Leader of the Band II
I'm not your friend - I'm your mother
Parenting is a tough job! We want our children to feel loved, encouraged, and successful, and there are so many ideas about how to successfully accomplish this. Maybe you've found yourself asking one of these questions-How young is too young to understand the concept of "no"? Will boundaries make my child see me as an ogre instead of a loving parent? If I challenge my child to do things even when they are difficult, will I hurt their self-confidence?
In an article by Barbara Minton about the importance of boundaries, she states, "Image you are standing on the roof deck of a skyscraper. There are no railings, the wind is blowing and the building sways. Where would you be? You would probably be in the center where you could gather some feeling of security. Now imagine there are high sturdy railings around the edge of the roof deck. You walk over to the railing, push on it a few times to make sure it is sturdy and will hold. Now you feel secure and free to stand by the edge, maybe even look down or out into the beyond." I found this to be a great word picture on the importance of boundaries. Your child needs the security of a loving parent who will guide and support them as they learn about the world around them. They require someone to teach them right from wrong. My wise grandmother used to say that the misbehavior of children was an subconscious cry to be reminded of the boundaries. They wanted someone to care enough to tell them "no", and the sooner you start working on that the better. Here are a few things to consider:
- Always clearly and consistently enforce your boundaries.
- Lead by example, because your children are watching.
- Boundaries as an expression of your loving care for your child, not a means of control over them.
- Your child wants a parent not just another friend.
Mrs. Aimee
Screen time needs a time out!
Earlier this week, we posted a research article on our facebook page about how TV shows like SpongeBob effect the development of young children. However, I am concerned that not enough parents understand the negative effects of too much screen time as a whole. We live in a world consumed with technology, such as TV, video games, IPads, lap tops, and more. Many parents see nothing wrong with allowing their children to enjoy these items as long as they deem the content "eduational". However studies show that too much time spent in front of the screen can have a damaging effect on your child's development, such as sleep issues, language delays, obesity, and inability to focus. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that children under 2 years old should not watch any television and that children older than 2 shouldn't watch more than one to two hours of TV a day. Here are a few facts I discovered in my research:
- 20 percent of children under 2 have televisions in their rooms. [Source: AAP]
Parents spend an average of 3.5 minutes each week in meaningful conversation with their children. [Source: CSUN]- The average child watches 1,680 minutes of television each week. [Source: CSUN]
- 70 percent of day care centers use TV during a typical day. [Source: CSUN]
- 54 percent of 4-6 year-olds, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, preferred television. [Source: CSUN]
Sleep like a baby...
Many parents express frustration in getting their children to sleep. Perhaps the child cries or keeps getting back up. I know it's tempting to give in to unhealthy sleeping habits. Sleep deprivation can really wear you down, but the sooner you can establish healthy sleep patterns the better. Here are a few tips to remember:
- Activities leading up to bedtime should be calm and quiet.
- Establish a nightly bedtime routine so your child will know what to expect.
- Avoid using DVDs or the TV to help your child fall asleep.
- Dim the lights and any household noise to signal it is time for sleep.
- Try to help your child learn to self sooth and relax.
- If your child is afraid, try a night light or sitting in the room until he/she is comfortable.
- Avoid using "quick fixes" that you know you will not be able to continue long term.
The Self-less Child
As a teacher and parent, it concerns me when I see children who are lacking proper life skills necesarry for sucess in school and even later in life. I am always looking for ways to teach my children basic life skills like cooking and cleaning as well as skills like humility, a servant heart, and gratefulness. I recently read a great book called Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World. The book begins by describing parenting philosophies and why raising a "happy" child full of self-esteem may not be best for our children. This certainly peeked my curiosity. I had always thought of self-esteem as a good thing for children to have, but after reading this book, I have rethought some of my parenting beliefs.
Here's an excerpt from the overview on the Barnes & Noble website:
Here's an excerpt from the overview on the Barnes & Noble website:
It's never too late to reshape your child's heart and develop a parenting plan that starts right where you are. Shining the light of reality on the failed self-esteem philosophy, Rigby will show you how to gently "bump" children off self-center and instill in them an others-centered heart and a healthy self-respect.
It's a great read, and I hope you enjoy "thinking" through this book as much as I did!
Featured Artist - Mary Lee Sunseri
MaryLee Sunseri is the producer / arranger / performer of 16 CD’s of traditional and original music. Her credits include appearing in the MGM Elvis Presley movie The Trouble With Girls, recording nursery rhymes for Mattel Toys' See 'N Say, touring America as a member of “Randy Sparks & The Back Porch Majority,” recording the title song to Walt Disney’s movie The Apple Dumpling Gang, singing back-up for Shirley Jones, opening act for Bill Cosby and Lily Tomlin, and many concert appearances with the legendary Burl Ives.
She received her certificate of study in Musical Theatre from London Drama School with distinction in singing. She performs many concerts for festivals, folk clubs, and corporate and academic groups annually. Ms. Sunseri is a frequent performer at public schools and libraries throughout California, Massachusetts and Washington, and gives workshops on music and infant brain development.
Check her out at www.maryleemusic.com
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She received her certificate of study in Musical Theatre from London Drama School with distinction in singing. She performs many concerts for festivals, folk clubs, and corporate and academic groups annually. Ms. Sunseri is a frequent performer at public schools and libraries throughout California, Massachusetts and Washington, and gives workshops on music and infant brain development.
Check her out at www.maryleemusic.com
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Back to School Concerts!
Gearing up for back to school? Pull out your brand new crisp school calendar and plan to have a children's musician perform a concert to celebrate the beginning of the new school year to set the positive tone for the entire year. Check out our list of great performers in your area and email them today!
Is she ready?
With the school year quickly approaching, many of you are busy making preperations to send your children off to elementary or pre-school for the first time. I have my own special memories of that time, but how do you know when they are ready for Kindergarten? Here's a great little checklist to find out. Kindergarten Readiness Checklist - FamilyEducation.com
You can also check out our new Laugh & Grow class. Laugh & Grow was designed with Kindergarten readiness in mind. Each week your children will spend 2 hours in a structured class featuring:
You can also check out our new Laugh & Grow class. Laugh & Grow was designed with Kindergarten readiness in mind. Each week your children will spend 2 hours in a structured class featuring:
- phonics
- counting skills
- calendar skills
- music
- listening skills
- fine motor activities
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