Parents
A father or mother; one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian.
Most of us learn from our parents, by reading books and or, through observation, trial, and error and most of all the maternal instinct that just kicks in.
The most important trait in all of us is that we want the best for and will do most anything in the best interest of our children.
Planning through Pregnancy.
The birth of a child is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Sing, Talk and Laugh to your baby.This new person must be treated as the most important thing in your life and requires changes in your daily routine. Diet, exercise and downtime must be given added attention. Your doctor’s instructions must be followed. While exercise however limited is a must. Please check with you doctor on the kind of exercise limits and duration. Eat as if you are feeding your child, because you are.
Toddlers/Preschoolers (2 – 6 years)
This a new phase in development and provides the ability for free movement in their environment. Their language development takes major leaps and now you have this “little person” in you midst. “No” becomes an often used word and they must be thought to also accept ‘No.”They must be carefully guided through the tantrums. They are a sponge soaking up everything in their environment. They develop physically and intellectually do not underestimate their learning ability and the things they will remember. This is the time to sing, and read and laugh and just enjoy every moment you can together, you should give you child little chores they can manage and encourage and praise them for both effort and success. Remember you are molding a future citizen of the world. As in all age groups “reading is fundamental” Read to you child and let them read to you. This is true for every age group.
School Age Children (7 – 12 years)
Raising school age children can be both challenging and rewarding. Be there for them as they stretch out their activities in academics, athletics and music making friendships and exploring new challenges. You will experience great joy in cheering and applauding their accomplishments. There is also the realism of successes and the frustration of not always winning. Both experiences build character and is preparing them for their life’s journey. You are their coach and encourager in chief.
At this stage children become gradually more independent. Learning to make good choices and exercise self-discipline does not always come easily. Be there for them and showing them how to get up when they fall and always giving it their best. Children learn by example. Good morals are best thought that way. Encourage them and be there for them in their successes and their failures.Never make them feel low especially in the presence of those outside the immediate family.
School Age Children
Get to know your child’s teachers and their expectations. Talk about their methods and vision for their grade level. Talk about homework and what is expected. Then structure the approach to the way your child approaches homework. Make it a practice to look over your child’s homework assignments. Set up a specific time and location for you child to complete their homework. There should be not distractions. If your child completes their homework before the allotted time set aside for home work have additional work to fill in the extra time. Encourage your child to be thoughtful and thorough in completing their assignment. Start a reading club with you child. You should both read the same book and have a night to discuss that book.
Teens
Education is not preparing for life; Education is life in itself.
-John Dewey
Adolescents/Teenages(13-18 Years)
There is no doubt that for most families, the teen years present a challenge for both parents and children.
Middle School is not fondly remembered by most who attend. It is often fraught with scary body changes, bullying by peers and a new surge for independence. This leads to passive-aggressive behavior (“I’ll do it in a minute”), self-consciousness (“What are you staring at?”) and self-doubt (“I’m not good at anything.”) and/or over-confidence (“Well, I thought I could do that.”) and of course moodiness (“Leave me alone.”). High school is usually better for most. It is a time to really begin defining one’s self and realistically contemplating the future.[/themify_col][themify_col grid=”2-1″] Skill development is accelerated to prepare for college or job training programs. Talents are perfected. Social skills are honed and relationships take on more of a serious nature. Peer pressure is at its max and in today’s teen society there are more tempting sidetracks than ever.
During adolescence, kids need their parents more than ever. Research shows that a positive family environment including fun family activities, open parent-child communication and the encouragement to participate in positive extracurricular and community activities, teens are able to navigate these years with relative ease.