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February 25, 2008
Nina Silberstein
Marianne McGinnis’ 10-year-old son was always urinating on the toilet seat instead of picking the lid up. Marianne tried scolding, pleading, begging and punishing, but nothing seemed to change his behavior.
Through a “Positive Discipline” workshop, Marianne McGinnis learned something she calls “making connection before correction.” She began to understand that a needy child is a discouraged child who needs to be encouraged.
According to Jane Nelsen, Ed.D., licensed marriage, family and child counselor who has authored and co-authored numerous parenting books, including “Positive Discipline,” this method of parenting creates an atmosphere where children are treated with dignity and respect as they are given the chance to explore and acknowledge their feelings. They are then encouraged and empowered to be part of the solution.
According to Nelson, positive discipline is an alternative way of raising kids that’s designed to develop the self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, confidence and other life skills that help create happy, contributing members of families, classrooms and society. It involves mutual respect as opposed to bossing. The old standby, “Don’t do this, don’t do that” is flipped around, removing the “Don’t” and replacing it with “You can.”
Giving punishment a time-out
“Even when people think punishment works, I always have to ask, ‘At what cost?’” Nelsen says. “Punishment makes children pay. Positive Discipline that has nothing to do with punishment helps children feel good about themselves and learn the skills for solving problems.”
Positive discipline contends that children do better when they feel better. Parents make a connection using the reasoning that children are more cooperative when they feel respected, she says.
Which is just what Margaret did after the workshop. “I told my son, ‘You know I am going to love you even if you pee on the toilet seat every day for the rest of your life, but I would appreciate it so much if you didn’t.’” Her son stopped the behavior.
“It is non-punitive methods that consider long-term results in helping children develop what I call valuable social and life skills for good character,” says Nesen. Rather than using punishment to make a child pay for what he’s done, Positive Discipline involves the child in the solution to help motivate him. “Help him learn from his mistakes.”
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February 24, 2008
Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick
Laying the cornerstone for your little one’s confidence can feel like a daunting responsibility, but with the proper nurturing, your child’s genetic gift of self-esteem can blossom. It is possible to encourage your child to believe in herself and in what she does while keeping her grounded and cultivating an open mind.
Stephanie Bourgeois, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families in Summit, NJ – and also mother to one-year-old Chloe – advises parents first get in touch with and accept their child’s unique, inborn temperament. “I see so many parents wanting to change their children or resisting their child’s obvious tendencies,” she says. “Parents must learn to teach their children to work with the strengths and weaknesses inherent to their temperament, rather than try to make their children someone they are not.”
With that sentiment in mind, these five strategies can help your child’s self-esteem soar:
1) Make your little ones feel big
How many times have you heard someone say, “My child is three going on 13″? Many children have an innate desire to take on challenges that are often well above their ability at their young age. Adriane Luksic, mother of Rowan (age 4) and Caden (age 2), looks for everyday situations that provide her with an opportunity to instill confidence, boost self-esteem, and reinforce a positive sense of self-awareness in her two pre-schoolers.
“I find myself actively looking for moments when I can make my little kids feel big by letting them know I’m so proud of them, not only for what they can do, but also for what they are trying to do.” Likewise, if your child is demonstrating responsibility beyond his years, reward him with a privilege that might otherwise be beyond his years – let him stay home alone (within reason), date earlier than you intended (on a double-date, that is!) or something adult-ish but life lesson-filled, such as open a checking account.
 2) Let them make mistakes
Instill in your little ones that being inquisitive is a positive trait – it’s actually a sign of strength, not weakness to ask for help. But at the same time, encourage your child to figure things out on her own, and this might mean limiting your parental influence.
Growing up isn’t easy to do, but you can’t make life simpler for your child by trying to correct her errors before she feels the effects of a bad choice or a poor decision. “Too often parents rush in and interfere with learning,” says Bourgeois. “It is a gift to let a child discover their world, explore, trust their judgment and intuition and decide for themselves.” Perfection isn’t critical – mistakes are inevitable in life – and you can impart to your child that an error doesn’t mean she isn’t smart or a good person.
3) Nurture your child’s passion
You love numbers. You child is into abstract art. You thrive on dance. Your child could play chess all day long. Instead of lamenting the fact that you and your child don’t have as much in common as you might like, develop an ongoing interest in what’s important to your child, get involved, and encourage them to pursue what they love.
“Developing a connection with your child around her passion is a wonderful way to promote self-esteem and allow her to feel her own competence,” Bourgeois explains. “You are sending the message, ‘I want to protect and nurture your true self.’”
4) Play fair
Mary Fetzer, mother of Susan (age 10) and Isabelle (age 4 1/2), stresses the importance of teaching your children how to compete – fairly. She says, “Competition among children is stronger than ever – in academics, athletics, the arts – and part of competition is graciously accepting defeat.”
Whether your child is playing in the big game or auditioning for the lead in the school play, the key is to encourage them to do their very best every time. Fetzer says, “As long as she gave it her all, she has nothing to feel bad about. Reassure her that no matter how much talent or ability another child has, it doesn’t lessen hers.”
5) Limit your praise
“We live in a praise-junkie culture where we have come to over-praise everything our children do, thinking it will build their self-esteem, yet it often does the opposite,” says Bourgeois. Constant exaggeration can produce an unhealthy, inflated sense of self and entitlement. And because it feels so good to get that praise, children may perform just to receive praise rather than for the sheer pleasure they can gain from an activity.
Rather than performing for the sake of another’s approval – something that can lead to performance anxiety – Bourgeois says, “Healthy self-esteem comes when children know what they love to do and actively participate in that activity.” And genuine, heartfelt praise offered unexpectedly by a parent is the positive reinforcement that will mean the most to a child. Rather than “That’s extraordinary!” or “You were the best!” a phrase like “You did a good job,” is good enough. Bourgeois offers additional tips:
- Encourage goodwill by praising acts of selflessness you want to see more of. (”I like the way you kindly helped your sister with that project.”)
- Limit generalizations and get specific when complementing the whole would feel insincere. (”That was a great catch!” rather than “You’re the best football player.”)
- Acknowledge effort by praising your child when they succeed in conquering something that doesn’t come easily to them. (”You did so well in math this term! I know you worked hard for these grades.”)
In a pop-culture world ripe with the message of instant gratification, one of the most important things you can do for our children is instill in them a strong sense of self. Peer pressure will never fade, but a child who is secure in his or her own interests will develop the kind of self-esteem that encourages them to believe in themselves and trust in their ability to bring to their life – through their own efforts – the things they desire most.
February 20, 2008
Michelle Bruns
I admit it. I used to be one of those people who felt sorry for single moms, especially when I was put into the situation myself. But, once I took my little peanut home, I discovered more and more benefits of our “just you and me, kid” situation. And, I’m not alone on this topic!
According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the number of single parents living with their children in 2006 totaled 12.9 million; of these single parents, 10.4 million were single mothers. Undoubtedly, there are plenty of mothers in the same parenting situation that share my positive feelings.
For those of us who bear the badge of single motherhood, regardless of whether or not we chose it, we can still make the best of it. Being a single mom has its ups and downs, but when you come to a place where you can celebrate the advantages you have as a one-parent household, you may just view single parent status in a whole new light.
Experts say that the first year of a newborn’s life is the most stressful on a married couple. According to Marguerite Kelly, award-winning columnist and co-author of The Mother’s Almanac, some fathers-to-be have fears of their own. Your hubby may not be ready to share you, or is afraid that you will monopolize the baby and make him feel unnecessary. Many marriages are strained under these types of fears, but I didn’t have to choose.
Which brings me to the best part of being a single mother: not having to share my time between my two guys. The first year is an amazing time for mommy and baby, and raising my son on my own gave me the luxury of giving all of my time to my newborn. This little benefit was a great gift for the two of us. Other moms agree that the ups of single mommyhood definitely outweigh the struggles.
Straight and narrow
“I soon discovered after the birth of my child that my husband did not share the same ideas on raising children as I did. But, now I have the freedom to teach my kids the morals and values that I feel are important, setting the tone for who they will be. It has been a healthier environment for everyone.”
- Gen M. mother of two, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Hang time
“I struggle with the fact that I have to go to school and work and try to be a parent, but when I get home from a long day, I just have to focus on spending time with my children. I feel lucky that they still think I’m a cool enough mom to hang out with!”
- Lori C., mother of three, Henderson, NV
Lean on me
“Divorce is a tough, emotional situation. It can be even harder on the kids. But, I had the advantage of my children needing me. I didn’t have the option of being down in the dumps. I had to keep their spirits up, which in turn, kept my spirits up by default. It has even brought us closer as a new family.”
- Margaret S., mother of two, Poughkeepsie, NY
Room to grow
“Becoming a mother changes you. When my son was born, I had the stress of worrying about how my growth would affect my husband. But, when we separated, I was free to grow and change for the best of my son. I am truly blessed.”
- Vicki M., mother of one, Portland, OR
Sound off: What are you thoughts on single parenthood?
February 18, 2008
Michele Thompson, MS
Bonding over breakfast is a great way to start the day with your children. Here, some recipes your own “Chef Kid” will love…
Cantaloupe Canoes with Cottage Cheese
Serves 4
While you are cutting the cantaloupe, explain division to your kids. Then let them practice it by dividing the cottage cheese and granola or nuts among the canoes. This recipe can also teach them cooking measurements – 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, and more.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized cantaloupe
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup granola or finely chopped nuts
Ground cinnamon
Directions:
Scrub outside of cantaloupe under running water to remove any grit. Pat dry and slice cantaloupe in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and cut each half lengthwise to make a total of four wedges. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop out the center of each wedge of cantaloupe to make a “canoe.” Spoon 1/4 cup cottage cheese into each canoe and sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons of granola or nuts. Dust with ground cinnamon.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Serves 2
Parfaits are a perfect way to teach your kids the importance – and fun – of eating a variety of foods. Use a different combination of fruit, flavored yogurts and cereals every time you make this breakfast “dessert.”
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed berries or other favorite fruit
1 cup yogurt
1/2 cup crunchy cereal
Directions:
Fill the bottom of two tall glasses with 1/4 cup fruit. Top each with 1/4 cup yogurt and 2 tablespoons cereal. Repeat with fruit, yogurt and cereal.
French Toast Art
Serves 4
Let your kids practice their egg-breaking and whisking skills. They will love using their fingers to dip their slices of bread. Depending on their skill level, teach them how to use a spatula, allowing them flip the toast. Encourage their creativity and comfort with food by letting them decorate their toast with dried and fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, jams or syrups.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 slices of whole grain bread
Dried and fresh fruit, sliced or diced
Assortment of whole and chopped nuts
Yogurt
Different jams and jellies
Maple or berry flavored syrups
Directions:
Preheat nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour egg mixture into a shallow square baking dish. Spray griddle or skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Dip bread in baking dish, generously coating both sides of each slice. Cook on griddle or skillet for 3 minutes or until bottom of bread is golden and egg mixture is cooked. Use a wide spatula to flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Serve and decorate with toppings.
Yummy reading
Amazon.com has hundreds of cookbooks for kids. These are a few of my favorite.
 Betty Crocker’s Kids Cook!
By Betty Crocker Editors (Betty Crocker, 2007)
The Six O’Clock in the Morning… Kid’s Breakfast Cookbook
By Peter Engel (Silverback Books, 2007)
Chicken Soup for the Soul Kids in the Kitchen: Tasty Recipes and Fun Activities for Budding Chefs
By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Chef Antonio Frontera (HCI, 2007)
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Michele Thompson, MS
Do you remember helping mom or dad in the kitchen – measuring chocolate chips for cookies, stirring the batter for brownies, or frosting a freshly baked cake? Childhood cooking memories are often punctuated with the making of desserts. But what about breakfast – shouldn’t the most important meal of the day be the most important meal to cook with your kids?
 B
Busy schedules, ubiquitous drive-throughs and corner convenience stores have quashed the custom of breakfast. Children today are often fed in the car en route to school or opt to nonchalantly skip the morning meal. These kids are going to grow up without an appreciation for homemade dishes and will likely continue their drive-through or meal-skipping habits into adulthood.
Breakfast bonding
Cooking breakfast with your children not only instills a healthy habit, it gives you the opportunity to spend quality time teaching them a skill that will keep them well-fed for decades to come. Cooking breakfast together nurtures their cooking curiosities and, most important, it can nourish a loving parent-child relationship.
In addition, there are other benefits associated with the most important meal of the day. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast are more inclined to do better at school – they are not preoccupied with a growling tummy or the effects of low blood sugar. Children who start the day with a healthy meal are more likely to have better social interactions because they are less likely to be irritable and moody. As important, especially in the increasing midst of overweight kids, eating breakfast can prevent overeating and decrease the consumption of junk food.
Another benefit – this one more for you – is that once your children have mastered a few recipes, they may likely want to show off their cooking prowess. This means you will get the luxury of breakfast in bed (ideally with another adult supervising) or at the very least a sit-down morning meal made especially for – not by – you.
Tips for yummy breakfast success
1. Be patient and take your time. Patience is truly a virtue, especially when eggs get crushed on the counter, cereal generously dumps on the floor, and the smoke detector goes off because the toaster was turned up too high. Be accepting of the inevitable messes – taking them in stride will set a positive tone to your children’s learning experiences in the kitchen. It might be challenging for you to restrain from doing all of the cooking yourself but opt to go slow with your teaching and allow your children to actually learn.
2. Make it educational from the beginning. Decide on a recipe or a menu and have all the ingredients, measuring tools, appliances and cookware set out. Before you commence in food prep, teach your children about all the things they will be using. Let them practice their reading and vocabulary skills by reading recipes aloud. Let them guess the names and uses of the utensils, cookware, and appliances. As you prepare the recipes, reinforce their math skills – have them figure out the amounts of adding up ingredients, dividing ingredients in half, or the number of tablespoons in a cup. As important, teach your children about the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast.
3. Assign cooking tasks. Children often gravitate toward particular tasks they have seen done by adults. Ask them what they want to do and then tell them it is their “job.” “The key for parents is to let their children learn what they like doing,” recommends cookbook author Chef Jernard Wells, father of eight, from Ringo, Georgia. “If your child likes to stir, let him stir, then introduce other utensils and their uses when he has mastered the task he likes.” Every week or two, he will have mastered a new skill.
4. Make it fun. Add levity to your time in the kitchen. Rename breakfast foods with amusing monikers – banana smoothies can be Ape Shakes, waffles can become Butter and Syrup Rafts. Rally their breakfast spirit by celebrating Breakfast Holidays. Give them cookbooks written specifically for kids – these are usually more entertaining than standard cookbooks. When your children associate fun with cooking, they will likely develop a desire to cook for themselves, now and into adulthood.
5. Designate specific cooking times. Kids get excited about cooking and may always want to be in the kitchen. “I have to hide our cookbooks from my daughter because she begs to cook with me, even if its not meal time,” says Lori Clyde, mother of three and owner of Little Loved Ones Daycare in Bozeman, Montana. The key is to designate set “cook times.” For example, make Wednesday and Saturday mornings “cook times” – your children will know they get to help in the kitchen and that on other days, mom or dad are the chefs.
Though these tips can be applied to any meal you cook with your children, you might find that your children are in better spirits and more inclined to learn in the mornings. Later in the day, being tired can sap the fun out of any activity.
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February 13, 2008
Gina LaGuardia
Don’t just limit your exploration of summer camps to the usual. Here, some unique ways to spend the summer:
Extreme sports makes for an extreme summer
www.800procamp.com/
For daily adventures filled with go-carting, paintball wars, confidence building, rock climbing and mentally challenging kayaking, the Tahoe Extreme Youth Summer Camp in Lake Tahoe, California is an “extremely” good choice.
This camp is a wish your heart makes
www.livewiresummer.com
At livewire, Disneyworld is your summer camp. Really. Disney world! Campers spend a week at the Walt Disney World® Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and get to customize their adventure with once-in-a-lifetime access to the behind-the-scenes magic of Disney. The focus of the camp, aside from swanky resort-living complete with meals, pool time and open access to any Disney park, is technology-related projects.
One small camp for man… one giant leap for campers!
www.spacecamp.com
Space camp, anyone? At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., kids ages 9-11 can learn about space shuttle systems, while taking a walk in the 1/6th Gravity Chair and strapping on the camp’s version of a jet pack and maneuvering around on a cushion of air.
America’s next top summer camp
www.paliadventures.com
For those who love it, fashion can become an obsession, and at this stylish camp, that’s encouraged. The Fashion Design Institute, a part of Pali Overnight Adventures in California, offers kids ages 9-16 the opportunity to explore their love for creating clothes. In place of the traditional end-of-summer show is a fashion show, where campers are able to flaunt their designs.
Spy Camp
www.lohikan.com/spycamp.htm
How much would your kid love to set off on a 4-wheeler or jet ski and embark on stealth mission to “find the mole”? Located at Camp Lohikan, on Lake Como, Pennsylvania, spy camp offers these, and other off-the-beaten path activities: mastering the art of surveillance, practicing martial arts, simulating combat strategies, and becoming a paintball pro.
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Nina Silberstein
It may still be winter, but camp directors everywhere are putting things in order now, finalizing plans and preparing to accept campers for summer 2008. While there are months ahead to prepare, now is the time to begin considering what type of camp will fit your family’s summer needs.
Historically, when you think of camp, you think of the mountains, campfires, lakes or horseback riding. They’re still the most popular traditional camps, but campers also have the option to spend a summer on a college campus, traveling to Europe, scuba diving in the Caribbean, rock climbing or volunteering as part of a community service program.
“There’s so much available, and as a result, more children than ever before are attending camp,” says Jeffrey Solomon, executive director and camp spokesperson for the National Camp Association (NCA). According to NCA estimates, approximately 7 million children attended camp in 2007. “This summer we’re expecting close to 8 million kids.”
The age range has also increased. Kids are starting camp at a younger age than ever before, many as young as 5 and 6 years old. Camps with specialty programs are also accommodating the growing number of children seeking an exciting summer by expanding the age range up to 17 and 18.
“Hello Motha’ / hello Fatha’ / how do I pick a / camp I wanna’?”
“There is such a diversity of opportunities in terms of types of camps, activities, session lengths and costs,” Soloman adds. Today, unlike 20 years ago, it is true that there is a camp out there for every child. But the key is realizing that “not every camp is right for every child,” he adds.
“While the Internet provides a limitless array of possibilities,” Solomon explains, “it be a bit overwhelming.” That’s why it’s important to utilize organizations such as the NCA to selectively sort through your camp options, he says. Families who use NCA’s free service at their website (www.summercamp.org) can fill out an interactive form that provides camp choices and related resources. And, says Solomon, an actual human being is picking out the camps; not a robot, mechanical device or search engine.
“An advisor is reviewing the criteria and then hand-picking programs that are recommended and have a good reputation; those camps then send their information to the family.”
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February 11, 2008
Jennifer Merritt
 Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the presidential primaries fall in the same months as preschool open houses. When you think about it, the scenarios aren’t all that different: in one corner, you have the candidates competing over your vote; in the other, preschool directors vying for the chance to aid in molding your child. The choice isn’t always an easy one, and while we can’t help you choose between Barack, Clinton, Huckabee and McCain, we can assist you in picking the right preschool.
Before you even pick up the phone to start making appointments, the first step is to write an essay about your child’s personality and her likes and dislikes, says Lonna Corder, director of The Playgroup and of the San Francisco-based Montessori pre-school run in the home of philanthropist Ann Getty, as well as a parenting-consultant owner of Lonna’s Individual Parenting Plan. To do this, “watch and listen to your child,” Corder advises, noting that writing down your child’s personality traits will help you determine his or her preferred method of learning. “If your child spends all day doing dramatic play, you need a cognitive play-based school,” Corder says. “If your child likes to count blocks, he might be a fit for a Montessori school.”
Though there are scores of methods for teaching pre-schoolers, the most common categories you’ll hear about are play-based, Montessori and Waldorf. Play-based schools are the most common, where a child’s day is mostly filled with free play; the thought being that such a structure allows children to develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills. Montessori schools focus on self-directed learning, while the Waldorf method promotes learning through practical activities.
The A, B, C’s of choosing curricula
No matter which method you opt for, the critical factor is that the school provides a coherent and flexible curriculum. “The curriculum should guide, but not dictate, the teacher,” explains Dr. Ellen Frede, co-director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, which lists suggestions of 10 things parents should look for in a preschool on its web site. “For example, so many curricula have a theme during one particular month about family. If during that lesson the kids become fascinated by what jobs parents have, but the teacher steers away from that because that’s not in the curriculum until spring, well, that doesn’t make any sense. It should follow what the kids are interested in.”
The best way to get a feel for the curriculum is for you and your child to spend at least two hours in the classroom with the teacher he would be placed with, says Dr. Frede. “Your child is going to spend lots and lots of time there, so any program that won’t let you do it, you shouldn’t go to,” she says. “Parents go on much longer visits for college — do you think a 3 or 4 year old can tell you what’s happening at a school when you’re not there?”
Preschool for parents
In addition to your child’s needs, you also must pay attention to what you’re looking for in a preschool. One important question to ask is how the school disciplines children. If the school advocates timeouts and you’ve banned them at home, the school won’t be a good fit for your child or you. “You need to ask yourself if your parenting needs are in line with the school,” says Tammy Gold, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist, certified life coach, certified parent coach and founder of Gold Parent Coaching. “You don’t want the school to undo all the work you’ve done at home.”
Other questions Gold recommends asking are whether you can drop off and pick up your child at any time of the day. If you work late, will the center be able to accommodate you? Another important consideration is how involved parents are expected to be in the program. “If you’re a working mother and are going to be disappointed because you can’t make reading day each week at 3 p.m., then that school is not right for you,” Gold says. “Beyond the approaches, you have to be comfortable there. If you’re not, your child will feel that.”
Trust your intuition
Most important however, is for parents to remember that “there is no definitive book on this,” says Corder. “If you have a gut reaction about a place — good or bad — listen to that.”
Also tune out the competitive nature of some parents, just as you ignore the political mudslinging in the presidential primaries. “Nursery school is not going to make or break your child—it simply provides what being at home can’t: socialization,” Gold says. When she encounters parents panicking about preschool, she asks, “Do you have cold hard facts that this school is best for your child or is better than the one down the street? Do you remember what your nursery school was like? Probably not.”
Finally, Dr. Frede suggests putting yourself in your child’s small shoes. “Ask yourself, ‘Would I want to spend eight hours a day here?’”
Six Question Suggestions:
- How often will I hear from the teacher?
- Can I come by when I want?
- If my child isn’t getting along with another child, will you let me know that?
- Do you monitor your program’s quality each year?
- On average, what do your head teachers and assistant teachers make?
- What are your policies on sick and vacation leave for teachers?
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February 6, 2008
Vicki Salemi
Their first words. Hand-eye coordination. Advanced motor skills. When it comes to taking those first scholarly steps, you’re not modest — your child is a genius. Whether they’re rockin’ out to Baby Einstein or reciting the alphabet at an early age, here are five parenting tips to keep them on the path toward Smartypantsville.
#1 - Read Goodnight Moon
Brainiac baby wannabes, listen up. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to your baby once he or she is six months old. Sure, she may not be able to understand the storyline, but she’ll be building her vocabulary and stimulating her imagination. Experts say the more parents speak to their child, the better growth and development. It’s likely your infant will be enthralled by picture books with bright colors and they’ll start picking up language in general.
#2 - Use flashcards
Quick question: What’s the square root of 64? When you think of flashcards you may instantly think of math equations or studying vocabulary terms for the SAT, but experts say photo flashcards work just fine for word recognition. And don’t think they have to be fancy for your toddler; having an apple on one side and the word spelled out on the other will suffice.
#3 - Go on field trips
Experts recommend making every day an adventure with stories and subplots. Ok, maybe not subplots but an overall theme nonetheless. In other words, talk about your day and narrate various events to your offspring. “Now we’re going to the grocery store to buy cereal,” is a simple statement that tells your child about the world around him or her. By connecting words with objects and daily events your child, will be more aware of his or her surroundings.
 #4 - Take time outs
If you’re juggling it all – household, marriage, baby, possibly career – you’re not alone. As you approach burnout, chances are you may be instilling this overachieving mentality in your child as well. Experts recommend one way to raise an intellect is to not overburden them with information or stimuli. In other words, take breaks. Allow them to play and be a kid. And when they return to story time or a flashcard bonanza, remember to keep it light and make it fun.
#5 - Get tested
One way to raise a bright child, say experts, is to nurture their abilities and get them tested. For instance, if your child is between 2 and 5 years old and has an advanced vocabulary, masters new tasks without repetition, and understands abstract concepts such as time, you may wish to find a reputable psychologist to administer an IQ test. This will determine their strengths as well as weaker areas to work on. The professional will take an objective approach and make recommendations. Regardless of the results, experts say it’s important to focus on social development in addition to scholarly prowess.
Since your future brain surgeon is well on her way to academic stardom, one thing’s for sure: the little apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
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