As adults, we may laugh amongst ourselves when curses are used in a childlike context (see “Go the F–k to Sleep’“), but it’s less funny when a child is cursing out of context.
In a new study commissioned by Care.com, parents believe their children are cursing more than they themselves did as kids. Of the 700 parents who participated in a recent online survey, 86% believe that kids ages 2-12 have loose lips when it comes to unmentionable words…and 54% said their children had actually cursed in front of them.
In some cases (12%), the kids were just repeating a parent’s curse word and 20% didn’t believe their kids understood the meaning of the word. Eight out of ten parents also confessed to cursing in front of children, even though 93% also tried to suppress the urge to do so. Along with blaming themselves, parents also cited other reasons why their kids picked up curses: daycare, playgroups, older siblings, television, games, and movies.
According to Dr. Robi Ludwig, Care.com’s Parenting Expert and psychotherapist, “cursing is something that is definitely going to happen, and parents should know this is something to expect and not a reflection of being a bad parent. However, there are steps parents can take to stop the language before it continues, from creating consequences to monitoring the TV shows and movies your kids watch to correcting houseguests and encouraging the use of alternate words.” A few more of Dr. Ludwig’s tips to prevent cursing include: don’t overreact, be honest, nip it in the bud, and don’t be tempted by YouTube fame. (So, parents, put away the recording camera!)
How vigilant are you about not cursing in front of the kids? What are your tips and advice for dealing with or preventing cursing?
There are so many things I love about these photos…
That gorgeous property in Boulder, CO. Don’t you want to live there?
The cement grid in the front yard—imagine playing checkers with large, plastic jar lids!
The vibrant chalk quilt (totally kid-created) that Anne of Flax & Twine came home to.
Even if you don’t have this unique pavement feature, you can make your own chalk quilt by taping off squares with masking tape. Just check the forecast—all that hard work to be washed away the next day would be a craft-tastrophe!
With summer vacation just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking up fun activities to fend off the inevitable “I’m bored” whining. Enter Kids Bowl Free, a bowling program in which hundred of alleys across the US (and Canada) allow children to play two games a day—gratis—all summer long. Better still, the program is already up and running for the season in some locations. To register for a pass and find a participating bowling center near you (as well as get program dates, times, and age requirements, which vary by location), visit kidsbowlfree.com.
I love this idea posted on Moomah: The Journal. Before your child embarks on a new experience, whether it be camp, a new school, or a just a sleepover at grandma’s house, glue some family photos (don’t forget the pets) to manilla tags to make this adorable necklace. Cover the pictures with clear packing tape to protect them, then string them onto braided yarn, elastic, or a shoelace. When your child has a down moment, she can just glance down and see shiney, happy faces staring back at her.
Do you have any tips to help ease your child’s separation anxiety?
Currently, labels instruct parents to consult pediatricians first before dosing kids under 2 years old. The advisory committees voted in three rounds (two were unanimous) to have future labels include dosing instructions for children as young as 6 months. The dosing instructions were to be based on weight, not age, for accuracy.
Incorrect dosing of acetaminophen, which is commonly used to relieve symptoms of pain and fever in young children, can lead to liver poisoning. If the FDA agrees to what the committees advise, infant medicine containing acetaminophen will have clearer instructions in the future.
Watch out Silly Bandz—there’s a new bracelet in town. When I stumbled upon the website for Braced-Lets—colorful, collectible bracelets made with actual orthodontic braces—I knew I had to blog about them. Not only are they great for stacking and trading, they’re the perfect present for kids and preteens sporting braces (as well as those who simply worship a metal-mouthed babysitter or older sib).
Mother’s Day feels early this year, but don’t be caught empty handed! There is nothing a mom loves more than a hand-crafted gift from her kids. Check out this video, brought to you by Etsy and Joel Henriques of Made by Joel, a fabulous DADDY blog of homemade kids’ toys and crafts. (Joel made this adorable Turkey craft for Parents last November.)
For a slide show of other crafts for mom, click here.
Are you a mom with a great kid-inspired idea or product solution that you just know is destined for success? If so, April could be your lucky month! For the second year in a row, Huggies is helping moms like you take ideas from your memorable parenting moments and make them a reality with the Huggies MomInspired™ Grant Program. The theory? Nobody does a better job figuring out what parents need than those who are with their little one daily!
Beginning on the 14th of April, 2011 and spanning the course of 11 weeks (until June 30), you will be able to visit the Huggies MomInspired™ site and apply for a grant to begin the start-up business of your dreams. You never know– your creativity might just land you some serious cash!
If you’re in need of a little inspiration, be sure to check out the amazingly unique ideas from last year’s grant recipients. From a spill-proof training cup and a device that relieves the stress and pain of child vaccinations, to an online tool that helps moms balance their busy lives and an organized system for on-the-go parents with children on oxygen, each winner received $15,000. See rules and more important info on the grant program here. Good luck!
