By Susan Bennet

Holding a birthday party can be a unique experience for parents as well as children. First rule of holding any party is to select the venue. All other ideas have to come from that. If you are hosting a party at a restaurant or a pizza parlor, they will usually provide you with the decorations. It can save you a lot of hassle if you choose this course of action. On the other hand if you want to hold a truly unique or different birthday party for your kid it will be well to hold it at your home.

You can decorate your party venue with lot of colorful things like balloons, buntings and even mistletoe. You can use lot of variations like making arches with balloons or using a tasteful flower arrangement. In case you are holding a theme party, you can use the participating kids as a part of your overall theme. Especially if you are doing one of the jungle party themes, you can paint the faces of the kids as animals.

Kids always enjoy getting themselves painted. You can have lot of very cute looking lions, cats and the eternal favorite monkeys dancing around your party. There are a few things that you should consider. You can hire a professional face painter or you can do it yourself. If you elect to take this option and do it yourself, you should take special care in selecting the paints. Make sure that you use FDA approved paint. Second thing is to make sure that child you are about to paint does not have acne or an open cut on his face. If he or she has any kind of skin condition, you should paint his or her hand, shoulder or some other body parts.

You should have an assortment of brushes, sponges and baby wipes. You should also have few bowls of clean water, towels and tissue papers. Most important thing is that you should have a mirror handy as kids just love to see their face after someone has painted it. In case you or the kid does not like the result, you can always wipe the original and redo it.

Another thing that you have to be very careful about is the instructions as how to remove the paint. Use wet soft baby wipes to remove the paint. Carefully read these instructions and do not forget to convey it to the parents of other children.

Susan is a full-time freelance writer. She is an avid traveler and reader. She enjoys writing on business, health & fitness, travel, parenting, relationships and personal development.

By Heather L Umphrey

New parents can easily get overwhelmed with all the baby products and gadgets out on the market that making decisions on what baby necessities are needed is almost impossible. Parents are always concerned about products that are safe, affordable and stimulating for their little one. Not only can I recommend a must-have product that meets those needs but also creates a lasting bond between baby and parent. It is the baby sling.

Baby slings have been around for quite some time and have not much evolved. They are easy to wear, easy to care for and easy to transport. Provided are the top 5 reasons to wear your baby in a sling:

1. Building Communication - with the act of holding your baby close, a parent is more equipped to pick up on their baby's cues an become attuned to their baby's gestures. Being able to read your baby's signals without them having to cry builds their trust in you, as well as increase their confidence and learning experiences. This creates a positive interaction and enhances the bond between baby and parent.

2. Convenience - baby slings allow you to move freely while holding your baby close. You are able to do your daily activities such as shopping, cooking, walking and completing errands all while holding your child. The sling fits nicely and comfortably on your shoulders. It eliminates any discomfort or awkward feelings. It also allows you to discreetly breastfeed your child while blocking stimuli. The sling can also be used as a blanket, pillow or changing pad.

3. Promoting Development - carrying your baby in a sling can promote physical development. While you carry your child, they observe your movements, breathing and heartbeat which in turn helps regulate the child's own physical responses.

4. Affordable - baby slings are cost effective when compared to other baby carrying or transporting devices. The average cost of a sling can range from $30 to $85 dollars and easily lasts for up to two years. You can also make your own sling for the ambitious parents.

5. Happier Baby - some studies have shown that babies who are held in baby slings cry less than those who are not. Instead they feel the comfort and security of their parent and are able to observe their environments and entertain themselves while being calmly stimulated.

As said before, there are many baby gadgets out there but the baby sling will surely be up there with must-have items for new parents.

Heather Umphrey is the author and the proud owner of mybabybuddy.com. We are an online baby store that sells an assortment of baby gifts whether for a newborn, first birthday or baby shower.

As a Nanny for over a decade, I got to experience an assortment of must have baby products. I have seen first hand what products have soothed, calmed, educated, secured and entertained children of all ages.

Mybabybuddy.com offers wonderful, natural, organic and stylish products for babies and moms including baby slings, baby robes and clothes, gift baskets, unique hand crafted toys and personalized gift items. Our products meet our personal standards and know that you will love them as much as we do.

We are committed to providing the best customer service. Please feel free to visit or contact us anytime at http://www.mybabybuddy.com or (800) 466-7057.

By Jill Starishevsky

I have heard them all. I have heard all the reasons why parents don't discuss child sexual abuse prevention with their children. I have heard them so often that I can recite them by heart. As the new year approaches, I decided it would be a good idea to memorialize the top 10 reasons for not discussing the subject. I invite you to add any that may have been omitted.

1. Children are seldom victims of this crime. Actually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by the time they are 18. Consider those numbers for a moment. They are shocking and devastating. Those figures alone should motivate parents to seek out prevention strategies.

2. This kind of thing doesn't happen where we live. Actually, this crime has no socio-economic boundaries. It doesn't care if you are black or white, rich or poor or what religion you practice. It can creep in when you least expect it.

3. We don't let our children go near strangers. Actually, 93% of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone known to the child and trusted by the parents. Even if a child is never around strangers, he or she could be victimized by a neighbor, a coach, a religious official or family member. Parents who teach only stranger danger are doing a disservice to their child.

4. My child is not old enough for this discussion. Actually, the appropriate age to discuss child sex abuse prevention is when a child is three years old. The conversation can start as simply as "Did you know that the parts of your body covered by a bathing suit are private and are for no one else to see or touch?" Continue the conversation by explaining to the child that he should tell Mommy, Daddy or a teacher if someone touches him on those private parts. Be sure to include any necessary exceptions for potty training, hygiene and doctor visits.

5. I don't want to scare my child. Actually, when handled properly, children find the message empowering and are not frightened at all. Parents do not refrain from teaching traffic safety for fear that their child will be afraid to cross the street. So too should we address the subject of body safety.

6. I would know if something happened to my child. Actually, child sexual abuse is difficult to detect because frequently there are no physical signs of abuse. The emotional and behavioral signs that may accompany sexual abuse can be caused by a variety of triggers.

7. My child would tell me if something happened to him. Actually, most children do not immediately disclose when they have been sexually abused. Contrary to a child who falls down and runs over to tell his parents, a child who has been sexually abused is likely being told not to tell anyone because no one will believe him, that people will say it is his fault, that the disclosure will cause great sadness in the family and that the behavior is their little secret.

8. We never leave our child alone with adults. Actually, children can be sexually abused by other children. The very same lessons that can help prevent children from being sexually abused by adults, can keep them safe from other children. Teach children what touch is appropriate and what is inappropriate, teach them the proper terminology for their private parts and teach them who they can talk to if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

9. I don't want to put thoughts in her head. Actually, there is no data to indicate that a child who has been taught about child sexual abuse prevention is more likely to fabricate that they have been sexually abused. According to Victor Vieth, director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University, "Children do lie, but seldom about being abused. All human beings can and do lie, but it's hard for kids to do it about sex. They can't lie about something they have no knowledge of," he said, "and children don't learn about oral sex on Sesame Street."

10. It's not going to happen to my child. Actually, as the statistics reveal, child sexual abuse is so pervasive that it could happen to any child. This reason is the catch-all. Educated, loving parents have actually said this to me. If one were to ask any parent whose child has been sexually abused if they thought their child would ever be sexually abused, I can guarantee each one would say no. No one wants to believe this could happen to their child. We need to stop denying that it could happen and recognize that there are ways to prevent it from happening. Make the decision to talk to your child about sexual abuse prevention in 2012. It could be the greatest gift you ever give them. Have a safe and healthy New Year.

Jill Starishevsky
Prosecutor, Child Abuse/Sex Crimes
Author, My Body Belongs to Me
http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com
http://www.thepoemlady.com

By Colby M Pearce

In Part One of this series, I refer to the fact that the management of severe tantrums and meltdowns in children is an arousal management issue, rather than a behaviour management issue. In this second part of the series, I will provide some tips about how to lower your child's arousal levels as strategy for reducing the likelihood and frequency of severe tantrums and meltdowns. I will also provide some tips about what to do to lower your child's arousal in the midst of a severe tantrum or meltdown.

As I mentioned in Part One, severe tantrums and meltdowns occur when a child's nervous system is highly activated; that is, highly aroused. The more highly aroused the child's nervous system is, the less reasonable they become. There is a threshold, beyond which children are incapable of thinking and acting in a reasonable manner. As a result of genetic, historical (i.e. early exposure to stress) and contemporary (i.e. current sources of stress) factors, some children's arousal is always higher than others, making them more prone to severe tantrum's and meltdowns. In common language, they are highly strung. These are probably the most common children seen in a psychology practice. They would be less prone to severe tantrums and meltdown, as well as happier and better behaved children, if we could make them less highly strung; that is, if their arousal generally fluctuated in a lower range and further away from the threshold where a severe tantrum or meltdown occurs.

In my practice, and with my own children, I have found that one of the simplest and most effective methods for reducing children's arousal levels generally is to play soothing classical music quietly in their bedrooms all night, every night. The rationale for this comes from research into the so-called Mozart Effect. This research attributes to music a powerful role in promoting a state of calm readiness, whereupon we are more likely to perform at our best and less likely to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the day. In simpler terms, playing soothing classical music quietly in the child's bedroom all night every night ensures that when they wake up they are not highly strung and, also, that it will take a lot more frustrations and other stressors than usual to unsettle them and precipitate a severe tantrum or meltdown.

Some children have difficulty processing and managing inputs through one or more of their senses. These children are usually identified by behaviour reported during a parental interview or the parent's responses to formal questionnaires. Sensory processing difficulties might be seen as being a bit like having poorly fitting shoes. We're not always consciously aware of the shoe rubbing, but at the end of the day we have a blister. Sensory processing difficulties are an irritant to your child's nervous system, ensuring that their nervous system is more highly aroused that it would otherwise be. In turn, children with sensory processing difficulties can be more prone to severe tantrums and meltdowns. I typically refer such children to the Occupational Therapist in my practice who specialises in providing parents and children with sensory activities they can readily do to reduce the level of irritation to their nervous system, thereby reducing their arousal levels generally and their proneness to severe tantrums and meltdowns.

Other general strategies for maintaining lower levels of arousal generally include maintaining consistent routines and expectations of your child's behaviour from day to day, and being accessible and empathic towards your child; particularly when they are in distress.

But what do I do when my child is having a severe tantrum or meltdown I hear you ask? Firstly, as far as humanly possible (it is difficult) try to stay calm (or, at least present a calm demeanour). If you are ranting and raving, this will only further increase the child's arousal and exacerbate their meltdown. It is also poor modelling of emotional control. If you are unable to maintain a calm demeanour, move away from your child. This is not ideal but the 'lesser of two evils', so to speak. If you can maintain a calm demeanour, be present and accessible to the child without further stimulating their arousal. Sit quietly in the same room with them. Drape a heavy blanket across their shoulders as weight is soothing to many children. Put on their favourite DVD, as this is associated with happy feelings. Play soothing music. Offer them a bath or a shower. If you do not add to their arousal levels the episode should be over with in less than fifteen minutes. If your child's severe tantrums and meltdowns persist for longer than this, or they are having them once a week or more, you should seek advice from your general medical practitioner or an appropriately qualified and experienced child development or mental health professional.

Finally, as I mentioned in Part One of this series, there is no known universally effective strategy for managing (that is, eliminating) severe tantrums and meltdowns. Nevertheless, it is my experience that if we better manage children's arousal levels generally and during a severe tantrum or meltdown, we can, at least, reduce their frequency, intensity and duration.

(Dislaimer: While it is anticipated that this article will prove to be informative for those who care for children, it is not a substitute for a full assessment and face-to-face support and guidance from an appropriately trained and experienced child development and mental health clinician. If your child is exhibiting severe and recurrent tantrums and meltdowns you should seek further advice about treatment options from your family medical practitioner).

Colby is a clinical psychologist with sixteen years experience working in clinical and forensic arenas, including child protection, juvenile offending and family law; the last nine years in his independent practice, Secure Start. Colby has extensive experience conducting assessments, preparing reports and appearing as an expert witness in South Australian and Commonwealth Courts. Colby has also established and directed student training clinics in child protection. Colby is the principal psychologist at Secure Start, a private psychology practice specialising in the provision of child and family psychotherapy services; particularly among children who have experienced complex developmental trauma. Colby is the author of eight journal articles and two internationally-published books; A Short Introduction to Attachment and Attachment Disorder and A Short Introduction to Promoting Resilience in Children. Colby can be contacted at colby@securestart.com.au. Visit Colby's website: http://www.securestart.com.au or Blogsite: http://colbypearce.wordpress.com

By Nicolas Breedloves

Playing in an outdoor environment is an important aspect of childhood and children must be encouraged to venture out into playgrounds and play on different equipment. This article will be helpful for you if you are looking to build your own special playground for your child.

Most of us would have fond memories of the countless hours spent by us in playgrounds during our days as a child. The unparalleled fun of playing in the open space and discovering the joys of various play equipment must be bequeathed onto our children as well. Thus children must be encouraged to frolic at the playground and try different play equipment housed in the playground.

Studies have indicated that the formative years of a child are very important and play an important role in shaping the personality and character of children. Also the self esteem of children is greatly enhanced by going out and interacting with other children and helps them to understand and bond with other children. They also learn to become part of a group and this contributes to cultivating friendships. Many children also learn to come out of their shells while playing with other children of their own age.

Though most playgrounds meant for children are usually well designed and maintained, there might still be instances of oversight on the part of the maintenance crew and an unruly sharp edge or ill maintained swing could result in a disastrous accident for your children. Also all types of children come to a public playground and it is difficult to filter the kind your children interact with. A good way to resolve these issues is to develop your own residential playground.

The open space in your backyard can be cleaned and cleared and designed to make way for a playground. Although mud surfaces were popular in playgrounds in olden times, modern playgrounds are generally made of rubber or plastic surfaces to minimize the instances of your child getting injured. Residential playground equipment is generally made of plastic which makes it easy to maintain and is available in a variety of attractive colors. Plastic equipment nullifies the probability of sharp or rusted edges and most equipment has molded and smooth edges which makes it safe for children. Gazebos, swing sets, swings and seesaws are preferred by children and can be easily installed in your backyard. Equipment made of plastic is light in weight and is portable and the location of the play sets can be changed to make the play area appear new and attractive to children from time to time.

Residential playgrounds also enable you to control access and can be visited only by children whom you have set up play dates for your children with.

The writer of this article is a playground consultant with Playground Equipment, a leading supplier of children playground equipment and playground accessories.

By Nicolas Breedloves

Children love playgrounds. They like to run around have fun with the various equipment as well as make new friends there. Ironically, the place that brings such happiness to kids is also responsible for the highest number of kids' injuries.

Center for Disease and Prevention has revealed that a total of 156,000 children reach hospital emergency rooms to be treated for injuries suffered on public playgrounds. This is the yearly figure of under age 14 children that are hurt all across the United States while playing in playgrounds.

Now, there are different types of playground injuries. A child can suffer from cuts, bumps, bruises, fractures, concussions and even life-threatening injuries like strangulation. The Center for Disease and Prevention quotes that of the total injuries, approximately 45% are severe. By severe injuries we are referring to:

* Amputations
* Concussions
* Dislocations
* Fractures
* Internal injuries

Majority of these injuries are caused due to accidents on the playground equipment like swings and slides. Children can fall or slip from playground equipment, lose their grip or their balance when they are playing on bars, swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, and seesaws. Slides are the leading cause of accidents as many times the child's leg gets stuck and can get twisted. Children also get hit from equipment that other kids are playing on. For instance they may walk in line of another child swinging. Or another child may push them in a fight and they may fall against any equipment's edge and get hurt.

Now that you know how a child may get hurt on a playground, let us throw some light on how to prevent playground injuries. Here are the major potential play area hazards to keep a watch on:

Install the right equipment - By right equipment, we mean that the equipment must be age appropriate and of good quality ensuring child safety. The playground must have different equipment for the various ages. This way the younger 6 year old will not get hurt on a monkey bar made for 12 year olds. The equipment has to be according to age and skill level. The equipment must be manufactured to meet the standard quality and durability standards. It must be safe with no corners, edges, screws, or catches to hurt children, or where the kids' clothing might get stuck.

Ensure that the playground has safe surfaces- You must never have hard and unsafe surface like asphalt, concrete; dirt and grass below various playground equipment. These hard surfaces will not cushion the kids' falls and they will hurt themselves badly. So you must have surfaces such as pea gravel, sand, wood chips or rubber mulch installed in the playground. These surfaces are soft yet sturdy and absorb the impact of a child's fall, so that there are lesser chances of an injury.

Always perform regular playground maintenance - Get rid of broken or weakened equipment as it is a source of potential disaster. So say no to broken swing seats or teeter-totters. Always buy playgrounds for sale from reputed manufacturers for long lasting and durable playgrounds.

Teach kids to protect themselves- You must tell children they must not push, shove or fight on any playground equipment. Most importantly tell them to dress up in clothes without hoods, strings (to avoid choking), and wear rubber soled shoes. Last but not the least teach them to never come in the way of a moving swing.

By Jason McConnell

Our language is ever-changing, yet there are some words that should never have come into existence. Bullycide is certainly one of them. It's bad enough that our culture has made bullying ok and brushes it off as a "right of passage" or "just something that kids go through". In fact, according to a study done in 2007, approximately 13% of staff agreed that "bullying is just a part of life that everyone has to go through" (Bradshaw et al., 2007)... and now we have a new word to describe bullying a child to the point of suicide.

According to another study, the top reasons why many teachers ignore bullying include (Newman-Carlson & Horne, 2004):

    The belief that they lack adequate skills or training to intervene
    They fear intervening will only add fuel to the fire
    They fear that the problem will go "underground"

This same study found that the Department of Justice and National Association of School Psychologists estimate that about 160,000 kids miss school every day because of fear, and bullying is often the main cause of that fear (Newman-Carlson & Horne, 2004). This is the same fear that, over time, can cause serious psychological damage both short- and long-term including anxiety, loneliness, poor academic performance, depression, poor self-esteem and even suicide ideation (Margie, 2007). There are harmful effects on the bully as well that lead to delinquency and criminality.

I guess the bottom line is simple... ignoring acts of bullying hurt everyone: the school, victim or target, parents, even the bully. This is not a problem we can ignore and hope it goes away. Bullies and victims have profiles that have been found through research and observation; we can help the school systems intervene and prevent bullying the right way. Beat The Bully is designed to help children, parents, educators, and even bullies. We want our kids to know that they have options and that help is available if they can't handle the problem themselves, we want them to feel safe and to enjoy their childhood.

So where do it start? At home! Spend just 15 minutes with your kids just listening to them. Set up a special time where you and your children sit and talk one-on-one. If you start listening to the small stuff, they will tell you about the big stuff. Know your child's habits and watch for any changes that might indicate there is a problem outside of the house. What they may not be able or willing to tell you in words, they will tell you non-verbally. The most important piece of advice is to NEVER be your child's friend, always be a parent first and they will see you as an authority (even if they don't like some of your decisions) which will give them confidence that YOU can solve their problems.

Imagine how horrible it would feel to lose a child because of bullying or hazing that might be going on at school. Teach your children that it's NOT okay to hurt others for sport or initiations. Teach your children to identify bullying and report it. Teach your children to be strong, and we will have far fewer tragedies in the news.

Sources:

Bradshaw, C. P., Sawyer, A. L., & OBrennan, L.,M. (2007). Bullying and peer victimization at school: Perceptual differences between students and school staff.School Psychology Review, 36(3), 361-382.

Margie, N. R. G. (2007). Bullying and exclusion in intergroup contexts: The relation between social reasoning, social information processing, and personal experience. University of Maryland, College Park). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , n/a.

Newman-Carlson, D., & Horne, A. M. (2004). Bully busters: A psychoeducational intervention for reducing bullying behavior in middle school students.Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD, 82(3), 259-267.

With nearly two decades of experience, and a 4th Degree Black Belt, Master Jason T. McConnell is dedicated to minimizing bullying, hazing, and harassment in our schools. Log on to http://www.beatthebully.org/ to gain access to FREE information about bullying.

By Brenda L Hopkins

Prom night is one of the most important nights in a senior's high school life. It is a night to relax and have fun before the pressure of SATs, picking a college, and graduation overwhelms them. The theme of this big night is undoubtedly the most import thing to them, it will decide what the wear, how they have their hair done, and what they arrive in.

A fairytale theme evokes Cinderella style dresses and prince Charming tuxedos with students arriving in horse drawn carriages. The decorations could include towering castle turrets and colors of blue and pink. A great favor to tie this theme together may include printed champagne glasses or customized bubbles.

Welcome to the jungle brings out the animal in everyone with plenty of leopard and zebra prints to go around. Lush jungle trees and fierce lions play on this theme. A fog machine adds to the jungle like appearance and what better then bamboo picture frames to mark this wild night.

"The City that Never Sleeps" New York City what a great way to dance the night away. Beautiful fashion trendy dresses and high heels with dapper tuxedos bring out the fashionistia in everyone. Towering sky scrapers and famous street signs decorate the venue and since everyone is a star tonight an LED star shaped key chain or star shaped compact would make the perfect favor.

Arabian Nights: Think Aladdin and the magic carpet. Beautiful Arabian inspired dresses and turbans. The hall decorated with beautiful carpets, magic lamps, and splashes of bright color everywhere. Large fountains and beautiful flowers play on this exotic theme. A candle to mimic the light given off by the magic lamp makes a great favor have it personalized with genie so everyone can make a wish come true tonight.

Casino Night is another great prom theme. A glittering casino prom theme provides a wonderful night of fun and excitement. Las Vegas prom theme decorations: cards, dice and slot machines for the wall decor. Then the cool games setup like black jack, craps and roulette tables. With all the games to play this will make your prom night a big hit.

Whatever the theme be sure to make it a night to remember with the perfect favor for them to take home. Most prom favors can be personalized with the school name, prom theme, and date. It can even be done in the school colors. Some popular favors include personalized mint tins, CD and DVD cases, cell phone covers and small items like lip balm, mints, candy bars and money clips.

By Shaun A Maxwell

Bullies have been around longer than schoolyards themselves. While bullying is not new, the technology and methods some are using today, are.

What is cyberbullying?

It is when a child, preteen or teenager is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teenager using internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. These include interactive gaming, instant messaging, text and video text messaging. Adults are never called cyberbullies. Once an adult is involved it is classified differently and legally it is handled differently.

Methods that cyberbullies use are really limitless. It is only the bully's own imagination and access to technology that sets their boundaries. Another interesting statistic shows that often, cyber bullies change the role that they play. They can go from being a victim to a bully and back again.

Generally, there are two types of cyberbullying. The first is direct attacks. This is when a child, preteen or teen directly sends messages, pictures and the like via the technology available to them. The second type is cyberbullying by proxy. This involves using others to bully the target. The accomplice's in this type of bullying may not even be aware of what is actually happening. This type of bullying is particularly dangerous when adults get involved.

Methods Used by cyberbullies

What are some methods that cyberbullies use? Here are a few examples:

    A common form of cyberbullying is in the form of text or IM messages. This method can be as simple as sending rude, hurtful texts to the victim themselves or spreading rumors or hateful messages to others about the victim. Another way texting is used by these bullies is they send numerous texts to their victim and run up the cell phone bill. This makes for angry parents. IM is used at times in a similar way to cell phone texting. Other uses also include impersonating the victim by using a similar name. The bully will then say things the victim wouldn't to their friends and family. This can be hurtful and damage relationships.

    Stealing passwords is used as another form of harassment. By doing this a bully can hack a computer, change the profile of the victim- including race, age, sex etc., lock victim's out of their accounts and chat with others using the victim's name.

    Blogs, or on-line journals can be used to damage one's reputation. Along with that, internet polling has gained popularity and can be equally damaging. Others can comment and give opinions about the victim. In internet polling questions about who's this and who's that as voted by their peers is seeing an increase.

    Sending e-mails, as with texting is a common form of harassment as well. It is popular for cyberbullies to send explicit photos (these can be taken in locker rooms, bathrooms and other private locations) to countless others. The internet is seeing an increase in the number of these types of videos posted. Other ways e-mail is used is by sending spyware, viruses and hacking programs. Cyberbullies can use these to gain access to the victim's computer or wipe it clean by erasing files and the like.

By Jennifer Untermeyer

With a myriad of educational games on the market to do, it can be difficult to select appropriate ones for kids. This article will help you navigate the maze of options and find educational games that will be played with and enjoyed, rather than gathering dust on a game room shelf. The best educational games actively engage kids to think or do something, are fun and meet one or more of the following criteria:

· Foster learning through the development of new skills or the reinforcement of existing ones.

· Encourage creativity.

· Spark the imagination.

· Develop fine motor skills.

While games should be challenging, it is important that they not be too difficult or complex as to lead to frustration. Look at the rules for the game. If they are more than a few pages, consider if your child will be willing to learn them (or if they can be simplified). Games that are too complex to learn in a few minutes are much more likely to sit on a shelf. However, games that are quick to learn but difficult to master; such as classics like checkers, Othello and chess; are likely to be played repeatedly.

Think outside the box, especially for toddler educational games. Stacking cups, building blocks and chunky puzzles are perfect for toddlers learning grasping and other fine motor skills. The associated actions, such as knocking down the stack, will help keep toddlers entertained for longer and continue to build valuable skills.

Look for educational games in unusual places. Art stores often have complex Scratch Art, stained glass coloring pages, math pattern books and other types of media that are fun, educational and different. Work on color mixing by experimenting with homemade play dough and food coloring or learn common kitchen science with experiments using common household ingredients.

Look for fun games and activities that focus on skill development areas. For instance, you can build problem solving skills with brain-teasers that range from easy to complex. Beginning with ones that are easy builds confidence so that kids are willing to tackle the complex tasks in the harder levels.

Do not overlook the classic games in the search for something new and different. Classic games stand the test of time for a reason and are often offer the best in simple strategy games. A game does not need a 20 page instruction booklet to be educational.

Finally, look for games that you, as the purchaser, would like to play. Someone is going to be playing with the kids so it should be fun and interesting for you as well.

Family travel expert, Jenny Untermeyer, founded http://www.travelkiddy.com/ as a resource for busy families to find the perfect travel games, travel toys, activity kits and more. Visit http://www.travelkiddy.com/ today and discover everything parents need to keep kids entertained on adventures around the block or around the world.

By Rose John

Parenting is a highly responsible and equally difficult task especially when you have to deal with your full of life, freedom-craving and adamant teenagers. Until then you and your kids might have understood each other very well and had a very loving and strong relationship between you. All of a sudden you, as parents find it hard to comprehend anything they say and may be dumbfounded as to what to say to them and how. Your teenagers, similarly, no more find it easy to discuss things with you and they prefer to bond better with their friends and peers, which again irritates and annoys parents. Teenage is a period when children are faced with a lot of new experiences and some may adjust well to it while some turn rebellious and out-of-control. As parents, it becomes your duty and responsibility to intervene in their lives, whether they like it or not, the moment you sense something is wrong. In fact, here are a few tips which could certainly prove handy in successfully parenting difficult teens.

1. Keep communication channels open between you and your teenager

Even though your teenager might not want to talk to you, make it a point to talk to them in an unassuming and not-so-deliberate manner. Everyone hates advice, especially teenagers. They always feel they know what's right for them. So rather than fixing a time and place before hand and summoning them like their school principal does, try to initiate a friendly chat while driving them to school or over dinner or even while watching a show. Remember that you have passed that particular stage and you know what it is to be there. Just communicate that with your teenager and then they will be more or less comfortable to talk and discuss things with you.

2. Spend time with your teenager

The last thing on a teenager's mind would be to spend time with their parents, have you ever wondered why? It's not because they don't like your company, it's just that they are probably afraid that you might bombard them with questions concerning their lives and they might have to face a difficult situation which they do not know how to handle. So spending a cool and no-question evening at least once in two weeks may be just by going for a stroll in the park or for a movie can do the trick. If you as parents can be like one of their friends, they will acknowledge you and talk and even luckily listen to you.

3. Be able to say a firm "no" when absolutely necessary

Once you realize that your teenager is having trouble, take charge of the situation. You need not worry over more rebellious behavior from their side if you say a firm no for absolutely unacceptable behaviors. As long as you don't keep on saying no for each and everything they do, they will value your decision and judgment even if it isn't in their favor. Drugs, alcohol and too many late nights certainly fall under the category of unacceptable behavior and you as parents must drive home this idea to your teenagers so that they very well know what to expect.

4. Get professional help

Some teenagers will never come around no matter what you try and will continue to become more defiant and more rebellious. In such cases, the sooner you get professional help, the better. Rather than sitting depressed and trying to figure out the reason behind your teen's behavior, seek the help of a licensed therapist or a counselor who will recommend the necessary steps to be taken.