Good Strangers, Bad Strangers

Preschool children are curious by nature. The world is a new place to them. They are excited to see and try new things. This includes talking to strangers, which can be an uncomfortable experience for parents because despite educating your preschooler, he or she may talk to strangers again.

One of the most important things to remember is that there are good strangers and bad strangers. Good strangers are what you can consider "community helpers," like police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, and even teachers. You can explain to your preschooler that those good strangers are available for help, if they ever need it. Bad strangers may be anyone you do not know or are not community helpers.

Explain to your preschooler that he or she must always ask you, dad, or caregiver if they can talk with a grownup they do not know.

Constantly remind your children about strangers to be sure it is enforced. Be creative when teaching them about stranger danger.

Write A Letter and Then Tear It Up

Women today have more responsibilities than ever before. We are expected to marry and raise a family; some women have to work outside there home as well. Many people, including your children and friends, come to you to solve or help solve their problems or fulfill requests.

The demands of modern life can take a toll on anyone--leading to stress physically or mentally.

Besides eating healthy, physically exercising, or talking with someone, there is another way you can relieve stress.

That is write a letter and then rip it up.

The purpose of the letter is to allow you to put your frustrations and stress on paper, so that you are able to "see" them in front of you. After you feel your letter is complete, rip it up. Do not allow anyone else to see your letter.

Rip it up into a lot of pieces, until you feel you have ripped it up enough. Be sure to toss it away.

Writing and throwing the letter away should help relieve some stress.

Teaching Your Children

Teaching your children is usually an awesome experience that you will cherish and remember forever. However, at times, it can be frustrating or stressful, especially when you are trying to meet a school objective by a certain deadline.

I am going to offer tips on how to make it less stressful or frustrating for you.

• Turn learning into a song. Often times children (and adults too) remember things when it is presented in poetry or rhythmic form. People enjoy music and often dance, clap or tap to the beat.
• Make it a transitional activity. When your child is ready to move on to the next activity, have your child recite or repeat what he or she is supposed to learn. Once that is accomplished, then allow them to do the activity.
• Repeat as often as necessary. Repetition is key. I know you may find it boring, but repeat, repeat, repeat throughout the day. You can choose to repeat every 15 minutes or have two hours--that is up to you.
• Make an art or craft activity. If an art or craft lesson can be tied to the lesson, go for it. Just like music, people tend to remember when they are making something. Doing an art or craft, takes time.

Feel free to ask your child's teacher for help or tips as well.

Teaching Your Child to Care through Toys

With toys becoming easily available for many families, it is easy for your child to get carried away by wanting every toy they see. Often times, it is also easier for children to become more demanding and spoiled. This allows children to become more materialistic, putting pressure on you.

All this may not be necessary. In many families, children now donate gently used toys to less fortunate children who are at homeless shelters, preschools, or other institutions. When children receive new toys, that is when they donate their toys. Why not have that be the same for your children?

Every time your child receives a new toy, have your child donate the same amount of toys he just received. For example, if your child received two toys, then he would donate two gently used toys. Donated toys have to be gently used. Do not allow broken or missing toys to be donated. This will not be a good lesson for children to learn.

Be sure to discuss the process of donating toys with your children, so that they may understand the process. If possible, let your children give the toys to the appropriate parties.

Your children are never too young to donate their toys. The lessons will last a life time.