By Tarang V Bhargava
You children should be able to go to camp, spend time with their friends, and just have a glorious summer, but for some it can be difficult for a mother to allow a child to go off and have fun. For children with food allergies, especially multiple food allergies it can be extremely difficult for parents to feel comfortable sending their child away for a couple of days. When you are talking about camp for kids with food allergies it is important to understand some of the things a parent must think about, especially if your child is new to the food allergies he or she has.
First it is very important to explain to your child the ramifications of them eating any food they have not asked about. In other words they are going to need to ask how the food was prepared, with what the food was prepared, and even ask to check some of the ingredients of the food. Camps tend to be very regimented in the foods supplied. This means that it can be difficult to find camp for kids with food allergies that will caterer to them appropriately. In fact there may only be a few foods the child will be able to eat will at camp.
As a parent you need to alert the camp that your child has a food allergy or allergies. When you alert them of the allergies your child has they can then make adjustments for certain meals, like supplying something else for a night. You can also supply your child with appropriate foods and snacks to take with them to camp. Many of the camp for kids with food allergies will keep the food in the kitchen and allow the child to get something from those stores, like a snack during the day, when the other children are having their snack. This is a sure way to ensure that your child is safe.
You may also want to have your child carry an Epi- Pen or some form of epinephrine just in case. While the camps will have a doctor on hand or at least nearby it is important to make sure they will be safe if a reaction begins to occur. This will of course depend on the severity of the child's food allergies. Some children simply break out in hives and a couple of days later they are better, where as others can go into anaphylactic shock.
Read more articles about Food and drinks at http://www.foodndrinks.net
Tarang Bhargava has been earning through websites exploiting AdSense and affiliate marketing from the past six years! See income proof and learn the tips and tricks at http://www.iTarang.com and also get a Free AdSense Website!
Read more at http://www.ArticlesDirectory.org ( Tarang Bhargava's Article Directory)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sometimes "Helping" Doesn't Help at All
By Susanne Gaddis
Many times when family and friends try to "help" children (ages 13 and up) they are actually making it easier for them never to learn how to help themselves.
This baffling phenomenon is called "enabling," which takes many forms, all of which have the same effect -- allowing a person to avoid the consequences of his or her actions. This in turn allows children to continue merrily along their way, secure in the knowledge that no matter how much they mess up, somebody will always be there to rescue them from their mistakes.
What is the difference between helping and enabling?
Helping is doing something for someone that they are not capable of doing themselves.
Enabling is doing something for someone that they could, and should be doing themselves.
Simply: enabling creates an atmosphere in which the child can comfortably continue his/her unacceptable behavior or irresponsibility.
Are you being enabled?
Here are a few questions that might help determine whether or not someone in your life has enabled you:
1. Has a parent/guardian ever "called in sick" for you, lying about your symptoms?
2. Has someone ever accepted part of the blame for your actions or behavior?
3. Has an adult gotten you out of trouble even though they knew that you were to blame? Or are they always making excuses for your failings?
4. Has an adult in your life (parent, teacher, school administrator, guardian) allowed you to break rules because it was easier for them to let you do it than it was for them to make you do the right thing?
5. Has a girlfriend or boyfriend done your homework for you because they "love" you (is that person taking the tests for you too)?
6. Has a friend tried to match your bad behavior (like not doing homework or failing a test with you, or skipping school with you) in hopes of "strengthening" their relationship with you?
7. Has anyone in your life given you "one more chance" and then another, and another, until you realize that their chances are endless, and that you really do not have to respect their wishes or needs?
8. Has someone ever threatened to make you "do the right thing" but when you didn't, they never followed through and there were no consequences for your actions?
9. Is there someone in your life who you know you can manipulate to the point where they will let you get away with anything? (That person is the worst kind of enabler, because they are really just thinking only of themselves, and not about you.)
Of course, if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you, at some point in time, have been enabled so that you could avoid your own responsibilities. Rather than "help" you, enablers have actually made it easier for you to become less responsible.
If you answered "yes" to most or all of these questions, you have not only been enabled, but your enablers have probably become major contributors to the growing and continuing problem of your lack of responsibility.
As long as you have your "enabling devices" in place, it is easy for you to continue to deny you have a problem -- since most of your problems are being "solved" by those around you. Only when you are forced to face the consequences of your own actions, will it finally begin to sink in how deep your problem of irresponsibility has become.
NOT enabling you is not an easy choice for your friends, family, or teachers. For example, if you don't bring a pencil to take a test that you knew about for a week or more, it's easier for a teacher to just give you a pencil than it is to watch you sit and not take a test. If the teacher does not give you a pencil, that teacher is making more work for themselves. He or she would have to document (make notes) about the event, maybe call home or schedule a parent conference about your irresponsibility, etc.-it's more work.
The people in your life who are willing to take the extra time for you, who are willing to lose your friendship to tell you the truth-these are the people that are looking out for you not for themselves.
Those kinds of choices are difficult. They require "detachment with love." But it is love. Unless you are allowed to face the consequences of your own actions, you will never realize just how much your irresponsibility has become a problem--to yourself and to those around you.
The person who is requiring you, or asking you, to read this article is not an enabler. This person is an example of someone who believes that, no matter how hard it is for them, they are helping you to learn about your problems by experiencing the consequences and by helping you learn how to make better choices for your own good.
Respect and Self-Respect come from helping those who help themselves.
"Do not enable my people. Rather, teach them how to do for themselves so that when you leave you will not have created an unhealthy dependence, even though well intentioned. This is of no help to us. In fact, the second state could become worse than the first." - Cardinal Napier, Archbishop of Durban, South Africa (2006).
Susanne Gaddis, PhD, known as the Communications Doctor, is an acknowledged communications expert who has been speaking and teaching the art of effective and positive communication through workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations across the United States since 1989. Past clients include: NASA, Oracle, Schlumberger, and the American Nurses Association. For free articles written by Dr. Gaddis, or to purchase her book Communication Booster Shots: Prescriptions for Effective Communication visit http://www.CommunicationDoctor.com or call 919-933-3237.
Many times when family and friends try to "help" children (ages 13 and up) they are actually making it easier for them never to learn how to help themselves.
This baffling phenomenon is called "enabling," which takes many forms, all of which have the same effect -- allowing a person to avoid the consequences of his or her actions. This in turn allows children to continue merrily along their way, secure in the knowledge that no matter how much they mess up, somebody will always be there to rescue them from their mistakes.
What is the difference between helping and enabling?
Helping is doing something for someone that they are not capable of doing themselves.
Enabling is doing something for someone that they could, and should be doing themselves.
Simply: enabling creates an atmosphere in which the child can comfortably continue his/her unacceptable behavior or irresponsibility.
Are you being enabled?
Here are a few questions that might help determine whether or not someone in your life has enabled you:
1. Has a parent/guardian ever "called in sick" for you, lying about your symptoms?
2. Has someone ever accepted part of the blame for your actions or behavior?
3. Has an adult gotten you out of trouble even though they knew that you were to blame? Or are they always making excuses for your failings?
4. Has an adult in your life (parent, teacher, school administrator, guardian) allowed you to break rules because it was easier for them to let you do it than it was for them to make you do the right thing?
5. Has a girlfriend or boyfriend done your homework for you because they "love" you (is that person taking the tests for you too)?
6. Has a friend tried to match your bad behavior (like not doing homework or failing a test with you, or skipping school with you) in hopes of "strengthening" their relationship with you?
7. Has anyone in your life given you "one more chance" and then another, and another, until you realize that their chances are endless, and that you really do not have to respect their wishes or needs?
8. Has someone ever threatened to make you "do the right thing" but when you didn't, they never followed through and there were no consequences for your actions?
9. Is there someone in your life who you know you can manipulate to the point where they will let you get away with anything? (That person is the worst kind of enabler, because they are really just thinking only of themselves, and not about you.)
Of course, if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you, at some point in time, have been enabled so that you could avoid your own responsibilities. Rather than "help" you, enablers have actually made it easier for you to become less responsible.
If you answered "yes" to most or all of these questions, you have not only been enabled, but your enablers have probably become major contributors to the growing and continuing problem of your lack of responsibility.
As long as you have your "enabling devices" in place, it is easy for you to continue to deny you have a problem -- since most of your problems are being "solved" by those around you. Only when you are forced to face the consequences of your own actions, will it finally begin to sink in how deep your problem of irresponsibility has become.
NOT enabling you is not an easy choice for your friends, family, or teachers. For example, if you don't bring a pencil to take a test that you knew about for a week or more, it's easier for a teacher to just give you a pencil than it is to watch you sit and not take a test. If the teacher does not give you a pencil, that teacher is making more work for themselves. He or she would have to document (make notes) about the event, maybe call home or schedule a parent conference about your irresponsibility, etc.-it's more work.
The people in your life who are willing to take the extra time for you, who are willing to lose your friendship to tell you the truth-these are the people that are looking out for you not for themselves.
Those kinds of choices are difficult. They require "detachment with love." But it is love. Unless you are allowed to face the consequences of your own actions, you will never realize just how much your irresponsibility has become a problem--to yourself and to those around you.
The person who is requiring you, or asking you, to read this article is not an enabler. This person is an example of someone who believes that, no matter how hard it is for them, they are helping you to learn about your problems by experiencing the consequences and by helping you learn how to make better choices for your own good.
Respect and Self-Respect come from helping those who help themselves.
"Do not enable my people. Rather, teach them how to do for themselves so that when you leave you will not have created an unhealthy dependence, even though well intentioned. This is of no help to us. In fact, the second state could become worse than the first." - Cardinal Napier, Archbishop of Durban, South Africa (2006).
Susanne Gaddis, PhD, known as the Communications Doctor, is an acknowledged communications expert who has been speaking and teaching the art of effective and positive communication through workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations across the United States since 1989. Past clients include: NASA, Oracle, Schlumberger, and the American Nurses Association. For free articles written by Dr. Gaddis, or to purchase her book Communication Booster Shots: Prescriptions for Effective Communication visit http://www.CommunicationDoctor.com or call 919-933-3237.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Shopping with Teenagers
By Helen Cox
As children grow up and become more independent there is little need for them to go everywhere with their parents anymore. However many parents still want their teenage children present whilst on shopping trips if not for the purchasing of goods but simply just for the company and involvement in their teenagers life.
Shopping with your teenage children is a great opportunity to talk to them about aspects of their life and to generally keep up-to-date with what is going on in their life. By planning a shopping trip it is a great opportunity to spend time together and enjoy each others company.
When you do plan a shopping trip with your teenager it is important that you set boundaries spending wise. If you don't have a large shopping budget then avoid 'power shopping' there is nothing worse than spending all day shopping only to come home empty handed. You should set a budget of the amount of money that you are intending on spending on certain items whilst shopping then if your teenager wants something that is out of your budget it will be up to them to pay the difference in order to get it.
Once your budget has been set and your teenage child knows what this budget is it is important that you don't back down. It the item costs too much then stand your ground and refuse to pay the full amount. You are the one who is earning the money so it is you who will have the final say as to whether a purchase is carried out. This is not only good for your bank account; it is also good for your teenager as they will learn to appreciate the value of money and drive home the fact that in order to be able to afford luxuries that you need to earn your money. Although this may cause a few frowns at the time your teenager will be more grateful for the products that they do receive and will make them want to earn enough money to be able to afford such things. Your teenager will grow a respect for the fact that you work to earn the money that pays for their things and they will earn a respect for money so that their spending habits will be controlled.
If you are out shopping for most of the day it is a good idea to stop for some lunch, which will make you both feel refreshed and allow you more of a chance to talk about things and spend quality time together.
One thing that you don't want to be present on your shopping trip is a bad mood. Teenagers are constantly going through various mood swings so avoiding experiencing one whilst out shopping is the best solution for everyone's sake. In order to conquer these mood swings you should be willing to come to a compromise that leaves you sticking to your rules and budget but leaves your teenage child satisfied. You should also try and avoid border line purchases. Before you go ahead and make a purchase you should ensure that what you are buying is what your teenager actually wants as "I've changed my mind" on the drive home will not be pleasant for anyone.
Enjoy the time that you can with your children whilst they are teenagers, it will bring you closer together, making these years easier on everyone.
Helen is the web master of Article Alley, home of all your Article Directory needs.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
As children grow up and become more independent there is little need for them to go everywhere with their parents anymore. However many parents still want their teenage children present whilst on shopping trips if not for the purchasing of goods but simply just for the company and involvement in their teenagers life.
Shopping with your teenage children is a great opportunity to talk to them about aspects of their life and to generally keep up-to-date with what is going on in their life. By planning a shopping trip it is a great opportunity to spend time together and enjoy each others company.
When you do plan a shopping trip with your teenager it is important that you set boundaries spending wise. If you don't have a large shopping budget then avoid 'power shopping' there is nothing worse than spending all day shopping only to come home empty handed. You should set a budget of the amount of money that you are intending on spending on certain items whilst shopping then if your teenager wants something that is out of your budget it will be up to them to pay the difference in order to get it.
Once your budget has been set and your teenage child knows what this budget is it is important that you don't back down. It the item costs too much then stand your ground and refuse to pay the full amount. You are the one who is earning the money so it is you who will have the final say as to whether a purchase is carried out. This is not only good for your bank account; it is also good for your teenager as they will learn to appreciate the value of money and drive home the fact that in order to be able to afford luxuries that you need to earn your money. Although this may cause a few frowns at the time your teenager will be more grateful for the products that they do receive and will make them want to earn enough money to be able to afford such things. Your teenager will grow a respect for the fact that you work to earn the money that pays for their things and they will earn a respect for money so that their spending habits will be controlled.
If you are out shopping for most of the day it is a good idea to stop for some lunch, which will make you both feel refreshed and allow you more of a chance to talk about things and spend quality time together.
One thing that you don't want to be present on your shopping trip is a bad mood. Teenagers are constantly going through various mood swings so avoiding experiencing one whilst out shopping is the best solution for everyone's sake. In order to conquer these mood swings you should be willing to come to a compromise that leaves you sticking to your rules and budget but leaves your teenage child satisfied. You should also try and avoid border line purchases. Before you go ahead and make a purchase you should ensure that what you are buying is what your teenager actually wants as "I've changed my mind" on the drive home will not be pleasant for anyone.
Enjoy the time that you can with your children whilst they are teenagers, it will bring you closer together, making these years easier on everyone.
Helen is the web master of Article Alley, home of all your Article Directory needs.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Outlook on New Webkinz For 2008
By Joe Moz
Every year the Ganz company releases a variety of new Webkinz pets. Some of these pets go on to be retired shortly thereafter, others stick around for awhile. Post-retirement, some pets will appreciate in value considerably.
For 2008 there are a number of new Webkinz releases on the horizon, some already released into the market. This article will outline the known new releases as of the first quarter and forecast which Webkinz will be most in demand.
We have already seen some new releases hit the market for early 2008 including the highly anticipated seasonal Webkinz Love Frog. New for Valentine's Day, this February release will be very popular. If the Love Puppy is any indication, the Love Frog could become quite valuable in the future.
New webkinz that are already out or coming out soon include:
Love Frog
Schnauzer
Black and White Cheeky Dog
Black Poodle
Duck
Grey Arabian Horse
Grey Wolf
Himalayan Cat
Kangaroo
Pink and White Cat
Tie Dye Frog
Velvety Elephant
January also saw the release of the Webkinz figurines.
Expected New Webkinz releases for March include the Snake, Tiger, and Brown Dog.
Given the past price performance of the previously released "Cheeky" pets, it is expected that the Black and White Cheeky Dog will rise in value after retirement. Other plush that are predicted to remain in demand and see values go up are the Schnauzer, Kangaroo, and Pink and White Cat. These predictions are based on interest and resale performance following intial launch.
In conclusion, there are many new Webkinz in 2008 that should make it a great year for the Webkinz enthusiast.
Joe Moz writes for CuteCritterz.com, a rapidly growing website for finding deals on new Webkinz and retired Webkinz.
Every year the Ganz company releases a variety of new Webkinz pets. Some of these pets go on to be retired shortly thereafter, others stick around for awhile. Post-retirement, some pets will appreciate in value considerably.
For 2008 there are a number of new Webkinz releases on the horizon, some already released into the market. This article will outline the known new releases as of the first quarter and forecast which Webkinz will be most in demand.
We have already seen some new releases hit the market for early 2008 including the highly anticipated seasonal Webkinz Love Frog. New for Valentine's Day, this February release will be very popular. If the Love Puppy is any indication, the Love Frog could become quite valuable in the future.
New webkinz that are already out or coming out soon include:
Love Frog
Schnauzer
Black and White Cheeky Dog
Black Poodle
Duck
Grey Arabian Horse
Grey Wolf
Himalayan Cat
Kangaroo
Pink and White Cat
Tie Dye Frog
Velvety Elephant
January also saw the release of the Webkinz figurines.
Expected New Webkinz releases for March include the Snake, Tiger, and Brown Dog.
Given the past price performance of the previously released "Cheeky" pets, it is expected that the Black and White Cheeky Dog will rise in value after retirement. Other plush that are predicted to remain in demand and see values go up are the Schnauzer, Kangaroo, and Pink and White Cat. These predictions are based on interest and resale performance following intial launch.
In conclusion, there are many new Webkinz in 2008 that should make it a great year for the Webkinz enthusiast.
Joe Moz writes for CuteCritterz.com, a rapidly growing website for finding deals on new Webkinz and retired Webkinz.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Do You Know The Best Toys For 4 Year Old Boys?
By Peter Craske
Introduction
Do you know the best toys for four year old boys? If your answer is no, then your not alone. Like many parents, in the past I have gone to my local toy store with some idea of what I am after for my son's birthday, almost certainly after prompting him for ideas only weeks before.
But are these the best toys that are on offer? What factors define how good a toy actually is? When I questioned my son about his choice of birthday toy it became clear that he had been influenced to a large extent the television!! How do you think you could make a better choice for your child? Having read a recent article I now try to buy toys for my son with the following two factors in mind. Let me explain.
First and foremost I try to ensure any toy I buy has some educational value. This very important as children are nearly always willing to learn new ideas and there can be no better way to do this than through play. A good toy for a 4 year old boy might be a wooden train set for example. This could then lead to a parent teaching the child more about trains through rides, steam train trips, general conversation and discussion about travel, etc., the learning possibilities are endless. Once you have got your child hooked on a particular topic you are away.
Secondly, I strongly believe toys should also have some kind of family bonding value if at all possible. We are so much of a computer generation these days that this kind of family social interaction has largely disappeared. One of the best toys that I have bought my son recently has been a model airplane. Again, this toy is educational but furthermore it has a second benefit. Whenever we want to play with it the whole family gets to go on a little outing to the park, which is great for "family bonding". Even the dog seems to sense where are going as soon as I get the plane out the toy cupboard!
Conclusion
To make the suggestions above workable, ask your child to suggest several different his best toys that he would like for his birthday/Christmas present. Then all you need to do is go down the list and choose the ones that you feel are the "best toys for four year old boys" in this case, because they fit the criteria of being educational and inspiring. If you can find a toy that involves of all of the family, all the better.
Learn more about best toys for 4 year old boys.
Introduction
Do you know the best toys for four year old boys? If your answer is no, then your not alone. Like many parents, in the past I have gone to my local toy store with some idea of what I am after for my son's birthday, almost certainly after prompting him for ideas only weeks before.
But are these the best toys that are on offer? What factors define how good a toy actually is? When I questioned my son about his choice of birthday toy it became clear that he had been influenced to a large extent the television!! How do you think you could make a better choice for your child? Having read a recent article I now try to buy toys for my son with the following two factors in mind. Let me explain.
First and foremost I try to ensure any toy I buy has some educational value. This very important as children are nearly always willing to learn new ideas and there can be no better way to do this than through play. A good toy for a 4 year old boy might be a wooden train set for example. This could then lead to a parent teaching the child more about trains through rides, steam train trips, general conversation and discussion about travel, etc., the learning possibilities are endless. Once you have got your child hooked on a particular topic you are away.
Secondly, I strongly believe toys should also have some kind of family bonding value if at all possible. We are so much of a computer generation these days that this kind of family social interaction has largely disappeared. One of the best toys that I have bought my son recently has been a model airplane. Again, this toy is educational but furthermore it has a second benefit. Whenever we want to play with it the whole family gets to go on a little outing to the park, which is great for "family bonding". Even the dog seems to sense where are going as soon as I get the plane out the toy cupboard!
Conclusion
To make the suggestions above workable, ask your child to suggest several different his best toys that he would like for his birthday/Christmas present. Then all you need to do is go down the list and choose the ones that you feel are the "best toys for four year old boys" in this case, because they fit the criteria of being educational and inspiring. If you can find a toy that involves of all of the family, all the better.
Learn more about best toys for 4 year old boys.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Kids and Teens - Let Kids Have Fun
By Rosalie Lynch
Did you know that some school districts are banning games during recess? Would you believe that touch football, soccer, tag and dodgeball have been "outlawed"? The reason the states give is: kids may get bruised, twist an ankle or even break a leg or an arm.
A "Tween" boy went to a boy scout meeting with a big bandage on his forehead. Of course, all of the other boys gathered around him and wanted to know what happened. The Tween boy was so proud in getting the attention of his peers and was more than happy to tell his story about the adventure he had and how he got hurt. The number one question from the other boys was "does it hurt" and the boy said "no".
The generation "Tweens" is probably the first generation that grew up with legally have to sit in carseats from day one of their adventure on this Earth; can not gain permission from parents to get on their bikes and run around their neighborhood; go outside and play with the other kids without one of the parents sitting out in the driveway watching the kids for their safety.
These kids can not even stand at the school bus stop without a teacher or a parent standing around them. You can not tell me that some of the childhood memories were taken away from them. I'm going to watch this generation for quite a few years to see what impact all of these safety procedures will make in their life as adults.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
Did you know that some school districts are banning games during recess? Would you believe that touch football, soccer, tag and dodgeball have been "outlawed"? The reason the states give is: kids may get bruised, twist an ankle or even break a leg or an arm.
A "Tween" boy went to a boy scout meeting with a big bandage on his forehead. Of course, all of the other boys gathered around him and wanted to know what happened. The Tween boy was so proud in getting the attention of his peers and was more than happy to tell his story about the adventure he had and how he got hurt. The number one question from the other boys was "does it hurt" and the boy said "no".
The generation "Tweens" is probably the first generation that grew up with legally have to sit in carseats from day one of their adventure on this Earth; can not gain permission from parents to get on their bikes and run around their neighborhood; go outside and play with the other kids without one of the parents sitting out in the driveway watching the kids for their safety.
These kids can not even stand at the school bus stop without a teacher or a parent standing around them. You can not tell me that some of the childhood memories were taken away from them. I'm going to watch this generation for quite a few years to see what impact all of these safety procedures will make in their life as adults.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
Monday, February 11, 2008
Teaching Kids About Money
By Jenny Ford
Teaching kids about money isn't as complicated, or as difficult as we sometimes think. Kids can absorb incredibly complex ideas - think about the arcane rules of some of the computer games they play, for example!
You can break money ideas down into simple words, and use examples from everyday life.
When our girls started a rat-breeding business, they were paying interest on their start-up loan out of their pocket money. (The full story is at Cash-Smart Kids) Two of them wanted to pay back the money faster by repaying principal as well as paying interest, and one didn't. When you are teaching kids about money, situations like this are an opportunity to demonstrate money concepts.
We discussed the possibilities, and they all agreed that the one who didn't want to pay extra could become an employee instead of a business owner. This gave them the chance to explore the differences between owning a business and having a job.
Every time the cages were cleaned, the employee was paid $2, whether there was profit or not. But then, when there was profit to be distributed, the other two would get $20 or $30 each, and the employee would get nothing.
We explained as we went why things were different for owners compared with employees, and they all understood that it was fair. Even at age nine or ten, they could grasp the principles - the owner takes risk and does work for free now in the hopes of a big reward later, while the employee gets paid every time they work, but doesn't get to share the profits.
We compared each situation in their little enterprise with full-sized businesses they knew, so they understood that this is exactly what happens in the adult world.
Opportunities for teaching kids about money are everywhere. Accounting for their allowance money, attending a garage sale, buying a new sofa, and managing their cell phone expenditure can all provide important lessons. Free book to download - Finding The Right Niche For Your Cash-Smart Kid
Free email course - Get Started! How To Start A Money-Making Web Site For Your Child
Jenny Ford is an expert in educating children about business and wealth creation. She is one of the founders of Cash-Smart Kids.
She holds an Honours degree in Psychology, a Diploma in Training and Assessment Systems, and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management. She is the mother of three young entrepreneurs, all of whom started successful businesses when they were nine to twelve years old. Kids Money Articles Review by Jenny Ford
Teaching kids about money isn't as complicated, or as difficult as we sometimes think. Kids can absorb incredibly complex ideas - think about the arcane rules of some of the computer games they play, for example!
You can break money ideas down into simple words, and use examples from everyday life.
When our girls started a rat-breeding business, they were paying interest on their start-up loan out of their pocket money. (The full story is at Cash-Smart Kids) Two of them wanted to pay back the money faster by repaying principal as well as paying interest, and one didn't. When you are teaching kids about money, situations like this are an opportunity to demonstrate money concepts.
We discussed the possibilities, and they all agreed that the one who didn't want to pay extra could become an employee instead of a business owner. This gave them the chance to explore the differences between owning a business and having a job.
Every time the cages were cleaned, the employee was paid $2, whether there was profit or not. But then, when there was profit to be distributed, the other two would get $20 or $30 each, and the employee would get nothing.
We explained as we went why things were different for owners compared with employees, and they all understood that it was fair. Even at age nine or ten, they could grasp the principles - the owner takes risk and does work for free now in the hopes of a big reward later, while the employee gets paid every time they work, but doesn't get to share the profits.
We compared each situation in their little enterprise with full-sized businesses they knew, so they understood that this is exactly what happens in the adult world.
Opportunities for teaching kids about money are everywhere. Accounting for their allowance money, attending a garage sale, buying a new sofa, and managing their cell phone expenditure can all provide important lessons. Free book to download - Finding The Right Niche For Your Cash-Smart Kid
Free email course - Get Started! How To Start A Money-Making Web Site For Your Child
Jenny Ford is an expert in educating children about business and wealth creation. She is one of the founders of Cash-Smart Kids.
She holds an Honours degree in Psychology, a Diploma in Training and Assessment Systems, and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management. She is the mother of three young entrepreneurs, all of whom started successful businesses when they were nine to twelve years old. Kids Money Articles Review by Jenny Ford
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Action Tramps Climbing Frames
By Rob David Stone
Wooden climbing frames different to metal ones, in that they have an old fashioned look which goes well in any garden and contain many more features compared to metal climbing frames which generally only have a couple of swings, metal bars and plastic tubes which we may remember from being a child ourselves. On wooden climbing frames, similar to those you see in pub gardens there are so many features that parents have increasingly been looking at add-ons as there are so many to choose from.
Depending on price, depends on what features are included but even the cheapest wooden frame contains more fun than any games console or TV program could compete with. These includes wooden swings, commando climbing ropes, raised platforms, sandpits, wooden bridges and windy slides. All these activities are integrated into towers which are approved by the European Safety standards as the pine used to make the structures has preservative already applied upon assembly. As well as smooth planed, they have rounded edges and a very good reputation to not splinter or warp in rain and sun.
When a climbing frame is delivered to the customer it requires 2 or more people to assemble for safety reasons and ease or construction. Before buying, the garden should be measured to see what size climbing frame it can take. There are sizes for small and big gardens alike so size is not usually a issue. What needs to be remembered is that a area around the edge will be needed for safety and access, usually around 1.5 meters for the edge and 2.0 - 2.5 meters behind swings and ropes in case of feet getting caught on fences or to prevent anyone being struck if they happen to be walking behind.
Each part of the climbing frame comes flat packed, with predrilled holes and bolts already galvanised. A small range of tools is usually required as well as good light and a few hours to complete the assembly. Instructions are usually very detailed but easy to follow, with flat grounded required and the structure to be away from sharp objects, rubble and dirty so best to be placed on grass. The quality of these climbing frames is of the highest quality, and defiantly a case of you get what you pay for with no cheap alternatives. When it comes to outdoor toys for children, there certainly should be no cutting corner which is certainly not the case here either. All frames usually come with 10 years warranty and a shorter warranty for individual add-ons.
With the fun that children can have with wooden climbing frames, playhouses, trampolines and many more outdoor toys, they are a very good investment. The joy of seeing the youngsters running around while you sit back and make the most of the quiet indoors, also pays dividens. As well as the fact that many outdoor toys are designed to blend into the garden and built to last, they can be something which can be used throughout the generations to come.
For more information on wooden climbing frames, see our website at http://idealfun.co.uk/
Wooden climbing frames different to metal ones, in that they have an old fashioned look which goes well in any garden and contain many more features compared to metal climbing frames which generally only have a couple of swings, metal bars and plastic tubes which we may remember from being a child ourselves. On wooden climbing frames, similar to those you see in pub gardens there are so many features that parents have increasingly been looking at add-ons as there are so many to choose from.
Depending on price, depends on what features are included but even the cheapest wooden frame contains more fun than any games console or TV program could compete with. These includes wooden swings, commando climbing ropes, raised platforms, sandpits, wooden bridges and windy slides. All these activities are integrated into towers which are approved by the European Safety standards as the pine used to make the structures has preservative already applied upon assembly. As well as smooth planed, they have rounded edges and a very good reputation to not splinter or warp in rain and sun.
When a climbing frame is delivered to the customer it requires 2 or more people to assemble for safety reasons and ease or construction. Before buying, the garden should be measured to see what size climbing frame it can take. There are sizes for small and big gardens alike so size is not usually a issue. What needs to be remembered is that a area around the edge will be needed for safety and access, usually around 1.5 meters for the edge and 2.0 - 2.5 meters behind swings and ropes in case of feet getting caught on fences or to prevent anyone being struck if they happen to be walking behind.
Each part of the climbing frame comes flat packed, with predrilled holes and bolts already galvanised. A small range of tools is usually required as well as good light and a few hours to complete the assembly. Instructions are usually very detailed but easy to follow, with flat grounded required and the structure to be away from sharp objects, rubble and dirty so best to be placed on grass. The quality of these climbing frames is of the highest quality, and defiantly a case of you get what you pay for with no cheap alternatives. When it comes to outdoor toys for children, there certainly should be no cutting corner which is certainly not the case here either. All frames usually come with 10 years warranty and a shorter warranty for individual add-ons.
With the fun that children can have with wooden climbing frames, playhouses, trampolines and many more outdoor toys, they are a very good investment. The joy of seeing the youngsters running around while you sit back and make the most of the quiet indoors, also pays dividens. As well as the fact that many outdoor toys are designed to blend into the garden and built to last, they can be something which can be used throughout the generations to come.
For more information on wooden climbing frames, see our website at http://idealfun.co.uk/
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Kids and Teens - Just How Smart Is Your Kid?
By Rosalie Lynch
This is very scary. If judged only by their IQ scores, kids today are smarter than any gereration since IQ testing began. We all think our kids and/or grandkids are the smartest kidd walking on this Earth. Believe it or not it now appears to be true. It is believe that this is attributed to: a richer intellectual environment; smaller families; testing dexterity and possibly genes. I used to ask my grandson "How did you get so smart?" and his answer was always "It's my brain, grandma".
My only concern is if the teachers are able to keep up with these intelligent kids. I have experienced some teachers that are lost when it comes to relating to kids in their classrooms (sorry teachers). I hate to categorize it this way, but it appears with some teachers the only way they know to relate to some of the kids in the classroom, who are completely bored with the average teaching that has been in place for generations, is to bully the student. At this point, it is the responsibility of the parent to check on the teachers to make sure their kids are being taught in the best way possible; considering our kids are getting smarter each and every day. Let's not, as adults, stay complacent and think kids today can be taught the same way we were taught.
One mom explained to me that she believes the teachers are only teaching the kids what they need to know in order to achieve high SAT scores to ensure state and federal financial support. That is truly a disappointment if indeed that is true. An easy answer for schools is to push the kids ahead in the "advanced" courses. Some kids are not mature enough to handle "advanced" courses even though their brains may be ready. As it turns out kids are struggling with "advanced" courses because they are not mature enough to plan their time; their concentration has not been developed to figure out how to get all of their school work completed; and the kids gets emotional about not being able to keep up.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
This is very scary. If judged only by their IQ scores, kids today are smarter than any gereration since IQ testing began. We all think our kids and/or grandkids are the smartest kidd walking on this Earth. Believe it or not it now appears to be true. It is believe that this is attributed to: a richer intellectual environment; smaller families; testing dexterity and possibly genes. I used to ask my grandson "How did you get so smart?" and his answer was always "It's my brain, grandma".
My only concern is if the teachers are able to keep up with these intelligent kids. I have experienced some teachers that are lost when it comes to relating to kids in their classrooms (sorry teachers). I hate to categorize it this way, but it appears with some teachers the only way they know to relate to some of the kids in the classroom, who are completely bored with the average teaching that has been in place for generations, is to bully the student. At this point, it is the responsibility of the parent to check on the teachers to make sure their kids are being taught in the best way possible; considering our kids are getting smarter each and every day. Let's not, as adults, stay complacent and think kids today can be taught the same way we were taught.
One mom explained to me that she believes the teachers are only teaching the kids what they need to know in order to achieve high SAT scores to ensure state and federal financial support. That is truly a disappointment if indeed that is true. An easy answer for schools is to push the kids ahead in the "advanced" courses. Some kids are not mature enough to handle "advanced" courses even though their brains may be ready. As it turns out kids are struggling with "advanced" courses because they are not mature enough to plan their time; their concentration has not been developed to figure out how to get all of their school work completed; and the kids gets emotional about not being able to keep up.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Teenagers And Driving - Who Should Pay For The Cost Of A Car For Your Teen?
By Connie Ragen Green
When your teenager begins driving, you may decide that it would be a good idea for them to have their own car. But first you must consider the cost of purchasing a car, and see if it fits into your budget.
You may have already discussed this issue as a family. Perhaps you have been planning for this day for several years and it is now time to make the purchase. Many people do not give this matter any thought at all until the time comes to decide what they should do.
Sit down with your teenager and have a frank discussion. Talk about the pros and cons of purchasing a car for them to drive. Get input from your teen and anyone else who is a decision maker in your family. If your teen has a job, they should have been putting money away to help with this expense. You may want to match them by paying for half of the cost of the car. There is also the matter of costs associated with owning a car. You must decide who will pay for gasoline, insurance and maintenance for the car. Then there is the issue of deicing what kind of car to buy. Your teen may have their eye on a very different make and model than you do.
Spend some time looking for a car together as a family once you have made the decision to actually buy one. Your teenager will want to have an active role in all of this, and will most likely be able to give you information about various types of cars. Make choosing the car a family event and you will have a better experience and enjoyable memories for years to come.
And now I invite you to join me for free weekly teleseminars that will teach you how to write, market, and sell your articles and ebooks to increase your visibility, credibility and passive income by visiting http://www.EbookWritingandMarketingSecrets.com
When your teenager begins driving, you may decide that it would be a good idea for them to have their own car. But first you must consider the cost of purchasing a car, and see if it fits into your budget.
You may have already discussed this issue as a family. Perhaps you have been planning for this day for several years and it is now time to make the purchase. Many people do not give this matter any thought at all until the time comes to decide what they should do.
Sit down with your teenager and have a frank discussion. Talk about the pros and cons of purchasing a car for them to drive. Get input from your teen and anyone else who is a decision maker in your family. If your teen has a job, they should have been putting money away to help with this expense. You may want to match them by paying for half of the cost of the car. There is also the matter of costs associated with owning a car. You must decide who will pay for gasoline, insurance and maintenance for the car. Then there is the issue of deicing what kind of car to buy. Your teen may have their eye on a very different make and model than you do.
Spend some time looking for a car together as a family once you have made the decision to actually buy one. Your teenager will want to have an active role in all of this, and will most likely be able to give you information about various types of cars. Make choosing the car a family event and you will have a better experience and enjoyable memories for years to come.
And now I invite you to join me for free weekly teleseminars that will teach you how to write, market, and sell your articles and ebooks to increase your visibility, credibility and passive income by visiting http://www.EbookWritingandMarketingSecrets.com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Kids and Teens - Listening To Kids Is Very Simple To Kids
By Rosalie Lynch
Ask kids what one of their problems is that bothers them the most they will tell you: "getting people to listen to me when I speak". This is not just your "run of the mill" listening like we adults listen to our spouse; listen to the clergy on Sunday morning; your employer and your friends--no, indeed.
Believe it or not, it seems to be a different kind of listening to kids.
I will explain it the best way that a kid explained it to me. One day she was hanging around her mom in the kitchen, who was very busy preparing the family dinner. The daughter was talking away to her mom and her mom was just shaking her head "yes" or "no" and making sounds once in a while as if she was listening to her daughter talk. The daughter said, "Mom, listen to me!" The mom explained "I am, honey". The kid said, "no you are not - I want you to listen to me with your eyes".
Get it? When kids want to talk to you, they want you to take the time to look into their eyes so they have your attention. Let me say, I have known some kids who do not know "when to stop talking"--they just go and on. Before we endorse this kid's philosophy, we also acknowledge mom's and dad's have to do more than one thing at the same time. Parents have to choose when to give all of the attention to their kid talking and choose other times listening while doing other things. However, when the kids in your life takes the time to talk to you and if you sense it is important to the kids take the time to "listen to them with your eyes".
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
Ask kids what one of their problems is that bothers them the most they will tell you: "getting people to listen to me when I speak". This is not just your "run of the mill" listening like we adults listen to our spouse; listen to the clergy on Sunday morning; your employer and your friends--no, indeed.
Believe it or not, it seems to be a different kind of listening to kids.
I will explain it the best way that a kid explained it to me. One day she was hanging around her mom in the kitchen, who was very busy preparing the family dinner. The daughter was talking away to her mom and her mom was just shaking her head "yes" or "no" and making sounds once in a while as if she was listening to her daughter talk. The daughter said, "Mom, listen to me!" The mom explained "I am, honey". The kid said, "no you are not - I want you to listen to me with your eyes".
Get it? When kids want to talk to you, they want you to take the time to look into their eyes so they have your attention. Let me say, I have known some kids who do not know "when to stop talking"--they just go and on. Before we endorse this kid's philosophy, we also acknowledge mom's and dad's have to do more than one thing at the same time. Parents have to choose when to give all of the attention to their kid talking and choose other times listening while doing other things. However, when the kids in your life takes the time to talk to you and if you sense it is important to the kids take the time to "listen to them with your eyes".
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog "The Kids Speak Out" at http://www.uachieve.blogs.com/kids
Friday, February 1, 2008
Boredom Busters
By Angela Lewis
Many children are counting the remaining days of school and many parents are wondering how they will keep their children busy for two and a half months. Having structured, educational, and safe activities can keep children engaged as well as very entertained. While sending children to day camps or overnight camps may be costly for many families' budgets, there are many other fun-filled activities to keep their minds occupied.
Start a journal
Have the children start a journal for the summer. They can record daily activities or just write down their thoughts and feelings. This will keep them writing all summer long.
Start a collection
Being a "collector" is part of growing up. Have your child start a new collection over the summer. Ideas for collections would be: pop bottle lids, key chains, neat rocks, or shells.
Host a neighborhood Olympics
Gather the neighborhood children around for a morning of fun and laughter. Organize different games such as the 3-legged race or a jump rope contest. Enter as individuals or as a family. Give out replica medals to the winners.
Have the kids make dinner
Have your children make the menu for dinner, then take them to the store and buy the ingredients, and help them prepare dinner. This could be a great learning experience while you teach your children about measuring and the do's and don'ts of cooking.
Make a time capsule
Capture the moment! Have your child find a shoebox and include memorabilia from this summer. Include pictures, menus to show prices, favorite toys, and letters to the future. Mark "Don't open until the year 2015" on the box and decorate the outside.
Make a collage
Have your children find different little items in their room that represent themselves and glue the items on an unused Styrofoam meat tray. McDonald's toys, colored rocks, or other objects of interest would be great to use. Make sure to tell them to write their name in bright colored markers somewhere on the tray.
Take a field trip to China
Visit China by going to http://www.chinavista.com/travel/virtualtours.html Take a virtual tour by perusing through the photos and engage in reading about China. Follow-up by preparing rice and eating with chopsticks. Read the book Lon Po Po (the Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood) and compare and contrast the two books. Go to http://chineseculture.about.com/library/name/blname.htm and see how your name is written in Chinese.
Have a post card scavenger hunt
Write a letter to friends or family members around the country. Ask them to send a postcard from their city or town. See how many postcards you can collect.
Have a camp out
Go camping in your own back yard! Pitch a tent, tell campfire stories, and even build a small fire if at all possible. Don't forget the marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Invite neighborhood friends for added fun.
Join a library summer reading program
Pittsburg Public Library has a summer reading program just for kids. This is free-of-charge and offers incentives for reading books. In addition, they offer a story hour where young kids listen to stories and make crafts.
Go on a nature hike
There are many different places where you can take your kids on a nature hike and you don't even have to travel very far! Wilderness Park in Frontenac, Kansas has a beautiful nature trail that can be enjoyed by your family. For the families that have an infant or a toddler that wouldn't be able to walk the entire trail, this is for you, too. The trail is very stroller friendly.
Go on a picnic
Going on a picnic can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Picking a park that has equipment or a lake would add more to do for the kids. Bring along the fishing poles and worms!
Visit the local museum
Visiting the Crawford County Historical Museum can be a very educational field trip for the kids. Put together a scavenger hunt and have them find various artifacts throughout the tour.
This is just a beginning of what you can do with your children over the summer. It is very important to keep them learning throughout the summer. As we all know, learning can be fun!
Angela Martino-Lewis
Many children are counting the remaining days of school and many parents are wondering how they will keep their children busy for two and a half months. Having structured, educational, and safe activities can keep children engaged as well as very entertained. While sending children to day camps or overnight camps may be costly for many families' budgets, there are many other fun-filled activities to keep their minds occupied.
Start a journal
Have the children start a journal for the summer. They can record daily activities or just write down their thoughts and feelings. This will keep them writing all summer long.
Start a collection
Being a "collector" is part of growing up. Have your child start a new collection over the summer. Ideas for collections would be: pop bottle lids, key chains, neat rocks, or shells.
Host a neighborhood Olympics
Gather the neighborhood children around for a morning of fun and laughter. Organize different games such as the 3-legged race or a jump rope contest. Enter as individuals or as a family. Give out replica medals to the winners.
Have the kids make dinner
Have your children make the menu for dinner, then take them to the store and buy the ingredients, and help them prepare dinner. This could be a great learning experience while you teach your children about measuring and the do's and don'ts of cooking.
Make a time capsule
Capture the moment! Have your child find a shoebox and include memorabilia from this summer. Include pictures, menus to show prices, favorite toys, and letters to the future. Mark "Don't open until the year 2015" on the box and decorate the outside.
Make a collage
Have your children find different little items in their room that represent themselves and glue the items on an unused Styrofoam meat tray. McDonald's toys, colored rocks, or other objects of interest would be great to use. Make sure to tell them to write their name in bright colored markers somewhere on the tray.
Take a field trip to China
Visit China by going to http://www.chinavista.com/travel/virtualtours.html Take a virtual tour by perusing through the photos and engage in reading about China. Follow-up by preparing rice and eating with chopsticks. Read the book Lon Po Po (the Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood) and compare and contrast the two books. Go to http://chineseculture.about.com/library/name/blname.htm and see how your name is written in Chinese.
Have a post card scavenger hunt
Write a letter to friends or family members around the country. Ask them to send a postcard from their city or town. See how many postcards you can collect.
Have a camp out
Go camping in your own back yard! Pitch a tent, tell campfire stories, and even build a small fire if at all possible. Don't forget the marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Invite neighborhood friends for added fun.
Join a library summer reading program
Pittsburg Public Library has a summer reading program just for kids. This is free-of-charge and offers incentives for reading books. In addition, they offer a story hour where young kids listen to stories and make crafts.
Go on a nature hike
There are many different places where you can take your kids on a nature hike and you don't even have to travel very far! Wilderness Park in Frontenac, Kansas has a beautiful nature trail that can be enjoyed by your family. For the families that have an infant or a toddler that wouldn't be able to walk the entire trail, this is for you, too. The trail is very stroller friendly.
Go on a picnic
Going on a picnic can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Picking a park that has equipment or a lake would add more to do for the kids. Bring along the fishing poles and worms!
Visit the local museum
Visiting the Crawford County Historical Museum can be a very educational field trip for the kids. Put together a scavenger hunt and have them find various artifacts throughout the tour.
This is just a beginning of what you can do with your children over the summer. It is very important to keep them learning throughout the summer. As we all know, learning can be fun!
Angela Martino-Lewis
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