When you have little ones at home, parenting can be extremely trying at times. On those rainy days, keeping the kids busy while having fun can sometimes leave you stuck as to what to do. This article will give you some great tips for making the most out of rainy days with your children.
Smoking with children in your home can really have negative consequences on their health, so try not to do it in your home. In fact, it’s a good idea to stop smoking completely. Secondhand smoke is as damaging as actually smoking. Smoking around your children can be very hazardous and cause many respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia.
If you have multiple children, keeping up with all of their prescriptions can be quite a challenge. Walgreens and other chain pharmacies offer iPhone and smart phone apps that allow you to scan the bar code on your child’s prescription medication and access information on fill dates, directions and refill status.
When raising teenagers, it may seem as if you are always focusing on the negative things they do. It is important to take some time out and praise them for some of their positive accomplishments. If all they hear is negative, it pushes them down, try some positive reinforcement; you will like the results you get from your teen.
Be consistent. Children function better when they know what is going to happen during the day, especially young children. A huge change in schedule or no schedule will give you very crabby children. They will feel like they are out of control, and they will show you that in their behavior.
A great parenting tip is to not shelter your children too much. Don’t tell your children that there are tons of people out there just waiting to kidnap them. This will only instill fear in your child. You have to let your children experience a bit of life, all by themselves.
Teach your child through example. You cannot successfully teach your children right from wrong if you are constantly doing the things that you tell your child are wrong to do. They are bound to follow your lead so keep you actions and words in check when those little eyes and ears are upon you.
One of the absolute best ways to establish a healthy relationship with your child is by playing with them. You will learn so much about your child just by taking the time to sit on the floor and play a simple game. You will have fun and so will your child as you build a great relationship.
Ask your child to do chores. Children need to learn how to do things like washing the dishes or making their bed; it is important to helping them learn independence, which ultimately leads to higher self-esteem. Chores also make children feel like they hold a valuable role in the family.
When you reach the boiling point with your children, take the time to try some self-calming techniques to make sure that you don’t do anything hurtful. There are many tools you can use, including breathing deeply, removing yourself from the situation for a few minutes, and redirecting your thoughts in a positive direction.
Making bath-time fun will encourage your children to have good hygiene. Make sure you have plenty of bath toys for your child to play with. A variety of toys will keep them from getting bored too easily. With color changing bubbles, and water markers, your children will want bath-time to last all night!
Play with your children. Not only is it fun for both of you, playing also has an incredible impact on reducing children’s negative behaviors. By spending time with your children in this manner, you are making them feel like they are important to you. That means they will be less likely to engage in negative behaviors to get your attention.
Establish clear rules in your family. This lets children know what their boundaries are. It also helps them to understand why you are disciplining them if the need should arise. Some rules should apply to everyone, even adults. If you can let your child have a say in establishing some of the rules that can also help.
Sometimes as a parent it pays to trust your intuition. Kids can make pretty convincing arguments and given certain circumstances their points may be valid. On the other hand, as an adult, it’s important to trust your initial instincts when it comes to matters which you’re experienced, at least in part, on. With youth comes inexperience, and it’s a parents job to guide their children to avoid the same mistakes.
As stated at the beginning of this article, parenting can be an extremely trying time when you have little ones at home. Trying to keep your kids entertained in the house on a rainy day can leave you wondering what to do. Apply the advice from this article to keep your kids happy and busy on those rainy days.