Hi Parents,

This parenting tip comes from my new Minti friend, Nicole. Nicole is the mother of three girls. They are all quite young so Nicole gets lots of parenting experience everyday. Here is Nicole's tip:

 Get your child into a playgroup. Your child needs to interact with other children. Playing with other kids helps your child build character by making friends, learning to share, care, and respect others. You'll be giving your child a head start in life.

 I like this parenting tip because Nicole's right, building character starts when children are young. Learning how to relate to others by sharing and having fun together not only builds character, it is an important life skill too.

 I appreciate Nicole's advice because she is so busy raising 3 very young children. Today is the day of the week that I care for my 2 year-old grandson. It's always a joy but tonight I'm totally exhausted.

I don't know how you do it, Nicole. Thanks for sharing your time and your parenting tip.

Parents, do you have a parenting tip for younger children that you'd like me to share? Email me at: JeanTracy@KidsDiscuss.com I'd love to see it.

All my best,

Granny Jean

Granny Jean publishes a free online parenting newsletter. Subscribe at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 free fun activities to share with your kids.

This tip comes from my friend and graphic designer, Louise. Louise raised a girl and a boy by herself. When they were small, they wanted her constant attention. Louise had to find a way to keep her children quiet when she was on the phone with customers. This is Louise's tip:

Keep Your Kids Quiet When You're on the Phone: "Draw a picture of a phone. Talk to the kids ahead of time about keeping quiet when they see the picture. Role play by asking the kids to fuss and then pretend to use the phone. Create two simple refrigerator charts. After that, show them the phone picture when you are talking to customers. If they are quiet, give each child a sticker for their charts."

I like this tip because it:

Is simple to do.

Encourages the parent be creative.

Prompts the parent to think first instead of yelling.

Involves the children in being helpful.

Teaches them to be polite.

Helps them practice self-discipline.

Rewards the children for being respectful.

If you have children who fuss and fight when you're on the phone, try Louise's tip. You'll be glad you did.

Parents, do you have a parenting tip for younger children that you'd like me to share? Email me at: JeanTracy@KidsDiscuss.com I'd love to see it.

All my best,

Granny Jean

Granny Jean publishes a free online parenting newsletter. Subscribe at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 free fun activities to share with your kids.