Todays' Family

"Connecting" With Your Kids for the New Year!
by Margie Manion
Parenting Expert

Normally when we think of New Year's resolutions we think of something we are going to stop doing. We are going to stop eating sweets, biting nails, spending money on things we don't need, smoking...you get the idea. This year I think it would be a great resolution to try to be less connected through technology and more connected with real relationships and family.

Take a moment to think about how much time you spend on your computer, cell phone, Blackberry, or any other gadget. We are so used to it that we don't even realize it. Children need and crave your attention. When you are telling them that they and their ideas are important and valuable, but you can't give them your undivided attention you are sending them an opposite message. Remember the old saying "actions speak louder than words". Twenty-one out of twenty-two third graders in my class said that it really bothers them when their parents or on the phone or Blackberry.

Don't get me wrong, they are wonderful for business, convenience, and multitasking, but they have somehow found their way into our "family time". I've seen them everywhere (including church). Here are some ways to wean yourself from being "connected" all the time:

1. Don't bring your Blackberry or cell phone to your children's events.

2. Designate specific times for your self to be "connected" (morning, lunch, when kids are in bed.)

3. Anytime you are engaging in something with friends or family (dinner, movie, games, church), don't even bring it in with you if you think it will be too hard to stop yourself from constantly checking it.

4. Don't bring it to bed with you. This is just common politeness and respect.

It is easy to get caught up in keeping up with people around us. Remember, everything in moderation! You will be surprised at the difference it makes in your life and your children will be so happy that they get you all to themselves more often!

Margie Manion graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development. She taught for several years. Then went on to marry her college sweetheart. They have two beautiful boys who are the the center of their world. Margie taught in the classroom for 4 years until she quit to stay home with her two boys. During this time, as a parent educator with the Parents As Teachers program ashe did a local parenting segment, weekly, with WDAF Fox 4 in Kansas City. She is currently back in the classroom teaching 3rd grade in Liberty, MO, as well as promoting her invention and book (Zoom Spoon and "Zoom Spoon and Finicky Philip the Picky Eater" which can be found at www.zoomspoon.com ).

Margie wants you to know that, "I am very passionate about what I do. I know that parenting is the hardest and most important job in the world! I would like to reach as many parents as possible to help them to take extra steps to make their parenting experience a positive one! There is no such thing as the "perfect parent" it is an ongoing process and it is never to late to try something new!"