children

Children: Our most valuable natural resource.

Learning to Walk
Developing the ability to walk and talk were two of the biggest milestones of my life. As I mentioned in a recent blog I recall practicing vocal sounds almost from the moment I left the womb. Yet the trickiest part was developing the cognitive ability to group vocal sounds together to form words.
By Rebecca Sharrock8 years ago in Families
Beyond Five - The Realisation That She's Not A Baby Anymore
Becoming a parent is a weird and wonderful thing that is largely lived through 'stages' and 'phases'. As a new parent, you dread things like the 'teething stage', the 'terrible twos' and the 'threenager'. But nobody really talks about the stage that seems to kick in as your child heads beyond the age of five.
By Stephanie Walker8 years ago in Families
Their First Screen-Free Day
I have been a nanny to three children for the past two years, I have watched these children grow, mature, and become addicted to technology, specifically, anything with a screen. Movies? They feel entitled to a constant stream of movies, no matter the time, nor their behavior. Phones? They see you with a phone in your hand and suddenly they want—no NEED—2,000 hugs and kisses as they peer at your screen and attempt to read over your shoulder (despite being 5, 3 and 2). The oldest demands Snapchat filters and pictures of herself as soon as she realizes that I am taking a photograph. As soon as their movie turns off, they are literally screaming at me to put another one on. It’s maddening!
By Eadlyen Greenwood8 years ago in Families
10 Reasons Toddlers Rule!
Toddlerhood is my favourite stage so far. Seriously, terrible twos, threenager – why does the world take such a negative view of this vibrant time in a baby’s life? When I thought about it, I quickly realized that to be fair, most stages of childhood and adolescence are judged harshly and labelled negatively. Poor teens certainly don’t escape the judgement levelled their way.
By Abellona T8 years ago in Families
What 30-Something Moms Know About the Parenting Struggle
My life as a mother has barely begun. I’m only two years into this adventure, but I’m already mid-way through my 30s. By the time my mother was my age, she had a pre-teen and a teen. Yikes.
By A. Sutton8 years ago in Families
Nature vs Nurture
There once was a boy who was energetic as a young child, subdued as a teenager. He because increasingly troubled as his family life broke down. His mother and father divorced, and his violent fantasies grew. He committed his first act of murder just after he graduated from high school. For the next thirteen years, this man lured other young men to his home where he killed them and mutilated their corpses. In total he killed 17 men. His name was Jeffery Dahmer. Dahmer is an extreme case of deviancy, but the question arises. What made Jeffery Dahmer behave this way? Was he just born with the predisposition to be a serial killer or did his social circumstances lead to his actions?
By Danni Greer8 years ago in Families
Open Letter
I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for taking the time between parties to meet my mother. Your relationship was not one that any child could idolize, but through it I was conceived, so thank you.
By Stella Lane8 years ago in Families
Teach Your Kids to Cook
Let’s face it. Food is important. We all eat, and we all depend on food to fuel our bodies and keep us energized. When it comes to basic needs, food ranks pretty high on the list. Right up there with water, breathing, and sleep.
By Vanessa Cherron Riser8 years ago in Families
Cutting the Apron Strings
As a parent, there are so many stepping stones we have to overcome with our children. For me they are more like mountains; in fact, I’m thinking of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. I listen to those other parents with their confident laid back drawl and wonder how is it that I’m not more like them. How did I end up seeing this world as such a big scary place that my son would have to enter head to toe in armour (including helmet, especially helmet) sword at the ready, preferably two, with a friendly non-human eating dragon by his side?
By Lisa Ives8 years ago in Families
Get Kids Moving!
Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular these days, and with homeschool groups and meet-ups in many areas, a lot of the former social building issues have disappeared. It is now a lot easier to both homeschool and ensures your child is getting a full and enriching social life. However, there are many aspects of homeschooling which still need some improvement. One of these is physical education.
By Vanessa Cherron Riser8 years ago in Families
United By the Solar Eclipse
When I read several months back that a total solar eclipse would happen at the end of the summer, I discussed briefly with my girlfriend Mary that we should take a trip into the 100% zone. We live in Connecticut, a 70% zone. Unfortunately, camps and life got in the way this summer, but to be honest, we forgot.
By Robert Steven Williams8 years ago in Families
Parenting Tips for Raising Teenagers
Raising teenagers isn't always fun and games. There are several times when you might want to pull your hair out because they are questioning your authority, asking for more independence, and acting out. Also, in the digital age, it is difficult to raise teenagers since you need to monitor their phone and computer to make sure they're not being bullied or using technology inappropriately. It can be a struggle successfully raising teens but these tips for raising teenagers will make your life easier. You will be able to ensure your children are safe and still have a close relationship with them.
By Jessica Herring8 years ago in Families