Labeling Kids - Why You Should Avoid It
September 22, 2008
“Mom, Dad called me stupid!” your child tells you. This type labeling of kids can have long-term effects on the child. Even if it is said at the height of frustration or maybe because the parent is in a bad mood, there is no excuse for the consequence this action can produce. They’re not just words, they really do cause hurt. It is so important to understand why labeling a child in this manner can have terrible effects on the child’s self confidence and behaviors.
Children need our unconditional love, acceptance and respect, all the time. Negative reinforcement will only end up in negative behavior and results acted out through the child. When a child hears this type of labeling often, they can become emotionally damaged by the behavior of the parent. Children look up to their parents; thus, there is no justification, which motivates any parent in belittling a child. Giving the child negative attention in this manner can create many more problems then it will ever even begin to solve. The child may develop low self-esteem; increased erratic behavior; and affect their inter-relationship with siblings and peers.
It is nothing new that a parent can lose their calm and temper but it does not have to be focused on the child. A child may not understand why you are reacting this way and it can produce devastating effects. So many parents by-pass this part but it is imperative that they apologize immediately using phrasing and words that will make the child feel positive and have respect for your ability to be wrong. It is our duty as parents to be sure that our children know how much we love them, even when we are not happy, every day. The fear and disappointment the child feels must be addressed with an apology, and/or an explanation.
Disciplinary action of a child must never be accompanied by harsh words. If necessary, take a break and collect your thoughts. Think before you say anything further. Then have the child take a time out. Later, talk to the child about why the behavior was disciplined; then hug the child in a reassuring way. Let the child know you still love him or her. Words can impact a child’s life; positively and negatively. If you, as a parent, cannot control the emotional abuse; seek help. It is the very least you can do to ensure your child’s psychological state is not compromised in any way.
Additional Resources:
Sleepytime Secrets
Sleepytime Secrets is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for learning how to get children to sleep. Put An End To The Stress And Frustration Of Sleepless
Nights For You and Your Child For Good!
Ultimate Brownie Recipe
August 30, 2008
When you are in the mood for a really good brownie with all the “goodies”, including toasted pecans, try this ultimate brownie recipe. This is not your ordinary box mix brownie. These ultimate treats melt in your mouth and will sooth any chocolate craving.
Ready for some more fun foods for kids? Kid-approved meals make breakfast, lunch and snack time easy and fun for your little ones. Give them a try today.
INGREDIENTS:
* 8- 1 ounce squares of
* unsweetened chocolate
* 1 cup butter
* 5 eggs
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla
* 1-1/2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon salt, optional
* 2-1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat; set aside. In a mixer, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla at high speed for 10 minutes . Blend in chocolate, flour and salt until just mixed. Stir in the nuts. Pour into a greased 9 X 13 inch pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes. (Don’t over bake.)
Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe
August 30, 2008
If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you will love this peanut butter brownie recipe. It’s been a big hit with any kid I’ve made this for and makes a great addition to your child’s lunch box.
Ready for some more fun foods for kids? Kid-approved meals make breakfast, lunch and snack time easy and fun for your little ones. Give them a try today.
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 1-ounce squares unsweetened baking chocolate
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
FILLING:
* 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 2 to 3 tablespoons light cream or milk
GLAZE:
* 1 1-ounce square semisweet baking chocolate
* 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and pale colored. Add flour and melted chocolate; stir well. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until the brownies test done. Cool.
For filling, beat confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter and butter in a mixing bowl. Stir in cream or milk until mixture reaches desired spreading consistency. Spread over cooled brownies; cover and chill until firm.
For glaze, melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the filling. Chill before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.
