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How to Reduce Sibling Rivalry
By Jo Thompson
Not everyday is peaceful and quiet and you can hear birds chirping outside the window and everyone is smiling. In reality there are kids screaming at each other, fighting, running through the house, slamming doors and eventually, running around you hoping you can solve the problem that is being argued.
Kids can fight over anything, it doesn't matter what age they are. If you have preschoolers, children, or teens you know how everything can turn into a fight; who opens the door, who gets the bathroom first, who will help with chores, who uses the desk to do their homework first, and of course there is the fight about who sits in the front seat of the van. But the best thing about all the fighting is that it is normal. Kids will fight because they struggle for your attention, they struggle to gain control and they struggle to get ahead. Competition is good and for that reason, parents need to allow some fighting to take place. But when does sibling rivalry become too much?
Like everything else, kids need a controlled environment when it comes to sibling rivalry. Allowing them to argue is normal but letting them duke it out in the back yard is not. Sibling rivalry can teach the child how to stand up for themselves without getting run over. It also gives them higher self esteem as well. It also teaches them how to handle relationships with everyone. Because sibling rivalry can get out of hand, a parent needs to intervene sometimes to stop them from fighting. Here are a few things to keep in mind if siblings are fighting in your house:
* Allow them a certain amount of time to say their peace before you get involved. A lot of times one will walk away and the problem is solved. If not and they begin to push and shove you need to step in. Also step in if foul language is being used.
* If one of the siblings has a friend over the fighting may get worse. The odds may shift and it becomes two against one. You may need to set some rules when friends come over that states siblings need to get along when guests are there or they will have to leave.
Because siblings are constantly in competition it may be a good idea to spend time with each one of your children in order to avoid more confrontations. If they feel that they are getting the same amount of attention from you they won't have any reason to fight and argue about that. Remember that some sibling rivalry is normal but you are in charge of how far it goes. Allow them to argue or disagree but not to the point that someone gets hurt. Don't allow your kids to ever leave anything unsettled. It will harbor bad feelings that will grow into anger. They need to be able to settle everything as it happens and that will be the approach that they take in life.
Educational Games for Children
By Lindsey Clair
We are living in a time where video games have become more popular than ever. Children are getting sucked into this video game vortex. For some it has gotten so bad that the child is becoming addicted - neglecting their studies, or even their overall health. This is not a good sign for the future generation. Don't get me wrong, video games can be fun, but there needs to be a balance and moderation.
If parents are concerned that their children are consumed by these games, they should know that there are a variety of educational games out there. Not only the good old traditional board games but educational video games too.
Educational Board Games
Here are a few games that will educate and strengthen their young minds.
Cranium- The game teaches children how to be artistic, challenges knowledge of trivia, language skills, and performance skills. Cranium also encourages children how to work together. Children as young as 8 years of age can play this game. (http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/cranium-game.html)
Blokus- This is a game of strategy and concentration. The game can be played by children as young as 5 but can become more advanced for teens and adults. (http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/blokus.html)
Spectrangle- This game was developed in Europe. This game helps with thinking, planning and number skills. Children as young as 8 may play this game. (http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/spectrangle.html)
Educational Computer Games
Children are become more and more computer savvy these days, more so than adults. Here are some educational computer games that will keep a parents' mind at ease.
Infogrames Mac Kids Pack Mac Game
This computer game set includes 4 games that children will find fun and parents will find very educational: Mr. Potato Head- In this particular game the child must have Mr. Potato head save Veggie Valley, a fun adventure game. Candyland is also an old favorite but very educational and adventurous. Playdough Creations builds a child's creativity through arts and crafts. And Playskool Puzzles are word games which help strengthen and build a child's mind.
ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure
This game is specifically designed for 3rd and 4th graders. From Mathematics to Problem solving this game is designed to keep up with your child's learning abilities.
Putt Putt Deluxe Pack
This Educational computer game is for the younger crowd from ages 3-8 years of age. It teaches children timing, logic and even about dinosaurs and history. Parents find this game to be very rewarding and fun since their children are constantly learning as they sit down to play. The preschool aged children will also learn the importance of eye-hand coordination through Putt Putt.
Educational Video Games
Parents are often skeptical when they hear the two words "educational" and "video games" in the same sentence. How can video games possibly be educational for children? Though many games out there are not educational there surprisingly many games available that can exercise and strengthen a young mind. Here are a few video games that offer this promise.
Leapster Leapfrog
This video game is hand held like the popular Nintendo DS. Through this handheld video game children can learn math, phonics, arts and all about animals. There are a wide variety of games that are offered through this manufacturer.
Jumpstart
Jumpstart offers a variety of educational games for young children. Age ranges vary. There are games, puzzles and problem solving available through this game series.
V Tech V. Smile
This hand held video game also offers a variety of educational games which will indeed make a parent smile. The games also offer mathematics, phonics, puzzles, and all the basic learning a child needs to be successful in school.
As you can see, educational games from board games to video games offer a very positive angle which is sure to please not only the child but the parents as well.