Thursday, February 28, 2008
How Children Respond to Parents' Anger: Understanding the Brain and Behavior
In a nutshell, the brain has three main parts:
1. The brain stem, which is connected to the spinal column, deals with survival. It's responsible for our heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc.
2. You find the midbrain in the central part of your brain. It governs our emotions; how we feel. Although people call it the limbic system, I call this the lizard part of the brain for reasons I will explain later.
3. The third part of the brain is located behind the forehead. I refer to this as the thinking part of the brain. This is where you think rationally, solve problems, find solutions, etc.
Under normal circumstances, when a person sees something that doesn't look threatening, the image bypasses both the brainstem and the limbic system, moving quickly to the front of the brain. Here, it has the ability to make decisions about what to do next.
When people find themselves feeling afraid for their safety or their life, the message goes directly to the lizard part of the brain. There is no time to have a discussion about what's going on. No, the brain says, "danger," and they need to react immediately! There is no thinking taking place. People, like you and me, react one of three ways:
* Fight; we attack what ever it is that's scaring us
* Flight, we try to avoid the situation by walking away, looking away, or changing the subject
* Freeze, we are immobilized by fear and can't move; like a deer on the road watching the headlights of a car coming closer and closer.
Children respond the same way when they become frightened by a parent's angry voice or response to their behavior. Because they are in the emotional part of their brain, children are unable to think-they're in pure reaction mode. That's why I call this part, the "lizard" part of the brain.
When a child hears or sees an angry parent or adult looking at him and/or talking to him, an immediate, unconscious thought occurs in the brain. The child feels a sense of shame, "I've done something bad", or "I'm bad". The lizard part of the brain becomes engaged and the unconscious thought of losing the parents' love (and fears of abandonment), make the child feel unsafe. When a child doesn't feel safe, you will see the same three behavior patterns.
* Fight: The child becomes angry and oppositional, arguing with you. He or she may show aggressiveness and defensiveness, not listening to you. The more a parent scolds and raises his or her voice, the angrier and more oppositional the child becomes. Does this sound familiar? This is not a winning situation for either parent or child.
* Flight: Because of the feeling of shame, the child becomes uncomfortable and doesn't know how to react to the parent. You might see behaviors such as, not looking at you, walking away, and ignoring you while doing something else. Sometimes, the child breaks down and cries or whimpers, as a means of escape from what he or she perceives are a very uncomfortable situation. The child does not feel safe. This is important for parents to understand. If your child's reaction to your tone of voice or response is flight, the child not only does not feel safe and will probably not tell you the truth, the child is NOT in the thinking part of the brain; talking about whatever happened will go no where.
* Freeze: The child looks at you with blank eyes. The body is there, and no one is home. It's like looking at a dear in your headlights while driving. The deer sees you coming and yet is paralyzed by fear to move. The same is true when a child shuts down emotionally because he or she does not feel safe and doesn't know what else to do. The child cannot discuss what happened or process it with you because he or she is not using the thinking part of the brain.
REMEMBER:
When you become angry and/or upset at your child:
- The child feels a sense of shame
- Shame brings on fear
- Fear makes the child feel unsafe
- Fear shuts down the thinking part of the brain
- Nothing can be solved
- No one wins!
The next time you find yourself angry at your child; watch his or her reaction and you'll know immediately which part of the brain is being used. If your child is in the lizard part of the brain, you will need to help him or her shift into the thinking part before you can have a meaningful conversation. Some suggestions to help you do this are:
* Ask your child, "What part of your brain are you in right now?" If the child responds by telling you the lizard part, then ask, "What do you need to do to get to the thinking part?" If the response is, "I don't know," Your child has already shifted and is thinking about what you're saying. "Would you like some suggestions?" usually helps. If the answer is "yes", give a couple of ideas such as sitting down and thinking about how he created this situation or what he could have done differently so you wouldn't get angry.
* Remember your child is experiencing fear, even though you don't think there is a reason for it. Consequently, your child will calm down faster if your tone of voice is soft and gentle. Look at your child directly in the eyes and say something like, "I can see you're upset right now and so am I. Let's take a time-out from each other and talk about this later when we're feeling better."
Respectful, responsible and fun to be around children hang out in the thinking part of their brains. When your child doesn't act this way, remember the lizard part of the brain. Then, you can help shift your child to the thinking part where you can both talk and work out problems together. It's a win-win for both of you.
About the author:
MaryLynne White
Can a Game Really Compel Any Child to Behave?
"How to Become a Super Nanny in Your Own Home!
Free Consumer Awareness Guide Shows You How..."
http://www.ParentSurvival911.com
949.939.3176
How Can My Baby Have Baby Acne, He’s Not That Old?
What is baby acne? Acne is not totally understood, including baby acne. The cause of acne is not agreed on amongst the scientists. However the general consensus is that acne, including baby acne, is a condition caused by changes in the body’s hormones.
And when are the body’s hormones changing? Well certainly in the teenage years. But also at some other times in life. Like birth. When a baby has been separated from it’s mothers body by birth and it is living on it’s own for the very first time. And when it is also getting some supplies of hormones from it’s mothers milk at the same time.
Baby acne can occur in very young babies of 2 or 3 weeks, more commonly boys, up until around 6 months or so. It appears on various parts of the baby’s body such as the forehead, cheeks and chin, or more rarely the bottom or back, and appears as small white spots on the skin. Or it could look like a red rash with raised bumps.
The good news is that baby acne is not serious and very rarely requires any treatment, so refrain from rushing out looking to buy baby acne remedies. In fact you should refrain from any baby acne remedies until you have seen your doctor and usually your doctor will not prescribe any medication at all.
Baby acne usually goes away by itself. It is sufficient in most cases to do some gentle facial cleansing once or at most twice a day using a mild baby cleanser and clean water. Do not scrub baby’s face, this will not help and may be counterproductive. Don’t apply lotions or potions or oils. Don’t look for fancy baby acne remedies, don’t try applying vinegar solution for baby acne as some do.
It will all go away in time. When attending one of your regular baby check ups ask them about it. Chances they will tell you it’s just baby acne, don’t worry about it.
About the author:
Find out more about Acne at Peter’s website http://www.acne-all-gone.com/as well as Acne cures and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more.
Hoodia Gordonii… Weight Loss Miracle or Diet Deception
With millions of overweight people jumping from one diet fad to the next the thought of taking a pill to curb cravings might sound like a dream come true, but is there any truth to this Hoodia hype?
While pure Hoodia has been proven to stop you from wanting to eat there are literally hundreds of products claiming to contain this latest magic bullet in the battle against obesity. This might not mean much until you realize just how scarce Hoodia is. Consider that Hoodia Gordonii is only grown in certain parts of the desert, and after the recent media exposure there is no way for the supply to meet the demand.
What does this say for all those diet pills claiming to contain Hoodia? Well in means most of them are lying! In fact pure Hoodia is very expensive and hard to get so when you see the newest latest and greatest weight loss pill claiming to contain Hoodia odds are that there are only trace amounts that will have little or no effect.
What can you do to make sure your getting the highest quality Hoodia in your weight loss supplements?
Look at the list of ingredients and make sure Hoodia is the only one listed, and that there is at least 400mg.
If it’s $8.00 for a 2 month supply it’s not real Hoodia. Any diet pill made from 100% pure Hoodia is going to cost about $30-$45 for a month’s supply.
Go to the companies website and see where they’re getting there Hoodia from, look at any research they’ve conducted, and see if they have any certificates to back up their claims.
There are only a small handful of companies putting out quality Hoodia products, and hundreds trying to defraud consumers. Honest reviews of Hoodia products are hard to come by but one website that gives it to you straight is http://www.hoodia-gordonii-diet.com Where you’ll find honest reviews and no hidden agendas.
About the author:
The author has been making it known to the public all the dirty deeds of the diet pill industry
and operates the most controversial Hoodia site on the internet Hoodia Gordonii Diet Review
Help, my child has autism
The cause of Autism is not known, although research has shown differences in brain structure between children with autism and non-autistic children. Some early research has also indicated that Autism could be genetic, with parents who have an autistic child more likely to have another child with autism.
It has also being shown that autism is more prevalent in those who have certain conditions including untreated Phenylketonuria (PKU), Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis and Congenital Rubella Syndrome.
The symptoms of autism typically develop within the first three years of life. All people with Autism experience difficulty with social interaction, and children might prefer to play alone and make little eye contact with other people. Babies with autism may not babble talk and may also seem to have hearing difficulties. Language development is almost always delayed in children with autism.
Sufferers may have difficulties in both verbal and non-verbal communication, have limited, patterned or over-used behaviour patterns, play and interests. These include repetitive body rocking, forming unusual attachments to objects and resisting change (holding to routines and rituals, for example).
The world-wide incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but it has been shown that it is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. The development of autism is not affected in any way by race, ethnicity, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle or educational levels.
Article by health writer Kate Wiley of http://www.healthy-shopper.com Health in 1 http://www.health-in-1.com and Advice on Health http://www.advice-on-health.com
You may use this article on your website providing you include the above author bio and active link to our health sites.
About the author:
Kate and Phil Wiley run the popular health sites http://www.healthy-shopper.com Health in 1 http://www.health-in-1.comand Advice on Health
"Have You Seen My Independence Day"
By, Steven Montes
Have you seen my Independence Day? I don’t know that I did with it. The last time I had it was in my sock drawer. Maybe someone took it. I don’t know. Can you help me find it. I need to build a web site, so that if someone finds it they can return it to me for the reward I am offering.
You may not know of me, nor have I published any of my works, but what I have to say is very important.
I am aware of several Anti-Tobacco movements across the United States and their politics. What I do not understand, is why no one has addressed the high nicotine levels that are still being placed into the tobacco products being sold today.
Since nicotine is the single greatest factor for people being addicted to cigarets, why are tobacco companies still being allowed to place this highly addictive chemical in cigarets. Why, after all of this, is there still not any moment or legislation to ban nicotine from cigarets.
It is well known, that during the early 1900, that a professor at a prominent local University locate in the eastern part of the US, conducted experiments on the devastating affects of nicotine on fish.
This same experiment you can try at home. Place some fish in a medium size fish bowl, fill about half way full of water. Take a puff from a cigaret, then blow the smoke into the bowl, then quickly cover the bowl with a book or a piece of plastic rap. Immediately the fish become disoriented and then begin to die.
It is also well known how that nicotine was once used as an insecticide on tobacco plants during the time of our forefathers, to kill insects that were eating the tobacco plant. Once the tobacco companies found that nicotine was addictive to people they started engineering nicotine with super concentrated levels to be added to their products to addict the consumer.
Although there have been many lawsuits filed across the United States for the harmful affects presented against the tobacco companies in these suits, why has nothing being done in the form of effective legislation or any other form of control that we as a people have at our control.
It also common knowledge that during the mid "1900" that, Coca-Cola company was making their product with the highly addictive drug found in the coca leafs from the very plant that highly addictive drug cocain is made from today, and federal legislation was adopted to discontinue the use of this ingredient from their coke recipe. This is where Coke-Cola gots its name.
Don’t just take my word for it, just enter the phrase coca plant in the search engine box, and read for yourself.
Dare to be informed," how’s that for truth ! Ask your self, Don’t we as a people have the right to not be medicated by consumer products in an attempt to addict us to their products, without our knowledge or our consent ! As I look back, I still wonder what the independence in Independence Day really stands for.
I know now that independence is just an illusion in this country, a reason to party, a chance to shop for sales, and I am sad to say that Independence Day, is just another holiday to take a day off from work, a chance to blow up firecrackers, and the right to, just raise Hell.
What's In Your Independence Day ? Send me an e-mail to Smontes@scientist.com So you can claim your reward money, if your tip leads me to the recovery of my Independence Day.
About the author:
Chief bottle washer for Montes Orthopedic.
Have you been looking for the latest opinion in relation to face painting ideas.
When you are trying to find top-quality advice about face painting ideas, you'll find it hard unscrambling quality advice from foolish face painting ideas submissions or guidance so it is wise to know how to judge the advice that is offered.
Find face painting ideas
Your relevant result is a click away!
Here's a few guidelines that we believe you should consider using when you are searching for information about face painting ideas. You need to realize the advice we tender is only pertinent to internet help on face painting ideas. We are unable to offer any assistance or guidance for researching in 'real world' situations.
Look for face painting ideas
Find face painting ideas at one of the best sites the Internet has to offer!
A good pointer to follow when you are presented with information and suggestions on a face painting ideas article is to find out who owns the site. This could reveal the people behind the website face painting ideas authorizations The easiest way to find out who is behind the face painting ideas web site is to look on the 'about' page or the sites 'contact' page.
Any reputable site providing information about face painting ideas, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page that will list the owner's details. The particulars should reveal major points about the site owner's capability. This means you can conduct an appraisal about the webmaster's depth of experience, to advise people on the subject of face painting ideas.
Have you been looking for the best sourced assistance in relation to fundraising ideas.
When you are in search of top-quality advice about fundraising ideas, you'll find it's complex separating quality information from foolish fundraising ideas submissions or guidance so it is wise to recognize ways of moderating the information presented to you.
Find fundraising ideas
Your relevant result is a click away!
Here's a few pieces of advice which we advise you to use when you are searching for information concerning fundraising ideas. Understand that the advice we are giving you is only relevant to web based information about fundraising ideas. We cannot offer any direction or assistance for researching in 'real world' situations.
Look for fundraising ideas
Find fundraising ideas at one of the best sites the Internet has to offer!
A great tip to follow when you're presented with information or advice on a fundraising ideas website is to research who is behind the website. This may reveal the operators fundraising ideas authorizations The easiest way to work out who is at the back of the fundraising ideas web site is to find the sites 'about' page.
Any reputable website providing information regarding fundraising ideas, will always have contact information which will list the owner's details. The particulars should reveal a number of indications regarding the owner's proficency and credentials. You can then arrive at a decision about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to offer recommendations concerning fundraising ideas.
About the author:
Tony Randall is the webmaster for http://www.fundraising-ideas-review.info
Hair Care for Children
HAIR STYLING TIPS FOR KIDS
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They are boring, full of strangers and strange smelling products, you are being ordered to sit still for ages, whilst some idiot is doing terrible things to your hair which you didn’t want to happen in the first place. Life is sooo unfair!
So how do you as a parent, avoid, annoying the stylist, upsetting your child and getting yourself stressed? Well this is where your best child psychology skills come into play! Sometimes your child will have unwarranted fears and you have to help to overcome them. Creating trust by taking their concerns seriously is the first and most important step. Promising a treat can also help. Best of all is to check in your local area to see if there is one of the growing number of new specialized children’s salons available. Salon chains like Cartoon Cuts are designed to make the hair cut experience more positive and entertaining for small children: toys, video games, specially shaped chairs and specially-trained stylists, all help to ensue the experience is more like going to a theme park rather than a visit to the doctor.
Home Sweet Home
However, if your child is afraid of the hairdresser’s, then try to cut their hair at home. They will feel safe and comfortable and you will save time and money. You can do it yourself if you have the skills – or the bravery. Cutting hair for a child is basically the same for an adult, except that a child's hair is usually thin and baby soft. Keep the bangs approx. 1/2" from the eyebrows. If the child's hair is thin, avoid short cuts for now until their hair comes in thicker. Shape around the face if you're trying to grow it long. If you don’t have any haircutting experience, you might want to seek out a step by step guide on children’s hair cutting, or get someone to do it for you.
Putting on the Style
Whatever you do, remember that today’s media-savvy, celebrity-crazy kids want to look good. Children start to take an interest in their own hair style from an early age; even the kindergarten set want to be in-style. They want their hair to be like their best friend or even a television character. Boys that used to be seen only in ball caps are now having their hair bleached and highlighted. Finding the right hair style for a child is usually about finding a cool, fun, and easy-to-manage child hair style that suits your youngster’s active lifestyle. But you may experience resistance - as children get older they start to have very definite opinions of how they want to wear their hair. This hairstyle preference will surface in early childhood and continue throughout the teen years and into adulthood. Many a growing child will argue with their parents over how they want to wear their hair to school. At this stage of development the hair becomes a major identity factor.
Hair Care 101
The key is to be encouraging; as children start to take an interest in their own hair and how they style it, this is the time to encourage them to follow an entire regime of good hair hygiene practices. It is important to show a child (when they are willing), how to properly shampoo and rinse their own hair. You can also teach them about towel blotting, detangling, combing and brushing their hair. Help them build a good hair hygiene schedule so that they learn the importance of keeping their hair clean and neat. Try also to get them to develop good eating habits because healthy hair is very dependent on high quality carbohydrates and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Good nutrition will promote shine and condition at any age.
Tips for Tip-Top Hair
Washing - use a mild shampoo, preferably in the child’s favorite color or scent. Sometimes children are more willing to wash their hair with a fun shampoo, especially if it doesn’t sting their eyes.
Combing/brushing - try to create trust and reassurance by allowing them to comb and brush their own hair on their own terms. Do not brush your child's hair 100 strokes before bedtime in the traditional manner – this will over stimulate the sebaceous glands and make the hair greasy and heavy. Doing a quick brush to get the tangles out should be sufficient. Combing the hair will promote shine and condition. Remember to use a comb on wet hair rather than a brush or you risk creating static electricity, which leads to breakage.
Accessories - give your child high quality combs and brushes and teach them the proper way to care for their hair to instill good grooming habits that will last a lifetime. Purchase some "hair friendly" clips and hair ties to help a child keep their hair off their face, and reduce the chance of tangling or matting. Stay away from any hairclips with sharp teeth, because they can cut into the hair and cause potential hair damage.
Tangles - all parents know that dealing with tangles is a nightmare for both parent and child. Here’s how to reduce the trauma of removing tangles:
1. Hold the section of hair you're trying to comb out.
2. Hold it taut so the child won't feel you ripping through the ends.
3. Spray a good leave-in detangler on the knot.
4. You can also comb conditioner in while the child's hair is still wet. Children need conditioner too (avoid heavy types and stick with conditioners that are specifically called "light" conditioners).
References:
1. Children’s Hair, www.Styles101.com
2. Child Hair Style and Hair Care Tips, Short-hair-styles.com
3. Lets Talk Kids Hair, Lynne Chapman, http://www.BellaOnline.com
About the author:
Michael Barrows is an internet publisher specialising in niche markets. Get a free copy of his ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know About Hairstyles and Hair Care, from his website www.great-hairstyles.ocm
Green Day: punk rock masters taming mainstream radio their way
Both Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt were born in Rodeo, California in 1972 and have been fabulous childhood friends since the age of 10. At the age of 14, they carefully put together their first band, Sweet Children.
They recorded their first EP as Green Day, 1,000 hours, in 2 days flat and in the meantime, Dirnt graduated and Armstrong dropped out of high school. A local indie label “Lookout!” released Green Day’s debut album – at this time, Green Day recorded the album with their first drummer, Al Sobrante. Al Sobrante soon quit the band. Dirnt and Armstrong found a friend in Tre Cool (Frank Edwin Wright III) who as been a drummer with “Lookout!” since the age of 12. Together, Armstrong, Dirnt and Cool released the group’s second album, Kerplunk.
Green Day didn’t burst into the entertainment scene without followers and fans. That’s because Green Day, before the release of their albums, EARNED their following by driving their renovated bookmobile from coast to coast, crashing in their friends’ places and organizing mini-concerts for their fans. When they reprised their debut, Dookie, Green Day already have a throng of fans and followers. To say the very least, Green Day made immaturity and malcontent cool all over again. Their songs on picking scabs, pyromania….won the hearts of followers and fans who can tune in to the content and felt the pain and stress in the songs. The re-release of ‘Dookie’ took the world by storm because they sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone and they won a Grammy in 1994 for “Best Alternative Music Performance”.
Green Day proves to critics that they are here to stay and refuse to be a one-hit (or even one-album wonders). With their next album, Insomniac, and in their latest album, Nimrod, they stayed steadfast to the punk philosophy. They maintain that being naughty is sometimes nice – even when you’re married and have kids.
What makes the songs from Green Day so wildly popular is the fact it’s easy for anyone to identify with the lyrics. They reintroduced anger and exuberance in a very offbeat and un-rhythmic sort of way. They have, what people will call, the finger-in-your-face attitudes. The sort of staying power Green Day has shown through their songs, it’s not hard to imagine why we say that Green Day won’t be making its way out of the scene any day soon – not today, not Green Day.
About the author:
By Dakota Caudilla. Journalist, and web site builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.all-green-day.infoon which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Glow Stick Party Ideas
• Glow sticks work great as hand-outs for guests at parties or bars. People go crazy for these products!
• They are a great way to raise a few extra bucks when hosting an event, especially charity events. You can sell these products for up to 2-dollars a piece.
• Glow Bracelets and necklaces are great for you and your guests to wear. They are more convenient than glow sticks since you do not have to carry them around with you.
• Glow sticks can be taped or glued to posters or signs in order to grab the attention of your guests.
• Glow necklaces and bracelets are great for putting around table centerpieces and illuminating the table’s features.
Glow sticks serve many purposes and are great accessories to any events. They are relatively inexpensive (especially if you purchase them in bulk and wholesale) and are sure to brighten up any event. Glow sticks have become the main focus of many great holidays and events. If you are interested in glow sticks for either yourself or your children, here are some events and holidays which are great opportunities to use these colorful products:
1. Fourth of July – These are great accessories to wear in the dark while watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
2. Halloween – Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets are great additions to Halloween outfits and light the way for kids in the dark on Halloween night.
3. Weddings – Glow sticks and other glow accessories are great as wedding favors and add creativity and uniqueness to your wedding.
4. Camping – Fantastic items for the kids to play with and keep them safe.
Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces are not only affective in providing fun and excitement for individuals, but they are also a great safety feature for children on dark nights. You can keep a close eye on them and drivers can also see them.
About the author:
Jill Nelson is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her children when she isn’t working as a contributing editor for sites writing safety articles on topics such as Glow Necklaces for sites like Glow Sticks Direct.
Geography Comes to Life in a Big Way
“We sell a lot of world map wall murals to schools at this time of year,” says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, a Hopkins, Minn., company that specializes in decorative products for the home. “Our map mural measures 13 feet by 8 feet. That’s big enough for kids in the back of the classroom to make out the countries.”
Yolanda Johnston, a history teacher from Cal Exico, Calif., a small town near the Mexican border, knew she had to have one when she saw the giant mural in a magazine. “I feel it’s important to have the best tools possible to help kids learn, and the world map I had was so small, it didn’t make much of an impression on the kids,” says Johnston.
“We’re moving into a new building this fall and the map is going to be the focal point of my classroom. I know the kids are excited about having a big map everyone can see.”
World Maps aren’t only being used for educational purposes in schools. The Fairhaven Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas recently put one up in the back of the church auditorium.
“Our church supports 20 missionaries world wide and the map helps us keep track of where they are,” says Sharon Johnson. “It also shows us how small America is compared to the rest of the world, and helps us to see the size of the job we have.”
Environmental Graphics’ map murals sell for around $150 and can be ordered by calling 800-HAMMACHER or visiting the company’s website at www.executiveworldmap.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Fun & Fruity Recipes
Miniature Fruit Pizzas
1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Assorted fresh fruit, cut into bite size pieces, such as bananas, kiwis, oranges, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, etc.
Directions: Cut sugar cookie dough into 1-inch slices and place on ungreased cookie sheet or pizza pan. Bake as directed, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool.
Combine cream cheese and confectioners' sugar; mix well. Spread over cooled cookies. Decorate with assorted fruit. Yummy!
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Strawberry Angels
1 angel food cake
6 large strawberries
1 carton whipped topping
Directions: First, cut the cake into serving-size pieces. Slice the strawberries and layer on top of the cake. Then spoon whipped topping on top of the strawberries. Serve and enjoy!
About the author:
Deborah Shelton edits The Five Minute Parent email newsletter. For your free subscription, send a blank email to mailto:Five_Minute_Parent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
Fun Dates at Low Cost!
Yippee! She said yes! The girl you’ve been trying to ask out for the past couple of months just agreed to go out with you. However, you have one small problem. Fresh out of college and just starting out on your new job, you don’t have much left in your pocket to pay for a fancy dinner. But you really want to impress her and have a good time together. What can you do on a date that would actually cost less but FEEL expensive?
Well, read on, and you will find plenty of cost-saving dating activities which are equally romantic and fun!
1.Go for a Hike
Unless she’s completely not an outdoor person, going for a walk in a natural environment gives the both of you private time to talk. Plus, the beautiful and fresh surroundings will definitely put your hearts at ease. In fact, if you know much about flora and fauna, you can actually impress her with your version of a nature tour guide.
2.Day at the Beach
Beaches have always been fun, warm and perfect for dates. It won’t cost you much, but it’s a great place to talk and picnic, relax or sun-bathe. Walks along the beach are hopelessly romantic especially when combined with the soothing effects of the waves and the breeze. Lakes are good substitutes if you don’t live near the sea, as the water brings the same calming effect as the sea.
3.Dinner at home
Eating out will cost you, but alternatively setting up a candlelight dinner in the comfort of your own home which will cost you much less. If you are a good cook, you can definitely impress her with your culinary skills in a romantic setting. After that, you can top the evening by setting up the patio for coffee or wine and star gazing.
4.Movie at the drive-in
This is a classic hang-out for our parents. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s too old-fashioned for us. At a drive-in you get to watch movies with others, while maintaining privacy in your own car. And you can share you snacks and sodas between the both of you, have your conversations and not worry about being too noisy to your neighbor. Best of all, you only need to pay for your tickets for this great date.
5.Ice-Skating
Ice-skating is not just for teenagers or little kids, but is a great way to bring couples together. It’s a great opportunity for you to hold hands, fall down and laugh! And if you are an expert, you can teach her one or two of your ice-skating tricks. She’ll have so much fun she’ll be asking you for the next ice-skating date!
6.Surprise! Surprise!
All girls love surprises. You’ll just have to creative with your surprise ideas and catch her off guard. For example, leave little gifts like key-chains, bookmarks, or even roses accompanied with sweet and short messages. Girls love these small gifts, and although they don’t cost much, they will go a long way.
Planning a romantic date does not always necessarily have to cost you a lot of money. Using your creativity to the best effect can actually gain you more points to her heart.
If you are looking for your perfect match, you can find the top 8 dating sites on Adult Match Maker Adult Match Maker
About the author:
Author Bio
Celina Richards is a counselor and dating coach in private practice since 1995. She offers dating-relationship coaching, singles group coaching and ongoing coaching for singles & unmarried couples. She started writing articles to help singles with the knowledge and tools they need to find and sustain lasting relationships.
Forex Training Follow Your Gut or Your Broker
Trading forex is a non stop action movie but a good one, where you really don’t know who will win at the end. Every forex trader is trying to predict the winner of his own movie.
The forex markets move fast. Can we understand why they move? Yes, we can but only by having a feeling for the market, the instinct to know in which direction to move. Will our intuition enable us to predict the forex markets every move? Of course not. But understanding what makes the markets move will give the edge in making better trades.
What do we need to know!
- Who trades forex?
Traders, investment funds, corporations, banks and governments.
- Why do they trade?
Traders go for a quick speculative profit. Investment funds avoid risk and follow the long term trends. Corporations are trying to hedge on currency fluctuations. Banks are short term traders, market makers and hedgers. Governments trade currencies to keep there countries markets stable.
Now that we know who the players are we must understand ourselves. As the other players trades will impact greatly on our own. We need to decide on our trading strategy. There are just too many strategies to be covered in this article so please visit Forex Value Guides to for more information. http://www.forex.value-guides.com
But no matter our strategy, we must be disciplined and not let our emotions take over. That is not an easy thing to do when the markets go wild. We need to keep calm to analyze the other players to reach our profit goal.
Don’t believe anyone who says trading is easy. You need a lot of will power not to keep changing your mind every minute and sharp analytical skill. Not only to understand the other players but to comprehend world events that have an impact on the markets.
What strategy should you choose? Each trader needs to develop his or her personal approach to the FOREX. Some traders rely solely on technical analysis while others prefer fundamental analysis, but many successful FOREX traders use a blend of both to get a broad overview of the market and for plotting entry and exit points.
There are many valid tools available to recognize market movements. The novice FOREX trader is well advised to study each one individually for getting a working knowledge of their concepts and use. Once one has been understood, keep on using it while studying others. Each method tends to reinforce the others.
About the author:
David Jones is a freelance writer and world traveler who writes on subjects in which he has a personal interest. Forex Trading
FLORIDA GHOST HUNTERS JOINED BY OHIO STATE TESTED MEDIUM, TINIA ROSS
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla.—Today, Tinia (Ty-knee-ah) Ross joined the Florida Ghost Hunters, Investigation Team. “She brings a lot to the table.” says, Jay Shoemaker, Lead Investigator from the Florida Ghost Hunters.
Tinia Ross, who has appeared on “Larry King Live” has joined the Florida Ghost Hunters in an effort to assist in Paranormal Investigations on businesses, homes, and wherever paranormal activity is reported in Florida.
Tinia has been clairvoyant since a small child and uses her clairvoyance together with terot cards when performing her readings. “I’ve been reading most all of my adult life.” says Tinia, whose regular clients range from professionals in all fields to people in everyday life.
Originally from Michigan, Tinia graduated from the University of Michigan, with honors. She has read for John Edwards (of “Crossing Over” fame), and performed at numerous psychic fairs in the upper Midwest. As her Psychic reputation grew in Central Ohio, Tinia was tested by the University of Ohio, Department of Psychology, for her Clairvoyant abilities and scored extremely high, surprising testers, but not Tinia.
Recently Tinia moved from Columbus, Ohio to the beautiful Treasure Coast to be with her soul mate Gary, who she came to know while giving him a reading – which surprised the both of them.
Tinia is looking forward to living in Florida, providing her psychic abilities to the area and working with the Florida Ghost Hunters.
Tinia will assist in the paranormal investigative process, by using her gifts as a medium. Her feelings will be compared to any scientific evidence collected during an investigation conducted by the Florida Ghost Hunters Team.
For more information on Florida Ghost Hunters visit FloridaGhostHunters.com
[ Submitted with ArticleSubmitter Pro - http://www.articlesubmitterpro.com]
About the author:
Jay Shoemaker CPI
Jay Shoemaker, CPI, Lead Paranormal Investigator, is a Certified Paranormal Investigator, speaker, author, and copywriter. With over 5 years experience in investating paranormal cases. Jay and his Team conduct investigations on homes, businesses and wherever significant paranormal activity is reported in Florida. Jay Shoemaker and his partner Jason Hayes also teach paranormal investigation principle. They offer a Certified Paranormal Investigation Workshop where others interested in paranormal investigation can attend. They can expect to receive equipment, forms, manuals, equipment training, participate in an actual investigation, network with others interested in the field and obtain their certification.
http://www.floridaghosthunters.com
Finding a Yugioh Single Card.
Yugioh single cards are only one of the many items that Yugioh fans seem to must have. There are lines of all types of items available in discount department stores like Walmart and collectors items available everywhere. Many stores have Yugioh cards available to purchase in all the available decks.
But, it doesn't stop at cards. There are Yugioh movies, action figures, tv shows, and more. So, what's so great about them? Ask your kid how he would feel about getting a rare Yugioh single card? Chance are good, he would be thrilled.
So, you know about the Yugioh fad and want to purchase a Yugioh single card. How do you go about that? Where are they available? There are many collector’s shops that carry a huge range of Yugioh cards. You can usually find many of the ones you want there. To find Yugioh single cards, though, you may want to look at the online market. There is a much larger selection and you can compare and contrast the asking price easier using the internet. There are many online websites which sell Yugioh single cards. If you don't know any, try searching for them. You will get many pages of website to check out. There is also a lot of information on Yugioh single cards and the Yugioh game available throughout the net. Virtually any card you want is available online, at your fingertips, Yugioh single cards included.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-yugioh-4me.com/
Finding a Rare Yugioh Card!
Today, having a rare yugioh card is can be very beneficial. Yugio is a wildly popular card game, television show, website, series of video games, collectible action figures, playsets and board games. Already a giant hit in Japan, its popularity now rivals even Pokemon. In America Yu-Gi-Oh! is already the most-watched program on the Kids' WB Saturday morning lineup. And the Yu-Gi-Oh! website logs an amazing 1.2 million hits per day!
A rare yugioh card can be very important to the game. So you start with the main character, Yugi, a weak and childish boy who becomes a hero when he plays games. Weave a story around a game with unique creatures, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses and you have attracted instant universal interest. Add to it the thrill of battling against a human being while looking them in the eye rather than playing with a machine, as with video games. And since you can't play a card game by yourself, you get friends to play with. That's how it spreads especially since it appeals to ones eternal wish of being able to turn into something, or someone, else. The icing on the cake is provided by the mystery surrounding the games and the characters on the cards. And you have a fiercely addicting experience on your hands!
Reality is merely an illusion
The object of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game is to win a Match against your opponent, and if you have a rare yugioh card you’re even further ahead. One starts off with a deck of cards. There are four Starter Decks containing 50 game cards. Each card has a character with individual powers and attributes. A single Match consists of 3 Duels. Each card battle against an opponent in which a win, loss, or draw is referred to as a Duel. The first player to win 2 Duels in a Match or one who has 1 win and 2 draws, is declared the winner. Simple? Not really. Because the unlimited characters and their unlimited attributes spawn a whole generation of card-sets! And then there are the rare cards from the original Takahashi set besides others that are made specifically to be sold with a magazine or video game and are not available in the normal packs of Yu-Gi-Oh. Mind-boggling? And to think - all this just to create an illusion and escape from mundane, earthly realities. But then, Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one, don’t you think? Look around our web-site and you’ll find some great deals on a rare yugioh card.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-yugioh-4me.com/
Filmmaker Visits Classroom
While most of them did not know anything about the film that was about to be released to the nation and most of them probably had never heard of the filmmaker's name, they all sat there quietly, studying with soft eyes and listening as their teacher introduced the lecturer.
Youssefian began with a soft and soothing voice by introducing himself and why he had suddenly decided to drop by to visit his little friends. As soon as there was the mention of a Hollywood movie and how it would be in theatres soon, the eyes lit up and the children leaned over on their desks not to miss a single word.
One of them asked if Youssefian knew Hillary Duff, another asked if Britney Spears was in the film and how come she had not come instead of him. Youssefian laughed like a good uncle and he patiently explained that he had not had the pleasure of working with either stars yet.
Waiting for his cues from the teacher, Stacey Norwood, he began taking the whole classroom into an inspired discussion about movies and actors and actresses and what was the children's favorite movie and if they would want to work in the industry one day.
The atmosphere started out as pleasant and within 20 minutes it had turned passionate as Youssefian laughed whole-heartedly at the children's remarks such as "Was your mom mad when you told her you wanted to make movies?" Norwood observed. His response to that was to always be straight-forward with parents and everything would find a way to work out.
"He spoke to them as if they were equal and that's what I really appreciated. You could see that the children loved him and respected him and immediately welcomed into the class."
Before leaving, Youssefian passed out some memorabilia from the movie to the children who gave him a big round of applause.
"You can't imagine how great this gesture was. These children are sponges and they will probably remember this day for the rest of their lives. Most of them are already giving up their plans to become a doctor to get behind the camera!" added Norwood.
About the author:
Angela Wang is a movie reviewer.
Machiavelli Hangman
http://www.hangmanmovie.com
Fashion Doll Collecting
For doll collectors who have a liking for fashion, collecting fashion dolls seem like a logical option as a hobby. And there are so many different types of fashion dolls out there in the market that it’s easy to get confused. There are large toddler-sized fashion dolls, there are teddy bear sized fashion dolls and…let’s not forget those tiny little miniature fashion dolls that you can place over dressing tables, closets or on the bedside table itself!
Although fashion doll collecting is deemed to be a favorite hobby or interest that people of the fairer sex likes to indulge in, some men actually like collecting fashion dolls too! So, doll collecting is not a hobby exclusive to girls…men can and some do collect fashion dolls.
Contemporary fashion dolls, vintage or modern fashion dolls? Your choice
Fashion dolls have very contemporary designs today with a fusion of modern fashion clothes mixed and infused with traditional and conventional elements. Fashion dolls like Robert Tonner dolls are truly made for the hard core doll collector. Their dolls have a whole range of modern fashion dolls, vintage fashion dolls and also fashion dolls based on characters. Fashion dolls with characters, names and a personality profiles written out are often a hit with doll collectors. Barbie dolls sell like crazy – not only a hit with youngsters, but a hit with adults as well. In fact, the Barbie doll is, without a doubt, the leader in fashion dolls. Barbie dolls have been selling like hot cakes for ages and we don’t think it will stop anytime soon, either. As long as clothes designers keep coming up with new clothes and fashionable accessories for their Barbie fashion dolls, people will keep on buying.
Knowing where to find your fashion dolls
Knowing where to find affordable fashion dolls will make a huge difference to your budget, especially if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on this fashion doll collecting hobby of yours. Most of us don’t. You don’t have to have all the fashion dolls in the market today – it’s not urgent! Although a point to note is that new fashion dolls are often grabbed up in minutes after they hit the stalls. Keep some spare money and budget the money you want to spend on fashion dolls every month – and don’t overspend. It’ll make you feel resentful and you’ll soon lose interest in fashion dolls.
Buying fashion dolls online
For sure, you can find a wide range of fashion dolls in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and in children’s toy stores. But the best way to find cheap fashion dolls is online. Yes, online. Be warned that you have to be careful about whom you buy the fashion dolls from if you buy it online. Get to know the seller first before you part with your money….even if you’re desperate to have the fashion doll! Online auction websites like eBay, Amazon and Box Lot have tons of fashion dolls listed for sale at ridiculous prices. But as mentioned, be wary of the seller.
One last point to make about buying and collecting fashion dolls is this; it’s not the number of fashion dolls in your collection that counts. It’s the quality of those fashion dolls that makes a difference!
• Bisque. Many old, foreign dolls have heads and/or bodies made of bisque, which is an unglazed porcelain material.
• Composition. Composition is a (surprise!) composition of wood pulp, sawdust, and glue. The mixture was used to make heads and/or bodies of dolls before plastic came along and took over the industry.
• Celluloid. Before hard plastic came out, dolls were made of celluloid, a thin, highly flammable type of plastic. Don't smoke near your celluloid doll!
• China. Many dolls that came out in the mid-1800s were constructed from glazed porcelain called "china."
• Hard Plastic. A very durable plastic that was popular in constructing dolls in during the mid-1900s.
• Vinyl. Vinyl was often used in dolls of the 1960s. It can be hard or soft, and it sometimes has that that yummy plastic smell.
About the author:
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.doll-headquarters.comon which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Family Meetings 101
Before the first meeting commences, set a few ground rules such as:
Speak in a calm tone.
Avoid name-calling, finger-pointing, and sarcasm.
Turn off the TV, radio and telephones.
Allow each person to voice his or her concerns and ideas.
Listen to all opinions before making a decision.
If a person voices a complaint, they must also bring to the table at least one possible remedy to the situation.
Locations for future family meetings may also be brainstormed at the first meeting. Here are a few examples:
Circle Time
Very simply, sit on the floor together, in a circle. Designate an object as a "talking token". This can be a small stuffed animal, a necklace to be worn, a hat, or any other item that will be passed around. Whoever holds the talking token may speak. Once they are finished, they must pass the token to the next person.
Restaurant Rendezvous
Take turns choosing a favorite restaurant to host your family meetings. For this option, choose an afternoon or evening in the middle of the week, or at off-peak times, to avoid heavy crowds. End the meeting before dessert arrives, so everyone can indulge their sweet tooth happily.
Hobby Haven
I know of several families who hold their meetings at places that cater to their favorite hobbies. For instance, one family conducts their meeting at a bowling alley. Once the meeting is over, they enjoy bowling together. Another family combines their gathering with their love of books, by meeting at a café in their favorite bookstore. And yet another family I know holds their weekly meeting after a joyful round of put-put golf. This option combines family communication and fun.
However, and wherever, your family decides to host the meetings, remember this all-important point: Always end each meeting with a hug!
About the author:
Deborah Shelton edits The Five Minute Parent email newsletter. For your free subscription, send a blank email to mailto:Five_Minute_Parent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
Educational toys to make both parents and children happy this holiday season
To help parents identify toys that nurture learning behaviours in key areas of development, Sylvan Learning Centre offer these tips to help parents find toys that make learning fun:
Math
• Board games take math beyond the classroom. Take turns playing banker in Monopoly™ or play a game of Yahtzee™ and calculate the odds of rolling specific combinations.
• A toy cash register helps children understand math when making change with money.
• Building blocks teach children about geometry and shapes.
Reading/Writing
• Books help children enhance their vocabulary and appreciate literature. Find out who your child's favourite author is and be sure to bring home a couple of those books. Go to www.bookadventure.org for guidance on age-specific books in your child's favourite subject areas.
• The LeapPad™ Learning System lets children use their personal console to run a variety of learning software that teaches reading, phonics and vocabulary.
• Subscribe to a magazine for your child (e.g., Ladybug, Ranger Rick, Spider, Chirp, etc.) to learn about topics of interest to him.
Imagination/Creativity
• Dress up costumes, dollhouses and other pretend props encourage children to tell stories and play make-believe. Young children love to pretend with child-size versions of everyday adult objects like telephones, cars and computers. Find activities and toys that are pretend versions of items you use on a regular basis.
• The Easy Bake™ Oven introduces children to basic food preparation skills, such as measurements, reading recipes and following cooking directions.
• Art materials, such as paint sets or craft kits, foster creativity and help improve reading and writing skills.
Reasoning Skills
• For young children, toys like building blocks, LEGO's™, and Tinkertoys™ actually help children acquire the reasoning necessary to learn math more quickly.
• Look into games like Connect Four™ or Yahtzee™ to teach your child strategy and problem solving skills.
• Science kits, chemistry sets and ant farms offer great insights into the world of science and help enhance reading comprehension and critical thinking.
• Video games help build reasoning skills and logic as children navigate different levels of each game. It's a great way to develop hand-eye coordination, too.
Sylvan Learning Centre is the largest organization of its kind in the industry. Sylvan's trained and certified teachers provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep. For tips on helping your child develop stronger skills, visit Sylvan Learning Centre's "Tips for Parents and Students" page on the web at www.educate.com/tips. For more information about Sylvan Learning Centre, phone 1-800-31-SUCCESS.
Easy Trail Mixes
* Quick Fix Mix
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup cheese snack crackers
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup raisins
Place all ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Enjoy!
* Chocolate Popcorn Mix
2 cups spoon size shredded wheat cereal
2 cups popped popcorn
1 cup dried cranberries
3 Tbsp. milk chocolate chunks
Toss cereal and popcorn into a large bowl. Place the cranberries into a small bowl. Melt the chocolate as directed on the package, and stir. Pour the chocolate over the cranberries and mix lightly. Add the chocolate cranberries to the cereal mixture, and toss lightly. Spread the mix into a single layer on a large piece of wax paper. Let it cool completely before serving.
* Fruity Nut Mix
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup dried banana chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup dried fruit bits
Place all of the ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Fast, easy and yummy!
About the author:
Deborah Shelton edits The Five Minute Parent email newsletter. For your free subscription, send a blank email to mailto:Five_Minute_Parent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
Dont Get Mad - Write It Down
If you are feeling any of the above then this article can help you :D
Whenever someone has upset me or im left feeling stressed from anything, i dont let it wind me up and let it make me mad because that just ends up causing more problems in the long run!
Instead i take a piece of pen and paper and write it all down, i pretend i am writing a letter to someone (it dont matter who), i normally try and pick someone i know i can trust and have a good conversation with without getting frustrated at them cos they wont listen.(this person could also be imaginary and not real)
I write down every single thing that im feeling and write it down as if they was next to me listening, within this letter i would pretend i was having a discussion with them about whatever it was that was bothering me, whether its mum & dad constantly moaning about homework, brothers and sisters trying to satrt a fight, people at school, friends you`ve had an arguement with by the time you`ve finished writing the letter to this person that you really trust (or have made up) you yourself have calmed down and now that your calm again, read back through the letter and read what you wrote.
When reading the letter think to yourself was the arguement really their fault or was i partly to blame?, if i did a bit more homework would mum & dad give me a break? etc and use this to better yourself.
This is also good practise for helping you control your temper and instead of getting mad at someone write it down.
This also helps kids & teens that feel lonely and feel like they have no-one to talk to since they are still sorting out their problems but not having to actually confront anyone.
About the author:
I am a 18yr youth worker (as of 2005) who not only works with teenagers as a living, but still has a brain of a young teen, so i can use my ups and downs in life to help guide other teens into the right path.
© 2005 http://just-4-teens.com
discount Clothing Stores - TheMall123 Apparel Advantage
If you crave for clothes, then TheMall123 Online Store is the place to be. The ultimate destination for dressing divas and dudes, TheMall123 gives you access to the very best web stores and the hottest in haute couture. From Ebay and EssentialApparel.com to Deal.com, WalMart and Coldwater Creek, we're a virtual gateway to shopping, and the choice of store is entirely yours.
Sign up and register with TheMall123 and open your gateway to the world of fashionable clothes and accessories like never before. Be it classic or trendy, designer or casual, denims or dresses, gloves or gowns, Ralph Laurens or Roxys, Bennettons or Burberrys, we'll give you whatever you desire - name it and we're sure to supply it! Whether you're into chic and cute, sporty and smart, or understated and official, members of TheMall123 are connected to the widest range of apparel and accessories.
What's more, we believe that the customer is key, and we pay special attention to our patrons. You can always freely access our affiliate web stores, but we at TheMall123 like to give our customers that something extra. So we came up with a better idea - sign up with us and you can gain while you gear up! Sign up.........shop………get paid… That's the motto at TheMall123, the shopping experience with the added edge. All you have to do is sign up and shop as a registered member, and wait - for your most wanted products as well as the rebate rewards that come your way! Unlimited cash-back offers, unlimited fun, unlimited choice - a happy shopper couldn't ask for more! So what are you waiting for? Connect to TheMall123, spend your dough on guaranteed, top-quality clothes and accessories of your choice, and earn as you buy -and you can do all this from the comfort of your own homes!
About the author:
Chaim Ringer is a well known author who writes for www.themall123.com
Designer Clothing Discount- Discounted Designer wear
You can now purchase that Versace gown you always wanted without stressing too much. How, you ask? It's really simple. TheMall123 gives you the golden opportunity to shop at their wide range of web stores and buy designer-wear at mind bogglingly low prices. Only at TheMall123 do you get huge discounts on prĂȘt-a-porter haute couture. Prada, Chanel, Lacroix, Gucci, Versace - the list is endless and the choices, almost too many!
Branded clothing is available everywhere - both offline and online. So what's so special about TheMall123, you wonder? Well, we've got news for you. Our prices are so low that they're almost unbelievable! This is the only place where you get the most sought-after fashion labels at crazy costs - price tags that suit your pockets just perfectly.
With our innovative deals and offers, we give our customers the chance to go and indulge in high-class shopping quite easily. What you will probably never find at a boutique or showroom at affordable prices, you will discover it on TheMall123. So your designer dream doesn't have to be one at all - live your dream as a reality in this lifetime itself!
About the author:
Chaim Ringer is a well known author who writes for www.themall123.com
Crazy Colors Fun Kid Experiment as a Party Activity
This activity, which is strictly speaking a kid science experiment, can be used in any party as entertainment. Even better: have a "Mad Chemist" theme and use this idea as one of the kid experiments.
Fill a plate or saucer with milk and put in a few drops of food coloring on top of the milk in different spots. The smaller the drops the better.
Use a spoon to pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid into the milk. Pouring it into the center works best.
Now watch the colors dance and explode.
This might sound very simple to you, but I've done this a few times with kids aged 6 - 10 and was amazed at how much pleasure this gave them! Let them each do their own - provide different colors and encourage them to try out different things. You will be amazed at the beautiful patterns they manage to create. Allow them to repeat the process a few times. They'll get the hang of it after one or two tries. If the kids are too small to do it themselves, you can do it as a demonstration. Or, why not just let them bring old clothes with, put down lots of old newspapers and allow them to make a big mess. They will love you for it!
Explanation:
Water has a "skin" called surface tension. This is a force on the surface of water which pulls it inwards. Soap or dishwashing liquid breaks down the surface tension and stops the skin from forming. This stops water sticking together in drops and so it flows more easily into all the places where dirt collects.
About the author:
Anne-Marie Killer is a mother of two teenagers and a toddler. She is the webmaster and owner of Perfect Party Ideas
Read her blog where she documents the process of setting up Perfect Party Ideas
Cool Snacks for a Hot Summer
Mouse Popsicles
It’s not what you’re thinking! The name refers to the size of the popsicle—not the contents. Wash a bowl of seedless grapes, and then set the grapes in the freezer for about an hour. Poke colored toothpicks into the grapes to serve.
Juice Pops
Summer isn’t complete without homemade juice popsicles. Simply fill a popsicle mold or an ice tray with your favorite fruit juice. Cover the ice tray with clear plastic wrap and poke a toothpick through the plastic into each square. Place the tray into the freezer until the popsicles are frozen solid.
Frozen Monkey Treats
Here is a healthy snack that your kids will go bananas for! Peel a banana and cut it in half. Insert popsicle sticks into the cut ends. Dip the bananas into yogurt or melted chocolate, and then roll the bananas in chopped nuts, crushed cereal, or coconut shavings. Place the bananas on a small waxed paper-lined baking sheet and set the sheet into the freezer for an hour or so. Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Fruit Fizzy
Don’t plan your summer party without this refreshing drink. Pour one can of Sprite (it doesn’t have caffeine) into a blender, along with small ice cubes. Add several large strawberries, a handful of blueberries, or other favorite fruit to the mix. Blend the mixture until it has the texture of a slush. Pour into a glass and garnish with a cherry on top.
About the author:
Deborah Shelton edits The Five Minute Parent email newsletter. For your free subscription, send a blank email to mailto:Five_Minute_Parent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
Contact Lens Makeup Safety Tips
• Wash your hands prior to putting in each contact, then apply makeup
• Don’t expose your eyes to water while wearing contacts
• Take out the lenses before you remove your makeup. Avoid greasy or oily makeup removers as they may build up on the contact lenses
• Avoid getting too close to the eye with any type of makeup
• Use makeup that is hypoallergenic to avoid sensitivity. Use only well known trusted brand names
• Use water soluble makeup
• Don’t use waterproof mascara as it may permanently adhere to the lens. Also avoid mascara that contains volume building fibers
• Avoid eye shadow that is powder. Use only gel, liquid or cream. Never use eye shadow that is frosted or iridescent. These may contain oyster shells or mica.
• Do not use eyeliner that is directly drawn on the rim of the eye. Keep all eyeliner pencils sharp enough so the wood doesn’t scratch the surface of the eye
• Use pressed powders
• Don’t use hairspray or other aerosols if you have already put in your lenses. Allow all hairspray to settle before walking into a room that has just been sprayed. Many times hair products can irritate the eyes and they are more susceptible now to problems because you wear contacts.
• Keep all nail polish remover and perfumes away from your contacts.
• Never swap makeup application sponges or brushes with your friends and wash your application brushes frequently
• Don’t put on make up if your eyes are already red or swollen, this will only irritate them more
• Beware of flaking mascara because pieces of nylon can reach the eye and never purchase mascara refills
• Never use saliva or water to thin cosmetics
• Never swap your contacts with your friends
• Never wear the contacts if they become cracked, chipped or torn
• You may want to use an eye wash to remove any excess oils from makeup residual
• Replace your cosmetics every six months to avoid bacterial growth
• Never apply eye makeup while in a car or worse yet while driving
If your teenager follows a few common sense ways of putting on makeup properly and purchasing the right products, there should be no problems with the contacts, or maintaining eye health and safety.
About the author:
Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying reading glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, safety glasses and more. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions. Her many articles can be found at http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net
Collectible Porcelain Dolls.
Artists of collectible porcelain dolls are best known for their ability to depict aspects of childhood. Different artists have different styles they use in the creation of their collectible porcelain dolls, but the result is often the same: to show a side of children that is dear to the heart. Children can be so many things. They can be mischievous and naughty, they can be curious and intent, and they can be sweet and soulful. Above all else, children are innocent. What makes collectible porcelain dolls so popular is the artists’ ability to capture these qualities that we cherish. Looking at the doll one sees not so much the doll itself as the emotional characteristics it portrays. These dolls represent much of what is dear in life.
Another form of collectible porcelain dolls are the ones depicting well
known characters. Dorothy dolls from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and Scarlett O’Hara dolls from ‘Gone with the Wind’ are both examples of collectible porcelain dolls whose claim to fame is tied to a popular film. These dolls are keepsakes for those who loved the personalities in the film.
More and more current celebrities now have their own dolls. Always a favorite among collectible porcelain dolls are those that depict favorite children’s stories, such as Cinderella and Snow White. Serious
collectors keep these dolls in their boxes to keep them pristine.
About the author:
http://www.a1-porcelain-dolls-4u.info/collectibleporcelaindoll.html
Coaching Youth Sports
Coaching the Right Attitude:
We all love our kids and, let’s face it; we also love playing sports with our kids. For me, it’s the way that I spend most of my free time and it is right up there as one of my favorite things to do. That being said, I also need to realize that statistically, none of the kids that I coach will ever play professional sports, nearly all of them will not play sports in college, and many of them will not even play varsity sports in high school. So, what does this mean for us as a coach? We need to emphasize all the other aspects of sports and the life lessons that make us love playing the game. Mostly, we need to make the experience fun!
In 1988, Robert Fulghum wrote the book “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten”. I’ve often told people that you can learn everything you need to know by playing sports – especially youth sports. Many of the same lessons apply, but on an even bigger scale where kids learn success and failure, wining and losing, sportsmanship and teamwork, and how to respond in many pressure situations. None of these are easy lessons. Winning with grace is just as hard to teach as losing with dignity. How can you do this and make sure that everybody has a great season? That’s the trick.
Every team you ever coach, especially teams with younger kids, will be split between kids that are talented and kids that are not. The goal that you have as a coach is to make sure that every one of those kids has a great experience and wants to play again next year. I take the most pride in the job I did as a coach when the worst kid on the team loves the sport and keeps playing year after year. The way that I do this is to emphasize things other than on field performance – I try to stress effort, trying your best and hustle.
There are several practical things that you can do to emphasize these “other” characteristics. In basketball, for example, instead of emphasizing and keeping stats for scoring, keep stats on hustle, picks set, good defense, rebounds, filling a lane, or just being in the right position. After every game, point out something positive that every kid did during the game. Award a point for each time a kid does something you emphasize and give stars or sew on patches when points are accumulated. You’ll see that these kids will do anything to get a star on their uniform, even pay attention in practice!
Coaching the Right Fundamentals:
Kids of any age can learn to do things properly. They may not have the motor skills developed yet, but they can at least try to do it right. One of my favorite misconceptions is that “practice makes perfect”. That’s totally wrong; practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes PERMANENT. What I try to teach is: “Perfect Practice Makes Permanently Perfect”. That’s a pretty big difference!
Of course, this really changes things for a youth coach because we need to teach the correct fundamentals or we’ll simply be reinforcing the bad habits kids develop. The hardest thing to do as a coach is to try and correct a flaw that a kid has developed over years of “practice”. This is even harder when the kid is good, because correcting the fundamental flaw generally means that getting worse before getting better. That means the kid is going to be reluctant to try this “new” way and may not stick it out. In the long run, the difference could be huge. While we’ve already acknowledged that that we’re not developing professional athletes, there is no reason to limit the ceiling on how well each child may develop. Coach’s Corner, Continued
The solution is simple: we need to learn the right fundamentals before we start coaching. It’s a responsibility that we accept when we volunteer to coach. Now, up front, I want to make sure to state that most of us think we know much more about sports than we really do. We think that because we played and we were pretty good that we clearly know how to teach a kid to play baseball or basketball. That’s simply not true. Much of what we learned was wrong. We may also not know the right way to communicate what we know to kids. Or, we may not know anything about the sport if we’re stepping in and coaching soccer or another sport that wasn’t “big” when we were young.
Fortunately, there is help. Many leagues do a good job teaching their coaches the fundamentals of the game. Some leagues even offer mandatory coaching clinics for their coaches. These are really good starts, but generally not enough – especially as the kids you coach get older and better. Before every season that I coach, I’ll watch several instructional tapes to review the fundamentals and also learn new material. I re-watch tapes, often with my kids that we’ve seen before and buy a couple of new ones to add some wrinkles. Of course, at SportsKids.com, we do offer 1,000’s of instructional books and videos, but the point of this section is to simply say to use whatever method you choose to make sure that you teach correct fundamentals. Every kid, even young kids, can learn with good coaching and remember: “Practice makes Permanent”.
The “Dad Hat” and the “Coach Hat”:
There is a huge difference between being a “Dad” and being a “Coach”. Each has different responsibilities and relationships with the kids. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of overlap between the two roles. I literally have two hats: one says “Dad” and the other says “Coach”. Over the years, my kids and I have learned to separate the two so I don’t wear the hats too often, but it does make the distinction more literal. Coaching your own children is one of the real challenges of youth sports because sometimes, you child wants or expects to have a dad when you’re the team’s coach. If you can separate these roles, and both of your expectations, you and your child will have a much better youth sports experience.
About the author:
Ken Kaiserman is the president of SportsKids.com, a leading youth sports website featuring games,sports news,sports camp and league directories,community features, and with over 150,000 products.
Ken coaches youth football,basketball and baseball.He also serves on the local little league board of directors as well as the Park Advisory Board.
Choose toys to encourage learning this holiday season
Sylvan Learning Centre suggests parents give the gift of learning this holiday season, and offers the following top learning toy selections:
Top learning toy selections for Holiday 2003
All items are available at Zellers stores across Canada
1. Imagination – LEGO Bionicles™ let children ages seven and up play with collectible biomechancial characters in an evolving story of life in the fictional land of Mata Nui. Bionicles encourages storytelling and role-playing and stimulates imagination, logic and verbal skills. ($9.88)
2. Family fun – Classic board games Monopoly™, Scrabble JuniorTM, Life™ and Clue™ are back and so is family game night. Playing games together is a great way to encourage family time and learn about counting, managing money, spelling and strategy. For various ages. ($18.95-$35.45)
3. Measurements – The Easy Bake Oven™ is an ever-popular classic and still making the sweetest memories! Children ages eight and up learn how to measure ingredients and use addition and multiplication if baking for more people. ($24.86)
4. Shapes, colours and imagination – The Playdoh™ Creation Station gives children three and up the ultimate playdoh set with tools and molds to create all kinds of fun shapes. Children can use their imaginations to create almost anything! ($44.98)
5. Reading – The LeapPad™ Learning System marries learning with laptop technology. Children ages four and up can use their personal LeapPad console to run a variety of learning software that teaches reading, phonics and vocabulary. ($54.97)
6. Letters and sounds – Alphabet Pal™ features several ways to play and learn, teaching children three and up the alphabet song, colours, letters and letter sounds. ($34.88)
7. Math – The forever favourite Yahtzee™ lets children take turns rolling the dice to fill their scorecards with different combinations. While having fun, children improve math skills including addition, multiplication and probability. For children ages eight and up. ($9.98)
8. Motor skills – Little Tikes Goofy Giggles™ encourages little ones to follow him around as he helps them learn to crawl. Children will be moving around just in time for the holidays! For infants. ($29.97)
9. Hand-eye coordination – Sims Double Deluxe™ lets players create neighbourhoods of simulated people known as "Sims" and control their lives. Sims and other video games help children with hand-eye coordination, memory stimulation and complex problem solving. ($39.96 – $59.96)
10. Organization – Children learn how to stay organized, track homework assignments and activities and follow schedules just like mom and dad with personal organizers like the Palm Tungsten E™. For various ages, Palm organizers help children manage their workload and personal life. ($299.97)
Sylvan Learning Centre is the largest organization of its kind in the industry. Sylvan's trained and certified teachers provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep. For tips on helping your child develop stronger skills, visit Sylvan Learning Centre's "Tips for Parents and Students" page on the web at www.educate.com/tips. For more information about Sylvan Learning Centre, phone 1-800-31-SUCCESS.
- News Canada
About the author:
News Canada
Buying Foreclosed Properties
Buying foreclosed properties is a great way to save your pennies on your real estate endeavors. While most properties that have been foreclosed upon sell for five to ten percent below normal selling price, there are some out there who may be selling for as much as twenty to thirty percent below market value.
While purchasing foreclosed homes is a great way to buy, sell, and make a profit, there is a process to the purchasing of these properties that must be followed by everyone. When a home is being foreclosed upon it means that the home owner was unable to make their mortgage payments on time and fell more behind than their bank or lender allowed. Usually the mortgage loan is taken against the house, there by granting the lender or bank the right to seize the property as fulfillment of their loan.
As far as purchasing foreclosed properties go, there are some advantages to buying properties this way that buying properties the normal traditional way do not offer. Appraisal fees can range anywhere from $300 to $600. During an appraisal, a professional appraiser inspects the property, measuring the square footage, inspecting the yard, fencing, garage, and other appurtenant structures. They will also do an inspection of the property itself; things like pools, decks, number of bathrooms, number of bedrooms, and such are all taken into consideration when evaluating the value of a particular property or home. The appraisal process can be rather tiresome, as an appraisal is simply the appraiser's professional opinion. If the lender, bank, or purchaser does not agree with the figure the appraiser comes up with the appraisal is disputed and the process begins again. When you buy a property that is being foreclosed upon, the appraisal process can usually be skipped because the lender already has some idea of what the property is worth. This saves both of you money, and can make the buying and selling process a lot easier and smoother on everyone's behalf.
Buying properties that are being foreclosed upon is a great way to locate a fixer upper that is worth the work. Usually foreclosed homes need repairs because the owner was, obviously, having some financial troubles that caused them to get so behind in the payments. This is an indicator that there may be problems with the roof, plumbing, or even the yard that need fixing. These are all things that can add to or take away from the market value of a home, and if you can purchase a home with these problems and you have the ability or monetary reserves to correct these problems, you have found yourself a nice little cash bucket.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known simply as HUD, also holds auctions periodically to unload homes that were funded through their federal mortgage program. Sometimes these houses can be bought at rock bottom prices and are not in as bad condition as one might think, although the auction environment can drive prices up in others' determination to secure a particular property for their own needs, personal or business related.
William Thatcher
http://a1financialnews.com