September 2012 - Mumwrites

Bridging the generation gap

September 30, 2012 8 Comments

The generation gap simply is the differences which exist between generations. In more specific terms, the older generation and the younger generation have different values and principles. These changes are expected because changes are inevitable. For instance, whereas our grandparents grew up in rather slow and straight forward times, nowadays, the opposite is true. Today’s life is fast paced. May be it’s the technology that’s to blame. Others blame the first place on shallowness and competition. Whatever the case, the generation gap does exist.

To illustrate this point, considering the two generations-the older generation tend to underrate what the current generation loves. They are slower, suspicious to technological advancement, a little bit more spiritual on average, believe in values, culture and so forth. For the younger generation what’s obvious is that they are more adaptable, fast paced, ruthless, competitive, care less about morals, less religious, rebellious, more liberal and shallow. As such, they tend to frown at the old; just the same way the older people do to them. They also tend to be more liberal and more ambitious. This makes them care less for relatives and their older parents.

In a home situation, generation gaps are becoming more common. It does not just happen for children and their grandparents alone. It’s also happening for children and their parents. This is possibly because technology is changing too fast than the old folk can grasp, or many people give birth later in their years. The generation gap is a problem. And rather than pretend it’s nothing, the children cannot ‘downgrade’ to meet their older folk. Whether you are a parent or grandparent, it’s you to play catch up. It’s the only way you can become synced with the younger generations. It’s the basis of establishing new base and grounds for relationship. Here are some tips to help you do it:

1. Communication needs to become more active. The older generation needs to step up their communication with the younger generations. Considering that the younger generation defines communication as two-way, there is no one that’s calling shots. Parents and grandparents need to open communication in a way that is receptive and loving to close the gap.

2. The two generations need to start spending time. This is true for all life factors. The two different generations need to start spending more time with each other, in their zone. This spending time will make them feel closer and make up for some of the differences. It may even enrich their interactions.

3. Fostering self-dependence in kids also paramount to covering the generation gap. In many cases where the divide exists, it’s a way of the ounger generation following their needs and desires. They rebel. Showing them that making mistakes is normal in life, you will open up the air and foster a mutual understanding. For example, you could teach them how to write an admission essay, without literally doing it for them.

4. Set boundaries and values. This may seem like the negative approach to filling the gap. However, they need to know that values are important. For instance you could consider giving them education advice. When kids know this, they tend to incorporate it into their lives. This fosters understanding and corporation.

Written by scholaradvisor.com writer Jared K.

mum musings, Parenting 101, Tips and Tricks

Getting back in gear for the new school year

September 30, 2012 9 Comments

image credit: healthinhandkelowna.blogspot.com

Gearing up for the new school year can be just as challenging an aspect of raising a child as any, yet often parents find themselves feeling alone and abandoned when they search for advice.

Your Bounty pregnancy guide talked you through your pregnancy week by week; you undoubtedly had books advising you on weaning, teething and toddler tantrums; but now your little darling is almost five it seems no more information is forthcoming.

There are many ways in which you can help your child prepare for school, not just for their very first term but every September.

Focus of putting routines in place

Establishing routines early on is very helpful – when children go to school they are expected to follow a particular routine that starts from what time they get up in the morning and dictates their every move throughout the school day.

Familiarising your child with routines helps ease the passage from home to school, especially in those first few frightening weeks.

Begin by setting a bedtime and getting up time before school starts. You will know how long your child takes to get used to new things, so let them guide you. Some will be happy with a new routine after they have performed it twice, others will need a few weeks to get used to it before they stop feeling nervous.

Try to incorporate set meal times into the routine as well, but make sure you leave time aside each day for free play and relaxation.

Help your child become a bookworm

Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn; it not only opens the door to learning but can become a truly enjoyable pastime which keeps on teaching for life.

No doubt you already tell your child a bedtime story – try to extend this by reading familiar books and running your finger under the words as you say them.

When you get to a phrase your child likes, pause and get them to ‘read’ it. Even though they will begin by reciting from memory, eventually they will come to associate the string of letters with the word they are saying.

For older readers, encourage them to indulge in their hobby as often as possible, and don’t worry too much about them reading something ‘worthwhile’ – the more children are allowed to read what interests them, the more likely they are to continue to enjoy reading for many years to come.

Introduce role-play scenarios

If your child is particularly anxious about starting school, it can be a good idea to let them ‘practice’. This can take many forms – role-play works well in some situations. When role-playing a classroom scenario let your child dictate as far as possible – this gives them the opportunity to voice any particular fears they may have in a safe environment.

See if your school will allow you to come in and take a tour before term starts. If your child already feels confident that they know where their classroom is and have met their teacher it can make beginning school seem a lot easier.

mum musings, Parenting 101, Tips and Tricks

Making the Moments Count with Your Children

September 23, 2012 7 Comments

mum's thoughts, tips + tricks, parenting 101, spending quality time with your children — the little man in our recent trip to the park

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mum or you’re working full time while the kids are being looked after, it’s hard to make each moment count. The days seem to fly by and now that you’re approaching fall and winter time, the days will be even shorter. Even though it may be difficult making the best of your time, it can be done. With time savers and a little saying called carpe diem, anything is possible, including making every single moment count when it comes to spending time with your kids.

Escape to the Park – Most little children love to go to the park, so if you happen to get a long lunch break or are home during a few days of the week; take your little one to the park. Go down the slide with him or her and help them climb the monkey bars. Making memories in the great outdoors will be precious for them to remember as they grow older and plus, it will also help them enjoy life and improve their coordination.
Decorating Project – If you love to decorate but it takes away time that you could be spending with your children, involve them in your projects! Give them tasks to do while you concentrate on what type of décor you’d like to place in the space. Simple projects like cleaning the room or painting the walls if they are old enough will give them a sense of purpose and will also help them feel more involved in your project too. Why not try incorporating custom fountains into the space that have special quotes on them. They will highlight all of the great aspects in the room and will look beautiful simultaneously.
Movie Time – Creating your own theater in your own home living room is a creative way to make your child feel loved. They will love spending time with such a cool parent who goes out of their way to make a living room come to life with a favorite movie, popcorn, and maybe even a few friends and lots of seat cushions for extra comfort. Your creativity will definitely be enjoyed by your sweet children.

Don’t get down on yourself if time is sparse between now and during the busy season ahead, but make use of the time you have been given. Taking advantage of every moment will ensure that you stay spontaneous and look forward to making memories with your children, no matter the season or occasion.

Sierra is a freelance writer and owner of Paige One. She loves making every moment count and does this by participating in a variety of activities that make her smile.