When we think of birthday party gifts, the first thing that comes to mind is the gifts that guests bring for the birthday boy or girl. But it’s also nice to send the guests themselves home with a small gift. It’s a nice way of expressing appreciation for their attendance.

If you’re playing party games, gifts could take the form of prizes. But unless you come up with a way for every child to win something, you’ll also need some party favors to give everyone. Here are some ideas for inexpensive take home gifts for birthday party guests that won’t break the bank.

Party Favors

You can often find inexpensive party favors to use in grab bags at your local dollar store. It’s possible that they’ll even have something that matches with your theme. If they don’t have items that have exactly the same theme, you can almost always find some more general favors like costume jewelry, bouncy balls, or toy cars.

Some nicely packaged candy is an appreciated and inexpensive favor. You’ll just need a large bag of candy, some small cellophane bags or tulle, and some ribbon to tie them up with. You can also add shaped beads or other decorations if you like.

Letting kids make their own favors provides a fun party activity and a unique favor to take home. It’s even better if you can find a project that fits well with the theme. For example, girls at a princess party could make tiaras out of construction paper or poster board and decorate them with markers, paint, or stick-on gems.

You could also use more general items for projects. For example, you might buy inexpensive items such as plastic visors and provide paint for the kids to personalize them with. These types of projects are inexpensive, easy and fun.

Prizes

If the kids will be playing games for prizes, offering something a little more elaborate than the standard party favors is in order. It doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive, just something above and beyond what everyone is getting.

Filling a jar with jelly beans, hard candy, or some other small treat provides both a game and a prize. Guests can write down their guesses as to how many of the items are in the jar, and the one who gets the closest can take the jar home to enjoy. Or, if you prefer, you could provide another prize and let everyone have some of the candy from the jar.

The dollar store should also have some good items to give away as prizes. Small stuffed animals, jump ropes, and other inexpensive but fun toys work nicely as prizes. You could also get a few even less expensive items and put them into a gift bag or basket for a special prize.

Halloween is a great day for kids, but is also one in which caution and safety should be utilized. Here are some tips, some of which have been recommended by the National Safety Council.

* Ensure a parent or guardian accompanies the kids when they go out trick-or-treating.
* If you have older kids who are going out with friends, instruct them to stay within the neighborhood, and to walk along a well lit route.
* Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
* Only visit those homes in which you know the families.
* Remind them to look both ways when they cross the street. Kids who wear dark clothing are especially vulnerable to drivers who cannot see them at night.
* If your child is going out with a group of other children, ensure that his or her name, address, and telephone number is tucked inside his or her pocket. This is just in case they get separated from the group.
* Walk; do not run, from house to house.
* Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
* Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
* Do not cross yards and lawns where they cannot see objects or come across uneven terrain can cause them to fall.
* Don’t accept any rides from strangers or talk to them either.
* Always know where you are.
* Avoid pets you don’t know.
* Treat bags carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
* Masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision. If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
* Give your kids a time when they should return home.
* Advise your kids not to eat any treat before they come home.
* After your kids bring home their treats, inspect everything in their treat bag.
* Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
* Check for any holes in candy or candy bars or partially open candies. Throw out baked goods that are homemade, unless you know the origin.
* When in doubt, throw it out.

Few parents have made it through any child’s toddler stage without having to deal with a few temper tantrums. They are one of the most difficult things mothers and fathers have to deal with when their children are young. You can save yourself a lot of frustration by taking steps to avoid them as much as possible. And when they do occur, remaining calm can help you put them to an end much more quickly.

What Causes Tantrums?

The toddler stage is one that is full of transitions. There is a huge amount of physical and mental development going on. He has the desire to be independent, but he still needs help with some things. He also has a long way to go with his communication skills, and sometimes he will know what he wants but have trouble relaying that information. All of these things can lead to frustration, and that is the root cause of many a tantrum.

Some toddlers also use tantrums as a way to manipulate. If parents give in to these tantrums, they will almost certainly be followed by more of the same. So when dealing with tantrums that are designed to ensure that the child gets what he wants, it is important to stand your ground.

Avoiding Tantrums

The best and most effective way to deal with tantrums is to avoid them in the first place. That may sound impossible, but it’s not. It will, however, require you to determine what factors make a tantrum most likely to happen.

When your child has tantrums, is he usually tired or hungry? Or does he react poorly to situations that leave him bored? These and other factors can put your child in a bad mood and trigger tantrums. Remedying these situations before taking your child anywhere can result in him being more agreeable, and in turn lessen the chances of a tantrum.

Dealing With Tantrums

A tantrum will almost certainly occur every now and then. If it does, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Getting upset or angry will only add fuel to the fire.

Addressing the child’s frustrations may put an end to the meltdown, or at least lessen its severity. If you don’t know what it is that your toddler wants, ask him to tell or show you. If you know what he wants but he can’t have it, explain that you are aware of his desires but can’t fulfill them. Don’t forget to tell him why.

Holding your child can sometimes help calm him down. Unless he is flailing his arms and legs wildly to the point that he is hurting you, holding him and comforting him with soothing words might improve the situation. But if this makes him more upset, it is defeating the purpose. In that case, letting him go and staying close by to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself might be a better course of action.

If you are in public when the tantrum starts, don’t panic. If you try to calm your toddler to no avail, take him somewhere quiet and as private as possible to cool off. When the tantrum is over, explain how you expect your child to behave before going back to your previous activity.

Tantrums are no fun for toddlers or their parents, but sometimes they happen. By remaining calm, you can avoid making the situation worse. Then you can use compassion to address your child’s frustrations and put them to rest.

When the colder winds start to blow, you know Christmas break is just around the corner.  You may be trying to think of things you can do with your children to keep them occupied while they’re home.  If you start early enough, you can make sugar cube igloos and use them to decorate for the holidays. Read the rest of this entry

Wait To School Shop

The new school year will be here before you know it. You’re probably already thinking about the money you’ll have to spend on new clothes, school supplies, and miscellaneous fees. Some people start shopping as soon as the last day of the previous year. Others choose to wait to school shop. Which is the better choice? Read the rest of this entry

Times are definitely changing and with the many discussions of kids and online safety, it can be pretty scary at times. We want to know that they’re safe, but we also want to ensure they have a sense of privacy.

A recent study conducted by Justin Patchin, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, showed 91% of the profiles viewed for users 18 and under did not include full names and 40% of youth kept their profiles private from public view.

Unfortunately, the same study showed that 5% posted pictures of themselves in bathing suits or underwear. 15% of the profiles showed friends in bathing suits or underwear.

The positive thing to take from this study is that a lot of kids are being safe and just because our kids are online, doesn’t mean that they are getting themselves into trouble or are being targeted by predators. The Internet gives our children access to many more people (and gives many more people access to our children), but most children are going to use the same logic and common sense they apply to the offline world and won’t become victims to predators.

Tips to ensure your kids are safe online:
* Keep the lines of communication open.
* Know who your children are spending time with.
* Respect their privacy – within guidelines.
* Spend time with your children.

If you think your children are spending too much time online, you can speak to them about it. Establish limits, with their input, and encourage other physical activities, spending time with friends and family members.

If you sense there truly is a problem and they may be involved in something dangerous, start a discussion about it. If you think you need to see what they’ve been doing online, go together.

There are a lot of different philosophies out there about how to raise your children. One of more popular parenting philosophies that’s been publicized in the past few years is attachment parenting. Many people don’t understand exactly what it is. Attachment parenting is when the parents try to form a close, special bond with their children. This strong relationship with their parents is said to help a child develop strong, healthy, secure relationships in the future.

While there are many ways to develop these strong bonds with young children, Attachment Parenting International, a major proponent of this philosophy, has released a list of 8 ideals for attachment parents. It is important to realize that these are something to strive for, not something most people can actually accomplish in their hectic lives. The ideals they give are:

* Preparation for Childbirth. This involves educating yourself so you can be an active participant in your pregnancy and delivery. An active parent should take classes and strive to make important decisions early. A mother should also try to keep stress on the baby low during pregnancy.

* Emotional Responsiveness. This is probably the most important philosophy in attachment parenting. It involves being aware of and fulfilling your child’s emotional needs. It stresses comforting your baby when they cry instead of letting them “cry it out” on their own. A parent should develop the ability to interpret and fulfill your child’s needs by spending quality time with them.

* Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not only the most nutritious diet possibly for babies; it also promotes bonding between the mother and child through closeness and also hormonal reactions. Attachment parenting encourages breastfeeding until the mother and the baby are both ready to stop. It also advocates breastfeeding behaviors even if you’re bottle feeding your baby.

* Baby Wearing. Wearing your baby in a sling can have many positive benefits. It allows your child to feel safe and secure, stimulates their neurological development, and helps stabilize their biorhythms. It also brings a sense of closeness between the wearer and the baby.

* Shared Sleep. Sleeping in a bed with the parents can make a child feel safe and secure at night because their needs are being met. If a baby has to cry for a while before a parent arrives, it can shatter their feeling of nighttime security. With co-sleep, mom is always there to respond to needs immediately. It also make breastfeeding easier and further strengthens that bond.

* Avoiding long separations from your baby. Try not to be away from your baby for too long. This can emotionally damage a child and the bond you have with them. If long absences are unavoidable, try to find one consistent caregiver who will treat your child as you normally would, ensuring continuity of care.

* Positive discipline. Attachment parenting stressed forming a strong bond with your child which helps them to trust you. If they have this trust, you can guide them to make good choices by making them yourselves. You should keep this trust by trying to understand and empathize with your child’s point of view.

* Balance your family life. This involves not only being there for your family, but also being there for yourself. Someone who has a solid support structure and cares for themselves will be better equipped to care for their family as well.

While it times it may be difficult to follow all these ideals, if you strive to reach at least some of them, you will likely have a happy, independent, and well adjusted child.

Further Reading:
The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby

Parents often dread potty training. Teaching a child to use the toilet after he has gotten accustomed to using a diaper seems like a daunting task. But many parents claim that elimination communication potty training, or EC for short, is less stressful and more effective than traditional methods.

What is Elimination Communication?

EC has been used in many cultures for centuries. It is simply the practice of learning to recognize the signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, and taking him to the toilet when you see them. It is generally started before six months of age, but some parents start later than that.

Each child has his own individual way of communicating that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement. It’s up to the parents to pick up on these signs. Some things to look for include passing gas, grunting, squirming, or a serious look on your child’s face. Your child may do some or all of these things, or he may give cues that are unique to him.

Once you’ve figured out the signs, you can start taking the child to the potty when you see them. Parents often develop signs, either verbal or visual, that let the child know that they are in a place where it is acceptable to eliminate. If he does, some praise will reinforce the behavior and make him more likely to continue with it.

To Diaper or Not to Diaper?

One reason that some parents choose the Elimination Communicationmethod is because it can reduce the need for diapers. While you will probably need some backup in the early stages, the possibility of not having to buy diapers or fill up the landfills with them once the child starts using the toilet is quite appealing. Some parents find that using cloth diapers enhances their children’s success with elimination communication due to the fact that they can feel the results of elimination.

Some parents choose not to use diapers at all when practicing EC potty training. Many of these parents claim that their children rarely have a bowel movement in their underpants. It is often necessary, however, to use a diaper when on the road or away from home.

The Debate About EC

Some experts feel that elimination communication potty training is inappropriate due to the fact that it is started at such a young age. They claim that because children under two years old do not have fully developed muscles, they cannot control their urination and bowel movements. There are also psychologists who argue that early toilet training can cause problems later in life.

EC supporters claim that it is not damaging to the child because he is not pressured into going to the toilet on his own. If done correctly, EC puts the caregiver in charge of getting the child to the toilet when he needs to go. The child will realize what is going on and start going to the bathroom on his own when the time comes.

Elimination communication sounds unusual to some parents, but it is an easy concept to implement. It has the potential to make potty training easier and less stressful, and it could save you a lot of money in the long run. Once you’ve deciphered the signs that indicate your child needs to go to the bathroom, the hardest part is over.

Elimination Communication on the news:

Since its opening in 1972, Walt Disney World in Orlando has been the most kid-friendly travel destination to date. With its Magic Kingdom; Epcot Center; Animal Kingdom; Disney-MGM; Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, this is one place you and your kids will never run out of things to do. Disney World is truly a magical place, and one in which you can choose an affordable package depending upon the type of accommodations you choose.

If you have decided to go to Disney World, the first thing to do is to go online to the official Walt Disney World site at:

http://home.disney.go.com/travel/

Here, you can choose your hotel, accommodations, and number of nights. In addition, WDW offers a DVD offering a free vacation planning guide for you to view before you book your trip.

Note: A typical 7 night hotel package for a family of four, which includes accommodations at the Disney’s All Star Movie Resort, and an 8 Day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun, would cost approximately $2100.00. This does not include airline tickets. Certainly, there are less expensive packages available.

You can choose accommodations off-site and take the shuttle to and from the park, or you can rent a car. This site also allows you to book airline flights and transportation to and from hotel as well. Or, you can use any of the online travel sites to book your flights, such as: expedia.com or orbitz.com. You have another option as well. Go to your travel agent and have him or her book the entire package which includes: air, hotel package, theme park tickets and ground transportation for you. There is no additional charge for their service.

You can also take a cruise! The Disney Cruise Line offers two different packages: three nights at Walt Disney World and 4 nights at sea; or 4 nights at Walt Disney World and three nights at sea. Each package includes a stop at Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, and departs from Port Canaveral in Florida. The entire package rate is approximately $4000.00 for a stateroom, based on two adults and two children. Airline rates are additional.

It is advisable to book your disney vacation trip up to six months in advance. The reason for this is that you can derive the best accommodations, best airline prices and cruise rates, and lock into them early. If you choose to book your vacation online, read the terms and conditions for cancellation, and any fees incurred.
If you decide to visit a travel agent, he or she will provide you with an entire package rate. Remember, no additional fees are incurred by the agent. Their commission is obtained from the hotels, cruise lines, and airlines.

Touted for being a fun-filled cruise complete with Disney characters, this is one vacation you will thoroughly enjoy. After all of the sightseeing and running around at Disney World, you will certainly look forward to additional days of relaxation; being pampered by the crew; as well as dining and dancing under the stars. The kids will love it too, especially with all of the activities the cruise line has planned for them.

Note: You will need updated passports for the entire family. Also, your disney vacation begins first; then on to a cruise to the beautiful island of the Bahamas. Check Disney Cruise online at: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com.

Traveling Tip ==> The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide

Do you remember when you were in school? You could hardly wait for the school year to end and summer vacation to begin. The closer a new school year came, the more you had back to school anxiety. Your children probably feel the same way as the new school year is drawing near. Read the rest of this entry

When your child is an infant, he may have no problem with going to the babysitter. Babies usually adapt to new caregivers well as long as their needs are being attended to. So it often comes as a shock when you go to drop your 1 year old off at his long-time sitter, and he starts screaming.

This is not an uncommon scenario. At some point between 8 months and 2 1/2 years of age, most children experience separation anxiety to some degree. Understanding the underlying causes can help you cope with separation anxiety and help your child overcome it.

What Causes Separation Anxiety?

At around 6 months, your baby will begin to realize that objects do not disappear when they are out of sight. This is a major discovery for him. But it also brings forth worries that things that go away might not come back. And those things include his parents.

So when you drop your child off with his caregiver, he may get very upset even if he has been going to the same caregiver for some time without incident. Some parents panic and see this as cause for alarm. But if there are no other indications of problems, it is probably a case of separation anxiety.

How to Cope With Seperation Anxiety

If possible, avoid taking your child to a new childcare provider when he is between 8 months and 1 year old. This is when separation anxiety usually begins to appear. Although it will likely show itself even with familiar caregivers, switching to a new one at this sensitive time could make things much worse.

Telling your child when you will be back in terms that he can understand may help to alleviate his fears. He probably can’t tell time yet, so he’ll need something other than a number of hours. Telling him you’ll be back after lunch or naptime gives him a familiar event to go by. Sticking to your word and being back exactly when you said you would lets him know that he can count on what you tell him.

Some parents try to sneak off when the child is not looking, but that usually makes things worse. Even if your child is crying, telling him goodbye and meaning it is the best approach. Once you’ve left, it’s not a good idea to come back to check on him. A phone call 15-20 minutes later can ease your fears while avoiding a second meltdown.

Separation anxiety affects most toddlers at some point. It is just part of growing up. Remaining calm, saying goodbye, and leaving when the time comes will help your child adjust. Setting a time to be back and sticking to it will alleviate his fears and build confidence.

One of the most pressing questions parents have about their toddlers is, “When can I start potty training?” Few moms and dads enjoy spending money on diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream any longer than absolutely necessary. Yet it is important not to push your child into potty training before she is ready.

Different children develop at different rates, so they reach potty training readiness at different ages. Most children are ready sometime between 2 and 3 years of age. But some are ready earlier, and some aren’t ready until later.

More important than age are a child’s physical, mental, and emotional readiness. These can be gauged by looking for certain signs, including the following:

* She urinates and has bowel movements at fairly regular intervals.
* She wakes up from naps dry.
* She can pull her pants and underpants up and down.
* She doesn’t like the feeling of a wet or dirty diaper.
* She displays interest in going to the bathroom.
* She can follow simple instructions.
* She recognizes the physical signs that she needs to go.

Most children achieve physiological readiness for potty training between 12 and 24 months. This means that they can hold their urine or bowel movements long enough to make it to the bathroom. While this is an important milestone in potty training readiness, mental and emotional readiness must also be achieved before training can be successful.

Several cognitive skills are needed for potty training. Knowing that she is about to urinate or have a bowel movement is an important first step for your toddler. She will need to know and understand certain words associated with potty training, such as “potty” and “underwear”. She should also be able to understand instructions so that you can explain to her what to do when she needs to go to the potty.

The final thing your child needs in order to be ready for potty training is emotional readiness. This includes such things as a desire for independence, a need for approval, and social awareness. These factors will determine whether or not your child wants to start using the potty. If a toddler is physically and mentally ready but simply is not interested in being potty trained, there is little hope for success. Waiting until she shows a desire to use the potty will save you both a lot of frustration.

Even if your child displays all the signs of potty training readiness, you may need to wait if there are other major changes going on. If a new sibling is on the way or you are moving, there will be too much going on for your child to concentrate on potty training. This could result in setbacks, so you will probably come out ahead by waiting until things calm down a bit.

There is no right or wrong age to start potty training your child. But it is important to wait until your child is developmentally ready to start. Following her cues can help you determine when she is ready to start using the potty.

As kids look forward to the last day of school, most middle school public school teachers remind their students to read at least 25 books over the summer. While this is certainly a daunting challenge, there are ways reading can be included in this summer with a trip to your local library.

While it is estimated that school kids put in more hours than working adults, they too need a bit of a break. The first week of vacation should be devoted to rest and relaxation. This can then be followed by weekly trips to the library wherein kids can choose their own reading material specifically in topics which interest them. All year long they are being told what to read. By giving them the opportunity to choose books they like, they won’t feel so overwhelmed. Allowing them to decide what to read will give them the flexibility to seek different genres such as Harry Potter, and the ability to engage in this ongoing adventure.

Children are under a great deal of pressure during the school year. Summer should be a time of fun, but it can also be a time of learning as well. If your kids love to read, the trips to the library will be exciting for them. If they are hesitant, allow them to browse around. If they don’t choose any books the first time around, try again a week later. They may come upon a book or books which grab their attention. You can be assured once they find a topic of interest, especially if it’s a serialized book, they will want to return.

Summer reading and library trips can be a summer activity. It all depends upon how it is approached. While the 25-book requirement may or may not be reached, it is important for the kids not to feel pressured, but allowed to read at their own pace. If they manage to read 1 book every 2 weeks, that’s a plus. Whether they take a book to the beach or read aloud at home, reading should be a fun and relaxing time for kids.

Our children are precious to us, there’s no denying that.  When we have to leave them with someone while we work or go to school, we want to be sure we’re leaving them with qualified, competent people.  Here are some daycare dos and don’ts to consider when thinking about where your child will stay. Read the rest of this entry

Spring break is coming up, and you’re looking forward to spending some quality time with the kids. Maybe you’ve even planned a trip or some activities for the week. And then your teen comes to you and asks if she can take a trip with her friends. What do you do?

This is a tough question for many parents. We’ve all heard the horror stories of teens and young adults who have been victims of crime during spring break. Your first instinct may be to panic and say no, but wait. It’s important to hear your teen out before making a decision.

Once your teen has told you what it is she wants to do, ask her some questions. Here are a few that it’s good to know the answers to, if she hasn’t already told you:

* Will there be a responsible adult chaperone present?
* What is the destination, and where would she be staying?
* Who else is going, and are these the kinds of people she would be allowed to hang out with at home?
* Who is in charge of setting up the travel, activities, and accommodations?

Has Your Teen Earned Your Trust?

When considering letting your teen go on a spring break trip without you, it is important to examine any trust issues. If you have had problems with your teen lying to you on a regular basis, it is probably not a good idea to allow her to go. If you’re not sure that she is telling you the truth about the trip, it’s possible that she could end up in danger.

If, on the other hand, your teen has always been honest with you, it is best to give her request serious consideration. If she has answered all of your questions to your satisfaction, that is good. But it’s also a good idea to do some investigating of your own.

What Kind of Research Should I Do?

First, see what you can find out about the proposed destination. Is it frequented by spring breakers? What is the crime rate? Have there been reports of kidnappings or other crimes against kids there on spring break?

If the destination looks okay, check out the people behind the trip. If it is planned by an organization, do some research to find out if they are on the up and up. Some unscrupulous organizations take advantage of young people who are looking to have some spring break fun.

If everything checks out, consider letting your teen go on the trip. She is at a stage where developing independence is very important, and such a trip could be good for her. Just be sure that she understands that the rules of conduct that would apply at home also apply while she is away, and that she knows everything she needs to know to stay safe.

Technorati Tags: spring break

Parents of today’s toddlers can choose from numerous products designed to help with potty training. There are potty chairs, potty seats, potty books, and potty dolls. There are sticker charts, flushable wipes, and even alarm watches that remind your child that it’s time to go to the potty.

One of the most frequently used potty training aids is the pull-up. It’s a thin disposable diaper that is made like underwear so that the child can pull it off and on when it’s time to use the potty. Some have symbols on them that fade when wet, and some are made with tear-away sides in case of accidents. But there is some debate as to their effectiveness.

The problem with pull-ups and diapers is that they absorb too well. They pull moisture away from the child’s skin, and that is a good thing for babies. But toddlers who are potty training can benefit from the motivation that a wet diaper provides.

Advantages of Cloth Diapers

Moms who use cloth diapers have a bit of an advantage when it comes to potty training. Cloth diapers allow the child to feel the wetness and discomfort caused by urination and bowel movements. Most children find this quite unpleasant, and it provides a unique incentive to start using the potty.

Another good thing about cloth diapers when it comes to potty training is that they’re cheaper than disposable pull-ups. So if your toddler has a lot of accidents you will have to wash diapers more often, but that is cheaper than buying more pull-ups.

Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers

One problem with cloth diapers as opposed to pull-ups is that they are usually harder for the child to pull down on his own. So during the learning stages, he may need more help than he would otherwise when going to the potty.

Another disadvantage of cloth diapers is evidenced when traveling. If the child uses the diaper, you will have to find somewhere to store it until you get back home. If you’re not prepared, you could be in for a smelly car ride, especially if you’re on a long trip.

Cloth Diapers May Make Potty Training Quicker

Although they can be less convenient than disposables, many moms are choosing to use cloth diapers. Those who are attempting to potty training often find that their children learn quickly. In fact, statistics show that toddlers who wear cloth diapers are fully trained six months before those who wear disposable diapers or pull-ups.

Cloth diapers are inexpensive and better for the environment than disposable diapers. They also provide an advantage to moms who are attempting to potty train. So even though cloth diapers are less convenient than disposables in some ways, using them may result in less time in diapers for your child.

New Mom Review: Disney Mix Stick- High School Musical

Disney Mix Stick High School Musical

Description: The Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange is a MP3 player for children that will play songs two ways. The first way to play songs is by the SD/MMC card slot, this slot plays WMA/MP3 songs that have been saved to SD/MMC cards. You can also buy SD/MMC cards that already come preloaded with music onto the cards. The Disney Company sells them under the name of Mix Clips. The Mix Clips offer the convenience of a full CD’s worth of songs in one little SD/MMC card.

The second way that the Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange plays songs are to take them directly from your computer. To do so is very easy, simply take the end off of the Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange and plug it directly into your computer. Any songs from your computer that are in the MP3/WMA format can be loaded unto your Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange player. It also comes with software to load to your computer to help you with the copying of music files from your computer to your Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange player.

Review: Both my son and my daughter have the Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange. They received them for their birthdays. They are made very sturdy and have lasted very well. I have had no problems with transferring songs from my computer to the player. I give this product a 5 star rating.

The buttons on the Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange MP3 player are very easy to use. There are buttons for functions that include, fast forward, rewind, play, pause, mix it and loop.

The Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange MP3 player also comes with a built in rechargeable battery that has an 8-hour playback life, ear buds and a lanyard with a safety release. Every time you plug in your Disney Mix Stick-High School Musical in Orange Mp3 player to transfer songs from your computer to the player you are also charging the rechargeable battery.

==>Disney Mix Stick High School Musical

By Aurelia Williams, author of Getting out of the SuperMom Trap

A few generations ago, children were commonly expected to help around the house. When society was mainly based on agricultural endeavors, children were expected to help around the farm as well. Our society has changed and so has our expectation of our children. Learning to delegate household chores to children can benefit both the children and the parents. Read the rest of this entry

When we were kids, if we didn’t do our homework there were severe consequences. Today, with TV, video games, and other distractions available for kids to put off studying and completing homework assignments, encouraging study habits at the beginning of the school year can make all the difference in a child’s educational achievements.

Here are some tips which can motivate your child to implement good study habits for school.

* Designate an area or room where your child has a desk and chair.
* Ensure there is no TV, boom box, or other distractions in the room.
* Determine when homework should begin. If the child wishes to begin homework assignments upon arriving home, have a snack available for them until dinnertime.
* If the homework is not completed by then, they can continue after dinner, but only up to a certain time.
* Allowing a specified time for homework is also recommended.
* Taking ten minutes breaks in between homework assignments can alleviate the child becoming too tired to continue.
* Getting up and walking around the room or simply stretching can also alleviate leg and back pain.
* Ask family members to eliminate as much noise as possible during study time.
* If your child has a problem with a subject area, it is recommended that you offer assistance but not to engage in completing any homework assignment.
* Ensure the child has a good night’s sleep. Oftentimes children are so tired they come home and take a nap, thus they begin their homework at a late hour and the cycle continues the next day.

It is estimated that children today have to spend more time attending to homework and studying than the average person spends in an office. Whether your child attends elementary, middle, or high school, having the tools to achieve success begins with a set of rules and regulations for the entire family which can help your child maintain good study habits.

Children have a lot of pressure at school and are bombarded with assignments every day. Whatever can be done to alleviate any stress associated with homework and studying can only lead to good habits and a happy and healthy outlook.

As toddlers, kids are discovering the world through their five senses. Kids don’t have to wait until they are school age to begin the learning process. They can be started off as young as the age of two with a few fun and educational games.

Music is a good tool for learning. The rhythm and the lyrics teach hand-to-eye coordination, tone and memorization. Once kids are two years old they can usually walk without wobbling too much. Their balance is even between both feet and they are learning to jump and run.

These skills are helpful in songs like “Hokey Pokey”. They learn the right from the left foot and the right from the left arm. Perform the song once for them and then have them try it with you. Both kids and parents will get a laugh out of the song and the game. Don’t worry about how well they perform the movements. Over time, they will improve. “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Row, Row, Row your Boat” are also good songs for movement and rhythm.

I can still remember nursery rhymes from my childhood. Why? Nursery rhymes are told over and over to kids. Even though your child can’t read yet, use picture books to tell the story of the nursery rhymes. When you recite them, use a sing-song rhythm. Start off with simple ones like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Mary had a Little Lamb”.

Picture books are excellent for familiarizing toddlers with animals and their sense of touch. The book “Pat the Bunny” has soft surfaces that imitate the furry coat of a bunny. Children can feel the softness and associate it with a bunny rabbit. Other picture books have foods and other items in it that kids see in their homes. After reading the book, you could take your toddler around the house and see if he/she can find any of the book items in the house.

You can take a nature walk outdoors with your child. This is a chance to teach your child about the world beyond their home. You can examine trees, leaves and the grass. Let toddlers feel each thing and see if they can repeat the words that you say. Taking them outdoors in all types of weather introduces them to the idea of rain, snow, cold, heat and wind. Tell them that their outerwear will change depending on the weather for the day.

Kids like to pull things out and spread them on the floor. Use that behavior as a chance to teach them about fruits and vegetables. Purchase the fake fruit that usually comes with play kitchens. As the child picks up each piece, call out the name.

When your child learns to say the names themselves you can play a game with the food called “Fruit Basket Upset”. Throw the fruit up in the air. As you call out the name of the fruit the child has to pick it up and put it in his or her own basket. The child with the most fruit in their basket gets a prize.

Learning doesn’t have to be boring. When you start off making learning fun, toddlers will continue to enjoy the process.

Over the last few years there has been a resurgence in the number of mothers that are breastfeeding their babies.  Research is showing that the natural way of breastfeeding is actually the best way.  Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions and confusion that causes many mothers to give up on breastfeeding before they even get started.  Milk supply is at the top of those issues.

Having a good milk supply is important to the new baby, but there is no real way to judge what that milk supply is when you are breastfeeding.  The size of the breast or the length of time the baby feeds is no real indication of the amount of milk available or ingested.  The only real measurement is the weight gained by the baby (and maybe the number of wet diapers each day). 

The best way to ensure that there is an adequate milk supply is to breastfeed every time from the first feeding on.  Breastfeeding on demand (or any time that the baby is HUNGRY) will not only keep the milk supply steady, but it will help to increase it as the baby needs more milk. 

It may also take a few weeks for the baby to settle into a normal pattern when first coming home. In the beginning, your baby may require up to twelve feeds in one day. Eventually she will settle into a pattern and you will be more comfortable about understanding her needs. After the initial period, it is not unusual to nurse your baby up to eight times a day (sometimes even more) with on-demand feeding.  Keep in mind that your baby will need more milk during growth spurts, so you may have periods where the on-demand feedings increase beyond the pattern that you and your baby have settled into. 

The key to settling in to a comfortable on-demand pattern is to learn how to recognize the cues your baby gives off (sucking on her hand, becoming more aware, squirming towards the breast) before she starts crying.  Crying can make it harder for her to latch on properly and can cause her to have more gas.

Feeding on demand can be supplemented with pumping if necessary.  Pump at times when your breasts feel engorged, start leaking or when you are feeding the baby on the other breast.  You will be able to produce more milk that can then be refrigerated or frozen for the times when your husband or children want the blessing of bonding with the new baby.  (Do not use bottled milk for at least six weeks so that the baby can settle in to the breastfeeding).

Some things that can hinder your milk production:

- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
- Inadequate nutrition
- Supplementing breastfeed with formula feedings

No matter how long you stay with the on-demand breastfeeding, or even if you choose that direction for you and your baby, keep in mind that any time you spend breastfeeding your baby will be beneficial to her growth and development.

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You’ve taken your youngest child to the park; sit her in the sandbox, only to notice she begins to eat the sand. Perhaps your child is playing in the backyard with the family dog, and starts kissing the dog on the mouth. When it comes to germs and kids, an irresistible attraction is imminent. What can you do to preventkids and germs from becoming attracted to each other?

* Teach your child to cover his or her mouth when coughing.
* Have them wash their hands frequently, especially before and after dinner, after using the bathroom, or touching animals.
* Explain to them how they can pick up germs from virtually anywhere.
* Tell them not to put any objects in their mouth, such as toys or any foreign objects they may pick up.
* Stuffed animals collect dust; use caution when children play with them.
* If your child tells you her friend has lice, be sure to check your child’s hair to determine if she has been infected.
* Place hand wipes in your child’s lunchbox, so she can wash her hands before and after lunch.
* Tell your child not to share lunch with classmates.
* Show your child that touching or putting flowers or plants in their mouths is particularly dangerous.
* Ensure that sheets and pillowcases are washed regularly.
* Vacuum and dust your child’s room at least once a week.
* Make sure your child is properly vaccinated against all diseases.

Children have a wonderful curiosity; especially when presented with something new and shiny. Whenever buying a toy or stuffed animal, read the label to determine if there are caustic or toxic chemicals. While you can’t keep your child in a germ-free bubble, you can take certain precautions to ensure their attraction to germs are limited.

Everyone enjoys jack-o-lanterns at Halloween, but it can be frustrating to carve one. If you haven’t done very many of them, it’s best to start out with a simple design. The traditional jig-jog smile and triangle eyes and nose are pretty easy for anyone to do.

Here are some pumpkin carving tips to get you ready for Halloween:

There are kits that come with patterns, but some of them are a bit labor intensive. There are special pumpkin carving tools, including small saws, that make it much easier and safer, especially for children. It is best to use a sharp knife, as a dull knife is harder to control. Only let older children use knives with supervision. Be sure to always cut away from you so if the knife does slip you are less likely to have an accident.

One of the biggest things to remember is to not carve your pumpkin too soon or it will be mush before Halloween. When you cut the top of the pumpkin, be sure to cut at an angle so the top doesn’t fall in. Using an ice cream scoop makes easy work of cleaning out the pulp and seeds. Once it’s cleaned out, you are ready to start working on your pumpkin creation.

Draw out a design on paper first to see if you like your idea. Then, draw it on the pumpkin with a non-permanent marker so you can make changes if you don’t like the way it comes out on the pumpkin. Be sure to make the openings large enough to let air circulate for the candle. However, battery powered candles are also a good idea, especially if there are going to be young children around. If you do decide to use a normal candle, make sure it isn’t too tall for the pumpkin and it has a level place on which to sit inside.

Start carving in the middle of your design and work your way out. This way you have more surface area around where you are cutting. You don’t have to take whole sections out at once so cut in small segments. Carefully poke the cut out segments straight out as you go.

To help your pumpkin last longer, seal the exposed edges to keep it from drying out. If it’s going to get cold enough to frost, bring the jack-o-lantern inside for the night. By day, keep it out of direct sunlight.

An alternative to actually carving the pumpkin is to scrape out a design, without cutting all the way through. By taking away part of the darker orange, leaving the lighter color showing you allow your creative work to last longer. Younger children could also paint or cut out shapes from construction paper to decorate the pumpkin. To attach the pieces use straight pins. This also gives the little ones something to do while older children and adults are using the knives.

Most of us can remember the first book we ever read. Can you? Words are incredibly powerful. They invoke images of far away lands; scary castles; or princesses looking for their knights in shining armor. They can also become friends. Yes, books are the window through which your child sees and experiences different worlds; viewpoints; the fantasies and realities of life. So what are the benefits of reading to your children? Oh, so many, one could write a book on the subject.

There is nothing more worthwhile than reading to your children. Even as babies; the sounds and connotations in your voice can calm and soothe them. More importantly, even before your child is born, research has suggested that your children tend to have a higher degree of understanding and learning. What a wonderful gift to give to your children.

Reading is fundamental to our basic understanding of life; it is the foundation for which allows children to advance and contribute to life. It can take them to places they’ve never been; explore the cosmos; become involved with a character and the adventures taken. Reading is the method by which children learn just about everything. More importantly, it all begins with you. One story can open up a world of possibilities. One book can be the beginning of a lifelong desire to explore all books of different genres. Just think!
You have the power to set your child on a path in which the road is paved with endless wonder and imagination.

It’s never too early to read to your children. If you haven’t already done so, start a tradition. Go to the library or book store and buy several books; and begin reading to your child every night. Just think how much father ahead your child will be when he or she begins school.

The level at which our children read today is below par. You can change that; we all can.
It’s not too late. It never is when it comes to introducing your child to the words of the world.

One of the ways in which moms continue the all important bonding with their toddlers, as well as having their child experience being with other toddlers, is through mommy and toddler play groups.

There are a number of groups which you and your toddler can join. One of which is at a library or checking your local community to as certain if they have any similar toddler play groups you can join.

In fact, you may wish to start a group of your own. You and other moms can not only bond with each other, but your toddlers will have a chance to mingle with other toddlers.

Also, there appear to be church groups and child centers who also host play groups. Check online for more information. Also, if you have moved to a new neighborhood, ask your neighbors if there are any groups in the area. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and bond with your toddler at the same time.

You know, bonding with your toddler can also encompass a day at the park – just the two of you. The nature/nurture experience can extend beyond you and your child, as you take in the greenery, trees and flowers. In fact, you may meet other moms at the park and decide to form your own group. You can meet on a weekly basis; set up a place on the grass; and just keep the bonding flowing.

For more information about mommys and toddler play groups, check your local newspaper to see if there are any groups which you feel you would like to participate in. Mommy and toddler play groups can be formed or joined or simply begin with a few neighbors with kids of similar age.