Relationships

Families are all about relationships. The parent-child relationship is crucial. But, it is not the only relationship that matters in your child's life. Relationships a child has with brothers and sisters, the relationship between a child's parents, and relationships a child has to peers and the community also are huge parts of a child's life and happinness. So this month, CTParenting explores some of these kinds of relationships as well. Sibling relationships and parent-to-parent relationships take center stage the first two weeks. Then we shift to fun activities that connect children to their communities and that also require attention to safety. Halloween fun and safety is featured the third week, and the benefits of sports activities gets our attention during the last week of October.

Today's Topic:   HALLOWEEN!  Have Fun and Be Safe!  Kids love Halloween!  This is a quick reference for kids and teens to learn how to earn their parents respect during this festive season and stay safe.

Sibling Relationships

October 3
Relationships between brothers and sisters have often been called life's most influential and longest lasting relationships.  Check out this article about Sibling Relationships - Early Childhood .  

October 4
Approximately 80 percent of American children have one or more siblings. These are relationships that are often marked by great sharing and closeness but also can be very hostile.  Between the ages of two and four, siblings on average have a conflict once every ten minutes. The good news is that the conflicts grow less frequent. Learn how birth order affects sibling and family dynamics. 

October 5
Stages in the life cycle are no less important during old age than when children are toddlers or adolescents. However, what one expects from and what one gives to a sibling in old age is different from expectations and exchanges at earlier ages, Check out Sibling Relationships Across the Lifespan.

October 6
Researchers have shown that having brothers and sisters can significantly benefit us in later life, especially as we age into the golden years. 

October 7
Parents are better at teaching the social niceties of more formal settings – for example, how to act in public and how not to embarrass oneself at the dinner table. But siblings are better role models of the more informal behaviors – how to act at school or on the street, or, most important, how to act cool around friends – that constitute the bulk of a child’s everyday experiences.
Marriage Relationships

October 10 - Columbus Day

October 11
Couples who have a  healthy way of sharing thoughts and emotions, of speaking and being heard, have the best chance for a successful, happy relationship. You don't have to be an expert communicator. Just try to understand what your partner is saying on the surface but also try to understand what may lie underneath.  Communication in marriage is key.October 12
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes decades of time together strewn with a minefield of potential relationship wreckers. It’s a wonder that anyone ends up walking off into the sunset, hand-in-wrinkled-hand, with a silver-haired mate. What do those geriatric lovebirds know that you don’t?  Tips for a Healthy Marriage

October 13
Numerous research studies on marriage have demonstrated the many benefits for couples and their children for being in happy marriages, including being physically and emotionally heathier and wealthier.   Benefits of Healthy Marriages

October 14
The key to keeping your marriage fresh and exciting is to add fresh and exciting things to it. Be creative and find ways to take the boredom out of your married life. This can be applied to all aspects of your life together.  Tips for a healthier and happy marriage

Halloween Fun and Safety (and the relationship of Kids, Friends and Candy)

October 17
Everyone loves a good yard haunt for Halloween!  For those creating the haunt, be it a simple yard haunt or a home walk-thru, the planning and creating can be the most fun! 
http://www.ctparenting.com/halloweenyardsafety.php

October 18
Picking the best costume is an annual Halloween tradition.  Allowing your child the opportunity to decide for themselves boosts their creativity and confidence.

October 19
Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. Who wouldn't like dressing up in costumes and getting a bag full of candy and treats? Find out how to keep everyone safe and happy during and after the Trick or Treating.

October 20
Halloween is a wonderful holiday. But increased foot traffic from all the Trick or Treaters brings increased potential for automobile related accidents. Be extra careful walking and driving!

October 21
Halloween Party Safety

Fall Sports for Kids and Avoiding Sports Injuries

October 24
As a parent, it is important to encourage your children to be physically active. It’s also important to match your child to an appropriate sport, and not push him or her too hard into an activity that he or she may not like or be capable of doing. Teach your children to follow the rules and to play it safe when they get involved in sports, so they’ll spend more time having fun in the game and be less likely to be sidelined with an injury.

October 25
Playing sports is a lot of fun. Getting hurt is not. Take these five steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game: 

October 26
Active children are more likely to mature into physically active adults.  Benefits of sport and physical activity for children include reduced risk of obesity, increased cardiovascular fitness, improved coordination and balance, better sleep and improved social skills.
The relationship of Sports and Healthy Children. 

October 27
Children and sports is a big activity in many families. The benefits of involving kids in sports is there for all to see, but it is equally necessary to not push the child too hard. 

October 28
Children and sports is a big activity in many families. The benefits of involving kids in sports is there for all to see, but it is equally necessary to not push the child too hard.