For a lot of parents who own an iPad, the device is really not something for their own use only. Kids as young as three or four already know how to use this gadget, and may even know this works better than the adults. But some of the games installed for this gadget aren’t fit for a young mind. Fortunately, there are a few kiddie applications parents can install for their budding computer geeks.

Here are just two examples —

Elmo Loves ABC’s iPad App

This application is developed for Sesame Street and features Elmo, a favorite of many kids. The game helps kids learn alphabet easily with videos, sing-along and coloring pages. The children can also trace letters as part of the game and some surprises are surely going to give kids a worthy time playing and learning.

The application cost about $4.99

· Over 80 classic Sesame Street videos
· New Sesame Street videos
· 78 Sesame Street coloring pages
· 5 different ways to play hide and seek
· A game mode where children can practice finding the letters they’ve learned

Griffin Crayola Trace and Draw Case for iPad 2

This application is perfect for those who already have the iPad 2 and a child wanting to test its power and capacity. I actually love this one myself as it allows children of any age to be creative. There are over 35 templates including one that encourages children to learn to write their name. The only drawback is that the application can be a bit expensive at $49.95. Still it’s packed with so many features.

My eight year old niece has expressed interest for learning to play the guitar. No one in her immediate family or extended family is musically inclined and this was something that her parents were quite hesitant to follow through, believing that it might just be phase. The child may outgrow the desire and expenses for buying a guitar and taking lessons will all go to waste.

However, my niece was persistent. All through last year, she took lessons and fortunately, has truly learned to love the art of guitar playing.

Today, she performs actively in a small crowd. In school, during family gatherings, she obliges everyone with her music. I see my niece growing from a shy little child to a confident young lady who really loves what she is doing. Even when no one in her family can play with her she is getting so much support from their encouragement and from constantly asking to listen to her music.

The guitar playing did wonders for her, that it also became a good influence in the way she does her school work. She is more inspired I guess, and her mother recently told me that she has gotten straight A’s.

She has also become more confident among peers. It seems that finding what she’s capable of doing and nurturing this, has boosted her self-esteem.

The other day, I found her teaching some of her friends the basic of guitars and I was really so proud of the way she carried herself and became the “teacher” this time. All these happened, because she chose to pursue what she really loved doing!

Most 1 year-olds will have similar episodes of frustrations, since they’re at an age when their desires often outpace their abilities. Most anything, a challenging jigsaw puzzle, a lid that won’t come off eaily, or someone who doesn’t understand his grunts can send a toddler into a tearful, body-thrashing tantrum.

You may find dealing with your child’s frustrations, well, frustrating. But keep in mind that his behavior signals a positive developmental step. At this stage, your child is learning that the world has limits, and there are things he can conquer and things he can’t. Often the best approach is to let your 1-year-old continue to try and try again. Don’t be so quick to jump into rescue him, even if he’s struggling. This may seem hard for you as a parent, but just as adults learn from their mistakes, so do toddlers. It’s natural to want everything to be perfect for your child but remember that children need to learn that instant gratification isn’t always possible. Experiencing frustrations teaches your toddler how to cope with obstacles, a valuable skill he’ll need for the rest of his life.

In addition, intervening may frustrate your child more. Be more patient and emphathetic when your child gets frustrated with a challenging task or toy. You might say, “I know you’re trying trying ver y hard to put the puzzles together and you feel angry that the pieces don’t fit.” This will help give him vocabulary to interpret his feelings. By contrast if you tell your toddler that the pieces are fitting nicely (when clearly they’re not) you’re insulting his judgement. Dismissing his frustrations may only upset him more. Your support will eventually teach him that persistence pasy off.

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 Setting limitations

 Bye bye bottle

Parents have different ways of disciplining their children. Some are lenient; others are strict. However, they have to remind themselves that kids are just beginning to learn what is right and wrong. Discipline should be a time of learning, not a time of pressuring a child.  Pressuring your little one may stress him out, and this may cause him to misbehave more. You may consider the following suggestions when it comes to disciplining your child:

*Do not freak out. – Losing your cool in front of your child may frighten him. It will make him focus on your reaction rather than what he did wrong. If the child misbehaved in a manner that makes you lose your temper, you might use hurtful words so you would have to calm down first before you talk to him.

*Set an example. – Point out what he did wrong. You can use some children stories that will make him easily understand what you’re trying to say. Be creative in such a way that you’ll get his attention.

* Be consistent. – It is important that you are consistent on how you discipline you child. Don’t tolerate any repeated misbehavior. Your child needs to know that you mean what you say. It’s like making a promise and keeping it.

*Give warnings before punishment. -Like what I’ve said earlier, children are just beginning to learn what is right and wrong. Give them time to adjust. Giving warnings will help him understand what you’re trying to say. This will cause him to act the right way whenever his tempted to misbehave.

* Reward him for a good behavior – Children love receiving treats. Learn to reward them for their good behavior. It motivates them to do the right thing.

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