By Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

Two siblings, ages three and five are bickering over the toys. The parent admonishes the younger child, 'You are almost four, now share.' The older child next hits the younger child and the parent shouts, 'Dont hit… you have to love your little sister/brother.' The stage is set for the parent to develop a rivalry between the children with the toys viewed as a valuable and limited resource. What is sought though, is sibling harmony, not rivalry.

Children go through developmental stages where at one stage they are almost incapable of sharing, to the next stage, when they finally develop an ability to share. In developmental terms these stages are described as parallel play and cooperative play.

Parallel play is most common in two to three year olds. The main feature of parallel play is that the child tends to play alone, even though the child may be with other children. For instance, give a two to three year old a ball and they will happily roll it around by themselves but will likely be unable to enjoy rolling it back and forth with another child.

Cooperative play comes around four years of age and is usually well developed in the five year old child. Give these children a ball and they can happily roll it between themselves and take turns using it.

Thus pre-school siblings who are close in age may find themselves in conflict. When at play, the younger will have difficulty sharing and because of this the elder may become upset. The issue isnt love or rivalry though. The issue is one where each child is at a different developmental level. Placing the problem into a context of sibling rivalry only creates a problem where it doesnt have to exist.

The solution is to explain to the older child that the younger hasnt yet learned to share. The older child can be commended for having learned to share and can also be commended for having patience with the younger sibling until the skill of sharing has been learned. Helping the elder sibling place the issue in developmental terms helps release bad feelings the older child may have been harbouring. Their sibling is no longer seen as bad, just younger. Further, the older sibling can be encouraged to share their toys with their younger sibling to help teach or role model how to share. Now, instead of developing sibling rivalry, the parent encourages cooperation and understanding in the older sibling, thus helping to develop empathy and caring.

As for the younger child, this child can be encouraged by the parent to share and take turns with the toys. Depending on the age of the younger child, it may be necessary for the parent to take the toy away and give it to the older child to have a turn. It is important that the parent take this action and not the older child. The parent has legitimate authority to make the decision whereas the older child does not. Further, in taking the toy from the younger, the parent should tell the child, 'Time to share… Its your brothers or sisters turn.' Thus, play or use of the toy is a parental decision and not something the younger child can hold against the older child.

As both children grow and develop, both will achieve cooperative play. Because the parent will have encouraged empathy and cooperation in the older child, both may now come to share well between themselves without parental intervention. The childrens relationship will remain intact. This is sibling harmony and the way to a lifelong mutually supportive sibling relationship.

Assume your children love each other… Now just teach them how to get along. Understanding developmental differences is the first step towards sibling harmony.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW (905) 628-4847 gary@yoursocialworker.com www.yoursocialworker.com Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert on child development, parent-child relations, marital and family therapy, custody and access recommendations, social work and an expert for the purpose of giving a critique on a Section 112 (social work) report. Call him for your next conference and for expert opinion on family matters. Services include counselling, mediation, assessment, assessment critiques and workshops.

Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert on child development, parent-child relations, marital and family therapy, custody and access recommendations, social work and an expert for the purpose of giving a critique on a Section 112 (social work) report.

By Rachel Evans

First and foremost, it is important to educate your children about autism. Starting from a young age, your children who are not diagnosed with the disease should learn that their brother or sister has a different understanding of the world. This is especially important because when you and your spouse pass away, your other children will most likely have power-of-attorney over their autistic siblings, even if they do not have direct responsibility for them on a day to day basis. It may be beneficial to explain this to them as they mature, but even as a child, the sense of responsibility for a sibling who needs help can create more understanding. Get you child involved with taking care of your autistic child by learning fun educational games to play together or helping with everyday tasks such as dressing and eating.

However, remember that your non-autistic child needs plenty of care and attention as well. Plan family outing which all of your children can enjoy, but also treat your non-autistic children to other events as well. They may feel resentful because they cannot do all of the things with their family that a typical child and his or her family can do, so try to counteract this with other events. For example, perhaps your family cannot travel to the beach because your autistic child cant handle the stress of the sand, water, and crowds. Instead, plan a family trip to a less-crowded lake destination or, if you live close enough, plan a day trip to the beach while your autistic child visits with grandma or does another activity.

Remember that your non-autistic children need attention at other points in the day, not just every once in awhile for special events. Schedule some time every day to provide these children with your undivided attention. Think of this kind of sibling rivalry as similar to the rivalry that occurs when a new child is born. Although the new baby needs your attention the most, you cannot ignore your other children. The same is true when you have an autistic child.

Lastly, take advantage of programs and organizations aimed at helping families through difficult situations. Many groups are formed specifically for siblings of autistic children to help them cope with the stress that this causes in their lives. If your child does not enjoy these groups, do not force him or her to go, but usually these meetings are fun and inspiring.

Consider joining a family counselling group. This not only helps parents deal with the stress of raising an autistic child, but also helps children, both autistic and non-autistic, learn to interact peacefully with one another. When there is a level of understanding between children and between a child and his or her parents, the family can work together to help their autistic member, as well as help one another be successful in life.

Rachel Evans has an interest in Autism. For further information on Autism please visit Autism or Autism Symptoms

By Dave Angel

It is hard enough for parents of the child with Aspergers to understand why their child has this syndrome, much less why they behave the way they do. Teach siblings about Aspergers Syndrome to the extent that they are able to understand. Let them know that it is okay to be frustrated with their sibling who is affected, but it wont help their relationship. Let siblings know what that child needs, again to the extent that they can understand and provide as normal of an environment as possible. Try to make this as concrete as possible with real life examples of what you mean that they can follow and relate to. Obviously some family dynamics can make this tricky - but try to make some special parent-child time with the non-Aspergers sibling at least weekly. In order to do this you may need to look to your family, friends or local social services to offer the child with Aspergers somewhere to go for some respite. Whilst you can then do some activity with their sibling. This may mean staying in and watching a video or just chilling out in peace. Or it could involve a set activity like swimming, the cinema, walking, shopping etc. Whatever it is try to make it child-focussed so that your child gets to determine what you do (within reason!)

It is often tempting to coddle the child with developmental disabilities, like Aspergers Syndrome, and expect the other children to do so as well. But, the child with Aspergers Syndrome will benefit and learn social skills from their siblings as well, and they should be entitled to a reasonable amount of sibling rivalry as well as any other child. You dont want to deny the child with Aspergers the typical childhood, which includes fighting over toys and television shows. These formative sibling relationships and experiences have a major effect on children as they grow up (regardless of Aspergers).

So to summarise siblings need to know enough about their brother or sisters issues to give them an understanding at their level. They also need to know that it is OK to feel some negative emotions at times to their sibling, and where ever possible they need a little 'special' time with you on their own.

Dave Angel is a social worker with families who have children on the Autistic Spectrum and is the author of a new e-book that answers the 46 most asked questions by parents of children with Aspergers. To claim your free 7 day Mini-Course for parents of children with Aspergers Syndrome, visit http://www.parentingaspergers.com today.

By Hege Crowton

Naturally there are no guarantees on how your older child will react when you bring your newborn back home and everything might turn out to be just fine. You can be among the lucky ones whos older child shows nothing but pride, love, joy and excitement over having a younger sibling. He or she can end up being the greatest helper around the house and with the baby.

Unfortunately things does not always turn out this way and more often than not you will see a lot of rivalry and jealousy come from the older child. This is not a very pleasant experience for anyone in the household and believe it or not it can be very hard on the older child who probably feel left out and less loved than before, not understanding that this is not the case.

In order to try and prevent this situation from happening some adjustment and preparing need to be started already early in your pregnancy. Something that is very important is to be open and honest with your child, include him/her in everything going on and explain what is about to happen. Make your child feel important and let him know that you cant do this without his help.

By doing this you will make him or her feel very important and from the beginning this new baby will be a part of his/her new responsibility. Let your child know what will be the things that you expect, for example; check on the baby when it is sleeping, help feed the baby, help give the baby baths and since he/she is the oldest he has to teach the baby things because a baby knows nothing.

If you are able to convey these responsibilities to your child you will most likely find 'a child on a mission' after the baby is born. Despite all of these new chores there is another thing that needs to be done every day, the most important thing of all, reassure your oldest child that you love him/her just the same as before maybe even more for being such a great brother/sister. Always include your oldest child, never push him/her away and always make sure to spend quality time with him/her alone.

These are some great ways to include your child and prepare him/her for the arrival of the new baby and it may even help prevent some of the jealousy which often occurs with the birth of a new baby. The earlier you start including your child the better, you can even bring your child along for your doctors appointments where he or she can meet the doctor and see what is actually is going on.

Visiting mom in the hospital after the baby is born is also a very good thing, it prepares the child for the homecoming and that mom will not be coming back alone. The child now needs to get ready for his/her responsibilities as the older sibling. As long as they know they are loved and know they are big enough to help out you might have hardly any problems at all when it comes to jealousy and rivalry from your older child.

Hege Crowton is an established expert copywriter. She is known for doing in-depth research before writing her articles. www.Ispjv.com www.Submitcontent.com Copyright 2005 ParentingContent.com

By Brooke Schuman

A new baby to an older sibling can be a nightmare and he/she can act out. The older sibling might feel less loved like they are not the favorite anymore, or feel lonely and jealous because the new baby gets all the attention that he/she used to get before the baby. So here are some tips to make this transition easier for the whole family.

Explain that he is the older sibling and you the parent need help in raising this little baby. Children love to help and will be happy that you are including him/her.

Have your child go and get diapers and clothes for you they love to help out.

Have your baby help you put the baby to sleep by reading to the baby and singing little songs.

If possible rock them both at the same time so the older one doesn't feel left out.

Spend separate alone time with the older sibling at least once a day so they still feel important.

Hang the older siblings drawings and other things child has done on the refrigerator, tell him/her how proud you are of them and how special they are to you.

Keep visitors down to a minimum, for the older child's sake. The visitors came to see the new baby, and chances are they won't pay attention to the older child making the older sibling feel less important.

Just remember to include the older sibling and let him/her know you are proud of them, and that they are special, and you love them. Good Luck with this new and exciting transition.

http://baby.ideas-from.us

http://baby.ideas-from.us/blog

By Michael Webb

There are specific parenting class offerings for parents of toddlers. This includes the 'terrible twos' and three year olds. By this time, the parent may be having difficulty with an out of control child and may need to learn aspects of disciplining the child that dont involve hitting or spanking the child. They may also wish to learn about things like helping their child socialize and toilet training. Parents may have other children and are worried about sibling rivalry. They may have a new baby on the way and may be trying to establish a calmer household with more than one child in it.

School districts will offer a parenting class for parents of school age children. This may be geared toward helping the child maintain friendships in school, helping children overcome learning disabilities and sibling rivalry. Children have occasional discipline issues as well, which can be handled in this type of parenting class.

An often overlooked type of parenting class is that of parenting teens. Children from ages 13-18 will change a lot during these years. They will test the limits of the parents and may get involved in sexual behaviors, drugs, alcohol or smoking. Parents of teens need to know that they arent alone in dealing with a difficult teen. They may need advice on how to set limits with a teen who is gradually growing into adulthood.

Parents may take a parenting class because they want to improve their abilities as a parent. They may also be ordered by child protective services or the court because the parent has had difficulties with the law or with child abuse issues. These classes are designed to help the parent cope with going back to parenting after the legal system says its okay for the family to be reunited. Parents who go to these kinds of parenting classes often are not happy going to them but must go to them before they can get their children back.

Couples may take a parenting class prior to adopting a child. As they did not know the child from the moment of its birth, they may choose to or be asked to take classes that help them be the best kind of parent they can be. In some cases, there are parenting classes for parents whose children are diabetic or parents whose children are autistic. These kinds of classes are highly specialized and bring together a group of parents who definitely have something in common. Such parents can also get together on a parenting forum to discuss issues even after the classes are over with.

Parenting Class brings you the latest news on parenting class. Parenting class is gaining in popularity, so check out our latest information page at www.parentingknowledge.com

By Home School Resource

Although many people question the socialization aspect of homeschooling, research has been done and shows that home schoolers have many advantages in the socialization area. For example, not all children of the same age develop mentally at the same rate, even though they are usually thrown into the same class at school. When your child is home schooled, age barriers are more easily overcome and he or she can develop friendships with other children of the same intelligence and maturity level, regardless of age. Children also can use educational time as purely academic, instead as of social time, as is often the case in school settings. Home schooling removes this distraction.

Because of this, children have more of an opportunity to learn. This is not the only way in which children who are home schooled are able to achieve more academically. Home schooling also allows students and their parent-teachers to specifically build a program based on student needs. Home schooled children work at their own pace for every subject, and so have a better opportunity to fully learn that subject before moving on to the next concept. Home schooling also gives children the chance to participate in unique learning events such as monthly field trips and educational games. Learning can be less of a chore and more fun for home schooled students, which makes this a good option for children who have behavioral problems in traditional school settings.

Lastly, home schooling creates a bond between children and their families. There is less sibling rivalry, and brothers and sisters can thus learn from one another. Students also create a unique bond with parents, who serve as teachers. Home schooled families are often very close-knit. Parents can also teach family values during educational lessons that are not normally instilled into a child during school. This can be very beneficial both when the child is young and as the child enters the tough teen years. Because more time is spent with the family as a whole, home schooling can be rewarding for everyone on every level. These advantages to home schooling cannot be overlooked, and you should research them fully to find out if a home schooling program is right for your family.

For more valuable information and resources for the Home Schooler visit Home School Resource.

By Pat Brill

Have you ever gotten mad at your child? Be honest. No one can answer that question with a 'no' and really mean it. When youve gotten angry, have you said things you didnt necessarily mean? Things that may have been hurtful and degrading?

Lets face it - its not uncommon to say things that you dont really mean in the heat of an argument. The problem is that when you say these things to your children, it really hits home and makes an impact.

#1 - Words Can Hurt Lets say youre fighting with your brother or sister. One thing leads to another and before you know it youre calling your sibling a not-so-nice name and storming out of the room. No big deal, right? After all, siblings fight and sooner or later you both get over it.

Now change the scenario and instead of you fighting with a sibling, its you fighting with your child. One thing leads to another and that not-so-nice name is directed at your child. Think it wont leave a permanent emotional scar? Guess again.

#2 - Your Opinion Makes an Impression As a parent, each and every thing you say to your child about personality, character and intellect really does affect the way your child views themselves as a person. If you call your child dumb, hes really going to think hes dumb. If you call her ignorant, shes really going to think shes ignorant. The harm may not be apparent on the surface, but deep down inside youre planting the seeds of self-doubt and low self esteem in the character of your child.

Its human nature for a child to look to their parent for guidance. If a parent is constantly criticizing a child, that child is going to suffer because of it. Does that mean you should be singing their praises even when theyve done something wrong? Absolutely not! But remember - its not what you say, its how you say it.

#3 - Outbursts Dont Teach Proper Communication or Self Control You can tell your child that youre disappointed in their behavior without calling them a name or degrading them as a person. If youre angry with your child, dont let a word fall from your mouth without first considering how its going to sound when he or she hears it. If it sounds like a personal attack, rethink the way youre approaching it and word your thoughts differently. If you want your child to grow up knowing how to properly communicate and show their disappointment or displeasure, you need to be the one to set the example.

By communicating with your child in a calm, rational and non-confrontational manner, youll be able to get your point across without doing any damage to the emotional development of your son or daughter.

Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. SilkBow is the perfect place for the perfect gift. To contact Pat, email her at pat@silkbow.com

By Susanne Myers

Most children will potty train when they are between 2 and 4. Girls tend to be ready a little sooner than boys. If there are older siblings in the house, your younger child will also get interested in using the potty sooner than a single child. I have seen children as young as 18 months, who could barely walk wanting to use the potty like their older sibling. These children were ready for potty training and were out of diapers in no time.

Your child will give you quite a few signals to let you know he or she is ready to give the potty a try. Pay attention to your childs behavior and you will know if it is time to start the training.

A child that is ready for the potty will start showing interest in what mom, dad and older siblings are doing in the bathroom. Take some of the mystery out of the potty for your toddler, by allowing him to accompany you to the bathroom, or leave the door cracked. Curiosity will get the better of him and sooner or later he will take a peak. When he does, explain what you are doing in a simple, straightforward way.

Does your child start pulling on his clothing or ask to have a diaper change? Is he getting increasingly more uncomfortable running around in a wet or soiled diaper? This is another sure tell sign that it is time to start potty training.

If you think your child may be ready, give potty training a try. If you read your childs signals wrong, he will let you know and you can just give it a little more time before trying again.

For more information about potty training, potty training tips and a free ecourse to help you potty train your child visit http://www.mypottytraining.com

By Homer Stand

A leading cause of death among children one to four years old is drowning. Not all these accidents can occur on a lake or in a swimming pool. Knowing how little water is actually required to drown a child one must consider bath safety a cause for concern. Approximately half of infants who do drown suffer the accident in the bath tub. It only takes a short time submerged to cause drowning.

Bath seats that many parents use can provide a false sense of security. A small child should never be left alone, even if they are in a product that is meant to increase their safety. If the parent gets distracted and leaves the child the worst could happen.

A simple accident can become very serious as a child cant correct the situation on its own. The same rule that applies outside applies to bath safety as well, never leave a child alone near water at all. It only takes a minute to remove the child from the water before you attend to the problem that came up, but only one accident while you are away could take your child from you.

It may seem like a good idea at the time, but only an adult can supervise a child or infant in water. Never leave a slightly older child in charge, even your 5 year old who has been constantly bothering you while you are bathing their younger sibling. No matter how well intentioned they may be they just dont have the same reactions to dangerous situations, and may not be large enough to even extract the baby from a danger. Calling for help may take a precious few seconds too long. It is poor bath safety to leave a child responsible another child.

You can make it easier to follow good bath safety. The trick is to gather everything you will need to bath your child beforehand. Perhaps you can have a small basket or bin that keeps all the soap, shampoo, and other products you need in one place. Also bring the towel that you will need to get the child out of the bath, remember never have the child out of arms reach. If you have to leave you will have to take the child with you, and that could be a very wet experience. Set everything up on a convenient surface near the fixture the child bathes in.

Homer works with the following companies: Very Green Thumb Our Furniture Info

By Jared Winston

Obviously, this problems solution relies heavily on your knowledge of your childs preferences. If they have a favorite character from the Dora cast, then your job may become a bit easier. Or if, for instance, they prefer a certain kind of toy or game, or enjoy story books, then that too will help you in picking out what to get them. You may also want to consider trying to get some of this information from your child in conversation, as that could easily save you a great deal of time and frustration in the long run.

If your child is approaching the age at which they are learning how to read, or if they simply enjoy having stories read to them, then you may want to consider buying your child a few Dora the Explorer story books. There are a wide variety of picture books to choose from, each one with a plot that is guaranteed to be fun, and maybe even teach your child a thing or two. You may also want to consider a few of these books for the subject matter they deal with. For instance, if your child has a new sibling on the way, there is a Dora book on that subject which might help with any feelings of insecurity. There are also some books that focus on the educational aspect more.

There are, of course, a large variety of Dora the Explorer toys that you can choose from. There are several different varieties of puzzles, ranging in difficulty from simple puzzles of around 12 pieces, to ones which have 48 or so, meaning you can find puzzles for whatever skill level your child might be comfortable with. If they prefer dolls to puzzles, there is a large selection of figures and play sets such as the Animal Rescue Adventure set, which has Dora and her cousin Diego rescue a jaguar cub. There is also a Lego play set that allows your child to build a playground for Dora and Boots to play in. The pieces are all very simple and easy to assemble, so you will not have to worry about it being too difficult.

Lastly, you may want to consider buying your child one of the Dora the Explorer music CDs that are available. These CDs contain all the upbeat music your child knows from the Dora cartoon, and much more, which is sure to keep them going for hours.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2007. All Rights Reserved.

From its origins as a cartoon series to its release of Dora the Explorer dolls and other assorted merchandise, one thing cannot be denied: Dora has become a blockbuster hit. If youre a fan of Dora or would like to learn more about her, stop by our Dora the Explorer fansite.

By Stephen Nickse

As with any organization solution, the most frequently used items should be the easiest to access anytime. Toys, clothes, and shoes are probably the most regular travelers in and out of your childs closet. Whether you choose to design a closet organization system yourself or hire a professional, keep in mind that in order to put away a set of blocks, your child must be able to reach the place that they belong. Determine ahead of time exactly what items need to be located within your childs reach near the floor, and then concentrate on designing the vertical storage space for items your child does not need to access.

Shelves, bins and baskets can play an important role in bringing order to the closet in a childs bedroom. Bins provide a great solution for toy storage, and multiple bins will likely be needed for different types of toys. Once you are sure that all of your childs toys fit into the designated bins, add a label so that your child can easily return toys to the correct bins. Depending on whether your child can read, you may use a drawing of a truck instead of the word 'trucks,' for example. Not only does labeling toy bins make identifying the contents easier, it makes putting toys away more fun for children. Adjustable shelves also make a nice addition to a childs closet since their heights can be increased as the child grows.

Children are not typically concerned with the organization of their closets unless they are taught that organization is important. Instill in your child a sense of responsibility for his or her own messes, and be enthusiastic about putting toys away so that cleaning will not be regarded as a dreadful chore. You may even turn cleaning into a game or a race with a sibling. Whatever your technique, prepare to relax, clean less and enjoy the accomplishments of your more self-sufficient children.

About the Author: Stephen Nickse is the founder of Closet Solutions, a leading provider of quality Boston custom closets, strategically headquartered in the nations design capitol, Boston, Ma. For more information, please visit www.closet-solutions.com.

By Oswald H.Seifert Most of us have strong opinions on how to guide our children's behaviour. Unfortunately, these opinions often focus on stopping the inappropriate behaviour and neglect to give significant emphasis to helping children learn new, more appropriate ways to behave. People who work with young children have a golden opportunity and an awesome responsibility to help children learn to make appropriate behaviour choices which, in turn, can lead to enhanced self-esteem and self-discipline.
To be effective, discipline for young children must be in place before the rules are broken. As a process of guidance, discipline can be divided into two major components: indirect and direct. In the area of indirect guidance, we need to look at the organization of the environment to encourage autonomy and to empower children. As well, we need to look at the people — the teachers — who nurture and help children learn.
Lots of parents worry about their children's active, noisy behaviour and tantrums. Sometimes it can be hard to work out whether a child's behaviour is normal, or the sign of a behavioural disorder.
Tantrums
Tantrums are not usually anything to worry about. They're a way of expressing frustration and most children have them in their early years (from age one to four). They can be loud and violent, and it's normal to find them upsetting or embarrassing.
Sometimes, if you can tell your child is about to have a tantrum, you may be able to distract her by getting her to look at something or giving a favourite toy.
Excitability
Young children, especially those aged five and below, are often energetic, noisy and excitable. Usually this liveliness is quite normal.
Sometimes, active and noisy children can be quite a handful, talking all the time, not doing as they're told and seeming very restless. This kind of overactive behaviour is more usual among boys. Although this can be hard to deal with, it's only when a child's behaviour is extreme that it suggests a behavioural disorder.
Naughtiness
All children are naughty - scribbling on walls, fighting with siblings, cheekiness and ignoring requests are all part and parcel of growing up. Sometimes this behaviour is isolated to one-off incidents, or it may be a phase your child is going through.
Naughty behaviour may be caused by your child testing your reaction to find out what's allowed or triggered by a change in her environment (eg worries about school). It may be down to jealousy of a sibling or it may be a way to attract your attention.

By Sarah K. Jenkins

The obvious victim of ADD is the child it affects. Being accustomed to negativity, these children usually suffer from very low self-esteem. Although they want to behave well, they have impulsive actions that typically result in constant punishment. Parents and teachers of an ADD child often are not aware or do not accept that the child suffers from a disorder and they are not always acting on a conscience level. The child, after being reprimanded and not being able to control their actions, is left feeling as though they will never be adequate or meet everyone elses expectations.

The parents of an ADD child suffer from incredible frustration and doubt of their parenting skills. Often ridiculed by teachers, family members, and other acquaintances, they are often viewed as being the cause of their childs behavior, as though lack of discipline is the root cause of their childs actions. Attention Deficit Disorder sometimes places a strain on the parents marital relationship as well, as parents blame each other for being overly lenient or harsh in their rearing habits. This can lead to many arguments and disagreements that prove to be difficult on spouses.

An often forgotten casualty of Attention Deficit Disorder is the siblings of a child with ADD. Often not apparent, siblings in this situation often experience similar frustration and anxiety as the parents and child with ADD. Jealously sometimes plays a factor in their feelings as their sibling requires so much more attention, even if it is negative in nature. Also, these children often get the brunt of their siblings impulsive actions, including aggressive behavior typical of ADD. These children may also find themselves being categorized in school and other social environments because of their siblings behavior, which can also have a negative connotation.

In addition to immediate family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may also be affected when a child has ADD. Depending on the closeness of the family, behavior outbursts and discipline issues may be a factor dealt with on various levels. In extreme cases, ADD may actually cause some familial relationships to be severed.

Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohns Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now. Click here now and re

By Jared Winston

There can be several reasons why a child develops diurnal enuresis. The first thing that needs to be medically established is whether the child has contracted a urinary infection. This involves the child providing a urine sample for testing. The doctor will also discuss family history, including toilet-training; bowel habits; and the regularity and nature of urinary stream.

As well as a urine infection, diurnal enuresis can also be caused by a brain hormone, known as antidiuretic hormone, not working properly. The presence of this hormone determines how much water can be held in the body. If the child has too little of this hormone being released into their body, their bladder may not be able to cope with the level of urine being stored.

Other things to consider if your child has developed diurnal enuresis is whether they have an overactive bladder - this is more common in girls and it can be a sign of infection. Quite often young children can become so caught up in an activity that they dont want to stop to go to the toilet. They then leave it too late and this can result in their bladder overflowing before they make it to the toilet.

Discovering with your doctor what it is causing your childs diurnal enuresis and working out how to help you and your child cope in this situation is crucial. It may be that a medical treatment isnt necessary and many children do grow out of the condition. But whatever the treatment your child needs you. There is an estimated 75% chance of a child with diurnal enuresis having a parent or sibling who has previously had the same condition. If it also happened to you, share the information with your child so that they know they are not the only one.

There are many things you can do to help your child with diurnal enuresis. The most important thing is reassurance. Tell your child, and remind them often, that it isnt their fault. Never allow their siblings to tease them. Recognise the warning signs: the child may start fidgeting or holding themselves in the perineal area. Encourage the child to go to the toilet and never punish them if they have an accident.

It is important to know that whatever is causing your child to have diurnal enuresis, it is not the childs fault. The child isnt being lazy or naughty - it is a condition that they have no control over. While emotional stress does not cause diurnal enuresis, a result of having diurnal enuresis can lead to the child having emotional stress and losing self-esteem. Avoid this happening to your child.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Enuresis does not have to rule you or a loved ones life. Learn the various causes of bedwetting as well as solutions to combat the condition at Bedwetting Relief.com. http://www.bedwettingrelief.com

By Cheng Cheng Tan

On the other hand, a child who lacks self-esteem will be constantly seeking for approval by his parents and peers before he tries anything new. There is fear within him that he may not be accepted by others around him.

Here are some tips to build self confidence in the child:

- Encourage the child to do things on his own. It does not matter even if he does it wrongly(as long as he is in a safe environment). The most important thing is to let him try and he will definitely gain confidence after gaining some success. He will gain confidence and want to try out more and do more. He becomes aware that he can do more if he tries and my even make some mistakes.

- Focus on his strengths and not his weakness. It is understandable that as parents that we want the best for our children. However, we have to be aware that every child is special and different. Though Mathematics is very important, the child may not like it at all. Instead of forcing him to sit down and listen, try to incorporate Maths with something that he likes e.g. music. This will lower his resistance towards learning Maths and he may think of better ideas to learn maths with music too. You never know how creative they can be.

-Praise your child when he does something well. Children are constantly looking for approval. Parents are usually critical because it is easier to point out mistakes. Just be aware and remember that children (just like anybody else) prefer to listen to positive things.

-Differentiate the child from his behaviour. If parents are unhappy with the childs behaviour, tell the child. We need to reinforce that we still love the child but not the behaviour. The child needs to know that parents still love them after being punished. Children do not mind being being punished because they did something wrongly but they need to know that their parents still love them. Tell your kids that you love them and do not assume they know. Tell them that you love them even when you punish them.

-Let him learn a new skill when he is ready. These include learning to use the scissors, needle up to learning multiplication tables. Different skills builds the childs confidence in different areas of his life. We need to build up his social skills on how to make friends, motor skills as in how to use the scissors, fork and knife. Others include literacy skills and numeracy skill. Each has to be taken one step at a time. This includes letting him try new things.

-Create chances for them to speak up in front of the family. This can help in public speaking and their confidence in public in general. Start by doing this at home. Once they can overcome the fear of speaking in front of the family, you can extend to your friends and relatives. Start somewhere. You could even let them start by talking to another sibling or in the toilet. Encourage them to speak up and you can learn about what they are thinking about as well.

Try out these tips first!

Cheng Cheng is a parenting expert with with two boys age 5 and 6. She has learnt a lot form books and other mothers. She hopes to share her experiences and knowledge which will definitely be useful to you. For more tips on parenting and raising kids, go to http://www.raisingconfidentkids.com

By Cheng Cheng Tan

On the other hand, a child who lacks self-esteem will be constantly seeking for approval by his parents and peers before he tries anything new. There is fear within him that he may not be accepted by others around him.

Here are some tips to build self confidence in the child:

- Encourage the child to do things on his own. It does not matter even if he does it wrongly(as long as he is in a safe environment). The most important thing is to let him try and he will definitely gain confidence after gaining some success. He will gain confidence and want to try out more and do more. He becomes aware that he can do more if he tries and my even make some mistakes.

- Focus on his strengths and not his weakness. It is understandable that as parents that we want the best for our children. However, we have to be aware that every child is special and different. Though Mathematics is very important, the child may not like it at all. Instead of forcing him to sit down and listen, try to incorporate Maths with something that he likes e.g. music. This will lower his resistance towards learning Maths and he may think of better ideas to learn maths with music too. You never know how creative they can be.

-Praise your child when he does something well. Children are constantly looking for approval. Parents are usually critical because it is easier to point out mistakes. Just be aware and remember that children (just like anybody else) prefer to listen to positive things.

-Differentiate the child from his behaviour. If parents are unhappy with the childs behaviour, tell the child. We need to reinforce that we still love the child but not the behaviour. The child needs to know that parents still love them after being punished. Children do not mind being being punished because they did something wrongly but they need to know that their parents still love them. Tell your kids that you love them and do not assume they know. Tell them that you love them even when you punish them.

-Let him learn a new skill when he is ready. These include learning to use the scissors, needle up to learning multiplication tables. Different skills builds the childs confidence in different areas of his life. We need to build up his social skills on how to make friends, motor skills as in how to use the scissors, fork and knife. Others include literacy skills and numeracy skill. Each has to be taken one step at a time. This includes letting him try new things.

-Create chances for them to speak up in front of the family. This can help in public speaking and their confidence in public in general. Start by doing this at home. Once they can overcome the fear of speaking in front of the family, you can extend to your friends and relatives. Start somewhere. You could even let them start by talking to another sibling or in the toilet. Encourage them to speak up and you can learn about what they are thinking about as well.

Try out these tips first!

Cheng Cheng is a parenting expert with with two boys age 5 and 6. She has learnt a lot form books and other mothers. She hopes to share her experiences and knowledge which will definitely be useful to you. For more tips on parenting and raising kids, go to http://www.raisingconfidentkids.com

By Robin OBrien

Bottle feeding can be a family occasion. This can be especially helpful for a mother with a newly arrived baby. During this time feeding her child will be a happy though very tiring time. Getting others in your family to help out can be a great help.
Feeding baby is something most fathers really love doing. Just like mom, dad experiences the intense emotional and physical bond between himself and baby. At first, he will probably feel awkward - just as a mother does when she first bottle feeds. But give him time and some encouragement and he'll soon get into the swing of things. Pass on to him the tips that you've learned and, before you know it, he'll be passing on tips to you! When dad feeds his child, just like mom, he's able to distinguish one cry from another, and know exactly how to soothe and feed a hungry baby.
Just about all children are fascinated by the arrival of a new brother or sister. They instinctively want to help mother and to get involved in the rearing of the new baby. Teaching them how to bottle feed is a great way to get them involved. Just remember to be patient when teaching them and always supervise feeding. Here are some tips on how to teach your children to bottle feed baby.
- Choose a calm time when baby is not very hungry. Remember, your older children are going to be excited about feeding their younger sibling, so it's especially important to create a calm environment before you begin.
- Sit the baby of the floor and provide good support.
- Show your child the proper way to hold the baby, emphasizing the need for proper head and neck support. Don't rush; your child is still learning to use and move her own body, never mind learning how to hold an even younger child.
- Encourage the child to offer the baby a bottle; allow time for your infant to adjust to the new feeder.
- Always stay with the child to help and offer encouragement. Feeding can be tiring, so be sure to step in and take over when you notice the signs of fatigue or boredom.
- Encourage her to make eye contact with the baby. This is a great way to calm down both child and baby.
- If the child is old enough, you can help her burp the baby.
- Praise your child for the help she provided.
Make sure other family members help out with the pre- and post-feeding of baby. Teach your children - and partner - on how to prepare formula milk. Most children love to do this, at least at first. Burping your child is also something that others can do. And of course, cleaning the bottle, nipples and baby clothes can be done by anyone.
Without question, getting your family involved in bottle feeding is of great help to a mother. As well as getting some rest, the mother also benefits because others will gain a real appreciation of what effort goes into feeding baby.

Robin O'Brien is founder of a baby bottle feeding website. There you will find help on such topics are what baby formula to use and the advantages of bottle feeding.

By Melissa Fishman

The behavior of children is a direct reflection of the expectations of adults in the world of today. The information confirms the premise that the behavior of children is reflective of the context in which they are raised. Actually much of the unpleasant behavior of children is quite normal. The fact that parental behavior influences the behavior of children is well known. Assessing the needs and behavior of children is then examined, including the referral process and common assessment tools. Some of the disobedient behavior of children is just for the precise purpose of testing the determination of those in charge. The most surprising discovery, because it was not expected, is that the moral behavior of children is specific to the situation. Children's behavior is unpredictable and, developmentally, children will not make safe decisions.

The practice of assessing and treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders in not as difficult as one may think. Does the child have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play activities? The child may resist attention or passively accept hugs and cuddling. Understand and help any child with attention deficit disorder. Diagnosing attention deficit disorder is purely subjective.

However, the parent is far more of an influence than is the sibling. How far can a parent go when correcting a child's behavior? The parent must examine his or her beliefs when it comes to discipline and it was up to the parent whether or not to medicate their child. These parent needs to sit down with their children and explain the need to behave and pay attention in everyday life. Being an effective parent takes consistency, love and patience.

Strategies to teach all children are practiced. As parents, we found several strategies helpful. Parenting strategies are general ways of understanding and observing family life and the behavior of children. When you reprimand children, exclusions, and detentions are recorded as strategies that are not affected when trying to improve the behavior of school children. Parenting strategies and behavior management strategies are also effective. The relationship between disciplinary strategies and aggression in preschoolers does not always work in the best interest of the child. Plan appropriate teaching strategies to promote children's growth and development. Most teachers who implemented strategies from the beginning and create good habits and support system change the behavior of children.

It is worth considering whether the approach into children's behavior is a practical approach. The attitudinal behavior of children is recognized as a key determinant of. research indicates that the behavior of children is influenced by the age of the people with whom they are interacting. The general policy for guiding the behavior of children is based on respect for the child as a person. Children's behavior is affected by so many different variables if they are sick, healthy and or stressed.

Melissa Fishman is the owner of mailordermommy.com
Mailordermommy sells party favors

By Debbie Cluff

There are basic reasons behind this. It increases childrens vocabulary, stimulates the imagination, teaches them how to listen, helps improve self-esteem and encourages positive social interaction. These are a few basic principals that need to be taught in the home in order to gain ideal educational goals. Reading stories to children encourages them to read and helps develop emotions and intelligence. Reading to children in the early stages of their learning process, helps to prepare them for kindergarten and school experiences in the future (http://www.beyond-words.org/reading_importance.htm). Reading with a child is the one of the most important projects a parent can do to better his educational success.

Reading together can bring a closeness and sense of security between the parent and child. Dr. Bruce Perry explains, 'The most important property of humankind is the capacity to form and maintain relationships. These relationships are absolutely necessary for any of us to survive, learn, work, love, and procreate.. Within this inner circle of intimate relationships, we are bonded to each other with 'emotional glue' — bonded with love' (http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/bonding.htm). Parents can hold their child and share a special moment when reading to them. This time can give the child a sense of love and importance in their parents life. Reading can help form an attachment to their parental figure.

The National Assessment of English Reading tested around eight thousand first and fifth class students at schools around the country. Here is what the tests found in regards to the importance of reading in the home. 'The study found that children who are read to before starting school perform better than average' (http://www.theepochtimes.com/news/6-2-4/37699.html). All these explanations prove that reading in the home is as important as feeding a child. Parents need to feed their childrens education and can do it simply by sitting down with their child for 20 minuts a day and read a book to them. If this cant be done, the parent could have the child read to by a close sibling or in the extreme, online tutoring.

Reading is so important in the home and really sets the basis for the educational success of a child. Reading brings closeness to a family and encourages the building of self-esteem which will last into adulthood. Why would the National Network for Child Care bother with teaching parents about the importance of reading with their child? Simple, reading is that important to care about.

Debbie Cluff is the mother of 3 and owner of two internet companies, Links for Learning, www.links-for-learning.com and Just For Emma, www.justforemma.com. She has her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a mulitple subject credential and her Masters In Education. She is currently in the preschool classroom setting