Crafting Secrets

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All parents have moments when they’re home with their young child and the cute bundle of joy runs up to them and screams, “Play with me!” and the parent stands there drawing a blank. Mom looks around the room and can’t think of anything to do. The child starts to get antsy and begins to whine. Finally mom decides to take the child shopping which in the end proves to be a bad idea.

Instead of enduring yet another shopping excursion, next time you could create your own game by using some simple items you can find in your home.

The educational game is called Falling Shapes.

Items needed:

4 pieces of paper (per 2 player)

2 pencils or pens

Crayons of any color

Instructions to Create Game Pieces

Create 32 Shape Cards:

Take 2 pieces of paper and cut them each into 16 squares. You will have 32 cards total, 16 per player. The easy way to do this is to fold the paper in half and cut on the fold line. Then fold again and cut and continue until you have 16 even pieces. Do the same with the second piece of paper.

Give each person 16 cards. You and your child should draw the following shapes on your cards. Only draw 1 shape per card. You should have 2 cards that have 1 square on each, 2 cards that have 1 circle on each and so on.

2 Squares

2 Circles

2 Ovals

2 Rectangles

2 Stars

2 Triangles

2 Hearts

Create Score Sheet:

Take the other 2 pieces of blank paper and draw the same shapes listed above on each sheet. There should be 16 shapes on each piece of paper. 2 Squares, 2 Circles etc… The shapes can be drawn in random places as long as there are 16 total.

Have fun coloring your cards and score sheet before you play the game. This will allow you to spend more time on the project and enjoy doing a craft before playing.

Game Instructions

Place your individual score sheets in front of you and your child. Place a writing utensil on the table or floor next to both score sheets. Each player should hold the 16 shape cards in their hand. When you say, “Go” both you and your child should take the first card off the top of each of your card piles and hold that card above your heads. Then drop the card and watch it fall to the table or ground.

If a player’s shape card lands with the shape up then they get a point and should circle or color that shape on their score sheet. If the shape lands face down then that player doesn’t get a point. Place the dropped cards in a discard pile. Continue holding up and dropping each card and marking your score sheets. When you’ve dropped all 16 cards the game is over.

Winner

The player with the most shapes circled on the score sheet is the winner.

This game is fun for all ages and it’s a great way to teach young children about shapes.

If you want to print this game instead of drawing it you can do this at http://www.learnthroughgames.com. LearnThroughGames.com offers free, printable, educational games for children. It’s fun for the entire family.

Child discipline the easy way ~Part 1

My children run the gamut of unfortunate behaviors due to their own innate personalities. In almost nine years of parenting, I have picked up some handy tricks to bring happiness and peace in the household. Today we will discuss teaching your children to take you seriously. This can be done without yelling, spanking, empty threats and tears (on your part, at least)!

I learned John Rosemond’s “Ticket System” to discipline children years ago. It is simple and easy. The best part is that it actually works. We can remember it and kids understand it!

In a nutshell, my two older boys (8 & 6) both have four tickets on the fridge in the morning. With each ticket that is lost, privileges are lost. I explain to the Monkeys what is expected and what the consequences are if they disobey. It’s that easy.

This is important, listen close, don’t ramble on. Your kids will tune you out, like the teacher in Charlie Brown’s classroom. When you speak remember the three C’s.

The Three C’s-

Be Clear- explain exactly what expectations are and why.

Be Concise- K.I.S.S.- Kids will only listen to about two sentences, if you are lucky!

Be Commanding- speak with authority. Fake it until you feel comfortable. Pretend you know what you are doing!

We are working on one issue at a time with the tickets. Presently, the boys are learning to obey me when I give a direction. I have announced that nagging them and yelling is bumming me out, and I will do it no more. Do not try to use the ticket system for all the things they do wrong. There is time to teach and change behavior, and it shouldn’t be done all at once. Both you and your kids will go crazy. Focus on the BIG STUFF.

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Here’s how it works-

The child will receive one warning before losing a ticket.

~”Hey Monkey, I asked you to put your dish in the dishwasher after breakfast. Here’s your one and only warning.”

2. The first ticket, of four, is removed from the fridge and put on the side when a second act of disobedience occurs.

~”Ok, Monkey, I asked you not to wrap your brothers in toilet paper to play mummies. You have lost your first ticket! Be careful, I’m sure you will work hard not to lose the second ticket!”

3. When the second ticket is removed be prepared for your little insurgents to riot! Do not lose hope, stay strong. If you back down now…..you are done!

~”Uh-Oh, Monkeys, you were told not to spray paint the dog pink. You lost your third ticket, no cartoons* for the rest of the day. “

*If your little henchmen are gamers, then no games is a great choice here!

4. When ticket #3 is lost, my Monkeys lose the privilege to watch any TV or go out and play with kids after school.

Third ticket will increase the screaming and gnashing of teeth tenfold. ~~DO NOT BACK DOWN!~~~ When your child blows you off, you pull that ticket and stand your ground. Remind your little terrorist that if he argues you WILL pull the last ticket.

“Monkey, I told you that if you juggled flaming toilet paper rolls in the front yard, you must wear your goggles. You didn’t, and now I have to pull your third ticket. No TV and no playing with friends today.”

5. Now you have hit the big time……The last ticket.

Depending on how ‘strong-willed’ your little henchman is you may only have to pull it once, or it may take a dozen times. When the fourth ticket is lost the child must stay in his or her room until bedtime, only coming out for mealtimes and bathroom.

~~If the little wild child has a TV, Computer, or Game system in there (he shouldn’t!)……Take it out!

“Darling, you stole mommy’s Suburban to drive to Toys-R-Us with your little homies. I told you that you couldn’t drive for 11 more years. You have lost your last ticket. You will be in your room until bedtime. I’ll call you out for dinner when it is ready.”

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Ticket System F.A.Q.s-

Dear Fussypants,

My little Carson went to his room at 11:30 this morning. I feel so sorry for him. He’s apologetic and sweet. I think he should come out. He’s only 7 and I can’t leave him up there all day. What should I do?

Thanks, Wimpy in Washington

Dear Wimpy in Washington,

If your little sweety were so sweet he wouldn’t have misbehaved and lost all his tickets. Hopefully, today will teach him never to blow you off and ignore your directions again. If you let him out now he will have won and he will not take the system seriously. The point of the system is to keep parents from getting angry and giving out a million empty threats. Stand your ground, Sister. You are the parent right?

Love, Mrs. Fussypants

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Dear Mrs. Fussypants,

When I pulled little Gracie’s fourth ticket she became furious. She screamed and it ripping up her room. I put up a baby gate to keep her in. I had to let her out because she would have ruined all her things. What else can I do?

Thanks, Bad Mommy in Ohio

Dear Bad Mommy,

Gracie won, didn’t she? Some children use sympathy to get their way. Gracie used force. If she is able to make you back down as a small child, then she will laugh in your face as a teenager. Children do not get easier with age. Children, over the years, simply become more ingrained in their behavior patterns. Pack up Gracie’s breakables in a couple plastic totes from Target. Explain to her that all her favorite belongings will be put away until she can control herself. Next time she is put in her room when all her tickets are gone, she will think twice about channeling the Tasmanian Devil. If you stand your ground now, she will learn to respect you.

Love, Mrs. Fussypants

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Dear Mrs. Fussypants,

At what age should I start the tickets? How should I make them?

Thanks, Clueless in Colorado

Dear Clueless,

You can start as early as four. Four year olds need more chances than say a six to nine year old. I used 6 tickets, and gave other punishments with them, when my kids were under 5. What punishment should you use? Take away what your child really enjoys. If it were fun, it wouldn’t be punishment, would it?

I made the tickets from supplies from the craft store. I used- interesting scrapbook paper (footballs, ballet shoes etc…), and sticky backed magnets. If you choose paper that shows each child’s personality then there is no confusion. I keep my tickets on the fridge.

Love, Mrs. Fussypants

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Dear Mrs. Fussypants,

I don’t like the idea that I have to be mean and lock my child in his room! This seems like child abuse. I want a happy loving family!

Sincerly, Fran in Fantasyland

Dear Fran in Fantasyland,

Think about how many interactions between Moms and kids turn out……

Mom, “Honey, please don’t pour milk on your sisters favorite American Girls Dolls!”

Mom, getting louder, “Swee-eety, how would you feel if someone did that to your toys?”

Mom, angrily yells, “Get away from then, NOW.”

Mom, when ignored again, is furious.She screams, yanks him up by the arm and pops him on the bottom.

What happened? The boy learns not to listen or take Mom seriously because Mom won’t take action until she is furious. Until Mom is mean, he won’t be bothered to listen.

Children need limits and clear guidelines. Parents have the moral responsibility to civilize their children. To not teach your children to control themselves and yield to a higher authority you are essentially neglecting them.

Is it “mean” to put them in their room all day? Only if you don’t feed him regular meals, hurl unpleasantries at him, or throw snakes in with him. Now that would be mean.

No out-of-control child is happy. Happiness comes when ALL members of a family can behave in a resonably civilized manner!

Furthermore, child abuse many times occurs when an exasperated parent just can’t take it anymore. “I’ve done everything I can. That boy won’t listen. I have spank to get his attention!” This escalates quickly and sadly, this is the moment parents just SNAP and abusive* interactions can occur.

*Verbal abuse and emotional abuse is very common, and just as painful as physical abuse.*

I hope this helps!

Love, Mrs. Fussypants

Between the ages of 3 and 4 children change a lot. They gain an independence that demands a different style of toy, more like what the older kids like but with the safety precautions for the younger market. Here at the top 10 toys for children 3-4 years of age.

The Disney Pixar Car Doodle Pro quickly made the list of top 10 toys. This is a no fuss no muss toy that’s similar to the Magna Doodle with an encased box holding magnetic shavings. Different magnetic wands are used to make designs, limited only by the child’s imagination. Kids of all ages love it.

Alex Super Art Table – Young children love their arts and crafts, and many can spend hours drawing. This super art table will seat up to 6 pre-school kids. There’s storage for all their art supplies and crayons and because it’s roll paper, it’s a breeze to have a new piece of paper in seconds.

What’s a toy list if it doesn’t include at least a couple of bath toys in the top 10 toys for children 3 to 4 years of age. Kids just never out grow their bath toys. Bath Time Adventures Dinosaur Island is a great choice. It is made up of 20 foam pieces that when wet from the bath water will stick to the wall. Your child can use their imagination and make up their own dinosaur adventure.

The top 10 toys for 3 to 4 year olds also includes the Kettler Scooter Fox TR, which is an excellent choice for a first scooter. The footplate is slip proof, durable, and extra wide, which makes it sturdier. It’s built to last and children as old as 8 can easily use it.

All pre-school children need to have at least one puzzle in their toys, and it’s a great idea to have many available to your children because they stimulate the young mind. Pattern Blocks & Boards made the top 10 toys. This is a puzzle where the child can create their own patterns or use the ones in the wood set.

Three Fisher Price toys made the top 10 toys list in the educational arena. Fisher Price Learn Your Number Cell Phone looks and sounds like a real cell phone but it’s a whole lot more fun to play with while helping your child learn important phone numbers.

The Fisher Price Little People Time To Learn comes with 10 little people that will help your child discover all kinds of things and finally the Lil People Movers School Bus also made the list. This toy school bus comes with Michael, Maggie, and the bus driver Carlos. It’s action packed.

There has to be at least one musical choice in the top 10 toys and this year there are two. The Lollipop Drum is perfect for the pre-school age and the Paz’s Musical Band Set. You’ll be impressed with just what tunes they put together.

These top 10 toys for children ages 3 to 4 will get you started with a nice variety of toys to stimulate your child and provide hours of fun.

Lessons from books are great, but children learn through play far better than they do in other forms. There are several reasons for this. At the heart of it is their desire to learn. When learning is not so much work but is fun, children are more willing to participate. They want to jump in and have a good time. As a parent, the more that you can teach through play, the more that your child will retain later on. While some skills need to be taught formally, such as math facts and reading, there are still great ways to teach through play.

Children learn through various methods, but often their physical and social world teaches them the most. Even small infants learn this way. Parents can enhance a young child’s learning process by giving them a variety of ways to learn through sight, touch, taste and smell. For infants, play the games that children love, such as peek a boo and other interactions that teach cause and effect. It also teaches them how to interact socially with their families.

As children grow older, they still need stimulation. Remember, kids having fun gives them an added incentive to do the activity you want them to. Pretend play is one of the core elements of the development of imagination. Pack up a truck full of great costumes (you can pick these up very inexpensively after Halloween) and encourage both boys and girls to play. What you will find is that many of the role playing games they play now are direct reflections of the experiences they have had. For example, a child who may be going to daycare for the first time, may practice leaving her baby doll at a pretend daycare. The act is helpful, but the conversations they have of telling the doll that “mommy will be back very soon” will help them later to deal with their fears of being left. Encourage this type of play.

Child’s play through the years changes even more so. During preschool and kindergarten, one of the best ways to teach a child is through stories and pictures. They learn to interact with each other as well as with the outside world. For example, set the stage for a great adventure story. Read them the story during the morning hours. Then, give them a few ideas and let them act out the story in their own way. You can teach many of the fundamentals in this manner, everything from manners to helping those in need.

Other activities to encourage helping children learn through play include:

· Craft projects: they explore their talents and explore texture, dimension, color and shapes

· Dance: They explore their physical bodies and stay physically fit

· Building with blocks: Everything from wooden blocks to Lego’s helps children to learn structure, dimension, balance, and help them to grow their imagination.

· Drawing: Use various types of mediums from paints to pencil to help them to learn numbers, letters, shapes and much more

These activities can incorporate other skills, too. For example, perhaps an art project can center around a specific letter of the alphabet. Do not be elaborate, but do be dramatic.

Kids having fun is something you definitely want to consider for the long term. For example, children who are nine years old and up need to develop great reasoning skills and need to learn to think strategically. They also need to develop good social skills. Great ways for kids having fun through these lessons can be anything from fun science projects to advanced building sets done in teams and even 3-D puzzles. Encourage computer projects and video games as well. Unbelievably, the video game they love to play is teaching them great hand eye coordination (assuming that the content within it is appropriate.)

How children learn through play is really up to you, their parent. Encouraging them to play, pretend, and learn all go hand in hand. The skills most children learn at these early ages are not just their math facts and their ABC’s, but they are the foundations of how to learn, how to interact with other people, and how to explore, reason and strategize. These items will carry on with them throughout their lives.

Does your 5 year old wait for you anxiously when you come back from work, wondering what gift would Mum bring?

Kids love presents and gifts, especially if it is a surprise gift. And the best thing about them is that they sweetly give you a hint on what they are expecting or what their desires are. But what happens when you have to buy gifts for other children? Do you run short of ideas?

If purchasing gifts all the time does not come across as a good idea to you, and yet you want to present something that is beautiful, then here are some excellent tips on presents for children that would not just save you the money but would also tickle your kids’ creative bones. And what you have at the end is a wonderful gift – handmade – and that too by your own child.

Presents for children have to be as creative as they are. There should be ample use of colours. The patterns, motifs and designs and most importantly the presents for kids should be something that they love and something that they can use on a regular basis. For example, a wall clock with the kids’ favourite cartoon characters, or a colourful face mask, or photo frames with cute designs and jewellery box for little girls.

There are many websites which offer complete kit with all the things that you need in order to make presents for kids. For instance if you want to make a wall clock, then they offer kits that have clock face, clock mechanism with the hands, battery and numbers. Then there are the things that you need to decorate the clock with, like paint, glue and decorative pieces.

The kits can be usually completed within one to two hours time which also teaches the child the importance of time management. Besides this, such activities are good learning sessions which help a kid grow into a complete individual and you into a successful parent.

There simply isn’t a way to embrace the idea that divorce is just great fun because it isn’t. It’s a horribly painful experience to go through. No one in their right mind would want to go through this experience and would do all in our power to avoid it. We all want our marriages to work.

And yet, divorce continues to happen. We’re decimated by it and we’re adults! Consider this: with all the years we’ve been alive, with all our schooling, and with all of the experiences that have taught us, we are still decimated by divorce. Can you imagine what very little education, very little experience, very little living does for our children when they have to go through a divorce with us?

Divorce is horrible for children. We are our children’s caretakers. Their needs must come first. It’s awfully nice if there is both a mom and a dad to care for the children. But when a divorce makes that impossible, their needs must still come first and the parents must make their welfare a priority.

All kids need both parents and they need to rely on them with full trust. Squabbling between parents is just too difficult for a growing-up child to endure and it wounds them emotionally. Please consider not fighting with their mommy or daddy in front of them. Please consider not badmouthing their other parent in front of them. Please be there for them 24/7. If your ex has a tendency not to be there, write him a note and explain how you see this affecting his children and could he please plan to be there for them?

Together with your ex, write a Parenting Plan that you can both agree upon. Your attorneys can devise a plan for you, if you are not capable of doing this with your ex yourself. Both of you should have input into creating it and tweaking it until it suits both of you. The internet contains many ideas to be incorporated into a Parenting Plan. Discuss the feasibility of sharing your Parenting Plan with your children’s caregivers or babysitters.

When you first decide that you have to get a divorce, craft a way to telling your children without placing blame on either you or your soon-to-be ex. This kind of news is not easily absorbed by your children because they don’t handle change well if they are quite young. And this change is life altering. Give them time to absorb it. Revisit the discussion and try to help them to understand how necessary it is, even if you aren’t happy about it yourself. Work toward a way you can all live with the fact that a divorce is going to happen, like it or not.

Once the divorce is underway, give your children an explanation of the court agreement. They won’t appreciate the legality of it, but they want to know how it’s going to affect them. Make a list of those things and let them ask lots of questions. When you answer them, work hard not to place any sense of blame on their other parent.

Don’t force your children to take sides. They deserve to have a mommy and a daddy if that is at all possible. They are entitled to continue to enjoy a relationship with their other parent, even if you can’t. Try to keep their needs at the top of your list.

Most kids have fears that somehow they caused the divorce, that they’re going to be abandoned too, or that something painful will happen to them as well. Listen to their questions and fears with empathy, and keep asking them questions until you are sure they’re okay with the discussion. They’ll be losing a key member of their family from the home. They may have another family to integrate into their lives. There’s a lot of trauma involved in this for kids and they deserve to have their fears addressed.

At this link http://www.divorcesource.com/info/checklists/childbehavior.shtml You’ll discover a great tool to determine just how your child is handling your divorce. It can help you help them through their sadness and sense of loss.