Here you'll find quick suggestions for helping parents and carers cope with some of life's challenges with children, or simply thoughts for nurturing a warm, loving family.
Free Play
Children don't need instructions for free play. Leave them alone to make their own fun. Their imaginations will give them plenty of ideas.
Building Resilience in your children:
Teach your children how to solve their problems, rather than giving them solutions to their problems. Use a logical process of identifying the real problem, brainstorming solutions, evaluating solutions and then let the child choose the best solution. Guide the process, don't take over.
Family decision-making:
A little democracy goes a long way in a family! Everyone likes to feel included, listened to and valued. Have a family meeting where input is encouraged.
Child's Play
Play is the "work" of children. It's how they learn about the world, so never underestimate the value of child's play. Encourage free play, inside and outside, with other children, with parents and also alone.
Pick your battles.
Don't sweat the small stuff, focus on stuff that really matters, otherwise you'll all be stressed, all the time.
Precious Childhood
Don't rush your children through childhood - they'll never get to go back to it!
Each age and stage of development may have its challenges, but they also have moments to treasure. Capture these.
Naughty or just curious?
Children are naturally curious, not naughty.
Trying things and making mistakes is how they learn. Instead of being impatient or cross, nurture their willingness to learn and use these moments to teach your children.
When your Child starts School or Pre-school:
Be calm, confident and clear with your child.
If you are calm, showing no anxiety, your child is more likely to be calm and not anxious.
Be confident that your child will be well-looked after; remember that you chose this school/pre-school for all that it offers, including professional teaching staff.
Be clear with your instructions and comments on what will happen during the day. Give information in a matter-of-fact way, without any negative bias.
Parent or Best Friend?
Be your children's parent, not their best friend. They choose their own friends.
There seems to be a trend toward "Peerenting", in which parents try to be their child's best friend. This can be embarassing and confusing for children, who need Mum or Dad to be the wise guide, not a party buddy.
The more you act in your child's best interests and make the tough decisions when necessary, the safer, more loved and more secure your child feels. Ultimately this will result in your child really liking and respecting you.
Praise
Find the good in your child's behaviour and praise this. Focus on the effort put in by your child. Try to give minimum attention when the behaviour is not to your liking.
