Oh Wow… am I ever excited!! I have a bunch of free ABC Home Preschool Curriculum Downloads to give away. That’s right Free Preschool Curriculums!!! And, to qualify for one of these free ABC Home Preschool Curriculums it is so easy!! Simply email me and I will give you simple instructions on how to qualify for one of these Free Preschool Curriculums.
But, make sure to act fast!! You only have until August 30th to qualify for your ABC Home Preschool Curriculum Download for free. Email me quickly for instructions!!
In case you don’t know ABC Home Preschool offers Preschool Curriculums for Two year olds, Three year olds, and 4 thru 6 year olds. So, you are sure to find the Preschool Curriculum to fit your needs.
Have you emailed me yet??
Monday, September 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The history of the English Mastiff
When you hear the word "Great Dane" there is no doubt the English mastiff, the first in the mind. These large dogs have a fearsome appearance, standing up to 30 "high on the shoulder and have an attitude reminiscent of a pit bull. Weighing in each place between 140-230 pounds, this is certainly a race that demands respect.
When you hear the word "Great Dane" there is no doubt the English mastiff, the first in the mind. These large dogs have a fearsome appearance, standing up to 30 "high on the shoulder and have an attitude reminiscent of a pit bull. Weighing in each place between 140-230 pounds, this is certainly a race that demands respect.
Named after the Anglo-Saxon word for "strong", the English Mastiff certainly lives up to its name. While they once were largely relegated to use in baiting with blood and other sports (now, thank God forbidden) for the entertainment of the British crown, because they have found another line of work as watchdogs, and even pets.
The race has long been in the U.S. also because of the imported some time ago.That 's true pets. Their appearance and fear checkered history aside, the English Mastiff is indeed a great family dog.
These dogs, despite their cruel descent, is really affectionate and loving in nature. However, if they are provoked by an intruder can and will attack if necessary. In fact, they are one of the top ten watchdogs. They are perfect dogs with children. Very good natured and have great temperament. They are very relaxed and calm.
The English Mastiff like all big dog definitely needs space to walk and exercise. You can live comfortably in your home, you just have to run the room every day. If they are to good nutrition and lots of movement, they will eventually live to around 9 to 11
English mastiffs have a few minor health problems common constitutional traditions of the race, including a tendency to increasingly overweight and hip dysplasia. This aside, they are a great dog all around. Litter, lovingly and gently to you and your family, they can pull double duty as a guard animal. Before buying a Mastiff, learn as much as possible about the breeders. Make sure that they have a real board and mastiff fan.
In addition to the above minor medical issues, there is another disadvantage that an English mastiff: You do slobber, this is more a concern to some than to others. Overall, they make an excellent family dog for each home. All the good qualities of race has're sure that you have a happier dog owners.
If you want to know more about this race, take a look at some of the many sites that are on the mastiff. Almost every question you may have. They want an informed decision on the selection of a dog, it is a member of your family, after all.
Do the next, be sure to try Eric Salson's free mini-course on "The massive Mastiff, top races like American Bandog mastiff and the English mastiff dog detailed.
When you hear the word "Great Dane" there is no doubt the English mastiff, the first in the mind. These large dogs have a fearsome appearance, standing up to 30 "high on the shoulder and have an attitude reminiscent of a pit bull. Weighing in each place between 140-230 pounds, this is certainly a race that demands respect.
Named after the Anglo-Saxon word for "strong", the English Mastiff certainly lives up to its name. While they once were largely relegated to use in baiting with blood and other sports (now, thank God forbidden) for the entertainment of the British crown, because they have found another line of work as watchdogs, and even pets.
The race has long been in the U.S. also because of the imported some time ago.That 's true pets. Their appearance and fear checkered history aside, the English Mastiff is indeed a great family dog.
These dogs, despite their cruel descent, is really affectionate and loving in nature. However, if they are provoked by an intruder can and will attack if necessary. In fact, they are one of the top ten watchdogs. They are perfect dogs with children. Very good natured and have great temperament. They are very relaxed and calm.
The English Mastiff like all big dog definitely needs space to walk and exercise. You can live comfortably in your home, you just have to run the room every day. If they are to good nutrition and lots of movement, they will eventually live to around 9 to 11
English mastiffs have a few minor health problems common constitutional traditions of the race, including a tendency to increasingly overweight and hip dysplasia. This aside, they are a great dog all around. Litter, lovingly and gently to you and your family, they can pull double duty as a guard animal. Before buying a Mastiff, learn as much as possible about the breeders. Make sure that they have a real board and mastiff fan.
In addition to the above minor medical issues, there is another disadvantage that an English mastiff: You do slobber, this is more a concern to some than to others. Overall, they make an excellent family dog for each home. All the good qualities of race has're sure that you have a happier dog owners.
If you want to know more about this race, take a look at some of the many sites that are on the mastiff. Almost every question you may have. They want an informed decision on the selection of a dog, it is a member of your family, after all.
Do the next, be sure to try Eric Salson's free mini-course on "The massive Mastiff, top races like American Bandog mastiff and the English mastiff dog detailed.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
WEBUCATION.An Alternative Approach To Self Improvement In The 21st Century.
Webucation is a modern-day phenomena, easily accessible to individuals from home. This approach offers a wealth of opportunities--acquiring knowledge, researching school projects, self-education and improvement, entertainment, and wealth building.This new education super highway can be available to all with computer access.
Webucation is education and knowledge delivered 100% via the Internet. The market for continuing education is already much much bigger than most people realize. Webucation can be Internet based personal development training. It is a very convenient and cost effective way to access all the personal development you as an internet marketer will need.
Why is webucation so popular? It is so popular because you can find virtually anything you are looking for on the internet. The one downside to this is that you have to be wary of what kinds of sources you are getting your information from.
Webucation is a modern-day phenomena, easily accessible to individuals from home. This approach offers a wealth of opportunities—acquiring knowledge, researching school projects, self-education and improvement, entertainment, and wealth building.This new education super highway is going to change forever the way we view the process of acquiring information. It is available to all with computer access: There are no books, high tuition costs or travel time .Welcome to the 21st century.
Webucation is just a modern term that is used to describe the online educational process. This can also be called distance learning or school of the air and is a blessing for students in remote areas. Here we have a new industry where net-entrepreneurs can use their talents and creativity to once again generate wealth in an exciting and truly entrepreneurial style.
Education is not a goal, it’s a lifelong journey. Accessing the online training available at places such as Success University will take your training schedule into the information age. It will allow you to learn anywhere on earth. Education spending worldwide is escalating at a tremendous rate.Many learned experts believe that expenditure on education will double over the next five years; it will possibly double or triple again in the five years after that. Webucation is poised to gather a huge slice of that increasing expenditure.With programmed lectures and tutorials available via computer download then knowledge and progress is available instantaneously as computers can operate virtually around the clock.
Education is already grabbing a major chunk of America’s gross national product. This number will increase rapidly, but the growth won’t be in traditional schools, which currently take about 10% of the GNP.
Online delivery or webucation will be in high demand from the market as it is convenient, fast and the topics to choose from are endless. Online web education (webucation) is the newest trend. Do you know what skills your child will need to excel in school or in a career in the future? This new medium gives us the opportunity to update or expand the knowledge provided by formal education or expand knowledge in a special area.Webucation is here to stay,let us all use it wisely.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Why Your Children Need A Classical Education
Someone who believes that an education system that was instituted over two thousand years ago can be thrown out within a single generation has ignored the fact that time is the best testing ground when it comes to understanding human behavior.
Someone who believes that an education system that was instituted over two thousand years ago can be thrown out within a single generation has ignored the fact that time is the best testing ground when it comes to understanding human behavior.
It just took 50 years for lawmakers and educators to dismantle a system of education that was developed and time-tested for over 2,000 years.
Ancient Greece and Rome first developed classical education, and by the 16th century it was the norm throughout the Western world.
This system of education gave the world some of the best leaders and thinkers between the 10th and 19th centuries. Most of America’s Founding Fathers were taught under this educational system.
Can you even think of another time period that experienced a great progression in science, art, literature, and philosophy?
If any true meaning is achieved in learning, it must be done through more than just teaching facts. True learning is when the student develops reasoning abilities that allow the expression of ideas through clear persuasion and argument.
Classical education provides the best tools for developing a child’s mind. Truly no wonder that so many classical education schools are turning up all over the country.
Classic education offers many things are becoming lost in other forms of education, such as rigorous academic standards, order and discipline, and the arts.
Education’s greatest responsibility is teaching students how to really learn. The model of “progressive” teaching and performance-based learning methods create difficulties for children when it comes to acquiring the mental control they would learn with traditional methods.
Classical education encourages children to develop independent learning abilities by building a foundation of logic, language, and facts. Students clearly reap great benefits from classical education when they can express themselves clearly through logic and reason.
Classical education goes beyond the facts that need to be learned. This teaching method helps children develop the skills that essential in higher education and in daily life.
Independent learning, logical analysis, critical thinking, and a love for learning are all skills that are all essential. No matter how much the world changes, these skills will always be in demand.
Friday, April 11, 2008
How to Photograph a Child’s Birthday Party
I’ve been asked by parents of children to photograph their birthday parties numerous occasions and each time it has been a lot of fun.
Photographing children isn’t always easy - and photographing ‘the birthday party’ presents it’s own unique opportunities and challenges as a photographer.
Birthday Parties present us with a lot of emotion, interaction, color and energy in a child’s party - the highs and a few lows of life are all present. On the challenging side of things - children’s parties can be chaotic places with moving subjects, lots of clutter and often little time for those organizing them to pick up a camera and take a shot. photo by Johnny Blood
Here are a few tips on Photographing Children’s Parties that come to mind:
1. Designate a Party Photographer
There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a party and realizing that while the camera was out that no one bothered (or had time) to pick it up and take some shots. Give someone the job and release that person from other party duties to just take photos. This way you’re guaranteed to get some shots and will have something to remember the day with. It is also good because it means others are able to relax and enjoy the party and that parents can rest assured that the photos will only be used responsibly.
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2. Get a Child’s perspective
One of the most important tips I can share is to get down low when taking photos of children. The biggest mistake I see in party photos is adults taking shots from a standing position looking down onto a scene. While you might take a few shots from this perspective the majority of your photos should be taken at eye level of the subjects you’re shooting. Photo by Ana June
3. Mix up Your Shooting Angles and Focal Lengths
Having said this - it can inject a lot of life into party shots if you do mix up your shooting angles and focal lengths at a party. Try some shots from standing up high (get on a chair even to accentuate it - this can be great for group shots) but also get down really low and shoot looking up at kids. Also try a range of focal lengths ranging from wide angle shots that take in the whole party scene through to zoomed shots of kids and party elements. Mixing it up like this will mean you end up with a more dynamic and playful series of shots at the end of the day.
4. Adjust White Balance Settings
Most children’s birthday parties happen inside (at least in part) where lighting can be tricky. In most cases there will be some artificial light which can leave your photos with different types of tinges. The easiest way to overcome this and ensure your shots are true in color is to learn to use your white balance controls. This is the subject for another post but most modern digital cameras have a variety of automatic settings that will give you some easy settings for different lighting situations. Before the party experiment with white balance and get your setting right.
5. Look for the Party Details
Another way to add interest to the shots is to focus in on the details of the party. I find that many of these shots are best taken before the guests arrive and might include shots of the cake, photos of balloons and other decorations, photos of presents stacked, shots of a set party table. Often it’s good to get in nice and close to these elements - fill the frame with them (to the point where they even become a little abstract). You’ll find that these types of shots look great scattered through an album between shots of people. Photo by cupcakequeen
6. Use Bounce Flash or a Diffuser
Speaking of lighting - you’ll probably need some sort of extra lighting if your party is inside. You can help to eliminate the need for this by increasing your ISO setting a little but unless you have a lot of natural light or an extremely fast lens you’ll probably need to use a flash. If you have a flash hotshoe you’ll probably get the best results if you bounce the flash off the room or walls or if you use a flash diffuser of some kind so that the flash is not as harsh on your subjects (a common problem with many party photos).
7. Know the Party Plan
In order to capture all of the important moments in the party you should know how it is planned to run. Know when everyone will be sitting down, when the blowing out of candles will happen, when presents will be opened etc. This will mean you can be well positioned for each event just ahead of them happening.
8. Shoot Candidly
Most of your party photos will end up being candid ones of children and adults interacting with one another around the different party activities. I’ve written on candid photography previously but you’ll probably want to take a couple of types of candid photos during the party. I tend to take quite a few shots from the edge of the party using a longer zoom lens. These shots are largely of kids interacting with each other, playing, eating etc. The other thing to do as the party ‘warms up’ is to actually get into the party and shoot from within it. In these instances you will find a wide angle lens more appropriate and you actually join in the circle of activity (ie sit with the kids, play the games, eat the food) and photograph the children as you do this. At times it might even be appropriate to make taking the photos a game of sorts - getting them to pose and then show them the results on your LCD. Photo by igorms
9. Shoot out of Relationship
Photographing from ‘within’ the party is fun but it doesn’t just happen straight away with many children. I find that the best shots come as the children warm up to you and their surrounds. So make an effort to meet the children as they come into the party and to be friendly and fun. This might even mean putting your camera away for a little towards the start of proceedings. Also in this I’d highly recommend that you need to be aware of personal boundaries when photographing children. Unfortunately we live in a time where the topic of photographing kids is something that makes many of us think about ways that doing so can be misused and abused. Always get permission of the parents hosting the party before photographing proceedings, always stay with the main group and don’t get into one to one shooting situations, be aware of giving those you’re photographing personal space and being appropriate.
10. Planned Shots
While the majority of your shots will probably be candid shots you should also think ahead about what type of ‘must have’ sort of shots you want from the party. Consult with parents (if you’re not one of them) about what type of shots they want. These might include some group shots, cake shots, blowing out candles, opening presents, party games etc
11. Take Before and After Shots of the Party
It’s amazing to see how a room (and people) can be transformed in just an hour or two when you have a group of children in it. For this reason you might want to consider what type of shots you’ll want to take before the party actually starts. This might include some of those shots that focus in on different elements of the party (see above) but also shots of the birthday boy or girl when they are dressed up and looking (and behaving) at their best. Also take a few shots at the end of the party - they could make a humorous comparison series with your before shots. Photo by Amber B
12. Shoot in Burst Mode
One of the most effective ways to capture parties is to learn how to shoot in continuous shooting (or burst) mode when your camera fires a series of shots in quick succession. This is particularly useful when shooting children as they rarely sit still but is also a good strategy for key moments in the party like blowing out the candles (which you only get a couple of seconds of opportunity to capture).
13. Include Adults in your Photos
The focus of children’s parties is generally the children - but the adults attending the party can actually present you with some fascinating shots as they watch on. Sometimes their reactions to what the children are doing can be quite fascinating and its worth including them in shots - particularly those adults in the immediate family of the child having the birthday. [dps]
Give Your Kids A Treat At London's Children Theatres
London is perfect for family getaways. There are countless attractions for all members of the family. London is known for its spectacular arts and theatre attractions. There are theatres that cater for families. These theatres present plays and performances that cater to children and even those who are kids at heart.
London is known for its many theatres. There are theatres for all ages. For family travelling to London with kids, there are several children theatres to go to. These theatres present plays and performances that specifically cater to the young generation and even those who are young at hearts.
Don’t let your kids (and the kid in you) miss the educational, creative and fun performances on the following children theatres:
- The Little Angel Theatre
- The Puppet Barge
- Polka Children’s Theatre
The kids in Wimbledon are lucky to be close to this magical theatre that has been inspiring children’s imagination for many years. The Polka Children’s Theatre was opened to public in 1979. Since then it never failed to entertain its children audience. There are two parts in the theatre, the Main Theatre and the Adventure Theatre. Visiting Polka Children’s Theatre will not only entertain your children but it will also set off their love for arts and plays.
- Half Moon Young People’s Theatre
This theatre aims to stir the artistic side of young people ages 0-17. The performances are set to be educational and at the same time entertaining. Aside from professional performances, this theatre also offers participatory projects. You can visit the Half Moon Young People’s Theatre at 43 White Horse Road, London.
- The Tricycle
The Little Angel Theatre is for little angels who want to be part of the enchantment of every show. This was founded in 1960 by puppeteers headed by the South African master puppeteer, John Wright. There are various marionette shows going on in this theatre. It never fails to bring magic in every show. The Little Angel Theatre can be reached via different modes of transportations from most of London hostels, in case you and your family are staying at the various London hostels. It is located at 14 Dagmar Passage, Islington, London.
This theatre has been showing marionette and rod puppet performances for over 25 years already. The theater can accommodate up to 50 audiences. The atmosphere inside the theatre is very relaxing, thus, you and your kids can fully concentrate on the enchanting shows.
The Tricycle is one of the most visited local theatres in London. This theatre can be reached in Kilburn. There are several modes of transportation that can take you from your London hostels to the “The Tricycle” theatre. This theatre does not only hold performances, it also offers workshops for young performers.
London is truly an art loving city. When you visit London, spend a day out of your London hostels at any of these theatres. These are perfect treats for your kids!
Childhood Escalator Injuries...Can We Prevent Them?
Escalator injuries occur in younger children. Prevention is the key. If the parents are not supervising them closely, injuries can occur. There is no specific correlation between shoes and injuries; they occur even in the best of circumstances usually due to inattention and children's unsafe behavior. Parents need to be diligent about watching their children and following the guidelines to provide a safe ride for all children on escalators
What is the truth about the risks involving our children and escalators? As a physician and a mother of three small girls, a few questions came to mind. Flip flop sandals and Crocs have been lumped together as increasing risks, but is this a fair assessment? Is awareness enough to protect our children? Do the shoes our children wear on escalators matter?
Let’s start with a look at the numbers. 245 million peolpe ride an estimated 35,000 escalators every day in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 10,000 people go to the emergency room every year after accidents on escalators and 20 percent of these injuries involve entrapment of feet, hands, or shoes. That’s approximately 2,000 emergency room visits per year for such entrapments, which usually involve softer shoes or bare feet. These figures have been fairly constant for the past 15 years, long before the advent of Crocs, so this seems to nullify the idea that Crocs somehow increases the risk of entrapments as compared to other soft footwear. Given the number of kids wearing Crocs today, it only stands to reason that eventually an entrapment would occur, as Crocs are not immune to rider missteps resulting in being grabbed by escalators, any more than flip flops, jelly shoes, sandals or soft running shoes.
What puts our children at risk? The fact that escalators are dangerous to small children has been well known for years. In fact, in 1997, in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was reported by a group of physicians from the Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and the Pediatric Emergency Service, “Children are at risk for sustaining severe injuries on escalators. Increased risks of injury include young age, inadequate adult supervision, improper activity while riding on the escalator, and mechanical problems with the escalator. Escalator-related injuries may be reduced with focused education directed towards parents and the public on the safety issues that lead to these injuries.” The largest incidence of injury was reported to be involving children between 2 and 4 years old (50%) with the average age being 6 years old. It should also be noted that 60% of children fell prior causing their injury.
The action of stepping off the escalator is associated with an increased risk of injury. Young children may remain standing on the escalator and allow their feet to slide off at the end, instead of actually stepping off. The small size of a child’s foot may increase the risk of it slipping into the gap where the last step slides into the comb plate. While stepping off an escalator may seem like a simple and natural task to an adult, the developmental level of young children limits their ability to both anticipate and coordinate this action. In addition to feet becoming entrapped during the process of stepping off, children’s small extremities may become lodged between two steps or between a step and the side-rail.
We can continue to ride escalators with our children if we follow some simple safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
1. Loose shoelaces, drawstrings, scarves and mittens can become entrapped. Make sure a child’s clothing does not put them at risk.
2. Always hold children’s hands, just like crossing the street!
3. Do not permit children to sit or play on the steps.
4. Do not carry children in strollers, walkers, or carts. Use the elevator.
5. Hold the handrail and always face forward. If you fall, you put your child at increased risk!
6. Avoid the edges of the steps where entrapment can occur.
7. Always pay attention and alert while riding with your children, note where the emergency shut off is.
Prevention of escalator-related injuries is the key and efforts should be focused in two directions. Safety education for parents should include and give specific guidance regarding injury prevention about riding on escalators. Increased parental supervision should be encouraged, such as hand-holding or even carrying of young children while riding on and especially while stepping off escalators. Children should be taught not to run, play, or sit while riding on an escalator and of course, children should face forward and hold the handrails.
The bottom line about escalator injuries is that no matter what shoes a child is wearing, if the parents are not supervising them closely, injuries can occur. There is no specific correlation between shoes and injuries; they occur even in the best of circumstances usually due to inattention and children’s unsafe behavior. Parents need to be diligent about watching their children and following the guidelines to provide a safe ride for all children on escalators.
Life After Divorce - Still Angry? Try The "F" Word!
Are you really angry at your ex-spouse? Find out how to effectively use the "F" word to release that anger and move forward!
Divorce and anger usually go hand in hand. In order to move forward with your life though, you’ve got to let that anger go. How? Well, let’s focus on that today.
It’s not an easy thing. I’m well aware of that. This is probably the hardest part of moving forward from a divorce. But, it’s the most important.
The answer is a simple one. Applying the answer is the hard part. The answer is the “F” word - forgiveness. Now hold on!!! I know a lot of you are tempted to start yelling at me right now! Hear me out!
There is a lot of confusion about what forgiveness means. Forgiveness is a letting go process. It is for YOU, not for your ex-spouse.
It is not saying their behavior was ok.
It is not letting them off the hook for their actions.
It doesn’t mean you’re denying you were hurt or saying what happened was ok with you. Instead, it is a very powerful CHOICE.
You are choosing to no longer allow what the other person did to rule you.
You are choosing to no longer allow your life to be stuck in the past.
You are choosing to move forward. It’s important you are very clear that making this decision is about YOU and your children. It isn’t about your ex-spouse. No one said you have to tell them “I’ve forgiven you.”
Without that forgiveness, the bitterness, resentment and anger will continue to fester and cause more hurt. It will taint your life view and by doing so, your ability to effectively parent.
This is a slow process. It doesn’t happen by just saying “I’m forgiving him/her”. It’s a choice you will have to make EVERY day for awhile. New things will pop up that will cause you to want to slide back into that anger. That’s when you remind yourself of the choice you’ve made.
It’s especially helpful during this difficult time when this is new, to have a trusted friend to keep you on track. If they hear you start slipping into the anger, they can gently remind you of the choice you’ve made to not let this person control you or your emotions any longer.
Is this easy? Of course not! It takes time. With time and dedication to the choice you’ve made, it will get easier. You won’t feel as if things are out of control or worse yet, controlled by your ex-spouse. Instead, you will feel as if YOU are the one making the choices in your life. Choices to move forward and be a better parent.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Parenting Tips For Divorce Damage Control
While divorce is a sign of freedom for couples in a bad relationship, it leaves scars on the minds of both partners. Divorce is not a new phenomenon, as many would have us believe. People have been getting into marriage and walking out of it from times immemorial.
While divorce is a sign of freedom for couples in a bad relationship, it leaves scars on the minds of both partners. Divorce is not a new phenomenon, as many would have us believe. People have been getting into marriage and walking out of it from times immemorial.
Whichever way you look at it, divorce means something went wrong. Two people who, for all the right or wrong reasons, had pledged themselves to stick together to provide a secure family base for their children, are now splitting up. It didn’t work out the way it was supposed to.
Divorce is always sad. That is why even the law gives time for the couple to think it over.
But, if it has happened or is going to happen, it is best to look ahead and not dwell on the past and dig old wounds. It will only make life more difficult, whereas you need all the positive energy to move on in life and make the best of a bad situation.
One thing is clear: No one wants to get divorced. But if, it happens or is going to happen, we should try to minimize its impact on all concerned, especially children.
And, the priority should be to make all efforts to minimize its impact on the kids. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
1. Don’t get divorced! The best situation for children is to live with both parents in a loving and caring home, preferably with loving and caring relatives nearby.
If your relationship is struggling, for whatever reason, be honest about it and seek some help - either for yourself, or jointly as a couple. Do whatever it takes to re-kindle the love you once had.
Note, this does NOT mean you should put up with an abusive relationship just to “stay together for the children”. Ongoing violence, drug abuse, acrimony, etc are NOT good for children. If you really need to get out, then get out.
2. Once you have taken the decision to go in for a divorce, go about it in grown-up manner and as far as possible try to separate amicably. Discuss it and agree that under the circumstances it is best to separate. Avoid lengthy court battles and custody disputes; they will drain you out emotionally and financially. Hurt feelings will become impediments in your efforts to move on with life. You can’t begin to imagine what impact it can have on the children.
3. You might think the other person is ‘evil’, but avoid speaking against him. Children don’t like to hear anything against their parents. You need to be grown-up and honest with your children. Talk to them and answer their questions as honestly and dispassionately as you can. You also need to reassure them that you will not leave them. Usually, that is a great fear in the minds of children.
4. The secret of all relationships is honesty. While you should not say nasty things about the other parent, there is no need to defend them either. If he has promised to come and doesn’t turn up, don’t make excuses for him. You don’t know what is going on in the child’s mind. Very often children start blaming themselves for all that is going wrong. Make it quite clear that it isn’t their fault that you separated or that the other parent is so unreliable.
5. Another very important aspect is to encourage your children to keep in touch with the other parent for as long as it is a positive experience for them. Encourage visits, phone calls and letters. Let your child get the love and attention of both parents despite your feelings.
6. However, be very careful that you don’t start using your child as a messenger. Find other means to communicate to each other.
7. In case the other parent is really harmful or abusive, protect your child by all means, but make sure your opinion is not based on your prejudices.
8. If you have a choice, don’t go in for joint custody; it doesn’t work. The child feels torn between two homes. If the other parent is emotionally and financially strong, let him/her take custody of the child even though it rips you apart. And, take care of the parenting in your house and don’t dictate your rules on the other parent in their house.
9. Children are not prepared to see someone else taking the place of their parent. So, be sensitive about bringing strangers into the home. Children keep hoping that their parents will get back together some day. Don’t kill their hopes.
10. Finally, take control of your life. Don’t dwell on old wounds. Think positive and live in the present. Try to make the future happy. You will come out stronger from the experience and you will give your children hope about human relationships, or they might fall into similar situations when they grow up.
Will your children suffer from your divorce? It all depends on how you handle it. But if you can maintain a calm, adult, relationship with your ex, so that you can talk sensibly about visiting times, school progress, etc, even if you can’t live together, then you children can do very well.
All you have to do is be a good parent to the best of your ability.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Parenting Tips: How To Find A Sitter
You may be both working parents and are out of the house for more than eight hours a day. You may also simply be considering having a couple's night out. In both cases, you may need to leave the kids with someone trustworthy.
You may be both working parents and are out of the house for more than eight hours a day. You may also simply be considering having a couple’s night out. In both cases, you may need to leave the kids with someone trustworthy.
Of course, you’d want to work efficiently or have a night of pure unadulterated fun without having to constantly worry about what’s going on at home. The usual way to go is to get a sitter. The process of getting a sitter however probably is not that simple. What do parents have take note of when picking a sitter?
Start as Soon as Possible
If you have plans of going out, find a sitter as early as possible. This means planning all your night outs, breaks, work commitments ahead of time. This is to ensure that when you decide to study your sitter options, you have more time to study qualifications and be discriminating.
Study All Your Options
Needless to say, you would want a sitter that can be entrusted with your kids’ safety. A relevant tip therefore is to look at all your options. You can look for sitting services in the paper. Just make sure that the services you choose are ones which conduct some form of background check on their sitters. Another good parenting tip on this aspect is to advertise with your local community organizations or groups. One of the best thing to do however is to ask close relatives and friends to recommend some good sitters.
Ask For a Lot of Things
Don’t be afraid to ask the right questions. Many highly recommend asking for references and actually checking and calling on those references. You should also consider a lot of questions during your interview with potential sitters.
Ask about length of experience as a sitter, ages of kids looked after, training in CPR or other relevant training. Make sure the applicant sitters know what they should do during emergency situations like the child choking or falling down the stairs.
Take the Time to Observe
If you have your pick already, take the time to observe how the sitter interacts with the kids. One parenting tip is to see if the sitter seems naturally comfortable with the kids and vice versa. Another thing to do for additional safety is to install nanny cameras.
Ask the Kids
Always talk to your kids about their experience with their baby sitter. You can ask them to describe what they did that day, if they enjoyed being with their sitter, what new things their sitter taught them and what other things their sitter has been doing. Be sensitive to such warning signs as discomfort among your kids when you ask them sitter related questions and bumps and bruises in inconspicuous parts of your child’s body.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Child's Growth: Some Guidelines You Can Use
Just like a snowflake or a fingerprint, every child is unique in their own special way. Every child has a unique way of feeling, thinking, and interacting with others. Some children are shy, while others are outgoing; some are active, while others are calm; some are fretful, while others are easy-going. As a loving and nurturing parent, it's your job to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individual qualities.
Just like a snowflake or a fingerprint, every child is unique in their own special way. Every child has a unique way of feeling, thinking, and interacting with others. Some children are shy, while others are outgoing; some are active, while others are calm; some are fretful, while others are easy-going. As a loving and nurturing parent, it’s your job to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individual qualities.
Accept and celebrate your child’s uniqueness. Remember that your child is an individual. Allow your child to have his or her own personal preferences and feelings, which may be different from your own.
But is there such a thing as too much involvement? It’s imperative when you’re becoming involved with your school-aged child’s activities and academics that you recognize the line of what being too involved can be.
In contrast, for children who do not feel important or cherished have low self-esteem, and challenges can become sources of major anxiety and frustration. Children who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solving problems, and may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed.
As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo the wrongs that were done to you as a child if you had an angry and abusive parent or parents. It can be very curative and demonstrate you where your troubles lie are and inspire you to fix them. Perhaps your past is filled with unresolved hurt and anger. If so, take the necessary steps to heal yourself. If you don’t, you could unwillingly and unthinkingly harm your child. Studies have shown that children whose mothers often express anger are more likely to be difficult to discipline. Identify problems from your past and honestly look at current situations that are angering you. Maybe you aren’t fulfilled at work; perhaps your spouse and you are having relationship troubles, maybe you have other personal issues or unfulfilled goals that are bothering you. If all your child ever sees is your angry face and hears an angry voice, that’s what they’ll most likely grow into as well.
We’ve all heard the term, “Oh, that’s child’s play.” It implies something is easy, frivolous and unimportant in the overall scheme of things. But to a child, child’s play is essential to their mental, social, emotional, and physical development.
Play enables children to know things about the world and to discover information essential to learning. Through play children learn basic concepts such as colors, counting, how to build things, and how to solve problems. Thinking and reasoning skills are at work every time a child engages in some type of play.
So encourage your child’s play. Color pictures, make finger paintings, build buildings and imaginary cities with blocks, and built a tent in the middle of the living room and go camping! And as we all know, childhood is fleeting, so let them enjoy being a kid while they are one!
And finally, encourage your child to be true to themselves by doing the same. Show your child how to make positive choices with the choices you make, and that nobody is perfect and you too make mistakes. Show your child that mistakes can be a great learning experience, and that they should not be ashamed or embarrassed about making them.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Lazy Kids Way To Grade A
The story of how I managed to increase my child's grades at school, that any parent can follow.
Do you think that parents can influence their kid’s grades at school?
Some parents leave the “education side” of things to the school. But, when you see your own child struggling, you want to do something and quick. There’s nothing harder than being a parent and not being able to help your kids when they need it is there?
We all know the pressure our kids are under to perform, society seems to have gone education crazy. We are embarrassed if our kids are not getting the grades at school. There’s so much competition, getting them in the best schools, monitoring the league tables, eventually turns into an obsession. I know people who have uprooted their entire family to move into a “catchment area” of a good school. Well, listen to this true story- my own son was struggling with school work, he hated it. Homework time was a nightmare in our house, bribes, threats, throwing books across the room, all regular occurrences. He hated reading, threw homework books across the room, parent days were shameful! However, the recent parents day was the last straw, I was mortified at the teachers comments so I decided to take action. I came across an article in the local paper about how a well known supplement can increase concentration levels in kids. I jumped on the internet and ordered a batch quickly. This school took a group of children and every day for 60 days gave them this supplement. They were tested before the daily supplements and then again after the study. The results, ASTOUNDING!!! But get this, the most improved group of all were the kids who were labeled “slow” or “bit dim”. It seems that this “brain food” works best on kids whose concentration levels are low.
Very simply, this is how it works, our brains are wired cell by cell with pathways linking each one. Essential fatty acids help strengthen the wiring thus enabling them to communicate more efficiently.
More importantly our bodies cannot manufacture these acids, we have to obtain them from our diet. Unfortunately a typical western diet contains very little of these acids and it is estimated that the typical American is 95-99% deficient. It may be of little surprise then compared to other cultures we do not do well in intelligence tests.
This marked the beginning of our journey, this was step one! Every day with breakfast my son had an Omega 3 & 6 supplement. We called it “the clever pill”. I explained why we were taking it and that it would help him pay attention in class and concentrate for longer periods.
I am convinced that this made a huge difference to his concentration levels. His teacher reported only a few weeks later that his can stay focused for longer periods now and seems to listen more in class.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Demise Of Classical Education - It Is Worse Than We Thought
The demise of classical education has created a problem in the minds of our youth today. Connected to this loss of classical education are the ideas, values, and visions of classical Greece and Rome. These are the ideas and values that shaped our nation and Western civilization.
The demise of classical education has created a problem in the minds of our youth today. Connected to this loss of classical education are the ideas, values, and visions of classical Greece and Rome. These are the ideas and values that shaped our nation and Western civilization.
Universities have just started scrutinizing these very ideas, ironically enough. Few Americans know that the origins of the West were in ancient Greece.
Unfortunately, American citizens are drifting further away from the important ethical an philosophical theories that are necessary if we want to understand, appreciate, and keep the freedoms we enjoy.
It is important that we remember the Greek wisdom that has helped build our nation.
We applied many of these philosophies into our governmental make-up: a constitutional government, individual rights, freedom of expression, an open economy, civilian control of the military, separation of religious and political authority, private property, free scientific inquiry, and open dissent. These are some of the things that we need now more than ever in our changing culture.
We should also bear in mind that the Greeks insisted on monitoring and tempering these freedoms with philanthropy, civic responsibility, and an absolute world view.
The Greeks did not believe that life was rosy; instead, they saw it as momentary and tragic. Concepts like this along with self-criticism kept things in check.
The demise of classical education leaves us with a skewed and incomplete way of looking at the world. In its place are lenses which gives us a look at the world that consists of blind allegiance, an adoration of material culture, therapeutics, and moral relativism.
The Greeks gave us the means to change the physical and spiritual universe, either for good or ill. They also provided the means for us to control our most animalistic instincts in order to give toward the common good.
We can only fight the demise of classical education, or hope that when classics fall, the educational Dark Age will bring our children into a New Greek era.
If we don’t want our children to struggle in this intellectual darkness, we need to give our children the tools they need to think for themselves, and also the means to appreciate the Greeks for the model they created for our nation.
Monday, March 17, 2008
How To Have True Leadership In Education
We can break education down into three types: The public school system, professional education, and leadership in education. Thomas Jefferson Education is another way to describe leadership in education.
We can break education down into three types: The public school system, professional education, and leadership in education. Thomas Jefferson Education is another way to describe leadership in education.
For families who couldn’t afford to give their children any other kind of education, public school was their option. The system was instituted to create students who could become part of the work force after receiving a diploma.
Now, the public school system is overwhelmingly the educational option of choice for almost all Americans. Educators who know Thomas Jefferson’s style of education like to call public school education “conveyor belt education.” Public schools punch out students as if they were little more than commodities and factory products.
Children are all treated the same in the public school system. They all get the same materials at the same age. They get the same indistinguishable tests. There is little or no focus on individual skills or interests.
Most students from this kind of education are great workers, at least. They were pretty much taught what to think.
Professional education is another system that’s actually quite similar to public education. These schools focus on giving training in specialized areas and trades, such as law, business, and medicine.
These are usually better known as trade schools. On this level, it is more difficult for students to get into a school like this, and only the best students are those who are competitive. The finished product of this form of education is a highly trained specialist who essentially knows when to think.
The third form of education is leadership in education, or leadership education. Through history, these are the students who become the true leaders in government. These students also become entrepreneurs, great speakers, and people with noble causes.
Thomas Jefferson’s vision was creating leaders who would stop tyranny. Unfortunately it only took a few short years after his educational plan was put into effect before the government started getting involved in public education.
Leaders like Jefferson throughout history were usually home schooled. After the learned foundational skills at home, they advanced to quality schools where they learned about the classics.
Mentors and teachers inspire their students to learn through guidance in their studies. Putting students at the feet of great minds from the classics allows students to learn how to think.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Should You Buy Homeschool Books Or Make Your Own?
Believe it or not, you don't have to spend a ton of money on either homeschool curriculum or homeschool books. If you just take the time to do some research, you'll discover many resources that will help you create your own curriculum without leaving you broke.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on either homeschool curriculum or homeschool books. If you just take the time to do some research, you’ll discover many resources that will help you create your own curriculum without leaving you broke.
In my opinion it is so much better to make your own curriculum. That way, it won’t be so hard to make last minute changes that suit the needs of your child. If you discover a method that works better for you and your child, you can easily add it.
Choosing literature selections for the semester is one of the first things we do as a family. We make a goal to finish five to seven books per semester. When it comes to spelling or vocabulary, we don’t need to buy specialized homeschool books; we just use the literature we already have.
For example, my kids write the words and definitions that we are working on in a notebook. These will also be their spelling words for the week.
For our history lessons, we focus on the time period of the literature we are reading. We then implement science lessons by researching the scientific discoveries of each time period.
By tailoring our homeschooling lessons this way, we often end up having great discussions at mealtime.
Based on your child’s interest, you have the flexibility to study a literature unit in-depth, or just scratch the surface by learning the important facts. Unlike rigid homeschool books, you have the flexibility to do this when you create your own curriculum.
However, we do use homeschool books for studying math. But we try to turn the ordinary math worksheets into something more engaging that will help children apply math skills with everyday life situations. For example, we do a lot of cooking when we’re working with fractions.
It’s important to understand your child’s interests and needs, since this is a key component in creating curriculum for your child. When you build your own curriculum, you are better able to help your child in ways that the public school system couldn’t.
Don’t worry about forking over a fortune just to buy homeschool books. You can build the curriculum your family needs by basing it around great literature.
I Can Do It! How To Teach Children To Tie Their Shoes
While it's often easier, quicker, and even more skillfully performed when we do things for our children, it's not always best. After all, we're not always around to be at our children's service! Why not teach your children how to tie their own shoes as a lesson in self reliance? This article provides 5 tips to help parents teach their children how to tie their own shoes.
Teaching children how to tie their own shoes is one way to help them learn self reliance. When they learn self reliance through shoe-tying, they may be apt to try other things on their own and develop into more independent, capable, and competent children, teens and adults.
Since the invention of Velcro, most children’s shoes feature these easy closures. Still, there are benefits of teaching children how to tie their own shoes. On the physical side, it helps children work on their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. On the social side, it helps children employ self reliance and can lead to increased confidence in one’s own abilities. Besides, it’s still an important childhood milestone!
Here’s a few tips to help children learn how to tie their shoes all by themselves:
(1) Different colored laces: You will likely find that it’s easier to help your child learn how to tie his own shoes if the laces are not the same colors. Instead of saying “the right one” or “the one in that hand” you can say, “put the red one over the blue one.” Different colored laces can make any shoe-tying technique easier.
(2) Bunny ears:
a. Tell your child, “let’s make some bunny ears with your laces!”
b. Then, teach him how to make a tight knot that can become the top of the bunny’s head. Take one lace in each hand and make an X. Then pull one lace through the bottom of the X (like a train going through a tunnel) and pull tight.
c. Tell your child, “Now let’s give our bunny some ears.” Loop the laces to make 2 ears.
d. Tell your child, let’s make the ears nice and tight so they don’t fall off the bunny’s head!” With the 2 “ears” make an X shape, pass one “ear” under the X, again, just like a train going underneath a tunnel, and pull tight.
(3) Use a giant shoe cut-out: You can buy one or make one yourself. Cut out a big shoe-shape. Get your child involved by allowing him to decorate it with his favorite colored markers or stickers. Then string an extra long lace through the shoe cut-out (a shoe lace that’s 2 different colors on each side can be helpful here—sew a red and green lace together or dip each side of a white lace in dye for the same effect). Allow your child to work on the “giant’s shoe” using any teaching method you like.
(4) The scaredy cat and the tree: This method uses a fun story to help children tie their shoes. This method is also known as the squirrel going ‘round the tree. It can be helpful to tell your child stories because they can make it easier for him to remember the steps. Not only does this method help your child develop self reliance but it also exercises your child’s fine motor skills and dexterity since he needs to switch hands.
a. Tell the child, “make tree roots by making a knot.”
b. Then say, “make a long loop to make a very tall tree. Hold that loop in your right hand.” (A sticker on your child’s right hand can help him remember right from left).
c. Tell your child, “with the left hand, hold onto the other lace. This is the scaredy cat! The cat runs around the tree and jumps into the hole under the tree and out the other side.”
(5) Try some shoe-tying books or toys: There are wooden shoe-tying models and shoe-tying books that allow your children to practice! Books or games like “Tie Your Shoes Rocket Style” or “The Wooden Lacing Shoe (Melissa and Doug) are some good options.
Dr. Robyn’s PowerNote: If your child’s a lefty and you’re not, ask another lefty to help you teach your child how to tie his or her shoes. Or—mirror them! Sit across from your children and tie a shoe along with them. This way, your shoe tying will match what they’re doing.
Again, while Velcro and bungee cord laces are available, learning to tie ones own shoes helps with self reliance and development. And, as you know, your youngster will grow to be an adult one day...and when is the last time you used Velcro to fasten your shoes? You might as well teach them now as they will need to learn the skill eventually!
I Can Do It! How To Teach Children To Tie Their Shoes
While it's often easier, quicker, and even more skillfully performed when we do things for our children, it's not always best. After all, we're not always around to be at our children's service! Why not teach your children how to tie their own shoes as a lesson in self reliance? This article provides 5 tips to help parents teach their children how to tie their own shoes.
Teaching children how to tie their own shoes is one way to help them learn self reliance. When they learn self reliance through shoe-tying, they may be apt to try other things on their own and develop into more independent, capable, and competent children, teens and adults.
Since the invention of Velcro, most children’s shoes feature these easy closures. Still, there are benefits of teaching children how to tie their own shoes. On the physical side, it helps children work on their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. On the social side, it helps children employ self reliance and can lead to increased confidence in one’s own abilities. Besides, it’s still an important childhood milestone!
Here’s a few tips to help children learn how to tie their shoes all by themselves:
(1) Different colored laces: You will likely find that it’s easier to help your child learn how to tie his own shoes if the laces are not the same colors. Instead of saying “the right one” or “the one in that hand” you can say, “put the red one over the blue one.” Different colored laces can make any shoe-tying technique easier.
(2) Bunny ears:
a. Tell your child, “let’s make some bunny ears with your laces!”
b. Then, teach him how to make a tight knot that can become the top of the bunny’s head. Take one lace in each hand and make an X. Then pull one lace through the bottom of the X (like a train going through a tunnel) and pull tight.
c. Tell your child, “Now let’s give our bunny some ears.” Loop the laces to make 2 ears.
d. Tell your child, let’s make the ears nice and tight so they don’t fall off the bunny’s head!” With the 2 “ears” make an X shape, pass one “ear” under the X, again, just like a train going underneath a tunnel, and pull tight.
(3) Use a giant shoe cut-out: You can buy one or make one yourself. Cut out a big shoe-shape. Get your child involved by allowing him to decorate it with his favorite colored markers or stickers. Then string an extra long lace through the shoe cut-out (a shoe lace that’s 2 different colors on each side can be helpful here—sew a red and green lace together or dip each side of a white lace in dye for the same effect). Allow your child to work on the “giant’s shoe” using any teaching method you like.
(4) The scaredy cat and the tree: This method uses a fun story to help children tie their shoes. This method is also known as the squirrel going ‘round the tree. It can be helpful to tell your child stories because they can make it easier for him to remember the steps. Not only does this method help your child develop self reliance but it also exercises your child’s fine motor skills and dexterity since he needs to switch hands.
a. Tell the child, “make tree roots by making a knot.”
b. Then say, “make a long loop to make a very tall tree. Hold that loop in your right hand.” (A sticker on your child’s right hand can help him remember right from left).
c. Tell your child, “with the left hand, hold onto the other lace. This is the scaredy cat! The cat runs around the tree and jumps into the hole under the tree and out the other side.”
(5) Try some shoe-tying books or toys: There are wooden shoe-tying models and shoe-tying books that allow your children to practice! Books or games like “Tie Your Shoes Rocket Style” or “The Wooden Lacing Shoe (Melissa and Doug) are some good options.
Dr. Robyn’s PowerNote: If your child’s a lefty and you’re not, ask another lefty to help you teach your child how to tie his or her shoes. Or—mirror them! Sit across from your children and tie a shoe along with them. This way, your shoe tying will match what they’re doing.
Again, while Velcro and bungee cord laces are available, learning to tie ones own shoes helps with self reliance and development. And, as you know, your youngster will grow to be an adult one day...and when is the last time you used Velcro to fasten your shoes? You might as well teach them now as they will need to learn the skill eventually!
How To Choose The Right Homeschool Curriculum
Have you ever attended a homeschooling convention to choose homeschool curriculum? The experience can be quite refreshing, since it introduces you to the many possibilities available on the market.
Have you ever attended a homeschooling convention to choose homeschool curriculum? The experience can be quite refreshing, since it introduces you to the many possibilities available on the market.
Or perhaps it simply leaves you feeling more dizzy and confused than before you ever attended.
Or you may be the type of parent that likes to browse through catalogs and choose what you think is best. You like to order your purchases by mail, phone, or Internet. You would rather contact the salesperson instead of them contacting you.
You might instead be the kind of homeschooler who prefers surfing the web to find exactly what you need.
Regardless of how you shop for your homeschool curriculum online, through a catalog, or at a homeschool convention, here are some important suggestions to consider when making your choices:
* Be familiar with your children’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Knowing these factors will help you decide the best material. The resources you choose should not only enhance your child’s strengths, but also address your child’s weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
* Understand what your family is about. Are you a religious family? Do you have special needs children? Maybe you would like to travel more. When choosing a homeschool cirriculum, it is essential that you take these factors into account.
* What is your child’s learning style? Knowing how your child learns is an important factor to consider when choosing curriculum. Is your child more of an auditory, visual, or hands-on learner?
* What are your family’s long-term goals? Does your child have goals for him/herself? If you and your child have a goal for him/her to run their own business, you should look for resources to help you accomplish this.
* Cost of materials is an important factor. Some homeschooling families feel okay about photocopying material, or “borrowing” curriculum. Personally, I feel it is not fair. This doesn’t mean that the curriculum you choose has to be expensive or make your broke. If you plan in advance, you will be able to budget in the costs.
* Is there a homeschooling philosophy that appeals to you? There are plenty of homeschool cirriculum philosophies. There are some that are literature-based, textbook, unit studies, accelerated, unschooling, Classical, and Christian.
* If you have lots of children and work part-time on the side, it is essential that you take time into consideration. As you purchase a curriculum, you need to think about the time that is also put into your child’s activities and co-op classes.
Before you decide on any homeschool curriculum, I think it’s important for you to pray about your decision and talk things over with your spouse first.
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What You Can Uncover From Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
There are a wide variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool. More and more children are being educated at home.
There are a wide variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool. More and more children are being educated at home.
And the reason for this increasing number is different from family to family. However, there are usually three main reasons why parents have chosen to take the initiative to homeschool their children.
I’ve studied a lot of different homeschool curriculum reviews. According to my research, the main reason parents pull their children out of the public school system is because they feel their children are not getting a quality education.
The public education system of America is struggling to give our children an adequate education. Much of this struggling is a result of out-of-date textbooks, inferior equipment, and unfit buildings.
When a parent chooses to homeschool their child, they have control over what kind of education their child is receiving.
The homeschool curriculum reviews I read also revealed that another big reason for parents choosing to homeschool is choosing the influences that their children are exposed to.
This is often based on religious preference, though not always. But in any case, the homeschooling environment gives your child the best chance to learn values important to the family. Families are also able to decide to when their child is ready for certain information.
Public schools have earned a bad reputation for not enforcing good discipline. That’s why students earn a reputation for disrupting classes and disregarding their peers who are trying to learn.
When it comes to homeschooling, discipline is one of the most important factors in education.
The safety factor is another big reason I frequently read about in homeschool curriculum reviews. All you have to do is skim a newspaper to see that violence is become more and more prevalent in public schools.
It doesn’t look like it’s getting any better. The acts of violence seem to grow deadlier over the years. After the Columbine High School shooting, there have been other incidents around the nation involving guns.
A homeschool education provides a safe and secure environment, whereas there is a greater risk of harm in public school.
Homeschool curriculum reviews also mention some other disadvantages, and some of them bring up the involvement of the state when you decide to educate your children at home.
Certain states demand that the parent be a qualified, certified teacher who uses state-approved materials.
Sometimes parents are afraid that by homeschooling their children, they might block from them athletic and musical opportunities.
Socialization is one of the most commonly voiced fears. People are often afraid that children will lack social skills if they don’t interact with peers.
Obviously, there are ways to work around all these disadvantages. But it’s important to weigh the pros and cons when looking over homeschooling curriculum reviews, and especially understand the requirements of your state.
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What You Can Uncover From Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
There are a wide variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool. More and more children are being educated at home.
There are a wide variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool. More and more children are being educated at home.
And the reason for this increasing number is different from family to family. However, there are usually three main reasons why parents have chosen to take the initiative to homeschool their children.
I’ve studied a lot of different homeschool curriculum reviews. According to my research, the main reason parents pull their children out of the public school system is because they feel their children are not getting a quality education.
The public education system of America is struggling to give our children an adequate education. Much of this struggling is a result of out-of-date textbooks, inferior equipment, and unfit buildings.
When a parent chooses to homeschool their child, they have control over what kind of education their child is receiving.
The homeschool curriculum reviews I read also revealed that another big reason for parents choosing to homeschool is choosing the influences that their children are exposed to.
This is often based on religious preference, though not always. But in any case, the homeschooling environment gives your child the best chance to learn values important to the family. Families are also able to decide to when their child is ready for certain information.
Public schools have earned a bad reputation for not enforcing good discipline. That’s why students earn a reputation for disrupting classes and disregarding their peers who are trying to learn.
When it comes to homeschooling, discipline is one of the most important factors in education.
The safety factor is another big reason I frequently read about in homeschool curriculum reviews. All you have to do is skim a newspaper to see that violence is become more and more prevalent in public schools.
It doesn’t look like it’s getting any better. The acts of violence seem to grow deadlier over the years. After the Columbine High School shooting, there have been other incidents around the nation involving guns.
A homeschool education provides a safe and secure environment, whereas there is a greater risk of harm in public school.
Homeschool curriculum reviews also mention some other disadvantages, and some of them bring up the involvement of the state when you decide to educate your children at home.
Certain states demand that the parent be a qualified, certified teacher who uses state-approved materials.
Sometimes parents are afraid that by homeschooling their children, they might block from them athletic and musical opportunities.
Socialization is one of the most commonly voiced fears. People are often afraid that children will lack social skills if they don’t interact with peers.
Obviously, there are ways to work around all these disadvantages. But it’s important to weigh the pros and cons when looking over homeschooling curriculum reviews, and especially understand the requirements of your state.
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Child Behavior Problems: Getting Your Child To Go To Bed
It is often difficult to get your child to go to bed for two reasons. One, the child is in no mood to give up the activity and go to the quiet lonely bedroom and be deprived of the fun. Secondly, by the end of the day you are so tired that you long for some quiet moments all to yourself. Both of you are justified and that is where the clash of interest begins. The result is your child throws up a tantrum or comes up with some demand or the other that can postpone bedtime.
It is often difficult to get your child to go to bed for two reasons. One, the child is in no mood to give up the activity and go to the quiet lonely bedroom and be deprived of the fun. Secondly, by the end of the day you are so tired that you long for some quiet moments all to yourself. Both of you are justified and that is where the clash of interest begins. The result is your child throws up a tantrum or comes up with some demand or the other that can postpone bedtime.
But it seems that over a third of children refuse to go to bed before their parents!
So, if you are in that situation, here are some pointers that might help:
First, you need to establish how much sleep they actually need. Most children under 12 need about 10 to 12 hours sleep (the younger they are, the more they need). However, some kids just seem to need very little. If that is the case with yours, ie, they genuinely function well on, say, 6 or 8 hours sleep, there is just no point fighting with them to go to bed 4 hours before they need to - all that will happen is they get up four hours earlier and wake you up then, instead!
After you have established a reasonable bedtime, you should stick to it. Kids take advantage of any weakness. They will not miss a chance to manipulate you into giving them an extra hour. They have a fertile imagination and will concoct any and every tactic to wrangle that from you. They will ask for a drink or a question, or they will say they are scared or need to pee, anything! Some of them are so good at it that they might make you feel sorry for them so that you allow them to stay up later or sleep in your bed. Don’t give in.
Once you have established the rules, you must implement them. Make a bedtime routine. It is very important, especially for the younger ones. As I said earlier, you cannot force sleep, but you can create a situation when sleep comes automatically. Follow the same bedtime routine day after day, and start well before the target bedtime leading them through the various steps, such as getting changed, doing teeth and bathroom, reading a story and switching off the lights. It pays to give them your full attention during this routine; they feel comfortable and secure.
Then, when it comes to lights out, be firm and calm. Make it clear that you expect them to stay in bed. Leave the door open or a night-light on if they need that. You could also put on some gentle, soothing music if they respond well to that.
All this is fine, but if the child gets out of bed, or calls for your attention, then you need to judge the situation calmly. If the need is genuine, cater to it without giving them too much attention so that it doesn’t become a routine affair.
You could use a timer and tell your child that you will be up to check on them after five or ten minutes only if he stays in bed. Start with five minutes and gradually increase to ten minutes. Make sure you go up to check on him and praise him for staying in bed quietly. But don’t linger on. Just tuck him up quietly, give a kiss, and leave.
For your own peace of mind, you may want to go on checking till they are asleep. You might find this very tiring in the beginning, but remember, habits are not formed in a day. You need to put in some effort to get your child into a bedtime routine.
Remember to be positive by praising your child for staying quietly in bed. Also, be very particular about keeping your promise by going to check exactly at the time fixed. This is where the timer comes in handy.
If they get up before your next check, do the following:
First, send them firmly back to bed. Don’t shout; just make it clear you mean business. Then remind them that you WILL be up to tuck them in again, but it won’t be until the timer says so, and now you are going to have to restart the timer as they got out of bed. Having done that, ignore them until the time for your next check.
Finally, remember to reward them for success in staying nicely in bed. A star chart or similar works well for this.
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