A few tips when dealing with aggressive kids

Image source: thestar.com

It’s normal for children to become aggressive. Between the ages of two and four, they sometimes show their frustration through aggressive actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, or even biting. This is also a sensitive time in a child’s life. And although they will grow out of it as they mature, parents should be careful when handling them.

Here are a few tips from other parents and child psychologists for handling aggressive kids.


Be patient.

This is probably the most important quality parents should have, and not just at this stage, but all throughout their children’s life. For kids ages two to four, it is a strange thing that children will misbehave and display aggressive behavior and at the same time seek a parent’s approval. While their children throw temper tantrums, parents need to keep their tempers in check. When parents show aggressive behavior, it may have all sorts of negative effects on their children which may manifest later on in life.

Image source: sheknows.com

Adjust your tone.

While shouting is not recommended at all, a firm voice will do just fine. It can get a child’s attention and show him who’s the authority figure in the household. When children are first introduced to this tone, they normally are taken by surprise and cry. This is fine. They have to get used to this tone.


Give appropriate punishment.


For this age, the best punishments for inappropriate and aggressive behavior come in the form of time-out corners (having the child sit or stand in an open space without moving) or the revocation of privileges such as toys or afternoon TV time.


Joseph Cianciotto works as an executive creative director and lives in Long Island, NY with his wife and two daughters. Read more about this family-oriented man by visiting this website.

A few tips when dealing with aggressive kids

It’s normal for children to become aggressive. Between the ages of two and four, they sometimes show their frustration through aggressive actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, or even biting. This is also a sensitive time in a child’s life. And although they will grow out of it as they mature, parents should be careful when handling them.

Image source: thestar.com

Here are a few tips from other parents and child psychologists for handling aggressive kids.


Be patient.


This is probably the most important quality parents should have, and not just at this stage, but all throughout their children’s life. For kids ages two to four, it is a strange thing that children will misbehave and display aggressive behavior and at the same time seek a parent’s approval. While their children throw temper tantrums, parents need to keep their tempers in check. When parents show aggressive behavior, it may have all sorts of negative effects on their children which may manifest later on in life.

Image source: sheknows.com

Adjust your tone.


While shouting is not recommended at all, a firm voice will do just fine. It can get a child’s attention and show him who’s the authority figure in the household. When children are first introduced to this tone, they normally are taken by surprise and cry. This is fine. They have to get used to this tone.


Give appropriate punishment.


For this age, the best punishments for inappropriate and aggressive behavior come in the form of time-out corners (having the child sit or stand in an open space without moving) or the revocation of privileges such as toys or afternoon TV time.


Joseph Cianciotto works as an executive creative director and lives in Long Island, NY with his wife and two daughters. Read more about this family-oriented man by visiting this website.

Family bonding series: Fishing with the kids

Spending time in nature with the kids is always a great idea.  Not only do they have fun and learn a lot, but they also get to spend time away from technology and urban centers like New York City. 

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One of the most worthwhile activities children can do with their parents is fishing, and not just play-fishing, but real fishing.  There are a few essential points parents should remember when fishing with their kids.

While parents may be tempted to get toy rods for the kids, they are nowhere near durable for actual fishing.  There are, however, cane and light spinning rods available that kids will be able to use.  Go easy on the lines as well.  Four pounds of monofilament is as good a start as any, as well as small hooks.

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Before taking their children fishing for the first time, parents should teach the kids the basic principles at home.  Let them practice holding the rod, and simulate casting and pulling movements. Educating them on location may frustrate them and rob them of the fun of it all.

As for bait, crickets and worms work best with the kids.  Bobbers, on the other hand, add to the excitement of the experience.  In fact, there are bobbers in fishing stores that have cartoon characters on them. 

Joseph Cianciotto is a digital media native and family man from Long Island, New York. For more articles like this, visit this blog.  

A walk in the park: What families can do in Central Park

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Central Park is known as a haven for New York natives and visitors alike. It provides a refreshing change of scenery from the concrete jungle of Manhattan, and does not even require long-distance travel. The urban park covers a total of 843 acres, providing plenty of activities for families to delight in. A few examples of what families can do in Central Park are the following:

Visit the Central Park Zoo: Approximately 200 different species of animals are well taken care of in the Central Park Zoo. The children’s zoo inside also has exhibits that children of all ages would certainly find memorable.

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Take a ride on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel: Ever since it was built in 1871, the carousel has been a favorite for park visitors. While it is typical for the attraction to draw long queues, several balloon, hotdog, and popcorn vendors offer an enjoyable distraction for the kids.

Bask in nature at the Conservatory Garden: The only formal garden in Central Park, the place is littered with beautifully-kept flowers and pruned bushes, and the Untermeyer Fountain, which consists of the bronze sculpture, “Three Dancing Maidens.” The place is quite serene and free of bicycle riders, making it perfect for families to take a peaceful stroll in.

Watch a Marionette Theatre performance at the Swedish Cottage: Imported from Sweden in the late 19th century, the Swedish Cottage is the stage of nostalgic, old-fashioned marionette shows that are based on old fairy tales.

Read more on how to create lovely memories in New York with your family visiting this Joseph Cianciotto blog.

How to develop healthy habits in children

People learn and develop a lot of their skills and habits at an early age. Childhood is a time when their minds act as a sponge that absorbs what their surroundings offer. This is why parents should be extra mindful of what they teach their kids. 

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Here are some ways parents can help their children develop healthy habits. 

Talk to children openly 

Healthy habits don’t just involve physical activities. Talking to children openly about the world (filtering what needs to be filtered, of course) fosters emotionally stable individuals. Children learn to be open as well, with how they feel. This is extremely significant in future healthy communication. 

Teach children how to take care of their bodies 

Parents should teach their kids how to brush their teeth, wash their hands, and all the other routines considered to foster good hygiene. Encouraging kids to eat healthily and get into sports also sends them the message that their bodies are important and that they always have to be in shape. 

Encourage children to have a hobby 

Having a hobby such as music, art, or sports offers children a chance to know themselves and the things they might want to do with their lives. Keeping the habit of singing, playing a musical instrument, or playing sports with other children until they grow older helps kids adjust better to the many changes in life. 

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Joseph Cianciotto has a degree in Visual Communications from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently resides in Long Island, New York with his family. For similar reads, visit this page.

The Best Martin Scorsese Films

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Now turning 76, the acclaimed director Martin Scorsese is responsible for some of the most beloved against-the-grain Hollywood hits, movies that showcased needed grit and realism in an entertainment arena often adorned with cosmetics and prosthetics. It took a while for the Academy to give him the nod, but by then he had already won countless awards and the hearts of fans all over the world. Below are Scorsese’s best movies.

Goodfellas

The director has always been associated with crime thrillers and gangster themes, and this grim 1990 film is one of his best portrayals of life in the mafia. Starring his staple stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, "Goodfellas" also featured a young Ray Liotta. It’s a harrowing watch based on the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi.

The Departed

The film that finally got Scorsese his first and long-time-coming Oscar award, this retelling of the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" offers complex twists and turns, and some of the best acting ever by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Even supporting casts Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, and Mark Wahlberg’s performance was more than memorable here.

Gangs of New York

This 2002 period drama is set in the mid-19th century New York, as gangs battle for dominion of the city’s Five Points district. It’s based on a 1928 non-fiction book on the actual gangs that lorded it over the city. The film was a blockbuster hit that also drew the critics’ attention to both Scorsese’s directing and Daniel Day-Lewis’ superb acting.

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Taxi Driver

This critically acclaimed 1976 work and Cannes winner depicts the life of a Vietnam veteran turned New York cab driver. Its popularity is best evidenced by the enduring lines “You talkin’ to me?” in pop culture. The masterful depiction of post-war anxieties coupled with De Niro’s superb acting led to its 1994 selection for preservation by the U.S. National Film Registry.

Joseph Cianciotto was the executive creative director and chief digital officer of DDB New York, where his creative leadership was extended to include print, television/film, social media, branded content, and CRM. Visit this page for more info on Joseph’s past and current work.

What’s Keeping 'Game Of Thrones'' Last Season From Coming Out?

The whole world has been waiting with bated breath for the final installment of the acclaimed HBO fantasy saga "Game of Thrones" to unwind. Though HBO has given fans feelers early on that the final season might take some time to finish due to immense production requirements, it’s already the middle of 2018, and the wait has gone on for over a year. 

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What is known so far is that the number of episodes will be shorter, but each one will be significantly longer. The idea of watching six full-length, supersized episodes is awesome news for GoT enthusiasts, but a clearer timetable for the actual release is certainly the more anticipated news. 

As of this writing, HBO and the directors project a still-vague release date of sometime in 2019. To comfort fans for the long wait and show’s imminent end, four spin-off series are in the works which should begin coming out within a year after GoT’s concluding season.

It’s been a while since fans last scoured the majesty and ruins of Westeros with the books’ and show’s larger-than-life characters. But various directorial, set-production, choreography and story-development demands make it clear that fans have to wait a while longer. They only hope that this last season will be as memorable as we all expect it to be, while they continue to muse on which character will next take an arrow in the knee.

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New York-based Joseph Cianciotto is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon. He has been working in the digital space for more than 20 years. He is an avid fan of the 'Game of Thrones' series. For similar reads, visit this blog.

What To Do With a Screaming Child

Is it normal for your toddler to have a shrieking phase, such as when they don’t like putting those shoes or when it’s time for playtime to end? Should a parent be concerned when small kids scream whenever they want to capture their parent’s attention? There are several things to consider when dealing with a screaming child – here are some of them. 

Image source: Pixabay.com

Know when the child's happy 

It could be a squeal of joy they are letting out, so offer a calming presence and pick the child up in your arms. It will also help to model proper voices inside and outside of the house and school, such as teaching the child that there’s freedom to shriek in joy at the school playground or at the vast Central Park in New York City. Ask them to use their “inside voice” if necessary. 

Acknowledge feelings 

Know that when a child screams to get attention, they could be uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or in pain. The environment could be too much, or they are getting a little cranky. Acknowledge those different feelings and calmly note that things will be better. This will help cultivate their ability to put feelings into words instead of loud screams. 

Be firm but not mean 

Use a firm, soft, but matter-of-factly tone when directing behavior during screaming fits. This will give your words better clarity and impact, and the child will be better able to grasp the important information being provided. Speak softly and without sounding angry or scary. 

Keep the child busy and engaged 

Keep the child busy with various activities to avoid boredom, crankiness, or other emotions triggering screaming. Ask for the toddler’s help in arranging the groceries at home, and keep them busy with a puzzle, favorite snack, or learning activity that can be done alone. 

Image source: Pixabay.com

Joseph Cianciotto most recently served as executive creative director at Translation, overseeing content related matters within the agency. He resides in Long Island, New York, with his wife Jen and daughters Hannah and Sophie. More articles like this on this page.

Fun Places For Children To Explore In Nyc

Sightseeing isn’t just for tourists, but also for families living right in the city. Take New York City, for instance, and its rich array of sights and attractions for children and families. From museums and learning centers to restaurants and nature parks, here are some top kid-friendly attractions to visit the next time you’re going out with them. 

Image source: NYCGo.com

New York Transit Museum 

Have the little tykes go choo-choo in this museum showcasing the city’s subway system. Set in a 1930s subway station, the museum features vintage subway cars as well as learning tours on trains and the wonders of engineering in making this awe-inducing mode of transport. 

Rocket Park Mini Golf 

It’s a pint-sized golf course found at the New York Hall of Science, which not only offers youngsters a taste of the game but also teaches them about how the laws of physics and science in general help guide golf balls on the green. It’s a fitting introduction to golf if the dad is keen on having his kids enjoy and appreciate it, too. 

The High Line 

An old railroad turned public park, this attraction is a great hit with kids of all ages, where they can explore the two-block-long mini-forest Chelsea Thicket, partake of dance and storytelling events with the family, or have a glimpse of cool outdoor art installations. 

Central Park Zoo 

Honestly, no one’s really too young or too old for some zoo adventure. Located at Fifth Avenue and West 64th St, this celebrated zoo features the Tisch Children’s Zoo, which is particularly intended for young kids with its vast diversity of animals. An NYC hotdog and salted pretzel from a park stall aren’t a bad idea after going around the zoo! 

Image source: CentralParkNYC.org 

Joseph Cianciotto has most recently served as executive creative director at Translation, overseeing content related matters within the agency. He currently resides in Long Island, NY, with his wife and daughters. More articles like this on this page.

Do’s And Don’Ts Of Helping Kids Deal With Bullying

Recent media attention on child and youth bullying incidents not just in New York but in other parts of the United States are bringing an important matter to public awareness.  How should children be protected from bullying and taught to deal with it when it happens to them?  Here are some tips from experts. 

Do stay connected

Teach kids to focus on meaningful social connections and interactions.  Bullies work by making their victims feel alone and hapless, so children should get their power back by maintaining connections with their friends and supportive adults. 

Don’t second-guess the child if they tell you they’re experiencing it

Instead, listen carefully and convey that you believe the child.  Tell them you’re sorry for what’s happening, and commit to helping solve the problem when they’re ready to get to this step.  It’s crucial that a bullied child gets heard and understood – and they feel they are.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Do create awareness

Bullies typically inflict harm and violence in a subtle and seemingly socially acceptable way that tends not to register on the adults’ radar.  It is therefore important to teach kids to create awareness, and that speaking up about bullying isn’t cowardice but making a powerful decision. 

Don’t let kids over-label mean behaviors as ‘bullying’

It’s the “little boy who cried wolf” phenomenon where adults no longer take action at times, leaving truly vulnerable children at risk and lacking the support they need. 

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Do use simple, unemotional language

Have the child use direct, simple, and unemotional language to let bullies know that they cannot be victimized.  Being emotionally affected by someone is being under their power, so encourage the bullied child to respond without anger or fear, and to portray utmost confidence. 

Joseph Cianciotto has most recently served as executive creative director at Translation, where he oversees all things content-related. He resides in Long Island, New York with his wife and daughters. For similar reads, click here.