raisingkidswithlove

You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect parent!

Category Archives: Growth and Development

Yes Mom and Dad, your child is resilient.


It is “back to school” time. Honestly, I have always met this time with very mixed feelings.  I was excited for my kids and their new experiences ahead and I loved shopping with them for new notebooks and pencils and the coolest folders and pencil pouches. The first day of school pictures of our kids …

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Keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!


Image courtesy of American Dental Association I can remember that feeling of excitement when I first saw the top of a little tooth poking through our oldest child’s gum….I must admit I remember the shock the first time I felt that tooth when I was nursing too! (Remember, children can bite only if latched incorrectly, …

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The “how to” of the discipline process


  Remember our mantra:  “Attention is attention to a child whether it is negative or positive, attention to a behavior reinforces it!”  And  “Consistency is the key.” A few pointers to start: 1.  Set realistic guidelines. Know your child’s developmental stage. As a parent, you may want your child to share his toys with friends, …

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“Hurry up or I will leave without you!” and other discipline techniques that don’t work!


There are some discipline techniques that just don’t work as well as others! I can remember sometimes simply reacting to a behavior of one of my kids, but not really using a discipline approach.  The result was never very effective.  Some typical reactions just don’t work, or result in other issues later.  Here are some …

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Early to bed and very early to rise…that is a toddler!


Kelsey up and at ’em bed hair and all…always smiling and more chipper than me at her early wake time! Oh I remember those mornings…waking to the sweet cry or call from my toddler’s room at hmmmm 5:00 am?  Neither of us was really ready to start the day, and both of us were crabby …

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Raising an unspoiled child…how to strike that parenting balance


A spoiled child grows into an adult who feels entitled…how do you strike the balance between wants and needs as a parent? It is so difficult to see your child upset, disappointed, or wanting something that you don’t feel is necessary or maybe can’t afford. There were many days when I questioned whether we should …

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The Holidays are Approaching….Need Tips on Coping?


Tis the season of great joy, happiness, perfect family togetherness,…..not always!  The holidays are quickly approaching and for parents of young children this season can be wonderful, but also full of challenges.  If you are looking for the perfect holiday experiences, you are destined to be disappointed.  You can have a wonderful season with family …

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Preparing your child (and YOU) for the start of preschool!


The first day of preschool can be difficult for your child and you! The big yellow school buses are starting to show up around my house again.  My daughter has had her first day of teaching 4th grade and I know several college students who are moved in and studying hard.  I remember that familiar …

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No child is perfect…and that is OK!


No parent or child is perfect…and that is OK! We had a wonderful weekend celebrating the marriage of my daughter’s childhood friend.  I always cherish having all four of my children at home at the same time!  As Monday morning arrives, and college and budding careers claim my children again, I find my thoughts in the familiar place of focusing on my …

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Childproofing the bedrooms and living areas


You want your child’s bedroom to be a safe place for your child to sleep and the living area of your home where you will spend a great deal of time should be as hazard free as possible.  Removing hazards will allow your child to explore freely and safely.  Vacuum your home often because I …

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