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Once again we feel compelled to teach our
children a thing or two about giving thanks. If anyone should show
gratitude, it should be members of the household. They are the ones that
have the expensive toys, expanding wardrobe and leisurely lives! Right? Right!
Our children should be made aware that not everyone can spend Saturday
mornings lying comfortably in front of the TV, chewing on some cheerios and
waiting to go to the beach. It is our job to teach them that life’s little
treats are only possible because of the effort their parents put forth
everyday to make it all happen. A “thank you” is something a parent loves
to hear because it is always well deserved, but more than often it goes
unsaid.
We should try to teach by example.
Can you remember the last time you thanked your children for simply
being who they were? Their arrival
into our lives whether it was through careful planning or if it was
unexpected, our lives changed forever.
We experienced many sleepless nights, but the countless hours of
sheer joy they bring to our lives are immeasurable. The intensity we feel
toward our children when they make us laugh or when they make us cry allows
us to become better parents by working harder, behaving better and most of
all – loving more. We do this for
the sake of them.
Through the eyes of our children, we view the world
differently. Puppies seem cuter,
bugs become interesting, ballerinas are prettier, cartoons seem funnier,
cookies somehow end up being breakfast foods, and naps are a simple
delight. They teach us patience and
they somehow teach us to be much more forgiving of ourselves.
When gratitude is displayed, appreciation is learned. Children not only need to hear words of
gratitude, but they need to feel it too.
This will increase their self esteem. It will also create a loving
environment and allow them to develop their own sense of gratitude toward
the things they possess, and more importantly for the love that surrounds
them.
Show your children that they are special:
Catch them doing something good: When you see your child sharing a toy, putting away a game or
being nice to grandma, don’t forget to give a compliment. Positive reinforcement will teach them to
repeat their actions.
Share stories of when they were babies: Children love to hear about the funny
things they did when they were younger and it’s a good way to share
memories with them, not to mention promote communication.
Share with them the reason you chose their names: They will appreciate the time and effort
you put into choosing a name just right for them. If they are named after a
relative, make sure to tell them about their namesake.
Share old pictures together: Children like to know where they came from. Seeing pictures of
both Mom and Dad as children reminds them that you were once a youngster
and can relate to being their age.
Allow alone time to be with each child: Siblings are great but a little
one-on-one time allows each child to feel special. It also allows the
parent to know your child through his or her unique identity.
Words that
encourage positive behavior:
Thank
you - You’re awesome! - I’m glad you are
my child - Good job - Great idea- Good
thinking - Wow!
- I love to
see that! – Terrific – Way to go – Excellent – You’re so smart – Well done – I’m so
proud of you – Thumbs up
– You’re the greatest – Good for you – What a great listener – You’re a big help – You are so funny
– You’re the best - I
love you!
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SUGGESTED READING – Some excellent books available at the
State Libraries:
- Clifford’s First
Autumn
by Norma Bridwell
- Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall
- Apples and
Pumpkins
by Anne Rockwell
- Arthur’s Halloween
by Marc Brown
- 1, 2, 3
Thanksgiving by W. Nikola-Lisa
- The Thanksgiving
Bowl
by Virginia Kroll
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"A PARENT ASKS"
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Q: How can I help my child
maintain good dental hygiene?
A: A healthy mouth is something most parents think about this
time of year as Halloween and the holidays roll around. It’s important to
remember that taking good care of your child’s teeth should begin at a very
young age. Even before your baby’s teeth come in, be sure to wipe your her
gums with a washcloth. This is just the start to healthy teeth and gums.
Tooth decay, although
significantly preventable, is one of the most common diseases in children
ages 6-11. By kindergarten, tooth decay affects more than 40% of children.
Many parents may think that dental hygiene for their child’s “baby teeth”
is not important but this not the case. If baby teeth fall out too soon,
the permanent teeth may grow in crowded or crooked. Tooth decay and
cavities are caused by sugar collecting around your child’s teeth. A good
way to prevent this from occurring is to avoid giving your child sugary
drinks such as juices, sports drinks, and soda. Also beware of flavored and
sugary medications that you give to your child. Talk to your child’s
dentist about how often your child should brush their teeth if your child
is on frequent medications. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing as
directed by your dentist will help maintain a healthy mouth.
Supervise younger children to
ensure that they spit the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. If you find
yourself in a battle with your child over getting him to brush, make it
clear that brushing is not an option. It may help to involve your child,
such as having him pick out the tooth paste he wants (with your approval).
Taking your child to the store to buy a kid friendly toothbrush may also
excite your child. Find out what motivates your child. Some children may
gladly brush their teeth for a sticker. Be an active participant in your
child’s dental health and keep in contact with your child’s dentist to help
ensure the best tooth care possible.
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"PARENTS
WANT TO KNOW"
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November is National
Healthy Skin Month
Everyone is talking about skin
care these days- how to erase fine lines and wrinkles, what is the best
anti-aging lotion, how to get skin that is baby soft. All too often we
overlook how important prevention is, especially at a very young age. One
of the best ways to avoid many of these concerns is using sun protection
for our children beginning in infancy. Infants under six months should not
be in direct sun and should be covered by protective clothing. Sunscreen
should be applied to infants six months and older. Be sure to apply UVA and
UVB sunscreen in the form of a stick, gel, or lotion. The SPF should be 30
or higher and reapplied about every two hours. It is important to apply
sunscreen even on cloudy days. The effects of the sun are greater when reflecting
off water and sand. Be sure to re-apply sunscreen after swimming.
Protective clothing should be used in addition to sunscreen. When outdoors,
dress your child in light colored clothing and a hat. Prevention is the
best form to healthy skin; let’s give our children a great head-start!
Fall Craft Idea
Fall is a beautiful time of year. Unfortunately, here in Hawaii we
don’t get to experience much of the wonderful fall colors. This is a great
opportunity to talk to your child about the changing colors of the leaves
and for an easy craft. A good way to explain to your child how these
changes take place is to create a “fall tree.”
You will need:
· Paints or stamp pads- brown, red,
orange, yellow, green
· White paper
· Hands
that are willing to get messy
Use the brown paint and the bottom of your child’s forearm to create the
trunk of the tree. Then use the rest of the colors and the palm of your
child’s hand to create leaves on the tree. Only stamp a few green leaves in
order to show your child the effect that the Fall season has on trees.
Optional:
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, after the paint has dried, you may want
to ask your child what he is thankful for and write those things in the
leaves.
The Parent Line
Free statewide phone line for parents and others caring for children.
Call for support, encouragement, information, and ideas about handling
behavior or about community resources.
Mon– Fri, 8:00am– 6:00pm and Sat, 9:00am-1:00pm. Oahu: 526-1222.
Neighbor Islands toll-free: 1-800-816-1222
JOKES FOR KIDS!
Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Cow
Cow, who?
No
they don’t, they moo!
Q: Why are teddy bears never
hungry?
A: Because they are always stuffed.
Q: Where do horses live?
A:
In neighhhh-borhoods!
Q: Did you hear the story about
the skunk?
A:
Never mind, it stinks.
Knock, knock
Who’s there
Boo
Boo,
who?
Well
don’t cry, it’s just a joke!
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SAFETY WORKS
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Halloween is an exciting time for kids and
parents alike, but it can also create dangers to young children. To help
make this year's event harmless, follow these simple safety tips:
Escort young children as they make their rounds
in the neighborhood. Trick or treat in a neighborhood that you and your
child are familiar with. Talk to your child before you head out. Inform
them that they must stay with you at all times. Explain to them some
rules including: only go to homes with porch lights on and walk on the
sidewalk at all times. Never go into a stranger’s home or up to cars. Be
sure to cross the street at crosswalks. Once you get home, be sure to
check all the treats to make certain they are sealed properly. Never eat
treats that are not in sealed packages or that are homemade. Only allow
your child to have candy that is appropriate for their age. Do not give
small children gum or hard candies that they may choke on.
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