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The Gerber Life Parenting Blog

What parents want to know

With work, family and finances, modern parenting can sometimes feel like a juggling act. The Gerber Life parenting blog gives parents advice and tips to help you take on today-and plan for tomorrow. Our parenting blog offers articles on saving money, college planning, family insurance, parenting tips and health and safety. Although we may not be able to manage your retirement account, drive your all-star athlete to practice, or cook your family's favorite three-cheese lasagna, our parenting blog can provide you with ideas, advice and tips so that you can focus on what matters most: raising healthy, happy kids. We invite you to join the conversation and enjoy our parenting blog.

The Gerber Life parenting blog gives parents advice and tips to help you take on today-and plan for tomorrow. Our parenting blog offers articles on saving money, college planning, family insurance, parenting tips and health and safety.

  1. How to Inspire Healthy Competition in Your Child

    March 13, 2015

    Parents Smile at Soccer Player Holding TrophyYour child races up the stairs. You’ve never seen him or her so excited about brushing teeth before. But the act of brushing teeth isn’t what has your child so excited. “I’m going to beat you!” he or she shouts. That’s when it hits you. Your child has discovered competition.

    Although it’s completely normal for 5- and 6-year-olds to embrace competition, it can be a challenging time for parents. To make matters even more complicated, there isn’t a consensus among child experts about whether or not competition is beneficial for children.

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  2. Self-Reflection: Help Your Child Find Confidence From Within

    March 12, 2015

    Confident ChildWhen it comes to self-esteem it is essential to receive external encouragement and inspiration, but feelings of pride and success also need to radiate from within. There are lots of creative ways you can help your child find inner confidence. Following are some activities you can do together to create a positive self-image. Depending on how old your child is, you can simply direct these crafts, or you can talk through what she wants to write and be a scribe.

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  3. How Confident Are You?

    March 11, 2015

    Woman Raises Hands TriumphantlyConfidence isn’t just a trait that’s important for adults; it’s crucial for children, too. Kids that are self-confident are more likely to learn new skills, take on challenges, get along well with others, and expect positive outcomes from relationships. So, as a parent, you’ll undoubtedly want to help raise a child who has a healthy belief in himself or herself.

    Although there are a number of different aspects that go into raising a confident child, one of the most important is your own confidence level. According to Dr. William Sears, a noted pediatrician and the author or co-author of more than 30 parenting books, one of the best ways to raise a self-assured child is to improve your own self-confidence. Since young children learn from imitating their parents, you’ll want to model confident behaviors for your child.

    But how do you know if you have a healthy self-confidence or if it’s something you need to work on? Take this self-confidence test to find out where your current level is at and how you can improve:

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  4. Cut Your Spring Cleaning Time in Half with These Helpful Tips

    March 10, 2015

    Mother & Young Daughter Smile While CleaningWhen spring finally rolls around each year, it brings so many welcome sights. The snow thaws, days grow longer, flowers start to bloom, and there’s a lot of cleaning to be done. Wait, actually that last part isn’t welcome at all.

    You may not want to be stuck inside for a long session of spring cleaning, when other options include playing with your children outside or riding bikes in the park. But, unfortunately, spring cleaning is something that almost always has to be done.

    Fortunately, even if spring cleaning can’t be avoided entirely, there are ways that may help get it done faster. Follow these spring cleaning tips, and you’ll be out under the sun before you know it:

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  5. What Chores are Appropriate for Your Child?

    March 9, 2015

    Son Helps Father With the LaundryDetermining when your child is ready to help around the house and what he or she should be helping with is no easy task. Suddenly, you’ll start wondering aloud, wait, when did I start helping around the house as a child? Was I cooking and cleaning at five? Of course, you’ll eventually remember that you weren’t baby Rachel Ray or Martha Stewart, and you’ll realize that you need to decide on age-appropriate chores for your child.

    To keep things simple, focus less on the specific chore you’re considering and more on what a child can handle and should be learning at a particular age. For example, instead of trying to determine whether your child can realistically mop the floor, think about whether that task would benefit him or her. Ideally, it should be a task that is both feasible and something your child can learn from.

    Still stuck? Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Here are some ideas for age-appropriate chores:

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