Computers and Kids

Many parents have questions about their children and computers. What do experts recommend? When should children begin to use computers? What should parents look for when buying computer games and software for young children? How can parents and children grow together with the use of technology? Are there any educational benefits for young children in using computers? It's such an important part of our life now but you want your children to not "play" on the computer either.  You want them to use it as a learning tool.  Here is some important information that I gathered that I thought could be very helpful.





When should children start using computers?



Many researchers do not recommend that children under 3 years of age use computers. During this time, children need strong, positive interactions with other children and adults. They learn through their bodies— their eyes, ears, mouths, hands and legs. Computers are not a good choice for supporting the developmental skills such as crawling, walking and talking that these children are learning to master.







The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an organization that sets standards of excellence for programs for children from birth through age eight. Their research shows that computers can have important benefits for even very young children, including language development, literacy development, social development, and the development of important problem-solving skills. However, computers are most beneficial when parents and teachers provide appropriate guidance, when computer use is related to other kinds of learning, when high-quality software is used, and when children work on the computer with peers or adults.





The following specific recommendations from NAEYC about the use of computers with young children are based on both current research in child development and the professional opinions of early childhood educators.



■Computers should supplement--and not replace--activities and materials such as art, sand, water, books, music, outdoor exploration, experimenting with writing materials, dramatic play, and socializing with other children.



■Parents should guide children's use of computers. Be on hand to help your child, answer questions, and interact with your child as she works on the computer.

■Take the time to observe and participate in computer activities to gain an understanding about how your child thinks and learns. Observing children at the computer can reveal much about the way children are thinking and solving problems.



■Work with your child on the computer, and encourage him to work with a sibling or friend whenever possible. Using computers with others encourages important social skills, such as turn-taking and cooperation, and helps build your child's ability to speak and listen.



■Learn more about software for young children, and carefully preview the software your child uses. While there are many high-quality products available, some software is not appropriate for young children because it is difficult to use, highlights violent themes, or does not foster language or learning.







Walking up a store aisle filled with brightly-colored boxes of children's computer software can be overwhelming for parents. With so many options, how can you be sure to select high-quality software that is easy to use and most likely to foster your child's development? Experts agree that ideal software for young children is easy to use and provides opportunities for interaction, repetition, discovery, and making choices.





Consider the following simple guidelines next time you select software for your child. In addition, consult your local librarian or talk with your child's teacher to get some specific software recommendations. Remember to preview software before your child uses it to ensure that it is appropriate.



What to look for when choosing software:

■Start out with simple "point and click" software that just requires your child to move the cursor on an object and click to make something happen. This kind of software will help your child learn how to move the mouse and will provide a successful first experience.



■Once your child is familiar with the computer, choose software that encourages exploration, imagination, and creativity. Even young children can explore the varied features of drawing and writing programs successfully.

■Look for software that involves the senses by incorporating sound, music, and voice.



■Choose software that helps to bridge the home-school gap. Find out what the children are learning at school and select software that reinforces the same themes or concepts.



■Select software that allows children to repeat activities, review, and reflect on what they already know. Ask them to explain what they are doing and encourage them to share what they know.



■Look for software that contains a variety of activities and levels so that your child can move on to another level or activity when he's ready.



What to avoid when choosing software:

■Avoid "drill and practice" software, or software that focuses on a few skills in a repetitive manner. Likewise, avoid programs that emphasize competition. Children are more likely to learn when they work cooperatively. Instead, choose programs that allow two to play together.



■Avoid software programs or games that depict violence as fun or as a way to solve problems. Instead, choose software that promotes cooperation and positive interpersonal relationships.



■Avoid flashing images or software with many moving graphics. These can interfere with a young child's ability to pay attention to tasks that require sustained attention.





Information brought to you by PBSparents and education.com

Kids Outdoor Summer Crafts

By Leslie Pleasants
It's sunny outside and kids need things to do.  Try to always keep a supply of crafts so when your kids are bored or doing something that they shouldn't be doing entertain them with crafts!  Some of these crafts you can do with them or they can do by themselves. 

Nature's Paint Box by TLC Family
Nature's paint box is a fun and easy outdoor craft that will inspire the inner artist in kids of all ages. Who needs to buy paints and markers when nature has a free supply of coloring tools for you?

What You'll Need:

•Leaves

•Bark

•Flowers
•Rocks
•Soil
•Sticks
•Berries from the lawn or garden
•White paper
•Fine sandpaper

How to Make a Nature's Paint Box:
The colors you see in flowers, leaves, and berries are from chemicals called pigments. Pigments also give color to paints, markers, and crayons. You can use natural pigments to create colorful pictures.

Step 1: Find a variety of flowers, leaves, and berries outdoors. Rub them on the paper to make marks.

Step 2: Experiment to see what kinds of colors you can make, then make a picture with them. Try bark, dirt, sticks, or rocks to see if they will make marks as well.

Step 3: After you have experimented on white paper and learned to make pictures, try making pictures on fine sandpaper. The colors will come out more strongly, and you will have an attractive picture to frame and put on your wall.


Painting Clay Pots by kiddie gardens
Painting clay pots is the perfect activity for a sunny afternoon, suitable for any age group and skill level, from toddler to up, allowing creativity and imagination to run wild. Painted flower pots brighten up balconies and windowsill and make the perfect personalised gift.

What you will need:
~a clay pot

~suitable paints in various colours (we usually just use poster paints)
~small paintbrush
~a container with clean water
~lots of newspaper to save your table from being painted!

1)Wash the clay pot in warm soapy water to remove any traces of dirt or grease.

2)Cover the table or painting area with newspaper, find paints, paint brushes and a mug of clean water (to clean the paint brushes when swapping colours).

3)When the pot has dried, start painting whatever design you like!

4)Ensure each layer of paint dries thoroughly before adding another colour on top.

5)Allow the painted flower pots to dry out.

And hey presto! you have delightful one-of-a-kind painted clay pot!


Potato Painting by kiddie gardens
Creating a potato painting by making stencils is a fun and easy kids craft project for a rainy afternoon. Just convert a potato into an easy stencil to create a variety of interesting patterns and pictures.


What you will need:
a nice firm potato

a sharp knife (or craft knife)
a pencil
some poster or tempera paint in a tinfoil dish
paper or card to print on
crayons

1)Cut the potato in half and dry it with some paper towel.

2)Then draw a simple shape on it. Hearts, Xs, and circles work well.

3)Use the knife to cut away the potato around the drawing, so that you are left with a 1/3 inch raised design.

4)Blot the potato with paper towel again, then dip the raised design into your paint and stamp it onto the paper.

5)Repeat the process until you have the desired design. The stamps can be arranged to form a pattern or a flower or house. You can add additional detail with colored crayons, eg two stamped circles could become two balloons, just by drawing in the strings.

6)Leave the painting to dry.

**Instead of using a knife to carve out the design, you can use cookie cutters - simply press into the potato after cutting in half, and remove the excess around the cutter.



Popsicle Paints by busy bee kids crafts

These popsicle paints are a fun summer crafts for kids. Just make sure you make a lot because they may melt before you've finished having fun with them! Just make sure the children you are doing this craft with know that these 'popsicles' don't go in the mouth!

What you will need:

•A container to make your paints in like an ice cube tray (as in the picture) or a real Popsicle container.

•Water

•Food coloring
•Popsicle sticks
•Cling rap (optional)

1. Fill your container with water and add 5 drops of food coloring in each section. Make as many colors as you wish.

2. Insert the popsicle sticks into each section. They don't need to be straight. If you are using an ice cube tray you can cover with cling wrap and insert the sticks through the wrap to keep them straight.

3. Freeze until solid and then you're ready to bring them outside..paint on paper, paint the side walk or fence, make some wonderful creations!

Sandscape by busy bee kids crafts
Kids can spend some time at the beach by making their own Sandscape, complete with real sand, shells, starfish and seagulls!

What you will need:

• Printed Boarder and Background Template*

• Construction paper

• Sandwich-size zip-lock baggie
• Glue
• Sand
• Measuring spoons
• Small macaroni shells
• White paint and brush
• Food coloring

1. Cut off the part of the baggie that is above the zipper, but don't cut off the zipper!

2. Cut out the template and trace it onto a piece of construction paper (we used dark blue). On a sky blue piece of paper trace around only the outside of the rectangle to make the solid background.

3. With the longest side of the rectangle running vertically, paint on some white seagulls onto your blue background paper, both on the top and the bottom (that way it will look the same no matter which way you turn it) You'll want to paint your seagulls between 1½" - 2" from the top so that the top boarder doesn't cover them up!

4. Cut out star fish from yellow construction paper. Color your macaroni by placing a few into a baggie and adding 2 drops of food coloring. Seal the bag and squish it around until the macaroni is covered. It will only take 1-2 minutes for it to be dry and ready to use.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of sand into the baggie and add your shells and starfish. Seal the bag.

6. Get all the sand into the center of the bag. Sandwich the baggie between the two papers by spreading glue along the edges of the baggie, front and back. Also spread glue on the outer edges of the paper boarder. In other words - The Sky rectangle with the painted seagulls is glued behind the baggie, and the boarder is glued on top

Turn your seascape upside down and right-side up and it will look the same!


Kool-Aid Play Dough by squidoo
My toddler can stay busy for a long time with this stuff. How much more fun would it be to make the stuff! Here is a colorful and great smelling recipe:

What you will need:

~ 2 1/2 cups flour

~ 1 cup salt
~ 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
~ 2 cups boiling water
~ 2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes. Store in zip lock bag in refrigerator.


Windsock by fave crafts
The Blowin' in the Wind Windsock project is perfect for a Hodge Podge Crafts event. If you are a Mom or Dad planning a party, or a school or local park district looking for ideas with some left over crafts, the windsock craft project is perfect.

What you will need:

•Aleene's® FunCraft™ Foam Glue

•Ribbon, 1/8” or ¼” wide ribbon about 8’ long

•Brads, metal

•Scissors: regular, wavy edge
•Fun Foam: 4 or 5 sheets in bright colors, flower shapes and letters
•Hole punch, 1/8” circle
•Clothespins


1. Cut a piece of foam 7-½” x 16” with regular scissors. Cut the two long sides with wavy edge scissors. Punch holes along wavy edges using hole punch to create a lacy edge. Following directions on glue bottle, glue short edges, overlapping at least 1” to create a cylinder. NOTE: Hold glued edges together with clothespins until dry.

2. Cut two strips 1” x 15” of a different color foam. Glue around top and bottom to create stripes.

3. Spell out name or word with Fun Foam letter. Glue in place. Apply Fun Foam shapes in various sizes and colors to create your own unique style.

4. Layer and glue different colors and shapes of flowers. Glue randomly on cylinder.

5. Add metal brads in several places to add sparkle and dimension.

6. Cut streamers in different shapes - circles, oval, squares. Attach to windsock with brads through holes around bottom edge.

7. Cut ribbon in half. Fold in half and tie in a knot about 5” from fold to hold together. Attach loose ends, evenly around top edge of cylinder with brads to create hanger.

8. Add any extra accessories to personalize your very own windsock!


Kids Garden Markers by better homes and garden
Make these cute bug friends to embellish your flowerpots and mark garden rows.

What you will need:

■Tracing paper
■Scissors
■9 1/4x12-inch sheets of lightweight copper

■Crafts foam: orange and yellow
■Sparkling modeling wire mesh
■3/16-inch hole punch
■Copper wire: 16- and 24-gauge
■Wire cutters
■Pencil
■Golf tees
■Cabochons
■Two green pony beads


1.Trace patterns onto tracing paper. (see link below) Cut them out.

2.Trace patterns onto copper sheets, crafts foam, and wire mesh and cut out as follows: from copper, two grasshopper wings and one ladybug wings; from yellow crafts foam, one dragonfly wings, one firefly body; from orange crafts foam, one ladybug body; from wire mesh, firefly wings; from pink crafts foam, one butterfly body.

Punch 3/16-inch holes in cutout pieces as indicated on the patterns, folding wings and bodies in half to reach inaccessible areas.

3.Cut a long piece of 16-gauge (the thicker) copper wire; wrap it around a pencil to make a long coil. Slip the pointed end of a golf tee through the bottom two or three coils, then tighten those coils around the tee. Repeat to make one for each flower marker.

Dragonfly
1.Cut a 2x3-1/2-inch piece of copper. Starting at one long edge, roll the copper into a cone for the body. Trim ends. Randomly wrap the body with 24-gauge (the thinner) copper wire. Wire on green pony-bead eyes. Add wire antennae at the head.

2.Slip the top coil of a golf-tee assembly through the wing holes. Pinch the coil to secure.

3.With thin copper wire, attach the body to the wing/golf-tee assembly using punched holes.

Butterfly
1.Cut a 6-inch length of 24-gauge copper wire for the antennae. Push the ends through the foam at the tiny circles on the pattern. Twist the two wires together close to the foam. Curl the ends.

2.Slip the coil of the golf-tee assembly through center holes. Pinch the coil to secure. Glue cabochons to the wings at the Xs.

Grasshopper
1.Cut a 3 x 4-inch piece of wire mesh; roll into a 4-inch-long tube about 3/4 inch in diameter for the body. Press one end flat horizontally (for the tail) and one end flat vertically (for the head). Trim straight across the tail end and in a slight curve across the head end. Use thin wire to attach orange pony-bead eyes to the head. Twist the wire ends to secure.

2.Cut a 6-inch length of green chenille stem for front legs. Push half the stem through the body. Bend the stem into leg shapes.

3.Starting 1/2 inch from the arms, push half a full-length chenille stem through the body for back legs. Punch holes in the copper wings. Slip a wing on each back leg. Use a piece of thin wire to secure the wings. Bend the chenille stem into leg shapes.

4.Slip the top coil of the golf-tee assembly into the mesh body. Pinch the coil to secure.

Ladybug
1.Cut six 2-inch lengths of thin wire for the legs and two for the antennae. Push pairs of wires through the foam body at the tiny circles. Twist ends of each wire pair together; trim to desired length.

2.Set wings atop body. Slip the top coil of the golf-tee assembly through the holes in the body and wings. Pinch the coil to secure.

3.Glue cabochons to the wings.


Sun Handprint by activity village
Bring a little sunshine into your home with this super easy sun handprint craft for summer! And as it involves some painting, some tracing, some cutting and some sticking, it proves a particularly popular craft for kids!

What you will need:

Paper plate

Yellow paint

Black marker

Yellow, orange and gold construction paper
Scissors
Glue

1)Start by painting the paper plate and leave to dry.

2)In the meantime, trace around your child's hand onto the three colours of construction paper. You will need about 12 handprints. A mixture of colours looks great but you could just use yellow if you prefer. Cut out the handprints.

3)Use the black marker to draw a cheerful face on your sun. If you are using a permanent marker, you should supervise this bit carefully!

4)Now turn the sun over and stick the handprints around the edge to form the rays.

Outdoor Party Games for Kids

Whether its for a birthday, family reunion, hanging out with their friends, camping...  you need to keep your kids entertained during the summer time and try to keep them outside with outdoor Party Games for kids.  The weather is nice they should'nt be inside watching tv or playing video game... they should be enjoying the sunshine and having fun! 

Here are some ideas that you can use to keep your kids busy and giggling at the same time!  :)

1) Balloon Stomp:
Balloons
String
Let the kids blow up their own balloons and tie one to their ankle with string. At the 'Go' signal, everyone runs around trying to stomp on and bust each others balloons. The last person with an intact balloon wins.

2) Hula Hoop Contest:

Hula Hoop for each child

Great for a small group of children. Play music to make it more fun. At the 'Go' signal, players begin 'hula hooping' as long as they can. If the hula hoop drops or players touch it with their hands, they're out!

3) Treasure Hunt:
Candy
Small Toys
Try this at the beginning of the party. Hide lollies, badges or small toys in the party for the children to find. Adapt the treasure to your theme. Keep in mind that small children become disappointed quickly. Keep a few spare treasures in your pocket, so everyone will find something.

4) Money Dig Party Game:
Money
Sandbox
Hide pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters in the sand box. Empty out all of the sand toys first. Give kids one minute to dig through the sand and find as much money as they can. For some messy fun, instead of sand, you could also hide the coins in a large container filled with Jell-O.

5) Army Men Hunt:

Small Green Army Men

If you have lots of trees in your back yard hide small green army men for kids to find. Give them two minutes to find as many as possible. Make sure they are on the ground, under leaves and hanging from branches. Whoever finds the most wins a prize, plus all the kids can keep the army men they find.

6) Jump Rope Relay:
Jump Ropes for each Child

Form two teams and set the boundaries of the race. At the 'Go' signal, the first two players race to the goal and back, jumping rope. The next player goes, and so on, until the winning team is declared.

7) Name-It Ball:

Bouncy Ball
Have players form a circle. Give one player a rubber ball. That player selects a category, such as "candy bars." He or she then bounces the ball to another player in the circle, who must catch the ball, state an item from the category, such as "Snickers," and keep the ball moving to the next player. If the player can't name an item, holds the ball too long, or repeats an item, he or she is out.


8) Obstacle Course:
Obstacles
Set up an age-appropriate course full of fun activities, such as crawling between patio chairs, leaping over cones, climbing over a swing set, jumping rope five times or running around the grill three times.

9) Loads of Giggles:
Children
This would prove to be a noisy outdoor party game for kids. Make the children stand in a circle. They should not move until you toss a handkerchief in the air. Once the handkerchief is in the air, the children are allowed to laugh or giggle. The moment it touches the ground, the kids need to stop giggling! Anyone caught giggling has to leave the circle!

10) Keep Your Bottle:
2 Plastic Bottles
Small Plastic Cups
Divide the players into two teams. Choose a good sport (perhaps a parent) to sit, cross-legged, with an empty plastic bottle on their head.
Line up the rest of the team and give the first in line a small plastic cup. Fill up a few large buckets with warmish water and place them between the team members and the good sport.
At the signal, the first team member runs to fill up their cup and then pour it, quickly but carefully, into the plastic bottle. Either continue until one bottle is filled up, or call time and see who has collected the most water. Give the good sports a towel, and the winning team a prize!

11) Bubble Game:
Bubbles for Each Kid w/ Wands

Divide the company into two sides, an even number in each. Stretch a cord or rope at a medium height across the middle of the room. Two children, one from each side, play at a time. Each stands on his side, blows a bubble, and then gently encourages it by blowing toward the opposite side, and over the rope if he can. If it goes over the rope without breaking, a point is scored for that team. Make sure that someone keeps score, and declare a winner after a certain amount of time, or when each child has had one or two goes.

12) The Chocolate Game:

A wrapped bar of chocolate

A plate

A knife and fork
Some dressing-up items (at least a hat, scarf and gloves)
Two dice

Put the bar of chocolate on the plate with the knives and forks nearby and sit the children around it in a circle. Throw the pile of dressing up clothes into the circle. Give one child the dice.

Children take it in turns to roll the dice on the floor in front of them, passing them around the circle to their left. If a child rolls a double, they leap into the center of the circle, put on the dressing up clothes, and start to unwrap, then eat, the bar of chocolate - but only using the knife and fork. That child keeps going until another child rolls a double, at which point they much co-operate in handing over the dressing up clothes so that the next child gets a turn.

13) The Chopsticks Game:

Pair of Chopsticks

2 Bowls

Marbles

Smartees

Peanuts

Marshmallows

Each child will need a pair of chopsticks, and each child or team will need two bowls and a number of marbles, maltesers, smartees, peanuts or marshmallows.

Place the bowls about 6-8 feet apart, on tables or chairs. Put the objects in one of the bowls. When you call "start", each child must pick up one of his objects, using only his chopsticks, and carry it to the empty bowl. He then returns for the next object, and so on until he has moved all his objects safely across and is the winner.

Hands must not be used at any time! If an object is dropped, it must be picked up and put back in the first bowl. You are only allowed to move one object at a time.

You can make this game easier by varying the objects. Marbles are hardest, marshmallows are easiest!

If you are playing with individual children, we suggest at least 10 objects to make the game last a decent time. For a team challenge, you might want only 3 or 4 objects, depending on the number of children in the team.

By Leslie Pleasants

Tips for Delegating

By Trisha

When I think of my role as a mother and the many daily tasks to accomplish, I often wish I had eight arms like an octopus to assist me in my multitasking day. But you and I both know that isn’t possible, so how can I gain more arms and hands to help me and make the mom load easier?

The answer is to delegate. That’s right, delegate to our children. They are capable of helping out and taking on some of the family and home responsibilities.

Click here to read Trisha's tips to getting your family to help out around the house over at SC Johnson

Be sure to leave me a comment over at SC Johnson

*Each week Trisha Blogs on SC Johnson Family Economics website as a paid writer be sure to read her weekly

Put Down the Controller: 15 Ideas to Get Your Child to Play Outside

As we end National No TV / Screen time week I'm looking for ideas on how to continue to reduce my children's screen time as we approach the last School bell ringing for the year and my kids beginning their lazy Summer days.

Kids are playing more video games than ever before. Whether it’s on a pricey game console or on the computer, kids as young as three years old are playing video games. Sure, some may have educational lessons, but the vast majority are for mere fun and suck away the hours on a summer day. Get your kid outside and moving with these tips to get them away from video games.

1. Go for a nature walk. Kids seldom know much about nature, outside of the basics they learn in science class. Take your kids to explore the outdoors by taking them on a nature walk. Don’t worry if there’s no national park nearby, you can go down a trail at your local park or in the neighborhood and spot bits of nature as they turn up. Check out birds and collect neat leaves and flowers along the way. It teaches kids to appreciate and respect nature and gets them in tune with the great outdoors.
2. Share old school games with your kids. Today’s typical six year old may not know what Red Rover is. It’s too bad since the game is a blast! Share old school games with your kids that will make them want to get outside and start Red Rover games with their friends and neighbors. This is a great game to play at a kid’s birthday party too, since there are usually plenty of kids around
3. Hit the beach. Appreciating nature comes with seeing the many parts of it. Showing your kids the beach will expose them to the sun and sand and you can incorporate a few lessons on erosion if the crowd is interested. Of course, if your kids are swimming the day away in the water, that’s fine too. Collect seashells and walk along the shore spotting crabs along the way.
4. Go to the park. This one seems basic, but once upon a time, the park was where most families spent their weekends. Now we tend to spend the weekends running errands or at the modern day park, the mall (insert shudder here). Take your kids to the park and let them do what they want. This is a great place to let them run wild because it gives them an opportunity to interact with other kids and play on things they may not have a chance to play with otherwise, like the jungle gym or see-saw.
5. Visit a public pool. If your kids don’t regularly get an opportunity to swim, taking them to a public pool one or two weekends a month during the summer will shake up their outdoor routine. Playing in the background can grow tedious, even for the creative bunch who love the outdoors, so get your kids in the pool swimming. Most public pools are free, so pack a lunch and go early and stay late.
6. Go camping. This one is a little tricky because depending on where you live and whether or not you own a vehicle, it becomes more or less accessible. If you can go camping with your kids, take them! You’ll appreciate seeing them in new territory (and vice-versa) and it makes for a great bonding experience. Don’t forget to pack the camera, so you can take photos of the family fishing or swimming in the lake.
7. Play baseball. Gather up a few kids from around the neighborhood (or invite school friends or cousins) and set up a game of baseball at a local diamond. It’s fun, cheap and many kids will want to play again and again. This one isn’t exclusively for kids either. Teams can be comprised of both adults and kids for a fun dynamic.
8. Start a garden. This is one surefire way to get kids outside, day after day. Starting a small garden will teach kids responsibility and how to get friendly with nature. Your kids will watch their plant or fruit or vegetable grow and appreciate the process and hands-on activity that requires time in the sun, almost daily.
9. Go for a hike. It’s similar to a nature walk, but instead of spotting things along the way, you’re more just enjoying the scenery as a whole. Kids can get some fresh air and take a look at what the outdoors, besides their backyard, look like. Hiking is an affordable trip if you live near a park with sizeable trails and small hills that kids can climb to the top of to appreciate the view.
10. Play catch. No park or major yard is required! Find an empty parking lot and play catch for hours with your kid or a group of kids. Baseball gloves for kids are usually affordable at sporting good stores and can be had for even less during the off-season. Plus, the glove will come in handy when you set up that game of baseball.
11. Take photos of your neighborhood. You’ll be surprised at how careful a kid is when trusted with a digital camera. We aren’t saying to hand over your $600 DSLR, but letting your kid toy with an affordable digital camera will make them see their neighborhood in a new light. It’s a great way to teach them about shadows, lighting and proportion. Hand the camera over and let them take photos. Then head home, upload them and pick out the memorable places you’re accustomed to seeing daily.
12. Watch the clouds. This is a free, simple activity that younger kids will enjoy. On a warm day, head outside with a few snacks and watch the clouds dance by. Point out funny shapes that remind you of things and watch how the sun changes as the clouds make their way. In this setting, kids will usually organically start playing games of tag and running around, so be prepared to stay outside awhile
13. Go stargazing. This can be at a park or in your own backyard. Set out a blanket and gaze away on a starry night. Use a constellation book to guide you through the stars you’re seeing or download Google Sky for a tour of the sky from your very own backyard. It’s a free activity that will open your kids to the world of astronomy and make them look up at night in a while new way.
14. Shoot some hoops. Even young kids will enjoy yelling, “Brick!” as their parents attempt to make a basket. This is a fun way for any number of friends or family to get outside and start playing and working up a sweat. Plus, as long as you can see your kids, it’s a game they can go at alone without worrying about anyone getting hurt.
15. Go bird watching. To do this, you can spot birds at random or take along a book to see if you see any of the birds on your journey. This works best if you’re in a park or wooded area where birds tend to gather. Bird watching is a fun family activity that many children take to because it gives them a closer look at nature than checking out plants and flowers.

Video games are tons of fun, but for youngsters, playing time should be limited to a couple of hours a week. If you show your child some fun ideas for getting outside and playing, they’ll be more apt to put down the video game controller and have some fun in the sun.

Five Manners Essential to Your Child’s Success

Arden Clise shared these tips with us on Kids and Manners during this week Live Webcast.

Five Manners Essential to Your Child’s Success

by: Arden Clise

1. Good table manners.

· Chew with their mouths closed and chew quietly.

· Wait to eat until everyone has been served.

· Put their napkin on their lap and to use it to wipe their mouth but never to blow their nose.

· Don’t eat with their fingers unless they are too young to use utensils.

· Teach them how to use their utensils properly.

2. Introduce themselves and others.

· Introduce themselves if not introduced

· When introducing two people say the name of the older person or person with a title first and say the name of the younger person or person without a title second. Example: “Coach Ball this is my friend Mary Smith.”

3. Conversation skills.

· Listen, don’t interrupt

· Not a monologue.

· Don’t just wait to talk.

· As parent, reinforce listening skills. Put Blackberry down. Be a good role model.

4. Write thank you notes.

· Kids need to be reminded and prompted.

A few TY note pointers to help:

1. Have a supply of note cards on hand.

2. Send the card within 48 hours so that feelings are still fresh

3. Follow this format for thank you notes:

a. Say thank you for the gift or whatever it is you received.

b. Let the giver know what you plan to do with it or have done with it.

c. Tell the person how much you like the gift or why you are so happy with it

d. If your child didn’t like the gift or received a duplicate have them say something about how thoughtful it was of the giver to give them a gift.

5. Be nice and courteous to others.

· Respect differences

· Be kind to others and don’t intentionally hurt people.

· Say please and thank you.

· Help others – hold doors, help coach put equipment away, visit friend in hospital

· Look for the positive – give sincere compliment

Modern Manners for Modern Children class, March 5, 11am to 1pm, Bothell, WA. For more information go to http://www.cliseetiquette.com/events/

DIY LEGO Capes Kids can make

Hanging out at LEGO land this week with my two of my LEGO addicted boys got me thinking about fun craft projects boys might be able to do with a LEGO theme. In my search I came across this fun idea from Zakka Life - LEGO capes.

This would be a great LEGO birthday party activity as well.

Click here to get the complete how to instructions.

Bedtime Routine Tips

by: Trisha Novotny
24/7 MOMS

Bedtime can become a positive part of the day with simple Bedtime routines:

Time For Bed - School-aged children should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, so determine what time your children will go to bed each night and begin being consistent so they are well rested each morning.

Nightly Bed Time Routines - Having a routine helps to ease your children into bed each night. Begin the routine about 30 minutes prior to the established bed time. The routine might include: Changing into PJ's, having a bedtime snack, a warm bath, brushing their teeth, saying good night to other family members and in our house the dog, reading a story together with mom and/or dad, saying bedtime prayers, getting the right blanket, stuffed toy and pillow that your child needs to sleep with.

Take a few minutes to talk to your kids as they wind down and get ready for bed asking them about their day, or discuss the story you have read together, create a short conversation it could include remember when stories, your life as a child stories, create a made up story you tell your children each night adding new parts and characters to it, or ask what your children what they are thankful for today.

Limit brain stimulation by turning all video games and TV prior to bedtime to begin shutting their brains down for the night.

Peaceful Sleeping - Create an environment that your children will have a restful and peaceful night of sleep. No loud music or televisions playing in adjacent rooms, as your children prepare for Bed time keep things quiet and calm as they unwind.

What is your bedtime routine with your kids?

Free Lunch Box Notes For Kids

FREEbie: Sometimes a mom wants to slip a little extra love in her child’s lunch box but doesn’t have time in the morning to pack a special lunch. Have no fear! Lunch box notes are here from Parentella. Click here to download and print your FREE lunchbox notes.

2011 Top Websites For Kids List

In my house I have these little people walking around known also as Generation Z - the generation that has never known a life without computers let alone the Internet and many don’t know a world without mobile phones at least mine don't.


Generation Z is the current label given to those born from 1995 onwards.

So, with techno savvy kids who surf the net for both education and entertainment what web sites can we as moms share with our children to inspire them over the Summer months to keep those brains learning?

The best place to find the Best of the Best websites is to ask other moms so not only did we created our list for you below but we also asked our Twitter MOM Followers and they suggested the following sites:

@uppervalleymom Says 10 year old daughter likes Club Penguin and Webkinz. Oh, and Taylor Swift web site!

@1of5Hawks Favorite kids sites: StudyIsland.com and CarnegieLibrary.org/kids

@attipscast I'm partial to http://nightlightstories.net, my wife & I are the creators :) Can't wait to see the list

@DAREALSUPAHMAMA nickjr.com for moose and zee!

24/7 MOMS List of 30 TOP web sites for kids :

Just For Fun

Lego www.lego.com

CBC Kids www.cbc.ca/kids

Funology www.funology.com

Thomas and Friends http://www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/index.asp?origref=

Suessville http://origin-www.seussville.com/games/

American Girl http://www.americangirl.com/fun/

The United States Mint http://www.usmint.gov/kids/

Craft Town http://www.craftown.com/kids.htm

The Idea Box http://www.theideabox.com/

Crayola http://www.crayola.com/

Sports Illustrated Kids http://www.sikids.com/cache/index.html



Search Engines for Kids

Fact Monster www.factmonster.com

Kids Click! www.kidsclick.org

Whyville www.whyville.net

Ask Jeeves Kids www.ajkids.com

Yahooligans! www.yahooligans.com

How Stuff Works www.howstuffworks.com

Ask For Kids http://www.askforkids.com/


Learning on the Web

Discovery Kids http://kids.discovery.com/

National Geographic For Kids http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

Funbrain www.funbrain.com

Cool Math 4 Kids http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

Learning Planet www.learningplanet.com

Kaboose Fun School www. funschool.kaboose.com

e-Learning For Kids www.e-learningforkids.org

The Kidz Page http://thekidzpage.com/learninggames/

Science Made Simple www.sciencemadesimple.com

The Story Place http://www.storyplace.org/

Valentine Kid Craft - Cute Enough For Framing

Framing our kids art is one way of inspiring our kids to be creative.

When I came across this fun and easy Valentine craft over at Zakka Life my first thought was this would be a great Valentine art project for my kids to create and then I could frame it and use as one of my Valentine decorations. These also make great homemade classmate exchanges.

For complete instructions on this simple kid craft click here to go to Zakka Life.

"Mom, we really aren't related to dad are we?"

"Mom, we really aren't related to dad are we?" were the words that came out of Nate-no's mouth while eating at the Olive Garden on our recent date night. Nate-no and I had been chatting about various topics, he is always full of stories, questions and lots of laughs.

Just about the time the waitress was delivering our bill he began informing me that he and his siblings really were not related to their dad. First, I was surprised by his comment wondering who on earth did Nate-no think his dad really was? Then he continued on telling me that since he grew inside of me and not the man he calls dad that meant he was related to me and not his dad. Which is why his siblings also are not related.

I had to keep myself from completely loosing it as I was not only listening to him telling me this bit of news but I also observed our waitress listening in on this conversation. I was thinking at first the waitress was probably wondering if this child had just discovered that the man he had been calling dad since birth was really not his biological dad . Until Nate-no went on to tell me it was all because he did not grow inside of his dad. WHEW! Glad to know there is not some impostor telling Nate-no that the man we call dad in our home really is not the dad.

Don't you love how kids minds think? No, I did not give in and tell Nate-no all about the birds and the bees. That is the Dad's job to break it to him of why he really is related to him even if he did not grow inside of him.

Resources For Family Devotions

Trisha Novotny
24/7 MOMS Founder

We teach our kids, reading writing and math but do we place enough priority on teaching them to follow Christ? That can be a BIG question and I did not ask it to judge or place mommy guilt on anyone I ask it to myself as well.

Each week my kids arrive home with their homework sheets from school and we make it a priority to accomplish the daily assignments and return them back to school at the end of the week. It allows my kids to get free choosing time on Friday, it tells the teacher their parents are on top of their education, it improves their grades and so on. But is it the ONLY priority I should be teaching my kids?

To me raising my kids to follow Christ is #1 .....but often the day to day task of educating them in this area can easily be pushed aside with the craziness of activities, homework and so many other distractions.

So, what resources are there out there to assist me in teaching my children to follow Christ as a priority?

Over 10 years ago I found a company called CBH ministries who creates Keys 4 Kids daily devotions. A yearly , bi-monthly subscription of keys 4 kids devotion book . They are filled with daily devotions including a story, questions, key verses and more.

This resource is one that I can use any time of the day - during breakfast at bedtime etc. It allows me to inspire my kids in their daily relationship with Christ and is a great family devotional.

Keys 4 kids Unlocks God's Word for young faith
You can learn more about God’s love every day! Read a fun story and hide God's Word in your heart with the Key Verse of the day. Check out today’s Key, or look for your favorite story in the archives

Four ways to begin using Keys for Kids in your home

#1 FREE Sample - Check out this sample of Keys for Kids -- a bimonthly devotional booklet published by CBH Ministries. The devotional for each day contains a story, a scripture passage, a personal application section, a verse to memorize as well as a "key thought"!

Click here to order your free sample today.

#2 Daily FREEbie -daily Keys for Kids devotional sent to you each day via email - Each one includes a cool story, Bible reading, a Key Verse, and an easy-to-remember Key Thought! Click here to sign-up for Daily Keys for Kids to be sent to your in box.

#3 - One year mail Subscription - bi-monthly Keys for Kids is a two-month publication filled with stories and activities that kids can readily identify with! It teaches relevant truths on a daily basis and helps them learn that success in life is directly related to obeying God’s Word.

Our new policy states that you may receive a single one-year subscription per family at no charge. The suggested donation to cover the cost for one year is $18. If you would like to make a donation towards Keys for Kids, just enter the amount to donate below.

Click here to order your one year mail subscription

#4 - One year devotion books -The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids is available with a great look for a new generation of readers. Each day's lesson focuses on a key theme. A great way to help kids connect with God! Includes: A contemporary story Application questions Memory Verses Action phrase Spanish language devotionals also available.

There are 3 volumes of kids devotions as well as specific devotion books for boys , girls or families

Click here to view and/or order Keys for Kids devotion books.

FREE - Winter Mad Libs

My kids love mad libs and recently I began printing them out to use at our dinner table. It creates lots of laughter as you can imagine as we read them allowed.

Click here for Classroom Jr. FREE down loadable winter mad libs and add a little laughter to your dinner table or they are great to use when traveling long distance.

Books For Kids - Great Winter Reading

Today a friends posted on her Facebook - I need some ideas of a book I can read to BOTH my kids (2nd and 4th). Any ideas? So I thought I would share with you a few recent favorite books my children have enjoyed reading or being read to:

Wally McDoogle Series – by Bill Meyers

The Elijah Project Series – by Bill Myers

The Chronicles of Narnia Series – by C.S. Lewis

The Adventures in Odyssey Series – by Paul McCusker

The Kidsboro Series – by Marshal Younger

What are you reading to your kids this month?