I'm currently reading Little Girls Can Be Mean: Four Steps to Bully Proof Girls in the Early Grades by Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Renya Lindert. I've been highlighting and dogearing this enlightening and practical book.
One coping skill that leaps out is talking with your daughter about the problem but not solving the problem for her. For instance, when she complains about someone, you just repeat back what she says and sympathize and let her figure out some solutions. Be her sounding board and let her brainstorm some ideas.
If you try to always solve her problems, you are not building a strong and self-sufficient girl. When she brainstorms and figures out solutions, she is on her way to becoming confident and powerful.
More tips to come...
Cheri
Showing posts with label Motherhood Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motherhood Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Easy Way to Journal Your Child's History
Ever since my daughter was 3 months old, I have kept a journal on Microsoft Word. I update it monthly and e-mail a copy to myself in case my computer crashes. She's 6 now, but I still faithfully chronicle her life. When I go back and reread it, I am always amazed at how quickly I forget the little details. I think she will enjoy this a lot when she grows older. I am especially glad that I wrote down memories of her relationship with my mom. My mom passed away last year and they were very close to each other.
It's never to late to start a simple journal and preserve some family history and wonderful memories.
Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
It's never to late to start a simple journal and preserve some family history and wonderful memories.
Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
How to Leave a Legacy to Your Daughter
It's been almost one year since my sweet mom passed away. She was such a kind and gentle soul and she loved being a mom and grandma. Even though she's gone, she left me a precious gift and an everlasting legacy. Love. I know without a doubt she loved me with every fiber of her being. She wrote kind cards to me throughout my life, which I take out and read several times and treasure those words since I can longer speak with her. I would not trade those cards for any amount of money.
If you're a mom, take time to write love letters to your child. Hug her often and tell her you love her single day. Read that extra book and play that extra game with her. Childhood is short but memories and mementos keep us going in the roughest of times.
Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
If you're a mom, take time to write love letters to your child. Hug her often and tell her you love her single day. Read that extra book and play that extra game with her. Childhood is short but memories and mementos keep us going in the roughest of times.
Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
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| One of my favorite photos of my beautiful mom. |
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
How to Welcome Your Child Home After Camp, Staying with Grandparents, etc.
My daughter recently spent 5 days away from home. She stayed with her Grandpa and made so many wonderful memories with him and other family members who live nearby.
I wanted to give her a cheery welcome home so I made a few signs from Smile Box. I taped one sign onto her bathroom mirror. I taped a welcome home sign on the front door and tied some pink balloons beside the door. I heard her squeal with delight when she and my dad pulled up in the driveway.
I placed the Dove chocolate bar and La La Loopsy doll on her bed. She was really excited to see her signs and little gifts. She enjoyed finding little surprises throughout her home.
Here's to making fun memories with your child.
Thank you for visiting ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
P.S. Here are some of the photos of the signs and small gifts.
I wanted to give her a cheery welcome home so I made a few signs from Smile Box. I taped one sign onto her bathroom mirror. I taped a welcome home sign on the front door and tied some pink balloons beside the door. I heard her squeal with delight when she and my dad pulled up in the driveway.
I placed the Dove chocolate bar and La La Loopsy doll on her bed. She was really excited to see her signs and little gifts. She enjoyed finding little surprises throughout her home.
Here's to making fun memories with your child.
Thank you for visiting ViBella Inspirations!
Cheri
P.S. Here are some of the photos of the signs and small gifts.
Monday, June 27, 2011
How to Protect Your Daughter from Bullies
I do not mean to ignore those with sons, but since I only have one daughter I believe it is wise to only talk about what I know.
Even though my daughter is young, bullying starts very young. I have read several books about bullying and one of the best books is called Little Girls Can Be Mean by Michelle Anthony and Reyna Lindert. This book is full of good advice and tips. It is a must-read for any mother with elementary-aged daughters.
This past year in kindergarten literally broke my heart. There were 5 girls in her class. Three of the girls were constantly mean to her. Even her teacher said it was awful.
Girls can be sly with their bullying because a mean look, gossip, or an eye roll is not going to get them sent to the principal's office. However, if a child punches or kicks, he/she is kicked out of school and labeled a trouble maker.
My initial reaction is to swoop down and rescue my child myself. I remember how other kids taunted me and made me feel like the ugliest creature in existence. My low self-esteem led to some poor choices in my life. I cannot bear the thought my child feeling the way I did. However, it is better for my child to learn how to stand up for herself and not depend on me to fight her battles. Of course, if your child is in danger, you do need to step in and take immediate action.
I don't know about you, but I feel like my hands are tied sometimes. How can I expect a child to stand up for herself when most adults have not even mastered that art?
It is a slow process. As parents, we need to constantly inspire and strengthen our child. One of the best things we have done is that we belong to a Church. Even if you do not believe in organized religion, if you read about the happiest and most content people, it is those who have a strong spiritual connection to others.
Involve her in sports. Find something that she is good at and feels passionate about. You cannot go wrong with having extra friends, producing endorphines, and keeping active and fit.
Encourage her to journal and to have a safe place in her room to express her thoughts. I love the part in Little Women when Beth was sick and Amy was stuck with Mrs. March. The Catholic maid created a closet for Amy. Amy put some of favorite possessions in the closet, but mainly it was a place to get away and pray by herself. Even though, we have a small home, our daughter has a red (her favorite color) beanbag by her bookshelf with an ethereal white paper lantern overhead. This is one of her favorite places to hang out in her room.Publish Post
Girl Scouts has been a very positive experience for us. My daughter has made friends of different ages, different backgrounds, etc. Our troop is very kind and fun loving. It makes me feel better to know that her fellow Girl Scout sisters are across the hall or in the next classroom. There is a Bible verse about how a cord of three strands is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Encourage your daughter to have strong sister-type friendships and give her those opportunities.
Lastly, accept your daughter for she is and do not force her to live your dreams. Marvel at her uniqueness, support her, love her, and pray for her. Be grateful for the time you have with her. She will only be yours for a short time.
Cheri
Even though my daughter is young, bullying starts very young. I have read several books about bullying and one of the best books is called Little Girls Can Be Mean by Michelle Anthony and Reyna Lindert. This book is full of good advice and tips. It is a must-read for any mother with elementary-aged daughters.
This past year in kindergarten literally broke my heart. There were 5 girls in her class. Three of the girls were constantly mean to her. Even her teacher said it was awful.
Girls can be sly with their bullying because a mean look, gossip, or an eye roll is not going to get them sent to the principal's office. However, if a child punches or kicks, he/she is kicked out of school and labeled a trouble maker.
My initial reaction is to swoop down and rescue my child myself. I remember how other kids taunted me and made me feel like the ugliest creature in existence. My low self-esteem led to some poor choices in my life. I cannot bear the thought my child feeling the way I did. However, it is better for my child to learn how to stand up for herself and not depend on me to fight her battles. Of course, if your child is in danger, you do need to step in and take immediate action.
I don't know about you, but I feel like my hands are tied sometimes. How can I expect a child to stand up for herself when most adults have not even mastered that art?
It is a slow process. As parents, we need to constantly inspire and strengthen our child. One of the best things we have done is that we belong to a Church. Even if you do not believe in organized religion, if you read about the happiest and most content people, it is those who have a strong spiritual connection to others.
Involve her in sports. Find something that she is good at and feels passionate about. You cannot go wrong with having extra friends, producing endorphines, and keeping active and fit.
Encourage her to journal and to have a safe place in her room to express her thoughts. I love the part in Little Women when Beth was sick and Amy was stuck with Mrs. March. The Catholic maid created a closet for Amy. Amy put some of favorite possessions in the closet, but mainly it was a place to get away and pray by herself. Even though, we have a small home, our daughter has a red (her favorite color) beanbag by her bookshelf with an ethereal white paper lantern overhead. This is one of her favorite places to hang out in her room.Publish Post
Girl Scouts has been a very positive experience for us. My daughter has made friends of different ages, different backgrounds, etc. Our troop is very kind and fun loving. It makes me feel better to know that her fellow Girl Scout sisters are across the hall or in the next classroom. There is a Bible verse about how a cord of three strands is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Encourage your daughter to have strong sister-type friendships and give her those opportunities.
Lastly, accept your daughter for she is and do not force her to live your dreams. Marvel at her uniqueness, support her, love her, and pray for her. Be grateful for the time you have with her. She will only be yours for a short time.
Cheri
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