Parenting Thought

Competing for a child’s love

1. Children need to be able to open up and accept as many loving people in their lives as they are fortunate enough to have around them.

2. There cannot be too many people loving them, so avoid any competition to be the most important person or the most loved person in a child’s life.

3. It does more harm than good to compete for the #1 spot in a child’s life. Children have a special ability to love many people in equal amounts.

 (See “Why Grandparents Are Important” for more about grandparents.)

Autumn’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.

• BECAUSE I’M YOUR DAD by Amet Zappa

A reminder that Dad’s are important with many ideas about how to play with and just be with your child

• LET’S GO, HUGO! by Angela Dominguez

A reminder that fear can be overcome and that being a trusted friend is helpful when your child is afraid

• NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James

A reminder that holiday gifts should show that you know your child really well and that if what your child wants is safe and affordable, it is a good gift – no matter how small or how unusual

• SUKI & MIRABELLA by Carmela and Steven D’Amico

A reminder of the dangers of overindulgence and out-of-control competition.

Read All About It:

“Why Grandparents Are Important”

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:

self-esteem

grandparents

grandparenting

stepparents

stepparenting

unconditional love