Milestonesforlife

Well, I did it! Having never camped before in my life, I made it through the night in forty degree temps in a tent in a sleeping bag (make that 2 sleeping bags) on my son’s camping trip for cub scouts! Well, needless to say, I didn’t stay very long the next day because I had nothing left to prove but boy did he have a great time!

I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at this Christain Retreat in the hills of Florida (yes we have hills)…complete with Cafe, Game Room, Lake, Tennis, Ball fields and Canoes. They even had cabins which had I known would have been very tempting.  Anyway, the bonding experience that took place somewhere between the hayride, cooking smores and a very large camp fire is ir-replaceable.

Now, for those Dads (and moms because there were several moms) that are not quite into camping, here’s a few tips to get you through the night:

1. Worst Case, stay the entire day and leave at night after all the activities are complete. I didn’t realize that was an option until I arrived and already set up the tent. 

2. Arrive after lunch on Day 2 and leave very early on Day 3. This is what I did which made it bearable! (Considering the temps). We made it through breakfast (yes pancakes on the grill) and got in a little hiking before taking off for home.

3.  If you’re still reading this option 3, then you’re a true camper and you don’t need my advice. I was surprised to see that the campgrounds were filled with you folks who were watching football games from their flat screen TVs. (Is that really camping!)

Bottom line! We had a lot of fun! and although it will be a while before my next trip (smile), my son got to appreciate “mother nature” like she’s meant to be appreciated …and got a little bit closer to me!

What do you do when your child misbehaves? Do you sit him/her down, get eye contact and discuss what just went wrong? Well, Congrats, you may have just reinforced that negative behavior.

Children are constantly seeking our attention and if that means getting it in a negative fashion, they have succeeded in their mission. Many of us feel that “taking things away” or “giving things” will ultimately change a children’s behavior. Remember…Our childrens behavior is modeled after us.  If we change, they will change whether it small habits like “burping out loud” or larger issues like always saying”NO”.

Granted, if your child is in danger, you should act accordingly. However, when you see behaviors that you are not thrilled with, try moving away from them by not making eye contact or touching or talking. 

When you see a behavior you want to see again move closer, make eye contact and praise the specific behavior accordingly.

What do you do when your child mishaves? Do you sit him/her down, get eye contact and discuss what just went wrong? Well, Congrats, you may have just reinforced that negative behavior.

Children are constantly seeking our attention and if that means getting it in a negative fashion, they have succeeded in their mission. Many of us feel that “taking things away” or “giving things” will ultimately change a children’s behavior. Remember…Our childrens behavior is modeled after us.  If we change, they will change whether it small habits like “burping out loud” or larger issues like always saying”NO”.

Granted, if your child is in danger, you should act accordingly. However, when you see behaviors that you are not thrilled with, try moving away from them by not making eye contact or touching or talking. 

When you see a behavior you want to see again move closer, make eye contact and praise the specific behavior accordingly.

How many devices or gadgets does your child have? In his/her room alone, I can think of 3 (computer, stereo, dvd player) and just wait until they get to the playroom (gaming devices, Wii, handhelds, television, etc). This same technology follows them to your car and to their playdates.  It’s just easier for us not to have to spend time with our kids!

Well, you reap what you sow! Technology robs us of our imagination and reduces our interpersonal skills. Simple conversations become more difficult. Creativity and attentiveness in class become challenging.

Start with some simple changes by removing all devices from the bedroom. The bedroom is for sleeping and we should be conditioning our children to sleep in that room. Also, discuss with your child the reason you are making changes so they understand this is not a punishment!

By removing these devices, you are going to be forced to replace them with planned activities. Be prepared a head of time with activities and conversation. Introduce the old fashioned board games (chess, checkers, mousetrap, monopoly) and spend more time outside with the old fashioned sports (baseball, basketball, four squares, hop scotch).

Your child needs to learn from you and wants to spend time with you. Wash the car together. Go bike riding together. Play cards. 

Remember: your child is parroting your behavior (cell phone, blackberry). If your child is having behavioral issues, TIME for BOTH to UNPLUG!

If your child is having nightmares, you’re in for some sleepless nights…or maybe not!

Going back to our philosophy of identifying the trigger of these scary dreams, often times you’ll find a computer game, video or television responsible. It could also be related to school, daycare or stress about an upcoming event.

Talk to your child about the dream to determine the cause. Remember to keep bedtime habbits consistent. Read a story. Say your prayers. Lights out! and keep it early! 

If your child does come into your room to sleep in the middle of the night, be sure he/she wakes up in their own bed by morning. You can also walk your child back to their room and stay with them for a few minutes soothing them back to sleep. 

Providing love, safety and security will help most children through this period!