|
|
 |
|
Preparing Your Child for the Three Rs
Susan du Plessis
There is little doubt that reading, riting and rithmetic are crucial elements in the education of any child. A childs ability to later cope in the adult world, to have a career, to take charge of his financial affairs and to live independently depends to a large extent on his mastery of these skills.
Unfortunately many children are deprived of the privilege of an abundant adult life. The $14 million National Literacy Survey of 1993 found that even though most adults in this survey had finished high school, 96% of them could not read, write and figure well enough to go to college. Even more to the point, 25% "were plainly unable to read," period.
Surely this is unacceptable. Imagine doing a survey on the building industry and finding that the walls of 96% of all homes are severely cracked, and that in 25% of the houses the walls are so weak that they collapse. Wouldnt we immediately start an investigation into the building practices of the builders Wouldnt we check whether they were careful to provide proper foundations for these homes We all know that before building a house, one needs to lay a foundation. Unless there is a strong and solid foundation, cracks will soon appear in the walls, and if there are no foundations, the
|
| | | RELATED ARTICLES
Remember The "Generation Gap"
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children is as old as.. well, parents having children. Its not an easy job, either for the parent or the child. But, the key to any relationship inside or outside the family is the ability to relate; to have an empathy that allows us a slightly special way in which we can communicate with one another in order to understand, and to be understood. We make friends because of the similarities we may have in certain areas and we sometimes can build lifelong relationships on that basis. But, having children means we do not have a choice to make that relationship as we might have in meeting a perfect stranger. Its a relationship forced upon us, albeit willingly in most cases. We as parents accept that as part of parenting. After all, as parents we have the opportunity to influence the development of our children to be just like us.. thus creating those similarities that enhance a lifelong relationship. Now, note that I used the word opportunity in that sentence. I think as parents we all realize that in spite of what we do to manipulate their young lives our children will turn out as individuals just as we did with our parents. And that could very well mean that the relationship you have with your child is not based on similarities but more of accepting the respective family roles of parent and child.
Play, Laugh, Grow – Learning To Play With Your Child
NC—The first year of a childs life is a prime time for exploring. Babies are excited and eager to learn about the world around them and playing is essential to a childs development. Parents are the best learning resource a child has, and playtime offers a chance for bonding between parents and children. By learning how to play with their children, parents can help them develop a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Too Much to Do Too Little Time
Have you ever felt like someone just pressed the Fast-forward button on your day and before you know it the day is over and you are sitting there wondering what youve accomplished
The Challenges of Single Parenting
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and written books on parenting and relationships, I’ve discovered that one of the greatest challenges for us as parents is to be loving role-models for our children, showing our children through our behavior how to take personal responsibility for their own feelings and needs.Our children need to learn from our role-modeling how to nurture themselves within and how to create a sense of safety in the world.In families where both a mother and father are present, both parents can participate in nurturing the child emotionally and taking care of the child in the world, and both parents can role-model what it looks like to do this for themselves.
Jesus Birthday: Sacred Children Series - 2 of 3
I had visions of my daughter for about five years before she finally showed up. She turned out exactly like the little girl in my dreams who had haunted me all that time. I was so very glad to see that she was alive and real. I always thought she must somehow be more magical and special then other normal kids.
Healing Anger and Violence in Our Society
I have counseled individuals, couples, families and business partners for the past 35 years and authored eight published books. All this experience has resulted in the development of a profound six-step healing process, called Inner Bonding, which anyone can learn and use throughout the day FREE course available - see resource box.
Pull Your Wagon
The Little Lady offers so many lessons.Almost two now just a couple days, she went for a ride with her 14-month old cousin in a wagon.We adults took turns pulling . . . until Little Lady decided that SHE wanted to pull.And once she got her hands on the handle, pity the adult foolish enough to try to relieve her of her responsibilities!
Awesome Dads Top Ten Ways To Be The Foundation of Your Family
Part of the responsibility of being a father is to establish a strong foundation for the family. Just like a building foundation, much of this work goes unseen and rarely gets acknowledged, yet the strength and integrity of the entire structure relies on it. The following intentions, although not always perfectly fulfilled, give us guidance in our mission.
Calming Tips for Hyperactive Children
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just settle down!" phrase well, and likely use it on a regular basis.
Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional
Lists of baby names are always fun to look at, whether youre seeking a name for your soon-to-be-born baby boy or baby girl, wondering about the popularity of your own first name, or just curious about what baby names are currently hot.
Talk Your Child Clever
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say its first word. This usually happens between the nine months and a year. From about two years, the child should be able to use simple phrases, and by three he should be able to use full sentences. By four, he should be fully able to talk, although he may still make grammatical errors. By five, he should have acquired basic language.
Chinese Pregnancy
Traditionally in China, when once people got married, they would immediately get ready for having a baby. That is why symbolic things such as dolls or lotus seeds would be put on the beds of the newly weds on their wedding day so as to bring in the meaning of having a baby as soon as possible.
Parenting - The Irrational Vocation
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance is involved in feeling that children are more a satisfaction than a nuisance. Why do people bother with parenting It is time consuming, exhausting, strains otherwise pleasurable and tranquil relationships to their limits. Still, humanity keeps at it: breeding.
Soul Mate - a Pain in the Neck
"and they lived happily ever after...
Get Rid Of Baby Walkers And Bath Seats, Urges Safe Kids Canada
NC—Do you use a baby walker to keep your baby entertained Do you use a baby bath seat because it keeps your hands free for babys bath
If Youd Like to Know Why Reading Matters
HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS WHY READING IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN.
Parenting Starts Before Pregnancy
While it may seem farfetched to some people, many of my clients remember what they felt and experienced while still in the womb. Comments such as these are not unusual:
Shared Dancing Has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike
Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of rocking and gentle motion. After all, who among us has not paced the floor at 2 am trying to entice a little one back to sleep by rocking, bouncing or swaying
Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a closer family.
Learning To Be Safe With Your Children On The Road
NC—According to recent Canadian studies, as many as eight out of 10 child safety seats may be improperly installed in Canadian vehicles. While most parents understand the importance of child safety seats and make sure they have one for their child, the problem comes from a lack of caregiver education when installing them.
|