Kyle & Melissa

Archive for the ‘Parenting Tips’ Category

Parents usually teach their children about money when they reach middle school or high school. It can actually start as early as when your kid first goes to school. Kids are more stimulated visually so getting them piggy banks can help them visualize the concept of keeping, storing and saving money. It would help if the piggy bank is one that they like too. I wish I was taught the value of money early, that is why I am trying to make my kids understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. If they want it, they need to somehow work for it. The next time I would like to buy womens sandals, I better make sure I work for it too!

A few piggy banks for you (from Oh-dee-Doh):

• Modern Nursery : This webshop has a few different banks in the shape of giraffes, elephants, and pigs. Shop here for simple modern forms in pastel pinks and blues. Shown: Pink Elephant Animal Bank, $24.
• Magic Cabin : This shop specializes in back-to-basics childhood toys, and they carry one of our favorite retro-style banks — the Mushroom Bank ($13) brings us back to the Smurfs’ village.
• Uncommon Goods : They have a bunch of different novelty banks, including the Coink, $36. This bank doesn’t need a cork stopper — the funnel top makes it easier to deposit and retrieve your spare change.
• Urban Outfitters : They’re always riding the trend bandwagon, and since owls have been in, they’ve stocked their shelves with cute, colorful owl lamps, pillows, and this adorable Owl Bank, $8.
• 2Modern : This modern webshop has a great selection of kids’ stuff. We like the notNeutral Piggy Bank ($18), a porcelain pig that comes in three different black and white patterns.
• Spunky Sprout : They have a bunch of different modern banks, including the J Schatz Egg Bank, the Harry Allen Pig, and this Vlaemach Ceramic Egg Shaped Coin Bank, $35.
• Areaware : Probably the most famous piggy bank on this list, Harry Allen’s Bank in the Form of a Pig ($125) was designed from a resin cast of a real pig. Available in 7 colors, it measures 18 inches long.
• Giggle : They have a few different wooden children’s banks in the shape of elephants, birds, and whales. This bright yellow Bebe the Birdie Wood Bank sells for $25.
• Jonathan Adler : His “menagerie” of animal-shaped banks includes ceramic elephants, pigs, donkeys, and bulls. This is the Pop Menagarie Piggy Bank for $48.
• Hearthsong : Their banks are mostly metal, and they have a few different cash boxes for kids. This Miniature Mailbox Bank ($10) holds valentines during February and coins all the rest of the months after.
• ModCloth : Their kitschy banks are shaped like rabbits, birds, and mushrooms. This Why Does the Caged Bird Save Bank ($35) is a ceramic design with a stopper in the base.
• Kikkerland : This Small Piggy Money Bank ($10) comes in pink, blue, or chrome. In addition to the classic piggy bank, they carry designs in the shape of owls, gold bars, and skulls.
• Pop Deluxe : A smart design by Roost, this Small Glass Piggy Bank ($19) has a cork stopper for a nose, so you can access your coins without breaking the bank.
• MoMA Design Store : Rita Bothelo designed this ceramic Raindrop Coin Bank, which has to be “dropped” and broken to release the coins within. It’s currently on sale for $21 (reg. $40).
• Brook Farm General Store : This store specializes in products made from natural materials. Their Terra Cotta Piggy Bank ($28) is a classic ceramic design with an upturned snout and a curly tail.

The concept of money is one of the most difficult things to teach a child. Apart from the value of money, spending, and saving, the child has to be able to grasp large number concepts already to fully appreciate a lesson on finances. If you are thinking of introducing these concepts to your child, giving him or her a small piggy bank to start his or her savings is a good idea. Start small so that with just a few coins, you could help her open up her piggy bank and start counting her savings.

When it is time to open up the piggy bank, a coin sorter could help her easily grasp the concept of counting the coins. Adding a coin counter could even teach her how to sort the coins and once she gets bigger and could handle paper bills already, a money counter might also be a good idea.

Once your child has learned to appreciate saving her money, introduce to her the concept of where the money comes from. Let her do small unusual tasks that she could earn from. Pay her a fee for these tasks but make sure that the tasks are not the usual daily chores that you ask her to do. Otherwise, she might disregard the value of doing her share of the housework.

My husband and our son were looking at various nba shirts they can wear together during his school’s foundation day when I am reminded on the great article from Simple Mom:

Little Things are Long-Lasting

One of my favorite lines from the movie Up is when Russell tells Mr. Frederickson, “That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most.”

I think that’s an incredible reminder that as parents we can dream, plan, and act on all of the things that we want our children to remember about us — or not. We are building a legacy every day, whether or not we are intentional about it.

1. Affirmation.
2. Art.
3. Challenge.
4. Compassion/Justice.
5. Contentment.
6. Curiosity.
7. Determination.
8. Discipline.
9. Encouragement.
10. Faithfulness to your Spouse.
11. Finding Beauty.
12. Generosity.
13. Honesty/Integrity.
14. Hope.
15. Hugs and Kisses.
16. Imagination.
17. Intentionality.
18. Your Lap.
19. Lifelong Learning.
20. Love.
21. Meals Together.
22. Nature.
23. Opportunity.
24. Optimism.
25. Peace.
26. Pride.
27. Room to Make mistakes.
28. Self-Esteem.
29. Sense of Humor.
30. Spirituality.
31. Stability.
32. Time.
33. Undivided Attention.
34. Uniqueness.
35. A Welcoming Home.

If your young child has difficulty interacting with other kids, you can help, too, and it will be worthwhile. Playing with friends is an important way for children to learn social rules such as sharing and taking turns. It’s also fun.

The key is taking small and gentle steps that encourage positive social interaction without being too pushy. You want to give your child opportunities for rewarding social experiences that will leave him wanting more rather than feeling pressured to do something he finds difficult. Your child may be shy or cautious by nature, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rather than try to change your child’s personality, you can help him stretch just enough to discover the joys of relationships with peers.

Playdates offer a shy child a starting block for a social life. A few guidelines can increase the odds that he’ll have a good time.

1. Keep playdates small.
2. Keep playdates short.
3. Plan ahead.
4. Get involved.
5. Get a schedule, then get going.
6. Be a playdate yourself.
7. Consider getting a pet.
8. See how others do it.
9. Have your own friends over.
10. Try not to expect too much.
11. Get help if you sense a real problem. In most cases, shyness or difficulty making friends in early childhood is normal. But a few red flags could indicate that something else is going on. If your child rarely holds eye contact, is unusually withdrawn, throws tantrums or cries whenever other children are around, or seems terrified of going to preschool or the playground, talk to your pediatrician.