BusyParentHelp.netThe #1 Online Destination For All Busy Parents

When looking at houses for sale online I notice that some say multi family and some say single family. Does multi family mean there will be another family living there too!? I notice these houses are cheaper in price too. How can there be two owners if so?

By: Lala

About the Author:

Do you have a child between the ages of 5 and 9? That special season is a time of enormous growth and development and can be a whirlwind to observe. I am privileged to be parenting my fourth elementary-age child. Here are some of my favorite 10 parenting tips for early school-age kids.

1. It's a big world.

The first few years of school are exciting and stressful. Learning how to listen to adults besides mom and dad and being on their own for several hours each day is a tremendous leap forward in a child's life. As a parent, keep in mind this transition your child is moving through and be patient and understanding.

2. Give them your confidence.

A child this age often will doubt his abilities. Sometimes he will verbalize this lack of self-confidence; sometimes it stays his little secret. You can help him by sharing your own confidence in his abilities with him. Be matter-of-fact about his talents and express your utter confidence in him, even if you have your own set of concerns.

3. Be interested.

What is your child learning about school? How did recess go? What is her favorite part of school? What is bugging her? Staying interested in your child's daily life goes a long ways towards establishing a healthy on-going relationship.

4. Friendships count.

An elementary-age child is learning a lot about friendships. What works and frustratingly, what doesn't. They are also learning that families operate differently; what is a vital rule in your own family may not matter at all in another family. Learning that people do things differently is an important lesson at this stage.

5. Talk values.

This is the age to solidify what values are important to your family with your child. Ideas such as:

- We are kind. Why is this important?

- We are fair, even when others are not.

- We tell the truth, even when it gets us into trouble.

These important concepts MUST be cemented in your child now if you want him to live by them when he gets to the teen years.

6. Don't overload.

In this day of multiple after school activities, it's easy to pile on too much for the average primary-schooler. Her main 'job' is school, so give adequate time, space and support to homework. Once that is finished, free playtime is important at this age as most kids spend several hours a day sitting at a desk and being quiet.

7. Family time is a priority.

Daily dinnertime together, a weekly game night, chores done as a team, a quiet time reading or enjoying music together, playing sports as a family; any of these ideas and many, many more are great ways to foster a sense of family in your home. Make sure you make together-time a priority.

8. Celebrate the team.

Kids this age need to know they are a part of something bigger than themselves and the family structure can fill that need beautifully. Worshipping, playing and working together are smart ways to build your family's strength for the years ahead as well as enjoy each other today.

9. Have a family 'thing'.

Drawing on parenting tip #8, decide on a fun hobby the whole family can enjoy and jump right in. You can bike, go camping, build model trains, raise bunnies, volunteer in your community, or investigate the stars together. Trust me, nothing will build family memories easier or better than a shared family hobby.

10. Teach personal responsibility.

This parenting tip is vital for your child's long-term well-being. And it's simple enough to instill. Chores, homework and learning new skills like musical instruments or sports activities are excellent ways to teach your school-aged child more and more about being responsible for himself and his possessions.

Now you have 10 parenting tips for elementary-age children. Each one of these tips has been time-tested in my home and thousands of other homes over the years. These parenting tips work...but only if you PUT them to work with your family. Enjoy your family more by taking the guesswork out of parenting. Establish these simple guidelines and reduce your parenting stress load today.



By: Colleen Langenfeld

About the Author:

Have you ever seen yourself in a situation wherein you would have to raise your child on your own? Have you fully understood the impact of this circumstance in your entire life? Single parenting is not easy at all. If couples encounter difficult situations in rearing their children, how much more having to raise a kid all by yourself?

You can never say that taking care of a child is a piece of cake. You have to teach a child how to aim in the toilet, hold the spoon to feed himself or herself, gargle when brushing, and many others. As he or she starts with school, you should attend the programs and activities that your child will be joining in. Recitals, dictation tests, quiz bees, dances, and the likes would always require your presence. And this only goes to show that your time is necessary and single parenting can make it a bit hard on your part.

What if you are a middle class parent and you don't have much means to provide your child with everything that he or she needs? How will you go about all the expenses then? Again, this is another challenge to single parenting. It is your conscience that you will be going against as you may always think that you are a failure in this aspect.

Hence, a sense of guilt oftentimes cuts deep into the heart of any parent. When it comes to single parenting, one doesn't fully know whether he or she is already giving more. At the end of it all, you as the parent are always asking the same question over and over again as to whether you are doing well enough in promoting the happiness of your child and ensuring that he or she gets the best of everything you are capable of giving.

One good reason as to why single parenting is deemed to be a tough task is because you have to act as both the mom and the dad. You will be the provider and at the same time the caretaker. While it seems to be obviously a very difficult task, it is not impossible for you to attain it. There are a couple of tips that you may keep in mind to be certain that parenting for you becomes an enjoyable experience.

A great tip to apply in single parenting is no other than that of showing your child how much you love him or her. This will assure the child that he or she belongs.

Then, don't fall short of expressing your affection through words. You are your child's security blanket so make it a point to assure him or her very often.

Read to your child before he or she sleeps. Your child may be too young to understand it yet but this experience will let him or her understand the concept of quality time.

Another great single parenting tip is for you to go out with your child. Show him or her around and do things together.

Single parenting can be made easy if only you know how to balance your time and have your child as your top priority.



By: Low Jeremy

About the Author: