Archive for the ‘Kids and Teens’ Category
November 15th, 2008 | 
Author: One of the most controversial topics on parenting is about imposing discipline on a child. What, exactly, do we mean when we discipline a child? Will it matter to him if the parent disciplines him or not? Some believe that too much disciplining will create a person who will have so many hang-ups later in life, needing a therapist to function normally, and, thus, would impose little discipline. For others, they think that very little disciplining can lead to a person who knows no boundaries, posing a danger to society, and would tend to be very strict. This article will talk about disciplining a child, why it is important, and some tips on effective discipline.
What is discipline?
A lot of people equate discipline to punishment. When they hear of the word “discipline”, they think of spankings, time outs, grounding, and other actions penalizing wrongdoing. Yet, one must remember that the word “discipline” has the same root word as that of “disciple”. Both came from a Latin word meaning “pupil”. Thus, discipline really means to teach or to guide. Punishment may be a form of disciplining, but not the only one.
What are the effects of discipline?
Let us take the game of baseball. Supposing there are no rules in playing the game. There are no strike zones, no outs, or no way to keep scores. How fun will that be? The rules are imposed not to stifle the players but to make the game more enjoyable. Without the rules, players may not even have the motivation to hone their skills.
This is also true with discipline. By imposing rules and boundaries according to the child’s age, he can develop self-discipline, helping the child to grow up happy and well adjusted.
Some tips on effective discipline.
1. Rules must be clear to the child.
Going back to our example of the game of baseball, what if the batter does not understand why a certain pitch is called a ball, while another is called a strike. Without this understanding, the batter will swing his bat with every pitch, even if the ball is way above his head.
Rules that are vague to a child will only lead to frustration. Talk with your child when putting limits. Be sure that your child understands what is expected of him when a situation occurs.
2. Be consistent.
What if the distance between the first base and the home plate is varied every time a batter comes up to the plate? Worse, what if the base is moved while the player is running towards it?
By being consistent, a child learns that certain actions will result in a predictable consequence. The child will learn self-discipline, for he will know what actions to take, or not take, if he wants to have, or avoid, a certain outcome.
3. Provide positive feedback.
Actions that are rewarded get repeated. Unfortunately, there are some children who think that being noticed by a busy parent is a form of reward. The child may behave badly, even risking punishment, just to get the attention of his parent. Therefore, be sure to reward good behavior. A simple “thank you”, a kiss, or even a little smile may be enough feedback.
Remember, to discipline your child is to teach him how to grow up happy and secure. He will not see your disciplining as punishment; rather, he will look at it as a sign of love
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Father’s day is all about dad and how much we appreciate him. What I didn’t know until recently is that this holiday isn’t universally celebrated on the same day. We all know (or should know) that in America Father’s Day is celebrated on the 3rd week in June. This got me to do a bit of legwork and I discovered that the origin of this holiday is not clear although some attribute it to Sonora Dodd who was raised by her father after her mother passed away. The important thing is on Father’s day dads across the nation get to take it easy.
Father’s Day is the time for kids to show Dad their appreciation. Why not teach your young kids to give their dads something handmade and more meaningful for Father’s Day. Kids can spend a bit of time making cards or coloring pages for Dad. Get out the crayons and print these pictures for the kids. Your kids will delight when they engage in these activities, and I bet you will, too. The best way to have children show their dads just how much they care is with homemade cards, handmade gifts, breakfast in bed and displaying their best behaviour for a WHOLE day.
In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting father’s day gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. According to Hallmark, “Father’s Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with nearly 100 million Father’s Day cards expected to be given this year [2008] in the United States. Most greeting cards for guys are funny so fathers laugh when they open them. Traditionally, fathers prefer greeting cards that are not too sentimental.
Becaread in daylight Father’s day falls in the summer months, going to the beach or pool can be a fun father’s day activity. In fact some local pools and neighborhoods make father’s day quite the event out of father’s day with special water events. Picnics can be tons of fun with outdoor BBQs. Pair up with your extended family for a real fun event. Or consider just going to a family movie if the day gets too hot.
Sometimes you want to get dad a more meaningful gift. In that case consider electronic gadgets. Guys love gadgets. If he golfs, a golf gps unit would make his day – and an igolf gps caddie II unit probably improve his golf game. Of course if he doesn’t golf you could get him a gps unit for his car or even motorcycles. Whatever type you might invest in, be sure it’s easy to read in daylight.
Father’s Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of Dad. Father’s Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and celebrations, focus on golf gifts, to reflect on the invaluable role and contribution of fathers in the family. To fathers around the world, we hope your Father’s Day is just the way you like it!
It is a very fun and rewarding task if you decide to create your own homemade greeting card for someone special in your life. Imagine the surprise the recipient will get when he or she opens the envelope to find a beautiful card, so painstakingly made in your own home created just for them alone! First, you need to find what their interests are. Who is the recipient to you?
The next step to making a greeting card is to decide if you want it to be funny or sentimental. A funny card can be created using cartoons and to be frank – you will be spoilt for choice. Whereas a sentimental theme might require you to prepare cut out flowers and some dazzling rhinestones. If you can draw your own graphics, that’s even better but of course not everyone is an artist!
Don’t forget you have to have a reason for sending the greeting card. Is it a birthday, anniversary or maybe because you just care? For instance, if it is a birthday, a picture of a cake is usually acceptable! If it is to commemorate Independence Day, then use the American flag.
The next thing you have to do is write the copy for your greeting card. You can choose a poem you like or one that you know the person getting the card will appreciate or for true individuality, you could write your own poem. When another person’s poetry is used, the items cannot be sold. For personal purposes, they are permissible, providing you aren’t selling the card.
Now that you know who the recipient is, the occasion and the interests of the recipient, you can go ahead and start making the greeting card. You can now start collecting the necessary materials you need to make the card, plus of course – some inspiration. Try adding some lace and ribbons and see the effects for yourself.
In essence, when making a greeting card, there are no limits to what you can create! The only limit to what you can do is your own imagination. Now is the time to let go of your limits, and leave no space for fear as you explore new ways to decorate the card. This little act of kindness will be more meaningful when both of you look back and see the card being kept safely by the recipient as a memory of the occasion.
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