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Getting through the School Daze by Megan Corwin

Getting through the School Daze Megan Corwin

It’s back to school time again. Does the thought of having to get everyone organized and out the door make you want to send for boarding school brochures Here are a few tips to help get through that back to school daze.

Making Merry Mornings:

The biggest cause of whining and tantrums in the morning is a sleepy child trying to make a decision. Eliminate the choices along with the grumpiness.

Lay out clothes the night before. This simple action can prevent wasting time looking for a missing shoe or favorite pants that are still in the dryer.

Pack a lunch or put out lunch money the night before.

If family members share a bathroom in the morning, work out a schedule and have them stick to it.

A good night’s sleep is essential to reducing some of the morning moodiness. Keep a regular bedtime – both parents and children.

Staying Cool At School:

New situations can make children anxious and uncomfortable. Knowing what to expect the first day can ease some of the anxiety.

If the child is going to a new school, attend the orientation session or arrange for a tour of the school. Navigating around a new place can be scary for a child.

Suggest to the youngster to call friends to find out if they share any classes. What a comfort to have a friend to sit next to in class or in the cafeteria.

Buy only 1-2 new outfits before schools starts. Usually it is still warm when school starts so children can wear last spring’s clothes, plus this gives the child time to see what is “in” this year before buying.

Effortless Evenings:

Homework, clubs, sports…Organization is key to keeping track or what’s happening and when.

Create a special spot for homework. Setting one location for studying can help with concentration as well as minimize the chance of a book being misplaced.

Have a system for the student to keep track of all assignments and upcoming tests. This system can be as simple as a small notebook where homework for all classes is written down.

Start a family calendar to keep track of PTA meetings, school parties, extracurricular activities, etc.

A daily family ritual can give the child and parents something to look forward to. Ideas are a card game after dinner, a walk in the park, or a crafts project.

About The Author

Written by Megan Corwin, Personal Coach. Visit www.megancorwin.com or email megan@megancorwin.com to schedule your complimentary 30-minute coaching session and to find out how a personal coach can help you have more time and energy for the things you enjoy.

Habitat for HumanityFund Raiser -Wine Tours and B&Bs by Frances Ambroselli

Contact:Frances AmbroselliVilla Serendip Bed and BreakfastTelephone Number: 585-384-5299Email Address: innhost@yahoo.comWeb site address:www.villaserendip.comHabitat for Humanity Teams up with Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts and Wineries for Fund Raising GetawaysFinger Lakes Region, New York, April 5, 2005 — Three Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts: The Villa Serendip Bed and Breakfast, the Elmcroft Manor B&B, and the Monier Manor have teamed up with area wineries and Habitat for Humanity in order to raise funds for local chapters while encouraging travel to the Finger Lakes Region of New York this Spring season.The offer is simple. Between April 15th and May 25th,2005 participating bed and breakfasts will offer a designated number of rooms at half their regular rate, in exchange for a $40.00 donation to Habitat for Humanity. Guests will receive one night’s lodging, a full breakfast the next morning, and vouchers for complimentary wine tours and tastings at the participating wineries.These funds will be distributed among the participating local chapters of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Founded in 1975 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates in more than 3,000 communities in 92 nations have built and sold more than 200,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. Their website is www.habitat.orgReservations must be made in advance, and the contribution to Habitat for Humanity must be in the form of a check. Below is a list of the participating bed and breakfasts and wineries with direct links to their web sites. This will allow you the opportunity to make the best selection for your visit to the Finger Lakes Region.BED AND BREAKFASTS:Naples, NYVilla Serendip B & BandMonier Manor Hammondsport:Elmcroft Manor-more-Habitat for Humanity Getaway (Page 2) WINERIESCanandaiguaWidmer’s WineryHammondsportDr. Frank’s Vinifera WineryHeron Hill WineryPleasant Valley WineryContact:Frances AmbroselliVilla Serendip Bed and BreakfastTelephone Number: 585-384-5299Email Address: innhost@yahoo.comWeb site address:www.villaserendip.comFor additional information or a sample copy, Contact: (all Contact information) # # #

About the Author

Owner and innkeeper of Ambroselli's Villa Serendip Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes of New York.Retired teacher and Freelance author

Top 5 School Fund Raiser Ideas by Dion Semeniuk

Schools often look for ways to make money. Sometimes, new playground equipment is needed, or perhaps band equipment and uniforms, it might be that the football team is in need of uniforms, or that the debate team needs money to travel to a meet. Fundraising is quite common and an excellent way to make the money required while teaching students about good sales and marketing, as well as money management. You will also see schools using fundraising to help other people. For example, during the Tsunami, schools all around the country joined efforts to raise money that could be used for medicine, food, clothing, and other needs. As you will discover in this article, there are many innovative ways of making money. Discount Cards With discount cards, you can offer one particular type or a book that consists of several different cards. For example, three of the favorites are shopping cards, pizza cards, and prepaid phone cards. With the shopping card, you would choose from local and national merchants that provide nice savings at retail shops, grocery stores, florists, etc. For the pizza card, this is just what it sounds, a card that would offer a discount off the price of food sold at major chain pizza restaurants. Many of these cards offer limited use but for a mere $10, the person might receive a discount 20 times, making this a real bargain. Finally, prepaid phone cards are always a great fundraising option, used by families that live across the country from one another or for college students. For this type of card, you can choose from a number of denominations of $10, $20, $24, and even $30. Sweet Candy The second school fundraising idea is something just about everyone loves – candy. Most often, candy sales are associated with school clubs, sports groups, music departments, and church youth groups. Because this is a small dollar item, they sell well but a good marketing plan to increase sales must also be developed and implemented. Ideally, find low-priced candy suppliers, ones that support school fundraising projects, choose the type or types of candy you want to sell, determine your price, and then get started selling. Rubber Ducky Next on the list of school fundraising ideas is the rubber duck derby. In the past few years, this has become a very popular school fundraising idea. Not only is the rubber duck derby fun, but also a great way to involve the community while earning money. You could work with your local grocery stores to sell rubber ducks for $1, which gives the buyers a chance to win a valuable donated prize. Then on a specified date, the ducks are taken to a local park with a lake. All of the rubber ducks are emptied into the water at once and the first one to cross the finish line wins. Car Washes Next for successful school fundraising ideas is the car wash. Many companies will donate the water for car washes so all you have to do is bring garden hoses, towels, Windex and paper towels, and signs leading people in the right direction. You can set the price at $1 to $5 per car or establish the car wash fund raiser as a donation basis. Either way, you will find that you make quite a bit of money in exchange for some hard work and fun. Bake Sales Finally, one of the most popular and most successful school fundraising ideas is a good, old-fashioned bake sale. For this, students (and probably parents) would donate baked goodies to include brownies, cookies, cake, pie, and miscellaneous items. Then, the students would work outside a strip mall or grocery store, encouraging people to buy. Usually, people are very supportive of a bake sale and if the food is good the money is too.

About the Author: Dion Semeniuk is the proud father of 2 girls. He's actively looking at ways to be able to generate money for kids to be able to participate in special events. Learn about School Fund Raiser Ideas, visit http://www.school-fund-raiser-directory.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Top 5 School Fund Raiser Ideas by Dion Semeniuk

TOP FIVE SCHOOL FUNDRAISING IDEASSchools often look for ways to make money. Sometimes, newplayground equipment is needed, or perhaps band equipment anduniforms, it might be that the football team is in need ofuniforms, or that the debate team needs money to travel to ameet. Fundraising is quite common and an excellent way to makethe money required while teaching students about good sales andmarketing, as well as money management. You will also seeschools using fundraising to help other people. For example,during the Tsunami, schools all around the country joinedefforts to raise money that could be used for medicine, food,clothing, and other needs. As you will discover in thisarticle, there are many innovative ways of making money.Discount CardsWith discount cards, you can offer one particular type or a bookthat consists of several different cards. For example, three ofthe favorites are shopping cards, pizza cards, and prepaid phonecards. With the shopping card, you would choose from local andnational merchants that provide nice savings at retail shops,grocery stores, florists, etc. For the pizza card, this is justwhat it sounds, a card that would offer a discount off the priceof food sold at major chain pizza restaurants. Many of thesecards offer limited use but for a mere $10, the person mightreceive a discount 20 times, making this a real bargain. Finally, prepaid phone cards are always a great fundraisingoption, used by families that live across the country from oneanother or for college students. For this type of card, you canchoose from a number of denominations of $10, $20, $24, and even$30.Sweet CandyThe second school fundraising idea is something just abouteveryone loves – candy. Most often, candy sales are associatedwith school clubs, sports groups, music departments, and churchyouth groups. Because this is a small dollar item, they sellwell but a good marketing plan to increase sales must also bedeveloped and implemented. Ideally, find low-priced candysuppliers, ones that support school fundraising projects, choosethe type or types of candy you want to sell, determine yourprice, and then get started selling.Rubber DuckyNext on the list of school fundraising ideas is the rubber duckderby. In the past few years, this has become a very popularschool fundraising idea. Not only is the rubber duck derby fun,but also a great way to involve the community while earningmoney. You could work with your local grocery stores to sellrubber ducks for $1, which gives the buyers a chance to win avaluable donated prize. Then on a specified date, the ducks aretaken to a local park with a lake. All of the rubber ducks areemptied into the water at once and the first one to cross thefinish line wins.Car WashesNext for successful school fundraising ideas is the car wash. Many companies will donate the water for car washes so all youhave to do is bring garden hoses, towels, Windex and papertowels, and signs leading people in the right direction. Youcan set the price at $1 to $5 per car or establish the car washfund raiser as a donation basis. Either way, you will find thatyou make quite a bit of money in exchange for some hard work andfun.Bake SalesFinally, one of the most popular and most successful school fundraising ideas is a good, old-fashioned bake sale. For this,students (and probably parents) would donate baked goodies toinclude brownies, cookies, cake, pie, and miscellaneous items. Then, the students would work outside a strip mall or grocerystore, encouraging people to buy. Usually, people are verysupportive of a bake sale and if the food is good the money istoo.

About the Author

Dion Semeniuk is the proud father of 2 girls. He's actively looking at ways to be able to generate money for kids to be able to participate in special events. Learn about School Fund Raiser Ideas, visit http://www.school-fund-raiser-directory.com

What Is Homeschooling And How Do I know If Its Right For My Family by Anita York

What Is Homeschooling And How Do I know If Its Right For My Family Anita York

Do you know what these famous people have in common Alexander Graham Bell George Patton Albert Einstein Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill Agatha Christie George Bernard Shaw Will Rogers

If you guessed that they were all homeschoolers, youd be correct. This is a very short list of famous and successful people who were educated at home. If you would like to expand this list, do a search on the Internet for famous homeschoolers. There are many websites that list these people and some provide detailed biographies. There is even a book called, aptly, Famous Homeschoolers, by Nancy and Malcolm Plant. http://www.fun-books.com/specials.htm

The point here is to get into the mindset that people can be educated and become successful adults without attending public school. And because I can almost hear what you are thinking, no, it is not necessary to have a high school diploma to go to college.

So what is homeschooling In the broadest sense, homeschooling is educating your children at home. You, as parent, become teacher. Parents homeschool for more reasons than you can imagine. Some want to avoid having their children exposed to violence and peer pressure. Some homeschool so that they can make sure their childrens education adheres to their religious beliefs. Some live a different lifestyleperhaps they travel a lotand want their childrens schooling to be flexible enough to fit around that life style. And some, like me, simply enjoy being with their children. They dont want the public school to interrupt and weaken the parent/child bond that they have been working hard to create for the first five years of their childs life.

Just as there are many reasons to homeschool, there are many methods of homeschooling. All the way from un-schooling learning by doing, learning from life, not using textbook type materials to school at home using textbooks at desks set up in a schoolroom at home and everything in between. Its very easy to find hundreds of homeschool Websites by using a search engine, but just to get you started, try:

Jons Homeschool Resource Page http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/

When I decided to write this article, I thought hard about what I could offer that wasnt being displayed on thousands of Websites on the Internet. I realized that the only thing I have to offer anyone interested in homeschooling ismy experience. So everything in the article below comes from my fifteen years of experience homeschooling my four youngest children. I hope it is of some use to you.

Deciding to homeschool your child may be one of the most important decisions you ever make as a parent, and it will take a lot of thought and soul searching. To the newcomer, it may seem impossible, overwhelming and very, very lonely. But like most huge obstacles, once its broken down into smaller pieces, it becomes manageable. Well take it one step at a time, in small enough chunks to get a hold of. So, if youre game, roll up your sleeves and lets get to work figuring out if homeschooling is for you and your child.

First things first. Organization is the key. Get a three-ring binder homeschooling parents LOVE three-ring binders and put a label on the front. If youve made the transition to digital record keeping, you can just start a folder on the computer. But its not as much fun. Label it something serious, like My Homeschooling Plans or Homeschooling Thoughts. Put some paper in the binder, find a really comfortable ink pen, and sit down somewhere quiet.

Ready Good. Now, lets get started.

What are your reasons for considering homeschooling Even if you havent actually made the decision to homeschool, the fact that you are here reading this article says you are curious. Perhaps you honestly dont know the answer yetand thats ok. The remainder of this article is going to try to help you start to find those answers.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state has its own set of laws that must be followed. Compulsory how I hate that word education here in Washington State starts at the age of 8. Even though I had been homeschooling him from birth, to stay legal once my son reached 8-years old, I was required to become certified. That meant I either had to have two years of college education, or take a certification class. I met this requirement by taking an independent correspondence class, during which I was asked to put on paper my goals, philosophies and reasons for wanting to homeschool. Id like to help you do the same right now.

Start a page--either the tree kind or a file on the computerand title it My Educational Beliefs. List what personal beliefs you have about educationespecially the education of your own children. Get as detailed as you can here--the value is in the thinking process behind the list. Take your time, Im in no hurry.

As an example to get you started, Im going to share with you what I wrote on my list nine years ago.

My Educational Beliefs

1. I believe my childs attitude about learning should be:

One of continual curiosity and seeking of knowledge.

2. I believe my childs learning should lead towards a lifestyle that is:

Rural, physically active, creative.

3. I believe these basic values should be part of my childs learning: Respect for others Loyalty to family and friends Honesty Generosity

4. I believe children learn best:

Through hands-on learning experience, reading, workbooks.

5. I believe a teacher should: Provide side-by-side assistance and direction. Interact with the child. Provide the structure within which the child may explore, experiment, study and achieve. Provide a good example of excitement in learning.

6. Other beliefs:

I believe my child should grow up to be self-reliant and occupationally secure in a field of high interest to them.

Now, that wasnt too bad, was it Dont give up on this until you have at least something written down, but dont agonize over it either. You can come back to it later if need be. Next, start a paper or file titled Life Goals For My Child.

I want you to write down what kind of person you envision your child being as an adult. What are your hopes and dreams for him/her What educational gifts do you hope to be able to help them find that will serve them their entire lives

Ill share mine from 9 years ago, just to get you started.

Life Goals for My Child

7. Be literate.

8. Be self-reliant.

9. Compete well in their chosen field of occupation.

10. Appreciate art, music, and literature.

11. Be creative.

12. Be inventive and resourceful.

13. Be healthy, mentally and physically.

14. Co-operate with others.

15. Maintain a strong sense of self-worth.

16. Maintain a life-long curiosity, seeking knowledge as a way of life.

17. Look to the future with a sense of excitement and adventure.

For the last exercise, start a third paper titled: Why We I Am Going To Homeschool Our My Child Yes, single parents can successfully homeschool their children. You may not have all the answers for this one yet either, but just get something down. All of these ideas and beliefs can start getting mixed in with other peoples opinions once we start educating ourselves in depth about homeschooling, and youll be glad you have these lists tucked away.

Okay, heres my old list:

Why We Are Going To Homeschool Our Children

Our family consists of myself, my husband, a 21-year-old daughter, a 19-year-old daughter, an 8-year-old son, a 7-year-old daughter, a 4-½ year old daughter, and an unborn son due in 6 months. My two oldest daughters from my first marriage were in the public school system for the whole of their educational years. It is largely a dissatisfaction with the public schools and all its attendant problems academic, social, and moral that has caused us to make the decision to homeschool our youngest children. We decided, even before our 8-year-old son the oldest of the younger set was born, that somehow we would find an alternative to the public schools.

We want to homeschool for some additional reasons. We want added closeness with our children. We want more independence, greater control over our familys moral and philosophical values, and better awareness of our childrens interests.

We dislike the thought of any government agency--no matter how well meaning--directing the raising of our children.

We intend to homeschool because we do not want our childrens academic, social, and moral education taken out of our hands.

We believe these areas of a childs education are a parents responsibility, right, and pleasure.

Id like you to spend some time going over these lists until you feel they accurately reflect your feelings about homeschooling your children. When I did these exercises, I had only a vague idea about why I wanted to homeschool and what kind of education I wanted to help my children acquire. These simple exercises helped me to solidify my ideas and provided the basis for our future homeschooling methods. I hope they help you to do the same. Keep these lists in a safe place and add to them as you explore the possibility of homeschooling your child.

About The Author

Anita York has been homeschooling her four youngest children for the past 15 years. In addition, she teaches other homeschoolers at two resource centers, and is a contracted Senior Editor, Editor, Copyeditor and Manuscript Screener for three publishers.

Her book "You CAN Homeschool Your Child" is available from One-At-A-Time Enterprises, the business she started with her homeschoolers. Available at: http://www.L7S.net/Item.phpID=YC000.

Her home business, EagleMountain Reading, Writing, and Research Services http://www.L7s.net/eaglemountain provides a variety of services geared towards helping beginning as well as established authors with various aspects of the writing process. support@L7S.net

Cooking With Your Kids Helps Develop Motor Skills for Preschoolers by Laura Bankston

Cooking With Your Kids Helps Develop Motor Skills for Preschoolers Laura Bankston

Did you know that cooking with your kids is a natural way for them to develop motor skills If youve never looked at cooking that way before, think again. Theres a reason why kids have a universal love for cooking - just like for stacking blocks and banging!

Cooking is especially good for preschoolers and heres how:

1. Two year olds are developing large muscles in their arms: They will enjoy stirring and stirring and stirring :-. My two year old is always asking to stir; and her subconscious knows why! At 2 years old, a child naturally imitates circular strokes as part of their normal physical development. So, let them stir at every opportunity.

Here are some ways to encourage arm muscle development through cooking: stirring: flour, eggs, pancake batter, gelatin making, etc. scrubbing potatoes and vegetables cleaning the cutting board: Give them a washcloth and some lukewarm water with the cutting board in the sink. Theyll have a blast rubbing the wet washcloth up and down the cutting board to clean it. pouring from large measuring cups into a bowl

2. Two year olds are developing the ability to turn pages: Another motor skill developed during the preschool age is the ability to turn pages.

So - just pondering here...is it the story they love so much or just turning the pages of the book Well, actually both. They need the motor development of turning the pages; and the pictures and vocabulary improve their intellectual development.

3. Two year olds love "patting" and "pressing": From being fascinated with "patty-cake" chants at an early age, preschoolers still love to pat and press.

Im sure youll recognize your preschooler doing this at the park: scooping up rocks or sand, piling them up, and patting the top into different shapes.

Well, heres some suggestions to bring the "patting" inside: packing down brown sugar in the measuring cup gently pressing a fork on top of peanut butter cookie dough on the cookie sheet patting to level off the top of a cup of sugar patting and pressing on pizza dough pressing down with a cookie cutter on rolled sugar cookie dough

4. Two year olds love to dip - and this develops arm muscles skills too!: it takes a lot of coordination to dip! Getting the food in the dip, then moving the arm and somehow getting it into your mouth. If it wasnt difficult, they wouldnt get food all over their face! :-

So, unless your 2 year old always has a clean face when he or she is done eating, heres some dipping opportunities: carrots in salad dressing french fries in catsup dipping a spoon in the emptied batter bowl to clean out the goodies :- dipping fruit in a fruit dip or chocolate like frozen bananas or strawberries dipping chicken or fish in a batter for you to cook dipping the bread in French toast mix

So, instead of "shooing" your preschoolers and 2 year olds out of the kitchen, let them dive in with these simple tasks that not only give them great pleasure, but help them develop their age appropriate motor skills.

About The Author

Laura Bankston is author of Internationally selling Cooking with Kids Curriculum: “Homeschool Cooking in a Box” and the “Homeschool Cookbook”. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com laura@homeschoolcookbook.com

Back to School; Time to Recharge by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes

Back to School; Time to Recharge Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers, and notebooks fill my daughter’s back pack. I’ve cleaned off the refrigerator in preparation for the new onslaught of pictures and class notices. School’s started. She is excited to be back amongst her friends. I find myself in the everyday routine of waking up in the dark, fixing breakfast and packing lunches. Even though my daughter is old enough to drive herself to school this year, I still rush out the door behind her dressed in sweat pants and no makeup. After a quick work out and a shower, my work day finally begins. It’s good to be back in the routine.

But, back-to-school is also time to recharge the parenting batteries. The kids are gone until at least 3:00. The house is quiet. I actually get some work done for the first time in 3 months. I’ve signed up for an art class at the local university. I have time for lunch with my girlfriends.

This month, why not celebrate back-to-school by taking a few minutes for yourself Put on your favorite CD and take a long leisurely, uninterrupted bath. Why not go for coffee with the girls or host a brunch for your neighborhood friends Try something decadent, just for mom.

Foaming Chocolate Milk Bath Sachets

Enjoy a relaxing, aromatic moment to yourself.

Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda 1 cup instant nonfat dry milk 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2 tablespoons cream of tartar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Vintage handkerchiefs or Pretty 10-inch square scraps of fabric Ribbon

Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together. Place about 3 tablespoons on the center of a pretty cloth handkerchief. Tie the bundle with a piece of ribbon. Hang the sachet over the bathtub faucet and let warm water run through it. Store the extra milk bath in an attractive airtight jar. It will keep up to 6 months.

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: Printed in its full form with no changes Includes an active link A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article:

About The Author

Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website thats jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com

To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp

htpp://www.togetherparenting.com

info@togetherparenting.com

Back to School Care Packages! by Lee Mellott

Back to School Care Packages! Lee Mellott

I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness as my oldest daughter prepares for her freshman year of college at the University of Maryland in the fall. She has already told me I am to send care packages.

So it was neat to receive a school sponsored offer in the mail "aiming for 100% participation" for the care packages they were selling! What could be more fun for her and easier for me than ready-made packages with my "personal, handwritten note" delivered directly to her dorm.

At least that was what I was thinking until I read the details on the "favorite with student" goodie boxes – the more boxes you buy the better the value. The Welcome Package includes Nerds candies, strawberry twizzlers, fruit candies, potato chips, caramels, Laffy Taffy, atomic fireball candies, Tootsie pops, peanut chews, toffee popcorn, chewy fruit gems etc. Oh yeah there is a mini sports bottle, stationary set and sewing kit in there too.

With the exception of the first package, none of the other boxes contained anything but candy, munchies and other faux goodies, except the Halloween one which boasted a bendable skeleton and a plastic spider friend!

So mom will be making and sending her own care packages! If you have a child going off to boarding school or college, its easy to make and fill care packages – and certainly more personal.

Students will always enjoy food. So you may want to include some food items they cant find easily on campus or healthy items that you bake. If you are sending perishables wait until the weather is cool. Goods will easily spoil in hot weather. Cookies can be baked, layered on sheets of wax paper and place in a cardboard gift box like the inexpensive Xmas boxes. Place this box inside a sturdier heavy duty cardboard box, add padding and your other items. Your student may enjoy baked chips, granola bars, nuts, and other tasty items that wont spoil easily.

Tuck in extras like a first aid kit, sewing notions, tea bags, good coffee, a thesaurus, gift certificate to online vendors like Amazon, or to local shops and restaurants, greetings from the family, CDs, stamps, stationary, phone card, mug, oversized tees,etc. personalize it to your students interests.

Pack everything carefully being sure to tape down the caps of any lotions you are including to make them leak proof. Be sure you have plenty of padding in the box. Have UPS pick it up at your door by calling their direct 800 number or take it to UPS or to the Post Office.

Thats the kind of package that shows you really care!

About The Author

Lee Mellott is the webhost for The PATH Weight Loss: www.fatfallacy.com.

She holds a Masters degree in Education from Hood College. Born in England, she spent most of her childhood in France and Germany. Lee resides with her husband Rusty and their two daughters Katie and Jessica in Maryland.

lee@fatfallacy.com

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool by Danna Henderson

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool Danna Henderson

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and 6 years in daycare, its important that parents work closely with their childs care professional while potty training. When you child is ready for potty training, the right potty training guidance and supplies can make all the difference.

Be Sure Your Child Is Ready – Before you begin potty training, make sure your child is ready. Your child should show the following signs of potty training readiness: Expresses an interest in the potty Tries to imitate family members Stays dry for two hours Express the need to go potty or indicates that he or she just has Able to pull pants up and down Irritated when diapers are wet Expresses interest in cotton underwear Has predictable bowel movements on a regular basis Diaper stays dry overnight

Introduce Potty Training - If your child is in daycare, he or she will probably notice that there are other children around who wear cotton underwear and use the potty. This kind of light peer pressure can motivate your child to want to use the potty as well. Start introducing the idea by watching a potty training book or video together. Be sure and tell your childs daycare provider that you are beginning the potty training process. You childs daycare provider can help by watching for signs of potty training readiness and answering questions from your child.

Discuss the Plan - When you begin potty training your child, discuss your plan with your childs daycare worker. This person has probably potty trained many children and may have useful tips and tricks that he or she has found useful. Make sure your potty training methods are similar.

Set Potty Training Rules - Work together to set some basic potty training guidelines. For example, agree that neither of you will punish your child for accidents or that youll give stickers as rewards for using the potty. The potty training process will be easier for your child if both you and the child care worker are providing the same potty training guidance.

Progress Reports - Speak with the child care provider often to exchange progress reports. Both of you need to be aware of any successes or potential problems. If the daycare worker tells you that your child used the potty earlier that day, be sure and tell your child that that you heard about his or her success and that you are proud of him or her.

Danna Henderson ZIP Baby 101 Convention Center Drive, Ste 700 Las Vegas, NV 89109 http://www.zipbaby.com

About The Author

Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large variety of potty training products. For more information about potty training, visit http://www.zipbaby.com. info@zipbaby.com

5 Ways To Tell If A Preschooler Is Living In Your House by Deborah Shelton

5 Ways To Tell If A Preschooler Is Living In Your House Deborah Shelton

1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times this morning.

2. There is always one more person in your bed in the morning, than there was the night before.

3. You can’t imagine life without the Cartoon Network.

4. The lock on your bathroom door is purely for decoration… After all, no locked door could withstand, “Mom What are you doing Mom Can I come in Mom Can I show you something Mom Can I give you a hug Mom Can you hear me Mom

5. You have started—or signed—a petition to banish the word “why” from every language known to man.

About The Author

Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and author of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborahs website for more family-friendly ideas: http://www.fiveminuteparent.com deborah@fiveminuteparent.com

Is Dog Obedience School for You by Tina Spriggs

Is Dog Obedience School for You Tina Spriggs

Are you thinking about dog obedience school Do you know what to expect out of it Do you know what it costs or where to find a good school

If not, let me help take out some of the mystery of finding one to make sure you and your dog get the best experience you can.

If you have searched the web in this topic, you probably found some sites that are basically search engines within search engines, no real information about dog obedience schools. Or you might have found some obedience schools that were on the other side of the country. Needless to say, neither one was of much use.

Chances are you have a dog obedience school of some sort in your town, unless youve got a population of less than 20,000. In that event, you might need to opt for dog training videos or books, and I will go over some good resources for that later.

The first thing I want you to do is look for someone with proven experience. You can start in the yellow pages and look under "Dog Training" as opposed to "dog obedience school."

Ask a LOT of questions. These people are going to be molding the mind of your impressionable pup and you want to know that its a good fit.

Ask things like:

What will the dog be taught What is the success rate What happens if youre not satisfied Will you be taught how to continue with your dogs new training What are their methods of correction when the dog disobeys Visit the facility too. Check it out. Meet the trainers and see how they act with people and dogs.

Ask if you can watch a training session or a video of a session so you get an idea of what your dog will be subjected to.

Dont make a final decision on a dog obedience school until your dog has met the trainers. Dogs are extremely good judges of character.

For the most part, someone in this line of work is going to be a good person and a dog lover. Some, however, will be doing it just to get a paycheck and may not have your pals best interest in mind.

If your dog doesnt like them... take another route.

You might want to consider the local 4-H club. 4-H is where I learned how to train my own dog as a child. It isnt a dog obedience school in the traditional sense. It teaches kids how to train their dogs, or a friends dog. Its a youth education program and it provides many facets of education, one of which is often dog training.

Read more about dog training videos, if you would like an alternative to dog obedience school.

About The Author

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers.com

What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for Preschoolers by Ruben Francia

What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for Preschoolers Ruben Francia

How do you spare your preschoolers for the negative effects of divorce How do you promote your preschoolers healthy growth and development The answer is appropriate divorce parenting practices.

The next question is what appropriate divorce parenting practices for preschooler really means Lets keep things simple. All you need to know is learn how divorce affect your children. Knowing how preschoolers react to divorce will bring you to a better position of knowing the best appropriate divorce parenting practices you can give for your child.

So lets get started. How is preschoolers affected by divorce Preschoolers commonly experience regression during parents divorce. Children whose parents are in conflict regress to thumb-sucking, bed-wetting and other behaviors their parents assume theyve outgrown.

Children at this developmental stage may think they are responsible for their parents divorce or for their parents not living together. As a corollary to the perception that their misbehavior caused the divorce or caused a separation, preschool children often believe that if they are really good, everything will be okay again. This can be an incredibly stressful perception for a little kid, because he or she begins to carry on his or her shoulders the burden of getting mom and dad back together again.

Preschoolers may be confused, have fantasizes about reconciliation, and show difficulties in expressing their feelings. Their sense of security is affected by predictable and consistent routines.

Preschoolers may fear being left alone or abandoned altogether and may worry about the changes in their daily lives. They may deny that anything has changed, or they may become uncooperative, depressed, or angry. Although they want the security of being near an adult, they may act disobedient and aggressive.

Preschoolers exhibit signs of sadness and grieving because of the absence of one parent. Preschoolers may be aggressive and angry toward the parent they blame.

Now that you know how preschoolers react to divorce, Im sure a lot of ideas come to your mind on what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for preschoolers. To add up to your list of ideas, here below are some of the things you should do to help your preschoolers adjust to divorce.

Repeatedly tell children that they are not responsible for the divorce. Children need to be reassured that the breakup wasnt their fault.

Discourage reconciliation fantasies. Avoid dinners, outings, or holiday celebrations with your ex-spouse; they only fuel your childs fantasies. Instead, emphasize the finality of divorce

Keep daily routines intact. Children feel more secure when there is a standard routine. Stick with bedtimes, no matter at which home the children are. Have some consistent chores. Have some time committed to the child, which is treated as sacred.

Reassure children that everything will be ok, just different. Children are invariably frightened and confused by divorce. Its a threat to their security. Provide extra hugs and kisses and tell your child that you and other adults will always be near to love and protect

Explain what is happening over and over again. Children this age are confused easily. In simple terms, explain where your child will live, with whom, where the departing parent will live, and who will provide care when both parents are unavailable.

Encourage your child to talk about how he/she feels. Be sensitive to childrens fears. Let your child know that he or she can openly talk to you about the ups and downs of your separation or divorce.

Encourage the child to carry photographs and other keepsakes of the custodial parent when he or she leaves home to visit with the non-custodial parent. Conversely, encourage the child to keep a photograph of his or her non-custodial parent in a visible place at home.

Be sensitive to children signs of depression and fear. Seek professional help if depression is prolonged or intense.

Help non-custodial parent stay involve. Let non-custodial parent maintain a regular presence such as a phone call several times each week, messages sent on video or audiotapes.

Plan a schedule of time for children to spend with their other parent. Be supportive of childrens ongoing relationship with the other parent. Remember that children generally fare best when they have the emotional support and ongoing involvement of both parents. If you have difficulty relating to your former spouse then get your free copy of my ebook "8 Essential Steps to Cooperative Parenting and Divorce." Just visit my website and get the said ebook for free.

You can learn more divorce parenting practices appropriate for children of any age in my ebook "101 Ways To Raise Divorced Children to Successfully." This ebook is a divorce parenting guide that offers many proven ways that will not only help you help your children but will also guide you on how to deal with yourself and your former ex-spouse for your childrens sake. Thus, giving you complete information on how to raise healthy, happy and successful children even if youre divorced. For more information, please visit my website.

With the above information, I hope you will become an empowered divorced parent and believe that you can raise healthy, happy and successful children even if youre divorce.

Publishing Rights: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the authors information and web link are included at the bottom of the article. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Minor edits and alterations are acceptable so long as they do not distort or change the content of the article.

About The Author

Ruben Francia is an author of an indispensable divorce parenting guide ebook, entitled "101 Ways To Raise Your Divorced Children To Success". Get his other ebook for FREE, "8 Essential Steps to Cooperative Parenting and Divorce." Visit his web site at http://www.101divorceparenting.com.

support@101divorceparenting.com

What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for School-Age Children by Ruben Francia

What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for School-Age Children Ruben Francia

It is being said that how bad or how well children go through the divorce depends on how the situation is handled. And believe me when I tell you that there is an appropriate divorce parenting practices for children of any age for them to be healthy, happy and successful despite youre divorce. It simple means that divorced parents can raise healthy, happy and successful children. Here, in this article, we will focus on the best appropriate divorce parenting practices for school-age children.

First, you need to understand how school-age children react to divorce. Knowing how school-age children react to divorce will bring you to a better position of knowing the best appropriate divorce parenting practices you can do for your child. So, how is school-age children affected by divorce

School-age children are old enough to understand that they are in pain because of their parents separation. They are too young, however, to understand or to control their reactions to this pain. They may experience grief, embarrassment, resentment, divided loyalty and intense anger.

Elementary school children begin to understand that divorce means their parents will no longer be married and live together, and that their parents no longer love each other.

Children worries about the future. They fear nobody will be there to pick him/her up from school and take care of them. It is common for them to ignore school and friendships.

Children also become aware of their parents as individuals, often fear the loss of parents, and feel sadness and anger because of their parents divorce or separation. Self-blame, depression, and attempts to reunite parents are not uncommon in this age group.

Knowing how school-age children reach to divorce, Im sure by now ideas flow into your mind on what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for school-age children. To add up to your list of ideas, here below are some divorce parenting practices that is best for your child.

Encourage your child to talk about how he/she feels. Be sensitive to childrens fears. Let your child know that he or she can openly talk to you about the ups and downs of your separation or divorce.

Read books together about children and divorce. Use books to help your child talk about feelings.

Answer all questions about the changes, and keep lines of communication open. Make sure your child feels like he or she can ask you questions and get answers about why the divorce happened and what to expect.

Plan special time together. Set aside special time to spend with your child but be careful not to make promises you may not be able to keep.

Repeatedly tell children that they are not responsible for the divorce. Children need to be reassured that the breakup wasnt their fault.

Reassure children of how their needs will be met and of who will take care of them.

Talk to your childs day-care provider about the divorce. She will better understand your childs possible regressive behaviors and will likely offer extra support.

Talk to your childs teachers or school counselors about the divorce. They may then better understand possible learning or behavioral problems and will likely offer extra support.

Respect, but monitor, your childs privacy.

Discourage reconciliation fantasies. Avoid dinners, outings, or holiday celebrations with your ex-spouse; they only fuel your childs fantasies. Instead, emphasize the finality of divorce

Be sensitive to children signs of depression and fear. Seek professional help if depression is prolonged or intense.

Help non-custodial parent stay involve. Let non-custodial parent maintain a regular presence such as a phone call several times each week, messages sent on video or audiotapes.

With the above information, I hope you will become an empowered divorced parent and believe that you can raise healthy, happy and successful children even if youre divorce.

About The Author

support@101divorceparenting.com

Thank Catholic Schools For Faith In Every Student by Sheri Conover Sharlow

Thank Catholic Schools For Faith In Every Student Sheri Conover Sharlow

Their high achievement comes as they spend half the money of Indiana’s public schools.

While government schools scream about small cuts in their state funding, Catholic schools will celebrate the great work they do with half the per-student spending of their counterparts.

This is Catholic Schools Week, when schools nationwide will showcase what they do for millions of children.

Criticisms that Catholic schools skim the top talent aren’t true. Many take all comers.

The difference They don’t let excuses explain away poor achievement. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme – Faith in Every Student – perfectly sums up the goals of these schools.

I point to my alma maters, McAuley High School and Assumption Elementary School in greater Cincinnati. Both draw heavily from blue-collar families. Both have long offered a high-quality education that rivals some of the city’s best schools. Both rely on parents and alumni to fund new facilities.

Surprisingly, Catholic schools frequently are less annoying than public schools that nickel-and-dime people to death with sales of wrapping paper, candy and other things that no one wants. This comes after they tax us to death. Why do they need more money Half of our education dollars never make it to the classroom, but get sucked up in education bureaucracy.

St. Paul Elementary, where my daughter Meredith attends kindergarten, strictly limits fund-raising to very few events. Focus on those and the school will get enough.

If you can’t afford the tuition, even if you’re not Catholic, these schools usually find a way for your children attend. They offer scholarships. High schools frequently allow students to sweep floors or wash dishes to offset tuition and to get work done less expensively

At my high school, these low-skill student workers freed our maintenance workers to do the high-skill work of taking care of the building.

Compare that building to Marion High School, both of which were built around the same time, and you’ll see what a huge difference it has made. McAuley looks amazing. Marion High School is falling apart because maintenance wasn’t a priority. Now the school corporation is sending taxpayers an avoidable multi-million-dollar bill.

Catholic schools don’t fit every student. Students with special needs may not find the proper resources. Some schools may have education methods that don’t suit specific students. Some families may find that Catholic teachings clash with their own.

This is why I hope that Catholic Schools week inspires not only those who attend Catholic schools, but everyone who wants the best for Indiana’s children.

Lutheran schools, which are common in Fort Wayne, do excellent work. Other Christian schools, whether denominational or non-denominational, are multiplying as parents become frustrated with public schools that challenge their religious teachings.

Actually, private schools are the proper places for morality-based teaching. Catholic schools trace their roots back 100 years, when public schools taught religion that was hostile to Catholicism. Instead of griping, Catholic parents put their kids in their own schools. Problem solved.

Public schools have their place. But we cannot expect each school to be all things to all people. Private schools have a vital role to play for our children. So could charter schools, if Indiana stops sabotaging them with restrictions.

Indiana could encourage more private schools and home-schooling by offering tax incentives to anyone who pays for a child’s education. Despite public-school belly-aching to the contrary, this would leave more money for public schools because they would have fewer kids to educate and more opportunities to specialize.

Regardless of your religious beliefs or your devotion to public schools, please say thanks to Catholic schools. They demonstrate the amazing things that happen when we put faith in our children.

by Sheri Conover Sharlow Libertarian Writers Bureau http://www.writersbureau.org

About The Author

Sheri Conover Sharlow, a former journalist, is the product of 11 years of Catholic education. Her daughter, Meredith, is the fourth-generation in her family to attend a Catholic school.

kenngividen@libertarianwritersbureau.org