Each year in January, people everywhere take time to reflect on the year that has passed and resolve to make positive changes in their lives.  If you have children, some of your resolutions may revolve around parenting.  If you are going to make any parenting resolutions in 2012, please consider these:

1.    Be sure your child is a loser sometimes.  It is often very hard for a young child to lose.  When upset, children need lots of practice taming their strong emotions. Teach your child to be a gracious loser by making sure they lose sometimes.  Of course, it is equally important to be a gracious winner.  Pre-teach what to say and do at the end of a game, depending on whether or not they win.  

2.    Make sure your child does without.  Have you ever heard a frustrated parent say, "How did this happen? We gave him everything!"  By nature children are impulsive and want instant gratification.  Unfortunately, our society takes advantage of this by advertising the latest "must haves" everywhere you look.  Teach self-control by making sure your child experiences delayed gratification on a regular basis. Teach disappointment in the safety of your loving home. Children who can resist their immediate impulses are more dependable, self-reliant, and trustworthy.

3.    Do not solve your child's problems. If your child can't find a puzzle piece that dropped, do you find it for him?  If she grabs a toy from someone, do you tell her to give it back?  When children have everything done for them, they are robbed of the chance to find solutions on their own.  It is important to stay close for support, but stop solving all the problems.  When given the chance, children usually come up with simple, creative solutions and soon become capable children who not only come up with Plan B, but Plans C, D, and E, also.

4.    Let go of YOUR hopes and dreams for your child.  All parents are filled with hopes and dreams for their children; however, sometimes those hopes and dreams are the parent's unfulfilled ones and not appropriate ones for their child.  It is important to identify and support a child's temperament, interests and strengths.  Parents who respect their child's individuality tend to raise children who become solid citizens and happy, successful adults. 

Sincerely,

   

Hello!!!  For those of you who read this part of our enews, you know that I (Bridget Hawley) usually spotlight someone in our Shayna's Village family!   Well this month I am also the "spotlight!"   So I hope you enjoy learning a little more about me!

My name is Bridget Hawley and I have been volunteering at the JCC since my oldest daughter started in the toddler program.  She is now 10 years old and I have had the wonderful experience of having two more children go through the JCC.   The youngest is currently in Ms. Ortiz and Ms.Marcus's 3 days 4's class.

I have met some life long friends, learned so many new things, and become a better parent because of the volunteering I have done at the JCC.  We are ALL parents, but volunteering has also allowed me to never forget that we are ALL something else as well.  My background is in human resources, but I have met artists, nurses, college professors, and accountants who all also answer to the same title I do .. "Mom."   To me volunteering at the JCC has allowed me to share my talents, while also giving the school the extra hand it so often needs!

I have had fun working on Basket Case, Teacher Appreciation, KidzArt, Room Parents/Volunteer Coordinator, and most recently Shanya's Village Mommy and Me teacher!  My children and husband have also helped!  My husband helped load and unload over 100 baskets for Basket Case one year!  My 10 year old daughter played a big part in Kidzart last year (with several other amazing young adults)! My two youngest children have spent many, many Mondays helping me set up for my classes in Shayna's Village! Volunteering in our house is a family choice!  

My daughter and son have moved on to "big kid" school. I now split my time between the two schools, but the JCC will always hold a special place for me and our family!   I encourage any of you who have not had the opportunity to volunteer to find it!!   Need some help?  This year's KidzArt event is coming up February 26!   We will need over 60 volunteers to make the event a success!   It is always a fun, good time .... and I will see you there!