Become A Nanny

How To Prevent Your Child from Becoming Addicted to the Internet

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:49:04 +0000

Internet overuse, pathological computer use and problematic computer use are three of the labels that are often used when discussing Internet addiction. This addiction or compulsion to use the Internet is becoming a serious condition for many kids. Like other addictions, it can interfere with the child’s well-being, psychological and social development and physical health. The good news is that parents can prevent this addiction by being diligent in monitoring the time spent online.

Understand What Internet Addiction Is

The idea of Internet addiction actually began in 1995, when Dr. Ivan Goldberg satirically proposed it as a disorder. His model was pathological gambling, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Though at the time the idea was presented with tongue firmly in cheek, it is still being debated whether or not to include it in the DSM-V as an addiction. Basically, Internet addiction disorder, or IAD, is use of the computer to the extent that is impacts daily living in a negative manner. Red flags include spending more time online than with friends and family, irritation when computer time is interrupted, excessive checking of email, school or work becomes secondary to Internet use, disregard of computer use restrictions, preference for online relationships, or moodiness and depression when the sufferer is not online. Whether or not it is a classified psychological disorder doesn’t really matter to the parent who has concerns over his child’s attachment to the Internet, though. For the parent who has yet to see an issue but wants to ensure that one does not arise, the same concern is present. In both cases, the parents’ handling of the situation is going to be the proverbial game changer.

Determine Your Child’s Risk

There are certain kids who seem to be more susceptible to Internet addiction, and knowing if your child fits the profile may help you plan some early intervention strategies. Teens who have been diagnosed with such disorders as depression, ADHD, social phobia or hostility may be more inclined to use the computer compulsively. Often, kids who have feelings of loneliness or those who have been uprooted will also be included in the high-risk group for Internet overuse.

Know Your Plan of Action

Unlike drugs, smoking and alcohol, which are dangerous addictions used for self-medicating or social acceptance, using a computer isn’t inherently harmful. In fact, in many ways computer overuse is similar to over-eating. People need food to survive, yet it can become a serious problem for some. Nowadays, the vast majority of kids need to navigate the Internet for school, but they can develop quite a problem when left to their own unsupervised devices. For 8% to 12% of U.S. kids, it isn’t a matter of just saying “no.” Just as the parent of an overeater needs to monitor and assist the child in making healthy food choices, the parent of a problematic computer user will need to help her child make healthy decisions regarding computer use. Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Communications and Media, stated that, “The challenge is for parents to find a way to actually mediate the usage so children get the good aspects of it without the bad.”

One of the most significant factors in prevention is parental intervention. It’s up to you to set limits on computer use. Begin early, and set up rules so that your child is not spending hours at a time online. Make sure you offer interesting alternatives to video games and Internet interaction. Spend quality time with your child doing things that are creative and fun, and help your child develop a strong social network offline. You can do this by getting her involved in sports or offline group activities in which she’s expressed an interest. Find out what her passions are aside from the Web, and help her pursue them. Perhaps she has an interest in a musical instrument or art. Encourage her to develop her natural gifts and talents. Spend some time each month volunteering in some way that does not require working with computers. Get your child involved in your faith community though the youth program. For physical health, get your child moving and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Showing your child that there is a big world beyond the computer and offering assistance in navigating that world will affect your ability to mitigate any brewing issues with computer addiction. It will take a little commitment on your part and you will need to become more closely involved in your child’s life, but when you consider the alternative, it’s worth the extra work.

20 Recipe Blogs for the Novice Chef

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:52:58 +0000

There is a world of difference between simple cooking and the craft that is practiced by chefs. Being able to create a fusion of tastes, colors and textures that are beautifully presented is nothing short of an art-form. It is little wonder then that so many people who take up cooking as a hobby want to hone their skills to perfection. The craft of cookery is ever evolving, so the recipe books of days gone by are no longer enough to satisfy the novice chef. Thankfully, as fast as the food preparation industry evolves, so too does the volume of available resources for recipes. One way that novice chefs can keep up with current food trends is by following recipes from food blogs. These blogs combine traditional and modern recipes, and in a highly competitive online market, only the very best blogs hold prime positions. These 20 blogs are among the very best recipe sources for novice chefs, containing tastes and flavors from every country in the world.

Breakfasts

It’s been said that it’s the most important meal of the day, but it’s also one that is often overlooked when it comes to culinary excellence. Far too often, breakfast is a slapdash affair afforded little effort or time. Breakfast has been a staple part of the human diet for thousands of years, so it deserves its place in any chef’s portfolio of dishes. The challenge with creating unique and appealing breakfasts is in the combination of presentation, flavors and nutritional value. A healthy, hearty breakfast will set you up for the entire day, which is what the chefs in these four blogs aspire to do with their innovative recipes.

Entrées and Appetizers

Every chef knows that the appetizer should whet your appetite and prepare your palate for the main course. It can be tempting to add a little more when preparing entrées and appetizers, however, the clue is in the name. An appetizer should leave the diner wanting more, which helps stir up the taste buds in preparation for the feast that follows. Despite the smaller servings, appetizers are generally expected to be packed with flavor and color. These four blogs have perfectly refined the art of the entrée and appetizer, with recipes that are ideal for any novice chef who wants to learn the craft.

Meats, Poultry, Fish and Other Mains

This is, perhaps, the broadest recipe topic out there. It is also the most widely blogged topic in the recipe niche, so there is no shortage of inspiration available. Remember, though, that meats, poultry, fish and other main dishes may originate from countries all over the world, so ingredients may not be available at your local supermarket chain. The good news is that this will present you with opportunities to get a real taste for flavors and combinations while scouring specialty markets for the ingredients you need. These four blogs include a wide range of recipes for main dishes that you can cut your teeth on.

Vegetarian and Vegan

It wasn’t so long ago that vegetarians and vegans were largely neglected when it came to available recipes. Since the advent of the Internet and the increase in bloggers who promote healthier, greener food, this is no longer the case. Vegetarian and vegan cuisine is innovative, exciting and brimming over with mouth-watering recipes that anyone can enjoy. Every novice chef needs to ensure that they take more than a passing glance at this area of cooking. Vegetarians and vegans have varying levels of acceptance when it comes to animal products. By taking your lead from these four blogs, however, you can’t go wrong.

Baking and Desserts

Whether you are trying to satisfy your own sweet tooth or impress your dinner party guests, you’ll need to learn the art of baking and desserts. Many a host has fallen at the final hurdle due to a less than delectable offering for the dessert course. Baking and desserts are considered something of a specialty area, meaning that there is ample opportunity to gain real-life skills that could grow beyond a hobby. There is also a lot of crossover in baked goods, from entrées to desserts, so this is most definitely a required skill in all aspects of cooking. These four blogs deal with all things baked, sweet and sugary.

15 Tips for Raising an Only Child

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:17:54 +0000

Once upon a time, big families were the norm. These days, however, more parents are choosing to raise only children instead of having a large brood. Along with that decision comes the concern about what it means to raise an only child. Many parents have apprehension over the thought of their child becoming spoiled or being lonely. Just as with multiple siblings, you can raise a well-adjusted, responsible, socially engaged child by following a few rather common sense pointers.

Relax – Babies and younger children easily pick up on a parent’s anxiety. Learn to relax and enjoy the wonders of childhood with your little one. It won’t last long, so you don’t want to fill the time you have with your baby with unnecessary angst about things that will most likely never happen anyway. You’re going to make some mistakes, but all parents do. Go easy on yourself and take delight in your child.
Find Other Single-Child Families – You don’t need to join an only child club, but befriending other families like your own will provide socialization for the children and give you some support as you connect with other parents who may share the same or similar concerns you have about raising an only child.
Set Clear Boundaries for Your Child – All children need boundaries. Children who have no siblings are no exception. Even though it may be easier to give in to your child’s various requests all the time, don’t do it. Every child will test the boundaries; some will do so constantly, testing your patience in the process. Be firm in your resolve to hold to the established rules. Some parents lean toward leniency because there are no siblings to pander to, but that sends out the wrong message to kids. Your resolve shows that you can be trusted to stand by your word.
Play With Your Child – Some valuable life lessons that kids would normally learn at the hands of their siblings can be taught through you engaging with your child during playtime. You can teach your child to share as you both decide what you’re going to play. Let her know that she won’t always get to dictate what you play; you get to have a say in what games are played too.
Teach Responsibility – One child is a lot easier to clean up after than two or more children. However, you also need to teach your child how to be part of a greater whole. Let him help clear the table after meals. Give him a list of chores that are age appropriate, and be clear about the consequences of not following through. Show appreciation when he completes his tasks.
Find “The Other Mother” or the “Second Dad” – This person does not usurp your role, but rather acts as a secondary adult confidant and cheerleader for your child. According to Jennifer Powell-Lunder, child psychologist, parents of only children need to be on guard so they don’t become enmeshed with their child. Engaging in relationships with other trusted adults, such as aunts, uncles or close friends for support will help prevent your child from totally taking cues from you.
Let Go of the Lonely-Kid Guilt – It’s okay for your child to have some alone time. You don’t need to fill up every spare moment with activities and play dates to make sure she is socialized properly. Everyone needs time to themselves, and you will find that kids who have time to themselves quickly learn how to fill it creatively with a little guidance from you. This quiet time can teach your child how to be productive and content.
Let Him Be Himself – Some parents begin to live vicariously through their child. This is not healthy. Encourage your child to be the person he was meant to be. Take pride in his accomplishments, but let them be his own and not yours.
Keep it Real – According to Dr. Kevin Leman, author of The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are, only children are prone to perfectionism. Let your child know that it’s all right to not be perfect in every little thing. Indeed, it is impossible to get everything perfectly right all the time.
Monitor Self-Talk – You may need to interrupt negative self-talk from time to time. Only children can set impossibly high standards for themselves, and they need some encouragement to see that failure does not mean the end of the world.
Teach Him to Set His Own Goals – Only children who are prone to perfectionism are also hungry for success in many cases. They strive to be the best at everything, and they can be quite ambitious. Sometimes this can be taken to extremes, so it’s wise to step in and teach your child how to create and manage realistic goals.
Stay Involved – There are so many activities available to kids these days. You can enroll your child in sports, dance, acting, gymnastics, music and just about anything else you can think of. Choose a group activity so your child will have an opportunity to make new friends, but don’t overload her schedule. Involvement in a team will teach valuable lessons about working together and compromise.
Let Her Off the Hook – It’s natural for children to seek their parent’s approval. For only children, this can become an obsession. Especially as she gets older, it’s important for you to let your child know that she doesn’t need to do everything to please you. Autonomy has a place in her life as well.
Live, Laugh, Love – Only children have a tendency to be quite serious and very grown up in their approach to life. You can help your child lighten up and see the humor around him by being a good role model in this department. You need to have discipline, but you also need to see the humor in life.
Volunteer – Teach your child to help others by doing volunteer work. There are many opportunities for families to do service together. There are also other things you can do, like taking your child shopping for Toys for Tots or gathering up things and clothes you aren’t using anymore and taking them to Goodwill and explaining to your child what that organization does.

A Nanny’s Guide to Common Childhood Illnesses

admin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:13:31 +0000

Working as a private, in-home childcare provider gives you access to more than just the hugs, cuddles and giggles of your adorable charges. You’re also responsible for their care when they’re sick, and your close proximity to them throughout the day may also position you as the only person to notice their symptoms when an illness is beginning to manifest itself. There are a handful of childhood illnesses that are more common than others, and you’ll need to be well-versed in how to recognize the early signs to ensure that your charges get the care they need in a timely manner.

The common cold – Everyone knows about the common cold, and there are plenty of old wives’ tales about how kids get them. Generally, the common cold is spread by germs that enter the body through the mouth or nose. Keeping little hands clean will help some in warding off this unpleasant experience. Always carry kid friendly hand sanitizer with you when going out in public and see to it that little ones do not gnaw on shopping cart handles or touch public door handles. Many stores now provide disinfectant wipes for the customer’s use, so take advantage of them when they’re available.

Chicken pox – Those little itchy dots can make for a miserable time for kids, and it’s one of the most common afflictions of childhood. Usually one child will come down with the pox and then others will fall one by one as it makes the rounds. Unfortunately, it usually gets spread around before the rash shows up. Kids are contagious for two or three days before the appearance of the rash through the crusting over of the blisters.

There are medicines that will help the itching, and oatmeal baths can also help keep irritation in check. Dr. Stephen Dowshen suggests avoiding the sun during the outbreak and for a few days after to prevent burning sensitive skin and increased scarring. Itching is exacerbated by heat and sweating; cold, damp washcloths applied to affected areas should help.

If you have not had chicken pox yourself and you have not had a vaccine, use precautionary measures to protect yourself while caring for an infected child. This illness takes quite a toll on teens and adults and can actually be dangerous for them, possibly leading to complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. Scarring is permanent for adults who contract the disease.

Ear infections – Most kids experience ear infections from time to time. Don’t be surprised if your little charge has two or three of them during the year. Some children have chronic infections, meaning they are plagued with ear pain four or more times a year, or three or more times within a six month period.

Usually ear infections will occur with upper respiratory infections or colds. The estuation tube, which is much smaller in little ones, begins to swell. This tube connects the middle ear to the nose and back of the throat. Blockage here causes fluid to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This build up can lead to infection due to germs multiplying, but doesn’t always happen. When it does, it often results in the child fighting off the infection and fever ensues. Temporary hearing loss can also be present as a result of the pressure on the eardrum caused by the excessive fluid.

Since some ear infections tend to be viral rather than bacterial, many doctors take a wait and see attitude rather than prescribing antibiotics. They will often suggest pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and usually the infection runs its course in a matter of a few days. If it becomes severe, then more aggressive treatment is called for.

Fifth disease – For being a common illness, Fifth disease, caused by Parvovirus B19, is not talked about much. It’s a rash that leaves a child looking as if she’s been slapped. It is also commonly called “slapped cheek” rash since it is the most recognized manifestation of the illness. Initial symptoms – fever, runny nose and headache – are fairly mild. The rash typically shows up several days after the onset of the more non-specific symptoms.

Except for rare instances where the child has a very weak immune system, Fifth disease tends to be mild and usually disappears within a few days. Most kids have full recovery and future immunity to the virus. In cases where the immune system is compromised, serious complications such as chronic anemia can crop up that will require medical treatment.

The historical name, Fifth disease, comes from the rash being number five on a list of common skin rash illnesses affecting children. Measles was first on the list followed by scarlet fever, rubella and Duke’s disease.

Croup – This illness is common among the very young. It is often the result of infection caused by human parainfluenza viruses (not to be confused with the flu virus). The upper respiratory tract becomes infected, and fever, runny nose and cough show up as symptoms. In the case of croup, the upper airways become inflamed. This inflammation of the larynx and trachea often results in a barking cough. It can also lead to hoarseness.

Children have a tendency to get worse at night. This is especially true for the child who is upset or crying. Since the swollen tissue of the windpipe can make breathing difficult, you may hear a high pitched noise called stridor during inhalations.

Plenty of rest and fluids, along with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort and fever, are generally enough to get the child through this uncomfortable illness.

Most of the common illnesses children will contract are fairly benign and will pass within a few days. You need to be aware of what illness they are contending with though, so that you can take necessary precautions to protect your own health. If you have a strong immune system, generally you will have nothing to be concerned about; still, you need to be diligent around those diseases that affect adults more adversely then children.

Always remember that washing hands, proper etiquette for sneezing and coughing and a healthy lifestyle will help keep most illnesses at bay. When illness does strike, lots of TLC and a nice steaming bowl of chicken soup seem to work wonders in combatting those pesky bugs.

30 Blogs with Spice Inspired Secrets You Can Use to Improve Your Health

admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:17:27 +0000

Prior to the invention of modern medicines, herbs and spices were used to treat various conditions, and have been used to treat illnesses for thousands of years. While the spices may not have cured everything, these people were onto something. Spices help the body function better and improve your overall health. Some spices are multi-taskers, so don’t be surprised if you see some spices in multiple categories. Take a look at these 30 blog entries to get an idea of which spices might be able to help you.

Heart Health

Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in men and women, so if you can eat your way to better heart health, wouldn’t that be worth a try? These five blog posts will explain the different spices and how they work in your body to improve your heart health.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation in your joints and body as a whole can cause you a lot of pain. However, taking typical over the counter pain relievers can have adverse effects on your kidneys. Adding spices to your daily food intake could reduce or eliminate the need to take over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Kill Bacteria

Several spices have anti-bacterial properties that can help improve your immune system. By eating these spices your body can more easily ward off the germs that can cause colds and the flu. You may be able to stay healthier simply by adding some extra spice to your diet

Improve Immune System

Spices eaten to boost the immune system aren’t weird or unusual spices that you have never heard of, they are common spices, such as ginger, curry, cloves and nutmeg. Many of these spices show up in winter dishes naturally and can help you fight off unwanted germs.

Mood Elevator

Cinnamon is one of the most common mood elevating spices, and one that almost everyone has in their kitchen right now. If you get up in a bad mood, why not add some cinnamon to your oatmeal or toast? Cinnamon isn’t the only mood elevating spice; saffron has actually been shown to reduce symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome).

Improve Libido

You’ve probably the heard the saying “add a little spice to your life.” Now you can add a little spice to your sex life. If you find that you aren’t in the mood as much as you’d like, you might want to try adding some heat to your food. Spicy food will increase your libido, so you can heat things up in the bedroom as well as in your food. Try some of these spices for yourself and see if you get any results.

20 Blogs with Inspiring Ideas to Make Kindergarten Graduation Memorable

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:29:23 +0000

When your child goes off to kindergarten it’s an emotional and exciting time. After all, your baby is growing up and going off to school! Now that you are approaching the end of the kindergarten year, you probably want to recognize the achievement of completing kindergarten. Some schools do a formal kindergarten graduation, while others keep the graduation more low key. These 20 blogs will inspire you and your friends with different ways that you can make your children’s kindergarten graduation an exceptional experience. These blog entries cover the ceremony, how to make the cap, recipes for some tasty graduation treats and of course some gift ideas.

The Ceremony

If you are wondering what kind of ceremony to have for your kindergartener and his classmates, these five blog posts will help you come up with some ideas. The kids are young, so their attention span isn’t incredibly long. This makes it’s important to keep the ceremony short and to the point. Many times the ceremony can be held during the school day so as to not add any additional budgetary concerns by having the event at night and requiring additional staff.

The Cap

One of the cutest things you can make for your child to wear on their graduation day is a cap and gown. Some schools choose to rent the gowns and some own them. Many schools skip the gowns altogether, but stick with the cap and tassel. These five blog articles will give you some ideas on how to create caps for the kids to wear that aren’t very expensive. You can get a group of parents together and make them for every student.

The Treats

It wouldn’t be a celebration without treats. For food, think of different yummy kid friendly snacks, such as finger foods. While you are considering what snacks to make, try to come up with some that look like a diploma or graduation cap so that the snacks can tie into the event. The next five blog posts will give you some tasty ideas to make for your little graduates. Remember, these treats don’t have to be difficult or expensive to feed the guests at your kindergarten graduation.

The Gift

The graduation gift can be anything from favor bags for all of the graduates to something special from mom and dad to commemorate the day. These bloggers have ideas for both options. Whatever the present, make sure you take plenty of pictures of the big day so that you can create a mini brag book or some scrapbook pages to remember this milestone event. The next five blog entries can help you figure out what gift you want to give the graduate in your life.

One of the best gifts you can give your child is your time. These blog entries have given you lots of ideas on how to celebrate this milestone in your child’s life, but even if your school doesn’t opt to do a big ceremony you can make the day special for your graduate just by being there. Remember, before you know it you will be celebrating your child’s high school graduation, so make sure not to miss a minute of this ride of a lifetime.

How to Be the Teacher Your Students Will Never Forget

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:22:42 +0000

A teaching career can be one of the most challenging, yet one of the most rewarding careers that a person can pursue. Most educators embark upon their careers with a determination to make a difference and to be a teacher that students remember and count as an inspiration. Chances are, you have had a teacher at some point in your academic career that truly stood out, perhaps even inspiring your own desire to become a teacher. If you’d like to make that same impression on your own students, these tips may point you in the right direction. Keeping this advice in mind while emulating some of the behavior that your own inspirational educator exhibited can help you become just as important of a figure in the lives of your students as a few great teachers once were to you.

Respect Your Students

In order to maintain control over a classroom full of kids, you’ll have to command their respect. One way to accomplish that goal is to play the role of the authoritarian teacher that refuses to accept anything less. More gentle educators know that getting students to feel genuine respect, rather than blind fear, depends upon the amount of respect they show those students.

Be Patient

Some of your students will learn differently than others, and have to go at their own pace. Others will have behavioral problems that prevent them from comporting themselves in the same manner as their peers. In every class, you will have at least one student that tries your patience, but it’s important that you do your best not to let it affect you. When your students look back at you through the lens of adulthood, they’ll be more likely to remember the wonderful teacher that was patient with them and coached them through their difficulties than the ones that couldn’t manage their needs.

Show Compassion

Your students will come from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. They’ll have different learning styles and different home lives that will affect the way they behave at school. Rather than lashing out at a student who’s clearly acting out due to anger or fear, take the time to work with them and show the compassion they need.

Teach Enthusiastically

In order to inspire enthusiasm for a given subject in your students, you’ll have to show that you’re excited about teaching the subject matter. Approaching every class as if it were the most exciting thing you’ve ever done and showing a sincere eagerness to share your knowledge and help your students learn can make a significant difference in the way they respond to you and how they remember you throughout the years.

Set High Expectations, and Help Your Students Meet Them

It is okay to set lofty goals for each and every one of your students, as long as you’re willing to put in the extra work it takes to help them meet those expectations. Work with students that need extra help, coach those that need a confidence boost and make sure that they know you’re behind them all the way. When your students look back at the time spent in your classroom, they’ll think of the sense of confidence you instilled in them and all the encouragement you gave. While the memories of apathetic or bitter teachers fade away, they’ll still remember the teacher that did everything possible to make them feel powerful and capable.

Engage Your Students

Getting kids to connect with the source material is a key to helping them retain it and to fostering an appreciation for it. Working in as many hands-on ways as possible and getting kids engaged and connected is a great way to not only help them learn, but also to help them feel secure in their environment and eager for each new day.

Get Involved

Teachers might have summer vacations and weekends off, but the truly great ones spend time outside of the classroom working with their students. Whether you’re coaching a sport, supervising an after-school activity or spending time in a tutoring program, your students need to know that you’re taking an active interest in the school. Kids can spot the teachers that are simply going through the motions until summer vacation arrives and those tend to be the educators that they don’t carry such fond memories of when their school days are over.

25 Love Notes That Will Mess Up Your Valentine’s Day

admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:11:40 +0000

Figuring out what to write in the Valentine’s Day cards you send out can be a challenge. However, understanding what not to write can be an even bigger one. In order to help you avoid an accidental relationship disaster from a Valentine’s Day card misstep, here are 25 of the things you shouldn’t write.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” – Unless the card you’re writing is going to a pal or a relative, you’ll want to make sure that your Valentine’s Day message is a bit more personal than a generic greeting
Passive Aggressive Messages – Every relationship has its bumps, but using the space inside your lover’s Valentine’s card to passive-aggressively manipulate them is just asking for trouble.
“Love, Me” – Like the simple “Happy Valentine’s Day!” greeting, relying on the verse inside your card to get your message across and adding only your name smacks of distraction and reticence.
Allusions to a Recent Argument – Let bygones be bygones in your card, even if you’re both still a bit angry. Bringing up a point of contention in a Valentine’s Day card is a surefire way to rekindle an argument, which is almost certain to ruin the day.
“I Think We Should See Other People” – Breaking up is hard to do, but it’s a mean thing to do on special days. If at all possible, it’s far nicer to avoid the big breakup until after the holiday, so that your soon-to-be ex isn’t accosted by visions of red hearts and flowers that serve as painful reminders.
Cheesy Pick-Up Lines – Unless you’re sure that they’ll come across as a joke and be well-received, signing off with a hokey pickup line probably won’t have the best results.
“I’m Interested in Exploring Polyamory” – If you have a big bombshell to drop, save it until after Valentine’s Day. Definitely don’t explore the idea in a greeting card.
Explicit Messages – There’s a time and a place for everything, but a Valentine’s Day card is no place for an explicit description of your desires.
“I Will Bring You the Moon and Stars” – While it’s certainly very sweet to make your lover lofty promises, the problem lies within the fact that they’re impossible to keep. Stick to more realistic pledges and your words are more likely to be accepted as sincere.
The Wrong Name – While you’d probably never actually address a Valentine’s Day card to the wrong person, there’s a principle beneath the advice. Allowing someone to think they’re your one and only Valentine is heartless if you have a string of others waiting in the wings.
“LOL” – As text-speak becomes more common and email replaces handwritten letters, a Valentine’s Day card inscribed with actual words using proper grammar is almost as valuable as gold.
“Roses are Red, Violets are Blue…” – There’s nothing exciting about a worn-out cliché, unless you’re using it as a joke to preface more heartfelt sentiments.
Song Lyrics – Perhaps you share a special song with your lover that holds very deep meaning for the two of you. In that case, quoting a line or two before sharing words of your own is sweet. When you copy all of the verses and choruses however, it can come across as an attempt to get out of thinking out your own message.
Lies – Writing things that are patently untrue, even with the best of intentions, is downright cruel anytime. It’s especially tacky on Valentine’s Day.
A Novel – you should certainly share your feelings with your beloved on Valentine’s Day, but filling every spare inch of space on a greeting card with tiny print will be both difficult to read and a bit overwhelming.
“We Need to Talk” – Vague references to a need for discussion only seems to imply something ominous. Even if the subject of your big conversation is something sweet and exciting, that phrase can strike fear in the heart of anyone.
Nothing – Dropping a greeting card into the envelope it came with is a quick and easy route, but it’s also a very lazy one. You should at least sign your name and include a short personal note.
Poetry – Be careful with poetry in a Valentine’s Day card. Unless you’re an accomplished poet, it may not always turn out well.
“Buy Yourself Something Nice” – Tossing a few bills in a birthday card is one thing, but presenting cash in a card in lieu of a gift you’ve picked out yourself smacks of laziness and disinterest.
“No Ring This Year!” – If you’ve been together for years and you know that a lady friend is expecting a big proposal, this is not the subject to joke about.
“This is Only a Commercial Holiday” – Regardless of how cynical you are and how much you may despise the idea of a manufactured commercial holiday, it’s best to keep those sentiments to yourself if you know your significant other feels differently.
“Let’s Get Back Together” – Love is definitely in the air around Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to let the need for affection drive you back into an ill-advised relationship.
A Declaration of Your Undying Love on the Second Date – If you started dating in January, Valentine’s Day probably isn’t the time to drop the big L-bomb.
“I’m Just Happy I’m Not Single Today.” – Letting your significant other know that she’s not so significant is hurtful anytime, but doing it on Valentine’s Day is sure to earn you a spot in the dog house.
“You’ll Do For Now.” – Even if you’re with Ms. Right Now while you wait for Ms. Right, there’s no reason to rub it in on such a romantic holiday.

30 Blogs Filled with No Cost Family Fun Ideas

admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:45:50 +0000

In an economy that’s struggling to rebound from a financial crisis, many families are finding themselves facing tight budgets. Paying for entertainment when you’re struggling to make ends meet usually isn’t an option. Thankfully, there are myriad ways to spend fun and exciting quality time together as a family without spending a fortune. The collective wisdom of bloggers from around the world can help you find ways to keep your brood entertained while spending time together as a family unit, even when you can’t afford outings or nights on the town.

Family Fun Night Ideas

Whether you’re staging a family game night with board games you already own or looking for new and exciting activities, holding regularly scheduled family fun nights is a fun way of promoting family togetherness and solidifying emotional bonds. These five blog entries are filled with ideas for how to host a no-cost family fun night, making sure that everyone has a blast without going broke.

Creative and Free Family Fun

Arts and crafts projects aren’t just for kids; grown-ups with creative inclinations can get in on the fun too! There are plenty of expensive kits or supplies to create extravagant projects, but there are also ways to host a creative family activity for little to no cost. These five blogs are dedicated to arts and crafts projects for kids, with an emphasis on frugal living and cheap projects.

Outdoor Family Fun

Getting off the couch and outside allows you to enjoy some physical activity that’s essential to your health while spending time with your nearest and dearest. These outdoor activities are fun for the entire family, from the youngest to the oldest.

Parks and Recreation

Your local playground may be getting a bit stale for your family, especially if you take advantage of the free facilities on a regular basis. These five blog entries are centered on classic playground games from around the world, and can breathe new life into a playground that’s become boring. Teaching your children the games you played when you were their age can also be a great relationship building activity!

Local Flavor

These blog entries may be dedicated to the free activities in major cities across the United States, but that doesn’t mean that they’re restricted only to the residents of those cities. Similar programs and offerings exist in most cities across the nation, so you can get ideas for programs to check out in your own city from those provided in these five entries.

Volunteering

If you want a truly free family activity that makes a big difference, volunteering together may be just the thing you’re looking for. In addition to spending time together and learning to work as a team, your kids can also learn more about the concepts of compassion, charity and a sense of gratitude for their own good fortune. These five blog entries offer a variety of family volunteering ideas, and can serve as inspiration for your household.

10 Strategies for Teaching Your Child to Read

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:18:04 +0000

Learning to read is one of the first major educational milestones in a child’s life. The sense of pride and accomplishment that kids feel the first time they read a book all by themselves is something that neither you nor they will forget. Helping your child master the skills that lead up to learning to read will make the lesson an easier one for him to learn, instilling a love of reading and learning that can follow him throughout his life. While there are as many approaches to teaching a child to read as there are individual children, these 10 are some of the basic tips that can make the process less frustrating for you and your child.

Start Early – Though you may not see results from waving flashcards in an infant’s face and repeating the alphabet as you prepare bottles, starting to read to your child while he’s still young can have a real difference in his eagerness to learn the skill for himself when he gets a bit older. Establishing a routine of reading naptime and bedtime stories together while your child is still young will ensure that reading and books are a part of his life from as far back as he can remember.
Phonemic Activities – When your child acquires phonemic awareness, it means that he has learned that words are a combination of phonetic sounds. Working with your child to develop phonemic awareness will help him learn an essential building block of reading skills. Before you focus on letters or proper spelling, make sure that your little one has a basic grasp of phonemes.
Work on Story Print Awareness – Helping kids develop print awareness gives them very basic knowledge about books and reading, that words are read from left to right, top to bottom and that books open on the right-hand side. These basic skills are some of the building blocks of learning to read confidently.
Master the Alphabet – Before your little one can learn to read, he has to learn the alphabet. Whether you teach him to sing the iconic song learned by generations of children or find your own method, it’s important to make sure that he understands the alphabet is made up of 26 separate letters that all make their own sounds and, when they’re put together, form words.
Talk About How Sounds and Letters Are Related – After your child learns that there are 26 letters that make up the alphabet, you can start working on the way those letters are related to the sounds used to make words.
Adopt a Reasonable Screen Time Policy – As more parents begin to understand the potential dangers of allowing too much screen time, some are moved to cut off kids’ access to electronics altogether. While allowing a child to spend hours watching cartoons may not be the best idea, there are some electronic devices that can actually be quite helpful and educational. Kid-friendly versions of laptop computers and eReaders with pre-loaded books and reading lessons can keep kids engaged and entertained, as well as help them master some fundamental reading skills.
Choose Books Carefully – Once your child starts mastering the basics of reading, you’ll want to make sure that you aren’t getting ahead of yourselves. Books that are too simple may not hold his interest, but ones that are too advanced will only frustrate him and turn reading into a chore, rather than something enjoyable.
The Phonics Method – The most popular method with most educators for teaching young children to read is the phonics method, which teaches children how to break words down and sound them out to decipher them on their own.
Whole Word Learning – The whole word method of learning relies upon the Dolch sight word list, which teaches kids to memorize words on sight. Because some of these words cannot be sounded out using phonetic reading methods, whole word learning can be a great supplemental method to use alongside phonetic reading.
Context Support – When you provide your child with context support, you’re creating an environment that supports reading. Reading together, making sure you set aside story time and even making lessons out of everyday situations are all ways of providing context support for your child as he learns to read.

It’s important to keep your child’s developmental age and abilities in mind before beginning reading lessons in earnest, in order to avoid setting you both up for failure and disappointment. While television commercials may show infants gleefully reading or acting out the words on flashcards before they can walk, this simply is not the norm for most children. Be sure to keep his abilities in mind as you begin teaching him to read so that you approach the process with realistic expectations.