Archive for 'Parenting Styles'




Making the Time You Spend With Your Kids Count

There is nothing as important as spending time with your children. Unfortunately, time is a limited commodity, and nobody has enough. That is why it is important to make every second that you can be with them as valuable as you possibly can.

The following are a couple of inspirations that may help you to improve the quality of the time you spend with your kids. Unlike guidelines, these are only designed to make you think more deeply about your relationship with your family, and with yourself.

1. Pencil Them In

You should set aside at least a few hours at the same time and day every week, to spend with your kids. This teaches them to trust you, and lets them know that they can count on you, which can deepen the overall relationship. It also gives them a positive, regular routine. Routines are important for kids because it helps them earn about the cyclic nature of the world, which in turn can help them to develop the quality of dependability.

2. Turn Off That Phone!

Maybe you can’t completely isolate yourself from the world but you can at least put your cell phone on silent when you are with your kids. Don’t make them take a backseat to whoever decides to call you. If there is an emergency, whoever it is will leave a message. In the meantime, you have to focus on what is most important in your life.

3. Give Each Child Special Time

If you have more than one kid, it is important that you don’t start lumping them together as “the children”. Each one is unique and special in their own way, and you have to treat them such. Make time to pursue special activities with each of them separately, and use this time to get to know who they are on a deeper level. Just be certain to spend equal time with each child, and to make it clear that is what you are doing. Otherwise you could end up with some hurt fealings.

4. Family Time

While you have to spend some time alone with each of your children, it is also important to create a sense of unity within the whole family. That is why activities such as family outings, and vacations are so important. The memories that are built, help to give the kids an identity as part of the family as a whole, and brings you all closer together.

5. Don’t be Afraid to Do Things You Like

Your kids are smarter than you think. Just because you don’t they would like an activity that you enjoy, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it out. Whether it’s the opera, a sports game, or even just walking through a book store, there are ways to help your child enjoy these activities. Just be sure to explain what is going on in clear details, and answer any questions they may have.

6. You Can Have Fun Doing Kids Stuff Too

That’s right, kids stuff is fun. Just because you’re a snooty old adult doesn’t mean you can’t participate with enthusiasm. Join in sing along’s, clap your hands, laugh, and don’t take yourself too seriously. You will have more fun, and so will your children.

7. Don’t Get Overwhelmed

As a parent you do everything for your children. But it is important that you do some small things for yourself as well. If you are too selfless with them, you might start to resent them, which would be a horrible situation to get into. Make sure to occasionally take time off and do something to pamper you. Whether it is spending 15 minutes a day alone reading or going to a spa resort every few months, you will be happier, which will make your kids happier.

8. Don’t Be Boring

Spice things up, try new things, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The same old activities will eventually be as boring for your kids as they are for you. In doing new things, which you have never tried before, you will create truly unique memories which are very powerful and important.

These are just a list of things to consider when evaluating your relationship with your kids. None of them are hard rules; they are merely designed to make you think. As you explore your relationship with your children, it is always important to evaluate your time together, and make sure that it is as effective as it can possibly be.

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Posted on 30 November '09, under Parenting Styles. No Comments.

Messenger Bags For Men: Now Dads Can Wear A Stylish Diaper Bag Without The Embarrassment!

Designers are now listening loud and clear to fathers needs everywhere. Make me a diaper bag that doesn’t make me look like Im wearing a purse, is the cry that dads have been silently screaming all these years. Well maybe not that silently because dads everywhere now can have a messenger bag that looks cool and is also a diaper bag.

I can remember it like it was yesterday. My kids and I decided to go to an amusement park, mom was out of town, but that wasn’t going to stop us. We got the kids in the car and took off. Once we got there I got the stroller and the kids out of the car and saw it sitting there in the trunk. My wife’s bright green, floral print, Shanghai Tang diaper bag was just staring at me. For those of you who don’t know, as I didn’t, Shanghai Tang is a really sheik Asian designer brand. I didn’t want to take it out but I had no other bags so I reluctantly slid it out and insecurely hung it on the back of the stroller.

Messenger bags for men are now available that fathers can finally wear with pride. So what makes these messenger bags different? Other than being made in ultra stylish designs and high tech materials these bags have all the essential characteristics of regular diaper bag.

Change em: I guess if there was one essential item a dad bag needs to have its a changing pad. I think the best ones are easily cleanable with a baby wipe and fold right out of the bag. Best are the pads that are connected to the bag so that it essentially rolls out and back in with ease.

Baby Bottles have a home: If you’ve ever had a baby bottle leak in you’re bag you’ll appreciate this one. Most baby bottles after being throwing in the dishwasher several times need to be held upright in order to keep them from leaking. Part of this is due to the fact that bottles these days are designed to let air in so that the infant doesn’t need to open their mouth and stop drinking to release the suction. Either way, having a vertical compartment for baby bottles is key.

On the Stroller: Its also very important that the messenger bag can hang off the stroller without tipping it over when there’s no child in the car. Dad messenger bags are designed to fit strollers appropriately without tipping the stroller over.

Mom Pockets: If mom should ever get stuck carrying our dad bag around then shes taken care of. Dad messenger bags have pockets for all of moms stuff that she needs.

Keep it closed: If you’ve ever had to quickly grab your bag with one hand as you child dashes out of the bathroom then you’ll appreciate this. These bags typically have both Velcro and buckles to keep them closed at all times. The Velcro closure is especially good when you need to just grab your bag and sling it over your shoulder as you chase youre son or daughter out of the bathroom.

Now there’s a trendy yet functional messenger bag for men that also is a diaper bag. Watch out moms, dads are ready!

Dont miss out on the most popular messenger bags for men. Dont miss this interesting article on styles of messenger bags for men.

Posted on 19 October '09, under Parenting Styles. No Comments.