There has been a lot in the media lately about different parenting styles. Specifically helicopter parenting vs. free range parenting. The differences between the two can be a discussion for another time as there are very strong opinions one way or the other. Regardless of the differences, we should all be able to agree on one thing, the need to teach children to be self-reliant. Our parenting style has a huge affect on our children’s ability to take care of themselves. Here are three tips for encouraging our children to be self-reliant.
How to Handle Your Children’s Imaginary Friends (she: Heather)
Hello OSSS readers! It’s Heather here again. Yesterday our 3 1/2 year old daughter asked if she could bring her friends Emily and Ashley with us on a family walk. Now, we let friends join us on walks, but this situation was tricky. Why? Because Emily and Ashley are not real, they are her […]
Toilet Training – Is Your Child Ready? (she: Heather)
Heather here, from FamilyVolley.com, ready to talk about one of the most dreaded milestones in parenting: Toilet training! It can be hard and frustrating and stressful. Some would argue it is a nightmare. Today I offer some tips and tricks to help things go a little more smoothly for you and your little ones. The best place to start? Determine if you child is ready to toilet train in the first place.
Did you know that mothers report that as a child grows older, the lack of toilet training causes progressively greater strains and tensions on family life, and on the mother/child relationship?
Here are some things that parents can do before they toilet train to help get kids ready, as well as how to know if your child is ready to be trained:
Date Your Spouse – Conversation Prompts For Your Next Date (she: Heather)
Remember when you first met and went on dates with your spouse? When you could talk for hours about hopes and dreams and nonsense?
Do you ever go out with your spouse and find that all you talk about now are your kids? Or your family problems and worries? Or maybe you struggle to find something to talk about at all?
Kids and stresses and struggles are important to talk about, but not on our dates. Dates are hard to come by in the first place. They should not be laden with worries. They should be filled with laughter, love, and lots and LOTS of hand holding.
I know what you’re thinking, “If we can’t talk about kids, and struggles, what do we talk about then?”
Here is a list of things you can talk about when you date your spouse. Whether you use them during your Valentine date, or any other date you go on with your spouse. Whether you stay in, or go out, whether it’s in February or any other month of the year, print the list, take it with you and you’ll have plenty to talk about.
Helping Your Family Keep New Year’s Resolutions (she: Heather)
I know, it is hard enough to keep your own personal resolutions and goals. Why would you want to set goals with your family too? Well, because setting goals together and working towards goals, brings us closer as a family. It builds unity, trust and is a great opportunity to teach our children skills and values.
Whether your family has a word of the year, sets resolutions, or you have goals that you want your family to work on this year, here are tips to help your family stick with those resolutions so you can improve and grow together.
Family Game – “Shoveling Snow” (she: Heather)
Happy Monday OSSS readers! Heather here with a fun “snow” game for you and your family. For about the first two years of posting on my blog, FamilyVolley.com, I always posted a family game on Fridays. Hence the name of my book, Family Fun Fridays, named after the games that I posted weekly. Hands down, one of the games that has gotten the most attention is “Shoveling Snow.” You have all the resources you need, right in your house, and it will provide laughter and bonding to help your family come closer together and make memories too!
Tips for Parenting a Shy Child (she: Heather)
Heather here from FamilyVolley.com. We shouldn’t be surprised when we have kids, to find that each of our children are different. They like different activities, are scared of different things, and some are more outgoing than others. Today we are talking about those kids of ours who are not quite as outgoing as their siblings and peers. You know, the ones we label “shy.” Here are 9 tips for parenting a shy child and growing to love them more and more along the way.
All kids are different. Instead of labeling our children as shy, work with them a little and you will not only see huge differences in their actions but your relationship will be strengthened along the way as you are patient, understanding, and show love.
Finding Family Time During the School Year (she: Heather)
September already!? School bells have rung and any day now the leaves are going to start changing colors. Heather here, from FamilyVolley.com. I am excited to share with you some tips for finding family time, now that school is back in session.
A new school year means family life gets a little crazy and a lot busy, which means family time can easily go out the window. The question is, how can we focus more on family and less on the hectic lifestyle we are living?
I have eight suggestions for you and your kids that will help you find more quality family time during the school year. Some are simple, like establishing a set bedtime for everyone in the family, eating a meal together regularly, or reading together. Others, like limiting technology time every day as well as weekly extra-curriculars, may be a little more difficult. But I promise it’s worth it!
Dealing with a Bossy Child (she: Heather)
Happy August Everyone! It’s Heather from FamilyVolley.com. I’m excited to be here today to share some parenting tips to make things a little bit easier in your home. And although today’s post is geared toward toddlers, the parenting tips can be used when parenting kids of any age. When our oldest child was nearing 2, I clearly remember my mom telling me that the twos were terrific, not terrible. I have always been grateful for her counsel. I ignored all the people telling me “to brace myself for the terrible twos”, went into parenting a two year old with an open mind, and you know what, she was exactly right. Now, five kids later, two is one of my favorite ages. As much as I love all the toddler developments, there is something that comes with being two that isn’t terrific. Two year olds tend to be a little bossy. Toddlers in general seem to be a little bossy and want things their own way.
What To Do When Kids Lie (she: Heather)
Happy Summer! Heather here, from FamilyVolley.com. Today I am excited to share parenting advice to make things easier in your home.
Call it what you will, Fibbing, a Whopper, Tall Tale, Story Telling, it is all the same. Lying. And it can be really frustrating when our kids start to tell them.
First, it is good to understand lying by age and stage. Young children tell fibs based on fantasy, and they are usually made up stories of who they wish they were (princesses), or what they wish they could do (today I ate 10 popsicles and didn’t get sick). Elementary School Children start to tell “smarter” lies to get out of punishment, to sound “cool”, and to get what they want.
Polka Dot Surprise Cake (she: Heather)
Do you love polka dots as much as I do? I like them on shirts and skirts and even on my nails. So, for our daughters birthday I decided to have a little fun and add some polka dots to the party. If you are looking for a fun way to liven up your next cake, look no further. The Polka Dot Surprise Cake is sure to fit the bill.
Come check out my fun cake and a bunch of other awesome polka dot ideas from your favorite bloggers!
Tips for Surviving Play Time With Toddlers (she: Heather)
Happy Mother’s Day to you, and to all the special moms in your life. It’s Heather, back to share a few ideas to help you as you play with your young children.
Spend a few minutes with your little ones and you realize how much they love to play. Play is vital to their emotional, physical, and social growth. It helps them build confidence, self esteem, and even teaches them to control their emotions. But… their games and activities can start to grate on moms. The next time you wonder if you can spend one more minute playing kitchen or Candy Land, remember all the benefits that come to kids from playing. And use the following suggestions to make things a little easier during play time with toddlers. Remember, you are not alone. These feelings are very normal.