Is there a family on Earth where kids don't argue? I think not.While on vacation I observed young brother against brother, teen sister against sister, and in each case I was so glad I was not the mother.1. Accusations of taking and/or using something that wasn't theirs2. Arguing over who had something first3. Bickering about whose turn it was to do a particular choreAre the above things familiar? Do they describe YOUR children?My observation has...more
Each year, over 4,000 people drown in the USA, making it the 4th leading cause of accidental death, according to the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. Since one-third are children under the age of 14, something as simple as a Pool Alarm could save thousands of lives each year.The concept behind a pool alarm is quite simple; they are a device that you place in the water and it will monitor the water for movement. If movement is detected,...more
Dear 15 year-old Tonia Jordan,I know this sounds strange, but I know somewhere in your silly sci-fi mind, you're going to believe me: I'm you in 10 years. That's right - I'm writing this at the age of 25, and I have some advice for you.First off, I want you to realize that High School is nothing. Once you graduate, you'll never see those people again. That group of kids who pick on you everyday because they think you're trying to be like them: don't even worry about them! In a few years, you'll take their leader to court for sexual harassment, and you'll win. There will be new administrators at school who actually believe you when you tell them about the things you've endured by those other kids.Secondly, don't fight with your sister so much. I know you get frustrated with her, but it's only because you're so close to one another. In the next few years, you're going to be separated from her, and you'll miss her like crazy. Enjoy the time you've got with her now.Third, don't blame your parents so much. They're really trying. In a few years, you'll realize that, yes, they did make some mistakes, but they're only human. They love you and care about you, and that's the most important...more
Great kids Halloween costumes are a bit subjective - it depends whose point of view you're looking at them from. As a parent, a great costume is one that's safe and appropriate for the childrens age.From a kid's point of view, practicality isn't really that important - they're more interested in the latest TV or movie character, the latest fad or a...more
I have two children which even though are similar in age, are completely different when it comes to their areas of interest. My daughter who is in her teens is interested in fashion, guys, and dates. But her primary hobby is talking on the phone; she is doing it all the time. My son is ten years old and all he cares about are toys and things that...more
Volunteering is excellent but some kids want to generate real cash for tzedakah so they can contribute in a tangible way. Of course it's hard because kids don't have much earning power at age 12 or 13. Ebay has changed that with a new program - "Giving Works" - which allows you to sell items just as you would normally on ebay. But, you can designate some or all of the sale's proceeds to go to a charity you chooseCheck it out at http://pages.ebay.com/givingworks/index.html?ssPageName=MOPS5:HC%20H01The Sefer Torah Recycling Network. The Torah portion "Vayelech" discusses every Jew's obligation to write a Torah. Here's your chance to contribute to have a Torah repaired and donated to a synagogue or yeshiva. www.sefer-torah.com Get Matched With a Volunteer Job You'll Love - VolunteerMatch lets you search in your community for volunteer opportunities that match your interests. Search in 26 categories including: animals, arts, computers, health, homeless, hunger, justice, and media. "Virtual" opportunities give you a chance to help even faraway groups. www.volunteermatch.org Start Your Own Social Action Group - DoSomething helps teens organize their own social action groups at school....more
Routines are very important for toddlers. Routines give structure to their day and help to reduce temper tantrums and crankiness that result from irregular sleeping and eating schedules.Daily routines are great for moms too, whether you stay at home...more
This is a simple children's Christmas party game. I deal for young children due to the simple rules and it's all round good fun.Preparing the gameDraw a large reindeer to pin on the wall or to stick to a table. Try not to leave indented drawing lines...more
Watch as Santa Claus pops out of the chimney pot. But don't get him stuck because if he catches you he won't bring you any Christmas presents. To make a popup Santa you will need - 2 loo-roll tubes. One needs to be slightly bigger than the other, so...more
The story of Father's Day is an interesting one. Some say it is little more than a fake holiday, designed by card shops to fill a summer lull in holidays and separate punters from their cash, but that couldn't be further from the truth (it's also not...more
A cheap computer game does not always mean an old or boring game. If you have some patience and know where to look, you can find some newer releases on the cheap.One way is to get on the mailing list of a computer game retailer. You will be sent game...more
Chat is all the rage these days, and the best way to keep in touch with friends, and maybe even family, is to use internet messengers like AIM or Yahoo. By using messengers or chat, you don't have to break your phone curfew, but you can still talk to...more