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Articles by Erin Kurt

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87 articles by Erin Kurt · showing 37

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By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Spend an Incredible Summer With Your Kids

With school out, parents either feel two things. 1)"Wow, I can't wait to spend more time with my kids!" or 2)"Oh, boy, here we go. How will we fill their time?" Parents who work outside the home have no choice but to send their kids to camps or daycares during the day, but stay-at-home moms or dads need to get creative. If you need some ideas on how best to occupy your kids this summer then what follows will be just what you need. In order for children to be happy and content four things need to be present in their day: 1) Routine 2) Stimulation 3) Free Play/Alone time 4) Sleep

Primary topic: Parenting

2,956 views2/5 (5)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Take Christmas to a Whole New Level

Our children love certain toys or brands and they make their lists for sure, however, I suggest that we parents do something a little extra special at Christmas. Christmas is such an exciting time. Family and friends gather together to laugh, eat great food and share gifts with each other. What could be better? There is one way parents can make Christmas even better and that is by giving their children a present that is a tradition.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,290 views3/5 (2)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Play With Your Child Without Getting Bored

Do you cringe when your child asks you to play "Choo Choo train" or Barbies with them? It's the hidden secret that moms are only now speaking about. Moms are finally being honest about the fact that they don't like playing most of the games their children want them to play and that they actually feel resentful at times that they are being "forced" to play something they don't enjoy. Along with this feeling comes, you guessed it...guilt.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,296 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Establishing Independent Play -Time

Usually parents expect to play with their baby - quite a lot at first, and then increasingly less as they grow older. However, if you are the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you may have learned that the more you play - the more they want, until some children simply do not know what to do for themselves if no adult is involved. If this is the situation at your house, you may be interested in learning how to set up an Independent Playtime as part of your child’s regular, daily routine.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,616 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

5 Ways to Spend Time with Your Kids When You Have No Time

It was Dr. Anthony P. Witham who once said "children spell love…T-I-M-E." He was definitely onto something. Unfortunately, if you are like most parents, time is a precious commodity that often eludes us. Whether we have a new job, a new baby, or we just need to make the coffee or strip the beds, we always seem to be wishing for more time. We need more. We want more. But we feel we just don't have it. Does that mean we don't love them? Of course not.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,678 views2/5 (4)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

5 Ideas to Make This Valentine's Day Really Meaningful

Take a look at the marketing out right now and see the images that they are trying to project so that we will buy or spend money. Furthermore, they love to put ideas into our heads about how certain gifts will make our partners feel. Not to say gifts are bad, but do they TRULY represent what love is all about? Do they TRULY show our partners how we feel about them and why we appreciate having them in our lives? Not really. How then do we make Valentines Day more meaningful for our partners as well as our families? Here are five ideas that are sure to do the trick!

Primary topic: Parenting

2,217 views3.4/5 (5)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Get Your Children to Talk About Their Day

Does trying to get your children to open up about their day feel like an inquisition? Do you feel like you’re giving your child the third degree to tell you anything about their life? If so, here are some simple, effective ways you can help your child open up and share more about their day and life. You: “What did you learn today?” Child: “Nothing” You: “Do you have any homework? Child: "Nope" You: “Did you make a new friend?” Child: "Yep"

Primary topic: Parenting

1,103 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

The Secret to Helping Your Child Excel in School and in Life

Is your child struggling in school? Does your child stall when it comes time to do homework? Does your child’s teacher often comment that your child is capable, but is just not working to his or her potential? Or, does your child do alright in school, but seems a bit bored or lacks enthusiasm for learning? There is a little secret that you need to know in order to change this.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,656 views3.2/5 (6)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

3 Sneaky Ways to Find Me -Time

Every mom wants more me time. In fact some mom tell me they don't remember when they last had some! Luckily, there are some sneaky ways that you can find and enjoy some well deserved time by yourself. Here are just a few ideas:

Primary topic: Parenting

1,285 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

What to Cook for Dinner - 2 Easy Ideas To Make This Fun!

The time is 5 o'clock and your stomach clenches - What to make for dinner is the question racing through your mind. You know you want to prepare healthy meals for your family, but you're tired and you don't have all the ingredients for your favorite "go to" recipe so you pull out the frozen pizza instead. There are two fantastic and fun ways you can solve this ever arising problem.r

Primary topic: Parenting

1,493 views2/5 (5)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

What Children Can Teach Their Parents

Every parent has experienced the phenomena of their child begging for their favourite story to read, their favourite song to be played or their favourite movie to be watched for the 100th time. Even though we adults might be tempted to hide the favourite book or introduce a new book, CD, or DVD, we must stop ourselves because our children are actually teaching us a huge lesson about how they want and need to be parented.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,138 views3/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Get Your Husband (or Wife) to Help Out More

Parenting can be full on - if you're a single parent you know this well. Beyond work, there are many details to take care of: banking, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, disciplining, etc. Many moms I coach tell me they feel overwhelmed and when I dig deeper I find that one of the reasons they feel this way is because they're doing a lot on their own.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,269 views2/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

20 Ways to Reinforce Good Behaviour

Why is it easier to say something to our kids when we’re angry at them than when they are doing what we want them to do?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,785 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Teach Children Good Manners

Good manners are the backbone of a civilized society and make interacting with people a joy. Manners also create a strong first impression, and they pave the way to good jobs, smooth relations with family and friends, and an easier time out in the real world. The lesson here? Make it a priority to teach your children the manners suggested below before they turn thirteen. Here are some basic manners you might want to consider: General: 1. Saying "Please" and "Thank you" should be as automatic as breathing.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,262 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Scheduling One on One Time

One of the most encouraging things a parent can do for their child is to spend regular, scheduled time with them. Many parents may think they already spend a lot of time with their children, however there is a difference betwee "family time", "have-to time" and "scheduled special time".

Primary topic: Parenting

1,200 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

11 Ways to Instill a Love of Reading

Reading helps us in every area of our lives. It helps us become successful in school and later in our careers and it helps us grow as individuals by either teaching us new information or by allowing us to step into someone else's shoes. Reading can also help us become more compassionate and empathetic, as well as give us pure enjoyment and relaxation. Instilling a love of reading in your child is one of the best gifts you can give them in their life. Here are 11 ways to do just that. 1) Read to them regularly, with expression and in different voices.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,834 views3.3/5 (7)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

3 Secrets to Getting Your Child to Transition From One Activity to Another

Have you ever told your child that it's time to go somewhere or do something else and their response was either to ignore you or yell at you? There are ways to avoid this and make the transition from activity to activity easy and smooth. In order for your children to feel comfortable and cooperative moving from one activity to the next there are a few things you will need to do.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,559 views3/5 (2)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

The Secret to Helping Your Child Excel in School and in Life

Is your child struggling in school? Does your child stall when it comes time to do homework? Does your child's teacher often comment that your child is capable, but is just not working to his or her potential? Or, does your child do alright in school, but seems a bit bored or lacks enthusiasm for learning? There is a little secret that you need to know in order to change this.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,130 views2/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Taming Your Toddler's Tantrums

Most parents of children under the age of three realize quickly that the best way to handle a tantrum is by ignoring it. They find out that the number of tantrums and their length or intensity will decrease once they learn to walk away. However, after a child turns three and those temper tantrums turn from rolling on the floor to verbal, it seems the tantrums take on a quality that either makes parents want to scream themselves or cry because they're so hurt.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,218 views2/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Always Stressing Over Family Meals? Here's Your Solution!

The time is 5 o'clock and your stomach clentches - what to make for dinner is the question racing through your mind. You know you want to prepare healthy meals for your family, but you are tired and do not have all the ingredients for your favourite "go to" recipe, so you pull out the frozen pizza instead. There are two fantastic and fun ways you can solve this ever-arising problem.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,313 views2/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Back to School Already? How to Set Your Child Up For Success

Even though children may be enjoying their summer, parents are already thinking about “back-to-school” and everything that needs to get organized. What’s the stress-free solution to setting your child up for a truly successful year? Routines and organization. Every household benefits from having established routines but it’s even more important when kids are back at school. What are some of the problems that can occur without routine and organization? Here’s just a few: 1. Children not completing homework 2. Children losing workr

Primary topic: Parenting

3,246 views1.7/5 (7)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Make Every Day Valentine's Day?

Valentine’s Day. The red hearts make us feel like love and happiness is all around. We see images of couples hugging and gazing into each other’s eyes and we want that. We go shopping at beautifully decorated stores and envision making our loved one feel special and cherished. And, secretly, we hope our partners are thinking and doing the same for us. The spirit behind Valentine’s Day is beautiful. Don’t we all want more of it though?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,454 views3/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

2 Simple Ways to Be a Happy Parent

Do you have moments throughout the day when you feel great as a parent? When your kids are happy, you are happy, you are all hugging, laughing and kissing one other? You know the feeling of wonderment. Now, do you also have times when you don’t love being a parent? Have you felt at your wits end, frustrated, angry and resentful? Here are two simple ways you can be a happy parent more often than passing moments in your day. Ask yourself two very important questions: 1. When are you happiest with your kids?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,473 views2.4/5 (5)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

What to Cook For Dinner? - 2 Ideas to Make This Fun!

The time is 5 o'clock and your stomach clenches - What to make for dinner is the question racing through your mind. You know you want to prepare healthy meals for your family, but you're tired and you don't have all the ingredients for your favorite "go to" recipe so you pull out the frozen pizza instead. There are two fantastic and fun ways you can solve this ever arising problem.

Primary topic: Parenting

2,105 views3/5 (3)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Make This Christmas More Fun and Less Stressful

Christmas time is a time for doing special things with family, but holiday events can fill up the calendar very quickly. We often find ourselves running from one event to the next without so much as a breath in between. The holidays then become about pleasing others and not ourselves or our families. However, this can all change. To enjoy a merry time and reduce holiday stress, the trick is to prioritize and organize what is truly important.

Primary topic: Parenting

2,002 views3/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

5 Steps to a Calmer Evening

Whether you work outside the house or stay at home full-time, the toughest part of the day is the same: those frantic early evening hours when there are mouths to feed, homework to do, and cranky kids to handle. The trick is to streamline your to-do’s so you can feel calmer and focus on what counts – spending time with your family. Here’s how. 1) Ease into the Evening

Primary topic: Parenting

1,416 views3/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

can I make time for me and not feel guilty?

Moms, let me share something with you. In order to be a great mother you MUST nourish yourself. Once you do this, you will have the energy, enthusiasm and patience to be that great mom you truly want to be. This may seem contradictory to what your brain is telling you – isn’t it child first, then you? No.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,032 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

3 Phrases to Get Your Child to Listen to You Instantly

Have you ever wished you had the perfect words to say when your child misbehaved? How many of you have had the experience where you are at the grocery store and your child keeps begging you to buy something, and no matter how many times you explain or say an outright, “NO!” they continue? Wouldn’t you LOVE to have a single phrase that would stop their badgering immediately?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,276 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Bullying: Why Kids Bully? Part 2

Last week I talked about who and what a bully is. In that article we discovered that there are NO stereotypes when it comes to a bully; they can BE anybody and LOOK like anybody. We also differentiated the difference between bullying and two people fighting or having an argument. This week I’m going to discuss why kids bully. With this knowledge we can change things around, both for the bully and the child being bullied. The biggest misconception about bullying is that it’s about anger. Anger is always a bigger emotion that is covering up a hidden emotion.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,352 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Working Mothers: How to Save Time Doing Laundry

Have you ever walked down to the basement, saw piles of laundry in the corner of your eye, felt a pit in your stomach at how behind you are then tried to forget about it so you didn’t have to feel overwhelmed anymore? This is a common story that working moms talk to me about; it’s their “nemesis”.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,320 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

10 Things to Do While Your Kids Are at Camp

Your kids are away at camp and although you thought you’d be using this time to flop on the sofa and vegetate, you find yourself ancy, walking around, wondering what to do with all this time on your hands! The very fact that you have some extra time is, funny enough, stressing you out! You don’t know what to do or where to begin! Here are 10 fantastic things you can do to fill that precious time: 1. Sit down with your partner and brainstorm a list of things you used to love doing together then schedule at least 3-4 of those on your calendar.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,047 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Simplify Your Life With Kids - Part 2 Rhythm

If I asked you what a typical day for your family looks like, what would you say? Often times when I ask parents this question most say, “There is no typical”. Family life today is more about randomness and improvisation than rhythm. Wednesday wash day? Snack and milk after school? Sunday dinner? These kind of weekly traditions rarely occur anymore. The consequence? Stress, misbehaviour, lack of family connection and overwhelm. The antidote? Creating more rhythm in your home.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,244 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Christmas Gift Guide for Your Family

Wondering how to make Christmas morning a hit for your child without breaking the bank or bringing in more brightly colored plastic toys to your house? I have some time- tested ideas for you! I'll list them according to the age of your children. Some items listed will be of interest to all ages, so feel free to mix and match! BABIES and YOUNG TODDLERS Box of Kleenex to explore and watch each new piece pop up (It's only Christmas once a year!) Toilet paper roll to explore (keeps baby busy while others open gifts)r

Primary topic: Parenting

1,415 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

How to Ensure Your Child Feels Loved: Part 2- Through Physical Contact

What kind of physical contact do most parents use with their child? It seems obvious, doesn’t it? A hug. We hug our child because we love them and we hope they feel this love. However, what if I told you that there is other physical contact that can be even more powerful in terms of showing our kids we love them?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,279 views2/5 (1)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

The 2-Step Solution for Getting Your Kids to Share

Does your child hoard toys and possessions or have trouble taking turns? Many times we think that by just telling our child to “play nice” it will be enough to get him or her to share, however the REAL way to achieve your goal of getting your child to consider the needs and feels of others and share and/or take turns is to actually SHOW how sharing looks. How do you do this effectively? Here are the two steps you will want to take to see quick success.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,116 views

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

10 Ways to Make Your Child to Make Your Child Feel Special

As parents we all want our children to know we love them, but do they always know that we LIKE them? When our children know that we LIKE them for sure, it has a much deeper effect on their love of themselves. They also feel extra safe and secure; as if what they thought they knew can now be accepted as truth. Although it’s important to tell your children you love them often, here are 10 ways you can deepen the understanding that you really mean what you say. 1. Make a big deal out of greetings and good-byes Let him know you’re always excited to see him.

Primary topic: Parenting

1,275 views3.5/5 (2)

By Erin KurtRecently published1 topic

Felt Guilty Lately? 4 Ways to Break Free from that Useless Mom Guilt

“I feel so guilty!” is a common phrase with most moms. We tend to feel guilty about everything, even if we’re doing something away from our kids that’s good for us! Where does this guilt come from anyway? Dads don’t seem to have the same issue. They are more matter-of-fact about things. When I asked one dad why he didn’t feel guilty leaving his daughter to play by herself while he went to prepare himself lunch, he looked at me strangely and said, “Because I was hungry.” It seems so logical, doesn’t it?

Primary topic: Parenting

1,434 views2.4/5 (5)

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