Archives for January 2007

Play down TV and computer games: Playdates are supposed to help kids polish their social skills — something that's hard to do when they're staring raptly at a flickering screen or impatiently awaiting their turn at the mouse. Save the video or computer game for the post-playdate wind-down, and plan activities the kids can do together instead Set limits on their play space: As … [Read more...] about Some Playdate protocols

Let your children take the lead: At this age, kids are starting to plan the time they spend together at school — who they'll eat lunch with, for instance, and who they'll meet up with on the blacktop during recess. So it makes sense to allow your grade-schooler the same freedom when it comes to making playdates Keep it small: Three really can be a crowd when it comes to … [Read more...] about Some Playdate Guidelines for Fathers

Fathers know that common playdate squabbles involve sharing toys, taking turns, choosing activities, and winning (and losing) games. Now, though, your child is starting to take such social slights more personally than he did during the preschool years.   As a father, you should realize that even though you and your child are old hands at the playdate game, the dynamics … [Read more...] about What a father should know about playdates

Don't be afraid to seek help.   Sometimes nothing a father can do makes a difference or his children’s aggression interferes with school or other organized activities and results in physical attacks on children or adults.   It is reccomended that, as a father, you should consult your pediatrician, who may refer you to a child psychologist or … [Read more...] about Agression – asking for Help

Reinforce responsibility: If your youngsters’ aggression damages someone's property or makes a mess, they should make it right again. They can glue a broken toy back together, for instance, or clean up the crackers or books they hurled in anger. They may even need to use money from their allowance to fix or replace the item. Don't frame this action as a punishment, but rather … [Read more...] about More tips on dealing with agression