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How To Help Your Child Develop Good Study Habits

2011-09-30T09:17:00.000+07:00

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
-- Aristotle

In order to continue the habit as long as possible, the habits should be developed in their earliest establish to begin with. It's never too early to introduce your child to positive study habits, which will reward his or her endeavors throughout life. As parents, effective techniques must be studied in order to further the development of our children.

1. Become well established role models
Developing well established study habits for a child begins with parents. Just like the old adage, "it's not what you say, it's what you conduct." Well established study habits should begin at a very young age; when a child is one to two years of age, he or she is ready to begin training in acquiring well established study habits. The initial lessons begin with his or her observing parents at work modeling well established study habits.

2. Install the love of studying
Let the child understand that studying is fun. Long before the child begins school, parents should begin to instill the love of studying. Read to the child, and ensure the house is well stocked with books and toys that stimulate his or her imagination. The more the child's curiosity is stimulated, the more likely he or she is to be motivated to work hard and follow through to get the answers he or she wants.

3. Galvanize the child to conduct the best
Let the child understand the satisfaction of a job well conducted by attempting ones' best, and finishing what he or she begins. Make sure the child understands that although parents like him or her to conduct well, conducting well in school is something he or she conducts primarily for himself or herself, so the child can be proud of him or herself and gain self-confidence.

4. Demonstrate persistence to the child
In order to establish well established study habits, parents need to assist the child to be persistent. The most important of all the habits is to be consistent in whatever he or she conducts. Being consistent is what makes great people and great lives.

5. Teach the child the consequences of responsibility
As students, conducting well in school is something children must conduct. It's their responsibility to complete studying before he or she wants to conduct something else, such as playing games, watching TV. Conducting chores is also his or her responsibility as a family member.

6. Develop the child's organizational skills
Assist the child organize things. For example, for toddlers, need to clean up toys after playing with them. For teenagers, need to organize assignments over weeks.

7. Assist the child study to manage time
Assist him or her organize a after-school schedule for every subject on a daily basis. This really assists the child be organized, be up-to-date or beyond on the school material. Establish a routine for completing schoolwork. Agree on a set time and stick to it. Ensure the child constructs regular study time into his or her schedule. Most tests are scheduled well in advance, and review each night will produce much better results than using last-minute studying method.

Guide a teen's overall time commitments, ensure to take a balance on a part-time job, extracurricular activities, socializing and household chores. Teach the teen refocus on priorities.

8. Galvanize the child reading
Reading to a little child makes him or her like to read when older. Make sure the child enters his or her upper-grade studies with strong reading skills.

9. Galvanize the child to ask questions
Galvanize him or her to ask questions about the surrounding world to inspire his or her curiosity, which constructs his or her inner motivation to study.

10. Assist the child be an independent thinker
Parents can guide him or her to study by asking questions to make him or her think step by step.

11. Galvanize the child get prepared
Preparation is a basic principle to success. Whenever conduct a thing, we need be prepared. Galvanize the child to prepare the next day's class.

12. Galvanize to conduct review
When studying any type of material, whether it is for an English, math or history test or any other type of test, it is important to comprehend what have studied. By reviewing regularly, one of the most basic and crucial study habits is enforced, which is going back over what have studied to ensure that it is understood. A studying process is actually a process of repetition.

13. Accommodate a well-established work space
The child should be allowed to work within the designated "study area" from distractions, his or her own desk would be recommendable. For students, after school, they need to be required to complete their homework within the study area. In this way, they can concentrate on studying with efficiency.

14. Check the child's work periodically
Ask him or her to describe what the homework is, explain the project's requirements, and what's needed for completion, as well as the plans for next step.

15. Insist that careless work be recondite
To establish a serious study ethic is very important to a child. Assist him or her grow the attitude, which is one of the keys to success.

16. Audit the child's study habits regularly
The best way to develop well established study habits in the child is to audit him and her; give praise when he or she is heading in the right direction and a kind remind when he or she is not. Both show that the parents care and promote improvement.

17. Give praise whenever possible
A sincere expression of pride in the child's academic accomplishments can motivate him or her toward making studying a habit. By gaining self-confidence, he or she will conduct better.

18. Need patience
Developing well established study habits in a child is a studying process, which needs time. Prepare for any setbacks. If the child is not conducting well, remind him or her, conduct not blame him or her. Give him advice and be patient to watch his or her progress.

Assisting children in developing their life-long study habits requires much endeavor and involvement from parents-modeling, patience, and providing essential support. Everything has to be conducted according to their ages. At all times parents should look for ways to enrich the children's studying experience and make it more enjoyable. The more the children enjoy school, the better their work habits are likely to be, and the more they will study, and their grades will experience dramatic improvement.

Dr. Cana Cao has passion on education. She had been teaching at a university both in China and Japan as a professor for several years. Now she is working in California, United States. She believes that Kids Are Our Future. Dr. Cana Cao is focusing on cross-culture parenting and education. She share her knowledge and thoughts at parents-and-kids.com. The motivation for her to start the website is to learn and explore some parenting and educational issues in order to help children succeed in the global society. What are the values parents should teach their children? How to handle the culture difference and avoid the conflict? How to help children to interact with and understand people who are ethnically, racially and culturally different from themselves? How to help children to build a learning environment that encourages a global vision and moral action? How to prepare children to excel and succeed?

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5 Tips on Financial Literacy for Kids

2011-09-30T09:14:00.001+07:00

Learning how to save is a necessary part of financial literacy. For kids, and yes for parents too, saving money can be a very difficult process. Sometimes it can be our thinking about saving and sometimes it's just our actions. Whatever the challenge learning this skill is essential. With this in mind let's look at some ways we can incorporate saving into our daily routine and also the routine of our children. I've included some simple tips that will keep your bank account growing.

Tip #1: Spread the Wealth
Since your goal is to save money you should use a combination of banks. You should consider using a regular bank for your everyday checking account and using an online bank for saving. All of your expenses, your pay check and everything you need for everyday living should be paid for out of this account. I would then set up an automatic deposit from your checking to your online savings account. This will get you saving without thinking about it. I would also do this for your kids. The best part is since the savings are automatic and out of sight, the temptation is lessened to tap into them.

Tip #2: Set a Target
When you set your target it can be towards a specific item or towards a money goal. Whatever you are saving for be sure to put a time by which you want to hit the target. This will determine your saving strategy. Let's say you want to buy a $500 bike in 10 weeks, well then you know your savings goal is $50 per week. I know this sounds simple but when you consider financial literacy for kids sometimes simple is the best.

Tip #3: Pay Yourself First
Sometimes the hardest thing to do when you are trying to save, is the actual act of saving, especially if you have a lot of bills. That's why it's necessary to adopt a principal of paying yourself first. Before you pay a bill or before your kids spend it all, put money aside. Some people say you should save at least 10% of your income but if you can't start there, begin where you can and build from there.

Tip #4: Scissors are your best friend
You need to track where your money is going. So spend a week writing down everything you spend money on. By doing this you will expose the leaks in your budget that are affecting your ability to save. Most people who do this are very surprised where there money is going. When you find the waste then you break out those scissors and cut it out.

Tip #5: An educated consumer is the best consumer.
Regardless of how much you're trying to save you will need to spend. When spending you want to make sure you get the most for your money. Be sure to look for sales and coupons which everyone knows. However the internet can become your friend. If you shop online you can got to sites like eBay & Craigslist to find great deals. You can also do a Google search to find coupon codes for your favorite stores, which can give you discounts and free shipping among other things.
When it comes to saving and increasing financial literacy for kids and adults it's not about focusing on the big things. Change the little things and you and your kids can start to see big results in your bank accounts.

Looking for more ways to teach your kids about money? Visit http://www.moneytoolkits.com and claim your FREE copy of moneySMART$ emagazine written by Nicole Clemow and the team at Money Toolkits. Nicole is an international author and speaker on the subject of teaching kids about money and how to make it.

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Who Is Responsible for Obesity in Children?

2011-09-29T09:14:00.000+07:00

Most parents worry about the spread of obesity in children. They listen to advice and pay close attention to the food they give their children. But what if they were to learn that the diet advice they have been getting for the past four decades, is wrong.

What's worse, the advice is responsible for obesity in children as well as adults. The diets people trust and encourage their family to use, have never been scientifically tested to prove they are safe for adults, let alone children.

Till forty years ago we didn't diet. We didn't need to, the vast majority of people were slim. Then, in the seventies, when everyone became an expert on something, some people decided they wanted a niche on the fringe of medicine. They called themselves Nutritionists, dietitians and diet guru's.

For forty years, these people have offered us literally thousands of diets. Not a single one has been tested to prove it works. Diets have never undergone genuine scientific research. No human trials have been conducted to test the validity of the claims. Not one single diet has been researched and trialed to prove it is safe for human consumption.

The first diet was called 'The Pyramid Diet. It was an exact reversal of our traditional diet. It doesn't take an Einstein to work out that such a change was more than a shock to the body. A shock it still hasn't learned to get over. Evolution takes centuries, not four decades.

Every diet promoted during the past forty years has been a variation on the Pyramid Diet, and eventually, everyone of them has been discredited. But not before hundreds of thousands of people have used them and suffered the consequences. The fact is, we are not designed to diet. Our body doesn't understand the food we eat.

When we cut down on food our body has a programmed response. It's called Famine! That means our brain signals our metabolism to slow down to allow us to conserve fat. When the famine is over, the body is programmed to go into overdrive to recover every ounce of weight we have lost. It will even add a little extra fat to protect us against the next famine.

How do we change that? We don't, because we can't, it's nature. What we can do is learn to work with our body instead of against it. We need to feed our body the kind of food it evolved with. Not the kind of food that is manufactured and processed in plants across the nation.

Bad diets, with the wrong food, recommended by pseudo experts have turned perfectly slim, healthy people into fat victims of food addiction. Children eat what the adults eat. If mom is addicted, chances are the children are too.

It is still possible to get back to where we were, but not until the people who make the decisions, get enough pressure from the rest of us, to take action and do something about it. Until then, we each have to concentrate on fixing our own family. Part of that is to learn to ignore advice about food that sounds good, but has no proven benefit. We are human beings - not Rabbits.

To avoid obesity in children, we owe it to them to educate ourselves about the food nature designed our body to digest. And to stop listening to people who spout nineteen seventieth fad nonsense. I know that's not easy. These people have had forty years to establish their base of authority. But that authority sits on a fragile mount of sand.

Get the facts, because with the facts you will see right though that nonsense and you will know what to do. Obesity in children is not preordained. It's simply caused by yet another ill advised human intervention.

I know that any thought of changing your food is difficult to think about. But that's your addiction thinking for you. Once the addiction is gone so are the cravings, the binges the inappropriate hunger pains. You'll be free from constant thoughts of food. Remember - so will your children. Do it for them!

If you choose not to act, your children will grow up in a world with an even greater numbers of people who suffer weight problems, obesity, heart disease and type2 diabetes. Statistics suggest the numbers will be 80% of the population by 2020. If you don't act, your children and their children are likely to become part of those statistics.

My name is Kirsten plotkin. I am a writer and author of two books about the real reason we have an obesity epidemic today.
Watch this video and learn the truth about obesity.
The Carbohydrate Addicts Manual

Kirsten Plotkin
Goldcoast, Queensland, Australia
+617 5593 6363

Find me on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/healthylifestylenews?sk=app_13684106971427

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Adventure Play Sets Play an Important Role in Positive Child Development

2011-09-28T09:18:00.002+07:00

Many researchers have established that children that interact with adventure play sets experience many benefits. Playing with these types of products are essential when it comes to the development of a child on a cognitive, physical and social level. In addition to this, adventure play sets may contribute positively to the emotional well-being of the child. By incorporating certain types of toys and activities into our child's life, we are permitting a delicate balance that will, ultimately, provide an optimal means of developmental milieu that will assist in preparing them to be properly equipped on many different levels - such as academically, emotionally and even academically - for the challenges and tasks that wait in their future. If you want to provide the opportunity for your child to reach their personal best, starting with something as simple as adventure play sets may be the solution. In this developmental guide, you will learn about some of the advantages associated with creative adventure play toys.

It is absolutely essential that children are permitted - at an early age - to create and engage in exploring the various aspects of the world that they are part of. By doing so, they have the capability to conquer the individual fears that they possess, engage in roles that are adult like, and socialize. When exposed to adventure play sets, children are permitted to use a high level of creativity. They have the ability to strengthen their imagination, as well as their minds. Using play set toys has been attributed to optimizing a child's dexterity, developing the physical aspects of their body, and enhancing the health of their brain. As a result of this interactive play, a child will quickly develop a broad range of new competencies. By doing this, their confidence and overall resiliency is enhanced. As a result, they are better equipped to address and conquer the challenges that they will face in the future.

When you permit your child to play with adventure play toys, you are providing them the opportunity to engage in self-driven play. As a result, they have the capability to practice their skills in decision making, problem solving, and self-advocacy. By permitting a child to choose the adventure play sets that they are most interested in, you are permitting them with the ability to discover areas, ideas and activities that they are interested in. You are permitting them with the ability to pursue their own passions, which increases their motivation, excitement and interest in the play sets. The child that is permitted to navigate a world that is all of their own is capable of creating a world through adventure toys that will assist in fulfilling their needs and optimizing their overall development. While many parents focus solely on academic and educational play, many are starting to realize that free, unstructured play with items such as adventure play sets provide the same amount - if not more - developmental benefits. If you are searching for an engaging and exciting way that will optimize your child's development, you should consider the advantages associated with adventure play sets.

This author has an interest in providing parents a source of high quality toys, puzzles, games, and more that enhance their child's emotional, intellectual, and psychological growth. To discover wonderful toys for children visit: http://www.mytoysmart.com

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I Was Shocked She Loved the Garage

2011-09-28T09:17:00.005+07:00

As a mother I had always missed having a baby girl. Please don't get me wrong, I loved raising my two sons. I just wanted to share some of my times as a little girl with a daughter. Well last year both my sons had babies within six months of each other. I had a new grandson and granddaughter. Oh the joy, I immediately began planning out her Barbie collection along with play stoves and dishes.

Christmas time came and Jeremy (my grandson and also the older child) got a Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway. His father Tony set about assembling it, and in no time Jeremy (and Tony) were laughing as the cars zipped down the two ramps. Sometimes they would fly off, and Jeremy would get a feigned surprise look on his face and shout "Uh Oh!" Then the two of them would burst out laughing.

I admit it brought back wonderful memories.

Later Jeremy played with his rampway by himself. I watched as he explored moving the cars up and down in the moveable elevator, "gassing up" the cars at the gas pump, and finding out what made sound effects. He got a little over-excited and rough with his toy, and I wondered how long it would last. It's been seven months however, and it's still intact.

Getting back to the gift openings, along with my gift (a cute play kitchen) Krista got a Fisher-Price Little People Racin' Ramps Garage. A boy's gift? Okay maybe not a "Boy's gift," but not exactly what I envisioned for her.

Still, she seemed very interested in it, especially as she watched Tony putting together Jeremy's. Krista's father Nick began assembling the garage, and soon they too were loosing cars down the ramp. She was quieter about it, and seemed not to like them flying off the ramp. She examined the "Little People" figures. When she found out they made a noise if she pushed on them, she smiled big and pushed them some more.

She appeared to be taken by the bright primary colors of the garage, and paid more attention to the details than Jeremy did. Krista soon learned if Nick let a car loose from the top, she could stop it on the way down. She would then release it and watch to make sure it stayed on the ramp. Over the last few months, she has learned just the right way to let the cars go down the ramp.

I admit, the Fisher-Price garage wouldn't have been on my Christmas list for her. After playing with her (and the garage) however, I see that would have been a mistake. She holds conversations with the "Little People", and brings other toys into the game. Whereas Jeremy loves making the cars go down the ramps fast, Krista is more careful and deliberate. Both Jeremy and Krista truly enjoy these toys, but how they play with them is quite different.

The one thing both enjoy the same, is watching the "Eddie and the Mystery Driver" DVD that come with the Fisher-Price Rampway.

Sherry Maco is a retired Registered Nurse and Grandmother. She enjoys the times she has with her grandchildren by playing with them.
You too can Play w/ a 12 mo. Toddler or Play w/ a 18 mo. Toddler

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Writing for Kids: When Handwriting Is an Issue

2011-09-28T09:17:00.002+07:00

Developing handwriting skills, and handwriting for more than a minute or two, is often difficult for kids with sensory processing disorder. There are many issues involved in handwriting, including memory, language processing, posture, muscle tone, body awareness, tactile issues, and so on. If your child is having difficulty handwriting, request that your school have a sensory smart occupational therapist (OT) with training in handwriting issues evaluate your child. Once you are able to identify which issues are at play, you and the OT can work on them and help your son or daughter develop better penmanship. Meanwhile, as your child gets older, he will need to continue to develop the composing aspect of writing.

When you separate out composing from handwriting, it can greatly help a child who has uneven skills. There's nothing more frustrating than knowing what you want to say and not being able to get it down on paper with a pencil, unless it's not knowing what to say and having handwriting problems to boot! Too often, we mush together the many different elements of writing and editing, which can intimidate and confuse a novice writer, but especially one who struggles with the physical challenge of handwriting. There's really no reason to insist that the two skills, handwriting and composing, always go "hand in hand." After all, years ago, bosses regularly composed their letters via dictation, and secretaries used a Dictaphone or Gregg shorthand to record what they were saying. Bestselling romance novelist Barbara Cartland composed all her books by dictating them to a secretary.

Here are some tips to help your child approach the composing aspect of writing without becoming anxious and frustrated.

1. Use technology for composing. Provide, or have your child's school provide, assistive technology such a keyboard, iPad, or dictation software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking (R). It takes time to train such software, and some kids may find it too frustrating to make connections, so you may want to try it before committing to using it.

2. Use old-fashioned dictation. Your child can dictate his book report to you or someone else while you type it. You can record it on your smart phone, a low tech tape recorder, or other technology, then play it back and type it out for her.

3. Have her write freely for a few minutes for practice. Have your child sit and write anything she wants, using handwriting or a keyboard. This will encourage self-expression. Praise her for the effort and don't make corrections. Let her get used to the idea that she actually can compose her thoughts and "write." If she's stumped on a topic, provide a simple one, and reward her for writing anything on the subject. There are books filled with lists of writing prompts geared to specific age levels. If she's very anxious, start small, free writing for as little as one minute.

4. Encourage composing letters and messages that are short form. A child who composes emails to his cousins and scrawls funny little messages to mom and dad on the family blackboard will have an easier time approaching a larger writing task than a child who rarely practices expressing himself through writing.

5. Focus first on ideas and how they're related to each other. Visual mapping using bubbles, or Inspiration software which allows you to do this easily on a computer, works well for some kids. Other kids need to talk them through with a parent or teacher before starting the process of writing.

6. Focus next on the organization of ideas and sentences. Kids with sensory issues often have a very hard time with organizing time, possessions, and their thoughts. They also may not realize that a report or letter should have a beginning, middle, and end, or that a sentence has certain elements that make it a complete sentence. Focus on these elements of composition before looking at the mechanics of spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. It will help your child better understand the craft of writing as composing and take away the pressure of having to remember all those visual pieces that are involved in writing on paper or on the screen (such as capital versus small letters).

7. When working with a computer, let her pick the font and its size. Crazy though it may sound, some kids with visual issues may have an easier time composing on a computer screen, using a keyboard, if they can choose a font that is appealing to them visually. You can always change it later before printing it. Your child with visual issues may need the type to be very small or very large, or find that the letters are easier for her to read in a font that you personally find too "out there." Consider adjusting the computer screen too to reduce glare and provide more or less contrast. In our focus on handwriting and its sensory issues, we can forget there are sensory issues with computer screens and devices, too!

8. Teach your child that editing can come later. Most of us edit as we write to some degree but an anxious child can get too caught up in "getting it perfect" right away.Children with autism who are rigid thinkers and tend to have anxiety may become easily overwhelmed by the writing process. Teach your child that even the greatest writers go through multiple drafts of what they write, and focusing on the ideas and how they're expressed is the first step of editing. Yes, if she notices she forgot to capitalize the first letter in the beginning of a sentence, or misspelled a word, she can correct that, but that's not what she should be looking for until she's made certain the ideas are expressed the way she wants them to be. Reading the composition out loud can be extremely helpful.

9. Work on spelling separately. You may notice your child's spelling is better when handwriting is not involved because by not focusing on the handwriting element, he frees himself up to pay closer attention to his spelling. Experiment with having him dictate how to spell the words, or keyboard them. Have him go over spelling words by keyboarding them or spelling them aloud-perhaps while walking in a circle, spinning on an office chair or Dizzy Disc Jr.(r), or jumping on a mini trampoline. Some kids find that learning word roots is very helpful with spelling.

10. Keep the atmosphere positive as you break down the task. Whenever your child expresses anxiety about a large task, stay positive and break down the large task into smaller tasks. As they say, every great journey starts with one small step!

Nancy Peske is the coauthor of the book Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues and sends out a newsletter of practical tips for parents and professionals who work with children who have sensory processing issues, available at http://www.sensorysmartnews.com. You can learn more about sensory issues at http://www.sensorysmartparent.com or on the Facebook page for Raising a Sensory Smart Child.

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Kindergarten Readiness

2011-09-28T09:16:00.003+07:00

Preparing a child for kindergarten can be pretty exciting, especially for new parents. In preparing for their first year of school, children must be ready for a new routine and schedule that demands focus at early hours of the day and for longer periods of time than they may be used to. Parents must also ensure that children practice good personal hygiene habits while in school so they can stay healthy and not spread germs to classmates. Younger children, especially those entering kindergarten, do not possess as strong of an immune system as teens and adults, but good personal hygiene habits can drastically reduce the number of times a child becomes sick.

It is important to begin conditioning children to a school night sleep schedule as early as the summer before kindergarten. A good sleep schedule will prepare children for waking up on time and will also help keep children alert and focused during class. Children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old should sleep at least 10 to 12 hours per night. During the summer, parents can gradually schedule bedtime ten minutes earlier every few nights until the child is used to going to bed at a reasonable hour.

Teaching children about healthy eating habits can also be done the summer before school starts. Children need a healthy diet to give them energy, increase their ability to focus, and fight off germs. Healthy foods and snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, etc., can provide children with natural energy while at the same time boosting their body's germ fighting defenses. Foods high in sugar can make children jittery and unfocused. If a child is allergic to any type of food, they must also be taught how to identify those foods so they can avoid a potentially serious allergic reaction. Parents of children with food allergies should contact their child's teacher to advise them of the allergy as soon as possible, so the teacher can plan and prepare for an allergic reaction if one occurs.

Finally, schools will provide a list of immunization requirements that every child must meet before the start of kindergarten, but immunizations alone can't fight off every type of germ and sickness. Simple habits like hand washing after bathroom visits and before meals can help reduce the spread of germs around a classroom. Common childhood illnesses include whooping cough, chicken pox, head lice, ringworm, strep throat, pink eye, ear and sinus infections, colds and the stomach flu. Symptoms of these common childhood illnesses will typically include itchy/bumpy skin, fever, sore throat, eye irritation, earache, diarrhea, and vomiting, If teachers notice symptoms of illness before parents do, the parents should be notified immediately so an appointment with a pediatrician can be scheduled. If a parent is the first to notice symptoms of illness, the child should be kept home from school to limit the spread of disease and not return to school until symptom free or a visit to the pediatrician.

Dr. Gina Rosenfeld is a San Diego Pediatrician who has been in practice for 35 years. She is also a member of Children's Physicians Medical Group.

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How Can a Kid Make Money at 7?

2011-09-28T09:16:00.000+07:00

As your child gets older you may start thinking how can a kid make money when they are in the 7-13 age group? Let's explore the different ways money can be made during this stage of life.

Allowances
Generally in this age range this may be the primary source of their money. What you need to consider is how much allowance to give? When you consider this think about your own economic situation and also what is the expectation for the money you give? A good expectation may be lunch money for school, little things they need for school or just fun things they want. In reality, the amount isn't the most important thing but what you teach your children to do with the money.

House Work
Every child should be responsible for chores in the house that they don't get paid for. As an adult no one is going to pay you to clean your own house. However you may want to consider paying for special projects such as cleaning out the garage, cleaning up the fall leaves or anything outside of the norm.

The Neighborhood
The first two ways are basically money coming from you. However when the thought is how can a kid make money you need to consider other resources. Maybe your child can have a paper route, maybe they can offer to clean other people's leaves, shovel snow or any type of service your neighborhood may need. By doing this you are giving your child a taste of work but also you may be putting an entrepreneurial bug in them.

Make their money work for them
Once you have your children handling their own money whether it comes from you or from their own resources, you need to teach your children about putting their money to work for them. This is a good time to teach your children about banking, savings, interest and early financial planning. Talk to your local banker and see if they will schedule a time to meet with you and your child. You may want to help your child open a savings account and learn all of the other ways their money can work for them, like CD's and other investments. Part of your responsibility is not just to help them get money in their hands but to also show them what to do once they get that money in their hands.

To encourage further savings give them some incentives. For example, you can inform your child that you will match every dollar they save up to a certain amount each week. This is a great thing to do especially if you have done a good job teaching your children about saving. The main objective is to help your child develop the right attitude towards money.

How can a kid make money? It's a good question but make sure you don't stop there. Be certain to help them make it but also help them use it wisely. Remember these early money decisions are shaping their financial future. Let's give them everything they need to make it as bright a future as possible.

Looking for more ways to teach your kids about money? Visit http://www.moneytoolkits.com and claim your FREE copy of moneySMART$ emagazine written by Nicole Clemow and the team at Money Toolkits. Nicole is an international author and speaker on the subject of teaching kids about money and how to make it.

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Early Education For Environmental Challenges: Concepts And Solutions

2011-09-28T09:14:00.000+07:00

We face many environmental and social challenges in our growing world, such as resource depletion, water and air pollution, marine debris and air quality. The good news is, the human race has created many viable solutions such as:

~ Recycling
~ Ocean Conservation
~ Solar Power
~ Wind Power
~ Hydro-electric power
~ Upcycling

In a continuing effort to save our world, parents and teachers can introduce children to the concepts of recycling and taking care of the Earth at a preschool and kindergarten age. Children ages 3-6 are most susceptible to new concepts that will be carried into adulthood. There is a wonderful teaching tool, The Smidgen book series, that teaches children to recycle and conserve in a fun way with a clever cast of characters. "Crush and the Blue Box", the first book in the series, teaches children to recycle. "Ryder and the Clear Blue Ocean", the second in the series, teaches children to take care of the ocean, while also introducing the concepts of solar power, wind power and hydro-electric power, in a way the child will appreciate and understand. Every child who learns to recycle at a young age will create a life long impact on the community and ultimately the world; the children are taught "Every little bit counts!"

Our society is quickly moving away from the generation of consumption and moving toward a new generation of conservation. Green acts are talking place in many schools and companies, for example: recycling boxes at a hardware company, installing energy efficient lighting, replacing travel size shampoo bottles with large pump bottles in hotels, and carpooling. Children are beginning to learn at a young age not only to "reduce, reuse and recycle", but there is also a healthy eating and exercising movement taking place. These are all wonderful practices toward bettering our earth and ensuring the health of our children as well as the Earth. Future Smidgens will address healthy eating topics as well as charitable acts and the childhood concept of sharing. Children learning about these social issues ultimately influence their parents as well; parents often admit they began recycling because their children requested they do so.

The Smidgen book series gives parents and teachers an easy and accessible solution that captures the breadth of the conservation movement with a set of unique characters in an informative setting. Catching the preschoolers at this early stage of childhood development will help promote green behaviors one Smidgen at a time.

Stephanie Burgin is a Board Certified Child Behavioral Analyst
http://thesmidgens.com/

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Childhood Immunization - What Every Parent Should Know

2010-02-18T10:43:00.008+07:00

Also called shots, vaccines have become a staple in children's health. In the United States, children routinely get vaccines to protect them from a wide variety of illnesses such as polio, tetanus, and measles. Vaccines help make children immune to serious diseases without having the need to acquire them first. These shots are given at certain ages as specified by a child's pediatrician. Ever since the spread of vaccinations here and around the world, there has been a tremendous decrease in potentially deadly illnesses like measles and diphtheria.

How Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by helping a child's body become immune to a certain illness. Each vaccination contains a dead or weakened germ that can cause a specific disease. The child's body then practices in fighting this illness by creating antibodies that will combat the germ. This way, if ever in the future, the child becomes exposed to the actual germ that would cause that disease, the child already has the specific antibodies that would fight that germ and protect him/her from that illness. This is why the process is called immunization.

Types of Vaccines
Scientists take different approaches in designing vaccinations against a particular microbe. Factors that affect their choices include fundamental information about the microbe, its effect on cells, and response of immune system. Some of the common types of vaccines include live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines, toxoid vaccines, conjugate vaccines, DNA vaccines, and recombinant vector vaccines.

Common Reactions to Vaccines
Minor reactions to vaccines include redness swelling, soreness, and fever. The first three reactions are usually at the area where the shot was administered. Fever, meanwhile, shows the body's attempt to fight off the infection. It is only in very rare cases that vaccines cause serious reactions such as seizures or severe allergies. It is important that if your child has a history of allergies to food or medication that you let your doctor know prior to the vaccination.

Common Misconceptions
The fact that a vaccine contains a dead or weakened germ of a particular disease causes worry to some parents. In fact, many misconceptions have risen from this. For example, contrary to what some people say, a vaccine would not make your child's immune system weaker. It also does not cause autism. Signs of autism that appear during the same time that children get vaccinated are purely coincidental.

Also, what some people say that skipping vaccines is okay since most children are already immunized is another big misconception. If you think this way then some parents are probably thinking the same thing. If you or some parent does not have his/her child immunized, chances for a certain disease to occur will increase dramatically.

Vaccines are necessary for the protection of your child against a variety of serious and potentially deadly diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, meningitis, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough, among many others. If you have some kind of reluctance over particular vaccines or the process of immunization in general, it is better to discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician. Your child's doctor would be able to enlighten you further regarding this matter.

Sunnez enjoys researching and writing articles on vast and varied subjects from massage chair to teeth whitening.

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Kid Toy Storage - What Are Your Options?

2010-02-18T10:43:00.005+07:00

You can readily choose from all sorts of children's toy storage furniture items, but this usually does not make the decision easier. Quite the opposite - you need to take into consideration a number of important factors. This is important since you would want to teach your child to use the item every time after play as well as for the piece of furniture to accommodate all the toys of your youngster. So, you will definitely need to base your choice on a number of important criteria.

The age of the child is essential. The toddlers will definitely enjoy models that allow for an easier access to the toys. You can readily opt for a relatively compact and short item that has no cover. In order to attract the interest of your youngster you can also choose a model that is colorful or one that is in the form of an actual toy such as a car or a house. In this way you will be able to teach your child to store his/her toys at an early age - this is essential for their discipline in the future.

The older kids will love the childrens toy storage boxes to serve more than one purpose. Many models allow for playing as well as for actually storing the items. The organizers provide a very easy access to the play things. They are also lots of fun since the baskets come in all the colors of the rainbow. Plus, the toys are always on display, which makes the choice of games easier and quicker. The storage benches are also fine solutions. The little ladies totally adore the children's toy storage benches as they make the perfect setting for a play with dolls. Generally, it is a good idea to base your choice of furniture on the taste and preferences of your child.

Also, it is best for you to take into consideration the types of toys your youngster likes to play with. The fans of the board games will surely like to have a model with shelves that allows easy and quick access to all these sources of entertainment. The sports items such as balls will definitely fit best in large boxes preferably with baskets that can accommodate each item separately. The older girls will definitely need a children's toy storage item with small compartments in which they can keep all sorts of small objects such as hair bands and pins.

Kids toy boxes can help optimize a small bedroom space. Visit: http://kidstoyboxes.org/ to find out how!

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Discipline Your Teen Effectively at a Boot Camp

2010-02-18T10:43:00.002+07:00

There's a big difference between discipline and punishment. The ideal situation for any parent with a teen who is engaged in deviant behavior is often to make a clean break. Stuck in the same environment with fights and silences and general ill-feeling, only makes a bad situation worse. Getting away from that bad vibe can be the necessary circuit-breaker. The parent can sleep easily not worrying where their troubled teen might or what they are doing. And the teen is away from the trouble they seem to always be in at home.

But discipline of itself may be of little value. You see the best reaction to teenage behavior is self-imposed discipline, is self-discipline. And that's where a good boot camp is worth its weight in gold.

But there are different stages in the self-discipline scenario. There's the self discipline where the troubled teen thinks they won't do something because they want to avoid being punished. And the second form is where the teen wants a positive outcome in their life; they want the good things life can offer and so turn away from bad behavior and refuse to behave in a naughty or irresponsible way. Every parent would be thrilled to have their teen impose self-discipline and turn out a helpful, successful and caring person.

That's where a good boot camp comes into its own. Firstly there is little if any time to sit around and get into trouble. The timetable is packed full of physical activities and more besides. Hiking, camping and fishing are just some of the outdoor activities. They offer a challenge to troubled teens. They burn off excess energy, then eat nutritious meals and take part in vigorous therapy and group discussion sessions. Troubled teens find they have a voice and hear what others just like them can say.

And any teen with a known disorder such as ADD, ODD or depression finds that the set routines of a boot camp give them security and support. Things may chop and change at home or at school but at boot camp things run like clockwork. Troubled teens get to appreciate a set routine. They like to know what will happen and when.

One major aim of the boot camp is to show the residents how to accept responsibility for their own actions. Teens learn how to plan their future and strive to reach their goals. This is getting very close to that form of self-discipline where a teen does or doesn't do the wrong thing simply because they want a better life. Discipline from parents is not required. Maybe guidance, advice and a helping hand are needed but now that their son or daughter is keen to do the right thing and prosper, they are now singing from the same page as their parents.

And all of this can result from a stint in a good boot camp. Remember there are many boot camps and your job is to find the one which best caters for the needs of your troubled teen. Get that right and your worries could well be over.

Sending your troubled teenager to boot camps is not at all an easy task. As a parent you need real information and tips to help you decide whether it is the best program for you troubled teen. To get all these free articles just check out the site, Boot Camps.

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Wooden Toys Can Educate and Amuse Most Kids

2010-02-18T10:42:00.003+07:00

Most wooden toys that you remember being popular years ago are still common today, just with some added improvements. This means that you will likely be quite familiar with some of the toys your child enjoys, allowing you to locate their favorites quickly. Learn about some of the best wooden toys on the market before you make any decisions on what to get for your child.

Building blocks are still as popular as ever, and they are known for keeping children of a wide range of ages entertained for hours. These simple wooden toys come in different amounts, so you can start with a basic set of building blocks for young children, and progress to larger amounts for older kids that clearly enjoy these toys. Some also come in sets that are meant to build specific objects, such as a castle. Most building blocks available today range in size, meaning that even younger children can play safely with these wooden toys, as long as they are larger than the usual blocks. Additionally, some come in different colors, taking a break from the basic wood appearance.

Another type of wooden toy strives to teach children the basics of shapes, color, and hand-eye coordination. Wooden shape sorters have been popular for years, and feature a wooden tray with several colored shapes that must be placed in the corresponding space. Young children can usually spend hours playing with toys like this one, and are likely to learn from them, too. A similar product is made of the same features, but comes with a small mallet to allow children to pound the shapes into the correct slots. This is great for kids with lots of energy to burn.

The same concepts are often learned when children play with stack and sort boards. This type of toy not only demands that kids focus on the different shapes and colors, but also requires them to organize and stack them properly. These wooden toys can provide hours of fun for young children while teaching them color and shape recognition, as well as organizational skills.

Most wooden toys are widely available and within nearly anyone's budget. They have the added bonus of typically being quite educational, and most are also traditional. This means that they do not rely on batteries or newer technology to work, and are also known for being durable so that they last years. Therefore, most wooden toys found on the market today make great gifts for kids of many ages, whether you want to teach, entertain, or both.

Alycia Shapiro is in charge of product development at http://www.sensoryedge.com. You'll find an incredible selection of high quality items for schools & homes that encourage pretend play, education, and having fun. Learn more about SensoryEdge and their kids classroom Furniture & wooden toys.

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Life in a Typical Boot Camp

2010-02-18T10:42:00.000+07:00

If your teen is going to boot camp, it is important that both parents and child know what to expect. The teen may be nervous and reluctant and the parent could be concerned their child will not benefit. Find out about the daily routine and activities and allow that knowledge to calm the parent and enthuse the teen.

Teen boot camps are not military schools. The teens do not wear military uniforms and spend hours on route marches carrying heavy packs. In many ways a boot camp is like a summer camp only with more of an academic and disciplined approach to schooling.

Teens sleep in dormitory type rooms and are expected to make their own bed, tidy their area, do their own laundry and generally help out on the daily chores if required. They dine in a family atmosphere with other teens at the same table and often members of staff join the kids as well. Food is one of the major benefits especially if the teens are not eating well at home. Meals need to be nutritious and in plentiful supply. Teens can tend to grow quickly in those years and, together with all the outdoor activities, teens need the right energy from their meals. They eat well.

After breakfast, school classes begin. They could be in small groups and sometimes on a one-on-one basis. That's why many parents want their child to go to camp. They want their teen to get a solid boost in their academic progress and these academic times can do just that.

In the afternoon, many physical and outdoor activities take place. This could involve looking after animals, hiking, fishing, swimming and the like. Often these activities are team based thus giving the teens a challenge and a chance to develop team skills and self-discipline. There are wonderful opportunities to develop leadership qualities at these times.

In the late afternoon and evenings it's time for therapy sessions which can be small groups or even one-on-one. These are times when specific issues and problems are raised and discussed. The aim always is to give the teen's self-knowledge, to see where their lives are heading and how they can improve and turn out a confident and successful teenager.

There are many so-called normal things to do such as watching a movie in the common room, making a phone call home and reading books. The atmosphere is as close as possible to that of a happy family. These are all things which should be fully explained to both parents and the teen going to camp. It's not a strange and scary place but one where skills, love and respect are the basis for all programs.

There may often be extra activities like working on arts and crafts, going on field trips or even working on projects within the local community. A boot camp aims to be a helpful and hopeful place. It exists to allow young people to improve their lives and does so with worthwhile programs and dedicated staff members.

Sending your troubled teenager to boot camps is not at all an easy task. As a parent you need real information and tips to help you decide whether it is the best program for you troubled teen. To get all these free articles just check out the site, Boot Camps.

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Child Sleeping Bag - Should You Buy a Used Sleeping Bag?

2010-01-25T16:24:00.005+07:00

If you've been thinking about saving some money and want to buy a used sleeping bag for your daughter or son, you might want to reconsider. Although it sounds like a good idea you may be putting your child at risk for all sorts of germs and organisms among other things they can pick up from a slumber bag.

The only time I can think of that would be an exception would be when one is handed down from an older brother or sister. The child has probably already been exposed to the same bacteria, viruses and other germs that the brother or sister has so that shouldn't be of as much concern and you know where the bag has been, although a new sleeping bag would be better.

So what could be the concern for a used sleeping bag? There can be past mold or mildew exposure that has been treated that you cannot see. You don't know where the bag has been and what it has picked up. You don't know if it's been sitting in a moldy basement, has been left outside or in a car trunk.

Perhaps the bag has been cleaned at a dry cleaners. There may be residue left in the bag that you cannot see or smell that your child will be breathing in. With their face so close on the bag liner they would be getting a big whiff of chemical residue.

There are likely germs- like bacteria and possibly viruses, still present on the bag. These may be new ones your child hasn't been exposed to. Some bacteria can live for a long time. The added fact that you can't see them doesn't help.

How about dust mites? Dust mites would love the bag environment. If the bag has been used in the house a lot during summer or at other times, it will likely have picked up some dust mites somewhere. The dust mites leave droppings that you cannot see. And many kids are allergic to dust mite droppings. They are hard to get rid of because they require very hot water to kill them. And bags are seldom washed if at all.

No matter how clean or good the bag looks there are likely to be some problems that cannot be seen with the human eye. Play it safe and buy a new child sleeping bag. They're relatively cheap and you can find many good sleeping bags for less than $20.

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Jungle Gym - Children Love Monkeying Around

2010-01-25T16:24:00.002+07:00

A jungle gym is a collection of swings, monkey bars, other climbing apparatus and slides. It is typically constructed of wood or metal and has here lately been made from heavy duty plastic polymers. They are sturdy and usually sunk in the ground and anchored with cement or concrete. The play area is usually lined with some sort of padding or material that would break the fall of a child.

A jungle gym can be found in any area that a child might visit. They are typically set outside although they can sometimes be found inside. They are located in parks, playgrounds, backyards, school yards, amusement areas and other places where children gather or may have to wait.

A jungle gym can have many accessories on it that will add to the fun. One will almost always have swings, a place to climb a slide and then a host of other climbing devices and play areas built to stimulate the child's imagination. They can have platforms and ropes, bridges and tunnels there is no limit to the accessories that might be added to them. A classic one is constructed of metal, and historically had only swings, a slide and some bars to climb on. They have come a long way; there are so many options now that the old metal standard somehow seems like an antique and not quite as interesting as a newer model has.

A lot of parents will purchase or build one for the backyard to keep the children occupied and outdoors. One at home is a great way for children to play outdoors. Installing a home one is usually a weekend project if the kit is purchased; building one from scratch may take a couple of weekends to accomplish. A home style can come in metal, wood or polymer plastic; and will usually not be as elaborate as one found in a public area, but still get the job done. Typically a home jungle gym will have swings, slides, climbing apparatus and sometimes have a fort area or lookout tower to really get the fun going.

Get your kids into the swing of things. Go to Jungle Gyms to learn more.

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Stranger Danger - Security For Your Children Today

2010-01-25T16:23:00.002+07:00

When you are by yourself, people can come up to you that may not be your family or close friends. You need to be careful who you talk to and who you trust. Keep reading and learn how to deal with Strangers.

'What Is a Stranger?'

A stranger is someone who you do not know.
You should never go any where with a stranger, unless your parents, carer, or guardian said that it is ok.
A stranger can be someone on the phone that you do not know.
A stranger can be young like you, or much older than you.
A stranger can be clean or dirty looking.
A stranger can have good clothes or bad looking clothes.
A stranger can have a new car or an old car.
A stranger can be a female or male, and can be from different countries and backgrounds to you.

Not all strangers are bad, and we will now talk about this.

'Good and Bad Strangers'

There are many good people out there, but some people are bad:
A bad stranger may offer you sweets.
Do not take them.
A bad stranger may ask you questions.
Do not answer them.
A bad stranger may ask you to help them with something in some way.
Do not help them.
A bad stranger may ask you to pet their little dog or other pet.
Do not pet the animal.
A bad stranger may ask you if you want a ride in their vehicle.
Do not accept
A bad stranger may ask you to go with them somewhere.
Do not go with them.
A bad stranger may call you on a phone and ask you questions.
Do not answer them.
A bad stranger may make you feel uncomfortable.
A bad stranger may get very close to you when they talk.

A bad stranger may touch you.
Run away! AND YELL HELP!
A bad stranger may offer you money.
Do not take it.

'You must get away from these bad Strangers as quickly as possible to a place where other people are and find help'

Many strangers are good:
A good stranger can be a Police person.
A good Stranger can be a Security guard.
A good stranger can be a Shop Owner.
A good stranger can be a Teacher.

But always be careful who you talk to and where you go with them.

And always make sure there are other people around you, and never go anywhere alone with anyone.

Keeping Safe - Out and About/Shops/Malls/City 'Don't wonder around by yourself'

Always be with people that you know, or always be in areas where there are people.
Always be able to see your parents, carer, and guardian. Never lose sight of them.
If you are separated from this person, ask a store clerk, Police person, or a Security guard for help.
Never take short cuts through parks, bush land, lonely areas, closed schools, or anywhere that you may be alone.
'Never take short cuts'
Until you know someone well that your parents also know and have approved, then they are a stranger.
Always know your phone number, address, and full name. These can be given to the Police.
If you think that you are being followed, find help straight away from a good stranger.
Try to remember as many details about the person as possible.

Do not get to close to people that you do not know.
Do not go into any toilets alone, your parents must go with you.
Do not go into any changing rooms alone, your parents must go with you.
Do not eat any food that your parents have not approved.
Do not drink any thing that your parents have not approved.
Never go into any house that has not been approved by your parents.

'It is always safer in groups.'

David Turner invites you to learn more about security in an easy to understand way by logging on to the Foresight website. http://www.foresight-security.com I also offer you access to ebooks from our ebook site http://www.teaching-security.com.

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Taking Care of Depressed Teens

2010-01-25T16:19:00.002+07:00

Depression is not only a state of mind but it is a disease in itself. Most people in the world are suffering from the phenomenon called depression and this is reading to other lifestyle diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes, etc. thus, it is not correct to take depression lightly. On the contrary every effort must be taken in order to ensure that a person who is suffering from depression is taken care of in such a way that he comes out of that phase.

Teens are one of the most vulnerable of all people when we talk about depression. The teens are already going through such a phase in life, where they will be undergoing many emotional and physiological changes. These changes often lead to depression. In many cases, this teen depression goes away with age. But in many other cases, the depression tends to stay with the person all through the life.

Most depressed teens begin to think that their whole existence is useless. They also start to think that they are worth nothing in this world and so there is no meaning to this life. This is the most common feeling that the teens have in their mind. Many teens also feel suicidal and some of them even attempt suicides.

If you are the parents or teachers of such depressed teens, then you have a lot of responsibility in your hands. You will have to ensure that these teens come out of their depression as soon as possible. For that, the best thing to do is to talk to them. The depressed teens need a bit of attention and love and with this you can help him get over the depression.

If you observe that you are unable to control the depressive mental condition of the teen, then you may need to consult some professional. There are many psychiatrists who specialize in teen depression. They can easily talk to the depressed teens and get to know their problems. As parents and teachers it will be your responsibility to ensure that you make the teen comfortable in every possible way you can, so that he can come to terms with his personality and the changes taking place in his life. This will help him get over the depression phase in his life.

Always try to remember that depression is a serious problem, which gives rise to many other problems. So, you must not avoid the depression condition in your teen aged son, daughter or student.

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Specific Guidelines For Teenagers When Life's Problems Start to Show

2010-01-25T16:18:00.002+07:00

You may think you have no escapes from problems of life, but almost everyone has them. There are many ways you can retreat from the world and from yourself without consciously realizing that you are doing it. Sometimes things become too difficult. Sometimes you feel unsure of yourself, and you do not like yourself - or anyone else - at all. You want to get away from the demands and the criticism. At times, that is okay. You sometimes need a quiet time alone. It helps to sit and think, to read, or to listen to music-alone. But sometimes escape can be harmful, a way of putting off dealing with problems that will not go away by themselves.

Drugs and alcohol are obvious escapes. There are others, too. For example, there is watching television "just to see what is on". Or spending hours and hours alone getting lost in books, magazines, or daydreams. Another way to escape is to become so busy that you have no time to think. You fill your life with so many parties, projects, and school activities that you never have a chance to think about yourself-or your problems.

Teenagers are not the only ones who use escapes and hide out. People do it at any age, at times when life feels too uncomfortable. The trouble is that when you come out of hiding (and everyone has to sooner or later), the problems are still there, unsolved.

Escaping puts a screen between you and your inner thoughts. It reduces self-awareness. Self-awareness is knowing about yourself: your likes and dislikes, the way you react, your attitudes about things and people, your strengths and weaknesses. Although self-awareness is painful at times, it is a very important part of being human. Knowing, accepting, and loving yourself is a vital part of growing up strong and happy.

Mistakes cannot always be avoided. Not only that, they are essential. If you never made a mistake, you would never learn anything new. Few people realize that. People try hard to avoid making mistakes, but no one succeeds. Even the most assured and accomplished people have moments when they say, "Why did I do that? How could I have been so stupid?"

For anyone at any age, life consists of problems and solutions. It is a process of making mistakes and learning, making mistakes and learning. And when you make a mistake, it is best to take notice of it, understand how it happened, and then let it go. If you constantly blame yourself for the mistakes you make, if you constantly worry that you'll make a mistake "just like last time," you will. It does not help to drag yesterday's mistake into tomorrow's experience like so much baggage.

If you do badly on a test, it does no good to write it off by saying, "I guess I'm just dumb." It does help to notice why you did badly: "I was careless and read the instructions wrong," or "I watched television last night when I should have studied."

It feels good to learn from a mistake. That is a sure sign that you are growing. It is good to accept the fact that making mistakes is an important part of the learning process, to keep looking back and noticing how far you have come. You are improving all the time. Noticing your improvements should help your self-image a great deal.

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Not My Daughter - 26% of Teenage Girls Engage in Violence

2010-01-23T10:54:00.005+07:00

Aggression and violence are not just for the boys anymore. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration females are becoming more involved in serious situations at school or work. These entanglements include, fighting, group against group fighting, and attacking another with intent to harm. So what's the answer? Well, according to Pamela S. Hyde of SAMHSA "We need to do a better job reaching girls at risk and teaching them how to resolve problems without resorting to violence." (AP January 15, 2010).

Success in conflict management can be boiled down to a three step process. Step one: Strengthen your self-awareness and self control. In conflict situations, the only one variable you can absolutely control is yourself. Skill in conflict management is based, first and foremost, on realistic self study. In strengthening your self-control, you can respond to the situation instead of reacting.

Step two is to learn to handle your own anger. 'Letting go' of your own outrage is only going to fuel the fire in a conflict situation. Instead we need to learn to control our emotions. This can be accomplished by understanding how the feelings developed, what's behind your anger, what are your triggers or buttons. Once you can determine your anger buttons you can control them instead of being manipulated or controlled by others.

Thirdly, learn to confront anger in others. Most people see, hear, and do what they want to see, her, and do. In conflict situations, these positions and perceptions simply become more fixed and rigid. What helps is to abandon the need to be logical. State how you feel. Actively listen to the other person; this takes both time and effort to master. Try to avoid escalation and be persistently reasonable.

Anger and aggression can be managed in our young people, but they need support and instruction to make the necessary changes. Increasing their feelings of self worth, self confidence, and self awareness is a great place to start.

Debbie Elder, Parent Coach, Owner of Set Them Up For Success and Executive Director of NEW American School. No matter what I wrote above, it doesn't mean anything if you are not forming solid, long lasting relationships with your children. Email me at delder@setthemupforsucces.com for your FREE report - The Top 5 Things Effective Parents Do!

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Plush Toys - Making Them Poseable

2010-01-23T10:54:00.002+07:00

One of the more popular trends in plush toys is making them poseable. A lot of plush toy inventors want their toys to have this feature because they feel that this is an added value to the toy. But is it really? The Elmo plush toy is one of the most popular toys out there and it's usually not poseable. So why would any toy inventor want to have this feature added to their toy?

How can a simple thing like the ability to be posed add value to the already valuable toy? It's easy. A lot of kids like to play make believe. Even kids from the older generation play make believe with their toys. So right now, it's just a matter of making a plush toy that they can use for their fantasies. Girls like using them to have their tea parties with, and boys like using them for their "cowboy and Indian" games. Even the "Tickle Me Elmo" is a product of make believe because they believe that little Elmo really is ticklish.

Nowadays, kids are taking it to the next level with their new generation toys. With the vast number of games out there that can help them, it's not hard for kids to play make believe. This will be your market. You're going to entertain kids by giving them a stuffed toy that they can play with using their imagination. Sure, you can do it with the normal plush toy. But it would be easier to do it if you can bend the arms and limbs so you can pose them according to your imagination's requirement.

So what can you do to make your stuffed toy poseable? You actually have a lot of options. You can put wires inside it and make sure to under-stuff the limbs to give the wires leeway. You also have the option of using plastic armature that is more commonly used in dolls. While it is more complicated, it will actually give your plush toy more freedom to pose and stick to that pose. There's also the option of making a jointed stuffed toy. You'll have a toy with arms, legs and head that are joined together by plastic discs.

Are there disadvantages to poseable plush toys? Imagine a poseable Elmo plush toy for a minute. Sure, it can add value to the toy. But you'll be giving up one of its most important traits - wonderful feel. For most plush dolls, you can expect it to be soft, smooth and silky. That's one of its selling points. You can stroke it and even hug it and you'll instantly feel good. If you put wires, a plastic armature or plastic joints, it will lose these traits. So ask yourself if it's worth it.

So think carefully if you plan on making your plush toy poseable. Obviously, pose ability has its advantages, but make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. A good way to check is to study the market for your plush toy. It will give you a better idea if it's worth it to make it poseable.

Rob E Bishop invites you to bring your stuffed toy invention idea to his website at CustomPlushToys.com where you can learn how to design, create and sell your own stuffed toy idea. Download his free report "Don't Get Ripped Off" to discover the secrets of how to navigate the dangers in making your toy idea successful.

Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_E_Bishop

Little Tikes Toys - Stimulates Brain Development and Motor Skills

2010-01-23T10:53:00.002+07:00

Parents are always trying to do the best for their kids. They make sure they get the right nutrition, sleep, care and education they need. Every parent wants to set their children up for success and give them the tools they need to flourish in life. Not only do they want success in every area of their kid's life, but they also want them to have an enjoyable, fun filled, happy life as well.

For this reason Little Tikes is a favored brand by many parents. Little Tikes offers toys that will create hours upon hours of fun for children of all ages and physical abilities. While having fun and playing with toys the children will also be stimulating their minds and abilities. Little Tikes offers countless number of toys that help stimulate brain development, imagination, coordination, and motor skills. These toys are specifically made to increase every child's IQ while they have a blast playing with them.

Little Tikes have made the impossible possible by creating toys that will teach children and give them the basic foundation and fundamentals they need that will help them succeed for the rest of their lives. Parents cannot feel bad when you tell your child to go play with their toys. Because the toys made by little Tikes benefit their children in a countless number of ways.

Little Tikes makes both, indoor and outdoor toys. This gives children and parents an option to play inside or outside depending on the situation and weather. This option of having indoor, outdoor, small, and large toys creates an opportunity for girls and boys to play anywhere at any time.

Jessie Kimmel is a former gymnast and has been coaching gymnastics for over seven years. She coaches children of all ages and skill levels, from recreational to compulsory and optionals. Jessie created http://www.theworldofgymnastics.com to share her knowledge and eighteen years of experience with other gymnastics fanatics or those who want to know more about this great sport.

She is also a mommy; her main concern is the safety and well being of her children. She writes about great toys and brands at sites such as http://littletikestoysreview.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessie_Kimmel

The Importance of the Way You Act As a Teenager

2010-01-23T10:52:00.003+07:00

Often when you know you've said the "right" thing, when you really got your message across, it was because someone heard your tone as well as your words. Suppose you said, "Thanks for calling, but we don't need any light bulbs right now," Your tone or voice would tell the other person exactly what you mean. People often read your tone instead of your words.

People also notice your manners. Good manners are more than knowing which fork to use and when to say, "Thank you very much, I had a nice time." Manners also mean paying attention to how other people arc feeling. Having good manners does not mean being stiff and stuffy. You can have good manners and still have fun. You just need to know how to act in different situations. When you have guests, you do not tease your sister about getting the biggest slice of cake. The roughhousing you do in the school gym can get you thrown out of a restaurant or a movie theater. Your friends may think it funny to have their shoelaces tied together when they take a nap, but your favorite uncle may not find that kind of joke funny at all. There is nothing wrong with your uncle. His humor is just different from that of your friends. Good manners mean understanding this and joking with your uncle in a way that will make him laugh and put him at ease.

However, sometimes you do not know how to put people at ease. You can get into situations where you just do not know how to act. So you tease people and blunder, or you get shy and make people nervous. Or you start giggling, and people get annoyed. Sometimes you will make mistakes, and there will be times when you will seem rude. But if you are really trying, people will forgive the mistakes you make. If you are really sincere, it usually shows.

Making a good impression seems like hard work at times. Your friends look beneath the surface to the real you. You may wonder why other people cannot do that. Why do you have to pay so much attention to the way you look and act? Why is it so difficult for people to see who you are inside? Think about it a minute. The ways other people judge you are probably the same ways you judge them. The key idea to remember is that you want to feel comfortable with other people and have them feel comfortable with you.

Yusuf has been writing articles for 2 years. Come visit his latest website over at Round Eyeglass Frames which discusses Eyeglass Frames Descriptions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yusuf_Ziya_Gulec

Do Teen Boot Camps Work?

2010-01-23T10:52:00.000+07:00

The short answer is 'yes' in many but not all cases. And this means that parents with a troubled teen need to think carefully before sending their son or daughter off to a boot camp.

The first point to consider is the nature of the problem or problems being faced by your teen. There is a world of difference between a teen who has slackened off in their studies and is spending too much time watching TV and on their computer and a teen who is in trouble with the law or seriously depressed and has a drug habit. Lumping all troubled teens in the same basket is wrong and potentially dangerous.

The next point to consider is the goal and the programs offered. Some are tough places where the staff has military rank, where tough love is the order of the day and the teens are driven hard meaning they tend to collapse in their bunk at the end of the day from tiredness. That's fine if you want to give your teen a friendly wake-up call, to help them snap out of their lethargy and get back to their studies with a vengeance. And if the time spent in the camp does just that then you and your teen will have made significant progress.

But on the other hand, if your teen is depressed or angry at life or rebellious towards authority even any boot camp, may not only not help your teen, it may make their condition worse. Those teens who engage in anti-social behavior probably need therapy far more than they need punishment. Any form of punishment may backfire. Telling such a teen they can't do such and such may only make them more determined to do just that.

So once you know exactly what is wrong with your troubled teen and once you know what this type of camp offer in the way of their staffing, activities and programs, you are in a strong position to choose the right camp for your child. Don't rush the decision and instead, ask around before selecting your boot camp. Parents of teens who have been to a particular camp are often an ideal source of valuable information. Did the camp help your teen? And if not, why not?

Parents should not fall for the trap of believing that all boot camps are tough places concentrating on harsh discipline. In fact there are some where the approach is to give the residents a chance to re-build their lives. Teens need structure and the skills to make their goals attainable. Sending a troubled teen home from a boot camp with a plan and a solid dose of self-confidence may be the best investment a parent can make for their child.

Remember too the saying of 'horses for courses'. Boot camps do not, generally speaking, place great emphasis on therapeutic activities either one on one or in groups. If your teen needs therapy and a specific type at that, a camp may not be your best bet. Sure a boot camp can do marvelous things for many troubled teens but not for every child. Find out what is wrong with your teen and then place him or her in a boot camp which is designed to fix your troubled teen's troubles.

For more free tips and advice on how to discipline and help your troubled teens visit Boot Camp for Teens. Or to get help for your teen now, click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenna_Brooklyn

How to Choose the Best Baby Doll Stroller

2010-01-08T09:53:00.016+07:00

It is always exciting to buy new product for your baby. Babies are sensitive and have delicate skins, and doing shopping for our babies, we must be very careful in choosing products for our lovely baby.

Choosing a baby doll stroller needs thorough research and investigations. We must understand that sometimes, it is inevitable that we must leave our baby in her stroller for a couple of minutes while we are on park buying something or chatting with someone. If her baby doll stroller is not safe and comfortable, we might have bigger problem.

Selecting the best stroller for our baby is different from buying her a dress or something to eat. It needs further research from fellow consumers.

The following can be a useful guide in selecting the best baby stroller.

1. Do online research about the descriptions of the different types of baby strollers available in the market.
2. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
3. Do a research on features and accessories of each type.
4. Compare prices. There are several consumer review sites that could help you decide.
5. Read summaries of consumer reviews by current and previous users as well as recommendations from experts.
6. Sources, availability, and delivery time of each type.
7. Safety features and warranty of each product.

Doing the above suggestion can give you a peace of mind. Lack of investigation may put your child into danger. Cribs and strollers are prone to accident is the product is poorly designed. There are several major product recalls from major manufacturers last 2009 due to child accident cases and we don't want such tragedy happen to our own kid.

Security, comfort, and price are major factors in selecting the best baby doll stroller. Some parents always wanted to buy cheap products without considering the safety. This always causes problems, not only because of accident, but also the durability of product. We don't want to put our child at risk by using non-guaranteed products.

Good luck in your search for the best baby stroller for your lovely little child.

Baby Doll Stroller provides more information regarding baby products especially strollers and cribs.

Raden Payas is an Internet marketer who ran several blogs, websites, and forums.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raden_Payas

Britax Boulevard Car Seat Review

2010-01-08T09:53:00.014+07:00

Are you looking to buy a car seat for the first time? If so, you may be a little overwhelmed by all the great seats on the market. Not to mention, by all the different brands and options there are out there. With so many different ones to choose from how do we know which one is safest, has the best reviews, and is the best match for our little one?

Car seat shopping isn't always easy therefore I wanted to help you make a great choice when it comes to seats. If you've never heard of Britax you definitely want to consider them for your purchase. Almost all their car seats have a 5 star rating on safety, features, and overall quality. That instantly beats a lot of their competitors. Not to mention, each seat comes with a lot of great features that will be helpful to you and your baby.

One car seat to keep in mind is the Britax Boulevard. This is a very popular car seat that has some excellent reviews. To find out more about this seat, continue reading below.

First of all, this seat is suitable for children weighing 5-65 lbs. If you consider this seat you will receive a head pad and harness height adjustment, built-in lock-offs, belt holders to keep belts aside for boarding, an infant body pillow for a your child's comfort, a flexible buckle latch system, a belly pad for comfort and protection, a removable and washable fabric cover, a recline adjustment for tilting, extra padding in head area for comfort and a snug fit, a 5-point harness and a one-pull front harness adjustment.

All those features in one seat is amazing! There aren't very many seats that offer that many conveniences. As you can see, this seat is an excellent choice, and it is highly recommend by a lot of parents!

Find the best Britax car seats at FindMyCarSeat.com, as well as more of my work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Dzuris

Picky Eaters

2010-01-08T09:53:00.012+07:00

One of the greatest challenges a nanny will face is the picky eater. Charged with the complete care of the child/children, it is part of the nanny's job to ensure that healthy eating habits are established or continued. However, children often have a long list of foods that they refuse to touch, making meal-time extremely frustrating. As with other issues in the nanny profession, it is important to have good communication with the parents: nannies need to be aware of parents' expectations with regard to food and parents need to be aware of any obstacles the nanny faces at meal-time. A solution must be designed together.

There are significant developmental differences between toddlers and older children and, therefore, distinct strategies should be developed for successful eating habits. Toddlers are active little people whose moods and energy levels are tied directly to hunger. Balanced eating throughout the day, with limited sugar intake, will help to maintain an even keel. Spacing snacks well before scheduled meals will ensure that the child is hungry, but not too hungry, before lunch and dinner, and more likely to eat well.

Older toddlers, from 4-5-years-old, will generally be more reasonable when it comes to eating. They will still have preferences, but should not be as emotional about eating (i.e., using food as a power play or instrument of defiance). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making healthy substitutions for undesired foods (within reason), asking children to eat smaller portions of foods they do not enjoy, and encouraging them to try new things. (Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 1998).

Older children will have fewer issues when it comes to picky eating; at least, their issues will be less volatile. They can also better understand the relationship between healthy eating and a healthy mind and body. Provide them with resources to learn on their own: books on nutrition, growth, and development; visit the pediatrician; or make an appointment with a nutritionist for a greater depth of understanding. Older children will respond better to being given the responsibility to make healthy choices on their own. The goal of eating should not be to get the dessert - children are smart enough to understand that their bodies need good nutrition to grow, get stronger and smarter. It's also a good idea to make eating fun! Patricia, a Los Angeles Nanny makes games out of eating to help the kids she watches.

Denise Weber is long time Nanny in Los Angeles and avid writer on all topics related to parenting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Weber

Swings - Great Outdoor Toys

2010-01-08T09:53:00.010+07:00

Now with Christmas over and good weather just a few months away the kids are going to want to be running free after being cooped up during the cold months. So why not invest in something fun for the garden that your child will love. Ask yourself one question. What does my child love at the park? The answer that will pop into your head most commonly is the Swings.

There are many different swings available for children of all ages and even swings that can keep more than one child occupied.

Here are a few of the swings that are available on the market today.

Nursery Swings, These swings are for children 6 months to 3 years and they are sure to love having a swing in the back garden. They are similar to the swings for small children at the park but they have a high raised back and safety belt to protect the child. Normally made from durable steel so it will withstand what ever nature throws at it.

Single Swings, These are the exact same as the ones found at the park but in your back garden. They are great for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years of age. Your child will love swinging on this and as their confidence grows they will challenge themselves to go higher. Most commonly made from metal for the frame and plastic for the seat.

Twin Swings, This kind of swing would be great for families with two children. They can have competitions to see who can go the highest. It will also encourage your children to play together. The swings are normally two single swings side by side. Suitable for children aged 3 to 10 years old. These are normally built to be very sturdy to prevent any accidents.

Swinging Play Centres, This is perfect for large families and they allow many children to play at the same time. Some of these play centres have a nursery swing with single swing and a two person glider. Others have two single swings as well as a glider. Children will love playing on this together it is bound to bring plenty of laughter to your garden.

Having something like this in your back garden will save endless trips to the park during the summer holidays and your kids are sure to love having a swing of their own.

Rob Stone writes many articles on outdoor toys including 10 ft Jumpking Trampolines, climbing frames and playhouses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_D_Stone

Simple Healthy Tips For Teens to Look and Feel Better

2010-01-08T09:53:00.008+07:00

As a teen, you may tend to ignore suggestions from parents, teachers, and other nagging adults when it comes to health. You also ignore the signs your body sends warning of an impending illness. What you need to learn to do is heed your internal warning system and shut out the pressure from your peers if you want good health.

Warning signs that you are not eating healthy:

• Skin breakouts
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Lack of desire to do activities
• Lack of interest in physical activities
• Feeling like you always want to sleep
• Inability to focus on school work

Here are a few tips to change how you feel:

1. Eat breakfast... you may not think it is cool, you may not think you are hungry, but your brain and your heart think otherwise. Feed your body with good healthy food in the morning and it WILL make a difference in your energy levels during the day. Choose foods like fruit, cheese, eggs, or cereal. Avoid high sugar foods because those will give you a drop in energy half way through your morning.

2. Eat lunch... your friends may not think it is cool and you may think socializing at noon is more fun, but your organs and your bones don't agree. Your body needs food halfway though your day and that means milk, protein, and healthy carbohydrates. Your afternoon will go better for you at school if you have had a healthy lunch. And if you are into sports, lunch is a must to provide your bones and muscles with the energy they need to perform at practice or the all important game. Sports drinks are okay too but look at the caffeine and the sugar levels. Sports drinks should supply you with the vitamins and minerals you need to supplement the loss you have during exercise.

3. Don't skip dinner... teens need a balanced meal at the end of the school day to replenish your body with the nutrients for growth and muscle development. You need dinner, and the family time wouldn't hurt either. If family dinners are not something common at your house, make yourself a good dinner, just don't skip this meal.

4. Get enough sleep... another thing your peers may poke fun at. Teens need 8-12 hours of sleep a night to grow, learn, and feel good. A late night on the computer and text messaging your friends does nothing for your health. Don't be ashamed to go to bed early a few nights a week. Your health may depend on it.

Do these things on your own without being nagged and you will be rewarded with feeling more energetic and less stressed. Maybe you can even pressure your peers to try it too.

For more information on children coping with illness or death and dying issues, or health and safety tips for children visit http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com
Visit http://www.freewebs.com/heartfeltwords4kids/ for an interactive website where kids can blog or read articles geared towards them.

Terri Forehand is a pediatric critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases. Visit her blog and website for more information. She is currently working on fiction for kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_Forehand

How to Motivate and Mobilize a Confident Kid

2010-01-07T09:52:00.002+07:00

Maximizing a child's self esteem is one of the more gratifying accomplishments that an adult can achieve in life. Can you imagine the feeling you would have knowing you have influenced a teenager throughout his upbringing to be the best he can be? Whether it be a Rhodes Scholar or graduating with his High School class. Pride of achievement is something you can to be a part of

Motivating a child usually translates to energizing goal-oriented behavior. Students are likely to be motivated by the amount of effort they put in, believe they can be effective in reaching desired goals and are interested in mastering a topic, rather than just rote-learning to achieve good grades.

The self-control of motivation may be understood as a subject of emotional intelligence; a kid may be highly intelligent according to a conservative definition yet unmotivated to dedicate this intelligence to certain tasks. Drives and desires can be described as a need that activates behavior that may be aimed at a goal. These may begin within the person and may not require outside stimulation to encourage the behavior. Basic drives could be sparked by deficiencies such as hunger, which motivates a person to seek food; whereas more subtle drives might be the desire for praise and approval, which motivates a child to behave in a manner pleasing to others.

In the incentive theory of motivation a reward, tangible or intangible, is presented after the occurrence of a behavior with the intent to cause the behavior to occur again. This is best accomplished by associating positive meaning to the behavior. Studies show that if the child receives the reward immediately, the effect could be greater, and decreases as the duration lengthens. A repetitive action-reward combination can cause the action to become habit. Motivation comes from two sources; oneself, and other people. These two sources are called intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, respectively.

Human beings have desires and wants that influence their behavior. Only unsatisfied wants negatively influence behavior, satisfied needs no not. Since needs are many, they are arranged in order of importance, from the basic to the complex. A person advances to the next level of needs only after the lower level need is at least minimally met. The further the progress up the hierarchy, the more individuality, humanness and psychological health a child will show.

The factors that motivate people can change over their lifetime, but "respect for me as a person" is one of the top motivating factors at any stage of life.

Mobilizing a kid to do something is another topic altogether and I do talk about this on my blog.

Maureen Amberg is an author and entrepreneur whose focus is on caring for kids and helping all interested adults do the same.

Please check: http://KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com

Blog: http://www.MEAOnlineEdge.blogspot.com

I welcome all comments and suggestions

Thank you for reading!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_E_Amberg

DS Games For Kids - Which Ones Are Right For Your Children?

2010-01-07T09:51:00.006+07:00

The Nintendo DS and now DSi continue to be a smash hit with gamers worldwide. Nintendo has really tapped into the average gamer market by making games fun to play while being accessible. One of these markets of course is kids who make up a large portion of video gamers. Due to their age kids usually require different type of games. So let's look at a few recommended DS games for kids.

1. The Mario series contains quite a few games that are both suitable and enjoyable for kids. From the classic Super Mario 64 remake to the newer Super Mario Brothers specifically made for the DS series. The platform action is challenging yet paced enough for most kids, even younger ones to benefit from.

2. Viva Pinata - Pocket Paradise is a colorful game where the players can grow their very own farm including animals and terrain. Great for the more creative younger players.

3. The Legend Of Zelda is one of the crown jewels of the Nintendo gaming line. It's classic story involving a princess and hero will appeal to most children from young to old.

4. Sonic Rush featuring Sony's Sonic character may not be a Nintendo original but it's a great game to play on this platform. It might be suited for more experienced players in later levels but even younger children and give it a go and enjoy the fast paced action.

5. The Pokemon series is also another massive game on the DS and DSi line and no collection would be complete without it. Kids will love trying to collect and train all the monsters available leaving then hours of playing to do.

These suggestions on DS games for kids should really get your collection off to a good start. The good thing is there are plenty more to discover.

IF you'd like to learn about more DS games for kids then click the link to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Wright

The Swing Set Choices on the Market Today Are Fantastic

2010-01-07T09:51:00.003+07:00

Please keep in mind you will need the length, width and dept of the area so when you start shopping around you will be able to narrow your search to swing sets that will fit in your pre-determined spot. Remember, it is recommended to have a 6 foot safety perimeter (referred to as a "safe play area") around the playset and this measurement should be included in the area. The Safe Play Area must be free of all structures, landscaping, trees and branches, rocks, wires, and other obstacles to safe play.

Children can be seriously injured running, or swinging into these obstacles. Remove all tripping hazards from the Safe Play Area. Tripping hazards include; roots, stumps, rocks, landscaping, sprinkler heads, railroad ties, plumbing and electrical connections. Do not install your playset over concrete, gravel, asphalt, packed earth, or any other hard surface. The ground surface must be level. Installing your playset on sloping ground can cause it to lean or crack". This leaning puts additional stress on all connections and joints and in time will cause those connections to loosen and fail.

Now that you have the spot for installation you can choose a swing set. With so many designs on the market you will need to decide if you are going to browse for metal, wood or plastic models. Each brand of manufacturers will have advantages and disadvantages, for example, is the swingset expandable in the future. will the unit grow with your children. Once you determine the type, you start the shop around and compare the features and benefits of the models that are available today.

If you have decided on a set made from metal there a several manufactures that are available today. One thing for consideration is the type of steel, nuts and bolts used. These metal sets will need to be cemented into the ground. Many have monkey bars, glider swings, slides and teeter totters. Most metal sets will not have a climbing fort, fireman's pole, built-in picnic table or rock walls.

Swing Sets are also made from plastic or maintenance-free resin material. These sets are usually designed for younger children. New to the market are plastic coated wood boards. Some are made from polymer coated lumber products which never need painting, sanding, sealing or staining. One benefit of this is it stays looking great year after year!

Another feature of this wood is the strength of product which has a solid wood core thus providing a product that is 100% structural... no reinforcements needed for support. Durability of plastic, proprietary polyethylene coating protects the lumber so there is no chipping, cracking or peeling plus UV stabilized- will not fade in sunlight. There are maintenance-free, premium preserved pine poly coated wooden beams units that are combined with solid wood boards such as tongue and groove roofs with sunbursts, dormers, and chimneys.

There is a wealth of information on the internet and choices will vary along with the list of manufacturers. Wooden swing sets offer the best variety with the largest play options available today. Most can be expanded as children grow. The add-ons are fantastic for a wooden swing set. Whether you choose wood, metal or plastic do your research on the manufacturers and you will find the perfect set for your family.

Dianna, is always offering safety and education tips to parents and caregivers. She focused on parents, and wants them to properly teach children to play safe on equipment. She is also the Founder of Best Price Toys, a leading children's playground store, and educational toys website were the focus is on outdoor play and exercise for children. You can visit her store to learn more about Swing Sets and Swing Set safety for Kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianna_Boris

Tips and Techniques on How to Deal With Bullies

2010-01-07T09:51:00.000+07:00

"What is Bullying/" Lesson Plan

The teacher should focus first on the general concept of what is bullying with a special emphasis on a general overview on bullying behavior including the different types of bullying that can occur. Students should also be taught how to identify bullying behavior, and finally they should be given practical hands-on tips and techniques how to deal with bullies should they find themselves in a situation where they need to take action almost immediately.

Types of Bullying Behavior

Bullies are very aggressive and angry individuals. Anger can quickly trigger other bullies to act almost impulsively. It's easy for the student victim to respond from anger as well. Many bullies themselves have been rejected by peers, some from a very young age. Others have been physically assaulted by another child whereby another child pushed or hit them. But there are ways of dealing with bullying behavior in schools. Students do not need to feel they are the victims. The teacher must give the children appropriate tools for how to deal with bullying behavior.

How to Deal with Bullies

Anger can be used positively. If children feel angry that a classmate at school is being bullied, you as their teacher, can help them think of a positive action in response to their anger, such as telling any teacher about the situation.

Anti-Bullying Lesson Ideas for Middle and High School Students

There are long terms benefits of planning lessons that deal with effective anger management against bullying. Use media (television shows, news, etc.) to discuss appropriate/inappropriate and safe/unsafe reactions to anger. (link to previous article on bullying) This is usually better with older children, as some news may not be appropriate for younger children.

1. Present circumstances to children before they happen so they can be prepared to respond in a positive manner.
2. In general, teach children about anger when they are able to understand. You can avoid having to break negative habits by teaching positive ones.
3. Teach children how to talk about their anger by giving them words so they can express themselves in a non-aggressive manner.
4. Together with the children, brainstorm how anger helps achieve a goal. Practice choosing other options by pretending to be in the same situation and asking them what a responsible action would be against angry aggressive bullying behavior.

Over to you: How have you deal with bullying behavior in your classroom? Have you encountered any degree of bullying behavior? Sharing your ideas will definitely help teachers understand what other tactics are 'out there' for dealing with bullying behavior.

Make Your Teaching Sparkle. Teach for Success. Make a difference in the classroom. Subscribe to receive your FREE e-zine and e-book, "Taking Charge in the Classroom" when you visit the New Teacher Resource Center at http://www.newteachersignup.com. Purchase your ebook of classroom tested tips - "Tips and Tricks for Surviving and Thriving in the Classroom," at: http://www.MakeYourTeachingSparkle.com and you'll receive a FREE ebooklet, "Yes! You Can Teach K-12 English language learners Successfully!" Dorit Sasson is a freelance writer, speaker, educator and founder of the New Teacher Resource Center.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorit_Sasson

How to Plan a Great Birthday Party For Your Kids

2010-01-07T09:50:00.002+07:00

Handling birthday party for your kids sometime can be a difficult task. There are so many things that you need to prepare to get a great and successful party. It is because kids are not easy to be arranged. So, these are going to give you some information about how to plan a great birthday party for your kids.

The first thing that you have to do is to make a plan for that special occasion. Making plan earlier can really help you to get a successful birthday party. You have to start making preparation for at least a month before the day so that you will not get hurry to set everything you need for the party, including the invitations.

Secondly, you have to set your budget during the preparation. Getting a successful party is not always spending too much money. Actually, it depends on your creativity in setting the party to be a memorable moment for your kids. So, you need to be wise in setting your budget for this occasion.

Thirdly, you need to create certain theme for the party. The theme will determine what kind of decoration, accessories, games, foods, and everything you are going to set for the party. Choosing common character that is familiar among kids can make them exciting. You can find the idea of choosing the theme by looking at the favorite television program that your kids mostly watch, their favorite animal, or the latest common character available.

Finally, making a guest list is also important. Make sure that you are inviting the guest that is surely appropriated with the age of your kids. Also, you have to consider about the location. Do not invite too much guests if your location is not large enough to keep them in that place.

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Researchers Study the Increased Sales of Interactive Toys

2010-01-02T01:25:00.013+07:00

With the constant unstoppable increase in technology it is no surprise that researchers say that consumers are turning more and more to electronic toys to enhance their child's interactive learning. Seventy five percent of consumers who purchased an electronic toy in the past year did so for its educational value, Three of the top five most purchased types of electronic toys are educational products. The study focused on purchases made for children between the ages of 0 and fifteen years of age.

The study found that 48 percent of buyers purchased some type electronic learning systems, 36 percent purchased electronic aids or electronic books. An impressive 78 percent of consumers also view the level of learning electronic toys provide as beneficial to children.

Many educational toys are highly sophisticated, while they integrate microchips and other technology. There are many toys have interactive components which teach kids important skills such as early language, spelling, and math. There are even electronic toys that take children through the elementary steps of learning a foreign language.

The study found that most households spend nearly two billion dollars on electronic toys for children each year, with the average household spending $172. Radio controlled toys along with DVD games topped the list of electronic toy purchases, with the highest purchase potential found in electronic/DVD games and electronic learning aids.

Another interesting fact found in the study. is that boys are more likely than girls to be the recipients of electronic toys. Fifty-eight percent of purchases are for boys compared to only 42 percent for girls. The study also found that gender appropriateness is important to more than half of electronic toy purchasers.

Parents are placing an increased emphasis on their children's education. They want to give their children the best possible future and they are willing to invest a substantial amount of money to provide their children with a variety of different eduational opportunities. It's no surprise that parents are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about edutainment products and the benefits that they offer. The edutainment products category now represents one of the fastest growing segments in the toy market.

The electronic toy business is not child's play any more. It has become serious business and manufacturers as well as most retailers know it. They realize that as long as technology keeps growing they will continue to make new products. And as long as new products are made parents will keep buying them for their children.

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Keeping Your Children Busy With Great Travel Toys

2010-01-02T01:25:00.011+07:00

Parents all over the world know that taking a trip with children can at times be really hectic at time. It does not matter if the trip is for only a couple of hours or if the family is going away on vacation, which can often times be much worse.

Any type of road trip with bored children on board definitely means that the parents are sure to hear their little ones and even older children saying, "Are we there yet?" If the children are kept busy and entertained with some sort of activity, then parents can be assured that their road trips will become much more enjoyable for everyone going on the trip. However, it is true that keeping children constantly entertained can at times seem impossible, but parents must know that there are several things that they can do to keep their children occupied during road trips.

Parents need to select activities that their children can participate in while traveling that can be really seen as car worthy activities. Many parents do not have vehicles that come equipped with DVD players nor do they have the capacity to purchase portable DVD players, which will only keep children occupied for so long before they become bored. Even children that have the luxury of hand held video games are prone to become either bored or their batteries will become too weak for playing.

For a planned road trip parents need to take precautions to ensure their children will be occupied during the entire trip. This is just as important as being sure to pack your suitcases and all the necessities that you will need on your planned trip or vacation away from home. All activities and toys that a parent decides to include in their plans should entertain their children as well as encourage their children in healthy play, which will ensure to make the trip much more enjoyable for the parents and the children as well.

There are several different types of travel games on the market today that are available for parents with children that can help children to stay occupied as well as entertained. These travel games that are available are mini versions of bigger board games that have been magnified to ensure that children will be able to play them successfully while travel. Many of these travel games include Battleship, Trouble, Checkers, Sorry, and other great and classic board games.

Another great idea for parents when traveling with children is to build their very own travel kits which could include puzzle books, coloring books, crayons, paper, pens, and many more. The main focus is to include activities and toys that are new to children so that they will spend time getting use to them as well as keeping their minds off the fact that they are traveling. Parents can also select a wide variety of toys that their children have never played with such as farm animals, soldiers, dinosaurs, stuffed animals, transformers, and many more.

By parents taking the steps needed to ensure that their children are preoccupied with activities and toys, then their trip is sure to be much more pleasurable. Their children will not remain focused on the fact that they are immobile and stuck in a vehicle. One other things that parents should do is to keep these toys and activities a secret from their children and to only give their children one new surprise and activity at a time. This helps to keep the children more occupied with one toy or activity at a time than them becoming bored quickly.

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The Difference Between Dolls and Action Figures

2010-01-02T01:25:00.009+07:00

When you hear the word "doll," the first thing that comes to mind is "Barbie". The major difference between dolls and action figures is that the former is oriented towards girls, while the latter is oriented towards boys. Dolls usually include matching outfits while action figures generally include clothing and accessories that you might not see every day.

Look at Barbie. Since her inception in 1959, Barbie has been the quintessential girls' toy, what with her interchangeable clothes, pink cars, and Malibu Beach House variations. Though the collection later included Ken, of course, Ken was by no means an action figure. His clothes, like those of Barbie, were typical day-to-day outfits, albeit ones that was masculine.

By comparison, your typical "action figure" is muscular, especially to an exaggerated degree, and might include weapons as accessories. Two classic examples that come to mind are Thundercats and G.I. Joe. Thundercats characters, while somewhat human-looking, were normally yellow or gray-tinted, with overdeveloped muscles; their outfits consisted of tank tops or tights. Most Thundercats figures, whether male or female, included a weapon; Lion-O, for example, was packaged with The Sword of Omens, a longsword with a fiery-red handle.

G.I. Joes, while not as muscular as the Thundercats, still looked physically fit and generally included accessories such as machine guns, knives, and grenades. Can you really argue that these weren't designed for boys? That isn't to say that girls never played with them, but that's not what the marketing companies had in mind.

Other popular dolls include American Girl and Ashton-Drake, both of which are also oriented towards young girls. On occasion, some adults may collect dolls of this type, because of their realistic appearance and value, if kept in good condition.

Another classic action figure collection that may come to mind is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, whose very name suggests action, and perhaps violence. Like G.I. Joe and Thundercats, the Turtles, armor, and play sets with vehicles such as tanks and artillery-studded cars. Again, while some girls may have found the Ninja Turtles appealing, they were primarily popular with boys. The villains, too, were distorted and mutated, such as Shredder and his henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady. Perhaps these figures were meant to appeal to the same boys that liked aggressive competitive sports and war games.

Today's action figures vary somewhat, but again, their appearance as a whole is about the same. Perhaps, even as times change, people's mindsets tend to stay the same. The toys produced for boys and girls, for the most part, reflect this.

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Toys in the Early 1900s

2010-01-02T01:25:00.006+07:00

The early 1900s were very different from today. Toys, though they have evolved in many ways, were still the delight of children everywhere. Explore the history of toys, as charted by the History website.

Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency marks the beginning of the "Teddy Bear." In the year 1902, toy bears were named "Teddy" after the president's nickname. The Teddy Bear became known world wide, and is still known and loved today. It was only a few years later when the Teddy Bears were mass produced.

Crayola crayons were made for the first time ever in 1903 by Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith.

In 1913, an item called the Erector Set was invented. It was a steel, motorized toy that children could use to build models of just about anything. Its creator was A.C. Gilbert, a medical doctor.

Charles Pajeau created a similar wooden set called Tinker Toys in the year 1914. Tinker Toys was made for younger children.

Raggedy Ann dolls first came on the scene after newspaper cartoonist Johnny Gruelle reproduced the doll he made for his daughter. That was in 1915.

The following year, an architect's son named John Lloyd Wright, invented Lincoln Logs, which were interlocked to make structures.

Polystyrene was invented in 1927, and it is the kind of plastic that was used for making toys in the early days.

Two years after Mickey Mouse was created (which was in 1928), stuffed Mickey Mouse dolls were made by Charlotte Clark. This was the start of Disney merchandise.

The yo-yo became popular in the United States after Donald Duncan bought a yo-yo company in 1929.

Scrabble was developed from a game called Criss Cross, invented by Alfred M. Butts in 1931. It became known as Scrabble after James Brunot bought the rights from Butts, and trademarked the game with this new name. Now more than a million Scrabble games are purchased every year in North America.

In 1935, the Parker Brothers introduced Monopoly. This game is so popular today that there are many different clones of this game, many of which are just as popular.

The View-Master, a three dimensional viewer was developed by a camera enthusiast named William Gruber. The toy became popular when Gruber licensed Disney characters to make still, 3-D images from Disney movies and television programs.

Finally, in 1940, model airplanes were mass produced. They started out as a way for manufacturers to sell planes to the military, but later caught on as a toy.

The toys that we know and love today have had their roots from these ancient times. Isn't it interesting to know that if it weren't for all these creative people most of the games you know today, would never have been?

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Toys That Take Children Outdoors

2010-01-02T01:25:00.005+07:00

After all the time spent indoors playing with video games and watching television, nothing compares with getting a child outdoors to play. This has become a concern for many parents since electronic games have practically absorbed our kids. Getting kids outdoors to play is good for their physical as well as their mental health. One effective way parents can encourage their children to play outdoors is by providing them with toys are equipment that are made for the outdoors. Here are a few examples.

TODDLERS AND YOUNGER CHILDREN

When shopping for outdoor toys, parents should keep in mind which toys are suitable for young children. If you have a back yard, you may consider a wooden crafted activity gym that comes with a slide, a crawl through space made of tubes, and even bridges surrounded with net These activity gyms will provide children with hours of fun. It can also help develop their imagination as well as encourage them to become more adventurous.

Bicycles have always been a popular outdoor toy that children can enjoy, And since we are talking about younger children and toddlers, you can purchase a tricycle or a bike with training wheels.

Older Children

One great outdoor toy for any child is a trampoline. Trampolines come in a number of different shapes and sizes, which is very helpful for families that are larger or for families that do not have that much space in their back yard. Trampolines will normally last for many years if they are taken care of properly. This also makes it a good value in an outdoor toy.

Another outdoor toy for older children is a remote control airplane. I know it doesn't seem like a child will get much exercise while watching the airplane fly. However, if you take into account that the child may have to go to a park or area where their is an open space, he or she will get exercise just by walking to and from that place. At the very least you have gotten the child away from the television or computer games for a couple of hours.

Finally, I have never seen a parent go wrong with a football. A football can bring a group of children together to play for hours. Footballs come in different f sizes and are made of a variety of materials, which can be helpful to younger children who would prefer a soft football rather than a hard football

If your child is not into highly competitive sports, there is always a frisbee or you can try a badminton game. Either way there are plenty of options when it comes to outdoor play for children.

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Play Kitchens

2009-12-31T01:01:00.001+07:00

The need is just to provide them a safe environment in which they can learn bits and bytes of normal life practices. Play kitchens are very much popular among kids especially girls. We should provide them with toys that are representing different kitchen tools and equipment so that gradually they learn to handle the kitchen affairs as well. Provide your children with an environment that is just according to their needs and desires.

For instance if they love to play kitchen just bring them a toy set kitchen play and along with the kitchen set provide all the kitchen equipment and accessories in toys such as pots and pans, stoves and ovens, cabinets, sink and the rest of all the requirements. This will help them to build a sense of interest in kitchen activities and your children will get involved with helping you in your tasks at a younger age even.

Play kitchen toy sets are available in the market in many different materials, such as plastic, metal, steel, and other materials but when making purchase of toys for your kids always make sure that the toys you buy are safe to play with, they are not made of toxic materials and are not consisting of any such parts that can harm your kids in any way. When playing with their play kitchens your children will ask you about every major and minor details about the cutlery, the stove, flame adjustment, what to cook, where to bring, how to cut, what utensils to use, and many similar other small and large details.

Now it is your responsibility to satisfy each and every question of your child so that the child does not go back unanswered and loses heart from play kitchens. At times the grown-ups also find them selves involved in the play kitchens that they are enjoying each and every task with their child, this is a good sign because in this way your child will get a chance to learn more about the kitchen and how to handle its different tasks.

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Breathtaking and Fun Rides For Your Beautiful Kid on Huffy Green Machine 2

2009-12-31T01:01:00.000+07:00

As your child grows older, his attention shifts from building blocks and action figures to more sophisticated toys. Your child will eventually grow tired of assembling buildings from blocks, or making his action figures fight each other. When that time comes, you should consider giving him a more sophisticated toy, something that will tickle his or her fancy and bring fun and excitement to a higher level.

The Huffy Green Machine 2 is the perfect gift this holiday season for older children who want to explore the world by riding on hot wheels. The Machine is a customized three-wheeled ride which combines spunky design with cutting-edge steering controls and safety features. It's time for your child to get an idea of the real world, and prepare him or her to the joys of traveling on wheels. Your child can also show off to his or her friends the cool moves he or she can do with his machine!

If you've ever caught your child staring at your bicycle or motorcycle, you'll know for sure that he or she is craving to get experience how it feels to take a maneuver your way around. The Huffy Green Machine 2 is the perfect training ride to teach your child the know-how of road caution and responsibility. You can cruise along with your child just about anywhere, since the Huffy Green Machine's tires are capable of handling most terrain.

Your kid will surely enjoy his or her rides aboard the Huffy Green Machine 2, whether he or she would just travel along your garden or backyard, or safely pedal by the pedestrian lane. is made only from quality materials which ensure a safe and smooth driving experience for your children ideally aged six years old or above.

The twenty-inch rubber tires will last for years, and can be accelerated quickly by pedaling fast. It's is equipped with steel crank shafts, flashy exhaust pipes, orange flag, and highly durable resin pedals The brakes exert pressure on the front wheels for maximum stopping power. The seat can be adjusted to fit your child as he or she grows up.

The Huffy Green Machine 2 comes with a six-month warranty on parts and a lifetime warranty regarding the frame.

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Some Important Tips to Choose the Right Shoes For Your Kids

2009-12-30T01:02:00.001+07:00

In order to improve the appearance of your children, you would like to choose the best outfit for them. Many people think that it is difficult to buy some shoes for their kids. Here are some important tips to help you choose the right shoes for your kids.

First thing you should consider in choosing the right shoes for kids is the size. You should know the real size of shoes that fit the feet of your kids. Take into the width, length and the depth of shoes to make sure that the shoes fit your kids and avoid hurt. You are suggested to purchase shoes every three or four months because your baby is growing, and the size can be changed suddenly after some months.

Another important thing you should consider is the material of shoes. Generally, parents take leather or canvas shoes for their babies. Make sure that the material is high quality so the shoes would be durable, especially in the upper part of the shoes. They also should be flexible for the feet of your kids.

Take breathable and light shoes for your baby so he is free to move his feet. Remember that your baby is so active, that is why he needs flexible shoes. The shoes for kids should have smooth sole and a high top. Finally, in choosing the right shoes for kids, fashion should not be your number one because you should make sure that your baby feels comfort in wearing the shoes.

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How to Talk to Your Teen

2009-12-30T01:01:00.004+07:00

The teenager years can be one of the most difficult times of parenting. Unfortunately, a prevalent attitude is that their parents are old-fashioned and don't know anything. This attitude makes it difficult to communicate with your teens. Considering this, how can you effectively communicate with your teen?

To effectively communicate with your teen, effective communication needs to be defined. Effective communication is based on an exchange of thoughts in a nonthreatening matter. This means your teen not only needs to listen to you, but you need to actively listen to them too.

Negative criticism is one of the most deadly things a parent can do when talking to your teenager. It will get you nowhere fast. In addition to building a poor self-esteem, your teen will more than likely react by becoming argumentative or withdrawing. They may also lie or try to manipulate the situation so they don't have to take responsibility for their actions.

There is a difference between negative criticism and disapproval. No one, not even adults, like negative criticism. Whereas negative criticism usually attacks self-esteem, positive criticism helps a person to improve. You can disapprove of your teenager's actions without being negative. If what you're saying is designed to hurt feelings or doesn't help the child improve for the better, you can bet it is probably a form of negative criticism. When you talk to your teen, express why you disapprove of the action, but let them know you still love them. Make it a two-way conversation by asking them what they could do differently next time. Try to put yourself in their shoes by asking yourself how you would feel if you were in their situation. Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, had a saying about criticism that may be helpful when dealing with your teen. She said, "Sandwich every bit of criticism between two heavy layers of praise."

Secondly, when communicating your with teen, you need to devote your whole attention to the conversation. Don't try talking to them when you're doing something else. Put away your things, and sit down and take the time to listen. No one likes to feel like they don't have your undivided attention. So they know you are fully listening, it is often useful to repeat what they said in your own words.

Third, when you need to solve a problem with your teen, always state your expectations clearly. Let there be know room for misunderstanding. Furthermore, be consistent. Regardless of your child's age, consistency is important. Whether they admit it or not, they want someone to be in charge.

Perhaps more important than anything else is don't wait until there is a problem to talk to your teen. Make time everyday to ask about their day and discuss any problems they may have. If your teen feels like they can to talk to you and share their feelings, they are far more likely to ask for your advice and listen to you.

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Kids Do Wear Lab Coats

2009-12-30T01:01:00.003+07:00

Medical lab coats are important part of medical work-related wardrobe. It is necessary for many operations which could result in a large splash of harmful liquid, as well as for operations involving toxic solid materials that must be prevented from contaminating regular clothes, even in tiny quantities. It also prevents small splashes from contacting your skin and/or contaminating your street clothes, and this is really important for most medical practitioners.

But who said that lab coats are used only by adults or medical practitioners? Well, Adults are not the only ones who wear white coats. Kids do wear medical coats too. These garments can be used in several ways; they may use them as an alternative to the art smock and traditional white lab coats sold in kids' sizes that used for a number of education and fun purposes. Such as being a perfect garment for protecting children's regular clothes when they engage in art projects that require the use of messy paints or modeling clay. They also make excellent Halloween costumes when combined with a toy stethoscope and clipboard, or are fun on their own for dress up play during the rest of the year.

Children as young as pre-school enjoy school Science Days, dressing in scrubs in accolade to their favorite health care and science heroes. In these days and age, you can observe some medical lab coats printed with famous cartoon characters portraying doctor and physicists, grabbing kids' attention with something they are already fond of. Also, school teachers and students can wear lab coats together in science classes. In one article that an author said: " If SpongeBob or Dora the Explorer like science, then so will the kids. With national education standards requiring specific science knowledge as early as Kindergarten, it's best to get an early start in questioning the world and learning Scientific Method, but without losing a sense of wonder and fun." And from his statement on what is the probability of children that wear these garments becoming adults that wear scrubs or medical lab coats perhaps given us a wide range of knowledge about the function of this kids lab coats. Well, who knew these garments can have so many uses and lots of benefits to the kids? From the school program of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), backed by agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation, are reaching down into the lower grades, but they can be brighten up with brilliant white lab coats or colorful alternatives in pastels, primary colors, and Tie Dye. While the educational programs teach logic and critical thinking, the lab coats and color choice keep it creative and fun. Intelligence is not boring.

Recently, many online suppliers provide free, fun science projects for youngsters along with traditional white and contemporary rainbow-color lab coats for sale. Mr. Wizard was replaced by Bill Nye the Science Guy on TV and Alton Brown in the kitchen, but elementary school teachers updated in science education through professional development are becoming our kids' newest heroes.

George Foerstel is a Human Resource officer for a large company. He has worked for several companies and has gained vast amount of information regarding people on medical scrubs and other subjects. He resides in New York, New York presently and focuses on sharing his knowledge to other people through writing.

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Kids Scooters

2009-12-30T01:01:00.002+07:00

Kids scooters have been entertaining young children since way beck in the early 1920s. But within the last 10 years Kids scooters popularity has risen enormously! You only have to look out side the local primary school gates to see how popular they have become. There are so many different types of kids scooter available, and they all come in many different kinds of designs and colours. If you child has a favourite carton character or kids TV show, there is probably a scooter designed around it.

They don't just appeal to young children anymore! Within the last few years they have become trendier and fashionable with teenagers. Older children have realised that they can now perform tricks such as "tail whips" and "bar spins" taken from the BMX world and perform them on scooters. As the scooter and tricks have evolved they have become easier to incorporate from Bikes and boards to scooters. Recently scooters have been in the X-Games and is becoming an extreme sport.

The design of Kids scooters has not changed a great deal since way back when they were first invented. They still consist of a platform with a single wheel at the front to control the steering of the scooter and either one or two wheels at the back, depending on whether you decide to buy a trike or a scooter for your child. One major difference that has changed over the years is what the scooters are made out of Kids scooters are usually made out of light weight aluminum Instead of being made out of wood, and now have a folding mechanism to allow for the kids scooter to be carried around and stored safely. Over the years little extras have been added to scooters to improve the look and feel of scooters including metallic paints, chrome finishes, flashing lights, rear wheel brakes, tough PU wheels and sealed Abec bearings to allow for a smooth ride!

Another popular addition to the Kids scooters family is scooters with little electric motors fulled by re-chargeable batteries or petrol engines at the rear of the scooter. Which allow the scooter to reach speeds of 15mph, and make scooting around town a breeze. What you must remember is that the types of scooters are illegal to use on public roads, as they go to fast for pavements and to slow for roads. If you use one make sure you have an area of land you can use it on. So as you can see, Kids scooters maybe once just been targeted at children but there are models available for all ages!

You can view a fantastic choice of scooters on our brand new website! Where you will also find helpful information regarding the safe use of childrens scooters.

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Outdoor Play Toys Equals Fun Outdoor Play Time

2009-12-30T01:01:00.001+07:00

In the warm weather months it is nice to have the kids play outside. They need to have play toys designed for the outdoors though. There are a variety of things you can get for your kids to play with. From monkey bar sets to pogo sticks you can find something that will suit your kids.

You can find outdoor toys that cover a range of activities. What child doesn't like to play with the jumping hop ball? They can jump and bounce along enjoying the great outdoors. The ball is made of a heavy-duty vinyl and strong enough to standup for the punishment kids can dish out to a toy.

Does your child prefer ride-on toys? You can find different models of these for you child to play with. They can pretend they are big and driving a car down the road, while play safely in the backyard or sidewalk, with you watching of course. There are both foot-powered and motorized versions available.

Does your kid love to jump but you are afraid to get him a full-size trampoline yet? You can get a mini trampoline that is inflatable. It is designed with walls around it to protect your 3 to 6 year old from falling. This can be used inside too for year-round fun. It is strong enough to hold 2 kids at a time.

How about a miniature golf game for that sprouting professional golfer? One comes with different putters 6 to be exact and foam balls to where several kids can play at the same time. You child and all his friends will have so much fun trying to hit the ball onto the targets. Who knows they may truly grow up to play golf for real one day?

You also have the choice of getting you kid either a soccer or kickball game setup. This is a great game to get exercise physically. Kicking and running after the ball will make your kid build a strong body.

If your child is between the ages of 5 to 9 try a pogo stick. Over the years pogo sticks have been among the favorite toys for kids. This is another great form of exercise. Just think of the muscles they are building by jumping.

Your kids can have all sorts of adventures with a play tunnel for the yard or in the house. They can believe they are exploring a cave as they crawl through the tunnel. What a great way to help develop their imagination.

Let's not forget about the stilts. How many children over the years have loved to walk on stilts? They can pretend they are tall when walking on them. The kids in the neighborhood can bring their down, and they can have walking races on them in the backyard. Oh what fun they will have.

Don't all these toys sound like great outdoor fun? Just think this is only part of the toys that you can find for your kids to play with outside. Get your kids involved with playing outdoors in nice weather it is so good for their bodies. If buying a few toys help them to do this it is well worth it.

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com which features a fantastic selection of outdoor toys and outdoor play toys for kids of all ages including pool toys. The company is located in sunny Florida and may be reached at 877-950-7665.

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Ways For Kids to Make Money Fast

2009-12-29T12:54:00.000+07:00

It is never too early to instill a sense of responsibility and good work ethics in your child. Warren Buffet, Forbes magazine's Richest Person in 2008, worked in his grandfather's grocery store and filed his first income tax as a newspaper delivery boy. When kids make money at an early age, they learn to value work and grow up to be diligent workers. Take a look at some of the most interesting ways on how kids can make money.

Baby Sitting
Parents are constantly looking for reliable baby sitters and if your child seems to have a special liking for younger kids, he or she can earn money through baby sitting.

House Cleaning
If you are a kid looking to earn a little cash of your own, why not ask parents in your neighborhood if you could work for them for a few bucks. Kids can make money fast by helping with household chores, cleaning cars, mowing gardens, and looking after someone's kid.

Small Business
Another way is by starting small businesses like setting up lemonade stands or selling cookies or crafts. Summer is the best way to do this because apart from giving children something useful to do on their free time, there is more demand for their products as other kids in the neighborhood are on vacation too!

House and Pet Sitting
Another easy way is through taking care of other's people's pets while they are out of the house. This is suitable for children who like pets and can feed and play with them as needed. They will be tasked to feed, play, or groom pets while the owners are on vacation for instance. Ask around if anyone needs your help.

Shoveling Snow
Kids can make money fast by volunteering to shovel snow away from driveways and sidewalks in the neighborhood. It can even be a fun activity for a group of friends who would like to earn money together.

There are plenty of other ways to help kids earn money. Consider their interests and help them make use of their talents to earn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melisa_Liu

Toy Computers - Reasons to Buy the Best Toy Computer For Your Child

2009-12-29T12:53:00.002+07:00

If you are looking for a gift idea for your child for their birthday or any other special occasion, you could consider purchasing a toy computer. There are many to choose from and you are sure to find the right one to suit the needs of your child and one that is correct for their age group.

A toy computer or toy laptop will enable your little one to have fun while they are also learning some valuable lessons. One of the main factors of getting a laptop for kids is that any child will be able to feel like a grown up and carry out duties just like they see their parents doing or as they have seen while watching the TV.

A big part of playing involves make believe and a lot of these sort of games are based on reality. Some children love to play with dolls and prams and pretend to be mummy and daddy because they have seen what their parents do everyday. This is the same thing that can be related to using a laptop.

Many homes now have a computer and if your child is too young to use your one, you can now invest in a cheaper child friendly version. You will see that lots of these toy laptops are brightly coloured and have larger keyboard buttons which are easier for little hands to use.

Some of these computers will include several games that are both educational and fun so that you can be sure that your child is also learning something while they are playing.

Investing in a toy computer is a great way to get your child used to technology which they will need to use when they get older. Do a little research online to find out the best toy computers that are on offer.

Find out more about the best toy computers and laptop for kids that are available to buy online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Bennett

Childrens Party Games For Teens and Older Children

2009-12-29T12:51:00.004+07:00

Here are some fun childrens party games for teens and older children.

Sometimes teens and older children like to act "cool". But they may well be very nervous - especially, if they don't know many of the people at the party.

What works really well in this situation is to have an ice-breaker.

A really great ice breaker when it comes to older kids birthday party games is Follow The Leader.

One person is sent out of the room and all the others select one person to be the leader. The leader then starts performing a silly action like wiggling their tongue or scratching their nose, and everyone has to follow suit.

The other player is then called back to the room. The game continues as before with everyone following the leader: every time he does something else all the other players immediately follow suit. The purpose of this game is whether the player who was sent outside can guess who the leader is. He only has two guesses.

This game can often descend into laughter, especially so, if the leader continually changes actions and the poor observer is running around trying desperately to work out who he or she is.

What older children really love are games that involve dares. Balloon Dare fits the bill perfectly.

Tear a bunch of paper into small strips and on each piece write a dare. Roll up the paper and place one dare in each balloon, before blowing and tying the balloon up. Each player then has to choose a balloon and burst it with the needle. Then they have to do whatever dare they find inside their balloon.

A game which is guaranteed to get a lot of laughs is Broom Twist.

You will need plenty of open space for this game, so you may want to do it in your garden, or, perhaps, in a local park. If you like your childrens party games to have a bit of twist, this will fit the bill perfectly!

One kid takes a broom and holds it by the handle above his head and then turns around five or six times on the spot. Then, whilst still holding the broom handle, he immediately places the head of the broom on the ground and attempts to stand on it with both feet.

This game is far harder than it sounds, as gravity takes hold and the earth will really feel like it's spinning out of control!

When it comes to children party games for older children a really nice game to finish with is Chinese Drawing.

This is the drawing equivalent of Chinese Whispers.

Everyone sits in a long straight line except for one person who draws a simple image on a piece of paper, and shows it to the last person in the line.

That person then draws the image on the back of the person who's sat next to them, using their finger.

This person then draws the picture (or what they think it is!) on the back of the person who's sat next to them, and so on until the image reaches the front.

The last person draws what image they have in mind on a piece of paper, at which point everyone can compare it with the image that was drawn by the first person.

The variation from the first image to the last is likely to be a source of great fun and amusement.

If you want more information about all kinds of childrens party games to suit all tastes and budgets, check out my website below.

Phil Klein - internet marketeer, writer and entertainer

http://www.childrenspartygamesfun.com/

http://www.childrenspartygamesfun.com/childrens-party-games/childrens-party-games-for-teens-and-older-children

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Klein

Amazing Melissa and Doug Standing Easel Instantly Makes Your Talented Child a Mini-Picasso

2009-12-29T12:51:00.003+07:00

Have you observed your child dabbling around with coloring materials, or drawing a lot on paper? Want to nurture your child's creative skills, especially in drawing and painting? If you do, then you have to provide your child with the best art accessories in the market. Try using the Melissa and Doug Standing Easel, a wooden easel specially designed for children. The easel is the proper tool to maximize your child's creativity when it comes to drawing and painting.

The easel conveniently places a canvas under the artist's command, with drawing and coloring materials easy accessible via trays on the front or side of the easel. Great painters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo utilized the easel to create works of surpassing beauty. The easel can also be used not only as a drawing-board, but also as a showcase tool. Businesses nowadays utilize easels to prop up promotional posters and other advertisements. Indeed, the easel is a multi-purpose tool which is perfectly suited to depict artworks.

However, the professional easel may be difficult to assemble, and some easels are not at all children-friendly. Melissa and Doug standing easel provides your child a dream package that comes with a paint and chalk tray, paper roll, four clips, child-friendly paper cutter, and easel. The easel is composed of dry and chalk erasing boards. With these two different media, your child can experiment to his heart's content and see which one he prefers more. The easel can be adjusted easily according to your child's height.

If you're going to the beach or nature-trekking, the Melissa and Doug Standing Easel can be folded up in a jiffy for transport or storage purposes. You can easily carry it around, and prop it up whenever your child's creative streak comes into action. If you want your child's artworks to flourish, you should encourage him or her to use the Melissa And Doug Standing Easel for easier drawing and painting. Using this special easel makes it easier for your child to mimic objects and people in real life.

No longer does your child have to create artwork on bond papers which may easily get lost, and are very vulnerable to wear and tear. Melissa and Doug Standing Easel provides your child with quality materials for a fun and exciting artistic experience. Not only that but he's also won't be drawing on your walls and wallpapers to express his artistic self

This is my Squidoo minisite where I put up all sorts of incredible videos, articles and reviews about Melissa and Doug easel. Click here to find out more about Melissa And Doug Standing Easel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marsha_Lends

Jellycat Animals & Toys

2009-12-29T12:49:00.000+07:00

The Jellycat Toy Company has made a huge impact on the stuffed animals market since their inception a mere ten years ago. They've produced a wonderful range of plush animals, the very early models becoming collectors' items. The company leads the way in the design of soft animals for all ages, they also ensure that their products meet or exceed the relevant UK and US standards, so the toys are very safe for the very young.

The world has really embraced the Jellycat animals craze. The toys are quite unique in their design and appearance. They are extremely soft and cuddly. Whether you are a baby, toddler, teenager or adult, you'll love the feel of a Jellycat toys.

There are a range of 'urban' and 'jungle' animals available. From the Junglie Monkey and Tiger to the Bunglie Black Kitten and the Bunglie Pug. The Jellycat Cushkins Triceratops and Dragon are creatures should instill fear into all but the courageous, but they are as soft and cuddly as could be. No need to be frightened at all.

The lineup of Jellycat plush soft animals is a pretty diverse mix. In addition to the ones mentioned above, you can lay your hands on cows, elephants, hippos and cats. They range in size from approximately 10 - 15 inches high, through to 31" high for the large monkeys and elephants. The animals are remarkably well made, but at the same time huggable.

The Jellycat Toy Company really seems to be passionate about the design side of their products. They state that they are influenced and motivated by the dynamics of fashion and introduce hundreds of new designs each year. Their use of a wide range of materials is testimony to this.

Jellycat also make statements about social responsibility. They work closely with their partners to ensure responsible working conditions for those involved in the manufacturing process. Although we as consumers, would expect this from a modern company, it's still warming to see it in writing and for me, restores some credibility to am industry that in the past, has seen the use of virtual slave labor to produce such toys.

So if you are looking for that special cuddly, extra soft, plush animal for a child, partner or loved one, check out the Jellycat Toy range. You won't be disappointed, and the toys are likely to remain in your family for a very long time.

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His latest website can be found at http://www.jellycatstuffedanimals.org/ which where you can access the best information and resources for Jellycat Stuffed Animals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_M_Reed

Kembangkan Kreativitas Anak

2009-12-23T20:37:00.000+07:00

Kreativitas adalah penentu keunggulan dalam kompetisi kehidupan. Meskipun dengan sumber daya alam yang terbatas tetapi kekuatan kompetitif suatu bangsa dapat dicapai apabila terdapat SDM yang kreatif di dalam tiap sendi-sendinya. Oleh karena itu, perlu kiranya kita sebagai orang tua mengasah kreativitas anak kita sebagai bekal mereka dalam menghadapi zaman yang sangat modern ini. Tentunya apa yang kita bekalkan itu haruslah tepat.
Sebagaimana yg disampaikan oleh Ali bin Abi Thalib r.a. "Didiklah anak-anakmu. Sesungguhnya mereka dilahirkan untuk hidup dalam suatu zaman yang benar-benar berbeda dengan zamanmu."

Jadi dalam mendidik anak kita harus dapat memahami kebutuhan zamannya. Karena orang tua yang mempunyai kewajiban menghantarkan anak pada sebuah kerhasilan dalam hidupnya.
Kita sebagai orang tua harus semaksimal mungkin mendidik dengan bimbingan pengetahuan dan ilmu yang benar. mendidik dalam bingkai ibadah, mendidik dengan hati tulus dan lapang, demi ridha Allah semata. Termasuk dalam usaha ke sana, mendidik anak dengan ridha Allah, adalah pemahaman konsep kreativitas secara benar.

Ada beberapa hal yang harus diperhatikan dalam mengembangkan kreativitas anak, yaitu:

1.Terimalah kekurangan anak
Seperti label-label yang biasanya orang tua berikan karena kekurang-kekurangan yang terdapat pada diri anak, misalnya seperti bodoh, nakal, dan tidak berbakat. sebenarnya semua anggapan / label itu memberikan beban yang sangat berat bagi psikis anak dan terasa berat baginya untuk bisa menjadi baik.

2.Memotivasi kelebihan anak
Sifat dasar manusia berbeda-beda, baik temperamen, gaya, sikap, maupun emosinya. Masing-masing anak memerlukan karakteristik pengalaman yang berbeda untuk mengembangkan kreativitasnya. Orang tua turut memprediksi dan menentukan pengalaman apa saja yang bermanfaat untuk pengembangan kreativitasnya. Jadi, orang tua menjadi faktor penentu pengembangan kreativitas anak. salah satu unsur penting dalam upaya menumbuhkan kreativitas anak adalah dengan memotivasi kelebihan anak. Ada beberapa hal yang harus diketahui untuk mengenali kelebihan anak, yaitu: kenali bakat anak, menerapkan imbalan dan hukuman, serta merekayasa pengalaman.

3.Mengembangkan interaksi positif
Dengan cara menumbuhkan rasa senang, memberi kebebasan berekspresi, memahami proses kreatif anak, mengarahkan untuk bermutu, dan mentradisikan bercerita. Dengan menerapkan semua itu maka interaksi positif anak akan berkembang dengan baik dan dapat mendukung pengembangan kreativitas anak.

Hasil yang diharapkan dari artikel ini adalah orang tua memperoleh gambaran utuh mengenai konsep kreativitas. sehingga dengan gambaran utuh itu orang tua dapat mendorongan dan mengarahkan kreativitas anak ke arah yang positif secara maksimal. juga diharapkan, orang tua dapat menciptakan suasana yang kondusif bagi tumbuh-kembang kreativitas anak. semoga dengan orang tua yang kreatif-kreatif ini akan lahir generasi-geneasi penerus yang berkualitas; generasi berbobot yang akan membawa kemajuan pada masyarakat, bangsa dan agama. (Naya/berbagai sumber)

Nilai-nilai Moral bagi anak

2009-12-23T20:16:00.000+07:00

Bicara masalah moral di jaman ini, kebanyakan orang tua merasa kewalahan dalam mendidik anak-anak mereka. Begitu besar pengaruh luar terhadap perkembangan moral mereka dan menggeser nilai-nilai moral dan anak-anak menjadi korban perubahan tersebut. Tetapi justru disinilah tugas dan kewajiban orang tua dan bagaimana jalan keluarnya serta apa yang harus dilakukan oleh orang tua?

Tetapi sebaiknya kita pahami dulu makna perkembangan moral anak, sehingga kita mempunyai kesabaran dan strategi untuk mengembangkan langkah demi langkah.

Istilah moral di identikkan dengan norma-norma umum, mengenai apa yang baik atau benar dalam cara hidup seeorang. Jujur, dapat dipercaya, baik hati, ramah,. setia kawan, dermawan, berempati, bersahabvat, lembut, penuh kasih, ceria, menghargai orang lain hanyalah beberapa ciri-ciri yang dapat ditemui pada orang-orang yang kita anggap memiliki nilai-nilai moral yang baik.

Mungkin, Anda adalah orang tua yang berharap anak-anak kita adalah anak-anak yang gemar menolong dan gemar bekerja keras. anda mendampinginya secara sabar, lebih memberi perhatian secara kejiwaan dan mendukungnya untuk melakukan hal-hal yang lebih manusiawi, seperti menjenguk temnnya yang sakit, memberi sedekah kepada orang miskin dan sebagainya. Sekalipun Anda tidak pernah bisa menunjukkan dengan kata-kat kepada yang lain bahwa anak-anak Anda tumbuh menjadi manusia yang baik.

Tentu semua orang tua ingin mengatakan anak kita adalah anak yang baik. Tetapi, apa artinya dengan mengatakan anak-anak kita adalah manusia yang "baik"? karakter-karakter berikut ini mungkin dapat membantu Anda untuk memahami arti manusia yang "baik":

* setia, jujur dan dapat dipercaya
* baik hati, penyayang, empatis, peka, dan toleran
* pekerja keras, bertanggung jawab, dan memiliki disiplin diri
* mendiri, mampu menghadapi tekanan kelompok
* murah hati, memberi, dan tidak mementingikan diri sendiri
* memperhatikan dan memiliki penghargaan tentang otoritas yang sah, peraturan, dan hukum
* menghargai diri sendiri dan hak orang lian
* menghargai kehidupan, kepemilikan, alam, orang yang lebih tua, dan orang tua
* snatun, dan memiliki adab kesopanan
* adil dalam pekerjaan dan permainan
* murah hati dan pemaaf, mampu memahami bahwa balas dendam tidak ada gunanya
* selalu ingin melayani, memberikan sumbangan pada keluarga, masyarakat, negara, agama, dan sekolah
* pemberani
* tenang, damai, dan tentram

Tonggak Moral Menurut Usia
Bagi orang tua, tugfas terpenting yang diemban adalah membantu anak-anaknya mengembangkan keyakinan moral untuk membimbing mereka menjalani hidup ini. Hal yang paling menakjubkan bagi kita karena ternyata tradisi yang berbeda telah mengembangkan sebuah aturan sederhana yang sama, seperti halnya "Perlakukan orang lain seperti kau ingin diperlakukan".

Dalam mengajarkan nilai-nilai, akan membantu jika kita memahami bagaimana anak-anak mengembangkan perasaan moral mereka. Jaman dahulu, orang banyak memandang pikiran/benak bayi sebagai sebuah bejana kosong yang menanti untuk diisi dengan bimbingan dan pengalaman. Akan tetapi observasi dan penelitian akhir-akhir ini telah mengungkap bahwa anak-anak melalui tahapan-tahapan perkembangan moral, seperti halnya mereka mengalami perkembangan secara fisik.

1. Usia 0-2 tahun
Bayi dan balita dapat dikatakan pre-moral pada usia ini. mereka tidak mampu melihat segala sesuatu di luar kebutuhan mereka sendiri. Pada usia ini adalah tidak rasional untuk mengharapkan anak di bawah usia 2 tahun untuk berbagi mainannya, atau mengharapkannya memahami bahwa Anda telah mengalami hari yang buruk.

Anda perlu memahami dengan baik bahwa pada anak usia 0-2 tahun, ada kemungkinan tidak akan mudah meminta anak Anda untuk berbagi mainannya dengan orang lain. Jangan langsung menyimpulkan bahwa anak Anda nakal dan egois. Dia belum bisa mengenal perasaan-perasaan yang seharusnya kepada orang lain. Dia hanya bisa merasakan dirinya sakit, kesal dan sebagainya.

2. Usia 3-5 tahun
Anak-anak usia prasekolah belajar menjadi anggota masyarakat sosial. Dengan bantuan perhatian dan penjagaan orang tuajorang dewasa, mereka dapat belajar untuk berbagi, untuk menahan diri tidak memukul, meski saat mereka marah. Mereka juga akan mengembangkan kepekaan akan hal yang benar dan salah, tentang bagaimana seharusnya seseorang diperlakukan. Sangatlah sulit bagi anak-anak pada usia ini untuk melihat sudut pandang orang lain. Kemampuan mereka untuk mengontrol diri mereka sendiri, dan untuk tidak menjadi "terbanjiri" oleh emosi dan berbagai keinginan, masih lemah. Mereka membutuhkan banyak kasih sayang dan cinta, dorongan positif, dan penetapan batasan yang konsisten seputar perilaku mereka.
Pada usia ini anak sudah menyadari perlunya berbagi dengan orang lain. Misalnya ketika tinggal satu potong kue yang tersisa sementara ada 2 orang (termasuk anak Anda) yang harus mendapat bagian potongan kue. Anda dapat mengatakan kepada anak Anda. "Kalau kamu yang memotong kue itu jadi dua bagian, biarkan temanmu yang memilih duluan." Atau sebaliknya "Kalau kamu mau memilih duluan, biarkan temanmu yang memotong kue itu, ok."

3. Usia 6-10 tahun
Anak-anak pada usia ini memiliki kepekaan akan keadilan. Selama periode ini, anak Anda mengembangkan kepekaan empati dan kasih sayang yang lebih besar. Pada usia 8 tahun, mereka harus sudah mampu untuk benar-benar memahami seperti apa rasanya jika disakiti. Namun kebutuhan mereka untuk merasa dimiliki dan adanya pengaruh teman sebaya dapat menyebabkan mereka melakukan hal-hal yang sebenarnya mereka tahu itu salah. Anak-anak pada usia ini membutuhkan bantuan untuk mengambil tanggung jawab atas tingkah laku mereka, dan belajar bahwa setiap tindakan memiliki konsekuensi. Anak banyak mengalami perubahan selama masa ini: seorang anak berusia 6 tahun mungkin tidak mengetahui akhir dari kematian, akan tetapi seorang anak berusia 10 tahun sudah mampu memiliki pemahaman yang baik tentang hal ini.

Intinya, anak harus menyadari adanya konsekuensi di balik setiap perilakunya. Misalnya, anak Anda mendapat tugas dari sekolah yang harus segera diselesaikan dan dikumpulkan dalam waktu satu minggu. Ternyata, anak Anda menunda-menunda pekerjaan sekolahnya. Anda juga telah beberapa kali mengingatkan anak Anda. Bahkan Anda juga telah menawarkan bantuan "seperlunya" (jangan sampai Anda yang menyelesaikan tugas sekolah tersebut). Ternyata menjelang batas akhir pengumpulan tugas, anak Anda baru merasa "panik". Saat seperti ini, tidak banyak yang dapat Anda lakukan. Anak Anda harus mengerjakan sendiri tugas sekolahnya. la harus menyadari konsekuensi perilakunya sendiri. Pada saat-saat seperti ini sebaiknya Anda juga tidak menambah beban psikis yang dialami anak Anda dengan perkataan, "Tuh, kan .. lihat..ini semua salahmu, gara-gara kamu menunda, jadinya kamu panik begitu." Apalagi jika setelah tugasnya memang selesai dikerjakan Anda berkomentar lagi, "Tugasmu kurang bagus. Kayak begini mau dikumpulkan? Coba kalau dari kemarin.
Akhirnya pada usia sekitar delapan tahun dan selanjutnya, kebanyakan anak bisa merasa bangga pada diri sendiri karena melakukan hal baik, meski tidak seorang pun melihatnya. Mereka akan terus menajamkan pemahaman mereka tentang etika pada masa remaja dan dewasa mereka. Namun mereka telah memulai menginternalisasi kepekaan mereka akan hal baik dan buruk.

Satu hal yang paling penting adalah mengkomunikasi moral dengan mengikuti pergerakan dua arah. Anda menghargai anak Anda dan anak Anda menghormati Anda. (Naya/berbagai sumber)

2009-12-23T19:00:00.001+07:00

It was snowing on the last evening of the old year. A poor girl on bare feet was selling the matches in the street. In the whole day, no one bought her a match. She was cold and hungry.

The little girl sat at the corner of a wall. To make herself warm, she struck a match. In the fire, the girl saw a nice home. There were very delicious foods on the table. They were fruits, eggs, meat and toast goose. The toast goose was approaching the girl. Suddenly, the fire was out. In front of her, there was only a thick and cold wall.

Then, the little girl struck another match. She saw a beautiful christmas tree. There many presents and candles on it. she wanted to pick them up. But the fire was out again.

The little girl struck another match again. She saw her grandmother. She cried happily, "Grand mom, please take me away!" Take me away!" She closed her eyes and forgot the cold, the hungry, the sadness. She walked to her grandmother happily.

The next morning, people found the little girl had been dead. She was holding the fired matches in the hand at that time

The Legend of Sangkuriang

2009-12-23T18:56:00.001+07:00

One day, when he was hunting, Sangkuriang accidentally killed his beautiful black dog. This dog is actually Sangkuriang's father who had been condemned to live the life of a dog by his GURU. However, Sangkuriang never knew it.

Sangkuriang had been separated by his mother since childhood. Yet, he was destined to meet his mother again. When on his way home, he stopped at a small village and met and fell in love with a beautiful girl. He didn't realised that the village was his homeland nor that the beautiful girl was his own sacred mother.

Their love grew naturally and one day, when they were discussing their wedding plans, Dayang Sumbi suddenly realised that the profile of Sangkuriang's head matched that of her only son's who had left twenty years earlier. How could shee marry her own son? But she did not wish to dissapoint him by cancelling the wedding. So, although she agreed to marry Sangkuriang, she would do so only on the condition that he provide her with a lake and a boat with which they could sail on the dawn of their wedding day.
Sangkuriang accepted this condition and built a lake by damming the Citarum river.

With a dawn just moment away and the boat almost complete, Dayang Sumbi realised that Sangkuriang would fulfill the condition she had set. With a wave of her supernatural shawl, she lit up the eastern horizon with flashes of light. Deceived by false dawn, the cock crowed and farmers rose for the new day.
With his work not yet complete, Sangkuriang realised that his endeavour were lost. With all his anger, he kicked the boat that he himself had built. The boat fell over and, in so doing become the mountain TANGKUBAN PERAHU. With the dam torn assunder, the water drained from the lake becoming a wide plain and nowaday became a city called BANDUNG.

Source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com

Pentingnya Budaya membaca Bagi Anak

2009-12-23T18:32:00.002+07:00

Membaca adalah hal yang paling sulit diterapkan pada anak, padahal dengan membaca mereka akan tahu banyak hal tanpa harus mendatangi tempatnya, atau sebagai pelakunya. Banyak pakar yang menyarankan agar kita sebagai orang tua menularkan kebiasaan membaca atau dengan kata lain membuat anak-anak kita senang dengan buku.
Dari sebuah artikel yang pernah saya baca, selain menularkan atau mengajarkan anak agar senang membaca orang tua juga harus bisa memberi panduan pada anak buku mana yang tepat untuk mereka baca. Semua hal itu dapat dilakukan dengan cara memberikan bacaan yang mengenalkan kedamaian, keadilan, keagamaan, norma dan budaya dengan ilustrasi yang menarik, tulisan jelas, dan disesuaikan dengan usia anak.

Secara teori bayi mulai umur 0 sudah bisa dikenalkan dengan buku. Untuk anak usia 0 sampai 3 tahun biasanya dipilihkan buku dengan gambar yang besar, cerah, dengan obyek yang sering dilihat oleh anak, karena seusia ini, lebih tertarik pada gambar. Buku bagi mereka lebih sering menjadi mainan. Maka berikan buku yang cukup besar untuk dipegang dan tahan lama. Ceritanya cukup pendek saja dengan kalimat sederhana atau puisi dengan kalimat yang berirama.
Berbeda dengan anak pada usia 3 sampai dengan 5 tahun. Pada usia ini rentang konsentrasi anak hanya berkisar 5-10 menit saja. Jadi anak pada usia ini hanya perlu membaca bacaan yang sederhana, pendek, menyenangkan, jelas dan singkat. Karena pikiran anak usia ini masih sederhana maka pilihlah bacaan dengan kata-kata bersajak yang menarik. Kenalkan juga konsep huruf, angka, warna, dan bentuk pada buku bacaannya.
Sedangkan pada usia 6 sampai dengan 11 tahun, konsentrasi anak sudah mulai bertahan lama. Jadi kita bisa memberikan anak cerita yang agak panjang yang mudah dibaca. Agar lebih mudah pendekatannya maka berikanlah buku yang sesuai minat si anak yang bisa memberikan keterampilan baru untuknya. Sebab akan banyak sekali akan didapat anak dengan membaca buku-buku tersebut. Dan hal-hal baru yang ia temukan akan ia diskusikan dengan orang tuanya.

Jadi para orang tua harus sering membaca dan memilih buku bacaan yang baik. Perlu diingat bahwa sesuatu yang baik itu berawal dari keluarga.
Saya sudah mengalaminya sendiri. Pada usia 3 bulan saya mengenalkan buku pada anak saya, Alhamdulillah sampai sekarang anak saya tetap menyukai membaca buku dari pada menonton televise. Tapi semua itu te6tap tidak luput dari perilaku kita juga, sekali waktu pada waktu liburan kami sebagai orang tua mengajak anak kami ke toko buku agar dia bisa memilih buku yang ia sukai dan sekaligus memberikan didikan bahwa liburan bukan hanya bersenang-senang ke tempat hiburan. Ke toko buku juga bisa digunakan untuk menghabiskan hari libur.

Nah, orangtua pun harus sering membaca dan memilih buku yang baik. Ingat, anak-anak selalu mencontoh keluarga. (Naya)