As parents we always hear how important positive reinforcement is when disciplining your child.  Instead of just punishing your toddler for wacking the dog, praise her when you catch her petting the puppy nicely. I’m sure you have all heard this over and over again.

Well, recently, I’ve discovered that this works for me as well.  I tend to beat myself up over every mistake I make as a parent and think “Alright now I’ve gone and screwed her ...

You are your child's first and most important teacher.  Never underestimate the impact you have on your child.  He/She looks up to you more than anyone else and models your behavior.  He also looks to you for your approval.  When she can look in your eyes and see that you believe in her it gives her the confidence to move forward and venture out on her own.  So don’t ever doubt for a second how important you are!

Links:

http://www.parentsasteachers.org

http://nextgenparenting.com/blog/?p=658

http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/TIPS/TIPS303.pdf

http://www.parenthood.com/index.php

http://www.nationalcac.org/families/early_learning/parents/

When it first started I figured okay this is just how she is letting out her ...

They are monthly newsletters that tell you what you can expect your child to be doing that month as well as little games and activities you can do to help them grow and learn.

Go check it out.  I know you will love it!

It’s springtime and the weather here in Arizona is perfect.  I am extremely lucky to live right across the street from a big park.  I literally walk out my front door cross the street and find myself in the middle of a large sports field with a small playground a short walk away.

Yesterday DD and I packed up some snacks, a blanket, bubbles, a spray bottle of water, a bucket of water, and some paint brushes.  We had ...

I once learned a communication technique for spouses that goes like this.

At the end of every day each spouse tells the other one:

-something good that happened to them that day

-something bad that happened to them that day

-something the other spouse did to make them mad

-I love you because ______________________

If something comes up in this very short discussion you can choose to explore that further or you ...

Today’s tip isn’t really about child development or anything of that nature but it is about keeping a clean house which in itself is more challenging once you have children.
One word VINEGAR. Vinegar is pretty much my best friend when it comes to cleaning my house. I walk around with a little spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water and use it on everything. Kitchen counter tops, dinning table, wood blinds, the floor (wood or tile), all ...

I haven’t done one of these in a while and the reason for that is well because I have been completely overwhelmed with this new stage DD is going through. I’m guessing it’s normal two year old behavior.  It’s funny because I have always been determined never to call it the “terrible twos” because it seems like such a negative term but man no matter how many times I have heard that term and I still wasn’t prepared for this. Anyway ...