Creating and enforcing house rules for teenagers doesn’t need to be a battle. Here are seven important rules to consider and strategies to ensure your rules are followed. Teenagers may believe they’re mature enough to do just about anything on their own. Parents know that’s far from realistic. In fact, it won’t be until the…
It can be challenging to determine the ideal kids bedtime as well as how much sleep they need. Fortunately, research has answers. When becoming a parent it’s instantly clear – kids don’t come with an instruction manual and you could really, as in REALLY, use one. Sleep is in most need of an instruction manual since it’s…
Children (and parents!) benefit from kids having time for independent play. Here’s when to start and how to encourage your child to play alone. Maybe you remember experiencing it when you were younger or have seen it happen with your child. That magical moment where children get lost in their play – so focused on…
Dealing with a child who’s talking back is aggravating, frustrating, and can make even the calmest adult lose their cool. Here are six tips for when your kids are talking back. “You’re not the boss of me!” “I don’t have to!” “No!” Kids talking back is one of the most trying issues we face as…
When kids start taking a shower, it’s a big step! This guide will help you know if your child is ready to start taking a shower and what steps to take to make the transition successful. Kids really do grow quickly! Just when you think you’ve finally got bathtime down, you blink. And suddenly, it’s…
These eleven easy dinner ideas for teens and kids will make it easy for them to start cooking, feel more comfortable in the kitchen, and help out at home. Knowing how to cook – even a little bit – can make a big difference when our kids are living in the world on their own….
Inside: A bedtime routine for kids that will get them to sleep in no time. Plus, what to do when your child refuses to go to sleep. Getting your child to follow a consistent sleep schedule helps your child fall asleep, stay asleep, and prevents the tiresome bedtime battles that come when it’s time to…
These 70+ life skills for teens are essential for making sure your child will be safe, confident, and self-sufficient when they leave home. One day you’re holding your baby in your arms and next you’re standing next to – or possibly looking up to – your teenager. Our time with our children is short and…
Help kids understand what it takes to comparison shop – what’s too expensive, what’s a reasonable price – with these tips. “Mom, look at this,” my seven-year-old said, showing me a price tag on a small stuffed dolphin. “This dolphin costs $22 but the bigger one over here is $26. That just doesn’t make sense.”…
Whether or not to give teens credit cards isn’t an easy decision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to determine if your teen should have a credit card. Things change quickly once you have a teenager. First, they’re able to communicate independently with friends on their phone. Then all of a sudden your teen has a part-time…
Brushing teeth is one of the very first life skills our kids learn. And while some children take to this task immediately, others are more resistant. Here are a few tips for how to ease the transition and make this healthy habit commonplace. If getting your child to brush their teeth feels more like a chore…
Connecting with kids is essential for being a positive influence in their lives and having a peaceful relationship. Here are five ways to achieve a connection with your child. Most parents hope they’ll form a strong bond with their child. That they’ll be able to share advice with them about being true to oneself, living…
Cleaning up toys after play is a perfect opportunity for toddlers and kids to learn responsibility. Here’s how to get your child to help without a struggle. Toddlers and young children are like human tornadoes — all it takes is a moment with your back turned to discover that your child’s bedroom (and the hallway,…
There are four things parents do out of a sense of love for their children that may, in fact, cause low self-esteem. Here’s what they are and how to avoid them. As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to be happy, healthy, and have a positive self-image. But sometimes, without realizing it,…
Most kids aren’t naturally responsible and need to be taught. Here are six tips for teaching responsibility to kids. If you’re like most parents you’ve probably dreamed of a world where your kids are more responsible: They pick up their toys without reminders Consistently place their laundry in the hamper instead of the floor Brush…
The internet provides numerous opportunities for kids and teenagers to make money online. Here’s a list of ways teens can make money online. To see a full list of ways kids can make money see: How to Make Money as a Kid (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase…
Getting kids to clean their messy room doesn’t need to be a constant battle. These five tips can help. Slowly you open the door to your child’s bedroom, bracing yourself for what’s beyond. As expected, clothes and socks cover the carpet, the bed is unmade, books and papers are strewn across the desk, and you…
Whether your child is outdoorsy or needs a little nudge to spend more time in your backyard, these outdoor gifts for kids fit the bill. The benefits of children spending time outdoors are endless – from their connection to nature to the creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking that nature-play inspires. Yet, a research study issued…
Find release from the daily stresses of parenthood with these funny quotes. Parenting is no joke. But it’s also one of the most exhausting, tiring and frustrating things you’ll ever do. First, there’s the constant sleep deprivation when you have a newborn, then you’re suddenly thrown into toddler mode of high emotions, and finally we’re…
Research shows that experiences bring us more happiness and satisfaction than things. Here are fifty experience gifts your kids will love. “Mom, will you ride down with me this time?” my daughter asked as we stood in line clad in our bathing suits and dripping water. “Of course!” I exclaimed. “Should we go down the…
These eight growth mindset and fixed mindset examples, featuring kids, can help you determine which mindset your child has and how to help them improve. “I can’t do it!” “I’m stupid!” “Why should I even try?” Any parent who hears these words from their child inevitably feels helpless knowing their child’s self-view is so negative….
A child’s basic needs include their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. All children need their basic needs met in order to thrive throughout childhood and adulthood. When a child’s social, emotional, and physical needs are met, they’re given a sure foundation on which to experience a happy childhood and achieve their full potential. It’s also…
Inside: Five ideas to establish a calm morning routine for kids that they’ll actually follow From the moment your alarm goes off in the morning the race is on. Waking your kids up, feeding them, getting them dressed and out the door (and yourself too!) can feel like a mad dash…and on some mornings nearly…
Building a strong parent child relationship requires five key elements that not only bond us to our children but improve our ability to coach, guide, and discipline them. Imagine this: A relationship with your child where you feel at ease, have open and honest dialogue, and consistently share mutual respect and trust. The kind of…