You’d have to be living in a hut on Antarctica not to know that Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States of America just a few hours ago.  About a million people are in Washington, DC, dancing in the streets and celebrating joyfully.  Others aren’t so thrilled, but are taking a wait-and-see attitude about this new president.

What do we teach our children about the presidency of our country, and by extension, about our roles as citizens?  By the way, I think this question applies to any non-US readers, as well.  We all have to balance our ideals with our expectations, and our rights with our responsibilities, no matter where we live.  And our kids are watching to see how we live as citizens of our respective countries.

This might be particularly difficult for parents who did not vote for our new president (full disclosure–my DH and I did not vote for President Obama, this is how I know about this difficulty!).  After all, our kids heard us criticize Obama, his policies, and his philosophy for a solid year–that makes an impression.  My middle child can tell you exactly what we don’t like about Obama’s proposed tax policies, for example. 

Here are some suggestions about how to talk to your kids about Inauguration Day, a new president, and a new administration.

• Respect the Office.  Avoid derogatory nicknames (remember “Slick Willie?”), and don’t attack the president personally.  His policies are fair game, but his wife and kids are not.  It should still mean something to be the President of the United States, and the person who holds that office is worthy of respect because of the office. 
• Assume good motives.  Even if you don’t agree with a leader’s ideas or policies, it’s important to acknowledge that he or she truly wants the best for the country, state, city, etc.  You may find their methods misguided, but that doesn’t mean they are bad people.  Assume they are good people with impractical ideas until they prove otherwise.  Again, no name-calling.
• Teach your kids your values.  Everyone should do this, and there’s no better time than a new presidency (unless it’s an election) to do it.  You can start by asking, “Do you understand what President Obama was talking about when he said…?”  Then simply say, “Daddy and I support that idea, because we believe…”  or  “He’s trying to help people, but we think a better way to help people is…”
• It’s okay to talk about race.  Being against President Obama’s policies does not make you a racist, and it IS possible to have voted against Obama and still be proud to live in a country where a candidate from a racial minority can become president.  Make it clear that you do not support or oppose Obama because of his race, but because of his ideas and skills.  Keep in mind, though, that kids are going to hear racist jokes and comments.  Help them make a plan as to how they will deal with those things when they come up.
• Encourage your kids to make their opinions known.  Just because they can’t vote doesn’t mean they can’t write to or email representatives, or even the president himself.  Those addresses are easily accessible online.  About two years ago, my middle child wrote to President Bush with her concern that Barbie dresses should be more modest..and she got a letter back.  It’s never too early to be a concerned citizen.
• Assume your words will be repeated.  This is really a rule for life: If you don’t want your kids to say it outside the home, don’t say it inside the home.  They are NEVER out of earshot.

Whatever your family’s opinions were about President Bush, or are about President Obama, an inauguration is a time for hope.  It’s exciting, as all new beginnings are.  Be positive, and be respectful.  And be proud to be an American.

With kids as young as 4 years old playing with the iPad, there are actually some very useful and kid-friendly iPad cases you can use so that the gadget doesn’t get easily damaged. While the gadget may be so easy to understand by children, they may not, however, understand just how expensive this is. I’ve known of parents who have newly-bought iPads only to discover that their children have accidentally dropped this while using it.

One such protector is the Big Grips Frame which comes with the Big Grip Stand:

This item is constructed using lightweight foam that is quote durable as well. The grip frame actually works as a soft protective case. It’s designed to be easily grabbed and very comfortable to hold. The frame is mounted on a grip stand that can work in either a portrait or landscape orientation.

Using these Big Grips add on is ideal for web surfing while on the table or couch, or for watching movies and playing games. The parent will not have to worry about mishandling it. The grip frame and stand keeps the iPad secure.

These cost about $34.95 and $24.95 respectively, but you can get it a discounted price of $49.95, if you buy this as a set. This grip and stand come in bright, exciting colors the kids will love — Fresh Green, Electric Blue, Carnation Pink and Steel Grey.

You can buy the item and check the specs further on this site.

I was raised up in a good family. We were taught how to respect the elderly by words and in action. Unfortunately, kids today are not raised up like that. I notice how these children answer back to their parents in a wrong manner. But little we know that the reason behind this unpleasant manner is how they were raised up.

Always remember that it’s natural for kids to imitate what adults do. It’s important to train them while they’re still young on how to be respectful. Sometimes, It’s not bad for kids to reason out because they have innocent minds, but there’s always a time to stop them from being sarcastic.

The following are tips on how to stop sarcasm before it gets out of control:

Identify what sets off the behavior: if your son cops an attitude whenever you ask him to do something, he may be revolting against the lack of control he feels. Try letting him make more decisions, such as which after- school activity he wants to do.

 Tape- record his sarcastic responses: Children doesn’t realize how they talk back until you play their words back to them. You can actually explain to your child the difference between a polite tone and a nasty one.( for example “Have a good day mom”)

Point it out: If your child is impolite, give him a chance to correct himself. If he can’t control his bad behavior, he has to deal with the consequences like no computer or no video games.

Praise politeness: It’s important that you appreciate the polite ways of your child. If you keep on doing this, your child will understand that what he’s doing is right and that it pleases everybody.

Be patient- Curing this kind of behavior takes a minimum of a few weeks and lots of perseverance. It won’t happen overnight so be patient and make sure that your child will fully understand on how to be respectful.

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I love kids. They are sweet and fun, but they can also be impulsive and wild, especially when they’re not in the mood. They easily get upset when things don’t go their way. Sometimes, their tantrums provoke us to get mad at them. So how should you handle this kind of situation? If you learn to speak your toddler’s language, you’ll be able to resolve his flare-up with love and respect.

If they’re in a good mood, it’s fine to speak to them in a normal way. But when your child is upset, angry, frustrated, or sad, words mean less to him. His ways to communicate by that time are whining, shrieking or grunting. So here are the few things that you can do to talk your child out of a tantrum.

• Long sentences are hard for stressed-out toddlers to understand.  Try using very short phrases that will catch their attention.
• Repeat those phrases over and over to maintain your toddler’s attention.
• Finally, to show your little one that you strongly understand how he feels, match your tone of voice, facial expression, and body gestures to him.

It is important that you connect with your child. It helps him to mature emotionally when you’re there to guide him. Getting mad at him when he’s upset would only worsen the scenario. So learn to listen and understand because that means a lot to your precious little one.  It’s also an opportunity for you to bond with your child.  A parent’s job is truly an ordeal, but it is truly the best job in the world.

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Don’t you ever wish that you have enough space inside your toddler’s room, where you can have fun and just relax with them? I know what your thinking, “oh, it’s not possible”, “we’ll just use a different room”or maybe.. “we’d rather go to the mall” Let me stop you there. Do you know that you add confidence to your child’s life if you give time hanging around his room? Yes! You’ve read it right. If you think that your stepping on with their privacy, (we’re not talking about your highschool son or college daughter. We’re talking about your toddlers or your  preschool kids.) well you’re not. Your child needs to see that you’re part of their own world. Visiting their room is part of it. You give them confidence when you tell them that they did a good job in fixing their room, or two thumbs up for packing away their toys, or maybe by just allowing them to tour you in their imaginary museum. Kids are kids, let’s not pressure them to act like adults, let them have fun and enjoy every minute of their childhood.

price: $210

This convertible bed for your toddler gives so much fun and excitement for them. They are very attractive and durable. In fact you can teach your little ones how to fold it and use it as a way to commend them for doing it the proper way.

There’s a lot of things that you can do with it. You can use it while watching TV with your kids and unfold it when it’s time for their bedtime. Did I mention that it saves you a lot of space? Yes it does and it perfectly fits your tots.

I attached a link for a short video to give you an idea how to use this adorable convertible bed available in this site www.zacandzoe.com

video: Convertible bed for your toddler

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