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. 

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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. 

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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

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How to Help a Preschooler Who Chews on Everything

By Marcia Hall, as seen on Gonannies.com

Children, like adults, develop habits and quirks that are unique to them. These habits are often most recognized when the person or child feels stress or anxiety. While there are many ways to help relieve and reduce the stress a child feels, it is not really possible to eliminate it all together. Not all of these habits are harmful, but some of them can cause problems as your child grows. While chewing on things can be harmless in some instances, it can also cause many problems. When children chew on hair, clothes or objects, it can spread germs, ruin clothes and make other people uncomfortable. Here are a few things you can do to help find healthy outlets for your child when he chews.

• Recognize and educate those around your child that the chewing is simply his way of trying to relax in a situation where he is uncomfortable. 
• Avoid making the child feel bad about his habit. 
• Help him by finding an object that he can chew on that will not hurt his teeth or ruin clothes. 
• Be sure to make time daily with your child where he is free to share some of the emotions he is feeling. 

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Minimizing Mommy Guilt

By Marcia Brown, seen on Gonannies.com

Take a look at any parenting magazine and you will see idealistic pictures of the “perfect” family. There are literally thousands of books and websites dedicated to helping parents with everything from arts and crafts to finding the right disciplinary style. You probably even know a mom or two that seem to always have it all together. With all these examples of perfection, it’s easy to find yourself suffering from a bad case of “mommy guilt”. Here are a few ways to minimize that.

• Recognize that no one is THAT perfect. 
• Accept your failings.
• Work on your strengths. 
• Find ways to fill in the holes.
• Make small changes.
• Forgive yourself. 

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