Relief from Cabin Fever

 

I know, Spring is around the corner! But until it gets here, we still have frigid temps, wind chills, and some parts of the country are buried under snow. So when your kids are stuck indoors and bored, here are a few ideas to relieve their cabin fever; 

• Assemble an obstacle course
  Kids and empty boxes go together. Place some large empty boxes around the floor for your child to crawl in, on and through. Add more obstacles like a chair, step stool, soft pillows, large laundry baskets, etc. This is a terrific activity for using stored energy, motor skills and imagination.

Good Discipline is Developmental

Skillful parents - and anyone who works with kids - know that discipline takes into account a child's developmental abilities. The best discipline is adapted to each child's age, needs, and abilities. For example,

Infants fuss and cry when their needs are unmet, want attention, and cannot share.
Toddlers are curiosity-driven, self-absorbed, and struggle for independence and power.
Preschoolers are fickle in friendships, have wild imaginations, want power, and try out new words.
Schoolagers are peer conscious, compare themselves to others, and competitive.
Teens are toddlers in bigger bodies.

To be successful in your daily discipline, I encourage you to consider the normal, albeit challenging, developmental behaviors of kids. Then adapt your expectations accordingly.
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