Parenting is Child's Play : Independence

Allowing your child to independent.

That sounds obvious, and maybe even easy.
But it is something I believe every parent may struggle with at some point in those early independent, yet dependent, years.

How to keep some control of the chaos, yet allow your child to have a say, takes some balance. Jillian, author of the inspiring learning blog A Mom with a Lesson Plan, helps us achieve that balance. Or, at least, lets us know how she's learned to balance it out.

I have always believed that kids should have a space that allows them to practice independence.

Three tips to remember that Jill shared with me are:

1. Change the Rules. 
2. The tools must be available.
3. Everything has a place.

Read more »

Parenting is Child's Play : Responsibility

Henry is a big help around the house.

He really is.

When he's in the mood.

I'd like to implement a chore system in our house, but before doing so, I asked Sarah, founder of füdoo Boards, how to do it. As well as inquiring about why its important for kids to have some responsibilities.

How can I raise a responsible child?

It looks like I'm right on track with starting this with Henry at this age. Sarah says, "It is time to begin talking about helping the family unit when your child is about three years old. Your child can perform simple jobs and feel great satisfaction for helping the family."

Sarah named off just a few benefits of allowing children to take on chores and responsibilities :

Read more »

Parenting is Child's Play : Routine

Routine. Routine. Routine.

We all hear about it from day one of being a parent.
You need to get them on a routine!

So what's the big deal?

Why do our kids need a routine?

I posed this question to Erin O'Keefe, MA, PCI Certified Parent Coach of The Intentional Parent. 

When a child knows what to expect, their world is more comfortable, it makes sense.  

Erin explains what routines do for the child:

• A routine lets a child know what to expect.
• A routine provides them with a sense that life is predictable.  
• A routine is calming, providing a child with a sense of security.  

Read more »

Parenting is Child's Play : Life Skills

As a parent, I often wonder if Henry's on the right track. If he's doing everything he should be doing. Or if he's lacking in an area. When he was younger, I'd track all the developmental charts to make sure he's on track. But somewhere along the way... I've gotten to not looking at those charts anymore.

Recently, with Henry starting preschool this year, I've starting thinking about life skills and wondering if Henry can do what he should be doing at this time.

But what should he be doing?

I asked Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed, early childhood educator and author of the blog Teach Preschool, what she hopes to see three year olds are doing when they enter into preschool.

Read more »