Cambridge Youth Commission
So we created this blog to keep you up to date on the latest trends and insights to help guide you on making the right decisions for you and your family.
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There's More to Life Than "Because"
Children are naturally inquisitive. Children behave this way to gain a deeper understanding of something when they are young. As they grow older, they want to understand why you think something is important and why they should feel the same way. Regardless of their age, it's crucial that your child understands that if you set out the rules and expectations at home, they won't be allowed to question them. This is because the consequences would follow. It is difficult for young children to understand why they need to go home at a certain time from their friend's home. It is also unclear to them why they aren't allowed to play ball in the house. In most cases, however, they strive to make their parents happy and proud. Whenever you tell a child what it is that they cannot play with something or someone or why they must obey a rule you've set forth, why should they not play with it or why they must follow the house rules? Avoid using the term, "Because I said so," as it only makes it more difficult for the child to understand. You will probably be able to explain this more clearly to older children, adolescents, and teenagers. You should directly, honestly and clearly explain your reasoning when asked "Why?" or "Why not?". This is also a great opportunity for you to reiterate the consequences of breaking the rule. "We do have to go to the dentist's office first thing in the morning for your checkup. If you're not home by 10 p.m., you'll be grounded for a week." Be firm, clear, and consistent. It shows your child's growth as an individual thinker, even if they question why a rule is in place. You should understand that they are doing it to understand the world around them. Don't be irritated or frustrated when they do so.
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How To Schedule But Not Over-Schedule Your Children
It is essential to engage kids in a variety of activities to stimulate their body and mind. It is likewise crucial nevertheless to as much as possible avoid over-scheduling your kids if possible. Lots of well meaning moms and dads set out to intrigue their children in a couple of extra curricular activities aside from school and regular household fun things. It's natural to strive to be the best moms and dad that you can be. Nevertheless, lots of moms and dads so caught up in the turmoil of normal busy life that they assume that scheduling their kids for as many activities as possible is in fact the best method to rear kids. Realistically however, over-scheduling your kids has the potential to impact your household in an unfavorable way, preventing your child from enjoying peaceful solitude and some occasional time to just reflect on life and take pleasure in a regular,' lazy 'day. Parents nowadays are delighted to schedule their kids for as many activities as possible, buy into the most recent developmental software and do whatever possible to promote early intellectual advancement and healthy routines. Not surprisingly, this pattern of over-scheduling can backfire, and leave kids tired, confused, dissuaded and un-motivated.Remember in times of old, scheduling activities was very unusual. Parents typically have gone with the flow, motivating their children to participate in active play as they choose. So how do you encourage your children to get involved without over-burdening them? Here are some suggestions from experienced parents: Schedule One Activity Per SeasonIf you have an interest in getting your kids involved in sports for example, schedule something for the spring and something for the fall. Do not fret about having a plan for every season, or every weekend day. This one activity will suffice to promote your kid's advancement and encourage a healthy way of life without over-burdening them.Allow Your Children a Choice You wish to attempt, as best as possible, to select activities your children will delight in. To do this you ought to consider a couple of different activities and consult with your kid. If you register them for soccer and they hate soccer, you will most likely only wind up disappointed, and your child will not benefit from the experience. Allow Quiet TimeAllow some portion of the day/week/month where your children don't have to do anything. Introspection and time for merely checking out are essential elements of a kid's development. We are all well meaning moms and dads in the long run. Simply keep in mind that a great parent isn't defined by the number of activities they include their children in each and every day. A good parent is one that permits their kids the opportunity to explore various things without forcing various things on their kids.
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Help With Toddler Separation Stress And Anxiety
Aid With Toddler Separation Stress And Anxiety "Dear Mom, I try to leave my kid and the minute I walk out of the space, she begins sobbing or shouting for me. Please help this gone bananas mommy of how I can help my child let me leave her for just a little bit. I believe she has young child separation anxiety however I simply need to know how to conquer this. Thanks, Carol" Carol, It is typical for your baby to be going through what they are going through. For 9 months, they were attached to us 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We were their lifeline and they have to discover their self-reliance from us. Their whole mentality knows they are noticing this entire brand-new freedom from mom, however yet they have reservations about starting brand-new things. The mommy can help teach them self-reliance by taking child actions and not attempting to separate from them without developing the process. You may ask, what steps can we take? Start out small. Let them play in the living room as you go to the next space (room requires to be in eye view) to do a particular job as folding clothing. Make sure you are keeping eye contact with them and reassuring that mama is right here. Speak in favorable, positive words. The very first time might not work, however simply keep repeating yourself and do it over and over until they are fine with you remaining in the next room. Stretch the time being gone. When father or another caregiver gets home, go and shower or soak in a nice bubble bath. Assure the kid you will be back. Never sneak away from the child as this will leave a bad coping ability with her and believe you are never coming back. Give it 15 or 20 minutes and reveal your presence to the infant. Hug her and let her know you missed her, however will always return when mommy goes. After you do this a couple of times and she gets used to the idea of you being gone for that brief quantity of time, try going to the shop for a longer amount of time. You can continue to stretch each trip up until you feel comfy with the time you are being gone, for example if you are attempting to develop to a night out of town with your significant other. By taking things slowing, it will help you and your kid overcome toddler separation anxiety with much less tears, heartbreak and stress. The baby will continue to grow her independence from you and will soon like her brand-new discovered freedom of having playtime with dad, grandma or grandpa, or other unique friend. Hang in there mother it will get better and understand other mamas are going through the same thing as you today. Fellow Mom, Jen
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Why Are Our Children Getting Heavier? The 5 Truths Every Parent Must Know To Get Their Kid's Weight On Track
With as many as 50% of all kids being overweight in this nation, moms and dads are starting to understand that something must be done. There is no lack of details about nutrition and workout, but the task of helping an overweight child without setting them up for a life time of dieting is a challenging obstacle. Moms and dads who understand the 5 truths of getting a child's weight on track can begin to address the issue in a healthy and reliable way. Reality # 1: Parents are the problem AND the solution. Heavy kids consume too much and they don't get enough exercise. It's that simple. Moms and dads of overweight children must own up to the fact that they are permitting and enabling their children to consume too much and move too little. Once moms and dads accept this, they will begin to understand that they have remarkable power to fix their child's weight problem. Truth # 2: Kids need to be informed. You may know how much, and what kinds of foods your kid must consume. And you might expect that your children have the sound judgment to know, too. But did it ever occur to you that your children truly don't understand? They understand that too much is bad and that some foods are better than others. However without education, they have no idea why, or what results eating too much of the wrong things have on how they look and feel in their every day lives. Once they are educated, kids take fantastic pride in becoming great stewards of their own bodies through activity and nutrition. Reality # 3: An overweight child is a family issue. Whether one, some or all in a family are overweight, fixing a kid's weight problem must become a concern for the entire household. Otherwise, a child can feel singled out, different and embarrassed. Getting the entire family included helps with the kid's self-esteem by letting them understand they are part of an effective team that will help guarantee success. Fact # 4: Your child has an "ideal weight." No 2 kids are alike, however your child does have a "normal " weight variety based upon their height, gender and age. They also need a set number of calories each day. Understanding a child's typical weight range and knowing how many calories they need is basic to getting their weight on track.Reality # 5: Parents need a plan. Losing weight is not rocket science. However altering the practices and lifestyle of a family in today's busy world is difficult and multi-dimensional. Particularly when the psychological wellness of a delicate overweight kid is at stake Parents need a plan and they require perseverance. Lots of parents fail because they don't have a strong, long-lasting plan for success.
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Do not Jump! You CAN Stage The Ultimate Children's Party!
Do not Jump! You CAN Stage The Ultimate Children's Party! Organizing a kids party is excellent fun! No, wait! Come back! I'll explain. How many times have you dropped your kids off at a party, only to witness mayhem as soon as the door is opened by a hassled mom whose eyes are pleading you to take her away from all of this and put her out of her misery? Behind her, 2 kids are swinging from the light fittings; another pair are destroying the carpet, presumably searching for a hidden entryway to the wonderful world of Narnia; and the rest are deeply fascinated in a who-can-stuff-the-most-hamsters-into-your-mouth contest.It needn't resemble that ... The only factor that kids parties dissolve into little sessions of anarchy is boredom - which, dear parent, is all down to you. "But, I tried so hard" , I hear you sob. Yes, you probably did: lots of chips, a big cake, and plenty of balloons. The thing is, you broke the primary rule of kids parties. The rule that you should follow at all costs, unless you want your house damaged by a legion of little monsters ...Never, Ever Play Musical Chairs! Here's a secret: kids hate the game. Even if they once enjoyed it, they've played it at every birthday, Christmas and end of school party they've ever been to. Plus, you're the one who needs to manage a dozen or more bored kids careering around the edges of the room while two determined finalists battle it out for that final seat. That leads me perfectly to rule number two: Never Play Any Game That Involves Kids Being 'OUT'If you play games that keep all the kids involved from start to finish, you've got their attention-- and when you've got their attention, they aren't etching their name into the varnish of your table. But wait, there's more! Expand your party playbook with alternative, inclusive games that cater to creativity and teamwork—think treasure hunts, craft stations, or group storytelling. These activities not only keep everyone engaged but also ensure the party is a hit across various age groups. Speaking of which, tailoring your party to the age group can turn a good party into a legendary one. Different strokes for different folks (or kids, in this case)! Get Rid Of The ParentsAside from the ones that are there to help, parents get in the way. Plus, their kids won't really begin to enjoy themselves until their figure of authority has gone. Provide Each Kid A Name Sticker Not just will you remember who everyone is, they also help quieter children to break the ice, and you can write everything from parent's mobile phone numbers to special dietary requirements on them, thereby avoiding needless stress. Speaking of dietary restrictions, a little planning here can ensure all the kids enjoy the feast without worry. Offer a variety of common allergen-free snacks and ensure there's something for everyone to munch happily. Always Have A Party ThemeIt's the 21st century. A few party poppers and re-lighting candles just don't do it anymore. A party theme gets the kids excited from the moment they receive their invitation, and provides a cohesive framework for activities, decorations, and even food. The early birds can dive into making extra bits of costume or help with last minute decorations while they're waiting for their pals to turn up.Then, run the party in this order: Games - Food - Presents It may seem cruel to the birthday child, but always leave the opening of the gifts to the end of the party to avoid presents getting broken or lost in the fun. And if you get the kids running wild after they've had food, you're just asking for trouble!Oh, and about the parents you've tactfully nudged out the door? They can actually be a great help without cramping the party's style. Consider assigning them roles, like manning the craft station or supervising a game, to keep things running smoothly without diminishing the fun.Flexibility is key. No matter how bulletproof your plan seems, be ready to pivot on the fly. Having a backup activity or two up your sleeve can save the day if the kids aren't engaging with the planned ones.Safety first! A quick once-over to ensure the environment is safe for your chosen activities can prevent mishaps and keep the fun rolling without interruption.The ultimate goal is to create memories that last a lifetime. Set up a DIY photo corner or have the kids create a craft they can take home as a keepsake. These little touches make your party memorable and special for everyone involved. That's all there is to it. Follow these simple guidelines, and you'll not only throw a party that's talked about for ages but also enjoy it as much as your kids. Plus, you'll be hailed as a hero at the school gates come Monday morning! And remember to have fun! After all, it's a party!
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Tips to Help Your Child Know How Much Their Efforts Have Been Worth
The day is almost over. The kids have finished their homework as last batch of cookies are baking in the oven. All that remains is to tuck them safely away and go to bed. What is it that you have been wanting to tell your child, but they seem too busy as they prepare for bed? It is this; you have been wanting to tell them how proud you are of them, how fortunate they are to have such caring parents and how much you appreciate how hard they have worked all year. It seems your child has put in their own efforts all year, they have pieced everything together into one very beautiful big loaf of bread. As you begin to slice away, it 'feels' like your child is being thanked for all their efforts. This is what you are experiencing as you try to remember how to tell them. How many times have you been wanting to tell your child, but found yourself at a loss on how to say it? Some parents tend to be overly involved and find it hard to remember how to tell their child it was their efforts all year that earned them a special recipe from their teacher at the end of the year. They feel as if what they are about to receive is somehow not real. They might even have to wait for a year to tell their child - as they are overly concerned with the work they have done. Other parents, however, have no such problem saying how grateful they are for their child's efforts all year. They have no hesitation in telling their child it was their efforts all year that earned them a special recipe from the teacher at the end of the year.Why is it that some parents find it hard to thank their child for their efforts? To begin, it can be difficult for some parents to remember the efforts that their children have put in all year. I hear parents say things like, "I'm so grateful to you for coming home and helping me with my homework every night," or "It was great of you to take the garbage out every evening," or "It was great of you to do your chores without complaining." Some parents are not sure how to express how grateful they are for all their efforts. Parents should be positive in their praise. Negative feedback will often make the child feel as if they have not worked hard enough and may possibly send them into a defensive position. On the other hand, parents should praise their child on every accomplishment. Positive feedback will encourage the child to try harder the next time. Your child needs to know how much their efforts have been worth. It could be something as simple as saying "thank you" in the form of a kiss, or a special treat like a trip to the zoo. Parents can get creative with what reward they can provide. Children, especially teenagers, should know that their efforts are appreciated. And, at the end of the day, their effort is worth the prize. This will encourage them to keep trying harder, to help out around the house, and just enjoy life in general. I hope this article has helped you to be more appreciative of your child's hard work.
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Children and Effective Performance
Are you wondering why your child suddenly doesn't want to do what you ask them to do? It can be a confusing moment for both you and your child, but understanding the root causes of their resistance can help you create new ways to get your child to do what you ask them to do. Why Does My Child Turn On Me?A lot of times, children won't do what we ask them to do because they're rebelling against you, or they're frustrated, or they're worried about what you think of them. But there are other reasons that they won't do what we ask them to do, and here's what they are:They don't know what they have to do. As children grow up, they often don't have a clear picture of what they have to do to get things done. They're uncertain about what comes next, and often feel uncertain about their own abilities and the abilities of others to help them with their jobs. As a result, they often don't know what to do when you ask them to do what they're asked to do.They're afraid of what you think. This is a common fear of all children, but is particularly acute in children who are afraid of you finding out about their mistakes. They may be afraid of losing your respect and approval, or of losing your trust.They don't trust themselves. If they're constantly second-guessing themselves and second-guessing what they have to do, they may be reluctant to do what you ask them to do because they don't trust themselves. They're just too tired. You may have to repeatedly ask them to do what you want them to do, and they may be tired because they've been on the job a long time.They don't know how to ask you to do what you want them to do. This is a common source of resistance to requests. The child may not know how to ask you to do what they want them to do, and may say things like, "I can't do that," or "I don't know where to start," or "I don't know if I can do that."As parents, we can help our children become effective performers by learning to listen to them more closely. When we do, they'll be able to communicate their needs, negotiate their opportunities, and execute their plans. And they'll be able to do this more clearly, precisely, and quietly because they'll know you're there to help them.
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ABOUT US
Our small town atmosphere has captivated families, business people, artists, retirees, and a variety of others who have made this community their home. As a central location, the Village of Cambridge offers convenient access to big cities and towns, as well as some of New York's most picturesque scenery.
REACH US
clerk@cambridgeny.gov
PHONE
(518) 677-2622
LOCATION
56 N Park St, Cambridge, New York, 12816
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