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The Easy Open Regalo Gate fits in a doorway or stairway opening to prevent children and pets from going into that room or area. It's designed with a childproof locking mechanism that requires the user to slide back a tab and then lift the gate to open. The gate handle is not really a handle at all, but a sliding, tab lock. If the gate is loose or wobbly while you open it, tighten the wheels on the upper gate to secure it to the wall.
A handbook for outdoor playset safety, produced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, advises adults to anchor play equipment securely to prevent child injuries. The handbook stresses that consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions for anchoring playsets correctly. While some sets come with anchoring systems, others might not. Used or homemade equipment will not have anchors. Anchoring stakes come in several type. Adults should choose the type that will hold up to rigorous play. It should also hold well for the type of surface on which the equipment is being placed.
Infants are curious about their surroundings and enjoy playing with a wide assortment of toys. They may especially enjoy books that are both stimulating while providing hand-eye coordination. Regular books aren't always safe for babies due to their tendency to stick items in their mouth as they teeth. This can cause the paper or cardboard to break off in the babies' mouths and create choking hazards. Fortunately, you can create your own toy books for infants using felt. These books are both safe for babies as well as easy for infants to hold.
Your child's love of treats works to your advantage as a parent or teacher. According to the University of Kansas, positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment for disciplining children. Reward jars reinforce good behavior by encouraging your child to earn small treats. A reward jar provides a simple, inexpensive game to maintain order in your home or classroom.
Toddlers can create special handprint gifts because their family members typically enjoy remembering how small they were while they grow up. Many materials can be used to create handprint gifts that are long-lasting and memorable. Some items can be framed keepsakes, and some are meant to be used often by a loving family member.
Toddlers grow quickly into school-aged children. Capture a moment in time of your toddler's development to keep and look back on after he has grown by making handprint keepsake crafts. Choose handprint art as a keepsake because a child's hand is almost as individualized as his fingerprints. Give as a gift or use for a holiday project. Use paper cutouts, paint, fabric, molds and sculpture casts to keep for years.
Celebrate a job well done when your child brings his report card home with excellent grades. Show him how proud you are by creating a day of fun that includes all of his favorite activities. Rewarding good grades is a way to show your child that you appreciate his hard work and efforts during the school year. Pick a day to spend with your child solo, with the family or allow him to bring a friend along for the special event.
The Cub Scouts organization was created to teach young boys how to interact with society and how to accomplish tasks they may not learn in school, such as helping others, family interactions and outdoors skills. The boys are encouraged to complete specific tasks to earn badges and beads for their totems. Once a boy earns a bead, he must attach it to the lanyard that hangs from his badge to show others that he has completed a task.
Playsets are typically a swingset or other type of outdoor play equipment for youngsters. They often have monkey bars, slides, tandem swings and platforms to entertain children. Picking a safe set is important because your children and their guests may spend a great deal of time playing on it unsupervised. The safety is especially significant when purchasing a used or inexpensive playset. The proper location is also necessary to ensure that the children are not vulnerable to injuries.
Imaginative, creative play is the key to a young child's development. Many children see playhouses in magazines and catalogs and long to have one in their playroom or backyard. Once you purchase a playhouse, there are lots of games that can be played to keep the playhouse engaging for your child, and to keep your toddler or preschool wanting to use it regularly.
Memory games are a great way to interact with your child while training his mind for school activities, such as pre-reading and memorizing math facts. Short-term memory skills will play an instrumental role in your child's success as a student. Memory games may be tailored to your child's unique learning style; visual, auditory or tactile. At least one memory game should be played with your child daily to maximize short-term memory growth.
When an infant is born, her vision is fuzzy because her brain isn't yet developed enough to process what she sees but there are a few things you can do to encourage her visual development. Babies and love light, faces and movement. Tapping into her natural curiosity and learning ability is the best way to encourage her.
All children look forward to spring holidays and the long sunny days of summer. A great way for kids to spend one of these days outside is to set-up a lemonade stand. This classic American project allows your children to be creative, entrepreneurial and responsible. They will also have a great deal of fun.
Teenagers and young adults who are just beginning to engage in dating should be aware that in many cases the relationship may also come with an unwanted accompaniment of possible dating violence. Therefore it is crucial to not only understand what dating violence is, but also how to recognize what the signs are, and how to seek help from local or national projects and help lines, according to the website Teen DV Month.
If your child is enthralled with the music and visuals in the Baby Einstein series of DVDs, you may want to spend an afternoon working on a Baby Einstein craft project. Whether you want to create a keepsake for your child or work on a craft project together, there are numerous craft project possibilities.
All boys go through a voice change during puberty. On average, the voice starts changing at age 12 ½, but it may occur anytime between the ages of 10 and 15. As boys mature, their larynxes get bigger and their vocal cords thicken, producing a deeper sound. Most boys will notice some huskiness or cracking in their voices for a few months as they adjust to these changes. A changing voice may be embarrassing at times -- for child actors and singers, the change can be life altering. Nevertheless, all boys' voices eventually change, and it's best to go with…
A baby's first birthday is a momentous occasion, which calls for just the right birthday cake. In many cases, this will be her first taste of the sweet stuff. Whether you're making a cake at home or buying a decorated one at the bakery, you can have a cake that incorporates her favorite foods and designs.
Pre-toddlers are just beginning to fall into a regular schedule and can begin to follow a very simple, basic lesson plan. When you develop lesson plans for pre-toddlers, keep in mind that the lessons should be flexible and varied according to the pre-toddler's interest and developmental level. You should include aspects of play, pre-language development and music in these plans. For November lesson plans, you can also include activities that are appropriate for the season.
It isn't difficult to keep an infant entertained. Even with the plethora of developmental toys and materials available for infants, babies usually prefer to play with household objects, homemade games and other people. Making games and activities to play with your baby is easy, inexpensive and will give you plenty of opportunities to play with and enjoy your infant.
If your son is headed off to an overnight camp, then you want to write letters to let him know you are still thinking of him while he is away. One tip is to start a drawer or pile of clippings you collect a few weeks before he leaves for camp. Then you will have a stash of material to send as soon as he leaves.
Science projects give a student the opportunity to become an expert in a scientific principle. Students demonstrate an example of a particular phenomenon and explain the details to judges and onlookers. The best science projects are interesting to view, sometimes even interactive for the judges, and clear examples of the showcased scientific principle. Using primarily items already found in your home, you can help your child put together one of the best science projects.
You've made it through packing, airport security and boarding the plane, but now you're faced with another obstacle: you must be prepared with a variety of activities to keep your preschooler entertained, but you'll have very limited space for her to work. Fill one carry-on bag with arts and crafts projects and store it under your seat. When she gets bored with one project, pull out another.
John Donne once said that "no man is an island," and by this he meant that no one exists in a vacuum: things that you do affect other people. Many relationships that we have when we are younger play a great part in the type of adults that we become. Young men today need strong role models to teach them how to be responsible, caring and well-rounded citizens. If they do not receive this guidance, it can affect their lives for years to come.
Summer camp activities geared towards young women and girls should be active and challenging. One of the positive aspects of gender distinct camps is that it gives young women and girls the freedom to develop skills without fear of being made fun of or challenged by boys. Camp can also help girls develop lasting friendships with other girls and get to know each other without competing with each other for attention from boys. Plan activities for girls and young women that provide physical and mental exercise, teach new skills and encourage artistic creativity.
Do you think your cherub-faced little one is the next Gerber baby? Does your child watch "America's Next Top Model" and dream of being the next Tyra Banks? If you're looking to enter your child in the world of modeling, it's imperative that you do your homework to ensure you pick the right fit for you and your child. There are agencies that focus solely on children, some that focus solely on babies and others that have divisions for both. In addition to model representation, some agencies also have separate talent divisions for those kids who are interested in the…
The Atlanta area has an abundance of art venues for both children and adults, ranging from large museums with expensive and important collections of art to smaller venues that focus more on teaching art skills than displaying existing artwork. Accessible after-school, weekend and summer programs geared toward kids exist, as well as special events designed to encourage children to embrace art and its benefits.
Children love to role-play. They especially enjoy mimicking people in high-profile careers such as television or newspaper reporters. This role playing can actually be very beneficial. For example, role-playing being a news anchor in front of a camera can help some children overcome shyness, while children who love to write can sharpen skills and learn how to cover events while pretending to be newspaper reporters.
Create an art project with rocks that will keep your little ones busy while you garden, and give you great works of art to add to your flower bed later. Kids will have fun painting the varied surfaces of rocks, and might even be willing to help you dig unwanted stones from your garden soil when they run out.
During those cold, rainy days, a child can often become restless or bored. With these indoor play ideas on hand, a parent can turn a long day into a fun day filled with many memories. These indoor play ideas allow children to be creative and have fun, all while occupying them and allowing them to forget that they can't go outdoors.
Use many creative snapshot ideas to capture the memory of your baby's first birthday. This is a milestone that you want to remember forever, as well as share with your child when she is older. It is a memory that you can make last a lifetime by taking photos.
It's spring, and that means it's prom season. While your high schooler is anticipating a fun and magical dance, you, as the parent, are worrying about the stigma that comes with after-prom events. You want to be the cool parent and make sure your teen has the time of her life, but it's important to educate her on being safe, too. Encourage and offer funding for alternatives to the common after-prom partying to avoid risky behavior.
Craft experiences allow toddlers to develop the ability to express unique ideas, feelings, and interests. Art and crafts nurture creativity. The best craft books for toddlers are filled with easy crafts that foster the opportunity for expressive activities, spontaneity in materials usage and exposes children to textured materials. Purchase easy craft books for toddlers that have straightforward instructions and provide step by step illustrations to show them how to use basic art materials.
While they may be popular with some children, the ubiquitous "Lunchables" contain for too many calories, sodium and sugar to count as a healthy lunch for your child, according to the American Heart Association and Institute of Medicine recommendations for children under nine years old. Give your child far more healthy nutrition and just as much pleasure by packing school lunches yourself. Better yet, involve your child in the process as well.
During the summer, kids will be looking for fun activities to do. Getting your children involved in easy summer crafts will provide them with entertainment and allow them to explore their creativity. At the same time, doing crafts with children will help improve their fine motor skills and allow them an alternative activity to falling victim to excessive TV watching or video game playing.
Encourage toddlers to observe some quiet time when they've started to forgo their afternoon naps. Regular quiet time benefits both children and parents in many ways. According to Kids First, "Replacing naps with an hour or so of solo quiet time will not only give you a much needed break during the day but it will also give your child a chance to relax and learn some much needed life skills."
Your child is ready to explore the world and you are eager to get them out into the great outdoors. A great option is a backpack and the Evenflo Trailblazer Child Carrier is an excellent choice for babies over six months old. This sturdy child carrier can be easily assembled and is perfect for long hikes. It comes with a canopy to protect baby's tender skin from sun exposure and a comfortable harness for mom or dad. Be sure and make all adjustments to the Evenflo Trailblazer Child Carrier before you place baby into the carrier.
When kids get bored, they get antsy, which can be a pain in the neck for a babysitter. The best way to keep kids under control is to play games with them and keep them entertained. However, you don't want to spend money on new board games and toys to keep the kids entertained because it will eat into any money you might make from babysitting. Use free games to keep kids entertained.
Select Diagnostics markets two types of test kits designed to test for the presence of hCG in urine as an indicator of pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of the U.S. Department of Health has waived the requirement for medically certified personnel to perform the dipstick test, and it may be performed without direct supervision. However, it should be performed in a lab or doctor's office, and is not specified for at home use.
By looking at his uniform, a well-informed observer can tell a lot about what a cub scout has achieved. Once he has mastered the cub scout motto, cub scout sign and cub scout salute, he will be granted the rank of tiger cub and be eligible to wear the tiger cub totem. This plastic emblem is worn on the belt and has slots along its bottom for four strands of plastic lanyard that hold multicolored beads for each achievement the boy completes. Each achievement has three parts: a family part represented by a white bead, a "den" part represented by…
Living far away from family can be difficult, especially when it is your child's birthday. Even if there are no guests to join your birthday celebration for your 1-year-old, you can still have an enjoyable occasion. Your baby is too young to know or care that birthday parties are usually affairs with several guests in attendance. Use your knowledge of what your baby likes to make a special day for your baby boy or girl without guests.
When parents leave you in charge of their children, they expect you to keep the children not only safe but happy. Come prepared with a variety of ideas that don't involve watching television or playing video games. If you keep the children active and interested, both they and their parents will want you to babysit again.
The birth of a new child is a momentous and exciting occasion in any family's life. If you would like to help your friends or family celebrate their new daughter, there are a wide variety of Islam-themed gifts to be found. Picking out the perfect gift may seem challenging, but with an understanding of your friends and what they may want for their child your should be able to find something that works out.
Christian music is an entire sub sect of the music industry and includes gospel, contemporary, acoustic/folk, pop, rock, praise and worship music and even Christian rap. Children interested in Christian drumming may find numerous resources online including information on Christian drum circles, free drum tabs (sheet music) and DVD instructional videos.
Babysitting can be a daunting task. Not only do you often have to feed, bathe and tuck in small children, but you also have to keep them entertained for hours on end. However, there are several educational and craftsy activities you can use to keep your babysitting charges busy.
Games and activities for children range from outdoor sports to quiet indoor games, depending on their own preferences and interests. You can get creative when planning activities and games with children, creating your own rules and even designing your own custom game to play. You can also choose the type of activity or game based on the number of participants and if you are using teams as well.
Children love to visit the places their parents' spend the most time during the day: work. Parents enjoy showing their workplaces to their children and seeing their children become excited about their jobs. If you work in construction, take the proper safety precautions with your children at all times. Plan interactive activities in addition to the standard tours to keep the kids engaged.
Some parents send their children to a summer camp every year because of the numerous experiences to be gained there. Attending a camp can offer many advantages, including spending time with positive role models, meeting new friends and learning new things. Boarding schools are sometimes chosen for children because traditional schools aren't a good fit or parents want their children to have any advantages that a college preparatory school can provide.
Caring for a baby is nerve wracking for new parents and others in their support system, such as grandparents, friends and caregivers. Parents should be vigilant about keeping an updated and complete list of important phone numbers around the house in case of emergency. Information should be kept in multiples locations, such as on the refrigerator and by each telephone.
Children are fascinated by bright colors and textures, which is why coloring is considered a healthy activity for children that contributes to child development. It also helps children increase motor skills, enhance dexterity with pencils and crayons and helps strengthen hand muscles including finger, thumb and wrist movements. Coloring helps broaden the child's creativity by getting him to explore different color combinations. The best coloring pictures are undoubtedly of the characters your child finds most interesting. There are a few classic cartoon characters and general coloring designs that children find the most interesting.
Toddler dance programs are designed specifically for the rhythm and movement of dance taught with toddler capabilities in mind. Little ones become toddlers between the ages one and two years when they are starting to run, dance and mimic others. Toddler dance programs differ from older kids' programs in that they are shorter, not as structured, more creative, and often incorporate mommies into the classes. A toddler's attention span is normally about two to three minutes, so the more creative and interesting for the toddler, the more enjoyment you will both get from the dance class.
For budding scientists who love sports, creating experiments with basketball backboards provides an ideal opportunity. Not only will they develop an interesting project perfect for science fairs -- they will also gain a new understanding of the mechanics behind a favorite game. And since basketball is often easily accessible, they can often conduct their experiments in their own neighborhood.
Advance planning and simple ingredients make packed lunches a time-saving option for both parents and children. Although schools provide both healthy and unhealthy food options, you can guide children toward healthy food alternatives by packing a lunchbox. A healthy lunchbox is filled with colorful, nutrient-dense foods from all of the food groups such as proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. Also include water or a low-caffeine or low-sugar drink.
According to some studies, 20% of American school age children struggle with some sort of attention deficit or dysfunction. Over 2 million American kids take Ritalin in an attempt to combat the disorder. In many ways, our culture -- and our media in particular -- conspire against the skills required to focus clearly for more than a minute or two. It is important for parents and teachers to have a deep and varied arsenal of activities designed to help children learn to focus.
Choosing an infant theme idea can be daunting and overwhelming to new parents. Prior to the infant's arrival, create an idea board or folder that contains favorite ideas and colors along with pictures of baby furniture and accent pieces. Ideas can be found in magazines, store advertisements or through online shopping. Once a theme is selected, take time to pick paint and accent pieces that will help to create the ambiance of your ideal infant room.
Kids usually think of the bathtub as a place to clean off the grime built up from playing hard during the day. It often means the end of play and the beginning of the bedtime routine, and thus may be met with grumbles. Turn bath time into an exciting learning time by conducting a few experiments in the tub. Much can be learned in the bathtub with just a few simple items you probably already have around the house.
An interesting and informative school project will engage and inspire the children in your class. Using creative and hands-on activities to enhance your lesson plan will bring a subject alive. Projects such as ancient history will provide interesting subject matter for successful school projects.
Painting is a favorite activity among toddlers, despite the sometimes messy outcome. Give your everyday watercolors and white paper a rest in favor of something a little more adventurous. Incorporate fun painting activities into otherwise boring of difficult times of the day, like mealtimes or bath time.
It takes some work to get your toddler modeling jobs and you must be sure that she is suited to modeling. A kid might be cute but if she cries when she's around strangers or she can't stand the flash when you take her picture, it might be best to wait until your child is older to determine whether or not she wants to model. But if your adorable toddler likes being around people, having her picture taken and following directions, then you might want to start researching toddler modeling.
Children go through stages when they will test the power differential with their parents. Early toddler years are one of the most common time periods for the power struggles to start. Parents can use power-struggle games to help their children feel comfortable listening and following directions from their parents. Games and other parenting techniques combine to hold the parent in the power position and help the child feel secure in her role without throwing tantrums or causing chaos.
Rebellion can be a normal stage in the development process for many children. In extreme cases, behavioral issues sometimes cross the line to criminal activity and juveniles are sometimes placed on probation. A variety of boarding schools are available that work with at-risk youth. These residential programs use structured activities and positive reinforcement to get troubled youth back onto the right track.
Teaching teens to cook offers them a useful and rewarding life skill. There are many options to help your teen learn to cook from basic to more complex cooking practices. Some teens may even look to turn cooking into a career that could lead to employment in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
A baby's hands and feet are so small, it's traditional to document the size and watch them grow through the years. Handprint crafts are perfect gifts for grandparents and great-grandparents of the new baby. It's also something you can display to look back on and remember when he was once that small.
A child's first birthday is not only about the baby, but also a celebration of life for his parents, their friends and family members. For many parents this means a birthday party, whether it is a big blow out or a small, intimate gathering. Either way, sending out homemade birthday card invitations will personalize the event, and save mom and dad a few dollars.
Breathe life into children's science projects by actually involving the animal they are studying. Animals are all around us and can easily be found in parks and backyards, among other places. Study an animal's behavior by watching it in its natural habitat or setting up a controlled experiment to answer a question your child has about a specific animal. Here are some fun, safe projects that relate to animals in your neighborhood.
Volunteer work can help your child gain work skills and characteristics, such as responsibility, generosity, compassion and selflessness. Explore volunteer activities with your kids, or help them brainstorm ideas on their own. Volunteering may allow them to create things, help the community and involve the entire family.
Ideally, a game offers a chance for your child to stretch his mind and build some skills while passing time pleasantly. A generation ago, getting a new game involved a trip to the store and an outlay of cash along with the risk that your child might end up with something badly designed or confusing; today, there are hundreds of free games just a few mouse clicks away.
Bring out the inventor in your little scientist with experiments you can create and execute in two days or less. Scientific creations don't have to be expensive and time consuming and there are a few that can be easily constructed from household items. Engage your child in a fun experiment that lets her be creative at the same time.
While traditionally a holiday of affection celebrated by lovers, Valentine's Day is also recognized by children who wish to highlight the love they have for friends and family. During the annual event, children often exchange Valentine's Day cards and participate in special activities. Parents or teachers looking for Valentine's Day craft ideas for toddlers will find a vast array of resources due to the attention the holiday receives.
At the sight of that first snowflake, you can be sure that thousands of kids are pressed to the window, clamoring to go outside and play in the snow. While sledding and building snowmen are fun activities for kids, it is important to make sure the kids are bundled and warm as they face the cold weather. Choosing the right snow outfit for your child can make the difference between a happy kid and a sick kid.
Summer camps are a great way for kids to have a fun filled summer with their peers. Make your summer camp stand out from all the other summer camps in your state by picking a theme. Theme ideas include space exploration summer camps, sports summer camps, study summer camps and super hero themed summer camps.
If you are looking for simple science experiments that require few ingredients and yield results in less than 48 hours, look no further than your kitchen. Chances are, you already have the makings for a quick chemistry lesson sitting in your cupboards. See what scientific wonders you can glean from these common household items.
While your child may think every doodle he creates is a masterpiece, it's impossible to keep and display every piece of his art work. Rather than filling every wall in the house with framed photos, let the child decide what pieces he really loves. If these favorite pieces are stored properly, you can not only admire them every day, but keep them safe long after he's stopped doodling.
Babies need help to learn about Valentine's Day, art and the materials used to make special Valentine crafts. A good craft project for babies involves safe materials and stimulation of the senses. Babies need to explore and be creative through touching, tasting, seeing, listening and smelling. Crafts that stimulate one or more of these senses help babies become creative. Adults must remember that baby crafts can be messy, yet rewarding and fun for both the baby and the adult if attention is given to stimulating the senses.
Children feel emotional pain when dealing with the loss of a loved one or coping with a traumatic event like violence or molestation. According to the Center for Grieving Children in Portland, Maine, children feel this emotional pain on a physical level. The Center suggests planning activities for children to allow them to express their feelings. These activities can give the child a healthy outlet for his feelings and can help bring a grieving family closer together.
Research has proven that children need exposure to art. Without exposure to art, kids miss out on choosing what they like or how to express themselves. Art offers kids choices, and kids grow and develop on many levels from their experiences with art. Without art, kids lack growth in various stages of development. Artis seen as a luxury in education, and the kids who are not receiving exposure to art are suffering.
Over the last decade, the mainstream integration of cell phones and the Internet among teenagers has given rise to a new type of harassment known as cyberbullying. Discriminatory or offensive texts or pictures, pretending to be someone else online, or using digital media to spread gossip or pictures without permission are all prime examples. Because cyberbullies can feel anonymous when attacking, the problem is becoming rampant, sometimes leading to tragic circumstances. Parents need to know several things to help educate and protect their kids.
It can be fun doing cards and crafts for Valentine's Day with toddlers. The key to success at these activities is to keep the tasks simple, colorful and quick to do. Make sure your toddler has had enough sleep, food and exercise before you start so she won't get frustrated. Be sure to supervise the entire time, or even be prepared to do part or most of the craft, depending on the age of your toddler.
Expectant mothers often receive many thoughtful gifts for their babies, but another gift that is very much appreciated is the gift that pampers the new mommy herself. The transition to motherhood can be a very challenging one, and a gift basket filled with surprises and splurges especially for her can remind the recipient that she's still a very important person in her own right. Select presents for a themed basket or fill it with an assortment of little things.
Moving to a new city is a big event in a child's life. While it may be hard to see your friend or relative move away, there are some simple gifts that you can give the special child in your life to show her that you will be thinking about her, even after she has settled into her new home.
One amazing thing about the drums is that individuals of all ages and abilities can play them. Many individuals can keep a beat innately. If your child can keep a steady beat and expresses interest in learning, the drums are good instruments for beginner musicians.
Children learn by doing, and certain activities can greatly aid a child's psychological development. Activities produce concepts that stimulate and organize a child's psychological perception. The type of activities you encourage your child to do will make him associate them with normative behavior. Children develop a self-image and social skills by participating in social activities. Although structured, adult-organized activities can be important to teach the child what is socially acceptable, natural child-directed play is equally important.
If you are a budding scientist, a 4-H science club may be up your alley. The possibilities for 4-H science projects to display at fair or simply try for a club meeting are nearly endless. But some of the more common projects fall in the broad categories of animal science, aerospace, environmental science and plant science. No matter which science investigation you choose, careful adherence to scientific procedures and record keeping will assure that your project helps you grow in your scientific understanding and educates your audience on the principles involved.
Miami is an international and fast-paced city with something to offer almost everyone, and even the most finicky teenager is no exception. With the Everglades on one side, the Atlantic on the other, and a multicultural extravaganza of action in between, one vacation may not be enough to do it all. Consider starting with a guided tour to get your bearings.
While crafts of clay rank among the oldest art forms, advances in technology make it increasingly easy to be creative. One such product, Sculpey's Bake & Bend clay, allows children to play with pieces of clay for as long as it takes to mold their final product. Without the pressure of clay drying out, kids will put more thought into their projects or simply enjoy their clay a bit longer than usual.
Every school morning, it can feel like you have to run out the door at breakneck speed. This doesn't have to mean leaving children with empty stomachs. There are several quick and easy breakfast options to cook up in the morning to ensure your kids get the most important meal of the day and make to school on time.
Tempera paint is an excellent art medium for children. In addition to being economical and water-soluble, it's available in a wide range of colors. As they paint, children can experiment, learn about colors and how colors mix. To make the adult's job easier, it is a good idea to splash a small amount of dish-washing soap into the liquid tempera paint to make the paint glide better on the paper and to assist in washing the paint off of clothing, tables and other surfaces.
Children can begin going to swim lessons at as young as three months of at New York City YMCA pools. Most other pools allow children to begin lessons at about six months or as soon as they can reasonably hold up their own heads. While you cannot expect your infant to be swimming a perfect breast stroke by the end of a session of swim lessons, you can expect them to be comfortable in the water and on their way to water safety.
Rainy days and freezing cold weather can be a hard time for parents who have kids in the house. Your child may attempt one of two extreme behaviors once cabin fever sets in. Some kids may try to spend the whole day being lazy and watching TV. Other children may become hyper from all the pent-up energy and begin jumping around, making a mess and interfering with your housework. Having indoor activities and games planned for rainy days can make your household run more effectively.
Part of the magic of sharing music with children is being able to sing along with the lyrics together. Some short, familiar songs are easy to remember, so written lyrics aren't necessary. However, if you wish to experiment with new or lengthier songs with your children or students, having the lyrics handy can be extremely helpful as you and the children learn the words of the songs together. It can be difficult to find albums with the lyrics included as this isn't always advertised on the jewel case. It can be disappointing to get home and find that the lyrics…
While some girls love to engage in running and sports, most classic girl games include jewelry, makeup or dolls. In general, little girls love to dress up in different outfits and accessories, and they also delight in taking care of babies, whether real or pretend. Classic games for girls are ones that are played off the computer, that you enjoyed as a little girl and that your young daughter will still enjoy today.
Physical activity is an important part of a child's life. Exercise has a tremendous impact on the emotional, physical and intellectual development of a child. Developing an exercise routine and having fun with it will help a child build a foundation for a long, healthy life. There are many safe and effective exercise ideas for children.
A bat theme for a preschool can introduce young children to this interesting mammal and teach them about its unique characteristics. Rather than being scared of bats, children can learn how helpful they are. This animal also can provide opportunities for further learning in language arts, arts and crafts and science.
Most kid-friendly foods can be made without milk. Re-create cupcakes, cookies, sauces and casseroles without milk and help your child feel normal. Often a child with milk allergies feels excluded from parties and activities because of her allergy. She cannot participate in one of the key components of the party: the eating. By providing children with a milk-free substitution, you give them an opportunity to fit in.
A playpen can be a very useful accessory for the parent of a small child. Not only does it provide an enclosed play area for your young one, but it can also be an excellent place for a nap. Unpacking a playpen can be daunting, however, especially with the most common model, the Pack n Play. Luckily, it is easy to master its erection and collapse.
Having a new baby can be a wonderful joyous experience. Cuddling with them, feeding them and playing with them are moments treasured forever. Most parents do everything in their power to keep their little one safe. They put guard rails on the crib, provide extra cushions in the car seat and sterilize the bottles and nipples to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. These sterilizers are convenient machines that will help ensure the health of your child. Making sure the sterilizers are cleaned regularly and cared for will ensure they work properly.
Trying to locate the vintage Jibber Jabber doll can be tricky; knowing some tricks to try as well as methods of discovery can assist you in finding the elusive doll. Made in the early 1990's by the Ertl toy company, the Jibber Jabber doll was targeted as a stress reliever for adults as well as corporate gifts. The doll made noise when it was shaken, and the bold colors and whimsical shape made it popular.
In 1970, Plymouth redesigned their longstanding Barracuda model line and created one of the most popular Chrysler vehicles of the time. They offered performance versions of the Barracuda as well and named these performance versions simply Cuda. In 1970, Plymouth wanted to enter a vehicle into the Tans Am racing series. In order to do this they designed a special version of the Cuda that was produced in limited numbers, which they called the AAR Cuda.
Building a homemade fort is a great activity for kids and encourages them to play outdoors. While there are many different ways to build a fort, it's often best, and most fun, to use found materials and lots of imagination to make a perfect backyard fort. Secret hideouts, pirate ships, hangouts, theaters---the possibilities are endless once you've gotten started. Parents and guardians, help your kids with trickier tasks such as using a hammer and nails, but a lot of this work can be done by the kids themselves and is a great activity for summertime or after school.
Increase safety for your children and their friends when they play outside by making your own "Slow Children" sign. It's easy to create, and alerts motorists to slow down and watch out for the boys and girls running around the neighborhood. With just a few simple and affordable materials, it doesn't take long to make and display this sign. Prevent tragic situations easily avoided when drivers are reminded to proceed with caution while traveling in your residential area.
After promising to take your children to an amusement park if they did all their chores for 60 days, you realize you need to make a calendar chart to track their efforts. There is no better way to show your kids you mean what you say than by creating a visual reminder of what they need to do and the reward for doing it. Place it where they can see it on a daily basis and mark successful days by placing happy face stickers on them.
Babies tend to remove their pacifiers and throw them, especially when they are playing. Sometimes the pacifier will just fall out of their mouths while they are sucking on it. If that happens at home, it is easy to just wash and sterilize it but if it happened in a restaurant, you can't just wash it anywhere without sterilizing it. And the worst is if you don't put it back in the baby's mouth, he will keep on crying. This is why pacifier clips may come in handy, especially when you are not at home.
Oxygen is transported from the air into our cells. When it enters our cells, it combines with hemoglobin or it dissolves in the plasma. One gram of hemoglobin can carry 1.31 milliliters of oxygen, and one liter of blood can carry about 200 milliliters of oxygen at full saturation. The amount of oxygen that is made available to the body per minute is known as oxygen delivery. Oxygen delivery is the amount of cardiac output times the arterial oxygen content.
Safety in the kitchen is essential when you have small children. The stove will be of much interest to toddlers because that is where they see their parents clattering pans and turning all those interesting knobs.
The Internet has been a boon to education, giving children access to information in their own home that used to be kept in libraries. Unfortunately, it also gives children access to a lot of other things that parents would prefer to keep hidden. Pornography, gambling, violence and even social networking sites can pose a threat to children. While it's important to set limits, it's foolish to believe that children will follow them all the time. The safest route is to block websites that don't meet your family's standards.
Competing in today's ever-growing international business community requires the ability to ship packages internationally. Given the differences between address formats, currency and delivery infrastructure, this can be a tricky task. However, a number of companies make international shipping and delivery easy.
There are several great treatments that people can use for restless leg syndrome in toddlers. Discover more with help from a practicing pediatrician in this free video on restless leg syndrome in toddlers.
St. George, Utah, a small city of 45,000 people, can be a popular destination for both retirees looking for a bit of sun and college students on spring break. For minors under age 18, curfew rules are strictly enforced to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time in the community.
While many little girls delight in tossing their feet into the air and performing a cartwheel, the task can be quite intimidating if the potential performer is not trained in proper procedure. To ensure your daughter can safely enjoy a cartwheel, spend some time teaching her how to complete this easy gymnastic move. Not only will this little mother-daughter training time increase the likelihood that she performs her cartwheels correctly and safely, it will also provide an enjoyable way to spend a day of bonding.
A child’s sewing machine offers a way for a child to learn the basics of sewing. Most child-sized machines are more of a toy and learning tool than a perfectly functioning sewing machine; do simple, straight-stitch projects. Usually for children 8 years and older, these machines have special safety features like a needle guard and a safety pressure foot. The product manual for the child’s sewing machine will offer invaluable information on how to use a specific model, but all sewing machines work in the same basic way.
Play sand is a type of sand formulated for use in children’s play areas. Play sand grains differ from sand used for swimming pool or the sand found on beaches. Play sand is an artificial sand created by the process of crushing rocks to a fine consistency. Since sandboxes and playground with sand bases are popular with kids, parents must be aware of the safety concerns and benefits of each kind of play sand.
It's natural for parents to try to protect their infants as much as possible. Unfortunately, though, one way many parents try to protect their child--by installing an ionic air cleaner in the baby's room--may actually do more harm than good. Ionic air cleaners like the Ionic Breeze are promoted for removing allergens and harmful chemicals from the air, but the federal Environmental Protections Agency and other noted sources believe they may actually cause health problems in people of all ages.
The Regalo Easy-Step swing gate is recommended for children ages six to 24 months, and also works well for pets. Designed to keep toddlers from visiting certain areas of the house, the Easy-Step gate can be installed in a doorway, hallway or stairwell. The all-steel gate can expand from 29 to 36 inches and also features a six-inch extension kit. There are several varieties available including "Extra Wide" and "Extra Tall." All three gate models are installed using the same procedure.
Also known as fireflies, lightning bugs are nocturnal members of the Lampyridae family. These winged beetles produce light by mixing oxygen and luciferin in an organ just below their abdomens. Lightning bugs utilize this illuminating concoction in their search for the perfect mate and as a defense mechanism. If you decide to catch some lightning bugs to view their anatomy up close, remember that like any living thing, lightning bugs require special care.
Storytelling is an important part of growing up. Providing opportunities for your children to share with you aids the development of speech, vocabulary and thought processes. Although it may seem insignificant, taking the time to incorporate storytelling and reading into your daily routine requires patience and planning. One easy way to accomplish this is to have your children create picture books of their personal experiences. Making and reading the books together builds communication skills and strong relationships within your household. When you're done sharing with each other, share with others; these books make great gifts or keepsakes.
Getting tattoos is a form of body art that has been around for centuries. Tattoos are considered a rite of passage for many different cultures and have gained popularity as a cosmetic ornamentation of the body. In recent years, tattoos have become more popular among young women and girls. Many women and girls opt for smaller and more colorful tattoo designs, as they are considered dainty and pretty. Careful consideration should be taken when choosing a design, as tattoos can be permanent and tattoo removal can be quite expensive. Here are a few popular ankle tattoo design ideas.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers a program of achievement and advancement to young boys involved in their troops. The aim of the program is to assist Boy Scouts in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. In order to do this, a Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, 12 of which are required, with the remaining selected from the elective merit badges.
The capital of and largest city in Arizona, Phoenix lies in the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert surrounded by several mountain ranges. Tourists can visit the waterways in Phoenix such as Salt River and Tempe Town Lake or the numerous water parks, amusement parks and recreational centers such as Oasis Water Park and Castles N' Coasters. Teenagers can also take advantage of different recreational activities in Phoenix.
Little League can be a great activity for boys and girls who are interested in baseball from the ages of 8 to 12. Not only do they get to practice and play real games, but they also get to wear a uniform. Along with that uniform there might be patches that are awarded for team spirit or tournament play. Here is how to sew a Little League patch onto a uniform.
Galena is home to a variety of fresh produce, wineries and homemade jams and jellies. Each season, from summer through fall, Galena offers farm stands with fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and even brown eggs and lamb. Residents and farmers who harvest, have been selling their goods to Galena for over 150 years. Visitors can learn more about wine-making at Galena Cellars Vineyard. Many of the Italian restaurants located in Galena are all popular for their homemade creations that use fresh produce, rich pasta sauces and wines served within their restaurants.
There is no federal law mandating the use of bicycle or motorcycle helmets but "wearing a helmet can prevent a life-threatening head injury," according to the Mayo Clinic. Not only are helmets a safety requirement, they are often a state legal requirement. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's website states, "only three states have no motorcycle safety laws." It goes on to say "21 states plus the District of Columbia have bicycle laws." It's important to learn how to wear the helmet to ensure your safety.
Building a solar panel with your kids teaches them about the basics of science and the importance of energy conservation. As the world adjusts to climate change, alternative energy sources like solar panels are increasingly relevant. Materials for a homemade solar panel can be purchased at most hardware stores. So get to work, and teach your kids how fun and practical science can be.
Today's TV shows and movies are often filled with potentially offensive language. Parents not wanting their children to be exposed to this type of language can purchase the TV Guardian to prevent them from hearing it.
Creating printable coupons is a cheap, yet entertaining, gift from children that can be used for holidays, special occasions or just as a fun way to give messages. Designing themes, adding graphics or allowing the kids to contribute their own artwork helps to liven them up and adds a splash of color. Constructing these coupons is relatively easy and the templates can be used several times. Use your imagination: The sky is the limit on the variations you can make.
Green beans are a great source of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, all of which are beneficial for boosting the immune system and warding off common illnesses. It is just as important to incorporate green beans into a baby's diet as it is for an adult. Instead of buying prepackaged green bean baby food, consider cooking the green beans at home as an easy, cost-effective alternative.
Children begin drawing masterpieces during their toddler years, and some continue drawing into their teens. Over time, children may draw hundreds and maybe even thousands of pictures, each one special and unique. Parents may wonder what to do with all of this artwork. One possibility is creating an art portfolio.
Young children enjoy spending hours playing out in the snow. They get so excited about building snowmen, creating snow angels and having snowball fights that they try to hold in their urine. By the time they realize they really have to "go," they can't get their snow pants off fast enough. Parents don't need to fret, however, as it is simple to remove a urine smell from snow pants.
So you and your spouse have just received the news that there will be an addition in your family soon, and it will be a boy. A lot of planning goes into raising a boy, and he will definitely benefit from a warm, positive surrounding. The theme of his bedroom can help to create a fun environment. One great choice for a theme is Mickey Mouse; after all, not many themes out there embody a more positive energy.
Children who understand the concept of money and value are able to learn about the stock market. Stock information can be broken down into basic principles, which children are able to grasp.
A zip line allows you to slide from a high spot to a low spot, soaring rapidly across a cable and ending on or close to the ground. While very enjoyable, zip lines are also very dangerous and heavy supervision is required for children. If you want to build a zip line in your backyard for the kids, several steps must be followed, including installing a harness. A harness allows the children to not have to worry about holding on, keeping them strapped in and relatively safe the whole way down.
Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls of your toddler's room is a quick way to spruce things up and make the space more distinct for your child--but is it safe? With so many new types of paint available these days, it is challenging to determine which paint is the right paint to use. Taking some extra time to do some research before slapping some paint on the walls of your toddler's room will be beneficial for years to come.
Teach children how to build a hamburger collage using construction paper. This is a fun and easy project for an art class, home school or just an afternoon craft. Allow the children to design their favorite condiments and toppings for their hamburgers, which reinforces drawing and cutting skills. Moreover, teach patterns by having the children layer their condiments on the hamburger buns.
Water devices and flotation devices are for pool safety and fun. Swimming with flotation devices can ensure the safety of a child who is not well adjusted to the water. However, it is important for parents to keep their eyes on their children at all times and not to rely on the flotation devices.
Whether or not your child watches much television, there's bound to be a time when they ask how it works. For all they know, there are people living in a little box, putting on each show. Explaining how things work is part of parenthood, and in the case of electronics, it can be a good opportunity for your child to learn about some basic elements of science. A television is a complex appliance that incorporates many scientific areas: magnetics, electrons, electricity, etc. Using general terms will help.
Parenting magazine has information about pregnancy, birth and the different stages of childhood. It has articles on many different topics, including advice, health issues and fun activities. If your magazine subscription is close to running out and you don't want to extend it, you can easily cancel using one of several methods.
Tying shoelaces can prove to be a challenging activity for children who are just beginning to develop fine motor skills and coordination. There are a number of methods that make learning to tie shoelaces accessible and memorable for children. Some rely on rhymes to go with the motions of tying laces, while others are meant to answer the question that is most commonly posed by youngsters: "Why?"
Your transmission is in need of a repair and you don't know how to buy a used transmission? When you want to save money on a new transmission repair, you have a lot of choices. Depending on how much of the work you want to do on your own, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when you know where to look and how to buy a used transmission. Follow these steps to buy a used transmission that fits your budget and can get you back on the road quickly.
Looking to keep your kids busy on Halloween? Try gathering them up for a fun-filled activity by making these playful monster lollipops. Not only do these fit with the theme of the day--they also taste great! You can create different-colored monsters by using multi-colored gumdrops and lollipops. Here is how.
In order to turn weaknesses into strengths, it is first important to really identify the weaknesses. Determine how to identify and turn weaknesses into strengths with the assistance of a licensed psychologist in this free video on mental health.
You decided on a quiet afternoon of leafing through old photographs, only to discover that your five-year-old beat you to it--with permanent marker. Now your parents' vacation in Ireland features a googly-eyed stick figure standing on your father's head and your wedding picture has you sporting a mustache? Chances are the pictures haven't been ruined. There are ways to repair the damage and restore the photographs.
All foods contain vitamins and minerals, substances that are essential for life and good health. The body requires these micronutrients in smaller amounts than nutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin deficiencies lead to conditions such as dry hair, slow wound healing and rickets. A person deficient in the mineral calcium may suffer from eczema, muscle cramps and tooth decay. Because children are notoriously picky eaters, a daily multivitamin helps to fill nutritional gaps.
Try a short haircut if you take a no-nonsense approach to hair care. Many kids' short haircuts are fashionable and easy to style, so you can get up and go in the morning without a lot of fuss. Both boys and girls look great in a sharp short cut. The only styling product you'll need is a little styling gel and a blow dryer to help keep your child looking his best.
"Anxiety is not fear, exactly, because fear is focused on something right in front of you, a real and objective danger," writes Robin Marantz Henig in her "New York Times Magazine" article, "Understanding the Anxious Mind." "If you're anxious, you find it difficult to talk yourself out of this foreboding; you become trapped in an endless loop of what-ifs," according to the article. In other words, you fear what may not even happen. Jerome Kagan, a psychology professor at Harvard, has been conducting longitudinal studies of temperament since 1989, and has found that anxiety does have a neurological fingerprint that…
Sweet potatoes, a versatile food, contain generous amounts vitamin A and make a filling edition to a healthy diet. The root vegetable also serves as the principal ingredient in widely consumed American specialties such as sweet potato pie and sweet potato soufflee. Dense sweet potatoes have a thick, difficult-to-remove skin that make them frustrating to work with, especially given the amount of time it takes to cook them. Boiling provides a convenient way to remove the skin so your sweet potatoes can be eaten plain or added to more tasty dishes.
School is boring. School is hard. If you're a parent, you've heard it all before. But it is possible to help make school seem less like a dreaded chore and more like good fun. Start by turning plain school supplies into something exciting. Making school crafts together is a fun activity for children---and the finished products will be even more fun to use.
A girl's 18th birthday is a very special day that requires a special birthday present. Finding the perfect 18th birthday present for a girl can be easy as long as you know what to look for.
Mei tais are sling-style cloth baby carriers that allow you to strap your child to your body. Carrying a baby with a mei tai more evenly distributes the child's weight and frees your arms and hands for other activities. Mei tais can be worn on either your front or your back. It's important to strap on a mei tai properly to avoid injury to either you or the baby. You can strap yourself into a mei tai, but you will want to get someone to help you the first few times, to ensure the child is supported and the knots…
Food can be used to create many different types of art. They can be used for sculptures, 3-D pictures, as the paint medium (food dye) and many more. Below is just one way to use food for art. The instructions below will guide your creation of a pineapple alligator sculpture. See the resources section for a link to a list of several art projects that use food as the medium.
There are a multiplicity of short hairstyles for black kids that are attractive, easy to care for, and cooler during the summer months. When your child has a hairstyle that is easy to care for, she will feel confident running around and playing with her friends without worrying that she will create more work for you by messing up her hair. You will feel good knowing that you won't have to spend endless hours to keep their look fresh and clean.
Maturity often reflects the learned control a person displays toward the stressors of adult life. Control is exercised over impulsivity, inappropriate responses and the recognition of inadequate preparation or knowledge. As noted by Jerome Bruner in his 1972 article in American Psychologist, immaturity plays an important role, as well. The state of immaturity aides in creating an acceptable space and time to develop the skills and education necessary to function as a successful adult. The process of moving from immature young adulthood to full adulthood is an opportunity for the body and mind to fully develop while responsibility for actions…
Weddings create life-long memories. Photographs and the mental images in your guests' minds will keep that special day alive forever. Just as the bride's dress is important to the ceremony, the cake and centerpieces set the tone for the entire reception. Depending upon how many tables you need centerpieces for, this is a project you should be able to complete in less than one day.
Girls of all ages love camping. Being creative and open-minded to the different kinds of activities to which girls will love is key to making the best girls camp. Here are some examples for young girls that go beyond pitching a tent and building a fire.
Most children enjoy art. Whether you want to make a personalized picture for a kid's room, classroom or for a hands-on art project, learning how to draw flowers requires just a few simple steps. Because there is a variety of possibilities to what you can create, from the medium you use to the type and style of flowers you draw, you might want to make a series of drawings to create a coloring book.
The difference between winning and losing at basketball is often determined by which team is able to convert its layup opportunities. In other words, what team "finishes" at the basket most consistently. In this article I will offer some tips for finishing more effectively.
The most fundamental use of mathematics in Western music is its application in rhythm. Nearly all Western music operates within time signatures, or pulses that are grouped into sections. Most commonly, these sections (called "measures") come in groups of two, three or four, but can come in groups of five or seven or complex sub-groupings of smaller numbers. The choice of time signature determines the feel of the pulse and rhythmical lilt of the music. Within the measures, the timing of the notes is measured by notation that dictates rhythm in terms of symbols that denote, essentially, fractions. When a…
Oftentimes, parents try to teach their children right from wrong by providing some sort of punishment or discipline when the child acts inappropriately. It is just as important to praise a child for choosing to do the "right" thing. You can use a Pretty Penny Jar as a simple, effective way to reward and encourage your children. These instructions include how to make and use a Pretty Penny Jar.
For Christians, the birth of a child is publicly commemorated with a christening. A christening is the time when a minister prays blessings upon the child's life. It is also a time when a minister charges the child's parents, grandparents and godparents to teach the child about God and raise the child with love and proper guidance. To make sure the people you want witnessing your child's christening are present during the event, create and send free christening invitations. You can create these invitations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Finger painting is popular among toddlers and pre-school children. This is the age where children enjoy the sensory input from squishing the paint in between there fingers. As hard as you may try to keep your toddler's fingerpaints in the kitchen, it is inevitable that one day they will escape in to the living room and get some of the paint on the carpet. If this happens, don't panic.The fingerpaint isn't hard to get out.
Many young women dream about becoming a model. The prospect of being the center of attention, wearing designer clothing and having their hair and makeup done professionally is alluring, as is the potential to become wealthy and famous. The reality is that modeling certainly can be a glamorous experience, but it is also fiercely competitive.
The Roaring Twenties were an exciting time in history. A lot of things were happening in terms of art, society, politics and culture. From the lighthearted aspects of the decade such as jazz music and flappers to the more serious situation of the Great Depression, the Roaring Twenties were full of highs and lows. What better way could there be to celebrate a tumultuous decade than by having a theme party? Get creative to throw a 1920s theme party of your own.
A drawing table encourages your child to explore his artistic and creative side. It can also be used for various other purposes such as writing, reading, playing or snacks. A well-chosen drawing table is ergonomically designed, appeals to your taste and keeps your child engaged constructively in a safe, stimulating environment.
Have you ever wanted to become a nerd? If so, follow a couple steps and you'll be on your way to becoming a full time nerd!
Setting clear boundaries and assigning responsibilities can be one of the more taxing challenges of parenthood. According to the website Parenting Further, discipline should be considered an opportunity to teach your children, and a sense of boundaries helps children build self-esteem. Choosing a fun way to set expectations can make the process less stressful for child and parent alike. Making up funny fortune cookie fortunes that spell out reminders and rules will delight your children and help them follow through.
As long as there are children chewing gum, there will be parents left contemplating what gum removal technique to use as they fume about gum stuck in hair, on clothes and under furniture. Gum has a fascinating history, and the choices are plenty, but no one likes to have gum stuck under his shoe or find it in her hair.
Plan a theme party for your child's next birthday. Incorporate your child's interests, favorite characters or her fantasies when planning the party. These tips will provide ideas, as well as lists of items for you to purchase to pull off a cool party theme your child will remember for years to come.
Wooden playsets are a great investment for your family. They have exceptional structural strength, multiple and unique design options, and can create lasting memories for you and your child. In fact, you can often expand on your wooden playset any time you want, adding additional slides, swings, and even tunnels or a sandbox. This article will provide some tips for you on how to buy a wooden playset your family will appreciate for years to come.
Toddlers' little fingers often don't have the dexterity and coordination to get that sweater buttoned. But by playing with a button book, where it's all about fun and not about getting themselves dressed, children will have the opportunity to practice getting those buttons effortlessly in and out of buttonholes. Although the article gives specific ideas for the book's various pages, a parent can modify the project to include pictures that will particularly appeal to their own children.
Making a miniature town out of boxes is a fun craft that you can do with your children. This will give them a chance to create a town of their very own. You can create a traditional town with a police station, school, play ground, and houses. Little girls can also create a princess town or toon town. This is an all day project that is fun to do any time of the year especially on a rainy day.
The tooth fairy can leave something besides the standard spare change to prove she has been for a visit when your child loses a tooth. You never know what the tooth fairy might be carrying around with her when it is time to stop at your house and pick up a freshly fallen tooth. Here are a few creative ideas.
Your basketball organization is hosting a tournament. The purpose of the tournament is to raise funds for your basketball teams. Although you will be receiving entry fees from the participating teams, most of that money will go towards paying officials. How can you raise money? This article will suggest some fundraising opportunities you can use when hosting a tournament.
Teenagers like to express their individuality, and being gothic is one way to do so. If you're a teenager and want to look gothic, then the following tips will help you get this look on a budget and without looking as though you should be at a Halloween party.
Preschool and kindergarten facilities need nap mats for school or childcare. Many children could use a nap mat at home because they want to sleep closer to where their parents are or they want to sleep in the parents room. There are many types of nap maps you can make but this one is the easiest.
Learn tips on how to remove mucus from your infant's throat, nose and mouth using a bulb sucker (or aspirator) from an experienced mom in this free how-to video.
Learn tips on how to clip your infant's fingernails from an experienced mom in this free how-to video.
In the middle of winter while the snow is mounting up outside, a fun thing to do with the kids is to light a fire in the fireplace and have an indoor camping trip. If your living room is large enough, you can even pitch your tent and let the kids spend the night in it. No camping trip is complete for kids without the chance to toast marshmallows.
Building an ant farm is a fun, entertaining and educational project that you can do with your kids. The following will show you how to build your own ant farm.
Did you know that there are really two chances for a birthday cake each year? Your birthday is the obvious answer and your half birthday is the rarely used one. Try these simple ideas to make your and your family members half birthdays special days too.
A sandbox cover is essential in keeping sand dry and free from animal droppings, leaves and other undesirable items. Although there are several types of sandbox covers available, one quick, easy and reliable option is to make a basic sandbox cover using a plastic tarp.Follow these simple instructions to make a plastic cover for your square, wooden sandbox.
Did you know you can use peanut butter as a gum remover? Getting chewed gum out of hair can be tricky, and using peanut butter makes it a lot easier. Learn how to use peanut butter for chewing gum removal today.
Tired of the same old same old thing for lunch? With a little imagination, turn that regular hot dog and chips lunch into something fun--from the ocean!
Swimming in the ocean with kids is a daunting task. You want to be a very strong swimmer yourself before considering tackling the tumultuous ocean with your little ones. They should be fairly strong swimmers themselves. Picking a day when the surf is mild is a good idea when starting out. There's nothing scarier for you and your kids than when you're standing halfway out in the water and a huge wave is crashing in front of you and there's no way to get back to shore before being pummeled. You want to give your kids a positive experience so…
Nike shoes are very popular, which means that some people are going to try to make money from making and selling cheap imitations. Obviously, these fakes do not match the high quality that Nike demands of their shoes. Be careful when shopping for shoes and follow these steps to avoid cheap Nike imitations.
A good slimy experiment for kids and parents to do together!
Sugar on Snow is a Vermont specialty. While maple sap boiled in vats during the cold months, sweet sugary aromas would waft out into the snowy woods. The syrup was ready when it reached the "soft ball stage." To check this, small amounts of the hot liquid would be poured onto the snow. If a round elastic candy coin formed on top of the snow, the syrup could be transferred into jugs and cans for selling. Making sugar on snow is a great way to celebrate a snow day when everyone is home from school. It introduces children to a…
Maybe you're hanging out, having dinner with your family, and in speaking fondly of your younger days, you let slip the word "record." It's hard not to mention those old records. But now, if you no longer own any records or a record player (probably not) to use in a historical demonstration, you have to explain these strange objects to your child. Here are some pointers.
Are there aliens on other planets? Do you believe in UFOs? What's the hottest planet? How hot is it? Is it hotter than the sun? What's it like on Venus? These questions and more may fill your ears as your drive from errand to errand with your kids in the back seat. Since most of us are amateur scientists at best, here are some ideas to keep you going when faced by planet and space questions.
Since its debut in 1999, SpongeBob Squarepants has remained one of the most popular children’s shows on Nickelodeon. It has spawned several TV specials, a movie, multiple video games and many other products. Although you cannot bring yourself down to Bikini Bottom, you can decorate your room just like Bikini Bottom with a SpongeBob theme.
You're sitting down to a nice family dinner and note your teenager is behaving oddly. When you ask about his day, he says nothing happened, but your parenting alarm is going off. He's not saying anything, but his body language is definitely talking. Perhaps you can read his body language and see if he's anxious about something.
The world can be harsh for "emo" kids who wear their emotions for everyone to see by the way they dress and the music they listen to. Plenty of bullies line up to take on emo kids because of their reputation for being weak and emotional. There are many stereotypes and prejudices associated with being emo, so many kids simply find it easier to stop being an emo kid. Read on to learn how to stop being an emo kid.
Having gothic lips are a big part of the overall goth look. There are a few different ways to use makeup to get the look of goth lips. Most depend on the color that is chosen and how dramatic the overall look will be. Gothic lips, whatever their color, are always made up to be one of the most noticeable facial features.
The girls of Zoey 101, the TEENick show starring Jamie Lynn Spears, have their own unique style and sense of fashion. The mix of colors and cool styles is a great way to dress if you have a little time and imagination to put into your outfits.
Catholic schools are usually pretty strict when it comes to how you look. The plaid skirts and navy blue slacks with the usual white button down shirts can get very boring for many kids. Dressing punk at your Catholic school is one way to have some fun with your uniform.
As long as there's school, kids will be trying to get out of going by playing sick. Whether because of a big test, having to face a crush or just because the lunch is kind of gross, if one is going to skip school, you must do it convincingly. Here is how to fake a fever with a thermometer. (And what to watch for if you are a parent.)
Many moms in labor experience low back pain or pressure. As the baby settles lower into the pelvis, the head puts more pressure on the sacrum. To counter this pressure, moms generally like the hip squeeze. It's an effective, non-medicinal pain relief. It can be performed using one partner or two. Here is how.
Herb baths have been used for centuries to treat many illnesses. They have also been used to promote healing. A postpartum herb bath is a combination of many gentle herbs used to promote healing for bruised and torn perineum tissues after a vaginal birth. In addition to its healing elements, most mothers embrace the sweet smell and love the way it makes their skin feel.
There are so many things we do in our daily lives that have become a "habit". Brushing our teeth is habit. How you answer the phone is a habit. The way you sit in the car when your driving is a habit. Have you ever tried to change the way you do something, after you've done it one certain way for so long. It's easy to do as long as your thinking about it. The minute your mind drifts to something else, you go right back to the old way of doing things. What is a "habit" anyway? It's a…
For many, it can be difficult to find someone trustworthy enough to leave your children with while at work. There are many options available such as childcare centers, family-run childcare and nanny services. Follow these steps so that you can feel comfortable about leaving your little one with a childcare provider.
Instead of fretting over a boring rainy day, teach your child why it rains with these simple and fun experiments.
Costumes can be expensive, but it's easy to put together a child's dress-up box using thrift store purchases and stuff you have around the house.
