GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

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…]

Yikes! Brandon’s Twin Sisters Turn Three!

Yikes! Brandon’s Twin Sisters Turn Three!

We just spent a wonderful couple of days with our almost three-year-old twin granddaughters. Although their baby years are documented in three CreateSpace books, they continue to love to read their stories about themselves and their relationship with their older brother, Brandon. We have also captured their life stories in their own photo albums. Anna and Maria love to look at themselves as babies growing up. Although they look alike, they consistently inform us which baby they are in each photo. They also keep telling us they want to dress differently, but when given choices they will still pick out the same outfits and giggle as we clarify which child we are dressing. [Read more…]

How to Support Children When Parents and Family Members Have Different Values

How to Support Children When Parents and Family Members Have Different Values

As an educator and grandma of an elementary school grandson, I find that I have different approaches to watching and educating my grandson. I have reached out to other educators on how to reconcile these differences when helping my grandson with his school work and during our afterschool play sessions. Ten tips for success include the following: [Read more…]

Encouraging Reluctant Readers with a Growth Mindset

Encouraging Reluctant Readers with a Growth Mindset

When my children were toddlers, they used to love story time. We’d pull out their favorite board book, they’d sit on my lap or snuggle on the couch, we’d make all the animal sounds as they pointed to the pictures and we’d retell the story using puppets. It was so much fun! [Read more…]