Joomla! site syndication http://www.dribbleface.com Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:46:52 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.dribbleface.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.dribbleface.com Joomla! site syndication http://www.dribbleface.com/index.php/Parenting/Sewing-The-Seeds-For-Success.html Children seldom misquote their parents. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what we shouldn't have said! Our words as well as our focus are powerful indeed. Be aware of the language we use when interacting with kids and hone in like a laser beam on the positive characteristics that they have that will help them be successful.A recent telephone conversation with my son who is living on the other side of the world in Canada reinforced how the seeds that parents sew in children’s minds can have a mighty, unforeseen impact.My son and I were discussing some of the difficulties he has experienced living and working in a foreign place so far away from home. I noted that he has been remarkably resourceful in the way he has found work, met new friends and begun what seems to be an alternative life to the one he enjoys in Australia. All at a young age.He was surprised by my compliment saying, “You always said I am resilient. You even said that in your speech at my good-bye party. Don’t you remember.” Articles - Parenting Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:15:09 +0100 http://www.dribbleface.com/index.php/Parenting/Five-Biggest-Mistakes-Parents-Make-With-Confidence-Boosting.html Parents always have the right intentions when they boost their children's confidence but sometimes their esteem-boosting efforts backfire and have the reverse effect. Here are the five biggest mistakes parents make when boosting kids' confidence and what they can do to avoid them Parents always have the right intentions when they boost their children’s confidence but sometimes their esteem-boosting efforts backfire and have the reverse effect.Here are five mistakes parents commonly make when they try to give their children self-esteem a boost:1. Over-praise: It is easy to become a praise junkie so that kids are praised for standing up straight. “Wow! You are standing up. What a guy!” Go easy on the praise. Too much of it and it means nothing. Also praise boys in private rather than public as they can become easily embarrassed.2. Fail to link comment with effort: Make sure the things you praise really deserve it. Sometimes we lower the bar with children and we do them a disservice when we accept second and third rate efforts.3. Use a sibling or friend as a model: Sometimes in our efforts to inspire kids we use friends or siblings as role models. Comments such as “Look how hard your elder sister works?” actually discourage kids rather than encourage them. Compare kids only with themselves not others.’4. Mix praise with criticism: There is nothing like bursting a child’s bubble by praising them up for good work followed by a ‘but… you could do better” or something equally deflating. Keep feedback and criticism for another time and let kids enjoy a bit of praise.5. Lack of sincerity: If you encourage or praise a child you have to mean it. I mean really mean it otherwise kids see through it a mile off.We all have the best of intentions when we try to boost the self-confidence of children and young people however if we are to do something we may as well do it well.So to be effective at self-esteem boosting it helps if we: 1. Be realistic with the amount of praise we give and don’t over do it. 2. Make sure we link our positive comments with real effort and improvement from children. 3. Never compare a child to a sibling or friend, even out of frustration. 4. Avoid mixing praise with criticism or sarcasm. Don't expect kids to do a perfect job so approximations are okay. Poor effort isn't always oaky though. 5. Only encourage or praise a child when we really mean it. Articles - Parenting Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:33:53 +0100 http://www.dribbleface.com/index.php/Parenting/10-Keys-to-Children-s-High-Self-esteem.html Parents and teachers need a range of skills and strategies to help children develop a healthy self-esteem and maintain it even when events conspire to really challenge them. Self-esteem building is important as the way a child perceives him or herself is far more important in determining future outcomes than pure ability and academic competence. Articles - Parenting Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:13:11 +0100 http://www.dribbleface.com/index.php/Parenting/Wise-Ways-To-Use-Pocket-Money.html Giving pocket-money is an excellent way to develop independence in children and young people. Children should receive pocket-money as their small share of the family wealth just as they should share the workload at home. Read about five ideas to help you use pocket-money to develop independence and also a sense of generosity in your children. “How should I give my children pocket-money?” is one of the most common questions asked at parenting seminars.“Should kids receive pocket-money when they complete jobs and should they lose pocket-money if they are poorly behaved?” are also common queries.Giving pocket-money is an excellent way to develop independence in children and young people.Children should receive pocket-money as their small share of the family wealth just as they should share the workload at home. For this reason I prefer not to link pocket-money to chores or behaviour. This is not to say that the family income is divided equally between all members. Rather, children are given a realistic sum of money, given their age, needs and ability to deal with money. Articles - Parenting Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:36:19 +0100 http://www.dribbleface.com/index.php/Parenting/Why-Parents-should-feel-like-Atilla-the-Hun-sometimes.html If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or a caring professional, who at times, feels that you are five steps to the right of Attila the Hun in young people eye’s, hang in there. Your current discomfort maybe a small price to pay for a teenager’s future well being. Articles - Parenting Sat, 03 May 2008 12:56:07 +0100