Grace in short supply

Another tip from the Parenting Place:


Grace can be in short supply when we are busy and frazzled, but nonetheless it’s one of the most important ingredients in a happy family. Strong-willed children need us to allow them to keep their dignity intact when trapped in a battle of wills. Be the gracious one by being the first to step out of the argument and find a more creative solution, like: “I can see we’re both upset right now, let’s go to different parts of the house to cool off for a while.” When it becomes a family goal to practice graciousness, every single relationship will benefit.

Christmas Shopping?

Stuck for an idea of what to get for Christmas? Check out the Parenting Place online store here and get hold of some great presents suitable for families.

Staying Positive about Discipline

From the Parenting Place comes another great parenting tip ...   Barbara Coloroso, in her book ‘Kids Are Worth It’, explains that discipline can be a positive experience for parent and child if two key features can be woven in: keep the child’s dignity intact, and give life to their learning.

Whenever discipline is called for, you want your child to learn something about the world so that they can get on more successfully.  E.g. Cats’ tails are not for pulling, or, hurtful words damage relationships. Focus on the lesson to be learnt, and try to treat all involved with respect, and the lesson is much more likely to sink in.

Christmas Party

This weekend is the Christmas Party! Don't miss out on the fun with Father Christmas, carols, morning tea, AND great coffee (the TGE team will be serving up coffee).

See you all at Petone starting at 10am.

You can't buy holiday memories

From the Parenting Place comes another great parenting tip ... With the holidays just a few weeks away you’ll be thinking about how to fill the Christmas break. Outings have special significance when they incorporate a family tradition and are unique to the season; for instance you might always go strawberry picking the day after school finishes.

Be deliberate about making time to do some things together. Soccer in the park, climb a hill and slide down on cardboard boxes, or have a picnic in a favorite spot; whatever you’re doing it is the family connection, not the money spent, that builds the good feelings which create lifelong memories.