Many families whose children are struggling in school wonder if homeschooling is a valid option. While these facts about homeschooling may make deciding whether to homeschool a little easier, there is so much to consider before choosing this option. And remember, even though homeschooling is a great option for many families, it isn’t right for everyone. Check the Legal Requirements in Your Area The requirements for homeschooling will depend upon where you live. Some countries or states are very strict while others are somewhat lenient. Most of them are somewhere in between. You can learn what the requirements are for your area by searching on the internet and using the…

It would be difficult to find a parent who doesn’t want their child to feel secure and know that their parents would give the world for them. Security helps our children become the best they can be, and lets them know they are valued and loved. But what happens when our children start to assume that we will let them have whatever they want at all times? This is what entitlement is, and it is not a quality that will help our children succeed in life. So when this attitude begins to show itself, how do we squash it before it completely takes over our child? Tone Down the Giving…

Sharing a room can be a wonderful thing for siblings. It is an opportunity to bond, make long-lasting memories together, and it is a good way to learn about working together as a team. Sometimes, of course, it is less of a choice and more of a necessity. Whatever the reason for sharing a room, it can be a great experience. It can also be crazy at times. Here are some ideas for keeping the peace when kids share a room, so the experience can be more enjoyable for everyone involved. Maintain Consistent Routines Proper planning can make a world of difference. When there is more than one child and…

Every parent has heard the words “I’m bored” more than once. The more you scramble to keep them entertained, the more it feels like you hear them complaining. It can be enough to drive any parent over the edge. As parents, we usually wish we had some boredom in our lives. So how can you stop the complaining? Instead of scrambling to keep them entertained, consider letting your children be bored. It is a train of thought that many child physiologists are touting. Even super smart Apple creator Steve Jobs endorsed the idea, crediting his own creativity and curiosity to being bored as a child. Letting your children wallow in…

As parents, we have an amazing privilege and responsibility to the world and our children. The things we model and teach our children will take many years, and last them through their lifetime. Even after they are gone, the legacy they leave will live on in people whose lives they have affected. Raising our children to be peacemakers should be one of our top priorities. If our children are knowledgeable, wealthy and popular, but have poor character, those attributes will benefit neither them nor anyone around them. The world is a testament to this fact. So how do we raise our children to become the kind of people who will…

We always want to help our children in every way possible, and this is a natural quality that is built into us from the moment we become parents. Growing up, our children need a lot of help and it is wonderful when we can assist them in their endeavors. There comes a point though, when a line is crossed that leads into the territory of too much help. Part of children transforming into responsible adults requires us to let them learn how to do things on their own. They might make some mistakes, but they need to grow and learn to become more independent. How can we as parents, stop…

The best parents are consistent parents. If you want to raise up children who have a good grasp on their emotions, who know how to stick to a plan and reach a goal and who have self-control then you’re going to have to demonstrate those qualities as well. In order to become a consistent parent it takes some thought and effort. Talk With Your Spouse The parents are supposed to be a united front to help the children know where the buck stops. If parents aren’t on the same page, your sweet innocent children will use you against each other. They’ll use the old tried and true divide and conquer…

Good character is one of the most important things we can give our children. It is best when both talked about and modeled in our daily lives. If you are already doing your best to be a role model of good character, and are looking for ways to speak to your child or children about it, here are some helpful ideas that can get you started. Be in Your Child’s Corner No one wants to take direction from someone who doesn’t even seem to like them. It is up to you to convey to your child that you love them and enjoy being with them. Show them through your actions…

Parenting is wonderful and fulfilling. There are times of exhilaration, and times of frustration. We all make mistakes, and as parents it can be stressful thinking of how our mistakes are affecting the children we love. No one is perfect, but when we have made a mistake we should never feel that it’s too late to turn around and say we are sorry, or change the direction things are going. What are some common parenting dilemmas, and how do we fix them? 1. Being Too Strict We all want our children to succeed. We know their great potential and we want them to meet it. But at times this can…