Volume 6 Issue 3 Page 1 of 2
Autumn 2006
News & Updates
TPNN has been supporting an organization called Stop It Now!, a group dedicated to stopping child sexual abuse. Surveys of adults reveal that as many as one in three girls and one in seven boys have been sexually abused before the age of eighteen. And the trauma of sexual abuse can affect the emotional and physical health of those children for the rest of their lives. For more information or ways to help, visit www.stopitnow.org.
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Kid's Website Corner
Between the Lions -- In the mood for a good story? Then pull up a chair and choose from a collection of over 60 of them at Between the Lions! Each story leads to an "adventure" of related games. Based on the PBS children's television series. Between the Lions also has a great selection of over 200 printable activities to keep you busy. www.pbskids.org/lions
Peanuts Fun and Games -- Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Linus are waiting for you to join them in this fun selection of games and other activities. Includes word puzzles, a coloring book, movies and more. www.snoopy.com
American Kennel Club -- A great selection of breeds, photos, articles, and more for dog lovers. Includes a special section just for kids, with information about responsible dog ownership and fun activity and coloring pages. www.akc.org/kids_juniors
Amusement Park Physics -- For middle-school aged
kids. Explores how the laws of physics play a role in the design of
amusement park rides. Design a roller coaster, determine the outcome
of bumper car collisions, and more.
www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics
Dealing with Sibling Rivalry
"Hey, she's in my room getting into my things again!"
"He won't stop annoying me!"
"Me first! Me first! Me first!"
Sound familiar? If you care for more than one child, the answer is probably "yes," because these are the sounds of sibling rivalry or sibling conflict.
While many kids are lucky enough to become the best of friends with their siblings, it's very common for brothers and sisters to fight. (It's also common for them to swing back and forth between adoring and detesting one other!)
It can be frustrating and upsetting to watch -- and hear -- your kids fight with one another. A household that's full of conflict is stressful for everyone. Yet often it's hard to know how to stop the fighting, and or even whether you should get involved at all. But you can take steps to promote peace in your household and help your kids get along.
Why Do Kids Fight?
Many different things can cause siblings to fight. Most brothers and sisters experience some degree of jealousy or competition, and this can flare into squabbles and bickering. But other factors also might influence how often kids fight and how severe the fighting gets. These include:
Evolving needs . It's natural for kids' changing needs, anxieties, and identities to affect how they relate to one another. For example, toddlers are naturally protective of their toys and belongings, and are learning to assert their will, which they'll do at every turn.
Individual temperaments . Your kids' individual temperaments -- including mood, disposition, and adaptability -- and their unique personalities play a large role in how well they get along. For example, if one child is laid back and another is easily rattled, they may often get into it. Similarly, a child who is especially clingy and drawn to a caregiver for comfort and love might be resented by siblings who see this and want the same amount of attention.
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