While you may feel that a situation that he or she is experiencing is trivial, the impact to your teenager may be far more damaging that you may realize. As the teenager can shut themselves off to you, how can you ensure that your child will remain safe?

1. Communication

Regardless of how tight-lipped your teenager is, do not give up trying to communicate with them. Although they may scream at you or become quiet as a mouse, they need that constant reminder that you are there to help.

After time, many children will eventually let their guard down and you can discuss the situation rationally. The moment you pull away from your child in this manner is the moment they begin to turn to alternatives such as inexperienced friends or even drugs.

2. Invitational

Always include your teenager in family activities. Teenagers are coming into their own individuality and demand privacy. This is a fact of life for most parents. However, there is nothing that says you have to ignore them in order to provide that privacy.

Your child needs to be aware that he or she is a part of the family regardless of the decisions he or she makes. They can have privacy and personal friends, but they are still a part of the family.

3. Family Meetings

There are a lot of families that practice a regular meeting where any member can bring up questions, concerns, or beliefs in a neutral zone.

This neutral zone allows children of all ages to speak their minds freely in order to discuss problems or concerns with other members. This gives the parent a chance to explain why certain rules are in place, rationally address issues, and even apologize for his or her actions.

4. Responsibilities

Some parents have exceptional luck with their children by providing them with more responsibilities. As long as you can keep the tasks manageable for his or her own abilities, this can be a positive experience.

You don’t want the responsibility to be too demanding as you don’t want to set the child up for failure. However, accomplishing a task can give the child a sense of accomplishment and pride boosting his or her overall self-esteem.

5. Subject Yourself

If there is a favorite past-time or hobby your child displays, involve yourself on his or her level. Let the child teach you everything they know about the hobby.

A teenager wants to be respected for the person he or she is, and switching roles from student to teacher can help them feel that respect. It can also allow you to participate in a part of his or her life that means a great deal to him or her – thus solidifying your bond as the association can link the hobby to yourself.

Not everyone has the same feelings and beliefs. It’s one of the aspects that make each of us unique. You should never belittle your teenager’s feelings about any given situation for it will do harm to your relationship.

Children don’t have the benefits of wisdom through age and experience. They are going through many things for the first time and you need to accept this realization. They will need you more than they’re willing to admit.

About the Author:

Ken Myers is an expert advisor on in-home care & related family safety issues to many websites and groups. He is a regular contributor to www.gonannies.com. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

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Talk About Safety With Your Children

Knowledge is a powerful tool that can help you prevent abductions and keep your children safe. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests taking 25 minutes to talk to your children about safety. By giving your children the tools to recognize danger, you’re ensuring your children know what to do in different situations.

If your child is too young to recognize the dangers, then you can use role-playing games to teach appropriate actions in different situations. The National Crime Prevention Council also suggests asking a friend to play the stranger in the role-playing situations so you can observe your child’s reactions.

Update Child Information Regularly

Update the information related to your child’s identification on a regular basis. Keep photos and basic information on you at all times so that you’re able to reach out for help immediately when you find that your child is missing.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suggests the use of a child ID app, which allows you to keep an updated picture of your child along with basic details about height, weight and identification features that police need to find your child. Even if, your child has simply wandered into a different store in the mall, having the details handy will help you find your child as quickly as possible.

Even if, you choose not to use an ID application, regularly update your child’s photos and information. Keep an updated record of your child’s medical and dental records. The more details you’re able to provide if your child goes missing, the easier it is to find and positively identify your child.

Install Home Security

When your children are old enough to stay home without adult supervision, it’s important to feel confident in their safety. According to Kids Health, most cases of missing children turn out to be misunderstandings between the children and parents or runaway cases where teenagers are quickly found. Despite that fact, having measures in place for your peace of mind is important.

Security companies will install home security that can alert you to any possible dangers your child might face. However, you will pay more to have a security company install than the actual cost of the system. The process is simple if you own a drill, and you can do it in about an hour tops.

Select Caregivers Carefully

Never assume that a caregiver is trustworthy without checking him or her out beforehand. Always check on any individual who is caring for your child, including the teenage babysitter who wants to make a little extra cash.

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By the time the child is a teenager, he or she should be handling money and money issues more independently, with the guidance of a parent. In order for a teen to learn about how to handle money wisely, the teen needs to have money to manage.

There are two ways a teen can acquire money. One is by working, and one is by receiving an allowance.

Should a Teen Have a Job?

There are many different views and opinions about whether or not a teenager should hold a part time job.

Some parents feel like going to school full time is a teenager’s primary job, and to have even a part time job could take away from time that could be spent doing homework.

If this is the case, a teen can easily take on a part time job during the summer months. Money earned during the summer can be saved to last throughout the school year or even saved to help pay for college.

Other parents feel that is fine for a teen to have a part time job outside of school as long as it does not interfere with homework or other school activities.

In addition to good grades, colleges are also looking for students who are well rounded, and this includes job experience. Any job experience a teen gets in high school will not only help them get a job after high school, it will also help them get into college.

Should a Teen Get an Allowance?

Some parents don’t like to pay allowances to their children for doing household chores since it is the responsibility of the entire family to maintain and upkeep the home.

If a teen does not have a part time job, however, getting paid to do chores is a way for teens to earn extra money.

How Do You Teach Teens to Manage Money?

A teenager should have more responsibility in relation to money than a younger child. One way to accomplish this is to give teens the responsibility of paying for some of their expenses, such as helping pay for clothing and extra items like going to the movies with their friends.

A parent should teach a teen that it is a good idea to not spend everything you earn. Part should go to savings, part to tithing if applicable, and then the remainder can be spent however the teen chooses.

Many parents let their teens open their own checking account so that they can gain experience with balancing check books before they are grown up and on their own.

Should a Teen Have a Car?

A car is actually a great tool for teaching teens to manage their money. If the teen helps to earn the money to buy the car and is responsible for paying all or part of the car insurance, then he or she is gaining invaluable life experience, while also helping parents defray the rising costs of owning and operating a car.

No one said that raising kids is easy. Teenagers are no exception. There are many life lessons that teens need to learn before they are on their own in the adult world. Money lessons are among the most important lessons a teen can learn. What you teach them now about money will benefit them for a lifetime.

Emily Cross is a professional blogger the provides information and advice for car title loans, personal loans and business loans. She writes for Title Max, a leading company for title pawns and car title loans.

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Limited Access

Presumably you have a lockable and child-safe fence around your pool. The first rule of the pool: if the fence is locked, it’s off limits. You, or another responsible adult, should be opening the fence and allowing swimming to commence. The last thing you want is for the kids to take control of pool access.

Supervision

Unless an adult is present and actively supervising, no one should be in the pool enclosure or in the water.

Safe Swimming

You may often find yourself supervising more kids than you can watch at every moment or save all at once. For new or weak swimmers, or when the pool is just busy, insist on swimming aids for safety. Some swimsuits have floatation aids built right in. You can also employ life jackets and other floatation aids.

Caution On Deck

Rule No. 2 for the kids? No running. In the heat of the moment, kids often carry their excitement out of the pool and onto the deck. Wet feet on a soon-to-be slick deck is just a recipe for disaster. You’ll find yourself saying “No Running!” on repeat until the message gets through, but it’s important to follow through on this one.

Since kids will inevitably try to run somewhere on the deck at some point, try to keep it as free of debris as possible. Don’t tempt fate by allowing pool toys, towels and other gear to create tripping hazards.

Take Time-Outs

A distressed swimmer doesn’t always flail about and draw attention to themselves. Often, they just look tired or dazed. Get kids out of the pool before they’re too tired to swim end-to-end and get themselves out of deep water. Sun exposure and dehydration, especially in dry or desert climates can also sap energy. Don’t be afraid to take a break for some shade, water, rest and snacks and come back to the pool later.

Be Prepared for the Worst

No one wants to think about their child (or a child under their care) being seriously hurt or drowning. While you hope it never happens to you, you need to know what to do in the worst case scenario. Have the appropriate safety equipment on hand.

Keep a phone nearby in case you need to call for help and know how to identify an emergency. The American Red Cross is a great resource for water safety, as is the U.S. Coast Guard. You don’t have to be a certified lifeguard to keep your kids safe, but it doesn’t hurt to take a class or two to help protect them.

Respect for Equipment

Teach your kids that the pool (and the equipment that maintains it) is a privilege. The pool vacuum isn’t a toy and it shouldn’t be treated as one. If you have vinyl swimming pool liners, they can be damaged. The repair process might even involve draining the pool. If you say a toy or activity is off-limits to protect your investment, stick to it.

No Exceptions

Once you set the rules, stick to them and hold your kids accountable. Enforce rules and consequences. Having a pool is a big responsibility, but you’re up to it.

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What? Teach a pre-schooler finances? Crazy idea? Absolutely not. Before your child can even write his or her name on a bank deposit slip, he or she can learn the importance of saving those attractive coins. Just as a toddler can learn to walk, they can learn to save. 

Simple saving is the start to your child’s financial education and future. Teaching good spending and savings habits at a very early age will not only benefit your child immensely in the future, but will save you money and frustration later on.

In today’s world  children are very interested in technology from a very young age. Walk in any physicians waiting room with children and you will see toddlers under the age of 2 playing on mommy or daddy’s smartphone.

By the time they are a preteen they will most likely have their own high-tech phone. According to a 2011 study by JuvenileJustice.org, 75% of teenagers owned a cell phone. Imagine the percentage by the time your tot grows to a teen. 

Who’s paying the bills?  A family of four who each have a smartphone can easily pay $200 per month for services. At $12.50 per week, each person with a phone should be paying their own portion. If they’re not, there’s a problem.

A parent who is paying for a luxury item for a child (yes, smartphones are a luxury)  is not helping them in the future. Teaching a child that material items in life need to be earned is a valuable gift that will last your child a lifetime.

It’s never too early, or even too late, to teach your child good spending habits and how to make wise financial choices. From toddler to teen you will benefit your child by helping them make sound financial decisions. Here are a few ways you can help your child’s financial future:

The Piggy Bank - or any bank your child likes. Putting coins in a bank designated for your child can begin as soon as the child is born. Even if it’s a quarter here and dime there it adds up. Once your child discovers the fascination with coins – and they will – you can teach them to deposit the coins in their special bank. Toddlers love putting coins in the slots of their “whatever” banks and they are learning to save without even realizing it. 

The “I Want It” Stage – It doesn’t take long before your adorable little tot turns into the “I want it” monster. As they begin to talk and understand the wonderful toy commercials on television they will soon want every toy they see.  This is a great time to start teaching the value of a dollar. Having a second bank will come in handy – a plastic jar will do.

This bank can be used for spending and the original bank is for continued savings.  Every time your child “has to have” something they will need to pay for it from their spending bank. When the bank is empty there’s no more buying until the bank is replenished. Even a young child will quickly learn not to spend foolishly. 

Don’t forget to Earn It - From the time your child is approximately three years of age they can begin to earn both their spending and savings money. Giving your child age-appropriate chores will allow them to earn cash (or coins) for their banks. Teach them to designate a portion (larger) to savings and a portion (smaller) to spending.  By the time your tot turns into a teen they should have a fairly large savings and a great education in personal finances.

Teaching a child about responsible financial decisions  from a very early age can be done. The earlier it begins the better.  However, even if your child is already in their teen years it’s not too late. It may take more patience on your part but in time you can teach them good financial responsibility before they reach adulthood

One last bit of advise – lead by example. Show your child how it’s done. Don’t spend unnecessarily and do your best to save what you can. Your child will carry this example with him or her as they enter the world on their own.

Allen Jones is a professional blogger the provides business and personal financial advice and information. He writes for PureChecks.com, the leading check company that will deliver your checks by mail fast.

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The age of your children will have a big impact on how much detail you go into about your illness, the way you explain what cancer you have and whether you tell them at all.

It is important that your children are told about your diagnosis, they don’t need to overhear you on the phone to a family member or see you crying and wonder what is wrong. Keep to your routine as much as possible, inform teachers and be sure that the lines of communication are open all the time.

The Importance of Telling Your Children

Some people find it too difficult to tell their children, so they choose to pretend all is well. Children can sense when something is wrong and what they don’t know can be scarier than knowing the truth.

Children won’t understand what is happening and will expect the worst if you don’t take the time to sit down with them and explain what is happening. If you feel you can’t do it on your own, get your spouse to sit with you when you explain.

Remember it is alright if you cry or get upset, this gives your children the ability to also cry and not try and be strong and bottle the hurt up for it to play out later on.

When and Where Should You Tell Them

If you are looking for an answer with regards to the best place and time to tell them, there isn’t a set one. The best time to tell any child is shortly after your diagnosis, this ensures they don’t hear it through the grapevine.

Sit them down after school or during the early evening when they are still wide awake and explain in very basic and simple terms about your diagnosis. Be sure they are relaxed and can listen to what you say.

Don’t be upset if they don’t want to discuss it straight away, children handle news differently and some may prefer to absorb the news first and discuss it later.

Breaking the News

Breaking the news and knowing what to say to children of any age isn’t easy. Children under two will find the concept very difficult to understand and may be confused, however they will be likely to sense that something serious is happening.

They are more likely to notice a chance in their routine, so try and keep it as normal as possible. If your child can read consider getting them an easy to understand book on cancer so they can hear it from you and read about it to address any concerns.

For older children pick your words carefully, prepare what you are going to say in advance and try to explain what type of cancer you have and what possible treatment options may be available to you as best as you can.

The Future

Children will expect the worst if they don’t understand what is happening which is why you must make the time to explain exactly what they can expect in the next few months or years.

Be honest with your children, no matter how hard it is, explain about the treatments or surgery that you may be having, and the effects that they could have on you, for example losing your hair.

Be sure to let your children know that you will explain everything to them as and when you know it and in return they can ask questions whenever they need to.

Approaching the subject of death with your children can be difficult, but it is important to talk to them about it as openly and as straightforwardly as possible, remember that you do not have to do it alone and can rely on family members and friends to support you.

This article was written by the bloggers at Cancer Research whose aim is to provide support for those suffering with Cancer.

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Out of control children not only annoy other customers of the restaurant but can be a danger to themselves, to the servers, and to other patrons.  When seeing out of control children anywhere in public, most people will usually blame the parents for not teaching their child better behavior.  

While there is no guarantee that a child won’t act up while out, it is more likely that they will behave appropriately if they are taught so to do.  With a few preparations and a bit of planning, your child will have a good chance of showing their best behavior when eating out.

Prepare Them

Your child should be told that you will be going out to eat at least a week in advance.  During that week, be sure to practice good table manners with your child at all meals.  The day before the planned trip, remind your child again that you are going out to eat and why you are doing so.  

It is at this point that you can discuss the menu with your child and see if s/he will select her/his meal before you get to the restaurant.  The day of the meal out, again, you should remind your child about when you are going out and that they must select a meal before leaving for the restaurant.  

On the way to the restaurant, remind your child about your expectations for behavior and the rules for eating out.  The point of this is not to build so much excitement in your child that they are going to be out of control when you get to the restaurant.  You are just reminding them of how special eating out is and that you want them to do their best.

Schedule It Right

If you plan a trip to a restaurant before nap, right before bed, or later than normal meal time, you are setting yourself up for a disaster.  Even though your child may be excited about eating out, that excitement will soon fade if s/he is overly tired or overly hungry.  Give your kids the best chance to show off her/his ability to handle dinner out by scheduling your dinner out at a time where your child is at her/his best.

Scheduling your dinner out with an arrival time between 4 pm and 5 pm on weekdays is also a good idea. During this time, restaurants are usually quiet at this time, there is little wait time between being seated and getting your food, and you should be able to be seated very quickly.

You should have some idea of what you want to order before sitting down or at least know what your child would like to eat.  Most restaurants have their menus available online so you can preview it before actually arriving at the restaurant.

Table Manners are a Given

Children who are expected to use proper table manners at home will most likely use them out of habit when eating at a restaurant.  You simply cannot expect any child to have table manners when you are eating out if they are not expected to use their manners every time they sit down to a meal.

Although all children need reminding, if manners are the norm, your child will use them most of the time whether at home or at a restaurant.  At the very least, children should be expected to eat with utensils, chew quietly, not to play with their food or table items, and only speak when there is no food in their mouths.

In order for young children to be able to handle using utensils, parents should have a set of child sized utensils available when they are eating out.  Children tend to mimic what they see so, as an adult, you need to use your manners at the table and be a good example for your child.

Handling Tantrums

Even the best laid plans and the best prepared children can have an off day or an off moment and a tantrum can begin.  Ideally, children should be taught early on that tantrums are not acceptable nor will having a tantrum sway a parent into do what the child wants.

If a tantrum begins, take the child outside or to the front hallway so they can settle themselves down before returning to the table.  Anything you tell your child you are going to do, such as leave the restaurant whether you are done or not, you must be willing to do in order for your words to have meaning to your child.

Idle threats and an unlimited amount of chances to improve behavior will simply teach the child that they can get away with whatever they want without suffering any consequences.

Bust Boredom Quickly

Expecting your child to sit quietly with nothing to do while the adults at the table talk is unrealistic.  While many restaurants provide crayons and coloring pages, parents should come to the restaurant well-armed with quiet activities kids can do on their own.

Books, handheld games either without sound or with earphones, and drawing pads are all things children can do on their own while waiting for their meal.  It must be understood, however, that once the meals arrive, all activities are put away in order to focus on eating.  By planning ahead and having quiet activities that will keep your child busy, you are setting them up for success.

Eating out as a family is an activity that is fun for everyone – as long as there are clear behavioral expectations and opportunities for children to show that they have mastered the skills needed to eat out in a restaurant.  Parents can insure their child’s success by preparing them well, letting them know the acceptable boundaries, and warding off trouble as early as possible.  

With these safeguards in place, your child will be welcomed at any restaurant and may even be complimented by other patrons on their manners and behavior.

Walter Dotson is a professional blogger that enjoys providing information on food service supplies and equipment. He writes for National Grocer Corporation, a top distributor of wholesale food service supplies.

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner (May 12th to be exact) and Father’s Day shortly thereafter (June 16th), there is no better time than now to teach your kids how to give a thoughtful gift — a trait they will need for the rest of their lives.

Teaching kids at a young age to be thoughtful is along the same lines as teaching them to be sociable and courteous to others — the traits are in their they just need some guidance and practice.

They may not understand why others are getting gifts at birthday parties and they aren’t. You can explain to your children until you’re blue in the face, but sometimes, they need to experience the joy of thoughtful gift giving firsthand truly to understand the significance.

Observe

First, one must observe a person to get a clue as to what they enjoy. Take dad, for example; he loves to fish and watch baseball. He grills outdoors a lot and reads hiking magazines.

Show your child how to make these observations and then ask them what might be a good gift for dad: fishing lure, his team’s cricket bat, a “Dad’s the Man” grill apron or even an issue of Backpacker magazine would be a much better gift than a mug picked up last minute (dad doesn’t even drink coffee).

Have your child write down people they know, ask them to observe their interests and suggest gifts for them? It will be appealing to hear some of the ideas that come out of their creative little minds. Work together to get them thinking realistically.

Crafts

Considering the kids are getting their money from you to buy gifts, you might want to get them thinking arts and crafts. They can turn their favorite hobby or artistic talent into a thoughtful gift.

Making a bracelet for sister might mean so much more than picking one up from Target. If your child is good at drawing, tell them to create a picture for the gift receiver. Making a gift allows them to add that personal touch only they can offer.

Experience

Some people enjoy the experience of life’s adventures more than tangible items. Finding time to spend with loved ones is sometimes hard, so having a day together can be the best gift a person can ask for. Does mom need to be spoiled this Mother’s Day from the moment she wakes up?

They can go for a walk or offer to pay for the movies. Remind them, that it’s her (your) day and make sure the experience is something mom wants; a few hours at the playground are probably not a good option.

Charity

Teach your kids to respect and honor charities. Show them ways to help needy families and sick kids by collecting presents for the local children’s hospital and take them there together.

Consider adopting a family during the winter holidays to show your kids that others are less fortunate and need help.

Just Because

And thoughtfulness is at it’s peak when you give a gift just because. Gifts like flowers, lucky bamboo, and plants are the universal gift to let someone know you care.

Drive the point and have FTD flowers deliver a small bouquet addressed to them to the house to show how good a small (or grand) gesture like that can make someone feel.

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With summer just around the corner, Surf Excel has great resources for parenting, giving parents like you some fantastic ways to entertain the little ones during the school break. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, here are some fun and creative ways to spend your vacation time with the family.

Planning a Child-Friendly Holiday

No matter how carefully and thoroughly you pack your bags, you always forget something, right? Kids, especially babies and toddlers, need so much stuff that it’s practically impossible to remember everything.

So why not consider a house swap for your summer getaway? Not only will you and your family get to enjoy seeing the sights in a new town or city, you’ll also be staying in accommodation that’s well stocked with all those essential home comforts.

There are plenty of house swap agencies with homes available all over the world, including homes in several different Indian states – check out Home Exchange or Guardian Home Exchange for more information. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, consider swapping with a friend or relative.

Your kids will be excited to be away from home, but it’s still easy for you to maintain some sort of normality and routine, too. You might be able to go on a holiday in Asia, Europe, or even North or South America for far less than normal!

If you don’t feel up to organizing a house swap, consider finding a hotel or resort that caters to families – this way, your kids will have plenty to do, and you will have some help on your holiday.

Advice on Travelling with Kids

A road trip with your kids? You’re sweating at the thought, aren’t you? Road trips or long train journeys can be frustrating for families. But there’s no need to fear lengthy journeys – just be creative!

Before you leave, get your kids to help you make some delicious snacks for the trip. Perhaps try making some snacks like nankhatai, cheese strips, or pakodas – but you could also try making any dish that will be easy and relatively crumb-free to eat on the journey.

Also come armed with a variety of games that you can play together, such as I Spy, Color Safari, and other word games. These games will prevent them from getting bored, and will help them learn new things, as well!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

‘Staycations’ – where you stay at home for your vacation rather than going away – have grown in popularity in recent years.

Although on the surface they may seem dull, there’s actually so much you and your family can do in and around your home to keep you all busy and happy during the vacation.

How about trying out some arts and crafts? If you’ve got creative kids, help them make their own play dough that they can sculpt into their own personal masterpieces. You just need a few store cupboard essentials.

Got kids who love to learn? Science experiments such as the classic baking soda-and-vinegar exploding volcano are sure to impress.

Adventurous kids? On a rainy day, stay inside and build tents, castles, and forts from old bedding and cushions. Your kids could even stay in their fort for a picnic.

Don’t be tempted to follow the crowd – use your imagination and give your kids a vacation they’ll really remember. Vacations don’t have to be stressful. If you’re creative when it comes to games and activities, and you and your kids will all have a great summer break!

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A child’s ability to wear and care for contact lenses is dependent on more than age alone. Age has very little to do with whether it is safe for a child to wear contact lenses. Contacts are designed and fitted for children as young as infants, and can help restore vision for infants born with congenital cataracts.

Maturity Level

Your child’s level of maturity is an important variable to consider when determining if contacts are right for them. Contact-lens care involves rinsing, disinfecting and proper storage in a solution that prevents the growth of bacteria.

If your child requires constant reminders to keep their bedroom or bathroom clean, contacts might be too much personal responsibility for them. Children as young as eight can wear contact lenses responsibly, but some may lack the maturity to care for contact lenses properly.

According to Dr. Gary Heiting, Senior Editor of AllAboutVision.com, some young children are more likely than teenagers and young adults to abide by the proper care instructions for contact lenses. There are many benefits to allowing your child to wear contact lenses.

Contacts for Activities

A recent study performed by the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at the New Zealand National Eye Centre found that “Myopia progression and eye elongation were reduced significantly” in children who wore dual-focus contact lenses. While other studies have not been conclusive, many eye-care professionals prescribe contacts for this reason.

For children who play sports, performance and awareness are improved by wearing contact lenses rather than glasses. Contacts provide better peripheral vision than glasses do, and are less likely to cause injury while playing a contact sport.

Self-Esteem

According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Optometry, contact lenses can improve the way children feel about their appearance, acceptance from peers and comfort playing sports.

Allowing a responsible teen to wear contact lenses is a great opportunity for a parent to show that they care, and to have some say in how a teen presents themselves to the world.

Teach Proper Care

For parents of children who wear contacts, help them understand how to avoid eye infections brought on improper contact lens care. Explain that they should never share their contacts or swap them with anyone else.

They should use proper sterile saline solution to clean and care for contact lenses. Helping them to understand proper care for their contact lenses is an important part of having a child who wears them.

How to Choose

Choosing the right lenses for a child is critical. According to WebMD, if an eye professional prescribes disposable soft contact lenses, consider going with daily disposable soft lenses over the cheaper disposable contact lenses after two weeks.

Most department stores with an optometrist will prescribe contacts and you can buy contact lenses online or get them straight from the optometrist.

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Healthy eating

There is an expression that says “you are what you eat” and an important task that you have to undertake as a parent is to keep your child’s eating habits on track towards a healthy diet, whilst allowing them to enjoy some treats along the way.

Very often it is a case of leading by example and if you want a healthy family then what you put on the table will go a long way to influencing the result. Common sense dictates that a diet that consists of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will help maintain a good level of health and enable your child to develop a good immune system and strong bones.

A healthy diet is all about balance and there is nothing wrong with enjoying a family meal at the local pizza restaurant, just don’t make it a treat that happens more than once a week.

Exercise

It is a fact of modern life that many kids do not get anywhere near the right amount of exercise that they need and not only is this causing a problem with a growth in childhood obesity, it is also storing up a host of potential problems for them when they become adults, such as heart disease.

You just have to make exercise fun, so why not turn off the TV and all go on a family hike in the local woods or go for a swim. Shared exercise with the family is a great way of spending time together and is good news all round for everyone as they work off that extra slice of pizza from yesterday.

Communication

Keeping your child fit and healthy is not just about eating the right food and taking plenty of regular exercise, it is also about taking parental responsibility for their mental health and development. Always try to have good open communication with your children and talk to them about bullying and drugs.

Being able to talk openly about these difficult subjects will help to ensure that your child will feel more able to talk to you if they have a problem or concern, giving them a greater level of confidence and helping them develop their character and personality.

Personal safety

It is always advisable to advise your children on aspects of personal safety and the information that you give to them will vary according to their age.

There is a fine line between talking to your child about the dangers of coming into contact with a stranger in a vulnerable situation and scaring them unnecessarily, but talking to them and educating them that although most people are good, some are not, is an important aspect of helping to keep your child safe and well.

Relationships

Your role as a parent is a fulfilling one in general, but it is sometimes complicated and another key role that you can play in keeping your child happy and safe whilst allowing them to develop, is to talk about relationships. We all need friends at every stage of our lives and children develop into healthy and well-rounded adults if they are guided about how to handle relationships.

Always try to evaluate the circle of friends that your child has and as they get older that will of course get more complicated, but being there for them and letting them feel that they can talk to you about relationships will help them to make the right choices along the way and keep them happy.

The role of being a parent is challenging but also very fulfilling and there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing your family grow up being fit, healthy, happy and well.

Rachel Wallis is a family counselor. She frequently shares her tips for healthy, happy households on family and lifestyle blogs. Click http://safesoundfamily.com/p/wireless-home-security/ to learn more about keeping your house secure.

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Teaching children any new skill at a young age is trying, but the thought of giving a rebellious teenager instruction in the art of driving can bring even the most stalwart parents to their knees.

Fortunately, thinking through this process in advance can alleviate some of the more painful problems during this process.

The Sooner, the Better

The more time children spend behind a wheel before they are old enough to operate a car, the better prepared they will be for future driving.

Bicycles, small motorized cars and trucks, go carts, four wheelers, and lawn mowers are all excellent vehicles to help a child learn how to maneuver around objects at slower paces.

While children may get a few bumps and bruises while learning to brake and accelerate in these, they should escape serious injury if they wear the appropriate protective gear.

Examples that Matter

Parents should never let a teachable moment go by, especially when preparing their teens to be future drivers. This means that they should make it a point to explain the reasons they are adjusting the mirrors and dimming the lights when they drive.

Parents can also set good examples by never starting the engine without buckling their seatbelts and putting away all distractions, such as cell phones or snacks before the vehicle begins to move.

Parents may also wish to point out the mistakes of other drivers and the dangers that they are causing with these bad driving behaviors.

Techniques to Master

Parents need to make sure that their teens not only know the rules of the road but also have practiced the following skills until they become second nature:

• Keeping both hands on the steering wheel

• Using the side and rearview mirrors to back up

• Stopping and starting with no jerky movements

• Signaling for lane changes and turns

• Turning into a slide caused by icing or wet pavement

• Parking in tight spaces

• Using the horn effectively to warn other drivers

• Driving several car lengths away from the vehicle in front of them

Many of these skills can be first mastered by using an obstacle course of cones. If parents are able to stay calm and issue instructions in a normal tone of voice, most teens will learn quickly.

However, parents should remember that the best driving lessons are taught through the mistakes that a teen makes. A few skids or bumps during practice may be the best teacher because the feeling of being out of control often stays with a driver for years and can lead to safer driving in the future.

Guest author Charlotte Fletcher writes on behalf of Monkey.co.uk and believes it’s important for parents to be patient and calm when teaching their teenage children to drive.

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