Communication Skills - Tell Me More

Dear Readers,

One of my favorite times of day is when I pick my daughter up from school and she talks about her day. Tell me more I always say to encourage her to continue talking and laughing as she describes how her classmate made her laugh in the lunchroom. Tell me more, I say as she tells me the punchline to the new joke she heard today.

The words Tell Me More lets your child know that you are listening to them and you care about what they have to say. As a parent you always want to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child.

I can determine if the day was a good day or a not so good day because the conversation continues until we arrive at home. The not so good days are the ones when I have to pry information out of her. On these days, I eventually do most of the talking because I have to explain how to handle a certain situation.

Don't forget to say "Thanks"

Dear Readers,

Teach your children the value of saying Thank-you, and as parents we should practice saying these words of expression to our children and others, too.

I recently experienced an illness where all I could do was stay in the bed. My daughter was there to help me recover. She fed me a sandwich and poured tea in the bottle cap for me to drink. I was amazed at how attentive and caring she was to my physical needs. She made sure that no one disturbed me while I was ill. She deserves a million thanks for her thoughtfullness.

When I asked her why she stayed by my bedside and cared for me she answered, "Mom that is how you care for me when I am sick to make me feel better." Remember my post about parents being examples? Children are watching your actions at all times.

Teach Confidence -You Can Do It!

Dear Readers,

How do you teach confidence in your child?

Tell your child that you can do it. No matter what they are trying to accomplish, let them know that you support them. This expression of confidence in them will let them know that they can accomplish many things without your help. This is important in building self-confidence now and later in life. As your child faces life's challenges and grows older, a parent's words of encouragement can be what the child relies on and remembers in order complete the difficult tasks rather than giving up.

What will you teach your child this year?

Dear Readers,
Happy New Year!

I love this time of year because the old year has passed, all of the items on my to do list that were incomplete have been revised, revisited and added to my list of things to do for the new year.

I always like to start my year with a list of things to teach my children. Did you know as a parent you teach your children in several different ways?

One of my ah ha moments occurred when I was teaching my son to drive and I told him to stop speeding, his reply was "Momma, you speed." Speeding with your children in the car, not a good example as parent. I made sure I did not speed and I obeyed all of the traffic signals and signs when my children were in the car.

The lessons you teach your child will be with them for the rest of their lives. So why not teach them ethics which will lead to good character. Your character will be with you forever. Parents are the examples for children to pattern themselves after. So as a parent it is important for you to be a good role model for your children.

This month my posts will talk about good character traits, ways to encourage your child, teaching good work ethics, words for you to use to instill confidence, self-respect, and thoughtfulness in your children.

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”
- Confucius

Scholarships for College - Emerson Fellowship

Dear Readers

Applications are encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse personal, educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.

This is the perfect scholarship for students who want want to spend a year fighting hunger and poverty with a tight-knit community of emerging leaders? This is a program that will shape and implement local anti-hunger programs all over the U.S., and then research and provide support for national policy initiatives in Washington, D.C.

For more information visit the website below: www.hungercenter.org/hunger
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Factors that interfere with learning

Dear Readers,

Every child is different and learns at a different rate. Parents realize that there are other factors that may interfere with learning. These factors are medical, social, emotional, behavioral, home environment stress, learning style, learning impairment. Medical can sometimes be resolved with a pair of glasses or medication for allergies. Socially a child will be learning how to fit in with peers as they advance from grade to grade. School counselors and peer groups can help to build bridges for students. Emotional and behavioral issues can be hurdles for students and parents which may require outside counseling or intervention. Stress from the home environment come in all forms from a death in the family to an illness or divorce. There are a variety of books on many subjects that can help children. How a child learns is very important, parents do you know your child’s learning style? Lastly, learning impairments that interfere with a child’s learning should be addressed at an early age. Build a strong vocabulary with your children will help to alleviate problems later
Just remember parents, if a child struggles early does not mean that the child will always struggle. Find ways, games, activities, other siblings or family members to help them in the areas where they are struggling.
My motto is: I have been through K-12th grade and I made it so I can help you (my child).