Posts tagged parenting

How to Cope with Mean Girls

703
14 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, kids, Parenting

In my little neck of the woods, we are all a-buzz with thoughts and wishes about the postcards scheduled to be mailed from our local elementary school tomorrow, letting us know who our kids’ teachers will be for the coming school year.  While I have hopes for a specific teacher with a reputation for inspiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, what I am really wishing for most is that my daughter’s class be filled with nice kids.

The little voice inside my head nags that that expectation is too high.  We are approaching the third grade year–girls are getting meaner.  I hate to say it.  I don’t want to give in to stereotypes.  But I know it to be true.  The bullying that “peaks in middle school” according to statistics, grows very strong roots in elementary school. (more…)

One Mom’s Tale of Getting Ready on the First Day of Kindergarten

316
14 years
by in Being a Mom, Parenting

Until this moment, I had only shared this embarrassing factoid with my husband, but as I am sitting here, reflecting on the nervous anticipation that parents feel before sending their kids to school for the first time, it seems only fair to share with fellow Moms my anxiety-fueled wardrobe malfunction on the morning of my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten. (more…)

New Moon Girls: When Your Parents Won’t Let You Do Things

1027
14 years
by in Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, Parenting, parents

I must admit, I am a big fan of the well-constructed argument from an articulate kid.  And this is a great one.  I love this teen’s assertive and respectful version of the “you catch more flies with honey…” approach to getting what you want from parents:

http://blogs.newmoon.com/luna-blog/2011/sister-to-sister-when-your-parents-won%E2%80%99t-let-you-do-things/

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten: Helping Your Child Know What to Expect this School Year

0
14 years
by in Being a Mom, Parenting

My daughters like to talk. Call it a girl thing, say it’s because I chattered endlessly to them when they were babies, or maybe they just have a lot to say. It’s when they are not talking, that I know something is up. The summer before my oldest daughter began Kindergarten, her ideas could be flowing at 100mph, but if someone asked her the dreaded, “Are you excited to start Kindergarten?” question, she would slam on the silence brakes.

It was such an unusual reaction for her, not just because of her love of conversation, but also because she has such a zest for life (more…)

5 Ways to Talk with Your Daughter About Technology, from Rachel Simmons

488
14 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, cyberbullying, Facebook, internet, kids, media messages, Parenting

In her newly revised and updated  book, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, author Rachel Simmons suggests five conversation starters for parents to use to get their daughters to open up about social media use.  “Opening lines” and areas ripe for discussion include:

1.  What’s your favorite thing to do online or on your phone?

2. Would your friendships be better or worse without technology? Easier or harder? (more…)

Seeing Through “Perfect” Media Images

943
14 years
by in building self-esteem in girls, media messages, Parenting

Young girls see over 400 advertisements per day telling them how they should look. How can someone–especially a young person–not be effected by this?  Here’s a great article that tells about a glimmer of hope & a small bit of progress.

http://www.sparksummit.com/2011/08/08/pulled-perfection/

(more…)

5 Steps for Keeping Your Cool and Understanding What’s Really Bugging Your Kid

867
14 years
by in anger, Being a Mom, kids, Life Space Crisis Intervention, Parenting

Last weekend, my daughter, her best friend, and I had a full day’s worth of activity and adventure, enjoying thrill rides at a local Summer Carnival, eating cotton candy, throwing darts at a balloon board for prizes, and following it all up with a late afternoon movie. It was Girl Time at its best!

Which is why I was totally blown away when, after dropping off her friend, my daughter’s answer to my innocent inquiry of, “So, what should we do for dinner?” was met with a raging, “Nothing! Can we just go home already! I think we’ve bonded enough for one day.” (more…)

Don’t Just Stand There; Do Something

897
14 years
by in anger, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, Parenting

I love it when I stumble upon the right article at the right time!  I hope I can afford you the same great sanity-restoring experience.

Check out this great article from Daughters.com.  The author provides helpful insight into why our kids sometimes act so maturely one day only to follow up with childlike meltdowns the next.  Better yet, she gives practical advice on what we can do to keep our own heads from spinning in the process!

http://www.daughters.com/article/?id=70&page=1

“May I Please?” and “No Can Do:” Guidelines for Kids on Making and Refusing Requests Assertively

1152
14 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, kids, Parenting

Do you know a child who is a little on the timid side when it comes to asking for what he needs? Does the word “pushover” come to mind when you think of how he is treated by his friends? While most kids are unreservedly bold in making and refusing requests from parents and siblings, it is quite common for youth to have difficulty asserting themselves with non-family members. Adults can help kids develop skills to assert important needs and refuse unreasonable requests by teaching fundamental assertiveness skills. (more…)

What’s in a Friend? A Brainstorming Exercise for Kids

505
14 years
by in anger, assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, friends, kids, Parenting

One of the most important things in the world for a child is to have friends. In childhood, friends are a source of fun, learning, and support. Some friendships, however, can be dangerous and destructive. Does your child know how to tell the difference between a friend and a “frenemy?” (more…)

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