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Published April 2, 2012 Positive Parenting Children’s smiles, giggles, toothless laughter is enough to melt sternest of hearts; parents and loved ones often crave to hear those sounds, which is one of the best possible stress busters. Children, are sensitive to change, which might change their mood pattern. Keeping children happy can be a pleasurable exercise or you might find yourself at wits end when nothing seems to be working. A cross section of individuals – parents, and councilors alike - recommended some tips to keep children happy. To ensure that children are happy, show and exhibit that you love them. There is a school of thought which firmly believes that there can never be ‘too much love’ or ‘love spoils’ – most times it is the leniency shown by parents or giving into their expectations that makes children to take things for granted. It is critical that parents are involved with their children’s lives – play with them, help them out with thei

Photo: www.sxc.hu Published April 2, 2012 Positive Parenting  “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity,” says contemporary American professor of psychiatry, Kay Redfield Jamison. Most of us would remember growing up – innovating with whatever one could lay one’s hands on, making toys from sticks, twigs, stones, leaves and knick knacks.  “Play connects children with their imagination, their environment, their parents, their friends, family and the world,” says Michelle Campbell, director, sector support services, Early Childhood Commission, Jamaica. PLAY FOR DEVELOPMENT   Campbell encourages for the overall development of the children in the first five years of their lives, which she says, aids in the developmental process and also is beneficial as they pursue academics. “Play allows children to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically,” she informed. However, she opined that playin

Published April 2, 2012 Positive Parenting Children are reflection of their parents, from the physical characteristics to the behaviour they exhibit. Most times these percolate in the home. It, therefore, becomes critical to ensure that good values and respect are imbibed in children, which they inculcate as a habit.  “The children are watching every move they (parents) make, every thing that they are saying,” says Michelle Campbell director, sector support services, Early Childhood Commission, Jamaica. “Show your child respect by respecting them as an individual and as a human being,” Campbell says. Respect starts from home, simple things brushing your teeth and going to bed, children will follow. “What you do the child does the same, taking care of the teeth, taking a bath, sitting at the table and eating dinner, all form a part of teaching them respect.” Also important to encouraging respectful behaviour is the tone and language used to, and around the ch