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Tips For Dining Out With Children

Eating out can be very relaxing. You get to be in a nice place and eat delicious food. However, dining out with children is a whole other experience as it can turn into a nightmare at times. So how can you enjoy dining out with children? Here are some tips that will help make your meal out with your toddler a stress-free one.

Time It Right

Make sure your toddler is in a good mood and is well rested before heading out to eat somewhere. If your toddler is weary or in a bad mood, then it will make the entire meal unpleasant. For instance, go to a restaurant 30 minutes before your toddler’s regular meal time, this way he is hungry but not famished. Eat out after he wakes up from his nap. Also, try to go early so that you avoid crowds and you will be seated and served promptly.

Choose A Child-friendly Restaurant

Picking the right restaurant is very important when dining out with children. Choose a restaurant that is casual and family friendly, preferably one with playground equipment, arcade games or puzzles such as McDonald’s, Chuck E. Cheese and Denny’s. Buffets are also great for toddlers - children like the wide selection. In addition, pick a restaurant with a kids menu.

Establish Ground Rules

Set ground rules in advance and implement them at home. Make it clear that dining out is a special event that requires him to be on his best behaviour just like going to grandma’s house. Even if you are just going to the pizza parlor, it is imperative that your toddler knows not to throw food, keep his elbows off the table and be nice to his siblings.

Provide Distractions

Keep your toddler entertained while waiting for his food to arrive by packing something special such as coloring books, papers, crayons, his favorite toy, some board games and stickers. Bringing a light snack such as crackers or
trail mix will also keep your little one happy for a few minutes.

Be Prepared

Not all restaurants have child-friendly utensils such as sippy cups and a spoon and fork so you might want to pack these items in your diaper bag. Also, take a pillow or blanket to prop your toddler if he is uncomfortable on his highchair. Lastly, do not forget to bring extra diapers, baby wipes, bibs and a clean set of clothes.

Sit Strategically

Sit in a place that will not overstimulate nor understimulate your little one. Maybe your toddler prefers to sit in a quiet booth of the restaurant, next to the window so he can look out the street or in the loudest section of the restaurant.

Let Your Toddler Order What He Wants To Eat

Assist your toddler when ordering but let him choose what he wants to eat. Remember, children love being able to decide for themselves. Encourage him to read the menu if he can, tell the waiter what he wants, say please and thank you when his food arrives. It is an excellent way for your toddler to practice etiquette and interaction with others.

Indulge Your Toddler

Allow your toddler to have food or drinks that are off-limits at home. Let him eat ice cream or drink soda. Not only will the incentive keep your little one happy, it will emphasize the idea that dining out is a special occasion which will encourage your toddler to display good manners.

Make Eating Out A Reward

Make dining out with children a special privilege. Do not let your toddler know that you are dining out because you are too busy or lazy to cook. Instead, dine out with your child during the weekend, for getting three stars on his assignment or for completing household chores.

Most of all, relax and enjoy this activity with your toddler. Dining out with children is fun but at the same time a frenzy affair so just let him make a mess, let go of small tantrums and be patient so as to avoid spoiling this special event.

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Shared Bedroom Ideas For Kids

It is fun for children to share a bedroom with their siblings. However, decorating it can be tricky especially if they have clashing opinions on what to put, what not to put, what bedcovers to use and so on. Make sharing a room possible with these shared bedroom ideas for kids.

Choose One Color For The Walls

Paint the bedroom walls with neutral color. Since your toddlers will be sharing a bedroom, you have to pick a wall color that both suit their preferences. If you have a toddler boy and girl, good choices would be white, taupe, beige or light tan. If you have toddlers of similar sexes, choose a masculine color such as blue, green or burgundy for boys and more feminine shades such as lavender, pink or yellow for girls. If your toddlers’ bedroom is big enough to put a partition, you can paint each of their side different colors as long as they complement with each other and with the decors.

Give Toddlers Their Own Personal Space

One excellent shared bedroom ideas for kids is creating a private space for each toddler. This will allow each toddler to do things alone even if they are sharing a room. You can create this space by installing a tall curtain in the middle of the room or a half-wall. Decorate each side according to your toddlers’ tastes. If toddler A likes reading and crafts, stock the shelf with books and art supplies and if toddler B loves music, make sure his cabinet is filled with musical toys and hang music-related stuff to the wall. Do not forget to place a toddler table and two small chairs on each side.

Get Creative With The Beds

Sharing a bedroom does not have to mean having to share a bed. Add a double bunk bed and position it against the wall to keep the one who will sleep on top from falling off. Buy two single beds or twin beds and place them in an L-shape or on opposite sides of the wall.

Add Bed Linens and Pillows

This is the part where your little ones can be in charge of. Get your toddlers involved in choosing bedspreads, blankets and pillows. They can have different styles of everything as long as you see to it that the room still looks cohesive even with contrasting designs. The key is to stick to complementary colors or coordinating styles to keep the look of your toddlers’ bedroom together while giving them a chance to express their individuality.

Add Furnishings

As much as possible, give your toddlers their own furnitures. Place two bedside tables on each side and provide them two dressers and cabinets (one for each toddler). But if space is a problem, you can just place a long table in the middle of the beds that can act as a shared bedside table or use a tall cabinet for storing your toddlers’ clothes and toys and have them share it.

Install Soft Lighting

Add ceiling light to keep the room bright and consider hooking up soft lighting near each of the bed (e.g. a nightlight or a table lamp). This way, even if one of your toddlers wakes up in the middle of the night, the other will not be disturbed.

Accessorize The Room

A shared room does not have to have one particular theme. Have your toddlers select the items they want to see in their bedroom. Place photos of your toddlers on a shelf or on each night stand. Hang wall art, knick-knacks and other things they like. Frame their art projects and place them on each side of the room. Buy wall stickers personalized to each toddler’s taste. Make sure they are removable so they can be changed whenever your toddlers’ want to redecorate without damaging the walls. Color coordinate the curtains. Hang their initials or names in wooden blocks on top of each bed.

Creating a shared bedroom for your toddlers is actually very easy. As long as you have a plan and you know their likes and dislikes, you can create a room that will cater to their needs and please your toddlers.

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How To Teach Children To Be Honest

Honesty is one of the many virtues a toddler must learn. However, it does not always come naturally, it is a value you need to instil in your toddler. Here are some tips on how to teach children to be honest.

Keep Your Toddler Informed

One way how to teach children to be honest is to talk about it. Explain to your toddler what honesty is and why it is important to be truthful even when it is difficult. Talking is a very good way to send the message across. Another way you can teach this value to your little one is to use stories. Look for books about honesty (try “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “The Berenstain Bears and The Truth” and “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire”) or make one up. Keep it casual and use simple words your toddler can comprehend.

Walk The Talk

Of course talking about the importance of honesty to your toddler will be useless if you do not lead by example. Remember that toddlers love to imitate their parents, hence, it is very essential that you model honesty. For example, if you tell your toddler you will go to the park later in the afternoon, make sure you follow through. Do not tell a ticket seller that your toddler is younger than he is just so you can save a dollar or get a free seat. Try your best to be straightforward even when it comes to difficult subjects such as divorce, death or illness.

Do Not Ask Questions When You Already Know The Answer

If you are sure your toddler was the one who spilled juice on the floor, do not be tempted to ask “Did you do that?” because your toddler will probably answer “no” because he is scared that if he says “yes”, you will be angry. Instead, say something like “I see you spilled juice on the floor. You know, I will not get mad if you tell me the truth.”. Or better yet, say, “Please clean up your spilled juice.”.

Have A Conversation

Talk to your toddler. Ask questions. Listen to what he has to say. Communicating with your toddler is another effective way to encourage your little one to be honest. Plus, this also gives him reassurance that he can be honest with you without you getting critical or angry.

Avoid Labels

Never call your toddler a liar. It will only make him defensive and lower his self-esteem and over time he may start to believe it. If your toddler lies, do not judge or punish him and say mean things. Emphasize that you are not happy he lied, but you still love him no matter what he has done. Help him see the effects of his misbehaviour and then help him think of a way to make up for it.

Be Careful of Little White Lies

You want your toddler to be honest, but not too straightforward that he says things that could hurt a person’s feelings. Explain to your toddler how to use them and when he can use them. Even if he dislikes the quilt grandma made for him, he has to find something nice to say such as “Thank you for the gift, grandma.” instead of saying “I do not like this blanket, grandma.”.

Praise Your Toddler

Another effective way on how to teach children to be honest is by giving positive reinforcement. Whenever your toddler tells the truth, commend him for a job well done. Saying, “Thank you for telling me the truth. I am very happy.” followed by a hug and a kiss will make your toddler feel good about himself which will motivate him to repeat the behaviour over and over again.

Honesty is one value every toddler must learn at an early age. It is an ongoing process. Just be firm, patient and forgiving in helping your toddler develop the characteristic of being honest.

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Tips For Weaning Your Toddler From The Pacifier

It can be very hard to get rid of the pacifier especially if your toddler loves it too much. However, breaking this habit as early as possible is necessary. Check out these brilliant tips for weaning a toddler from the pacifier.

Gradually Reduce Use

Limit your toddler’s use of the pacifier. Allow your toddler to use the pacifier during specific times only like during nap and bedtime and take it out after he has fallen asleep. Make your toddler ask for it. Keep the pacifier in your kitchen cabinet and only bring it when he asks for it. Give your little one 15 to 30 minutes with it and then tell him it is time to stop. Starting slow may take a few months to break this habit and may cause him to have a meltdown at first so be patient.

Snip It

Another effective way for weaning toddler from the pacifier is by cutting the tip off. Carefully snip a pin-size hole in the pacifier to let all the air out making it harder for your toddler to suck. Your toddler will find sucking so unsatisfactory that he will speedily lose interest in the pacifier. Of course, you have to make sure your toddler does not see you snipping the tip of his pacifiers as that would confuse him.

Offer A Healthy Substitute

Trade your toddler’s pacifier for other comforting items that can give your precious child a feeling of security. This can be a stuffed toy, pillow, the blanket his grandma gave him for Christmas, a new bed sheet or placing a framed family photo on his bedside table. Explain to your toddler what you are doing. The first couple of nights without the binky will be hard for your toddler, but he will eventually realize that his “lovie” keeps him happy and safe than the pacifier.

Keep Your Toddler Busy

Diverting a child’s attention is one successful way of weaning a toddler from the pacifier. Oftentimes, toddlers feel the need to suck their pacifiers because they are bored. Play with your toddler more frequently. Read him a book. Take him with you to the grocery or when running errands. Visit the zoo, museum or park. Organize a play date with your neighbours so he can interact with other children.

Create A Reward System

Another way to wean a toddler from the pacifier is to use the reward system. Create a chart and each time your little one willingly gives up his pacifier, he gains a sticker or a check mark. Once the chart is filled, he gets a special prize such as a new toy, a special outing (e.g. beach trip), ice cream for dessert or maybe lunch at your toddler’s favorite restaurant. Continue using these charts until your toddler is totally off the pacifier.

Get Help From The Pacifier Fairy

Another popular technique for weaning toddlers from the pacifier is by having a pretend character reward the toddler for giving away his pacifier. Ask your toddler to gather his pacifiers and place them in a bag and leave them for the “pacifier fairy”. Then when your toddler is asleep, leave a special present near his bed so he can see it when he wakes up in the morning.

Go Cold Turkey

When these methods fail, the best thing you can do is to just take the pacifier away. Just say his pacifier is lost and help him look for it, but do not find it. Your toddler may cry for a few days or even plead for a new pacifier which can be heart-breaking, but you have to be firm. In a week or two, he will forget about it.

Weaning your toddler from the pacifier will not be easy for your little one. Thus, it is very essential that you give your toddler more love and attention to help him cope with the process more easily.

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The Importance of Role Models For Children

Children learn by imitating what they see. A role model can have a huge impact in a child’s life. Read below to better understand the importance of role models for children.

Serves As An Inspiration

One reason why role models are important for children is because a role model can motivate a toddler to dream big. A toddler who looks up to someone is encouraged to work harder and reach his dreams inspite of the obstructions he will face. Also, a toddler with good role models can help guide him reach his maximum potential in all aspects of his life. Often times, individuals who found success do so because they had a role model ever since they were a child who inspired them to do great things.

Boosts Academic Performance

Children who have positive role models feel more capable which helps them perform better in school as compared to children with no role models in their lives. Teachers and parents who stay involved in a toddler’s life teach the child the importance of education and that school is a secure place to express oneself. These role models also show that attending school allows a toddler to make friends and participate in activities which helps him enjoy school. Having a role model is important as it spurs children to enhance their knowledge by staying in school.

Teaches Role Expectations

Another importance of role models for children is that it teaches children about their roles in life and the behaviour expected of them. For instance, if you are respectful to people or you always throw your trash in the garbage can, your toddler will surely mimic your actions which helps your toddler learn the value of respect and love for Mother Nature.

Demonstrates Important Life Lessons

The toddler years are very important for teaching children essential life lessons. Remember that toddlers learn by observing the people around them. Having positive role models show toddlers how to handle a complex world. For example, parents can teach their children how to lend an ear, control anger, resolve problems, admire cultural differences, the importance of having good values and that everyone makes mistakes, but one should learn from them and strive to be better rather than give up and feel frustrated which are essential lessons he can pass along to future generations. Through a toddler’s role models, he is able to incur constructive personality traits that can help him succeed later in life.

Good For The Health

Having role models is also important in promoting healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle to children. For instance, eating nutritious foods, running, walking and playing with your child instead of sitting on the sidelines provide constructive pressure that will motivate your toddler to be fit and active unlike nagging him to be healthy which can only lead to rebellion and power struggle.

Helps Evade Risky Behaviour

A toddler with positive role models will protect him from bad influences. A loving family shelters a toddler from violence, provides self-control especially to children who are aggressive as well as keep them away from harmful things such as alcohol, drugs and other behaviour that can harm a toddler.

Boosts Self-esteem

Another importance of role models for children is that it develops a toddler’s self-esteem. Positive role models encourage children (especially children with certain facial characteristics) to appreciate their appearance rather than feel insecure because they do not look a certain way. In addition, having a role model teaches a toddler that there are more important things than looks and shallow things.

Having a good role model is very essential to toddler development. A role model can give a child a sense of security and comfort which helps safeguard a toddler from unhealthy behaviour as he grows up. As a parent, you are the best role model for your child so make sure you lead by example.

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How To Deal With An Unruly Child

Being unruly is part of toddler development. But if it is becoming a problem for you, your child and the people around him, what’s a parent to do? Follow these tips on how to deal with an unruly child.

Set Clear Limitations

Your toddler needs to know what is expected of him. Give clear cut rules in words your toddler can comprehend. But do not make the list too long or your little one will not remember any single rule. Saying “Do not do things that are not safe.”, “Do not be mean to people.” and “You have to finish your homework before playing.” are good examples. Once rules have been set, make sure you stick to them. Being consistent will make your unruly child respect your rules.

Never Give In

Another effective technique on how to deal with an unruly child is standing firm. Do not let your guard down. Remember that toddlers are being unruly because they want to test their parents and see if they will follow through with the consequence. If you are out with your toddler and he starts whining because he wants a new toy (again), say “Keep quiet.”. If he ups the ante and starts a full blown meltdown, do not cave in. Stay calm and ignore your toddler (even if you are embarrassed). Your unruly child will eventually give up because he knows you will not pay him any attention.

Make A Few Threats

Make a small number of threats and carry through on those you do make. It is effortless to tell your toddler that he cannot watch TV if he does not clean his room, but when you do not hold on to that threat, you are conveying a message that you do not really mean what you say. As a result, he will only disobey you. So if you are not good at keeping threats, then do not try making them.

Have Reasonable Consequences

One way to deal with an unruly child is to give consequences. No, you do not have to use corporal punishment to discipline an unruly toddler. But rather, create consequences that directly connect with your toddler. For instance, if he likes playing outside, have him stay inside the house if he misbehaves. Or, put him in time-out for talking back.

Bond With Your Toddler

Make an effort to spend more time with your toddler. One reason why a toddler is unruly is because he longs for his parents’ attention. Eat breakfast together. Let him tag along when you run errands. Allow him to do his homework at the dining table while you prepare dinner. Read him a book during bedtime. Talk about your day. Bonding with your toddler creates a sense of closeness and may reduce unruly behaviour that stems from insecurity and longing for affection.

Praise Good Behaviour

This may be a cliché but offering positive reinforcement encourages a child to repeat a good behaviour. Do not just focus on the times he is being unruly, commend him when he does something good. A hug, kiss, cooking his favorite food for dinner and uttering “Thank you for cleaning your room.” have a huge impact in making a toddler feel appreciated.

Dealing with an unruly child can be frustrating. But with a little time, lots of patience and practice, you can help your toddler behave appropriately.

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Raising An Adopted Child

Change is hard for anyone. However, toddlers can have difficulty dealing with changes in their lives especially if it is as major as being adopted by new parents. Knowing the keys in raising an adopted child will help make the toddler’s adjustment easier.

Give A Warm Welcome

Prior to the arrival of your adopted child, arrange the child’s bedroom and lay things out such as bedding and clothes. Create a “Welcome Book” to illustrate who is in your family – mom, dad, brother, sister and even Jack the parrot. Do not forget to include the toddler’s picture. Prepare a plate of treats such as brownies or cookies on the kitchen countertop for the two of you to enjoy. Hold his hand as you show him the chair that is all his at the dining table. These gestures will make your home warm and your adopted child more at ease.

Provide The Toddler Something Familiar

Surround your toddler with something familiar. Place pictures of familiar faces on his bedside table. If he brought a favorite stuffed animal or blanket with him, let him keep it. Comfort items or loveys provide toddlers some security in a new environment.

Establish A Routine

Raising an adopted child requires structure. Structure is imperative for toddlers to grow and function. A daily routine will provide reassurance and ease anxieties. This is very important for an adopted toddler whose life has been turned upside down. Set a time for meals, snacks and play. Come up with a bedtime routine where you can help your toddler take a bath, get into his pajamas, read a story and kiss him goodnight. See to it you stick with this routine to create consistency. This can help the adopted child feel safe since he can predict what will happen next.

Explain Rules

Letting a toddler know what is expected of him is very crucial in the success of raising an adopted child. Discuss family rules, what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable and consequences. Give him a list of chores he has to do. But, do not expect faultless behaviour or total obedience to your rules. Make him aware of his misbehaviour but do not scold or spank the toddler. Talk to him in a calm and firm manner. Give him a time-out or withhold a privilege. Doing this will help the toddler understand that rules are rules without feeling like he has to earn your love.

Allow The Toddler To Make Decisions

Raising an adopted child includes letting him make choices. Ask your adopted child what activities he wants to do, what food he wants to eat or where he wants to go over the weekend. This is a nice way to make him feel part of the family and provides an opportunity to get to know family members better.

Make Yourself Available

Be there for your toddler. Respond to his needs. Talk about everything. Make it clear to your child that you are always available to listen. Say you are happy when you see him smile. If he cries because he remembered something uneventful from his past, empathize with your toddler. Snuggle and give him a hug. The more secure your toddler feels, the more comfortable he will be with you which reduces any angst or hesitation he may have.

Raising an adopted child requires time, effort, patience and plenty of love. Having a new family is something an adopted child has to process. But remember, that children thrive best in families, and eventually, your toddler will adjust to his new environment and grow.

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Things You Need To Know Before Adopting A Child

Are you ready to adopt? Adopting a child is a journey. Parents who wish to adopt a child must ensure they are prepared with the responsibilities that comes with adoption. Here are some things you should know before adopting a child.

Your Reason For Adopting

Why do you want to adopt a child? This should be the first thing you have to consider. There are a variety of reasons for a couple to want to adopt a toddler, from inability to have their own child, reluctance to go through the process of childbirth or simply out of compassion.

Your Personality

When adopting a child, you have to know if you have enough love, patience and determination to get through the whole procedure of adoption. Because adopting a toddler is permanent, you have to recognize your own limits of what you can handle. It is very important that you assess your abilities and limitations to prepare for the adoption process.

Getting An Agency or Lawyer Is Important

Choose an agency. You can either select a public or private agency. Public agencies handle adoptions of older children and those with special needs while private agencies handle domestic and inter-country adoptions (international adoptions). Visit adoption.com for more information about adoption agencies. Set appointments with agencies you are most interested in. You may ask any questions you have about the adoption process, inquire about fees and how long you need to wait. Select an agency you feel will be the best fit for your family.

If you do not like waiting, you can pursue another option which is getting a private adoption through an adoption lawyer. Most private adoptions are open adoptions, meaning, the biological mother and adoptive parents will meet and select each other.

Be Ready For Adoption Paperwork

You will need to fill up adoption paperwork. You have to give comprehensive information about your family which includes – your earnings, debt, family structure, medical history (you will need to provide records from your doctor) and criminal history. After completing the paperwork, submit it and pay the required fee. Fees vary from state to state and adoption agency or attorney. Generally, adopting a toddler in the United States cost less (around $12,000) and can be free if you adopt a toddler with special needs. For private adoption, expect to pay $30,000 or more plus travel costs if the toddler is located in a different state.

Expect A Home Study

You will have to complete a home study. A home study is necessary. A social worker will come to your home who will ask questions about you and your husband (marriage, lifestyle, personality, interests, parenting style, etc.), evaluate how you interact with your spouse and other children and examine your house.

You Need To Show Up In Court

Once a toddler has been found, you will need to show up for your court date to finalize the adoption. A judge will review your adoption paperwork and home study result. The judge may ask tons of questions so be ready to answer them all. If there are no problems, the judge will issue an order accepting the adoption and you are now the legal parents of the child.

Adopting a child can be a lengthy process, but it is worth the wait. You might also worry if you can love your adopted toddler or whether the toddler can love you in return. But remember, love is not a feeling. It is a process of growing.

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Common Issues of A Blended Family

When two parents of previous marriages decide to marry, it can bring a lot of emotional baggage to the children. Use these tips as your guide to help you rise above the most common issues of a blended family.

Problem # 1: Hurt and Angry Feelings

Toddlers in blended families can become defiant. Having a new parent can cause a toddler to feel doubtful about life which may lead to lack of cooperation. Oftentimes, a stepparent will be held liable for the divorce of a biological parent. The toddler can also feel confused between staying loyal to the biological parent and liking the stepparent.

The Solution: Be empathetic. Allot time for adjustment and accept whatever hurt feelings the toddler may have. But, do make sure the toddler still shows a certain level of respect for the parent and stepparent. Avoid dictating how the toddler should feel. Tell him that you understand that this situation must be hard for him.

Problem # 2: Difference In Parenting Styles

One of the biggest problems of blended families is parenting. You and your partner may have your own parenting style and once you make changes, that is when conflicts arise. Your toddler may think his new stepparent is controlling you which can make him resentful towards your new spouse.

The Solution: Come up with a list of values the two of you want to instil such as honesty and respect. Then, discuss your perspectives on parenting. For instance, you may think withholding privileges is the best way to discipline your toddler while you partner is in favor of using time-outs. Next, tackle household rules such as your toddler’s bedtime. Once you are both clear on each other’s beliefs, you can discuss parenting strategies you can apply that will be valuable for your family and that respects everyone’s opinion. After that, hold a family meeting and talk about your agreed rules and discipline methods. Your toddler is more likely to follow you and your new spouse when you present a united front.

Problem # 3: The Need To Compete

Divorce can make children question their parents love for them. Toddlers often believe that they have to compete for their parent’s attention and affection if there is a new parent and child in the picture.

The Solution: Toddlers need reminders. It is important to spend quality time with your toddler, minus the stepparent. Hug and kiss your toddler. Say “I love you” often. Treat every family member equally. Allow the children to bond.

Problem # 4: The “Ex”

An ex who meddles with the formation of a new family can make the situation more complicated. An ex can rant about you or your new spouse in front of your toddler. Or, your stepchild’s biological mother may take your stepchild out to an amusement park and leave your toddler behind.

The Solution: This one is out of your control. But, what you can do is try to be the best parent you can be. Do not thrash talk your ex in front of your toddler. If your stepchild is out with his mother, spend time with your toddler to avoid feelings of rejection.

Problem # 5: Creating A Family

A blended family does not function like traditional families. Having a new parent is already difficult, but having a new sibling just makes things more complicated.

The Solution: Connect with one another. Read books together during bedtime. Organize weekend trips with your new family. Create a “return ritual” when doing a house switch such as stopping for ice cream on the way home. This gives everyone grace period before jumping into a different routine.

Growing together as a stepfamily is not always easy. But with time, patience and effort, you can form a secure and happy family.

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Easy Ways To Boost Listening Skills In Children

Toddlers have a gift of gab. They love to talk. But sadly, listening is not always easy for them. Follow these everyday activities to help boost listening skills in children.

Be A Listener Yourself

Parents play a big role in shaping a child. Hence, it is very important that you model appropriate listening skills. Do not interrupt a conversation. Avoid doing other things when your toddler is talking. Get down to your toddler’s level or pick him up so you can look him in the eye. Listen thoughtfully. Repeat what your toddler said. Respond if he asks you a question. If your toddler sees you listening, he will be encouraged to imitate your behaviour.

Talk To Your Toddler

Have conversations with your toddler. Talk to him about the things he is interested in or what he did in school. Narrate household activities. For instance, while you are cooking, explain to him what you are doing and why you are doing it. Make sure you listen and answer any queries he may have such as “Why do you have to wash the vegetables?” or “How will you know the beef is cooked?”. Conversing with your toddler gives him a chance to engage in a real conversation, practicing both speaking and listening.

Repeat Information

Ask your little one to repeat what you said after telling him something. For instance, if you asked your toddler to pick up his toys, put them back in the shelf and wash his hands after, have him say the things he has to do again. This gives him a chance to think about what he was told and allows you to ensure your toddler is listening to you.

Play Games

Play listening games with your toddler. Play “story chain”. Start by saying something and then ask your toddler to give the next sentence. The funnier the better. Play a game of I Spy or Simon Says. Teach your toddler to follow instructions by turning it into a game. Give him a direction and ask him to follow it. Make your instructions fun to make the game exciting. For instance, you can ask him to make a silly face, hop three times and construct a tower using blocks. Your toddler will be encouraged to listen carefully so he can follow what is happening.

Read Together

Read with your toddler often. Ask him what he thinks will happen next or to give a different ending. Discuss it or have him repeat the story in his own words. Just make sure you choose books that will fascinate your toddler to make him sit still until you finish the book.

Praise Good Listening

Positive reinforcement is always effective in encouraging any good behaviour. If your usually distracted toddler makes his bed without you having to reiterate the instruction, praise him for a job well done. Say “Thank you for being such a good listener!”. Knowing you appreciate his effort makes him more motivated to repeat the good behaviour.

Listening is an important skill toddlers must learn at an early age. This skill will help him succeed in life.

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