What About Competition? Are Your Kids Ready?
|
|
Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids compete for good grades, the attention of their parents and teachers, and even to get picked for 'the right team' in gym class. There's nothing wrong with encouraging healthy competition in your children. It can teach kids to perform at their best while encouraging teamwork and fostering a strong work ethic. Competition can teach valuable lessons about discipline, preparation and sportsmanship. Best of all, it can help to prepare them for other challenges they will face in life.
But the key word here is "healthy."
We've all witnessed unhealthy competition: the over-involved parents who embarrass their children by shouting from the sidelines during every game, or the parents who are disappointed when their child fails to bring home the first place ribbon, the best grade on the test or the lead in the school play.
Sometimes, adults don't accept that our kids won't always win. Unfortunately, when that happens, we can do more than damage their self-image... we may just be teaching them an unhealthy, win at-all-costs attitude. And, as adults, we know that such an attitude doesn't seem to serve anyone well.
Winning and losing both have valuable lessons to teach. Parents who remember that can give their kids a competitive advantage.
Andrea Patten is the co-author of What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement which is now available on Amazon.com
For more information about 'The Four Foundations' please visit http://www.whatkidsneedtosucceed.com
"...because you're not raising a child - you're raising a future adult"
|
|
|
Vision: 20/20 Is Not Enough!
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision checked. Don't be too quick to say, "My child's vision is fine: 20/20!" In many cases that is not enough.The Snellen chart, the instrument most frequently used to test eyesight, often gives people a false sense of security about their vision. It measures only acuity -- and that at a distance of 20 feet. How much does your child read at that distance?The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that about 25 percent of children enter school with vision problems that can impede their school progress. Almost 50 percent of children with learning difficulties have vis...(related: Parenting)
Raise Awesome Kids! This 4-point Plan Gets Results
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read no further. If not, please listen to C...(related: Parenting)
Scolding: One Of Communications Tools Of Last Resort
(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)You have to be very careful of scolding. Scolding, as a last resort, may be necessary but you must be very careful. Scolding someone is like giving them a cut, giving them a small cut with your words on the hand. Maybe it will serve its purpose, and the cut will heal and everything will be okay. You needed to get their attention. But you must not do it everyday, all the time.Some children end up with psychological scars because they have been cut (scolded) everyday. Scold, scold everyday and they wind up psychologically disadvantaged because of that kind of treatment. Because somebody has the words, but words that are cruel; ...(related: Parenting)
On Raising A Child With Disabilities: Sara & The Nail Salon
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles, giggles, raised eyebrows and kisses. Sara communicates "yes" by raising her eyebrows; blowing kisses signifies a very excited yes, please, and thank you very much.My oldest daughter Enicia arranged for the three of us to get manicures and spa pedicures Saturday afternoon before Mother's Day. While making...(related: Parenting)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What Do We Mean By Attention Anyway?
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two different kinds of abilities: The ability to focus on a specific task put in front of us to do, such as school work, and the ability to pay attention in a more global sense...(related: Parenting)
How To Teach Your Children Love
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over 8 years. One of best teaching that I have learned from the industry and found in all top sales p...(related: Parenting)
Potty Training Battle Of The Wills
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and resist against the potty. Potty training should never turn into the battle of the wills. If it does, both you and your child will loose. When dealing with strong-willed child, it's best to turn potty training into a game. Use the following suggestions to make potty training fun and exciting for you and your child:Musical Potty Chairs - Musical potty chairs, like the Tinkle Toonz, use positive reinforcement by playing a tune to reward your child for a job well done.Potty Training Dolls - Dr. Phil recommends that parents purchase an anatomically...(related: Parenting)
Top Three Ways To Communicate With Your Child
Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain an open line of communication between themselves and their children, regardless of age, there are three quite simple ways to attempt to achieve this goal effectively.
1Talk to your kids. Every day. More than once a day. E...(related: Parenting)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | Baby Care Info | All Rights Reserved. | Parenting