One thing that every parent wonders about early on is about food allergies. From pregnancy to infancy and toddler age food allergies are a hot topic, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. And because 1 out of 5 Americans suffers from some this issue, chances are high you may know someone who suffers from this. Let's answer some of the most common questions you should be asking.

First, just because the parents are allergic to some type of food doesn't mean that the baby will be. But do know that if both parents have an allergy, there is a 75% chance that the baby will develop that same food allergy. If one parent has it, then there's a 30-40% chance. More often environmental factors determine and allergy to food. Likely it is linked to the amount, what kind and how often the food is eaten may be important to what foods children become allergic.

Much research has been done on whether avoiding certain foods during pregnancy will prevent food allergies. The results are inconclusive that this will prevent certain allergies to foods. Apparently breast-feeding for 4 to 6 months does help reduce sensitivity to foods.

Most children do outgrow cow's milk, soy and egg allergy, but only 20% of children with a peanut allergy will outgrow it. This is different from adults, which usually do not outgrow food allergies.

Another important question people ask is in regards to whether they should send their kids to a "nut-free" preschool or daycare, if they have a kid with a peanut allergy. Overall, this is really necessary. If the environment is clean, and the staff wipe down the tables and toys, then the overwhelming majority of chances for your kid being coming in contact with the food is very slim. What you need to pay more attention to is how well versed the staff is with food allergy safety and how they manage food allergy reactions.

It's never too early to teach your kids about food allergies. By reading your kids stories about food allergies, it can help them understand what they can and can't have. Teach them all of the foods that are bad for them and to ask what is in their food before eating it. Teach them words or phrases to use when they feel funny after eating, as well as emergency medicine if a shot is needed after an allergic reaction. Parents you should always thoroughly read every label if you are questioning what's in it.

By Jodi Dillon

Sexting - is this a big issue? Definitely, yes!

So what is it?

Sexting refers to the act of sending or posting flirtatious, nude or semi nude images or sending sexually explicit texts primarily via mobile phones.

The mobile phone that you gave your child as a birthday gift, if not used wisely, may become something that destroys their life. This may seem a rather wild statement, but if they start sexting, then there can be serious consequences to this behaviour.

Here are some alarming statistics on sexting - 20 percent of teenagers have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of themselves and 39 percent of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages. And many are sending these pictures to people they have only met online. (thenationalcampaign.org)

Looking at these numbers, sexting is definitely an issue that every parent needs to discuss with their children.

The Dangers of Sexting

Usually, teenagers are influenced to 'sext' because they want to show off or entice someone. They feel that this is an effective method of displaying their interest in a potential partner or as their proof of commitment to their partner. Some do it because of peer pressure or just for fun. However, when that relationship or friendship comes to an end, and the other person has highly compromising materials, this is where the problems begin and almost always, there is no fairy-tale ending.

The moment a picture is sent or posted, that's it, you have lost control over it. It is pretty much impossible to take that image back. The recipient can easily forward the photo, make a copy of it, post and share it online with anyone. 'Anyone' could mean the whole world.

Aside from emotional damage caused by having a nude photo shared with the entire community, the teenager's reputation is also damaged. On top of that there are possible legal consequences.

As mentioned, once the 'message sent' is seen on the screen, there is no way that you can take it back; there is no 'undo' button.

The Role of Parents in Sexting Prevention

You are not around for your children 24 hours a day. You cannot control what your teen does when it comes to communicating with friends via mobile phone or social networking sites. However, you can guide them. The best and the most effective way to do this is through talking with them about the dangers of sexting in a non-judgmental way.

Keep the conversation open, leaving room for your children to freely express themselves instead of displaying authority, which results in them, hiding things away from you.

You need to talk to them about how they use their phone, and be brave enough to ask if they have been sexting. If they don't know what this is, tell them, and talk with them about the dangers of sexting.

Give examples of how it has affected the lives of many teenagers and the legal consequences.

While having the conversation, remember to provide enough time for your child to speak out. Pay attention to what they have to say. They may disagree on what is appropriate and what is isn't; however, helping them realize the possible consequences and the dangers of sexting, hopefully will stop them from falling into the trap of sexting.

By AJ Mior

Active play is very necessary for children to grow well. There are many climbing frames that can encourage children to move their joints and muscles in the garden area. There are many types of frames that serve this purpose. These frames are excellent choices of play for the children to climb, stretch and jump as well as slide to enhance their motor skills safely.

Basic climbing frame

One basic climbing frame that would be of special interests to kids between the ages 5 and 10 is the barn frame which consists of a solid wooden tower of 2 levels high with a special shaped roof and step ladder. It also has a slide of 3 meters which leads down to a wooden framed sandpit. This cool outdoor frame comes with a steering wheel as well as a climbing wall with rocks to encourage the young climbers.

Flexibility

The barn model climbing frame is easily fitted into any garden with a good range of colors to choose from. You can add on accessories to it like the monkey bars and swings, making the barn frame very dynamic and flexible in structure and purpose. More challenges can be added on to this frame model as your children get used to the previous challenges such as the base tower and slide. The additional play options encourage your child to discover new excitements with a spark of their imagination.

Talking Tube Module

One useful accessory to the basic climbing frame is the Talking Tube module. It is a long tube connecting two concealed mouthpieces where two parties of children can speak to each other. Communication is made through the cleverly disguised yellow flower clips that let your children's imagination flow in their creative play.

Tic Tac Toe Module

Another easy add-on accessory is the Tic Tac Toe component where young children learn about strategies through pattern matching. Learners get trained to fore see the pattern solution quickly to win the game with a series of same pattern. This component piece can occupy two players for quite a while as they challenge one another for a winning matched pattern.

Three rotating columns attach to the frame easily with screws to add on this delightful piece to your frame for the children's enjoyment. Screws are tightly put in place at the top and at the bottom of the frame to ensure safety.

The basic climbing frame is made of natural pine wood with a 10 year warranty for your child's safety in mind.

By Aiden Alwa

Remember those fantastic radio controlled cars you had back in the 1980s? Well Tamiya keeps on re-releasing then at a rapid rate, surely fueled by the nostalgic element they install in many a 30+ year old man. It's also having a knock-on effect with the younger generation as many young kids are getting their first experience of these fantastic toys, via their fathers, and realising there is more to life than the Playstation and Xbox.

But it's not just Tamiya who are at it. Many retro toys have made an appearance over the last few years. We had BigTrak. The programmable space-age truck that would occupy children for hours on end, just so they could get it to move around the living room and dump a tin of beans in front of the settee. BigTrak is a little primitive and even back in the 1980s it was difficult and frustrating to use. Only the most patient and intelligent child would get it to do exactly what they wanted it to do.

Other Brands have been better at moving with the times. Lego has always included technology into its products as it got popular in society. Scalextric moved to digital systems to add another element to it's racing systems and modern variations on Meccano have been surfacing for years. But generally there are far less 'hands-on' toys for children these days.

How many kids these days know how to change a plug? A lot less I expect than back in the 1980s when other toys and hobbies like Meccano, Lego and Airfix kits where in their hayday. Is it a surprise then that there are less skilled workers around these days? Learning through play is an important element for children and these toys offered a lot more to my generation than just entertainment. They made me knowledgeable about everyday tasks in life, like for example, changing the spark plugs on my first car. How may youngsters these days feel confident doing what seems to me like a very simple task?

Teaching our young children how to be constructive and actually build something with their own hands has got to be a positive thing. Think of an average computer game. They are mostly built around destruction. Is this really what we want our kids to develop around? There's something quite rewarding about making something from scratch with your own hands and seeing the product of your hard work before you. I can't see why our society should be attaching destruction to this feeling of reward via most computer games. It will only have a negative effect on this generation.

So, do we have more responsibility as parents to entertain our children in more creative ways these days? Afterall, being handy isn't nerdy. It's actually quite useful in life.

By Jamie Bryan

It is obvious that the majority of us enjoy spending money especially when we can without getting ourselves in a bind. However, we should put aside some money for emergencies, we should teach our teens to save because we never know what will come up, and we would need available funds.

Teaching Teens to manage money maybe difficult but not impossible. When they learn to spend some of their money and save some, they will have some for another day.

Here are a few tips that might help our Teens to save money.

Do not buy name brand shoes or clothing. I remember some years ago, I took my daughter to the mall and she saw a pair of name brand shoes in a store. We did not get the shoes at that time but went to look in another store. We saw the same shoe there for a lot less; the only difference was the price. I pointed out to her that if we bought the other shoes, we would only be paying for the name because both shoes were the same. I reluctantly bought the name brand shoes for her because it was what she wanted but every since then, I have been more aware of different prices for the same item.

Children love name brand items but if we can show them other high quality items at a lower price and show them the money that they can save, they might be willing to omit the name brand and settle for something that looks just as good but at a lower price.

Open a saving account in their name. Teens really like this ideal because it makes them feel like an adult. They like the ideal of telling their friends that they have a saving account. I do not recommend a checking account because they are not careful with money at that age and could end up with overdrafts.

Encourage them to keep a piggy bank at home for loose change. This comes in handy because it will keep them from touching their money in their saving account and it will keep them from coming to us and asking for money.

Renting movies are cheaper than going to the theater. The movies that are played in theaters will soon be on video, it will not hurt them to wait a while to see the movie. It is ok to treat themselves to a movie with their friends sometimes but they can do the same thing at home with a friend and a rented movie.

Arcade game rooms can get expensive because there are many games to play. Instead of going to the arcade, they can play video games at home for as long as they like without adding more money in slots.

Stop going to fast food restaurants and eat at home. This saves money and home cooked meals are healthier. Teens are still growing and they need nutritious food in their bodies to make them strong and healthy.

Stop buying a lot of sweets and sodas. If you add up the cost of these items for a week, it will surprise you especially if the items are bought single. Buying in balk is cheaper but not healthier because too many sweets and sodas are not good for anyone.

Once the Teen get in the habit of managing his money, it will mostly become a lifetime habit.

Money Managing Tips For Teens: By Lizzie Ducking

I am a License Practical Nurse. I have been in this field for over 25 years. I enjoy helping and encouraging others. My main hobbies are reading and writing. I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother. I am also President of the Parent Teachers Organization. President of the Parent Supporter Task Force and a member of the Parent Leadership Institute.

My website is: http://www.lizzieschristianbookstoreandmore.com. I sell a variety of Christian Products such as E-books, Poems, and Teachings. Free weekly Devotions. Inspiritional products like Crosses, Bible covers, Plaques, Figurines and more.

By Lizzie Ducking

Mowing lawns for money are a good idea for a Teen for several reasons. It will give him the sense of responsibility, it will keep him occupied for a while with something constructive and he will be making his own money.

My twelve-year-old grandson has started mowing lawns with my brother-in-law. My grandson asked him several weeks ago if he could help him and he said yes. It was pleasing to me to see him behind the lawn mower because he was learning to work to earn money and he was learning how to do it.

Teens can mow lawns in their neighborhood because the people who live there most likely know them and will be willing to give them an opportunity to mow their lawn.

They would need adult supervision because using this type of equipment can be hazardous therefore, they should not be left alone while mowing lawns.

Before a Teen get on a lawn mower or behind one, he should be dressed in long pants, long shirt and wearing gargles to protect his eyes. If he is using a push mower, the mower should have a protective pad on the back of it to prevent rocks from flying out from under the blades.

I remember when I was a young girl; I was mowing our lawn with a push mower that did not have this protective pad behind it. A rock was thrown from beneath the mower and it hit me on my leg. The pain was so great that I started crying and the imprint where it hit my leg is still visible today. To this day, I hate push mowers with or without a pad on it.

Most Teens like the ideal of making their own money and we should not prevent them from doing it. Mowing lawns during the summer months are a great start because they are out of school for the summer, no homework, and they have a lot of time on their hand.

Safety measures are important so before they get on a mower or behind one, they should know that these equipment are not to be played with, they can be dangerous. They should remove all debris before mowing such as tree branches, bottles, cans and anything else that will get in the way of the mower that will cause injury to the person mowing or damage to the mower.

If they can find lawns to mow outside of their neighborhood, they will still need adult supervision. Never let a child mow without an adult being present, it is too dangerous. In addition, an adult need to be there to make sure the job is done right and to ensure that the Teen is paid after he has mowed the lawn.

I am a License Practical Nurse. I have been in this field for over 25 years. I enjoy helping and encouraging others. My main hobbies are reading and writing. I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother. I am also President of the Parent Teachers Organization. President of the Parent Supporter Task Force and a member of the Parent Leadership Institute.

My website is: http://www.lizzieschristianbookstoreandmore.com. I sell a variety of Christian Products such as E-books, Poems, and Teachings. Free weekly Devotions. Inspirational products like Crosses, Bible covers, Plaques, Figurines and more.

By Lizzie Ducking

Fostering- How to Teach a Child about Love and Family: By Lizzie Ducking- It is heartbreaking to see a child in foster care because we will know that something drastic has happen to him. Although it is heartbreaking, it is also comforting because that child is no longer enduring hardship and is in a safe environment.

A child who is in foster care mostly likely has been without love and care otherwise he would not be there so he really need someone to show him love and for him to know that he can trust adults.

There are many reasons why a child might be in foster care and if a child is in our custody, we should be very careful about the way we approach him. We would need to show him affection but in an appropriate way. If we want to hug him, we should put our arms around his shoulders, further down can be misunderstood.

We have to show love before we can teach it therefore, it is very important that the child know that we care about him. Being kind to him is showing love and once he see it, then we can teach him that if he is kind to others kindness will return to him.

A foster child may not know that a family supports each other. Therefore, in the family environment let him see how each other supports the other. Let him see the communication and love. Let him see the family working together to accomplish a goal. Involve him in the family activities so he can get a feel of what it is like being part of a family.

He might be withdrawn because of what has happen to him and a new environment might further his withdrawal. Therefore, give him space and time to adjust. Do not force anything upon him, that would only make things worst.

We should show him that he is important to us and the best way to do that is to spend special time alone with him, do something with him, and listen to him. Once it is established that we can be trusted, the child will open up to us and his adjustment in our home will be easier for him.

Fostering a child can make a difference in his life. If we show him love and the importance of family, it will establish trust. Trust is important because it can create stability and productivity. It is also good for an individual to foster a child because it is an act of giving. Anything we give, something will be given back to us.

I am a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have been in this field for over 25 years. I enjoy helping and encouraging others. My main hobbies are reading and writing. I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother. I am also President of the Parent Teachers Organization. President of the Parent Supporter Task Force and a member of the Parent Leadership Institute.

My website is: http://www.lizzieschristianbookstoreandmore.com. I sell a variety of Christian Products such as E-books, Poems, and Teachings. Free weekly Devotions. Inspirational products like Crosses, Bible covers, Plaques, Figurines and more.

By Lizzie Ducking

Jumping on trampoline is quite exciting as it offers sheer joy that completely engulfs a person who is voluntarily going up and down on a trampoline. Believe it or not, the trampoline was originally used as a method of punishment in the medieval days. The act of 'blanketing' was meant to toss the offender into the air, of course involuntarily. There are some references to this in the literary works such as Don Quixote where Sancho Panza was thrown into the air from a blanket. However the exact origin of the trampoline is difficult to ascertain as a lot of people have been credited for inventing it.

Trampolines were used for various purposes for nearly a century after being invented. They have been used in the military as aviation training aids for pilots and navigators, who would train on them to face the difficulties while on flight. The trampolines have also come handy for training astronauts and cosmonauts of both the American and the Soviet space programs. The "In flight positions" which the astronauts can expect in the space were simulated on a trampoline.

Today, however, the most significant usage of a trampoline is in the entertainment industry. Children love playing on a trampoline and they simply enjoy jumping to and fro on it. However as much as they do enjoy it, near fatal accidents may sometime happen.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has recently in a report rated the trampoline to be the source of the third major amount of accidents. Most children that met with an accident were in the age group of 5 to 14 years. Most kids love watching TV and they try to imitate what they see on the TV. They perceive that it is a way of expressing themselves to their peer group. The more daring you are, the more cool you seem to be! However as parents there is nothing cool about your 5 years old son lying unconscious in the backyard with a serious injury on the head. Naturally, safety comes first when playing on the trampoline. There are safety gears and padding available at the sports stores. You can get helmets, joint guards and also safety padding to ensure that over anxious kids do not get injured on them. Even if they are a slightly over the budget ensure that you buy them to avoid any untoward incidents. Trampoline is a fun game, and as long as the safety of the kids is ensured, it certainly provides pure entertainment to the kids.

By Barbara Mary

Late last night, my wife read off a few of the more urgent things on the honey-do list she made for me. We're preparing for my parents, who will be living with us, to return from from their Mormon mission next week. As with most people who are expecting visitors, we want to present the best version of ourselves to my folks after not having had them around for two years. After listening to the litany of not-so-thrilling duties - clean up the office, fix the broken sprinklers... - my interest was piqued by my wife's reminder that our children's playground set has been lying on its side in multiple pieces since a heavy windstorm blew it down a few weeks ago.

Not deterred by the quickly fading sunlight, I grabbed my toolbox and hustled out back to the back yard to see what could get done before my late evening construction project would begin annoying my neighbors. My wife was going to work on some things on her list of to-dos while I was handling my manly duties. Thinking that it might be helpful to have our two-year-old out of her hair, I mentioned to him on my way to fetch my tools from the garage that if he would put on a warm shirt and some shoes, he could come help me fix the playground.

Soon after I sized up the damage that had been done to our playground, the sun was gone. It was already past 10pm. You might be wondering why my kids were still awake at that late hour. Every night I wonder the same thing.

As I wandered between my house and garage trying to get together everything I though I'd need, I noticed my little boy running around the house frantically looking for something. I asked my wife what he was up to, and she mentioned that he wanted to hurry and get his jacket and shoes so that he didn't miss any of the action.

The hour and a half that followed taught me about a lot more than how to patch back together a broken swing set. My two-year-old, Spencer, was eating up the opportunity to spend some time with his dad and the contents of the toolbox. I've noticed that interacting with my toolbox is a rite of passage for my son. Pulling out a hammer and pounding on a few surfaces is his way of communicating to me that he totally empathizes with my need to bang on stuff. Closing the lid and flipping the latches is another of his favorites.

Our time spent together looking for tools, sorting through screws, fumbling with extension cords, a drop light, and a power drill, and discussing how to put back together his and his sister's playset took on a kind of rhythm. Each time we started something new, I could expect to hear, "What's that, Daddy?" I'd then explain what the tool was. "Oh! What are you going to do with that, Daddy?" I'd show him what my plans were. "Oh!" After I'd get started into the next step, there was the inevitable, "Can I try, Daddy?" Each step of the repair process gave him the opportunity to hold up the light, turn the screwdriver, bang the hammer, or help out in other ways.

When we finally got the playground back on its feet and pounded in the stakes to hopefully keep it from flying away again, I could see that my little boy was beaming about his part in the effort. I told him we were finished, and that his momma would be proud of what he'd help to accomplish. He ran inside to give a report. Meeting my wife at the back door, I heard him exclaim, "Mommy, we fixed it!"

Now, I understand that the chore would have taken about half the time had I left my son inside watching a cartoon or otherwise kept him out of my way. Had I done so, I would have lost an opportunity to bond with the little guy. When I have experiences such as this one with my two-year-old boy or either of my other kids, I'm always reminded that time cannot be reversed, and I won't get a second chance to make any particular moment count. As hard as it is sometimes to place work, personal interests, and any of the other many competing time sinks in their rightful place, I'm confident that on this particular occasion I made the right decision in fulfilling my role as a father.

By Richard Robbins

Come on now, we've all done it. Whether it was the black sweater that you "accidentally" bought when you were meant to be buying groceries, or that new CD that was marked with a big "buy me, I'm cheap" sticker, it's almost impossible to escape the excitement of an impulse buy - almost. Not only do adults fall into this trap but kids too, and that's why it's important when teaching money to kids to remember to talk to them about impulse buying.

Impulse purchases are all about that moment of instant gratification. When it comes down to it, they are often irrational and emotional purchases that we don't need, brought about by the excitement and hype of the shopping experience. Just the other day my sister was out shopping and came home with a leather jacket just because it was on sale! The funny thing was, she lives in the tropics where the temperature is hardly cool, never mind cold, so she wouldn't even have the opportunity to wear it very often! Sure, it's nice to buy yourself something special every now and again, but there are some simple tricks that you can employ to avoid spending your hard earned cash on items you may not really need or want. These are listed below:

Budget, Budget, Budget!
Now it may seem like this is my answer to everything, but it really is! If you have a budget, and you allocate yourself a spending amount for your shopping adventure - this will help you to really consider your purchases!

Make a list
Think about what it is you want to purchase before you hit the shops! This will keep you on track and help to avoid distractions like bargain tables and bins. I find it especially useful when grocery shopping, as this is a place where it is incredibly easy to make impulse purchases, particularly in the sweets isle.

Assess the options
If you do find yourself in a situation where you've been presented with an unexpected bargain, make sure you compare items for price and quality. Ask yourself the question "Can you get it somewhere else, cheaper perhaps?"

Above all, take the time to think about the purchase. If you have any doubts, then perhaps it's not a wise purchase. Consider sleeping on it, as it will always be there tomorrow.
A friend of mine does this regularly. If she finds herself thinking about it after a few days have passed, then she will go back to the shops and purchase the item. It's most likely also given her time to find the money in her budget!

Looking for more ways to teach your kids about money? Visit http://www.moneytoolkits.com and claim your FREE copy of moneySMART$ emagazine written by Nicole Clemow and the team at Money Toolkits. Nicole is an international author and speaker on the subject of teaching kids about money and how to make it.

By Nicole Clemow

Prior to having children my husband and I ate out at least once a week and really enjoyed this part of our lives. Since having children we do not go out as much due to money restrictions. However we still eat out at least twice a week and mostly that is with our children. Here are my top tips on taking children out to restaurants, which will hopefully make your meal out an enjoyable one and not a stressful one.

1. Choosing a Restaurant

If your intending to take your children to a restaurant think about whether it would be suitable for children. Some restaurants are advertised as family restaurants, however other restaurants particularly expensive ones may not be so welcoming to children. Therefore when booking the restaurant make sure you mention that you have children, this then allows the restaurant to say that children are only allowed prior to a certain time or not at all. When we were in Skye on a holiday we booked into a restaurant and was told that they did not allow children, so it does happen.

If you are wanting to go out but unsure of how your children will behave then go to a family restaurant at first ie pizza hut or a brewers fayre. This will enable you to eat out but not feel too embarrassed or stressed if your child acts up. We generally go to these restaurant's with our children, we expect them to behave. However children can have bad days so if one of them acts up, we do not get too stressed and we are able to diffuse the situation.

2. Choosing the Right Time

Our children tend to act up after 7 pm generally because they will be tired. We therefore generally book a table at lunch time or between 5 and 6. This is not only better for our children's moods but most people dining out at these times either have children or will not be surprised if children are present.

3. Be Prepared

Some restaurants will provide some activities and crayons for colouring. However I always take a small colouring book and crayons (generally bought from a £1 shop). I also take a favourite toy, magazine or book. This enables your child to have some amusement as although going out for a meal is a treat for an adult this is not necessarily the case for a child, unless it's McDonald's!

4. Saving Money

When I only had 1 child up until he was 18 months I use to take a yogurt some fruit and a chocolate. I would ask for a side plate and give him some of my dinner as well as the snacks I had brought him. Since having 2 young children I now just buy 1 children's portion and share it out. Neither of my children have big appetites and they always leave half of what is given to them. By sharing there is less wastage of food and extra money in my pocket.

5. Bribery

What also works for my children and I am sure many parents have used this at some point is bribery. My children like to behave for a desert (usually ice cream). You may have other incentive methods at home such as sticker charts, or pebbles in a jar, by finding something that works for you and your child can be a powerful tool in encouraging good behaviour.

As I have said my husband and I really enjoy going out for lunch and dinner and it is a treat when we do so, We find that these tips work for us and make going out as a family an enjoyable experience. All the best in your restaurant adventures. http://thegoodparentguide.com

By Emma MacDonald

As children get older, they crave more independence and privacy. This is only natural but this doesn't mean parents shouldn't remain involved and ensure necessary routines be maintained. I know it isn't easy and, in fact, can be a source of many arguments. Teens' best strategy to get what they want is to simply wear their parents down, but in some cases it is absolutely vital that we stick to what we know is right, especially when it comes to sleep.

Because most parents lead busy lives and are tired, they don't have the energy at the end of the day to ensure their teens are conforming to rules regarding bedtime, phone calls, use of technology, etc. Our kids can be very convincing. They are sure they are different, they can thrive on only a few hours sleep, they have to stay up to finish their assignments, and on, and on it goes. They are so vehement, even insulted that we don't trust their judgment. They are quick to throw back at us the need for greater responsibility and decision-making. Your tired, their unrelenting, you think they should be old enough to know better...and you give in. Big mistake!

Let's get the basics out of the way. First, research has shown that teenagers don't need less sleep compared to when they were younger, but actually need more! They need an average of 9 hours of sleep. I can hear most of you gasp and think that is unrealistic and crazy, but it's true. For optimal health (physical and emotional) and learning, 9 hours is ideal! However, most teenagers don't get anything close to that amount. Many of you have heard about recent research, especially from the United States, claiming that teens have their own biological clock that makes them tired later and need to sleep in. In fact, many people are now supporting the idea of starting school later to accommodate their 'natural sleep pattern'. But if you look at the data closer, they are talking about teens not being able to sleep before 11 p.m. - not 1 or 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning as many young people have made a habit. And the schools that were encouraged to have later openings had their first classes starting between 7 and 7:30 in the morning! Most schools in Canada do not begin before 8:30 a.m. and many do not start until 9 a.m.

Teachers don't need studies to tell them that many of their students are chronically sleep deprived. Most young people in their teens (and many tweens) do not go to bed before 11 p.m. They are staying up to wee hours of the morning, whether their parents are aware of it or not (many of them are asleep and just happy that their kids stay in their rooms). They are playing video games, chatting through email, facebook, twitter, and many other social media sites. They phone each other on their cells or text each other throughout the night. Not only to teachers have trouble keeping some students off their cell phones, parents are totally unaware of how much time their kids really spend on their phones. Because many of them have phone packages that include free texting and local calling, they are not alerted by extra charges and don't really pay attention. Parents need to take a close look at how much time their kids are spending on their phones and especially when they are on their phones! Are they getting and sending out a lot of texts when they are supposed to be in their classes learning? Are they receiving many calls and texts after midnight? If so, their technology is impairing a healthy lifestyle and it's time to do something about it. When you were young, would your parents allow you to accept calls late at night if it wasn't an emergency? Your kids will tell you things have changed. And they have. We have lost control over how our children spend their nights and they have developed self-destructive habits that have significant impacts on their daily functioning and ability to succeed.

Electronic media such as computers, TVs, cell phones, and video games make up just one aspect of teens' lives that prevent them from going to bed at a reasonable time (between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m). Poor time management and organization skills (which many people struggle with) are also key components. Many students do not take advantage of time given in class to do work, and/or do not schedule time after school or early evening to do their work. They procrastinate or are simply tired because they haven't got enough sleep in the first place. They also waste a lot of time with their electronic toys. Yes, computers are invaluable for efficient research, organizing, and producing their work. Young people can also use their computers to collaborate on projects and help each other study. But the truth is that much of their time on their computers and using technology is unproductive, and over time, many young people have developed poor study habits. They are convinced they can listen to music, chat, do their work online, and watch TV all at the same time. They may manage to do so and feel uncomfortable when they have to focus on one thing at a time, but this approach prevents them for managing their time efficiently and learning optimally (becoming easily distracted and unable to fully focus on any given problem or project). It also affects their mood. Negativity, depression, anxiety, and frustration can all be associated with lack of sleep and technology dependence. Quick fixes like caffeine, power drinks (more caffeine), and drugs do not only create dependency issues but are actually counter- productive.

Now, at this point, all of you are saying - oh, but that's not my kid! Are you sure? Sleep deprivation can affect mood, performance, attention, learning, behavior and even biological functions. It can lead to car accidents, loss of confidence, weight gain or loss, acne, and so impact many other aspects of your child's life. Being a teenager can be tough enough and confusing enough for both you and your child. And getting your teen back into a healthy and productive routine will not be easy, but is absolutely vital. So where to start?

1. Help them create a schedule for their schoolwork based on a realistic amount of time they normally need. Teach them about project management. Check in with them regularly to see how their planning and scheduling is working out. Be encouraging and not overly critical but be consistent with the message that they must work things out within the time they have available to them during the day (not during the time that is suppose to be their bedtime). If, as things often happen, their plans are not working out, encourage them to begin thinking about how other activities need to be managed in order for them to meet their priorities. Their top priorities should be their health and their education (not the party they want to go to Saturday night or shopping at the Mall Thursday after school, or catching a movie with their friends Sunday afternoon)

2. If they are struggling with the course work or workload, get them additional resources - extra help at school, a tutor, spend more one-on-one time with them, or recruit the assistance or a sibling or relative. If they are a slow reader, consider buying them the audio form of the book to listen along to when they are reading. Consult with your child's teachers to find out other ways the school and you can work more productively to support your teen.

3. Start talking about getting reading for bed around10 p.m. (putting the electronics away, beginning their hygiene routines, organizing themselves for the next day, etc.)

4. At 11 p.m. they are to be in their rooms (remove their cell phones, shut down their internet (or better yet ensure the computer is in a quiet study space outside their bedroom) and remove any video games. Their light should be dimmed and curtains shut. Their alarm should be set for at least 8 hours of sleep, leaving enough time to get ready in the morning (and ideally have a healthy breakfast).

5. Encourage them not to drink anything with caffeine after dinner or to eat or exercise within a couple of hours of bedtime.

6. If they have not completed their homework, you may encourage them to do it at lunch if possible. This is the really difficult part - they must bear the consequences of poor habits - procrastination, poor choices, and old fashion rebellion. Of course, if they have serious sleep issues, they should not be punished and a health professional should be consulted. But do not be manipulated to believe that their failure is due to your insistence on a bedtime. Do not do their homework for them and do not call the school or their teacher asking them to make exceptions. If they can negotiate an extension with the teacher or do work to make-up a late assignment, great! That is something they should have to work out as a consequence of their choices.

7. Try to avoid arguments before bed because increased stress will impact your child's ability to sleep. This may be difficult at first because they will pull out every trick in the book not to have to conform to a routine. In advance, speak to them calmly about the importance of sleep and how you are committed to providing the best environment possible for their healthy development and success. Do not waiver. Be consistent and eventually they will realize that this is the new normal.

8. Model good health habits, including a similar sleep routine.

I'm not saying that this is going to be an easy process if your child has become accustomed to doing his own thing and staying up late. Many of you will try to convince yourself that they are too old or too set in their ways (knowing this could lead to World War Three in your house) or not to sweat the small stuff (your child is not doing drugs or a delinquent, performing satisfactorily at school, and getting to school on time). But sleep deprivation is a serious issue and can be impacting your child in ways you never considered.

Laying down the law or coming on like a drill sergeant is not the best approach. Ideally, your child should see that you are coming from a place of concern, wanting them to be happy and healthy. You should communicate your desire to help him or her with issues they may have already made known to you (being tired, not getting to school on time, not performing at the level they hoped, being irritable or over emotional, feeling stressed, etc). They should be involved in setting goals, creating schedules, and given the opportunity to discuss their views and problems. But, in the end, if they are choosing destructive habits, it is your responsibility as a parent to create an environment that will help support your child's healthy development.

Hermine Steinberg is a parent, teacher and author of the fantasy-adventure - The Co-Walkers, Awakening. http://www.cowalker.com

By Hermine Steinberg

Halloween isn't too far away to start thinking about the best ideas for costumes. If you really care about making Halloween a special day; you're prepared to go all-out for Halloween creatures. There are a lot of options to choose from: some old friends and a few newcomers, but rest assured that that whatever you choose, a full Halloween creature costume will be the hit of the party.

Here's a sneak peak at some of the best Halloween creatures for this year:

Vampires: The Twilight series has been just the biggest hit in the recent vampire craze. Rest assured, vampires are "in" right now, and they're cooler than ever. There's a little risk of overexposure with vampire costumes, but there are so many different costumes, that you can still find a way to stand out. The old school Count Dracula costume is no longer the only vampire look. Experiment, and you'll find a great your own great Halloween creature waiting for you. Don't forget - girls can be vampires too!

Werewolves: Another brand of Halloween creature that's seeing a comeback. Werewolves haven't been a really popular creature for years, but the winds are changing. You'll be seeing more wolves than ever this year, so it's absolutely essential that you be creative when finding a werewolf decoration or costume. Don't be afraid to be really different from everybody else - that's what it's all about!

Fairies and Princesses: Just don't get them confused. Fairies and princesses make for great Halloween creatures and even better costumes. The only problem: they're even more ubiquitous than vampires. Fairies and princesses are a little girl's favorite fantasies, and they're guaranteed to make Halloween extra-special.

Superheroes: There's nothing like being a superhero to make a child feel powerful and special. Superhero costumes and decorations are a great way to spice up a party. The only problem is that it can be hard to be creative without spending a lot of time and money. That makes superheroes great for two things: last-minute buying and big, sprawling parties and costumes.

Cartoon characters: The all-encompassing category, cartoon characters are always a great hit. However, different kids watch different cartoons, so it's hard to be specific. From Dora the Explorer to Avatar, there are tons of cartoons that kids love, and will love to see come Halloween. If you're hosting a party, the best thing to do is find out what cartoon the group likes best, and you might even be able to make a great party theme. Cartoon characters are also great because their costumes aren't quite as popular, meaning that your children won't be have the same Halloween costumes as everybody else.

Those are the basics. Other popular Halloween creatures include witches, ghosts, bats, skeletons, demons, and a host of other scary creatures. Don't be afraid to go all-out this Halloween, and you and your children will be sure to have a great time.

Jack writes articles for HalloweenWeb.co.uk where you can find a great collection of Halloween wallpapers that are free to download to your desktop or mobile device.

By Jack Blake

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
Marcel Proust

We have often heard the expression "you can't choose your relatives, but you can choose you're friends." A common theme in my blog is the power of choice. Most children, although they want the right to choose, do not fully appreciate to what extent their choices have long lasting and even permanent consequences. They often believe they are victims of circumstance. The longer and stronger they believe this, the more this perception will shape their reality. That is why it is important to begin impressing upon children from a very early age that they always have a choice and there is always a consequence to that choice.

When it comes to friends, most parents can agree that choosing wisely can make a profound difference in a child's life. However, the issue usually does not come up until you feel that your child has made a 'bad' friend or believe that a friend or group of friends is negatively influencing your child. But that's not the time to begin lecturing your child on the importance of having good friends. From birth (yes, I did say birth!), you can prepare your child to surround herself with people that will enrich her life, to value the importance of true friendship, and to be a good friend. By teaching your child these things, she will grow up with more confidence, stronger self-esteem, and a philosophical framework that will help her make positive decisions in her life.

So where do we start?

1. Teach your child to be respectful and expect to be respected. Simple things like teaching good manners (yes, it sounds old fashion but good manners is just a outward manifestation of showing respect and appreciation), listening and paying attention when other's talk, waiting your turn, and sharing, teach a child about give and take, showing consideration, and most importantly that our behavior is a reflection of our values.

2. Model positive conflict resolution strategies - when there are disagreements (between you and your child or anyone else within earshot of your child) or your child needs to be disciplined, do not act impulsively or out of anger. If things get emotional or heated, take a time out. Suggest that the issue be discussed calmly later. If you honestly do not know how to handle or react to a situation in a reasonable fashion, say so and take the time to think about it before making a decision. Always be prepared to listen but also expect to be heard and express yourself in a way that avoids attacking the person as opposed to the issue or the unwanted behavior.

3. Never threaten to withdraw love or support from your child! We all make mistakes in judgment, occasionally engage in inappropriate behavior, and even disappoint others. Children need to know that their primary relationships (parents and other members of their immediate family) are unconditional, loving, forgiving, and the people they can come to when all else fails. This foundation will give them the emotional strength to go out in the world, explore, take risks, and reject others who may prove to be harmful to them - because they always have a loving place to which to return. They are not alone in the world.

4. Never use humiliation as a way to motivate your child. You do not want your child to believe that humiliation and love come hand in hand. Criticism and put-downs are not constructive or empowering. Unwanted teasing or sarcasm in the guise of humor sends mixed messages and has the harmful impact of humiliation with a message that if it is meant to entertain, it is acceptable. It is a form of bullying. Belittling, by its very nature, is meant to make a person feel "less than". Your goal should be to encourage your child to do the best they can, praise persistence and effort, and provide them with concrete suggestions that can help them reach their goals. Be their cheerleader and coach, not their rival or taskmaster.

5. Be trustworthy and encourage your child to not give away information confided to them (but also letting them know that there should not be any secrets between you and your children). Being trustworthy also means being reliable, knowing people can count on you. The expression "your word is your honor" should be understood. People may not always be able to follow through on what they have said or promised, but they should make an honest attempt and go back to the person to let them know if they cannot do what was promised. "Blowing people off" is a statement about our ability to make commitments and caring about the consequences of our actions.

6. Do not engage in idle or insensitive gossip or unnecessary criticism or judgment of others. We all have participated in gossiping at times or commented on what a person has worn or how they acted in a particular situation. But when it becomes malicious, ongoing, or elevated to a form of entertainment at someone else's expense, we are not only teaching our children a form or bullying but also, whether we like to admit it or not, a way of making ourselves feel good by putting someone else down. When your child engages in this behavior, do not encourage it and try to have your child empathize instead of criticize.

7. Show an appreciation for diversity. Demonstrate a genuine interest in customs, traditions, and histories of other people. Take the opportunity to celebrate with people of other cultures, participate in various ethnic or religious festivals in your area, and encourage learning and discussion about other countries and belief systems. Avoid making sexist or racist remarks, or any disparaging generalities about any group of people. Encourage your child to judge people as individuals, and appreciate people's differences. Also, children must learn to accept that there will always be people who are richer and poorer than them, prettier and less attractive than they are, smarter and less intelligent, more or less popular, and more or less talented in any given area. There will be people with whom they have more in common and have more fun. But all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Resentment, envy, arrogance, and impatience are feelings we all have but it is our responsibility to manage them as they are a reflection of who we are and not the people who may have triggered these emotions in us. These negative emotions will rob us of our joy and it is our choice to act on or be imprisoned by them.

8. Demonstrate loyalty to people we care about. It is never easy to balance all of our important relationships, especially when there may be conflicts. Do not try to drag your children into family conflicts or force them to take sides. If friends complain about other friends, try to stay neutral or encourage them to try to see things from the other point of view. If friends or outsiders criticize family members, do not encourage them or participate in the discussion. Do not allow them to speak disrespectfully about them and make it clear that you need to honor your primary relationships. Constructive suggestions and advice is one thing, but insulting language and encouraging divisiveness is unacceptable.

9.We all make mistakes, some are worst than others. The best approach is to admit your mistakes and apologize. You are not only doing this for the benefit of the other person. Each time you acknowledge you are imperfect and take responsibility for your actions, you are making a statement about yourself. You are ingraining the belief that you are a person with integrity who has values, who is accountable, and resilient. You are defining who you are and who you would like to be. If you model an admission of guilt or error as a weakness, you will encourage your child to lie and hide their mistakes, never learning and growing from them. And since all humans make mistakes, it will lead to insecurity and self-loathing.

10. Encourage your child to be active and involved. Not only will you provide your child with outlets for their energy and creativity, they will learn that they are part of a larger community to which they can make a positive contribution. This will enhance their self-esteem. In addition, the more interests and skills they have, the more they will have to contribute to any relationship.

When people are positive, interesting, empathetic and engaging, they are more likely to naturally attract friends of a similar nature. With a clear understanding of what it means to be a good friend and the confidence needed to believe that they deserve to be respected and appreciated, children will tend to choose friends that are supportive of who they are and what they would like to achieve. They will also be better prepared to let go of toxic relationships, reject negative peer pressure, and be able to bounce back from being rejected themselves. Most importantly, if parents lay a foundation of open communications, high expectations, and unconditional love, when things do get rocky or confusing, children know they always have a safe place to turn to for guidance and support

Hermine Steinberg is a parent, teacher and children's author. She recently released her fantasy-adventure - The Co-Walkers, Awakening. http://www.cowalkers.com

By Hermine Steinberg

A common theme in stories aimed at children and teens is revenge. Whether comedy, drama or even fantasy, the main character often overcomes some form of humiliation or loss by plotting out and successfully carrying out a plan to meet out justice by inflicting some kind of pain or embarrassment. Sometimes no actual harm was done to the main character but a person was targeted because they were arrogant, or disliked, wealthy, or simply getting too much attention. The message, sometimes plain as day and other times more indirect, is that retribution is the best way to reclaim one's honor, confidence, or status. Why are these stories so popular? Because kids can relate to them. In fact, recent studies have shown that young people have taken these messages very seriously and bullying, which has been dramatically increasing among youth, is associated with increasing status, power and self-esteem.

Jealousy is often portrayed to be caused by external factors, rationalizing the feeling and resulting behavior as justified, and reinforcing attitudes and behavior that are largely destructive. Parents have been told (and they have reiterated this to their children) that young people have a right to their emotions. But there is a profound difference between acknowledging feelings and accepting all feelings as healthy and constructive.

The bottom line is that people who feel inadequate, insecure, or overly dependent are typically more jealous than others. We all feel jealous at some point in our lives and to some extent it is a normal part of our emotional toolkit that helps us express our fears and insecurities. But as we mature, we realize that jealousy is a symptom of these underlying feelings that we hopefully can identify and address. Unresolved, these feelings can transform us into mean-spirited, self-absorbed individuals that end up destroying relationships and pushing people who care about us away. The expression -"what you fear is what you create"'- rings especially true in this situation.

Irrational or chronic jealousy is never healthy and can be triggered by imagined or misperceived events. Embracing jealousy as a legitimate reason to hurt others is giving our power over to others. We become reactive beings rather than individuals who can manage their feelings and make conscious decisions about what is in our best interest, how we wish to spend our energy and talents, and what values we wish to live by. We have the power to define ourselves rather than be defined by our circumstances and emotional impulses. This is a very important message young people need to hear and understand.

When we feel jealous, on a primal level we are experiencing a threat and fear. We are worried that a loss of this person or thing will lead to terrible consequences. Our first impulse is to avoid or prevent the perceived danger. For many people with chronic jealousy, there is an old wound that has never been healed. In the case of a child, it may be related to parents who are preoccupied, stressed, or could not meet their basic need for safety and security. If parents somehow give the impression that children are a burden or that the child's need for intimacy and/or acceptance is a weakness or negative trait, these children grow up feeling like they are on their own, isolated, craving intimate relationships.

Although feelings of jealousy and anger should never be shamed or minimized, they need to be addressed. They cannot be fixed with arguments or avoidance.

Feelings of abandonment, rejection, or inadequacy need to be identified and voiced. If they are severe, speaking to a professional is the best course of action. But overcoming jealousy and anger begins with awareness. By changing what you believe, you can change what your imagination is projecting. It requires changing the core beliefs of insecurity and victimization that create negative self-talk.

Parents should encourage their children to:

1. view managing their reactive behavior as a way to recover personal power

2. shift their perspective or story in their mind that is creating a lot of negative self-talk. At first, even if they don't believe it, they should tell themselves a different story just to calm themselves down and be able to make a conscious decision about what they would like to do when they feel more in control. Example: A child sees her best friend whispering to someone she dislikes and believes they are talking about her. She should force herself to imagine that she is telling this girl what a great time the two of them had at the mall. Not true? Doesn't matter! It's a tool to get her to calm down and not be the crazy girl who goes into a crying fit.

3. get into the habit of identifying the core beliefs that trigger an emotional reaction by asking themselves questions, i.e. Why do I feel so upset? What am I afraid will happen? What are the best ways for me to handle this?

4. get involved in activities that allow them to express themselves (art, music, writing, dance, etc.) and contribute their talents to others. Not only will they discover constructive ways to deal with their emotions but learn the positive impact they can make in the world.

Finally, it is important to remember that children learn from parents that one of the mechanisms to control other peoples' attention and behavior is through outbursts of emotion, especially anger. When children are punished, anger is often accompanied. Harsh words are used. Children come to associate anger and emotionalism with control. That lesson can stay with them throughout their lives.

Ongoing anger, resentment, and jealousy can become a way of life, a permanent lens through which a young person views the world. This can lead to many other health issues including depression and drug dependence. Addressing these issues early and helping children find ways to manage and cope with these feelings is critical to their future health and happiness.

Hermine Steinberg is a parent, teacher and children's author. She recently released her fantasy-adventure - The Co-Walkers, Awakening. http://www.cowalkers.com

By Hermine Steinberg

A trampoline has strong fabric stretched over many coiled springs. It provides elasticity so the jumpers get fun out of it. Trampolines are manufactured either for recreational purposes or for competitive purposes. Trampolines for competitive purposes are made from a sturdier frame and strong fabric that gives the rebound extra height. However for recreational purposes, they are made less sturdy and springs are much weaker. Modern trampolines are designed for all ages. However it can be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken and that is why only persons fitting into the general criteria are allowed to use it.

Safety can be achieved in many ways by following instructions on where to use as well as how to use. It is recommended that only one person should jump at a time to avoid collisions and being bounced at a height. In gyms, foam pads are placed at the end of the trampoline to break the fall of anyone using the device. Over the years trampolines have become popular and increasingly used in homes. To reduce severe impacts of falls, safety nets are placed to enclose the trampoline.

Trampolines can be used for various purposes. If the purpose is for exercise, a mini-trampoline is customized to meet the needs. Often, they are used indoors so the rebound is not as high as those used for recreational or competitive purposes and it also has a low impact on knees and joints.

You can make great fun out of trampolines and that is why they are in pretty much demand. Therefore people can purchase trampoline for their needs over the internet. With each type, there are details of shipment, advantages, disadvantages and money back guarantee. There are some of the top brands available in the market. Learn routines to get the most out of the trampoline device.

Trampolines have many benefits for both adults and children also. It can help children achieve a bright athletic future by improving coordination. Trampolines are also used for recreational fitness and forms part of the regime for many exercises.

Educational experts agree that trampoline influences academic improvement in children. The great advantage of this device is that you need less money to maintain it and it can be used by people of all the ages. However it occupies a large area so the places like urban areas where cost of housing is more it is not possible to buy and use this device for middle class families.

By Barbara Mary

It's that time of year again when the kids go back to school. Vacations are coming to an end and information is starting to come from the school about dates, supplies, and paper work needed. How do you handle it all and keep control? First, start by getting the school supply list and making a plan as to where you are going to purchase all the items. Schedule the school supply day in your calendar and write down the stores to visit in a logical order. Have a plan and a budget to make your shopping a breeze.

For the clothes, start now by trying on any clothes you are unsure of whether they will fit or not. Most kids wear shorts for the first 30-45 days of the year, so do not feel compelled to go out and buy long sleeve shirts or jeans before school starts. Just know the size they were and make a list of items needed. This allows you to wait for sales on the jeans and fall shirts. When you see a sale you have the list and the size.

The only way to control the paper work that comes in the first few weeks of school is to fill it out the day it comes in. After dinner, go through your childs backpack and fill out all the forms that evening and return it to the backpack. Do not collect it all and then try to fill it all out in one night. You will be overwhelmed and the school usually sends it by importance.

Make lunches the night before and get the kids involved. Let them pick fruits, vegetables and dessert. They are more likely to eat it if they got to pick it out. Make sure they have everything they need the night before so you are not scrambling in the morning.

Having plans, schedules and keeping them will help you have an organized start to the school year.

Julie Riber has been a professional organizer in the central Ohio area since 2004. She helps organize individuals spaces, time, and lives and she helps businesses streamline processes, increase productivity, and organize their spaces. She is a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and a board member of the Ohio Chapter of NAPO since 2005. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter with organizing tips. http://www.transformare.net

By Julie Riber

To tell a good story you would need to use high and low pitches in your voice. You would need facial expressions and hand gestures. These things are important when telling a story to kids because they are easily distracted and once that happen, it will be hard to regain their attention.

I use to read bedtime stories to my grandchildren. I knew when I had their attention by their eyes, it would become glassy. I would ad lib in the story if I thought it would make it more interesting but the problem with ad lib is, you would have to remember what you said the next time the story is told. You might forget what you said but they will not forget.

Using high and low pitches in your voice captivate young listeners; they love expressions of surprise in your voice. Facial expression, hand and leg gestures combine with high and low voice pitch help to make story telling interesting.

Involving them in the story is also a good tool to use. Ask what they think will happen next then say, well let us find out. If they are right, they will feel like they are a part of the story but if they are wrong just say, let us just finish the story, by doing this they will not feel too bad by an incorrect answer. Making them a part of the story keeps their attention on it.

If you are reading a story to kids do not read word for word with your head in the book. You will lose your audience. Instead, pause in the story reading, make it seem like you are telling the story instead of reading it.

Use eye contact when you are telling a story, it will make them feel special as if you are talking directly to them and no one else. It will also help you to know if they understand what you are saying because sometimes things might need to be clarified before you can move on and eye contact is a good way to detect what you need to do.

When you know that you have their attention pause a moment to do something else like rubbing your eyes, the purpose of this is to put them in anticipation. You do not want to lose their attention by doing something else too long you just want to keep them wondering what is going to happen next.

So putting a little delay in the story telling will keep them in anticipation of it and by that, you will know that they are listening.

When you have finished telling the story, ask questions about it. If there response to you is eager, then you will know that you have told a good story.

I am a License Practical Nurse. I have been in this field for over 25 years. I enjoy helping and encouraging others. My main hobbies are reading and writing. I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother. I am also President of the Parent Teachers Organization. President of the Parent Supporter Task Force and a member of the Parent Leadership Institute.

My website is: http://www.lizzieschristianbookstoreandmore.com. I sell a variety of Christian Products such as E-books, Poems, and Teachings. Free weekly Devotions. Inspirational products like Crosses, Bible covers, Plaques, Figurines and more.
By Lizzie Ducking

"...living in the Realm of the extraordinary required tenacity." (Rofessa, The Co-Walkers, Awakening)

In The Co-Walkers, Matthew, Brian and Ashley are being taught about magic - enchantment, what was once referred to as glamour. They are learning a way to experience the world that would allow them to understand how they could use their personal power to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Living life knowing that we have impact, that we are important translates to high self-esteem, having a strong sense of purpose, and feeling fulfilled. We all long to experience and be part of something larger than ourselves; it provides us with an enhanced feeling of aliveness and excitement about life. It is living the extraordinary life - seeing our place in the larger scheme of things, rather than focusing on the mundane. It is as if life is beckoning us to experience the adventure that awaits, making you eager to start your day and keeps you up at night thinking about all the possibilities. You feel inspired to become the person you dream of being, to try your best, to help others fulfill their goals. Many of us have lost this feeling we once had, maybe as a child. Some of us have never truly felt this way and do not even believe it is possible. But if we could encourage our children to feel and see the world this way, it would be the greatest gift imaginable. It would be our true legacy to the world - providing it with a generation of engaged, creative, positive individuals prepared to work together to solve the world's problems.

Maybe living an extraordinary life is as complex and as simple as feeling deep inside that you are on the right path, not one chosen for you by your parents, your teachers, your friends or because some celebrity on television thought it would be cool. It doesn't mean the journey is easy, or does not require hard work. It does mean that you have to pay attention, follow the signs or opportunities presented, and keep moving forward with courage and compassion while staying true to your convictions.

So how do we teach our children to build an extraordinary life, to cultivate a love of life, and embrace the power they have to create a better world?

1. Encourage them to be true to themselves by accepting them and appreciating their unique attributes. Support their interests and listen to their ideas.

2. Do not define success in terms of wealth but in terms of happiness, achievement, and contribution to others.

3. Require them to use their talents and skills (at whatever age) to help others so that they can learn their power to make a difference. They can start by doing very simple tasks to help you around the house, teach their siblings a game, help with a community event, or raise money to support a local cause. Charitable giving should be a habit developed early.

4.Insist that they treat all life with kindness and compassion. Having a pet allows your child to build an intimate relationship with an animal and appreciate our connection to the natural world.

5. Model and engage them in exploring/learning about the world. Don't be a couch potato - go to the zoo, discuss books together, visit the library, build a bird house, grow a garden, volunteer at your local food bank, go on nature walks and learn to identify various plants and animals, take field trips to the museum, art gallery or planetarium, etc. If your child asks a question, encourage them to research the answer.

6. Teach your child that failures are a normal part of life. Ask him or her what he/she could have done differently to get a better result. If they require improving skills or do not know what they need to do, make a plan together to obtain the information or assistance that is needed. Specific actions should be decided upon. Encourage them to seek mentors and find role models.

7. Encourage your child to build a strong network of support by cultivating quality relationships with friends and family. Teach them about being a good friend and the importance of being treated with respect.

8. Expect high ethical standards. Honesty, meeting commitments, dealing with people fairly, and taking responsibility for and rectifying mistakes or damage created should be seen as basic requirements.

9. Show appreciation and gratitude. Encourage your child to identify the good things in his/her life.

10. Make time for fun and laughter in your life.

Living the extraordinary life requires inner strength. Doing what is right is not always easy and there are many people in our lives who would recommend settling for mediocrity, choosing convenience over commitment, trading idealism for short-term rewards, and going along with the crowd instead of standing up for our values. But these people are choosing the status quo, rationalizing their decision by insisting that we are unrealistic while they are being pragmatic or practical. And they are right. They are accepting things as they are instead of trying to make real what is ideal. They have given up on the dream of a better world; robbing themselves of the possibility, the wonder, and the joy of discovering the power they have within them to affect change - their glimmer and their glamour. Encouraging your children to embrace the idealistic, the fanciful, the possibility and taking pride in living the extraordinary life will make them real life Co-Walkers, beings who can transcend their reality and create a new world.

By Hermine Steinberg

Kids are those tiny drops of this entire big ocean of people who would be our future. For a better future the present needs to be shaped well which would act as the preparation for a happy and prosperous future. They need the right guidance and support to build a fruitful destiny.

Some kids are born heroes and some need to be nourished well to be a hero. Some have an inbuilt talent and some develop the crafts and figure out what they are best at and shape it out to build a future out of it. It is very necessary for one to know about them self and be able to rise above from being jack of all trades to master in one. Parents and teachers play a vital role in recognizing the genius present in their kids and students and guide them through to develop it to that extent that would prove fruitful for them in future. Schools must organize programs for students to participate and know where one stands and students who require improvement must be guided through. Parents or teachers must approach organizations providing scholarships for such geniuses to help them grow in the field they are interested in. they should not force them to choose the career they find it suitable for them instead should help them find about the field they are good at and nourish it to be developed.

People say, geniuses are born, but many work hard to develop the talent present within. Many kids don't concentrate on the fact that they are very good in certain things or it should said that they are rather not bothered to recognize the fact that they are indeed excellent in certain spheres. There is a genius present in every kid who is needed to be recognized at the right time, to be molded well to form a better tomorrow.

India has given birth to, many geniuses who have embedded their names in the history and in the minds of the people and created an eminent position for themselves in the books and minds of people of many other countries. Any field may it be sports, art, architecture, literature, entertainment, academics etc has a genius from our country who have etched their names and created a mark in the history. The country is still producing craftsmen in every field giving tuff competition to many, from many other countries. Parents and teachers and the near and dear ones of the child who is termed genius feel so proud of their little hero or little princess for their achievements. These geniuses just need is some care and affection and right guidance and support at the right time towards the right path.

By Shilpika P

Liesel Soley, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and Fulbright scholar in Paris, France, is a professional violinist. Soley has performed solo recitals in the U.S. and France and was the violinist in the piano trio, Trio Viva. She has taught violin at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and violin and viola at St. Petersburg College and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St.Petersburg, Florida.

Presently, Liesel Soley shares her love for music with children, as well as adults in Clearwater, Florida where she teaches violin, viola, and chamber music privately and in an after-school program at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg.

Soley has found a welcome relief from the very disciplined, intensive, and time-consuming work with the violin in her other artistic means of expression; writing, painting and drawing.

Congratulations on the publication of your children's book, Can You Be an Artist? What got you into writing?

My first writing was when I was in Paris on a Fulbright Grant. I was struggling with the violin and life, and one day when it was very difficult to approach the violin, I just started to write some poetry with no expectations or standards to meet. This took place over a period of about two weeks. It was a kind of a relief and my morale went way up. The poems remained in my violin case for 44 years! I couldn't quite throw them away.

Then several years ago my family requested I send them personal things I had created which resulted in putting together CDs of some of my solo violin and piano trio performances, a book of my paintings, and Yes! - those poems mentioned above along with some very short stories I wrote up about playing violin in the streets which I had been telling for years! Yes, even though I am a Juilliard graduate, I have hit the streets and had some interesting and fun experiences in the streets of New York, London, and Paris! Some of my friends look aghast at some of the things I do. I just laugh!

So, this brings me to the children's book I just completed. During the summer some of my students disappear, going to camps and on vacation, so it was either do something creative or sit around and mope because of a lack of work.

"Can YOU Be an Artist?" came into being!

What was your inspiration for Can You Be an Artist?

Working with my violin students and seeing total transformations take place, sometimes quickly and sometimes over a period of years.The violin is extremely challenging and it takes tremendous discipline and persistence to play well. To see the confidence, the self-esteem, the growth of students developing as a result of participating in the arts is rewarding and exciting. Taking part in orchestras, recitals, and competitions can give such a sense of accomplishment to these youngsters. Although I have mostly seen this as a musician, I know that students in all the arts tend to excel in other areas as well, such as in school. Individuals who express themselves through the arts, who create, are happier and more successful. I know this with absolute certainty and wanted to express this.

What message you hope readers will get from your book?

As indicated in my authors note, one can create in many ways, "--- If one truly creates beauty and quality in what one does and if this translates to others one is actively being an artist."

Also - Dare To Follow Your Dreams! Dare To Be Yourself! Dare to Be Free!!

Tell us about what your writing process was like for this book. Did you outline it first? Did you edit it as you went along?

The structure, using the three different art forms and the three kids just popped up. I mocked it up very quickly. As I have a number of Korean students I wanted one of the kids to be Korean. Each child was very real to me. Because I was able to be Freddie, or Honey, or Bae it was easy to write their feelings, about their families etc. Using the first person for them seemed very natural.The few word changes or added took place after the writing was done as a whole.

You also illustrated the book. Give us a glimpse into the mind of the author/illustrator persona? Did you write the story first and later illustrate it?

The writing was done first although I had illustrations in mind. There was an original mock-up of the book with far fewer illustrations than in the completed published book. A number of people had commented that there were too few illustrations, too many words per page, that the colors were weak and there were not enough details for kids. I agreed, so the next summer (2010) I decided to handle the things that were not ok and complete the book.

It was very difficult for me. I added 12 more drawings and totally changed all the existing ones except for 2, and even those I had to do all over because the paper was different!

I would lie awake at night mocking up the next illustration - hardly slept for 2 months. I was excited and determined to finish within two months before the school season started. The work was intense. I mocked up the illustrations easily but when it came to the execution of the drawings in terms of enough color it drove me nuts. I would create the drawing rather quickly then invariably at a certain point I would have exactly what I wanted but not enough color and I would stop and move on to the next illustration! I did not have the certainty and courage to do full color right off! I was afraid I would mess up on those tiny little lines or dots or whatever, like with expressions on faces, and that I would have to do the whole picture over again!

O Man, I ended up going over these illustrations three times - the entire picture 3 times - each time adding another layer of color, each time in more agony than the previous time! It was awful! I was an idiot!

I am laughing at the whole experience. Not being trained in painting, drawing, or illustrating, this was more than a learning experience! It was literally painful! I was doing these drawings leaning over the dining room table with a lot of weight on my left arm and hand pressing down on the table while I meticulously (and gingerly!) proceeded to work with my right hand. A little before the end of the 2 months I felt like a cripple! I could not play the violin for over 2 weeks! Next time it is full color on the first shot!!! and with a decent set up!

What made you decide to publish your book with Book Publishers Network?

I had used a POD place for the book of my paintings and although I was very happy with the results it was a lot of keeping at it to get exactly what I wanted. For my book with the poems and short stories about playing in the streets I used Apple. It was nice - but expensive.

I wanted a publisher that had a team of experts, someone with whom I could communicate easily and someone who would get the job done quickly. Sheryn Hara with Book publishers Network had been recommended by an author/illustrator acquaintance as being very good for first time authors with plenty of experience and expertise and she really cared for her authors. She sent me samples of children's books which I really liked. She was exactly what I wanted. She was hooked up with a fine printer so my book was completed!

Also, I wanted a wider audience for this book- not just family and friends.

What was the publishing process like?

Things moved along very well. Sometimes there would be suggestions but my needs and wants as an artist were totally respected. It was suggested I use some kind of border around the pictures and a number were shown to me but I really did not want that and that was totally accepted. I groaned when Sheryn Hara said the cover of the book which I had done needed to be jazzed up. I told her I did not want anyone else doing any of the art work. She immediately said none of the art work would be disturbed - just the background would be made more alive. I was sent a number of possibilities and love the one I chose. I find it very aesthetic and am glad my publisher pushed me in that respect.

I was glad not one word of my writing was changed. There would have been a fight if changes had been wanted. Punctuation had to be handled! No problem! Book Publishers Network is hooked up with a fine printer and the book was completed!

What is your schedule like? How do you balance your violinist, music instructor, artist, and writer personas?

At this time in my life I am primarily teaching violin, viola and chamber music, but my involvement in my other arts has increased considerably! I teach privately at my home 7 days a week and 3 afternoons in an after school program at Shorecrest. There are music teachers meetings to attend, and recitals and competitions to arrange. Add to that violin presentations and now book signings and work on PR. I also have arranged to have some of my young students perform at book stores and libraries where I have book signings. Things are busy! The short answer to your question is - I am very focused on what I am doing at any given moment, and I work hard 7 days a week. I thrive on lots of fast action!

Do you have tips for unleashing and nurturing one's creativity?

Sure - find something you have really wanted to do and START! Be true to yourself, maintain your integrity and do not let others throw you. Go at your own pace, keep it light and have FUN! If it is not always fun -well, so what!

Are you working on another book? What's on the horizon for you?

Not at the moment, but I have a couple in mind. I am not setting a timetable. I have a way of doing things spontaneously at the right time for me. The future looks interesting, challenging and fun. And there are definitely unknowns! I like it that way.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell readers?

Yes, I would love to hear from you - to know if my book has inspired you or your children or your grandchildren. Also, I would be delighted to have you visit my web site and be in communication with me.

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Her nonfiction work, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing was a ForeWord Best Book of the Year Award winner. She's had over 300 stories, articles, interviews and reviews published. Visit her website at http://www.MayraCalvani.com.

By Mayra Calvani