Parenting Advisor - Online Parenting Programs

As parents of children with special needs, we have a lot on our plates. Our babies are blessings, and it’s often hard for us to admit that we are overwhelmed. However, to maintain our own health and wellness, we have to learn to recognize the signs that we need a break.  Signs of Parental Fatigue According to the Daily Voice blog, parental burnout is typified by physical and mental exhaustion. Additional signs of parental fatigue you may not have considered include: DepressionLow parental satisfactionPoor sleepMarital problems It can be difficult at first to find a balance between caring for yourself and feeling as though you are neglecting your loved one. However, there are things you can do that will make things much...

Driving is a great way for teenagers to gain independence. However, a newly qualified teen driver is three times more likely to be involved in a collision than a driver that’s just a few years older than them. As a parent, it’s crucial that you teach your child all there is to know about driving safely - you could even take a parenting course to help you effectively do this. Here are some tips that will help you keep your new teen driver safe on the road. Set an example Your teen probably won’t ever say it, but they look up to you. They’ll have been watching the way you drive for years and will continue to do so. Be a good driver and your teen is more likely to be one too. Always be polite to other drivers and avoid...

A quarter of surveyed parents with high school aged kids say that their teens have brought up a tattoo, according to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. While some parents may be quick to say no to such a request, many parents may find themselves feeling a bit lost in knowing how to navigate the situation. While it may feel like they’re growing up a bit too fast, here's a few tips as to how you can successfully handle the situation no matter what your final decision may be. Having a realistic conversation In regards to the subject of tattoos and piercings, it’s important to have as realistic of a conversation as possible should your teen ask for one or the other. According to an...

Raising a child can be difficult under the best of circumstances, but when that child is autistic, it can add an extra layer of complexity to the equation. Parents who are autistic often face unique challenges when it comes to raising an autistic child. There are many different theories and strategies out there for how to best approach this daunting task, but what works for one family may not work for another. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and tricks that have worked for other autistic parents in raising their children. We hope that this information will be helpful to you as you navigate this challenging but rewarding journey! Some of these tips include: Find a Support Group There are many online and in-person...

During the course of 2021, the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children received 2.3 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. The 35% increase from the previous year can be largely attributed to the fact that children have been spending more time in front of electronic devices than ever before. In addition to using laptops and smartphones for gaming and social media, these technologies were also utilized to keep children up-to-date with their schoolwork.  While having access to the internet is undoubtedly beneficial in many ways, the more time a child spends on it the greater their chance to catch the attention of an online predator. Here are a few things you as a parent can do to help keep your children safe...

Coding is one of the most in-demand skills today since it can be used for many purposes and industries. Many kids nowadays are learning how to code so that they can keep up with the technological advancement of our world. While you may think that coding is just about knowing how to write in a programming language, it's actually so much more than that. Teaching kids how to code also teaches them soft skills, such as communication. In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of communication skills and how coding can improve them. Importance of Communication Skills Communication is an important skill that every person must have at some point in their lives. It helps us get along better with the people around us. This skill...

Dealing with divorce is a challenging time for parents. Worse, it is even more difficult for children, especially for those who are too young to fully understand what is happening.  Being divorced, however, is not an excuse to neglect one’s responsibility as a parent. With such, parents should be mindful of their coparenting duties. Among others, one of the most important is to be proactive in promoting the well-being of the little ones, specifically their dental health.  Read on and we’ll share some of the best things to do to ensure good dental health in children even during divorce.  Tips and Tricks to Promote Dental Health During Divorce  A good parenting job during divorce means not letting go of...

Being a parent is challenging. It’s a full-time job that you must juggle with all the other commitments in your life, and there is no secret formula for becoming the perfect parent. And if you have a child with special needs, you may encounter even more obstacles.  Here’s the good news: As long as you have a boundless love for your child and are willing to consistently go the extra mile and consistently adjust your strategies, then you can be everything your child needs. Check out these resources from Online Parenting Programs for raising a kid well through each age and stage! Develop Routines Providing a sense of security for your child is critical, especially if they have special needs. And making healthy routines is...

Choosing to stay at home with the kids is an absolutely wonderful way to bond with your little ones, save on the cost of child care, and get a first-hand look at all the beautiful little moments that define their early years. However, putting your career on hold during this time can be a difficult choice to make. After all, most stay-at-home parents plan to re-enter the workforce once their children are older, and that transition back can be a tumultuous one.  Going back to school ahead of returning to the workforce is an incredible way to mitigate the challenges a career gap can cause. Earning a degree gives you more power and leverage in interviews, which can make up for the lost time. All of this requires an elevated level of...