Children and Parenting Headquarters

Outstanding Children and Parenting Lenses 

Must reads for every parent

All the lenses featured in this Children and Parenting Group have been selected because they are quality lenses. However, every so often you find a lens that has such an impadt on you, that you know you MUST highlight it.

The module will feature Children and Parenting lenses that I think are oustanding and a must read for any parent, no matter what the topic.

The currently featured lens is written from the heart. Please visit and if you are in the same position as Macs then I hope it helps you. If (like me) you are not in that situation, then it will really make you think.

Welcome To My Home

I'm not certain that any parent can prepare themselves to hear that there is something wrong with their child; that they are disabled in some way. It has implications for the entire family. When you have a disabled child, your life revolves aro...

Bullying 

How to help your child if they are being bullied

Anti-bullying week in the UK is in November each year.

In the UK it seems that bullying is on the increase rather than decrease. These lenses will help you to identify signs that could indicate your child is being bullied and explain what you need to do in order to help him/her.

There is also a lens that looks at the possible reasons as to why some children bully.

Does bullying run in families?

Does bullying run in families? Many parents can tell you about school bullying. However, how many of us stop to think about the reasons why a child bullies? In many cases we know nothing about the child's home life and what goes on "behind c...

Bullying At Primary School

Bullying at Primary School is about everything that I learned when my daughter was bullied at school and gives tips and strategies to use when dealing with the school. I hope your children are never bullied, but if they are then perhaps our experien...

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome 

Lenses from parents of autistic children

Studies estimate that as many as 12 in every 10000 children have autism or a related condition (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999)

Asperger's Child: From Mom's Concern To Diagnosis, And Beyond

Having a child with Asperger's Syndrome is the most confusing, exasperating, embarrassing, helpless, innocent, energetic, fun, and amazing experiences I have ever been through. And one that I will continue to learn from for the rest of my son's life....

Parenting Help for Autistic Children

Parents having children with autism could be very stressful. To Begin with, they need to pick up a whole domain of knowledge regarding autism which are a steep stressful learning curve for most. Parents may feel frustrated, diminished confidence and...

Conditions that can cause Learning Difficulties 

Dyslexia, deafness, APD, Selective Mutism

It is estimated that 1 in 10 children have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) but many are undiagnosed. Research is being conducted to see if there is a comnnection with dyslexia - my daughter Lizzie has both.

Dyslexia Is A Sign of a Highly Intelligent and Creative Person

When my son entered fourth grade, his school work came to a screeching halt. After a very frustrating year, I found out he was dyslexic. I immediately began researching this perplexing brain patterning. From the beginning I was very drawn to Ron Davi...

Momography: Parenting a Deaf Child

Being a parent to your child is hard; being a parent to your child with special needs is H-A-R-D. I am not an expert by any means, nor am I the perfect parent. Considering my most frequently uttered phrase is, "Well, there goes my Mother of th...

Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a little known condition that may affect 10% of children, the majority of whom are undiagnosed. APD is a term that is often used to describe people with normal hearing who have listening difficulties. According...

Dyslexiology

Should you let dyslexia be a barrier to your success? Certainly not. How do you overcome it? Dyslexiologists refuse to accept that dyslexia is a barrier to doing well. So it's difficult to spell - so what? When you're 'grown up', you won't need to be...

Selective Mutism

The purpose of this lens is to raise awareness around the area of Selective Mutism, especially to those who will come across children in the school environment who display some form of selective mutism. I hope my case study & thoughts will give you...

More Lenses on Health & Conditions 

My Child Has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder & Does Not Take ADHD Medication ... So What!

NO MATTER WHAT THE ADHD EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY ... This lens is inspired by a hubpage, "Know A Kid with ADHD? Get the Facts About Kids With ADHD and Sports". It has a list of sports that are considered "ideal" choices for children with Attention Defici...

Late Talking Children - The Einstein Syndrome

The Einstein Syndrome (coined by Sowell and Camarata) helps explain a certain group of late talking children. This page is inspired by my late talking son and I hope to enlighten other parents the theory. Although I have never had my son diagnosed, h...

"My Angel Was Holding Me"

When your children are born, you have certain dreams and hopes for them. You look forward to all the milestones - sitting, standing, walking and talking, but what if that doesn't begin to happen? There are some things in life that you just cannot be...

How not to listen to your MP3 Player!

The incidence of hearing loss in children is alarmingly increasing! Statistics show 1 in 8 school aged children in America as having some degree of hearing loss, and although there are numerous causes for these statistics -genetic disease, virus, all...

Kids With Special Needs

Over thirty years ago, Mary M. Wood, Ed.D. established Developmental Therapy - Developmental Teaching for educators and parents of children with emotional and behavioral disabilities, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or other sensory-integrative disa...

WAHMs and Dads 

Time management and dealing with procrastination

Working from home can bring a completely new set of parenting problems as you try to organise your household and find a balance between work and family!

One of the biggest problems we have is deciding who gets to use a Computer AND we have two!!

WAHM Time Management Tips

If you are a Work at Home Mom (WAHM) or Dad, the first thing to remember about Time Management is to understand and accept that there is no magic "one size fits all" solution. Everyone is an individual and every family is unique. Different...

Stop procrastinating - tips for WAHMs

How do you prevent procrastination? How DO you stop procrastinating? Procrastination is one of the biggest barriers to getting things done for WAHMs (Work At Home Mums) - and Dads. No amount of Time Management techniques will work unless you tackle t...

Simple parenting pleasures! 

Creative parenting

Great tips on how to solve those normal, everyday parenting problems

Creative Parenting

Some things we do as parents haven't been written in books, sometimes we just ad-lib and come up with something in the moment, something that is spontaneously creative. These are some of the creative parenting ideas that I came up with, in the mo...

Parenting techniques 

What we should be teaching our children

Raising boys is definitely a different experience to raising girls! I should know I have one son and three daughters!

And MiMi has some great advice about Teaching Children Character.

Raising Boys

Boys are different - have you noticed? What are the most important issues in raising boys? What parenting advice will be the most useful for families with boys? Why are boys vulnerable and how do we overcome this vulnerability?

Breakthrough Parenting

This is a positive parenting approach that creates closeness in families, reduces conflict and prepares children to be happy, successful, competent, independent and loving adults.

Everything You Need to Know About ATTACHMENT PARENTING

Attachment Parenting Attachment Parenting or also known as Positive Parenting, a phrase coined by pediatrician William Sears, it is a parenting philosophy based on the principles of the attachment theory in developmental psychology.

Self-confidence for children

Asked that question, of all the parents I have ever spoken to, the answer is invariably, 'I want him to be happy.' Not, 'I want him to be top of the class,' or 'I want her to get into the best school.'  So what is the magic ingredient? What makes...

Children: Building Character

Building character in your children is probably the most important aspect of your parental life. Being the parent of a child who grows up with emotional intelligence is entirely in your power. A child whose character is developed will have a markedly...

More Parenting Lenses 

Building Your Child's Self-Esteem and Confidence

I knew that being a parent would be difficult, but as a trained educational psychologist I foolishly expected to employ all my know-how and to be able to create perfect, well adjusted, confident children. Not the case, of course! Lashings of praise,...

Only Children

I'm an only child with an only child of my own by choice. When I close my eyes and imagine the perfect family size this is it. When I was in college I started a yahoo club (they were clubs back then) for onlies. That's been abandoned for a while but I...

Strong willed children

Feeling frustrated? Think they are getting the better of you? Don't lose hope. You can learn to nurture that strong willed nature. Insight into the mind of your child is just the beginning. Raising a strong willed child takes perserverance. Remember...

Obama's Daughters

Can you image what it would be like to stand next to your parents and watch them mark ballots that select your father for the Presidency of the United States? I first remember when Caroline and John-John were in the White House. I was 12. I was for...

Good Enough Parenting: Stop Worrying and Start Parenting

Johnny was a perfect baby and achieved all developmental milestones early. He walked at nine months, fed himself with a spoon by 1 year and could identify letters and words at 3. Everything was perfect and his parents were so proud. Well, except tha...

The joys of potty training 

The messy side of parenting!

Great potty training tips from those who know!

The Wonderful World of Potty Training

Can it already be time to potty train?... This is what I'm asking myself daily as I hear a small little sound that I recognize, on an almost sub-conscience level, as baby pee hitting the hardwood floor. Or maybe not as 'baby' as I would like to thi...

Potty Training Strong Willed Children

This is my review of several potty training techniques that I have used for the last 2 years and my journey in potty training my strong willed daughter.

Bedwetting is No Fun!

Does your child wet the bed? Are you wondering if you should do something about it or just give them time to grow out of it? I will share our bedwetting journey here. Please feel free to give your opinion or share your experience too.

Children's Diet 

Lenses to help you choose the right food for your children

Is children's behaviour related to what they eat? Yes, in my experience it definitely is.

Die, Dye! The effect of food dyes on children's behavior and thinking.

Have your kids lost their minds? Are you losing yours? This lens will help any parent who worries about their kids' behavior. Many food choices contain artificial food coloring that can have negative effects upon children's behavior, impulse control...

Should Children and Teens Become Vegetarians?

There's no doubt that a vegetarian diet is healthy. It is low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and high in fiber. Children and teens can be healthy with a vegetarian diet, but parents or caretakers must be diligent about their daily food intake so...

Parent's Basics to Healthier Children

You are not alone in your quest to "grow" a healthy child; learn tips and find tools to help your child eat right, exercise more, make smart decisions, and grow up to be a healthier, happier adult. Being the parent or other responsible adult in our...

Childcare 

Getting the right childcare

Childcare and getting the right people to look after their children is a huge priority for a lot of parents

In Home Day Care Providers

To this day I have yet to find (maybe not looking hard enough) lenses, or blogs about Grandmothers like me. I do not work out of the home, but I do work all day every day. I take care of my 5 month old grandson and have been doing it since he was 6 w...

School and learning 

Evelyn asks a very pertinent question: "What happened to recess?" It seems to me that the over-stifling worries about Health and Safety are robbing our children of the joys of childhood. One of our local schools has banned football in the playground. And then they wonder why the boys act up in the afternoons!

What happened to RECESS?

Do you remember the games you played during recess as a child? Think about all the physical activity that involved and what you learned from those recess games. Did you know that more and more recess is being replaced by testing and homework? While...

Social Stories

A Social Story is a very prescriptive way of identifying and addressing a problem behaviour and giving direction on how we'd like to change it. Social Stories are usually written for children (or adults) on the Autistic Spectrum but are also benefic...

Helping Kids Find Their Strengths to Succeed in Life!

I am here to share my thoughts, ideas, passions about helping parents support kids in their quests in learning and become the most amazing individuals they can be in life! I have many passions, from helping kids know themselves, supporting and foster...

Easing Your Child's Back To School Worries

Back to school worries normally start at the end of summer. No more going to bed late, sleeping in every morning, or playing outside until dark. Now the routine has to change. Beginning kindergarten, going back to primary school, or to a child care p...

Alternative education 

Homeschooling

There's quite a few homeschooling parents publishing lenses on Squidoo and they share some great resources. Here's a few of the best.

Unschooling

This page is sponsored by An Unschooling Life Unschooling (a term coined by John Holt) differs from other forms of homeschooling in that it's not directed by a teacher or a curriculum.  Parents who unschool their child...

Homeschool FAQ

Do you have questions about whether you should homeschool, or how you can? You've come to the right place. Here is an extensive list of questions and answers, with links to some of the best resources on the web. I hope to expand this lens significan...

Curriculum I've Used

Here's an overview of what we've done for homeschool from kindergarten until now (currently wrapping up 4th grade). You can see our curriculum choices, philosophy changes, favorite books, and a good dose of crafts and fun. I even include some possibl...

Child Safety 

Some good advice on how to keep your children safe

The internet generation is now at risk from far more technology than we were as children.

Safe Child!

More than 2 and a half million children die annually due to home accidents, accidents that can be prevented. I have two goals with this lens. 1. To help you make sure that this will not happen in your home, to your child. 2. To help you find the in...

Your Child and the Cell Phone: The Controversy and the Facts

Younger and younger children are clamoring for cell phones. Companies like Disney have plans to market to the 8 year old market. Disney had to change their phones to make them 'more grown up' as kids get more sophisticated. It s whole new world. My...

Family Health and Safety Basics (Supports SquidAid)

Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest are very important for health. However, providing a safe and loving home and spending time together - can also make a big difference. Here are some practical tips on home safety, including preventing falls, fires...

The controversy around lead 

Be careful of lead in toys and in your home

This will help you become aware of many potential sources of lead in our homes and environment.

Help Prevent Lead Poisoning in Your Home

The recent news of lead in the toys from China and the new CSPC law has really brought out our concerns about lead. Lead has serious side effects and it's even more accute in children. This will help you become aware of many sources in our home and...

Children's Behaviour 

Behavious problems in children and teens

I always say if it was not for the fact that my children go to school and see the bad behaviour in other children, who often get away with it, then they would not learn how to behave badly themselves. Ah well!

How Children Learn Bad Behavior

Our lack of control may become the standard for a generation still left on the vine. As we fiercely persue issues like freedom of speech let us not leave our children behind.

Raising children in today's society!

Raising children has so many wonderful rewards but with reward also comes moments where we question whether we as parents are doing everything we can to protect our children and teach them to be strong and not to bow down to the negative peer pr...

troubled teens

If you're a parent of teenagers, or have dealings with teenagers, then you may be wondering how best to deal with them, especially if you're having problems with them, or they are. Sometimes, they can appear 'normal', at other times, they are so irr...

Raising nice kids

I am knee deep in character education these days - I just finished producing a kids game about virtues (The VirtueGame). When I thought about why this subject resonates so strongly for me, I realized it all boils down to one simple thought - I want n...

Sensory Processing Disorders 

Communication difficulties

In sensory processing we tackle problems people have (children and adults) by helping them integrate their sensory input. This is done through play-activities which involve a lot of touch and movement. That's why it's called Sensory processing, the use of the input from the senses: touch, vision, sound , smell, taste, the sense of posture (proprioception) and the sense of equilibrium (vestibular).

Sensory Processing

If your child is restless and can't sit still. If your child just doesn't communicate like other children do. If your child is overly sensitive... The simple advice and play activities described in this lens can often be helpful. They can make your...

Life Lessons 

Important messages to teach our children

Sometimes we get so involved in the academic education of our children, that we (and their teachers) forget that there's some important life lessons to be taught as well.

The Gift of Kindness

The gift of kindness doesn't always come naturally. Sometimes it's "caught" by observing someone whose quiet, gentle spirit makes a lasting impression--a parent, teacher, or special friend. Sometimes it's learned through the school of hard knocks, wh...

The Gift of Honesty

Honesty isn't something we slip into when the right mood strikes. It's a character trait that's developed early in life. Over time, like a butterfly squeezing from its cocoon, an honest mindset becomes a part of who we are--how we view our world, and...

Your Child's Financial Future Starts Today!

A child's financial education should begin as soon as possible; the sooner the better. You can start to help kids make responsible financial decisions before they even know what money is. Start with any material object. When you give your 2 year old...

The Gift of Patience

You can't hurry nature. Seasons come. Seasons go. And in between, we learn to wait. Eventually, tiny buds form. Sun warms. And one day, the bud opens to beauty inside. Winter has ended, ushering in the sweetness of Spring. For some, waiting in a li...

Try, Try Again: Ants at Work

Life is a series of hills and valleys. Some weeks are harder to get through than others. But can we agree to something here today? Let's postpone the pity party. Hold the grumbling. Today we're going to take a long look at nature--ants, specifically...

Possibly Controversial Lenses 

Whether you agree or disagree with the content of these lenses, they will certainly make you think!

Indigo Children

  Let me introduce myself, my name is Andrea Berrios and I'm a very lucky woman; I'm not just a mother of a indigo girl, but also of a crystal boy. Like I said, I'm  very lucky and very blessed. You see, 6 to 7 years ago, I wou...

Angry Young Men and Troubled Boys

Aaron Kipnis is clearly passionate about his subject. As an adult, he has made a strong commitment to helping troubled boys and young men turn their lives around. I'd like to start my review by quoting an important statement Kipnis makes on page...

Videos About Family Rights and CPS Cruelty

A basic building block of a strong civilization is the family. Put millions of strong families together and you'll have a nation of well-balanced adults that are sustained with love at home and able to blossom as citizens in a commonwealth, working f...

Fighting Child Protective Services False Allegations

Fight CPS is a family rights website that seeks to assist parents and others who are falsely accused of child abuse and neglect. This lens clarifies family rights issues and explains why I choose to try to help families who have been torn apart by C...

Eco-parenting 

Environmentally friendly parenting

Are plastic bottles harmful to our children as well as the planet?

Purging Plastic - Safe, Reusable, Alternative Water Bottles

Serious concerns have been raised over the safety of water bottles made in China. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the water we drink. Alternative water bottles such as SIGG and Klean Kanteen are hitting the market by storm. These BPA-Free wa...

The influence of advertising & the media on children 

Advertising during TV programmes has become a major concern in the UK, where legislation is being continually developed to protect children.

Influence of Media on Children

Television can be a powerful entertainment and education tool for children given the right programming. However, studies have shown that television, and media in general, can also have a very negative influence. Some studies indicate it can shorten...

The Influence of Advertising

The influence of advertising on our lives, for both children and adults, has changed over the years. In the early days, advertising for toys and other products for children was primarily targeted toward parents and their message was direct. Today h...

Parenting is not just about the children 

It's about the parents as well

Sometimes as parents we are just so busy tending to our children's every need, that we forget our own needs!

Lost In Mommyland

Motherhood is a crazy ride full of ups and downs. There is no better way to learn about yourself than by watching your little mirrors (i.e. your children) reflecting both your good and bad qualities. But sometimes in the chaos we lose who we really a...

Surviving the empty nest

I am going to share my thoughts, humor & motivation that I have experienced the last couple of years as my children all grew up and started their own lives! There truly is life after in-home parenting! The question is what will you really do with all...

Parents were children once! 

And what about our own childhood?

Childhood memories from some parents

Just being a Kid and Playing Outdoors

When I was a kid in the mid 1960s, we lived in a neighborhood with lots of kids in grade school. Our mothers were always home and our dads worked during the day. We played outside most of the time, in our yards or in the street. In addition to playi...

Birth Order - How Did It Affect Me?

Yes, I think that my place in the Birth Order did affect me. I am the third child in a family of four children. I am the youngest of three girls so I was the "baby girl" of the family with a younger brother. We were all four years apart and I often w...

Childhood Memories - Earning Money

When I was in grade school during the mid-1960s, I received a twenty cent a week allowance. The only other money I got was when I got good grades on my report card.  I didn't get money for my birthday or at Christmas. So if I wanted any extr...

Decluttering and getting the kids to co-operate! 

Decisions, decisions!

Making chores into enjoyable activities for the whole family

Decluttering Toys

I've just had the BEST day! Now what could be so great that I had to write a lens about it? Well, I spent over 10 hours decluttering kids toys! Yes, that's right, over 10 hours! You would think that after spending that amount of time I would be exh...

Children's Charities 

Heartwarming and heartbreaking

Some of the most amazing lenses on here. But sad too.

Very Special Kids

Very Special Kids supports families throughout their experience of caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement. Very Special Kids

Raising Funds for CLIC Sargent

This is the story of Daniel who at the age of 5 years contracted leukemia while he was living abroad in Cyprus with his little brother and parents. By the way everything this lens earns  goes to charity even the google adds so if you are genu...

Palestine Children's Relief Fund

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund is a charity that provides medical assistance for injured Palestinian children. This most recent assault on Gaza (December 2008-January 2009) left over four hundred Palestianian children dead, and many more...

More family lenses from AJ 

AJ is Always Juggling

wannabe a writer?

wannabe a writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones is one of the best books anyone has ever given me. So, whether you are a WAHM (Work at Home Mum) or Dad, part or full time writer, if you want to learn about writing and getting published AND laugh at the same t...

I love you Dad

Father, Dad, Daddy, Pop, Pa, Papa - many different names for many different people, but whether it is "I love you Dad", "I love you Daddy" or whatever it is your child calls you, those words will always mean so much. Any man can b...

Otosclerosis - a disease of the middle ear

Otosclerosis is a disease of the middle ear that will inevitably lead to hearing loss. It affects about 1 or 2 in 100 people in the UK and approx 10% of people in the USA. It usually develops between the ages of 15 and 35. Sometimes it can develop in...

Christmas at AJ's

Christmas at AJ's is full of Christmas traditions. There's Christmas stockings that Santa fills on Christmas Eve, presents under the tree, turkey for lunch, games in the evening and of course we have to watch Dr Who. The only thing that is us...

I love you Mum

Mother, Mum, Mummy, Ma, Mom - many different names for many different people, but whether it is "I love you Mum", "I love you Mummy" or whatever it is your child calls you, those words are amongst the most precious that a mother will ever hear. For...