Parenting and Family Education

Archive for the ‘parenting skills’ Category

Though it appears much of the country has embraced healthier diets and lifestyles, fathers may want to exercises their parenting skills when some products at the grocery store are marketed as natural.

A recent New York Times article pointed to a new marketing trend that was emerging in various grocery stores for products containing sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.

Because the ingredient used is sugar, the word “natural” can be used as an ad slogan or banner on the packaging, according to the article.

Audrae Erickson, president of the Corn Refiners Association, told the news provider these kinds of ads are misleading consumers.

“When [consumers] discover they are being misled into thinking these new products are healthier, that’s the interesting angle,” Erickson said.

Some scientists have stated sugar, in high doses, may be just as harmful as high-fructose corn syrup.

Two products that appear to be jumping onto the sugar/natural bandwagon are Pepsi Natural soda and Healthy Choice All Natural frozen entrees.

A new study may also give fathers more cause to worry about the foods their children may want them to buy. A study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that 89 percent of food items marketed directly to children had poor nutritional quality.

Fathers who are determined to shop healthily in the grocery store may have to put a little extra effort into their parenting skills.

WebMD suggests fathers plan the week’s meals ahead of time and focus on the produce section of the grocery store to ensure healthy buying. If you do end up in other aisles, fathers should strive to get the least-processed foods available and to look to see if products were made with whole grains.

There are whole grain versions of breads, pastas and rice to choose from. For children with a more advance palette, fathers may want to try serving fish at least twice a week, which is the recommendation from the American Heart Association to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular problems in the future.

According to new research, it may be beneficial for fathers to be a kid again, at least for a little bit.

For some fathers, wrestling and playing video games with their kids can lead to some light teasing on both sides, especially if you are losing. While it may not seem like it, recent studies have found that this practice of teasing can be a helpful parenting skill in improving a child’s social development.

New research from the National Communication Association found teasing can be a positive experience in child development because it teaches them “how to show affection and deal with conflict.”

“Research shows us that even very young children can recognize that teasing is not always bad; that sometimes it can be a fun way to play with friends and family,” said Carol Bishop Mills, one of the authors of the study.

This may include a light-hearted “I don’t think you’re gonna make it!” during a video game or a good-humored “You think you can take down the old man? Have at it!” before some playful wrestling.

The key, according to the researchers, is to make sure everyone is laughing and having a good time. They suggest fathers use their parenting skills to identify if the teasing crosses over to bullying.

If some slight aggression does emerge from the teasing, fathers can use the opportunity to teach their child about the difference between teasing and bullying, which may help the child in a school environment.

This somewhat loose approach toward parenting can benefit a child’s social, physical and intellectual development, according to Dr. Kyle Pruett, a professor of child psychiatry at Yale and author of Fatherneed.

By engaging children in this nontraditional manner, fathers may also develop strong bonds with their kids that may not have been formed another way.

Skills that are obvious and known to men are: performing skills (like singing, dancing and acting), skills in painting, skills in sports, skills in Math, skills in cooking and in baking etc.

Like those skills mentioned above, raising up children is a mixture of the delicate balance between responsibility and skills.

There is such term as “Parenting Skills”. Like those skills mentioned, parenting skills are also honed and enhanced. Skills in parenting however, is different. Parenting skills become required as soon as you become a parent. There is no such thing as “Parenting is not my skill”. When you become a parent, you have to have this skill.

While there is no university, school or special classes that teach parents about parenting skills, skills in parenting can be learned. It is not something that you discover and voila… you are good at it. Parenting is more of practicing your responsibility as a parent in loving but practical means.

Parents’ best teachers are indeed their day to day experiences as parents. Mistakes in parenting are very normal and usual especially for first time parents. First time parents feel all the anxiety, fear and worry about their children and their children’s future. Apprehensions and hold backs are normal for parents and again, most especially the first time parents. Simply said, parenting starts with, “I really do not know what to do first.”

Parenting skills officially start when the baby comes out of your womb. Being a parent means you are the source of guidance, care and love to your children. Parenting skills also vary.  There are those who are very creative, some are strict and total disciplinarians, others are so loose about their children while others are still nervous about their skills as parents.

Do not worry. Parenting skills take time and are not developed and enhanced over night. As your children grow, you also grow with them in essence. Parenting skills are not also transferable. No one can do the parenting best that you- because the main responsibility is given to you as parent. You cannot expect that your neighbor next door will be the parent for your children. Nor can you expect that your children’s teachers will become the main parent. Parenting skills start with you and in you.

Parenting skills are not something that is graded. No one can accuse you that you are a bad parent however, your children and who they will become in life is a big marker for you. How you have raised your children will reflect on the choices that they make in life, even if they are all grown up. Life has given you so much time to help shape your children’s future, so shape it in the best way.

While self help books and your parent friend’s advices are available for you, there is no blueprint for parenting. As mentioned above, experience is the best teacher. However, it is important also to seek advice from parents who are respected and reputable. No one is stopping you to imitate something that is worth looking out for.