http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/an-unusual-experience.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/an-unusual-experience.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:01:08 -0500
Introspection is an important part of life. Kim Robinson, author of An Unusual Experience, from Outskirts Press (www.outskirtspress.com) invited children into her dream to relay a message. From young child to young adult, this story will resonate with what is in every child's heart.

Robinson's dream began on a spaceship, which landed at a community college. Once there, she accepted a piece of candy from a man who then turned out to be her English teacher at the college. The teacher handed out candy to everyone who received a good grade on the stories they had written. The candy turned to gold, which made Robinson want more.

"At first the teacher would not give me any candy," wrote Robinson. "There was something really strange going on around here. I woke up and I was wondering if the next time I go to sleep I will get the gold."

Once she ate some of the candy, her dream became clear. The teacher was actually a king named King Bittersweet. He had lost his crown because he was not the kind of person he should be in his heart. The candy was his way of trying to make up for not being the best person he could be and he wanted another chance to win back his crown.

"The man who was giving out the candy was actually a king forced to give up his crown because of the lack of love in his heart," wrote Robinson. "I understood why he was giving out the candy. It was because he wanted a second chance at his crown. The gold represented the love in one's heart. The candy represented the sweetness."

Once this revelation was made clear, Robinson then found herself being offered her own crown and being named Princess Heart. Princess Heart knew that she was offered this crown for being the best person she could be in her heart. She was offered her own kingdom to rule, a stairwell encased in gold, which led up to the kingdom of Heaven.

"It doesn't matter what you are that will get you into the kingdom, it matters what is in your heart that will make the difference," wrote Robinson.

Princess Heart knew that she needed to be the best person she could be in her heart if she was to rule this staircase forever.

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Tony Panaccio is a Staff Writer at News & Experts.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/tis-the-season.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/tis-the-season.html Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:56:28 -0500
The first step you take is to make a complete list and group it into several sub lists. For example, you can list it in age group, which can make group gift buying easier. You can list in relationship groups. Family member's in one group, friends in another and business associates in a final group. After that, you could even sub group into age. If you have a well-defined list of people you wish to buy for it will help you when decide on what to buy.

Once you have your list together utilize the Internet for gift ideas if you haven't put "feelers" out already. Using the Internet is one of the easiest ways to put a list together and honestly, it's also the easiest way to complete your shopping. However, for this guide, I'm assuming you love the hustle and bustle of retail in December! Se the Internet and decide on the item or items you would like to purchase. Write down each item and the store you would like to purchase the gift at. This will help you group your list by store once you have reached shopping mode.

On a cost saving thought, if you are buying for children often a group gift is a great idea. However, this is where keeping a list of age groups will help. You don't want to buy a group gift for age group one to seven. You might want to forgo buying a group gift for that one year old and possible opt for baby keepsake gifts instead. It's not likely that one year old would appreciate a video game anyway and we all know that your six year old would not appreciate a rattle at all!

Once you have your list together and you've picked out all of your gifts you must refrain from straying from your list. If you do that you'll likely end up more frustrated and with less money in your pocket at the end of the season. The biggest pit fall to holiday spending is impulse buying. This is also where most people end up returning gifts because it was purchased hastily and without thought.

A thoughtful gift idea will go a lot further then any impulse buy and you'll have a more enjoyable and festive time during the buying process. Also, don't forgot to have fun during the giving process. Many people focus so hard on buying that they never enjoy watching those special people open their gifts. This is often as hectic as the buying process. Take it slow and enjoy the season!


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Author Kimberly Green feels baby keepsake gifts are perfect for baby showers and first birthdays

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/kids-toys-whats-hot-and-whats-not.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/kids-toys-whats-hot-and-whats-not.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:56:12 -0500 Among the hottest trends in kids' toys are the toys that encourage learning, creativity and imagination, while having fun. Kids enjoy learning new skills like numbers, colors, and letters, but want to have fun doing it. A boring repetitive activity like flash cards can be helpful but is an outdated idea to learn these concepts. Instead look for things like a toy laptop that teaches letters. Kids can fill their imaginative and creative needs while still learning their letters and numbers.
Another hot trends in kids' toys are things parents look for in a toy. Safety, value, durability, and versatility are all key qualities for kids' toys. Safety is the key thing parents look for in kids' toys. Durability is essential to a kids' toy because if the toy you purchase will not hold up to an active youngster's demands, it is really not a good value. Versatility is also important in kids' toys because the kids will find more uses for the toy, using their never ending supply of imagination and creativity.
One growing trend in kids' toys is green toys. Green toys are thought to be safer for both the environment and for your children. With the recent firestorm regarding safety in kids' toys, more and more parents are choosing green kids' toys.
While some of the hot trends in kids' toys are looking at creativity, imagination, safety, durability, and versatility, some of the trends about what not to buy in kids' toys are also. What's not hot in kids' toys include unsafe toys, toys with only one purpose, and toys that easily break.
Hazardous toys with small parts or lead based paints are being avoided. This trend is ongoing, and with toy manufacturers stepping up to increase the safety level of toys aimed at infants, toddlers, and small children, injuries caused by kids' toys are sure to decline.
Toys with only one purpose discourage imagination and creativity and are out of favor. In days gone by, parents looked for toys that focused on one skill, whether it is letters, colors, or numbers. This is no longer true. Also, toys that are not durable are no longer in favor. The easier it will break, the less likely parents are to purchase the toy for their kids.


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Vickie Lexom is a part time author when she isn't running her coffee shop or chasing her little one around. The Little Tikes Company, is a multi-national manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, innovative children's products. Known for their durable toys, Little Tikes has become the leader in distributing children's toys in households throughout the world. Little Tikes encourages your child to play, and use their imagination, with toys for a wide range of ages! Find exactly what you are looking for at Little Tykes today!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/getting-your-child-interested-in-education.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/getting-your-child-interested-in-education.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:13:33 -0500 It's vital that learning be a partnership between a child, their teacher, their social network and their parents. If a child has this partnership they will surely be set up to succeed in a world that demands more out of them at a younger and younger age! Once this bond is formed you'll see your child learn in exponential ways that you likely thought wasn't possible.

Now, let's get back to the task at hand. You want to be a partner in your child's learning but you have a hard enough time getting their attention long enough to eat dinner or to take a bath! How on earth are you going to get them focused enough to learn? Here is the fun part! Structured learning events with parents should be at a minimum as this is the primary function of the teacher. A child must learn how to function in a highly structured environment in order to function properly in socially when they are in their adult years. Again, this should not be your primary focus when engaging in learning exercises.

Because of this, you can utilize several techniques to keep (or not keep) your child's attention. Many people have found great success in role-playing with their children. A lot can be learned by playing pirates! As your child is busy searching for lost treasure it you're responsibility to fill their heads with the occasional fact or history lesson as you wander around the island with them searching for that lost gold! Don't forget to get lost in time with them. This will not only help you with building educational bonds with your child, it will also help foster an emotional bond with your child that will last through your entire lives.
Utilizing visual stimuli is a great way to use playtime as a learning tool. Playmobil Toys for example has a large product line of toys that can be used to spark the imagination and turn playtime into learning time for your child. Getting down on the floor and holding discussions with your child as you play will encourage the thought process, question asking and will have an end result of a stimulated child.

No matter what method you choose to interact with your child it's important that you participate in the educational process to ensure your values are being instilled into your child and that they feel you have a vested interest in their development. Who knows, you just might learn from them along the way!

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Author Kim Green has children of her own and loves the different imaginative toys Playmobil Toys has come up with - an excellent line of kids toys

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/what-my-kids-taught-me-about-god-from-a-cookie.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/what-my-kids-taught-me-about-god-from-a-cookie.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:15:08 -0500
But... there are days when all they do is ask me for things. "Dad can I have a treat? Can we go to Game Stop (in the middle of my work day) to get some new Nintendo games? Can we go to Sea World (like... right now, in the middle of a work day)." I want this, I want that... It's never ending! And when I say "no" or "maybe later", I get the rolling of the eyes followed by a long "ooohhhhhh I never get what I want" and then a stomping away.

This morning my boys, who are ages 7 and 9, were being unruly and arguing together so I had to step in a few times to break up the melee' and make peace. After a few times of doing this (and not getting any work done because of it), one of them comes to me asking for a cookie.

I snapped. I raised my voice and said "Let me get this straight, so far this morning you've been unruly, disobedient, fighting with your brother, not getting your chores done, distracting me from getting my work done... AND NOW YOU WANT A COOKIE?"

And then I said it... "All you ever do is ask me for things, what have you done for me lately?" And at that very moment I had an epiphany. I thought, "Is this how God feels about ME most of the time?" A humbling moment to say the least.

I mean, most people know it's a good thing to pray. We know that God loves us as His dear little children. Some of us talk to God more than others, but when you do, what do you talk about? I've been in church, I've heard other people pray. It usually goes something like: God give me this, God give me that. God bless this, God help me with that. I want, I need, I want, I want, I want. Yeesh!

When I pray I start off by thanking God for what I have, then I ask for a few things. You know what? From now on I'm going to lead with "God, what can I do for you today?" And then listen for an answer! You know, that small voice deep in your heart telling you what you should or should not do.

I am resolved to make a conscience and more concerted effort to do more for God and his people BEFORE I ask for anything for myself. That seems fair, right?



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Daniel Sweet is the founder of God's Word First Christian Ministry and an expert in business leadership. He is the author of the Power of Leadership Book Series and the creator of the Power of Leadership Training University.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/the-incident-management-program-offers-educators-practical-support-in-behaviour-management.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/the-incident-management-program-offers-educators-practical-support-in-behaviour-management.html Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:33:02 -0500 (http://www.theimp.ca), a networking and information management program that offers educators an effective tool for storing and accessing reports, is making it easier for educators to identify students with behavior problems, track their progress and foster positive behaviour.

Designed by an educator, The Incident Management Program was developed to be intuitive and easy to use. Recording data takes just minutes, eliminating paperwork. Educators can tell at a glance which behavioural challenge a student is struggling with. A convenient message system offers a reminder if incidents need a follow-up. All data is held securely in a facility which is monitored 24 hours a day with no unauthorized access.

"Dealing with behavioural problems in the school can be challenging for teachers and principals. By networking with colleagues and other education professionals, much more can be accomplished," states Gerard Engen, founder of Incident Management Program. "We developed this program to facilitate teamwork. It provides ease of communication between office and staff through a secure network, enabling the school to work as a team. Through the collection of data, trends can be identified in the early stages, enabling educators to become proactive. Potential problems and destructive behavious, such as bullying, can be attended to before they become serious," says Engen.

The Incident Management Program helps to identify problem students and co-ordinates the assistance and support they require. There are 6 Support Levels in the program, each with the appropriate response to change the behaviour that is not improving. Each time an incident is recorded for a particular student, that student moves to the next Support Plan, after they have completed their current plan. Fully completing each plan allows for the maximum behavioural change in the student. The program is designed to be easy to use, efficient and effective. Home contact is made at Support Level 3, ensuring that parents are aware of the situation so that they can take part in the process. Support levels 4 and 5 offer practical solutions to the behavioural difficulties of the student.

When educators are kept aware of what is going on in their schools on a daily basis, behavioural problems can be identified early and dealt with in a timely manner. Positive behaviour trends can be encouraged. Effective prevention of bullying and other disruptive behaviours, leads to a safer, happier school, and a better environment for learning. "Certain students have more difficulties than other students in school. It is crucial that they receive the support they need to succeed. Inappropriate behaviour in the classroom adversely affects the learning of all students. The Incident Management Program's ultimate goal is to provide an environment that will improve educational achievement for all students," adds Engen.


About Incident Management Program: The Incident Management Program is an efficient and effective online computer program designed to assist teachers, schools and school boards in the management of students with behaviour problems. With the Incident Management Program, educators can record, collect, and organize incident information. The Incident Management Program helps to identify students in need and co-ordinates the assistance and support they require. A proactive solution to school behavioural problems, the Incident Management Program can be effective in stopping bullying and other behaviours of a serious nature before they have the chance to develop. Visit http://www.theimp.ca for a free program demonstration and more information about the Incident Management Program.


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Contact Information:
Gerard Engen
Incident Management Program
PO Box 441
Norman Wells, NT X0E 0V0
Canada
250 448 1829
sales@theimp.ca
TheIMP.ca



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/an-occasion-to-play.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/an-occasion-to-play.html Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:40:46 -0500
We've all seen the child who has trouble differentiating from playtime and the times where we need them to behave like proper young children. If you happen to have a child like this you know just what I'm talking about. At any time you are certain your child will morph into Super-Man and run off to save the world. They'll most likely hurt their siblings and make them cry in the process. This is not only embarrassing for parents it's destructive behavior that can affect your child for their entire lives and it's also a learned behavior that can also affect younger siblings in a very negative manner as well.
The good thing is, most of these behaviors can be modified easily by implementing several small tactics that can keep children interested and stimulated as well as developing motor skills, knowledge and social skills. Don't get me wrong, any time you try to add a little structure to chaos you'll find pit falls and brick walls but the end result will be a child who can play and function in a manner that benefits everyone.

Trying to build character through play time is one of the most rewarding experiences a parent will have with their children because it's time you get to spend simply having fun. The first step is to set clear ground rules for the game. For example, setting time limit, or sharing requirements will help you with the structure aspect. Just like adults, children benefit from structure because it gives them parameters to work within.

When playing imagination games (being a pirate trying to recover lost treasure) be prepared to teach. The definition of a parent should be "teacher" because it's up to you to make sure your children are being mentally stimulated and not just running through their day mindlessly. Before getting involved with kids toys, a new game or adventure with your child, do a little research on your own so you can bring interesting facts or stimulating questions to fun time. This keeps your child mentally involved in playtime and also helps to build on their knowledge. In the world of video games and televised stimulation playtime is rare and when your child does engage in it you can get 10 times more from it by using education to enhance the fun.

Building motor skills is another area that is often overlooked but very crucial in your child's development. The term "idol hands" is very true in the fact that when your child gets bored, they get into trouble. We've all seen it a hundred times. So when you're down on the floor playing with those Magformers, challenge your child to build something specific and build one right along side of them. This gives then sensory stimulation and it keeps them involved in the process. Once you build that pirate boat you can float on over to your Playmobil Toys village and search for that elusive gold. Your child will appreciate having a swash-buckling partner to help them and they will be more constructive in the process.



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Author Kimberly Green has 3 children whom she loves to buy fun and interactive kids toys for. They are a useful tool for imaginative play and learning.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/limoges-box-a-unique-baby-gift.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/limoges-box-a-unique-baby-gift.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:25:29 -0500
Kaolin (in Chinese meaning white clay) the primary substance for making porcelain could be obtained only by importing it from China. In 1768 Kaolin was finally discovered around the city of Limoges, in France, and the beginning of Limoges porcelain was born. Limoges, a small town was one of the oldest in the French kingdom. The most prestigious artists (painters) became interested in this fabulous substance. They created tableware articles such as plates, platters and pitchers as well as fancy objects such as vases, bonbonieres, and the snuff box or Tabatiere in French. The snuff box became an immediate success. With porcelain there was no limit to the artists' imagination or creativity. Miniature boxes resembling flowers, musical instruments, or even pets could be created. By owning a Tabatiere a person was identified as distinguished, trendy and affluent.

The French Revolution led to the practice of smoking tobacco with a pipe instead of snuffing it. Because of this the production of the fashionable snuff boxes came to a standstill.

When unable to locate old snuff boxes due to two centuries of revolutions and wars in Europe, entailing substantial destruction, some of the Limoges producers were prompted to pursue the re-birth of the Tabatiere. If original boxes did survive, they carried a very high value. Manufacturers worked very hard, the production was re-started and the artisans succeeded in resurrecting their heritage. Thus the Limoges boxes still thrive.

Now that you know the history of these beautiful pieces of art you can also appreciate them. They are truly keepsakes that anyone receiving them would be extremely delighted.

Go to GiveBabyGifts.com and you will see an example of this unique baby gift. There is one for a girl and one for a boy. The initials are on the outside of the lid and the date of birth and weight and height are on the inside of the lid. There is also a picture on the bottom of each one. This personalized baby gift is hand painted so no two are exactly alike. Don't forget the grandparents, this baby gift item will make an excellent gift as they could start a collection with each new arrival.



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Being a mother of four, grandmother of two and an aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, with another one on the way, I have an abundant amount of experience giving and receiving baby gifts. Those are some of the reasons why I decided on a baby gifts and baby gift baskets website. I enjoy the merchandise that goes with a baby inspired business and everything about giving baby gifts is cheerful and happy. The next time you need a unique baby gift (like a Limoges box) go to
GiveBabyGifts.com. and check out our newborn baby gifts and new baby gift baskets.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/baby-gift-dish-sets.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/baby-gift-dish-sets.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:53:05 -0500
With the picture-taking excitement that comes when your baby is ready to take his or her first taste of solid food, you will be marking this momentous event with a gift that can be cherished for generations. It's a little known fact that when a child can "do it myself!" they are motivated to eat more of what's on their plate - including their vegetables.

Finding cutlery to suit children's small, inexpert hands can be a struggle, particularly when it comes to child cutlery that contains a small knife that is not only safe for a young child to use, but can also actually cut food. This special child cutlery set is perfect for young hands. The gentle curved blade on this child's gift set is safe, kid-friendly and will allow your child to learn to cut food on their own with ease.

Using their own cutlery set, your child will be taking their first steps towards more independence at mealtime. Our baby spoon sets are specially designed for small hands and small mouths, and make the perfect gift for a new baby on the way, a child about to explore his first foods or a toddler ready to take charge of their own independence. Each baby feeding set is beautifully gift-boxed for a perfect presentation. Baby feeding sets are always a treasured baby keepsake gift. For more details http://www.katiewongnyc.com



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Representing Baby Gift Dish Sets in the website www.katiewongnyc.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/checklist-for-child-proofing-your-home-keeping-your-active-baby-or-toddler-safe.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/checklist-for-child-proofing-your-home-keeping-your-active-baby-or-toddler-safe.html Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:21:11 -0500
Below is a Home Safety Checklist that will help you go room by room in your home and look for potential child safety hazards.

Edge & Corner Protection - Every room in the house should be checked for sharp edges and corners. These objects should be removed or covered with edge and corner cushions or bumpers. Coffee tables, end tables, and fireplace hearths are the typical items to consider. Other household items to check for sharp edges in your safety inspection are desks, entertainment centers, shelves, cabinets, window sills, stone or marble stairs, statues or other decoration pieces.

Stairway Protection - All stairways that your baby could potentially have access to should have stairway safety gates. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC), Falls Fact Sheet, 2004, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children ages 14 and under account for one-third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Because falls are associated with a child's curiosity and development of motor skills, babies and toddlers are at the greatest risk of fall-related death and injury. Children ages 5 and under accounted for nearly half of the fall related emergency room injuries cited above. Please do not let your child become one of these statistics. Research and install stairway safety gates. Also examine the slats in your stairways and banister to determine if banister guard is needed.

Choking and Ingestion Hazards - Now that your child is or about to become mobile, check your home for small objects that could potentially be within your child's reach such as small marbles or stones that are often used as decoration around candles or other coffee table center pieces. As part of normal development, babies learn by putting things in their mouth. Remove glass or other breakable/valuable objects. Set dog and cat food out of reach. Use extreme caution and do your research on chemicals if you have your home exterminated or use chemical products to clean (consider organic, non toxic products). Babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor and often but their hands and objects in their mouth. In most cases this also helps them build their immune system, but we have to do our part to keep them safe from serious injury. Check all floor level cabinets for cleaning products, medicine, makeup, alcohols, Ect. and move them to a top cabinet or install safety latches or cabinet sliding locks.

Falling Furniture - Check your home for large items that could fall over and bolt them to the wall. Too many child injuries have occurred due to televisions, entertainment centers, and bookshelves falling over on children. Toddlers like to climb! Additional things to consider as potential falling hazards are computer monitors, large vases, plant stands, and dressers.

Kitchen Safety - As stated earlier ensure that cleaning/chemical products are in a locked cupboard or placed well out of reach. Consider installing a stove guard to prevent burns or a child playing with the knobs and turning the gas on. Move kitchen knife racks well out of reach. Toddlers enjoy helping out in the kitchen and it is important to their developmental growth and independence to do things for themselves, but standing on chairs and stools can also become a fall hazard. Consider investing in a step stool with side rails such as the Learning Tower. Children should always be well monitored while standing on stools or chairs.

Electrical Hazards - All unused electrical outlets should have outlet plug covers and cords should be placed out of the way as much as possible. In bathrooms, never leave blow dryers or other electrical items plugged in and unattended near the sink or bath tub.

Windows & Shade Cords - For homes that are two stories or have high windows consider installing window guards if you frequently open your windows. This is especially important in a child's room. Shade cords should be tied up and out of reach of children. For some reason these cords tend to attract children's' attention as a play item and can be extremely dangerous if the cord gets wrapped around them.

As well as child proofing your home, Child Safety Gates are an ideal way to keep your child contained and safe. As a mother of two children, I know how quickly a child can crawl or run if you turn your back for a minute to attend to house hold chores. Give yourself that piece of mind knowing that your child is learning by exploring his world, but contained to safe areas of your home!

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Sherry L. Martin, Mother and Owner of Active One Safety Gates.
To view a selection of Child Safety Gates, and Edge & Corner Protection visit www.ActiveOneSafetyGates.com.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>