School's out and kids have time and now money. My kids are grown but I remember when they were young and seemed to want for everything in the world (Of course they still do). I think I was asked every day for some spending money. So is it your obligation as a parent to give them money or to give them ideas on how to earn money?
I think if you give them money you are just creating some negative habits. That not only affects you but also your kids for the rest of their lives. There are not too many programs in the world that will just hand out money. At some point your children are going to have to learn how to earn money. If you can give them some ideas when they are kids, it not only will help their self-esteem but it will also develop some entrepreneur habits.
The first thing you need to do is just to come up with some ideas for your kids to earn money. This does not have to be an everyday job and keep in mind if they are young this should be fun.
So hear are some ideas for your kids to make money:
Selling Lemonade or Kool-Aid
You see it every year. Some young kids on a corner or in your neighbor hood selling lemonade. It always makes me smile. I think I drank more than I ever sold.
Delivering Sale Bills Door to Door
This is what I did as a kid. My dad owned a store and for we would deliver his sales brochures door to door for a penny a piece. Not a ton of money but my friends and I loved it. Of course in today's world you might have to be careful here.
Mowing Lawns
I know there are big businesses doing this but many neighbors will hire neighborhood kids to mow their lawns.
Car Wash
Many schools do this as a fund raiser but maybe you can organize your kids and their friends to have a car wash. Expect to get wet.
Bake Sale
This can be done separately or maybe you could combine it with you lemonade stand.
Babysitting
This is an old time favorite and I think in some communities the schools might have a class on babysitting. I would check it out.
Dog Walking or Pet Care
This also has become big business but in many households where there are two income workers they have pets that need care.
Allowance
Of course this can also seem like a handout. I would just make sure that there are chores involved so the kids feel like they are earning the money not being given the money.
These are a few ideas and of course there are many more ways that kids can earn money. If you have ideas please click on comments and write down some ideas. I would appreciate it and many readers would appreciate it.
I hope this helps and good luck making money.
About the Author
Mark Nelson is the creator and owner of http://www.financialhat.com The goal of this site is to educate parents how to teach their children about money and also to teach people how to build their wealth for their own financial independence. If you would like more information on how to build your wealth please go to his website and download his free e-book.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Six Cheap Family Vacations
Cheap family vacations? Is that even possible anymore with the price of gasoline and everything else going up? Yes, relatively speaking. There are a number of ways to cut the costs. Here are six examples to get you thinking.
1. Vacation With Family Or Friends
If you have any family or friends in nice places, this may be the time to visit, especially if they are within driving distance. Apart from the costs to drive there, most of the other expenses will be for things that you would be spending money on in any case. If you and a friend both live in an interesting place, you might even swap houses for a week. If a friend has a cabin on a lake that you can borrow, that works as well.
2. Camping Vacations
If your kids like a bit of adventure and outdoor living, a camping trip can still be an affordable vacation. Just keep it closer to home to keep the travel costs down. There are beaches on the great lakes where you can camp for free, for example. The kids can swim and explore the woods every day. National forests are often free to camp in for up to two weeks. Find one with interesting sights and activities nearby. Borrow the tents and other equipment from friends if you can only afford a really cheap vacation. Bring your laptop computer and a few movies for rainy nights.
3. Hiking Vacations
Equipping you, your spouse and all the kids for a backpacking trip may not be practical. On the other hand there are many areas of the country where hotels are cheap and near hiking trails. One of them may be near you. Plan for interesting destinations, like waterfalls, caves and lakes. The kids probably won't tolerate just walking and taking in the view.
4. Amusement Parks
They may want to go to Disneyland or Six Flags, but they'll be happy with anyplace that has exciting rides if that is all you can afford. There are many amusement parks that have both roller coasters and water parks but don't cost as much as the more famous ones. Find one that is within a couple hours of you and buy a weekend pass for the family. Check hotel rates first to be sure that you don't lose in accommodations what you gained in proximity and cheap gate prices.
5. National Parks
National parks charge by the vehicle, not by the person, and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter. List the three national parks nearest you, and look to see what they offer. Then look at the hotel rates in the towns within an hour's drive of the entrances to choose the most economical family vacation destination.
6. Family Vacations At the Beach
You can camp on the ocean in Florida for $24 per night. You can camp on some beaches of the Great Lakes for free. The hotels along Highway 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are as cheap as $50 in September (and that's when Lake Michigan is actually at its warmest). Take a metal detector, so when the kids get tired of swimming and building sand castles they can hunt for treasure. There are also numerous cheap campgrounds on the beaches of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. You'll find these in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and in Ontario, Canada. Family vacations at the beach will usually be enjoyed and remembered by all.
About the Author
Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the free Travel Secrets Ebook, as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com
1. Vacation With Family Or Friends
If you have any family or friends in nice places, this may be the time to visit, especially if they are within driving distance. Apart from the costs to drive there, most of the other expenses will be for things that you would be spending money on in any case. If you and a friend both live in an interesting place, you might even swap houses for a week. If a friend has a cabin on a lake that you can borrow, that works as well.
2. Camping Vacations
If your kids like a bit of adventure and outdoor living, a camping trip can still be an affordable vacation. Just keep it closer to home to keep the travel costs down. There are beaches on the great lakes where you can camp for free, for example. The kids can swim and explore the woods every day. National forests are often free to camp in for up to two weeks. Find one with interesting sights and activities nearby. Borrow the tents and other equipment from friends if you can only afford a really cheap vacation. Bring your laptop computer and a few movies for rainy nights.
3. Hiking Vacations
Equipping you, your spouse and all the kids for a backpacking trip may not be practical. On the other hand there are many areas of the country where hotels are cheap and near hiking trails. One of them may be near you. Plan for interesting destinations, like waterfalls, caves and lakes. The kids probably won't tolerate just walking and taking in the view.
4. Amusement Parks
They may want to go to Disneyland or Six Flags, but they'll be happy with anyplace that has exciting rides if that is all you can afford. There are many amusement parks that have both roller coasters and water parks but don't cost as much as the more famous ones. Find one that is within a couple hours of you and buy a weekend pass for the family. Check hotel rates first to be sure that you don't lose in accommodations what you gained in proximity and cheap gate prices.
5. National Parks
National parks charge by the vehicle, not by the person, and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter. List the three national parks nearest you, and look to see what they offer. Then look at the hotel rates in the towns within an hour's drive of the entrances to choose the most economical family vacation destination.
6. Family Vacations At the Beach
You can camp on the ocean in Florida for $24 per night. You can camp on some beaches of the Great Lakes for free. The hotels along Highway 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are as cheap as $50 in September (and that's when Lake Michigan is actually at its warmest). Take a metal detector, so when the kids get tired of swimming and building sand castles they can hunt for treasure. There are also numerous cheap campgrounds on the beaches of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. You'll find these in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and in Ontario, Canada. Family vacations at the beach will usually be enjoyed and remembered by all.
About the Author
Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the free Travel Secrets Ebook, as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com
Why It's Okay To Have More Than One Designer Handbag
You may wonder why anyone would even question the idea of not having more than one designer handbag. Shouldn’t everyone have multiple? If you can’t imagine wearing your day purse out with your night purse, than you know exactly where I am coming from, but if you are the conservative type of woman who has a practical classic black handbag, then you may want to listen up!
There are several designer handbags created by well known designers who each specialize in unique, high quality and fun designs, but each designer’s bag may not always “go” with everything you are wearing. The classic Coach purse for example, is an excellent handbag to wear while running errands, taking to a sporting event or girl’s luncheon or church. The Coach purse is a well made bag that compliments most outfits and is neutral on a conservative level as far as design. What about when you are going out clubbing with your girlfriends? What designer handbag, clutch or designer wallet is really best? That is where the party girl side of you comes out and says, “pish posh” to conservative purses, you need to bring out the snakeskin Prada clutch or the metal and leather Dolce and Gabbana handbag! Your entourage will definitely take notice that you are not wearing your brown, conservative Coach purse out with your black mini skirt and black leather boots.
It’s okay to have more than one designer handbag especially if you are in a specific industry that requires you looking your best. For example, all of these jobs would demand that you have two or three designer handbags.
Designer Handbag Retail Salesperson
A Woman in Sales Who Entertains Her Clients
A Woman in the Fashion Industry
A Woman who Works in Entertainment Industry
All of these jobs require a woman to have an excellent appearance, be fashion conscious and be considered “in-the know” as far as designers and handbags go. You may be thinking, sure, I’d love to have ten designer handbags, all by different designers and in different colors and sizes but thinking about the current economy and what a designer handbag’s price tag can fetch for, how could anyone be expected to have several, let alone ten! That is were the shop-a-holic gets her smarts! Shopping for designer bags through a designer outlet or through a discount retailer or even shopping for a vintage handbag is perfectly acceptable and very chic!
A woman’s handbag is essentially an extension of her arm, an extension of who she is so therefore- no matter what handbag you decide to get, know that it needs to be what you like and what represents you first. There are several designer handbag designers who create several lines of styles, from the classic bag to the sassy night time bag nd not all of them will set you back $2000. If you look in the right spots, whether your local thrift store or one of the online designer bag outlets, you can get thousand dollar designer handbags for a fraction of the cost! You don’t just have one side of you, why should you have just one bag?
About the Author
About the author : Melissa Peterman is a web content producer for Innuity. For more information about getting an affordable Coach purse go to Designer Direct Outlet
There are several designer handbags created by well known designers who each specialize in unique, high quality and fun designs, but each designer’s bag may not always “go” with everything you are wearing. The classic Coach purse for example, is an excellent handbag to wear while running errands, taking to a sporting event or girl’s luncheon or church. The Coach purse is a well made bag that compliments most outfits and is neutral on a conservative level as far as design. What about when you are going out clubbing with your girlfriends? What designer handbag, clutch or designer wallet is really best? That is where the party girl side of you comes out and says, “pish posh” to conservative purses, you need to bring out the snakeskin Prada clutch or the metal and leather Dolce and Gabbana handbag! Your entourage will definitely take notice that you are not wearing your brown, conservative Coach purse out with your black mini skirt and black leather boots.
It’s okay to have more than one designer handbag especially if you are in a specific industry that requires you looking your best. For example, all of these jobs would demand that you have two or three designer handbags.
Designer Handbag Retail Salesperson
A Woman in Sales Who Entertains Her Clients
A Woman in the Fashion Industry
A Woman who Works in Entertainment Industry
All of these jobs require a woman to have an excellent appearance, be fashion conscious and be considered “in-the know” as far as designers and handbags go. You may be thinking, sure, I’d love to have ten designer handbags, all by different designers and in different colors and sizes but thinking about the current economy and what a designer handbag’s price tag can fetch for, how could anyone be expected to have several, let alone ten! That is were the shop-a-holic gets her smarts! Shopping for designer bags through a designer outlet or through a discount retailer or even shopping for a vintage handbag is perfectly acceptable and very chic!
A woman’s handbag is essentially an extension of her arm, an extension of who she is so therefore- no matter what handbag you decide to get, know that it needs to be what you like and what represents you first. There are several designer handbag designers who create several lines of styles, from the classic bag to the sassy night time bag nd not all of them will set you back $2000. If you look in the right spots, whether your local thrift store or one of the online designer bag outlets, you can get thousand dollar designer handbags for a fraction of the cost! You don’t just have one side of you, why should you have just one bag?
About the Author
About the author : Melissa Peterman is a web content producer for Innuity. For more information about getting an affordable Coach purse go to Designer Direct Outlet
5 Great Unique Newborn Gifts Ideas
When looking for a unique gift for newborn, we can all hit the proverbial brick wall sometimes. After all, it is not always easy to come up with unique and novel baby gift items. Or is it? Actually, there are a plenty of unique gifts out there. Let's have a look at five of the most popular gifts for newborn.
Baby Baskets. Newborn baby gift baskets are a outstanding way to surprise and delight a new Mother to be. The concept of a baby basket is not new, but what makes this sort of gift basket unique is the variety of items that you can put in them. Whether you want a basket of toiletries, toys or even baby food products you will be able to find a baby basket that fits the mold. To make a really unique basket, you can decide to personalize it. The best way to personalize the gift basket is to embroider the initials of the newborn's name, on the items you put in the basket. You can fill the basket with personalized clothes, towels, bibs, blankets and more.
Personalized Clothes. Imagine getting a little baby t-shirt, embroidered with "Sandy - our little angle". Clothes are not necessarily unique, but if you add personalized images or wording, the clothes become special. There is much variety in personalized baby clothes. You can choose from shirts, pants, gowns, bodysuits, bathrobes and more.
Baby Footprint. A footprint of the baby is one of the most unique gifts. It is truly capturing the baby's first memories, forever. This gift will be a joy for every mother. You can buy a complete baby footprint kit, that can be easily used at home. You can also enhance your baby footprint kit with a photograph of the baby, a little poem, special frame and even a pair of newborn socks for the baby's foots.
Jewelry. What is so unique about jewelry? Well, probably the fact that most do not think of giving jewelry as a baby gift! Yet, there are many great jewelry items such as bracelets, pendants and lockets that are specifically designed for newborns.
Custom Books, CDs and DVDs. Many companies make fiction stories on a variety of formats that can weave a newborn name into the role of the story's hero or heroine. These are fun gift items that are always a great source of amusement.
The world of unique newborn gift items is really wide open and there are truly amazing gifts available that will put a big smile on the face of any mother and baby. Sometimes it seems difficult to find a truly unique gift for a newborn. But actually, it doesn't have to be so difficult, as all one needs is a few ideas and the whole process becomes much easier.
About the Author
My name is Michell Smith, I write articles about children and babies. Please visit my website: http://www.unique-gift-newborn.com
Baby Baskets. Newborn baby gift baskets are a outstanding way to surprise and delight a new Mother to be. The concept of a baby basket is not new, but what makes this sort of gift basket unique is the variety of items that you can put in them. Whether you want a basket of toiletries, toys or even baby food products you will be able to find a baby basket that fits the mold. To make a really unique basket, you can decide to personalize it. The best way to personalize the gift basket is to embroider the initials of the newborn's name, on the items you put in the basket. You can fill the basket with personalized clothes, towels, bibs, blankets and more.
Personalized Clothes. Imagine getting a little baby t-shirt, embroidered with "Sandy - our little angle". Clothes are not necessarily unique, but if you add personalized images or wording, the clothes become special. There is much variety in personalized baby clothes. You can choose from shirts, pants, gowns, bodysuits, bathrobes and more.
Baby Footprint. A footprint of the baby is one of the most unique gifts. It is truly capturing the baby's first memories, forever. This gift will be a joy for every mother. You can buy a complete baby footprint kit, that can be easily used at home. You can also enhance your baby footprint kit with a photograph of the baby, a little poem, special frame and even a pair of newborn socks for the baby's foots.
Jewelry. What is so unique about jewelry? Well, probably the fact that most do not think of giving jewelry as a baby gift! Yet, there are many great jewelry items such as bracelets, pendants and lockets that are specifically designed for newborns.
Custom Books, CDs and DVDs. Many companies make fiction stories on a variety of formats that can weave a newborn name into the role of the story's hero or heroine. These are fun gift items that are always a great source of amusement.
The world of unique newborn gift items is really wide open and there are truly amazing gifts available that will put a big smile on the face of any mother and baby. Sometimes it seems difficult to find a truly unique gift for a newborn. But actually, it doesn't have to be so difficult, as all one needs is a few ideas and the whole process becomes much easier.
About the Author
My name is Michell Smith, I write articles about children and babies. Please visit my website: http://www.unique-gift-newborn.com
Children's Audio Books - For Education and Entertainment
The ever popular children's genre has been around for a long time, and is extremely popular with children from all age groups and from all over the world. Even those children that cannot read, can still enjoy stories via children's audio books. In any case, narrated stories have always been a popular past time for growing children, and children's audio books allows them that experience in the comfort of their own home, or even on the road!
The early history of children's audio books saw them produced strictly on cassette tapes. As our technology advanced, the cassette tapes soon gave rise to the ever popular compact disc (CD). But, what really gave children's audio books a real push forward was the introduction of digital audio books - those that could be downloaded from the Internet, to a favorite MP3 player, such as iPod. The selection of mediums (cassettes, CD, digital download) gives children the ability to enjoy a range of children's audio books more than ever before.
Now that children's audio books have grown in popularity, we're starting to see an increase in available titles, published alongside regular paperback and hardcover editions. In most cases, you can expect to find many popular children's audio books, such as the Harry Potter series, in major books stores and retailers. But fret not - even if a particular item isn't available in stores, simply hop online to an audio book site like AudioBookGeek.com, and download a limitless selection of children's audio books to your child's MP3 player! Selections can be downloaded to an MP3 player (or your computer) in a matter of minutes.
Children's audio books aren't simply for entertainment anymore - they can be extremely valuable teaching tools too. If you're child is learning to read, then making use of children's audio books alongside a printed book will allow them to follow the words as they are narrated - helping them make the connection between spoken and written words. But it doesn't stop there. Children will be much more likely to gain important knowledge from audio books, simply because the audio books are more stimulating than a typical classroom setting.
And don't worry, the narrative quality of professionally published audio books are outstanding. We're not talking computer synthesized voices here, but actual human narrators, some of which have won awards for their ability to draw a reader in with his or her story telling abilities. Some popular narrators include: Ron McLarty, Scott Brick, George Guidall, Frank Muller, and even Stephen King himself. This is just a small list of the talented voices used in narrating a story. And believe me when I say that the narrator can make or break a story, based on his or her talents!
Can you possibly think of some other ways that your child might enjoy, or benefit, from listening to children's audio books? There are numerous applications, but let's not forget one very important one: listening simply for the sheer enjoyment of it all!
About the Author
AudioBookGeek.com provides visitors with free audio book downloads, including children's audio books, from various sources on the Internet. They also list frequent specials and discounts, so that you can enjoy your audio books while taking it easy on your bank account!
The early history of children's audio books saw them produced strictly on cassette tapes. As our technology advanced, the cassette tapes soon gave rise to the ever popular compact disc (CD). But, what really gave children's audio books a real push forward was the introduction of digital audio books - those that could be downloaded from the Internet, to a favorite MP3 player, such as iPod. The selection of mediums (cassettes, CD, digital download) gives children the ability to enjoy a range of children's audio books more than ever before.
Now that children's audio books have grown in popularity, we're starting to see an increase in available titles, published alongside regular paperback and hardcover editions. In most cases, you can expect to find many popular children's audio books, such as the Harry Potter series, in major books stores and retailers. But fret not - even if a particular item isn't available in stores, simply hop online to an audio book site like AudioBookGeek.com, and download a limitless selection of children's audio books to your child's MP3 player! Selections can be downloaded to an MP3 player (or your computer) in a matter of minutes.
Children's audio books aren't simply for entertainment anymore - they can be extremely valuable teaching tools too. If you're child is learning to read, then making use of children's audio books alongside a printed book will allow them to follow the words as they are narrated - helping them make the connection between spoken and written words. But it doesn't stop there. Children will be much more likely to gain important knowledge from audio books, simply because the audio books are more stimulating than a typical classroom setting.
And don't worry, the narrative quality of professionally published audio books are outstanding. We're not talking computer synthesized voices here, but actual human narrators, some of which have won awards for their ability to draw a reader in with his or her story telling abilities. Some popular narrators include: Ron McLarty, Scott Brick, George Guidall, Frank Muller, and even Stephen King himself. This is just a small list of the talented voices used in narrating a story. And believe me when I say that the narrator can make or break a story, based on his or her talents!
Can you possibly think of some other ways that your child might enjoy, or benefit, from listening to children's audio books? There are numerous applications, but let's not forget one very important one: listening simply for the sheer enjoyment of it all!
About the Author
AudioBookGeek.com provides visitors with free audio book downloads, including children's audio books, from various sources on the Internet. They also list frequent specials and discounts, so that you can enjoy your audio books while taking it easy on your bank account!
Teaching Sign language to Babies.
Has your baby ever became frustrated and upset, simply because he or she could just not efficiently communicate to you what was bothering him? This is a dilemma many parents are forced to deal with almost daily. But how can it be avoided? Teaching your Infant American Sign Language may be the awnser. Not only will it end both yours and your baby's frustration, It can benefit them throughout their whole lives, and finally contrary to popular belief Learning sign language can actually accelerate the speed at which your baby learns to speak.
Imagine spending a full year surrounded by people speaking a completely foreign language that you do not understand. Frustrating Huh? This is the world your baby lives in. Unfortunately for your baby, he or she not only has to learn the individual words, but also how to form the sounds as well. However a babies accelerated learning ability makes learning sign language a quick and simple answer. Imagine how simply it would be to soothe your baby, if you could simply ask them what they want or need. Leaving you with more quality time with your child.
By teaching American Sign language at this tender age, you are giving a gift to your child that will forever benefit them. American Sign language is recognized as the third most understood language today. Which looks great on any college or job application throughout their lives, Don't you agree? Studies have also shown that infants who are taught sign language not only have a higher IQ than those who are left to there own devices, It increases both their creative and spatial brain activity. This creative brain activity if not activated at this tender age, it is generally never nurtured once the child enters into the school years.
American Sign language will greatly reduce the time it takes for your child to learn a verbal language. Language is a conceptual idea, teaching sign language gives your child the building blocks needed to Learn a multitude of languages. By no longer having to pair words to events, or objects, they can learn verbal skills at a much faster rate than the average child. They have already learned and are fluently building sentences. Making speaking and learning to read much easier and efficient throughout their lives.
American Sign language is an effective way to both minimize the stress and frustration in your family, caused by lack of communication It also provides multiple life long benefits for your child. Gives them both control and security in a world of chaos and confusion and Finally opens doors to thousands of people they once could have never communicated with. With this said, Shouldn't all children be given this advanced leap in life?
About the Author
For more information and how to teach your baby sign language I would highly suggest Sign Language For Babies and Beyond!
Imagine spending a full year surrounded by people speaking a completely foreign language that you do not understand. Frustrating Huh? This is the world your baby lives in. Unfortunately for your baby, he or she not only has to learn the individual words, but also how to form the sounds as well. However a babies accelerated learning ability makes learning sign language a quick and simple answer. Imagine how simply it would be to soothe your baby, if you could simply ask them what they want or need. Leaving you with more quality time with your child.
By teaching American Sign language at this tender age, you are giving a gift to your child that will forever benefit them. American Sign language is recognized as the third most understood language today. Which looks great on any college or job application throughout their lives, Don't you agree? Studies have also shown that infants who are taught sign language not only have a higher IQ than those who are left to there own devices, It increases both their creative and spatial brain activity. This creative brain activity if not activated at this tender age, it is generally never nurtured once the child enters into the school years.
American Sign language will greatly reduce the time it takes for your child to learn a verbal language. Language is a conceptual idea, teaching sign language gives your child the building blocks needed to Learn a multitude of languages. By no longer having to pair words to events, or objects, they can learn verbal skills at a much faster rate than the average child. They have already learned and are fluently building sentences. Making speaking and learning to read much easier and efficient throughout their lives.
American Sign language is an effective way to both minimize the stress and frustration in your family, caused by lack of communication It also provides multiple life long benefits for your child. Gives them both control and security in a world of chaos and confusion and Finally opens doors to thousands of people they once could have never communicated with. With this said, Shouldn't all children be given this advanced leap in life?
About the Author
For more information and how to teach your baby sign language I would highly suggest Sign Language For Babies and Beyond!
Games For Music Education
Have you ever thought of adapting traditional games that children already love to music?
The benefits of learning through playing games are enormous. Games help to inspire,motivate and learn much quicker and with much more fun.
In order to become sucessful at music, most people think that you need to sit at the piano every time you practice for a half an hour each day. This is a myth and is simply not true.
If you want your children to be great at music and therefore able to receive the full benefits of music at a young age, then it is important to mix up music practice at home and make it just as fun as any other fun activity you do at home.
Here are three examples of traditional well known games and instructions, you could play in your next home practice session with your children to help make practice more inspiring, varied and fun!
Musical Go Fish
Materials To make: 1) You will need to make 8 cards of the same size with different musical symbols or notation on each.
2) A printer or photocopier - print out two copies of the cards so you have 16 cards in total.
Objective: The rules are based on the classic version of "Go Fish".
To match same cards to make a pair. Pairs are placed in front of each player until there are none remaining in their hand. The first player to match all of their own cards and place them in front of them is the winner!
Preparation: Deal five cards to each player (can use more or less if desired to make game shorter or longer). Extra cards go in the middle face down on a pile.
Directions: Player 1 asks player 2 of their choice if they have one of their cards. Player 2 either passes over the card or if they don't have it says "GO FISH!". If the result is "GO Fish!" then player 1 picks up a card from middle pile. Every player has a turn until someone matches all cards in their hand and "Goes Out".
Musical Snakes and Ladders
Object: To get to the top before anyone else.
Preparation: 1)Make musical dice for the level you require.
2) Find a traditional snakes and ladders game board, or make up your own based on the traditional version. Place the game board in the middle of the playing area.
Each player needs a counter or button.
Directions: All counters are to be placed at the start. Each player in turn rolls dice, add the number of beats together and moves accordingly.
You can play the game with more than one dice if you would prefer the game to move faster.
There will be ladders to climb and snakes to fall down in the process of playing the game. This is a fun game of luck and skill!
Musical Snap
Preparation: 1)You will need to make a deck of 48 cards. Make 12 cards using musical pitches and / or notation and photocopy the four times.
Object: Two matching cards in a row wins the snap.The player with the most cards wins!
How To Play: Divide the playing cards up equally between players have two cards face up to start off two piles in the middle. Each player takes in turn to place their card on top of one of the two piles in the middle, until the two piles match. When a match is spotted, the first player to put their hand over the entire pile and call out snap, wins the card deck. The player with the most cards in the end wins!
About the Author
Janice Tuck is a mother, Music Teacher and joint owner of The Fun Music Company. She is committed in providing educators and parents with fun, relevant and inspiring educational resources and materials. To download a free collection of music resources, just visit http://www.funmusiccompany.info
The benefits of learning through playing games are enormous. Games help to inspire,motivate and learn much quicker and with much more fun.
In order to become sucessful at music, most people think that you need to sit at the piano every time you practice for a half an hour each day. This is a myth and is simply not true.
If you want your children to be great at music and therefore able to receive the full benefits of music at a young age, then it is important to mix up music practice at home and make it just as fun as any other fun activity you do at home.
Here are three examples of traditional well known games and instructions, you could play in your next home practice session with your children to help make practice more inspiring, varied and fun!
Musical Go Fish
Materials To make: 1) You will need to make 8 cards of the same size with different musical symbols or notation on each.
2) A printer or photocopier - print out two copies of the cards so you have 16 cards in total.
Objective: The rules are based on the classic version of "Go Fish".
To match same cards to make a pair. Pairs are placed in front of each player until there are none remaining in their hand. The first player to match all of their own cards and place them in front of them is the winner!
Preparation: Deal five cards to each player (can use more or less if desired to make game shorter or longer). Extra cards go in the middle face down on a pile.
Directions: Player 1 asks player 2 of their choice if they have one of their cards. Player 2 either passes over the card or if they don't have it says "GO FISH!". If the result is "GO Fish!" then player 1 picks up a card from middle pile. Every player has a turn until someone matches all cards in their hand and "Goes Out".
Musical Snakes and Ladders
Object: To get to the top before anyone else.
Preparation: 1)Make musical dice for the level you require.
2) Find a traditional snakes and ladders game board, or make up your own based on the traditional version. Place the game board in the middle of the playing area.
Each player needs a counter or button.
Directions: All counters are to be placed at the start. Each player in turn rolls dice, add the number of beats together and moves accordingly.
You can play the game with more than one dice if you would prefer the game to move faster.
There will be ladders to climb and snakes to fall down in the process of playing the game. This is a fun game of luck and skill!
Musical Snap
Preparation: 1)You will need to make a deck of 48 cards. Make 12 cards using musical pitches and / or notation and photocopy the four times.
Object: Two matching cards in a row wins the snap.The player with the most cards wins!
How To Play: Divide the playing cards up equally between players have two cards face up to start off two piles in the middle. Each player takes in turn to place their card on top of one of the two piles in the middle, until the two piles match. When a match is spotted, the first player to put their hand over the entire pile and call out snap, wins the card deck. The player with the most cards in the end wins!
About the Author
Janice Tuck is a mother, Music Teacher and joint owner of The Fun Music Company. She is committed in providing educators and parents with fun, relevant and inspiring educational resources and materials. To download a free collection of music resources, just visit http://www.funmusiccompany.info
Playing Games As A Family
Not that many families play games together anymore. It seems like life is too busy for that. When games are played they are usually video games. Some families still have game nights where they play board games or card games. But what about outdoor games? Backyard games used to be a staple of society. This was especially true for backyard parties, barbecues, and other types of get-togethers like birthday parties and family reunions. You could bring back this tradition with your family and help younger and older members bond and make some memories. If you decide to do this, though, you have to decide what kind of games you are going to play so that everyone can participate. One of the best games to play is the Cornhole game. Some people call it the bean bag game or the bean bag toss, but no matter what name you choose, the Cornhole game is something that everyone can enjoy.
Unlike Frisbee or badminton that sometimes require some strenuous physical exertion, and unlike horseshoes which can be too heavy for a young child or an elderly or ill person to throw, the Cornhole bags are very soft and lightweight and the game is not difficult. Soft cloth bags filled with dried corn, dried beans or plastic pellets are tossed at a board with a hole in it. The object of the game is to get the bags through the hole. Originally these bags were all filled with dried corn � hence the Cornhole name. Now the filling has sometimes changed but the goal of the game and the ease of playing it has not. This ease is part of the reason that so many people like the game. The rules are so very simple that almost anyone can understand them. Young children can play. Elderly grandparents and other relatives can play. Even many disabled or handicapped people can play. Because there are so many individuals who are able to play the game, it is one of the best choices for family fun.
Games like the Cornhole game can help to bring a family much closer. This is important for a lot of people today because of the fast pace of life. As people get older they seem to be more interested in staying close to their families. The way that society is today, however, seems to be somewhat prohibitive of that. People are often spread out across the country and the world, and some people are just not interested in staying close to others. The people who are interested in remaining close are sometimes not able to do that because of economic constraints and other issues. Families who are committed to staying close to one another can do so by making just a little extra effort. Committing themselves to their families is not always easy because it takes time and effort, but playing the Cornhole game at family gatherings is a simple and easy way to help keep this commitment alive and well.
About the Author
Dave Roth operates a site which sells cornhole games. In addition to free building dimensions and game rules, the site also carries discount cornhole bags boards.
Unlike Frisbee or badminton that sometimes require some strenuous physical exertion, and unlike horseshoes which can be too heavy for a young child or an elderly or ill person to throw, the Cornhole bags are very soft and lightweight and the game is not difficult. Soft cloth bags filled with dried corn, dried beans or plastic pellets are tossed at a board with a hole in it. The object of the game is to get the bags through the hole. Originally these bags were all filled with dried corn � hence the Cornhole name. Now the filling has sometimes changed but the goal of the game and the ease of playing it has not. This ease is part of the reason that so many people like the game. The rules are so very simple that almost anyone can understand them. Young children can play. Elderly grandparents and other relatives can play. Even many disabled or handicapped people can play. Because there are so many individuals who are able to play the game, it is one of the best choices for family fun.
Games like the Cornhole game can help to bring a family much closer. This is important for a lot of people today because of the fast pace of life. As people get older they seem to be more interested in staying close to their families. The way that society is today, however, seems to be somewhat prohibitive of that. People are often spread out across the country and the world, and some people are just not interested in staying close to others. The people who are interested in remaining close are sometimes not able to do that because of economic constraints and other issues. Families who are committed to staying close to one another can do so by making just a little extra effort. Committing themselves to their families is not always easy because it takes time and effort, but playing the Cornhole game at family gatherings is a simple and easy way to help keep this commitment alive and well.
About the Author
Dave Roth operates a site which sells cornhole games. In addition to free building dimensions and game rules, the site also carries discount cornhole bags boards.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Protecting Children From Drugs
The sponsors of a medical cannabis initiative appearing on South Dakota's ballot in November are suing the state Attorney General over his misleading summary of the initiative, apparently designed to encourage a negative reaction in voters. The AG must write a neutral summary of each state ballot initiative. In this case, his first act was to rename the measure.
"An act to provide safe access to medical marijuana for certain qualified persons," became "An Initiative to authorize marijuana use for adults and children with specified medical conditions." August 2006
It's curious that the greatest - or at least the loudest - love for children is proclaimed by those who display a general distrust of progress and freedom.
Groups seeking to control individual behaviour, undermine civil rights or impose a moral code on society will frequently broadcast their own sincere desire to protect young folk from real or imaginary threats, habitually invoking 'the children' to justify each new restriction.
If the safety of children is at stake, who could possibly object to laws that curtail privacy, individual choice and basic liberty?
The need to protect the young is biological, a basic principle of survival seen in most animals. In people, the instinct is more refined; it applies to our species in general and is not limited to our own children. Because it is a rational decision based on a powerful unconscious imperative, the protective urge can be irrational in its expression and has a long and unfortunate tradition of being used to manipulate people.
As cannabis becomes more tolerated, propaganda has shifted from its traditional attack on the plant to a coordinated attempt to defend prohibition. Naturally, 'protecting the children' is the central theme of efforts to justify the unjustifiable.
- Dope-smoking dads double risk of cot death - Marijuana may cause pregnancies to fail - Why teenagers should steer clear of cannabis - Alarming rise in number of child cannabis victims
It's tempting to see this as a tactic of last resort - a laughable ploy to demonise cannabis and "re-brand" it as specifically threatening to children. Perhaps the campaign to scare adults about their own use of cannabis has finally been abandoned, as it is clearly contradicted by reality?
Even so, the tactic of shifting the focus to 'the children' and playing on parents' anxieties is abhorrent. It exploits children for propaganda and is effective in distracting attention from more significant threats to the health of young people.
One example is the disturbing push to control children's mood and behaviour with powerful psychiatric drugs such as Prozac and other SSRIs, which are designed to alter levels of serotonin in the brain.
This trend endangers young people as much as it enriches drug manufacturers and its scope is unprecedented - the numbers of children being medicated, the absurdly young ages at which they're diagnosed as depressed or mentally unbalanced and the potency of the psychotropic drugs they're prescribed.
European doctors have received strong warnings against prescribing SSRIs to children, but the practice has not been banned. In the US, the country with most strident anti-cannabis propaganda and the loudest devotion to protecting 'the children', the practice of drugging the young in order to regulate their behaviour is both an industry and an epidemic.
Currently, 2% of US children aged 6-16 are taking SSRIs and up to 10% are on stimulants such as Ritalin. Despite the FDA ordering "black boxes " for SSRI packaging - the most severe class of safety warnings - around 9 million prescriptions were written for US children in 2005, with under-fives the fastest-growing segment of children using antidepressants.
An estimated 17 million children worldwide are prescribed some form of behaviour-modifying drug. Worldwide sales of antidepressants to all age-groups reached more than $19.5 billion in 2002.
For one example of media misdirection regarding children, drugs and mental health, consider the following facts:
1. Cannabis is a powerful, effective, low-risk medicine that provides relief for an enormous range of conditions and improves quality of life for millions of people. It has an unparalleled safety record, having been used safely for thousands of years. Cannabis is effective in its natural form and can grow virtually anywhere with minimal effort, making it potentially free for anyone.
2. Conversely, the trend of medicating the young with powerful psychiatric drugs is highly profitable and unique in history. The idea of moderating children's mood or behaviour with pharmaceuticals would have been unthinkable a generation ago, yet today it is presented as a normal solution by large sections of the media.
Rather than a hypothetical and unproven risk of altering brain chemistry in sensitive individuals, as is said of cannabis, SSRIs are specifically designed to change brain chemistry in order to modify mood and behaviour.
3. The sudden increase in prohibitionist propaganda associating cannabis with danger to children amounts to a co-ordinated media campaign. The obvious intention is to heighten fears that cannabis may cause schizophrenia, depression, suicidal thoughts or general unspecified mental illness in children, despite the usual lack of evidence. The fragile, developing chemical structure of young brains is frequently mentioned, as are false claims about massive increases in cannabis potency.
'Adolescents are at highest risk for marijuana addiction ... marijuana use has been linked with depression and suicidal thoughts, in addition to schizophrenia...marijuana use among teens doubles the risk of developing depression and triples the incidence of suicidal thoughts' - DEA Website -
4. SSRIs have repeatedly been found to pose significant risks to the mental and physical health of children.
* 2005 - The European Medicines Agency concluded SSRIs should not be used in children and adolescents ... suicide-related behaviour (suicide attempt and suicidal thoughts), and hostility (aggression and anger) were more frequently observed in children and adolescents treated with SSRIs.
* The FDA has admitted that children who use SSRIs are 180 percent more likely to have suicidal tendencies.
* British Journal of Psychiatry reports that Prozac creates "the highest risk of deliberate self-harm."
A century of attempting to prove the dangers of cannabis has yielded no results but vague hypotheses with no relation to the real world. Whatever alarming conclusions are suggested, cannabis is very widely used in most countries and causes few discernable health problems. Within a few years of their introduction, SSRIs have raised serious concerns all over the world.
Yet cannabis is relentlessly presented as a major threat to the mental health of children, while psychoactive drugs designed to change brain function are promoted as a solution.
Any sane person will agree that children should not take drugs, whether legal or illegal, but, in the mainstream media, the principle does not seem to apply to drugs made by certain powerful interests.
It is not surprising that prohibitionists exploit the need to protect children. What is unbelievable is that dire warnings about the effect of 'drugs' on developing brains can coexist in the media with the promotion of mind-altering pharmaceuticals for those same sacred children. This demonstrates either an enormous logical disconnect or an effective and coordinated campaign of diversion and misinformation.
About the Author
The author is a Cannabis enthusiast who is committed to promote the environmental and social benefits of Cannabis in general and Medicinal Marijuana in particular. Please follow the link for more information on Cannabis and Hemp.
"An act to provide safe access to medical marijuana for certain qualified persons," became "An Initiative to authorize marijuana use for adults and children with specified medical conditions." August 2006
It's curious that the greatest - or at least the loudest - love for children is proclaimed by those who display a general distrust of progress and freedom.
Groups seeking to control individual behaviour, undermine civil rights or impose a moral code on society will frequently broadcast their own sincere desire to protect young folk from real or imaginary threats, habitually invoking 'the children' to justify each new restriction.
If the safety of children is at stake, who could possibly object to laws that curtail privacy, individual choice and basic liberty?
The need to protect the young is biological, a basic principle of survival seen in most animals. In people, the instinct is more refined; it applies to our species in general and is not limited to our own children. Because it is a rational decision based on a powerful unconscious imperative, the protective urge can be irrational in its expression and has a long and unfortunate tradition of being used to manipulate people.
As cannabis becomes more tolerated, propaganda has shifted from its traditional attack on the plant to a coordinated attempt to defend prohibition. Naturally, 'protecting the children' is the central theme of efforts to justify the unjustifiable.
- Dope-smoking dads double risk of cot death - Marijuana may cause pregnancies to fail - Why teenagers should steer clear of cannabis - Alarming rise in number of child cannabis victims
It's tempting to see this as a tactic of last resort - a laughable ploy to demonise cannabis and "re-brand" it as specifically threatening to children. Perhaps the campaign to scare adults about their own use of cannabis has finally been abandoned, as it is clearly contradicted by reality?
Even so, the tactic of shifting the focus to 'the children' and playing on parents' anxieties is abhorrent. It exploits children for propaganda and is effective in distracting attention from more significant threats to the health of young people.
One example is the disturbing push to control children's mood and behaviour with powerful psychiatric drugs such as Prozac and other SSRIs, which are designed to alter levels of serotonin in the brain.
This trend endangers young people as much as it enriches drug manufacturers and its scope is unprecedented - the numbers of children being medicated, the absurdly young ages at which they're diagnosed as depressed or mentally unbalanced and the potency of the psychotropic drugs they're prescribed.
European doctors have received strong warnings against prescribing SSRIs to children, but the practice has not been banned. In the US, the country with most strident anti-cannabis propaganda and the loudest devotion to protecting 'the children', the practice of drugging the young in order to regulate their behaviour is both an industry and an epidemic.
Currently, 2% of US children aged 6-16 are taking SSRIs and up to 10% are on stimulants such as Ritalin. Despite the FDA ordering "black boxes " for SSRI packaging - the most severe class of safety warnings - around 9 million prescriptions were written for US children in 2005, with under-fives the fastest-growing segment of children using antidepressants.
An estimated 17 million children worldwide are prescribed some form of behaviour-modifying drug. Worldwide sales of antidepressants to all age-groups reached more than $19.5 billion in 2002.
For one example of media misdirection regarding children, drugs and mental health, consider the following facts:
1. Cannabis is a powerful, effective, low-risk medicine that provides relief for an enormous range of conditions and improves quality of life for millions of people. It has an unparalleled safety record, having been used safely for thousands of years. Cannabis is effective in its natural form and can grow virtually anywhere with minimal effort, making it potentially free for anyone.
2. Conversely, the trend of medicating the young with powerful psychiatric drugs is highly profitable and unique in history. The idea of moderating children's mood or behaviour with pharmaceuticals would have been unthinkable a generation ago, yet today it is presented as a normal solution by large sections of the media.
Rather than a hypothetical and unproven risk of altering brain chemistry in sensitive individuals, as is said of cannabis, SSRIs are specifically designed to change brain chemistry in order to modify mood and behaviour.
3. The sudden increase in prohibitionist propaganda associating cannabis with danger to children amounts to a co-ordinated media campaign. The obvious intention is to heighten fears that cannabis may cause schizophrenia, depression, suicidal thoughts or general unspecified mental illness in children, despite the usual lack of evidence. The fragile, developing chemical structure of young brains is frequently mentioned, as are false claims about massive increases in cannabis potency.
'Adolescents are at highest risk for marijuana addiction ... marijuana use has been linked with depression and suicidal thoughts, in addition to schizophrenia...marijuana use among teens doubles the risk of developing depression and triples the incidence of suicidal thoughts' - DEA Website -
4. SSRIs have repeatedly been found to pose significant risks to the mental and physical health of children.
* 2005 - The European Medicines Agency concluded SSRIs should not be used in children and adolescents ... suicide-related behaviour (suicide attempt and suicidal thoughts), and hostility (aggression and anger) were more frequently observed in children and adolescents treated with SSRIs.
* The FDA has admitted that children who use SSRIs are 180 percent more likely to have suicidal tendencies.
* British Journal of Psychiatry reports that Prozac creates "the highest risk of deliberate self-harm."
A century of attempting to prove the dangers of cannabis has yielded no results but vague hypotheses with no relation to the real world. Whatever alarming conclusions are suggested, cannabis is very widely used in most countries and causes few discernable health problems. Within a few years of their introduction, SSRIs have raised serious concerns all over the world.
Yet cannabis is relentlessly presented as a major threat to the mental health of children, while psychoactive drugs designed to change brain function are promoted as a solution.
Any sane person will agree that children should not take drugs, whether legal or illegal, but, in the mainstream media, the principle does not seem to apply to drugs made by certain powerful interests.
It is not surprising that prohibitionists exploit the need to protect children. What is unbelievable is that dire warnings about the effect of 'drugs' on developing brains can coexist in the media with the promotion of mind-altering pharmaceuticals for those same sacred children. This demonstrates either an enormous logical disconnect or an effective and coordinated campaign of diversion and misinformation.
About the Author
The author is a Cannabis enthusiast who is committed to promote the environmental and social benefits of Cannabis in general and Medicinal Marijuana in particular. Please follow the link for more information on Cannabis and Hemp.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
How to Plan a Themed Birthday Party
By the time you finish reading this, you'll be on your way to organizing and planning a themed party for you little kid. Trust me on this.
The first step in using a theme for a birthday party is to choose the theme. In some cases it may be simple to choose a theme because you can base it upon your child's interests. For example, if there is a certain cartoon character your child loves then use that as a theme.
I am sure some of you will not be able to think of themes. Well read on. You can use a simple theme like a circus theme. Another theme you can use is you can use your child's age. For example if you child is four years old, you can revolve the party around the number 4.
Once you have chosen the theme you can then begin applying your theme to the party planning.
The next thing you need to do is to buy supplies for your child's birthday party. You may not know what to get, so I am here to tell you. The main idea of having a theme for a birthday is to keep the whole idea of the party focused therefore; you should get supplies that are related to the theme.
You may think that in order to get the supplies that is related to the theme, you need to spend a lot of money. But let me tell you this; you are wrong. I am here to give you tips on how you can save moeny. Lets take a Barbie theme for example. If you buy all the stuff from Barbie it will cost a bomb. What you can do is that you can use the color pink instead.
You will want to choose some main themed items, like the invitations, goodie bags and a few dcor items, like the table cloth and balloons. However, as mentioned you can save costs by buying some color coordinating items instead, so you can buy one bag of themed balloons and one bag of colored balloons so you have a lot of balloons, but for far less cost.
Activities can be related to the theme. In some cases this makes planning activities very easy. If you have a circus theme, for example, you can hire a clown, play games like bean bag toss and pin the tail on the donkey. It is okay, though, if not all your activities match your theme.
Food and birthday cake are essential in a party. I am sure your child and his friends will enjoy themselves seeing that the cake is related to the theme. However, it is not necessary that all food items should match.
It can be very fun to come up with ideas about how to incorporate a theme into the different aspects of a birthday party. It is all about being creative. Once you choose your theme you should sit and brainstorm a bit about everything you can do with your theme.
Having a theme for a birthday party will help you be able to choose your supplies, activities and foods easily. You can follow the theme as much or as little as you like. There really are no rules, except that you should have fun with your theme and be creative.
About the Author
Based in Singapore, Pro Party Central is a professional birthday party organizer that organizes Singapore Birthday Party. Teaming up with Pro Party Central is Celest, a Birthday Party Face Painter. Find out more about the packages by visiting the websites.
The first step in using a theme for a birthday party is to choose the theme. In some cases it may be simple to choose a theme because you can base it upon your child's interests. For example, if there is a certain cartoon character your child loves then use that as a theme.
I am sure some of you will not be able to think of themes. Well read on. You can use a simple theme like a circus theme. Another theme you can use is you can use your child's age. For example if you child is four years old, you can revolve the party around the number 4.
Once you have chosen the theme you can then begin applying your theme to the party planning.
The next thing you need to do is to buy supplies for your child's birthday party. You may not know what to get, so I am here to tell you. The main idea of having a theme for a birthday is to keep the whole idea of the party focused therefore; you should get supplies that are related to the theme.
You may think that in order to get the supplies that is related to the theme, you need to spend a lot of money. But let me tell you this; you are wrong. I am here to give you tips on how you can save moeny. Lets take a Barbie theme for example. If you buy all the stuff from Barbie it will cost a bomb. What you can do is that you can use the color pink instead.
You will want to choose some main themed items, like the invitations, goodie bags and a few dcor items, like the table cloth and balloons. However, as mentioned you can save costs by buying some color coordinating items instead, so you can buy one bag of themed balloons and one bag of colored balloons so you have a lot of balloons, but for far less cost.
Activities can be related to the theme. In some cases this makes planning activities very easy. If you have a circus theme, for example, you can hire a clown, play games like bean bag toss and pin the tail on the donkey. It is okay, though, if not all your activities match your theme.
Food and birthday cake are essential in a party. I am sure your child and his friends will enjoy themselves seeing that the cake is related to the theme. However, it is not necessary that all food items should match.
It can be very fun to come up with ideas about how to incorporate a theme into the different aspects of a birthday party. It is all about being creative. Once you choose your theme you should sit and brainstorm a bit about everything you can do with your theme.
Having a theme for a birthday party will help you be able to choose your supplies, activities and foods easily. You can follow the theme as much or as little as you like. There really are no rules, except that you should have fun with your theme and be creative.
About the Author
Based in Singapore, Pro Party Central is a professional birthday party organizer that organizes Singapore Birthday Party. Teaming up with Pro Party Central is Celest, a Birthday Party Face Painter. Find out more about the packages by visiting the websites.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Keeping Your Teenage Driver Safe
Your child has just become a teenager and is already behind the wheel. This can be the most frightening part of a parent’s life. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, car crashes take more young lives than all other causes--and in larger proportion than for any other driving age group. And most of the fatal crashes and serious injuries come in the very earliest months of unsupervised driving. But you can help keep these statistics from affecting your child by simply offering them some basic driving rules.
1. Help your teens develop the right habits especially during the first six months of solo driving. Let them know right away these are the rules:
• Use of safety belts is mandatory.
• Teen passengers won't be allowed initially.
• Night driving will be limited.
• Don’t drive when you are drowsy.
• Distractions (e.g., text messaging) are prohibited.
• Speeding must be expressly prohibited. Since most new drivers don't have the experience to handle vehicles at high speeds, it's the source of many deaths and injuries.
• There will be no alcohol or drug use.
2. Set a good driving example in the way you drive:
• Wear your safety belt always.
• Don't speed.
• Practice defensive driving.
• Don't use your cell phone.
• Don't run red lights.
3. Develop a parent/teen driving contract. An example is available from the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org/issues/teendriving/ agreement.pdf. Many states also have sample agreements.
4. Plan to provide your teen with extra practice time in a variety of weather conditions so he or she can gain experience and confidence. If you live in a climate where the winters are challenging, make sure your teens vehicle is up to par. Here are some things you can do:
• Winter weather puts your vehicle's mechanical systems and performance to the ultimate test, and demands that your vehicle is in excellent condition. Make sure that your tires and all mechanical systems, including your brakes, are in top working order.
• Take your new driver to a vacant, snow or ice covered parking lot where you can safely practice slow-speed maneuvers.
• A novice driver's first on-the-road experience with winter-weather driving should not be during a major blizzard. Ensure he/she waits until conditions are less severe.
• If possible, have your teenager practice driving on slippery roads in daylight only. Exposure to slippery roads at night should be limited until beginners have gained more experience driving in various types of winter weather.
• Maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Make sure the speed limit is observed and respected.
• Transform the trunk of your vehicle into a winter survival kit by filling it with essential emergency equipment including a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, sand and a small shovel or ice scraper.
5. Reinforce state graduated licensing programs so teens must have a longer period of supervised driving and more restrictions in the early months.
This is a just a short list, but with your reinforcement, a little time spent with your teen driver might protect your child’s life and at the very least keep their insurance rates from going through the roof.
About the Author
Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the used cars for sale in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.
1. Help your teens develop the right habits especially during the first six months of solo driving. Let them know right away these are the rules:
• Use of safety belts is mandatory.
• Teen passengers won't be allowed initially.
• Night driving will be limited.
• Don’t drive when you are drowsy.
• Distractions (e.g., text messaging) are prohibited.
• Speeding must be expressly prohibited. Since most new drivers don't have the experience to handle vehicles at high speeds, it's the source of many deaths and injuries.
• There will be no alcohol or drug use.
2. Set a good driving example in the way you drive:
• Wear your safety belt always.
• Don't speed.
• Practice defensive driving.
• Don't use your cell phone.
• Don't run red lights.
3. Develop a parent/teen driving contract. An example is available from the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org/issues/teendriving/ agreement.pdf. Many states also have sample agreements.
4. Plan to provide your teen with extra practice time in a variety of weather conditions so he or she can gain experience and confidence. If you live in a climate where the winters are challenging, make sure your teens vehicle is up to par. Here are some things you can do:
• Winter weather puts your vehicle's mechanical systems and performance to the ultimate test, and demands that your vehicle is in excellent condition. Make sure that your tires and all mechanical systems, including your brakes, are in top working order.
• Take your new driver to a vacant, snow or ice covered parking lot where you can safely practice slow-speed maneuvers.
• A novice driver's first on-the-road experience with winter-weather driving should not be during a major blizzard. Ensure he/she waits until conditions are less severe.
• If possible, have your teenager practice driving on slippery roads in daylight only. Exposure to slippery roads at night should be limited until beginners have gained more experience driving in various types of winter weather.
• Maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Make sure the speed limit is observed and respected.
• Transform the trunk of your vehicle into a winter survival kit by filling it with essential emergency equipment including a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, sand and a small shovel or ice scraper.
5. Reinforce state graduated licensing programs so teens must have a longer period of supervised driving and more restrictions in the early months.
This is a just a short list, but with your reinforcement, a little time spent with your teen driver might protect your child’s life and at the very least keep their insurance rates from going through the roof.
About the Author
Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the used cars for sale in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.
How to Find the Best Baby Supplies
Every first time mother has a desire to buy some things for the new baby. The question is where to go and what to buy. The answer is with other mothers, but sometimes you don't want to have to hear that perhaps you got it wrong or that something you thought was great is really unnecessary ... so what where do you go for the best answers?
Product Comparison Websites.
These can be informative, but what really drives the people who write them? There is a good chance that anyone who is reviewing products also has links to where you can buy these products. If they have they have links to sales sites, they are probably affiliates, so they will gain financially if you buy. Usually they will get commission if you buy anything via a link on their site. If you were writing such a site there is a good chance that the product paying the biggest commission might be the one you recommend, however unscrupulous you believe it to be, the internet is business. Because of these financial incentives you will probably find that the information is accurate, but that the ratings may be a bit bias.
The Department Stores.
Department stores are not affected by the commission problems of the internet, but at the same time are they really capable of helping you choose? The staff in these stores are usually trained by all of the manufacturers. The manufacturers will send in representatives who will educate the staff on all the advantages of the products, and will show them how they work, also which markets they are specifically designed for. These people are educated on the topic, and unbiased, but have they ever used the products?
The Best Information
The most reliable information will always be from people who have used the product. If you are first time mother, you will probably know some mums, but nothing like as many as you will know twelve months after you have had your child. So how do you tap into this information source, without irritating your friends who already have children? The best way is to head back to the internet and find some site written by parents. These are important as they will discuss topics from a different angle to sales sites, they will be honest and hopefully you will enjoy reading the information on them.
Where Do You Find The Best.
There is nothing like finding a site on the internet which is informative and also entertaining. Think carefully before you search. Perhaps you need to be imaginative about the words you choose for your search, instead of typing a manufacturer, perhaps you need to think about typing a product and an emotions or opinion: for example, my nightmare buggy, how to fold a buggy while holding a child? The important thing is to read as much as possible and when you have found a site where the reading inspires you, you must remember to book mark it. There is nothing more irritating than not being able to find the site a second time, and remember, with a first baby on the way you cannot be expected to remember everything.
Remember that shopping for your baby should be fun, but so should the research. If the article is boring, move on. The internet should offer you a service, not stress you, once you have chosen your product, buy from the best service and price.
About the Author
Jon Kelly is a published author who writes on many diverse subjects that includes advice on toddlers and babies. We hope to provide you with information you can rely on. To find out more please visit: http://www.greatbabysupplies.com
Product Comparison Websites.
These can be informative, but what really drives the people who write them? There is a good chance that anyone who is reviewing products also has links to where you can buy these products. If they have they have links to sales sites, they are probably affiliates, so they will gain financially if you buy. Usually they will get commission if you buy anything via a link on their site. If you were writing such a site there is a good chance that the product paying the biggest commission might be the one you recommend, however unscrupulous you believe it to be, the internet is business. Because of these financial incentives you will probably find that the information is accurate, but that the ratings may be a bit bias.
The Department Stores.
Department stores are not affected by the commission problems of the internet, but at the same time are they really capable of helping you choose? The staff in these stores are usually trained by all of the manufacturers. The manufacturers will send in representatives who will educate the staff on all the advantages of the products, and will show them how they work, also which markets they are specifically designed for. These people are educated on the topic, and unbiased, but have they ever used the products?
The Best Information
The most reliable information will always be from people who have used the product. If you are first time mother, you will probably know some mums, but nothing like as many as you will know twelve months after you have had your child. So how do you tap into this information source, without irritating your friends who already have children? The best way is to head back to the internet and find some site written by parents. These are important as they will discuss topics from a different angle to sales sites, they will be honest and hopefully you will enjoy reading the information on them.
Where Do You Find The Best.
There is nothing like finding a site on the internet which is informative and also entertaining. Think carefully before you search. Perhaps you need to be imaginative about the words you choose for your search, instead of typing a manufacturer, perhaps you need to think about typing a product and an emotions or opinion: for example, my nightmare buggy, how to fold a buggy while holding a child? The important thing is to read as much as possible and when you have found a site where the reading inspires you, you must remember to book mark it. There is nothing more irritating than not being able to find the site a second time, and remember, with a first baby on the way you cannot be expected to remember everything.
Remember that shopping for your baby should be fun, but so should the research. If the article is boring, move on. The internet should offer you a service, not stress you, once you have chosen your product, buy from the best service and price.
About the Author
Jon Kelly is a published author who writes on many diverse subjects that includes advice on toddlers and babies. We hope to provide you with information you can rely on. To find out more please visit: http://www.greatbabysupplies.com
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Parenting Articles
After School Activity For The Hyperactive Child
ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. Most children who suffer from this disorder suffer from attention problems as well as hyperactivity. Parents of such children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects him. Is your child interested in sports? Is he put off by the fierce competitiveness, or does he find it hard to get along with teammates? Does your child vocalize his feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is always beneficial. Exercise takes up the extra energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social skills and discipline. But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach self-control and patience.
If your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other options. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance can help the child to keep himself busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above, you may want him to join a Boy Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work. Cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home are various activities that may pique your child's interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure that you monitor your child's progress periodically. If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity. Anything that increases your child's self-esteem is good. You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD. Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated. These children also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to stick to messages that are not needed. Games that need the child to sit and wait for his turn patiently tax his patience and will not be a success.
Although you would want these children to be as near to normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits will help you select the right after school activity - one that is fulfilling, tiring as well as challenging.
After School Program - Recreational Vs. Educational
So, your child is beginning to get restless and make you restless. He has got more time than is good for him, and you are now considering after school programs - anything that will keep him busy for a few life-saving hours! Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The last bit usually comes in when your child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.
Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of your child. His general awareness, his understanding and his memory are targeted and he is given various techniques that will help him improve one or all of these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. There are academic programs that will go over your child's homework and class work and help the child gain more in-depth knowledge in the various subjects. Thus academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to do.
Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.
When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, I believe that the recreational programs have more meat. Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible. They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a number of hours at school, the child may feel bored. Further study may overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Burnout is very much a possibility here.
Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.
Whatever program you choose for your child, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the child's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, shift your child out of the program. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, programs that combine the educational with the recreational are best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.
A Home-Based After School Program
So, your son's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun. What should you do?
After school activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social development. Do not be too concerned about formal programs, as many of our children are already over-scheduled.
Obviously, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school, and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or writing work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes. In the course of his daily work, your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. In that case, you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that will help him and encourage him. In the age of the Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to use the net to find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the child to do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no formal program does.
If you are concerned about the lack of social life, enroll him or her in a club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre, if your child is interested. It is not necessary for your child to make friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is another interesting option. If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents, you may well start your own after-school program.
When there is no organized group activity, look to your community. Many children love to get involved in social problems. They get their first real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences. Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons thus learnt are invaluable.
If physical activity or the lack of it is your major concern, enroll your child for some dancing classes. If organized sports are impossible to get, try to enroll her in a gym. She may find friends there and may take to the treadmill.
Your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in front of you. Roping in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a refreshing extracurricular experience. Moreover, it will improve family ties too.
Benefits Of A Good After School Program
Children grow up in a society that demands expertise in everything. You really cannot sit back and decide that learning from textbooks is enough for the overall development of your child. It's the age of specialization and your child cannot afford to miss out on this window of opportunity. So, scour your locality for the most advantageous programs and enroll them for the ones you think are the best.
After school programs are basically designed to develop a talent or a skill that is ignored by regular schools. These programs could be educational or recreational in nature. Whatever type they are, they basically aim to keep the child active and interested.
The most important advantage of a good after school program is that it widens your child's area of interests. He or she is introduced to new things, sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging. Mastering a new art form or a new skill increases the child's self-esteem. It also allows you to introduce your child to new career options. A child attending a music class may decide that she likes it so much that she wants to make a career out of it in the long run.
Socialization is another great advantage of after school programs. Children get to meet others who share their interests and make new friendships. An acting class or a soccer class can be lots of fun. Many of these programs coach children for performances or matches. Performing on stage or playing a match can be a great experience for a young child.
After school programs keep your teenager busy. He or she thus has some amount of protection from destructive habits like drugs and alcohol. Surveys indicate that children who are kept busy through diverse absorbing activities are less prone to abuse, depression and burnout. Significant increase in achievement and attendance and a reduction in drop out rates are other advantages of a good after school programs.
Most after school programs have children interacting with one or more adult. This allows them to benefit from positive relationships with adults. Children often find it difficult to confide in parents and teachers, but may open up with other adults.
Many children are put into recreational after school programs so that they reduce weight and remain healthy. A newly emerging trend shows that about 15% children below the age of 16 are obese. Parents who cannot put their children on a strict diet resort to sports and games to burn fat. With cases of child diabetes on the increase, this has become a prime focus of many after school programs.
A good after school program has many benefits. It keeps the child entertained as well as busy, and thus prevents children from becoming addicted to TVs and PCs. By giving them ways to burn up their excess energy and explore their creativity, after school programs help to shape the overall personality of the child.
Boring After School Activities
Why does Lisa grumble when it is time for her to go for her piano lessons? How come Johnny abhors the sight of his skates now? After all, these children were very enthusiastic about the programs when they started off. What happened? Parents are often confused by the disturbing and often incongruous signals they receive from their children. One day the kids are excited about the new theatre class and in just a few short weeks they wail and moan when it's time to go.
The first thing a family should do when a child begins resisting a previously loved activity is to listen and investigate. Do not jump into conclusions. A little bit of intelligent sleuthing is required. Ask your child what he or she does in the class. Find out what exactly is the cause of the problem. Then ask the teachers the same questions. Compare notes. You may stumble on some important clues. Usually, children start out on an activity thinking it's all fun. But when they realize that they cannot just hang out and that they need to follow rules etc, they begin to resist. Your child may feel stifled if the program is too structured. If the discipline is too rigorous or the activity too painful (like a karate class) some children balk. Use your own instincts. Does the program feel like fun? Would you want to attend it yourself? Are they offering enough motivation to keep the child interested?
The teacher-to-child ratio is also an important factor. Children need attention. If the number of teachers is just enough to handle a class, it is possible that your child is not receiving enough attention. State recommendations usually specify that there must be 1 teacher for 15 children.
Children try to avoid problems they cannot solve. If there are no perceivable problems with the class and the teachers, perhaps you need to have a chat with your child. If your judgment says that the place is good and the activity engaging enough, then it's time to work with your child. More often than not, social pressures may be at work here. Does your child have friends there? If she is lonely or miserable because of the lack of friends, help her find a friend. If she finds a friend, she will get more involved in the activities
If your best efforts do not pay off, and your child still resists that fantastic guitar classes, then it's time to let go. Shift your child to some other program. If he or she still retains interest in guitars, you can take it up after a few months. Never force the child, especially when it comes to extra-curricular activities. Since they are 'extra', they must bring in extra happiness and extra enthusiasm too.
Developmental After School Programs
As a child grows into an adult, different aspects of his physical, emotional and mental self needs development. To help a child reach his full potential, it is necessary to recognize the child's developmental needs and abilities. To be effective, after school programs should assist children with tasks they must accomplish during each stage of development.
A child's growth curve can be divided into three main parts:
1) Young child (ages 3-5)
2) Middle school (ages 6-8)
3) Older school (ages 9-12)
The four important domains of development are: The Physical Domain, the Social Domain, the Emotional Domain and the Intellectual Domain. Each of these domains needs to be separately addressed during the various phases of a child's growth. After school programs should concentrate on developing each domain as applicable to the age of the child. Although the children participating in these programs may have similar developmental needs and age, do not expect development to be uniform. Children will develop as and when they are ready.
Physical Domain:
When children are young, they want to perfect skills that they have just learnt to control. A variety of movements such as jumping, catching and throwing delight them. The middle school child, on the other hand, wants to learn more complex skills and get involved in team sports. This is also the best time to learn about rules and discipline in sport. The older school child is ready for more adult-like activities that need greater structure and discipline, like dancing, gymnastics, music classes etc.
Social Domain:
Young children are observing others and will be interested in games where they play the roles of family members. They develop short-term friendships and need an adult's presence to assure them. The middle school child is intrigued by society and will love trips to factories, public buildings etc. They want to know the 'how' and 'why' of things. The older school child is ready to learn about different cultures, food and customs. They want to do some amount of social work too.
Intellectual Domain:
Young school children will practice what they are learning. Middle school children want to learn more skills and will show interest in reading, drama and problem solving. The older school children are ready to research and probe. They enjoy getting a puzzle and pondering over it.
Any after school program needs to address the interests of the child depending on the category he belongs to. Knowing the children in your program and appreciating their needs and interests will help staff to plan and structure programs that are most useful to that group.
After School Activities: How Much Is Too Much?
Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week? Are 3 days enough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities. They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different from studies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of fun can also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help you decide how much is too much for your child.
Kindergarten:
Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and get used to discipline. His or her after-school life should be simple and carefree. One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning. Once the child settles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program.
Grade 1:
One or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits are recommended. Avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still too young to have to worry about winning and losing. After the rigors of a full day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy. Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are best for this age.
Grade 2:
Your child is old enough to voice opinions on what activities he or she wants. Sports, skating, swimming or computers - steer him towards things he likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument around this age. But, allow your child some 'alone time' during which he can unwind and just do whatever he wishes.
Grade 3:
Socialization begins to take center stage. Team sports are a good choice. Developing motor skills, painting, drawing etc are good too. Let the child explore areas of interests. But leave aside enough time for the family and for fun activities.
Grade 4:
At this age, the child will tell you what he likes. He needs to get involved in activities that will boost his confidence. This will also help him manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning to build. But, beware of the homework demon. Your child needs more time with his studies. Balancing his schoolwork with other activities is very important.
Grade 5:
The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and will want to do just about everything. But she or he may conveniently push studies to the background. So, close supervision is needed. Keep one or two days free for family time and other activities. Now is a great time to get your child interested in community service.
Middle school:
Steer him away from TV. Get him engaged in activities that reinforce learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen to join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts program, language clubs, chess clubs etc. As a thumb rule, 16-20 hours a week of extra activity should be more than enough. But look out for signs of burnout.
What you select for your child and how long he should work at it is basically decided by the child's temperament. As a parent, you should closely observe your child and base your decisions on feedback from the child himself.
Recreational After School Programs
After school programs can be divided into 3 broad categories: academic, recreational and social. Balanced development takes place when there is compatibility between the physical, mental as well as the educational achievements of the child.As the name suggests recreational after school programs are based on a sport or recreation. Some of the more common physical activities include football, swimming and basketball.Some clubs offer programs like gymnastics, trekking and hiking. In this case, youngsters are often given a short class in first-aid class also.
Recreational after school programs offer children an opportunity to let off some steam and to destress themselves. The closed classroom atmosphere and a day full of textbooks and writing cause the child to repress his natural enthusiasm. He curbs his energy when he is required to sit quietly in class and learn. Physical activity is an all-time low during such times. This physical lethargy and inaction is countermanded by recreational activities. Growing concerns of obesity and child diabetes make it necessary for children to indulge in some strenuous exercises that will allow them to work up some sweat.
Unlike educational programs, recreational programs do not tax the mental processes. But, they do aid the learning process by making the child more active. A child who is physically active is mentally fit, and is able to focus his thoughts on the work at hand. Additionally, recreational programs teach discipline, mechanics of teamwork and fair play. These are important lessons in the growing process.
As more and more nuclear families emerge, the child faces greater isolation. Many children shuttle between their classroom and their bedrooms and do not have any meaningful relationships outside these. Recreational programs offer ample avenues for socialization. This is a place the child can go to and play even when his neighbor is not the most welcoming. The Boy / Girl Scout programs are excellent recreational after school programs. Lately, survival classes and camps have devised to combine important survival skills with sports and games to educate children on how to handle emergencies.
Like any good after school program, recreational programs are designed to give children a safe area where they can indulge in some group activities that interest them. This is one of the most effective ways to keep kids out of the streets and out of trouble. But, one has to be careful when enrolling children for recreational classes. The age of the child, his temperament and his physical caliber has to be taken into account before you choose the right program for your child.
The Need For After School Activities
When children are literally up to their gills with the learning and sport activities in school, it may seem superfluous to enroll them for after school activities. In spite of this, after school programs are sprouting up in large numbers and most of these are booked full. This shows that there is a real need for after school activities.
The unavailability of parental supervision is the leading cause for the surge in after school programs. It is seen that many children spend about 20-25 hours a week unsupervised and alone at home. And as the saying goes, "An idle mind is a devil's workshop". Children who are left alone to contend with too much free time invariably fall into the wrong company. Drug abuse, alcohol, tobacco and crime come knocking at their doors sooner rather than later. Parents enroll children to various after school programs to keep them occupied in a productive manner. This way, the kids are free to enjoy themselves in a supervised activity.
Crime is considered to be at its peak during the after school hours, between 3- 4 p.m. During such a time, children need protection. Getting the children together under one roof and encouraging them to participate in a group activity is protection enough. It diverts the children from ennui too.
Obesity is a matter of growing concern in this country. It is noticed that more and more children are becoming couch potatoes. After school, many of them relax on the sofa with packets of chips, cool drinks or chocolates while they watch T.V. 30 % of the kids below the age of 19 are considered overweight, and about 15% of these are obese. An after school program ensures that the child shakes off his lethargy and keeps himself busy. This also helps to reduce the child's fascination for T.V and computer games.
After school activities that promote social awareness develop the individual's sense of social responsibility. It is seen that these sorts of programs not only keep kids out of trouble, but also help to produce responsible citizens. To that extent, they are valuable building blocks in a child's personality.
Times are changing and parents want their children to excel in academics as well as in other activities. This may be a reflection of the parent's unfulfilled desire to excel - a remnant from his own childhood. Whatever the reason, parents today encourage their children to enroll themselves in various programs and develop the various facets of their individuality. Children too seem to be comfortable learning many things at the same time, and gain satisfaction from this.
School Based After-School Programs
In an effort to keep children motivated and safe, the U.S. Government sets aside a good amount of fund for financing after school programs every year. A report by the U.S. Department of Education and Justice points out that after school programs are very effective and is in the interests of the society as a whole. Interestingly, it was found that Americans liked providing school-based after school-programs in their community.
Other than safety, boredom and loneliness, the poor performance of many students also led to the need for after-school programs that are based on the school curriculum. Children coming from low-income families were found to lag behind in reading and grammar after a long break in the summer. Statistics prove that if school-going children are left unsupervised after their school, the chances of poor grades and drop out are considerably higher. The funds provided by the Government will allow rural and inner-city schools to provide activities during the summer, over the weekends and after school. These activities will take place in a drug-free, safe and supervised environment.
Positive augmentation of critical skills is the prime focus of these school-based after school activities. Thus they enhance the skill level of the child. Most school-based programs offer assistance in math tutoring, reading, comprehension and problem solving. Many programs provide engaging activities that seek to prepare the students for college. Hands-on experience is provided for children who want to invest in a career in teaching. Access to telecommunication and technology and involvement in music and art are other benefits of these programs. This becomes invaluable, especially in low-income sectors where such activities are considered to be a luxury.
As far as children are concerned, the snacks provided in after school programs are an added incentive. School sponsored after school programs are entitled to receive funds for snacks. The National School Lunch Program is designed to do just this. Free or reduced price snacks will be provided for children from schools that apply for it. The CACFP reimburses expenditure depending upon the child's income status. But this is applicable only till the age of 13. The funding that schools get depends upon the area in which they are situated. A low-income area gets more funding. Supper can be served to children below the age of 19. Longer programs can provide both supper and a snack. With the participation of non-profit private organization, it is possible to feed deserving school children breakfast, supper and a snack.
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Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. Most children who suffer from this disorder suffer from attention problems as well as hyperactivity. Parents of such children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects him. Is your child interested in sports? Is he put off by the fierce competitiveness, or does he find it hard to get along with teammates? Does your child vocalize his feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is always beneficial. Exercise takes up the extra energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social skills and discipline. But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach self-control and patience.
If your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other options. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance can help the child to keep himself busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above, you may want him to join a Boy Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work. Cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home are various activities that may pique your child's interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure that you monitor your child's progress periodically. If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity. Anything that increases your child's self-esteem is good. You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD. Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated. These children also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to stick to messages that are not needed. Games that need the child to sit and wait for his turn patiently tax his patience and will not be a success.
Although you would want these children to be as near to normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits will help you select the right after school activity - one that is fulfilling, tiring as well as challenging.
After School Program - Recreational Vs. Educational
So, your child is beginning to get restless and make you restless. He has got more time than is good for him, and you are now considering after school programs - anything that will keep him busy for a few life-saving hours! Most after school activities can be broadly classified into three - recreational, educational and society-oriented. The last bit usually comes in when your child is already a bit grown up and can voice his own interests.
Educational activities aim at furthering the knowledge of your child. His general awareness, his understanding and his memory are targeted and he is given various techniques that will help him improve one or all of these. Programs such as intensive memory training and speed mathematics are educational after school activities. There are academic programs that will go over your child's homework and class work and help the child gain more in-depth knowledge in the various subjects. Thus academic programs have a definite edge over the fun and games, especially if parents feel that their child has a lot of catching up to do.
Recreational activities include sports and games, fine arts, painting etc. The main thrust here is to have fun. Of course, classes become more competitive as the child climbs up the ladder. Many sport events, competitions, stage performances etc are held to encourage the child.
When we compare the merits of the two kinds of activities, I believe that the recreational programs have more meat. Firstly, children do not enjoy learning unless they themselves feel curious about something. Most academic programs are standardized courses that are not too flexible. They have a general purpose and a well laid out methodology. After a number of hours at school, the child may feel bored. Further study may overwhelm him and make him feel frustrated. Burnout is very much a possibility here.
Recreational programs provide a welcome break from the monotony of learning and studies. The mental challenge and the physical exertion make the child feel a renewed zest and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Group activity teaches him social skills, discipline and patience. It is a proven fact that children involved in extra curricular activities get better grades than others. Sometimes closing the textbooks and playing a game may be the best way to handle your studies.
Whatever program you choose for your child, regular evaluation is the key to success. You will have to measure the child's progress. If progress is unsatisfactory, shift your child out of the program. The child should also have the freedom to reject an activity if and when he feels bored with it. Generally, programs that combine the educational with the recreational are best suited especially for younger children. This way, children can have fun while they learn.
A Home-Based After School Program
So, your son's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun. What should you do?
After school activities need not be taught in a school-like environment by professional teachers in a structured and timely manner. There is a lot YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social development. Do not be too concerned about formal programs, as many of our children are already over-scheduled.
Obviously, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school, and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or writing work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes. In the course of his daily work, your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. In that case, you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that will help him and encourage him. In the age of the Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to use the net to find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the child to do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no formal program does.
If you are concerned about the lack of social life, enroll him or her in a club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre, if your child is interested. It is not necessary for your child to make friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is another interesting option. If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents, you may well start your own after-school program.
When there is no organized group activity, look to your community. Many children love to get involved in social problems. They get their first real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences. Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons thus learnt are invaluable.
If physical activity or the lack of it is your major concern, enroll your child for some dancing classes. If organized sports are impossible to get, try to enroll her in a gym. She may find friends there and may take to the treadmill.
Your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in front of you. Roping in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a refreshing extracurricular experience. Moreover, it will improve family ties too.
Benefits Of A Good After School Program
Children grow up in a society that demands expertise in everything. You really cannot sit back and decide that learning from textbooks is enough for the overall development of your child. It's the age of specialization and your child cannot afford to miss out on this window of opportunity. So, scour your locality for the most advantageous programs and enroll them for the ones you think are the best.
After school programs are basically designed to develop a talent or a skill that is ignored by regular schools. These programs could be educational or recreational in nature. Whatever type they are, they basically aim to keep the child active and interested.
The most important advantage of a good after school program is that it widens your child's area of interests. He or she is introduced to new things, sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging. Mastering a new art form or a new skill increases the child's self-esteem. It also allows you to introduce your child to new career options. A child attending a music class may decide that she likes it so much that she wants to make a career out of it in the long run.
Socialization is another great advantage of after school programs. Children get to meet others who share their interests and make new friendships. An acting class or a soccer class can be lots of fun. Many of these programs coach children for performances or matches. Performing on stage or playing a match can be a great experience for a young child.
After school programs keep your teenager busy. He or she thus has some amount of protection from destructive habits like drugs and alcohol. Surveys indicate that children who are kept busy through diverse absorbing activities are less prone to abuse, depression and burnout. Significant increase in achievement and attendance and a reduction in drop out rates are other advantages of a good after school programs.
Most after school programs have children interacting with one or more adult. This allows them to benefit from positive relationships with adults. Children often find it difficult to confide in parents and teachers, but may open up with other adults.
Many children are put into recreational after school programs so that they reduce weight and remain healthy. A newly emerging trend shows that about 15% children below the age of 16 are obese. Parents who cannot put their children on a strict diet resort to sports and games to burn fat. With cases of child diabetes on the increase, this has become a prime focus of many after school programs.
A good after school program has many benefits. It keeps the child entertained as well as busy, and thus prevents children from becoming addicted to TVs and PCs. By giving them ways to burn up their excess energy and explore their creativity, after school programs help to shape the overall personality of the child.
Boring After School Activities
Why does Lisa grumble when it is time for her to go for her piano lessons? How come Johnny abhors the sight of his skates now? After all, these children were very enthusiastic about the programs when they started off. What happened? Parents are often confused by the disturbing and often incongruous signals they receive from their children. One day the kids are excited about the new theatre class and in just a few short weeks they wail and moan when it's time to go.
The first thing a family should do when a child begins resisting a previously loved activity is to listen and investigate. Do not jump into conclusions. A little bit of intelligent sleuthing is required. Ask your child what he or she does in the class. Find out what exactly is the cause of the problem. Then ask the teachers the same questions. Compare notes. You may stumble on some important clues. Usually, children start out on an activity thinking it's all fun. But when they realize that they cannot just hang out and that they need to follow rules etc, they begin to resist. Your child may feel stifled if the program is too structured. If the discipline is too rigorous or the activity too painful (like a karate class) some children balk. Use your own instincts. Does the program feel like fun? Would you want to attend it yourself? Are they offering enough motivation to keep the child interested?
The teacher-to-child ratio is also an important factor. Children need attention. If the number of teachers is just enough to handle a class, it is possible that your child is not receiving enough attention. State recommendations usually specify that there must be 1 teacher for 15 children.
Children try to avoid problems they cannot solve. If there are no perceivable problems with the class and the teachers, perhaps you need to have a chat with your child. If your judgment says that the place is good and the activity engaging enough, then it's time to work with your child. More often than not, social pressures may be at work here. Does your child have friends there? If she is lonely or miserable because of the lack of friends, help her find a friend. If she finds a friend, she will get more involved in the activities
If your best efforts do not pay off, and your child still resists that fantastic guitar classes, then it's time to let go. Shift your child to some other program. If he or she still retains interest in guitars, you can take it up after a few months. Never force the child, especially when it comes to extra-curricular activities. Since they are 'extra', they must bring in extra happiness and extra enthusiasm too.
Developmental After School Programs
As a child grows into an adult, different aspects of his physical, emotional and mental self needs development. To help a child reach his full potential, it is necessary to recognize the child's developmental needs and abilities. To be effective, after school programs should assist children with tasks they must accomplish during each stage of development.
A child's growth curve can be divided into three main parts:
1) Young child (ages 3-5)
2) Middle school (ages 6-8)
3) Older school (ages 9-12)
The four important domains of development are: The Physical Domain, the Social Domain, the Emotional Domain and the Intellectual Domain. Each of these domains needs to be separately addressed during the various phases of a child's growth. After school programs should concentrate on developing each domain as applicable to the age of the child. Although the children participating in these programs may have similar developmental needs and age, do not expect development to be uniform. Children will develop as and when they are ready.
Physical Domain:
When children are young, they want to perfect skills that they have just learnt to control. A variety of movements such as jumping, catching and throwing delight them. The middle school child, on the other hand, wants to learn more complex skills and get involved in team sports. This is also the best time to learn about rules and discipline in sport. The older school child is ready for more adult-like activities that need greater structure and discipline, like dancing, gymnastics, music classes etc.
Social Domain:
Young children are observing others and will be interested in games where they play the roles of family members. They develop short-term friendships and need an adult's presence to assure them. The middle school child is intrigued by society and will love trips to factories, public buildings etc. They want to know the 'how' and 'why' of things. The older school child is ready to learn about different cultures, food and customs. They want to do some amount of social work too.
Intellectual Domain:
Young school children will practice what they are learning. Middle school children want to learn more skills and will show interest in reading, drama and problem solving. The older school children are ready to research and probe. They enjoy getting a puzzle and pondering over it.
Any after school program needs to address the interests of the child depending on the category he belongs to. Knowing the children in your program and appreciating their needs and interests will help staff to plan and structure programs that are most useful to that group.
After School Activities: How Much Is Too Much?
Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week? Are 3 days enough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities. They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different from studies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of fun can also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help you decide how much is too much for your child.
Kindergarten:
Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and get used to discipline. His or her after-school life should be simple and carefree. One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning. Once the child settles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program.
Grade 1:
One or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits are recommended. Avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still too young to have to worry about winning and losing. After the rigors of a full day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy. Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are best for this age.
Grade 2:
Your child is old enough to voice opinions on what activities he or she wants. Sports, skating, swimming or computers - steer him towards things he likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument around this age. But, allow your child some 'alone time' during which he can unwind and just do whatever he wishes.
Grade 3:
Socialization begins to take center stage. Team sports are a good choice. Developing motor skills, painting, drawing etc are good too. Let the child explore areas of interests. But leave aside enough time for the family and for fun activities.
Grade 4:
At this age, the child will tell you what he likes. He needs to get involved in activities that will boost his confidence. This will also help him manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning to build. But, beware of the homework demon. Your child needs more time with his studies. Balancing his schoolwork with other activities is very important.
Grade 5:
The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and will want to do just about everything. But she or he may conveniently push studies to the background. So, close supervision is needed. Keep one or two days free for family time and other activities. Now is a great time to get your child interested in community service.
Middle school:
Steer him away from TV. Get him engaged in activities that reinforce learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen to join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts program, language clubs, chess clubs etc. As a thumb rule, 16-20 hours a week of extra activity should be more than enough. But look out for signs of burnout.
What you select for your child and how long he should work at it is basically decided by the child's temperament. As a parent, you should closely observe your child and base your decisions on feedback from the child himself.
Recreational After School Programs
After school programs can be divided into 3 broad categories: academic, recreational and social. Balanced development takes place when there is compatibility between the physical, mental as well as the educational achievements of the child.As the name suggests recreational after school programs are based on a sport or recreation. Some of the more common physical activities include football, swimming and basketball.Some clubs offer programs like gymnastics, trekking and hiking. In this case, youngsters are often given a short class in first-aid class also.
Recreational after school programs offer children an opportunity to let off some steam and to destress themselves. The closed classroom atmosphere and a day full of textbooks and writing cause the child to repress his natural enthusiasm. He curbs his energy when he is required to sit quietly in class and learn. Physical activity is an all-time low during such times. This physical lethargy and inaction is countermanded by recreational activities. Growing concerns of obesity and child diabetes make it necessary for children to indulge in some strenuous exercises that will allow them to work up some sweat.
Unlike educational programs, recreational programs do not tax the mental processes. But, they do aid the learning process by making the child more active. A child who is physically active is mentally fit, and is able to focus his thoughts on the work at hand. Additionally, recreational programs teach discipline, mechanics of teamwork and fair play. These are important lessons in the growing process.
As more and more nuclear families emerge, the child faces greater isolation. Many children shuttle between their classroom and their bedrooms and do not have any meaningful relationships outside these. Recreational programs offer ample avenues for socialization. This is a place the child can go to and play even when his neighbor is not the most welcoming. The Boy / Girl Scout programs are excellent recreational after school programs. Lately, survival classes and camps have devised to combine important survival skills with sports and games to educate children on how to handle emergencies.
Like any good after school program, recreational programs are designed to give children a safe area where they can indulge in some group activities that interest them. This is one of the most effective ways to keep kids out of the streets and out of trouble. But, one has to be careful when enrolling children for recreational classes. The age of the child, his temperament and his physical caliber has to be taken into account before you choose the right program for your child.
The Need For After School Activities
When children are literally up to their gills with the learning and sport activities in school, it may seem superfluous to enroll them for after school activities. In spite of this, after school programs are sprouting up in large numbers and most of these are booked full. This shows that there is a real need for after school activities.
The unavailability of parental supervision is the leading cause for the surge in after school programs. It is seen that many children spend about 20-25 hours a week unsupervised and alone at home. And as the saying goes, "An idle mind is a devil's workshop". Children who are left alone to contend with too much free time invariably fall into the wrong company. Drug abuse, alcohol, tobacco and crime come knocking at their doors sooner rather than later. Parents enroll children to various after school programs to keep them occupied in a productive manner. This way, the kids are free to enjoy themselves in a supervised activity.
Crime is considered to be at its peak during the after school hours, between 3- 4 p.m. During such a time, children need protection. Getting the children together under one roof and encouraging them to participate in a group activity is protection enough. It diverts the children from ennui too.
Obesity is a matter of growing concern in this country. It is noticed that more and more children are becoming couch potatoes. After school, many of them relax on the sofa with packets of chips, cool drinks or chocolates while they watch T.V. 30 % of the kids below the age of 19 are considered overweight, and about 15% of these are obese. An after school program ensures that the child shakes off his lethargy and keeps himself busy. This also helps to reduce the child's fascination for T.V and computer games.
After school activities that promote social awareness develop the individual's sense of social responsibility. It is seen that these sorts of programs not only keep kids out of trouble, but also help to produce responsible citizens. To that extent, they are valuable building blocks in a child's personality.
Times are changing and parents want their children to excel in academics as well as in other activities. This may be a reflection of the parent's unfulfilled desire to excel - a remnant from his own childhood. Whatever the reason, parents today encourage their children to enroll themselves in various programs and develop the various facets of their individuality. Children too seem to be comfortable learning many things at the same time, and gain satisfaction from this.
School Based After-School Programs
In an effort to keep children motivated and safe, the U.S. Government sets aside a good amount of fund for financing after school programs every year. A report by the U.S. Department of Education and Justice points out that after school programs are very effective and is in the interests of the society as a whole. Interestingly, it was found that Americans liked providing school-based after school-programs in their community.
Other than safety, boredom and loneliness, the poor performance of many students also led to the need for after-school programs that are based on the school curriculum. Children coming from low-income families were found to lag behind in reading and grammar after a long break in the summer. Statistics prove that if school-going children are left unsupervised after their school, the chances of poor grades and drop out are considerably higher. The funds provided by the Government will allow rural and inner-city schools to provide activities during the summer, over the weekends and after school. These activities will take place in a drug-free, safe and supervised environment.
Positive augmentation of critical skills is the prime focus of these school-based after school activities. Thus they enhance the skill level of the child. Most school-based programs offer assistance in math tutoring, reading, comprehension and problem solving. Many programs provide engaging activities that seek to prepare the students for college. Hands-on experience is provided for children who want to invest in a career in teaching. Access to telecommunication and technology and involvement in music and art are other benefits of these programs. This becomes invaluable, especially in low-income sectors where such activities are considered to be a luxury.
As far as children are concerned, the snacks provided in after school programs are an added incentive. School sponsored after school programs are entitled to receive funds for snacks. The National School Lunch Program is designed to do just this. Free or reduced price snacks will be provided for children from schools that apply for it. The CACFP reimburses expenditure depending upon the child's income status. But this is applicable only till the age of 13. The funding that schools get depends upon the area in which they are situated. A low-income area gets more funding. Supper can be served to children below the age of 19. Longer programs can provide both supper and a snack. With the participation of non-profit private organization, it is possible to feed deserving school children breakfast, supper and a snack.
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Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Pregnancy Articles
Diets For The Pregnant Woman
The major myth surrounding diets for a pregnant woman is that she can eat whatever she wants because of her cravings. In fact, this could not be farther from the truth. Pregnant women should follow certain diet guidelines to ensure that their baby is born healthy, receiving enough nutrients and vitamins to grow accordingly. There is no one prescribed diet for pregnant women, but there are a few basics.
One of the first things a newly pregnant woman should do is increase the amount of folic acid or complex B vitamins. In reality, you should be increasing this amount even prior to becoming pregnant, but maintain an increased amount in your diet during the early stages of pregnancy as well. These vitamins help with the neurological and spinal development of a baby in its early stages, and increasing your consumption of them ultimately helps the baby's growth.
Another important part of diets for the pregnant woman is getting enough protein. Protein helps with cell development and producing blood. When consuming protein, pregnant women should consider lean meat choices, such as chicken or turkey, along with egg whites or nuts and tofu. Iron, often found in lean red meats, is also necessary to help cell production and prevent anemia in both the mother and the child.
The diets for a pregnant woman should not be low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, however. Carbohydrates are necessary for one's energy on a daily basis. With the extra weight gain and the hormonal changes of pregnancy, one should try to keep one's energy up. This means continuing to exercise - but focusing on exercises for pregnant women instead to maintain your health and metabolism.
Beyond protein and carbohydrates, it is essential for pregnant women to maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. As most everyone knows, calcium is crucial to building strong bones, but it can also help with nerve functions. Pregnant women should be sure to consume a moderate amount of calcium per day. Other essential vitamins like A, C, B12, D, etc., are necessary to help with healthy skin and bones and maintaining the nervous system. A lot of these vitamins can be found in leafy green vegetables and fruits.
Overall, it is important to understand that diets for a pregant woman must be balanced diets that are healthy. Understanding the five food groups of the food pyramid as established by the U.S. government is perhaps the easiest way to ensure that you are eating the right kinds of foods. Many pregnant women think they need to eat for two people, but in reality, you should only be consuming about 300 more calories per day for the baby, and those 300 calories should be nutritious and healthy.
The Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy
Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.
Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.
Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.
Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.
1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.
You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.
If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.
Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.
How To Breastfeed
When my first baby was handed to me I wasn't sure what to do. Of course I was thrilled, overwhelmed, ecstatic and emotional but I had told everyone I was going to breastfeed. Now she was here and I was expected to get on with it, put her to my breast and nourish her... Well to be quite honest I was a little bit afraid. I was lying in a room full of medical equipment and strangers and my husband had just witnessed me in a state of distress and undress such as never before. All I really wanted to do was get washed, dressed and go for a sleep. But, there was a little tiny girl in my arms looking a bit hungry and everyone was watching and waiting.
Tentatively I showed her my breast and waited. She waited. I poked at her mouth, then at her nose with my nipple. She opened her tiny mouth wide and dived forward. Amazed at this tiny wonder of nature I gazed at her as she began to suckle. I marvelled as she guzzled and swallowed... I was breastfeeding!
As the days went by it wasn't all that I expected. It was painful and burned every time she latched on. But I persevered and we made it. Sixteen months later she decided she had had enough of mummy's milk and with tears in my eyes I concluded that breastfeeding had been a wonderful experience and one which I hoped to repeat.
So how do you breastfeed? Here are some tips...
Try to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth, preferably before the baby has been cleaned up.
Get comfortable and hold the baby in a way that suits you both.
Gently place your nipple under baby's nose, and above her top lip. The baby should instinctively begin to root about for it.
Wait until baby opens her mouth really wide. Then put her on the breast ensuring she has as much of the areola(the area around your nipple)as possible in her mouth. In other words she should have a good mouthful of breast.
Baby will begin to suckle very quickly at first. As colostrum (pre-milk rich with antibodies) begins to flow the sucking will become much slower and you may even notice baby gulping as she swallows this pre-milk.
When baby has had enough she will let go of the breast and may even fall asleep.
Within about three days the colostrum will be replaced by mature milk.
The first feeds may last a long time or they may occur very frequently for short periods of time. Just as mum is learning how to breastfeed so too is baby. Within a few weeks a routine of sorts will have become established!
Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It's always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don't let the baby suck at your nipple - she must have lots of the areola as well otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.
By breastfeeding your baby she will benefit tremendously and there are numerous health benefits for mum too. Persevere - it's worth every minute of it.
Breastfeeding and Mastitis
Mastitis is perhaps the most distressing problem you may encounter when attempting to breastfeed. You have been making it through the sleepless nights, the relentless feeding schedule, the diapers, the leaking... when all of a sudden you want to stop breastfeeding.
Why?
Mastitis is the answer. One of your breasts is engorged. There is a slightly red patch which is painful to touch. When the baby feeds it's extremely uncomfortable. After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed... and then you begin shivering. You think you have the flu. You have hot and cold sweats. You have a thumping headache. You retire to your bed and feel utterly miserable. Visitors encourage you to give the baby a bottle so you feel like you've failed... but there is a solution.
In most cases mastitis affects only one breast at a time. So what causes it? Most often a new mum, whether or not she has previously breastfed, will suffer mastitis as a result of incorrect positioning or latching on of the baby. Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Other reasons include skipping feeds because you don't want to feed in public or in front of visitors, or the baby is sleeping and you do not want to disturb him.
If you recognise the sensation of a blocked milk duct you may be able to avoid it progressing into mastitis by gently massaging your breast in the bath or shower. Massage downwards towards the nipple. You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. You can also try feeding the baby more often and again massaging the sore area towards the nipple as the baby drinks. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump. However, if all your efforts are in vain and the duct does not unblock mastitis will often follow. Mastitis is simply when the blocked duct becomes inflamed and possibly infected.
Current medical advice is to continue feeding from the affected breast even if it is infected. The infection will not harm the baby. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess. If this happens you will need to have the abscess drained by a doctor.
If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side. Your body will adapt. It will continue to supply enough milk for your baby from the unaffected breast. And as long as you express regularly from the affected breast the milk supply will be maintained. You produce breastmilk on a supply and demand basis so there will always be enough. When the infection clears up you can simply return to your usual feeding pattern.
If you do get mastitis and it does not clear up within a few hours you will probably require an antibiotic so speak to your GP. Make sure to tell him you are breastfeeding so a suitable antibiotic can be prescribed.
To avoid a recurrence make sure you position the baby properly. Ensure he is not sucking on just the nipple but that he has a good mouthful of the areola also. Try to sit upright or if lying down do not lie on the breast. Make sure the baby is tummy-to-tummy with you, his nose and mouth facing the breast and that he is not creating a blockage with his chin or a hand or arms.
Mastitis usually clears up completely within a couple of days so put it in perspective. Don't give up breastfeeding because you have mastitis. Instead ensure you don't get it again; position your baby correctly, feed on demand and avoid skipping breastfeeds.
Changing A Nappy
Congratulations! It's a boy... or a girl... You've imagined those words throughout your nine magical months. But, what you probably have not thought about is the part where you need to put a fresh nappy on the little person!
Even after having two little girls I worried about changing my little boy's nappy for the first time. For some reason I thought it was going to be really difficult. But actually it was easier!
So how do you change a baby's nappy? Assuming you are using disposable nappies, as most mums do, at least in the beginning, here are some tips:
Lie your baby on a flat surface, preferably on a soft changing mat; this allows little accidents to be wiped up quickly. If you are placing your baby on a raised surface or a changing station, never leave him unattended for even the slightest moment. Babies can and do fall off raised surfaces, often with disastrous consequences.
Advances in technology allow us to keep the wet surface of the nappy away from the baby. Although this is great for your baby,it can make it difficult to tell if the nappy is wet.
So how will you know if the nappy needs to be changed? A wet nappy will feel soft and squishy on the outside. It may also have increased in size. The moisture absorbing material within the nappy swells when it comes into contact with urine making it easy to tell if the nappy is wet.Obviously, a soiled nappy is easier to detect as you can just peep inside; or, more often than not, you can smell it!
As your baby gets older he will become more wriggly at every nappy change. A good tip is to hang a mobile above his changing station or give him a different toy to keep his interest at changing time - making nappy changes much less tiring for mum!
Remove the old nappy. Wipe the baby's bottom with some cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. You do not need to use soap or scented wipes on a newborn baby. Newborns have extremely soft, sensitive skin which is easily irritated. A so-called top and tail, or a warm bath once a day, is enough. When the baby is a few weeks old you can wash him with a warm soapy cloth or some sensitive baby wipes at each nappy change.
Wipe baby girls from front to back to avoid the risk of cross infection. With baby boys you will need to ensure you wipe around and under their little bits! However, never pull back the foreskin. You may cause damage and infection if you attempt to.
Creams and talc are unnecessary. Nappies today are so effective at keeping moisture away from the skin that creams are not required. In fact, creams can actually hinder the nappy's performance, making irritation more likely.
If your baby has nappy rash, and you really feel that cream is required, apply it very thinly before putting on the fresh nappy. Also, let the air at your baby's bottom. Let him lie on the changing mat on the floor for a while without a nappy. You may want to put an old towel or absorbant bed cloth under him so that he will not be lying in a puddle getting cold, if he does wet it.
Put the fresh nappy under the baby's bottom, with the sticky seals at the back!Lift the front of the nappy up over the baby's bottom and fasten it closed. Do not fasten it too tightly as this will be uncomfortable.Allow the baby some room to breath!
Voila! All Done... until the next one!
Baby Expense: Are You Ready for Your Baby?
As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.
Hopefully, this article gave you the information you needed for the arrival of your new baby.
Happy Planning!
-----
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
The major myth surrounding diets for a pregnant woman is that she can eat whatever she wants because of her cravings. In fact, this could not be farther from the truth. Pregnant women should follow certain diet guidelines to ensure that their baby is born healthy, receiving enough nutrients and vitamins to grow accordingly. There is no one prescribed diet for pregnant women, but there are a few basics.
One of the first things a newly pregnant woman should do is increase the amount of folic acid or complex B vitamins. In reality, you should be increasing this amount even prior to becoming pregnant, but maintain an increased amount in your diet during the early stages of pregnancy as well. These vitamins help with the neurological and spinal development of a baby in its early stages, and increasing your consumption of them ultimately helps the baby's growth.
Another important part of diets for the pregnant woman is getting enough protein. Protein helps with cell development and producing blood. When consuming protein, pregnant women should consider lean meat choices, such as chicken or turkey, along with egg whites or nuts and tofu. Iron, often found in lean red meats, is also necessary to help cell production and prevent anemia in both the mother and the child.
The diets for a pregnant woman should not be low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, however. Carbohydrates are necessary for one's energy on a daily basis. With the extra weight gain and the hormonal changes of pregnancy, one should try to keep one's energy up. This means continuing to exercise - but focusing on exercises for pregnant women instead to maintain your health and metabolism.
Beyond protein and carbohydrates, it is essential for pregnant women to maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. As most everyone knows, calcium is crucial to building strong bones, but it can also help with nerve functions. Pregnant women should be sure to consume a moderate amount of calcium per day. Other essential vitamins like A, C, B12, D, etc., are necessary to help with healthy skin and bones and maintaining the nervous system. A lot of these vitamins can be found in leafy green vegetables and fruits.
Overall, it is important to understand that diets for a pregant woman must be balanced diets that are healthy. Understanding the five food groups of the food pyramid as established by the U.S. government is perhaps the easiest way to ensure that you are eating the right kinds of foods. Many pregnant women think they need to eat for two people, but in reality, you should only be consuming about 300 more calories per day for the baby, and those 300 calories should be nutritious and healthy.
The Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy
Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.
Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.
Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.
Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.
1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.
You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.
If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.
Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.
How To Breastfeed
When my first baby was handed to me I wasn't sure what to do. Of course I was thrilled, overwhelmed, ecstatic and emotional but I had told everyone I was going to breastfeed. Now she was here and I was expected to get on with it, put her to my breast and nourish her... Well to be quite honest I was a little bit afraid. I was lying in a room full of medical equipment and strangers and my husband had just witnessed me in a state of distress and undress such as never before. All I really wanted to do was get washed, dressed and go for a sleep. But, there was a little tiny girl in my arms looking a bit hungry and everyone was watching and waiting.
Tentatively I showed her my breast and waited. She waited. I poked at her mouth, then at her nose with my nipple. She opened her tiny mouth wide and dived forward. Amazed at this tiny wonder of nature I gazed at her as she began to suckle. I marvelled as she guzzled and swallowed... I was breastfeeding!
As the days went by it wasn't all that I expected. It was painful and burned every time she latched on. But I persevered and we made it. Sixteen months later she decided she had had enough of mummy's milk and with tears in my eyes I concluded that breastfeeding had been a wonderful experience and one which I hoped to repeat.
So how do you breastfeed? Here are some tips...
Try to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth, preferably before the baby has been cleaned up.
Get comfortable and hold the baby in a way that suits you both.
Gently place your nipple under baby's nose, and above her top lip. The baby should instinctively begin to root about for it.
Wait until baby opens her mouth really wide. Then put her on the breast ensuring she has as much of the areola(the area around your nipple)as possible in her mouth. In other words she should have a good mouthful of breast.
Baby will begin to suckle very quickly at first. As colostrum (pre-milk rich with antibodies) begins to flow the sucking will become much slower and you may even notice baby gulping as she swallows this pre-milk.
When baby has had enough she will let go of the breast and may even fall asleep.
Within about three days the colostrum will be replaced by mature milk.
The first feeds may last a long time or they may occur very frequently for short periods of time. Just as mum is learning how to breastfeed so too is baby. Within a few weeks a routine of sorts will have become established!
Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It's always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don't let the baby suck at your nipple - she must have lots of the areola as well otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.
By breastfeeding your baby she will benefit tremendously and there are numerous health benefits for mum too. Persevere - it's worth every minute of it.
Breastfeeding and Mastitis
Mastitis is perhaps the most distressing problem you may encounter when attempting to breastfeed. You have been making it through the sleepless nights, the relentless feeding schedule, the diapers, the leaking... when all of a sudden you want to stop breastfeeding.
Why?
Mastitis is the answer. One of your breasts is engorged. There is a slightly red patch which is painful to touch. When the baby feeds it's extremely uncomfortable. After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed... and then you begin shivering. You think you have the flu. You have hot and cold sweats. You have a thumping headache. You retire to your bed and feel utterly miserable. Visitors encourage you to give the baby a bottle so you feel like you've failed... but there is a solution.
In most cases mastitis affects only one breast at a time. So what causes it? Most often a new mum, whether or not she has previously breastfed, will suffer mastitis as a result of incorrect positioning or latching on of the baby. Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Other reasons include skipping feeds because you don't want to feed in public or in front of visitors, or the baby is sleeping and you do not want to disturb him.
If you recognise the sensation of a blocked milk duct you may be able to avoid it progressing into mastitis by gently massaging your breast in the bath or shower. Massage downwards towards the nipple. You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. You can also try feeding the baby more often and again massaging the sore area towards the nipple as the baby drinks. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump. However, if all your efforts are in vain and the duct does not unblock mastitis will often follow. Mastitis is simply when the blocked duct becomes inflamed and possibly infected.
Current medical advice is to continue feeding from the affected breast even if it is infected. The infection will not harm the baby. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess. If this happens you will need to have the abscess drained by a doctor.
If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side. Your body will adapt. It will continue to supply enough milk for your baby from the unaffected breast. And as long as you express regularly from the affected breast the milk supply will be maintained. You produce breastmilk on a supply and demand basis so there will always be enough. When the infection clears up you can simply return to your usual feeding pattern.
If you do get mastitis and it does not clear up within a few hours you will probably require an antibiotic so speak to your GP. Make sure to tell him you are breastfeeding so a suitable antibiotic can be prescribed.
To avoid a recurrence make sure you position the baby properly. Ensure he is not sucking on just the nipple but that he has a good mouthful of the areola also. Try to sit upright or if lying down do not lie on the breast. Make sure the baby is tummy-to-tummy with you, his nose and mouth facing the breast and that he is not creating a blockage with his chin or a hand or arms.
Mastitis usually clears up completely within a couple of days so put it in perspective. Don't give up breastfeeding because you have mastitis. Instead ensure you don't get it again; position your baby correctly, feed on demand and avoid skipping breastfeeds.
Changing A Nappy
Congratulations! It's a boy... or a girl... You've imagined those words throughout your nine magical months. But, what you probably have not thought about is the part where you need to put a fresh nappy on the little person!
Even after having two little girls I worried about changing my little boy's nappy for the first time. For some reason I thought it was going to be really difficult. But actually it was easier!
So how do you change a baby's nappy? Assuming you are using disposable nappies, as most mums do, at least in the beginning, here are some tips:
Lie your baby on a flat surface, preferably on a soft changing mat; this allows little accidents to be wiped up quickly. If you are placing your baby on a raised surface or a changing station, never leave him unattended for even the slightest moment. Babies can and do fall off raised surfaces, often with disastrous consequences.
Advances in technology allow us to keep the wet surface of the nappy away from the baby. Although this is great for your baby,it can make it difficult to tell if the nappy is wet.
So how will you know if the nappy needs to be changed? A wet nappy will feel soft and squishy on the outside. It may also have increased in size. The moisture absorbing material within the nappy swells when it comes into contact with urine making it easy to tell if the nappy is wet.Obviously, a soiled nappy is easier to detect as you can just peep inside; or, more often than not, you can smell it!
As your baby gets older he will become more wriggly at every nappy change. A good tip is to hang a mobile above his changing station or give him a different toy to keep his interest at changing time - making nappy changes much less tiring for mum!
Remove the old nappy. Wipe the baby's bottom with some cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. You do not need to use soap or scented wipes on a newborn baby. Newborns have extremely soft, sensitive skin which is easily irritated. A so-called top and tail, or a warm bath once a day, is enough. When the baby is a few weeks old you can wash him with a warm soapy cloth or some sensitive baby wipes at each nappy change.
Wipe baby girls from front to back to avoid the risk of cross infection. With baby boys you will need to ensure you wipe around and under their little bits! However, never pull back the foreskin. You may cause damage and infection if you attempt to.
Creams and talc are unnecessary. Nappies today are so effective at keeping moisture away from the skin that creams are not required. In fact, creams can actually hinder the nappy's performance, making irritation more likely.
If your baby has nappy rash, and you really feel that cream is required, apply it very thinly before putting on the fresh nappy. Also, let the air at your baby's bottom. Let him lie on the changing mat on the floor for a while without a nappy. You may want to put an old towel or absorbant bed cloth under him so that he will not be lying in a puddle getting cold, if he does wet it.
Put the fresh nappy under the baby's bottom, with the sticky seals at the back!Lift the front of the nappy up over the baby's bottom and fasten it closed. Do not fasten it too tightly as this will be uncomfortable.Allow the baby some room to breath!
Voila! All Done... until the next one!
Baby Expense: Are You Ready for Your Baby?
As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.
Hopefully, this article gave you the information you needed for the arrival of your new baby.
Happy Planning!
-----
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Teenagers Articles
Are Parents The Cause Of Teen Suicide?
What drives a teenager to commit suicide? Is a dysfunctional family the cause of teen suicide or is it the peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, access to drugs, guns, or an unyielding desire to make the pain disappear. Teenage suicide has and is becoming a pandemic in our country and around the world.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, "teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers -- almost 2,000 teens kill themselves each year." It is estimated that "over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse."
Our youth has become entrenched in an ideology doled out by those who seek to control, persuade, and coerce our teenagers. At the same time, communication between parent and child has become, in most situations, non-existent. This leaves teenagers to fend for themselves in areas they are too immature to understand, or too eager to become engaged in activities which can lead them astray.
There was a time when teens came directly home after school; were greeted by at least one parent; studied; had a family dinner, and off to bed. Today, the term “latch-key kid” has become the norm, rather than the exception. Teens arrive home late; often to an empty apartment or home. They engage in computer games, while eating junk food; and often do not see their parents until morning – and only because they are late getting out of bed. Homework is secondary or non-existent. One can argue a two income household is necessary; but at what cost? Furthermore, if you’ve ever graced a public school environment, you would find teens lack even the rudimentary necessities of life; yet, cell phones are tucked in their worn out jeans and skirts.
The music, movies, and educational system have let down our teenagers in the most rudimentary way. They lack guidance and care. Our child services, our family courts, and our caregivers have offered little to assert the importance of self-worth. Over the years, the make-up of the "family" has dramatically changed. A teenager’s family could be his gang members who, on a daily basis, feed into the destruction of that teen. Morality has become passé, and they have become self-absorbed in an underworld of hatred and self-loathing.
Have all teenagers talked or even thought about suicide? No. However, the statistics are still frightening. A teenager doesn't suddenly choose to die unless something terribly wrong has pushed him/her over the edge. We cannot allow them to choose that endgame. Teenagers do become depressed, alone, angry, hopeless and helpless. As parents, as friends, as educators, as guardians of this precious commodity - we cannot allow them to succeed in what they think may be in their best interest. They must be given a reason to live, to love, to become needed and useful members of our society.
As adults/parents, we must educate and interact with our youth in a positive, caring and thoughtful way to ensure they have the proper tools with which to grow and gain empowerment. To do less would without a doubt contribute to the cause of teen suicide, the ultimate tragedy.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
Does Your Teenager Have An Eating Disorder?
One of the most difficult jobs that a parent can experience is the important task of raising a healthy, confident, and goal oriented teenager into early adulthood. However, all to often our young children run into serious problems along the way through being a teenager. One such problem that may stay below the parent's “radar” are eating disorders.
Are you worried that your teenage son or teenage daughter may have some type of eating disorder that they are trying to keep from you and the rest of the family? This type of disorder can be quite common during the teen years, especially with teenage girls. Although we do see teenage boys go through some eating problems as well.
With so much emphasis on looks and popularity today and mixed with the already insecure feeling that teenagers have as their bodies are changing, developing an eating disorder may be an underlying problem in your teen’s life. It is important to understand and educate yourself on the two major types of eating disorders that many of our youths may be going through.
If you suspect that your teenage son or daughter has any type of problem at all, first talk to your doctor. Be hesitant about trying to correct the problem by yourself at first.
Eating disorders always stem from another underlying problem and so by focusing on food as the issue, you will more than likely make things worse for your teen instead of helping him or her. In fact, studies have shown that early discovery and treatment of eating disorders will provide the best chance of recovery.
What eating disorders should you be concerned about? The first is anorexia nervosa. With this disorder, your teen may experience excessive weight loss due to self-starvation. As ironic as it seems, most teenagers prone to this type of eating disorder are typically involved in sports such as dance or gymnastics, where their body size and weight play an important role in success.
The second eating disorder described here is called bulimia nervosa. This involves very frequent episodes of binge eating which is almost always followed by purging the food through self induced vomiting. It doesn't sound pretty but if your teenager has this eating disorder then they are probably practicing this with most, if not all of their meals due to intense feelings of guilt and shame about food.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
5 Tips To Help You Talk To Your Teen
One of the greatest feelings about being a parent is in knowing that your teens can talk to you about their feelings and everything else that’s going on in their world. Establishing this great relationship with your teen requires good Communication.
It is an ongoing process that takes a lot of patience and understanding on your part as a parent. Once you have established an open line of communication with your teen, it will be easier to deal with any other kinds of issues that could show up.
Your teens are going through a period in their life where they feel a strong need for becoming an independent person and working on creating a separate identity. They usually express these needs by acting distant, defiant, disinterested, emotional, and rebellious.
These are the times where you have to remember to be very understanding. Although they may appear to be indifferent and uninterested, they are actually very perceptive of your reactions, what you do, and what you say. And they certainly want to be able to talk with you about what’s going on in their life.
With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should look out for when talking to your teen.
1. Stop nagging. It never works! You will never get your teen to listen to you by nagging. Doing this just closes the door to any attempt of communicating with them.
2. Do not always try to solve your child's problems. A lot of times, all they really want is for you to listen to them and let them know that you are there to help. Often, just by letting them talk to you about their problems is enough to give them comfort. And not offering any answer gives them a chance to figure out the solutions for themselves.
3. Do not criticize. You’re supposed to build up their self esteem, not tear it down. Letting your teens have control in areas like the clothes thy wear, the music they listen to, or their hairstyle gives them a feeling of acceptance and the assurance that they can talk to you with more complicated matters in their lives.
4. Do not give a lecture or a speech. You need to give your teen a chance to respond and talk to you.
5. Do not underestimate them by saying that what they are going through is just a phase. You have to be able to acknowledge that they have a problem and it is a big deal to them.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
Teens and Alcohol
It's the standard at every weekend party: a case of beer, a keg, many hard liquor bottles and mixed drinks. Alcohol is everywhere these days, and teens (as well as adults) can't keep their hands off it. Teens are getting drunk just about every weekend during the school year, and even more during the summer.
But why do teens insist on drinking? Is it peer pressure? Is it the thrill of doing something illegal? Do they think it will make them cooler in the eyes of others? Most likely, it's one (or more) of these reasons. Teens are easily pressured into things. Almost all of them want to be accepted, and are willing to do just about anything to gain acceptance. Even the smartest student in school could very well be giving in to peer pressure, drinking, doing drugs, and having promiscuous sex.
Most Parents wouldn't like to think of their child being the one to give in. "My child is smarter than that," they say. While it is quite possible your child is very intelligent, it takes a very strong willed teen to just say "no." The fact is that most teens will give in to peer pressure at one time or another, whether it be with alcohol or something else.
Parents need to be on the watch when it comes to their teens. Make sure you know where they're going and verify that parents are going to be there. This will likely assure that drinking will not take place, but it is still a possibility. Make sure your teen knows the consequences and dangers of alcohol over-consumption, such as liver damage and alcohol poisoning. Teens usually have a different attitude about it if their parents explain to them the effects of alcohol. Parents work a lot better than health class in school, and can be more personal.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Problems Facing Today's Teens
Teen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young. But, you need to realize that teens today face huge, life threatening decisions just about ever day. What they face has a lot to do with where they grow up. Yet do not be fooled into thinking that your child is safe.
In the normal course of your teen's day, he or she may face any of these things; one or more of them.
Drugs
Think that drugs are simple like they used to be? They are not. Kids today are not just smoking the easy stuff. They are into crack or other strong and deadly drugs.
Sex
Not only are they exposed to it on the television, but they are encouraged by others. They may be engaging in sexual acts that you have never heard of. They may be doing it unprotected as well. At school, after school, on the car ride home - there are many opportunities you do not realize. Teens get pregnant and have babies.
Violence
Today's teen problems often revolve around violence. They see friends with guns at school or after school. They witness huge fights. They hear threats. They see anger and deal with it daily.
Depression
With all that they see and do, teens face depression today at an alarming rate as compared to just a decade ago. Depression is not something that just goes away, but can cause them harm and threaten their lives.
Driving
Teens drive drunk. Teens drive under the influence of drugs. Teens get in cars that others are driving under the influence. Teens may also be responsible drivers, but share the road with those that are not.
Teen problems that are at a lower level can be just as deadly. They face lying, cheating, emotional trauma, learning disabilities and divorce. All of these things a child will face daily in some cases. In those cases, it is no wonder that they have low self esteems, high drop out rates and some of the students will break under the pressure. Teen problems should be addressed and noticed by their parents first.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Follow Your Teen's Dreams!
As parents, we often complain of troublesome three year olds. Three year olds are troublesome because they are developing from babyhood to childhood.
Teenagers get the same reaction - developing from childhood to adulthood is not an easy transition, and so much communication can be lost along the way, especially with parents, who could, with a little effort, be the teenager's best friend....
A certain understanding of the roots of a problem, and a lot of acceptance can bridge so many gaps and ease the changeover from a 3 to 5 year old, or indeed a 13-20 year old.
But how on earth do you find the root of the problem when you hardly know what the problem is, and your teenager certainly isn't going to reveal it to their parents. In your dreams!
The solution is to 'not' focus on the problem - we know in our hearts that focusing on a problem will not find the solution.So what do we do? We ignore the problem, or more to the point, we put it on hold.
The most certain way to communicate with anyone is to ask them what their dreams are, what they want from life, how they visualize themselves in the future.
Get into their space:
Many teenagers will be dreaming of celebrity type status, footballer, singer, film star. And before you decide for your teenager that these dreams are unattainable, remember someone's got to be doing it....
Find out what your teenager is interested in, ask them what they dream about, and go with it. Yes enjoy it with them. Let them dream and then help them on their way.Even if you're absolutely convinced in your heart that your teenager has no acting ability or can't kick a football to save their lives, that's not for you to judge.
People achieve stunning things in this world, wouldn't you love your child to be one of them. A happy fulfilled individual able to share his or her success with the rest of us mortals?!
How many of us grow up with firm beliefs that we aren't capable of achieving our dreams because someone at sometime told us we didn't have what it takes?
Don't let that happen to your loved ones. Following your dream should be an enjoyable experience. Most 'successful' people will tell you it's not the goal but the journey that counts. You need the goal though to be able to begin the journey.
Find out what your teenager is dreaming about....
Don't make the cringing mistake of making their dream something you're particularly interested in. Your teenager won't respect you for this and will more than likely be embarrassed by it.
The best way to help with the dream path, is to take the steps logically, one tiny step at a time. Sit down and discuss the possibilities and the impossibilities. Make some notes together. Buy a homework book to note dreams and goals. Take it seriously.
Do a little research, and come up with the first step in the process. Maybe you could download free scripts from the internet to practise acting skills at home. Have fun acting out the films and learn while you play!
Is there a local football club your budding football star could join and train on Saturday mornings?
Don't be afraid to NOT achieve the dreams. I was always told 'you'll only get disappointed when you don't make it.' Well, hey, a little disappointment and a slight change of direction isn't nearly as devastating as never fulfilling any of your dreams and resentfully working in a job you hate for the rest of your life.
Keep an open mind, we change our minds and ideas as we grow older, take on responsibilities, change our careers... It's perfectly okay to change your goals and dreams, and this should be clearly stated when you first chat about the dreams with your teenager. As long as you don't ridicule the idea, you will find a way.
A series of events while pursuing an acting career, could so easily lead to the individual wanting to polish up his/her writing skills. And what's wrong with that? The contact and experience was necessary to find the right path towards fulfilment. A less than brilliant sporting talent may result in acting the part in the next blockbuster!
We can't predict the future, but we do all have a perfect right to pursue our dreams and be happy in our lives. The happier we are, the more happiness we share with others, and the happier they are!
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
What drives a teenager to commit suicide? Is a dysfunctional family the cause of teen suicide or is it the peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, access to drugs, guns, or an unyielding desire to make the pain disappear. Teenage suicide has and is becoming a pandemic in our country and around the world.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, "teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers -- almost 2,000 teens kill themselves each year." It is estimated that "over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse."
Our youth has become entrenched in an ideology doled out by those who seek to control, persuade, and coerce our teenagers. At the same time, communication between parent and child has become, in most situations, non-existent. This leaves teenagers to fend for themselves in areas they are too immature to understand, or too eager to become engaged in activities which can lead them astray.
There was a time when teens came directly home after school; were greeted by at least one parent; studied; had a family dinner, and off to bed. Today, the term “latch-key kid” has become the norm, rather than the exception. Teens arrive home late; often to an empty apartment or home. They engage in computer games, while eating junk food; and often do not see their parents until morning – and only because they are late getting out of bed. Homework is secondary or non-existent. One can argue a two income household is necessary; but at what cost? Furthermore, if you’ve ever graced a public school environment, you would find teens lack even the rudimentary necessities of life; yet, cell phones are tucked in their worn out jeans and skirts.
The music, movies, and educational system have let down our teenagers in the most rudimentary way. They lack guidance and care. Our child services, our family courts, and our caregivers have offered little to assert the importance of self-worth. Over the years, the make-up of the "family" has dramatically changed. A teenager’s family could be his gang members who, on a daily basis, feed into the destruction of that teen. Morality has become passé, and they have become self-absorbed in an underworld of hatred and self-loathing.
Have all teenagers talked or even thought about suicide? No. However, the statistics are still frightening. A teenager doesn't suddenly choose to die unless something terribly wrong has pushed him/her over the edge. We cannot allow them to choose that endgame. Teenagers do become depressed, alone, angry, hopeless and helpless. As parents, as friends, as educators, as guardians of this precious commodity - we cannot allow them to succeed in what they think may be in their best interest. They must be given a reason to live, to love, to become needed and useful members of our society.
As adults/parents, we must educate and interact with our youth in a positive, caring and thoughtful way to ensure they have the proper tools with which to grow and gain empowerment. To do less would without a doubt contribute to the cause of teen suicide, the ultimate tragedy.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
Does Your Teenager Have An Eating Disorder?
One of the most difficult jobs that a parent can experience is the important task of raising a healthy, confident, and goal oriented teenager into early adulthood. However, all to often our young children run into serious problems along the way through being a teenager. One such problem that may stay below the parent's “radar” are eating disorders.
Are you worried that your teenage son or teenage daughter may have some type of eating disorder that they are trying to keep from you and the rest of the family? This type of disorder can be quite common during the teen years, especially with teenage girls. Although we do see teenage boys go through some eating problems as well.
With so much emphasis on looks and popularity today and mixed with the already insecure feeling that teenagers have as their bodies are changing, developing an eating disorder may be an underlying problem in your teen’s life. It is important to understand and educate yourself on the two major types of eating disorders that many of our youths may be going through.
If you suspect that your teenage son or daughter has any type of problem at all, first talk to your doctor. Be hesitant about trying to correct the problem by yourself at first.
Eating disorders always stem from another underlying problem and so by focusing on food as the issue, you will more than likely make things worse for your teen instead of helping him or her. In fact, studies have shown that early discovery and treatment of eating disorders will provide the best chance of recovery.
What eating disorders should you be concerned about? The first is anorexia nervosa. With this disorder, your teen may experience excessive weight loss due to self-starvation. As ironic as it seems, most teenagers prone to this type of eating disorder are typically involved in sports such as dance or gymnastics, where their body size and weight play an important role in success.
The second eating disorder described here is called bulimia nervosa. This involves very frequent episodes of binge eating which is almost always followed by purging the food through self induced vomiting. It doesn't sound pretty but if your teenager has this eating disorder then they are probably practicing this with most, if not all of their meals due to intense feelings of guilt and shame about food.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
5 Tips To Help You Talk To Your Teen
One of the greatest feelings about being a parent is in knowing that your teens can talk to you about their feelings and everything else that’s going on in their world. Establishing this great relationship with your teen requires good Communication.
It is an ongoing process that takes a lot of patience and understanding on your part as a parent. Once you have established an open line of communication with your teen, it will be easier to deal with any other kinds of issues that could show up.
Your teens are going through a period in their life where they feel a strong need for becoming an independent person and working on creating a separate identity. They usually express these needs by acting distant, defiant, disinterested, emotional, and rebellious.
These are the times where you have to remember to be very understanding. Although they may appear to be indifferent and uninterested, they are actually very perceptive of your reactions, what you do, and what you say. And they certainly want to be able to talk with you about what’s going on in their life.
With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should look out for when talking to your teen.
1. Stop nagging. It never works! You will never get your teen to listen to you by nagging. Doing this just closes the door to any attempt of communicating with them.
2. Do not always try to solve your child's problems. A lot of times, all they really want is for you to listen to them and let them know that you are there to help. Often, just by letting them talk to you about their problems is enough to give them comfort. And not offering any answer gives them a chance to figure out the solutions for themselves.
3. Do not criticize. You’re supposed to build up their self esteem, not tear it down. Letting your teens have control in areas like the clothes thy wear, the music they listen to, or their hairstyle gives them a feeling of acceptance and the assurance that they can talk to you with more complicated matters in their lives.
4. Do not give a lecture or a speech. You need to give your teen a chance to respond and talk to you.
5. Do not underestimate them by saying that what they are going through is just a phase. You have to be able to acknowledge that they have a problem and it is a big deal to them.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory
Teens and Alcohol
It's the standard at every weekend party: a case of beer, a keg, many hard liquor bottles and mixed drinks. Alcohol is everywhere these days, and teens (as well as adults) can't keep their hands off it. Teens are getting drunk just about every weekend during the school year, and even more during the summer.
But why do teens insist on drinking? Is it peer pressure? Is it the thrill of doing something illegal? Do they think it will make them cooler in the eyes of others? Most likely, it's one (or more) of these reasons. Teens are easily pressured into things. Almost all of them want to be accepted, and are willing to do just about anything to gain acceptance. Even the smartest student in school could very well be giving in to peer pressure, drinking, doing drugs, and having promiscuous sex.
Most Parents wouldn't like to think of their child being the one to give in. "My child is smarter than that," they say. While it is quite possible your child is very intelligent, it takes a very strong willed teen to just say "no." The fact is that most teens will give in to peer pressure at one time or another, whether it be with alcohol or something else.
Parents need to be on the watch when it comes to their teens. Make sure you know where they're going and verify that parents are going to be there. This will likely assure that drinking will not take place, but it is still a possibility. Make sure your teen knows the consequences and dangers of alcohol over-consumption, such as liver damage and alcohol poisoning. Teens usually have a different attitude about it if their parents explain to them the effects of alcohol. Parents work a lot better than health class in school, and can be more personal.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Problems Facing Today's Teens
Teen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young. But, you need to realize that teens today face huge, life threatening decisions just about ever day. What they face has a lot to do with where they grow up. Yet do not be fooled into thinking that your child is safe.
In the normal course of your teen's day, he or she may face any of these things; one or more of them.
Drugs
Think that drugs are simple like they used to be? They are not. Kids today are not just smoking the easy stuff. They are into crack or other strong and deadly drugs.
Sex
Not only are they exposed to it on the television, but they are encouraged by others. They may be engaging in sexual acts that you have never heard of. They may be doing it unprotected as well. At school, after school, on the car ride home - there are many opportunities you do not realize. Teens get pregnant and have babies.
Violence
Today's teen problems often revolve around violence. They see friends with guns at school or after school. They witness huge fights. They hear threats. They see anger and deal with it daily.
Depression
With all that they see and do, teens face depression today at an alarming rate as compared to just a decade ago. Depression is not something that just goes away, but can cause them harm and threaten their lives.
Driving
Teens drive drunk. Teens drive under the influence of drugs. Teens get in cars that others are driving under the influence. Teens may also be responsible drivers, but share the road with those that are not.
Teen problems that are at a lower level can be just as deadly. They face lying, cheating, emotional trauma, learning disabilities and divorce. All of these things a child will face daily in some cases. In those cases, it is no wonder that they have low self esteems, high drop out rates and some of the students will break under the pressure. Teen problems should be addressed and noticed by their parents first.
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Follow Your Teen's Dreams!
As parents, we often complain of troublesome three year olds. Three year olds are troublesome because they are developing from babyhood to childhood.
Teenagers get the same reaction - developing from childhood to adulthood is not an easy transition, and so much communication can be lost along the way, especially with parents, who could, with a little effort, be the teenager's best friend....
A certain understanding of the roots of a problem, and a lot of acceptance can bridge so many gaps and ease the changeover from a 3 to 5 year old, or indeed a 13-20 year old.
But how on earth do you find the root of the problem when you hardly know what the problem is, and your teenager certainly isn't going to reveal it to their parents. In your dreams!
The solution is to 'not' focus on the problem - we know in our hearts that focusing on a problem will not find the solution.So what do we do? We ignore the problem, or more to the point, we put it on hold.
The most certain way to communicate with anyone is to ask them what their dreams are, what they want from life, how they visualize themselves in the future.
Get into their space:
Many teenagers will be dreaming of celebrity type status, footballer, singer, film star. And before you decide for your teenager that these dreams are unattainable, remember someone's got to be doing it....
Find out what your teenager is interested in, ask them what they dream about, and go with it. Yes enjoy it with them. Let them dream and then help them on their way.Even if you're absolutely convinced in your heart that your teenager has no acting ability or can't kick a football to save their lives, that's not for you to judge.
People achieve stunning things in this world, wouldn't you love your child to be one of them. A happy fulfilled individual able to share his or her success with the rest of us mortals?!
How many of us grow up with firm beliefs that we aren't capable of achieving our dreams because someone at sometime told us we didn't have what it takes?
Don't let that happen to your loved ones. Following your dream should be an enjoyable experience. Most 'successful' people will tell you it's not the goal but the journey that counts. You need the goal though to be able to begin the journey.
Find out what your teenager is dreaming about....
Don't make the cringing mistake of making their dream something you're particularly interested in. Your teenager won't respect you for this and will more than likely be embarrassed by it.
The best way to help with the dream path, is to take the steps logically, one tiny step at a time. Sit down and discuss the possibilities and the impossibilities. Make some notes together. Buy a homework book to note dreams and goals. Take it seriously.
Do a little research, and come up with the first step in the process. Maybe you could download free scripts from the internet to practise acting skills at home. Have fun acting out the films and learn while you play!
Is there a local football club your budding football star could join and train on Saturday mornings?
Don't be afraid to NOT achieve the dreams. I was always told 'you'll only get disappointed when you don't make it.' Well, hey, a little disappointment and a slight change of direction isn't nearly as devastating as never fulfilling any of your dreams and resentfully working in a job you hate for the rest of your life.
Keep an open mind, we change our minds and ideas as we grow older, take on responsibilities, change our careers... It's perfectly okay to change your goals and dreams, and this should be clearly stated when you first chat about the dreams with your teenager. As long as you don't ridicule the idea, you will find a way.
A series of events while pursuing an acting career, could so easily lead to the individual wanting to polish up his/her writing skills. And what's wrong with that? The contact and experience was necessary to find the right path towards fulfilment. A less than brilliant sporting talent may result in acting the part in the next blockbuster!
We can't predict the future, but we do all have a perfect right to pursue our dreams and be happy in our lives. The happier we are, the more happiness we share with others, and the happier they are!
Are you concerned your teen is or may be getting out of control? If so click here to get some help from someone who has been working with frustrated parents for over 20 years!
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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