SIBLING MANAGEMENT

Sibling Rivalry: How to Minimize Them

Sibling rivalry are the most common thing among families. For those mothers with siblings, we know that sibling rivalry is something we have outgrown (if it was addressed properly). And don’t we look at it now in a funny way, remembering the stupid things we did? But for mothers, sibling management can be the most challenging task she will have to take care of. Here are a few practical tips to manage sibling rivalry:

• Although it is good to do things together, an occasional outing alone makes each child feel important.
• Take sometime to do a special project with each child alone.
• It is usual for kids to fight when it comes to food sharing. If there’s any dispute about the last portion of food, have one child divide it in half and the other child choose the portion he wants.
• A timer can be a neutral referee, it will be one of your most valuable tools. Use it to time turns when your kids are sharing something. Children tend not to resent a timer.
• When arguments persist, separate the children for a cooling off period. The buzz of a timer can signal the end of the period.

And one last thing, remember that it is not about any of your kids. Sibling rivalry is perfectly normal as part of growing up years.

TEACHING A TODDLER TO DRESS HIMSELF UP

We all know that toddlers are great imitators. You can forget about the nitty- gritty of teaching him the basic of dressing up and instead, let him watch you how you dress up yourself. But if you really insist that you train him by giving him the step-by-step instructions, this is one excellent idea you can follow.

Dressing With Toddlers

• Start by asking your toddler to watch as you put his shoes together. Put a mark on the inside edge of each one. Then tell your toddler that when the marks are next to each other, the shoes will always be on the correct feet.
• If your toddler is having a hard time pulling off and putting on his shoes. Spray the boots’ inside with silicone (Also works with grown-ups.)
• Sew on velcro strips to replace the fasteners on overalls or anything else your toddler may have difficulty fastening.
• Your toddler can zip up his clothes much more easily if you attach a key ring at the end of the zipper.

Putting On Coats

• Lay the coat on the floor on it’s back, with the arms and the neck at the child’s feet.
• Let your toddler pick up the coat and have him stick both arms in the sleeves and flips the coat over his head.
• Be sure to have a bigger clear space around him when he does this. Zippers and buttons can hurt if they accidentally strike somebody as the coat is flipped.

So there’s your smart tips on training your toddler how to dress up himself.

“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.”

– Henry Ward Beecher