How to Handle it when Your Child Won’t Sleep in the Dark

By Marcia Hall, as seen on gonannies.com

Every child has their own unique sensitivities. One child may act shy when introduced to new people, while another child may dislike getting dirty. If your child is sensitive to darkness, you can rest assured that she is not alone.

Sensitivity to darkness is often thought of as a fear, and can easily become a fear when children’s emotions about being in and sleeping in the dark are not taken seriously. This issue can stem from many things. Educators commonly note that children who have an apprehension of the dark tend to be very creative, free thinkers. It may be that this creative thinking starts working overtime when darkness hits, causing the child to imagine the worst. There are a few things you can do to help calm the tension.

• Accept it. 
• Validate her concern. 
• Reassure her. 
• Keep the room clutter free. 
• Use light.

To view this full article, please visit gonannies.com

Solutions to Typical Issues Moms Have While Potty Training

By Marcia Hall, as seen on gonannies.com

Potty training is easily one of the most talked about events in the life of a toddler, yet it is often cause for great concern and stress among parents. Despite the hundreds of books and videos telling you the “simple” way to potty train your child, the majority of children learn to use the toilet without much difficulty when they are truly ready to train. However, some parents and toddlers find overcoming this milestone to be quite challenging. If you find yourself or your child in that group, here are a few typical issues that you might be facing and some workable solutions to them.

• My child does not seem to care if his diaper or pants are wet.
• My child is afraid to use the toilet especially outside of the home. 
• My child just can’t make it all the way to the potty. 
• My child just won’t poop on the toilet. 
• My child is completely potty trained while he is awake, but still pees while he is asleep.
• My child seems to have to go every 20 minutes when we are out or in the car. 

To visit my solutions to these potty training issues, please visit gonannies.com.

3 Effective Uses of an Allowance

By Marcia Hall, as seen on gonannies.com

For many families, using an allowance to encourage children to do chores is an effective means of both teaching responsibility and money management. For other families, linking chores to an allowance means that the children only learn to help out around the house in exchange for payment. It is important for parents to sit down and talk about what they hope their children learn from the experience of getting an allowance. Here are three common methods you may wish to consider implementing:

• The “You’re Part of the Family” Strategy
• The “Must Work for Your Pay” Technique
• The “Request as Needed” Method

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6 Steps to Fostering Remorse in Children

By Marcia Hall, as seen on gonannies.com

Arguments and fights on the playground or with other children are an inevitable part of childhood, however, that doesn't make it any easier for parents or caregivers to know how to respond when their child comes home from school with stories of disagreements. It can be even harder when you find out that your child is often the one doing some of the hurting. Here are some steps you can use to help when that happens.

• Remember that children are frequently testing what effect their words have on others during the school years. 
• Avoid accusing your child of being mean. 
• Ask questions instead of making statements. When discussing the situation with your child, it is best to not assume anything or make statements about those assumptions. 
• Encourage the child to mend the relationship instead of simply telling the person she’s sorry. 
• Don’t require your child to make the relationship better or punish her if she does not do it. 
• Encourage your child when she makes an effort to mend the relationship, even if it is not accepted by the other child immediately. 

To view this entire article, please visit gonannies.com

What To Do When You Think There Is More To The Story

By Marcia Hall, as seen on Gonannies.com

Understanding why children react the way they do can be as problematic as understanding the mysteries of the universe at times. One moment your child is engrossed and pleased with a particular activity, the next she hates it and acts like she’s being tortured the minute you try to get her involved.

Children change their minds at the drop of a hat and have meltdowns due to a number of different reasons. However, if your child has suddenly stopped liking something that she previously has loved, there might be more to the story. Getting to the bottom of it might take time and there will likely be a lot of frustration. Here are the “Do’s and Don’ts” of helping your child process her feelings and understanding her behavior.

Don’t assume you know the story. There is always more to the story than it seems on the surface. It is very easy to look at a situation your child is faced with and come to your own conclusion. Try to control your urge to make a judgment call until you hear the entire story.

Don’t accuse or blame your child of doing something wrong.

Don’t assume your child is innocent in the situation. 

Don’t step in to “fix” the problem. 

Do allow the child to be upset.

Do really listen. 

Do ask questions in a non-judgmental way. 

Do help her resolve the problem with as little interference as possible. 

To view this entire article, please visit gonannies.com

6 Embarrassing Topics Your Child Might Bring up in Public and What to Do When He Does

By Marcia Hall, as seen on gonannies.com

Kids say the darnedest things, right? From mispronouncing words to commenting on a taboo topic in a crowded room, kids have a knack for embarrassing the grownups around them. While older kids sometimes do this for attention or simply to test the waters, one thing is universally true: Your response to their comments can either cause emotional pain or it can help them learn. With that said, here are six of the most common embarrassing topics of conversation and some suggestions on how to manage them.

• Asking a person who has a round belly if she is pregnant. 
• Comparing breast sizes. 
• Needing help in the bathroom.
• Discussing the difference in skin color.  
• Discussing ladies “time of the month.” 
• Mispronouncing one word for the other, like penis for peanut. 

To view what your response to these topics should be, please visit gonannies.com. 

Top 10 Rules Families Should Live By

By Marcia Hall, as seen on Gonannies.com

Parents often institute rules for children out of a necessity to instill order and balance in the household; however, these rules are often not clearly defined and explained. Furthermore, they are usually for the children only. The healthiest rules you can give children are the ones that parents and caregivers should be following as well. By making a list of family rules you are setting a pleasant tone in the household and uniting the family.

• Consider other people’s feelings
• Solve problems with your words 
• Find a kind way to say what you need to say 
• Work to heal relationships that have been hurt 
• Work hard and do your best
• Be honest and tell the truth 
• Show forgiveness and grace 
• Treat your property with care 
• Treat other people’s property with respect
• Work together

To view this full article, please visit gonannies.com