Family & Parenting 2014

2014

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How to Alleviate a

Sibling Rivalry Financing Your New Family Financial advice for expecting parents

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Financial pointers

to save more money so you can afford a nicer home in a better neighborhood that boasts better schools. Or apartment living for a few more years may give you more time to save and place a larger down payment on your home down the road. The larger the initial down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payment, so it might be in your best interest to squirrel away a few more dollars before you go house hunting.

for expecting parents

Establish a financial safety net.

Determine your necessary income.

Many couples have hypothetical discussions regarding children and their finances, but until they receive the news that a baby is on the way, those conversations have a way of being put on the back burner. Now that a baby is on the way, couples need to revisit those discussions, and determining how much income they need is a great place to start. The dual-income household has become the norm in the 21st century, when the cost of living has skyrocketed. But couples must determine if it’s in the family’s best interest for both parents to keep working once their child is born. The cost of childcare is considerable, and it may be in a family’s best interest for just one parent to work until the child reaches school age. Consider your total income as well as your financial obligations (i.e., mortgage, car payments, etc.) and then shop around for the cost of childcare. If it makes more sense to become a single-income household, even if it’s just for a few years, then you will have another important decision to make.

Determine who is staying home.

Expecting parents must make several important financial decisions in the months leading up to the birth of their child.

Couples expecting their first child often find that the months leading up to the birth of the baby are an exciting time filled with anticipation. But those months are also a time for expectant parents to make some important decisions regarding their finances.

Raising a child is an expensive endeavor, one that couples must start preparing for the moment they learn a baby is on the way, if not earlier. Expecting parents likely know their lives are about to change, and those changes must extend to their finances. The following are a few financial pointers for parents-to-be.

Couples who have decided that it’s in their best interests to become a single-income household once their child is born must decide who will be staying home and who will continue working. It’s easy to say the parent who is earning the most should continue working, but that decision is not so black and white. Consider the cost of healthcare offered by each of your employers. Some healthcare plans are significantly more affordable than others, and this might weigh heavily on your decision, especially if both parents are earning relatively similar incomes. Another thing to consider is each of your opportunities for advancement at your current company and within your field.

Earning potential should factor heavily into the decision as to which parent will continue working, especially if you plan to have another child down the road. The conversation as to who will continue working should be treated delicately.

Purchase life insurance.

Life insurance is perhaps the most important purchase expectant couples can make once they learn a baby is on the way. It’s understandable if young couples without children have no life insurance, but that child on the way will be relying on his or her parents for financial support for at least the next 18 years.

Life insurance ensures you can provide that support even if something happens to both you and your spouse.

The months leading up to the birth of a child is an exciting time for the expecting parents, but it’s also a time to make some important financial decisions.

Discuss your housing needs.

Couples who are expecting a child often feel this is a great time to abandon apartment living and buy a home of their own. But chances are you can comfortably manage to live in your apartment for a few more years after your child is born.

Those extra years of apartment living can give you the chance

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Many financial advisors suggest both singles and couples have between three to six months’ income saved in case of emergency, such as a layoff or an accident that prevents you from working. This is especially important for expecting couples, who will soon have an additional mouth to feed. This safety net should be big enough so you can comfortably pay all of your bills, including those for housing, transportation and food, for three to six months. If saving that amount of money is not realistic, save as much as possible and continue to do so once your child is born.

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Long-term financial tips for single parents task as long-term financial planning can seem to a single parent, there are steps single parents can take to secure their financial futures.

Examine spending habits and look for places to save money.

In order to plan for your financial future, you need to know how you’re spending your money in the present day.

Examine your spending habits to see if there are any areas where you might be able to trim some fat and divert those dollars toward securing your financial future. If you’re struggling to save even a little money each month, then look for areas where you might be able to save, such as reducing your cable television package or carpooling to work to save money on fuel. Being a single parent can be hectic, so it’s easy to lose track of your spending habits. But once you examine those habits, chances are you can find ways to save some money.

Purchase health insurance.

Single parents face a number of obstacles, not the least If manage you runtheir a business, you know. The most valuable things of which is how to effectively finances.

Many single parents have no health insurance, which is a Managing finances for a family is not easy when both recipe for financial disaster should a medical emergency parents live under the same roof, much less when one parent arise. Kids might qualify for free or low-cost governmentis going it alone. sponsored insurance if neither of their parents has you aa business, you most valuable things ManyIf parents find themselves putting long-term Ifsingle you run run business, you know. know. The The mosttheir valuable things employer-sponsored health insurance. But that still leaves financial plans on the back burner. That’s often a byproduct your family’s present and future finances in jeopardy of juggling many responsibilities at once, which makes it should you face a medical emergency. Medical costs can easy to ignore the one that might not have an immediate quickly add up, draining your finances and leaving you and effect on the family. But focusing on long-term financial your children facing an uncertain financial future. Health goals might be even more important for single parents insurance is a safety precaution single parents sorely need to than parents who still live together. The latter typically has avoid a potentially perilous financial future. the luxury of dual incomes, while the former must make Purchase supplemental insurance. his or her single income go a lot further. As daunting a

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Single parents don’t have the safety net of a second income to fall back on should something happen and they are unable to work. Many employer-sponsored disability benefits provide just a fraction of your total income, which likely won’t be enough to keep you and your family financially afloat for very long. Supplemental insurance can help fill that gap between your total income and the disability benefit provided by your company, likely protecting your savings and ensuring an accident doesn’t hinder your long-term financial goals.

Save for retirement.

Saving for college is a goal for many parents, regardless of their marital status. However, single parents with limited incomes should emphasize retirement savings over college savings. That’s because financial aid, which many kids rely on to attend college, is based largely on a family’s income level. So even kids from low-income households will be able to attend college if their grades are up to par. But single parents must save for retirement to secure their own financial future and ensure they can still afford to support themselves when they are no longer working.

Establish a will and an estate plan

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All parents should have a will and an estate plan that specifically spells out how their money should be distributed to their children and who should act as their child’s guardian in the case of the parents’ death. This is especially important for single parents who may or may not be able to rely on a child’s other parent for support.

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Organizing a family reunion Your Partner in Faith and Learning

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Family reunions are a great way for families to maintain a bond and stay abreast of the latest happenings within the family. Some families host an annual reunion, while others go years between reunions. Regardless of how much time has passed since your last family reunion, organizing such a gathering can be quite an ordeal.

When planning a family reunion, those trusted to organize the event will be met with many challenges. But the following tips should help the process go as smoothly as possible.

such a location might not be practical for families who have branched out geographically. When choosing a town or city for the family reunion, try to find a central location that’s accessible to the largest number of prospective attendees.

For example, if half of your family now calls the west coast home while the other half lives along the east coast, then a location in the middle of the country is equally accessible for all. This also gives travel enthusiasts the chance to do some traveling while also reconnecting with their family members.

Start early.

Arrange for transportation ahead of time.

The earlier you start to organize your family reunion, the more time you and your family members will have to find deals on hotels or transportation.

That’s especially important today, when many families are more spread out than ever before. Planning early also gives organizers time to find fun and affordable means of entertainment, such as group trips to a sporting event or an amusement park. Even if your family hosts an annual reunion, start planning early so family members from far and wide can make plans to attend.

Use social media to your advantage.

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Social media has made it easy to keep in touch with distant relatives, and organizers can use this tool to their advantage when planning a family reunion. Post ideas for entertainment to social media and get feedback from relatives. Solicit suggestions for activities and assign different tasks to different family members who have confirmed their attendance. Use social media to keep track of that attendance as well, especially among those family members who have not yet committed but have implied a desire to attend.

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Though it might be sentimental to hold the reunion in a city or town where your family has its deepest roots,

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If your family reunion won’t be in a big city with reliable public transportation, then it’s best to arrange for transportation ahead of time. Some family members will drive to the reunion, so confirm who is driving and the capacity of their vehicles.

You might be able to get by with relatives hitching rides from their family members to the reunion and other events. If not, you can arrange for transportation depending on the number of people who won’t have access to transportation. You might want to rent a small or large bus for the weekend so those without access to transportation can travel together throughout the weekend. Do so ahead of time so you or your family members are not scrambling for transportation come the weekend of the reunion.

Host the reunion when the weather outside is warm and welcoming.

Unless you’re a family who enjoys hitting the slopes and wants to reunite on the black diamond, then host the reunion at a time of year when the weather is warm.

This allows all of you to enjoy the great outdoors, and people are less likely to feel cramped or claustrophobic. The warm weather is also more amenable to activities like three-legged races, water balloon fights and, of course, the family reunion barbecue, which is a staple of many family gatherings.

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Spend less on family travel Taking a connecting flight is one way to save money on travel expenses.

Many families go on vacation once the school year ends. But with the fluctuating prices of fuel, driving or flying with a family of four or more can be costly. Those fed up with yet another “staycation” may be wondering how they can trim costs but still get away.

Taking a vacation is a way for people to rest and recharge. Even if a trip lasts just a few days, the change of scenery and the chance to leave behind the daily grind can provide a much-needed escape. According to Travelhorizons™, people traveling with children or grandchildren make up roughly 30 percent of all adult leisure travelers. The average American family takes four to five leisure trips per year, and there are many ways to save money on such excursions without compromising the fun factor.

Travel Method Flying to a destination is often more expensive than taking a train or driving.

Consider renting a van or even an RV to transport the entire family to your destination if it is within reasonable driving distance.

Family members can take turns driving to cut down on the number of stops that need to be made.

If you prefer to fly, realize that direct, nonstop flights tend to be the most costly.

Discounts are to be had when you fly in the early morning or late at night and are willing to endure a layover. Booking round-trip tickets tends to be less expensive than oneway tickets, as is flying in and out of the

•

same airport as opposed to using a different airport on the return trip.

Booking trips well in advance enables consumers to shop around for affordable flights, but many times deals can be had when shoppers wait until the last minute and take advantage of airline and discount travel sites offering last-minute deals. Seats on halfempty flights may be offered at a discount.

You may even be able to contact an airline and negotiate the cost of a flight.

Package Deals Travel sites and independent travel agents often give you better prices when you package items together. Therefore, if you stay at a particular hotel, book with a certain airline and add a rental car in the same transaction, the cost may be far less than purchasing these components separately.

Think Outside the Hotel

Hotels are not the only places to stay while on vacation. Many times private house or condo rentals cost considerably less money than per-night stays at hotels. There are Web sites that cater to rentals-by-owner that can be searched and booked.

Staying in a private rental often gives you more space to spread out and may even provide access to a full-service kitchen. This can help you to conserve funds by letting you prepare some or all of your meals, rather than eating out.

Discount hostels and individuals who open up their homes to travelers can be other avenues of investigation for less-expensive

accommodations.

If you prefer a hotel to earn vacation points or rewards, consider staying a town over.

Hotels in tourist destinations request top dollar, but staying a few miles out of town can help you save a bundle.

Pay in Full/ Pay in Advance Purchasing amusement park, theater or special event tickets in advance is typically less expensive than paying the “at the door” price. Research all of the places you plan to visit while on your trip and book these adventures in advance. Not only will it save you the hassle of making arrangements while on vacation, but also you can save a few dollars along the way.

Some hotels offer similar discounts. If you

book a non-refundable stay and pay in full, you may earn a rate that is lower than the standard room price.

Be Flexible Rigid travel dates and plans will not leave wiggle room for negotiation. High-demand dates tend to cost the most. Flying out a day before or after a peak date can reduce airline rates considerably. Also, try to book vacations in off-peak times. Resorts will be less crowded, and you will save money by taking advantage of off-season prices.

Vacationing as a family can be an ideal way to spend time together. When a group is traveling, it is a good idea to look for any and all ways to save money on the trip.

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Talking withYour Kids and Teens about Alcohol

by Tanya Paley, Project Coordinator Steele County Safe and Drug Free Coalition

Like every parent I have a long list of things I need to talk to my children about every day- whether they got their homework done, whether they did their chores, the plan for getting everyone to where they need to be that day and when we can squeeze in a family meal. So I know that it is tempting to feel as if talking to your kids about alcohol is not a top priority, particularly if you think they are too young for it to be much of an issue. But talking to our kids about alcohol, like all the other conversations we have about our family values, goals and expectations is important and should not be daunting. Here are some tips I can share;

talking about what they see happening to other kids, rather than talking about what they are experiencing themselves.

• Do something else while you are talking.

Some people don’t like “just talking.”

Sometimes the best conversations happen when you are outside playing sports, or cooking dinner together, going for a walk, or even just riding in the car when you do not have to look at each other.

• Don’t wait for your children to bring up alcohol- We have the perfect opportunity coming up to start the conversation. Yes, Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner. Every year there are many ads for alcohol. You can use the buzz around viral advertisements, stories in the news or incidents from real life to raise the issue.

Ask your child what he thinks about the alcohol use he sees on TV, in movies, among his friends or among adults around him.

• If you consumed alcohol as a teenager, be honest with your children if they ask about it. Tell them about the consequences you faced. Be upfront without going into too much detail. Then talk to your kids about their expectations for themselves as well as your rules. Tell them that “But you did it, Mom” will never be accepted as an excuse.

We recently asked teens in Steele County on an anonymous survey whether they had consumed more than a sip of alcohol in the last 30 days. By the time our teens got to 12th grade 40% of them reported that they had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days, 25% of them were binge drinking.

We want to bring the number of teens making good decisions up. Talking to your kids regularly and honestly is one strategy that works! Which tip will you try first?

• Instead of generally asking your kids about their day, ask them at least weekly about the peer pressure they experience or see at school and in their social groups.

Some children are more comfortable

For more parenting prevention tips, for information about the many coalition initiatives to keep our kids safe and to get on our mailing list email me at safedrugfree@charter.net.

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Banish bad bedtime behavior

As much as parents may anticipate their childrens’ bedtime as a point in the day when they can finally enjoy some peace and quiet, there are those moms and dads who dread bedtime, which can be frustrating for even the most level-headed parents. Parents may face a host of issues at bedtime each night, but each requires patience and perseverance so bad behaviors can be broken once and for all.

Wired Children

What parent hasn’t experienced a child who is too excited to go to bed? Experts say that, depending on their age, children need 9 to 11 hours of sleep every night. Most children should be in bed by 8 p.m. to get the sleep their bodies need. If you miss the window of time to get them in bed, you may enter the overtired and wired period. A consistent bedtime and wake time can help set the pace for happy kids who are sleepy when they should be. Their bodies will adjust to the schedule, and over time they will involuntarily become tired when the time is right.

Inconsistency

Over-stimulation

Children have many more toys and recreational activities at their disposal than their parents and grandparents did when they were children. The presence of these devices, including video game consoles and personal tablet computers, may not make for an ideal sleep environment. Sleep therapists advise that television watching and activities that engage the mind a good deal should be ceased prior to bed and replaced with more relaxing activities. This can include listening to soothing music or reading a few pages of a favorite story. Avoid activities that will increase energy levels, such as exercise or rough-housing, before bed.

The Bed Hog Some parents believe sleep problems only occur during infancy. But sleep problems may continue throughout childhood if they are not addressed promptly.

There are plenty of parents who embrace the concept of the “family bed,” where everyone sleeps comfortably together. However, those who want their beds to be their private domain may be put off and disturbed by small feet kicking them in the night. But when faced with a midnight temper tantrum, many parents relent and let their child climb into their bed. This can cause a

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pattern of behavior that is difficult to break.

Sleep training involves getting toddlers or older children accustomed to sleeping in their own beds again. It may begin by a parent “camping out” in the child’s room to provide security. Over a period of days, the parent gradually moves closer to the door and then out of the room entirely once the child can comfortably sleep solo in his or her room. Initially, the process may be uncomfortable for kids and parents alike.

But eventually it may solidify good sleeping habits.

A routine lets children known when it is time to go to sleep. Lacking a consistent schedule may not provide the physical cues that it is time to go to bed. Adhere to a routine each and every night so children become trained to go to bed at a particular time. This routine may include brushing teeth, picking out pajamas and then snuggling together for a few minutes. Children are creatures of habit, and knowing what to expect will help set them up for sleeping success.

Safety Issues

Some parents cannot get a good night’s sleep because they worry about their children rising in the middle of the night and wandering the house unattended or even leaving the home. Childproofing the home can calm those concerns. Placing a secure gate at the doorway of the child’s room can limit roaming, while alarms placed on doors and windows can alert parents if a child is trying to open a window or exit the home.

Parents can take many steps to fix problematic bedtime behaviors and ensure the entire household gets the sleep they need.

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How to keep kids safe on the Internet media, chat rooms or other online outlets, strangers can now gain access to children in a variety of ways, many of which are seemingly innocent.

The prevalence of online predators has many parents looking for ways to protect their kids when they go online. Some parents may want to outlaw the Internet altogether until kids reach high school, but such a reaction can put kids at a significant disadvantage academically by barring them from what is often a valuable resource. Parents who want their kids to get the most out of the Internet without putting them in danger of online predators can employ the following tips.

Warn kids about the potential risks and dangers of the Internet.

Protecting kids from online predators involves monitoring their smartphone activity.

Parents of yesteryear seldom had to worry about protecting their kids from strangers once their kids were safely inside the home.

But since the dawn of the Internet, parents know the safety of their private residence can be easily compromised. Be it through social

Many parents would prefer their kids did not know about Internet predators, but that wish should not outweigh the desire to keep kids safe. Teach kids that people on the Internet may not always behave honestly, misrepresenting themselves in an effort to gain access to unsuspecting and often trusting kids. Teach kids to take the same approach with online strangers that they do with strangers they see in public, never sharing any personal information or engaging in conversation with someone they don’t know. Teach kids to tell an adult they trust immediately if an online stranger contacts them.

Use the filters at your disposal.

Parents can filter certain Web sites so children cannot access them. Filter sites geared toward adults as well as any sites where kids might be at risk of coming into contact with potential predators. Block chat rooms and other sites where adults can pose as kids and make sure kids who are involved with social media have made their online profiles private and only accessible to friends and family members.

Monitor kids’ online activity on a daily basis.

The Internet is such a commonly used tool that many kids go online at least once per day. Homework assignments and other school functions are commonly posted online, and many kids communicate with friends via the Internet as much as they do in person. Parents should monitor their kids’ online activity on a daily basis, scanning their Web history and examining their social media interactions to be sure kids aren’t putting themselves in harm’s way. Kids may grow more resistant to such monitoring as they grow older, but parents cannot turn a blind eye to kids’ online activity simply to avoid a confrontation.

Keep the computer in a common area.

The family computer should be kept in a common area where parents can monitor how much time kids are spending online, what they’re doing and who they’re speaking to while surfing the Internet. When kids have their own computers or tablets in their bedrooms, parents can easily lose track of how much time kids are spending online.

This makes it easier for online predators to gain access to kids, who have a harder time recognizing potential predators than adults.

Remember kids can get online on their smartphones, too.

Computers are no longer the only way for kids to get online. More and more kids, especially those in high school, are doing their online surfing via their smartphones. Monitor kids’ mobile phone usage just like you do their computer usage. Peruse their call and texting history, and discuss any suspect usage with them immediately.

Kids spend more time online now than ever before, and that usage figures to increase in the coming years as the Internet becomes increasingly accessible. Parents should take steps to ensure their youngsters are safe when going online.

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2014 2014 opeN opeN House House aNd aNd registratioN: registratioN: 2014 opeN House aNd registratioN: Jan. 27: 8:30-10:30 AM & 6-7:30 PM Jan. Jan. 27: 8:30-10:30 AM & 6-7:30 PM Jan. 29: 29: 8:30-10:30 8:30-10:30 AM AM Jan. 27: Call 8:30-10:30 AM & 6-7:30 PM Jan. 29: 8:30-10:30 AM 451-8247 for ongoing registration Call 451-8247 451-8247 for for ongoing ongoing registration registration Call TNS is an equal opportunity pre-school and does not discriminate in admission or hiring policies.

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One of the primary roles of parents is ensuring their children are safe and wellcared for and receive the necessities in life. But sometimes parents need time away from the kids to recharge their batteries. In such instances, parents often fret over finding reliable childcare. Hiring a babysitter is not always easy, and many parents take extra steps to ensure the babysitter they hire is the right match for their children.

Parents are understandably uneasy about leaving their children in the hands of a stranger. That is why so many parents rely on relatives, including grandparents and aunts, to act as babysitters. But many people no longer live in close proximity to their relatives, forcing parents to look outside the family for a babysitter.

Finding a babysitter should begin with a careful consideration and investigation of applicants. Although horror stories of children being mishandled while in the care of nannies and sitters are few and far between, parents still worry that something can happen to their children when the kids are left in the hands of someone other than Mom and Dad. Here are some tips parents should keep in mind before hiring a babysitter.

Start your search within your own community and network of friends.

Mommy online forums, church clubs and social groups associated with your child’s school are good places to network with other parents and find out about good babysitters in the area. Many parents have hired the son or daughter of a close friend to babysit their children. If that is not an option, many Web sites offer free or low-cost listings of local sitters. These services often use third parties to vet the applicants and may offer everything from background checks to identity confirmation.

Don’t hire a sitter who is too young.

Parents should avoid hiring sitters who are younger than 13 or 14. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental injuries in the home are one of the leading causes of death for children more than 12

months old. Therefore, sitters should be physically and mentally capable of reacting should an accident or incident that requires emergency action occur.

Babysitters who are knowledgeable in first aid or CPR are particularly attractive.

Ask for references.

When narrowing down candidates, parents should ask for references and be sure to follow up. Ask pointed questions about the candidate’s skill set, including the type of care they provided, how many hours the sitter was capable of working and if there were any incidents, positive or negative, that stood out. Inquire about the sitter’s temperament and ability to follow directions and how well children responded to the sitter.

Let prospective candidates interact with your children.

Once potential candidates have been vetted, let them spend time with your kids to see how they interact with the children and how the kids react to each candidate. The most qualified individual will not work out if he or she does not have a rapport with the children.

Observe the sitter with your kids even after he or she has been hired.

Upon hiring a sitter, plan a day when he or she can come over and stay with the children while you supervise from another room. Gradually work up to leaving the kids alone for a certain period of time. As the relationship between the sitter and your children becomes more comfortable, you can stay out for longer periods of time. The sitter should be aware of all rules and expected conduct while in the home and caring for children.

When hiring a sitter, many parents trust their gut instincts. But no matter how reliable your instincts are, it still helps to vet candidates as thoroughly as possible.

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How to alleviate a

sibling rivalry

After more than 50 years of shrinking households, evidence from the 2010 United States Census indicated that the number of people living under one roof has once again started to grow. The changing economy and high unemployment rates have driven many people to once again join together and live under one roof. Furthermore, adult children who had previously moved out of their parents’ homes are increasingly moving back in just to make ends meet.

This cohabitation could lead to some conflicts along the way, especially among siblings who faced off against each other while growing up. Sibling rivalry is a common occurrence among brothers and sisters, but there are ways to keep it in check.

Don’t play favorites. Never show or tell level is not easily achieved. This can cause punishments and take over. It is imperative What is sibling rivalry?

Some siblings grow up as best friends while others seemingly never stop fighting.

There are a number of reasons why they may get into arguments with each other. In many cases, brothers and sisters fight out of jealousy or to compete for a parent’s attention. According to KidsHealth.org, here are some reasons a sibling rivalry may develop.

Personalities: Every child has his or her own personality and temperament. This doesn’t always match up with the temperament of a sibling. If one child is easygoing and adventurous and the other child is shy and clingy, this can cause a rift in their ability to play well together.

Age: Age can factor in to how siblings get along. A child who is seven years old and a child who is three years old have very different interests and levels of development.

They may not be able to share the same toys, and having fun together on an intellectual

bickering and usually fights when the younger sibling wants to emulate the older one.

Special needs: A child may have a developmental delay or illness that requires extra attention from Mom and Dad. Other siblings may be jealous of the extra attention their brother or sister could be receiving, even if the attention is justified.

Learning by example: Children often take their cues from Mom and Dad. If parents are unable to resolve their differences amicably and tend to blow things out of proportion, siblings may feel like this is the right way to handle their problems as well.

Stopping the fighting Constant bickering and yelling can take its toll on the household, leading to a more stressful environment. Therefore, parents are often eager to put an end to the disagreements as soon as possible. Certain strategies can help relieve sibling rivalries.

one child that he or she is a favorite over the other. This can cause a lifelong resentment among siblings and even compromise parents’relationship with their children.

Parents should do their best to share equal time with all children and avoid favoring any of the kids.

Don’t take sides. Try not to get involved in disagreements between children. Parents should try to remain neutral, only intervening if there is a chance of danger or physical fighting. By coming to the rescue of a particular child, parents may make it seem like one is protected and exacerbate the rivalry problem.

Don’t play the blame game. Siblings are their own instigators, and it takes more than one person to get into a fight. Instead of pointing blame, figure out what consistently causes arguments and try to avoid those situations.

Resolve things with the kids. When parents must step in, it’s important not to dole out the

to coach children through an argument and help them find their own solutions. Otherwise the kids could always run to their parents to serve as referees. Parents should help their children develop the skills they need to be able to successfully work through difficulties on their own.

Parents can employ a host of strategies to ensure their children get along swimmingly and put to bed any sibling rivalry that might exist.

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Learning to brush their own teeth is a lesson all children must master. Although parents ultimately may have children who become proficient at brushing their own teeth, getting them to floss is generally more difficult.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 41 percent of children aged 2 to 11 had tooth decay in their first teeth. Dental caries are common among children, likely because they have not become proficient at taking care of their teeth.

Soft, sticky foods are commonplace in young kids’ diets, and these can promote decay. Even well-intentioned gummy vitamins can be sources of dental decay.

Oftentimes, these foods become lodged between the teeth or on the surface of molars. If left in contact with the teeth for too long, food particles become a source of carbohydrates for oral bacteria, and cavities may appear as a result.

To remove food particles from between the teeth, children must floss, advises the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.

It is recommended that parents help their children to floss as soon as two teeth are touching and continue to do so until the

child is around the age of 8, when a child should have enough dexterity to do it on his or her own.

Flossing is essential to making sure children do not experience cavities at an early age, and it can establish practices that promote oral health throughout life.

Despite being so important, many parents fail to encourage flossing or are at a loss as to how to make it enjoyable and effective.

Although regular dental floss is one of the first tools for flossing, the dexterity required to wind the floss around little fingers and then thoroughly clean the teeth may discourage children. Parents can look into the wide array of flossing helpers available at the store. In fact, many age-appropriate flossers are now available that feature fun designs and smaller profiles to fit into kids’ mouths more easily. Flossers may be attached to a handle to make back teeth more accessible and promote more effective flossing. Manufacturers such as DenTek, Butler GUM, Plackers Kids, Dr. Fresh, Oral-B, and Brush Buddies offer children’s flossers.

Kids who shy away from flossing may be more likely to use a children’s water flosser. In lieu of string floss, a water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to dislodge food from between teeth. Although a water flosser may be more messy, children may enjoy the opportunity to “play” with water and the cleaning sensation provided.

To prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of dental caries, parents should educate children about proper flossing techniques.

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