Cornucopia kids
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Syndicated column from The Parent
Institute
[DEC. 22, 2005]
Q: My daughter has a room full of toys, but she
complains that she's bored. She always wants the next new toy. She's
a bright little girl but doesn't seem to put much effort into
anything. How can I make her appreciate what she has?
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A: Many of today's
children are "cornucopia kids" -- they seem to have too much of
everything! When children are given too much too easily, they often
find it hard to learn the value of things. They may simply expect to
have things provided to them. This is one reason they often get
bored easily.
Here are some things you can do:
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Start in her room. Clear
out some of the toys she has outgrown or has lost interest in.
Do this together with your daughter. See if you can donate some
toys to a local homeless shelter or a children's unit in a
hospital. Your daughter will learn to share with others -- and
also get a head start on keeping her room neat! You might even
consider making this an annual December family project.
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Keep in mind that more is not
necessarily better as you're choosing toys. Consider
following a "one in, one out" rule. If you buy a toy, try
putting another toy aside for your donation project.
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Think about classic toys.
Toys advertised on TV are often less than they're cracked up to
be. Experts have long maintained that the best toys for children
are the simplest ones. Why? Because a child has to use her
thinking skills to decide how she will play with them. Bikes,
blocks, books and puzzles have been entertaining kids for ages!
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Spend time playing with your
daughter. Research shows that most creative children have
had adults who were involved in their play.
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Try turning off the television
set during the week. Not only will this mean more time for
reading, exercising and studying, but she'll also see fewer
commercials and suggestions for the next new toy. Instead,
suggest that she use her time for reading books, playing outside
or spending time with you. Set aside time each day for talking,
taking a walk or playing games.
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Take a break. Sometimes
kids say, "I'm bored," when they really mean, "I'm tired." Make
sure your daughter knows the value of just unwinding and
daydreaming sometimes.
Finally, ask questions. Get to the bottom of what's really boring
your daughter. Homework that's too tough? Not being challenged
enough? Have a talk with her teacher to see what she has observed in
class. Work together to find solutions.
[The Parent
Institute]
For more information about helping
children learn or to submit your own question, go to
http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive
a prompt answer by e-mail.
Copyright 2005, The Parent Institute
"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful
Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.
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