Parenting Thought

Children benefit from learning to think for themselves because it … 

1. Helps them fight peer pressure.

2. Makes them better decision-makers.

3. Helps them develop confidence in their ideas.

4. Helps them develop determination for achieving their goals.

  (See What It Means When Children Say “No!” for more about children thinking for themselves.)

Spring’s Picture Books

We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of.  For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.

• STARS by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee

A reminder that your child has a star within him, and you can help it shine.

• STOP THIEF by Adam J. B. Lane

A reminder that you can help your children with sad and frustrated feelings when they can’t have everything they want.

• TIA ISA WANTS A CAR by Meg Medina

A reminder how important it is for your children to learn to wait.

• ELLA SARAH GETS DRESSED by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

A reminder about what it means when your child says no and how important your response can be.

• KING ARTHUR’S VERY GREAT GRANDSON by Kenneth Kraegel

A reminder that it is important to help your child handle his or her aggression.

• THE CHANDELIERS by Vincent X. Kirsch

A reminder of how important it is for your child to have your attention.

Read All About It:

What It Means When Children Say “No!”

SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke

GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson

Surf the Internet:

terrible two’s

terrific two’s

no-saying in children

temper tantrums

grit

determination

persistence

peer pressure