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SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
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| Get SmartTips Newsletters by Email |
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SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
- Tempated by new car deals? Check here first to avoid over-paying.
- End of the year anticipation? Did something change this year that will affect your taxes?
- 529 College Savings Plans. Your children are never too young—or too old—for you to get started.
Save money with FREE tips on everything from budgeting, managing debt, buying insurance, and planning for retirement.
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Provide Discipline
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Setting Limits for School-Age Kids
We all know that children need limits. Children want to know what the rules are and where parents draw the line for acceptable and unacceptable behavior. According to Ellen Galinsky, a child development expert, “Limits make children feel safe.” In addition, rules help school-age children practice decision-making and gain an understanding of natural and logical consequences.
Each family is unique and needs to determine its own rules and limits. Some limits can be negotiated; others may not be up for discussion. For instance, a non-negotiable rule might be completing homework as soon as a child arrives home from school. A negotiable rule might be weekend bedtimes.
Here are a few guidelines to follow when establishing limits:
- Make sure the limit is necessary. Having as few rules as possible makes it clear to children what is expected of them. Too many rules make children feel overwhelmed and rebellious. Remember that you will have to impose the consequences later—if you can’t impose the consequence, consider whether the rule is necessary.
- When possible, state limits in a positive way. Instead of saying, “No pop in the living room,”
say, “Keep pop in the kitchen so it doesn’t spill.”
- Have your grandchildren help you set the rules. Remember that some are negotiable and some are not. The children only get to help make the negotiable rules.
- Decide consequences ahead of time. For most limits, you can have a general idea of what will happen if they are broken. If possible, involve the children in deciding consequences. Then when a consequence needs to be imposed, you can simply say to the child, “Remember, you decided what would happen if this rule was broken.”
- Take into consideration your grandchild’s abilities and skills. A 4-year-old will not have the same rules as a 12-year-old. In addition, children with developmental delays or other special needs may need different rules from others in the home.
- VERY IMPORTANT! Once you establish limits, be sure to enforce them consistently. Rules that are not enforced consistently are ineffective.
© University of Illinois Extension
Setting Limits for School-Age Kids
We all know that children need limits. Children want to know what the rules are and where parents draw the line for acceptable and unacceptable behavior. According to Ellen Galinsky, a child development expert, “Limits make children feel safe.” In addition, rules help school-age children practice decision-making and gain an understanding of natural and logical consequences.
Each family is unique and needs to determine its own rules and limits. Some limits can be negotiated; others may not be up for discussion. For instance, a non-negotiable rule might be completing homework as soon as a child arrives home from school. A negotiable rule might be weekend bedtimes.
Here are a few guidelines to follow when establishing limits:
- Make sure the limit is necessary. Having as few rules as possible makes it clear to children what is expected of them. Too many rules make children feel overwhelmed and rebellious. Remember that you will have to impose the consequences later—if you can’t impose the consequence, consider whether the rule is necessary.
- When possible, state limits in a positive way. Instead of saying, “No pop in the living room,”
say, “Keep pop in the kitchen so it doesn’t spill.”
- Have your grandchildren help you set the rules. Remember that some are negotiable and some are not. The children only get to help make the negotiable rules.
- Decide consequences ahead of time. For most limits, you can have a general idea of what will happen if they are broken. If possible, involve the children in deciding consequences. Then when a consequence needs to be imposed, you can simply say to the child, “Remember, you decided what would happen if this rule was broken.”
- Take into consideration your grandchild’s abilities and skills. A 4-year-old will not have the same rules as a 12-year-old. In addition, children with developmental delays or other special needs may need different rules from others in the home.
- VERY IMPORTANT! Once you establish limits, be sure to enforce them consistently. Rules that are not enforced consistently are ineffective.
© University of Illinois Extension
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Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
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Learn How to Discipline Your Child
As a grandparent, it is your job to teach your grandchild the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. But getting your grandchild to behave the way you want is not as hard as you think.
Find strategies that work by clicking Continue below.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Learn How to Discipline Your Child
As a grandparent, it is your job to teach your grandchild the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. But getting your grandchild to behave the way you want is not as hard as you think.
Find strategies that work by clicking Continue below.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
|
Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Learn More About Childhood Obesity Obesity among children has reached epidemic levels in the US, affecting more than 9 million children. Not surprisingly, obesity can limit a child's physical activity and affect his or her self-esteem. But what's more worrisome are the health risks associated with being too heavy: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and other diseases and conditions.
Find solutions and resources for grandparentsparents and other caregivers who are concerned about childhood obesity and overweight children, and for those grandparents and others who simply want to learn how to help children lead healthier, more active lives.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Learn More About Childhood Obesity Obesity among children has reached epidemic levels in the US, affecting more than 9 million children. Not surprisingly, obesity can limit a child's physical activity and affect his or her self-esteem. But what's more worrisome are the health risks associated with being too heavy: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and other diseases and conditions.
Find solutions and resources for grandparentsparents and other caregivers who are concerned about childhood obesity and overweight children, and for those grandparents and others who simply want to learn how to help children lead healthier, more active lives.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Congratulations! You’re a grandparent or soon to become one. Although this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, it does have its challenges—and joys. The checklist below will help you make the most of your grand-parenting years.
Hard to believe, but you’re a grandparent or will be soon. Get ready for some rollercoaster emotions—and the time of your life.How can your child be a parent? Weren’t you changing diapers just a few years ago? Welcome to the wonderful world of grandparenting, where you’ll forge new relationships with your children, your grandchildren, and the world around you. 
Grandchildren develop so fast it’s hard to keep pace. Your challenge: to understand them—and accept them—as they grow.You’ve probably forgotten how quickly kids change. But now that you’re a grandparent, getting reacquainted with these changes will be a big help.
When your grandchild visits your home, your little one’s safety is in your hands. Are you ready?Imagine how you will feel if your grandchild gets hurt while visiting. Don’t let it happen. Inspect your home and eliminate all safety hazards now.
Traveling with your grandchild by car is more dangerous than you think. Take special precautions to keep your little one safe.A lot has changed since you drove your kids around. Today, buying and installing a child safety seat almost takes an engineering degree. Get help here.
Your child has primary responsibility for your grandchild’s healthcare. But you play an important supporting role.The more time your grandchild spends with you, the more you need to know about today’s child healthcare practices. Start learning now.
Caring for your grandchild is rewarding. But make sure to set limits.Most grandparents enjoy caring for a grandchild while parents work. It’s a rare opportunity to build strong bonds with the next generation—and to have fun. Just make sure it works with your current lifestyle and future plans.
If your child is unable to care for your grandchild, you may need to take over. Don’t worry . . . you’re not alone.Raising a grandchild is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Say goodbye to retirement dreams of travel and leisure. But say hello to the rewards of love and commitment.
A lesson grandparents often learn the hard way: Love has its limits.When your grandchild visits, it’s important to set limits—on behavior, snacks, and gifts. And don’t forget that you have your limits, too (of time, money, and energy).
It’s natural to want to help your grandchild financially. Just make sure whatever you do is consistent with your financial goals and constraints.There are many options for gift giving and a variety of tax benefits available. Whatever you do, do what makes sense for your grandchild—and what makes sense for your current and future financial needs.
Nothings warms a grandparent’s heart more than giving grandchildren gifts. But don’t let it burn your bank account.Giving gifts comes naturally to grandparents. Still, don’t feel you have to always give toys or spend a lot of money. Remember, it’s the thought—and the memories—that count.
Giving gifts to your grandchildren while you’re alive is important. But also think about what to leave them when you’re gone.Providing money and other financial assets can open doors for your grandchildren later in life. To do this, make sure to update your will after a grandchild is born (or have one drawn up). And consider the advantages of life insurance.
College is an expensive proposition these days. The good news: You can help your grandchildren by contributing to their college fund or by paying their tuition.Many grandparents gladly help their grandchildren with college finances. But be sure to consider all of your options before writing your first check.
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