If you ever go to the mall or a fast food place you will see kids working there. Now, not all of them are that young but some of them are. I have no problem with kids working since it is good for there self-esteem and helps them develop a good work ethic. But what I have a problem with is the fact of how fast these kids want to grow up.our only a kids once and you should enjoy that time without the stress of a job, especially when you are that young. Stay home, play video games or go spend time with your friends. You will have your whole life to punch a clock and earn money. What is the rush, really?
I remember being that age and when I was hired at 14 years old they would only allow me to work a few hours a day until I was 15 and then I could work more. I enjoyed it for awhile but that did not last. After awhile it became a chore to work and I was only 15 at that time.
Do you really want to be hating your job at 15 years old? Personally, I think you should be focusing on your grades, mapping out your future, spending time with family and friends.
So, to answer if kids really need to work at that age, my opinion is a healthy "NO!". Life is too short to be stuck in the daily grind at such a young age.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Storm
Do Kids Really Need to Be Working at 14 Or 15 Years of Age?
Posted by
Viola
on Monday, November 2, 2009
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Melissa and Doug Food
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Viola
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Melissa and Doug Food is a great toy for the future homemaker to have. These toys are made out of durable wood and can be played to imitate mom or dad as they prepare a meal.
There is the Fridge Food Set that has eight different food items that belong in a refrigerator. Included in the group are an orange juice container, waffle, milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, butter, and frozen vegetables.
The Cutting Board is great for the little slicer in the family. This has 31 pieces of cut vegetable and bread items that make a crunching sound when sliced with the wooden knife on the cutting board.
The Food Groups is a way for any child to learn while they play with the 5 different food groups. This set of wooden toys come in four different wooden crates and helps a child learn about eating healthy.
The Cutting Fruit comes with 19 different pieces that lets your child cut up fruit safely while you are preparing a health snack. The crunch sound when the knife is used adds to the realistic values of this set of toys. This also has the advantage of teaching a child about fractions and whole numbers.
If puzzles are more to your child's liking, then the Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Puzzle set would be a good choice. Each of these puzzles are made of durable wood pieces and has between 6 to 14 different pieces to help your child learn about the appropriate foods that go with which meal.
The Melissa and Doug Food toys are fun to play with and great learning tools to boot.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Y._Salmon
There is the Fridge Food Set that has eight different food items that belong in a refrigerator. Included in the group are an orange juice container, waffle, milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, butter, and frozen vegetables.
The Cutting Board is great for the little slicer in the family. This has 31 pieces of cut vegetable and bread items that make a crunching sound when sliced with the wooden knife on the cutting board.
The Food Groups is a way for any child to learn while they play with the 5 different food groups. This set of wooden toys come in four different wooden crates and helps a child learn about eating healthy.
The Cutting Fruit comes with 19 different pieces that lets your child cut up fruit safely while you are preparing a health snack. The crunch sound when the knife is used adds to the realistic values of this set of toys. This also has the advantage of teaching a child about fractions and whole numbers.
If puzzles are more to your child's liking, then the Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Puzzle set would be a good choice. Each of these puzzles are made of durable wood pieces and has between 6 to 14 different pieces to help your child learn about the appropriate foods that go with which meal.
The Melissa and Doug Food toys are fun to play with and great learning tools to boot.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Y._Salmon
Prices Rise For Zhu Zhu Pets
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Viola
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The zhu zhu pet hamsters have not been with us long and already we are seeing the prices rise.
As Christmas approaches I can only think that this is going to continue. What started out as a sub ten dollar toy is now already over twenty dollars and rising. With stock very scarce this is only going to get worse. It is already nigh on impossible to buy on the high street and we are sure to see this continue.
In fact there really is little point trying to find them anywhere apart from online and those that go searching are often having totally wasted journeys. Online the prices are going up but at least they are available. What is recommended is that they are bought as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. We may well see them totally unavailable as we get close to the end of the year.
We may just have to wait and see but if your child his his or her heart set on zhu hamster and maybe a funhouse or other extras then there really is no time to lose unless you want to pay more than you should.
It is not often that we see toys change in price like this so it is best not to wait and see. It is doubtful that they will lower in price, rather they may disappear entirely. With them being so popular this year there is little doubt that people will be taking advantage of their scarcity and charging much more than they should. Let us not be taken advantage of and ensure that we buy them at a relatively low price as soon as we possibly can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Tee
As Christmas approaches I can only think that this is going to continue. What started out as a sub ten dollar toy is now already over twenty dollars and rising. With stock very scarce this is only going to get worse. It is already nigh on impossible to buy on the high street and we are sure to see this continue.
In fact there really is little point trying to find them anywhere apart from online and those that go searching are often having totally wasted journeys. Online the prices are going up but at least they are available. What is recommended is that they are bought as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. We may well see them totally unavailable as we get close to the end of the year.
We may just have to wait and see but if your child his his or her heart set on zhu hamster and maybe a funhouse or other extras then there really is no time to lose unless you want to pay more than you should.
It is not often that we see toys change in price like this so it is best not to wait and see. It is doubtful that they will lower in price, rather they may disappear entirely. With them being so popular this year there is little doubt that people will be taking advantage of their scarcity and charging much more than they should. Let us not be taken advantage of and ensure that we buy them at a relatively low price as soon as we possibly can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Tee
Masquerade Masks For Your Formal School Dance
Posted by
Viola
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A prom is short for the word promenade. It specifically used in North America for the seniors last year in school where they have a ball or dance. It is usually a black tie event and there are sometimes themes chosen for the event to make it a bit more exciting and unique. It will always be a special event but it can be a bit boring just going in a lovely dress or handsome suit. The fun of dressing up ends when you are ready and about to head into the venue.
This is where the masquerade comes into play. With this as the theme of your very special final school event, the fun of dressing up does not end when you have finished getting ready. You have something else to look forward too. Besides getting to see what everyone is wearing and what everyone looks like when they are looking their best, there is something a bit more exciting and special happening. This is because having a masquerade theme for your prom means that everything will be a little bit more mysterious and enthralling. This can last the whole night not only the first ten minutes.
Having masquerade as your theme means everyone has to turn up wearing a mask. They should wear it throughout the evening so that all of the special people attending their final event can keep guessing at who is who. You never know who might get kissed by mistake or get to dance with someone they always wanted to but never had the chance before. There are many reasons to have a bit of mystery for the last and biggest event of your school life. There is no other theme that has the same class and mystery as a masquerade one.
If you want to make your last night last longer then have a little bit of fun and make it a theme. If you just love dress ups but still need to get it past all those decision makers and other people that are not used to change then they will be sure to agree to have this. It is the most likely thing to get through and approved than anything else. It is extending the fun from getting ready to the arrival and then on throughout the night until who knows when and where. Enjoying yourself is what it is all about.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Cottern
This is where the masquerade comes into play. With this as the theme of your very special final school event, the fun of dressing up does not end when you have finished getting ready. You have something else to look forward too. Besides getting to see what everyone is wearing and what everyone looks like when they are looking their best, there is something a bit more exciting and special happening. This is because having a masquerade theme for your prom means that everything will be a little bit more mysterious and enthralling. This can last the whole night not only the first ten minutes.
Having masquerade as your theme means everyone has to turn up wearing a mask. They should wear it throughout the evening so that all of the special people attending their final event can keep guessing at who is who. You never know who might get kissed by mistake or get to dance with someone they always wanted to but never had the chance before. There are many reasons to have a bit of mystery for the last and biggest event of your school life. There is no other theme that has the same class and mystery as a masquerade one.
If you want to make your last night last longer then have a little bit of fun and make it a theme. If you just love dress ups but still need to get it past all those decision makers and other people that are not used to change then they will be sure to agree to have this. It is the most likely thing to get through and approved than anything else. It is extending the fun from getting ready to the arrival and then on throughout the night until who knows when and where. Enjoying yourself is what it is all about.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Cottern
Barbie Power Wheels - Top 4 Most Popular Choices For Girls
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Viola
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The Barbie Power Wheels range of vehicles is hugely popular amongst girls for obvious Barbie obsession reasons, which has led Fisher Price to produce more and more Barbie models to capitalize on this success. Unfortunately, not all Barbie PowerWheels models have attained the same levels of praise and ratings from both parents and girls alike. However, four models stand out above the rest in terms of positive reviews, high ratings, Barbie styling, performance, capability and sheer fun and enjoyment.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Jammin' Jeep
The Barbie Jeep is far and away the most popular Barbie Power Wheels model and one of the most popular in the whole Power Wheels range. In shocking pink of course and with a great selection of Barbie graphics and stickers, the appearance is as Barbie as you could possibly get. This model also has the performance and capability to match its great styling and provides girls of three years and older with a great fun Barbie battery powered ride on vehicle.
Fitted with the more powerful 12 volt battery and rugged tires allows this vehicle to be driven on both road and grass surfaces without getting bogged down. Capable of being driven in a two stage forward direction of either 2.5mph or 5mph and a single slower reverse direction. The Power Lock brakes improve stopping distance and control.
The interior of the vehicle continues the Barbie theme and even has a working FM radio. Comfortable seating for two and stop and go foot pedal controls round off the great package. Opening doors for easier access and rear storage adds to the versatility of this vehicle.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Ford Mustang
The Barbie Power Wheels Ford Mustang is the Barbie muscle car of the pack, but in shocking Barbie pink and has a great range of stickers and graphics to complete the style treatment. Recommended for children of three years and older.
Fitted with the more powerful 12 volt battery allows this vehicle to have a two stage forward drive of 2.5mph and 5mph. Reverse is at the slower of the two speeds.
The interior is of course in a complimentary Barbie theme and includes a mock radio but a working sound box which produces all sorts of fun noises and phrases. The vehicle has seating for two and the seat is moveable which ingeniously allows you to move the seat back as your child grows. Stop and go control is via foot pedal.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen Beetle
Based on the lovable and instantly recognizable VW Bug, this Barbie Power Wheels model also comes in pink with its own unique stickers and graphics. This particular model is intended for smaller children from 18 months to 4 years old.
For smaller child safety reasons, the Barbie VW Beetle is fitted with the smaller 6 volt battery allowing it to move at 2.5mph. The model does include the Fisher Price Power Brakes so that your smaller child can come to a stop safely.
The interior of the vehicle provides well positioned single seating and has a great and fun dash design. Driving acceleration and braking is controlled by foot pedal.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Trail Rider
This Barbie Power Wheels model is purely intended for the very youngest Barbie girls, from 18 months to 36 months old. It has ATV styling and of course comes in pink with Barbie action stickers on.
For safety reasons the Barbie Trail Rider has the less powerful 6 volt battery and forward speed is limited to 2mph. Power Lock brakes ensure that even the smallest children can stop quickly and safely.
Large footrest wells provide well positioned foot supports to keep your child's feet away from the moving ground and are shielded from moving parts. They also make it easy for your toddler to climb on and off. Stop and go controls are by way of a large button on the handle bar, which is a whole lot easier than a foot pedal at this young age.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Robbinson
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Jammin' Jeep
The Barbie Jeep is far and away the most popular Barbie Power Wheels model and one of the most popular in the whole Power Wheels range. In shocking pink of course and with a great selection of Barbie graphics and stickers, the appearance is as Barbie as you could possibly get. This model also has the performance and capability to match its great styling and provides girls of three years and older with a great fun Barbie battery powered ride on vehicle.
Fitted with the more powerful 12 volt battery and rugged tires allows this vehicle to be driven on both road and grass surfaces without getting bogged down. Capable of being driven in a two stage forward direction of either 2.5mph or 5mph and a single slower reverse direction. The Power Lock brakes improve stopping distance and control.
The interior of the vehicle continues the Barbie theme and even has a working FM radio. Comfortable seating for two and stop and go foot pedal controls round off the great package. Opening doors for easier access and rear storage adds to the versatility of this vehicle.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Ford Mustang
The Barbie Power Wheels Ford Mustang is the Barbie muscle car of the pack, but in shocking Barbie pink and has a great range of stickers and graphics to complete the style treatment. Recommended for children of three years and older.
Fitted with the more powerful 12 volt battery allows this vehicle to have a two stage forward drive of 2.5mph and 5mph. Reverse is at the slower of the two speeds.
The interior is of course in a complimentary Barbie theme and includes a mock radio but a working sound box which produces all sorts of fun noises and phrases. The vehicle has seating for two and the seat is moveable which ingeniously allows you to move the seat back as your child grows. Stop and go control is via foot pedal.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen Beetle
Based on the lovable and instantly recognizable VW Bug, this Barbie Power Wheels model also comes in pink with its own unique stickers and graphics. This particular model is intended for smaller children from 18 months to 4 years old.
For smaller child safety reasons, the Barbie VW Beetle is fitted with the smaller 6 volt battery allowing it to move at 2.5mph. The model does include the Fisher Price Power Brakes so that your smaller child can come to a stop safely.
The interior of the vehicle provides well positioned single seating and has a great and fun dash design. Driving acceleration and braking is controlled by foot pedal.
Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie Trail Rider
This Barbie Power Wheels model is purely intended for the very youngest Barbie girls, from 18 months to 36 months old. It has ATV styling and of course comes in pink with Barbie action stickers on.
For safety reasons the Barbie Trail Rider has the less powerful 6 volt battery and forward speed is limited to 2mph. Power Lock brakes ensure that even the smallest children can stop quickly and safely.
Large footrest wells provide well positioned foot supports to keep your child's feet away from the moving ground and are shielded from moving parts. They also make it easy for your toddler to climb on and off. Stop and go controls are by way of a large button on the handle bar, which is a whole lot easier than a foot pedal at this young age.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Robbinson
What Are Great Hobbies For Teens?
Posted by
Viola
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Nowadays youngsters live in a digital reality with high technology ruling their past time. At all times they stay connected to the world wide web, or are busy text messaging. Tyranny of the Internet and mobile telecommunications is overwhelming and keeps teens always plugged into or logged in. Parents are scratching their heads how to unplug kids and convince them to take up a hobby.
Sociologists have proved that teenagers pursuing their passions are less likely to cause problems than those without a hobby. So what can be a good hobby for teenagers that will keep them involved and fascinated? Let's have a look at some past time options that youngsters may find appealing.
Collecting is an absorbing pursuit because you can actually collect whatever you like: anything starting from stickers and posters through T-shirts and baseball caps to autographs and various keepsakes. All you need to do is let your kids give full rein to their imagination and interests. Looking for items to their collections will keep them focused, engrossed and filled with a sense of mission instead of getting into trouble.
Digital Photography is another great idea for teens hobby. In the age of digital you can purchase a decent equipment sufficient to start on at a very fair price of around $60. Those digital cameras come bundled with editing software for the computer. If your kid gets the photography bug you can consider buying more advanced and feature-packed camera to keep the passion growing. Digital pictures can be upgraded with Photoshop which is a great development of the photo hobby. You may even think of investing resources into a drawing pen tablet to 'keep the hobby fire burning.' Graphics tablet is a fantastic tool to touch up and customize digital photos. It gives unlimited ways of correcting, editing, enhancing, and personalizing your favorite shots. With the use of a pen tablet your teens will be able to create unique digital pictures bursting with cool effects, funny comments, and personal messages in their own handwriting.
Music is an absolutely great idea for teens. We all dream of becoming a music star at some time. It has always had a wide appeal. Why not encourage your kids to try their hands at playing an instrument? Music is an exceptional and terrific impact in the life of a young. It greatly contributes to personal growth, self-esteem, creative thought, and self-expression. You don't have to go to great expense buying a brand new instrument which can be expensive. There are a few more economic options like second-hand equipment or rentals. Let your teen try different instruments before deciding on the one. Don't impose anything!
Those are just a couple of hobby options that teenagers may find attractive. The trick is to let them discover for themselves the perfect one. Your job is to stimulate their passion and support in their pursuits. Over time you will notice that great hobbies make great teens who grow up into great adults.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patryk_Mikiciuk
Sociologists have proved that teenagers pursuing their passions are less likely to cause problems than those without a hobby. So what can be a good hobby for teenagers that will keep them involved and fascinated? Let's have a look at some past time options that youngsters may find appealing.
Collecting is an absorbing pursuit because you can actually collect whatever you like: anything starting from stickers and posters through T-shirts and baseball caps to autographs and various keepsakes. All you need to do is let your kids give full rein to their imagination and interests. Looking for items to their collections will keep them focused, engrossed and filled with a sense of mission instead of getting into trouble.
Digital Photography is another great idea for teens hobby. In the age of digital you can purchase a decent equipment sufficient to start on at a very fair price of around $60. Those digital cameras come bundled with editing software for the computer. If your kid gets the photography bug you can consider buying more advanced and feature-packed camera to keep the passion growing. Digital pictures can be upgraded with Photoshop which is a great development of the photo hobby. You may even think of investing resources into a drawing pen tablet to 'keep the hobby fire burning.' Graphics tablet is a fantastic tool to touch up and customize digital photos. It gives unlimited ways of correcting, editing, enhancing, and personalizing your favorite shots. With the use of a pen tablet your teens will be able to create unique digital pictures bursting with cool effects, funny comments, and personal messages in their own handwriting.
Music is an absolutely great idea for teens. We all dream of becoming a music star at some time. It has always had a wide appeal. Why not encourage your kids to try their hands at playing an instrument? Music is an exceptional and terrific impact in the life of a young. It greatly contributes to personal growth, self-esteem, creative thought, and self-expression. You don't have to go to great expense buying a brand new instrument which can be expensive. There are a few more economic options like second-hand equipment or rentals. Let your teen try different instruments before deciding on the one. Don't impose anything!
Those are just a couple of hobby options that teenagers may find attractive. The trick is to let them discover for themselves the perfect one. Your job is to stimulate their passion and support in their pursuits. Over time you will notice that great hobbies make great teens who grow up into great adults.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patryk_Mikiciuk
Melissa and Doug Puzzle - Which One is For Your Child
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Viola
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When choosing a Melissa and Doug Puzzle, rest assured you are making an investment in a toy that will last for years. Wooden puzzles and cardboard puzzles are both available.
There are 5 different categories for wooden puzzles to choose from. The Jumbo Knob Puzzles are for the younger members of the family. They have easy to grab knobs that are matched up with pictures and are made of extra thick wooden pieces, perfect for little hands. A few of the more popular ones are the Large Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle and the Barnyard Animals Jumbo Knob Puzzle.
The Chunky Puzzles are two toys in one. The pieces are thick and fit snuggly into the puzzle board or can stand alone and be played with like other toys. Two of the most requested ones are the Vehicle Chunky Puzzle and the Jumbo ABC Chunky Puzzle.
Peg puzzles are wooden pegs that fit into a puzzle board. These offer interchangeable pieces and some have peek-a-boo concealed pictures to make learning fun. Two of the most purchased of this type are the Princess Dress-up Mix n' Match Peg Puzzle and the Vehicles Peg Puzzle.
There are some with built in speakers and they are the sound Puzzles and Blocks. By placing the correct piece or block in the proper place, a sound is created. The United States of America Sound Puzzle and the Alphabet Sound Puzzle are great sellers.
The classic wooden Jigsaw Puzzles come in 12, 24, 48 pieces, and with religious themes. These are great first puzzles for any child.
No matter which type of Melissa and Doug Puzzle you decide on, quality is assured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Y._Salmon
There are 5 different categories for wooden puzzles to choose from. The Jumbo Knob Puzzles are for the younger members of the family. They have easy to grab knobs that are matched up with pictures and are made of extra thick wooden pieces, perfect for little hands. A few of the more popular ones are the Large Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle and the Barnyard Animals Jumbo Knob Puzzle.
The Chunky Puzzles are two toys in one. The pieces are thick and fit snuggly into the puzzle board or can stand alone and be played with like other toys. Two of the most requested ones are the Vehicle Chunky Puzzle and the Jumbo ABC Chunky Puzzle.
Peg puzzles are wooden pegs that fit into a puzzle board. These offer interchangeable pieces and some have peek-a-boo concealed pictures to make learning fun. Two of the most purchased of this type are the Princess Dress-up Mix n' Match Peg Puzzle and the Vehicles Peg Puzzle.
There are some with built in speakers and they are the sound Puzzles and Blocks. By placing the correct piece or block in the proper place, a sound is created. The United States of America Sound Puzzle and the Alphabet Sound Puzzle are great sellers.
The classic wooden Jigsaw Puzzles come in 12, 24, 48 pieces, and with religious themes. These are great first puzzles for any child.
No matter which type of Melissa and Doug Puzzle you decide on, quality is assured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Y._Salmon
Toddler Behaviour in Child Care - The Issue of Sharing
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Viola
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Toddler behavior is a topic widely written about. Toddlers and the issue of sharing has driven many child care workers out of the field and driven many parents to tears. Why is 'toddlers and sharing' such a hot topic in child care staff meetings and in parent conversations?
I recently attended a 2 year old birthday party in a home setting with my almost 3 year old. Four children arrived at the same time, amidst the flurry of holding babies and mothers being introduced to each other. In the corner of the room stood a brand new ride-in car...just one! Within the first 10 minutes, my daughter had a cut lip from being pushed away from the car, and she in turn had almost run over another child's head. I am an early childhood teacher...I was meeting a new social group of Mums....and I was mortified!
I think it's so easy to forget that toddlers and preschoolers are a bundle of energy and inquisitiveness, and that until a minimum of 2 years of age, they are completely ego-centric. According to them, they are the centre of the universe. Learning to share is a normal part of child development. However, where child care workers and parents can come unstuck is when they are not prepared for the learning process and are not pre-emptive with their strategies to support toddlers in this time of social growth.
The following strategies and tips may be new to you, or may simply be a reminder of some ways we can support toddlers as they learn to share:
1. Take a Step Back
As parents and child care workers, we seem to have 'danger radars'. We can enter a new environment and immediately (and often sub-consciously) survey the whole room and pick out any items which may be dangerous to our precious little ones. I can recall a few houses I have visited and within seconds have noticed the scissors on the low coffee table or the hot coffee on the edge of the dining table (and of course discreetly moved them) . Why then, do we not do the same when it comes to seeing potential 'sharing dangers'?
When we are responsible (as a parent or child care worker) for children moving to a new environment we need to quickly step back and survey potential sharing hazards. The morning arrival routine in a centre is a perfect example. The arrival is staggered and often we focus on greeting each child (which is positive!) but we forget that every arriving child brings a change in group dynamic. The child is often focused on heading straight for their favorite activity, regardless of who is already there. If we step back and survey the child's arrival in the context of the whole group, we can more effectively pre-empt and manage sharing behavior issues.
2. Provide Adequate Resources
While we cannot necessarily provide one resource per child in a child care setting, we can provide more than one play space per child, and multiples of favourite activities. I have encountered a number of child care centres in despair over the behaviour in their toddler room, only to observe inadequate places for children to play. Consider the movement of toddlers in the following scenario:
Toddler room: 16 children
Activities Provided :
Playdough (4 chairs)
Painting (2 easel spaces)
Puzzles (4 chairs)
Books (4 cushions)
Blocks (no set number)
In this scenario there are 14 allocated play spaces in a room for 16 children, with no set number of children in the block corner. Children will end up on top of each other, tend to congregate in the block corner, and cannot freely flow between activities...this is what I would call a 'sharing hazard'! Centres should provide at least 1.5 play spaces per child indoors, which in the above scenario would mean there should be a minimum of 24 places a child can play at any one time. (It is recommended that outdoors should have more playspaces than indoors).
3. Turn Taking Games
Children need to learn how to share, it does not happen by chance! Activities and games, undertaken in an environment supported by adults, can assist children learning to wait while still engaged in the activity in anticipation of their turn coming soon.
The key is to make the turn taking or waiting time age appropriate. We cannot expect a 2 ½ year old to wait their turn among 20 children and also expect to maintain their attention. Alternatively, we should be challenging the 4 year old to wait for longer periods in larger group sizes.
4. Turn Taking Language
When beginning the process of helping children to share, we need to use 'turn taking language' such as "my turn, your turn", "whose turn next?", "let's let Michael have a go". We can be exploring maths skills at the same time by talking about whose turn it is "first", "second", "next" etc. As we use this language more and more, we will find that children themselves start to use it too.
5. Turn Taking Supports
It can be very difficult for children to picture how long it will be before it is their turn. There are a number of turn taking supports which help children in the process of waiting:
Egg Timers - where children know they have until the sand runs out to have their turn. Alternatively they only have to waiting until the sand runs out before it is their turn next.
Turn Taking Cards - In preschoolers, children can be given colour coded cards, knowing that the person with the blue card goes first, next the red card and so on. A matching 'turn chart' can help children remember which colours are given a turn in which order.
Charts - Older children (4 years +) can "sign up" for their turn by writing their name on the chart. They can visually see that they need to wait through 4 other people until their turn.
Watches and Other Timers - are also good for older children who have learnt to tell time.
5. Praise the behavior not just the child for sharing
When praising children for their efforts in turn taking and sharing, it is important to remember to praise the behavior and not just the child. For example, it is much more effective to say "Well done Lisa for giving Hannah a turn,...that was good sharing", rather than simply "Good Girl Lisa." Be specific about what the child has done that was positive and this will help them understand what positive thing to do next time.
6. Understand the Process of Learning To Share
We need to remember that learning to share is actually a skills we continue to learn throughout life. Two people, newly sharing housing accommodation together, need to learn to share space, food, possibly furniture etc. If we realize how many marriages break down over the issue of sharing, we can start to forgive to tiny two year old for not wanting to share the ride on car or the swing.
Initially, toddlers can only wait short periods before expecting their turn again. A preschooler or older child can be expected to wait 5 - 10 minutes or more for their turn.
Initially, toddlers need to be the first to have a turn before relinquishing the item. A preschooler or older child can be encouraged to let 'the other' child have a turn first.
Learning to share takes time and takes great patience and encouragement from adults caring for them!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassandra_Eccleston
I recently attended a 2 year old birthday party in a home setting with my almost 3 year old. Four children arrived at the same time, amidst the flurry of holding babies and mothers being introduced to each other. In the corner of the room stood a brand new ride-in car...just one! Within the first 10 minutes, my daughter had a cut lip from being pushed away from the car, and she in turn had almost run over another child's head. I am an early childhood teacher...I was meeting a new social group of Mums....and I was mortified!
I think it's so easy to forget that toddlers and preschoolers are a bundle of energy and inquisitiveness, and that until a minimum of 2 years of age, they are completely ego-centric. According to them, they are the centre of the universe. Learning to share is a normal part of child development. However, where child care workers and parents can come unstuck is when they are not prepared for the learning process and are not pre-emptive with their strategies to support toddlers in this time of social growth.
The following strategies and tips may be new to you, or may simply be a reminder of some ways we can support toddlers as they learn to share:
1. Take a Step Back
As parents and child care workers, we seem to have 'danger radars'. We can enter a new environment and immediately (and often sub-consciously) survey the whole room and pick out any items which may be dangerous to our precious little ones. I can recall a few houses I have visited and within seconds have noticed the scissors on the low coffee table or the hot coffee on the edge of the dining table (and of course discreetly moved them) . Why then, do we not do the same when it comes to seeing potential 'sharing dangers'?
When we are responsible (as a parent or child care worker) for children moving to a new environment we need to quickly step back and survey potential sharing hazards. The morning arrival routine in a centre is a perfect example. The arrival is staggered and often we focus on greeting each child (which is positive!) but we forget that every arriving child brings a change in group dynamic. The child is often focused on heading straight for their favorite activity, regardless of who is already there. If we step back and survey the child's arrival in the context of the whole group, we can more effectively pre-empt and manage sharing behavior issues.
2. Provide Adequate Resources
While we cannot necessarily provide one resource per child in a child care setting, we can provide more than one play space per child, and multiples of favourite activities. I have encountered a number of child care centres in despair over the behaviour in their toddler room, only to observe inadequate places for children to play. Consider the movement of toddlers in the following scenario:
Toddler room: 16 children
Activities Provided :
Playdough (4 chairs)
Painting (2 easel spaces)
Puzzles (4 chairs)
Books (4 cushions)
Blocks (no set number)
In this scenario there are 14 allocated play spaces in a room for 16 children, with no set number of children in the block corner. Children will end up on top of each other, tend to congregate in the block corner, and cannot freely flow between activities...this is what I would call a 'sharing hazard'! Centres should provide at least 1.5 play spaces per child indoors, which in the above scenario would mean there should be a minimum of 24 places a child can play at any one time. (It is recommended that outdoors should have more playspaces than indoors).
3. Turn Taking Games
Children need to learn how to share, it does not happen by chance! Activities and games, undertaken in an environment supported by adults, can assist children learning to wait while still engaged in the activity in anticipation of their turn coming soon.
The key is to make the turn taking or waiting time age appropriate. We cannot expect a 2 ½ year old to wait their turn among 20 children and also expect to maintain their attention. Alternatively, we should be challenging the 4 year old to wait for longer periods in larger group sizes.
4. Turn Taking Language
When beginning the process of helping children to share, we need to use 'turn taking language' such as "my turn, your turn", "whose turn next?", "let's let Michael have a go". We can be exploring maths skills at the same time by talking about whose turn it is "first", "second", "next" etc. As we use this language more and more, we will find that children themselves start to use it too.
5. Turn Taking Supports
It can be very difficult for children to picture how long it will be before it is their turn. There are a number of turn taking supports which help children in the process of waiting:
Egg Timers - where children know they have until the sand runs out to have their turn. Alternatively they only have to waiting until the sand runs out before it is their turn next.
Turn Taking Cards - In preschoolers, children can be given colour coded cards, knowing that the person with the blue card goes first, next the red card and so on. A matching 'turn chart' can help children remember which colours are given a turn in which order.
Charts - Older children (4 years +) can "sign up" for their turn by writing their name on the chart. They can visually see that they need to wait through 4 other people until their turn.
Watches and Other Timers - are also good for older children who have learnt to tell time.
5. Praise the behavior not just the child for sharing
When praising children for their efforts in turn taking and sharing, it is important to remember to praise the behavior and not just the child. For example, it is much more effective to say "Well done Lisa for giving Hannah a turn,...that was good sharing", rather than simply "Good Girl Lisa." Be specific about what the child has done that was positive and this will help them understand what positive thing to do next time.
6. Understand the Process of Learning To Share
We need to remember that learning to share is actually a skills we continue to learn throughout life. Two people, newly sharing housing accommodation together, need to learn to share space, food, possibly furniture etc. If we realize how many marriages break down over the issue of sharing, we can start to forgive to tiny two year old for not wanting to share the ride on car or the swing.
Initially, toddlers can only wait short periods before expecting their turn again. A preschooler or older child can be expected to wait 5 - 10 minutes or more for their turn.
Initially, toddlers need to be the first to have a turn before relinquishing the item. A preschooler or older child can be encouraged to let 'the other' child have a turn first.
Learning to share takes time and takes great patience and encouragement from adults caring for them!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassandra_Eccleston
Disciplining Your Kids
Posted by
Viola
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If you ask parents if they enjoy dishing out discipline to their kids, the answer will always be "no" they do not enjoy it. After all it makes them feel bad and of course it makes the kid feel bad. You may be surprised at the attitude of some kids toward discipline.
When you have to discipline your kid they want to know and understand what they are doing wrong that caused them to be punished. And as a parent, I am sure you think your kid understands what they did wrong and you don't need to explain it to them. Most kids lack short term memory and most of the time they do not even remember what they did to get your negative reaction. A yelling match and a spanking on the bottom without a lesson to be learned is nothing more than abuse, in my opinion.
The kids think it is the responsibility of the parents to explain to the kid why they are being disciplined. I am sure the kids will argue that your explanation is stupid and they should not have been punished. However, if you ask kids when they are calm and detached from punishment, they will tell you they want to know why their parents reacted the way they did by punishing them.
Kids want to know their boundaries. When they overstep their boundaries and get disciplined, without a clear understanding as to why, the lesson is not learned and their unacceptable behavior will reoccur. Kids said they do not mind being disciplined, although they clearly think spankings are extreme and not needed as long as they know the "why".
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rosalie_Lynch
When you have to discipline your kid they want to know and understand what they are doing wrong that caused them to be punished. And as a parent, I am sure you think your kid understands what they did wrong and you don't need to explain it to them. Most kids lack short term memory and most of the time they do not even remember what they did to get your negative reaction. A yelling match and a spanking on the bottom without a lesson to be learned is nothing more than abuse, in my opinion.
The kids think it is the responsibility of the parents to explain to the kid why they are being disciplined. I am sure the kids will argue that your explanation is stupid and they should not have been punished. However, if you ask kids when they are calm and detached from punishment, they will tell you they want to know why their parents reacted the way they did by punishing them.
Kids want to know their boundaries. When they overstep their boundaries and get disciplined, without a clear understanding as to why, the lesson is not learned and their unacceptable behavior will reoccur. Kids said they do not mind being disciplined, although they clearly think spankings are extreme and not needed as long as they know the "why".
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rosalie_Lynch
Is Your Child Crying Non-Stop?
Posted by
Viola
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Infant constipation is a common phenomenon, but can be troublesome and mysterious especially if you are a new parent. Once your child has transitioned from basic breast milk and is now on baby formula, except constipation to strike from time to time because their digestive systems are just beginning to become accustomed to digesting solid foods. This can cause a child to become listless, feel uncomfortable and cry without ceasing.
Identifying infant constipation correctly
Many new parents are perturbed by their baby's non-stop crying. This can be especially aggravating if it occurs at night and one or both parents has to rise up early. Without the necessary knowledge, the issue can remain unresolved. Many parents simply wake up and attempt to rock the baby hoping that he or she will desist from crying, or will simply cry themselves to sleep. Amazingly, this may work, but in many cases it may not.
Unfortunately when it comes to constipation, children usually suffer longer than is necessary simply due to their condition being misdiagnosed. When a child cannot stop crying, some parents think that this is a condition that has something to do with colic when in reality it is not. When constipation is not dealt with, it causes the baby to strain during a bowel movement causing them further discomfort and pain.
Simple exercises
There are a few remedies that can eradicate constipation in an infant. One of them is examining the diet that the baby is eating. Prune juice is usually a great start. This drink, made of dried plums, can be purchased at most grocery stores. If not, you can check with your local pharmacy. The drink contains a very high fibre content which is necessary to combat infant constipation.
Watch for abnormal bowel movements
When a child is constipated, they cry a lot during bowel movement. This is because their stool is hardened and is causing considerable discomfort. When a child gets off breast milk and goes either into formula or solid food, the frequency of their bowel movements lessens and the stool becomes more solid. Sometimes, the baby can suffer from indigestion which then causes abdominal pain. When this happens, the baby begins to pass hard stool which can get very difficult to pass. This sometimes has been confused. Some parents think constipation refers to the absence of regular bowel movement but the truth is that the regularity can be present but the quality of the stool is the issue. One way to eliminate this is to ensure that your baby drinks lots of fluids.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Jamm
Identifying infant constipation correctly
Many new parents are perturbed by their baby's non-stop crying. This can be especially aggravating if it occurs at night and one or both parents has to rise up early. Without the necessary knowledge, the issue can remain unresolved. Many parents simply wake up and attempt to rock the baby hoping that he or she will desist from crying, or will simply cry themselves to sleep. Amazingly, this may work, but in many cases it may not.
Unfortunately when it comes to constipation, children usually suffer longer than is necessary simply due to their condition being misdiagnosed. When a child cannot stop crying, some parents think that this is a condition that has something to do with colic when in reality it is not. When constipation is not dealt with, it causes the baby to strain during a bowel movement causing them further discomfort and pain.
Simple exercises
There are a few remedies that can eradicate constipation in an infant. One of them is examining the diet that the baby is eating. Prune juice is usually a great start. This drink, made of dried plums, can be purchased at most grocery stores. If not, you can check with your local pharmacy. The drink contains a very high fibre content which is necessary to combat infant constipation.
Watch for abnormal bowel movements
When a child is constipated, they cry a lot during bowel movement. This is because their stool is hardened and is causing considerable discomfort. When a child gets off breast milk and goes either into formula or solid food, the frequency of their bowel movements lessens and the stool becomes more solid. Sometimes, the baby can suffer from indigestion which then causes abdominal pain. When this happens, the baby begins to pass hard stool which can get very difficult to pass. This sometimes has been confused. Some parents think constipation refers to the absence of regular bowel movement but the truth is that the regularity can be present but the quality of the stool is the issue. One way to eliminate this is to ensure that your baby drinks lots of fluids.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Jamm