How to Talk to Your Children About Disasters

As a child, life is relatively safe. We protect our children from the day that they are born, and do everything in our power to keep them from coming into harm's way. Unfortunately, some events are beyond your control as a parent, and in the event that the unthinkable does happen and your family is involved in a flood, fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster, you will want to make sure that your children are properly prepared to handle the situation and to keep themselves safe.

While preparation is important, the last thing that you want is to cause undue anxiety to your children. As a result it's important to be careful about the way that you choose to broach the subject of disaster preparation. You will want to present this information in such a way as to empower your children and give them confidence, rather than instilling them with fear and terror. Here are a few ways that you can make this experience as positive as possible:

Find out what they already know

Depending on your child's age, they may already have seen hurricanes, floods and fires on the news. Find out what they know about natural disasters, and how that makes them feel. This will give you a better idea of the knowledge base that you have to build on, and let you know where you should start in your discussion.

Give accurate information that's not overly explicit

If your children have any misconceptions or gaps in their knowledge, fill them in in a calm, educational way. Dispel any myths or untruths that they may have heard from other sources, and do your best to explain that natural disasters are rare, and not something to be feared, but rather something to be aware of and well prepared for. This can be the perfect segway into a discussion about disaster planning, household procedures and family meeting points.

Give them time to ask questions and express their fears

It's more than likely that your children will have some questions for you after your talk about fire and disaster planning. Be open to their questions. Remember that your children are extremely sensitive to the moods and reactions of the people around them, and that your patience and calm demeanor will have a comforting effect. Find out what fears they may have about fires or other incidents in the home, and do your best to

Make yourself available

Let your son or daughter know that they can always come to you if they feel worried or if they have any questions. This will give them a feeling of security and will lessen the chance of them harboring private fears and anxieties. Since the concept of natural disasters and emergency situations can be overwhelming for some children, they will appreciate having the support of a parent to put them at ease.

Conclusion

Explaining the importance of disaster prevention and response to your children is not only helpful, it might save their lives. If handled properly, talking to your children about emergency planning can be a positive experience for everyone involved. This is the surest way of knowing that your entire family is well prepared, and that your children have the proper information to handle any situation that might arise.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Party Ideas By Cynthia Marcano

A perfect combination of martial arts, actiNinja adventure and cute turtles, these characters are the perfect basis for a boy's birthday party. Most little boys I know love at least one, if not all of the characteristics of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Incorporating all of those traits into a birthday party is sure to turn into some sure fire fun.

The Teenage Mutant Ninj Turtles are best known for their martial arts, their love of pizza, sewers and for screaming Cowabunga!!!!!. This translates into a supereasy birthday party to put together.

Party Decorations

With Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles party supplies readily available, you may opt to take the simpler or less expensive route. Using basic colors and supplies can achieve that goal. I suggest using a combination or green and blue or green and brown.

To make this party scream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we need some signature decor. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Manhole Covers Wall Decor - Cut out large circles out of posterboard or cardboard. Try to make them at least 24 inches in diameter. Use either silver or grey colored posterboard super easypewter grey. Now cut circles 1 inch smaller than the original circles. Use black posterboard or paint these circles black. Paste the black circle on top of the grey circle. Cut out strips the length of the diameter of the circles by about 1 inch in width. Over lap the strips one by one making a plaid design. Paste the completed plaid design over the circles. Trim where necessary. Your manhole cover is now complete and can be hung on your wall or on the floor.

2. Ninja Stars - What's a ninja without ninja stars? Using a six point star cut out the shape on silver/grey posterboard.

3. Graffiti Brick Wall - Using faux brick wall paper and spray paint this is easy to replicate and perfectly legal. For authenticity, use sevcral colors of spray paint. Add the birthday boy's name and party guests to the faux brick wall paper. hposter boardraffiticreator.net/ has several styles of font that you may try to replicate if you are shooting for a very authentic look. Once dry hang on a wall.

4. Hang up posters or enlarge clipart and hang poster board

The turtles LOVE pizza so add empty pizza boxes all over.

Party Games

Since this is a ninja based birthday party, chances are there will be some martial arts replicating going on. The best poster board someone with an accidental black eye is to keep the ninja's in training occupied. These party games should help.

Pin the Mask on the Turtle - the same concept as pin the tail on the donkey.
Free Printable Available Soon

Find the Manhole Cover - the TMNT are always looking for a route back to the sewer. Make several small manhole covers and hide around the party area. The one who finds the most escape routes (manhole covers) is the winner.

Ninja Star Practice - Don't panic these are not real ninja stars. Using paper ninja stars (see decorations above) designate a specific area as the target. Whoever comes closest to the target area is the winner.

Find The Pizza - using the same emptposter boardes, hide a fake pizza (clipart cutout) to one of the boxes. Have the party gamers search for the pizza. Whoever finds it first is the winner.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Training Camp - (recommended for older children). If you have the roseveralors or the weather permits, have the party goers compete or participate in a traing course. Events can include jumping, running, kicking and flipping. To make it a competition just rate who did each category the fastest or highest. This should be a supervised party game. To make it extra special, have the children wear green and place eyes masks (in the TMNT colors) on them. You will have your own swarm of ninja turtles.

Party Menu

Pizza - duh!

Lime Green Jello - (Ooze)

Lime Green colored Kool-Aid or juice.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=233407&ca=Parenting

How To Survive Grocery Shopping With Kids In Tow By Elena Neitlich

“Before kids I used to happily peruse the supermarket aisles, slowly selecting interesting new items, scrutinizing labels and creating a few evening meals in my head as I shopped. Now I have two small kids and my creative shopping days are over. I run through the store and I am lucky if I get half of the essentials that I need to get through the week,” writes a frustrated mom when asked about her biggest daily stressors.

With small children in tow, visits to the supermarket can be unproductive and filled with anxiety. An extra twenty minutes of indecision, waiting at the deli, or traveling unneeded aisles, is just enough time for kids to lose their marbles and cause the parent to flee the store, shopping incomplete.

Supermarket shopping must get done, and bringing the children, for the majority of parents, is the only viable option.

Survival Tips

Create a weekly menu.

On Sunday, find 7 simple dinner recipes made with basic, healthy ingredients. Include an easy lunch menu for 7 days and then decide breakfast choices for the week. The Food Network website yields hundreds of tasty, easy to prepare meal ideas like beef stroganoff and tacos. Writing a weekly menu will relieve the stress that families feel each evening when deciding what’s for dinner, leaving more time and energy for family time.

Make a list.

Using the weekly menu, make a shopping list on the front of a plain envelope (reason for envelope in next tip) of all of the items needed to prepare the week’s breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. The food list complete, go through the house and add to the list, beverages, paper, cleaning, and bath and beauty products running low. A pad of paper and pen in an accessible area lets family members jot down items they need.

Study the floor plan of the grocery store.

It is really helpful to know the layout of the grocery store when creating a grocery list because the list can be made to correlate to the store. For example, if the deli is the first place passed and the dairy is next and then meat, deli items should be grouped at the top of the list followed by all of the dairy items and then meat. Although seemingly obsessive-compulsive, correlating the list to the store layout eliminates doubling back and can save enormous amounts of time.

Clip coupons.

After the list is created, find coupons that match items on the list. Only use coupons for those items regularly used, or those items the family might enjoy trying. Put the coupons needed for the current shopping list into the envelope with the grocery list printed on it. Place a check next to those items on the list that have a coupon. Don’t add extra items to the list just to use a coupon. Compare prices, sometimes another brand might be cheaper than the brand with the coupon.

Do be creative with the weekly menu to incorporate coupons, for example make chicken instead of pork chops if there is a chicken coupon. Don’t compromise on health to use a coupon; don’t buy a 10% juice beverage with a coupon instead of 100% juice without a coupon or settle for high sugar cereal with a coupon in place of a healthy cereal without.

Choose off-peak hours.

It is much more efficient and pleasant to schedule supermarket visits when the store is empty. Mornings, after people are at work and older children are in school, are quiet in grocery stores and lines are short or non-existent. Later evening for working parents, or early mornings on weekends are typically light. Take note when visiting or just call and ask a store manager, “When is the store is at its most quiet?” Schedule visits during off-peak hours. Workers are much more pleasant and helpful on a whole when not facing hoards of impatient customers.

Hug the perimeter.

The healthiest items in the supermarket are found along the perimeter of the store. Fresh produce, meats and seafood, and the dairy cases all sit along the outer edges. The majority of cart time should be spent along the perimeter. Fresh foods are, more often than not, healthier than the ready-to-eat foods found in the middle aisles. The amount of sodium and fat added to fresh foods while cooking is up to the cook, not the manufacturer.

Ask for help and bring a pen.

Supermarket workers are knowledgeable and generally willing to help. Instead of wandering the aisles in search of a product, ask. Staff will often go out of their way to locate a hard to find item. The butcher can slice cuts of meat and chicken exactly as recipes call for, saving prep time at home. It is perfectly reasonable and a good use of time to alert the butcher or deli clerk, and shop while they are preparing the order.

Bring a pen and cross items off of the list as you put them in the cart, or you will waste time checking and rechecking your list.

Finally, accept the bagger’s offer to bring bundles to the car. Let the bagger push the cart, load the groceries into the car, and return the cart. The parent can keep the kids safe in the parking lot and buckle car seats and seat belts. Safer and a time saver – and baggers often like to get out of the store.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=233952&ca=Parenting

Top Three Mistakes Parents Make When Dealing With Separation Anxiety By Elena Neitlich

Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult tasks that people learn in life. Learning to handle separation is an emotionally difficult task that begins in infancy. Too often, parents and caregivers mishandle the child’s transition between them, and the child is left feeling scared and abandoned. “Maybe mommy isn’t ever coming back.”

Failing to provide the necessary support that children need, to separate well, may have a negative effect on the child’s future relationships. The parent’s own feelings of anxiety and sadness, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, insensitivity to the child’s emotions, can have a profound effect on a child’s level of separation anxiety.

If separating is handled with sensitivity, children develop confidence and independence and feel secure when left in the hands of a loving and competent caregiver.

Mistake #1-Ignore the child’s fears-Many parents think that ignoring a child’s anxiety, anger, stress and fear makes separating easier. Mom or dad might believe that springing the separation on the child and sneaking out, like ripping off a band-aid, won’t give the child time to get worked up, tearful and upset. Other parents may not be sensitive to the fact that separating is a big deal, “Why is he so upset, I am just running out for an hour.” Don’t tell the child his or her feelings are insignificant.

Solution: Explain to the child calmly, clearly and briefly, what he or she should expect. Use the same ritual before each separation. For example: enter the room, hang the child’s coat, put the snack away, take out a loved toy, give a big hug and kiss, etc. Do not sneak out or use a distraction to duck out of the room. In new situations, parents should allot adequate time to hang around while the child becomes acclimated to his new surroundings. The parent should reassure the child that mommy/daddy is coming back soon and should expect the child to feel some distress. Separating is tough.

Mistake #2-Emphasize the fun and excitement of the activity-Disregarding that the child is feeling frightened, and instead focusing on how much fun she is going to have, does not ease separation fears. The child may be confused and not understand why she is being left and wondering if mommy or daddy will ever return. While upset the child is not able to focus on the fun things in store for her while mom is away.

Solution: Short absences initially (30-90 minutes) are easier for children. Ensure that the child understands what is happening by using the same description of the situation before each separation. “Mommy is going to have her teeth cleaned, remember we passed the dentist’s office on the drive over here? I will be back shortly to pick you up and then we will go to the park and have our lunch. I know that you feel a little afraid because this is a new place to play and I am leaving. Miss Melanie is really kind and happy to play with you, I like her very much. I love you and I am coming back to pick you up as soon as my teeth are shiny.” Explaining what to expect gives the child a sense of control.

Mistake #3-Neglecting to give the reunion its proper consideration-“Grab your coat, let’s get in the car, we are late!”…is not a proper hello after being separated from a child. Having a conversation with the caregiver before acknowledging the child, is also a mistake.

Solution: Handling the reunion between parent and child with sensitivity is just as important as the goodbye. The child is relieved that the parent has returned as promised. Develop a warm and loving routine used for returns. Positive relationship development relies on reuniting with joy and happiness. Using a special routine honors the loving bond between parent and child.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=234633&ca=Parenting

The Five Senses Of Bonding With Your Baby By Lynn Powers

I didn’t fully comprehend the need - or the satisfaction that came with it - to bond with my child until he was born and I held him for the very first time. But although the bonding began that day in the delivery room, it didn’t end there.

The parent-baby bonding process takes time. But that process will probably be one of the most rewarding times your life. The moments when your baby stops crying when he sees you walk around the corner, smiles at you for the first time, and falls asleep contentedly on your shoulder are priceless. They are all indications that your baby feels safe and loved in your presence.

They are all signs that you have bonded.

In those precious first weeks of life, your baby responds to you using all five of her senses. Here are some ways to engage her in each one and ensure the emotional attachment you create with your child is healthy –and rewarding – for you both.

1. SOUND – Your baby has been hearing you speak for months before he was born. Chances are he already recognizes the sound and tone of your voice. By speaking gently to your baby or singing lullaby’s to him, even when you are out of his range of sight, you are letting him know you are there. He trusts your voice and every time he hears you, it bonds you to him. And it won’t be long before he talks back.

2. TOUCH – There is little that soothes a baby more than when you pick her up and hold her close. The security she feels increases each time you respond when she cries, rock her to sleep, or let her curl her hand around your finger. Also, research indicates there are many benefits to nurturing your baby with infant massage. This can also be a wonderful time of bonding with your baby. Check into local classes or conduct online research regarding the techniques of infant massage.

3. SIGHT – Is there anything that can compare with the moment when your baby locks his eyes with yours and breaks into a smile? Focusing your gaze on your child sends the message that he has your full attention which is essential for creating a bond with your child. He needs to know he is the center of your world and maintaining eye contact tells him that he is, indeed.

4. TASTE – Of course, breastfeeding is the way your baby will bond through taste. Your milk has a distinct taste that she immediately becomes accustomed to because that taste also is her primary source of nutrition. But even if you don’t breastfeed your baby, the formula you use will become the tasting bond for you and your child. While it’s true that anyone is able to feed a non-breastfed baby, when combined with the other four senses, your child will feel especially secure when you’re the one holding the bottle.

5. SMELL – We all have a unique scent to our bodies and it doesn’t take long for your baby to know yours. It is especially important not to wear perfumes around your baby that might turn him off to you or cause you to be more unrecognizable to him. Clean and fresh is better and promotes a more familiar - and gentler - atmosphere for your baby.

The opportunity to bond with your newborn lasts only for a time and then is gone, forever. Whatever you do, make the most of each moment and savor the special time you have together.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=234430&ca=Parenting

Beginner Piano Lessons: Setting A Foundation For Excellence By Terje Brooks

The well-rounded development of a child's mental abilities can be greatly enhanced with the introduction of beginner piano lessons into the child's life. Beginner piano lessons teach a child the patient self-discipline to focus on the detailed fundamentals in the early development of a skill. A child taking beginner piano lessons will also learn about time management and the importance of a consistent daily work ethic in the achievement of goals. Beginner piano lessons teach a child that work is something that can have enjoyable results that make play more fun later on in life. Unfortunately for the parent of a child in beginner piano lessons, there is a time of adjustment when you will have to set the rules on when and for how long practice will be done each day. As with any part of child development, if you have taught your child well you will be able to slowly give your child more and more independence in your child's pursuit of piano excellence as your child shows more responsibility for the child's own learning process.

Practice Is Not Just Important, It Is Mandatory

You must be self-disciplined enough as a parent to enforce regular piano lessons. Obviously you want to make the piano experience as positive as possible for your child, but you have to be very consistent with the idea that greatness is something that requires persistence. When your child is older you can give him the choice about how heavily to pursue piano, but in the early stages, your job as a parent is guidance and enforcement of discipline development in your child.

Rewards

Just because you are enforcing discipline doesn't mean that you can't make it fun and even rewarding for your child to learn the piano. In fact, bribery is a great method. After all, you go to work because your boss pays you. Maybe some day your child will play the piano for the fun of it. If you've taught your child discipline, your child will do it to the best of his ability. But in the meantime, it is okay for your child to play the piano for the rewards. Buy your child a fancy outfit for that first recital. Take your child out for cake after the recital. Every time your child masters a book, go out and celebrate. Remember that rewards can be just as much about praise as things.

Have Some Rules in Place

Some kids think that playing the piano is all about making noise and music; while music is the central idea of the whole beginner piano lessons in the first place it is also about disciple. Make sure that you enforce the rules of piano play and lessons and make sure that your child practices when they should, keeps their nails trimmed, goes through the necessary warm-ups and does what their instructors tell them to do. After they leave the lesson, your child is in your care so if you think about it you have more control over your beginner's piano future than anybody else.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=233801&ca=Parenting

Baby Gift - Explore The Importance Of Disciplining Your Baby By Mandie Klein

So how do you discipline an infant? Does the question sound ridiculous to you? Do you think it is improper, even impossible, to discipline a baby? Disciplining an infant is not as bad as you think. And you should not always take the word 'discipline' the harsh way, not when it is essential to your child's healthy emotional, physical, and mental development, to his whole being.

When you remove your baby's grasp as he tugs at your hair, you are setting limits. When you stop him from putting an unsafe object to his mouth, you are teaching the value of self-control. When you stop your baby from venturing unsafe areas, you are practicing guidance. All these are manifestations of you disciplining your baby. It's not all that bad, is it?

The Importance of Discipline

When you discipline your baby, you teach him to develop self-control. You foster the development of socially acceptable behavior in your child. Through discipline, your child learns to acknowledge his emotions and to control his reactions. You also teach him the workings of the world. You teach him when it is safe to venture out and when he should keep it safe.

It is important that you have all these inculcated deeply in your child's character so that he practices discipline even when you are not around. And do keep in mind that you will not always be around to watch your child, and that he will not be a baby forever. The best way to have self-discipline deeply fostered in your child is to start early with your disciplinary actions, to start when he is just an infant.

Can You Spoil a Baby?

The answer to this question is still contestable and continues to be the subject of hot debate. Some proponents strongly assert that it is not possible to spoil a baby while others believe otherwise. The former argue that responding to a baby's request is a reinforcement of his ability to communicate, even when it is at its premature form (like crying). And that actually acting upon the baby's ailing makes for responsive care which is encouraged as a healthy form of child rearing.

A baby cries to tell you that he is hungry or that he's not feeling well. Responding to what your baby needs does not only reinforce his ability to communicate, it also establishes and fosters emotional security. And this security later contributes to your child's ability to practice self-control.

Setting Your Own Limits

When disciplining your baby, you should practice your own share of self-control. If anything, you should never go overboard with your disciplining efforts or your 'guidance', lest you get in the way of your child's healthy development. So do give your baby enough leverage to actually explore his surroundings. Allow him to move around, to play and to navigate his surroundings. This is the best way for him to develop his motor skills, cognitive abilities and interpersonal skills.

And do give your child all the things he needs to practice his freedom to explore and learn. Give him a baby gift that is educational and mobile. Give him a baby gift that will inspire him to explore new possibilities. Also, teach him to share his baby gift with other kids. And of course, never fail to teach him the limitations that come with the privilege of having a fun baby gift. A baby gift with the right limitations will surely not spoil your little angel!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=234489&ca=Parenting

License To Drive: Six Steps To Get Your Teen Safely Behind The Wheel By VitalChek Staff

The day your child starts to learn how to drive is an exciting day for them--and a potentially terrifying day for you! As you get ready to put your teenager on the road toward driving independence, make sure he or she is prepared with this must-do checklist:

1. Enroll your teen in a driver's education course.

Many high schools offer elective classes in driver's education to students throughout the year. Independent, state-accredited driving schools that offer weekend or evening instruction are also an option. In lieu of formal study, several states will accept proof of completion (signed by a parent) of 30 hours of driving time.

2. Get in plenty of practice on the road.

Find an empty parking lot or a street with light traffic to start with driving basics, then move to more well-traveled roads and highways as your teen's skills and confidence increase. Consider additional formal training as well, such as specialized defensive driving courses and high-performance driving schools that give teens hands-on training in driving during emergency situations and bad weather.

3. Study the written materials carefully.

Each state has a driver's manual that outlines the rules of the road, driving techniques, road signs and other practical driving information. These manuals are provided to students enrolled in a driver's education course, or can be picked up at the local driver's license office. In many cases, you can find and download a copy of a driver manual from your state's official Web site. Interactive practice tests may also be available online.

4. Make sure you have an official copy of your child's birth certificate and proper identification.

When you accompany your teen to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register for a learner's permit, you'll likely need to sign a consent form if he or she is 17 or younger. In addition, your child will need to bring a Social Security card, as well as proof of identity and date of birth, which can include a learner's permit, a state-issued identification card, a passport or an official copy of a birth certificate. Photocopies are unacceptable, so if you do not have the original birth certificate handy, you can order a copy well in advance through official document service providers, such as VitalChek.com, a government authorized service, or directly through your state's vital records office or Web site.

5. Add your child to your car insurance.

Discount insurance rates are popular for new drivers, and prices vary from plan to plan. Reduced fees for good students (B average or above) are common, as are deals for teens who have completed defensive driving courses or remained accident-free for a year after receiving their licenses. Contact your insurance agent to learn which discounts may apply to your new driver.

6. Discuss driving restrictions.

Many states have laws that restrict drivers from having more than two passengers in the car if the driver is under the age of 21, unless a parent or guardian is present or the passengers are immediate family members. In many states, the supervising driver must be 21 or older, have a valid driver's license and must ride in the front passenger seat. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see what rules apply where you live.

Parents should set their own limits until they feel comfortable with their teen's driving experience, such as no driving with passengers for the first six months after receiving their driver's license, no cell phone use, restrictions on stereo volume and setting a curfew to avoid late-night driving.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=233384&ca=Parenting

Talking Politics With Teens By Mitali Perkins

It can be challenging to discuss politics across generations without someone melting down (usually you) or tuning out (usually them), but it's not impossible. Here are six traits of adults with the power to engage teens and inspire them to activism.

Be teachable. A conversation isn't about one person sharing knowledge and information with another. That's better known as a lecture (or so I've been told). Listen to teens, allowing them and others to inform your opinions.

Be honorable. It's okay to take issue with a candidate's positions, but disparaging his or her character is a definite turnoff to teens and twenty-somethings. To everyone, in fact.

Be flexible. Your candidate isn't Jesus. Teens appreciate hearing how we disagree with the person we support. Give them the grace to do the same, and don't take differing opinions personally. Endorsing your candidate's opponent doesn't mean a young person is repudiating your authority. Although it might.

Be controversial. Surprise and provoke them once in a while by saying something radical, starting with 'I totally disagree with _____' or 'I 100% agree that ____.'

Be passionate. Caring deeply about an election is contagious. Young people who watch us thinking deeply and talking freely about our opinions will be more likely to do the same. And they'll be more likely to vote now and in the future if they remember us faithfully trekking to the ballot box during primaries and elections.

Be web-savvy. More and more, teens are influenced by the viral power of the web. Through sites like YouTube, MTV Think, MySpace, and Facebook, they're inviting each other to join causes and catching fire about the issues.

But web-surfing's not just for teens, especially not this election. Geeks are jamming the web with tools to inform all of us about the candidates and their positions. Five websites in particular can help even the most undecided voter make a choice.

Expert Voter: Provides a handy-dandy one page matrix of clips with the candidates sharing views on Iraq, immigration, energy, nuclear proliferation, healthcare, education, social security, taxes, and campaign reform.

Fact Check: Monitors the truth of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.

Match-O-Matic: Developed by ABC and USA Today, this interactive site quizzes you on your views to see how you match up on the hot issues with the candidates.

Ask Your Lawmaker: Users submit questions and vote on them, and then journalists track down lawmakers in Congress and on the campaign trail to get those questions answered.

Vote Smart: Volunteer citizens provide biographical information, voting records, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements, and campaign finance information so you can find out who your candidates are really representing.

These are nonpartisan resources, and user-friendly for teens and adults alike. Why not send your teen a link or two to show off your cyber skills, as well as to demonstrate your desire to make informed decisions? Despite their technology addictions, teens are still open to adults who listen, care, can admit when they're wrong, and aren't afraid to take a stand.

(Originally published at Mitali Perkins' blog and reprinted with permission)

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=233552&ca=Parenting

Do You Have An Incredible Kid? By Lynn Powers

What parent doesn’t think his or her children are absolutely incredible? I know I do! The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:26 that children are a blessing. And now there is a day to celebrate our kids!

The third Thursday in March is set aside for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Campfire USA created this special day to show kids that they are loved and cared for. If you’re a parent, they encourage you to write a letter to your kids today. If you don’t have children of your own, any incredible kid will do!

So a letter is a great idea. But what are some other things you can do to show your child that he or she is exceptionally special?

• Tell him! Don’t like to write? Then just say it! To a child, nothing can quite compare to hearing Mom or Dad say he’s wonderful. Watch your kid’s face light up and heart swell when you brag on him and tell him what an awesome kid he is.

• Advertise. Call your local newspaper and run a classified ad, “just because.” Tell thousands of readers just why your child is the most incredible kid in the world. Be sure to cut out the ad, laminate and enlarge it. Wrap it up along with a copy of that day’s paper. Place it on her mirror or frame it and place it in front of her plate at dinner.

• Send an E-Card. If your child spends a lot of time on the computer and has his own e-mail address, send him one or more e-cards, telling him how much he means to you. There are plenty of sites offering free e-cards, including www.123greetings.com and www.free-e-cards-online.com which offer several cards to choose from. You’re sure to find one with the message you want to deliver.

• Turn on the Radio. Does she have a favorite radio station? How about calling to request a dedication of a particular song she loves? Or choose a song yourself that speaks of a parent’s love for their child (Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman and You are the Sunshine of my Life by Stevie Wonder are just a few that come to mind.) Just be sure you’ll be in a place where you can turn the radio on so she’ll hear your dedication.

• Do his chores. If it’s your son’s job to set the table or take out the trash on Thursdays, do it for him. The fact that not only does he get a day off from his chores but that you’re doing the work for him speaks volumes of love and appreciation to your child.

• What’s for Dinner? Whether hot dogs, pizza, macaroni and cheese or a trip to McDonalds, let your kid choose what to eat for dinner. Throw in a yummy ice cream sundae for dessert. They’ll not only have incredibly full tummies, but also incredibly full hearts.

• Open the Bible. Refer to various Bible stories that tell about God using kids to accomplish His purpose. (David, Samuel, the boy with the five loaves of bread and two fish…). Remind your child that God wonderfully and beautifully created her and that He has an incredible plan for her life.

Of course, kids should be told they are special every day – not just one day of the year. However, use this day to begin the habit of demonstrating just how important your child is. To you, to the world, and to God.

If only every child could fully grasp just how magnificent they truly are.

Now that would be incredible!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=232783&ca=Parenting

Superman Birthday Party Ideas By Cynthia Marcano

Superman is arguably the super hero of all super heros, so naturally any boy would want to celebrate his birthday Superman style. Whip a Superman Birthday Party faster than Clark Kent can find a phone booth to change in. These decorating tips, menu ideas and party games will keep to to party theme while still being just as easy as any other birthday party planning.

Invitations

Idea #1 - Find clip art of the Superman logo (Big S on his chest). Make a note card invitation using the S logo as the cover. Place party information on the inside using the Superman font. Attach red fabric to the back of the invitation as the cape.

Idea #2 - Make an invitation that mimics a Superman Comic. The outside of the invitation can be the cover of the comic, while the inside of the comic can use the comic boxes to display the party information. Look up actual Superman comic books for inspiration.

Decorations

Whether you are using Superman themed party supplies or basic colors, personalizing your party decor to fit your style takes little effort. The standard Superman colors are red blue yellow. If purchasing crepe, streamers or balloons, be sure to get a mix of these colors.

Like most super heros, the Superman adventures take place in a city. Build a faux Metropolis skyline using poster board or cardboard. Attach to a blank wall and use as a photo backdrop.

Add a faux phone booth to the party area. How embarrassing if Clark Kent didn't have a place to change into his costume.

If you are a little more adventurous try building a Superman lair. Use styrofoam and shape into icebergs and icicles to simulate his arctic lair. Use the Superman movies for reference.

Menu Ideas

Keeping the party menu simple while incorporating the man of steel takes a little imagination. Try serving some of the fast menu ideas.

Laser Beam grilled hot dogs. Grill up some hot dogs, but be sure to tell the children that Superman used his laser beam vision to cook them up.

Kryptonite Kool Aid - serve green Kool Aid and be sure to warn any party going Supermen.

Super Quick Whipped Dip - make a creamy ranch dip that can be served with vegetables or tortilla chips. Be sure to have Superman use his super speed to whip this dip up quickly.

Party Games

Superman is known for his speed, flying and strength. Using these essentials for a boys birthday party game is easy. Little boys live for this stuff anyway. Try a few of these party games.

Superman Race - If you are having an outdoor party or your party venue allows enough room, have the children race to a target. Whoever reaches the target first has saved the day. You can make the target a victim...particularly Lois Lane or the phone booth.

Hot Potato - Superman has just made the potato super hot with is laser vision. Don't get caught with the potato or you will get burned. Played the same as the traditional hot potato.

Pin the S on Superman's Chest - played like Pin the tail on the donkey. Print out the S emblem (minus the S), then cut out lots of Ss for the children to stick to the emblem. Blindfold the children and spin them around. Whoever's S comes closest to the middle of Superman's chest is the winner. Be sure to have an S outline on the target so that the children know where to place the S.

Whatever you decide to incorporate into your Superman Party, include the birthday child in the decision making. After all, who knows fun better than children?

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=236976&ca=Parenting

Technology Togetherness By Lynn Powers

We all have special recollections from our childhoods of special times spent with our families – making forts, cooking together, playing board games. Some memories are quirky, some silly, and some sentimental. Although those moments are long past, the memories linger. And now that we’re parents ourselves, we want to create the same kinds of memories for our kids.

Unfortunately, the easy and carefree days we remember from our own youth seem to have transformed into busy and chaotic ones for our children. Not only do kids today seem to be involved in more after-school activities like sports and music, even when everybody does happen to be home at the same time, the lure of the television, video games, iPods and computer command our attention. Needless to say, attempting to create special memories like the ones we had as kids seems futile.

But all hope is not lost! The world may indeed be faster-paced than it used to be, but the age of technology actually provides many fresh and exciting opportunities for memory-making moments. Maybe one of the following ideas will appeal to you and your kids:

1. Capture the Moment. Break out that digital camera and start snapping. Be silly, make faces or be serious. Once you’ve finished your photo session, upload the pictures to your computer and create a photo album, slideshow, or other inventive keepsake to look at time and time again.

2. Movie Making Moments. My kids love making movies with our video recorder and I have to say they do a great job behind and in front of the camera. Assign each person a role – writer, director, actors – or make every aspect a group effort. If you come up with something to really be proud of, why not post it on You-Tube or God-Tube to showcase your movie making talents to the world?

3. Let the games begin! So maybe monopoly just doesn’t do it for your kids but a competitive game of Guitar Hero gets their adrenaline pumping. Show your kids you’ve still “got it” by jamming to those rock songs you used to love. Be sure to sing along, too – admit it…you still know every word to Joan Jett’s, “I Love Rock ‘n Roll.”

No Guitar Hero? Any video game will do. To make it fair, go to the video store and rent a game no one has played before. Who will emerge the champion?

4. Have a Dance-Off. Pop in the latest CD and put on your dancing shoes. Show your kids the old style and let them demonstrate a move or two for you. Better yet, try your hand (make that, feet) at Dance, Dance Revolution. An added bonus – you’ll be getting in shape while making those memories! See who can go the longest without collapsing on the couch.

5. Family Movie Night. Remember how much you looked forward to the Disney Sunday Night Movie? Now, with so many DVD options, movie night can be any night of the week. Don’t forget to load up on popcorn, candy and soda of your choice. Hey – at least all that sugar and caffeine will keep you awake! Consider setting aside one movie night per month. Afterward, discuss your thoughts over old-fashioned ice cream sundaes. (Not everything has to include electronic devices.)

So the age of technology offers many opportunities for memory-making moments. Just remember, when it comes to family fun, one thing will never change. It’s not so much what you do that counts, but only that you’re doing it together.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=235406&ca=Parenting

Technology Togetherness By Lynn Powers

We all have special recollections from our childhoods of special times spent with our families – making forts, cooking together, playing board games. Some memories are quirky, some silly, and some sentimental. Although those moments are long past, the memories linger. And now that we’re parents ourselves, we want to create the same kinds of memories for our kids.

Unfortunately, the easy and carefree days we remember from our own youth seem to have transformed into busy and chaotic ones for our children. Not only do kids today seem to be involved in more after-school activities like sports and music, even when everybody does happen to be home at the same time, the lure of the television, video games, iPods and computer command our attention. Needless to say, attempting to create special memories like the ones we had as kids seems futile.

But all hope is not lost! The world may indeed be faster-paced than it used to be, but the age of technology actually provides many fresh and exciting opportunities for memory-making moments. Maybe one of the following ideas will appeal to you and your kids:

1. Capture the Moment. Break out that digital camera and start snapping. Be silly, make faces or be serious. Once you’ve finished your photo session, upload the pictures to your computer and create a photo album, slideshow, or other inventive keepsake to look at time and time again.

2. Movie Making Moments. My kids love making movies with our video recorder and I have to say they do a great job behind and in front of the camera. Assign each person a role – writer, director, actors – or make every aspect a group effort. If you come up with something to really be proud of, why not post it on You-Tube or God-Tube to showcase your movie making talents to the world?

3. Let the games begin! So maybe monopoly just doesn’t do it for your kids but a competitive game of Guitar Hero gets their adrenaline pumping. Show your kids you’ve still “got it” by jamming to those rock songs you used to love. Be sure to sing along, too – admit it…you still know every word to Joan Jett’s, “I Love Rock ‘n Roll.”

No Guitar Hero? Any video game will do. To make it fair, go to the video store and rent a game no one has played before. Who will emerge the champion?

4. Have a Dance-Off. Pop in the latest CD and put on your dancing shoes. Show your kids the old style and let them demonstrate a move or two for you. Better yet, try your hand (make that, feet) at Dance, Dance Revolution. An added bonus – you’ll be getting in shape while making those memories! See who can go the longest without collapsing on the couch.

5. Family Movie Night. Remember how much you looked forward to the Disney Sunday Night Movie? Now, with so many DVD options, movie night can be any night of the week. Don’t forget to load up on popcorn, candy and soda of your choice. Hey – at least all that sugar and caffeine will keep you awake! Consider setting aside one movie night per month. Afterward, discuss your thoughts over old-fashioned ice cream sundaes. (Not everything has to include electronic devices.)

So the age of technology offers many opportunities for memory-making moments. Just remember, when it comes to family fun, one thing will never change. It’s not so much what you do that counts, but only that you’re doing it together.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=235406&ca=Parenting

Children With Diabetes Can Enjoy Halloween Too By Sheila Wolf, RDH

At Halloween, when the competition is fierce for the best or scariest costume, standing out is enviable. However, to an overweight child, especially on Halloween, standing out can be a painful ordeal. If your child is overweight and diabetic, the sugar blitz at Halloween can be particularly threatening. I know. I’m a parent as well as a dental hygienist and I’ve been dazed by the abundance of sweets in my kid’s booty bag. According to the National Confectioner's Association, 20 million pounds of candy corn are sold for Halloween alone. That doesn’t include the bite-sized chocolate bars, lollipops, and other confections that abound. Yikes!

So what can we do as parents to help our children make better choices during the annual onslaught of sugar? We can suggest alternatives to traditional Trick-or-Treating and contribute to an exciting, safe, and healthier Halloween:

• Have a costume party for your child where you can plan the treats.

• Involve your child in making the ghoulish decorations, planning the party games, and setting the table.

• Help your child bake and decorate sugarless cookies with Halloween cookie cutters that he can share with his
classmates and friends.

• Dunk for apples, play musical chairs, or twist balloons for prizes

• Offer party favors instead of candy to the children.

Here is a list of delights that you can give out in lieu of candy:

• Halloween theme stickers

• Pencils and erasers

• Small stuffed animals,

• Pocket-sized games

• A Disney movie

• Coloring books, crayons

• Sugar-free lollipops and chewing gum

• A children's magazine or comic book.

If the kids do get sweet treats, taking an inventory of their candy and discussing the nutritional facts and carb counts for each piece can be a fun and educational activity. Help your child work the treats into his eating plan, set limits, and stick to them.

Here is a list of the carb content in some typical Halloween candy:

Hershey Kiss 3g each
Jelly Beans 1g each
Hershey Miniatures 5g each
Juju fruits 2g each
Gummy Bears 4g each
Starburst 4g each
Tootsie Rolls 5g each
Crunch (fun size) 7g each
Jawbreakers 5g each
Twix (fun size) 10g each
Smarties 5g/roll
Kit Kat 10g/half
Jolly Rancher 6g each
Snickers (fun size) 12g each
Dum Dum Lollipop 6g each
Mars (fun size) 12g each
Bazooka Gum 7g each
3 Musketeers (fun size) 13g each
Chuckles 10g each
Milky Way (fun size) 14g each
Tootsie Pop 12g/pop
Butterfinger (fun size) 15g each
Lemonhead 14g/10 pieces
Goobers 20g/1.4oz bag
Candy Corn 18g/12 pieces
Reece's Pieces 24g/1.7oz bag
Cracker Jacks 29g/1.25oz box
Peanuts M&Ms 30g/1.7oz bag
Twizzlers 30g/1oz pack
Fun Size 13g/0.7oz bag
Good and Fruity 35g/box
Raisinettes 33g/1.7oz bag
Junior Mints 38g/1.6 oz box
M&Ms 34g/1.7oz bag
Skittles 39g/1.5oz bag
Table used with permission from The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center

Besides being empty calories, the sugars and carbohydrates feed the bacteria in the mouth and encourage tooth decay. Have them brush both teeth and gums and floss especially well just before bedtime. Buy your youngster a colorful new toothbrush and include it as part of their Halloween treats. Those sugars can be ghastly on your child’s teeth.

Happy Halloween!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=189791&ca=Parenting

Quality Parenting By Don Dewsnap

When you raise a child, you are creating the future. Not just his or her future, but everyone's future. The results of your parenting will ripple and spread through the years, affecting thousands, and eventually millions of people. If you want the future to be better than the present, then you had better learn the principles of quality and how they apply to being a parent, for that is all that quality is: making things better.

No matter how good or not-so-good parent you are or think you are, you can be better. There are no upper limits on quality in parenting. The first, necessary, and most important step is to WANT to be a better parent. You have to choose, every day, whether you want to be a worse parent, stay the same, or be a better parent. There are no other choices. Being a better parent doesn't 'just happen.' If you don't choose to be a better parent, you are effectively choosing one of the other two options.

This also happens to be the first major principle of quality: Quality is an Attitude. Quality is wanting things to be better. It is aligning your sights in the direction of improvement.

The next most important step to improving your quality as a parent is to give yourself some credit. You deserve a lot of credit, probably more than you get. The very fact that you are willing to raise a child, to take that responsibility, in an uncertain world and against all odds, gives you high status. If you are part of a couple, you share that status, and had better acknowledge it in each other, at least.

Because opinions vary so widely about how to raise children, and because many people are taught that criticizing people is a way to help them (which it isn't), you may sometimes be criticized for how you are raising your children. This is when that credit you just gave yourself is important. You are doing something difficult, bravely. You are trying to get better at it. Others may try to sway you toward their way of thinking. But as long as you keep that Quality Attitude, and know you are working toward improvement, you can let their words roll off. Welcome to the second principle of quality: Quality Leads to Opposition.

The third major principle of quality, in parenting and everything else, is that Quality Takes Time. Small changes add up to big improvements, but not usually in huge dramatic leaps. Every time you take one small action, say one small word, that will help your child grow up happy and strong and ethical, and so make the future better, you have moved one step further up the path of quality parenting.

So what are these small actions and words? You have to decide that, as well. The tests are simple.

First, ask yourself what attitudes you don't like in other people, and teach the opposite attitudes to your child. Treat him or her with the attitudes you want him or her to learn. For example, if you don't like people who interrupt you, then listen to your child, from infancy onward, without interrupting. If you don’t like people to hit you or shout at you ... well, you get the idea.

Second, and this is a bit harder, ask yourself what attitudes or behaviors you are not fond of in yourself, and try not to pass them on to your child. If you are not as neat and tidy as you wish you were, for instance, make an effort to demonstrate being neat to your child.

Quality parenting is not about being perfect. It is about moving in that direction, trying to improve. In the example above, you might still not be as tidy as you wish. But if you can make something neat that you normally wouldn't, where your child can see, that is improvement. That is increasing your quality as a parent. Every small step you make in that direction is valuable. They add up, and build on each other.

As you learn more about the principles of quality, and the basic quality actions, you will find more and more ways to apply them to parenting. The above three major principles are just the beginning. For now, remember the motto: Improving quality creates a better future, for everyone.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=234253&ca=Parenting

Gender Prediction With The Chinese Birth Calendar By Zhang Xiao Hong

The Chinese Birth Calendar is such an amazing discovery that it is still used widely across the world as a way to predict the sex of your expected baby. Although there are many ways to predict the sex of your child with rapidly increasing knowledge in the field of science, such as the use of modern ultrasound systems, the Chinese Birth Chart has been said to be as accurate as 99%. Given that the age of the Chinese Birth Calendar is truly unknown, it is still an accurate tool in determining the sex of your expected child

The calendar, which is also called the Chinese Baby Chart, was discovered in an ancient tomb near the capital Chinese city of Beijing well over 700 years ago. The only place that you may view the original chart now is the Institute of Science, which is also located in Beijing China.

While the chart can be very confusing and overwhelming when you first look at it, the calendar is very easy to decipher once you take a little time and read the directions that usually come with it. The first step in determining the sex of your expected baby based on the Chinese Birth Calendar is to figure out what month your baby was conceived in. It is a simple step but often people can forget very easily exactly when. If in doubt, the best way to figure this out is to just take the due date or the birth date of your child and go back nine months. For normal, full term babies, this is the easiest way to do it.

After you determine the month that your baby was conceived in, you need to figure out how old the mother will be at the birth of the baby. Of course, the only way to estimate this is to go off of the doctor’s due date that was given. Once that is figured out, you go down the chart and where the two vertical and horizontal points meet is where it will tell you the sex of your child, We have found it more user friendly to have the squares of the chart colored pink for girls and blue for boys along with the initials “F” for female and “M” for male, again this is sometimes “G” for girl and “M” for boy .

This is truly an amazing and fascinating tool and something that has been used for centuries upon centuries with an eerie amount of accuracy. Some professionals will even tell you that it can be more accurate then ultrasounds, although we still recommend using science over an ancient prediction gender chart. Along with this baby gender calendar and your ultrasound, you should be able to get a good idea of what the sex of your child should be. However, if you were like me, the ultrasound and the Chinese Baby Chart conflicted. The funny thing about my situation is that the baby chart was correct, and the ultrasound was wrong. So, which one is really better?

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=235013&ca=Parenting