In these extraordinary times many are feeling fearful, sad, depressed, anxious, lonely and many other emotions.
Yet, it is important to remind ourselves what we are grateful for. And that’s something we should be teaching our children and teens.
Gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Children can be taught to look for the god things in any situation and to appreciate these opportunities or circumstances in their lives.
Those small or overwhelming obstacles could be a lesson or an experience that will open the door to new and wonderful experiences.
By teaching kids and teens gratitude for the good and the bad, you will be raising healthier and happier kids and boost their self esteem.
•Set a good example
•Role play
•Keep a gratitude journal
•Introduce your kids and teens to volunteerism and reaching out to others who need help
•Show them what they should be thankful for even if they don’t have something they want
•Teach kids and teens to see the good in others regardless of whether they like them or not (this is also a good way to educate about bullying prevention)
Parents should model behavior they want their children to have. Make gratitude an everyday practice. Take steps to teach gratitude to your kids and teens and watch them grow up into wonderful adults.
Thanksgiving day is the perfect time to show gratitude. What are you grateful for?
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
NOT MY KID: My kid would never bully anyone
How many times have parents been approached by other parents because their kids and teens are being bullied only to hear parents loudly proclaim “NOT MY KID.”
How many times have you blamed your child’s friend or a neighbor for negative behavior of your child? It is not MY kid, it is the friends he/she is hanging with. MY kid would never bully anyone. I taught them better than that, they are too smart for that. But are they smart enough, kind enough, respectful and compassionate for others?
Think about it. The faster you remove yourself from the “NOT MY KID” excuse, the sooner you can work on getting your child the help he/she may need.
Parents should not only look at their kids’ behavior, but as a role model what message do you send to your kids and teens? Do your kids model your behavior? Are you continuing the cycle of what you were taught as a kid?
ENOUGH with the excuse of NOT MY KID! Parents must take responsibility for their child’s behavior!
So, if your child’s school calls you and tells you that your child is bullying other kids, if other parents are complaining to you that your child is bullying their child, or if you notice that your child is constantly getting into fights … take a deep breath and admit that your child has a problem.
Drop the stance of denial or feeling that others are being mean to their child. It takes a courageous and open parent to realize that their child has a problem and that they need help.
Parents may think there is no problem – that it’s just a little teasing, or that it’s natural for kids to fight with one another. Take all accusations of bullying seriously. What may seem natural to you may be harming others a great deal.
Sit down and have a conversation with your kid. Tell them that the school or other parents have reported their aggressive behavior, that you love them no matter what, that their behavior has to change and that you support the school’s punishment and will not tolerate this behavior.
Explain that bullying, whether it’s physical or verbal, causes pain to others. Let them know that name-calling, teasing, hitting, pushing, starting or spreading rumors are wrong and not acceptable behavior.
Let your child know that you will help them to change the behavior and correct the situation. Ask them how they think the bullying could stop. What do they think has to change in order for them to change?
Depending on the age of the child, they may not know any better. Young children, especially, need to be told that hurting another child is not acceptable.
After you have thoroughly discussed this with your child, meet with their teacher. Listen to the teacher’s perspective without being judgmental.
Let the teacher know that you are willing to work with the school to help stop your child from bullying. It’s important to tell the teacher if there are any family problems that you might be experiencing.
Additional counseling may be needed for your child. It will help them learn to behave differently, accept responsibility for their actions and teach them how to develop guilt, as well as learn how to form cohesive relationships.
Parents need to understand that ignoring these signs or blaming it on others is not going to help your child. You need to seek help so it doesn’t escalate to anything worse. A parent in denial is not helping their kids, it is actually harming them.
There isn’t any shame in having a kid that is who is a bully, the only shame is if you don’t get your kids help!
How many times have you blamed your child’s friend or a neighbor for negative behavior of your child? It is not MY kid, it is the friends he/she is hanging with. MY kid would never bully anyone. I taught them better than that, they are too smart for that. But are they smart enough, kind enough, respectful and compassionate for others?
Think about it. The faster you remove yourself from the “NOT MY KID” excuse, the sooner you can work on getting your child the help he/she may need.
Parents should not only look at their kids’ behavior, but as a role model what message do you send to your kids and teens? Do your kids model your behavior? Are you continuing the cycle of what you were taught as a kid?
ENOUGH with the excuse of NOT MY KID! Parents must take responsibility for their child’s behavior!
So, if your child’s school calls you and tells you that your child is bullying other kids, if other parents are complaining to you that your child is bullying their child, or if you notice that your child is constantly getting into fights … take a deep breath and admit that your child has a problem.
Drop the stance of denial or feeling that others are being mean to their child. It takes a courageous and open parent to realize that their child has a problem and that they need help.
Parents may think there is no problem – that it’s just a little teasing, or that it’s natural for kids to fight with one another. Take all accusations of bullying seriously. What may seem natural to you may be harming others a great deal.
Sit down and have a conversation with your kid. Tell them that the school or other parents have reported their aggressive behavior, that you love them no matter what, that their behavior has to change and that you support the school’s punishment and will not tolerate this behavior.
Explain that bullying, whether it’s physical or verbal, causes pain to others. Let them know that name-calling, teasing, hitting, pushing, starting or spreading rumors are wrong and not acceptable behavior.
Let your child know that you will help them to change the behavior and correct the situation. Ask them how they think the bullying could stop. What do they think has to change in order for them to change?
Depending on the age of the child, they may not know any better. Young children, especially, need to be told that hurting another child is not acceptable.
After you have thoroughly discussed this with your child, meet with their teacher. Listen to the teacher’s perspective without being judgmental.
Let the teacher know that you are willing to work with the school to help stop your child from bullying. It’s important to tell the teacher if there are any family problems that you might be experiencing.
Additional counseling may be needed for your child. It will help them learn to behave differently, accept responsibility for their actions and teach them how to develop guilt, as well as learn how to form cohesive relationships.
Parents need to understand that ignoring these signs or blaming it on others is not going to help your child. You need to seek help so it doesn’t escalate to anything worse. A parent in denial is not helping their kids, it is actually harming them.
There isn’t any shame in having a kid that is who is a bully, the only shame is if you don’t get your kids help!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Three Bully Suicides In One Week: It Has To STOP
November 4 -11th:
16-year-old Cassidy Joy Andel Cooperstown, N.D. posted a good-bye note on her Facebook Page and hung herself, 14 year-old Samantha Kelly of New Boston, Michigan hung herself and 14-year-old Brandon Bitner of Middleburg, Pennsylvania committed suicide by running into the path of a tractor trailer – all of them tormented by bullying!
This is more than a wake-up call. This is a national crisis and if we don’t do something to educate kids, parents and schools and get everyone working together, I am afraid of what we will see in the next 5-10 years. Our future is disappearing before us because kids and teens are bullying others.
Parents – talk to your kids – everyday. Enough with the “Not My Kid” attitude! Take responsibility and teach your children morals and ethics. I’d rather know my kid was a bully and I could get him /her help to stop it, than hide my head in the sand and live in denial.
And — recognize the signs of bullying and cyberbullying so you can help your child if they are victims. Don’t wait for them to come to you!
Schools – Wake Up! I’m tired of hearing from teachers who say they don’t want to be policemen. It may not be what you signed up for but it’s a different world today! We are living in the wild west frontier with the Internet and kids are getting bolder and more aggressive. So yes teachers and principals, it’s your responsibility to educate our youth about bullying and cyberbullying even if you have to police them!
It really does take a village and for those who think our youth are not in crisis mode – think again!
The bullying and cyberbullying MUST stop!
Parents MUST do better parenting!
Anti-bullying and cyberbullying Education MUST be a priority!
Bullycides MUST STOP!
If you’re being bullied, we know how awful the pain is, but taking your life is NOT the answer!
If you know someone who is being bullied, be an UPSTANDER and help them!
If you’re a bully, ASK FOR HELP. What you’re doing is bad enough, but the reality is you could be responsible for someone taking their life? Can you really live with that? Think about it!
Call STOMP Out Bullying at 888-347-KIDS (5437) for help, call someone, call anyone. There is so much help out there for victims and we’re all here to help the victims get help and to save their lives and we’re here to get help for the bullies so this insanity STOPS once and for all.
Bullying can kill – Kindness goes a long way and feels really good!
Develop a plan for help with the person. If you cannot develop a plan and a suicide attempt is imminent call “911.”
There is help!
Talk to a trusted adult!
Or contact any of these organizations who can and will help you!
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) Deaf Hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Yellow Ribbon 303-429-3530
Boystown Hotline 1-800-448-3000
Covenant House Nineline 1-800-999-9999
The Trevor Helpline 866-488-7386
If you or someone you know is on the verge of suicide PLEASE call 911 immediately so you can get help!
Life may not feel so great right now, but there is hope!
STAY ALIVE!
SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE!
Ross Ellis
Founder and CEO
Love Our Children USA (http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/ )and STOMP Out Bullying (http://www.stompoutbullying.org/)
16-year-old Cassidy Joy Andel Cooperstown, N.D. posted a good-bye note on her Facebook Page and hung herself, 14 year-old Samantha Kelly of New Boston, Michigan hung herself and 14-year-old Brandon Bitner of Middleburg, Pennsylvania committed suicide by running into the path of a tractor trailer – all of them tormented by bullying!
This is more than a wake-up call. This is a national crisis and if we don’t do something to educate kids, parents and schools and get everyone working together, I am afraid of what we will see in the next 5-10 years. Our future is disappearing before us because kids and teens are bullying others.
Parents – talk to your kids – everyday. Enough with the “Not My Kid” attitude! Take responsibility and teach your children morals and ethics. I’d rather know my kid was a bully and I could get him /her help to stop it, than hide my head in the sand and live in denial.
And — recognize the signs of bullying and cyberbullying so you can help your child if they are victims. Don’t wait for them to come to you!
Schools – Wake Up! I’m tired of hearing from teachers who say they don’t want to be policemen. It may not be what you signed up for but it’s a different world today! We are living in the wild west frontier with the Internet and kids are getting bolder and more aggressive. So yes teachers and principals, it’s your responsibility to educate our youth about bullying and cyberbullying even if you have to police them!
It really does take a village and for those who think our youth are not in crisis mode – think again!
The bullying and cyberbullying MUST stop!
Parents MUST do better parenting!
Anti-bullying and cyberbullying Education MUST be a priority!
Bullycides MUST STOP!
If you’re being bullied, we know how awful the pain is, but taking your life is NOT the answer!
If you know someone who is being bullied, be an UPSTANDER and help them!
If you’re a bully, ASK FOR HELP. What you’re doing is bad enough, but the reality is you could be responsible for someone taking their life? Can you really live with that? Think about it!
Call STOMP Out Bullying at 888-347-KIDS (5437) for help, call someone, call anyone. There is so much help out there for victims and we’re all here to help the victims get help and to save their lives and we’re here to get help for the bullies so this insanity STOPS once and for all.
Bullying can kill – Kindness goes a long way and feels really good!
Develop a plan for help with the person. If you cannot develop a plan and a suicide attempt is imminent call “911.”
There is help!
Talk to a trusted adult!
Or contact any of these organizations who can and will help you!
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) Deaf Hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Yellow Ribbon 303-429-3530
Boystown Hotline 1-800-448-3000
Covenant House Nineline 1-800-999-9999
The Trevor Helpline 866-488-7386
If you or someone you know is on the verge of suicide PLEASE call 911 immediately so you can get help!
Life may not feel so great right now, but there is hope!
STAY ALIVE!
SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE!
Ross Ellis
Founder and CEO
Love Our Children USA (http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/ )and STOMP Out Bullying (http://www.stompoutbullying.org/)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Kid healthy cooking "must haves' that last in your freezer
As we know the Center for Disease Control reports that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of childhood obesity among kids aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.
Although parents are so busy, many are finding that cooking at home with healthy foods helps in the way their kids are eating.
The idea of “fresh food” is wonderful but may not always be a reality with work and family schedules.
The next best thing is have staples in your freezer so that you can squeeze in a few homemade meals in for your family during your week.
READ MORE OF THE ENTIRE STORY HERE
Although parents are so busy, many are finding that cooking at home with healthy foods helps in the way their kids are eating.
The idea of “fresh food” is wonderful but may not always be a reality with work and family schedules.
The next best thing is have staples in your freezer so that you can squeeze in a few homemade meals in for your family during your week.
READ MORE OF THE ENTIRE STORY HERE
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Kids’ restaurant meals may not be so “happy”
According to the Center for Disease Control childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of childhood obesity among kids aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.
Kids menus at restaurants aren’t so happy! Ask Mary Jo Messito, Director of the Obesity Clinic at New York’s Bellevue Hospital who told news sources that “Children’s meals at restaurants are garbage.”
READ THE ENTIRE STORY HERE
Kids menus at restaurants aren’t so happy! Ask Mary Jo Messito, Director of the Obesity Clinic at New York’s Bellevue Hospital who told news sources that “Children’s meals at restaurants are garbage.”
READ THE ENTIRE STORY HERE
Monday, July 5, 2010
The second leading cause of child deaths are from drowning: Learn water safety now
The water can be so much fun, yet it can also be dangerous for young children. Even for kids who know how to swim, there have still been drownings.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years old and children 10 to 14 years. Children 4 and under actually have the highest drowning death rate in the U.S. and the majority of child drownings occur in backyard pools & spas.
Just this week, former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham's 2-year-old son drowned in his parent’s pool spa in Las Vegas and last week NYC sixth grader Nicole Suriel drowned on a class trip to Long Beach. Two-year-old Joseph Anthony Daignault died on June 29th after drowning in his family’s swimming pool. Since the end of May, eight children died in pool drownings in Tennessee.
According to Dr. Mark Waltzman at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, toddlers have a difficult time keeping their top-heavy bodies balanced when sitting up and they often have a hard time getting back up after they fall, and can drown in just one inch of water.
READ MORE OF THE STORY HERE AND SEE VIDEO
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Norton online family protects families worldwide
This week Norton/Symantec announced that its award-winning online family safety service, Norton Online Family, will now be offered for free worldwide in 25 languages.
Previously available in English only, the new version of Norton Online Family is the first globally available free solution to give parents the comprehensive tools they need to not just block inappropriate websites, but truly connect with their children's online lives and foster ongoing dialogue about safe Internet behaviors. According to the Norton Online Family Report, a global study that was released today, 62 percent of kids worldwide have had a negative online experience, underscoring the need for a service like Norton Online Family that helps create positive online experiences for their kids.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS STORY
Previously available in English only, the new version of Norton Online Family is the first globally available free solution to give parents the comprehensive tools they need to not just block inappropriate websites, but truly connect with their children's online lives and foster ongoing dialogue about safe Internet behaviors. According to the Norton Online Family Report, a global study that was released today, 62 percent of kids worldwide have had a negative online experience, underscoring the need for a service like Norton Online Family that helps create positive online experiences for their kids.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS STORY
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Mayor Bloomberg encourages NY fathers to be more active in their kids’ lives
Kudos to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he told news sources about his plans to hire a fatherhood-services coordinator as part of an initiative to encourage dads to be more active in their children's lives. This comes as great news to all of the child advocates in New York City.
Mayor Bloomberg told news sources that "Strong families make a strong New York. But too many children in this city are growing up without their fathers." The administration reports that 32 percent of all children under 17 in New York City grow up in a fatherless household.
Read more of the story here
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Are supermarket carts safe for your kids?
Last week a New York City mom was checking out her local supermarket and looked down to see her toddler’s leg stuck in the narrowest bar of the shopping cart. Her daughter’s leg was completely stuck.
While the toddler cried the mom tried to remain calm by slowly slipping her leg back out, but it wouldn’t move. The checkout lady, manager and security all came to their rescue to no avail. Someone cried “get the Crisco oil”, another yelled “don’t touch it” and someone yelled “call 911.”
The poor mom was panic stricken and screamed for someone to get a cutter which is used to cut large metal bike locks.
Someone came to the rescues with the metal cutters but the frantic mom couldn’t help but think “Do it and don’t miss” and prayed her daughter’s leg or ankle would not be broken.
Soon the little girl was free with only a few scratches and bruises.
Read more of the story here
While the toddler cried the mom tried to remain calm by slowly slipping her leg back out, but it wouldn’t move. The checkout lady, manager and security all came to their rescue to no avail. Someone cried “get the Crisco oil”, another yelled “don’t touch it” and someone yelled “call 911.”
The poor mom was panic stricken and screamed for someone to get a cutter which is used to cut large metal bike locks.
Someone came to the rescues with the metal cutters but the frantic mom couldn’t help but think “Do it and don’t miss” and prayed her daughter’s leg or ankle would not be broken.
Soon the little girl was free with only a few scratches and bruises.
Read more of the story here
Monday, September 7, 2009
President Obama's Speech To Kids As They Return To School
There's been a lot of controversy about the speech that President Obama is giving to school children tomorrow.
There are many people up in arms. Some parents are pulling their kids out of school so they don't see or hear the speech, and some schools are refusing to show it.
Has everyone lost their minds? What do they think the President is going to say to our children?
President Obama is clearly a champion of giving kids a good education and offering them a future. After reading the letter that he openly wrote to his daughters earlier this year in Parade Magazine, I can only imagine that he will be a cheerleader for our kids to study hard and stay in school so that they can be anything they want to be. Last time I checked there was nothing wrong with that.
Could these parents and schools be anti-education? Could they be denying our kids a future? Or is it a partisan issue?
No matter who you voted for, no matter what race you are -- this is the President of the United States and he cares about our kids' education!
It behooves every parent to send their kids to school tomorrow and let them hear the speech, and it behooves every school to air the speech.
Frankly, I cannot think of anything more inspiring than the President of the United States telling kids to study hard and stay in school so that they can be whatever they want to be in life!
It certainly would have inspired me when I was a kid!
Click Here to Read President Obama's Remarks
Ross Ellis
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Love Our Children USA
There are many people up in arms. Some parents are pulling their kids out of school so they don't see or hear the speech, and some schools are refusing to show it.
Has everyone lost their minds? What do they think the President is going to say to our children?
President Obama is clearly a champion of giving kids a good education and offering them a future. After reading the letter that he openly wrote to his daughters earlier this year in Parade Magazine, I can only imagine that he will be a cheerleader for our kids to study hard and stay in school so that they can be anything they want to be. Last time I checked there was nothing wrong with that.
Could these parents and schools be anti-education? Could they be denying our kids a future? Or is it a partisan issue?
No matter who you voted for, no matter what race you are -- this is the President of the United States and he cares about our kids' education!
It behooves every parent to send their kids to school tomorrow and let them hear the speech, and it behooves every school to air the speech.
Frankly, I cannot think of anything more inspiring than the President of the United States telling kids to study hard and stay in school so that they can be whatever they want to be in life!
It certainly would have inspired me when I was a kid!
Click Here to Read President Obama's Remarks
Ross Ellis
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Love Our Children USA
Sunday, March 8, 2009
National Love Our Children Day Goes On The Road With Soap Stars
The Sixth Annual Love Our Children Day Goes On The Road For an Entire Weekend of Family Fun!
This year Love Our Children USA is doing something different for National Love Our Children Day (our initiative.) Through the generosity of soap stars ...
ALL MY CHILDREN Jacob Young (JR) Chrishell Strause (Amanda)
AS THE WORLD TURNS Billy Magnusson (Casey)
GUIDING LIGHTKim Zimmer (Reva) Caitlin VanZandt (Ashlee)Robert Newman (Josh)
ONE LIFE TO LIVEIlene Kristen (Roxy) Mark Lawson (Brody)
... And the Villa Roma Resort in Sullivan County, NY., National Love Our Children Day joins SOAPSTOCK Weekend and will be celebrated in a new location this year!
To learn more about how you and your family can attend this event, visit http://loveourchildrenusa.org/events_locday09.php
This year Love Our Children USA is doing something different for National Love Our Children Day (our initiative.) Through the generosity of soap stars ...
ALL MY CHILDREN Jacob Young (JR) Chrishell Strause (Amanda)
AS THE WORLD TURNS Billy Magnusson (Casey)
GUIDING LIGHTKim Zimmer (Reva) Caitlin VanZandt (Ashlee)Robert Newman (Josh)
ONE LIFE TO LIVEIlene Kristen (Roxy) Mark Lawson (Brody)
... And the Villa Roma Resort in Sullivan County, NY., National Love Our Children Day joins SOAPSTOCK Weekend and will be celebrated in a new location this year!
To learn more about how you and your family can attend this event, visit http://loveourchildrenusa.org/events_locday09.php
Thursday, January 15, 2009
FIRST DAD'S MESSAGE OF LOVE
FIRST DAD'S MESSAGE OF LOVE OBAMA'S LETTER: 'WHAT I WANT FOR YOU & ALL KIDS'
And you don’t have to be a parent to nurture and love children. Many single people or couples without children can show the same compassion, love and nurturing that President Elect Obama shows and feels. WHY? Because if we don’t, what will our future look like in 10 or 20 years?
If we don’t, we might be looking at a generation of adults who didn’t have a good education and can barely earn a living. Or a generation of adults who are criminals or substance abusers, or child and spousal abusers. Or a generation of adults who are filled with hatred for their fellow man because that’s what they were taught by their role models. Or… sadly, a generation of adults who continue the cycle of how badly there were treated.
Certainly none of these scenarios would have challenged these adults as children, nor would they have been inspired to do better or to create a safe and prejudice-free world. None of these scenarios would bring us future leaders and people who give back.
To love and nurture children and want the very best for them, you can be an ordinary parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, neighbor or friend. You can challenge and inspire them, and instill in them self-esteem and confidence, so that they can strive to be anything –even President of the United States. It just takes love, nurturing and respect.
If you need help, ask someone. Take parenting classes. Contact Love Our Children USA.
If President Elect Obama’s letter of love and hope for his children and all children hasn’t challenged and inspired every parent in the U.S.to be the best and most loving parents they can be, then it’s a sad time for the future of our children, their children, and future generations.
Why not write a letter of love to your children – today? Give your children hope for their future.
You can read the First Dad's Message of Love this Sunday in Parade Magazine or click here to view at Parade online.
When I read this letter, I thought “Wow!” Not just because Barack Obama is going to be our president next week, but look at the love! Feel the hope!
I always speak and write about parents nurturing and loving their children. And one does not have to be a president to do this. Loving children, yours and other people’s takes compassion, and a deep caring for our most innocent – our children.And you don’t have to be a parent to nurture and love children. Many single people or couples without children can show the same compassion, love and nurturing that President Elect Obama shows and feels. WHY? Because if we don’t, what will our future look like in 10 or 20 years?
If we don’t, we might be looking at a generation of adults who didn’t have a good education and can barely earn a living. Or a generation of adults who are criminals or substance abusers, or child and spousal abusers. Or a generation of adults who are filled with hatred for their fellow man because that’s what they were taught by their role models. Or… sadly, a generation of adults who continue the cycle of how badly there were treated.
Certainly none of these scenarios would have challenged these adults as children, nor would they have been inspired to do better or to create a safe and prejudice-free world. None of these scenarios would bring us future leaders and people who give back.
To love and nurture children and want the very best for them, you can be an ordinary parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, neighbor or friend. You can challenge and inspire them, and instill in them self-esteem and confidence, so that they can strive to be anything –even President of the United States. It just takes love, nurturing and respect.
If you need help, ask someone. Take parenting classes. Contact Love Our Children USA.
If President Elect Obama’s letter of love and hope for his children and all children hasn’t challenged and inspired every parent in the U.S.to be the best and most loving parents they can be, then it’s a sad time for the future of our children, their children, and future generations.
Why not write a letter of love to your children – today? Give your children hope for their future.
You can read the First Dad's Message of Love this Sunday in Parade Magazine or click here to view at Parade online.
Ross Ellis
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Love Our Children USA
Monday, January 12, 2009
Positive Parenting
Knowing that the world we live in today is very different, Love Our Children USA recognizes that we must redefine parenting.No one is a perfect parent and there is no magical way to raise children. And we know kids can be challenging!Parenthood and caring for a child is a gift bestowed upon us which comes with the greatest responsibility and pledge … to guarantee the safety, nurturing, loving environment and physical and emotional wellness of our children … for ALL children!Anyone and everyone can learn good parenting skills. Even parents who are overwhelmed, or alone. The first three years of your child’s life are crucial. Those are the years that your child will develop significant intellectual, emotional and social abilities. That’s when they learn to give and accept love. They learn confidence, security, and empathy … they learn to be curious and persistent …everything your child needs to learn to relate well to others, and lead a happy and productive life. The first three years are the doorway to forever!Positive Parenting Means:- Treating Kids With Respect, Kindness and Compassion- Showing your love – Nurture your children and tell them every day "I love you. You're special." Give lots of hugs and kisses.- Understanding- Negotiation- Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.- Giving Praise and Encouragement - When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're so proud of them. Criticize the behavior, not the child. Teaching your child to do the right things is better than constantly punishing bad behavior.- Reinforcing Positive Behavior- Providing order in their lives. Keep a regular schedule of meals, naps and bedtimes. If you have to change the schedule, tell them about the changes ahead of time.- Setting Boundaries- Make Your Children Feel Protected. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them and keep them safe.- Reflecting on Our Parent Role Models- Helping Kids Find Solutions to Their Own Problems- Building Children's Self-Esteem- Teaching Kids How to Deal With Sibling Rivalry, Anger, Peer Pressure, Bullying, etc .- Spending Time With Your Children. Do things together, like reading, walking, playing and cleaning house. What children want most is your attention. They usebad behavior as a way of getting your attention.- Being Consistent and firm in enforcing rules and explaining the reasons for the rules in words your child can understand. Consistent means the rules are the same all the time. If two parents are raising a child, both need to use the same rules.Do you feel like you need help?You can contact Love Our Children USA for parenting classes in your area, sign up for parenting classes offered by hospitals, community centers or schools. Read parenting books or magazines. Talk to your pediatrician, family doctor, a minister, a priest or a counselor. Don't be embarrassed to ask for parenting help. Raising children is not easy and no one can do it alone. Your doctor can also help you find local groups that can help you learn better parenting skills.To receive Love Our Children USA’s newsletters and updates visit www.loveourchildrenusa.org
Continuing the Cycle of Love and Nurturing
When a child pushes a parent’s buttons or misbehaves, sometimes all a parent can do is to lose their temper or speak harshly to their child. And sometimes …a parent treats their child the way they were treated …with anger and violence – continuing the cycle. Today, parents are more sophisticated than they were 20 or 30 years ago. And they’re busier and overwhelmed. By continuing the cycle of how our parents treated us when we were children isn’t necessarily positive parenting. That doesn’t always mean our parents were bad parents –it might mean they were continuing the cycle of how they were treated. It’s time to break the cycle today! Whether you’re a parent who is over-whelmed or one who is continuing the cycle … think back to your childhood. How were you treated?Did you live in a loving home? Or did you live in an angry and violent home?If you lived in a loving home, then you will want to continue that cycle with your children.If you lived in an angry and violent home, you remember what growing up was like. It was sad, lonely and frightening.Is that the kind of home you want your child to grow up in?By loving and nurturing your children and treating them with kindness, respect and understanding, you are ending an old cycle and beginning a new one.You CAN stop the violence, anger and neglect BEFORE it ever starts!Take a deep breath, count to ten, seek help through anger management and parenting classes or consult with a psychologist. The caring, compassion, love and respect you show your children will make such a difference in your relationship with your children and you -- and your entire family. Children understand positive behaviors.Become a parent who loves and nurtures your child enough to grow up to become a happy and healthy adult who continues that cycle!What a wonderful gift to give your children ... and their children, and theirs, and theirs, and theirs ... etc!If you need help or resources to break the cycle of anger and violence and begin a new cycle of love and nurturing, please contact Love Our Children USA.
When a child pushes a parent’s buttons or misbehaves, sometimes all a parent can do is to lose their temper or speak harshly to their child. And sometimes …a parent treats their child the way they were treated …with anger and violence – continuing the cycle. Today, parents are more sophisticated than they were 20 or 30 years ago. And they’re busier and overwhelmed. By continuing the cycle of how our parents treated us when we were children isn’t necessarily positive parenting. That doesn’t always mean our parents were bad parents –it might mean they were continuing the cycle of how they were treated. It’s time to break the cycle today! Whether you’re a parent who is over-whelmed or one who is continuing the cycle … think back to your childhood. How were you treated?Did you live in a loving home? Or did you live in an angry and violent home?If you lived in a loving home, then you will want to continue that cycle with your children.If you lived in an angry and violent home, you remember what growing up was like. It was sad, lonely and frightening.Is that the kind of home you want your child to grow up in?By loving and nurturing your children and treating them with kindness, respect and understanding, you are ending an old cycle and beginning a new one.You CAN stop the violence, anger and neglect BEFORE it ever starts!Take a deep breath, count to ten, seek help through anger management and parenting classes or consult with a psychologist. The caring, compassion, love and respect you show your children will make such a difference in your relationship with your children and you -- and your entire family. Children understand positive behaviors.Become a parent who loves and nurtures your child enough to grow up to become a happy and healthy adult who continues that cycle!What a wonderful gift to give your children ... and their children, and theirs, and theirs, and theirs ... etc!If you need help or resources to break the cycle of anger and violence and begin a new cycle of love and nurturing, please contact Love Our Children USA.
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