GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Yikes! Brandon’s Twin Sisters Turn Four

Yikes! Brandon’s Twin Sisters Turn Four

The twins are turning four and their passion for life’s many adventures continue to inspire me and challenge my energy. We just had our twin granddaughters stay with us for four days. I have always dreamed what it would be like to have twins party all night. I finally had the opportunity to watch this lively celebration. Our first night together was spent at a beach motel with the twins sharing a double bed. They loved the adventure so much that they would not relax and just kept playing. After 30 minutes of fun, I finally informed them that I would lay down between them to help them focus on sleep. Thankfully, Anna fell asleep immediately. Maria continued to wiggle another 30 minutes and then dozed off. All was well until 1:30 a.m. when both requested a cup of water. One cup of water was dropped on one side of the bed. I quickly plopped down a towel and reassured the twins the bed would be fine for sleeping. Thankfully, all was dry in the morning [Read more…]

Overcoming the Winter School Day Blahs

Overcoming the Winter School Day Blahs

School is back in session. The mornings are dark and the evenings are even darker. It is cold, windy, and snowing outside. How do we keep our energy up and our kids focused at school? Here are suggestions shared by parents at a recent workshop:

  1. Have children wake up to an alarm clock playing happy music each morning.
  2. Teach children how to breathe deeply each morning as we engage them in some morning stretching and yoga types of exercise.
  3. Allow enough time for kids to get dressed, make their beds, and eat a nutritious breakfast.
  4. Sing songs as we walk or drive our kids to school.
  5. Help them pack a nutritional lunch and snacks for school.
  6. Plan for outside play each day after school.
  7. Balance the afternoon play with a nutritional snack.
  8. Make time for homework in an organized workspace with limited distractions.
  9. Engage your family in nightly family discussions during dinner.
  10. Schedule quality time with each child and read to them at bedtime each night.

[Read more…]

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

It is that busy time of year! All of us struggle with maintaining a sense of balance and calm in our daily lives. During this time of year, I struggle with juggling a demanding work schedule and maintaining my serenity with more demands for childcare and holiday celebrations. [Read more…]

Thoughts on Parenting

Thoughts on Parenting

As we come to the end of another year, I want to share some thoughts on parenting. These are my truths about parenting, which I have learned through trial and error over the years.

Lead with Love

The most important thing our kids need to know about their parents is that we love them. Love is the basis of our relationships with our kids. Communication, discipline, mutual respect and all the tasks of parenting flow from love. If love is not the basis, the relationships will not last. [Read more…]

Early Intervention for the Developmentally Disabled

Early Intervention for the Developmentally Disabled

Parents know their children better than anyone. The first three years are very important in a child’s life. If parents are concerned about their child’s development, it is best to identify the concern as soon as possible. Families who have infants or toddlers with developmental delay or disabilities, may qualify for early intervention services provided by the Early Start program.

California’s Early Start Program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and to their families. Families may access the program through one of California’s Regional Centers for developmental disabilities, County Offices of Education, or local school districts.

[Read more…]