Parenting School Social Worker Psycho-Educational Consultant Parminder Singh Monica Murray School Social Worker Psycho-Educational Consultant

Parenting is Difficult and it can be Stressful!!! Ice breaker activity

Topics ROUTINES – how to establish routines within the home and why they are important POSITIVE DISCIPLINE – strategies to address behaviour

What are routines? Routine in your home Are different due to work schedule Family composition Family size What works for your family Establishing routines and being consistent

Routines Just like adults, kids also need routines in their lives Routines are very important for kids Routines create predictability; they help kids to know what to expect during the day

Routines Morning Routine – wake your child depending on age to have breakfast, get dressed and brush teeth. DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST! Meals – try to keep meal times consistent. If children are hungry they are cranky and non- compliant. Avoid unhealthy food choices such as pop and sugary snacks/meals Prepare for the next morning the night before. For example, have backpacks, lunches, clothes ready for the next day. Support your child to be independent and to begin making decisions - Let kids choose their clothes or give them two choices

Bed Time Routines A regular bedtime is VERY important Children need approx. 10-11 hours sleep per night Children need enough sleep to rest their bodies and minds to be prepared for the next day Begin bedtime routine at least 30 -40 minutes before lights are out – begin with tidying up TURN OFF ALL ELECTRONICS – INCLUDING the TV

Electronics How much time do your kids spend on electronics? How much time should kids spend on electronics? Should children have TV, computer, and/or iPad/tablet in their room? Recommended usage?

Guidelines for time limits Children under the age of 2 should not spend ANY time on electronic devices Children 2-4 should be limited to 1 hour maximum per day Children over 4/5 should be limited to 1 to 2 hours maximum per day

When is it a problem?? Time spent on electronics should be balanced, just like any other activity. You know it is a problem when… - a child is staying up past their bed time - a child is tired and cranky in the morning - a child has reduced or no interest in playing outside, taking part in hobbies, or interacting with friends/siblings in person activities such as reading, exercising, and homework are being neglected bouts of anger and aggression are seen. These behaviours can sometimes be triggered by violence on videogames, movies, and other forms of media.

Minimize screen time To promote social interaction and quality family time as well, access to screen time should be avoided as follows: At the dinner table When visiting with family and friends At restaurants or other public places In the car

Importance of Discipline The goal is to teach children about rules and values, guide and help children to develop self-discipline, independence and respect for others We need to help our children with developing life skills

Discipline Scenarios: Kids fighting If you ask a child to clean-up and he/she says “No”, what would you do as a parent? Sometimes it is easy to just clean up ourselves; but, we want kids to learn for themselves Natural consequences

Consequences Consequences need to be Reasonable, Simple, Valuable and Practical (R.S.V.P.) Consequences should be natural whenever possible and be connected to the behaviour Example 1: If the child refuses to put gloves on to go outside, instead of a battle, let him/her feel how cold it is on their hands Example 2: If the child drops or breaks something, let him/her clean it up or work towards replacing it (considering it is safe for them to do so)

”CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY SEE”! I will treat my child the way I want to be treated” If we want respect – WE NEED TO MODEL RESPECT Be a positive role model ”CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY SEE”!

What to do if your child says “No” Try to understand children’s feelings – they are not trying to make things difficult for you! It is a part of their development Children say “No” as a way of testing the limits, to feel a sense of control over what happens to them and to declare independence Give them a choice (limited) Offer to help them Can you turn it into a “yes” later?

Age Appropriate Chores for Children Ages 2-3 Ages 4-5 Ages 6-7 Ages 8-9 Ages 10-11 Help put away toys Put away toys on their own Help in the kitchen Help with dusting and mopping Vacuum carpet Put dishes in the sink Get dressed with some assistance Take a bath Do the dishes Shovel the snow Put dirty clothes in the hamper Help clean their room Empty dishwasher Load and unload the dishwasher Help with dinner Help sort laundry Put away the washed clothes Fold and put away laundry Help put groceries away Put out garbage Help with setting the table Prepare simple snacks Make the bed Pack lunch and school bag Bring in the mail

Questions/Concerns?