Parenting Archives - Page 5 of 25

4 Tips to Encourage Creativity in Your Children

March 24, 2017 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

Creative thinking is a characteristic commonly found in successful business men and women. These people aren’t afraid to try new ideas or take chances. If you want to raise creative kids, but don’t know where to start, check out these four tips for encouraging creativity.

Create a Space Where Kids Can Get Messy

Image via Flickr by CCK_mom

It’s hard to keep your home clean when you have children. However, if your kids are always worrying about getting dirty, their creativity suffers. Instead of letting your kids run wild with the arts and craft supplies, create a space where it’s okay to be messy.

A sunroom or any tiled surface works great for a creative space because it’s easy to clean. Just make sure it’s free of allergens and stays at a comfortable temperature so your kids can play longer. During the summer, you can also set up some tables outdoors and let your kids make all the mess they want. Being messy isn’t really the problem; it’s being messy all over the place.

Schedule Time Each Day for Creativity

Most parents let their kids watch a little TV, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, TV doesn’t help stimulate creativity. When kids watch TV, they go into a semitrance and don’t rely on their own brains to come up with things to do. If you want your kids to be more creative, turn off the TV and give them something to do where they need to think and explore their surroundings.

Set aside time each day during which your kids participate in creative activities. When your kids know they need to do something creative every day, they’ll start to think of things to do on their own. Over time, creative time will become their favorite time of the day.

Provide Ample Arts and Craft Supplies

Image via Flickr by Carissa GoodNCrazy

Another way to encourage creativity in your kids is to make sure they have all the supplies they need. Some kids can take crayons and some paper and color for hours. Others kids need more prompting with drawing books and creative toys. You know what your kids like to do, so find ways to bring in creativity.

Beyond arts and craft supplies, it helps to model creativity for your kids. If they see you sewing, painting, or gardening, they’ll want to join in on the fun. If your kids show an interest in a creative activity, make sure they have time to learn.

Let Your Kids Make Mistakes

Creativity comes when kids experiment and try new things. If your kids know you won’t be mad when they make a mistake, they won’t worry about trying something new.

Praise your kids when they try something new, but don’t make them feel like they’re under surveillance. Creativity happens when there’s freedom to explore without interruption or interrogation.

There are tons of ways to encourage creativity; there are just a few listed here. You just need to plan ahead and do what works for you and your kids. We’d love to hear what helps your child be creative in the comments below.

3 Ways to Be a Terrific Role Model for Your Kids

November 16, 2016 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

As a mom, knowing that you have young eyes and ears watching and listening to you all of the time can be daunting. From toddlers who gleefully repeat the salty words you exclaimed when you stubbed your toe really hard to teens who may seem like they barely pay attention to you but are actually watching you with hawk-like intensity 24/7, being a great role model is not always easy.

Fortunately, it is not as difficult as you might think to set a great example, which in turn can help you raise well-adjusted kids who are polite, empathetic and kind to others. Here are a few ways you can do it.

Put the phone down

If your kids are constantly attached to their electronics, it might be hard to accept that they probably learned this behavior from you. Chances are, you have a smartphone and you are on it checking emails, texting and posting updates on social media pretty frequently. In order to pay more attention to the real world that is by your side, and be a good example to your kids in the process, make a conscious effort to reduce your phone time. Those texts to your BFF can probably wait until your little ones are in bed, and the small beings you share your house with need you more than your online buddies on Facebook. Of course, there will certainly be times that you have to keep your phone handy, like if your teen is out with friends or you are waiting for an important call from the family doctor or your boss. To make checking your messages as quick as possible, you might consider upgrading your phone to a model like the Samsung Galaxy S7 from T-Mobile; its cutting-edge technology allows you to view your messages quickly in an emergency and then get right back to hanging with your kids.

Listen when they talk to you

Yes, kids can sometimes chatter endlessly about a wide variety of topics, and there will be days when you would give your right arm for 10 minutes of blessed silence. However, being engaged and an active listener is essential to making sure that you maintain open communication with your kiddos. Recognize that your child wanting to talk to you is a great sign — they will probably grow up to be teens who still want to communicate with mom, which in this day and age is essential. In addition to simply listening to your kids, ask them regularly how things are going, and answer any questions they have about any topic as honestly as they can. As a bonus, parents who are great listeners and make an effort not to tune out their kids when they are talking will probably be rewarded with children who also listen to them.

Follow the rules you set for them

One of the best ways to be a great role model for your children is to follow the same rules you have established for them. If your seemingly mouthy tween or teen wonders why she should have to put her shoes away when yours are under the kitchen table, try to see past the attitude and realize that she may have a point. If you do not tolerate whining or yelling from your kids, refrain from doing the same when your favorite team loses or your spouse gets on your nerves. When your children see you following household rules and being kind and patient, they will be more inclined to do the same.

Parents and Homework

March 2, 2015 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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I guess everyone has been to school and knows pretty well how hard is the path of studying. Therefore, the educational system of USA suggests that parents should help kids with their homework. So, Homework-desk.com decided to check out how parents manage to tackle their kids homework. It turns out that around 40% of parents deal with their kids homework. Others either are too busy for this or just don’t understand the materials their kids bring home with them. The most problematic subjects for parents turn out to be math and English.

There is evidence though that it is extremely good when parents are involved in their kids studying lives. In such families children are more successful at school and get more fun with the studying process.

There are various ways of how parents can help their kids with home assignments. Among them are 5 the most important: parents should help their kid to choose the right place for doing homework, as well as, the right time. They should help with preparing of all the necessary materials for studying and remove all the possible distractions. And the last but not the least – they should be engaged themselves, show interest, and be a vivid example.

Another point here to discuss if parents should help kids with studies at all. Is it more of a hindrance than a help? But the key aspect here is that everything should be done moderately. Parents shouldn’t do the whole homework, as can be seen in one out of six families. Small hints and the simple expression of interest will boost the kids’ motivation to study and develop. It is important to explain how important the knowledge gained at school is. It is a ground, a so-called platform, for the further deeds. Therefore, be a vivid example for your kid, be engaged, and everything will be just in order.

5 Lessons Learned from Pregnancy

January 22, 2015 by Painter Mommy 2 Comments

Pregnancy is that beautiful phase in your life when regardless of whom you know or don’t, everyone throws pearls of wisdom your way. Your mother becomes your doctor on call, your best friend becomes your personal mommy-stylist and the supermarket attendant, a dietary expert. Everyone will tell you what the journey to motherhood is going to be like – the do’s and don’ts as well as the good and the bad. Let me be honest here. No matter what anyone tells you, you can never truly be prepared for pregnancy with a known set of expectations. You need to experience it to know what it really feels like. Nobody can describe in words the magical moment of your baby’s first kick, or the irritation that morning sickness can cause. Well, here is a list of 5 life lessons that pregnancy (and not my well wishers) taught me:

The Importance Of Personal Relationships – Pregnancy will make you realize why you need to keep your loved ones close. When your husband rushes to get you your favorite flavor of ice cream in the middle of the night and your mom leaves her poker party only to be next to you when you make countless trips to the loo, you’ll see how blessed and loved you are! And hey, it’s not just your immediate family and friends who’re going to be nice to you! Everyone around you will go beyond their comfort zone to ensure you’re doing great. It’s the best feeling in the world and sure restores your faith in humanity.

The Art Of Patience – If you thought patience was a virtue you’d never master, wait till you get pregnant! I for one have seen my personality undergo this life transformational change after pregnancy. Right from your first pregnancy test results to the time you finally go into labor, you’ll await each milestone with equal amount of anticipation and enthusiasm. It’s probably God’s own way of preparing you for your impending motherhood, where patience is more of a necessity than an advantage.

The Power Of Being A Woman – One of my biggest realizations during pregnancy was that women are not the weaker sex! Women are much stronger, mentally, physically and emotionally than men can ever be. Can you imagine your husband going through 12 excruciating hours of labor? Would he manage holding a smile despite experiencing the worst case of morning sickness? Would he be able to carry off the pregnancy weight as gracefully as you? Probably not! Your husband is going to be your biggest pillar of support during pregnancy, but he surely wouldn’t be able to handle the phase with your level of strength and composure if he had to!

The Significance Of Good Health – If you grew up listening to your parent’s glorified lectures on the importance of good health but never paid any heed, pregnancy will teach you the hard way. Your journey to motherhood sure has many wonderful moments, but you can also fall prey to health complications if you don’t take care of yourself and the little one inside. Eat healthy foods like that are rich sources of protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid. Stay far away from smoking, alcohol and substance abuse. Exercise and stay active, but don’t over exert. Always remember, you’re looking after two people when you’re pregnant, so you ought to be extra cautious.

Loving Beyond Conditions – As arbitrary as the thought of loving someone you’ve never even seen may seem, being pregnant will make you believe in the possibility. My husband and I vowed that we’d never love anyone more than we love each other, but our little one came in our lives and changed that. Only being a parent can make you realize the love you are capable of giving. It’s the only kind of love that knows no bounds and expects nothing in return but a contented smile.

References:

http://women.smokefree.gov/emotions-relationships-dealing-with-the-tough-stuff/how-to-strengthen-your-relationships.aspx

http://www.momjunction.com/articles/pregnancy-complications-which-you-need-to-be-aware_0093000/

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2013/12/23/why-womens-immune-systems-are-more-sensitive-than-mens/#.VLzB6C5RLYM

Author Bio:

Aradhana is an expert writer on parenting, wellness, health and lifestyle. As a regular contributor for sites like natural news, elephant journal, naturally savvy, curejoy, thehealthsite and MomJunction, she aims to motivate people towards healthy habits and a problem free life.

Top 5 Ideas to Stay Active with Kids

January 12, 2015 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Living in a family with kids means they are always your center of attention. But should prioritizing kids come at the cost of your health and general well being? Not at all. As you will learn in this article, it is perfectly possible to take care of your growing kids without neglecting your physical (and psychological) well being. After all, the whole family suffers if your well being, physical or otherwise, is undetermined.

Typically, having a family with kid’s means you always find yourself overwhelmed with chores: taking kids to school, attending their school events and meetings, taking care of housework – all of this on top of your own work. Thankfully, with some smart planning, and lots of determination, you can make sure that your desire to live an active lifestyle isn’t compromised.

Follow the 6 tips mentioned below to start your journey towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

Transform your daily chores into exercise: One of the key reasons that prevents so many people from taking care of their physical fitness is lack of time. Having kid’s means you simply aren’t getting the time to follow through on a structured exercise regimen. The good news is that calories aren’t burnt only on a treadmill. Indeed, non-exercise activities are a bigger determinant of healthy lifestyle than time spent in gym. This means you can take small steps like going on a walk with your kid in the stroller, standing up and moving about ever so often, taking stairs instead of the lift on your way to work etc can help a lot.

Condensed workout: Your workout doesn’t have to last 60 minutes. Lot of evidence is emerging that shorter, but more intense, workout are in fact better in maintaining peak fitness. Go for a High intensity interval training for 15 minutes if you cannot find time for a full hour workout in your daily schedule.

Develop a social support network: This could be in the form of your relatives, or if that isn’t possible, then a support network of parents. Cultivate friendship with other parents and look after each other’s kids a few times a week – it will allow you some precious free time

Join yoga or dance classes: The time you spend in front of TV or surfing the web, or even the time you spend with your kid at home, can be better spent if both you and your kid can sign up at your neighborhood yoga, aerobics or dance classes together. This will ensure you not only get to spend quality time with your kid, but also take care of your fitness and inculcate a love for active lifestyle in your kid. A truly winsome proposition.

Plan outdoor or DIY activities with your kids: Nothing is quite as wholesome as a great family outing. Not only is it great for fun and entertainment, but also excellent for bonding and physical wellbeing. The outdoor activity could be anything – from a camping trip to a hiking or biking expedition. Similarly, do it yourself (DIY) projects are excellent both for you and your kid.

The internet is full of amazing websites and tutorials on DIY home improvement projects. Get your hands dirty with these projects and involve your kids in the same. Such projects challenge your mind, and bring out the creative best in you. CSA contact should be initiated if you find yourself in need of support for your kid’s needs and requirements.

Ruby Andrew’s author bio: Ruby Andrew, a visitor essayist and blogger by calling lives in Bristol, UK. Since for quite a while, she has an energy for composing and she could compose on any point. Her ranges of investment incorporates travel, Health, wellness, Automobile, Fashion, innovation and wedding. At present, she acts as a visitor blogger for CSA contact.