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Parenting Hacks

You Should Let Your Kids See You Do These 8 Things

April 21, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Parenting can be so difficult sometimes. It’s hard to know what you should and should not let your kids do. Here is a list of things you should let your kid do to help them live their best life.

Halfpintpeeps.com is the ultimate resource for awesome parents! Stop worrying about what you're doing right with simple tips and tricks at your fingertips. Check out these things you should be encouraging your own kids to do.

Things You Should Let Your Kid Do

1. Care For Physical Health

Not just exercise, but let your kids see you taking care of your health in general.  This includes healthy food choices, making regular doctor appointments, and taking care of your emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well.  Children need to know that it’s good to be active and proactive when it comes to good health and disease prevention.

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2. Serve Others

Giving of our time and talents to other people is, in my opinion, one of the greatest purposes in life.  I have found that I am happiest in life when I am serving others in some form or another.  It’s one reason I believe I enjoy teaching so much.  But make it a point to also step out of your normal routine to volunteer and serve (without grumbling) so that your children can learn from your example.

Things You Should Let Your Kid Do, You Should Let Your Kids See You Do These 8 Things| Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks, Parenting Kids, Parenting Boys, Parenting Girls, Popular Pin

3. Pursue Your Passions

Let your children see you actively pursue your interests and passions.  Let them know that life is best when you are actively seeking to express your creativity and challenging the right side of your brain.  Your example will also show them that there’s no need to be afraid of new and challenging pursuits.

Things You Should Let Your Kid Do, You Should Let Your Kids See You Do These 8 Things| Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks, Parenting Kids, Parenting Boys, Parenting Girls, Popular Pin

4. Budget & Save

While I don’t at all think parents should put their financial stresses and worries on their children, it IS recommended that you show them the importance of creating a budget and living within your means.  Help them understand the cost of day-to-day living as well as the cost of education, entertainment, recreation, and travel.

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5. Learn

Of course the teacher recommends that you let your children see you learning something new.  But I couldn’t believe with any more of my heart than I already do.  Your children need to see that learning and personal growth don’t stop with graduation from high school or college.  You are a person who continually seeks to improve yourself and your understanding of the world around you.  Better yet, let your children see you learn from a source that isn’t computer-based.  Knowledge and wisdom are most meaningful when we learn from other people.  Finally, let your children see you enjoy what you are learning as well as the struggles that come with mastering new information.

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6. Be Spiritual

However you practice spirituality, you should let your children observe you in times of quiet, inward reflection.  It’s important for kids to see that life is at its best when we find a balance of both intrinsic and extrinsic stretching.

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7. Respect Opposite Sex

Whether married or single, it’s important to let your children see and hear you have healthy relationships with people of the opposite sex.  Be affectionate with your spouse, showing your children how to love and be loved.  If you are single or divorced, be careful not to project hurt, lonely, or angry feelings from past relationships out onto your kids.  Help children see that although some relationships go badly, doesn’t mean they all will.

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8. Love Yourself

In today’s hyper-photoshopped world, loving yourself is perhaps the hardest thing women struggle with.  All the more reason that it’s more important than ever (!!!) to show your children, girls and boys alike, how to love themselves.  This often requires a total mind shift in how we think and speak to ourselves.  It likely won’t be easy.  It’ll require persistence.  But it’s worth it and it’s even more worth while when we consider the effect our efforts will have on our children.

You Should Let Your Kids See You Do These 8 Things| Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting TIps and Tricks, Parenting Kids, Parenting Boys, Parenting Girls, Popular Pin

I hope these tips on things you should let your kid do helps you out. Looking for more parenting advice? Check out my post on 10 discipline mistakes all parents should avoid making.

Filed Under: Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Kids, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks, Raising Kids

10 Discipline Mistakes All Parents Should Avoid Making

March 9, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Parenting is hard, there is no doubt about it! Parenting is even harder when you have to figure out how you want to discipline your kids. Here is a list of discipline mistakes most parents make, and how you can avoid making them!

Halfpintpeeps.com makes parenting easier with tips and tricks to help guide you. Kids are bound to make mistakes sometimes, no matter what. Learn what NOT to do when disciplining your child.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

1. Telling Lies

It can be so tempting at times to tell our kids little white lies.  Your intentions are usually in the right place and you often get away with it.  But that doesn’t make it right.  The worst part of all about telling our kids a lie is when you get caught.  The disappointment and injustice of it all is more than I can bear to think of putting my boys through.   I’ve found that as cliché as it is to say, honesty always really is the best policy.  Have an open and honest conversation with your child when time allows… I’m always amazed at how much children really do understand.  For more information and great suggestions for a variety of situations, check out Goop.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

2. Caving In

Before I was married and had kids I had my first real interactions with children as a teacher.  One of the first lessons I learned with my students was to never back down from following through with consequences.  The minute you do that is the minute children know, even if subconsciously, that they can manipulate the situation.  Empty threats will not correct inappropriate behaviors.  Don’t be afraid of being the bad guy.  You are not your child’s friend… You are the parent.  Read more here.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

3. Inconsistent 

This is one of the biggest discipline mistakes most parents make. Inconsistencies between parents will undoubtedly lead to problems down the road.  Your kids will learn which parent to go to when they want something and the other will become the “bad guy”.  Sit down as a couple and determine ways in which you can both agree to discipline your children.  Learn more about how parents can back each other up from Raising Children.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

4. Excessive Bribes

Making promises or offering bribes to kids is so easy and tempting!  If we need them to cooperate and keep calm, we offer a bribe.  If we want them to eat their dinner rather than waste the food, we offer a bribe. There are times and situations when I DO actually think this is appropriate.  But there really is a fine line between offering a positive incentive and bribing to get through a difficult situation or bind.  Perhaps the worst consequence of offering excessive bribes is that children start to expect the bribe.  Once the offer is off the table, good luck getting them to behave.  I have found that the best way to change bad behavior and encourage good is to focus on the good.  Every time your child demonstrates good behavior, give them praise.  Children love getting positive feedback more than they want a bit of extra chocolate after eating all their broccoli.  Head to Empowering Parents for more information.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

5. Losing Your Cool

We’ve all been there.  Our child becomes stubborn and resistant, perhaps he/she throws a temper tantrum… whatever it is, it can cause your blood to boil and you might even lose your own temper.  You get angry, yell, maybe even say things you shouldn’t.  If this sounds familiar, then it really shouldn’t surprise you when your child loses their temper as well.  Children will model the behavior they observe from caregivers.  If kids observe mom and dad losing their tempers, their own behaviors will reflect mom and dad’s negative reactions.  Likewise, if children observe parents keeping their cool in heated situations, children will, with the proper guidance, learn to do the same.  For advice on how to keep your cool, read more on What to Expect.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

6. Consequences Not Immediate Enough

Children most likely won’t admit it, but they like having, or at least knowing, that there are consequences to inappropriate behaviors.  Consequences provide a sense of security for children as they mean that they live in an environment that sets and follows rules and expects only positive behaviors.  The problem with this for adults, however, is that it means we have to actually follow through.  It’s easier to go with a soft reprimand and avoid conflict than to give a full punishment.  As nice as it is to stay conflict free, all that this avoiding does is allow a problem to grow until it becomes so big that the punishment has to become more severe as well.  Deal with issues along the way when they are small and can be handled in a much less severe way.  Read more from The Next Family.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

7. Talking Too Long

I’ve seen it in my classroom a thousand times.  Eyes glaze over, hands stop going up in the air, and heads begin to droop.  I do my best not to let lessons get to this point, but when it happens, I know it’s immediately time to stop and move on.  The simple fact is that children will only stay focused on a topic or conversation for a short while.  If you want them to not just listen to but hear what you are saying to them, you must keep statements short and to the point.  They’ll also be more likely to remain engaged in a conversation if you let them actively participate and come up with answers or solutions on their own.  Psychology Today explains more about how to discipline children without losing their attention through drawn out discussions.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

8. Break Your Own Rules

Children will mimic what they see you doing.  Don’t confuse them or make them think rules apply to everyone but them by breaking your own rules.  I see this all the time when I’m out in stores or at a restaurant.  I’ll see parents getting after their children for fighting and then when the cashier or waiter makes a simple mistake, the parent becomes confrontational.  Seems a bit of a double standard, don’t you think?  It takes real effort, but adults must always be aware that they have little eyes watching them.  What you do is what your children will do.  The Atlantic shares more here about how parents can improve on ignoring or breaking their own rules.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

9. Being Negative

It’s really quite simple when you think about it:  whatever behaviors a parent focuses on pointing out are the behaviors a child will manifest.  What children know is that they want your attention and whichever behaviors elicit that attention from you, even if it’s negative attention, those are the behaviors children will practice.  If you want your children to follow rules, cooperate, and get along with others, praise those behaviors as much and as often as appropriate.  Flintobox explains how parents can avoid negativity and focus on being positive instead. This is one of the discipline mistakes most parents make that can really damage your relationship with your child.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

10. Consequences Don’t Match Actions

Sadly, this is one of the discipline mistakes most parents make that I see a lot. Another lesson I learned early on as a young teacher before having children of my own was the importance of consequences matching the behavior.  It’s easy in the world of education to hold a child in from recess when they cheat on a test or continually blurt out and disrupt the class.  But what how does taking recess away relate to cheating?  The consequence doesn’t help the child learn directly from their mistakes.  In order for consequences to have a lasting effect, they must match the behaviors that are inappropriate.  Read more here.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

I hope this list of discipline mistakes most parents make helps you out and teaches you ways to avoid those mistakes. For more parenting tips, check out my post on practice what you preach: why you should parent by example.

Filed Under: DIY, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Discipline, Discipline Children, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks

How To Tell Your Kids About Santa Without Looking Like A Liar

December 12, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As kids get older, it gets harder to keep the Santa secret. But how to tell your kids about Santa without looking like a liar? That’s a tough one, and a lot of parents are afraid of approaching the subject for fear of their kid’s reaction. Today we have some good advice for talking to your kids about Santa, so you can be prepared instead of scared.

How To Tell Your Kids About SantaIf you have kids, you know how tricky it can be figuring out how to tell your kids about Santa. Here are the best tips on how to tell them without looking like a liar.

Look for the signs that your kids are ready to talk about it

Have you been getting questions from your kids about who Santa really is? Or have they just out-and-out asked you if you are Santa? These are telltale signs that it is time to talk to them about Santa. It’s definitely easier said than done, though! We all like to keep belief in Santa alive and strong, because it’s fun. But it’s also a good idea to let them in on it before they hear it at school, or get teased for still believing.

It’s helpful to know that the average age when a child starts to question whether or not Santa is real is somewhere in the years between 7 and 10, depending on the child. When your child does ask you if Santa is real, ask him what he thinks before you answer. Your child’s thoughts can help guide your discussion.

Santa is a big deal to kids, so it can be hard trying to figure out how to tell your kids about Santa. It will make the whole process so much easier.

Be ready for a range of possible emotions

When your child hears that Santa isn’t real, her reaction may vary from anger or sadness to excitement. She may feel anger that you lied, or she may feel sadness that Santa isn’t real. Some kids feel like being let in on the secret is a sign that they are growing up–you can help them feel some responsibility to help keep the secret from younger siblings!

Are you stressing over trying to tell your kid that Santa isn't real? Here are the best tips on how to tell your kids about Santa. They'll help so much!

Help your child transition from believing in Santa to becoming Santa

How to tell your kids about Santa is a question some parents love to take on, and actually look forward to it. Plan ahead for this important talk. Take your child somewhere special, just the two of you–such as out for lunch or a shopping trip. Explain that she is getting old enough to “help” with Santa, and this is a big responsibility! Little kids get to experience the magic of believing in Santa, but older kids and adults get to be Santa–and that’s the most fun of all!

Not only do your kids now get to help be Santa at home, but in the community. Challenge them to think about the spirit of Santa Claus and how they can help spread it around to those who really need it. Teach them to notice the people around them, and watch for opportunities to “be Santa” to people who need it.

Great news–if your older kids help with Santa, they can also help with your Elf on the Shelf!

Filed Under: Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: children, how to, how to tell your kids about Santa, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks, Santa

How to Survive Your First Month As A New Mom

September 30, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As you anticipate that first month with baby, new mom worries may seem overwhelming. But there are several tips and tricks to know that will help you survive.

First Month With Baby Tips & Tricks

 A dear friend of mine is a recent new mom.  As I watch her go through the experience, I remember when I became a mom. I have such sweet memories of those first few months–it’s a profound experience to be a mom! But I also remember how overwhelming it is. You’re just home from the hospital and totally exhausted. And the reality that you are now responsible for someone besides yourself hits big. 

All new moms learn a lot that first month. I’m sharing what I’ve learned with you, and one day you’ll pass it on to someone else! 

First month with baby

Caring for the Cord

Today there are four simple steps to properly care for baby’s umbilical cord:

  • Keep it dry:  Allow the cord stump to dry out.  To do this, avoid covering it up as much as possible.  Fold baby’s diaper under the cord so that it stays out of the diaper.
  • Keep it clean:  When the cord stump gets dirty, use a soft cloth and warm water to carefully clean the cord.  Gently dab it dry with a clean cloth.
  • Sponge Baths Only: It’s important to keep the cord stump as dry as possible, so no full baths until the cord has fallen off.  
  • Leave the cord stump alone: Let baby’s cord stump fall off on its own. It should fall off within a few weeks of his birth. 
first month with baby

What Baby Wants

I remember one of my biggest concerns was how I would know what my crying baby needed? After baby came, I surprised myself with what I realized… I somehow just knew.  Baby didn’t always stop crying right away, but I knew what to do to help. I also realized I was doing all I could.  Even after all his needs are taken care of, sometimes baby just needs to cry.  And don’t forget, Dad can help and comfort baby, too! 

first month with baby

Caring for Diaper Skin

Although you never want to disregard something that causes your baby pain or irritation, diaper rashes are fairly normal.  Baby’s skin is adjusting to life out in the world and is super sensitive as a result.  Any time her bum is sitting in moisture for too long, a rash can occur. The best way to prevent and treat diaper rash is to apply a diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a great choice! 

A more concerning symptom you’ll want to watch for is a rash made up of many itchy little red bumps. The itchy little bumps can signal a yeast rash. If you see these bumps, consult your pediatrician for a prescription cream.

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is different for every new Mom and baby.  Some of your babies take to you without a problem but others may be finicky.  Dr. Jane Morton from the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto offers solutions to 10 of the most common problems with breastfeeding.

breastfeeding

About Bath Time

Sponge baths are recommended for the first month with baby, until the umbilical cord is gone.  After that you can make more of a splash.  

  • Set Up:  Be sure to prepare the bath area before you bring baby over.  Make sure there are no items within baby’s reach. But be sure that you have easy access to everything you need!
  • Position:  If you use a sink, face baby’s head away from the faucet.
  • Temperature:  Test the water temperature on the inside of your wrist. It should be warm but not hot. 
  • Cup:  Use a plastic cup to help rinse soap off of baby. Be careful of her eyes.
  • Timing: Notice how bath time affects your baby. If he gets energized with baths, plan them during the day.  But if bath time relaxes him, plan them right before bed or nap time.

 

Baby’s Bowel Movements

Breastfed babies have yellow, lose, seedy-looking stools. A formula-fed baby has stools of different colors and odors, but should still be fairly loose.  Watch for red, black or white stools, or stool that is hard like small pebbles. Report these signs to baby’s pediatrician.  

Caring for the Soft Spot

Another concern during the first month with baby is his soft spot. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is a thick, protective membrane on top of baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t grown together. This is normal, and allows baby to safely navigate out of the birth canal. Like any part of baby’s growing body, protect the soft spot as much as possible. However, it is not something to overly stress about. 

Hopefully you feel more prepared for that first month with baby. My other tip is to be sure and take time for yourself!

Filed Under: Babies, Parenting Tagged With: How to Parent, How to Survive Being a New Mom, Kids, New Mom Tips, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks

Simple Childhood Development Activities For Years 1-5

February 19, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As young children grow, it’s helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child’s growth and development through the toddler and preschool years. But don’t worry, it isn’t hard! Today we have some simple childhood development activities that are easy to do at home.

As a parent you want the best for your children. From food, to education and more. As your child develops in the first few years, there are many activities that are age-specific that you can help with. You know you want to learn more and reading on will teach you about years 1-5 and how you can help your child develop. #childdevelopmentactivities #parentingtips #developmentalactivitesforkids

Simple Childhood Development Activities

As young children grow, it's helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child's growth and development through the toddler and preschool years.

Child Development Activities For Age One

  • Let your baby play with pots, pans and wooden spoons. The simple drumming action encourages good coordination and listening skills.
  • Grab an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube. Show your one year old how to look through it like a telescope. This encourages shared play and taking turns.
  • Practice counting fingers and toes with your baby. It’s great for early number skills!
  • A jumbo floor puzzle helps your child develop problem solving skills and increase attention span.

As young children grow, it's helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child's growth and development through the toddler and preschool years. Plus your child will love getting to move around.

Development Activities For Age Two

  • As your two year old begins to enjoy more physical play, take him to a playground. This helps coordination and large motor skills, plus it’s fun!
  • Children this age enjoy dress-up time. Dress-up encourages creative play, social skills and imagination.
  • Play Simon Says with your two year old. It increases her language skills and ability to follow directions.

As young children grow, it's helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child's growth and development through the toddler and preschool years. Your child will love getting to express their creativity.

Three-Year-Old Childhood Development Activities

  • A child at this age is interested in many different textures. It’s the perfect time for play with crayons. Experiment with clay and other craft mediums as well.
  • Stacking is a great childhood development activity for three year olds. It will encourage counting skills and fine motor coordination.
  • Teach development of organization skills by helping your child learn to pick up their own toys and clothes.

As young children grow, it's helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child's growth and development through the toddler and preschool years. Outdoor chalk art is always a good idea!

Simple Child Development Activities For Age 4

  • Children at age 4 are ready for more fine-tuning of their motor skills. It’s a great time to start little league sports activities.
  • Encourage fine-motor skills with art projects. Outdoor chalk art is also a fun learning activity!
  • Practice the skills needed in kindergarten. This includes naming colors, letters and numbers.

As young children grow, it's helpful for parents to understand childhood development activities. Specifically, what activities are most helpful at what age? Knowing this information is helpful to aid your child's growth and development through the toddler and preschool years. Your older kids will love the cognitive challenges.

Activities For Age 5

  • At age 5, children love more cognitive activities that challenge them. Try simple board games that encourage learning.
  • Plant a garden and let your child help. It encourages a lot of development skills, including reasoning and motor skills.
  • Encourage reading by taking your child to weekly story time at the library. Help her check out books to read together at home.

Did you know that doing chores can aid development? Know the age-appropriate chores for your child.

 

Filed Under: Education, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Child Development, childhood development activities, childhood development activities by age, childhood development activities for years 1-5, education, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, parenting tricks

Parenting Tips To Help Prepare Your Toddler For A New Baby

October 30, 2019 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As ready as you may be to have that new baby, your toddler is in for an awakening! A toddler has no idea how that little bundle is about to change her world. If you’re nervous about how to prepare your toddler for a new baby, we have the parenting tips to help you make the transition as smooth as it can possibly be.

Having another baby is exciting, but also adds some challenges when you have a toddler or other children. They don't always understand why so much fuss is being made. These parenting tips help you teach your child about a new baby and how they can still feel special and even help out. Before the baby arrives, make sure you read about these tips to help prepare your toddler for a new baby. They will make the addition so much nicer.

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Filed Under: Babies, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: how to, How to prepare your toddler for a new baby, New Baby, Newborn Baby, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips, prepare your toddler for a new baby, Toddler, toddler tips

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