As much as some moms and dads would like to think so, there simply aren’t any perfect parents. And, try as you might like, it’s nearly impossible to be a good parent without training and discipline. Limits are one form of discipline (or teaching) and it’s helpful to know the importance of setting limits for children.

Parents often set limits for their children, not only to teach them, but also to help keep their children safe. So it’s helpful to know how to set limits, how to enforce the limits once they’re set, and what consequences to use if the limits are ignored. Of course, the consequences for ignoring the limits will be different depending upon the age of the children in question.

Children who feel like they’re loved and valued by their parents will be more willing to accept correction and limits. Why not plan individual “dates” with each of your children to help solidify their sense of value to the family?

Limits may be used to help your preschooler learn what is acceptable and what is not so they can learn self-control. Young children have a tendency to want what they want when they want it, so you may have some challenges in store for you. Don’t give up – you can do this.

Try to say “yes” instead of “no”. Try to explain why they can’t do something rather than just telling them no, for example: “You can’t do this today because it’s raining, but you CAN do this instead.” Give them an option when you tell them no.

Give your child fair warning if you expect them to stop doing something since some children have problems with abrupt changes.

Know what you expect out of your preschooler, and agree upon those things as parents and partners, before you tell your child. It’s also helpful to know what your child is able to do and what they’re not able to do yet. Learning how to discipline effectively and encourage co-operation is also helpful.

When you set a limit, no matter what the limit is, it’s important to be consistent when reinforcing the limit. If you tell your preschooler they have a time limit to finish what they’re doing, be sure to stop what you’re doing and enforce the time limit when the time comes. Following through is as important as setting the limit in the first place. By being consistent with your limits and not having limits that make no sense, your child learns they can trust your judgement.

Try not to set too many limits at one time. Your child needs to be able to achieve success with following one limit before moving on to another. You may repeat yourself during the training process, but the results will be worth it in the future.

Pay attention to how the limits you set are affecting your preschooler. You know the importance of setting limits for preschoolers, but you don’t want to crush their spirit in the process. Be sure they know you love them even though you have to establish limits.

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New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, why not start the year off right with homemade fun New Year ’s Eve noisemakers. They’re environmentally friendly because you’ll be repurposing things you likely already have around the home, they’re cost effective, they’re festive, and their fun! They are a great way to get kids involved in New Year merriment.

Here are a few noisemaker ideas you can make at home.

Shaker Noise Makers

Ingredients:
* Cans or plastic cups. Baking soda cans are ideal for this because they have a nice tight plastic lid and the can is much noisier than a plastic cup. This is the one time noisier is better. Soda cans work well too.
* Masking tape or duct tape
* Beans or macaroni noodles
* Construction paper
* Markers and/or crayons
* Glue

Glue the paper around the cup or can and let dry. Decorate the paper however you desire. Fill the can with your noisy items of choice. If you’re using a soda can, you’ll want to tape over the mouth of the can. If you’re using a baking soda can, you can glue the lid on. Voila!  You have some really noisy noisemakers.

Paper Plate Noise Makers

Paper plates are great because they’re easy to decorate and you likely already have a few around the house. You’ll also need:

Ingredients:
* Small bells, beans, beads, or those macaroni noodles
* Glue or thread to seal the plate closed
* Markers, stickers, paint, construction paper and other items to decorate the plates with
* Binder clips or large paper clips to hold the plate closed while the glue dries

Step One:  Fold the plate in half and then unfold. Folding it in half shows you where the seam is so you can see what it will look like once you’ve decorate it. Decorate the paper plate. In addition to decorating it, you can add fringe on the edge by cutting strips of construction paper and gluing them to the edge of the plate.

Step Two:  Fold the plate in half and sew or glue closed, leaving a bit of room to insert your noise makers. Finish gluing or sewing closed.

Step Three:  Hold the ends closed with binder clips or large paper clips until dry.

Step Four: Shake and enjoy!

Happy New Years!

Ever wondered what to do when you are an attached, respectful parent and you refuse to spank but yet you are at your rope’s end with one of your kids?

I just had to repost this chain email I got on an AP group:

Tough Love vs. Spanking – Good Argument

Most people think it is improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of those moments.

One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.

Some say it’s the vibration from the car, others say it’s the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc.

Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together.  Eye to eye contact helps a lot too.

I’ve included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.

This works with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well.

Disclaimer: In case you are not quite sure what humor is… please be advised that this is satire and not meant to be taken seriously!