After a foundation is laid, you will need to add a strong structure to fortify their growth.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections  are organized by age level, but the information is not restricted to that age group. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.

​ Help Your Children Learn Conflict Resolution 
     Parents, are you tired of your children’s constant arguments and fighting? Are you tired being in the middle of your children’s disagreements? Then, it is time for you to help your children learn how to handle their own problems. You will need to work with them—maybe one step at a time, but with patience and perseverance, you and your children can learn ways to settle differences to everyone’s satisfaction.  You CAN have a peaceful home. 
          We must teach our children how to resolve their differences with others so their life will be fulfilling and harmonious.                            education.gov.gy 
      This quote is from the nation of Guyana in Africa which shows that this problem is universal. It must be worthwhile to take the time to teach children “conflict resolution” for their own good and that of their future. 
Steps suggested by the above website include identifying the problem and taking time to calm everyone down through strategies such as controlling breathing, tense and relaxing muscles, and giving each one time to think. You may even have thought of other ways to calm your children down. Punishment does not work. 
     Interestingly, your posture has something to do with how you negotiate with your children. If you stand above them, you take power from your children. Sit down in a low chair or on the floor, kneel or squat down so you are on the same level as your children.  
     It is important that you give each child time to explain the conflict without any interruptions.  Here, you need to be the mediator. Each child should have the time to explain their feelings--    ”I feel … when...” Again, no one may interrupt while each child explains their feelings. 
     Then, you can explain in your own words what you think the problem is. In this way, you show your understanding. Ask for ideas to solve their problem, but you do not give your opinion. Your children probably would not accept your ideas anyway. Let your children figure out or suggest what might work. Talk with them about the conflict and how it happened and how they think it can be fixed. Talk about whether it is a “little deal or a big deal.” Is it something that must be settled right now, or can it wait? You might even caution your children that they may not say anything hurtful to the other person. One of the ways you can help your children practice this action might be to say those things to themselves in front of a mirror and watch their own facial expression. This may give them a clue to another’s feelings. 
      Lastly, take action.  Ideally, a win-win situation where both are satisfied is the best, but maybe one of the children needs to walk away. You may need to stay to smooth the bumps, but you have helped your children learn kindness rather than just satisfying their own needs and desires. 
          Peace is not absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. Ronald Reagan 

FROLICKING FUN     
        As the weather cools, how about helping your children to be creative inside for activities to use outside.
        How about holding a Cardboard Boat Race through the streams of water left by a passing thunderstorm?  Use duct tape, glue, paint and cardboard (like ready-to-discard cereal boxes) to construct boats ahead of time so children are ready to race them through the water.
     Create a Paper Airplane Show.  Draw to design a paper airplane.  Construct it out of cardstock, newspaper, construction paper or used copy paper. Add stickers to designate each child's plane and fly them outside as the showers subside.
     Encourage your children to design and model a fitness program for kids in the neighborhood.  They can use pool noodles to stretch their muscles and roll beach balls or any balls with their feet. Physical activity is great for brain-building.
     Have older siblings plan a play, a talent show, a pet show, or a circus in your garage.  They can write the script, plan the performance, and design costumes out of old clothes, rags, paper, duct tape, or foil.  Thrift stores may be a good outlet for costumes and clothes for their shows also. (Hopefully, you have discovered such outlets by shopping for Halloween costumes.) Your children could also collect a small fee, donating it to a local charity or a sick child. Your children can learn compassion and caring by giving of their time and talent.  They will also be practicing their writing, spelling and math as they devise their presentation and figure how much it will be to purchase old sheets and clothes for their performances.
     By doing any of the above activities, your children are developing the 4 C's believed y educators to be necessary for future learning--creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. 

Answers to Your Questions -- Help for Struggling Parents
     Your children are continuing to challenge you.  Don't be frazzled or give up.  Your children need you more than ever as they try to figure things out.  They also may be lacking some necessary learning skills. 
     This week, I am going to keep it brief and offer you some websites that I often refer to as I write my weekly newspaper columns.  These websites not only provide you with advice, but suggest activities, games, and methods you may want to use to grow or reinforce weak or missing skills, or to alter your children's behavior.
          [email protected]
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         Understood -- [email protected]
          If you have discovered other websites, please share them ([email protected]).  There are so many wonderful resources available now since much research is being done to find out how children learn best that was not available to parents years ago.  
          "The problem with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are out of a job."