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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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Raising Responsible Children: 10 Strategies for Teaching Responsibility

NordenBladet – Teaching responsibility to children is a critical aspect of parenting as it helps them develop important life skills and become successful, well-rounded individuals. Raising responsible children helps them understand the value of hard work, accountability, and reliability, which are essential traits in personal and professional relationships.

Here are some tips on how to teach responsibility to children:

1. Lead by example – Children learn by observing and mimicking their parents, so set a good example by being responsible and dependable yourself.

2. Give chores and tasks – Assign age-appropriate tasks, such as cleaning their room or helping with household chores, to help your child learn the value of hard work.

3. Encourage self-sufficiency – Teach your child how to do things on their own, such as getting dressed or making their bed, to build their independence and responsibility.

4. Use natural consequences – Let your child experience the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative, to help them understand the impact of their decisions.

5. Teach time management – Encourage your child to plan their day and manage their time effectively, so they can prioritize and complete their responsibilities.

6. Provide structure and routine – Establishing a routine and having clear expectations helps children understand what is expected of them and fosters responsibility.

7. Encourage problem-solving – Teach your child how to solve problems and make decisions independently, to help them become more responsible and accountable.

8. Recognize and reward good behavior – Acknowledge and reward your child’s responsible behavior to reinforce positive habits and encourage continued growth.

9. Foster a positive attitude – Teach your child to have a positive and proactive approach to life, and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

10. Open communication – Maintain an open line of communication with your child, and encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns they may have.

By following these tips, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence needed to become a responsible and dependable individual. The investment you make in your child’s development now will pay off in the long run, as they become confident and successful adults.

Featured image: Pexels

Sweden: Riksbank to increase policy rate by half a percentage point

NordenBladet — Reuters has predicted that Riksbank in Sweden, the country’s central bank, is very likely to hike its policy rate by half a percentage point this week, possibly tomorrow. According to economists, an unanimous decision was made in predicting a hike of to 3.0% during tomorrow’s Thursday’s policy meeting; an inflation at a 30-year high. It is then predicted that one more increase in April is going to occur before 2024 sees rates starting to fall.

During 2023, the country’s economy is expected to shrink, and due to a high number of floating-rate mortgages, meaning interest rates in Sweden are expected to have quicker and bigger impact compared to the rest of Europe.

In 2022, house prices in Sweden dropped to about 15% due to the hikes by the country’s Riksbank.

Source: Reuters.com

 

 

Empowering Your Child: 10 Ways to foster independent decision making

NordenBladet – It is important for children to be independent and capable of making the right decisions at the right time as it helps them build confidence and self-esteem. Giving children the opportunity to make choices empowers them to take control of their lives and develop important life skills. Children start making their own decisions at different ages, but by the age of 3 or 4, they typically begin to understand the concept of choices and start expressing their preferences.

Here are 10 ways to give your child the opportunity to make choices:

1. Offer limited choices – Give your child two or three options to choose from to help them feel in control and confident in their decision-making.

2. Encourage decision making in daily routines – Let your child choose what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, etc.

3. Provide age-appropriate freedom – As your child grows, give them more independence and allow them to make decisions on their own.

4. Ask for their opinions – Encourage your child to voice their thoughts and opinions, and take their ideas into consideration when making decisions.

5. Allow natural consequences – Let your child experience the consequences of their decisions, whether good or bad, so they can learn from them.

6. Support their decisions – Respect your child’s choices and support them, even if you disagree.

7. Give them responsibility – Assign your child tasks and responsibilities, such as helping with chores, to build their sense of independence.

8. Encourage independence in play – Let your child lead playtime and make decisions on their own during imaginative play.

9. Give them options for problem-solving – Teach your child how to find solutions to problems and offer them choices for resolving conflicts.

10. Celebrate their successes – Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s decisions and the positive outcomes that come from them.

By following these tips, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence needed to make their own decisions and become a responsible and independent individual.

Featued image: Pexels

Iceland: Icelandic footballer Dagur Dan Thórhallsson signed by Orlando City SC

NordenBladet — Icelandic footballer Dagur Dan Thórhallsson has recently been signed on a two-year contract by the MLS team Orlando City SC, the current US Open Cup champions. Thórhallsson was previously playing as a midfielder for the Icelandic team Breiðablik in Kópavogur. The player is also plays for Iceland’s international squad, making four appearances on the team.

Thórhallsson’s time at Breiðablik lead to the team winning Iceland’s first division, Besta deild karla, bringing experience of around games within his career.

Orlando’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager,  Luiz Muzzi, comments, “Dagur Dan is a versatile player that can play both in the midfield for us, out on the wings or even at right back if we need and he’s been involved with Iceland’s national team program since his days with the U16s. He has a great engine and fits the profile of a box-to-box player that can give us strength in both our attack and defence.”

 

Encouraging Self-Expression in Children: Lessons from the Nordic Countries

NordenBladet – Self-expression is a crucial aspect of a child’s development and is necessary for their for their normal mental development. Children need a platform to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a healthy way. This article will explore the ways in which children are encouraged to express themselves in Nordic countries and how we can learn from their methods.

Active Listening: In Nordic countries, parents and teachers are trained to listen actively to children’s opinions, thoughts, and feelings. This means that they take time to understand the child’s perspective and validate their emotions.

Validation of Emotions: Children in Nordic countries are taught to understand and express their emotions. This helps them to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. Parents and teachers encourage children to acknowledge and validate their feelings, creating a safe and supportive environment for self-expression.

Freedom of Thought: Children in Nordic countries are encouraged to think freely and express their opinions. This helps to foster creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills.

Creative Activities: Nordic countries place a strong emphasis on creative activities as a means of self-expression. Children are encouraged to participate in art, music, and other creative pursuits, providing a platform for them to express themselves freely.

Outdoor Activities: Spending time in nature is also an important aspect of encouraging self-expression in Nordic countries. Children are encouraged to play and explore the outdoors, providing an opportunity for them to express themselves in new and exciting ways.


If a child is not allowed to express themselves, they may grow up to be:

Inhibited: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may become inhibited, feeling that their thoughts and feelings are not valued. This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

Repressed: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may develop a habit of repressing their emotions, leading to emotional suppression. Over time, this can result in feelings of anger, frustration, and resentment.

Disconnected: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may feel disconnected from those around them, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Uncreative: Children who are not allowed to express themselves creatively may miss out on opportunities to develop their artistic and imaginative skills.

Stressed: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may experience high levels of stress, leading to a range of physical and mental health problems.

Encouraging self-expression in children is an essential aspect of their development and overall wellbeing. By taking inspiration from the methods used in Nordic countries, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our children to express themselves freely. By actively listening, validating their emotions, and encouraging freedom of thought and creativity, we can help our children to develop into confident, self-assured individuals.

Featured image: NordenBladet

Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD): “Substantial” amount of minerals found out Norway’s seabed

NordenBladet — A “substantial” amount of minerals and metals have been found on the seabed of Norway’s extended continental shelf, ranging from rare earth metals to copper. Speaking in a statement, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) explained “Of the metals found on the seabed in the study area, magnesium, niobium, cobalt and rare earth minerals are found on the European Commission’s list of critical minerals.”

It’s estimated that there are roughly 38 million tonnes of copper and 45 million tonnes of zinc accumulated in polymetallic sulphides covering areas in the Norwegian Sea, as well as the Greenland Sea.

Some of the rare minerals found, such as neodymium and dysprosium, are crucial for engines in electric vehicles and magnets in wind turbines.

However, the country is considering whether to open it its offshore areas for mining, which has has sparked environmental concerns.

 

Foreign Affairs Committee delegation is in Helsinki to discuss support for Ukraine and NATO enlargement

NordenBladet —

The Chairman of the Committee Andres Sutt said that the members of the Committee intend to discuss plans for further support to Ukraine with members of the Finnish government. “Ukraine needs continuous military help from the allies, in the shape of modern tanks, air-defence, and other weapons. This is the only way to make sure that Russia’s war of aggression ends with Ukraine’s victory and liberation of its territory,” he said, adding that another item on the agenda would certainly be the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate Russia’s crime of aggression.

The NATO accession process of Finland and Sweden will also be discussed. Sutt is of the opinion that the NATO enlargement would significantly enhance the security of our region, which is why Estonia hopes to see both countries join the Alliance as soon as possible.

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee will meet their Finnish counterparts, but also the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, Minister of Defence Mikko Savola, and Chief of Defence Timo Kivinen.

Sutt is accompanied on the visit by Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa and member of the Committee Henn Põlluaas.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Foreign Affairs Committee delegation is in Helsinki to discuss support for Ukraine and NATO enlargement

Source: Parliament of Estonia

HOW parents in Nordic countries support childrens emotional and mental self care?

NordenBladet – In Nordic countries, the well-being of children is considered a top priority. Parents in these countries place a strong emphasis on emotional and mental self-care, recognizing the importance of these aspects for overall health and happiness. There are several unique approaches that Nordic parents take to support their children in this regard.

Emphasizing Emotional Expression: In Nordic countries, children are encouraged to express their emotions openly and honestly. Parents view emotional expression as an important aspect of self-care and provide a safe and supportive environment for their children to express their feelings.

Encouraging Outdoor Play: Nordic countries have a strong tradition of outdoor play and encourage children to spend time in nature. This not only helps with physical self-care, but also supports mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.

Access to Mental Health Services: Nordic countries have robust mental health systems, providing children with access to counseling and other mental health services as needed. Parents in these countries recognize the importance of addressing mental health concerns early on and are proactive in seeking help for their children.

Focus on Quality Time: Nordic parents place a strong emphasis on spending quality time with their children. This helps to build strong emotional bonds and provides children with a supportive and nurturing environment, which is crucial for emotional and mental self-care.

The approach to emotional and mental self-care for children in Nordic countries is rooted in a deep understanding of its importance for overall health and happiness. By encouraging emotional expression, outdoor play, providing access to mental health services, and focusing on quality time, Nordic parents set a strong foundation for their children’s self-care and well-being.

Featured image: Pexels

National security concept containing agreement on increasing defence spending will be presented to the Riigikogu

NordenBladet —

According to Raimond Kaljulaid, the Chairman of the National Defence Committee, which is the lead committee for the adoption of the National Security Concept, a consensus approval of the updated National Security Concept in the Riigikogu would provide certainty in regard to the financing of national defence, and this would be a strong cross-party message.

“One of the most important changes is that the National Security Concept specifies that we will continue also in long-term perspective to spend at least three per cent of GDP on national defence, to which the funding of expenses of Estonia as a host country for allies will be added. The Concept also provides that in order to increase the crisis resilience of the country and the population as a whole, the permanent financing of non-military capabilities of national defence will be ensured in the state budget strategy,” he said. “If these two principles are approved in the plenary, it will be a significant cross-party agreement on national defence. This is also certainly a message internationally, to our allies as well as to potential adversaries, that Estonia is ready to defend itself and ready to contribute to its defence.”

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Andres Sutt considered it important that the National Security Concept emphasised alliance relations, and alongside the threat posed by Russia, also highlighted the growing influence of China as a long-standing strategic rival on the international arena. “It is important that this Riigikogu updates the National Security Concept, because due to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression, the global security picture is quite different from the picture at the time the previous Concept was approved. I hope that we can approve the updated National Security Concept in the plenary of the Riigikogu in the coming weeks,” he said.

The National Security Concept submitted by the Government is based on updated strategic threat assessment and builds on the National Security Concept adopted in 2017. The aim of the document is to describe the security environment as of the beginning of 2023, to clarify Estonia’s objectives in the increasingly tense security environment and to describe the activities necessary for achieving them. The document covers Estonia’s activities in five areas: social cohesion and national resilience, economic security and vital services, internal security and public order, military defence, and international activities.

At today’s joint sitting of the National Defence Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas gave an overview of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of “The National Security Concept of Estonia”” (775 OE). The National Defence Committee decided unanimously to make a motion to the plenary assembly to conclude the first reading of the Draft Resolution on 6 February. The Riigikogu will approve the National Security Concept at two readings.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: National security concept containing agreement on increasing defence spending will be presented to the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Denmark plans to instate compulsory military service for women

NordenBladet — To greatly boost the size of the country’s armed forces, Denmark plans to instate compulsory military service for women. Speaking to TV2, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Denmark’s Defence Minister, explained that this move would be “beneficial” for the country’s military if more women were enlisted. The move would also help for Denmark to meet its requirements under its NATO membership.

As it currently stands, men are required to serve if they are called on under a lottery system for roughly around four months, sometimes longer. For women, they can join only on a voluntary basis.

The move come to provide more levels of support to Ukraine, and the measure has been backed by several women’s organizations.

In 2015, Norway became the first member of NATO to introduce compulsory military service for women.