http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/ Articles at The Article Planet en-us http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/what-my-kids-taught-me-about-god-from-a-cookie.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/what-my-kids-taught-me-about-god-from-a-cookie.html Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:57:43 -0500
But... there are days when all they do is ask me for things. "Dad can I have a treat? Can we go to Game Stop (in the middle of my work day) to get some new Nintendo games? Can we go to Sea World (like... right now, in the middle of a work day)." I want this, I want that... It's never ending! And when I say "no" or "maybe later", I get the rolling of the eyes followed by a long "ooohhhhhh I never get what I want" and then a stomping away.

This morning my boys, who are ages 7 and 9, were being unruly and arguing together so I had to step in a few times to break up the melee' and make peace. After a few times of doing this (and not getting any work done because of it), one of them comes to me asking for a cookie.

I snapped. I raised my voice and said "Let me get this straight, so far this morning you've been unruly, disobedient, fighting with your brother, not getting your chores done, distracting me from getting my work done... AND NOW YOU WANT A COOKIE?"

And then I said it... "All you ever do is ask me for things, what have you done for me lately?" And at that very moment I had an epiphany. I thought, "Is this how God feels about ME most of the time?" A humbling moment to say the least.

I mean, most people know it's a good thing to pray. We know that God loves us as His dear little children. Some of us talk to God more than others, but when you do, what do you talk about? I've been in church, I've heard other people pray. It usually goes something like: God give me this, God give me that. God bless this, God help me with that. I want, I need, I want, I want, I want. Yeesh!

When I pray I start off by thanking God for what I have, then I ask for a few things. You know what? From now on I'm going to lead with "God, what can I do for you today?" And then listen for an answer! You know, that small voice deep in your heart telling you what you should or should not do.

I am resolved to make a conscience and more concerted effort to do more for God and his people BEFORE I ask for anything for myself. That seems fair, right?

]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/helpful-tips-for-2nd-grade-homework.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/helpful-tips-for-2nd-grade-homework.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:46:19 -0500
This idea is particularly crucial when assigning homework to second graders. Older children may grasp that homework is similar to dad doing his paperwork for the office at home and they can model that behavior because "working" makes sense. But homework for 2nd grade students should be customized to the age of the kids and to the particular students you have in your classroom. The first rule of thumb for any second grade teacher is to not go the route of giving homework that's in the curriculum without regard for your class and what they may and cannot do. Customize the work based on what you know of them and the upshots will be much more enjoyable.

Bear in mind likewise that when you send homework with the children, youre much more giving the parents homework even more so than the children. Sending assignments home with 2nd grade kids to be handed in the next day is a direct statement to the parents of "This is how I expect you to expend your family time with your child." Parents know this well and since most teachers will make effort not to make enemies of the parents of their kids, its best to cover homework expectations with the parents during parent conferences early in the year so you do not take them by surprise.

Be sure that you limit the extent of homework especially if youre embarking to spread assignment over a number of academic subjects. At this age level, youre teaching them 2 things when you send homework with them. You are utilising the homework to reinforce the classroom activity and teaching. But you are also teaching them the very idea of taking work home, making sure mom and dad know as regards it, completing it and returning it.

If you may get good homework habits so your kids learn to only do their optimal on each assignment, bring it back and turn it in, you will conquer one of the biggest troubles students at every age level struggle with which is staying organized. Work with your parent community so they know what youre doing and assign homework that's within the time and attention span capabilities of your students. If youre smart in how you utilise homework to extend the teaching that occurs in the classroom, you'll see more success with your students which means happier students, a happier teacher and, maybe most vitally, happier parents. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/the-incident-management-program-offers-educators-practical-support-in-behaviour-management.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/the-incident-management-program-offers-educators-practical-support-in-behaviour-management.html Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:36:11 -0500 (http://www.theimp.ca), a networking and information management program that offers educators an effective tool for storing and accessing reports, is making it easier for educators to identify students with behavior problems, track their progress and foster positive behaviour.

Designed by an educator, The Incident Management Program was developed to be intuitive and easy to use. Recording data takes just minutes, eliminating paperwork. Educators can tell at a glance which behavioural challenge a student is struggling with. A convenient message system offers a reminder if incidents need a follow-up. All data is held securely in a facility which is monitored 24 hours a day with no unauthorized access.

"Dealing with behavioural problems in the school can be challenging for teachers and principals. By networking with colleagues and other education professionals, much more can be accomplished," states Gerard Engen, founder of Incident Management Program. "We developed this program to facilitate teamwork. It provides ease of communication between office and staff through a secure network, enabling the school to work as a team. Through the collection of data, trends can be identified in the early stages, enabling educators to become proactive. Potential problems and destructive behavious, such as bullying, can be attended to before they become serious," says Engen.

The Incident Management Program helps to identify problem students and co-ordinates the assistance and support they require. There are 6 Support Levels in the program, each with the appropriate response to change the behaviour that is not improving. Each time an incident is recorded for a particular student, that student moves to the next Support Plan, after they have completed their current plan. Fully completing each plan allows for the maximum behavioural change in the student. The program is designed to be easy to use, efficient and effective. Home contact is made at Support Level 3, ensuring that parents are aware of the situation so that they can take part in the process. Support levels 4 and 5 offer practical solutions to the behavioural difficulties of the student.

When educators are kept aware of what is going on in their schools on a daily basis, behavioural problems can be identified early and dealt with in a timely manner. Positive behaviour trends can be encouraged. Effective prevention of bullying and other disruptive behaviours, leads to a safer, happier school, and a better environment for learning. "Certain students have more difficulties than other students in school. It is crucial that they receive the support they need to succeed. Inappropriate behaviour in the classroom adversely affects the learning of all students. The Incident Management Program's ultimate goal is to provide an environment that will improve educational achievement for all students," adds Engen.

About Incident Management Program: The Incident Management Program is an efficient and effective online computer program designed to assist teachers, schools and school boards in the management of students with behaviour problems. With the Incident Management Program, educators can record, collect, and organize incident information. The Incident Management Program helps to identify students in need and co-ordinates the assistance and support they require. A proactive solution to school behavioural problems, the Incident Management Program can be effective in stopping bullying and other behaviours of a serious nature before they have the chance to develop. Visit http://www.theimp.ca for a free program demonstration and more information about the Incident Management Program.
]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/six-rules-for-giving-presents-to-new-mothers.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/six-rules-for-giving-presents-to-new-mothers.html Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:25:04 -0500
You need to ensure that the gift you give stands out from all the others. It's important to put yourself in the new mother's shoes and then start thinking from there. Here are six points - or rules that, if followed, will do just that.

Rule number 1: The gift you give the new mother has to be useful to her. There is no point in giving her a gift that is very expensive but does not make her life easier - remember, she is a new mother so a diamond ring will not fit the occasion.

Rule number 2: The gift will multiply in sentimental value if it's for the baby. Gifts for mom will certainly be liked but a gift for the baby will be adored.

Rule number 3: If you have purchased a cute little gift for the baby then it would be a good idea if you could also add a special gift for mom as well - just so that she knows you have though of her and her baby both.

Rule number 4: Women do love jewelry and it's not a bad idea to tie in the mother's jewelry with the new born. An example could be a locket with the baby's picture inside.

Rule number 5: A mother's gift does not necessarily have to be expensive - it could simply be something that would congratulate her into motherhood. The new mother is already delighted to be a mom and all you can do is to cheer her for that.

Rule number 6: Each gift sends a different non-verbal message to the receiver. Use your imagination, ask around and make it special and personal - customize the gift to the receiver as much as possible.

As already mentioned, a gift sends a message to the receiver and sometimes a gift could be so metaphorical that only the receiver and giver would know what that message is. Remember, good gifts for mom (and her child) are not one that makes her go WOW when received - in fact its one that makes her go WOW every day. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/the-history-of-radio-flyer-wagons.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/the-history-of-radio-flyer-wagons.html Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:43:48 -0500
Believe it or not, it was an Italian immigrant that was behind the Radio Flyer wagons. His name was Antonio Pasin, and he had the idea himself. Being a good wood worker and quite determined he began working in New York City. Soon he had enough money to buy the tools he needed to have a workshop of his own. He started building these little toy wagons and he would sell them.

Decades later he would start producing more of the wagons. He wanted to make wagons that would work for any child and they began to develop more than just wood wagons. They started making steel wagons, which were given the name, Radio Flyer wagons. He named them this because of the invention of the radio and his amazement with the concept of flight.

Later Pasin would bring the Radio Flyer wagons to the Chicago World's Fair. The wagons became quite popular and made Pasin and his wagons very famous. They actually became the most well known manufacturers of these types of wagons and even years later these wagons are still some of the most popular, and even more models have been added to their line up.

Still today Radio Flyer wagons are very popular and the company still makes millions each year. Kids still love the Radio Flyer and have great adventures in these wagons. So it is easy to see why so many children yet today want to have one of these exciting wagons that have been around for so many years. ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/an-occasion-to-play.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/an-occasion-to-play.html Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:46:54 -0500
We've all seen the child who has trouble differentiating from playtime and the times where we need them to behave like proper young children. If you happen to have a child like this you know just what I'm talking about. At any time you are certain your child will morph into Super-Man and run off to save the world. They'll most likely hurt their siblings and make them cry in the process. This is not only embarrassing for parents it's destructive behavior that can affect your child for their entire lives and it's also a learned behavior that can also affect younger siblings in a very negative manner as well.
The good thing is, most of these behaviors can be modified easily by implementing several small tactics that can keep children interested and stimulated as well as developing motor skills, knowledge and social skills. Don't get me wrong, any time you try to add a little structure to chaos you'll find pit falls and brick walls but the end result will be a child who can play and function in a manner that benefits everyone.

Trying to build character through play time is one of the most rewarding experiences a parent will have with their children because it's time you get to spend simply having fun. The first step is to set clear ground rules for the game. For example, setting time limit, or sharing requirements will help you with the structure aspect. Just like adults, children benefit from structure because it gives them parameters to work within.

When playing imagination games (being a pirate trying to recover lost treasure) be prepared to teach. The definition of a parent should be "teacher" because it's up to you to make sure your children are being mentally stimulated and not just running through their day mindlessly. Before getting involved with kids toys, a new game or adventure with your child, do a little research on your own so you can bring interesting facts or stimulating questions to fun time. This keeps your child mentally involved in playtime and also helps to build on their knowledge. In the world of video games and televised stimulation playtime is rare and when your child does engage in it you can get 10 times more from it by using education to enhance the fun.

Building motor skills is another area that is often overlooked but very crucial in your child's development. The term "idol hands" is very true in the fact that when your child gets bored, they get into trouble. We've all seen it a hundred times. So when you're down on the floor playing with those Magformers, challenge your child to build something specific and build one right along side of them. This gives then sensory stimulation and it keeps them involved in the process. Once you build that pirate boat you can float on over to your Playmobil Toys village and search for that elusive gold. Your child will appreciate having a swash-buckling partner to help them and they will be more constructive in the process.

]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/checklist-for-child-proofing-your-home-keeping-your-active-baby-or-toddler-safe.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/checklist-for-child-proofing-your-home-keeping-your-active-baby-or-toddler-safe.html Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:15:17 -0500
Below is a Home Safety Checklist that will help you go room by room in your home and look for potential child safety hazards.

Edge & Corner Protection - Every room in the house should be checked for sharp edges and corners. These objects should be removed or covered with edge and corner cushions or bumpers. Coffee tables, end tables, and fireplace hearths are the typical items to consider. Other household items to check for sharp edges in your safety inspection are desks, entertainment centers, shelves, cabinets, window sills, stone or marble stairs, statues or other decoration pieces.

Stairway Protection - All stairways that your baby could potentially have access to should have stairway safety gates. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC), Falls Fact Sheet, 2004, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children ages 14 and under account for one-third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Because falls are associated with a child's curiosity and development of motor skills, babies and toddlers are at the greatest risk of fall-related death and injury. Children ages 5 and under accounted for nearly half of the fall related emergency room injuries cited above. Please do not let your child become one of these statistics. Research and install stairway safety gates. Also examine the slats in your stairways and banister to determine if banister guard is needed.

Choking and Ingestion Hazards - Now that your child is or about to become mobile, check your home for small objects that could potentially be within your child's reach such as small marbles or stones that are often used as decoration around candles or other coffee table center pieces. As part of normal development, babies learn by putting things in their mouth. Remove glass or other breakable/valuable objects. Set dog and cat food out of reach. Use extreme caution and do your research on chemicals if you have your home exterminated or use chemical products to clean (consider organic, non toxic products). Babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor and often but their hands and objects in their mouth. In most cases this also helps them build their immune system, but we have to do our part to keep them safe from serious injury. Check all floor level cabinets for cleaning products, medicine, makeup, alcohols, Ect. and move them to a top cabinet or install safety latches or cabinet sliding locks.

Falling Furniture - Check your home for large items that could fall over and bolt them to the wall. Too many child injuries have occurred due to televisions, entertainment centers, and bookshelves falling over on children. Toddlers like to climb! Additional things to consider as potential falling hazards are computer monitors, large vases, plant stands, and dressers.

Kitchen Safety - As stated earlier ensure that cleaning/chemical products are in a locked cupboard or placed well out of reach. Consider installing a stove guard to prevent burns or a child playing with the knobs and turning the gas on. Move kitchen knife racks well out of reach. Toddlers enjoy helping out in the kitchen and it is important to their developmental growth and independence to do things for themselves, but standing on chairs and stools can also become a fall hazard. Consider investing in a step stool with side rails such as the Learning Tower. Children should always be well monitored while standing on stools or chairs.

Electrical Hazards - All unused electrical outlets should have outlet plug covers and cords should be placed out of the way as much as possible. In bathrooms, never leave blow dryers or other electrical items plugged in and unattended near the sink or bath tub.

Windows & Shade Cords - For homes that are two stories or have high windows consider installing window guards if you frequently open your windows. This is especially important in a child's room. Shade cords should be tied up and out of reach of children. For some reason these cords tend to attract children's' attention as a play item and can be extremely dangerous if the cord gets wrapped around them.

As well as child proofing your home, Child Safety Gates are an ideal way to keep your child contained and safe. As a mother of two children, I know how quickly a child can crawl or run if you turn your back for a minute to attend to house hold chores. Give yourself that piece of mind knowing that your child is learning by exploring his world, but contained to safe areas of your home! ]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/limoges-box-a-unique-baby-gift.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/limoges-box-a-unique-baby-gift.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:39:48 -0500
Kaolin (in Chinese meaning white clay) the primary substance for making porcelain could be obtained only by importing it from China. In 1768 Kaolin was finally discovered around the city of Limoges, in France, and the beginning of Limoges porcelain was born. Limoges, a small town was one of the oldest in the French kingdom. The most prestigious artists (painters) became interested in this fabulous substance. They created tableware articles such as plates, platters and pitchers as well as fancy objects such as vases, bonbonieres, and the snuff box or Tabatiere in French. The snuff box became an immediate success. With porcelain there was no limit to the artists' imagination or creativity. Miniature boxes resembling flowers, musical instruments, or even pets could be created. By owning a Tabatiere a person was identified as distinguished, trendy and affluent.

The French Revolution led to the practice of smoking tobacco with a pipe instead of snuffing it. Because of this the production of the fashionable snuff boxes came to a standstill.

When unable to locate old snuff boxes due to two centuries of revolutions and wars in Europe, entailing substantial destruction, some of the Limoges producers were prompted to pursue the re-birth of the Tabatiere. If original boxes did survive, they carried a very high value. Manufacturers worked very hard, the production was re-started and the artisans succeeded in resurrecting their heritage. Thus the Limoges boxes still thrive.

Now that you know the history of these beautiful pieces of art you can also appreciate them. They are truly keepsakes that anyone receiving them would be extremely delighted.

Go to GiveBabyGifts.com and you will see an example of this unique baby gift. There is one for a girl and one for a boy. The initials are on the outside of the lid and the date of birth and weight and height are on the inside of the lid. There is also a picture on the bottom of each one. This personalized baby gift is hand painted so no two are exactly alike. Don't forget the grandparents, this baby gift item will make an excellent gift as they could start a collection with each new arrival.

]]> http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/cool-baby-gift-ideas.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/home-and-family/kids/cool-baby-gift-ideas.html Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:21:36 -0500
Gone are the days of plain colors and cookie cutter designs, children's clothing has been getting serious attention from some of today's hottest designers. It's not just for the celebrity mom either, fashionable prints and interesting color schemes are showing up everywhere from high-end baby clothes boutiques to your favorite mega stores.

This is good news for both new parents as well as those looking for baby gifts as there are now many more options to match both the a parent's and child's personality. By just scanning the website of a baby specialty store you'll noticed a large and intriguing selection of clothing for babies. A few of the options include:

- A onesie featuring soft florescent colors with the words "punk rock" on it.
- A onesie featuring a Japanese style tiger with a leaf background.
- A full line of fashionable shirts featuring such phrases as: "all natural", "fat and happy" (my personal favorite), "uber snuggler", and "peas out" with green peas on it.

Clothing such as sundresses and pajamas have also modernized by utilizing new and exciting colors and styles while continuing to feature such classic patterns as polka dots and straight lines. Colors like black and white are now being paired with pinks and purples to make contrasting designs that really stand out from the crowd. One of the more adorable dresses I came across has a repeating pattern of pink and green flowers.

On the accessory fronts, those looking for a new and exciting gift have much to choose from. Bibs come in all different fabrics and colors and many companies have coordinated the colors and designs of their baby clothes and their bibs. In fact, most companies offer matching towels, hats, bedding and even diaper bags so parents can plan a color scheme and stick with it. Even hair clips, pacifiers and footwear are now designer made and make really wonderful gifts for any occasion. There really are so many cool ideas when it comes to finding baby gifts!

So there you go. If you ever find yourself in a position to buy a gift of baby clothes or accessories you can use your full fashion sense for your purchase. Next time you find yourself near the baby aisle at your favorite shopping center take a look inside, you might be shocked at what you see. ]]>