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Your Child Hurts Himself and Doesn’t Want to Cry

Your Child Hurts Himself and Doesn’t Want to Cry!

One of my friends brought her child over to my home to play with my grandson. While running around the backyard, my friend’s son, Nathan, stumbled and fell hard on his knee. The knee was severely bruised and bloody. Shockingly, Nathan withheld any emotion although he was in extreme pain. My friend and I were alarmed that he was too self-conscious and afraid to express his true emotions. When approaching Nathan about his injury, my friend responded to his distress by:

  • Encouraging him to express how he felt
  • Telling him it was OK to cry
  • Reassuring and cuddling her son
  • Having her son help when washing and applying medicine on the knee

[Read more…]

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Catch a Bad Case of the Travel Bug

Catch a Bad Case of the Travel Bug

Normally, I wouldn’t wish a germy bug on anyone, but hey, infect me with the travel bug anytime! And I’ll be the first to say that I’ll eagerly pass it on to my kids as well. Think of the many benefits of travel: You’ll gain a sense of wonder and eagerness to explore the created world. You’ll learn to appreciate different cultures and the historical significance of your chosen destination. You’ll meet new people and you’ll experience new foods and customs. So, readyto embark on a family adventure?

List dream destinations

Allow your kids to consider locations without restrictions. This will enable them to broaden their horizons and dream big. Think about local day trips, short jaunts within your geographic region, or extended domestic and international destinations. Even if international travel is out of your budget this time around, you can keep it on your wish list!

[Read more…]

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What EJ Has Learned From His First Year of College!

What EJ Has Learned From His First Year of College!

When EJ was in high school, I pushed him to pass his AP classes so he could receive credit for his lower division college courses while in high school.   By the end of his first year in college, he had just two of these courses left to complete. Typically, the advanced math and science classes are defined by the students as “weeder courses” because these courses weed out the students who question the incredible success that they achieved in high school and drop or change their college goals. The realization that a student’s hard work and success in high school can become challenging at an outstanding college is humbling.

[Read more…]

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Summer Time with Your Preschoolers

Summer Time with Your Preschoolers

It is that time of year when parents are deciding about what they can do with their kids during the summer. Many of us have big ideas that are too expensive or time-consuming for a family’s resources. GenParenting readers shared the following affordable activities for fun-filled times with their children:

  1. A camping trip that you can share with other families
  2. A long weekend at a family friendly beach, resort, or motel
  3. Spending a night at an animal sanctuary and waking up to the sounds of lions, water buffalo, exotic birds, or farm animals
  4. Staying in a cabin or tent lodge at a lake or national park
  5. Bicycle rides through botanical gardens or community parks
  6. Planning overnight and extended visits with grandparents or special friends that allow for exploration of new cities and landmarks

[Read more…]

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How to Overcome Temper Tantrums and Moody Days!

How to Overcome Temper Tantrums and Moody Days!

We’ve all had those days. You know, the days where you wake up to the spring bird’s love song, the sun lightly kissing your face. With your morning cup of coffee in hand, you delight in seeing the dew on the flower petals. It’s peaceful. And calm.

And then you hear it. [Read more…]

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