Parenting is a daily job that no manual can prepare you for so we’re providing you with a playful pause and delivering fresh perspective from other parents and grandparents.

• Roshambo for Silly Face- Rock, paper, scissors is a great game for deciding who goes first but take it to a new level when it comes to teaching your kids the importance of accepting another's viewpoint. Teaching children the value of a viewpoint, and letting go, helps foster tolerance and respect. So the next time your children or their friends can't agree to disagree, teach them to Roshambo for Silly Face. It's easy. Kids count together: one, two, three, then make crazy twisted facial expressions. Without fail, they will want to try again and before you know it anger and hurt is replaced with camaraderie and laughter.
  
  
• Mary Poppins said it best: "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." Kids respond more positively when lessons are delivered playfully, so the next time your child is begging for that scoop of ice cream before dinner, or pleading for a sweet in the check-out line, give them a rhyme to pass the time: "Healthy before sweet can't be beat." It's not a "no" it's a "not now" and you immediately redirect your child. Playfully ask questions like: "Name a healthy red snack?" "What is healthiest, chips or carrots?" "What animal eats bananas?" Ask questions fast, give high-fives and make it playful. You've empowered your child to be the one to make the wise choice.
  
  
• Quick tip from a grandmother with 20 grandkids! It's based on an all time favorite: "Don’t make me count to three."
  
  
• Here’s the quick tip: You must follow through.
  
  
• Follow this suggestion for a successful outcome: Come up with a consequence you can manage — “no dessert” — is a great one, something that is important to your child, but you can follow through with easily.
  
  
• Raise your hand and start counting: "This is one," Do not say a word between counting! For young children (2-4) count up to ten, to yourself, so you give your child a chance to consider the options. Bring up finger number two and say two: "This is two." Again, do not say a word. Count to ten silently. Your face is expressionless. Why? This isn't affecting you, it's affecting your child so let them quietly consider their options. If you get to three, bring that finger up and show THREE and say it: "This is three."
  
  Now, say nothing but follow through with the consequence.
  
  If you follow through then you will understand why the third time is a charm, it rarely takes a child three missed desserts to understand you mean business.
  
  Best advice: be clear and be consistent. And don't forget to compliment your child when they behave without a reminder.
  
  

It's all good!