A Child’s Self-Esteem
As a parent how are you helping your child’s self esteem? One way is to ask your child’s opinion or advice. For example if you ask your child to teach you something, you are showing confidence in his knowledge and skill. Your child will feel good about himself and belief that he is capable of succeeding.
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Balancing Calories
If you gained a few unwanted pounds, a small lifestyle shift can correct that trend painlessly. Find ways to move a bit more and eat a bit less every day. Try marching in place when you brush your teeth or dancing during TV commercials, and use less butter, sauce, or salad dressing. You’ll soon see and feel lasting results!
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Brain Development
Eighty percent of the brain grows during the first three years of life. To help the brain develop, talk, read, and sing to baby. Respond to baby’s cues by copying her movements, and you’ll see her try to copy yours (like sticking out your tongue). You are baby’s first teacher. A variety of activities and experiences help your baby grow.
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Clipping Coupons
Is the time you spend clipping coupons worth it? If you buy the item regularly and the coupon saving is over .50 per item then it probably is. But be careful using the internet as a source of coupons. Protect your identity, stick to familiar business sites and never give personal information like your name, address or birth date.
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Healthy Eating
The foods we eat provide fuel and nutrients to achieve our full potential. By including colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meat and beans in our diet, we get more nutrients per calorie. Making small changes like adding fresh veggies to a sandwich at lunchtime, helps create a positive habit.
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Keeping Track
Not sure of where your paycheck goes. To help you keep track of your spending, find a system that works for you such as a small notebook for recording expenses or keeping your receipts for all purchases. By adding your expenses at the end of a day, you’ll probably be surprised in how you’ve spent your money.
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Parent’s Role
A parent’s role in discipline is that of teacher. One method of discipline is involving the child through choices and consequences. For Example: If your child continues to forget to bring his dirty dishes into the kitchen after snacking, he looses the privilege of taking food out of the kitchen. This logical consequence is related to the misbehavior and would have been made known in advance.
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Physical Activity
How do you get 30 minutes of physical activity almost every day? Split the exercise into smaller segments, even 10 minute bouts contribute to the overall goal. Start an exercise group, so backing out is not so easy. Or, make an appointment with yourself to exercise. Physical activity is associated with living a longer, healthier life so get moving!
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Self Care
As a parent raising kids, it’s important to do self-care. When was the last time you played as an adult? Taking time for oneself doesn’t just happen. It needs to be planned. Adult play could include celebrating with friends, working on a special hobby, dancing to favorite music or taking a day off from work. Self care is the foundation for caring for others.
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Smart Spending
You work hard for the money so let it work for you. When you have a plan you can save even more and reduce waste. Take an inventory before you shop, buy only what is on your list, don’t over buy. Take advantage of sales and specials only when you can store or use the items before they spoil.
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These messages are brought to you by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.