by Jennifer Shakeel

This is an issue that I feel most parents struggle with, trying to motivate their kids to “Be all they can be.” As parents we want them to get good grades, be the best athlete around. It’s only natural to want the best for our kids and want the best out of them. For some children there is a natural desire to want to be the best. Some kids want to be Valedictorians, others want to be the best athlete on whatever team they are on. Then there are those kids that will only do as much as they need to do just to get by. There are also children that have no desire to do much of anything.

Taking a look at my two children, we have one who wants to be the best at everything he does and we have our daughter… who… well, let’s just say that she is perfectly content to do next to nothing. She wasn’t always this way, when she was younger she had drive, she played soccer and did awesome in school. Now she doesn’t work to be really good at anything. She runs track and cross country, but she is happy to finish a race and then gets mad when the coach doesn’t pick her for competitions. She is a straight A student who can get B’s with next to no effort, so that is what she does next to nothing.

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Most first time fathers or expectant fathers have a lot of assumptions about what it might be like and mean to be a father. These ideas are a part of your upbringing, your relationship with your father and the expectations of social framework that you inhabit from a father. However, the single biggest misconception that most parents have about fatherhood is that newborn babies do not require their fathers.

The connection between a mother and her baby is that of a very intense bond which cannot be broken and often you might be left wondering whether your baby actually needs you. Do be assured that he or she does, for you have played an important role in bringing him or her into this world, and you can comfort and soothe the baby too, just as your partner can nurse the baby. You can establish your bond with your baby by holding him or her, rocking and cooing. However, it is best to wait until the baby is breastfed. This way you can also allow your partner to recuperate after breastfeeding.

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Moving can be stressful on anyone. This is especially true for a family with kids. Whether you are picking up and moving across town or moving across the country, it can be a very stressful situation. However, there are a variety of different things you can do to the make the move less stressful on you and your family.

When moving, it is important that you realize how traumatic it can be on your kids. Your current home may be the only home they have ever known. To suddenly move to a strange house can be very hard. Chances are, they have developed a routine and are very comfortable with their current surroundings. Therefore, it is important you realize how hard it will be for them to become accustomed to a new home and new friends.

One of the first things you need to do is be honest with your child. Let them know as soon as possible that you are planning to move. This will give them time to prepare for the big move. If at all possible, involve them in the process as much as possible. Allow them to go along on the house hunt and give their opinion.

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by Jennifer Shakeel

Whether you just found out that your child has ADD or this is something that you have been dealing with for a while, it’s important that you know you don’t have to go through this on your own. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t go through this alone. If you what you want is to see your child succeed you and your “village” need to be involved in the proper care and guidance of your ADD child.

Your “village” includes the child’s entire family. This is first and foremost. Talk with the immediate family and the extended family. These are the people that see your child the most. Don’t label your child, and don’t let other’s in the family label him or her. They aren’t “special” and they aren’t “problem children”. Those are two labels that drive me up the wall. When people ask, “Did he/she take their meds today,” don’t answer that question. Respond with “Everyone has days that are more difficult then others.” The family needs to focus more on the resolutions then the problem and they need to work together as a unit. Here are a few guidelines for the family:

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From all of us here at More4kids, Happy 4th of July. The Fourth of July celebrates the birth of the United States of America. Founded July 4th 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America is celebrating its 232nd birthday this year (2008). 

It is a time for families and friends not only to come together and have fun, but also a time to honor our Veterans and men and women who are putting their lives in danger every day for us, and those who have made the biggest sacrifice for our freedom with their lives. Try to throw your politics aside, and let us all take a moment to think about, and be grateful to all who wear the American uniform, and to our police and firefighters who protect us day in and out. They all deserve our recognition and thanx, more than we can put in words. And don’t forget the spouses and families of those in uniform. It takes very special people to be part of a military family, and our hearts, thanx, and recognition should go out to them too.

No matter whether you travel across the country to celebrate our nation’s birthday, or decide to stay at home in your own backyard, there are many different ways to make this a very special holiday.

All that is needed for a fantastic Fourth are three key ingredients:

1. A Plan
2. Preparation
3. and much, much Enthusiasm.

We’ll provide the plan to get you started!

Ready? Set?

Not lets get the ball on the road and get going!

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Any parent knows that grocery shopping can get pretty expensive, especially when buying food for an entire family. As a mother of two I know how much groceries can cost each month, especially when buying everything from breakfast to dinner and even snacks. As kids grow bigger so do their appetites. They can all add up to a pretty penny, and can cost a family hundreds of dollars a month to keep everyone in their household satisfied. There are many ways to save money on groceries, but it requires smart shopping and a little dedication.

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Separation anxiety can be a very traumatic thing for both parents and children.  Often times, parents feel a sense of anxiety when leaving their child for the first time.  And in some instances, the children can feel the sense of anxiety and it will actually raise their own anxiety.  However, there are a variety of different steps you can take and work through the anxiety.  Typically speaking, separation anxiety begins around the ages of 8 months to 18 months.  And while it may seem like a terrible ordeal to go through, your little one will learn some valuable lessons.  Your child will learn that while you may leave, you will always return. 

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