Denise Oliveri's Blog
Posted by Denise Oliveri
I just love the autumn season. It's our family's favorite time of year to drive in the mountains to enjoy the fall foliage, as well as starting a tradition of baking homemade goodies together. Here are some great ways that Suite101 has for your family, especially tweens, to make the most of autumn.
Recipe Ideas
- How to Make Smores with Kids
- How to Make Hot Cocoa with Your Kids
- Fun Fall Recipes for Kids
- Soup Recipes for Kids
Craft Ideas
- Fall or Autumn Crafts for Kids
- Thanksgiving Crafts for Tweens
- Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
- Autumn Table Decorations
- Fall Craft Ideas, Make a Spicy Autumn Potpourri
Outdoor Ideas
- Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids
- Fun Fall Outdoor Activities for Kids
- Free Fall Activities
- Fall Harvest Adventures with Kids
May your family enjoy the sites and smells of the autumn season, and may your Thanksgiving be blessed.
Sincerely,
Denise Oliveri
Parenting Tweens Feature Writer
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Posted by Denise Oliveri
I have three boys, two of which are in the tween age group. Each of the tween boys gets along fairly well with their older brother, but seem to have a problem getting along with each other. It's not a constant thing to the point where they never get along, but there is usually at least one or two battles per day.
The sad truth is that there is no concrete way to put an end to the confrontations altogether, no matter how many books and Internet sites you read on the subject. However, once you know why the arguments begin, you can take measures to help out the situation.
Scene #1 - The Middle Child Syndrome
The middle child is in a predicament. He is being bossed by his older brother, and feels that this gives him the right to boss his younger brother. The younger brother doesn't like being bossed around (especially by two older brothers), and the retaliation begins because the younger brother feels as though he can take on the middle child (but definitely not the older brother).
Try to alleviate this situation by explaining to your middle child that no one likes being bossed around, no matter who is older. Each person in the family deserves respect, and the only way this will happen is if everyone is willing to show respect to each other. Also, talk to the older sibling about taking it easy on his younger brothers, and try to be a good example.
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to make sure you are not showing favoritism among your children, such as treating the youngest like a baby, giving the oldest more freedom than can be handled for his age, and carving out alone time with each child so everyone gets equal attention.
Scene #2 - The Younger Child Wanting to Be Older
Another thing that causes sibling rivalry in my house is the youngest son acting like he is older than he is to try and keep pace with his older brothers. He will often try to act cool, and his brothers start to make fun of him for it. Once that ego is crushed, a fight breaks out every time.
Take control of this situation by asking the older brothers to carve out time for their younger brother, and do things that make him feel good (like going on a walk through the neighborhood, building a model together, etc.). You can explain to the younger child that his time is coming when he gets to have more freedom, but that doesn't always make him feel better. His brothers spending quality time with him works much better.
Of course, there are other scenarios that start arguments. These just happen to be the top two in my household. Talk to your friends about how they handle the rivalry, and also consider asking your family physician about it, too.
By and large, I know that my three boys love each other, and do care about each other. I cherish the times they get along really well. And, I just take the sibling rivalry into stride, and keep in mind that one day they will be best friends, just like me and my sister now.
Posted by Denise Oliveri
There are multiple ways we parents/guardians can help our tweens perform their best during school. This includes everything from eating right, getting plenty of physical activity, and getting the proper rest. It's not only through a school year they need these things in balance, but also for a healthy lifestyle that carries through their entire life.
We all want to do what's best for our children, so consider this advice a reminder to keep teaching healthy habits. I know it's easy to get off the bandwagon and take shortcuts when it comes to our family's routines because I've done it many times myself. So, this is a refresher course for me, too!
Eating Healthy
The Best Healthy Frozen Treats
How to Choose Healthy Snacks for Tweens
Tweens Need a Balanced Breakfast
Getting Physical Activity
Team vs. Individual Sports for Tweens
Getting Proper Rest
How to Buy a Mattress for Tweens
Miscellaneous Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Good Hygiene Habits for Tweens
Germ Prevention Tips and Tricks
Now excuse me...I have some reading to do!
Posted by Denise Oliveri
Some kids have already started back to school, while others will be going very soon. If you are a last-minute shopper, here are some articles that will make back to school planning much easier for you.
Back to School Supplies
Back to School Supplies for Tweens - Written by Denise Oliveri
Back to School Savings - Written by Denise Oliveri
Save Money on School Supplies - Written by Barb Hacker
If you are wondering how you can help make your child's school experience better, here are some articles that you may find of interest.
Tips for Parents of Tweens
Parents Involved in Middle School - Written by Denise Oliveri
How to Stay Ahead in Middle School - Written by Joe Bruzzese
Getting Ready for Middle School - Written by Denise Oliveri
Middle School Open House & Parents - Written by Joe Bruzzese
Who's Afraid of Middle School? - Written by Victor Gallis
Promote Literacy in Your Tween's School - Written by Denise Oliveri
Organizing Tips that Teach Students Study Skills - Written by Suzanne Pitner
Have a happy school year!
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Posted by Denise Oliveri
Summertime is just about here. School is out in some parts, and ready to release in others. To avoid the, "There's nothing to do" syndrome, I've gathered some articles from Suite101 that are sure to keep tweens busy this summer. Enjoy!
Boredom Busters: Kids Summer Activities
Summer Camp Water Games: Gold Rush
Gardening Lesson Plan (with ideas for starting a garden)
Whatever you do this summer, stay safe.
Posted by Denise Oliveri
Spring brings hope to many kids who have been cooped up inside through the winter months. One of the things my kids get most excited about is the longer bouts of daylight that allow them to stay outside longer. Here are some other great things about Spring (found on Suite101), and ways to celebrate and prepare for its coming.
Spring Cleaning - Even the kids can help with this!
How to Handle Spring Allergies
Many kids enjoy Spring Break from school. This is a great time to take a short family vacation or plan some cool day trips around your local area. You might also try:
Throwing a Spring party for your child and her friends
Holding an Easter Egg hunt in your backyard - Offsite article
Start planning a garden
Make some fun Spring foods
Whatever you do, I hope you have a fun and safe springtime!
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Posted by Denise Oliveri
America is excited as our new president is sworn into office today. This is a great chance for parents to get tweens involved in the activities of the day, and prepare for what President Obama has in mind for our country in the coming months and years.
Suite101 has been writing up a storm about President Obama, not only because he is our next president, but because he is the first African American to become a U.S. president. Here are a few articles that will help tweens understand what he has planned for the U.S.
The Obama's are bringing a new dog to the White House. Learn more here...
Tune in on January 20th at 12:00 PM EST to see history in the making! Find more information about today's Inauguration Day or any other in history at the official government website...
Inauguration Day 2009 - (takes you offsite)