TIPS TO HELP PARENTS RAISE HAPPY SUCCESSFUL GOAL SETTING KIDS

Goal setting can be done at any part of the year, and now is a better time than any for parents to assist their children with planning and creating purposeful achievements.
parental guidance with goal setting is a great way for parents to help their child visualize reachable experiences. But how can parents keep goals simple in order to make them achievable for children?

Here are 5 key steps that parents can use for goal setting with children.

1. Make goals small and adjust the completion time for the age range of your child.

• 3-5 years old-achievable within a day or two
• 6-10 years old-achievable within a week
• 11-15 years old-achievable within a month
• 16-21 years old- achievable within a year with several benchmarks along the way

2. Make goals achievable and measurable with specific numbers. Examples:

• I will read one new book a week.
• I will put my shoes in the closet each night.
• I will start researching on different topics
• I will start managing my time.
  

3. Have some way to know when the goal has been reached and celebrate small successes.

• Treats and etc.
  

4. Revamp what is not working.

• Talk with your child about how to restructure the goal.
• Make the conversation about the goal and not the lack of success.

5. Be a model and an example for your child

• Be mindful of how you handle obstacles and resolve setbacks.
• Remember your children are always watching and listening you so make right statements.

Regardless of how small the success, parents should maintain a positive, encouraging spirit for their child. Doing this will help them remain enthused when results appear small.

PHYSICAL FITNESS MAKES CHILD HEALTHY AND FIT

The Benefits of Sports

Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. From soccer to fencing, sports offer chances for kids to learn and master skills, work with their peers and coaches, and challenge themselves in a safe environment. They learn new skills and this develops team working and leadership in a child. Sports like football, cricket, baseball, table tennis, badminton, hockey and etc makes child healthly and fit. Sports also makes them grow in height. Sport helps us to maintain balance diet in our life and also decreases obesity. It also makes them active and smart. It is your reposnsibility as a parent to encourage them to play so that your child can develop certain skills.

When Should Kids Start Playing Sports?

As you think about signing kids up for sports, consider how emotionally and physically ready they are to participate. 

That doesn't mean kids can't play sports when they're younger. Sports can be fun for toddlers and kindergartners, but they should be less about competition and more about having fun opportunities to be active. So even if young kids inadvertently score a goal for the other team or spend the entire game chasing butterflies, as long as they're enjoying it, that's OK.

If you do decide to sign your 5-year-old up for a team, be sure to choose a league that emphasizes fun and basic skills. 

INTERNET SAFETY

The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. But that access can also pose hazards.  That's why it's important to be aware of what your kids see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves online.

keep a close eye on their activities.

Online Protection Tools:-Many Internet service providers (ISPs) provide parent-control options to block certain material from coming into a computer. You can also get software that helps block access to certain sites based on a "bad site" list that your ISP creates. Filtering programs can block sites from coming in and restrict personal information from being sent online. 

Getting Involved in Kids' Online Activities

Aside from these tools, it's wise to take an active role in protecting your kids

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.

• Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor its use.

• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.

• Bookmark kids' favorite sites for easy access.

• Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior.

• Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider.

• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.

• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.

Many sites use "cookies," devices that track specific information about the user, such as name, email address, and shopping preferences. Cookies can be disabled. Ask your Internet service provider for more information.

Basic Rules:- Set up some simple rules for your kids to follow while they're using the Internet, such as:

• Follow the rules you set, as well as those set by your Internet service provider.

• Never trade personal photographs in the mail or scanned photographs over the Internet.

• Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location. 

• Never respond to a threatening email or message.

• Always tell a parent about any communication or conversation that was scary.

• If your child has a new "friend," insist on being "introduced" online to that friend.

Chat Room Caution:- Chat rooms are virtual online rooms where chat sessions take place. Because people can communicate with each other alone or in a group, chat rooms are among the most popular destinations on the Web — especially for kids and teens.

But chat rooms can pose hazards for kids. Some kids have met "friends" in chat rooms who were interested in exploiting them. These predators sometimes prod their online acquaintances to exchange personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, thus putting the kids they are chatting with — and their families — at risk.

Warning Signs

Warning signs of a child being targeted by an online predator include spending long hours online, especially at night, phone calls from people you don't know, or unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail. If your child suddenly turns off the computer when you walk into the room, ask why and monitor computer time more closely. Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities are other signs to watch for.

Taking an active role in your kids' Internet activities will help ensure that they benefit from the wealth of valuable information it offers without being exposed to any potential dangers.

Ten Keys to Successful Parenting

The following ten keys will help parents use methods that have been proven to provide children with a sense of well-being and security.

1 - Use Genuine Encounter Moments :- With our busy lives, we often pretend to listen or ignore our child's attempts to communicate with us. If we don't give our child GEMS throughout the day, he will often start to misbehave. Negative attention in a child's mind is better than being ignored. It is also important to recognize that feelings are neither right nor wrong. They just are. So when your child says to you, "Mommy, you never spend time with me" (even though you just played with her) she is expressing what she feels. It is best at these times just to validate her feelings by saying, "Yeah, I bet it does feel like a long time since we spent time together."

2 - Use Action, Not Words:- For example, if you have nagged your child about unrolling his socks when he takes them off, then only wash socks that are unrolled. Action speaks louder than words.

3 - Give Children Appropriate Ways to Feel Powerful:- Ways to help them feel powerful and valuable are to ask their advice, give them choices, let them help you balance your check book, cook all our part of a meal, or help you shop. A two-year-old can wash plastic dishes, wash vegetables, or put silverware away. We should encourage them instead of discouraging them.

4 - Use Natural Consequences:-  Ask yourself what would happen if I didn't interfere in this situation? If we interfere when we don't need to, we rob children of the chance to learn from the consequences of their actions. By allowing consequences to do the talking, we avoid disturbing our relationships by nagging or reminding too much. 

5 - Use Logical Consequences:- A consequence for the child must be logically related to the behavior in order for it to work. For example, if your child forgets to return his video and you ground him for a week, that punishment will only create resentment within your child. However, if you return the video for him and either deduct the amount from his allowance or allow him to work off the money owed, then your child can see the logic to your discipline.

6 - Withdraw from Conflict:- If your child is testing you through a temper tantrum, or being angry or speaking disrespectfully to you, it is best if you leave the room or tell the child you will be in the next room if he wants to "Try again." Do not leave in anger or defeat.

7 - Separate the Deed from the Doer:- Never tell a child that he is bad. Always try to encourage and give them positive approach. Encouraging them is the best way to make them successful.

8 - Be Kind and Firm at the Same Time:-Suppose you have told your five-year-old child that if she isn't dressed by the time the timer goes off, you will pick her up and take her to the car. She has been told she can either get dressed either in the car or at school. Make sure that you are loving when you pick her up, yet firm by picking her up as soon as the timer goes off without any more nagging. If in doubt, ask yourself, did I motivate through love or fear?

9 - Parent with the End in Mind:- If we parent in a way that keeps in mind how we want our child to be as an adult, we will be more thoughtful in the way we parent. For example, if we spank our child, he will learn to use acts of aggression to get what he wants when he grows up.

10 - Be Consistent:-If you have made an agreement that your child cannot buy candy when she gets to the store, do not give in to her pleas, tears, demands or pouting. Your child will learn to respect you more if you mean what you say.

Parenting Tips (over indulgence)

Overindulgence 
Build resilience by helping your son or daughter fight the little battles against pampering himself with food, phones, fads, computer and television. 
Help your child see at every opportunity that we should not build our happiness on things, but in generous love for others.
Model a positive attitude; avoid complaining and dwelling on criticism. 
Teach the virtues of working hard, of physical toughness and endurance. 
Make light of tiredness and inconvenience. Be mindful of the words of John Paul II about his own father: “He was so tough on himself he never needed to be tough on me”

Healthy Tips For Parents

1. Let children make choices."Are you in the mood for your grey pants today or your red pants?"
2. Show respect for a child's struggle.
3. Do not ask too many questions."Glad to see you. Welcome home."
4. Do not rush to answer questions."That is an interesting question. What do you think?'
5. Encourage children to use sources outside the home."Maybe the pet shop owner would have a suggestion."
6. Do not take away hope."So you're thinking of trying out for the play!That should be an experience.". . . .

Instead of Punishment
1. Express your feelings strongly
2. State your expectations."I expect my tools to be returned after they've been borrowed.
3. Show the child how to make amends."What this saw needs is a little steel wool and a lot of elbow grease."
4. Give the child a choice."You can borrow my tools and return them, or you can give up the privilege of using them. You decide."5. Take action.Child; "James is the tool box locked?"Father: "You tell me whv."

TIPS FOR PARENTS TO MAKE A CHILD DO HOMEWORK INDEPENDANTLY, EFFECTIVELY, AND SMARTLY.

Parents can give kids lots of homework help, primarily by making homework a priority and helping them develop good study habits.

Wherever kids do homework, it's important to make sure their workspace is:

1. comfortable
   
2. Ensure that a child has its stationary
   
3. quiet and free from distractions
4. If kids need a computer for schoolwork, try to set it up in a common space
   Focus on helping kids on the problem-solving skills
   
   Here are more tips to help make homework easier for kids:

• Establish a routine. Ask your child to manage time for homework, make a timetables, include HW list on To Do list and paste it on refrigerator or cupboard so that a child may remember their HW time.
• Managing time is very important for child which will help them complete their all work effectively and smartly.
  
• Keep in good contact with the teachers throughout the school year to stay aware of your child's progress. Don't miss parent–teacher conferences and maintain an ongoing dialogue. Teachers are one of the most important person in the world to build and develop child. Discuss main issues inwhich your child is having problem and discuss it with teacher how to improve your child.



• Don't forget the study skills. Advise your child to make flashcards or notes to remember important points for test, this is one of the most effective and smart way of study for test.


• Be sure your kids are writing down assignments correctly and encourage them to keep a daily homework notebook, which can help both kids and parents know exactly what assignments are due and when. Advise your child to list down the bullet points which teacher explains in the classroom.
• Whatever is taught in the school, make sure to revise and go through the points daily at home. In this way a child will have no problem in doing their Homework, preparing for test as well as their assignment.
  
• Encourage effort and determination — not just the grades they get.
• Be a good example by showing your own love of learning. While your child does homework, do your own — read books, magazines, and newspapers; write letters, lists, and emails

bedtime basics

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Tips for Busy Families

The key is to schedule things in moderation and choose activities with a child's age, temperament, interests, and abilities in mind. Don't bind their mind according to your interest, be free with them and work on their interest and abilities.

Depending on a kid's age and interests, it's possible to set reasonable limits on extracurricular activities and make them more enjoyable for all.

Here are some simple suggestions and tips:

* Agree on ground rules ahead of time: For instance, plan on kids playing one sport per season or limit activities during the school week.
* Know how much time is required: take out particular time for them, at least 1 hour a day will try to make a lot of difference and positive attitude in your child.
* Keep a calendar to stay organized: Display it on the refrigerator or other prominent spot so that you may remember.
* Try to carpool with other parents to make life easier.
* Try to balance activities for all of your kids — and yourself
* Create family time: If you're eating pizza on the run every night, plan a few dinners when everyone can be home at the same time — even if it means eating a little later. Schedule family fun time, too, whether it's playing a board game or going on bike ride or hike.
* Set priorities: School should come first. If kids have a hard time keeping up academically, they may need to drop an activity.
* Know when to say no
* Remember the importance of downtime: Everyone needs a chance to relax, reflect on the day, or just do nothing.

Tips to save your child from Drugs (Substance Abuse)

* Get involved and stay involved with your child
* Know what your child is doing
* Know their friends and the friends parents and don’t be afraid to check in with them
* Tell your child what you expect
* Set the rules
* Be the parent, not just a pal
* Talk about risky situations and the best ways to handle them
* Stay informed
* Show your child you care by:
o Saying “I love you”
o Being careful not to be too critical
o Teaching what and why not to use
o Listening without interrupting and with your full attention

Provide Alternatives:

Visualise the reasons of your child's attenting to drugs.
Understand their problems include
Try escaping their pain, boredom, curiosity,
Aware your child about drugs
Talking with your child about alternative means of dealing with such challenges or difficulties.

PARENT TEACHER RELATION ( TALKING TO PRESCHOOL TEACHER)

Getting to Know the Teacher

While in the classroom, pay attention to how the teacher runs the class and how the children respond to his or her direction.When you talk with the teacher, ask about a typical day. You may also want to ask specific questions, such as, "If my child came into class crying one morning, how might you handle that?" or "How do you deal with a child who hits others?"A teacher's answers can help you evaluate how creative he or she might be in responding to everyday classroom dilemmas.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Typically, these conferences cover a child's play style and social, language, cognitive, and physical development.Most of the time, a preschool teacher will emphasize your child's strengths. But the parent-teacher conference also offers an opportunity to point out areas that your child may need to work on. For example, a teacher may suggest writing letters, stringing beads, or practicing cutting skills at home to improve fine motor skills.Try to ask direct and focused questions, with the assumption that any problems raised are ones that can be solved. If your work schedule doesn't allow you to attend conferences or if the preschool doesn't schedule them, you should feel comfortable making arrangements to speak with the teacher at other times. Meeting or talking regularly with the teacher will help you understand your child's progress and demonstrate your interest and cooperation.

Discussing Problems

The best tip is for parents and the teacher to sit down and discuss the issue together.If your preschooler complains about the teacher, try to find out the specifics.In deciding whether to bring up a problem with a preschool teacher, it's important not to overestimate a preschooler's point of view. If, for example, your toddler complains that "no one plays with me" or "I'm bored" in school, give it some time if it doesn't seem serious.If you have concerns about the teacher's style or performance, talk to him or her first. If your concerns aren't resolved to your satisfaction, your next stop should be the teacher's supervisor.It's better to show kids how to work through problems rather than avoid them.

Building a Relationship

It's important to form a good relationship with your child's preschool teacher — for both you and your child.Remember to also share praise — both yours and your child's — with the teacher, as well as his or her supervisor ("My child really enjoys storytime," for example).Think of yourself and your child's teacher as a united team whose shared goal is to help make your child's preschool experience a happy and productive one.

Parent Teacher Partnership

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Creating a Reader-Friendly Home

Create a special reading place
As kids grow, keep age-appropriate books and magazines on shelves they can reach in their favorite hangouts around the house. Make these shelves appealing and keep them organized.

Keep it appealing
Make sure reading areas have good lighting. Change the materials often — add seasonal books, rotate different magazines, and include books that relate to what kids are interested in or studying in school.

Encourage kids to create the reading
Set up a writing and art center and encourage kids to make books, posters, or collages that they decorate with their own pictures and writing.

Think About Atmosphere

Other ways to encourage kids to read:

* Give your child quiet time every day to read or write.
* Limit time kids spend in front of a screen to help ensure that they have time for reading.
* Read together. Offer to read a book aloud, or ask your child to read to you from a favorite magazine. Make a habit of sitting together.

How Can I Help My Child Develop Healthy Self-Esteem?

How teens feel about themselves can depend on many different factors, such as their environment, body image, experiences, and the standards they set for themselves.

While these factors may contribute to poor self-esteem, you can still play an important role in helping your daughter feel better about herself.
When you hear her make a negative comment about herself, call attention to it and point out things that she should feel good about, such as close friends, a supportive family, good grades, or athletic successes.

Recognizing and modifying negative thoughts about herself, making a positive contribution (such as volunteering or tutoring a classmate), exercising regularly, and adjusting unrealistic expectations that she has set for herself are just a few strategies that may boost your teen's self-esteem.

Parents can provide honest praise whenever it's called for. Just remember to be attentive to your own style of criticism — try to keep it constructive.

In some cases, a teen may need the help of a mental health professional to build healthy, positive self-esteem. If you're concerned about your daughter's self-esteem, talk to her doctor or a therapist with training in adolescent mental health issues.

10 Tips for Choosing Books for Children of All Ages

* Have children choose their own books as soon as they start showing a preference for one over another.
* Find the children's section of your local library. Get to know the librarian, who can be a great resource.
* Find out what your child is interested in
* Ask friends, family, and teachers what books their children have enjoyed
* If your child does not like a book you are reading together, put it away. Reading is a fun time to share, not a time to fight.
* Again, Again, Again! Children may want to read the same book many times, even if you think they have outgrown it.
* Use book lists generated by various literacy organizations;
* Look for books that you will like reading aloud. Your enjoyment will shine through and become contagious.
* Try out different kinds of books to see what appeals to your children.
* Have fun! Show your children the joy of reading and how it can open up a brand new world!

RAISING GENERATION

Every parent wants their child to be a good and moral person. We all try to get our children to do what we think is right and stay away from whatever we feel wrong.

Teenagers who are developing their own mind set as they are growing up. At this point, the question is:- how much the teenagers obey their parents and how reasonable are the values and beliefs that are enforced upon these young minds.

Both these questions are very hard to answer. Time to time they learn different things from their environment.

CULTURE

It is very obvious that culture had great significance for our previous generations. But the reality is that it would not be wrong to say that what culture means to us is very different from what it means to our child. Young adults nowadays do not look at culture in the same light as their parents. So when their parents try to tell themhow to behave according to customs and traditions, they don't have quite the same reaction.

Media has influenced a lot and children give more importance in media rather in their heritage.

Generation Gap 2009

MP3s ------- VINYL
JAMBA JUICE ----------OVALTINE
FLAMING LIPS---------ROLLING STONES
FACEBOOK----------PHONEBOOK
OBAMA----------HILLARY


It is good that children bring new changes in them and try to be modern according to the world but it is very necessary that children must not cross their limit, forget their religion and engage in mischievous attitude. Parents must look after them secretly what they do but never scold your them, talk to them in a polite and respectable manner because they also adopt behavior from their parents. Teach your child to balance your life. Though they adopt different customs and other things from media but they should always respect their parents. Most importantly they must remember their ethics and their faith.