Good Advice to Pass On to Your Kids

Many of us are good parents but we rarely tell kids about the psychological side of life. There are many things we need to tell them so that they live emotionally and mentally healthy lives that can help them accomplish their life goals.

Always remind your child that they are only human and less than perfect. Most people who try hard do not always get things right. Teach your kid to forgive him or she as troubled people often have terrible inner critics that make them fearful of getting things done in life.

It is also important to teach your kid to not hold grudges and let go of the past. If you are unable to let go you cannot move on. You will stay stuck in the time and place where you were offended and this is no way to live.

It is also important to tell your children to 'tell yourself the truth.' People who are deluded do not get things done. People should also try to be realistic and make promises to themselves and others that they can really keep.

Another nugget of wisdom is to tell your children to take life one day at a time. Most situations did not take a day to get into and there is no sense thinking that you will get out of it in a day. Be aware of how snarls in life happen and realistic about your time-lines for problem solving.

Teaching your child to keep records to keep track of progress is also a good idea. This is part of being good to yourself and not straining your brain by being disorganized. It is so important to make daily goals and keep track of your progress every day.

Tell your child that he or she is what they think. They must think the right thoughts because if you do not you can't speak the right words. Think of yourself as a person of strength and commitment and you will be.

It is also important to teach your child to say no. It is no good to be a people-pleaser. People like to keep us where they find us. They are reluctant to have us change because if we do, they have to do. When friends or family constantly remind you of your weaknesses or flaws it is time to tell them that you are going to change.

It is also important to pass on the idea that if you do say that you will do something that you will do it. That will not only have you believing in yourself but others will believe in you too!

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How to Deal With Picky Finicky Kids

Are you your kid's slaves? Do you find yourself cooking several different meals for several finicky, picky kids who will not eat what is put in front of them?
Here are some clues as to how to get your kids to sit down and eat together. This is crucial as tiptoeing around several kids and cooking several 'made-to-order' meals in expensive and time-consuming.

You need to establish rules for a sit-down meal. . Turn the television off. Focus on conversation that includes everyone. Don't use dinner time to nag or punish your child for behaviors that aren’t related to mealtime. A kid that associates meals with getting punished ends up with eating disorders or worse – a lack of weight gain due to being too upset to eat.

Make it clear that at mealtime nobody leaves the table until you say so. He or she must stay seated and there must be decorum. No throwing of food, silverware, making funny faces or any of that.

You can reinforce good behavior at the table by complimenting your child whenever he or she does something right.

Finicky eaters might respond well to a time limit. Limit dinner to a half an hour. Make the kid eat everything during that time. If he or she does not finish by the end of the thirty minutes the plate is removed. This prevents the kid from dawdling while eating.

Don't let kids think that you are a short order cook. You can plan your menus in advance. Include your picky eater by letting him or her help plan the family menu, encouraging them to try something new. Children’s cookbooks are available to help with meal planning. Once you have created a menu, stick to your plan.

Denying a kid that won't eat dessert is far. Desserts or snacks should only be given if your kid finishes the previous meal.

Finally, make an attempt to make your children their favorite foods. This will encourage them to eat and also make them look forward to dinner. Encourage talk about food at dinner about why they like certain foods and not others. You can use dinner time to teach them about eating well, cooking and shopping.

Of course, not all picky eaters are control-freaks. If you suspect that a health problem is behind your child's picky eating then be sure to take him or her to a doctor for a check up.

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