According to an article on Forbes Magazine, in teaching our kids how to handle money, leading by example is still the best way to do it.

For instance, parents may not have the heart to say no to their kids thinking that buying and spending everything for them is equal to the kids’ happiness. But if they’re spending so much, while forgetting to pay their bills and are $50,000 in debt, then it is teaching them the wrong idea. Once in a while, it is best to say no to the child when she or he would ask for something. This mindset of consumerism with many adults must be avoided so that kids will not equate happiness with spending.

• Lead by example. Families can have fun without having to spend a lot and your child will appreciate you more for this.
• Resist the urge to using the credit card a lot, especially when the children are present and can see you paying. This way, they won’t let it in their heads that a credit card can save everything.
• Teach your children to save at an early age. These may be pennies, but you’re teaching a great value to your kids.
• Give the children a chance to be involved with money matters. Parents often refuse to discuss this in front of the children and would say that this is only for adults to decide. But if you discuss money matters early, you are slowly teaching your child to value money.

It’s also great to explain to kids, for as long as they are able to understand, how the money system works and why people work hard for it.

Nurturing your child’s sense of humor is no joking matter. Laughing loud is a healthy way for her to manage life’s little stresses. Now that Christmas is just around the corner, find a way to make your child laugh, I think it’s the best gift that you can give her.

Nothing is too corny for a toddler, but here’s what typically makes 1-year-olds laugh:

* The ridiculous.- by now, your child has developed a routine and knows what to expect from her world. When you do something out of the ordinary (without frightening her) she may find it humorous. Utterly inane acts, such as wearing your toddler’s pants on your head while changing her diaper, are likely to spark giggles. Those pants, she now knows, belong on her legs, not on your head. Don’t be afraid to silly acts and funny faces.

* The predictable surprise – Babies and toddlers spend many months mastering the idea of object permanence: The concept that things and people exist even when they’re out of sight. Games like peekaboo reinforce the notion of how the world works. Your child knows that you’re hiding behind the chair, and when you confirm her suspicions by jumping out playfully, she’ll be delighted and express that feeling with laughter.

Nurturing your child’s emerging capacity of humor is like presenting her with a lifelong gift. Laughter is a mechanism for pleasure and a powerful tool for coping with life’s difficult moments. So make every effort to make your child laugh, it’s all worth it. Happy laughing!

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Tired of the same old “expert” parenting books written by docs and celeb moms who haven’t a clue what it’s really like day-to-day for the rest of us? Well, everyday moms everywhere will be elated to know there’s a new book featuring open, honest advice from the standpoint of an average mom, muddling her way through motherhood. A Mother’s 5 Roads to HAPPY! Strategic Directions to Mothering the Chaotic Early Years… With a Smile, by Emily Blasi (imahappymom), provides directions to finding joy amidst the chaos of becoming a new parent, while exploring the real-life experiences and mistakes of one mom and how they helped pave the roads to her happiness.

Motherhood may not always be instinctive or pleasurable. In fact, “Parents experience lower levels of emotional well-being, less frequent positive emotions and more frequent negative emotions than their childless peers,” says Florida State University’s Robin Simon, a sociology professor who’s conducted several recent parenting studies. Understanding this phenomenon from her own struggles as a new mom, Emily offers clear paths to overcoming everyday challenges in order to find the true fulfillment in being a happy mom. And with the time-starved, crazed schedule of a new mom in mind, this 32 page book is a breeze to read.

(Source) Press