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Hot Topics and Advice by Karen and Georgia

How to Help Your Child to be More Confident

We all want our children to be confident. Life can be tough, and if they’ve got good self esteem, they can cope with almost anything.

But if your child isn’t confident, it can be heartbreaking. Just about anything might upset him, whether it’s a hurtful remark from another child at school, or getting told off by a teacher. Lack of confidence can turn into a vicious cycle. If he is frightened of swimming or thinks he’s no good at art, he may refuse to do them altogether. This is so frustrating because you know if he’d just try, he might even enjoy himself.

Confidence issues can be caused by all sorts of things. Your child may be sensitive and easily crushed by criticism, panic if he can’t understand something first time or compare himself to other children who are more sporty, musical or academic.

The good news is there is a lot you can do to help him. You can make sure he feels well enough to cope with what life throws at him. You can help him feel good about himself so with any luck he can take criticism without crumpling into tears or getting defensive. You can also teach him that it’s no big deal if he isn’t good at something because, with a bit more practice, he’ll get better at it. [...]

Read the full article at Hip Slope Mama Blogazine

Dealing with Difficult Behaviour

From Minor Grumbles to Major Tantrums – It’s Not Easy, but You Can Do It

Does your child ever get moody and withdrawn, answer back or have tantrums? Does he ever swear, throw things or kick you? Or refuse to do what he is told? Well, join the club. We’d like to tell you that none of our children have ever done these things, but it simply wouldn’t be true.

Over the last fifteen years, we’ve survived toddler tantrums, teenage mood swings and everything in between. Being a parent is so simple when your child is in a good mood and behaving well. You talk nicely to him. He talks nicely to you. It’s easy. But catch even a cooperative child on a grumpy day, and it’s another story. [...]

Read the full article at Mum Knows Best