1. A WORD FROM THE EDITORS

Welcome to the next issue of kidsgoals.com Newsletter

Our aim is to help you help your child get the best possible start in life by sharing information and stories about successful parents and successful kids!

The theme of our last newsletter was goal setting and how to make a difference in your child's life. In this issue we would like to elaborate on the goal setting idea a bit more and show you how to motivate your child into achieving his/her goals. We believe that the advice will be useful for parents too. There is also an article on positive reinforcement that we hope you will find informative.

Please help us by emailing Cassie or Monicka @kidsgoals.com with your questions, comments and suggestions for future issues.

2. MOTIVATION

Motivation is extremely important if we wish our children to realize their goals and dreams. If they have a really big goal it is best to break it down into smaller steps. If the goal is something that they enjoy working towards then most of the steps are going to be easier. On the other hand, if the steps to the goal require them to do something that they don't like, then it becomes a little harder to motivate our children to do them. Usually the things that they hate doing can be the very things that ruin their chance at success.

It is important that your child keep the long- term benefit of their goal in mind. Try not to focus on the hard parts but get them thinking about how wonderful it will be when they attain their goal. Here are few ways to keep your kids motivated during the times when they don't relish the idea of doing what needs to be done:

• Use a reward system such as a small treat when they achieve a mini goal.
• Share the challenge. Have a friend or family member help your child in attaining his goal
• Define work in short-term goals that can help a child associate effort with success
• Provide a caring and supportive environment
• Teach your child that you only fail if you stop trying
• Help your child visualize their goal by having them draw or cut out pictures that show his/her goal or represent it
• Have your child write out a written contract stating what they will do, when they will do it and what their reward will be

Another way to help motivate your child is to have them listen to age appropriate motivational tapes. Tiger Woods listened to them as a young boy while practicing his golf swing in the mirror.

Finally, teach your children that sometimes the best way is to just get it over with. Lead by example and you will instill in them skills that will benefit them for years to come.

3. HELPING YOUR CHILD MAKE FRIENDS

Having friends is an important way for children to learn social skills. We all want our children to develop lasting friendships but if your child is a bit shy and seems reluctant to make friends sometimes a little help from Mom or Dad is in order.

If your child is on the shy side try helping them by providing positive social interactions without making them feel awkward or pushed. Play dates or other social interactions should be encouraged. This will give your child a chance to hone his social skills and increase his/her confidence.

We can't choose our children's friends so ask your child who he/she likes spending time with at school and contact the child's parents to suggest a get- together. Start by inviting one child over and keep the time short to start with. One or two hours is enough time to get to know each other. Any longer and they may start to squabble.

Make sure to provide games and activities for your child that he enjoys and is good at. This will help ensure that your child is comfortable and confident. Make a few suggestions but let your child pick the activity before the play date. It is a good idea to stay involved with your child and his potential pal. Don't just leave them alone and hope it all works out. You can supervise a cooking or craft project but allow the children to do as much on their own as possible. If your child is uncomfortable with you always being underfoot respect his/her wishes but be available if there are any conflicts or they become bored and want to change the activity.

Try to arrange regular play dates with the same children. If things go really well you can suggest an outing such as going to a movie or some other activity. When your child is comfortable you can suggest that he or she has a play date at his/her friends house. Let your child know that you are only a phone call away and they can come home anytime.

It also helps to play with your child on a regular basis. It will give you an idea where your child's strengths are and where he or she may struggle. Your child may we awesome at video games but may have a hard time playing checkers or doing puzzles. These activities may frustrate your child and should not be included in a play date.

Try to find out what the flavour of the month is. Most children are often into some kind of fads such as certain trading cards or a special video game that everyone must have. The latest trend may not thrill you but it offers great bonding material and gives them something in common to talk about while they are forming a friendship.

It is also very important to talk to your child's teacher about any concerns you may have and have and work together on strategies to help your child make friends. Offer to volunteer in the classroom to get a good idea how your child interacts with his/her peers.

Most importantly try not to expect too much from your child. Never make your child feel like they are being forced to make friends. When a child is shy too much pressure can make a child feel even more insecure. Try not to focus on it and allow friendships to develop naturally. In most cases shyness and problems making friends for children is normal. But If your child constantly avoids eye contact, seems withdrawn or avoids children all together it is time to talk to your family Doctor.

"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."

4. KID'S CORNER (COOKING AND CRAFTS)

SWEETHEART CAKES (age six and up with adult supervision)

1 package (2 layer size) white cake mix

1 package (85 gram) strawberry jelly powder, or your favourite red colour such as cherry, raspberry etc.

3 cups whipped topping or if you prefer white frosting

Colourful candy sprinkles

Prepare cake batter as directed on the package. Stir in dry jelly powder until well blended.

Line 24 medium muffin tins with paper liners. Pour cake batter evenly into cups so each is about one half full. Place a half-inch ball of tin foil between each liner and side of muffin tin to form a heart shape, as shown in the picture:

Bake as directed on package. Cool completely and remove foil ball.

Spread 2 tablespoons of the whipped topping or frosting onto each cupcake. Decorate as desired with candy sprinkles. Store in refrigerator.

HOMEMADE VALENTINES (age 3 and up with adult supervision

What you need

• 8.5x11 construction paper in various colours
• Valentine stickers hearts flowers etc.
• Scissors
• Pinking shears (optional)
• Red white and pink glitter
• Glue stick or white paste

Cut pieces of construction paper into four equal pieces.

Fold each quarter piece in half to make a card

Use stickers to decorate to decorate or cut out hearts from other colours of construction paper to glue onto your cards.

Use glue or glue stick to draw on a heart or phrase such as Be Mine. Sprinkle generously with pink red and white glitter. Let dry over night and then shake off excess glitter.

Older kids can use pinking shears to cut out heart shapes to glue onto cards.

Optional (purchase white paper doilies from craft stores and glue onto red construction paper card for a lacy effect.

5. TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

A policeman saw a man walking down the street with a penguin. He told the man he should take the penguin to the zoo.' Good idea', the man replied, and off he went. The next day the policeman saw the man again, and he still had the penguin with him. 'I thought I told you to take that penguin to the zoo. " " I did, the man replied. " Today I am taking him to the movies."

Why did the farmer take hay to bed?
He wanted to feed his nightmares

6. WORDS OF INSPIRATION

A mind that has been stretched will never return to its original dimension.
Albert Einstein

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