Is there a family on Earth where kids don't argue? I think not.While on vacation I observed young brother against brother, teen sister against sister, and in each case I was so glad I was not the mother.1. Accusations of taking and/or using something that wasn't theirs2. Arguing over who had something first3. Bickering about whose turn it was to do a particular choreAre the above things familiar? Do they describe YOUR children?My observation has...more
Each year, over 4,000 people drown in the USA, making it the 4th leading cause of accidental death, according to the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. Since one-third are children under the age of 14, something as simple as a Pool Alarm could save thousands of lives each year.The concept behind a pool alarm is quite simple; they are a device that you place in the water and it will monitor the water for movement. If movement is detected,...more
Dear 15 year-old Tonia Jordan,I know this sounds strange, but I know somewhere in your silly sci-fi mind, you're going to believe me: I'm you in 10 years. That's right - I'm writing this at the age of 25, and I have some advice for you.First off, I want you to realize that High School is nothing. Once you graduate, you'll never see those people again. That group of kids who pick on you everyday because they think you're trying to be like them: don't even worry about them! In a few years, you'll take their leader to court for sexual harassment, and you'll win. There will be new administrators at school who actually believe you when you tell them about the things you've endured by those other kids.Secondly, don't fight with your sister so much. I know you get frustrated with her, but it's only because you're so close to one another. In the next few years, you're going to be separated from her, and you'll miss her like crazy. Enjoy the time you've got with her now.Third, don't blame your parents so much. They're really trying. In a few years, you'll realize that, yes, they did make some mistakes, but they're only human. They love you and care about you, and that's the most important...more
I have two children which even though are similar in age, are completely different when it comes to their areas of interest. My daughter who is in her teens is interested in fashion, guys, and dates. But her primary hobby is talking on the phone; she is doing it all the time. My son is ten years old and all he cares about are toys and things that...more
Volunteering is excellent but some kids want to generate real cash for tzedakah so they can contribute in a tangible way. Of course it's hard because kids don't have much earning power at age 12 or 13. Ebay has changed that with a new program - "Giving Works" - which allows you to sell items just as you would normally on ebay. But, you can...more
Routines are very important for toddlers. Routines give structure to their day and help to reduce temper tantrums and crankiness that result from irregular sleeping and eating schedules.Daily routines are great for moms too, whether you stay at home or you work outside of the home.The effectiveness of a daily routine isn't so much what time you do something, but that you do something at the same time every day. Setting a time that works for your family allows flexibility for individual family schedules and needs.Getting enough sleep is very important for young children. Many toddlers need up to 12 hours of sleep at night and at least a 2 hour nap every afternoon. The times that your toddlers sleep will be partly dependent on your family's schedule. Our boys are in bed by 7 p.m. every night, but that time wouldn't work as well for parents who don't get home until later in the evening. Just make sure your children have a regular bed time and a regular nap time. Their bodies adjust to these times and they anticipate those times to sleep every day, even if they don't act like they want to go to sleep. Lack of sleep makes them very cranky and irritable.A regular eating schedule is also...more
This is a simple children's Christmas party game. I deal for young children due to the simple rules and it's all round good fun.Preparing the gameDraw a large reindeer to pin on the wall or to stick to a table. Try not to leave indented drawing lines...more
Watch as Santa Claus pops out of the chimney pot. But don't get him stuck because if he catches you he won't bring you any Christmas presents. To make a popup Santa you will need - 2 loo-roll tubes. One needs to be slightly bigger than the other, so...more
Chat is all the rage these days, and the best way to keep in touch with friends, and maybe even family, is to use internet messengers like AIM or Yahoo. By using messengers or chat, you don't have to break your phone curfew, but you can still talk to...more
Smokey Bear the icon was born in the mind of Rudy Wendelin, who was an artist for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1944 the Forest Service authorized his poster of Smokey Bear as the symbol for fire prevention.The real life Smokey Bear was discovered in...more
The nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ are the fundamental part of Christmas. It's the story of Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem to be counted for the census. Poor Mary was heavily pregnant and had to ride on a donkey. When they got to...more
A newborn's baptism is a time when loved ones join together to witness a joyous occasion. It's an event that should be marked by a gift, but many don't know what type of present is appropriate to celebrate a baptism. While some choose to give money...more