How do I teach my child about money?At this age, most children are able to understand that money can be used in different ways. Now’s a great time to teach your child about saving, spending, and giving. You can create three jars and label them “save,” “spend,” and “give.” When your child receives or earns money, help him or her divide the money into those three jars. Est...
My child is anxious when she gets wrong answers. What can I do?Getting wrong answers on homework or a test can be discouraging. We live in a society in which getting a "wrong" answer is typically looked down upon. We celebrate getting something "right" while disregarding "wrongs." It is no big wonder that many children get anxious when getting wrong answers. Some children get anxious even before c...
How can I get my son to act grateful if he doesn't like a gift?Learning gratitude is a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Being grateful requires a sensitivity to other people’s feelings, but the ability to take a different perspective or “put one's self in another’s shoes” is a skill that continues to develop throughout childhood. Teach your son the importance of saying “thank you” wh...
My daughter seems more exhausted than joyful. What's going on?Holidays can be a time of joy, fun and excitement, but they can also be full of unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation. This can be particularly difficult for young children, because they thrive on structure and predictability. You are also more likely to be busy preparing for the holidays and hosting guests, which may cause...
How can I keep my son focused with all the holiday fuss?With so many unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation, keeping your son focused during the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season can be challenging. One way to keep him focused is to keep to your daily routine as much as possible. Children thrive on structure and predictability, so while it is necessary to be somewhat flex...
How can I teach my son to be a gracious loser?No one likes to lose, but it is important for young children to learn how to accept loss without feeling bitter or bad about themselves. Begin by acknowledging your son's feelings and let him know that it is okay to feel disappointed, sad, or angry when he loses. Explain that while it is okay to have these feelings, it is not okay to g...
Should I tell my daughter the truth if she ask me about Santa? Whether you decide to tell your daughter the truth about Santa Claus is a personal choice, and will differ for parents depending on their own beliefs and values. It might be helpful to ask yourself why you think you should tell your child the truth about Santa Claus. Are you worried that if you continue to perpetuate your child’s belie...
How can I help my daughter be polite about gifts she doesnt like?Teach your daughter the importance of saying “thank you” when she receives a gift, regardless of whether she likes it. Don’t ask her to lie and pretend that she likes the gift, instead keep the focus on teaching her the importance of being polite and thanking others. She will also learn by watching how you interact with others, so make...
Should my son keep practicing school skills over winter break?The holidays should be a fun, relaxing time where the focus is on spending time together as a family. That said, there is no reason why your child can’t keep practicing school skills over the break -- the secret is to keep it fun! For example, your son can practice his writing skills by helping you address your holiday cards, make shop...
My daughter doesn't listen to feedback and gives up easily. How can I get her motivated to try harder?Children have a hard time separating feedback about their behavior or performance from criticism about themselves. (In fact, few adults have mastered that skill either.) When a child hears that work at school or chores at home are not completed to satisfaction, she may be hearing that she, herself, is not good enough. The best motivati...
My son is being teased about liking a girl. How can I help him? It is important that you talk to your son and ask him what happened. Try to find out who is doing the teasing and how long it has been going on. You want your son to know that his feelings matter to you, so be sure to ask him how it makes him feel when he is being teased. Reassure him that there is nothing wrong with liking a girl and ...
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