Parenting Methods


Feature Writer: Barb Hacker
Barb H., Barb H.

The people with all the parenting answers usually aren't parents yet. For those of us that are, the journey is filled with uncertainty and doubt as we struggle to raise our children to be caring, hard working and thoughtful adults.

How we approach that journey is as individual as each child. There is not a single parenting method that has all the answers for every parent.

Parents are led by their personalities, their children's personalities, their parenting goals and their expectations. Because of this, many parenting methods, both old and new, tend to be controversial.

At Suite 101, we will cover all parenting methods, including Attachment Parenting, Holistic Parenting, Single Parenting, Christian Parenting, Peaceful Parenting, Gay Parenting, and discipline techniques.

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Help me navigate the seas of life., Barbara Gibson
feature articles
Barb Hacker

Discipline and Punishment

In: Parenting Methods (general)

Many people confuse the terms discipline and punishment. more...

Toddler Diaper Changes

In: Parenting Methods (general)

Cooperation during diaper changes may be difficult for some children, especially those toddlers who have become accustomed to fighting being changed. more...

Difficulties of the Feingold Diet

In: Holistic Parenting

Cutting out artificial additives to improve a child's behavior sounds simple. But, following the Feingold Diet is not without its challenges. more...

Benefits of the Feingold Diet

In: Holistic Parenting

When a child has consistent behavioral issues, the parents should look at diet as a likely cause. The Feingold Association is a good starting point. more...

A Consistent Bedtime Routine

In: Peaceful Parenting

Bedtime should be the most relaxing time of day with children. Find peace by developing a routine. more...

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feature blog
Barb Hacker

May 14, 2008

Cooperative Board Games

Cooperative games avoid competition and let children relax and have a good time.


Why Choose Cooperative Board Games?

Teaching cooperation skills helps children learn how to problem solve and how to work with others. And, cooperative games are fun. My oldest son and I played a cooperative game called Marsh Master (made in Vermont by Great Blue Productions) and were laughing quite hard as we worked together to put all the marsh creatures in their habitat before “Arnold Pathetic” made it around the board.

There are many cooperative games on the market. An on-line store called EcoToyTown has several that cost less than $20 and are appropriate for ages 3 and up. The themes vary, but they all involve working together to reach a goal.

What is Wrong with Traditional, Competitive Board Games?

Many experts have weighed in on the competitive nature of games in our society and what those games teach children. Parenting expert Alfie Kohn believes that competition is a matter of social training and not human nature.

We all know a young child who has a hard time with losing at board games. Some even have a hard time with winning, choosing to brag about the accomplishment. Instead of playing games that involve one person winning at another’s expense, parents can choose cooperative games for their children that involve the group working together to achieve a goal.

Skip the usual board games, think outside the box and give a cooperative game to the children in your life.

Source:

EcoToytown, “What is a Cooperative Game”, website, accessed May 14, 2008

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