Published by admin on January 25, 2012
If you ask homeschooling families what they love the most about home education, you will probably hear “flexibility” more often than anything. Flexibility to teach what they want (within state standards of course), when they want, how they want, etc. Being able to change what we need, when we need it.
Winter holiday breaks are a good opportunity to really evaluate how your homeschool year is going, and to make changes if you need to. Why is this time of year such a good opportunity for this?
The Homeschooler’s Winter Change-Up continued »
Published by JesseLangley on January 23, 2012
One of the joys of childhood is being able to run 
around in the backyard. It can be a place for adventure, imaginative play, and a child’s first introduction to sports. Whether you just moved into a new home or you’re simply preparing your yard for a new arrival, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your backyard is kid-friendly and appropriate for hours of fun.
Safety
Building a Kid-Friendly Backyard continued »
Published by admin on January 18, 2012
Parenting styles play an important role when it 
comes to the future happiness of a child. The manner in which a parent interacts with a child will have influence over their character, self-confidence and positioning in society.
Many parents unwittingly make mistakes that may damage a child’s chance of happiness. Here are some tips on what to avoid. How Your Parenting Style Can Damage Your Child’s Chances of Happiness continued »
Published by admin on January 16, 2012
Homeschooling is as individual as the people who do it. 
There are many reasons why families choose homeschooling as the way to educate their children. But what motivates them to take a path that is still considered odd in many circles.
Religious Reasons
3 Reasons Families Choose Homeschooling continued »
Published by admin on December 28, 2011
Ask most students what his or her favorite 
time of the school day is and “recess” often tops the list. While some 40% of all U.S. school districts continue to cut recess time to add more classroom time to the day, more and more studies indicate that recess is just as important as any other time of the school day when considering the holistic needs of children. In fact, the surgeon general recommends that elementary aged children get at least one hour of aerobically active exercise most days of the week. As students get older they should have at the very least 20 minutes of aerobic activity several times a week.
While regular physical activity is important for growing bodies, there are a number of other reasons why recess is a vital part of overall student health. Consider the following: Recess: Vital to Healthy Child Development continued »
Published by JesseLangley on December 27, 2011
As it stands now, your child’s performance on 
standardized tests and IQ tests will be the primary factors affecting his or her future education. Although it may be convenient for the education system to separate children into gifted programs and intermediate classes, it fails to address the distinct learning styles and talents that vary from child to child. Unfortunately, this means that many children with talents in areas not included in this limited academic realm may not be able to discover and foster the development of their unique talents until later in life. On the bright side, recent shifts in opinion may change these rules forever.
Beginning with the most salient example, the use of the SAT score for college admissions has recently been challenged by author Joseph Soares in his new book SAT Wars. In the book, Soares points out that children from higher socio-economic backgrounds have a significant advantage on the test because they have better opportunities to prepare with private tutors and other costly studying tools. Furthermore, he found that high school G.P.A. was significantly more reflective of student success in college than an SAT score.
My Kid Is More Than a Number and So Is Yours continued »
Published by admin on December 16, 2011
The Golden Retriever is part of the Retriever 
family, which boast some of the most popular breeds around. For example Labradors are very popular among dog owners and so are Golden Retrievers. They are popular because they are great family dogs.
They are actually quite similar to Labradors in many ways. They are both very friendly towards strangers and other animals alike. They are both energetic types of dogs that like to play and be in the center of attention. There’s nothing they relish more than feeling an important part of the family.
The Loving and Caring Golden Retriever continued »
Published by admin on December 13, 2011
One of the toughest events in a child’s life is going from
a traditional school to a boarding school. It can be challenging simply because the rules, attire and overall atmosphere are or can be totally different. It takes a lot of preparation for a child to feel fully comfortable when transitioning into a boarding school, unless the decision was theirs and they are excited.
For each family, it will be different in how the below tips will be used because there are diverse circumstances, feelings and judgments related to boarding school. Each tip should be edited to fit within the family’s lifestyle, so that the tips are given the full possibility of working and becoming successful for the family.
How To Prepare Your Kids for Boarding School continued »
Published by admin on December 12, 2011
It can be difficult adjusting to life after a divorce. 
This is especially true if there are children involved. Single parenting is without a doubt more challenging that having both you and your spouse sharing the responsibility of raising children. The following are 15 parenting tips to help you be the absolute best single parent that you can be. Will you take advantage of these tips?
- Don’t give up on parenting. Many parents choose to give up on parenting after a divorce. This is especially true if older children are involved. As a single parent, refuse to give up on your duties until your children are grown. Realize that teenagers are not adults and will still need you to guide and direct them. Don’t give up on parenting regardless of how old your children are!
- Don’t force your child to choose sides. This is a common problem that occurs after many divorces. Children often feel the need to choose sides with either mom or dad. Let your children know that it is okay to love both mommy and daddy. Avoid speaking negatively about your ex or your children may feel that they have to choose sides.
- Be cautious of dating too soon. While you may want to get revenge or simply move on in your life, parenting must come first. Realize that your children will not understand the dating process and need time to heal from the divorce. Chances are, you need time to heal too. Avoid jumping right in to the dating scene.
- Understand that your child will be very emotional in the beginning. Just as you are emotional over the divorce, you can expect your child to be emotional as well.
- Get organized. Once your lifestyle becomes one of a single parent, you must take the time to get organized. From your daily schedule to the cleanliness of your house, organization is the key to be successful as a single parent. A chaotic lifestyle will make it hard on everyone involved – including the children.
- Have fun. Just because life has changed for your family and you are now considered a single parent, don’t give up on having fun with your kids. Plan family outings each week to keep life “fun.”
- Stick to your guns. You kids will quickly realize that single parenting may be difficult on you and may try to get away with things. Try to keep the same household rules as before and require your kids to obey.
- Encourage your kids to help out. Because you will no longer have your spouse there to help out, you may want to enlist the help of your older children with household duties.
- Find a new job. If your job doesn’t fit the lifestyle of a single parent, you may be forced to find another one. Make sure your job is kid friendly and works with the school schedule.
- Keep your privacy. Your kids do not need to know everything that is going on between you and your ex. Keep things private!
- Communicate with your kids. This is perhaps one of the most important tips a parent can get. Don’t lose communication with your kids because you are too busy as a single parent.
- Make every effort to be involved. Be sure to attend as many of the school events and activities that your children are involved in as possible.
- Retain a sense of normalcy. The more normal your life seems, the better your children will be able to cope with the divorce. Continue family traditions and make things seem as normal as possible.
- Be positive about the future. If things get tough financially as a single parent, ensure your children that things will get better. Be positive about life and the future.
- Keep your children a priority. Last but not least, keep your children your number one priority. Put them before everything in life including your job, dating, and all the many problems that come with being a single parent.
15 Parenting Tips for Single Parents continued »
Published by admin on December 9, 2011
When it comes to your family’s Christmas tree, 
the great tree debate continues. One would think that buying a plastic reusable tree is more eco friendly than the traditional real pine; but one would be wrong. A real tree from a farm doesn’t just fill our homes with the quintessential scent of the season; but it generates almost three times less green house gases than the increasingly popular artificial tree.
The green house gases emitted in the production, transportation and disposal of the two tree options were compared- including the tree stand and water; and although fake trees are used an average of about six years, they are often plastic and made in China. The best option is to find an organic farm and recycle your tree responsibly post holiday; most cities have a special tree pickup date allotted in their garbage disposable schedule.
The Econundrum of the Christmas Tree: Real or Fake continued »
Published by admin on December 8, 2011
The holidays are here, meaning it’s time to make our 
gift lists and start our holiday shopping. Doesn’t it always seem like there is always one or two people on your list that you have no idea what to get? You don’t want to give this person cash or a gift card, because you feel that it might seem too impersonal. At the same time, you don’t want to get them a popular gift that they already have and will likely get returned. Look no further for that perfect gift! We have you covered with five of the most popular, yet original gifts of the holiday season:
1. Faucet Lights: My parents recently installed these on our kitchen and bathroom faucets and they make for a really cool gift when you have run out of ideas of what to get someone. They send out a beam of color as water comes out of the faucet. Not only does it look really cool, but it gives your bathroom or kitchen a really “high tech” feel. On top of the aesthetic value, it’s also nice to have some light when you are pouring a glass of water at night. The best part about this gift is very few people have it and almost everyone can use it!
5 Stocking Stuffers Ideas for 2011 continued »
Published by admin on December 7, 2011
For many people, shopping is considered a way
to relax. Window-shopping and buying things on a whim makes many people feel happier. When we are relaxed, we then become positive about making big decisions, like spending money. That is why it is exceptionally important for shopping centres and the high street to allow for a stress-free shopping experience.
However, with Christmas around the corner, our shopping centres and high streets are crammed with shoppers, buskers and solicitors wanting you to sign up for the latest something or other. It seems the only time of year that we hate to shop.
Stress-Free Shopping continued »
Published by admin on December 6, 2011
Do you have shy children? Chances are that at least 
one of your children falls into the category of “shy.” Shy children often struggle making friends and participating in enjoyable activities. This can leave you, as a parent, wondering if your child will ever be “normal.” The following are a few ways in which you can encourage your child to come out of his shell. Use the tips to help your child overcome his shyness.
1. Find opportunities for socialization. If your child is not willing to get out there and socialize, you may have to help him out a little. Find opportunities for your child to be social. From going to the park, to accepting birthday party invitations, there are places where you can teach your child how to be social. Attend anything and everything in an effort to help him overcome the shyness. The more he is around people, the better chances he will have in overcoming shyness.
8 Tips for Parents Who Have Shy Children continued »
Published by admin on December 5, 2011
Published by admin on December 1, 2011
My kindergartener fits the “husky” size at the GAP. 
At five-and-a-half, he’s already 55 pounds. Lately, he has been complaining about the straps on his car seat. “I feel like I’m trapped in here,” he says. “Get me out.”
His Graco Turbo car seat converts into a booster, meaning I can detach the back, let him sit on the booster seat, use just a seat belt and let him be “free.” That’s what scares me.
Precious Cargo: My Road to Discovering Booster-Seat Safety continued »
Published by admin on November 30, 2011
The world as we know it today is overpopulated 
and our consumption usage is extremely high. It is absolutely essential that why try to make an attempt to keep people and more importantly our children in touch with Mother Earth. The beauty and delicacy of the Earth must not be ignored; it’s changing seasons, natural rhythms and its mystery. At the basis of it all, we need to teach people to love again.
Joseph Cornell is a man of notable mention. He is one of the world’s leading nature educators and teaches his classes and activities across the globe. His basic concept is to help people and in particular children regain a connection to nature, one that will benefit our planets future.
An Education in Nature continued »
Published by admin on November 28, 2011
There are plenty of myths afloat that make expecting 
mothers fret; and although some of it is hogwash, when pregnant, women must take extra care to keep harmful ingredients out of their beauty arsenal to protect their precious cargo.
At the Hair Salon
Pregnancy Beauty – Safety First continued »
Published by admin on November 23, 2011
The holidays are a wonderful time for families 
to spend time together for laughter, games and delicious food. Helping children learn as they play is one of the best things to help them develop their cognitive and motor skills, especially when they are still young.
To help you think of ways to create simple educational games during the holidays, consider the different topics that you can easily teach while doing everyday things at home with the whole family. Educational Children’s Activities for the Holidays continued »
Published by JesseLangley on November 22, 2011
Wendy Harless knew something was wrong with her two-year-old son. He kept complaining about his back hurting. Doctors told her that he was just fine, but they kept running tests on him. For three months, the process continued. She and her husband would take Holden in for a new test, they would bring him home and receive results that said nothing was wrong with him.
Finally, Wendy decided they needed a second opinion. She took him to Riley Hospital for Children, a Midwestern pediatrics hospital. He had an MRI test where they focused on his back, and found a spine tumor, about half the length of a pen. It was lodged in his spine, which had been causing his pain.
Holden’s Story and Childhood Cancer continued »
Published by admin on November 21, 2011
Rocking Horse Ranch, otherwise known as America’s 
favorite family resort, in Highland, New York is wonderful for family members of all ages. By being awarded the Three Diamond Resort Award by AAA in 2011, visitors can rest assured knowing that this resort is top quality. From the horse adventures to the indoor water park, Rocking Horse Ranch has a lot to offer. Here are just a few of the attractions and activities that family’s will enjoy.
Horse Adventures
Visiting the Rocking Horse Ranch continued »
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