Parenting Tips Archives - Page 3 of 4

October 10, 2019

Red Flags Your Child Is Being Bullied

Even the thought your child is being bullied at school can feel devastating as a parent. We want our children to go to school and feel safe and be able to thrive in a supportive, happy environment.

Unfortunately, that’s all-too-often, not what our kids experience at school.

As a parent, while you can’t control everything in your child’s life, there are things you can do as far as bullying. You can recognize the signs of bullying, and if you believe it’s happening to your child, you can take steps with your child’s teacher and the school to prevent it.

For example, there was a recent study that looked at 1,440 bullying incidents at schools. Researchers then selected 106 sets of caregivers and children to respond to five sets of situations involving bullying, indicating how they would respond if they were to see these situations.

The results showed more involvement of parents and other caregivers when schools are engaging in anti-bullying efforts is critical.

As was mentioned, the first step to getting involved is being able to recognize the signs of bullying in your child, if it’s not something he or she is speaking to you about directly.

The following are key red flags that could indicate bullying is occurring in your child’s life.

Cute little boy, eating cherries at home in the kitchen, making funny faces and playing with the cherries, having fun

Behavioral and Emotional Signs of Bullying

You may have an indication something is wrong with your child, or something is going on, but you don’t know what it is.

Often when children and teens are the victims of bullying, they will show behavioral and emotional signs first.

This can include changes in their sleeping and eating patterns, as well as rapid mood swings.

Sometimes children who are being bullied will start saying they feel unwell often, particularly in the morning before school. They may start indicating physical symptoms that they hope will help them stay out of school.

Other behavioral and emotional signs that could indicate bullying is occurring include:

Frequent angry outbursts or crying
Becoming withdrawn
Increasing aggression
Secrecy or a refusal to talk about what’s going on
Starts to treat siblings poorly
Steals or loses money

A child who is being bullied may try to find any excuse not to go to school, and they may be afraid to walk to school on their own or ride the bus.

Physical Signs of Bullying

Not all bullying is physical, but if it is, this can lead to specific red flags as well.

For example, unexplained injuries such as bruises or scratches can indicate bullying. If your child is coming home with belongings or clothes that are damaged or missing, this is another potential sign of bullying.

Declining School Performance

If your child’s grades and school performance start to decline, and you can’t figure out why you might have to consider the potential of bullying.

When a child is being bullied, it can cause anxiety and may impact their ability to concentrate on schoolwork.

Depression and other emotional impacts of bullying, as well as possible insomnia or sleep disturbances, may play a role in declines in performance too.

With teens, skipping school may indicate they are being bullied.

Isolation

If your child was once involved in activities or outgoing and that’s started to shift, you may question why.

Sometimes children who are being bullied will try to isolate themselves, and they may lose interest in play dates or sports.

Children who start to spend a lot of time on their computer or playing video games can also be struggling with bullying and using these as a way to escape from reality and avoid social interactions.

There are a few things to know.

First, these signs don’t mean your child is being bullied—they can be related to other problems as well, but if you notice them, they are worth looking into.

There are also different forms of bullying that parents need to be aware of.

Along with physical and verbal bullying, there’s also sexual and racial bullying and cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, in some cases, can be especially difficult for children and teens because they feel like they can’t ever escape it or find a safe haven away from it.

If you notice warning signs as a parent, take action. Try to speak with your child, and if you can’t learn more that way, arrange to meet with your child’s teacher. They may have a better idea of what they see happening, and from there, you can work together on possible solutions.
[…]
Challenges Parents Face in Modern Society
The Challenge of Parents To Keep Kids Safe From Cyber Bullying
How to Handle Cyberbullying

September 4, 2019

7 Key Benefits of Becoming a Foster Parent

It’s a sad truth but one that cannot be avoided- too many children today grow up in unstable, insecure, and conflicted environments.

This type of upbringing translates into the emotional growth of a child and can leave them scarred for life. This is where the brave act of foster parenting can truly make a difference.

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, here’s how both you and your family can benefit from the experience.

Becoming a Foster Parent Can Change Your Life

In a perfect world, every child would have an equal chance of growing up in a loving, nurturing, and stable home environment. But the harsh reality is that millions of children the world over just don’t have access to this start in life.

If you and your spouse have ever had the yearning to embark on mission work or give back to the community in some way, foster parenting is a great option.

Becoming a foster parent is a challenge, but one that can be extremely rewarding- not only for you but the child you care for, of course.

Children in the foster care system face a number of obstacles any child should not have to face at a young age. Bringing them into a home of stability, support, and love can show them there’s hope for the future.

1. Make a Positive Difference

The act of foster parenting itself is a massive upheaval on your own family, especially if you have children. But this change should be out-weighed by the fact that you’re making a hugely positive difference in another child’s life.

For most people, being able to make a positive difference in a less-fortunate child’s life is the main driver behind foster parenting.

The process of choosing the right family for a foster child is a complex one. But ultimately, a vulnerable foster child is looking for what every child needs- love, care, and compassion.

Fostering is your chance to give those three fundamental things to a child in need, and leave a positive lasting effect for years to come.

2. Teach Your Own Children the Value of Compassion

Fostering a child may put added pressure on your shoulders, what with your own children to love and care for too. But this is a chance for your children to learn from your actions as a parent.

Choosing to foster a child in need and show them support, love and compassion will teach your own children the value of caring for others.

It also teaches them to live with empathy and kindness, while learning to bond with another child from a different background. Ultimately, this boosts their own sense of cultural awareness and acceptance.

3. Reap the Financial Rewards

Financial gain should never be the primary reason for foster parenting. But choosing to foster with a government or independent agency does have its own set of financial rewards.

Generally, families are offered a foster care allowance as well as reward payments based on their level of fostering experience. These financial gains are offered so that you have access to everything you need in order to offer the best foster care possible.

4. You May Be Legible For Tax Relief

Foster parenting now only offers financial gain in the form of allowances and reward payments, but you could also be legible for tax relief.

This may vary from state-to-state, but most foster care payments are non-taxable, while you may also be able to claim for foster care expenses.

5. Improve Your Parenting Skill-Set

Many independent foster agencies, as well as government programs, offer professional training for all new foster parents. This gives you a chance to broaden your communication skills, and many others, as a parent.

Throughout your fostering journey, you will have access to advise and support through the fostering community which allows you to learn as you go, too.

At the end of each fostering journey, you’re guaranteed to have a stronger sense of self as well as what’s happening in your local community.

You’ll also have improved skills in humanizing, empathizing, and understanding other people’s stories. This will give you a greater appreciation for own upbringing and the childhood you’ve created for your own children.

6. Build on Your Family Bonds

Every single fostering journey is a great opportunity to build on the bonds between you and your spouse and children. Each foster child that comes and goes from your home allows you to share in a positive experience and common goal.

Making the commitment as a family to care for another child means you have to work together for a positive outcome. This achievement only deepens your bond and closeness as a family unit.

Not only this, but you also get to build relationships with special people that can develop into lifelong friendships.

7. Become a Community Role Model for Positive Change

When you choose to become a foster parent, you choose to support your local community too. This means you are creating a positive change, and others could become inspired to do the same in your community.

On the whole, choosing to foster locally has a far-reaching impact. Not only does it positively impact the life of a vulnerable child, but it also supports the community you live in. This will make you a well-respected asset to your community and a driver for positive change.

Positive Parenting Advice Just a Click Away

Choosing to become a foster parent is noble, indeed. So if you’re looking for helpful parenting tips and advice, be sure to explore the rest of this site.

For more, find a range of articles on-at-home projects, at-home DIY care, recipes, travel tips, and product reviews just a click away.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might receive a small commission if you make a purchase using a link.

August 24, 2019

5 Ways Parents Can Help Kids Overcome their Fears

Set an Example

If at all possible, one of the best ways to destigmatize an event in a child’s life is to demonstrate that the activity isn’t dangerous. Whether this means jumping off a diving board into a swimming pool, or trying a strange piece of food first, setting an example for your child is a simple method for comforting them and assuaging their fears. Note, this technique is particularly effective with toddlers and young children. Monkey-see, monkey-do after all.

Prepare them for Real Emergencies

Children –– and people in general –– are often most afraid of what they’ve never encountered before. As such, kids can sometimes be confused about what constitutes a dangerous situation and what doesn’t. Given that fact, parents can help put their children’s minds at ease by preparing them for genuine emergencies. Once a child is able to differentiate between the mundane and the threatening, they’ll have more confidence in themselves as a result.

Build Up to It

In the past, parents may have employed a tough-love approach to help their kids overcome their fears. Yet, this isn’t always the best way to handle a delicate situation. Instead, it’s often a better play to gradually introduce your child to irrational fear and allow them to slowly get accustomed to it. Just as parents teach their child any lesson –– whether it be about money, or love, or in this instance, fear –– starting small is typically a good idea.

Educate

Parents can remove a lot of the fear a child associates with an object, activity, or place by educating them about it. Take, for instance, the doctor’s office. Many children naturally feel anxious about going to see the doctor. There are lots of unfamiliar people, sights, sounds, smells, and instruments there. Yet, if you take the time to help your child get to know their pediatrician –– along with the equipment they use like a stethoscope or luer adapter, for instance –– you’ll likely find that their fear will dissipate as a result.

Be Patient and Supportive

It’s important to remember that no one deals with stress and anxiety in exactly the same way. So don’t get frustrated with your child if they harbor an irrational fear for longer than “normal.” Being patient and supportive is an essential aspect of good parenting. And though it can be difficult, it’s what’s best for you and your child.
[…]
Related Parenting:
Dealing with a Cranky Riser 3 Tips on How to Get Your Son Out of Bed
3 Ways That You Can Improve Your Wellbeing as a Parent
Positive Discipline Techniques Every Parent Should Know
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might receive a small commission if you make a purchase using a link.

July 26, 2019

The Benefits of Rocking Chairs for Kids

Are rocking chairs worth the investment? The simple answer is yes. While parenting techniques may vary from one mother to another, a great consensus exists regarding the usage of rocking chairs. Rocking chairs have turned into must-have necessities for new parents and it’s all for a good reason. With the rocking chair therapy in mind, here are a few reasons why investing in this type of furniture is worth it.

Calms and Soothes Your Baby

Parenting is a great experience and you will be ecstatic at the sight of your newborn. But the excitement might quickly fade away when you realize just how often your little one will be crying. To this extent, having a “rocking chair” would help. The rocking chair not only calms your baby but also coordinates their brain for sleep. With a rocking chair, you no longer have to worry about sleepless nights as the rocker can do its job just perfectly to calm your baby. Check out quality baby bassinets online for quality rocking chairs that will alleviate all your worries regarding your child’s comfort.

Fosters a Child’s Development

Research has shown that rocking chairs can offer emotional, social and motor development. Why? Because the frequent gliding motion of the rocking chairs enhances brain development and your child’s ability to pay attention. When the baby feels the back and forth movement of the rocking chairs, they become more aware of their body. This helps to enhance their movements and motor development. In addition, the gliding motion can stir the baby’s inner ear which is the balance mechanism and the upside of this is increased attention and alertness.

Comfortable Place for your Child’s Activities

Children get attracted to their favorite items and having a piece of furniture that they truly cherish would help. Having a likable chair that also serves a purpose is even more satisfying. There are several contributing factors to a child’s prosperity and one of them is including remarkable furniture such as the rocking chair in their room. Instinctively, they would be encouraged to read, relax and play in style. The best part? Be sure to use the rocking chair for years to come since it supports children of all ages.

Supports Children with ADHD

Rocking Chair Therapy Research suggests that rocking may help children with ADD and ADHD to focus their attention on the tasks at hand. Whether reading, studying or playing, such children are often on the go. Not to mention their permanent state of restlessness. Presumably, the rocking chairs provide the motion that the distracted kids yearn for while reading, studying or listening.

Conclusion

Such is the importance of rocking chairs in contemporary living that nearly every piece of furniture used by babies in the early stages for their development is based on the rocking motion. Always remember that you can find high-quality Australian furniture online to get a befitting rocking chair design without compromising your child’s comfort.