How A Child Learns

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, she learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, she learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to apprecaite.

If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, she learns to like herself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

(Dorothy Law Nolte)

Growing Pains

Ethan is four and Zachary is two now. Even the younger brother now knows how to say "No" and rejects the first offer of anything you give him to eat or things you encourage him to do. He wants to do things "his" way.The issue of sharing is difficult to teach to a four-years old. Instances of both brothers wanting to play the same toy or game is common. Shouting and yelling to show their displeasures is frequently heard. One solution to avoid a dispute on sharing is to select toys or games that can be played by two persons. Some examples, we found workable, are picture/letter card games, finger/brush painting where both can do it at the same time, puzzles or a tri-cycle for two.