Baby Care Instructions » Kids and Teens http://www.babycareinstructions.com Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:54:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Fantasy and Your Child http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fantasy-and-your-child-3214.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fantasy-and-your-child-3214.html#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 11:22:54 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fantasy-and-your-child-3214.html As parents, we want only the very best for our children! We want to empower them to reach their full potential. To do so, your child must be given the opportunity to fulfill this dream. Your role is crucial in helping him/her and it is only logical to start by creating a happy secure environment for them to grow in.

Happy children are normally energetic and motivated to do things. They accept challenges and obstacles more calmly and try to find ways around difficulties.

Unfortunately ‘life happens and many factors and events of daily life cause stress of different levels in the family, causing many children to be extremely unhappy. When parents quarrel or get divorced, a child’s sense of security is severely threatened, making him/her feel very insecure, scared and alone. Changing from one school to another or moving from one house/community to another, it will result in him/her feeling very insecure and stressed.

Stories and fantasies play an important part in helping troubled children coping with the many hardships that they are often faced with. They can then experience emotions that they do not know how to deal with. Because they do not, at this tender age, yet have the sophisticated skills of adults to cope with these hurting emotions, they often act out and produce negative behavior, such as: learning problems, hyperactivity, bed wetting, aggression, night mares, eating problems, lying, stealing, etc. – all this because they feel sad, alone and misunderstood.

Stories speak to a child on his own level – it is therefore invaluable in addressing the child’s own problems and help him/her to cope with his/her problems and negative emotions.

In our troubled society, where bad things happen to our precious children, stories are used by therapists for effectively treating these troubled little souls. They use stories as method of communicating with the children, and in return, are used by the child to reveal his/her deepest emotions and pain.

Happy, healthy children also benefit immensely from stories as it can provide them with preventative tools and skills which they might need in future, should they encounter trauma, stress, divorce, loss, conflicts, etc.

65% of all children even have an imaginary friend! This is not necessarily firstborns or children who are distressed, lonely or unhappy. Often these pretend-friends are purely fun! Whatever the reason is for a child to have an imaginary friend, it shows a very fertile imagination and the friend becomes a faithful companion who helps the child to cope with life! These children tend to be better equipped to entertain themselves, get along better with their friends and also have a richer vocabulary.

So, Dear Alert Parent, when you realize that your child has an imaginary friend, don’t be alarmed! Such a friendship will have a lot of positive effects on your child!

Stories and fantasies enable children to go beyond their little world and dream about the impossible. It lets the child escape to a peaceful, secure world where they learn in a coincidental way how to cope and handle difficulties. It gives them a feeling of ‘I-can-deal-with-this’!… and in return brings hope and builds a strong self-esteem!

Talana Schoeman was born in King William’s Town, South Africa where she matriculated. She studied at the Teachers’ College in Port Elizabeth and taught at different schools in the Eastern Cape. She also owned her own Play Schools in King William’s Town and Port Elizabeth. She currently stays in Stellenbosch and is an author of children’s books.

Postal Address: P.O. Box 12385 Die Boord Stellenbosch 7613 South Africa

Read online: Fantasy and Your Child

]]> As parents, we want only the very best for our children! We want to empower them to reach their full potential. To do so, your child must be given the opportunity to fulfill this dream. Your role is crucial in helping him/her and it is only logical to start by creating a happy secure environment for them to grow in.

Happy children are normally energetic and motivated to do things. They accept challenges and obstacles more calmly and try to find ways around difficulties.

Unfortunately ‘life happens and many factors and events of daily life cause stress of different levels in the family, causing many children to be extremely unhappy. When parents quarrel or get divorced, a child’s sense of security is severely threatened, making him/her feel very insecure, scared and alone. Changing from one school to another or moving from one house/community to another, it will result in him/her feeling very insecure and stressed.

Stories and fantasies play an important part in helping troubled children coping with the many hardships that they are often faced with. They can then experience emotions that they do not know how to deal with. Because they do not, at this tender age, yet have the sophisticated skills of adults to cope with these hurting emotions, they often act out and produce negative behavior, such as: learning problems, hyperactivity, bed wetting, aggression, night mares, eating problems, lying, stealing, etc. – all this because they feel sad, alone and misunderstood.

Stories speak to a child on his own level – it is therefore invaluable in addressing the child’s own problems and help him/her to cope with his/her problems and negative emotions.

In our troubled society, where bad things happen to our precious children, stories are used by therapists for effectively treating these troubled little souls. They use stories as method of communicating with the children, and in return, are used by the child to reveal his/her deepest emotions and pain.

Happy, healthy children also benefit immensely from stories as it can provide them with preventative tools and skills which they might need in future, should they encounter trauma, stress, divorce, loss, conflicts, etc.

65% of all children even have an imaginary friend! This is not necessarily firstborns or children who are distressed, lonely or unhappy. Often these pretend-friends are purely fun! Whatever the reason is for a child to have an imaginary friend, it shows a very fertile imagination and the friend becomes a faithful companion who helps the child to cope with life! These children tend to be better equipped to entertain themselves, get along better with their friends and also have a richer vocabulary.

So, Dear Alert Parent, when you realize that your child has an imaginary friend, don’t be alarmed! Such a friendship will have a lot of positive effects on your child!

Stories and fantasies enable children to go beyond their little world and dream about the impossible. It lets the child escape to a peaceful, secure world where they learn in a coincidental way how to cope and handle difficulties. It gives them a feeling of ‘I-can-deal-with-this’!… and in return brings hope and builds a strong self-esteem!

Talana Schoeman was born in King William’s Town, South Africa where she matriculated. She studied at the Teachers’ College in Port Elizabeth and taught at different schools in the Eastern Cape. She also owned her own Play Schools in King William’s Town and Port Elizabeth. She currently stays in Stellenbosch and is an author of children’s books.

Postal Address: P.O. Box 12385 Die Boord Stellenbosch 7613 South Africa

Read online: Fantasy and Your Child

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fantasy-and-your-child-3214.html/feed 0 3 No-Brainer Short Cuts to Getting Your Child to Take Ownership of Their Responsibilities http://www.babycareinstructions.com/3-no-brainer-short-cuts-to-getting-your-child-to-take-ownership-of-their-responsibilities-3211.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/3-no-brainer-short-cuts-to-getting-your-child-to-take-ownership-of-their-responsibilities-3211.html#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 11:00:16 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/3-no-brainer-short-cuts-to-getting-your-child-to-take-ownership-of-their-responsibilities-3211.html Do you find yourself asking, “When will my child just pick up their toys or clothes off the floor without being asked a hundred times”? While it may seem impossible to have your child take responsibility, there are three shortcuts to turn this situation from struggle to compliance without a meltdown or battle.

First Shortcut… First Things First

The first shortcut is to CONNECT with your child, which means putting yourself in your child’s shoes. If you CONNECT first with your child, they are likely to be much more receptive to your requests.

Talk with your child about their plans. Find out what is on their mind or how they plan to spend the afternoon before you introduce a task or chore. You want a receptive response, not an over-reactive response.

If you start talking about what your child did not do, or about something done wrong, your child is likely to react negatively. This is because children often misinterpret comments about their mistakes, as if you only see their mistakes.

Second Short Cut To Getting Your Child To Do What You Ask

The second shortcut is to remain CALM. Emotions are contagious, so if you want calm, reasonable responses and cooperation, focus on maintaining your calm. If you express frustration and your tone is hyper-excited you are likely to get that reaction right back at you.

Staying calm is easiest if you eliminate negative thoughts. Don’t assume that inaction is an act of defiance or disrespect. Your calmness is likely to prevent many of the problems and hyper-emotionality that parents ignite in their child unintentionally.

Children really do not comprehend that a chore could be “all that important”. For a child, a chore is something they will do, but if it doesn’t get done, it is not of any major importance. Most children do not understand why adults get so upset when they don’t do something.

Third Short Cut to Getting Your Child To Do What You Ask

The third shortcut is to LISTEN to what your child is thinking about or is in the process of doing. Remember that your child is fully capable of figuring out how to get the task completed. You generate resistance when you give a series of instructions about something your child already knows how to do.

Simply ask your child to resolve the issue. You might say, “I know it just isn’t important to you to pick up your clothes off the floor, but every time I walk by and they are piled in the corner, I cringe. I would appreciate it if you would take care of that in the next ten minutes. If you have made the connection and your children feel appreciated, they are likely to appreciate you and your wishes in return.

If there is still resistance, it is important to get them over the hurdle of resistance and in positive motion. To move forward without additional resistance, try offering to do the task with them. “How about taking two minutes now and we can each take half the clothes down to the hamper? Together we will have it done so we can get on to doing other things.” After the clothes are in the hamper, do a mini-celebration, perhaps a “high-five” to acknowledge your appreciation.

This may be enough to imprint the mental reminder so that your child takes ownership next time without a reminder. If not, repeat this process a number of times before asking your child to tell you their plan for getting the clothes to the hamper on a regular basis.

When you focus on your goal of where you want them to end up, this helps to get your children from reluctance or resistance to taking positive action. Keep your eyes on the goal. State your appreciation as you make the request and again as soon as your child does as you have asked. You have succeeded, no judgment, no harassing, just a FRESH START. All that there is left to do then is to sit back and appreciate your success!

Parents, are you interested in additional powerful parenting information to free you from the daily frustration of unmet parenting expectations? You can discover other powerful resources to effective parenting at http://one-step-ahead-parenting.com

Read online: 3 No-Brainer Short Cuts to Getting Your Child to Take Ownership of Their Responsibilities

]]> Do you find yourself asking, “When will my child just pick up their toys or clothes off the floor without being asked a hundred times”? While it may seem impossible to have your child take responsibility, there are three shortcuts to turn this situation from struggle to compliance without a meltdown or battle.

First Shortcut… First Things First

The first shortcut is to CONNECT with your child, which means putting yourself in your child’s shoes. If you CONNECT first with your child, they are likely to be much more receptive to your requests.

Talk with your child about their plans. Find out what is on their mind or how they plan to spend the afternoon before you introduce a task or chore. You want a receptive response, not an over-reactive response.

If you start talking about what your child did not do, or about something done wrong, your child is likely to react negatively. This is because children often misinterpret comments about their mistakes, as if you only see their mistakes.

Second Short Cut To Getting Your Child To Do What You Ask

The second shortcut is to remain CALM. Emotions are contagious, so if you want calm, reasonable responses and cooperation, focus on maintaining your calm. If you express frustration and your tone is hyper-excited you are likely to get that reaction right back at you.

Staying calm is easiest if you eliminate negative thoughts. Don’t assume that inaction is an act of defiance or disrespect. Your calmness is likely to prevent many of the problems and hyper-emotionality that parents ignite in their child unintentionally.

Children really do not comprehend that a chore could be “all that important”. For a child, a chore is something they will do, but if it doesn’t get done, it is not of any major importance. Most children do not understand why adults get so upset when they don’t do something.

Third Short Cut to Getting Your Child To Do What You Ask

The third shortcut is to LISTEN to what your child is thinking about or is in the process of doing. Remember that your child is fully capable of figuring out how to get the task completed. You generate resistance when you give a series of instructions about something your child already knows how to do.

Simply ask your child to resolve the issue. You might say, “I know it just isn’t important to you to pick up your clothes off the floor, but every time I walk by and they are piled in the corner, I cringe. I would appreciate it if you would take care of that in the next ten minutes. If you have made the connection and your children feel appreciated, they are likely to appreciate you and your wishes in return.

If there is still resistance, it is important to get them over the hurdle of resistance and in positive motion. To move forward without additional resistance, try offering to do the task with them. “How about taking two minutes now and we can each take half the clothes down to the hamper? Together we will have it done so we can get on to doing other things.” After the clothes are in the hamper, do a mini-celebration, perhaps a “high-five” to acknowledge your appreciation.

This may be enough to imprint the mental reminder so that your child takes ownership next time without a reminder. If not, repeat this process a number of times before asking your child to tell you their plan for getting the clothes to the hamper on a regular basis.

When you focus on your goal of where you want them to end up, this helps to get your children from reluctance or resistance to taking positive action. Keep your eyes on the goal. State your appreciation as you make the request and again as soon as your child does as you have asked. You have succeeded, no judgment, no harassing, just a FRESH START. All that there is left to do then is to sit back and appreciate your success!

Parents, are you interested in additional powerful parenting information to free you from the daily frustration of unmet parenting expectations? You can discover other powerful resources to effective parenting at http://one-step-ahead-parenting.com

Read online: 3 No-Brainer Short Cuts to Getting Your Child to Take Ownership of Their Responsibilities

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/3-no-brainer-short-cuts-to-getting-your-child-to-take-ownership-of-their-responsibilities-3211.html/feed 0 The Choices in Kids Beach Towels http://www.babycareinstructions.com/the-choices-in-kids-beach-towels-3151.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/the-choices-in-kids-beach-towels-3151.html#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 13:18:38 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/the-choices-in-kids-beach-towels-3151.html If you have more than one child, you know how important for each one to have ownership. In planning for a summer vacation that involves sun, sand and water, kids beach towels are a must. A colorful and attractive oversize towel is perfect for preventing wet feet in the beach cottage. Beach towels can double as a sleeping or sitting mat for small children indoors or out.

Personalized towels almost are a must. You can assign a particular color for each child. Because towels come in so many colors and designs, you might even choose flowers for one and a favorite sports team for another. Sew a name tag into the towel or monogram with the child’s initials if you prefer.

You may want to let the kids choose their own favorite character from television, comics or the movies. Mickey Mouse is always popular as is the Little Mermaid. Power Rangers and Dora are other ones popular with the younger set. Older youngsters may enjoy a sports idol or pop article on a beach towel. For really personalized towels, arrange to have your child’s picture screen printed on the towel.

The fabric from which the towel is made should be soft. Children’s skin is more sensitive than that of adults and you want to be able to gently dry the moisture. Rough and scratchy towels are particularly uncomfortable when there is a sunburn or insect bites that are irritating the skin.

A good cotton terrycloth is an excellent choice for a beach towel. You may also consider linen towels. Regardless of the fabric used, be sure to choose color fast threads to avoid fading and staining due to dyes.

You can use a vinegar treatment to prevent the growth of mildew and mold in the damp towels. A half-hour soak in a tub full of wash water combined with 1 cup white vinegar will kill the mildew spores. This is followed by regular washing cycle to leave your kids beach towels as good as new.

Looking around for the perfect kids beach towels? Visit http://www.kidsbeachtowels.org

Read online: The Choices in Kids Beach Towels

]]> If you have more than one child, you know how important for each one to have ownership. In planning for a summer vacation that involves sun, sand and water, kids beach towels are a must. A colorful and attractive oversize towel is perfect for preventing wet feet in the beach cottage. Beach towels can double as a sleeping or sitting mat for small children indoors or out.

Personalized towels almost are a must. You can assign a particular color for each child. Because towels come in so many colors and designs, you might even choose flowers for one and a favorite sports team for another. Sew a name tag into the towel or monogram with the child’s initials if you prefer.

You may want to let the kids choose their own favorite character from television, comics or the movies. Mickey Mouse is always popular as is the Little Mermaid. Power Rangers and Dora are other ones popular with the younger set. Older youngsters may enjoy a sports idol or pop article on a beach towel. For really personalized towels, arrange to have your child’s picture screen printed on the towel.

The fabric from which the towel is made should be soft. Children’s skin is more sensitive than that of adults and you want to be able to gently dry the moisture. Rough and scratchy towels are particularly uncomfortable when there is a sunburn or insect bites that are irritating the skin.

A good cotton terrycloth is an excellent choice for a beach towel. You may also consider linen towels. Regardless of the fabric used, be sure to choose color fast threads to avoid fading and staining due to dyes.

You can use a vinegar treatment to prevent the growth of mildew and mold in the damp towels. A half-hour soak in a tub full of wash water combined with 1 cup white vinegar will kill the mildew spores. This is followed by regular washing cycle to leave your kids beach towels as good as new.

Looking around for the perfect kids beach towels? Visit http://www.kidsbeachtowels.org

Read online: The Choices in Kids Beach Towels

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/the-choices-in-kids-beach-towels-3151.html/feed 0 Comics Are a Great Way to Keep a Topic Reader Friendly and Often Support Kids to Learn Many Things http://www.babycareinstructions.com/comics-are-a-great-way-to-keep-a-topic-reader-friendly-and-often-support-kids-to-learn-many-things-3133.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/comics-are-a-great-way-to-keep-a-topic-reader-friendly-and-often-support-kids-to-learn-many-things-3133.html#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 17:26:23 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/comics-are-a-great-way-to-keep-a-topic-reader-friendly-and-often-support-kids-to-learn-many-things-3133.html An interesting fact about comics is they need just a topic to create a comic book. In America, there are nearly 900 schools which have taken the step to teach their students through comic books and give them training to create comics. Ask your kid, is he interested to draw a comic? If yes then it is very simple to create one through real imagination. Does your kid usually draw pencil on wall or on paper? It means he got learnt to create a comic book, offer him comic books by buy from cartoon comics shop, online medical comic shop or from any other comic store on internet. As he gets himself familiarized with comics, heed towards followings:

  • Make sure that your kid can articulate an event or topic well. Does he interrupt while sketching a topic? Don’t worry, make segments of words and then store those in mind.
  • Let him draw the main points on a paper by organizing the topic in form of illustration. If your kid can do this practice make sure he does it regularly. Practice will polish his abilities of drawing.
  • Gather the ideas about comic characters and their role at each stage of segment. Filter the segments and skip additional segments that lengthen the topic. As you direct the topic, you will be able to shape in final orders of segments.
  • Use colors through crayons and markers to sketch segment and add spots to show the expression of character such anger, sorrow, pleasure and so on. Give a proper space for words and offer pencil to kids for wording the topic rather any other stationary.
  • Order all completed parts of topic and stick them on cover stock using glue. Give a title of comic on cover followed by number of authors, contributors and their names. Make a binding of your comic using binding tools such as stapler, fastening thread and punch. Assign a date and time to share a final copy with other kids to promote the comic passion.
  • Make sure that you keep a funny tone and mood all along the process and avoid criticism because it will not only affect badly on your kids personality but also on his education and growth.

You have to first enable your kid, develop a habit to read comic books. There are many categories of comics which you can offer like you can buy medical comic books, health related comics, educational comic books, informational comic books and so on.

You have to understand that the process may take long depending on the age of your kid and concept of topic. You have to first create interest in your kid for comic books before you initiate for creating one. If your kid gets bored or shows less interest than take him away and schedule another time.

Medical Research Associate also performing duties to run multiple NGO’s for deprived and orphans welfare.

Read online: Comics Are a Great Way to Keep a Topic Reader Friendly and Often Support Kids to Learn Many Things

]]> An interesting fact about comics is they need just a topic to create a comic book. In America, there are nearly 900 schools which have taken the step to teach their students through comic books and give them training to create comics. Ask your kid, is he interested to draw a comic? If yes then it is very simple to create one through real imagination. Does your kid usually draw pencil on wall or on paper? It means he got learnt to create a comic book, offer him comic books by buy from cartoon comics shop, online medical comic shop or from any other comic store on internet. As he gets himself familiarized with comics, heed towards followings:

  • Make sure that your kid can articulate an event or topic well. Does he interrupt while sketching a topic? Don’t worry, make segments of words and then store those in mind.
  • Let him draw the main points on a paper by organizing the topic in form of illustration. If your kid can do this practice make sure he does it regularly. Practice will polish his abilities of drawing.
  • Gather the ideas about comic characters and their role at each stage of segment. Filter the segments and skip additional segments that lengthen the topic. As you direct the topic, you will be able to shape in final orders of segments.
  • Use colors through crayons and markers to sketch segment and add spots to show the expression of character such anger, sorrow, pleasure and so on. Give a proper space for words and offer pencil to kids for wording the topic rather any other stationary.
  • Order all completed parts of topic and stick them on cover stock using glue. Give a title of comic on cover followed by number of authors, contributors and their names. Make a binding of your comic using binding tools such as stapler, fastening thread and punch. Assign a date and time to share a final copy with other kids to promote the comic passion.
  • Make sure that you keep a funny tone and mood all along the process and avoid criticism because it will not only affect badly on your kids personality but also on his education and growth.

You have to first enable your kid, develop a habit to read comic books. There are many categories of comics which you can offer like you can buy medical comic books, health related comics, educational comic books, informational comic books and so on.

You have to understand that the process may take long depending on the age of your kid and concept of topic. You have to first create interest in your kid for comic books before you initiate for creating one. If your kid gets bored or shows less interest than take him away and schedule another time.

Medical Research Associate also performing duties to run multiple NGO’s for deprived and orphans welfare.

Read online: Comics Are a Great Way to Keep a Topic Reader Friendly and Often Support Kids to Learn Many Things

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/comics-are-a-great-way-to-keep-a-topic-reader-friendly-and-often-support-kids-to-learn-many-things-3133.html/feed 0 6 Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss http://www.babycareinstructions.com/6-ways-to-prevent-summer-learning-loss-3083.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/6-ways-to-prevent-summer-learning-loss-3083.html#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 02:24:15 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/6-ways-to-prevent-summer-learning-loss-3083.html Did you know that many kids experience a phenomena called Summer Learning Loss every year? Essentially, they forget the information they learned in the previous school year over the summer months. In fact, studies have shown that kids lose an average of over 2.6 months worth of math skills in the summertime. For kids that were already struggling in a subject like math, this means that they will start off the next school year even further behind.

During the summer months, kids are less likely to practice any time of mathematical computations. Most will not practice math skills outside any formal classroom setting. Other subjects such as reading, also show a learning loss as well. In reading, students will lose an average of 1 month of learning.

Think of your favorite sport. Pick your favorite basketball, football, or soccer player. What would happen if they did not continue to train and exercise during off-season? They would then return to their sport and experience a lag in their performance. The brain is no different. It too, needs to be exercised.

So how can you keep your kids learning over the summer? Here are a few simple ideas:

1. Purchase educational workbooks. These are available at most bookstores and many cities also have special teacher supply stores that carry great learning material. These products are geared towards different grades so you can customize to your children’s level. It is recommended that your children do at least an hour a day.

2. Visit your local library. Find some books with topics that interest your child so that they are really engaged in reading. The library is a great place to promote the love of reading! Reading comprehension is highly important and most states have standardized testing based off of reading scores. Your librarian can suggest grade-level appropriate books that will keep your child’s attention with the text.

3. Visit museums, zoos and other historical sites. Help your child learn about history by living it as a hand-on experience. Don’t forget summer learning opportunities locally, in addition to your library. Check out museums, the zoo, aquariums, concerts and parks that you don’t usually get to attend during the school year. Have them keep a journal (writing skills!) of their activities, and perhaps e-mail friends and relatives about what they are doing (again, stealth writing practice!)

4. The Internet can be your friend! Check out safe, parent-approved Internet sites. Many will offer crafts, worksheets, and even power-busters to keep the brain moving! Many lessons are broken down by grade level making it simple to cater to your child’s needs. There are also websites that allow the child to ‘play’ when in reality, they are learning! This is also a great opportunity to bring in new material that will prepare them for the next grade level!

5. Check out your local newspaper and community! Most communities will hold writing camps, editor-in-training seminars, art and dancing classes and more. Log on to your city website and see what is being offered within your community.

6. Enroll into a summer tutoring or teaching program. For children that are struggling academically, summer can be the perfect time to address it with a customized tutoring program. The summer months are an excellent time for your child to fill in learning gaps or zoom ahead with enrichment activities at supplemental learning centers, or via tutors or last year’s teacher. Your child’s teacher is an excellent resource to give you ideas for summer books to read and math workbooks to complete in between play and television watching.

These ideas will help your child build up more confidence, and prepare them to start the new school with a bang! This is the opportunity to both stabilize and advance your child, what are you waiting for?

Read online: 6 Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

]]> Did you know that many kids experience a phenomena called Summer Learning Loss every year? Essentially, they forget the information they learned in the previous school year over the summer months. In fact, studies have shown that kids lose an average of over 2.6 months worth of math skills in the summertime. For kids that were already struggling in a subject like math, this means that they will start off the next school year even further behind.

During the summer months, kids are less likely to practice any time of mathematical computations. Most will not practice math skills outside any formal classroom setting. Other subjects such as reading, also show a learning loss as well. In reading, students will lose an average of 1 month of learning.

Think of your favorite sport. Pick your favorite basketball, football, or soccer player. What would happen if they did not continue to train and exercise during off-season? They would then return to their sport and experience a lag in their performance. The brain is no different. It too, needs to be exercised.

So how can you keep your kids learning over the summer? Here are a few simple ideas:

1. Purchase educational workbooks. These are available at most bookstores and many cities also have special teacher supply stores that carry great learning material. These products are geared towards different grades so you can customize to your children’s level. It is recommended that your children do at least an hour a day.

2. Visit your local library. Find some books with topics that interest your child so that they are really engaged in reading. The library is a great place to promote the love of reading! Reading comprehension is highly important and most states have standardized testing based off of reading scores. Your librarian can suggest grade-level appropriate books that will keep your child’s attention with the text.

3. Visit museums, zoos and other historical sites. Help your child learn about history by living it as a hand-on experience. Don’t forget summer learning opportunities locally, in addition to your library. Check out museums, the zoo, aquariums, concerts and parks that you don’t usually get to attend during the school year. Have them keep a journal (writing skills!) of their activities, and perhaps e-mail friends and relatives about what they are doing (again, stealth writing practice!)

4. The Internet can be your friend! Check out safe, parent-approved Internet sites. Many will offer crafts, worksheets, and even power-busters to keep the brain moving! Many lessons are broken down by grade level making it simple to cater to your child’s needs. There are also websites that allow the child to ‘play’ when in reality, they are learning! This is also a great opportunity to bring in new material that will prepare them for the next grade level!

5. Check out your local newspaper and community! Most communities will hold writing camps, editor-in-training seminars, art and dancing classes and more. Log on to your city website and see what is being offered within your community.

6. Enroll into a summer tutoring or teaching program. For children that are struggling academically, summer can be the perfect time to address it with a customized tutoring program. The summer months are an excellent time for your child to fill in learning gaps or zoom ahead with enrichment activities at supplemental learning centers, or via tutors or last year’s teacher. Your child’s teacher is an excellent resource to give you ideas for summer books to read and math workbooks to complete in between play and television watching.

These ideas will help your child build up more confidence, and prepare them to start the new school with a bang! This is the opportunity to both stabilize and advance your child, what are you waiting for?

Read online: 6 Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/6-ways-to-prevent-summer-learning-loss-3083.html/feed 0 Helping Your Child Deal With Anxiety http://www.babycareinstructions.com/helping-your-child-deal-with-anxiety-3012.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/helping-your-child-deal-with-anxiety-3012.html#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 08:38:20 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/helping-your-child-deal-with-anxiety-3012.html Most children have some level of fear or anxiety. These are usually normal childhood fears or phobias, such as fear of the dark, fear of hospitals, or a fear of failure. Most children will successfully overcome their childhood fears with time. However, some children may continue to exhibit signs and symptoms of anxiety that seem unrelated to specific fears. These children are usually more nervous, jittery, and worried than the average child. If your child seems to fit into this category, there are things that you can be doing to help him overcome his anxiety.

First and foremost: do not scold him for his feelings of fear. No matter what he is afraid of, pressuring him is only going to make the situation worse. It will give him a sense of failure and also that he cannot rely on you to be there for him unless he is perfect. This will cause him more anxiety about letting you down. He will also begin to try to repress his fears, or hide them from you, so you do not get upset. In the future, this is going to compound his anxiety, and he may very well become a very anxious adult.

Figure out if there are specific things that spark your child’s anxiety. Ask him questions about what bothers him. Get him to talk freely about his feelings. Sometimes just talking things out will help. Be supportive and listen; do not judge. Try not to tell him “not to be afraid” or that there is “nothing to fear”. To him, these statements hold absolutely no weight, and will make no sense. Instead, try telling him that his feelings are normal and that many people have feelings just like him. Reinforce to him that you are going to support him through his anxiety, and that you will not let him flounder. Instead, you will get him the help that he needs to learn how to overcome these feelings.

In order to follow through on your promise, speak to your child’s teacher and/or school nurse. Tell them what he is feeling, and ask if there is a school counselor available. If there is, set up an appointment as soon as possible for your child. Explain to your child that the counselor talks to boys and girls that feel just like he does, and that she knows how to teach him to feel better. Express great confidence in the counselor. Take your child to the counseling session if possible. Usually, with a regular counseling routine, most anxious children begin to start overcoming their fears in appropriately 6-8 weeks.

Christopher has been working as a home and office consultant for the past 15 years. He is happily retired and writes articles and weblogs in her downtime. His newest interest is in flushable cat litter. Come check out his website to learn more at http://www.flushable-catlitter.com

Read online: Helping Your Child Deal With Anxiety

]]> Most children have some level of fear or anxiety. These are usually normal childhood fears or phobias, such as fear of the dark, fear of hospitals, or a fear of failure. Most children will successfully overcome their childhood fears with time. However, some children may continue to exhibit signs and symptoms of anxiety that seem unrelated to specific fears. These children are usually more nervous, jittery, and worried than the average child. If your child seems to fit into this category, there are things that you can be doing to help him overcome his anxiety.

First and foremost: do not scold him for his feelings of fear. No matter what he is afraid of, pressuring him is only going to make the situation worse. It will give him a sense of failure and also that he cannot rely on you to be there for him unless he is perfect. This will cause him more anxiety about letting you down. He will also begin to try to repress his fears, or hide them from you, so you do not get upset. In the future, this is going to compound his anxiety, and he may very well become a very anxious adult.

Figure out if there are specific things that spark your child’s anxiety. Ask him questions about what bothers him. Get him to talk freely about his feelings. Sometimes just talking things out will help. Be supportive and listen; do not judge. Try not to tell him “not to be afraid” or that there is “nothing to fear”. To him, these statements hold absolutely no weight, and will make no sense. Instead, try telling him that his feelings are normal and that many people have feelings just like him. Reinforce to him that you are going to support him through his anxiety, and that you will not let him flounder. Instead, you will get him the help that he needs to learn how to overcome these feelings.

In order to follow through on your promise, speak to your child’s teacher and/or school nurse. Tell them what he is feeling, and ask if there is a school counselor available. If there is, set up an appointment as soon as possible for your child. Explain to your child that the counselor talks to boys and girls that feel just like he does, and that she knows how to teach him to feel better. Express great confidence in the counselor. Take your child to the counseling session if possible. Usually, with a regular counseling routine, most anxious children begin to start overcoming their fears in appropriately 6-8 weeks.

Christopher has been working as a home and office consultant for the past 15 years. He is happily retired and writes articles and weblogs in her downtime. His newest interest is in flushable cat litter. Come check out his website to learn more at http://www.flushable-catlitter.com

Read online: Helping Your Child Deal With Anxiety

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/helping-your-child-deal-with-anxiety-3012.html/feed 0 Melissa and Doug Easel – The Perfect Workstation For Imagination http://www.babycareinstructions.com/melissa-and-doug-easel-the-perfect-workstation-for-imagination-2960.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/melissa-and-doug-easel-the-perfect-workstation-for-imagination-2960.html#comments Sun, 02 May 2010 08:33:03 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/melissa-and-doug-easel-the-perfect-workstation-for-imagination-2960.html With a Melissa and Doug easel, your little artist can let their imagination run wild. The Deluxe Large Standing Easel has a sound wooden foundation. The height is adjustable to three different levels. There is a tray that can handle all of the art supplies any young mind might need, situated at waist weight for easy access. To prevent accidental spills, there are cup and pint bottle holders. The paper is firmly mounted and can be purchased separately in pad form for endless hours of creativity. There is also a locking mechanism to keep the roll for interfering with the latest creation. If you have more than one child, the back side also has a tray and can be fitted with a pad of paper so two little angels can be creative at once, without interfering with each other.

This Deluxe Large Standing Easel measures 47inches tall by 27 inches wide and the legs are separated by 26 inches. Best of all, it is collapsible for easy storage.

The Easel Companion set is the perfect match to get the artist up and creating on the first day. This comes complete with cups for paint and 4 colors of non toxic, non-staining paint. 3 brushes, an eraser, and 10 pieces of chalk are also included.

The Easel Pad of Paper is 17 inches by 20 inches, and each pad has 50 different sheets. Each one is thick enough so as not to tear when a masterpiece is being constructed. The Melissa and Doug easel is the perfect tool to introduce art into a child’s life.

For the best toys deals and toy reviews from real moms, check out Zach’s Toybox at http://www.zachstoybox.com. There you will find great deals on classic toys like Melissa and Doug and other quality products.

Read online: Melissa and Doug Easel – The Perfect Workstation For Imagination

]]> With a Melissa and Doug easel, your little artist can let their imagination run wild. The Deluxe Large Standing Easel has a sound wooden foundation. The height is adjustable to three different levels. There is a tray that can handle all of the art supplies any young mind might need, situated at waist weight for easy access. To prevent accidental spills, there are cup and pint bottle holders. The paper is firmly mounted and can be purchased separately in pad form for endless hours of creativity. There is also a locking mechanism to keep the roll for interfering with the latest creation. If you have more than one child, the back side also has a tray and can be fitted with a pad of paper so two little angels can be creative at once, without interfering with each other.

This Deluxe Large Standing Easel measures 47inches tall by 27 inches wide and the legs are separated by 26 inches. Best of all, it is collapsible for easy storage.

The Easel Companion set is the perfect match to get the artist up and creating on the first day. This comes complete with cups for paint and 4 colors of non toxic, non-staining paint. 3 brushes, an eraser, and 10 pieces of chalk are also included.

The Easel Pad of Paper is 17 inches by 20 inches, and each pad has 50 different sheets. Each one is thick enough so as not to tear when a masterpiece is being constructed. The Melissa and Doug easel is the perfect tool to introduce art into a child’s life.

For the best toys deals and toy reviews from real moms, check out Zach’s Toybox at http://www.zachstoybox.com. There you will find great deals on classic toys like Melissa and Doug and other quality products.

Read online: Melissa and Doug Easel – The Perfect Workstation For Imagination

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/melissa-and-doug-easel-the-perfect-workstation-for-imagination-2960.html/feed 0 Keep Your Child Safe With Amber Alert GPS http://www.babycareinstructions.com/keep-your-child-safe-with-amber-alert-gps-2956.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/keep-your-child-safe-with-amber-alert-gps-2956.html#comments Sun, 02 May 2010 07:55:56 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/keep-your-child-safe-with-amber-alert-gps-2956.html Would you like to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS? Do you want to know where your child is at all times and not have to worry about what he or she is doing? Are you scared that your child may get lost and don’t want to go through the stress of trying to find them? Would you like to be able to protect your child at all times even if you aren’t physically with him or her? Even better, if you would like to check up on your child wouldn’t you like to be able to do so with ease?

All parents would like to be able to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS. Amber Alert GPS is a child tracking device that can notify you of your child’s location at any time you desire. It is simply a GPS tracking device that is kept with your child. When you would like to find out the location of your child you can do so in two ways. The most convenient way you can find the location of your child is by sending a text message from your every day cell phone to your device. It will then reply to you with a map of your child’s location. You can also call a toll-free number that can tell you where your child currently is. If you are using the option of sending a text message you can even have a map of your child’s location be sent to your computer screen for a larger view.

The best way to protect your child is to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS. Many parents will try and protect their child on their own which continually proves itself unsuccessful. A lot of parents will try and follow their children and see where they actually go. This can cause a lot of problems such as your child seeing you following him which will only result in an argument. Some parents even call their child every 30 minutes to check up on them which is inconvenient for both you and your child. Because of this a Amber Alert GPS system will be the best option for you.

Amber Alert GPS also has many other useful features. You can configure safe zones which are they only places that your child can travel within. If he or she travels outside of these barriers then you will be promptly notified so you can protect your child before he or she goes somewhere that they shouldn’t be going to. This is just one of the many other options you can take advantage of.

No parent wants to lose their child. It can become one of the most stressful and terrible situations you may ever have to go through. It will not only effect you and your child but many other people around you. It’s a feeling and situation that all people should do their best to avoid. This is done by being able to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS.

Get the best child GPS tracking device by visiting our website.

Keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS, we show you how Right Here!

Read online: Keep Your Child Safe With Amber Alert GPS

]]> Would you like to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS? Do you want to know where your child is at all times and not have to worry about what he or she is doing? Are you scared that your child may get lost and don’t want to go through the stress of trying to find them? Would you like to be able to protect your child at all times even if you aren’t physically with him or her? Even better, if you would like to check up on your child wouldn’t you like to be able to do so with ease?

All parents would like to be able to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS. Amber Alert GPS is a child tracking device that can notify you of your child’s location at any time you desire. It is simply a GPS tracking device that is kept with your child. When you would like to find out the location of your child you can do so in two ways. The most convenient way you can find the location of your child is by sending a text message from your every day cell phone to your device. It will then reply to you with a map of your child’s location. You can also call a toll-free number that can tell you where your child currently is. If you are using the option of sending a text message you can even have a map of your child’s location be sent to your computer screen for a larger view.

The best way to protect your child is to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS. Many parents will try and protect their child on their own which continually proves itself unsuccessful. A lot of parents will try and follow their children and see where they actually go. This can cause a lot of problems such as your child seeing you following him which will only result in an argument. Some parents even call their child every 30 minutes to check up on them which is inconvenient for both you and your child. Because of this a Amber Alert GPS system will be the best option for you.

Amber Alert GPS also has many other useful features. You can configure safe zones which are they only places that your child can travel within. If he or she travels outside of these barriers then you will be promptly notified so you can protect your child before he or she goes somewhere that they shouldn’t be going to. This is just one of the many other options you can take advantage of.

No parent wants to lose their child. It can become one of the most stressful and terrible situations you may ever have to go through. It will not only effect you and your child but many other people around you. It’s a feeling and situation that all people should do their best to avoid. This is done by being able to keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS.

Get the best child GPS tracking device by visiting our website.

Keep your child safe with Amber Alert GPS, we show you how Right Here!

Read online: Keep Your Child Safe With Amber Alert GPS

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/keep-your-child-safe-with-amber-alert-gps-2956.html/feed 0 Kids & Germs – Are They Designed For Each Other? http://www.babycareinstructions.com/kids-germs-are-they-designed-for-each-other-2876.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/kids-germs-are-they-designed-for-each-other-2876.html#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:23:06 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/kids-germs-are-they-designed-for-each-other-2876.html Kids – Germs Can Mean Healthier Children?

Germs – Who wants them? Germs and Children seem designed to go together. Germs cause Illness and must be eliminated? But what is the health cost, what is the financial cost?

  • Grocery Isles are loaded with antibacterial soaps & wipes
  • Antibacterial products for the Kitchen, Personal care items
  • Stick a label on a product stating “anti-bacterial” and they fly out of the store…

Germs and Health Awareness

  • An Awareness of Germs is a Good thing!
  • Can we take the Germ Fear too far?
  • If so what are the Negative Health Effects?

Gems Cause Illness

Germs can result in common infections, colds, flu and so on. Not particularly inviting little bugs to want in your life.

  • Is it possible to benefit from some exposure to germs?

Germ Freak Concept

Germ Paranoia has grown dramatically; Product manufacturers continue to expand their Cleaners as is evident on the shopping shelves and in our cleaning cupboards.

The Germ Danger – A fact to consider?

If Parents are more Germ Conscious than ever before, you would presume that our children should in fact be growing healthier…!

  • Minimal exposure to germs should mean healthier kids

Our perhaps over the top Hygiene Standards may be working against the welfare of our children.

  • Sad to say the reality is the exact opposite.
  • Child Asthma and Child Allergies have increased dramatically

Can A Little Germ Exposure Be Beneficial?

Exposure to some Germs allows a small child’s immune system the opportunity to develop. You may wish to think of it in this way. A child’s exposure to new words – leads to an expanded language vocabulary.

  • Exposure to a few germs helps to expand the immune systems defence mechanisms.

A baby – Minus Exposure to Germs may in fact result in an increasingly sensitive immune system. An overly Responsive Immune System is often responsible for such things as:

  • Allergies and Respiratory Problems like Asthma.

Safe Home Cleaning is necessary, Regular Hand washing and Parental Example is likely to protect your family and their well being more than 20 bottles of Anti Bacterial Products…Do not be Caught up in the Germ Paranoia and fall victim to Clever Marketing and Harmful Chemical Substances.

GJH. International – Julie Hodges

Easy to understand information Partnered with a Commonsense Approach – Increase Your Potential to Successfully Manage Health & Wellness.

Free Information Guides & Strategies – Natural Health Care, Health Tips, Product Suggestions.

If Improving Health, Safety & Wellbeing – Rank Highly in Your Priorities, take a look & Don’t forget to Book Mark the Site!

http://organicbabyitemsonline.com

http://mentalhealthweightloss.info

Read online: Kids & Germs – Are They Designed For Each Other?

]]> Kids – Germs Can Mean Healthier Children?

Germs – Who wants them? Germs and Children seem designed to go together. Germs cause Illness and must be eliminated? But what is the health cost, what is the financial cost?

  • Grocery Isles are loaded with antibacterial soaps & wipes
  • Antibacterial products for the Kitchen, Personal care items
  • Stick a label on a product stating “anti-bacterial” and they fly out of the store…

Germs and Health Awareness

  • An Awareness of Germs is a Good thing!
  • Can we take the Germ Fear too far?
  • If so what are the Negative Health Effects?

Gems Cause Illness

Germs can result in common infections, colds, flu and so on. Not particularly inviting little bugs to want in your life.

  • Is it possible to benefit from some exposure to germs?

Germ Freak Concept

Germ Paranoia has grown dramatically; Product manufacturers continue to expand their Cleaners as is evident on the shopping shelves and in our cleaning cupboards.

The Germ Danger – A fact to consider?

If Parents are more Germ Conscious than ever before, you would presume that our children should in fact be growing healthier…!

  • Minimal exposure to germs should mean healthier kids

Our perhaps over the top Hygiene Standards may be working against the welfare of our children.

  • Sad to say the reality is the exact opposite.
  • Child Asthma and Child Allergies have increased dramatically

Can A Little Germ Exposure Be Beneficial?

Exposure to some Germs allows a small child’s immune system the opportunity to develop. You may wish to think of it in this way. A child’s exposure to new words – leads to an expanded language vocabulary.

  • Exposure to a few germs helps to expand the immune systems defence mechanisms.

A baby – Minus Exposure to Germs may in fact result in an increasingly sensitive immune system. An overly Responsive Immune System is often responsible for such things as:

  • Allergies and Respiratory Problems like Asthma.

Safe Home Cleaning is necessary, Regular Hand washing and Parental Example is likely to protect your family and their well being more than 20 bottles of Anti Bacterial Products…Do not be Caught up in the Germ Paranoia and fall victim to Clever Marketing and Harmful Chemical Substances.

GJH. International – Julie Hodges

Easy to understand information Partnered with a Commonsense Approach – Increase Your Potential to Successfully Manage Health & Wellness.

Free Information Guides & Strategies – Natural Health Care, Health Tips, Product Suggestions.

If Improving Health, Safety & Wellbeing – Rank Highly in Your Priorities, take a look & Don’t forget to Book Mark the Site!

http://organicbabyitemsonline.com

http://mentalhealthweightloss.info

Read online: Kids & Germs – Are They Designed For Each Other?

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/kids-germs-are-they-designed-for-each-other-2876.html/feed 0 Fear No Mess With Smocks and Splash Mats http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fear-no-mess-with-smocks-and-splash-mats-2845.html http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fear-no-mess-with-smocks-and-splash-mats-2845.html#comments Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:50:46 +0000 http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fear-no-mess-with-smocks-and-splash-mats-2845.html Every child loves to have fun and delve into their creative side. Whether it’s in painting, coloring, pretend play or other activities, little kids will surely cause a little bit of mess. Smocks and splash mats should therefore be top acquisitions in the day care supplies list.

Children love to paint with their brushes. But as the activity progresses, the art brushes are discarded and they eventually paint with their fingers and hands. Instinctively, these children will wipe off their hands right across their clothes to remove some stuff and get them cleaned. Using a smock, brand new clothes and shirts can be readily safeguarded from paints, markers, colored pens and other stains. These children’s smocks are easy to don and take off and they offer full coverage on both front and sides of children’s clothing. Wearing these smocks will let children work freely on their arts and crafts without fear of messing their cute dresses and overalls. They can also be used as big bibs come feeding time. The smocks are often waterproof and can be easily wiped clean.

When using paints and other art materials, the tables and floors also receive a beating. Kids usually end up knocking and spilling paint bottles and splashing paint all over the place. To avoid rigorous scrubbing and extensive clean-ups, splash mats can be used. These day care supplies look like large rounds and squares of plastic that can be placed on tabletops and floors to protect the surfaces and contain all the mess created by the kids.

Compare and look at different daycare supplies on my website.

Read online: Fear No Mess With Smocks and Splash Mats

Baby Care Instructions

]]> Every child loves to have fun and delve into their creative side. Whether it’s in painting, coloring, pretend play or other activities, little kids will surely cause a little bit of mess. Smocks and splash mats should therefore be top acquisitions in the day care supplies list.

Children love to paint with their brushes. But as the activity progresses, the art brushes are discarded and they eventually paint with their fingers and hands. Instinctively, these children will wipe off their hands right across their clothes to remove some stuff and get them cleaned. Using a smock, brand new clothes and shirts can be readily safeguarded from paints, markers, colored pens and other stains. These children’s smocks are easy to don and take off and they offer full coverage on both front and sides of children’s clothing. Wearing these smocks will let children work freely on their arts and crafts without fear of messing their cute dresses and overalls. They can also be used as big bibs come feeding time. The smocks are often waterproof and can be easily wiped clean.

When using paints and other art materials, the tables and floors also receive a beating. Kids usually end up knocking and spilling paint bottles and splashing paint all over the place. To avoid rigorous scrubbing and extensive clean-ups, splash mats can be used. These day care supplies look like large rounds and squares of plastic that can be placed on tabletops and floors to protect the surfaces and contain all the mess created by the kids.

Compare and look at different daycare supplies on my website.

Read online: Fear No Mess With Smocks and Splash Mats

Baby Care Instructions

]]> http://www.babycareinstructions.com/fear-no-mess-with-smocks-and-splash-mats-2845.html/feed 0