4 RESPONSES comments
MAY 31ST, 2009
By ADMIN

How can parents tell if their kids are experimenting with drugs and alcohol?

Just read a study that kids that learn from their parents are 50% less likely to get tied up in problems like these. What can you do as parents to help keep kids out of this stuff? What can parents who have kids with these problems do to help their kids? Just wanted to post this question for parents to reference and because it seems to be a growing problem, so anything you have to say would be appreciated.
I don’t have a kid…?


categories Parenting

7 RESPONSES comments
MAY 31ST, 2009
By ADMIN

What is the best way of introducing my kids to my girlfriend?

Have been going out for a year and I really want to introduce my kids to my girlfriend, however, I have 3 kids (BBG, 12, 11 6) and they are v.close to their Mum and I am worried that its going to be really awkward. I see my children regularly twice a week have a good relationship with them. I am planning an ice skating session with my gf the kids as an opening event? Can anyone suggest any pitfalls to avoid? Any good articles or books on this subject?


categories Parenting

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 31ST, 2009
By ADMIN

Children’s Anger Management - Useful Tips To Handle Uncontrollable Kids

Each kid is different and therefore even their reaction to a situation is unique as the individual is; therefore, parents cannot expect the same response to a difficult situation from 2 different kids. While one kid may display anger through silently retreating to their room, another may simply be sad and still another is likely to break toys, throw a tantrum, display a fit of rage etc. Handling each situation calls for patience, understanding and pyschological balance to be maintained while dealing with an angry kid.

Helping a child displaying signs of anger, such as rolling on the ground and aggressive behavior is very important to avoid future issues with the same kind of upsetting situation occuring and to help him or her become aware of their undesirable behavior, in order for anger management programs to work.

Anger management for kids is different to programs conducted for adults since talking or discussing the issue may not be conducive for less mature minds that kids have, besides difficulty with verbalizing their feelings; thus, with a little bit of research and experimenting with various resources on the topic as well as trying out different techniques for controlling and diverting anger in a positive way, kids with an anger issue can benefit from coping with their uncontrolled display of anger.

Among the most useful resources on anger managment for kids are a variety of books by exert psychologists, movies and websites on the net that inform, educate and guide people through the maze of info available on the topic of anger and how to best deal with the issue to help children and their families.

Kids anger management programs are specially designed for their benefit as the ones for adults revolve around participation in a support group, talking and discussions, which are not the best way to get results from children who are less mature mentally. The best recourse then, for a child’s anger management therapy is to conduct it via a series of fun and interesting activities.

Some of these specially designed anger management programs for kids are based on enjoyable activities that include involving them in games to reinforce positive values and teach them sharing and desirable behavior. Kids are given coloring, puzzle and quiz worksheets depicting angry situations with possibly negative and positive consequences with more emphasis on the good results from managing anger right. This combines fun and games for anger management for kids.

A play-way method for inculcating good values and re-directing anger is better than a one-on-on session with an anger management counselor as far as kids are concerned This is because worksheets and games methods work well to bring out acceptable behavior traits in kids as opposed to as designing lesson plans that requires logical thinking is for adults only.

Anger management for kids is very important for teaching them desirable and acceptable behavior in society and to help them overcome their problem behavior to emerge successful teens and adults in their future life. Finding out why a kid is upset and displaying anger in a negative way, working to eliminate the reaction to teaching positive ways to show anger through repetitve activities is a proven method of anger management therapy for kids.

categories Self Improvement

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 31ST, 2009
By ADMIN

Helping Kids Unwind

Modern kids are busy kids.

Regardless of age, their days are filled with activities.

Under fives do a range of adult-initiated learning activities designed to give them the best start to their learning lives.

School-aged kids have a huge range of leisure and after-school activities to choose from.  It is not uncommon for kids to have four and five extra-curricular activities a week.

Nothing wrong with kids being busy as long as they have plenty of chances to relax and unwind.

Relaxation is a key to good mental health and well-being. It is an important life skill for kids to learn.

Balance busyness with boredom

One way to ensure busy kids unwind is to make sure kids get bored every so often.

There is a temptation to fill kids’ days with activities so that no time is wasted.

“I’m bored!” is the last thing most parents want to hear their kids say. Many parents feel compelled to do something to alleviate a child’s boredom.

There is nothing wrong with a little boredom now and then. Boredom can be good for kids’ mental health and well-being, giving them the chance to muck around and take it easy for a time.

Here are 5 ideas to help you unwind your kids:

1. Let your kids regularly stare into the ‘fire’: Ever sat around a camp-fire and stared at the flames? If so, you will know how calming it is. No exertion! No need to think! No need to talk to anyone! Just a chance to chill-out and relax. The TV is the modern version of the camp-fire. Yep, TV used in this way is good for kids’ mental health.

2. Let kids exercise without rules: Kids are the kings and queens of play. Always have been. Until lately that is, when their lives have become highly organised and scheduled.  Free, child-initiated play is the ultimate in relaxation. Fun games, games with few rules and games that kids control help them to unwind

3. Let kids experience flow: Flow is a state we get into when we are so engrossed in an activity that time disappears. It is the ultimate unwind. We get flow when we pursue our passions so encourage teens to find activities that they truly love and get lost in.  Free play generally takes young children to flow very quickly so opportunities for unstructured play are essential.

4. Help kids calm down around bedtime: Have a bedtime routine that calms kids down rather than winds them up. You can become part of this routine by reading books, telling nursery rhymes, providing soothing back rubs and other ways.

5. Unwind with your kids: When I was young the best times I had with my dad were spent in the backyard playing cricket. Sounds like a cliché I know. It was fun because it was never a chore for him. He loved it as it was a chance for him to unwind after work. Find ways you can unwind and rejuvenate with your kids.

We want our kids to be busy and involved rather inactive and apathetic. However activity needs to be balanced with unscheduled time so that perspective as well as everyone’s sanity is maintained.

Developing a sense of ‘we’ not ‘me’ in your family

Have you a process to teach kids to solve issues without fists, fights and put-downs?

Have you a system to give kids a voice in your family so your kids cooperate more?

Have you an easy way to teach kids skills such as giving compliments, encouraging others and thinking positively?

If you answered no to any of these questions then consider adding the Family Roundtable to your set of parenting strategies. It will change the way you parent and how your kids behave.

The Family Roundtable is a proven way to create a strong sense of ‘we’ in families, promote greater cooperation and teach kids lifelong conflict resolution skills.

categories Parenting

11 RESPONSES comments
MAY 31ST, 2009
By ADMIN

Why do Kids in the South start school earlier and kids in the north start school later?

Some kids start school this week, some in the next in the south, and nothern kids start about 2-4 weeks away. Why do they start later?

categories Adolescent

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 30TH, 2009
By ADMIN

How to Find Your Favorite Kids Entertainer, Clowns, for Your Kids Party

As a professional kids entertainer and parent of four, I would like to share some of my experience with parents who are looking for entertainment for their kids party. Folks usually turn to professionals for solutions, they are willing to invest their hard earned cash to put on a kids party that would be fun and memorable for both their child and their guests alike. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on some key points to consider when hiring entertainment for your child’s party.

Age appropriate:

What is the age range of the kids that you are looking to entertain? Usually, a parent would want entertainment not only for their child but for the guests as well. We know that your child likes Elmo, but you have invited other kids to the party as well. You may want to consider entertainment that would cater to the appropriate age group invited as opposed to just the birthday child. A professional entertainer would know how to make the birthday child feel special without making the other kids feel not included.

A clown isn’t just a clown:

Please consider the person behind the make up. Performers vary greatly in approach and style. The best example is when people hire a costumed character, let’s say Elmo. Please, consider the person who will be wearing that costume. Kids have an amazing intuition and can pick up on each others fears. A seasoned professional will know how to calm those anxieties very early on and bring the group together into the fun zone.

Use your best judgment:

Do some homework on the performer before you commit: Are they a full time kids entertainer? Are they patient and genuinely like children? (Kids require a lots of patience) Do they project a professional image? (Website, Demo, Costume etc.) Can you find reviews or testimonials on them? (Websites reviews, Local library reviews, etc.)

Budget:

Like any other service, you sometimes get what you pay for. Consider entertainment into your budget, a good entertainer can make your party all the worthwhile. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. If you want someone to do a magic show, a puppet show, sculpt balloon animals and do face painting for $150, then hire your neighbor’s teenage son. Make sure to give him a $50 advance to get the supplies from the dollar store. But if you want a professional, make sure that they are specialized in their field and they are at the top of their game.

Logistics:

Consider to ask the performer these logistical questions before you commit: How much space do you need? Can you perform indoors and outdoors? Do you provide your own sound equipment? What do you need us to prepare for your act?

Key Words to consider:

Let’s assume that you live in the San Francisco Bay Area Copy and paste the keywords that apply to you into your favorite search engine such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK etc. Consider using broad geographic terms such as Bay area, San Francisco Bay Area. If you live in a large metropolis consider using your city name like : San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Ramon, Marin, Daly City, Menlo Park etc. San Jose Kids entertainer, San Jose children Entertainment Bay Area birthday party entertainer, Birthday party entertainer Kids birthday party entertainer, Bay Area Puppet Shows, birthday party balloons 1st birthday party, boys birthday party, bay area birthday party character, magic shows Party Entertainers in the San Francisco Bay Area, birthday party venues in the bay area birthday party ideas, party puppet shows, corporate entertainment party favors for kids, kids party favors, 1st birthday supplies, birthday comedian bay area birthday party themes, entertainer bay area, entertainers bay area clown, clowns, magician, magicians, mime, bay area party clowns, entertainers San Jose children entertainment for kids, bay area birthday party themes, the entertainers, the bay area entertainers, wedding entertainer, event entertainer Bay area kids events, bay area kids party, Clowns Childrens Entertainers Bay Area children party bay area, kids party San Francisco, Magicians bay area, Magic shows bay area.

A professional entertainer can bring your guests together into the happy zone and create an atmosphere of joy and laughter. A committed kids entertainer can also add magic and theatrics into the memories of kids and grown ups alike. As a Bay Area entertainer, I have committed myself to making my next child’s party the only party that counts. Now, it’s Show-Time!

categories Art And Entertainment

9 RESPONSES comments
MAY 30TH, 2009
By ADMIN

Do kids under the age of 16 use computers for something other than gaming?

I am writing a letter to our local library. They are planning to no longer allow children under the age of sixteen use their computers. This is because they believe that the kids are only using the computers to play games. I am taking a survey and hopefully they will consider my letter. Please state your opinion. That would help me out a lot!! Thanks!

categories Other - Computers

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 30TH, 2009
By ADMIN

Pets for Kids – “10 Essential Reality Checks!”

Essential Reality Check No. 1 – The Type of Pet for kids

The type of pet you can take into your household will depend on a whole host of things such as follows: How much will the pet costs be - not just to buy - but to care for on a daily basis? The ages of your kids - a two year old child will probably not be able to handle a pet gently and certainly won’t be able to care for the pet….. What size of pet does your child want? - What space will be needed? A hamster does not take up much space but guinea pigs, ferrets and rats need much larger cages. How much time do your kids and you as a family have to give to the pet? Will your family be safe with the pet?

Will the pet be safe with your family? If you have a larger pet such as a dog, cat, or goat what effects will it have on your family, friends and neighbours? How will your pet be cared for during your holidays. Will your family be able to cope with the eventual death of a pet? Some pets will sleep most of the day and be awake at night. Hamsters can be very noisy at night! If your child wants a dog you will need to look into the breed, size and exercise needs of the dog. Do you already have another pet, what effect will it have on that pet. For instance will your dog be ok with a cat or rabbit or bird? .

Essential Reality Check No. 2 – True Costs of Pets for Kids

Some pets are very cheap to buy for instance hamsters, guinea pigs, goldfish. gerbils, fancy rats, fancy mice and rabbits and even ferrets. You will still need to consider: The cage set up ( this can be very expensive when looking at the cage sizes that most pets need) in fact they need the largest cage you can manage Food costs per week Bedding Vets bills if your pets become ill. e.g. Ferrets need a yearly injection against canine distemper. Holiday care - you will need to pay for this of course if you cannot rely on friends and family.

Bigger pets such as goats, and dogs and pedigree cats are far more expensive to buy initially, some costing hundreds of pounds. You will need to consider: Bedding and a cage (if buying one for your dog or cat) Leads and collars for dogs. Food bills Vets bills (dogs should have yearly check ups with a vets) Toys Holiday care (kennels can be very expensive) Flea treatment Ongoing veterinary costs if your pets becomes chronically ill.

Essential Reality Check No. 3 – Ages of your Kids

As the parent or carer you will need to decide if your child is old enough to handle and care for a pet. How often have parents heard the cry “oh but we promise we’ll take it for walks everyday” Or “we’ll clean it out mum, we promise”. How will you feel in a years time when you find yourself caring for the pets because the kids are busy with friends or away on a school trip or inundated with homework or just plain bored with the poor thing You will need to decide on a pet that is suitable for the age of your kids. For instance in most cases it would not be wise to buy a hamster for a two year old child who is still adapting to the world around them and may not know or be able to handle the hamster gently.

Do you want to give your kids some responsibility in caring for an animal. Some kids are very responsible and will be able to manage this. Other kids, well the sight of a baby animal is just too appealing, after all who can resist a cute puppy or kitten or baby hamster? At first you may need to help your kids, as caring for a pet is a very responsible job. As a parent or carer you will always need to oversee a pet’s care.

,Essential Reality Check No. 4 – The Space Required

Even small pets for kids such as guinea pigs, fancy rats and ferrets need a lot of cage space for a happy life. They will need the biggest cages you can find space for. These pets also need space to exercise out of the cage. Cats take up very little space, as do small breeds of dogs. Dogs will need a decent sized garden as well as walks to keep them well exercised.

Essential Reality Check No. 5 – Time for your Pets

Do you and the family have time for a pet. For smaller pets for kids you will need to have them out of the cage and being handled daily for at least 2 hours a day. Do you have time to clean out your pet at least once or twice a week, or even daily? Some pets will certainly need the toilet corner of their cage cleaned more often to avoid a foul smelling cage and pet. Water bottles and food bowls will need cleaning and refilling every day.

Will you be able to walk your dog at least once a day? - dependent on the breed some need more! Are you willing to look after your pets for the many years some can live? (From 18 months to 2 years for a mouse up to 15 years for a dog) If you are out at work all day and the kids are at school all day your pets will need and will demand attention when you return home

Essential Reality Check No. 6 – Your Pet and Family Safety

You will always need to ensure your kids safety when they are spending time with any pets for kids. Even little pets can bite and leave a wound. Dogs should not be left unattended with your kids as they are unpredictable. Even a faithful dog will bite and even attack a child if they are in pain or afraid. It happens rarely - but it does happen. You will also need to ensure your pets safety: Is your child able to handle a pet safely without hurting it. Is your pet safe with any other pets in the home? - if you have young children and a dog …. you will need to make sure the dog cannot escape because a door is accidentally left open.

If you have a dog you need to ensure visitors safety as you can be sued if your dog bites someone on your property (or even off your property) Make sure that when pets are having free time out of cages that: Other pets cannot hurt them They cannot chew electrical leads They cannot fall into toilets or baths of water. They cannot escape through gaps in walls or floors They cannot get outside without supervision

Essential Reality Check No. 7 – Effects on Family and Neighbours

The whole family needs to be in agreement if you are getting pets for kids. Pets can be noisy and messy having an effect on family living. What effect will a pet such as a dog have on Granny who suffers with an allergy - will that mean she cannot come to visit anymore? If you get a dog will it bark and howl when you leave them for any length of time and will this annoy your neighbours. Will the dog bark when your neighbours are in their own garden. How will your neighbours take to having your pet cat mess in their garden? You will need to keep your yard free of dog mess to ensure it does not smell -particularly in summer months.

Essential Reality Check No. 8 – Holidays and Care for Pets

If you have pets for kids what will happen to them during your holiday times. Do you have family or friends who can care for your pets while you are away. If not you will have to pay for your pets care. This will be expensive for dogs, cats and larger animals. Even for little pets, holiday care can be expensive.

Essential Reality Check No. 9 – Loss of a Pet and Grief

Some children are really sensitive and will be distraught when their beloved pet eventually passes away, or is lost in some way. This is especially distressing if the pet has died as a result of an accident or illness. How will you manage this? The kids will need to grieve, grieving is a healthy part of a loss reaction. We can suffer losses every day in a small way such as not getting something we want, this causes a loss reaction and part of the healing for this is grief. If your child or other family member struggles with the grieving then look at the following and see if it applies. The grieving process has seven stepping stones through which people move. Your family member may not go through them in order or spend long on any one.

The stepping stones are: Shock, Denial, Guilt, ,Anger, Depression Bargaining, Acceptance Your child may want another pet this is called bargaining and is one of the stepping stones through the grief process. If your child cannot have another pet, break down the hidden losses that the death of their pet has caused. Could there be a loss of your child’s self worth or self esteem. Have they lost their only companion. Has your child lost the only one who listened to them. By chatting try to find out how your child is feeling and help them to work out their losses and then work through to acceptance by doing some healthy bargaining.

Would your child be able to regain their sense of worth or self esteem another way? Perhaps helping out with a friends pet for instance. For some children it may be helpful to have a burial service, so they can say goodbye properly. (My son kept some hair from his beloved dog) Our kids have managed the deaths of their pets really well and have gone on to have other pets, for other kids though it has more of an effect so you will need to decide when or if to replace your child’s pet.

Essential Reality Check No. 10 – Pets for Kids are GOOD FUN!!!

Pets for kids are for the most part a great addition to the family.. They are often good company for your kids especially if the kids are lonely. Kids can learn a lot from caring for pets and by having pets even when they are lost naturally. Dogs can encourage the family out to get exercise as they walk the dog. All our kids love their pets and they are an important part of the family. So whatever pet you decide upon have fun and enjoy

categories Pets

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 30TH, 2009
By ADMIN

Are your Kids’ Halloween Costume Safe?

We want our kids to have fun during Halloween, but have you thought about the safety of their Halloween costumes? Most of us want our children to wear cool costumes when trick-or-treating, but neglecting a kids’ Halloween costume’s safety can turn that experience sour.

Are your kids’ Halloween costumes too dangerous to wear? Find out if those Halloween costumes are safe to wear, tips for buying safe kids’ Halloween costumes, and how your children can wear cool costumes without sacrificing safety.

Are Your Kids’ Costumes Really Safe to Wear?

Are your kids’ Halloween costumes really safe to wear? The answer is yes and no. In 2001, the Disney Store recalled 54,000 Princess Ariel costumes after one girl received burn injuries. Keep in mind that kids’ Halloween costumes are required by law to use flame-retardant materials.

Another problem is ventilation in full-masked Halloween costumes. Most costumes don’t provide enough ventilation for kids to breathe, resulting in carbon dioxide poisoning. If your child wants to wear a mask, nose holes aren’t enough. Carbon dioxide builds up over time, causing your anxious child to faint from the lack of oxygen. You want your child to wear a well-ventilated mask to prevent any nasty side-effects.

Another lesser problem with kids’ Halloween costumes is visibility. This isn’t just about how well your kids can see; it’s also about how well people see them. A mask limits visibility. If little Joey can’t see where he’s going, he’ll trip and skin his knee. If costumes aren’t visible after dark, people — more importantly, vehicles — won’t see the kids’ Halloween costumes, blindly running over happy trick-or-treaters. Halloween costumes aren’t all bad news, however. Carefully selecting your kids’ costumes and preparing it for night wear eliminates these catastrophes.

How to Select Safe Kids Costumes for Halloween

Before buying your kids’ Halloween costumes, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe. Here are some guidelines:

o All kids’ Halloween costumes are required by law to use flame-retardant materials. You can’t depend on companies adhering to this law, however. Pick clothing that fits well and doesn’t hang. If your child wants to wear a cape, make sure the cape isn’t long. If your child wants to wear a dress, make sure it doesn’t drag on the ground. People love to decorate during Halloween, and some decorations include fire. If a loose costume accidentally brushes against this, it won’t be a happy Halloween!

o Masks should be well-ventilated. Masks should have multiple ventilation areas with big holes, such as hockey masks. Most masks have little ventilation, so skip these kids’ Halloween costumes if you can. If your child insists on looking like their favorite masked character, use makeup instead.

o Make sure that the mask’s eye holes are big enough. Holes should be twice the size of your child’s eyes. Make sure the mask lies flat on their face.

o If you can, stay away from dark clothing. It decreases visibility.

o Don’t pick anything that covers their face, such as a messy wig.

Once your kids’ Halloween costumes are selected, you’ll need to prepare it for night wear.

How to Make Your Kids’ Halloween Attire Safe

There are two ways to prepare your kids for a safe Halloween outing:

o Use reflective tape. This can be bought in most stores. Place two strips on your kids’ shoes and two strips on their Halloween costume. These strips shine in the dark and alert drivers.

o Have your kids carry a flashlight. If your kids don’t like it, find a flashlight with a strap. They can hang it from their wrists and keep it out of sight.

Of course some kids won’t like your safe ideas. Some kids want to wear full-face masks when trick-or-treating. Some won’t like wearing reflective tape. So how do you make your kids happy without sacrificing safety?

Getting Your Kids to Celebrate Halloween Safely

Getting your kids to like your safe ideas is difficult. Here are some suggestions:

o If your child insists on wearing a full-face mask, have your child wear it around the house for a while. Chances are your child won’t want to wear it any longer this Halloween.

o Does your child refuse to wear reflective tape on their Halloween costume? Put it on their bag instead.

o If your kids insist on long clothing, have them wear it around the house. They’ll get tired of it and opt for another kids’ Halloween costume.

If your children still refuse to wear safe kids’ Halloween costumes, talk to them about why it’s important to stay safe on Halloween. Illustrations or stories are very effective with younger children.

Again, it’s always important that your kids are safe this Halloween season, so start with their kids’ Halloween costumes. Make sure their costumes fit snugly, are marked with reflective tape, and don’t interfere with their visibility. It’s important to make the kids’ Halloween costumes safe so they have a happy, safe Halloween — a great Halloween you and your kids will remember for years to come.

categories Ecommerce

0 RESPONSES comments
MAY 30TH, 2009
By ADMIN

Buy American Made Toys - A Safer Choice For Our Kids

American made kids toys and children’s furniture are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons. They are well made of safe materials and support American manufacturers. The educational toys are fun, the kid sized furniture is sturdy and attractive, money and jobs stay in the US - everybody wins when you buy American made kid’s furniture and educational toys!

Quality And Safety

Parents are concerned about the quality and safety of imported goods, particularly if those products are used by or around their children. American made children’s furniture and toys offer a level of security that is missing from imported items, How many times have you bought a toy or piece of kids’ furniture, only to have it fall apart after just a few weeks? Even worse, have you ever worried about the safety of the materials that do into these kids toys and child sized furniture?

The repeated recalls of Chinese-made toys is frightening and frustrating. How can we be sure that the toys we give our kids are safe? Kids furniture and educational toys made in the US are subject to stringent quality control. When you purchase American made toys and kids’ furniture, you can be confident that your kids will love them and that they are safe and durable, too.

Fun And Style

You cannot beat American made kids’ furniture for quality and style. There is a vast variety of finishes, styles and looks to satisfy parents and children’s taste. From outdoor kids furniture and outdoor swing set / play sets, children’s bedroom furniture, kids desks, child sized chairs and floor coverings, American made toys and furniture will last for generations and look great doing it.

American made toys are some of the “funnest” around. Building blocks, backyard wooden sandboxes or sand boats, pretend kitchens, battery powered kids cars, pedal cars…don’t you wish you were a kid again? Quality materials, non-toxic paints, finishes and materials and thoughtful designs let your kids’ imaginations run wild — safely.

Socially And Environmentally Smart

Overseas manufacturers are not subject to the same level of environmental regulation as are American manufacturers. Toxic materials are not only incorporated into some of these products, but the manufacturing process itself can pollute the air and water. Workers, too, are often exposed to dangerous chemicals.

By purchasing kids furniture and toys made in the US, you will help the local and national economy, support American manufacturing and American manufacturing jobs. You can also be sure that the conditions under which the products were produced are safe and workers treated fairly.

It is more important than ever to purchase American made toys and kids furniture. It is a safer choice for our kids, a better choice for our economy and a smarter choice for our environment.

Buy quality! Support American industry by buying toys made in the US. When you purchase American made kids’ furniture and toys, you can be sure that you’re getting safe, top quality products. Your kids deserve the best so visit AmericanMadeToysNFurniture.com today!

categories Parenting