What’s in a Name?

October 31, 2006

book cover I recently discovered a baby naming book called The Baby Name Wizard, by Laura Wattenberg. It came out about a year ago and was created by a name-searching mom.

“It uses groundbreaking research and computer-generated models to pinpoint each name’s image, examine its usage and popularity over the last one hundred years, and suggest other promising ideas.”

But, here’s the greatest thing about this book that I’ve never seen before in a naming book: it gives suggested sibling names. How cool is that? And, the topper is, when I looked up my daughter’s name, there was my son’s name as a top suggested sibling name. I was so excited! I almost wish I was having more babies, just so I could use the cool sibling name finder.

If you are expecting, this is a must read. And, for the rest of us, it’s just a lot of fun!

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Tired of Time-Out? Try These 3 Tricks. (Tip of the Week)

October 30, 2006

Time-out just not working for your children anymore? The November issue of Parents gives these three suggestions as alternatives to time-out:

Put Toys in Time-Out: Rather than putting your child in time-out for misbehaving, take away a favorite toy for a set amount of time. Be sure to keep the toy within your child’s view, so they can be reminded of the punishment.
Have a Chat: Instead of telling your child what they did wrong and why you are mad, ask them questions so they can figure it out themselves. For example ask, “How do you think it makes mommy feel when you act like that?”
Make a Chart: Start each day with (for example) three smiley faces and have the child erase a face for misbehaving. Reward/punish at the end of the day based on the number of smiley faces left.

These are all ideas that you could make work depending on the age of your child and the specific misbehavior that occurs. Praising good behavior is also a key element of discipline. Make sure you “catch” your children being good sometimes too!

Written by Nicole · Filed Under Family | Leave a Comment