Parenting Styles

Parenting is a unique process that each parent does in their own way. There are four general parenting styles: authoritarian, lenient, authoritarian, and passive. Authoritarian parents rule solely on the basis of authority, while lenient parents tolerate immature and childlike behavior. Passive parents are more involved and emotionally close to their children, while authoritarian parents are a hybrid of the two. Passive parenting is difficult due to immaturity, work, or other factors, and grandparents, older siblings, babysitters, or the children themselves typically raise these children.

Every grandmother and grandfather will tell you amusing stories about their children when they were young. And for every amusing and touching story they have, they will be able to tell you another about adversity. Parenting is something that each parent does in their own unique way. The four general parenting styles are as follows.

Authoritarian parents rule solely on the basis of authority. Children are given commands that they must obey regardless of the circumstances. If these instructions are not followed, harsh punishment will be meted out. These parents do not value their children's opinions. In fact, it is punishable by death. The children are usually quiet and unhappy. They fear their parents more than they love them. Male children struggle with anger, and female children struggle with adversity as a result of their highly structured lives in which nothing ever changes.

Indulgent parents are often described as lenient. They tolerate immature and childlike behavior. These parents expect their children to learn from their mistakes and to be self-sufficient in most situations. These parents are democratic and allow their children to provide feedback on issues. They will listen to both sides of an argument and usually reach an agreement. Indulgent parents avoid confrontation with their children at all costs, but they are more involved and emotionally close to them.

Authoritarian parents are a hybrid of the two previously mentioned parenting styles. They represent a happy medium. While they expect proper behavior from their children, they also welcome feedback and questions about specific issues. They can demand things from their children, but they can also respond to what their children say, ask, and request. These children are the happiest, most confident, and self-assured of all the parenting styles mentioned. Being a purely authoritative parent is extremely difficult.

Passive parenting entails being completely uninvolved. Due to immaturity, work, or other factors, these parents may never return home. Grandparents, older siblings, babysitters, or the children themselves typically raise these children. There is absolutely no parental involvement.

We wish you a lot of happy stories!

5 Baby Shower Gifts Mom Will Appreciate

5 Baby Shower Gifts Mom Will Appreciate: Diapers, diapers, and diapers some more, diaper cakes, dressing gowns, blankets, socks, and burp cloths, and more. These gifts are ideal for those who are out shopping or have a gift registry, as they are typically available in newborn or 3 month sizes and unlikely to be useful after a few weeks. Pampering items for Mom, savings bonds, gift cards, check cards, and clothing are all options for parents-to-be. Savings bonds are an excellent way to invest in their child's future, while clothing can help parents get a head start on their baby's future.

With the pregnancy bug in the water system, you are almost certain to know someone who is expecting a child, even if you are not expecting one yourself. Shopping equals pregnant women. Here are 5 gifts that any mother will undoubtedly appreciate. The baby shower gift ideas are ideal for those who are out shopping or for moms who have a gift registry.

1. Diapers, diapers, and diapers some more. That's a rather uninteresting gift, but it's a much-needed one. I don't know any mom who will complain about having too many diapers at home with a newborn. You have to dress up diapers a little to make them look nice. Diaper cakes are available at a variety of gift shops. Some contain as many as 150 diapers, as well as booties, bibs, and a plethora of other baby necessities, all in the form of an adorable cake.

2. Dressing gowns, blankets, socks, and burp cloths. They're probably going to get a lot of these. However, these gifts are typically available in newborn or 3 month sizes, and after a few weeks, they are unlikely to be useful. If you buy them in larger sizes, they make an excellent gift. Mom still has brand new gifts for the baby to enjoy after a few months.

3. Pampering items for Mom. The last few weeks of pregnancy are extremely uncomfortable for Mom. Allow Mom to be pampered as well. Mom's 15 minutes of fame are over once the baby is born.

Savings bonds are a type of savings bond. A savings bond is an excellent way to invest in your child's future. While everyone else is thinking about the present, you are planning for the future. It may also help parents get a head start on their baby's future if they haven't already.

5. Gift cards. A gift certificate is always a safe bet. Mom and Dad get to choose what they want, and you satisfy them. Where the registry is set up is the obvious choice for a gift certificate. If they do not have a registry, consider their favorite supermarket (formula, diapers) or baby store. A check card gift certificate is another option for a gift certificate. It functions similarly to a credit card and can be used anywhere.

Tip: I don't recommend purchasing clothing unless the parents-to-be have requested it. They've probably already gone shopping and couldn't pass up those tiny adorable outfits.

4 Tips for Taking Great Baby Photos Even If You're Not a Pro

4 Tips for Taking Great Baby Photos Even If You're Not a ProWhen my daughter Layla was born, I couldn't put the camera down. The cashier at the photo developing shop informed me that new parents accounted for a sizable portion of their business. However, many parents' lack of photography skills can lead to photographs that are too dark, too bright, blurry, out of focus, uncentered, and so on. To fix these issues, follow these four tips: stand directly over babies on their backs, shoot straight down, lay a solid-colored baby blanket on the floor in a bright, sunny room, and show a variety of emotions. Take pictures of your child at all stages of their emotional development to document their growth.

Turn bath time into picture time, and if you're going to use a disposable camera, get a good one. My preferred disposable camera is the Kodak Max HQ, which is one of the more expensive disposable cameras on the market but has superior quality. You can usually find them for a low price on eBay and popular retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart.

When my daughter Layla was born, I couldn't put the camera down. And apparently I wasn't alone. The cashier at the photo developing shop informed me that new parents accounted for a sizable portion of their business.

We can't help ourselves! Babies are such lovely creatures that you want to capture every new movement and every fleeting smile. (Even if it is attached to a stinky gas bubble!)

However, many parents' lack of photography skills can result in photographs that are too dark, too bright, blurry, out of focus, uncentered, and so on. Maybe this describes you.

If this is the case, don't worry about it. These issues are easily remedied. By following these four tips, you can quickly transform an album full of blunders...

1) When photographing babies on their backs, stand directly over them and shoot straight down.

I used to lay a solid-colored baby blanket on the floor in a bright, sunny room. When I was ready to photograph Layla, I would place her on the blanket and adjust it around her, taking care not to place her directly in the sunlight. Then I'd get down on my knees over her, aim straight down, and snap.

This technique will allow you to properly center the camera and get some great close-up shots. Natural sunlight will often provide just enough light to keep your image from being too dark or too bright.

2) Show a variety of emotions.

Babies who smile are adorable. However, so are crying babies, pouting babies, messy babies, and sleeping babies.

Take pictures of your child at all stages of his or her emotional development. You'll be astounded at how stunning they are in non-traditional photo opportunities.

3) Turn bath time into picture time.

While some babies dislike water, the vast majority do. In the bath tub, they frequently become very expressive, laughing, cooing, and splashing. Bath time is often a great opportunity to get a few precious shots of your child.

I've used the bathtub to document Layla's growth over the last two years. I take a few close-up pictures of her in the bathtub every couple of months. The best one is then chosen and placed in a special section of the photo album.

It's truly amazing to see how her expression changes with each new photograph.

4) If you're going to use a disposable camera, get a good one.

Before Layla, I bought three dirt cheap disposable cameras. When we first brought her home, these were the photos we used for the first week.

I was sorely disappointed! The images deteriorated horribly. And as a new mommy with raging hormones, you can imagine how sad this made me. Those cuddly little moments will never be repeated.

But I did learn a valuable lesson. What you pay for is what you get.

My preferred disposable camera is now the Kodak Max HQ. It's one of the more expensive disposable cameras on the market. However, the quality is superior to other disposables I've used.

You can usually find them for a low price on eBay. Popular retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart frequently have sales on them.

4 Building Blocks for a Lifetime Relationship with Your Daughter

Mothers and daughters have a special bond, as they share many characteristics. Mothers strive for their daughters to be strong, independent, caring, and giving. To build a lifetime relationship with their daughter, it is important to use these four building blocks: trust, love, credibility, and actions. Trust is the first block, as it is a divinely bestowed right. Love is unconditional and that you will be there for her no matter what. It is never too late to start, as each new day brings renewal, forgiveness, and a positive step toward rebuilding. 

Establishing trust between a mother and her daughter involves five steps: honesty, openness, follow-up, consequences, and privilege. Communication is the foundation of effective communication between two people, and these abilities are mostly taught through language. The small steps/small rewards process is a step toward independence, and the mother must emphasize trust as one of the most valuable aspects of their shared relationship. 

The most important details in this text are that communication is not about getting through, but about logical reasoning and being open to understanding another person. It is important to spend as little time as possible talking, and to spend a significant amount of time listening. Effective listening allows you to gain insight into your daughter's life, and to create environments of opportunity for her to meet her new friends. Additionally, it is important to remember that communication can be a "two-way street" or a single command, and that YOU, as the parent, are always in command. Letting go is an ongoing process that we all go through.

Knowing when to let your daughter find her own path and when to take her hand and guide her is important. Being present for your daughter while letting go gives her the strength she needs to stand on her own. Learning how to improve your relationship with your daughter is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. From holding a beautiful baby girl in your arms to the turbulent adolescence, the age of independence and self-discovery, to witnessing her gain total confident independence, your reward is knowing that your parenting job has now turned into a fruit of friendship.

Mothers and daughters, like all generations, have a special bond. Though one is not quite a woman and the other, in many ways, is no longer a girl, they share many characteristics. Little girls want to grow up quickly, and their mothers want to reclaim their youth. Mothers understand the importance of being a good role model for their daughters.

So, with the best of intentions, mothers and daughters embark on their lives' journeys. Every mother wishes for her daughter to grow up to be strong, independent, caring, and giving. A mother's dream is to enjoy the fruits of her labor...to know that her daughter is happy, confident, and kind to everyone. 

There will be many detours and roadblocks along the way, but you can overcome them by using these four building blocks to obtain and maintain a lifetime relationship with your daughter! You will not only enjoy a close unique friendship with your daughter as a result of your efforts in developing this relationship now, but you will also pass on to her the wonderful gift of future strong relationships with her own children. What could be more important or rewarding than that? It's not much, but it's right at the top!

Building blocks are the foundation of life. Relationships are based on the same principles. Given the right tools, you can make yours strong enough to withstand life's ups and downs. A solid foundation provides the anchors needed to withstand any storm. It is never too late to start. Each new day brings renewal, forgiveness, and a positive step toward rebuilding.

TRUST IS THE FIRST BLOCK. Any relationship cannot survive without trust! Trust is frequently misunderstood as a given. A divinely bestowed right! Your daughter has grown to trust YOU as a loving mother. She knows you'll pick her up when you say you'll pick her up. She understands that YOU love and provide for her. Your daughter also understands that your love is unconditional and that you will be there for her no matter what. She may yell at you, but she TRUSTS you above all. Recognize that through your words, credibility, and actions, YOU have earned her trust.

How does she feel about earning trust? Each young lady must realize that TRUST must be earned. You earned her trust in the same way! Why do we sometimes feel the need to bestow attributes on our children that they should not have? Our daughters must understand that trust takes time. The small steps/small rewards process is a step toward independence. They must accept responsibility for earning and protecting your trust as one of the most valuable aspects of your shared relationship. It becomes significant when you, as her mother, emphasize it.

Establishing trust between a mother and her daughter involves five steps. Each is vital and carefully guarded. They are as follows: HONESTY, AWARENESS, FOLLOW-UP, CONSEQUENCE, and finally, PRIVILEGE. Knowing each of these steps and how to apply them to a working relationship is critical to maintaining a loving relationship.

BLOCK NUMBER TWO...COMMUNICATION. When our children are born, we seem to be so tuned in to their needs. We understand the distinction between a hungry cry and a mad cry. We notice a slight mood shift and worry for hours that a cold is on its way. We teach our little girls to talk as they grow older. When they say "ball" and "Mama," we clap and repeat the sounds. We're overjoyed that our little girls are on their way. We attend to all of their needs and kiss them goodnight softly and quietly.

Just because we teach language as a collection of "sounds" does not imply that we teach communication. Webster defines communication as: an act of transmitting OR an exchange of information or opinions. Consider the phrase "an act of transmitting," which can refer to giving orders, commands, and/or instructions. Of course, this is necessary at times. It means we mean what we say and do what we say! There will be no questions or debate. At times, this mode of communication is certainly acceptable and appropriate. Taking the other side of the definition, "an exchange of information," we understand this to be a type of investigation into another person's opinion, thoughts, and logic. This is also very important. In fact, this is the foundation of effective communication between two people.

When does it begin? As our girls reach the age of two, they begin to develop communication skills. These abilities are mostly taught through our physical reactions rather than our verbal abilities.

Physical reactions include how we say things, the tone of our voices, and how we move our bodies. It's not about getting through; it's about logical reasoning and being open to understanding another person. Because your daughter has already developed trust in you, she will embrace your communication skills if they are delivered in a way that supports her best interests without jeopardizing her own desires. 

YOU, as the parent, are always in command. YOU simply require the tools to assist in educating your daughter on the ways of the world. With these tools and exercises, you can begin to lay the groundwork for an open-minded, free exchange of information while maintaining your position of authority. Keep in mind that communication can be a "two-way street" or a single command. Your decision, your authority.

EFFECTIVE LISTENING IS BLOCK #3. Now that we've defined communication, I implore you... Spend as little time as possible talking. Teach through actions as well! How? It's simple.. (once you understand how). Spend a significant amount of time listening!!! Effective listening allows you to gain insight into your daughter's life. You can learn a lot by simply listening and observing. Listening includes not only what your daughter says, but also what others say. This includes her friends, teachers, enemies, and anyone else with whom she has contact. I'm not suggesting that you spy or have "reports back". Simply listening will teach you more than you can imagine. 

Listening is an acquired skill. What you want to do is create environments of opportunity. As an example... Car pools are unpleasant, to be sure, but when you pick up a group of her friends, keep the music low and don't talk - just listen! The girls will be open with their conversation, and you will be able to interpret not only the quality of her friendships, but also the group's collective views. This can be very useful in future conversations with your daughter. 

It's also a great way for her to meet her new friends! If you are more informed, your subtle suggestions will have a greater impact...remember what you learned about communication... Because your daughter has already developed trust in you, she will embrace your communication skills if they are delivered in a way that supports her best interests without jeopardizing her own desires. YOU, as the parent, are always in command.

BLOCK #4...LEAVING. Letting go is an ongoing process that we all go through. When, how much, and how much is enough? Knowing when to let your daughter find her own path and when to take her hand and guide her. There will be times when your heart breaks for her, when you want to take her pain, her place, her path - but they will learn the same lessons we have. We recognize that we cannot (and should not) always protect her from everything. 

When we reflect on our own lives, some of the most painful situations taught us the most powerful life lessons. Whether that was empathy and compassion for others, or our ability to forgive and move on; whatever crisis we face we have a choice - We can choose to be "bitter or better". It's a decision. Being present for your daughter while letting go gives her the strength she needs to stand on her own. 

We grow through pain, and we become whole through growth. There are times when there are no words, when silence and solidarity speak louder than any great speech. If you have built on the previous three blocks, letting go will be a natural love process. There is no fear where there is love. Your goal has been met: you now have a solid foundation for a lifelong, healthy relationship with your daughter.

Being present entails being present as a friend, a parent, a role model, and a mother. The best gift you can give yourself and your daughter today is to learn how to build and enjoy a mother/daughter relationship. This is a gift that can be passed down through generations, growing stronger and deeper each time.

Learning how to improve your relationship with your daughter is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. The building blocks can point you in the right direction. From holding a beautiful baby girl in your arms, to the turbulent adolescence, the age of independence and self-discovery, to witnessing her gain total confident independence. Your reward is knowing that your parenting job has now turned into a fruit of friendship.

4 Baby Care Tips Every Parent Should Be Aware Of

4 Baby Care Tips Every Parent Should Be Aware Of. Newborns do not come with an instruction manual, so here are a few baby care tips to be aware of. Caesarian section is usually performed to make birth safer for you or your baby. Circumcision may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and virtually eliminate penile cancer.New parents face a slew of problems and issues that they are expected to understand and address right away. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction manual, so here are a few topics to be aware of.

Bathing your child: Only give your baby sponge baths until her umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks after birth. To dry the umbilical stump, use a cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with alcohol, or follow your pediatrician's instructions. After the stump has been removed, you can bathe him in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian section: A caesarian section is usually performed to make birth safer for you or your baby. C-sections can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other issues. You are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing whether you deliver vaginally or by caesarian section.

Circumcision: Many doctors agree that circumcision may have some benefits, but it may not be absolutely necessary. It may help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and virtually eliminates the risk of penile cancer. Circumcision has no long-term emotional consequences for your child.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): SIDS has been the subject of numerous studies. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitively determined, there have been some correlations established between SIDS and the following:

Male babies are more likely than females to die from SIDS.

It is more likely due to prematurity.

Minority children are more likely to be affected than non-minority children.

It kills more children of young, single mothers.

Children who live in a household with one or more smokers are more vulnerable.

Some people believe that sleeping with your baby reduces the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagrees, claiming that babies who co-sleep have a higher risk of SIDS.

Most pediatricians recommend that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. The reason for this is hotly debated among health professionals. Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Parenting Tip: 7 Activities to Supplement Computer Games and Unleash Your Child's Creativity

Parenting Tip: 7 Activities to Supplement Computer Games and Unleash Your Child's Creativity. Many parents are concerned about the impact of computer games on their child's development. Here are seven ways to supplement computer games to encourage your child's creative development. Children can create character profiles and make up their own stories based on characters from their favorite computer games. It might be fun for your child to put himself in the shoes of some of the characters. This is a good way to help a child develop empathy.

Some kids are kinesthetic learners, and can make 3D models of computer game characters out of clay or papier mâché. You can create your own computer games using hundreds of software tools. Tools include "The 3D Gamemaker,"* for example, which allows you to create games by pointing and clicking. You can scan in your own images, record your own personal sound effects, and import your own 3D models.

Even if we enjoy playing them, many parents are concerned about the impact of computer games on their child's development. We are concerned that allowing our children to play computer games for more than an hour per day will turn them into antisocial, obese couch potatoes. We believe that reading to our children or reading child stories to them would be preferable. However, computer games are here to stay, so why not use them instead of fighting them? This article explains how you can allow your child to play computer games while also encouraging the development of their creativity.

Many parents are concerned about computer games because, unlike reading a child story, they do not require a great deal of imagination. Here are seven ways to supplement computer games to encourage your child's creative development:

#1 Create character profiles

Characters can be found in some computer games. These characters are already well-known and developed thanks to the Harry Potter games. Other games, on the other hand, may have more "shallow" characters. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to further develop the characters. They can create a character profile by imagining who their family is, where they come from, where they go/went to school, what hobbies they enjoy, how they feel, and so on. Your child can then draw or sketch the character and scenes from their life, past, present, and future. Finally, your child can create profiles for the characters' friends, family, pets, colleagues, droids, and so on.

#2 Make storyboards.

When you think about it, many computer games are simply interactive stories. As a result, your child can make up their own stories based on the characters from their favorite computer games. Consider this an extension of the computer game. You could even pretend to be a member of the computer game company, working on a new version of the computer game.

There are several approaches you can take depending on your preferences and those of your child. You can write a script, draw cartoon-style illustrations, draw illustrated scenes (pictures), or draw pictures with text.

#3 Keep a Diary

It might be fun for your child to put himself in the shoes of some of the characters. This is also a good way to help a child develop empathy. Write a diary for your child as if they were one of the characters.

#4 Create a Virtual World

My son has created his own virtual world. He's made detailed maps, descriptions of all the creatures, plants (over 100 in total, all fully illustrated), and lands in it, as well as a complete history of this fictitious world. Your child can design a virtual world that is an extension of an existing computer game or something entirely new.

#5 What's for Dinner?

If your child enjoys cooking, why not create some special recipes based on what people eat in the virtual world of the computer game? What is their favorite dish? What is the country's national dish? These "recipes" could be made from real, edible foods or from non-edible materials (make sure your child does not consume the latter!).

#6 Get Your Hands On

Some kids are kinesthetic learners, which means they learn by doing. If your child is one of these, they can make 3D models of computer game characters out of clay or papier mâché. Life-sized models can even be built in your garden or backyard. You can, for example, carve a character out of an old tree stump or log.

#7: Design Your Own Computer Game

What could be more creative in the world of computer games than creating your own game? Computer game companies go through a process similar to some of the steps described here when creating a game, so you might be able to use the results of your fun work to create an actual computer game.

You can create your own games using hundreds or thousands of software tools. However, unless you're a "techie," you should probably use one that doesn't require any programming or advanced computer skills.

Software tools like "The 3D Gamemaker,"* for example, enable you to create games by simply pointing and clicking. The 3D Gamemaker includes a scene, sound, and 3D object library that you can use to create your own games. To make your game more unique, you can scan in your own images, record your own personal sound effects, and import your own 3D models.

The Multi-Choice Creation System (MuCeS) allows you to create Multichoice adventures in which the game player selects one of several options based on what she believes will be best for a given situation.

These are just two examples of the many possibilities. The point is, you don't have to be a "rocket scientist" to make your own computer games. Consider how excited your children will be to design their own games. Computer gaming will never be the same again!

Conclusion

Some parents believe that computer games have a "unhealthy" influence on their children, but when combined with some of the "offline" child story creation activities described here, you will not only unleash your child's creative genius, but you will also have a lot of fun doing it.

* Please keep in mind that I have not (yet) used any of the software described here. The products mentioned are only provided as examples.

You Make Me Sick, and Other Anger Inducing Phrases from Parents

You Make Me Sick, and Other Anger Inducing Phrases from Parents. "I'll break your neck if you don't do your homework right now!". "Please leave me alone; I've had a bad day" is one of many angry parents' pet peeves. Anger produces very colorful and exaggerated statements. Parents and caregivers must make a concerted effort to remove these damaging phrases from their vocabulary. Shocking statements have a place in parenting on occasion, but when used on a daily basis, they will only serve to create fear or simply numb your child.

When speaking to your child, deliberately lower your voice and explain why you are angry. If punishment is required, make it as realistic as possible. A parent's weapon against the outside world is healthy communication. Accept responsibility for your actions and offer an apology rather than an excuse.

Maryann is so focused that she has gone blind. She's stepped over the line of responsibility and forgotten why she's working so hard. It's for her child.

Being a single parent is difficult. There isn't much time left in the day between working, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and homework. Being the sole supporter of a young child is a heavy burden. But, when the pressures and tensions are so intense that harmful words spill out like bitter pills, isn't it time to take stock?

"Clean up your room or I'll kill you!" "I'll break your neck if you don't do your homework right now!" "Please leave me alone; I've had a bad day."

These are the words of a mother who adores her daughter and works hard to provide for her. If you asked Maryann, she would say she would do anything for her child. But why can't she see that respectful communication conveys love more effectively than a new pair of shoes? And why does she need to be reminded to respect her child?

Maryann is not by herself. Life is difficult. We've all heard angry parents, whether married or single, speak to their children. We've all rolled our eyes at the dramatic threats, knowing full well they're not going to be carried out. But does a child realize these are just stupid words uttered in frustration? Is a child aware that violent threats of bodily harm are meaningless?

Whether over-the-top drama is blurted out in anger or simply used to get a child's attention, the results are unhealthy and damaging.

What do you think Billy learned from when he tells a classmate he's going to kill him over a broken crayon? And, in today's climate, do you believe anyone would dismiss it as an innocent statement made by an innocent child? Billy would be summoned to the principal's office right away. And if he didn't, he'd be called down after the victim of his harsh words went home and told his parents, who then informed the school.

What happens when your child reaches a certain age and develops a serious problem? What if he needs to discuss drugs or alcohol? Or does she have a school problem or a question about boys? Belittling your child with angry words and intimidation will break down communication barriers long before you reach this point. What would you do if your child told you she was having sex and you threatened to "kill" her for having a messy room?

Anger produces very colorful and exaggerated statements. By controlling their anger, parents and caregivers must make a concerted effort to remove these damaging phrases from their vocabulary. Save the drama for when it is truly required. Shocking statements have a place in parenting on occasion, but when used on a daily basis, they will only serve to create fear or simply numb your child to your words.

Examine your vocabulary; are you unintentionally harming your relationship with your child? Here are some steps to help you regain control when frustration and anger flare up. Take a deep breath from your diaphragm rather than your chest. Exhale slowly. Imagine your words evaporating into the air as you do this. Lift your hand in a stopping motion, palm out. 

This will signal to your child that you need a break and will serve as a reminder to you that you are controlling your anger. Continue to breathe deeply while telling yourself to relax. Wait until you have a sense of control. When you speak, deliberately lower your voice, not to a whisper, but to a soft, paced level. Then, without using threats or harsh criticism, explain to your child why you are angry. It's fine to express disappointment or outrage over a messy room or a poor grade, but focus on the problem and offer a solution or a reasonable ultimatum. If punishment is required, make it as realistic as possible. 

I'm not aware of a single parent who forbade their child from watching television for the rest of their life. Make good on your promises. If you do become angry, offer your child an apology rather than an excuse. Accept responsibility for your actions. Examine the situation that sparked your rage. Was it, in fact, your child? Is there something else going on? If this is the case, what can you do to remedy the situation or avoid it in the future?

Anger is a normal human emotion. It cannot be completely controlled or removed from our lives, but we can change how we deal with it. You gain an invaluable gift in the process: a respectful relationship with your child. A parent's weapon against the outside world is healthy communication. In times of trouble, a child should turn to his parent rather than flee in terror.

They should have beaten me harder. The Physical Abuse Cycle

Douglas Rushkoff: I was always getting beaten. I frequently had to go into the yard and locate the switch. He says his mother beat him with whatever she could lay her hands on. After a beating, his mother would tell him how much she loved him. Douglas Rushkoff: I've always hit my kids, and no matter what anyone told me about how bad it was, it never made sense to me. It's the first time I've realized why it's not a good or loving way to discipline my children.

In December 2005, I led a two-day workshop for men who had recently been released from a domestic violence prison. The men were accompanied by their wives, as well as the father of a batterer who was still incarcerated.

Douglas, the father, sat in front of me, recounting his childhood memories.

"My mother was a very loving woman - a big-hearted, hardworking loving woman," he explained. I knew from my many years of counseling that my definition of love and his definition of love were almost certainly very different.

"Has she ever hit you?" I inquired.

"Oh, yes. She was always one step ahead of me. My father beat my mother, and my mother beat me. But she beat me because I was a bad person. I was terrible. Maybe I wouldn't have been so bad if she had beaten me more."

"With what did she beat you?"

"Whatever she could lay her hands on. Wooden spoons, extension cords. I frequently had to go into the yard and locate the switch."

"How did you feel knowing you were going to get beaten?"

"Oh my God, I was terrified. I'd beg and plead and promise not to do whatever it was she was upset about again. That, however, never worked. I was always getting beaten. Then, after the beating, she'd tell me how much she loved me, how it was for my own good, and how it hurt her more than it hurt me."

"And how bad were you?"

"Well, sometimes I'd be late, and sometimes I'd argue. Then, at a young age, I became addicted to alcohol and drugs. Maybe if she had beaten me more, I wouldn't have done drugs and alcohol."

"What makes you think you did the drugs and alcohol?"

"I was just in too much pain. It took my mind off the pain for a while."

"How bad was the pain?"

"I'm not sure. "I was just in a lot of pain."

"Do you think you were hurting because the woman who was supposed to protect you was actually hurting you? That she was perplexing you by telling you she loved you while beating and frightening you? That there was no one to turn to for protection and care? That you were terrified for much of the time because of the beatings? That you were terribly lonely and couldn't turn to your parents because they were the source of your pain?"

Silence………

Then he looked at me, stunned. As the light bulb went off in his head, tears streamed down his weathered cheeks. He was soon sobbing.

"That's correct...

That's correct....

The problem was the beatings. More thrashings would have done nothing to help. And I beat my children because I thought it was the right thing to do, and now my son is in prison for beating his wife, and protective services wants to take their daughter away. And the other day, when she wasn't looking, I almost hit her. I'm relieved I didn't. This must end! This has to end!"

I took a look around the room. Everyone was crying. Kathy, the batterer's wife, broke down in tears.

"I've always hit my kids, and no matter what anyone told me about how bad it was, it never made sense to me. It's the first time I've realized why it's not a good or loving way to discipline my children. And I understand why I have so many issues with my older son and why he is on drugs. I had no idea why he was always so angry with me. Now I see what you mean. I need to find a new way to discipline myself. I'm going to start reading parenting books and take a parenting class."

I hugged Douglas for his profound work and the impact it was having on everyone in the room. I thanked God for the opportunity to work with these people. It turned out that all of them had been severely beaten as children.

I am grateful to James Beard, who leads workshops with batterers inside the prison, and to Lindsay Wagner, who also works with these men and their families. They were both assisting me at this workshop. We all smiled at each other, grateful for the healing that was happening.

They Should Have Beaten Me Harder The Physical Abuse Cycle

Douglas Rushkoff: I was always getting beaten. I frequently had to go into the yard and locate the switch Douglas' mother beat him with whatever she could lay her hands on, he says. Douglas Rushkoff: I've always hit my kids, and no matter what anyone told me about how bad it was, it never made sense to me. It's the first time I've realized why it's not a loving way to discipline my children.

In December 2005, I led a two-day workshop for men who had recently been released from a domestic violence prison. The men were accompanied by their wives, as well as the father of a batterer who was still incarcerated.

Douglas, the father, sat in front of me, recounting his childhood memories.

"My mother was a very loving woman - a big-hearted, hardworking loving woman," he explained. I knew from my many years of counseling that my definition of love and his definition of love were almost certainly very different.

"Did she ever hit you?" I inquired.

"Oh, yes. She was always one step ahead of me. My father beat my mother, and my mother beat me. But she beat me because I was a bad person. I was terrible. Maybe I wouldn't have been so bad if she had beaten me more."

"With what did she beat you?"

"Whatever she could lay her hands on. Wooden spoons, extension cords. I frequently had to go into the yard and locate the switch."

"How did you feel knowing you were going to get beaten?"

"Oh my God, I was terrified. I'd beg and plead and promise not to do whatever it was she was upset about again. That, however, never worked. I was always getting beaten. Then, after the beating, she'd tell me how much she loved me, how it was for my own good, and how it hurt her more than it hurt me."

"And how bad were you?"

"Well, sometimes I'd be late, and sometimes I'd argue. Then, at a young age, I became addicted to alcohol and drugs. Maybe if she had beaten me more, I wouldn't have done drugs and alcohol."

"What makes you think you did the drugs and alcohol?"

"I was just in too much pain. It took my mind off the pain for a while."

"How bad was the pain?"

"I'm not sure. "I was just in a lot of pain."

"Do you think you were hurting because the woman who was supposed to protect you was actually hurting you? That she was perplexing you by telling you she loved you while beating and frightening you? That there was no one to turn to for protection and care? That you were terrified for much of the time because of the beatings? That you were terribly lonely and couldn't turn to your parents because they were the source of your pain?"

Silence………

Then he looked at me, stunned. As the light bulb went off in his head, tears streamed down his weathered cheeks. He was soon sobbing.

"That's correct...

That's correct....

The problem was the beatings. More thrashings would have done nothing to help. And I beat my children because I thought it was the right thing to do, and now my son is in prison for beating his wife, and protective services wants to take their daughter away. And the other day, when she wasn't looking, I almost hit her. I'm relieved I didn't. This must end! This has to end!"

I took a look around the room. Everyone was crying. Kathy, the batterer's wife, broke down in tears.

"I've always hit my kids, and no matter what anyone told me about how bad it was, it never made sense to me. It's the first time I've realized why it's not a good or loving way to discipline my children. And I understand why I have so many issues with my older son and why he is on drugs. I had no idea why he was always so angry with me. Now I see what you mean. I need to find a new way to discipline myself. I'm going to start reading parenting books and take a parenting class."

I hugged Douglas for his profound work and the impact it was having on everyone in the room. I thanked God for the opportunity to work with these people. It turned out that all of them had been severely beaten as children.

I am grateful to James Beard, who leads workshops with batterers inside the prison, and to Lindsay Wagner, who also works with these men and their families. They were both assisting me at this workshop. We all smiled at each other, grateful for the healing that was happening.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Temporary Internet Files

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Temporary Internet Files

Temporary internet files are image, text, and formatting files that websites that you visit save on your hard drive. The files are saved on your computer the first time you visit the site. Storing a large number of files can slow down your computer's ability to perform basic tasks. You should limit the amount of space on your hard drive dedicated to storing files from visited websites. Cookies and other files have the potential to spawn popups that cover your screen in seconds.

Some browser versions do not allow you to completely avoid storing files, but you can limit the resources to 1% or less. Cleaning out the temporary internet files folder will not delete the cookies. There is software available that will scan your computer and locate all internet files (including cookies). The software recommends whether the file in question is good, bad, or ugly; all you have to do is decide whether to keep or trash it.

A little time spent learning about internet security can go a long way toward preventing computer mishaps. We should not be afraid of temporary internet files, but we should be cautious about how much we trust them and how we deal with them.

Temporary internet files are image, text, and formatting files that websites that you visit save on your hard drive. They are placed there by the websites without your intervention. The files are saved on your computer the first time you visit the site, so the next time you visit, you only need to load new information or files that have changed since the last time you visited - files that have not changed are loaded from the temporary internet files folder at a much faster speed than over the internet.

This appears to be a very appealing option, especially for those of us who still work at home on dial-up connections (my teenage brother-in-law insists I'm "old school" because I don't have DSL - I think he's right). Storing temporary internet files on the hard drive significantly reduces the time it takes to fully load and view a website.

However, there are a few questions that must be addressed in any discussion of temporary internet files. The first, and perhaps most insignificant, concern is that you may miss out on all of the website's up-to-date information. If your browser loads files from your temporary internet files folder rather than the website's updated material, you may miss out on an updated football score or see a different image than others. The system is designed to prevent such events from occurring, but the possibility exists.

Second, storing a large number of files can slow down your computer's ability to perform even the most basic tasks, such as word processing (a deadly one-two combination if you're using dial-up!). Fortunately, you can limit the number and size of files stored on your hard drive. Typically, you can set the amount of hard drive space you're willing to dedicate to temporary internet files in your browser's Tools>Options menu. Depending on your browsing habits and need for speed, you may want to set this to high or low.

Third, the temporary internet files folder may contain viruses, inappropriate images or text, or files that may leak personal information to websites. This is obviously a major concern whenever you give someone virtually unrestricted access to your hard drive. Images from an inappropriate website that you unintentionally visited (this has happened to all of us) may be saved on your hard drive. Corrupted files could have been placed there by an unknown website you only visited once. Cookies and other files have the potential to spawn popups that cover your screen in seconds.

Before you grab your pitchfork and storm the beast's castle, there are a few things you can do to gain some control over your temporary internet files folder without completely destroying it.

I already mentioned that you should limit the amount of space on your hard drive dedicated to storing files from visited websites. This is the best option for those who are less concerned with corrupted or inappropriate files being stored and more concerned with their Jurassic-era computer's ability to perform at a reasonable speed. Some browser versions do not allow you to completely avoid storing files, but you can limit the resources to 1% of your hard drive or a small number of megabytes.

Some people prefer to clean out their temporary internet files folder on a regular basis; obviously, this will remove malicious files and free up some space on your computer, but it will also remove files you may want. A quick note about the files beginning with "Cookie:" cleaning out the folder will not delete the cookies. The cookie files in the temporary internet files folder are simple files that point the browser to the actual cookie in your hard drive's "Cookies" folder. If you truly want to rid your system of internet files, you'll need to empty that folder as well.

The most prudent option, in my opinion, is to use available software to manage the content of your temporary internet files. You want some files because they make your life easier. Some files are undesirable because they slow down your computer and make your grandmother blush. There is software available that will scan your computer and locate all internet files (including cookies). The software recommends whether the file in question is good, bad, or ugly; all you have to do is decide whether to keep or trash it, then click the appropriate button.

Temporary internet files can make our internet browsing time more efficient and convenient. Regrettably, they may also jeopardize the security of our hard drives. We can keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our computers happy, safe, and secure with a little hands-on management.

"Safety First" Tips For Water Fun

 "Safety First" Tips For Water Fun

Pioneers in swimming coaching and water protection, the nation's YMCAs are celebrating one hundred years of organization swimming coaching to kids and adults. The YMCA gives those pointers to assist hold you and your family secure in and across the water at some stage in the summer time season and at any time of year.

There can be few higher approaches to spend a warm day than on the beach, lake, water park or swimming pool however amid all of the a laugh and video games it's miles essential to position protection first.

Learning to swim and be secure in and across the water are essential survival skills. Accidents best take some seconds to occur, however they could frequently be averted via way of means of making sure your family comply with easy water protection guidelines.

Pioneers in swimming coaching and water protection, the nation`s YMCAs are celebrating one hundred years of organization swimming coaching to kids and adults. The YMCA gives those pointers to assist hold you and your family secure in and across the water at some stage in the summer time season and at any time of year:

• Make certain kids are supervised via way of means of an person in any respect times.

• No one, now no longer even adults, ought to ever swim alone.

• Be organized in an emergency via way of means of getting to know lifesaving, first resource and CPR techniques.

• Always have a stocked first resource kit, phone, emergency numbers and sunscreen near at hand.

• Follow the published policies in any water environment.

• Backyard swimming pools ought to have published policies, ring buoy and protection fences with self-ultimate gates and childproof locks.

• If you've got got an above-floor pool, steady and lock the stairs or eliminate them absolutely while now no longer in use.

• Be aware about water depth, incline and any underwater obstructions earlier than diving. Never dive in water much less than 9 ft deep.

• Children ought to use U.S. Coast Guard-accredited lifestyles jackets. Avoid inflatable toys which include armbands or "swimmies"-they may be dangerous, giving a fake feel of confidence.

• And finally, all of us ought to study swimming and simple water protection skills. The YMCA gives swimming lessons for every age and levels.

“Renee’s Mommy is Here

 “Renee’s Mommy is Here

As a Christian Working Mom I even have more than one roles. Proverbs 31 female is a: wife, mother, businesswoman, charity worker, and lots of different roles. Do you regularly marvel who you are? Where do you fit in with all of your roles? Christian Working Moms regularly acquire a number of help and encouragement from co-workers.

As Christian better halves we provide companionship, help, and passion (whilst we pencil it in) with our husbands. We regularly acquire the extra blessing whilst we paintings at church or at our children's faculty.

I nevertheless bear in mind the scene vividly. I become getting out of my automobile on the baby-sitter`s residence and a touch boy comes strolling out the door. The little boys starts to yell - “Renee`s Mommy is right here!” I bear in mind preventing in my tracks and thinking - “Oh, this is who I am now - Renee`s Mommy.” My entire identification is now Renee`s Mommy - or is it?

As a Christian Working Mom I even have more than one roles, I am Renee`s Mommy and Zachary`s Mommy as well. I am John`s wife, Betty and Eldred`s daughter, Karen`s sister, church worker, faculty helper, a therapist, expert teach, and a infant of God. Do you regularly marvel who you are? Where do you healthy in with all of your roles?

Women have had many jobs considering the fact that time began. The Proverbs 31 female is a: wife, mother, businesswoman, charity worker, and lots of different roles. You will apprehend in right here a number of the stresses we present day girls face. Proverbs 31:15, 18 states she receives up at the same time as it's far nevertheless darkish and her lamp does now no longer exit at night. Does that sound familiar? We are regularly burning the candle at each ends.

Although are many jobs may be traumatic there may be super pleasure in all our many identities. I love being Renee and Zachary`s Mom. There is super pleasure in looking them develop and find out about God and His world. I additionally very well revel in my paintings as a expert teach and therapist. Work affords me super satisfaction. Christian Working Moms regularly acquire a number of help and encouragement from co-workers. As Christian better halves we provide and acquire companionship, help, and passion (whilst we pencil it in) with our husbands. Our paintings at church and faculty additionally offers care and luxury for others. We regularly acquire the extra blessing whilst we paintings at church or at our children`s faculty.

As a fellow Christian Working Mom I rejoice and applaud all our distinct roles. Variety in our roles regularly permits us to manipulate turmoil in someone region of our lives. The different elements of our lives appear to make amends for the hard instances and assist us to keep balance. I inspire you to have a good time in all God has given you and your many distinct roles.

Oh, via way of means of the manner if we meet truely or in character I`ll solution to Kimberly, Renee`s Mommy, Zachary`s Mommy

No Child Left Behind: What it Means for Parents

No Child Left Behind: What it Means for Parents

Under No Child Left Behind, colleges that get hold of federal funds ought to make what's called "Adequate Yearly Progress" in reading, language arts and mathematics. If a college does now no longer attain its annual goals, it's miles given greater help and some other chance. Parents of kids in colleges deemed "in want of development" must touch nearby college officers. They can be eligible at no cost tutoring or after-college training for his or her kids. Ways that mother and father can assist their kid's college be triumphant include: Volunteering to serve for the duration of college hours or in extracurricular activities.

The No Child Left Behind Act is a landmark training reform regulation this is already enhancing educational overall performance throughout the land. One of its leader goals is to shut the troubling fulfillment hole that separates many deprived, disabled and minority college students from their peers.

To do this, it measures pupil overall performance and focuses greater assets and interest on the ones maximum in risk of falling at the back of. But what approximately the faculties themselves?

Under No Child Left Behind, colleges that get hold of federal finances to assist educate and put together educationally deprived kids ought to make what's called "Adequate Yearly Progress" in reading, language arts and mathematics. These sincerely described benchmark goals, so one can be raised over time, had been installed vicinity with the aid of using every of the 50 states primarily based totally upon what's suitable for his or her nearby college districts.

If a college does now no longer attain its annual goals, it's miles given greater help and some other chance. If it once more does now no longer be triumphant the subsequent yr, the college is deemed "in want of development." Extra assets are furnished to the college, and new alternatives and picks are furnished to its college students and mother and father.

As states launch their lists of colleges that underperformed over the past college yr, mother and father must be alert to their college`s status. They can be eligible at no cost tutoring or after-college training for his or her kids, or entitled to select some other public college that higher meets their needs.

Parents of kids in colleges deemed "in want of development" must touch their nearby college officers to discover if their kids are eligible for those and different services.

If a college keeps to underperform for 5 or extra years in a row, college officers ought to expand and put into effect a two-yr plan to show across the college. The nearby college district will make certain that the college gets wanted technical help because it develops and implements its development plan.

Parents who get involved - with the aid of using implementing attendance, supervising homework and putting educational goals - are much less possibly to peer their kids left at the back of in college. Ways that mother and father can assist their kid's college be triumphant include:

* Attending parent-trainer conferences to deal with educational or field problems.

* Participating in college board conferences.

* Volunteering to serve for the duration of college hours or in extracurricular activities.

* Encouraging different mother and father to emerge as involved.

* Tapping into network or private-region assets.

* Learning approximately No Child Left Behind and the way it could advantage their child.

5 Tips For Taking Control Of Your Life

5 Tips For Taking Control Of  Your Life

Working dad and mom, stay-at-domestic mum and dad or traveling mom and dad? Nearly each determine feels beaten with the aid of using their every day day. Parents each day enjoy anxiety, pressure and despondency due to the fact they experience as though they're dropping manage in their toddler. A part of each unmarried day must be committed to nurturing your dating together along with your toddler. Choose an activity (massages, games, toys, exercises, dancing, being silly) that nurtures you and your toddler's spirit. These every day nurturing periods will stimulate the increase of your toddler and will let you turn out to be toddler-like yourself.

Are you feeling beaten being a determine? Do you need to experience extra comfortable and empowered elevating your toddler? Working dad and mom, stay-at-domestic dad and mom, traveling dad and mom – it doesn`t be counted which one you're due to the fact nowadays nearly each determine feels beaten with the aid of using their every day day. 

Parents each day enjoy anxiety, pressure and despondency due to the fact they experience as though they're dropping manage in their herbal stability. The herbal stability that after allowed them to walk, speak and bite gum slowly - all at one time! Now you're strolling to paintings, choosing up youngsters, grocery shopping, doing laundry, paying bills, taking your toddler to a few lesson, etc. 

Those days whilst you had manage over your existence, may be re-lived once more with the aid of using understanding a way to create a dependent existence that contains more time, a swing to your doorstep and the cappotential to trust that you could accomplish what wishes to be performed, further to being a a laugh and worrying determine. Below are 5 pointers which could begin you at the route of feeling a fantastic glow approximately yourself.

1. Create Routines – Routines are hooked up with the aid of using dad and mom to control their personal conduct and additionally to control the conduct in their toddler. A habitual honestly nurtures the fantastic average increase of your toddler. A habitual allows to create consistency, and consistency lets in you and your toddler to experience secure. Create a “habitual calendar.” Get a huge sheet of paper and write down what wishes to be performed every day (hour with the aid of using hour). A time slot for every activity, whether or not or not it's paintings or play. 

This habitual calendar is a plan for every hour of the day. For example: 6:30 AM – wake up, shower, dress; 7:15 AM – wake youngsters, assist them dress; 7:forty five AM – begin breakfast and feature your toddler make sack lunches, etc. (Do now no longer neglect about to place down chores for every toddler on this calendar). Two character tendencies that broaden from a habitual are fantastic mind and emotions youngsters have approximately themselves. Routine doesn`t permit for frenzy and uncertainty. Routine says I realize what's being performed and whilst it's miles being performed. Most importantly, keep on with the habitual every and each day. Watch your existence turn out to be extra manageable.

2. Nurturing – A a part of each unmarried day must be committed to nurturing your dating together along with your toddler. Whether the particular time for focused nurturing is withinside the day or night time doesn`t be counted…what does be counted is which you spend at the least one-1/2 of an hour an afternoon doing some thing together along with your toddler. 

Choose an activity (massages, games, toys, exercises, dancing, joking, being silly) that nurtures you and your toddler`s spirit. These every day nurturing periods will stimulate the increase of your toddler and will let you turn out to be toddler-like yet again yourself. You can experience very refreshed with the aid of using having an unstructured playtime together along with your toddler. Your emotions of being beaten throughout

Clean Your Plate Is Not Always The Way To Go For Healthy Kids

 Clean Your Plate Is Not Always The Way To Go For Healthy Kids

The US weight problems charge has extra than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents. Obese kids are at more hazard for fitness troubles which include diabetes and heart disease. How can dad and mom assist their households consume extra healthfully? Limit TV, video games or laptop time. Ask for a takeout box and placed a number of meals in earlier than you consume.

Replace mayonnaise and cheese on burgers or sandwiches with catsup, mustard or fish fry sauce. Try baked, broiled, steamed or poached-now no longer fried.

According to weight problems researchers, the US weight problems charge has extra than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents-and extra than tripled for a long time 6 to 11-over the last 30 years. Obese kids are at more hazard for fitness troubles which include diabetes and coronary heart disease, and regularly deliver those troubles into adulthood.

So, how do dad and mom assist kids, and the complete own circle of relatives, consume more healthy, each at domestic and away-from-domestic?

"Talk in your pediatrician, own circle of relatives health practitioner or registered dietitian to decide the healthiest weight desires for the complete own circle of relatives," stated nutrients professional Jenifer Bland-Campbell, "then make a plan to address the issue."

She gives those recommendations to assist dad and mom assist their households consume extra healthfully:

• Eat at the least one meal collectively daily, at ordinary periods to deter snacking.

• Prepare healthful dishes for the complete own circle of relatives, now no longer simply unique ingredients for an obese child.

• Don`t use meals as a reward, consolation or punishment.

• Watch portions. "Clean your plate" isn't always constantly the manner to pass.

• Eat slowly. It takes nearly 20 mins for the mind to check in that the frame is full.

• Encourage water or skim or 1% milk rather than high-calorie, sugary drinks.

• Getting youngsters to consume at the least 5 servings of veggies and end result every day will now no longer be easy, however cognizance on the colours to make it extra fun. Visit www.5aday.org for extra recommendations.

• Use low-fats or fats-loose dressings, mayonnaise and dairy gadgets at domestic as though they're the full-fats versions. Kids will take your cues. Ask for the equal gadgets at the facet whilst ingesting away-from-domestic.

• Take the stairs. When you pass shopping, park the auto farther farfar from the shop and walk.

• Limit television, video video games or laptop time.

• Replace mayonnaise and cheese on burgers or sandwiches with catsup, mustard or fish fry sauce.

• Stick with gadgets which might be baked, broiled, steamed or poached-now no longer fried.

• Ask for dietary statistics whilst ingesting out.

• Look past the kid's menu, regularly confined to fried, high-calorie, high-fats ingredients. Split one more healthy person entrée among kids.

• Ask for a takeout box and placed a number of the meals in earlier than you consume.

• Ask that bread, drinks and tortilla chips be served with the meal, now no longer beforehand.

"Parents can assist kids attain well-being desires with the aid of using first making healthful adjustments at domestic, then coaching youngsters what to do farfar from domestic," stated Bland-Campbell. "Healthy ingesting does now no longer appear overnight, however kids take cues from their dad and mom and could analyze behaviors over time."

Bland-Campbell is a registered dietitian with ARAMARK, a organization that manages meals carrier packages at businesses, colleges, hospitals, and about 4,000 faculties throughout the country.

You can locate studies at the away-from-domestic dietary choices of Americans at ARAMARK'S Web site, www.diningstyle.com. There, dad and mom can locate their personal eating fashion and acquire recommendations from dietitians on extra methods to consume better.

$300 Writing Prize Focuses Kids On Gender Equity

 $300 Writing Prize Focuses Kids On Gender Equity

"Harry Potter could want a few magic spell or potion to extrade himself from a 'Harry' to a 'Harriet,'" joked Nimmo. Nimmo, writer of the emerging "Mustard Twins" fable series, says that tendencies in literature trap youngsters in what he calls a "sort of analyzing time-warp". Nimmo's novel is "The Ancient Egyptian Ennead," which tells the tale of spunky teenage lady heroes.

Harry Potter could be eligible for access into a competition subsidized via way of means of up-and-coming younger grownup novelist R.J. Nimmo - on one condition.

"He could want a few magic spell or potion to extrade himself from a `Harry' to a 'Harriet,'" joked Nimmo, who's an professional on amusement for youngsters and teens.

"Describing how the well-known boy wizard could behave as a witch could be fun for writer and reader alike," Nimmo said. "And it's miles simply the sort of fun, witty and innovative submission our judges are searching for."

Nimmo, writer of the emerging "Mustard Twins" fable series, says that tendencies in literature geared toward younger humans hazard trapping youngsters in what he calls a "sort of analyzing time-warp."

"Certainly, in which representations of gender in fiction heroes and characters are concerned, youngsters' books lag manner in the back of brand new society," he said. "A lot of famous fiction displays old stereotypes of masculine and female roles. And books geared toward youngsters and teens proportion plenty of the blame. I am now no longer most effective speaking approximately mainstream books either, however Newbery and Caldecott medal winners as well."

To assignment the fame quo, Nimmo is encouraging contestants to explain how a favourite fiction ee-e book or tale hero could act or react in a dramatic situation. But there may be a twist: Entrants are first required to change the hero's gender function or characteristics.

With the contest, Nimmo hopes to undoubtedly attune mother and father and youngsters alike to the diffused messages being transmitted thru famous amusement.

"Readers - specifically more youthful ones - are continuously being uncovered to values which are absolutely out of step with present day times," he said.

Studies display that, from Harry Potter to Artemis Fowl, boys outnumber ladies approximately 4 to at least one in books and TV shows, along with the ones written via way of means of women. Furthermore, Nimmo factors out, even books with lady or gender-impartial names of their titles often revolve round a male character.

Why ought to mother and father be concerned?

"Society's values are in large part transmitted to youngsters thru fiction," Nimmo said. "It is consequently essential that mother and father be conscious that shallowness and private improvement are encouraged via way of means of the kind of ee-e book and tale heroes we emulate as youngsters."

Nonetheless, Nimmo said, there are matters mother and father can do to sensitize youngsters to the issue.

"Make positive to encompass books for your analyzing choice in which people are portrayed with exceptional personalities regardless of gender, in which achievements aren't evaluated on the premise of gender and in which people are logical or emotional relying at the situation," he said.

To inspire younger humans to assignment the conventions in tales and books written for them, Nimmo is providing a $three hundred coins prize, plus signed copies of his present day novel, "The Ancient Egyptian Ennead," which tells the tale of spunky teenage lady heroes and their exploits in historical Egypt withinside the time of the pharaohs.