How to Talk to Teens

If you have teenagers in your home you know how difficult it can be to talk to them. While every teen is different, even the most easy-going, pleasant teens can have their moments.

As a mom of two teenagers, I know the ups and downs of trying to communicate with my kids. The best strategy that works for me is to try to keep conversations open, look for opportunities for discussion, and capitalize on moments when they feel like talking (even when I don't).

Keep the conversations open:
Just because we walk away from the conversation doesn't mean the subject is closed. If you feel that you didn't communicate everything you wanted to, revisit the topic again. If it was an especially tough or tense subject, make sure they are a little more relaxed when you bring it up the next time. If you were the one who was upset, wait until you calm down.

Look for opportunities for discussion:
Places like the car or family dinner are great for asking your kids about their day and what's going on in their lives. Be sure to tell them about your day as well, but don't monopolize the conversation.

Capitalize on moments when they feel like talking:
This is a tough one for me. Often when they feel like talking the most is when I'm ready to shut down for the day or have my mind focused on something else. It's very important though to pick up on cues that your teen is ready to talk. These are the moments when they need you to listen and to be there for them. Depending on your teen, these moments can come often or rarely.

If you would like more information and suggestions on how to talk to your teen, be sure to read: Having Trouble Talking to Teens: Help for Parents of Teenagers.

Negative Influences on Children

How do you help your child make the right friends? What do you do when your child has a friend that your don’t approve of? How do you respond when you feel your son or daughter is being negatively influenced by someone else?

It’s difficult for parents to sit by and watch the values we’ve taught our kids slip away. One of the toughest things about parenting has been combating negative influences. These influences can come from a variety of sources, such as television, radio, internet, extended family, and friends at school. Our job as parents is to help our children navigate through these other influences to help them learn how to make wise choices.

There are several steps that parents can take to combat these negative influences:

• Working to help your child choose friendships wisely
• Learning how to respond when you don’t approve of their friends
• Knowing the actions available when the negative influence takes control

For more information on each of these steps click on Parenting Help: Combating Negative Influences and help your child make wise choices today.

Seasonal House Cleaning

As our season changes from summer to fall, it is time to make out that fall cleaning checklist for the house and the garden. It is an exciting time of the year as we make plans and move closer to the holidays.  It is also time to do fall cleaning!

Organize your cleaning chores to save time and energy. Make two lists, one for the indoor jobs and one for outside chores.  Plan to do the outdoor chores on a good weather day.

Why not get the whole family involved? It is all part of the family working together. They can be given their own chore list as well, and they can cross off the chores as they complete them.

Read House Cleaning Services - Via Me for more ideas on ways to list the outdoor and indoor chores with several tips to make the job easier. 

When to Give Your Child a Cell Phone

Every child wants a cell phone. As parents we’ve all heard the pleas and the arguments. We’ve been told that every other kid at school has one, and while we know that isn't completely true... we do realize that at least most of the other kids have a cell phone.

But how do we decide when our own kids old enough to have their own cell phone? When should parents allow their children to have access to the world at their fingertips? The answer will be different for every parent and every child.

There are several things that parents should consider before deciding if their kids are ready. If your kids are asking for a phone ask yourself these questions before you give your answer:

• Can you afford it?
• Is it convenient for you?
• Is it in their best interest?

Knowing when to give your child a cell phone is a very big decision. Do the research. Read When to Give Your Child a Cell Phone: Advice for Parents for more information on making that decision as well as some suggestions for things to consider once you've given them their phone.

The Best Play Yards for Babies

Play yards or play pens are one of the ways to babyproof your homes. They are considered safety gear and a good way to secure them while they are playing and mom can do other stuff.

I found an article on-line that selected the top selections of play yards available for you to choose from : Awesome Baby Kids Playpen 8 Panel Play Center Safety Yard Pen, Graco Play Yards for infants (with or without bassinet), Aosom Baby Kids Wooden Playpen Room Divider 8 Panel, KidCo PlayDen, North States Superyard XT Gate Play Yard and Summer Infant Secure Surround Play Safe Play Yard.

In you're in the market for a Play Yard, either for yourself or as a gift, check out: Selections of  Play Yards -  Buy Play Yards Online for the latest product information. 

How to Get Your Kids to Obey

Getting children to obey their parents is often overwhelming. It's common for parents today to be frustrated by misbehavior and disobedience. We all want our kids to be good, well behaved, happy, respectful, and polite. While sometimes a child seems defiant and rebellious, sometimes, it's just because they really just aren’t sure what is expected of them. What can moms and dads do to help their kids mind?

Start by establishing clear and concise rules for your kids to follow. These rules need to be:

• Short - they should be able to memorize them.
• Simple - kids should be clear on what's expected.
• Fun - remember that they are kids

For more information on how establishing simple rules can help you get your kids to obey read: Parenting Tip: Simple Rules to Help Kids Obey. By setting clear boundaries and expectations early, you can set your kids up for success and help them learn to obey.

Fun Books to Encourage Reading for Kids

Parents know that helping your child learn to read is an important part of their growth and development. When we can get them to enjoy reading, however, then the rest comes along much better.

Kids love Scooby Doo! Here's where you can buy Scooby Doo books online for young readers, from preschoolers on up. The Picture Clue series is ideal for the youngest of readers, and Schoolastic has published volumes of books for readers at different levels. Colorfully illustrated with children's favorite characters from the Scooby-Doo cartoon series, these books encourage reading and impart the message that learning to read can be enjoyable and fun! Also included is the personalized book that you can order customized to include your child's name, to make solving the mysteries even more fun! Click here to find out where you can Buy Scooby Doo Books Online!