Who's Fault Is It?

It’s Not the Child's Fault; Believe it or Not, Poor Parenting is ... - PR Web (press release)

It’s Not the Child's Fault; Believe it or Not, Poor Parenting is ... PR Web (press release), WA - Jul 24, 2006 ... Anne Sprigpitt, owner of Parenting-tips.info says, "Most parents don’t realise it, but their actions have a direct influence on the behaviour of their child ...

Parents, are you listening? There is a direct correlation between your child's behavior and your parenting skills...and guess what... you can become a better parent. It isn't too hard, you just have to dare to try.

Like I say at The Toddler Tamer...

You Don't Have To Be a Perfect Parent To Raise Great Kids!

To find out more, visit me here:

http://www.TheToddlerTamer.com

technorati tags:parenting, skills

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You Need A License For Everything...Almost

Kline: Parenting takes more than just having a kid - North Shore Sunday

Kline: Parenting takes more than just having a kid
North Shore Sunday, MA - 13 hours ago
... Clearly, parenting can't be licensed and there's no way to make prospective parents pass a test to show their preparedness for the task. ...

Crazy, isn't it. You need a license for everything...except to be a parent. The most important job there is and there is no training... instead we are thrown into the role of parent with only our own experiences to go on. I think parents tend to fall into three groups: those who parent like they were parented, those who raise their kids in the opposite manner in which they were raised, and those who truly think there is a better way.

People will fork out hundred to train their dogs, and do absolutely nothing to ensure their child is raised with good manners and basic social skills. It is a shame.

parenting, skills, manners

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Get Tough On Kids

Get Tough On Kids
Toronto Sun

Mike Strobel of the Toronto Sun has a call for action. Read his article here and notice at the end he wants you to write about your own.

"Tell me about yours in 100 words or less. Anecdotes. Pats on the back. Whatever paints a picture of your young 'un."

As you read the article, you might feel like you have the best kids on earth, so don't hesitate...go ahead, tell Mike about your well behaved children, show him that your kids won't grow up to be trouble makers. Give him hope!

technorati tags:parenting, good kids, bad kids

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101 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids

This is an exhaustive list of things that you can do with your child. Not only are they low cost, but very  imaginative and fun as well. Here are the first ten on the list:

1. Go on a nature walk and collect different things. Make a collage with those things.
2. Make cookies together.
3. Draw a family picture.
4. Play charades.
5. Finger paint with shaving cream on paper.
6. Make homemade playdough and sculpt with it.
7. Go to a park and swing on the swings.
8. Go to the zoo.
9. Visit a fire station and take a tour (call ahead.)
10. Fly a kite together.

Read the rest of the article here: 101 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids

...and be sure and let me know which activities you liked the best!

technorati tags:child, fun, activities

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10 Summer Safety Tips

1. Never leave children unattended in or near the water. Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), on boats, docks, and around deep or swift water.
   
   
2. Make sure children always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter, rollerblading or skateboarding.
   
   
3. Protect children from excessive exposure to sun -- especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
   
   
4. Supervise children whenever they use play equipment such as making sure children stay clear of the front and back of swings while in use...
   
   
   
5. Keep children away from areas where any lawn mowers are being used. Never allow children to ride on mowers.
   
   
6. Minimize the risk of bee and insect stings by having children wear shoes and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent sparingly on older children and never on infants.
   
   
7. Know the plants in your yard and teach your child not to pick or eat anything without first checking with an adult. Call your local poison control if you suspect a poisoning has occurred or to receive a list of poisonous plants.
   
   
8. Keep children from playing near barbecues and bonfires and always have water present when fire is involved. Only adults should use lighter fluid.
   
   
9. Strap children in a properly-fitting seat belt, car seat or booster seat when traveling by car or airplane.
   
   
10. BE SAFE THIS SUMMER AND HAVE FUN!!

technorati tags:parenting, summer, safety

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Parent as Friend or Teacher?

Americans might learn from Indian parenting - Cincinnati Enquirer

Americans might learn from Indian parenting Cincinnati Enquirer, OH - 11 hours ago This became firmly implanted in my mind when I visited an American friend of mine who lives here with his wife and only child, a 10-year-old boy. ...

When asked, "do you want your Dad to be your friend?" most Indian children would say: We have many friends outside the house; inside what we want is not a friend but somebody who can correct us, guide us and lead us.

Here in the United States, we see many types of parenting styles, some of which I believe are detrimental to a child's growth and developement.

I don't want a docile child, but I certainly don't want a child who is entitled, seflish, and demanding.

Tell me what you think!

technorati tags:parenting, styles, entitlement

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Stay At Home Dads

PARENTING | Tips for stay-at-home dads - Kansas City Star

PARENTING | Tips for stay-at-home dads Kansas City Star, MO - Jun 21, 2006 The US has an estimated 2 million stay-at-home fathers. If your family is considering this arrangement as an option, Dad should take this advice: ...

You hear alot about SAHMs, but what about the SAHDs? I think it is wonderful to see fathers so involved with their kids, and granted, it may not be the norm, but it is on the rise and I think we ought to celebrate the trend! So, next time you see a dad at a playground, talk to him and tell him that if he were to get paid for his work as a SAHD he would be getting about $124,000 a year! That should make him smile.

technorati tags:parenting, stay, at, home, dads

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Save Gas and Have More Fun This Summer

Gasoline costs don't have to limit your family fun - Shreveport Times

Gasoline costs don't have to limit your family fun Shreveport Times, LA - Jul 3, 2006 Are rising fuel costs putting the brakes on the family's vacation this summer? You still can have a good time, even with a tighter budget.

Gas prices have kept me a little closer to home this summer, but it has been fun, and to tell you the truth, staying off the road has helped me appreciate the good things that we have nearby...local parks, the desert museum, and even the ice cream shop on the corner.

See if you can't do some backyard exploring and discover the joy right outside your own door!

Have fun!

technorati tags:parenting, tips, camping, exploring

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Raise A Smarter Baby

5 Quick Parenting Tips To Help You Raise A Smarter Baby - Press World (press release)

This is a great article I found about raising a smarter baby. It isn't just about playing music and reading to you baby anymore, but actually teaching your baby sign language. From personal experience, I have to say that being able to communicate with my baby when she just couldn't quite say the words was the best!

5 Quick Parenting Tips To Help You Raise A Smarter Baby Press World (press release), Russia - Jun 24, 2006 ... from day one. She also provides parenting tips, baby care articles, news and resources at her website: www.BabyCareConnection.com.

technorati tags:parenting, tips, baby, sign, language

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10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children

Hi Everyone -

Summer is in full swing, and you might be looking for some new ideas to entertain the kids. Check out this article that just came my way at The Toddler Tamer...

Fun Things to do with Your Kids this Summer
By: Susanne Myers

10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this Summer
that Won’t Break the Bank

For a family with small children like my own, a big family vacation in the summer isn’t always an option. But just because your summer entertainment budget is small doesn’t mean you and your kids can’t have lots of fun this summer.

Here are ten ideas to get you started on lots of fun this summer – on a budget...

1) Water + Kids = Lots of Fun
Put everyone in bathing suits and turn on the sprinklers. Fill the plastic pool that’s been lying around the garage all year. Get some inexpensive water guns at the dollar store and fill up some water balloons. Believe me, your kids won’t need any further instructions. Just keep plenty of towels around to dry off afterwards.

2) Your Child on Paper
Get a large sheet of packing paper, or use some leftover wallpaper. Any big sheet of paper will do. Ask your child to lay on his or her back on the paper and use a pen or pencil to draw the outline around him or her. Let your child paint features, clothes etc. When the paint dries, cut the shape out and hang this life-size picture of your child up.

3) Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk
Use the recipe found at www.kinderinfo.com/crafts/sidewalk-chalk.htm to make your own sidewalk chalk. Use it to let the kids turn the driveway into a piece of art, or and use it to play hopscotch.

4) Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Do you have a baseball team in town? It doesn’t have to be a major league team. In fact tickets will be a lot cheaper if it isn’t. Take the kids out to a minor league game or even watch your high school team play...

Read the full article here: 10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children

..and if you are looking for some camping ideas, check this out! It is a great ebook and it is titled Camping With Kids

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