Cultural Competence for Children

Diversity is indeed one of the most beautiful aspects of our society. However, it does come with great responsibility to be shared by all. The majority of us, as adults, live and work with people from all walks of life. Our children are no exception. Not only do they need to be aware of all the different cultures, races, and beliefs of the world around them, but it is also necessary to teach them the importance of respecting these differences and recognizing the beauty that such diversity creates.

Parents are often a bit hesitant to talk with their children about such a touchy subject. Children are very impressionable and tend to take what trusted adults say at face value. Parents who have not been trained or advised in cultural competence themselves may feel uncomfortable facilitating such an important conversation. Here are a few tips and strategies that can be followed in provided the proper atmosphere and information for the occasion.

Do not be afraid to talk openly and honestly with your child about racial and cultural differences. Children are not totally oblivious to the fact that there are people around them who may or may not share their own physical characteristics. Anyone who has spent time witnessing the curiosity of child knows that questions will arise. Questions that will require a delicate answer. Treating the subject as if it is too taboo to discuss will only open the door for misconceptions. This in itself can lead to prejudices.

Be prepared to lead by example. Children are constantly watching our reactions and mirroring what they see. As parents, it is important to be very mindful in recognizing and pointing out generalizations and stereotypes that exist even in our own thinking. It is all too easy to continue a certain pattern of thinking when we have not sought opportunities to broaden our own minds. Seek some avenues of obtaining a higher level of cultural competence as an adult. Many agencies and institutions offer training in cultural competence, but learning does not have to be formal. There is a wealth of valid information available on cultural and racial differences on the web and at your local library.

Look for teachable moments. Introduce cultural differences to your child in a way that sparks their interest and attention. Teach them that learning and experiencing other cultures can be fun and exciting. It is not hard to find cultural activities that are open to the public throughout the year. Attending cultural festivals and parades are great opportunities to answer your child's questions in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.

Finally, and most importantly, keep the lines of communication open. Continue to stay connected with your child on the topic of cultural and racial differences. As children become older and more aware of prejudices and stereotypes, they tend to become more hesitant about expressing their thoughts and feelings on the subject. Provide a safe environment where these thoughts can be discussed openly and lovingly. This will give you the opportunity to guide them as they develop their own sense of self and identity as well as a respect and appreciation for that of others.

It is important, however, to note that there is not just one prescription for helping your child to appreciate the cultural differences around them. The key is to keep an open mind when seeking opportunities to teach children about cultural acceptance as well as opportunities to practice what they have learned.

Encourage Your Children To Read

Having textbooks and a list of academic reading requirements can take the fun out of reading for many school age children. For them, reading is not fun anymore. Parents who want to instill the love for reading on their children may be alarmed at this turn of events.

The simplest solution is to be involved with the children's homework the moment they start going to school. The can make it a point to know about the books they bring from school and go through it together. By supervising children's homework, parents will easily notice if there is a problem and often what is causing it.

Stuttering when reading aloud, reading very slowly, and a low level of reading comprehension could be reasons why they don't like reading anymore. If these won't get nipped in the bud, they could lead to more school issues later on.

When reading with their children, parents can ask questions about what they just read in order to improve on reading comprehension. However, the questions should be stated in a way that the children won't be hesitant to give their answers. The questions could be about the actions of the characters in the story or what the child feels after reading the story. When they feel no pressure in giving the right answer, children will answer freely.

Having different kinds of reading material in the house will also help. Newspapers, magazines, essays, fiction, biographies, and other books should be in place that is accessible to children if they want to read them. If they gravitate towards comics, let them read those. Don't force them to read the classics if they want Twilight. When they get older, they will look for meatier and more substantial stuff on their own.

Most important of all is that children learn from example. Parents should be avid readers themselves. This is in fact the easiest way to show to children that one can and should read for pleasure.

Spend Your Time with Your Children to Go on Vacation

Spending quality recreational time with your children is very important to their health, well being and sense of worth. In order to develop properly, children need fun time and diversion. Isn't it true that when you reminisce about some of the happiest times you spent with your family when you were a child, you especially remember and are very fond of game nights? Your children will have similar special memories when they are adults if you take the time now to play a game with them and show them how much you value their company.

What would your children enjoy doing with you and what would you enjoy doing with your children? Would it be playing ball, cycling, swimming or maybe just spending time playing a board game. Those are especially fun. Choose the right games based on the age and preferences of your children and you will soon be laughing and having fun with them. Some of the most enjoyable board games I've played when I was a child were Chinese checkers, Chutes & Ladders, Checkers, Connect Four, Sorry, Monopoly and Scrabble. I have the fondest memories of playing Scrabble because that was the only game my father joined along in. That's right, it is especially important to choose games the entire family will enjoy.

So parents, please take the time now to show your children that you value and love them by spending quality recreational time with them. You can also feel good in knowing that this time spent with them is not only good for their souls, but it adds the extra benefit of education for your child if you choose your game wisely.

Suitable Kids Playing Activities

In the age of the Internet and electronic gaming, it is getting tougher and tougher to get your kids to even set foot outside unless it's to catch the bus for school. Weekends are usually spent watching movies or playing Halo on the Xbox instead of using their brains on building a tree house or even just reading something that doesn't involve their homework.

In simpler times just a decade or two ago, kids would play with toys that would actually stimulate their minds and make them think a little bit while they were having fun. Toys like Legos and Magformers really did used to inspire my creativity when I was a little boy and I think kids these days are missing out on the constructive nature of these toys. Even race tracks and remote controlled cars that were very popular just ten years ago would at least make you assemble the track and let you do it in multiple ways. They even encouraged you to race your car outside. All they do now is go on their Facebook page and talk about mindless things by the time they are ten years old. And the Internet is a dangerous place now where inappropriate content is just an accidental click away.

It would be a nice change if parents started buying their kids toys from a few years ago. Companies like Playmobil with their intricate figurines really did inspire imagination. We would make up scenarios when we were kids instead of having them displayed for us on a video game. It can be dangerous for parents to let their kids do whatever they want because they will never develop the necessary skills to move forward. Their underdeveloped brains will have a harder time grasping harder concepts because we let them rot their brains out during the early years.

Parents do have it harder these days since both parents are usually expected to work in order to bring in more money to buy things like televisions and video games. This concept is actually working in reverse as it's harming the next generation of Americans. So it would be a good idea to buy some toys like Magnatiles that help the constructive nature of the brain so it can do some daily exorcises too. Maybe small pieces of colorful plastic that stick to each other can make a comeback.

Summer Camps for Girls

The world seen through the eyes of today's kids is one of technology, computers, video games, and television. Left behind are the wonders of the outdoors and the educational activities that go along with experiencing it. Traditional summer camps for girls have retained their popularity over the years because they provide a break in this routine and an invitation for young women to get to know the natural world around them.

The majority of girls today are growing up in the city or the suburbs, with limited access to raw natural settings. For some girls, summer camp may be a rare opportunity to experience the outdoors for an extended period of time. Seeing flora, fauna and wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience that can't be had in the local zoo. Learning how to respect nature, as well as identify various species, is an accomplishment that can be a source of pride for young women.

Time in nature can help girls gain a new sense of connection to the environment. From a new perspective, it's easier to see the negative effects that pollution, littering, and excessive energy consumption can have on the world.

Camp is also a great way to counteract the sedentary tendencies that many of today's children develop, and a method of fostering interest in outdoor activities and other "fun" ways to get exercise that can carry over into the rest of the year. Activities like fishing, trail hiking, bird-watching, horseback riding, swimming, boating, and water skiing abound. In addition, some camps may go beyond traditional offerings to include skill-based learning in cooking, photography, and visual or performing arts.

Socially speaking, girls benefit in countless ways through these experiences. New friendships forged in this environment are special because of shared summer camp adventures in the outdoors. Girls who may be having difficulty with other children at school or in their neighborhoods may enjoy having a fresh opportunity to make friends amidst the solidarity of fellow campers.

In addition, this outdoor experience can give a sense of independence and self-reliance, increasing young women's confidence and self-worth as she interacts with peers, learns and grows while spending time away from her family. This can serve to help prepare her for going away to college someday. The opportunity for personal growth is tremendous.

Memories of camp are varied and treasured. Thoughts of hiking, swimming and singing songs around a crackling campfire while roasting marshmallows for s'mores with new-found friends will likely stay with a girl throughout her life. Many friendships that begin here become lifelong as well.

It's only natural that parents who remember their own adventures at summer camp would desire the same for their daughters. Parents who may not have had such an experience as youngsters can still see the physical, emotional, mental and social benefits their daughters can reap. However, parents should be aware that often, the girl they send to a traditional summer camp in the great outdoors will return a young woman, more self-reliant, confident and knowledgeable about her world than ever before.

Help Children to Eliminate Their Worries when Moving to New School

Moving from nursery to Primary School, or even Primary to Secondary can be a big change for children. It can be daunting to meet new people and have to make new friends.

Let's all try and make the process easier for everyone involved:

Plan: If you a parent make sure that your child has the right uniform and books - there's nothing more embarrassing than them going to school only to have some kind of unwanted attention drawn to them. Also, don't forget to get up early! If you are a teacher: organise some games and activities for your new class. Be dynamic - children are interested in different things, so try and think of options for a wide audience e.g - think of activities that are good for both boys and girls.

Communicate: Parents, talk to your children about their worries and feelings about moving schools - no matter how old they are- do not just ignore it. They may have anxieties and concerns and if you don't ask them, this may harm their confidence. Teachers, use induction day as an opportunity to sniff out the personalities in your new class and tailor your communication choice to the type of individual. For example, more confident students may be best to be communicated with in front of others. Shier students may need a little more individual attention.

Excite: If you are a parent, be positive. Use positive statements to talk about their day - even if they may be in a strange mood. E.g - "I bet you are excited about going to a new school" as opposed to "You're not nervous are you...?" Teachers, inform your class of all of the fantastic opportunities available to your students. As before, make these comments as varied as possible as to target everyone. Inform them of broad opportunities and more specific, individual ones that might light up a few eyes in the shier pupils.

Encourage: Parents, think of ways to motivate your child. This may be letting them know you will cook them their favourite dinner for when they return or some kind of reward for the weekend, so they can be thinking of something happy that happens in the near future rather than worrying about your first day. Teachers, steer clear of competitive sports. Games are a great way to get a team atmosphere going but why not try something like movement, where there is no "right or wrong" way of doing it, so that everyone will be starting school from an even playing field?

Relax: Parents, incorporate some relaxation into your child's day - a bit of chill out time in the evening could be a lovely way to finish the day after all of the excitement experienced. Teachers, after lunch or in between subjects, try some relaxing breathing exercises so that the children can ground themselves and control their emotions half way through the day.

Science Projects for Elementary Students

Developing science skills can be best achieved with the help of various projects. The projects can be undertaken with respect to various kinds of science subjects in a wonderful manner. Many people out there have been benefited to the availability of sources that will guide them to complete their projects in a wonderful manner. One of the best field that can be chosen as a project topic is to provide consensus to promote greener environment.

This can be achieved in an easy and wonderful manner. You can choose various kinds of ecological topics such as fuel cells, solar energy, wind power and many more to highlight the importance of green energy that will be renewable source of energy. There are various kinds of elementary science fair projects that can be established in a successful manner listed below.

Fuel cell projects

Nowadays, there is a greater level of urge among students to pay more attention on projects that will be making environment greener. One of the best elementary project that can be undertaken to emphasize these importance is through fuel cell projects. You will be able to trap energy that is being emitted from sun in a great manner. These fuel cells that are made up of silicon material can be used in various kinds of building to power home in a wonderful manner. This source will also be of good use in saving good amount of money that is being paid for electricity charges.

Selecting the best science fair projects

In order to generate more level of attraction towards your project, it will be much more beneficial if you are able to select a project category that will be having great level of prospects for development. It should also be of good use in making ecology more balanced and reduce the dependency on products that cause great level of pollution. Thus the projects that are selected on above backgrounds will be of great use.

Some Fascinating Experiments for Kids

There is always something special that are associated with science experiments. They will be able to produce great understandings about the subject that is being chosen. Also the parents will be less troubled since their kids will be showing greater interest on various fields of science.

These experiments have stunning ability to make people having less interest in science also to study in a wonderful manner. Often, the knowledge that is acquired through the books will be of no use. Thus these experiments that can be done in an easy manner will act as a catalyst to make your kid to show greater level of interest on various subjects of science. Also there are many kinds of cool science experiments for kids that are available in the online field.

Freezing some water instantly

Most of the kids will be aware that freezing point of water is 0 degree Celsius and boiling point of water will be 100 degree Celsius. If you are interested in providing your kid with an practical example that will make it possible for them to study about various aspects in depth, there is a wonderful experiment that can be done to fulfill your purpose.

Take a beaker that will be full of ice and another beaker that will be containing water. With the help of an agent that will be of good use in bringing the freezing point of water little lesser, water will be converted into ice in a rapid manner. This experiment will be adding great level of joy to kids. They will be very curious to know about this aspect. There will also be a free manual that will be providing you enough details to understand this concept in a greater manner.

Studying about the magnetic effect

To make your kids aware about the natural poles that are present in the earth's magnetic field, there will be some simple experiments that can be carried in an easy manner. Many kids will be able to understand this concept in a wonderful manner.

How to Cure Candida Infection

Worrying about your child's health is common in most adults today. Being knowledgeable of all the present day diseases and infections that threaten your child everyday is mandatory for a responsible parent to ensure their child's optimal health.

Many parents don't know that their kids are susceptible to children yeast infection. Youth candida is becoming more and more common in our present day and parents must be aware of the signs and symptoms of children yeast infection.

Common symptoms for youth candida are:

• Your child has recurring irritable bad breath
• Nasty Rashes
• Constant Itching
• Thick white layer or coating on tongue(oral infection)

Make sure that you have a good verbal understanding with your child, make sure they feel comfortable letting you know how they feel. Many children and young teens do not tell their parents what symptoms they may be experiencing. If your child is not telling you about their itching and pain, then how can you possibly help them?

So now that you know what the symptoms are for children yeast infection, I am happy to tell you that there are ways to treat the infection. There are many natural remedies and that are effective in treating candida.

• organic yogurt has been effective in treating the infection
• garlic has been effective in combating the symptoms of candida

Natural treatments are the most efficient and healthy way to treat and cure yeast infection.

Encouraging Children to Follow Their Dreams with Toys

Many little boys when growing up dream that one day they will be just like their daddies. If asked, they say they want to do what their dads' do, whatever that may be. Of course, once they do grow up this often changes, but why not indulge them whilst they're young and buy them toys that will help them to pretend to be grown up, as well as help to stimulate their imaginations.

The new craze of ride on vehicles is perfect for doing just this - they come in a huge variety of models and some are actually licensed by the brands they are replicating. For example, a child who wants to be a farmer (perhaps like his dad, or perhaps just because he likes the idea) may really like a ride on tractor to play on.

There are many types of ride of tractor available to buy, some of which sport the famous John Deere and Peg Perego brand names. Some come with matching trailers that follow behind the tractor and are also motorized so they follow along easily. These trailers can be loaded up with the child's belongings, so they can cart them around and have hours of fun. Any child who likes playing outside can also load the tractor up with soil and dirt as well - after all, what child doesn't like getting dirty? Other models have front loading scoops, which can be used for the same purpose. The Peg Perego 6v version actually has both a front scoop and a rear digger, and with its traditional yellow and black coloring, it really is a great toy for any child. Most tractor models have flashing lights and real life engine noises and working horns.

It is possible to get both a ride on tractor that is pulled along, or one that is powered by a 12v battery and allows the child to steer themselves around. Some models are two seaters, which mean that you can encourage children to interact with their peers and share their toys - always a good thing and helps with the child's development and social skills.

Depending on whether you want to buy a ride on tractor model that is officially licensed by a manufacturer, or one that is a wannabe version, the prices will differ. Official models will cost more, but do have more original features that correspond with the real life models. Both types of ride on tractor are sold by a wide variety of retailers, both on the high street and from the Internet.

Anyone looking to buy a ride on tractor for a child needs to make sure that the age range of the model is suitable and the child will be able to fit in it comfortably. Make sure to ring and ask the retailer you are planning to buy from detailed questions about the models they have on offer, and if they can't supply with you with adequate information, maybe you should look elsewhere. Also, make sure the model comes with the battery and charger included.

How to Teach Your Child to Swim

Since he was a baby, a child has experienced the feel of swimming. This is because since he was in the worm, a baby was used to be in the water for 9 months. He would feel warm and comfort in the fetal membrane of his mother. Thus, a baby has a kind of ability to move in the water and is not afraid of being in the water.

In his 4 months, a baby has such "diving reflex" that prevents him from swallowing the water. Hence, in this age, a baby will be very easy to learn swimming. However, when his brain can be functioned well, this reflex will disappear as the time goes by. This makes a baby has to learn to hold his breath when he is in the water.

In starting teaching your child to swim, it is better for you to introduce him to the water world by playing in the bath tub or plastic swimming pool. Make sure that the water is quite warm at least 33 degrees Celsius. Thus, he will not get cold. This will help him recognize the feel of being in the water before he is introduced to the real pool.

After your child has a high confidence and courage, bring him to the real swimming pool. You can start it by playing around it and then you can start teaching your children to swim. Make sure that your child is not afraid of water. If he is afraid of water, do not force him.

Stimulate Children’s Brain with Puzzles

One of the memories we have as kids is playing with puzzle games or brain teasers which they are also known as with many different varieties around such as the classic maze with a ball bearing to the extremely popular Sudoku.

All of these brain teasers give kids the opportunity to stimulate their brain cells and develops their cognitive thinking skills which can reflect to a positive nature throughout their life. As mentioned there are many different types of these brain puzzles available such as the following.

Memory Games

Coordination with the eyes and the brain is a skill that can easily be developed with many people still lacking later in life. Simple games can help in the coordination and reflex actions of visually seeing a puzzle and coming up with the answer. The concentration can also increase which can be passed to lessons at school providing better grades to. A very simple example would be picture cards with many in front of the children, taking one away and seeing if they can spot which is missing.

Visual Memory

The above can lead onto memory games where the simple jigsaw puzzle comes into play with easy to assemble puzzles right up to obscure shaped puzzles with shaped which have their own individual shapes making the puzzle much harder to put together. Spot the different is another very popular game with many books available from shops with kid’s puzzles with spot the difference being a variation which does not age with time and fun to do for kids of many ages.

Vocabulary Puzzles

Anagrams are a fun way to stimulate the brain with letters, even simple words can help. Additional puzzles could be to take a word and ask the participant to create 10 more words using that word by adding letters to the start of end and not just by adding an s to make it a plural.

One of my favorites as a child was the Rubix cube which stems from the toy side of puzzles which to date still sells very well across the word. Even this simple toy can stump many for weeks on end but there is a system to be able to complete it. Even so, the stimulation of moving the colors around can do wonders for concentration and overall memory for later life.

How to Organize Toys for Simple Cleanup and Longer Use

How do you make sense of and take care of all of your child's toys? No matter what your opinion on toys is - have all you can or keep things more minimalist - your child is going to end up with a lot of toys. It's an almost inevitable fact of modern life. There are a lot of toys.

How can you organize toys so that your child gets the most use out of them, and they don't take over your floor and home?

Start by going through your child's toys. If your child is older this can happen with his or her help. If your child is younger you may want to do it while your child is sleeping, visiting Grandma, or otherwise occupied.

Throw away broken toys that cannot be repaired. Give toys that have long since been forgotten or were not enjoyed away. Try to pare down to just toys that your child has enjoyed.

Keep your child's favorites available for them. But other toys that they may not play with as often, or those that have a lot of pieces and parts, can be neatly stored in boxes or bins on a shelf. These toys can come down at certain times, one at a time, to be put away again when that time is over.

Small children can have "alone time" once a day, or perhaps twice a day, when they play quietly with a chosen toy for 30 minutes. Older children may have their time with these toys after all their school work is done in a day.

Just doing this will keep many toys put away neatly most of the time. Make it clear to your child that these toys only come out a certain times of the day. Otherwise they are to stay on the shelf.

This is also a great way to get the massive amount of toys your child with receive during the holidays and birthdays put away. Your child's favorites can stay down, but others can be put away for specific playtimes.

Now, what do you do with the toys that stayed down? Group toys that go together together. For instance, all play foods and dishes can go together. All toy vehicles can go together. Baby dolls and doll clothes can go together.

Determine a storage system for these toys. You may want to use baskets, bins, or a specially made shelf with containers for toys. Find a suitable container for each group of toys.

Once you have the toys grouped, decide where to store them. You may have a central place to store them, such as in your child's room. Or you made decide to use a school technique - set up themed "stations" in your home.

You can have a play kitchen set up in your kitchen with all related toys kept there. A rug with roads and train tracks on it can mark the corner of the room where the toy vehicles and trains are stored away. Another corner can hold a cradle, changing table, and all baby dolls and accessories.

Using this themed setup makes it easy for your child to clean up. The know where everything goes. You can work with them in the evenings to help them learn where to put everything. Life will go most smoothly if you have your child clean up several times a day - say before meals and snacks. This keeps the mess level manageable and keeps you sane. Well-organized toys are easier for your child to play with, too. They get more enjoyment from their toys and you have a neater house!

Decorating Waiting Room Toys for Children is Not Expensive

Going to a doctor or a dentist can be a stressful time for both children and their parents. Waiting room toys for kids can make the visit a more pleasant experience.

Toys in a hospital or dental office should be age-appropriate for young patients. As the purpose is to give youngsters something enjoyable to do, each toy should be easy to use. The child who is preparing to see his doctor or dentist can focus on having some fun. An age-appropriate toy is easy to handle, and simple to operate.

It is important for all of the toys to be kept clean. Not only is this healthier, it also makes the toy more fun to use. As small children tend to put objects into their mouths, each toy must be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it free from germs and in fresh condition.

Toddlers, and even elementary-aged kids, all love plastic toys. From rings to building blocks to car sets, these items give kids something enjoyable to do while they are waiting. Plastic requires very little care to stay in bright, healthy condition.

Many children also enjoy wire rollercoaster bead toys. The wire bead toys provide an interactive, colorful, and fun distraction for smaller children, so they are a great investment in the joy of your office's younger visitors. Many of the higher-quality units are built with sturdy table-like bases for ultimate durability.

Children's books, and books made from material which cannot be torn, are also good choices. Youngsters can become engrossed in a story, or delight in recognizing numbers, shapes, and animals. If they recognize books that they have at home, they surely will be delighted to find them when they go for an examination.

Waiting room toys for kids do not need to be elaborate or expensive. They provide both the child and his parent a break, which they will both appreciate.

Shoulder Injuries, the Common Sport Injuries during High School

A high school athlete should never shrug off a shoulder injury. The shoulder is one of the most important joints on the body. Athletes need the shoulder to throw a ball or other object, block an opponent, maintain their balance, and so on. Unfortunately, all of these activities can result in a variety of shoulder injuries, ranging from slight to major. The key is to recognize such injuries, treat them properly, and to the best of a high school athlete's ability-prevent them.

What makes the shoulder joint special? One of its main features is that there's less bone-to-bone contact within the shoulder joint, than with other joints in the human body. What does that mean? There's a greater dependence on muscle, cartilage, and so on, in reducing the impact of stress on the joint's motion. And that means that there's a greater risk of soft tissue becoming damaged. The shoulder's bones include the humerus, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone. Arguably, the breastbone should also be included as a shoulder bone. Essentially the shoulder consists of four different joints that function as one unit.

Different causes of shoulder injuries exist. One is an overhead motion. This involves the athlete's hand and forearm being stretched as far as possible from the body. Another major cause of shoulder injuries in high school athletes is repetitive movement. This can result in injuries such as rotator cuff injury, tendinitis, and over time--osteoarthritis. Another shoulder injury involves a shoulder being struck, such as via a shock or a fall.

A rotator cuff injury is particularly common in high school sports, which it occurring most frequently among baseball pitchers. Other common athletes who experience it include golfers, swimmers, and football quarterbacks. Shoulder injuries can also include a dislocated shoulder, a separated shoulder, and the most common shoulder fracture: fractured collarbone.

One of the most crucial steps to take after suffering from an acute shoulder injury is to rest the shoulder. And if certain movements are causing the pain, the high school athlete should cease those movements immediately! Within the first three days after suffering the injury, the athlete should ice the shoulder for 20 minutes, on multiple occasions throughout the day.

Then he or she should seek assistance from a physical therapist. Within time, the athlete should start doing some basic motions needed in the sport, at a gradual pace. More severe shoulder injuries will require one or more operations. These operations can be quite complex (and pricey), so an athlete should first consult his or her physician before undergoing an operation.

The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your likelihood of suffering from shoulder injuries. For instance, you can increase the strength and flexibility of your upper body. Also, when using your upper body to perform certain movements in your support, make sure to use the correct body mechanics. That will not only help to prevent shoulder injuries, but will also improve the quality of your game! And finally, always perform stretches and warm-ups before a practice session, game, or match.

Encourage Children’s Imagination with Children’s Sandbox

Many things can bring out a child's imagination. From dolls and tea sets to stuffed animals and cars, children have the tendency to sit and play for hours. However, nothing brings out a child's creativity like a sandbox. It can bring them hours of enjoyment and allows them many advantages. The truth is, a children's sandbox is not just a sandbox and one should take care when purchasing one for their child.

The first thing most parents think about when buying a children's sandbox is the age of the child. They tend to buy smaller, as the child is smaller. What you need to remember is that your child is going to grow. Do not always look to the smallest as the most practical or the most economical, as the last thing you want to do is buy them another one to accommodate their growth.

Along with a traditional square sandbox, you will find they now come equipped with extras. Anyone concerned about their child being in the sun for hours may wish to purchase one with an attached canopy. No child is concerned about the harm of the sun's rays, but as a parent, you don't want to haul them inside when they are having so much fun. Of course, other built-in accessories may even include benches or seats, which could allow you to join in on the fun, as well.

Of course, a parent must be concerned with keeping their children's sandbox clean, as well. To help eliminate this worry, they may wish to consider purchasing one that comes equipped with a cover. Remember, a canopy can protect your child from sun, but it is not to be used as a measure to keep it clean. A cover will keep animals out of the box, as well as other harmful things. This means less maintenance for you and more fun for your children.

If you have an older child and you don't feel as though a box filled with sand is going to do the trick for them, think again. You will also find styles of sandboxes that are made specifically for the older child. Basically, these sand tables will allow their artistic side to come out and they can have hours of entertainment creating their unique images in the sand. All you will need is your camera to take pictures of their artistic creations.

These are just a few of the items to consider when purchasing a children's sandbox. Truthfully, no matter what type you buy for your child, they will spend hours upon hours in it, using their imagination in their play. Get a few children in a sandbox and their creativity soars. When purchasing one for your child, you can be sure that you are going to provide them with many new adventures.

Tips for Kids about Dealing with Difficult People

One of the most important lessons to teach your kids is how to deal with difficult people. As your kid starts to get older, he will encounter a lot of people that will be hard to deal with. These people may be his classmates, his friends, or other adults that your kid is around frequently. How your kid reacts and how was your kid manages to deal with that difficult person will allow your kid to be more successful or less successful in managing his relationships.

The first thing to acknowledge and discuss with your kid is the fact that not everybody is going to react the same way as his family and good friends. As kids grow older, they start to discover that many people are very different from them. A great thing to teach your kid is that while people are different, you can still find many common things to share with them. Another thing to remind your kid is that sometimes people react in a certain way because they are not feeling happy. Helping your kid understand that people have different emotions and may react because of them will help your kid be more empathetic. When dealing with difficult people, it is important to be sympathetic and try to understand why the person is so difficult. Teaching your kid this lesson early will help your kid succeed when confronting somebody who is more stubborn or hard to deal with.

The second thing to do is to help your kid learn how to listen. Teaching our kids to listen to what somebody else is saying will help them tremendously. If your kid is able to listen to what the difficult person is saying, then he can react to that person much better. Sometimes, a difficult person just feels like nobody is listening to him. If your kid is able to be the person that listens, he may learn something about the person that he can use to manage his relationship with them. An important point here is to make sure that your kid understands that listening to somebody and trying to understand them will go a long way.

The final thing to teach your kid when learning how to deal with difficult people is to learn to sit down and talk about them so you can help them figure out different ways to deal with them together. You want your kid to be very open so that you can help him talk through the different types of people that he encounters. This way, you can point out lots of different characteristics, behaviors, and just human reactions that people can have. Helping your kid understand the broad range of people that he may encounter, and then pointing out how best to deal with each type of person, will give your kid the ability to manage and deal with difficult people. The more open and honest your conversation, the better you can teach your kid and prepare him for the future.

Your kid will have to deal with many difficult people in his life. The more you can teach him early on, the better he will be able to deal with them later. Empathy, understanding, and the ability to listen will go a long way towards helping your kid deal with all different types of people successfully.

Choose the Suitable Desks for Kids

You might not put much thought into your buy if you go out searching for desks for kids, other than maybe color and overall looks. That could be a mistake. Just as adults can have difficulties with back, neck, and arm pain from bad form at a workplace, youngsters can suffer the same. You desire to make certain they've something secure too as ergonomically correct so they do not have aches and pains, and in order that they learn great posture though sitting at a table that they will use in school, college, and on into their careers.

Desks for kids which are incredibly young are generally not utilized as desks. These typically become places wherever they do crafts and maybe wherever toys get stacked on occasion. They might even eat lunch there when they've a friend over. Whatever the case, your kid under the age of five most likely won't sit there for incredibly long. Glimpse at the workplace and chair to become positive the kid can reach the table comfortably. Otherwise, you possibly can get what you like for their workplace. Just know you must replace it once they commence school.

Kids are bringing house homework as early as first grade nowadays. That was not anything most parents had until they got to fourth or fifth grade whilst they were in school. This means they're gonna commence spending plenty of time at their workplace. When purchasing for desks for kids for this age group, you've think about how a lot time they're likely to spend at the table, if you'll need one that supports a laptop or computer, and how relaxing the cubical is likely to be for them. Take them buying with you so they could sit at every choice so you are able to get the one that you feel will perform the greatest.

Your teenager is planning to do all kinds of things at their table. These desks for kids are likely to be bigger, and must have far more surface space. They ought to be able to put a desktop computer system there, or have room for their laptop, if they've one. They also need to have space for their books and for writing out assignments. This is once you would like to ensure they've a keyboard shelf so they are able to kind comfortably, too as a method to keep a monitor at a comfy level to ensure they don't strain neck muscles seeking up too far or seeking down.

It is possible to appearance for desks for kids in your local stores, or you are able to appear on the web. You are able to not permit your kid to sit at a table you order on the web, but you are able to seem at the measurements to decide if the workplace is what you may need. Seem for a web internet site that offers you a excellent return policy if the table isn't correct, or purchase from a website that has a local retail store so you are able to effortlessly return desks for kids that do not perform out.

When Your Child Talks Back, Stay Cool

Today, parenting can be a difficult thing to handle in this new era. But when your request to do something comes with a sudden silence, eye rolling or shoulder shrugging... you can find yourself caught in between a quarrel.

Why do kids nowadays talk back? Often they do it to get attention, to test their skills at arguing or try to overpower their parents even friends or teachers. For instances, when they use words that are strong to make others angry which will make the kids feel like they have more POWER.

Not all rude behaviors are considered as an act of defiance. Children are bound to be disappointed if whatever they want clashes with rejection from parents. You should expect some kind of grumbling when telling to your child.

The following strategies can help to minimize your child tendency to talk back

1. Children are more likely to show respect when you treat them and others respectfully.
2. Be tolerant of statements like "I hate green beans". Encourage him/her to convey their disliking
3. Try to spend time with your kids when watching TV shows
4. Whenever your child words and tone are not acceptable, give a clear or immediate message like this is not done in our family and all are respected equally.
5. When a child gets angry or frustrated or disappointed, explain that disrespectful behavior or language can make a person feel attacked or angry. Just calmly tell him/her that it hurts your feeling as parents

The more you communicate and spend time with your kid’s activities or whatever they do will minimize the talk back attitude which will create love bondage.

Encourage and Motivate Teens

Courage means standing up for what is right, even when what is right is not popular, and you have to stand alone. Courage is also visible when we challenge ourselves to explore new interests. Difficult things are rarely accomplished with ease. It takes courage to accept the fact that we won't always be successful in everything we try, but the success is in the effort. We may not get the part we wanted in the school play or get the position we wanted on the football team, but we become more courageous with every effort we make. Sometimes, as with our soldiers overseas right now, courage becomes a matter of life or death. When people are fighting for a cause dear to their hearts, courage carries them through, although not without fear.

Teens as well as adults are often torn when making decisions affecting their popularity or status. It is difficult for students and people in general to say no to friends who want them to participate in things unproductive and ultimately dangerous, such as drug use, vandalism, gossip, cheating, stealing and even apathy to school or work. Sometimes saying no to what the apparent majority are doing makes people feel "uncool" or alone. The ability to rise above that demonstrates real courage.

The challenge is to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, or stand up for something you believe in. You may not make cheerleader, or the team or the part you wanted in the play, but as is often said, "it is not the end of the world", and it really isn't. It may even be a new beginning of a new you that is developing the confidence to realize that it's not the destination, but the journey, not the outcome, but the road traveled. Rarely do people do great things without great effort, often compromise and even risk. Step out onto your own stage! You might be surprised at all you can achieve when you get out there and live your life like you can't fail!

Add Fun to Your Kid’s Room by Choosing Pink, Purple and Other Colors

There are many ways in which you can add fun to your kid's room, one of which is choosing vibrant colors for your kid's bedding. Once your child is ready to move from a crib to a bigger bed, the bedding has to be carefully chosen so that it is a lot of fun. Kid's bedding can be fun when experimented with attractive colors and designs, as it also enhances the overall appearance of their room.

With so many different varieties of bedding's available for kids in the market, it normally leads to confusion for parents. To avoid overwhelming yourself with so many choices, make a note of what kind of bedding would you like to go for. As you can find bedding of all kinds, you need to keep few key points in mind, some of which are discussed below.

The very first thing you need to decide is on the colors and themes of the bedding. Generally a room is themed according to the gender. For a girl's room, pink kid's bedding is preferred If the room is going to be used by a boy, colors like blue and green, which are more boyish, are ideal.

You can also go for theme based bedding if the room is designed as such. Themes can be anything. From simple color combination to your kid's favorite cartoons and fairy tale characters. Simple colors are best if you looking out for something that can last for long. Apart from the standard colors you can also try colors like violet, brown or purple for kid's bedding.

Budgeting is important for any kind of purchase. It is more vital in case of kid's bedding as you know it would be lasting only for a short span of time. Thus in order to buy inexpensive bedding you compromise with the quality, as a good one may add up to a pretty penny. You can also go for organic fabrics as they are allergy free and are durable. They maybe expensive but you can always use the same bedding for your second child. It is good to involve your kids when shopping anything for them. This way, you can have their input, and make sure that they like the bedding you are buying for them.

Choosing Suitable Backyard Play Equipment

Having fun backyard play equipment set up can help children develop healthy outdoor lifestyles. However many may think that doing this can be a very expensive addition to a home, it does not have to be. If one has the right resources there are no limits to what can be set up in a backyard, a playground beyond any child's dreams, however for most a simple jungle gym or some kind will do the job. Such a thing can be found very easily in stores or on the Internet. Backyard play equipment can be found so easily online for such low prices one will hardly believe the availability. There are hundreds of custom designs that can be found online and there are constant updates coming in almost weekly. Artists all over the world have got into designing safe modern play equipment for the everyday child.

In the technology driven world that we live in it is important to ensure a child understands how to use a computer and all other modern technologies that might come into play. However a parent must also ensure their kids get outside and experience the world. Playing outside with backyard play equipment is just the thing a kid needs to develop an early love for playing outside. Safety comes first when it comes to our children, this is an obvious thing, and all designers of backyard play equipment take this as seriously as any parent would. Safety comes before everything when play equipment is designed and it is tested again and again to ensure a set level of safety standard. A parent should always keep a sharp eye on their children when playing on the equipment as any child with too much energy can be dangerous.

The styles of backyard play equipment are as impressive as their high level of safety. All suited to children however can be made to fit in with a various design of backyard architecture. There are the classic wooden style jungle gyms available to anyone with a large deck and lots of wood. Or contrast there are plastic made more artistic looking pieces more towards the realm of abstract that can appeal to a more modern household. Of course there are tree like designs along with hundreds of styles and colors that can be picked from on any number of websites found online. Getting a good deal is also a very big part of setting up backyard play equipment.

Not overlooking the cost is essential, some stores may try to take advantage of an ignorant customer however doing research online can prepare oneself or even find the desired product all together. Always keep an open mind when raising a child, some may not be too fond of outdoor activities, do not force things upon them, however at a young age they should become comfortable with the world that they are to live their lives in. Inside is nice and comfortable, but only because we understand what the outside world is like.

Guidance about Kids for the First Time Teachers

Kids today are an entirely different breed than they were just 10 years ago. They foods they eat are different, the songs they sing are different, and the cartoons they watch are different than the cartoons you watched. If you need any sort of convincing, pay close attention to this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It used to be the case that you knew all of the giant balloon characters. Timeless classics like Snoopy and Garfield have been replaced by a plethora of characters you might not recognize. Pokemon itself has hundreds of different characters, and even that's not as popular anymore as it once was.

It would be rather naive to think that changes in the cartoons being watched is the most striking difference between kids today and those of older generations. The fact is, 21st century kids have a lot more running through their heads than we did when we were young. Reality, usually of the harsh nature, has found its way into the innocence that used to emanate from young children. Here are a few of the ways that kids today are vastly different from those from just a few generations ago:

Kids know a lot more about sex a lot earlier in life. Today's youths can find anything and everything they want with a few keys pressed on the keyboard. Whatever they want to know, see, or watch is available online. In prior generations there was an informational barrier between things of a pornographic nature and young people. If you weren't old enough to buy it, you couldn't, and you probably didn't know where to go to get it anyway. Now, a mouse-click on the button that says "Yes, I'm over 18." opens up a sexual world to anyone with a computer.

Kids know more about technology than you do. Depending on how old you are computers and the Internet played a larger or smaller role in your life. Today's youths have likely had computers in the home since they were born. For them it is a source of information, entertainment, communication, productivity, and more. They know about software, games, wireless networks and websites that you don't know about. Get over it.

There is a wider gap between good and bad students. It used to be the case that most students wanted to do well, and only a handful didn't care how they did. Today there is more of an equal split between those that want good grades and those that just want to pass. You need to learn to fend off the grade-grubbers and know when to let the unmotivated wallow in their mediocrity.

Kids have lots more emotional baggage than ever before. It's depressing to consider, but histories of abuse, neglect, and rampant indifference leave some students emotionally cut off from the class and from you. It takes time for these students to build trust in you and have success academically. You must be patient.

You already have many roles to play in your student's lives. You have to decide very early on whether you are going to be the teacher that is aware of all of the outside issues that are going on with your students, or if you will turn a blind eye and ear to them and pretend like the only world that exists is the one confined to the school grounds.

Becoming a Normal Teenager

Hard pressed for friends? Feeling like an outsider? Well, fear no more for you can now become the perfect teen.

First of all, being a Normal Teenager simply means acting like yourself whoever that may be. Why would you want to be normal anyhow? What is Normal? Who are Normal people? These are all very important questions but all that matters is not if other people think you normal or not. What matters most is whether or not you are happy.

The teenage years are a time for you to become an individual not another automated robot influenced by peers and the media. Become yourself, become who you want to be... This is the best way to survive being a teen.

Some Simple Helpful Hints:

• What makes you unique - what do you like that others may not?
• Toughen yourself up to criticism - at some point you're going to be made fun of. Don't take it personally.
• Find Others Who Think Like You Do - Maybe you and your friends are growing apart as you discover you no longer enjoy the same things. Other people will, you just have to find them. Also, having a smaller group of closer friends is better than having too many.

Whoever you may become know that you should always, always be happy and if your "friends" aren't willing to help you achieve this then find ones that will.

Being a teenager can easily be the most rewarding experience of your life. All you have to do is have fun and not let trivial things get you down. Of course there is a lot more to being a teen and for more information I would visit my local library. Good Luck!

Kids Jungle Safari for Your Kids

Kids Jungle Safari the perfect safari for your kids where they are going to be trapped in the environment which talks only about the flora and fauna. Flora and fauna are the terms which are being used for the vegetation and the wildlife respectively. Sometimes, bookish knowledge for the kids is not sufficient and they need something which could bring some practical examples in front of them so that they could believe about the facts and the realities of the life.

Summer camp is one of the ways to make a kid know all about the nature and earth which he certainly doesn't grasps while reading a book. Books are meant for acquiring knowledge but this knowledge isn't enough for anybody to get aware of the real life which has every kind of people having different traits. Summer camps are designed accordingly to make the kids know about what things are right and what things are wrong to do.

Through these summer camps, they get an opportunity to acquire some moral values which were seen as only chapters while they used to read the subjects of their course. Kids Jungle Safari is one of the activities of the summer camps which enable the kids to know more about the wildlife and vegetation of the earth.

Jungle safari lets the kids to know about various kind of vegetation. Some of the vegetation present in the jungle might be rare in the cities and are considered as endangered species of plants. Through these safaris, they would come to know about all the endangered species of plants and thus they would even come to know about the disasters which have been made to the nature by the mankind. Kids Jungle Safari is also seen as a way through which the kids get a chance to have a watch on the endangered species of animals which are not seen on daily life and thus, it becomes as one of the great experiences of their lives.

Jungle Safaris for the kids are designed in such a way that they are not exposed to the dangerous part of the nature. During the Kids Jungle Safari, kids would be taken through a pre-planned path which doesn't have any kind of dangerous species of flora and fauna coming along its way. During the announcement of summer camps, organizers do keep in mind that the summer camps are designed for the kids and thus they always set the areas of the summer camps which don't have any of dangerous wild animals existing there.

Along with the Kids Jungle Safari, kids would also be taken for bird watching where they get a chance to have a look at different kinds of bird. Kingfisher has been the favorite bird of all the kids as they love watching it. During the bird watching, the kids do need to have a pair of binoculars with them so that they can see various kinds of birds easily. Do look for a summer camp always which has various kind of activities made for the sound development of kids.

Tips for Backpacks to School

Amongst multiple problems caused by backpacks are back pain, strained shoulders and neck, poor posture, numbness and weakness in arms and hands. Mostly these problems are caused by too heavy loads of school supplies that kids carry around all day. It is recommended that school children should carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their backpack.

When buying a backpack for your kid or teen parents should carefully consider the backpacks construction and look for the following:

1. backpack should be light, avoid leather or other heavy material backpacks, that add a lot of additional weight to your kid's load.
2. backpack with padded back will provide comfort and protect the child's back from being poked by sharp objects (edges of rulers, books, etc.) inside the bag.
3. some backpacks have a waist belt, though it might not look cool, it surely will help to distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly across the body.
4. shoulder straps should must be wide and ergonomically designed, because too narrow straps will dig into shoulders. Also look for padded shoulder straps that are not too stiff.
5. multiple compartments will help with even weight distribution.

After you have bought the backpack it is important to teach your kids to use it properly.

The first and most important thing you can do is to teach your kid to lighten the load. No mater how well the backpack is built doctors and therapists recommend that children carry no more than 10% to 15% of their weight. Parents must look after their kids so that they do not overload their backpack with unnecessary items like CD's, laptops and videogames when going to school. Tell your kids to use their lockers more frequently instead of hauling all the days worth in books all the time and only the books needed for homework or studying should be brought home. You can also choose to buy paperback books since they weight less than hardcover books and in the backpack heavy books should be put closest to the center of the back.

Secondly make sure your kids use their backpacks properly. That includes the use of both shoulder straps and tightening the straps so that the backpack sits 2 inches above the waist and close to the body. Make sure that the weight in the backpack is distributed evenly.

By choosing the right pack a lot of health problems can be avoided. A good backpack and proper usage will make your kid feel better.

Why Teens Self-Harm or "Cut"

There are those in the world who suffer from an impulsive need to cut themselves. This is not a suicide attempt. This behavior is a form of coping. The Mayo Clinic describes this behavior as repetitive and impulsive, where something upsetting triggers the action, though self harm can also be planned, controlled and methodical. This behavior is the way this individual has learned to deal with the stress in their life. Self harm also includes picking at scabs or interfering with healing wounds, hitting oneself, burning, hair pulling, and other forms of self harm. It is a compulsive disorder. Cutters feel compelled to self mutilate with a sense as though there are no other options. People who self harm are in sensory overload, and can't deal with the amount of pain they feel inside so they have reached a state of empathy and numbness and they need to cut to feel anything. The cutting leads to endorphins being released as a natural pain killer in the body and these endorphins can cause addiction over time.

There are 2 million people in the United States who are self injurers. The typical person who injures themselves is, according to the MHA of NC, from an upper middle class family, average to high intelligence, but low self esteem. 50% were sexually or physically abused, and as high as 90%were forbidden to express emotions like anger or sadness. Those who hurt themselves may abuse drugs, or alcohol, or also have an eating disorder.

There is also a growing belief that women and men may both be equally guilty of hurting themselves, but males explain the injury as the result of some believable life event and thus hide their problem. The reasons why one hurts oneself are the same. Low self esteem, empathy, numbness, stress, and to cope one cuts and the sensation is addicting. The one distinction between the sexes is that females will often say they hurt themselves out of a need for self punishment. Males have a greater chance of killing themselves due to the method of self harm they chose. Both have a chance of taking the injuries too far. They need help, not rejection. Also there is some peer pressure involved with self harm. One person doing it may pressure others to as well.

Treatment for cutting must be tailored to the individual. If one suffers from depression, some medication may help to increase serotonin levels (natural pain killer) to reduce self harm. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help with the underlying issues as well as teaching how to cope with stress and boost self esteem. Often the underlying problem is having strong emotions that are capped and blocked and they need to be released in a healthy fashion. Let the person open up about self-injury. Let them know those around them care. Encourage the individual to express their emotions, including anger. Do enjoyable activities together. Don't make judgments and don't tell the cutter to stop, because these actions would cause the cutter to feel worthless or powerless. A cutter to cope with the self injurious behavior needs to recognize the problem themselves, and realize it is not an indication they are a bad person. Get professional help, someone to trust. Find out what triggers the behavior and realize it is a means to ease stress and find other means to achieve this end that don't involve self injury. Avoid web sites that seem to glamorize self harm. There is a way to take back control.

Bikes and Trikes are Wonderful Rides for Kids

Day care centers often have wonderful rides for kids. These may include bikes and trikes. These are fantastic equipment that can get kids to exercise without too much prodding. Exercise is really essential for kids to develop stronger bones and healthier bodies. With bikes and trikes, children will have ample activity to build up those muscles. It is also a great activity for children to develop good coordination and balance.

Aside from all these healthy benefits, kids will definitely have the best fun in these delightful rides. Basically, this is their first driving experience. You know how kids love to imitate older siblings and their parents. Getting to drive these rides is their first step to independence. And, just imagine how exhilarating this must be for them.

Since kids will be driving these bikes and trikes on their own, safety is number one priority. Parents and teachers should get kids to wear a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. These can protect the kids when they fall from their rides. Make sure that the rides are in proper condition. Be certain that the chains are functioning well, the seat and handle bars are solid and the wheels are mounted correctly. Also, choose the ride that is best appropriate for the kid's size and height. The child will have difficulty balancing on the bike if he can barely touch the pedals or can't even get hold of the bars. Finally, always supervise the kids and make sure that they only get to enjoy these rides within the day care compounds and not bring it to the streets.

The Suitable Toys for Waiting Rooms

Waiting rooms or lobbies can be a very irritating experience for everyone involved when children are present. The parents have to worry about their children making a mess or catching a cold from dirty toys while the owner of the aforementioned space has to worry about what type of toys to provide for children and sometimes have to worry about cleaning up the mess after the children have left the area.

Anyone that has children knows that when children start playing with toys, they do not keep their toys in one small confined space. Also, with loose toys, arguments can erupt between children because one child may not want to share a toy with another child. Children have the tendency to spread toys around them freely, disregarding the other people that are sharing the space with them. If you are the one trying to design a waiting room that is both kid friendly, as well as relaxing for adults, the last thing that you want to worry about is your waiting area looking like a play room, especially if it is for a doctor's office, where people sometimes come in feeling stressed out already.

There are many solutions available to you that will allow you to make a waiting room both enjoyable for children as well as stress free for everyone else. Not all waiting rooms have the same space available to work with, which is why wall mount toys or wall mount panels are a good choice for any waiting room space. Not only are they space efficient since they mount to the wall flat, but they allow more than one child to play with the same toy at the same time.

At the end of the day, wall mount toys and panels are very easy to clean up and sanitize. These type of toys are also good because they do not interrupt movement through the office. Most of these type of toys come in a variety of colors and themes which will allow you to find ones that will go with your decorating concept.

Another variation of the wall panel concept are mirrors. Most children can entertain themselves for hours simply by looking at themselves in the mirror and making funny faces. Some mirrors also have the fun house effect on them which will entertain children with the effect of things looking weirder than normal.

Another great aspect of wall mount toys and panels is the added feature of anti theft. With all of the pieces built onto the panels, there are no toys or pieces that can accidentally be carried off to a child's home.

Try to Spent Your Time with Your Children

We all have good intentions of spending more time with our families, but it sometimes just doesn't work like that. This story should really get you thinking. Instead of the hug he was expecting at the end of a long day, his son asked him a question; "How much do you earn every hour dad?"

Although he was surprised by the question he smiled and replied " I am paid $20 an hour son". Before he had a chance to ask his kid why he wanted to know, his son asked another question "cool dad, so could you give me $10?"

If the first question was unexpected, the second one floored him completely. Money was tight and he had to work very hard for his pay check, so his son was bang out of order. He told his son this and expressed his disappointment at how his son had asked him for money. His father's reaction greatly upset the boy and he left the room with a very heavy heart.

When his son hugged him good night he was regretting the way he had spoken to him. He smiled at his boy and handed him a $10 bill. The little boy was delighted; in one quick motion he reached beneath his pillows and got out 10 X $1 bills. His father was now more upset than he had been earlier and demanded to know why he had asked him for more money.

Taking a deep breath and looking his dad straight in he eye, the child replied "I'm buying an hour of your time dad with this $20..." An hour spent with your kids is absolutely priceless.

How to Deal With Trauma in Your Child's Life

If a child has suffered a significant loss or hurt, parents can help by making sure that his emotional issues are addressed. Do not postpone seeking help if you see that your child is withdrawn, irritable, or showing any of the other signs. Go with your instincts and seek help from a mental health professional if you see your child having adjustment problems after a traumatic event. Traumatic events can come into a child's life in many different forms.

The Death of a Family Member or Close Friend

Death is difficult for anyone to deal with. Sometimes parents themselves have difficulty dealing with death and want to spare their child from experiencing grief. However, just as death can not be prevented, grief also cannot be avoided if you lose someone you love.

When a child loses someone important to him, parents should make sure to include him in the grieving process. Some parents feel that they are being kind to the child by shielding him and excluding him from the mourning process. But unprocessed grief, hidden in the dark and left to fester, may well grow into a serious emotional wound that may take extraordinary measures to heal years later. I encourage parents to let their children be full participants in the grieving process and have a chance to say good-bye to their loved one.

Divorce or Parents' Separation

Sometimes children feel that they are responsible for their parents' divorce or separation. They may think, "If I had been better behaved..., If I got better grades in school..., If I had done my chores..., If I did not fight with my sisters and brothers..., If I were pretty / handsome/ smart/athletic/funny... maybe Mom and Dad would still be together." In my practice, I have counseled numerous children who spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to get their parents back together, and it is always a challenge to help them realize that the parental split was the result of factors outside of their control.

In other instances, parents have brought their children to me when they were starting the process of separation or divorce, just to make sure their children would have support available to them during a difficult time. When parents are going through a divorce, they are likely to be under great stress, so when their children need them most, it is hard for them to be there for them. Having a counselor available to meet with a child can help him to communicate his feelings and provide a place to work out the emotional difficulties. How much better it is to go through this short-term process than to find out later that big problem were not effectively addressed and now have become even bigger problems.

Beautiful Furniture for Beautiful Kids

Little Girls can be like Princesses to their parents. Their entire world becomes a land of make believe and dressing up. A world inhabited by fairies, witches and other characters from the mind of the likes of Roald Dahl.

Reality is slightly different and parents know they need to keep their daughters safe and sound. This means a super cozy bedroom surrounded by the most luxurious kid’s furniture that they can afford.

When it comes to choosing, there's a whole host of things to remember-

Quality is paramount, the last thing you want is for the bed to come loose, or a finger to get caught in a badly designed gap or round finished edge. So look at the store closely to see if they look like reputable traders.

Look at the materials used. Do they state what type of wood the bed has been constructed from? If it is not described then it is likely to a poor quality that could easily splinter. Oak and Mahogany make the best beds being "hard" woods.

Look at the design. There are plenty of cheaper kid’s beds out there with designs that mean they are like to bend or break easily. The slats that form the base of bed actually have to withstand a lot of force. Not from your daughter sleeping in the bed, but more likely from her and her friends using it as a makeshift trampoline every time they get together!

Finally, the aesthetics of the bed are important. As you've no doubt spent a lot of time and money decorating the bedroom and fitting nice carpet, you'll also want to furnish the room as beautifully as possible to create that "palace" feel. Soft furnishings can help build this effect, but of course the other items like wardrobe, mirrors, chairs and probably most importantly bed need to also be considered.

So take your time when choosing little girls beds and remember these pointers.