5 Reasons Why Parents Enjoy Audio Books

Audiobooks are a great way for parents to help their children improve their reading skills, expand their vocabulary, and entertain them. They provide the opportunity to hear fluent reading with a bit of flair, help their child associate reading with pleasure, and teach them to visualize a story by using their imagination rather than pictures. They are also a great way to rest your voice and get them to sleep after reading a bedtime story. Some of my children's favorite books are The Story of Charlotte's Web, Jamie Lee Curtis's personal collection, and "Tell me about the night I was born."

A quick test! With the press of a button, how can you do the following:

Can you help your children improve their reading skills?

Expand their vocabulary?

Can you help them sit quietly (and willingly!)? and entertain them as well?

Simply listen to audiobooks!

That's correct. Listening to books on tape, Mom and Dad, provides all of these advantages and more.

Did you know that your children's intelluctual capacity will be greater than their reading ability for a significant portion of their childhood? That is, they can understand material that they would be unable to read when it is read aloud to them. Isn't it fascinating?

My kids enjoy audiobooks, and I appreciate that they do. As a homeschooling mother of four children, I read aloud frequently. Audiobooks allow me to rest my voice.

When you're in the car running errands, you can listen to books on tape. Naptime and bedtime are also popular times to read a story. (And if your kids are anything like mine, you tire out long before they do, so books on tape are a lifesaver for getting them to sleep after you've read them a bedtime story!)

Listening to audio books improves your child's ability to listen, which is critical for academic success.

Audio books also provide your child with the opportunity to hear fluent reading with a bit of flair... many of them are read by the author or professional actors.

If your child is having difficulty reading, audio books help your child associate reading with pleasure...which is critical if your child is to develop a lifelong love of reading!

Audio books teach your child to visualize a story by using their imagination rather than pictures (watching television, on the other hand, trains the brain to be lazy and rely on images).

Why not put your child on the fast track to reading success by simply pressing the play button? Here are some of my children's favorite books to get you started:

The Story of Charlotte's Web (read by the Author, E.B. White)

Jamie Lee Curtis's personal collection (And I dare you not to cry while listening to "Tell me about the night I was born!"

Parenting Suggestions to Encourage Your Child to Exercise

The most important details are that 30% of U.S. adults 20 and older are obese, and that the proportion of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. In a world where walking is limited, school P.E. programs are being cut, and cars, elevators, and buses eliminate our natural opportunity to exercise, we must make a concerted effort to incorporate physical activity into our and our children's daily lives. Exercise can take many forms and can be a lot of fun, and with a little imagination, parents can incorporate some enjoyable physical activity into their parenting style. 

Parents must prioritize spending quality time with their children through physical activity. Toys and equipment that encourage them to be active while having fun should be provided, such as bikes, scooters, hockey sticks, and baseball bats. Encourage them to find sports and activities that will boost their self-esteem, and deactivate screen time during designated times. By modeling a healthy lifestyle, parents can help their children develop lifelong habits and attitudes toward exercise and physical activity.

Was it easier to be a parent forty years ago?

As a new millennium mom, I fantasize about parenting in a world where streets are safe and parents can let their children run freely through the neighborhood, their bodies naturally challenged by play.

Instead, before the slam of the car door fades and the backpack falls to the floor, the TV is turned on, and the last few hours of daylight are lost in a haze of video games and overly processed snack foods.

Even the most concerned, well-meaning parent can find themselves helpless in the face of marketing genius and instant gratification. Exercise and carrot sticks are up against Xboxes, SpongeBob, and potato chips.

The evidence is all around us. Too many North Americans' health is jeopardized due to unhealthy lifestyles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity)

According to the most recent National Center for Health Statistics data, 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 and older – or more than 60 million people – are obese. According to the CDC, the proportion of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980.

Why should I be concerned because my children are not obese?

Are your children normal? You're doing a great job as a parent. However, in a world where walking is limited, school P.E. programs are being cut, and cars, elevators, and buses eliminate our natural opportunity to exercise, we must make a concerted effort to incorporate physical activity into our and our children's daily lives.

Despite all of the benefits of physical activity, the majority of Americans are sedentary. (www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing factors.htm). Inactive children are more likely to grow up to be inactive adults. (www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4596)

So, as parents, how can we get our children to move?

"Every day, children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity," according to the American Heart Association.

The good news is that exercise can take many forms and can be a lot of fun! With a little imagination, you can easily incorporate some enjoyable physical activity into your parenting style.

1. Show the way

You must lead by example. Children, particularly younger children, naturally mimic their parents. So, take care of your own health and make physical activity a priority in your life.

2. Carry it out together

In today's hectic world, we must prioritize spending quality time with our children. What better way to bond than through physical activity? Parents must play with their children because they cannot be left alone in the neighborhood.

3. Make it enjoyable.

Play some music and get up and dance. Tag is a game. The roller blade. Basically, just have fun. Toys and equipment that encourage them to be active while having fun should be provided.

Bikes, scooters, hockey sticks, and baseball bats will keep your children active and moving. Ride-on toys that get preschool children moving, such as pedal cars, big wheels, and tricycles, are always a good parenting choice.

4. Encourage them

Encouragement and support can be used to create positive reinforcements. Assist them in locating sports and activities that will boost their self-esteem. Attend their sporting events and show them that you care whether they win or lose.

5. Deactivate it

Of course, we need to limit the amount of time our children spend watching TV and playing video games. However, make certain that you do so in a positive manner. If they are upset because you just turned off their favorite show, they may not be enthusiastic about going rollerblading with you.

Allow screen time during designated times, preferably after homework and physical activity, such as in the evenings or on Saturday mornings when tired parents may need a few extra minutes of sleep.

Including more physical activity in your family's routine will make you all feel better and allow you to spend more time together. Most importantly, by modeling a healthy lifestyle, you will help your children develop lifelong habits and attitudes toward exercise and physical activity.

5 Questions Every Parent Should Ask When Potty Training Their Child

When potty training a toddler, it is important to be prepared for the difficult transition from diapers to potty. To do this, parents should ask themselves three questions: is the child prepared, do we need a toilet seat, and are we prepared mentally for the transition. If the child is not ready, wait a few weeks and try again. If they are, transition to a potty seat insert that fits on your regular toilet, removing the need for potty cleanup. A potty doll is not required for potty training, but it can be a useful tool during the pre-potty training phase.

It can be used to demonstrate what should happen on the doll and allow the child to warm up to the concept. Rewards can include stickers, candy, or a tracking chart. Simple rewards can be an effective potty training tool, but they are not required as long as you convey to your child that you are proud of him. Take a few minutes to answer these potty training questions for yourself and then go over them with your spouse to make sure you're all on the same page before you begin potty training.

If you're thinking about starting to potty train your toddler, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first. Being well prepared for the difficult transition from diapers to potty is one of the best things you can do to make this as easy on your child as possible.

1. Is My Child Prepared?

You want to start potty training at the appropriate age. When your child becomes more interested in you going to the potty, tells you right away when the diaper is wet, or pulls on it and appears uncomfortable with it, he or she is ready. If your child does not appear to be ready despite the signs, wait a few weeks and try again.

2. Am I Prepared?

It is equally important that you are prepared as your child is. Prepare yourself mentally for your child's diaper-to-potty transition. You will require a great deal of patience and understanding. There will be resentment, tears, and the occasional mishap. Prepare for this so that you can remain calm and supportive of your child.

3. Do We Need A Toilet Seat?

A regular toilet can be frightening to a child. Your child will have to hold on to avoid falling in because the seat is quite large. Furthermore, "things" vanish in there when you flash, which can be a frightening thought for your child. Initially, many children prefer to use a potty chair. After a few weeks, you should be able to transition to a potty seat insert that fits on your regular toilet, removing the need for potty cleanup.

4. Do We Need A Potty Doll?

A potty doll is not required for potty training, but it can be a useful tool. A potty doll pees like a real child and typically comes with diapers, panties, and a potty chair. The doll can be extremely helpful during the pre-potty training phase, when you are introducing your child to the concept of using the potty instead of the diaper. You can demonstrate what should happen on the doll and allow your child to warm up to the concept by playing with the doll in the same way. When you're ready, place the doll right next to your child on the potty.

5. Should Potty Training Reward Be Used?

Before you begin potty training, you should decide whether you will use rewards to encourage your child or simply make him feel good about his accomplishments by being his cheerleader. Simple potty training rewards can include stickers, candy such as jellybeans or M&M's, or a tracking chart for larger rewards (i.e. If you use the potty for an entire week without accident, you get a small toy). Simple rewards can be an effective potty training tool, but they are not required as long as you convey to your child that you are proud of him.

Take a few minutes to answer these potty training questions for yourself, and then go over them with your spouse to make sure you're all on the same page before you begin potty training your child. It will assist you in providing your child with a clear picture of what you are both attempting to accomplish and will reduce any confusion.

5 Love Languages and Those Who Help at Home

The most important details in this text are that it is important to recognize the help that family members provide to the household and to express appreciation in a way that they recognize it. It is also important to determine the primary love language of each family member and to conduct research on them to determine their primary love language. If you express your appreciation in one of the four secondary love languages that rank below your husband's primary love language, he may not feel fully appreciated and may gradually reduce his input over time. 

The most important details in this text are that each individual has a unique love language that they use to express gratitude, gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, and acts of service. To help a family member or friend who is feeling unappreciated, take an inventory to determine their primary love language and try to show them three small doses of love in THEIR preferred love language. After 20 days, send them an email and tell them about the differences that resulted from their giving love in the way they needed it.

Work done around a house or apartment has to be some of the least appreciated work ever created. Whether it's weekend yard work, plumbing emergencies, or daily dishes and errands, we often overlook the help that our spouse and children provide on a regular basis.

Part of the reason that being at home is so exhausting for some is that the ongoing work of maintaining a regular life is hardly regarded as special.

We never forget to express our gratitude for trips to Hawaii or Prague (gift love-language).

We are giddy with delight after a full-body massage (touch love-language).

We cherish all of our one-on-one conversations (quality time love-language).

But what about charitable contributions? Do we recognize them? .................... on occasion.

When someone in your household consistently contributes to the household's survival, be sure to thank them. The trick is to express your appreciation/love in such a way that they recognize it.

Determine the primary love language of each family member who contributes to the smooth operation of your household. Then show them your love by speaking to them in that language. Assume your husband mows the lawn and fixes electrical problems around the house. He irons, walks the dog, changes the baby in the middle of the night, and hand waxes your car after every wash. Now, he is clearly expressing his love for you and your family through the language of gifts of service.

Does this imply that you must return the favor in order for him to feel loved? Sometimes. In some cases, being catered to or waited on will make him feel loved and appreciated. He may, however, have grown up watching his father do those things and simply believes that is how to show love. This is one way he contributes, but it does not demonstrate that it is his love language.

Conduct research on him. Determine his PRIMARY love language so that when he contributes to the household in any way, you will know how to express your gratitude appropriately.

I bring this up because if you express your appreciation in one of the four secondary love languages that rank below your husband's primary love language, he may not feel fully appreciated. He may eventually feel taken advantage of, and he may gradually reduce his input in this manner over time. So, if you want the assistance to continue, be sure to express your gratitude in HIS primary language.

For example, if "Tomprimary "'s language is touch, then hugs, kisses, and caresses would be appropriate ways to express gratitude.

If "Tomprimary "'s language is gifts, perhaps a new golf club or video game would be a nice way to say Thank You.

If "Tomprimary "'s love language is words of affirmation, be sure to praise him both during and after his service.

If "Tom" values quality time, go somewhere alone to hang out and spend time together, or put the kids to bed early so you can cuddle and talk.

Finally, if "Tom" values love primarily through the giving and receiving of acts of service, find ways to contribute to his life through acts of service—pick up dry cleaning, wash his car, have dinner ready, get the house and kids cleaned before he gets home, and so on.

As I've previously stated to several of you.... We speak five distinct languages.

It is not enough to choose one and tell everyone in the house.

If your child is a "touch" child and you primarily use words of affirmation to show love... Most likely, they are not feeling ALL of the love you are attempting to express. A simple hug or toe-touching while watching a video would go a long way for that "touch" kid.

Every individual is distinct. And as a result, they create their own world. It is possible to show someone a LOT of love while they complain that they are not loved at all / or not enough. This is a simple and heartbreaking truth. The reason for this is that they register love primarily in a love language that you do not use to reciprocate.

So let's get that fixed!!

If you have a family member or a friend who is feeling unappreciated, take an inventory to determine their primary love language.

Then, for 20 days, try to show them three small doses of love in THEIR preferred love language.

After 20 days, send me an email and tell me about all the differences that resulted from your giving love in the way they needed it.

Until the next time

5 Excellent Ways to Improve Your Children's Conscience

Developing a strong conscience in children is important for their moral and ethical growth. Here are five excellent ways to improve your children's conscience:

Lead by example: Children learn by example, so it's important for parents to model the behaviors and values that they hope to see in their children. This includes honesty, empathy, and responsibility.

Encourage empathy: Teach your children to put themselves in others' shoes and to consider how their actions might impact others. This can help them develop a sense of compassion and understanding.

Provide clear expectations and consequences: Children need to understand what is expected of them and what will happen if they don't meet those expectations. Be clear and consistent with your rules and consequences.

Foster independence: Encouraging children to make decisions for themselves and to be responsible for their actions can help them develop a strong sense of right and wrong.

Encourage open communication: Encourage your children to talk to you about their feelings, thoughts, and actions. Listen to their perspectives and help them understand why certain behaviors are right or wrong.

By taking these steps, parents can help their children develop a strong sense of morality and a well-formed conscience, which will serve them well throughout their lives.

It's also important to remember that every child is unique and may develop a conscience at their own pace. Additionally, children are exposed to a variety of influences in their lives, including peers, media, and cultural norms. As a result, it's important for parents to continue to guide and support their children as they navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making.

In addition to the steps listed above, parents can also engage their children in activities and discussions that encourage moral development. For example, parents can encourage their children to participate in volunteer work, or to read and discuss books that deal with ethical dilemmas.

Finally, it's important to recognize that a strong conscience is a lifelong journey. Parents should continue to support and guide their children as they grow and mature, helping them to understand and make ethical decisions that are in line with their values and beliefs.

Curiosity is a way of life for children. They learn a lot in life, are naturally gifted with intuition, and are open to everything they come across.

Everything appears to be of interest to them. That is why they are curious about so many things. It is, indeed, a sign of progress.

Parents must assist their children in developing their conscience, which will be an excellent means of gaining spiritual experiences. They will learn about self-esteem and moral values as a result of these.

Of course, parents want their children to be aware of and familiar with positive values in life. So, as parents, what can you do? Here are five things you can do to improve their conscience:

• Set a good example. What you say and do on a daily basis reflects your worldview. If you say nice things to your children, they will do the same. Children are excellent imitators. It is critical that you say and do nice things at all times and in all places.

• Pay attention when they speak. Sometimes your children will ask you questions that seem ridiculous to adults, such as "Mom, where does the sun sleep when it gets dark?" Listen to them and respond seriously, "The sun never sleeps. It is visible in other parts of the world." Children will feel respected by their parents if they listen.

• Display joy. Show and share your joy, positive energy, and thoughts with the children. If you're happy, they will be as well. This teaches the children that life can be enjoyable.

• Expose them to nature. Tell them that everything that happens in the world is interconnected and has a purpose. Water, for example, is required to irrigate plants, and plants provide food for other living creatures.

• Be adaptable in your rules. Children should be taught what they should and should not do. However, keep an eye on their development. There will come a time when they will be able to decide what they want to do. Children will remain cheerful and expressive if you are flexible with your rules.

Those five suggestions are actually quite simple to implement. Simply imagine yourself as your children's parents and friends.

Remember that children are excellent imitators. If you do or say something bad, there's a good chance they'll do or say the same thing.