened to your baby while he or she was in their care. Your friends or family\’s report might help you know this.

Follow your intuition

There is a reason God gave it to you. Even though you can’t place your hands on it, you just might not be comfortable with a childcare center. Find the place your heart feels at peace with for your little one. Your baby deserves the best you can provide.

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