The Gerber Life Parenting Blog

Parenting Tips

Advice for raising well-balanced children

When you left the hospital to take your newborn home for the first time, you may have hoped that the baby bag contained some kind of manual giving parental advice on how to handle the next 18-plus years. Then you remembered that babies don't come with a set of instructions for parents on how to teach a child values, resolve a conflict with a sibling or help a child study for an upcoming test. Our tips for parents can help prepare you for various situations, as well as provide ideas for activities that you can enjoy as a family.

  1. Back to School: Preparing Your Toddler for Preschool

    September 28, 2017

    Teacher And Pupils Using Wooden Shapes In Montessori School

    So, the big day is finally arriving: Your child is starting preschool!

    How could you not have mixed feelings?

    Proud! Your baby is growing up!

    Scared! Your baby is growing up too fast!

    This is a big transition for your toddler — and you. Let’s face it, saying goodbye that first day is going to be tough – but, as always, your goal is to find the right balance of protecting your child and preparing your child for anything that comes along.

    Here are five tips to make this big milestone memorable and FUN.

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  2. Fun Summer Activities for Toddlers

    August 10, 2017

    toddlers hugging and smilingSummer is swell for little kids, but sometimes not so much for parents. Clearly, putting your little one in front of the TV or tablet is not the best solution. The best-case scenario is an activity that combines physical activity with an opportunity to learn or develop motor skills.

    Whatever the activity is, it has to be FUN.

    Here are eight activities for toddlers that can be done right in your front yard or living room, to help you keep your sanity this summer:

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  3. Family Vacations on a Budget

    July 31, 2017

    mother and son in backyardIsn’t it funny how the entire concept of summer vacation tends to change when you’re the one who has to plan – and pay – for it?

    School’s out, your kids want to do something fun, and so do you. If you believe the hype, it seems like the best opportunities cost too much money or involve travel—another luxury. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find tons of fantastic adventures that are affordable, and right in your own backyard.

    Here are five suggestions that can help you spend quality time with your kids this summer without breaking the bank.

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  4. New Year’s Resolutions for Kids

    December 28, 2016

    Girl wishing Happy New YearNew Year’s resolutions aren’t just for adults. Making resolutions with your child can be a fun exercise that provides great insight into your child’s goals and dreams.

    To start the conversation, consider discussing the things that your child has done well during the past year and build from there. What can your child do today that he or she was unable to do a year ago? Ask your child how he or she was able to achieve this success. Was it by putting in a little extra work or effort throughout the year?

    Then, ask your child what he or she would like to be able to do a year from now. Help your child to formulate an action plan to show how to work toward accomplishing the resolution.

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  5. Six Ways to Teach Your Child to Be Grateful During the Holidays

    November 7, 2016

    Mother and daughter wrapping a presentTeaching a child to be grateful can be one of the hardest concepts that you have to instill as a parent. Children are not born grateful; it’s something that they learn over time.

    Learning gratitude allows children to become sensitive to other peoples’ feelings. A grateful child or young adult has empathy for people less fortunate and are able to put themselves in another person’s shoes.

    Not only does teaching your child gratitude give him or her necessary life skills, but a 2003 study conducted by the University of California at Davis found that grateful people are happier and have lower levels of depression and stress.

    Wondering how to teach a child to be grateful? The holiday season presents a great opportunity. Here are six ways to instill gratitude in your child during the holidays:

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    Categories: Parenting Tips