Within the last few years it has become more common to see large vinyl swimming pools in yards around the neighborhood. They’re popular because it gives a family the chance to enjoy the water without having to pack up, travel to a city pool or a beach, and then come back to do it again the next day. It’s important to be aware of safety at the family swimming pool as much, if not more, than it is at a public pool or body of water.

Water safety is extremely important, especially when you have children. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are in keeping a pool off limits, accidents can still happen. In fact, children die each year because of water accidents. It is for this reason that safety at the family swimming pool need to be at the forefront of your thoughts all summer.

There are courses that anyone can take to learn about water safety, including swimming pool safety. Along with water safety, it is also important for everyone to learn how to swim. While learning to swim won’t completely stop water accidents from happening, it will lessen the possibility. It would also be a good idea for each family member over the age of fourteen to learn CPR and first aid so you’re prepared in case there is an accident.

Here are some basic water safety rules that everyone should follow, whether at a family swimming pool, public pool, lake, or even in the bathroom.

* Children can drown in small amounts of water (even two inches), so be sure to never leave a child near water of any kind all by themselves. This is especially true with toddlers. If you are bathing your child, for no reason should you leave them in the tub alone. Toilets, water buckets, wading pools, and bird baths can all be hazardous if no one is watching a child.

* Take a cordless phone with you into the bathroom or poolside while children are near water. This will alleviate the possibility of having to run and answer a telephone at an inopportune time.

* Designate someone to watch the water each time anyone, especially younger children, are in the pool.

* Use a fence and gate with vertical bars around in-ground pools. For the larger vinyl swimming pools, do not leave the ladder for getting into the pool near it when it is not in use.

* Don’t leave furniture around the pool that a child can climb on to access a pool.

* Keep life-saving equipment (poles, ropes, life preservers) at the pool at all times.

* Post CPR instructions and the 9-1-1 number at the pool. Posting these may help a person keep their head in the midst of an emergency.

* Use the buddy system. Never allow one person to go swimming by themselves. There should always be a minimum of two people at the pool if anyone is using it, even if one person isn’t actually swimming.

Everyone in your family can be aware of safety at the family swimming pool. These safety tips, if followed, will make your time at the family pool much more enjoyable this summer.

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Children are not the most tactful people in the world, especially when they’re very young. They don’t understand that staring is rude, so it’s up to us to teach them. Here are some ideas you can use instead of simply saying, “Honey, don’t stare” when someone is different.

It’s not that children intend to be rude or to stare at people that are different than them. In many cases they are merely curious and don’t know how to handle themselves. No matter what their reason, staring is not acceptable behavior and they need to be taught how to act appropriately.

Teach your children that people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and with all types of limitations. Some have physical limitations which cause them to need help to walk, or they may not be able to walk on their own at all. Regardless of the differences, each one deserves to be treated like a person, with the same care as you would treat someone without limitations.

When your child sees a person in a wheelchair, they may be frightened or confused. They may have many questions, which is understandable. Don’t allow the child to stop. Draw their attention and keep them moving. When you’ve gone a safe distance with your child, sit down and talk with them.

Answer any questions they might have regarding the person, the wheelchair, and the need for a wheelchair. You may tell your child how people are sometimes injured and lose the use of their legs, or that some people are born without use of their legs. The benefit is that the technology exists that so these people are able to get around on their own.

Perhaps the person your child is staring at isn’t in a wheelchair or has a physical problem. Maybe they are a different color or they are overweight. The fact remains that staring is rude and your child wouldn’t like it if someone stared at them.

That may be one way to break them from the habit of staring at others. One day when they’ve stared at someone, make a pointed effort to stare at them. Just look at them until they make a comment about it. Ask them how they felt when you stared at them. When they say it made them feel bad, tell them that’s how others feel when they do it. Those with differences want to be treated as “normal”, and not staring is one way to help them.

Using empathy is often the best way to change a child from one who stares to one that cares. They will learn that everyone has feelings of inadequacy and staring makes people more self-conscious. The next time your little one begins to stare, you can tell them “honey, don’t stare” but you can also help them understand that doing so makes others feel bad.

Children love to spend time with their friends, and as summer approaches, they may ask if they can go to the same camp their friends will attend. You may ask yourself, “How old should my child be before they go to summer camp?” The answers will vary, depending upon the parents and the child, but here are some guidelines.

Day camps are a chance for your child to enjoy time away from Mom and Dad and spend time with their friends. These are generally no more than three to four hours long each day, but it’s a great opportunity for them to begin spreading their wings and gaining some independence.

Most people agree that day camps are good for children under the age of ten. A day camp would be an arts camp, sports camp, Vacation Bible School, or something along those lines. The parent would drop the children off, they would stay for a few hours, and then be picked up each day.

Some church camps have several options for campers. They may offer day camp classes for the very young, “under night” camps for those children not quite ready to spend the night, and overnight camp for those children who are ready for the challenge of time away from home. For the uninformed, “under night” camp would enable your child to go for day camp, stay until after dinner, and then go home to sleep in their own beds.

As children get older than ten, they are usually ready to be away from home for more than one night. However, you may want to allow them to spend the weekend away from home prior to allowing them to spend an entire week at summer camp, just to see how it goes. If they have difficulties being away for more than one or two nights, it would be best to wait until they are more mature before sending them off for a week or more.

By age twelve, most children are ready to leave home for a week or more. Don’t assume, however, that your child wants to go to summer camp. Or, if they do, that they want to go to the camp you have chosen.

Are they involved in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts? Perhaps they’d enjoy a week at one of those camps. They may enjoy a church summer camp even more, but you won’t know unless you ask them. Be sure to include them in the decision; you may be surprised at what they have to say.

You may wonder how old your child should be before they go to summer camp. You can’t deny the many benefits of summer camp, but you know your child best. Their maturity level, experience, and desire will affect how successfully they handle the time away from parents, siblings, and their own bed.

It is quite easy to say that no one likes a liar; however, teaching your child the importance of honesty isn’t always a simple thing to do. We want our children to be straightforward and honest in everything, but how do we instill in them just how important honesty is? Teaching them to be honest, yet tactful, is something else entirely.

In Hebrew, the word for parent is “horah” which translates “instructor” or “guide”. Parents are to be their child’s first teacher. We are given the job of instilling values and character in our children; this includes honesty, morality, love, and many other character traits.

Express to your child how important it is to always be honest. Verbally praise them when you find that they are honest. Tell them that you appreciate their honesty and thank them for respecting your instructions. If they are dishonest, don’t demean them, but do express your dissatisfaction in their choice not to be honest.

More than anything else let them see how important honesty is to you by modeling honesty before them. If someone calls and you don’t want to talk with them, don’t ask your child to tell them you’re not there. Take the call, explaining that you can’t speak long, and then end the call as quickly as you can. Try to be aware of your actions; many may be an indirect way of teaching your child about honesty.

Children need to know that being dishonest is not only hurtful to themselves and others, it can also erode trust between the two of you. This mistrust may curtail their ability to participate in some activities because you don’t know if you can trust them to do as they’ve agreed. If you can’t trust that they’ll return at a particular time, you’re not as likely to allow them to go.

Teach your children about the boy who "cried wolf”. After crying “wolf” so many times and there wasn’t really a wolf, the people no longer trusted his word. When a wolf finally did arrive, the people didn’t come to help the boy. Dishonesty breeds distrust.

Ask your child how they felt when someone else lied to them. Did they feel good about it? Were their feelings hurt? Did they feel betrayed? All the feelings they felt are how others feel when they are being lied to. Help them understand that they have the power to be honest and keep others from feeling betrayed.

Most importantly, never give your child a reason to mistrust you. If you make a promise to them, follow through on the promise, even if doing so might cost you something. The only time breaking a promise is acceptable is when an emergency arises, and then you need to follow through as soon as possible.

It takes consistency and dedication when teaching your child the importance of honesty. Model honesty for them, and they’ll quickly learn of it’s importance and how much it is expected of them. Then step back and watch your child’s character continue to grow.

Today’s teenagers are often thought to be selfish, uncaring, and disrespectful people who don’t have any redeeming qualities. That image of teenagers is wrong in most cases. Talk with your teen about sensitive issues and you’ll see how they really do depend upon you, as parents, for guidance. It’s never too early to begin opening the doors of communication about sensitive topics, but unfortunately it can be too late.

You may be surprised to find that your teen actually wants you to establish boundaries. They may rebel against them a little bit, but they’re really just testing you to see how serious you are about the boundaries you’ve set.

They need to know where you stand on issues such as sex, drugs, alcohol, dating, and others. However, they also need to know that you care about their feelings and opinions; you need to discuss issues, not just give them a list of rules they must obey. They need some freedom to explore and grow. You want to make sure they know that they can come to you to discuss anything and everything and that won’t happen if you’re just a dictator.

* Let them know what you expect from them at home and in public.
* Respect them as individuals and they will be more respectful of you.
* Be supportive when they do come to you with problems or concerns.

Expect that your teen will have questions about drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence. Don’t make your teen feel like their concerns are trivial or don’t avoid these topics. You need to be open and honest with them, sharing your concerns and your experience with the topics at hand. Do some role playing with your spouse asking questions your teen might. Then come up with answers that will address their fears or concerns.

Quite often teens will ask questions at the most inopportune time, much like a toddler will. Try not to be caught off guard too much. Be straightforward with them rather than pushing the question to the side. Address it when it comes up rather than having to contradict the information they get from their friends who are willing to talk with them about it.

Let your child know that you may not be entirely comfortable discussing a topic, but that your relationship is more important than a little bit of discomfort. They may be uncomfortable bringing the subject up as well. You don’t have to spell out to your teen every detail of your own teenage years, but using examples and lessons you learned may help them see that you’re not totally out of step with them.

Teenagers don’t know everything they need to know as they grow into adulthood. Your responsibility as a parent doesn’t stop when your child becomes a teen, in fact you’ve just graduated to a new level of relationship. Take every opportunity to talk with your teen about sensitive issues now while they’re still at home, and before it’s too late to have an influence on them.

“That’s mine!” you hear your toddler say as they snatch a toy away from a sibling. So, the sibling begins to play with another toy. Before long, you hear the dreaded “That’s mine!” for the fifteenth time today. It’s so hard teaching your child to share, but it is one habit that will serve them well in the future.

When children are very young they don’t understand that they don’t own everything around them. It is our responsibility as parents to teach our child this unfortunate truth, but it is for everyone’s benefit. Here are some ways to help your child learn to share:

* Explain to them that if they want to play with another’s toys they need to ask for permission first. They need to learn that they can’t just take what they want, but they need to ask first. This rule applies when you’re visiting others as well as in your own home.

* Help your child learn that they should offer an explanation why someone can’t play with a toy if they say “no”. In other words, if a visiting child wants to play with your child’s favorite doll, help them tell the other child, “No, I’m playing with it,” “It’s my favorite,” or whatever the case might be.

* If the child isn’t actively playing with a toy and still says no, teach them that they need to let the other child play with the toy. This concept of taking turns isn’t always an easy task for a toddler to learn.

* Ask your toddler how they would feel if someone else told them “no” every time they wanted to play with a toy. Bring it down to their level, but help them understand that they should treat others the way they’d like to be treated.

* If your child takes a toy from someone, don’t snatch it right back and hand it to the other child. This reinforces the idea that taking things is alright. Instead, get down on your child’s level, tell them taking toys away isn’t nice, and ask them to give the toy back. Praise them when they do return the item.

* When you’re having a play date at your home, ask your child if there are particular things they don’t want to be played with that day. If the child gives you some things that he or she is particularly fond of, put them up in a room that the other children won’t have access to. Make sure your child knows that they must then allow the other children to play with anything that is left out.

* Teach your child to respect others’ things by being respectful of their belongings. Ask for permission before you use their things, giving them the opportunity to tell you “no”, as long as they give you a reason why. Ask others in the house, or people that may visit, to also be respectful of the toddler’s belongings.

* Finally, let your child see you sharing things that are important to you. Share your clothes for your child to dress up in, share your ice cream, making sure that you use the word “share” when you tell them what you’re doing. Let them see that you share with others, too.

Teaching your child to share may not be an easy task. Begin early and be consistent with them as you guide them in learning this trait. It will make their life, and yours, much easier.

Children all over the United States look forward getting out of school and spending the summer having fun. One activity many children look forward to is the Fourth of July and the fireworks that light up the sky. However, younger children may not be able to stay awake until the fireworks begin. These Fourth of July party ideas for kids may help them enjoy the day even if they do fall asleep prior to the evening’s light show.

A Fourth of July party can be so much fun, especially for little ones. But how do you prepare a party that children, as well as adults, will enjoy? Start early making plans and ask for your child’s input. You may be surprised to find that they have some great ideas for decorations, games, and food.

Let your child help make decorations for the party. Table toppers with a red, white, and blue glittered chenille stems, foil streamers, and balloons will be festive. Paint a small coffee can and fill it with sand to help the decorations stand. You may even want to place some sparklers in the can for later in the evening.

Plan a parade around your neighborhood or wherever you’re hosting your party. Let the children bring their bikes, wagons, tricycles, or scooters and decorate them with patriotic themes. Not only will the children have fun showing off their rides, they’ll also be showing off their artistic ability. Consider having a prize for each age group.

Don’t forget the food! Barbecue is the normal fare for the Fourth of July. Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and homemade ice cream are always a hit. Have a watermelon, pie, or hot dog eating contest that everyone can join in.

What activities can children enjoy that only require adult supervision? Perhaps you can allow the children to make decorated t-shirts with fabric paint. See who can blow the biggest bubbles, have a water balloon war, and play patriotic music.

If the children in your life are water babies, consider having a pool party. Be sure to have a small wading pool so even the youngest children can have fun in the water. To keep children safe while in the pools, assign or hire someone to watch the children. Use sunscreen to keep them from becoming sunburned.

Finish off your party by allowing the children to stay up late so they can enjoy the fireworks show. Pack a light jacket just in case the night is cool, and arrive early to find the best seats. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs, a blanket to sit on, and maybe even a snack. Be prepared, however, for the children to nod off very quickly after the show is over.

Fourth of July party ideas for children don’t really need to be elaborate for them to be fun. Decorations, party games, and food are always a safe bet to get children into the party mood. Top the evening off with a night of fireworks, and the children will say your party was the best ever.

Today’s children have some things so much easier than we did when we were children. However, they may be at a distinct disadvantage because they don’t have the benefit of having to use their imagination, due to the technology and variety of toys available to them. Psychologists and child development experts, however, know the importance of imaginative play in how a child grows and matures.

Imaginative play is the foundation of learning. When a child plays, they begin to establish patterns of communication with others; they learn to cooperate, they develop creativity, and they begin to learn how to solve problems. There is so much that imaginative play can do for a child.

Unfortunately, many toy manufacturers are making toys that take little imagination to play with. Or the children spend their time in front of computer or television screens, rather than being creative and using that all-important imagination.

When a child uses their imagination in play, they are being creative - not just in play, but this creativity will help them throughout their lives. They may see a new solution to a problem in the future that may escape others. They may invent a piece of equipment or process for manufacturing that will revolutionize society. Creative minds - those that are given the opportunity to thrive in free, imaginative play - are those that will find the cures for diseases, new ways to help combat global warming, or develop new modes of transportation.

How can we, as parents, encourage this important task of imaginative play? Here are a few things we can do:

* Buy toys that can be played with in more than one way – building blocks, food items, and dolls often fit this description.

* Create a specific place in your home where children can be safe.

* Limit the amount of time your children have with technology – televisions, computers, video games – especially while they are young and just developing their imaginative “muscles”.

* If at all possible, allow your child plenty of time to play in their imaginary world. Don’t interrupt them unless you have to.

* Let your child play outside as much as possible. If they are outside, they aren’t bombarded with commercials or technology telling them how to play with certain items.

Imaginative play does so much for a child as they grow. It helps them learn social skills such as taking turns, sharing, cooperation, and playing by the rules. It also gives your child a chance to express emotions, as well as how to empathize with others. Imaginative play helps your child adapt to changes that happen in their lives.

The importance of imaginative play can’t be taken lightly. Take the opportunity to play with your child. You may be surprised to find that not only do you help your child, but you may just re-establish your own sense of creativity in the process.

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Grooming is not on the top of most kid’s "to do" list. Getting them to brush their hair or brush their teeth can be like herding cats. Not only is it an impossible task, but sometimes you get scratched in the process.

Instead of spending the hours before bedtime or first thing in the morning struggling over the toothbrush, try to ease the battle by making the experience a fun and inviting one for kid and parent alike. Here are some good tips to help make things easier:

1. Brush your teeth at the same time as the child brushes his. Let him stand on a stool next to you and mimic what you do. Sometimes being grown up like mom and dad is all it takes to get the child to brush his teeth without a battle.

2. Invest in a toothbrush that lights up or plays music. These are designed to go for one to two minutes so it encourages the brushing for the length of time necessary for real cleaning.

3. Start brushing teeth when the child is very young. As soon as the children begin getting teeth then they are old enough to get their teeth brushed, even if you do it with just a soft brush with no toothpaste in the beginning. It gets the children used to having the toothbrush in their mouth.

4. If you don’t have one of the self-timing toothbrushes, then use a kitchen timer. Set it for two minutes and see who can brush their teeth for the full two minutes.

5. Make it a game. Let them get a certain bedtime story or song (or maybe get TWO stories) if they can brush all their teeth. Get them to count each tooth as they brush it.

6. Get them involved in the brushing process. You can ease the tooth brushing battle by letting your children pick their own toothbrushes and even their own toothpaste. The more control they feel they have then the easier it will be to get them to cooperate.

7. Be consistent in getting the children to brush their teeth. Make it something that happens at the same time every single night. Experts say that if you can repeat an action for 21 days in a row then you will have set a habit.

8. Be watchful of the children when they first begin brushing their teeth on their own. Stay in the room during the process, and make suggestions if they are needed. As they get more consistent with their brushing then start leaving them alone for the whole process.

Instead of fighting your kids to get their teeth brushed you can find creative ways to change their grooming habits. As their habits change and they begin to adjust, you will see the tooth brushing battle ease up or just end altogether.

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Raising healthy kids in today’s environment can be tough. Many factors have changed over the years that have pushed some kids to be lethargic, overweight and just plain lazy. There are ways to combat the different elements that are attacking kids’ health today. Here are some common problems and suggestions for how to deal with them:


The Problem: Electronics are overwhelming children. They can watch anything at anytime and for most of the day. Twenty or thirty years ago, you could watch cartoons on Saturday, the television stations went off around midnight and the afternoons were filled with soap operas that no self-respecting kid would ever admit to watching.

The Solution: Limit electronic activities to only one or two hours each day. This would include computer, television and video games. Taking away their electronic toys could force them out of doors. At the very least it will encourage them to pick up a book and read.


The Problem: Food portions continue to get bigger (and so do the children). There was a time when you would go out to eat and get a meal that was just enough. When you go to a restaurant today you will get a meal that is enough for two or three people. That doesn’t even get into the “all you can eat buffet” idea. Kids are being taught to eat and eat and eat and it is beginning to show around their waistlines.

The Solution: Eat at home or, if you must eat out, share portions. Teach the kids that it is okay to leave food on their plates and that stopping when satisfied is perfectly okay. Remind them that it is natural (and desirable) that they get hungry every few hours (to the point that their stomach growls).


The Problem: There are so many activities swarming around the lives of our kids that they don’t have time to rest. School starts early, after school activities run late and then there is homework to be done when they kids finally get home. Kids are getting less and less sleep because of more and more going on.

The Solution: Slow things down. Make sure the kids have a chance to sleep completely (usually between 10 and 12 hours for younger kids up to 10 years old). Either cut out their after school activities or talk to the teachers and school board about the amount of homework they are bringing home every night.


The Problem: Everything comes at a touch of a button for kids today. They don’t even have to get up off the couch to change the channels on the television or answer the telephone. Even the “physical activities” are getting easier for them with inventions like “heelys” making walking a thing of the past for some kids.

The Solution: Get up and get moving as a family. Go out for a real walk together (through the woods where gadgets can’t help) or play a family game of badminton or volleyball. If you can get active as a family then the whole family will be healthier for the effort.


It can be tough keeping yourself healthy in this high-tech, fast-paced, fast-food society. Helping kids choose healthy lifestyles requires some creative thinking and often the consistent use of the word no.

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There are always bullies in social situations – people who have to build themselves up by tearing down or beating down the people around them. Unfortunately, that will be true at any age. Whenever there is a group of kids, there is likely to be a bully amongst them. It is important that you give you child the right tools to know how to deal with bullies, today and in the future. Here is some advice to help you and your child:

1. There is no way to avoid the bullies of the world. They can be found in Sunday school classes, homeschool support groups and school classrooms. Instead of avoiding them you will have to develop ways to live or deal with them.

2. Walk away. Almost every confrontation offers the chance to just get away from the situation. It is not running – it is looking for a more appropriate time and place to deal with it. Most bullies want to be seen by many people; if you can take that away from them then you might be able to deal with the situation with fewer problems.

3. Retaliation leads to escalation. Although the television shows and the movies show that confronting a bully is the only way to win, in truth it could be the one sure way to lose. Especially in today’s society – where escalating violence is the norm – pushing someone who wants to be the “top dog” might cause an escalation in violence towards your child and towards others as well.

4. Talk to the people that are in charge when your child is being bullied. If the teachers won’t listen, then talk to the administration. If the administration won’t listen, then talk to the authorities. Bullies can be an extremely dangerous element for any environment. The people that are in charge need to be aware of the dangers involved.

5. Talk with your children. Open lines of communication make it easier for your children to come to you if there is a problem. Taking time every day to talk about their day, their thoughts and their ideas is likely to make you aware of any problems or potential problems before they can get out of hand.

6. Stay involved. By being around your children at play and at school you can recognize bully situations before they become problems. Make a point to attend birthday parties, ballgames, practices or other group events and activities.

The natural instinct for many parents is to shield their children from bullies or situations where the children might be bullied. The truth is that it is impossible to completely avoid all bullies. It is better to learn how to deal with the situations at the earliest possible age, rather than being shocked by bullies that are more aggressive and more dangerous in the future.

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You know what? Being a parent isn’t an easy task. Oh, it starts out easy enough because the newborn is helpless and can’t get into much trouble. As they grow older, however, your job gets more difficult. You have to work at keeping one step ahead of your child by childproofing the home to keep them safe.

Of course you want to keep your child safe, so when do you begin the process? What can you do to childproof your home?

Basically, you want to begin childproofing your home prior to bringing the baby home from the hospital. That may seem unnecessary since the baby can’t do anything at this point but sleep and eat, but you’ll be glad you did once your bundle of joy becomes mobile. These early changes may make a big difference in the not too distant future.

Purchase outlet covers for every room in the house, being sure to cover any unused outlet. This one action could save your child from being electrocuted because they have such small fingers and will use them to explore any hole their fingers will fit in.

Install doorknob covers on any door that leads to the outside or any area that is not childproofed. If you prefer to leave doors open in your home, purchase the door guards that will not allow tiny fingers to be caught in a door that accidentally closes.

Keep the bassinette, crib, or changing table away from windows. Make sure you install the hardware to keep the blind cords out of the baby’s reach if you do place these items near windows. While you’re there, install window guards that will keep a child from falling out an open window.

Install safety catches on cabinet doors and drawers to keep little ones from getting to things they shouldn’t. Store medicines and hazardous cleaning materials in areas that are high up out of reach, if possible, to ensure your child’s safety.

Purchase a cordless phone. This will enable you to keep an eye on your child wherever they are because you can take the phone with you.

Smoke alarms should be installed on each floor, the kitchen, the utility area, and outside all bedrooms. Be sure to change the batteries every six months, or when daylight savings time changes.

Use safety gates at all staircases and in doorways to keep your child in or out of a particular room. If possible, use the one that screws to the wall rather than using tension to keep it in place.

Put covers, or anti-scald devices, on any faucet or shower head that the child may have access to. Also, reduce the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. The anti-scald device may have to be installed by a professional plumber, but the cost will give you peace of mind that is priceless.

Put corner and edge guards around furniture or hearth edges with sharp or rough edges. These will help prevent serious injury when your child begins the toddler stage.

While having and installing these safety items won’t guarantee there will be no injuries in your home, they will go a long way in helping to keep the injuries to a minimum. Childproofing the home will help keep your precious one safer and give you peace of mind that you’re doing all you can.

Amazon Find: This magnetic locking system is guaranteed to keep small fingers from being open doors. It fits doors from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inch in thickness. It comes with four in the pack along with mounting instructions. The key, which is sold separately, will unlock the magnet for easy access. There is also a lever that will disengage the lock.

It is so hard for parents when they hear that a child has been abducted, or worse, by someone they met online. Keeping your children safe online is something that parents must be concerned about. Here are some tips to help you accomplish that.

1. Keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your children about the perceived and unperceived dangers of being online. Make sure they understand that not everyone plays by the rules. Even if a chat room is set up for children only, that doesn’t keep adults from entering the room and posing like kids to see who their next victim will be.

2. Together as a family, set computer usage rules in place. Determine how long your children can be online, where they can go, and who they can talk to. If they deviate from these rules, ban them from using it for a while. That might be enough to get their attention and keep them from straying from them in the future.

3. Check the browser history on the computer and see which websites they have been visiting. A child-friendly browser can actually block sites that you deem to be inappropriate. Use those parental controls to help keep your children safe online.

4. Keep the computer in a common area. If you can’t physically sit next to your child while they’re on the computer, the easiest way to monitor what your child does and who you child talks to online is to set the computer they use in an area where you can see it.

5. Make sure you have access to any email account they have. This way you can check their email for anything inappropriate. Don’t be afraid to monitor email or instant messages they may receive, doing so may just save your child’s life.

6. If your child has access to an instant message system, check out their buddy list. Know who they are talking to and block anyone that doesn’t meet your standards.

7. Keep children out of chat rooms and social networking websites. These are wildly popular, but they can also be dangerous places for your child to visit.

8. Make sure they understand they are not allowed to give ANY personal information out online. They specifically should not tell anyone their real name, age, birthday, address, or telephone number.

Besides the possible dangers of pedophiles or cyber-bullies tracking down your children, there are other dangers online. Pop-up advertising isn’t always rated PG. In fact, quite a bit of it can be considered risqué. Add to that the possibility of accidentally landing on a pornographic website, and your child may be scarred for life.

You, as parents, need to be vigilant in keeping your children safe online. Take every precaution you think is necessary to ensure their safety. You have the right, and authority, to check up on their online activities. They may not like it, but at least you’ll know they’re safe.

Amazon Find:Childproofing the Internet
This video gives you the low down on children and Internet. Not only does it talk about the things that are on the Internet but it gives you sound advice on how to keep your children safe while giving them a sense of freedom to surf the Internet.

The video gives you the help you need. By taking you through some of the tough questions we as parents need to ask, you can be assured that you are getting the low down about the Internet. These answers are straight forward and informative. They get to the point and leave you feeling like you are the one in control.

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Parents of teenagers know how important fashion is to them. Each teen has his or her own individual style. Some love to follow the latest trends, while others have a fashion sense all their own. Here are some of the hottest fashion trends for teens this spring:

The Little White Dress

The little black dress is a perennial favorite, but one of this spring's most notable trends is the little white dress. Whether it's a simple A-line or a cute little crocheted number, the little white dress is versatile and easy to accessorize. You can also easily add some punch to it with some brightly colored jewelry and shoes.

White is also a hit for the prom, for both boys and girls. White dresses and tuxedos are quite elegant, and they can be accessorized with virtually any color. If all white is too intimidating for your teen, there are some nice black and white options for the prom.

Belts

Belts are a big deal this spring. Skinny belts are making a comeback in a big way, but big, thick belts are a favorite as well. Both are being paired with dresses to slim and draw attention to the waist.

Patent is popular in accessories, and belts are no exception. A shiny patent belt can add lots of interest to almost any outfit. You can find these belts in a variety of colors, not just black and white.

Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics have been all over the runways this season. There, they leave little to the imagination. In real life, they are great for layering with solid pieces.

Sheer jackets or button-up shirts in vivid prints look great with coordinating solid-colored tank tops. Scarves are also a hit this spring, and there are lots of lovely sheer ones to choose from.

Lots of Silver

Silver is one of the most popular colors of the season. There are plenty of ways that teens can incorporate it into their wardrobes. Jewelry is one of them, but not the only one.

Metallic fabrics are both trendy and elegant, and they can be found in everything from dresses to outerwear. Shoes and handbags are also great in silver, and they complement the season's neutral colors very well. Even belts and scarves in silver tones can add some shine to an ensemble.

Floral Prints

The femininity of floral prints is often seen in the spring. Large and mid-sized floral prints are all the rage for both teens and adults this season. Dresses are the most obvious place for them, but they can also be found on shirts, jackets, pants, and handbags.

Floral prints also provide a great way to introduce color without wearing it from head to toe. White or neutral backgrounds are unobtrusive, yet when you add some brightly colored flowers to them, it really makes them pop.

Unless your dad, or your husband’s dad, is a real grump, kids love to spend time with their grandpas. Let’s face it, grandparents allow children to get away with much more than they would have allowed their own children to do. They love to spoil their grandchildren and know if they do, they can give them back to their parents. So, what are some great Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa – things that will allow your children to express how much they love and appreciate him?

Of course, before you can make a blanket statement about the perfect Father’s Day gift for a grandfather, you have to realize that this is no such thing. Each grandfather is a unique person, so one size will definitely not fit all! Think about your own particular Grandpa that will be the recipient of the gift, and then you’ll have a better idea of the gift that’s perfect for him.

Perhaps there is one gift that would be appreciated by all grandfathers, but each gift would be as different as the family giving it. That gift, of course, is a family photo. What grandparent wouldn’t love to have a current picture of their loved ones to grace their wall or table? Plan a few weeks ahead to have a new family portrait taken. It will be one gift that you won’t mind giving to both grandfathers.

Do either of the grandfathers in your family have a favorite author? Pick up a book, in larger print if necessary, that you know they would enjoy. This may take a little bit of snooping, but the results will be worth it. Just imagine the look on his face when he opens the package with the latest novel from his favorite author.

Another gift no grandfather in his right mind would turn down is home-made treats, made especially for him with love. If he has health issues that preclude giving him too many sweets, that doesn’t mean he can’t have any. Do some research and find out what he can have, and then fix it in a way that will be delicious without adversely affecting his health.

Is Grandpa a sports enthusiast? Give him a certificate for a round of golf at the nearest golf course. If he likes to go fishing, perhaps some new fishing lures would be more to his liking. When it comes to sports you can’t go wrong, provided you pay attention and key into what he truly likes.

Finally, if your children’s grandfather already has everything he needs, you may be stumped as to the perfect gift. Try taking him out to his favorite restaurant to spend time with you. It will be a gift he will appreciate, especially if he complains that he doesn’t get to see you often enough.

The perfect Father’s Day gift for Grandpa may not be the same thing for every grandfather. But if you are observant, listen, and think about his likes, you’re sure to find the gift that’s perfect for him. And that’s what you want anyhow, isn’t it?

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Owning a car is a serious responsibility. Not only are you responsible for the vehicle, but you are responsible for the lives of everyone in the vehicle and everyone that comes around the vehicle when it is moving. A license is not the best sign to determine if your teenager is ready for his own car. Here are some points to consider.

1. An understanding of finances can be invaluable when it comes to owning a car. Ideally, the teenager needs to have earned at least a portion of the purchase price. After the car has been bought, it is a good idea for the new driver to be financially obligated to purchase the gas, do regular maintenance and pay for the insurance - all with his own money. The need for income cannot replace the need for good grades in school. A responsible person will figure out how to balance the two needs in order to accomplish his goals.

2. Almost anyone can pass the driver’s test given locally. It is far more important that Mom or Dad give the new driver a passing grade. Not only should the teenager know the legal rules, but he should understand how to drive defensively and learn to see problems before they arise.

3. A teenager that is respectful to Mom and Dad and other adults is much more likely to be respectful to authority. Attitude is not a good thing on the road. If your teenager shows respect and a mild temperament then he may be ready to have his own vehicle.

4. One good turn deserves another. Let your teenager borrow your car for a few nights (or even a couple of weeks). Long enough for the novelty of driving to wear off. After that you will likely see how he is going to treat his own car if you ever decide he is ready for one.

5. It is extremely important that your teenager have plenty of time behind the wheel before she flies solo. It is just as important that she experience different driving situations. Take her on a road trip and let her do some driving on the interstate, in city traffic and other situations you think might arise. Give her the experience a little bit at a time and her sense of responsibility and confidence behind the wheel will continue to grow.

6. Each teenager will be different. It’s not a good idea to set a date deadline for getting a teenager his first car. Instead judge each individual on his (or her) attitudes and actions.

Giving a teenager a car is like providing her with a weapon that weighs over a ton and that goes 70 miles an hour. It can be dangerous and scary. Be sure that your teenager appreciates the severity of the situation, is willing to take financial responsibility and is determined to respect the rules and authority that govern the road.

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Teenagers have not always been known for their wise decisions.  More often than not, teenagers make rash decisions that have very little conscious thought involved and are more likely spurred on by the crowd.  In the past, these "adventures" involved car races or some form of dare that might cause harm (or embarrassment).  Today the adventures have turned more deadly.  The trend is to play a game - only this game is one of life or death.

The Choking Game (also known as the Blackout Game or the Fainting Game) is when one person shuts off the oxygen to his brain (sometimes by strangulation) in order to get a high from the experience.  This intentional deprivation of oxygen to the brain can result in unconsciousness, temporary or even permanent brain damage, or death. 

It is important to talk to your teenager about who he (or she) is spending time with or what he is doing with his friends when he is out.  These recreational activities that teenagers are participating in are no games.  Not only can they cause problems in youth, but they can also lead to more dangerous scenarios as the teenager grows older.  Some teenagers who participate in the Choking Game eventually develop an unnatural fixation on erotic asphyxiation.

There are a variety of reasons that people say they participate in the Choking Game - none of which have ever been substantiated.  Some claim that it produces a brief high.  Others say that cutting off the oxygen produces a more enhanced sense of erotic feelings.  Some even suggest that it gives the same feeling of being intoxicated.  No matter what the reason, the truth is that no one can be sure just how much damage is being done neurologically each time the "game" is "played".

It might surprise you to find out that this game has been around for longer than most experts realize.  As long as thirty years ago, kids in the school yard were hyperventilating on purpose to get a high or dizzy feeling associated with intoxication.  Unfortunately, the teenagers of today have found more effective ways to play the game.  Even more unfortunate is that few parents realize it is going on.  There are very few documented cases of injury or death from this game.

Make time to talk to your teenager on a regular basis.  Talk about things in the news, hobbies and interests or whatever your teenager wants to discuss.  When things come up, talk about situations like the Choking Game and how deadly serious they can be.  The more open and honest you are with your teenager about little things, the more open he (or she) will be to your opinion about important issues.

Product Name: Better Behavior Wheel
Rating: 10
Where to Buy: http://www.better-behavior.com/

Description: A device that will help you have children who are better behaved in a week.

Review: This little device takes all the shouting, arguing and frustration out of disciplining your children. Invented by parents who have been there (and what parent hasn't been to the point all they know to do is yell) this technique has worked wonders for their family and many other alike.

Discipline is a necessity in any home with children. How we do this can be the actual root of the problem. It seems like every time I turn around I have to holler at my children for some reason. The next thing I know we are in an argument that never seems to be solved. The yelling and stomping off is more than I could take.

This little wheel made a difference for us right from the beginning. I placed it on the family room wall for all to see. At first everyone bulked at it but once they realized it was also filed with some humor they began to check it out.

There are no charts, books or manuals with this wheel. It’s just the wheel, a spinner, 48 consequences and 16 rewards. You and your children decide what to place on the wheel together. When they break a rule they spin the wheel to see exactly what their consequence will be. If they are well behaved then they can spin the wheel to see what reward they have earned.

It’s pretty easy and a very simple idea. It shows your children that they are in charge of their destiny if they don’t behave. It also teaches them that good things come to those who behave well and follow the rules.

I really like this idea and the simplicity of it all. There is no more screaming, stomping around or feeling like I’m the bad guy day in and day out. The kids even enjoy it for the most part. If nothing else the stress level in our house has decreased so much that we all seem much happier. I’m proud to say I have some pretty well behaved children under my roof now. Thanks to the Better Beahvior Wheel for giving my children and I the opportunity to experience that.

The following product review was submitted by a fellow parent. If you would like to submit a parenting related product review leave a comment below of the product you have in mind and a way to get in touch with you.

Charissa Bear

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Doctors recommend that women stop drinking caffeine when they become pregnant because it can adversely affect the developing child. Caffeine is a diuretic which may cause the mother to not produce enough amniotic fluid. But is drinking caffeine and breastfeeding also a no-no? Here are some points to consider.

Is caffeine transported to the nursing child through breast milk?

According to the La Leche League, a woman should be able to safely drink up to five 5-ounce cups of coffee without affecting her child. Unfortunately, in this day and age, you generally can’t buy coffee in 5-ounce sized cups. Most are generally 8-ounces or more, so five cups of coffee at that size would be way too much caffeine.

Remember to consider all sources of caffeine when determining the amount of caffeine you can consume. Colas, tea, some cold medicines, and even chocolate contain caffeine, so include those amounts in your figures.

How does caffeine affect a nursing infant?

Caffeine has been found to accumulate in an infant’s system, so while one cup of coffee or glass of ice tea won’t cause your infant problems, additional servings could. In fact, caffeine can be found in a woman’s breast milk several days after it has been ingested. In a child less 6 months old, caffeine will remain in the system for up to 100 hours. It clears the adult system in less than 8 hours.

Babies affected by caffeine will be fussy, restless, may cry quite a bit, and will not be able to sleep. If you think your child is suffering from too much caffeine, begin cutting down on the amount of caffeine each day until you are no longer drinking it.

If you choose to drink a cup of coffee or tea each day while nursing, remember that the caffeine will enter the breast milk and will be at its highest level about 1 hour after you've drunk it. You may want to drink your coffee or tea right after nursing to give your body longer to process it through your system. You also want to ensure you have at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water to counteract the diuretic effect of caffeine and keep you from becoming dehydrated, which will definitely affect your milk.

What can you do if you just can’t give up caffeine?

1. Use moderation when drinking coffee or any other caffeinated drink.
2. Caffeine is the strongest in breast milk one hour after you've drunk it. If you know it will be a while before you nurse again, try drinking caffeine at that time.
3. Smoking increases the effects of caffeine, so don’t smoke if you drink caffeine. Of course, it would be best if you didn’t smoke at all, but that’s a decision to be made between you and your doctor.

So if you love coffee or tea and want to breastfeed your newborn, the news is better than you may have thought. Caffeine and breastfeeding do not have to be mutually exclusive. While it might be best to refrain from drinking many servings of caffeine, you can still enjoy a cup of coffee or a nice glass of iced tea while nursing. Use these tips and you’ll do just fine.

Over the last few years there has been a resurgence in the number of mothers that are breastfeeding their babies.  Research is showing that the natural way of breastfeeding is actually the best way.  Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions and confusion that causes many mothers to give up on breastfeeding before they even get started.  Milk supply is at the top of those issues.

Having a good milk supply is important to the new baby, but there is no real way to judge what that milk supply is when you are breastfeeding.  The size of the breast or the length of time the baby feeds is no real indication of the amount of milk available or ingested.  The only real measurement is the weight gained by the baby (and maybe the number of wet diapers each day). 

The best way to ensure that there is an adequate milk supply is to breastfeed every time from the first feeding on.  Breastfeeding on demand (or any time that the baby is HUNGRY) will not only keep the milk supply steady, but it will help to increase it as the baby needs more milk. 

It may also take a few weeks for the baby to settle into a normal pattern when first coming home. In the beginning, your baby may require up to twelve feeds in one day. Eventually she will settle into a pattern and you will be more comfortable about understanding her needs. After the initial period, it is not unusual to nurse your baby up to eight times a day (sometimes even more) with on-demand feeding.  Keep in mind that your baby will need more milk during growth spurts, so you may have periods where the on-demand feedings increase beyond the pattern that you and your baby have settled into. 

The key to settling in to a comfortable on-demand pattern is to learn how to recognize the cues your baby gives off (sucking on her hand, becoming more aware, squirming towards the breast) before she starts crying.  Crying can make it harder for her to latch on properly and can cause her to have more gas.

Feeding on demand can be supplemented with pumping if necessary.  Pump at times when your breasts feel engorged, start leaking or when you are feeding the baby on the other breast.  You will be able to produce more milk that can then be refrigerated or frozen for the times when your husband or children want the blessing of bonding with the new baby.  (Do not use bottled milk for at least six weeks so that the baby can settle in to the breastfeeding).

Some things that can hinder your milk production:

- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
- Inadequate nutrition
- Supplementing breastfeed with formula feedings

No matter how long you stay with the on-demand breastfeeding, or even if you choose that direction for you and your baby, keep in mind that any time you spend breastfeeding your baby will be beneficial to her growth and development.

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What woman wouldn’t love having a sous chef to help her in the kitchen? Well, if you have children, you may have a sous chef in the making. These tips for teaching kids to cook may help you to help yourself by allowing them to take over some of the kitchen duties.

Before teaching your children anything about working in a kitchen, teach them about cleanliness above all else. Basic safety rules like washing your hands before you begin, not licking your fingers while preparing food, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate will go a long way toward keeping family members healthy. Teaching them to cook foods to the proper temperature is also important.

Read the entire recipe before you start so you’ll be sure that you understand the directions and know which utensils and ingredients you’ll need. Gather everything together. If you can, measure out the ingredients ahead of time. This will make the actual preparation go smoother. Follow the directions exactly to get the best results from your efforts.

Explain to them what each appliance is, how it works, and what it’s used for. If you have hand appliances, explain those as well. You don’t have to give them the theories behind electricity, but you do want them to know how to handle each appliance in a safe manner.

Always use hot pads to remove items from the stove, microwave, or oven. Don’t lick hot spoons or handle food while it is still hot. Doing so could result in a serious burn. Teach your child the proper way to remove hot items, what to do if they do burn themselves, and where the first aid is kept in the kitchen.

Sharp knives work better than dull ones, so keep your kitchen knives sharp. Teach your child the proper way to hold a knife, how to slice food without cutting themselves, and how to care for and store knives. Never put knives into soapy water; that way no one gets cut.

Don’t throw water onto a kitchen fire. It could make matters worse. Teach your child to call an adult immediately to see if they can extinguish the fire. If it gets out of control, make sure everyone leaves the house, go to your nearest neighbors, and call 911.

As much as you’re tempted, don’t taste food that hasn’t been cooked. While your parents may have been able to eat raw cookie dough, it isn’t recommended today. If you must taste food that is cooking, use a clean spoon and allow it to cool first. Refrain from using the same spoon to taste and cook; by doing so you’ll be less likely to contaminate the food.

Instead of leaving dishes until you’re finished, clean while you cook. Put ingredients away when you’re done with them. Run a sink of hot, soapy water and place dishes and utensils (except sharp knives) in the sink until you can get to them to wash them. Wipe up any spills you may have made. Turn off and unplug any hand appliances.

Allow your children to watch you cook from an early age, and then begin allowing them to help. When you feel confident that they understand the rules for your kitchen and can handle things on their own, let them do just that. You may be surprised to find that you have a little chef in the making.

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Many people think that once a child gets older, it loses its interest in crafts. That isn’t necessarily the case. These craft ideas for older children can help bring the artist back out in your child.

Girls seem to love scrapbooks, and who can blame them? It gives her a chance to create a personalized book for all her memories. You purchase a small scrapbook and allow her to fill it up. She may surprise you by adding some journaling in it, too. Stickers and other embellishments make them more individual. The sky is the limit on what she can do with a scrapbook.

Polar fleece blankets have been all the rage. Your older child, girl or boy, may like to create one of these.

• Decide how big they’d like the finished blanket to be, and then add 12 inches to the length of the fabric if they would like to create a fringe for it. They may choose all one color, or use two contrasting colors for variety.
• Make sure each piece of fabric is the same size and shape. Trim any excess fabric off where needed.
• Lay the fabric out in front of you, wrong side up, so that it is horizontal.
• Draw a vertical line on the fabric, going up 6 inches from the cut edge. Do this with both ends.
• Now create horizontal lines going from the vertical line, ½ inch apart, on each end of the fabric.
• Cut along the horizontal lines to make the fringe.
• If you’re using two pieces of fabric, tie the corresponding fringes together to join the fabric and create one blanket.

Let your older child create their own “treasure” box by decorating an old cigar box.

• Find a wooden or heavy cardboard cigar box, with the hinge intact.
• Using craft glue called “Modge Podge”, paint a thin layer of the glue onto the surface they are working on.
• They can decorate the box with photos from magazines, handwritten notes, or whatever they like. Then paint at least three coats of the glue over the paper, allowing it to dry thoroughly before adding the next coat.
• When it’s dry, they can add other embellishments to make it entirely theirs.

Painted flower pots have been popular for years. This could lead your child into a new business, or just allow them to release their artistic nature.

• Purchase small terracotta flower pots and the dishes that go with them.
• With an acrylic paint, decorate the outside of the pot however they like.
• Decorate the dish in a similar fashion so they obviously go together.
• Your older child can plant something in the pot after it has dried, or fill it with something else. The choice is theirs.

Just because your child is growing older, doesn’t mean that they cease enjoying crafts. These are just a few of the many crafts an older child may enjoy. There is also cross-stitch, painting, drawing, and a myriad of others. Encourage them to spend some time creating; they’ll probably be glad to have the creative outlet.


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Often when people think of crafts, they think of things like crochet, scrapbooking, or jewelry making. These crafts are usually more associated with girls and women, but boys can be crafty, too. Just ask them, and they’ll let you know that they enjoy creating with their hands as well.

There isn’t anything saying that a boy can’t enjoy any of the crafts mentioned above, but they are thought to be a little more feminine. Boys typically need some crafts that allow them to be creative, in a masculine kind of way. The following crafts might be what they’re looking for.

Woodworking – You can’t deny it, woodworking seems to be more of a manly craft than something a girl would like. That doesn’t mean a girl couldn’t enjoy woodworking, just that it's not a feminine craft. In fact, you would probably see anyone enjoying this craft with dirty hands, sawdust all over them, and possibly a little sweaty. Those just aren’t things most girls enjoy. A boy, on the other hand, would think it was great!

There are a number of different areas of woodworking that a boy can try. The simplest is whittling; the most complicated is to make a designer piece of furniture, a musical instrument, or a boat. All of these are considered woodworking, although they’re also called something else.

Whittling is taking a piece of wood, often a stick, or driftwood that is found, and removing small pieces of wood to create an animal. Balsa wood is a good wood for beginner whittlers because it is easy to manipulate. The denser the wood, the harder it will be to remove what shouldn’t be there. Make sure to keep your whittling knife, or any other item used for carving, sharp. This will make your job much easier.

The more complicated aspects of woodworking include using electric power tools to cut, sand, and shape pieces of wood. Often detailed plans are needed for this type of project and you have to be much more careful with what you’re doing. If you make something simple like a bird feeder, being exact isn’t that critical. It would be extremely important to be precise when you’re making fine furniture out of expensive woods.

Besides woodworking, boys sometimes do enjoy crafts that are considered to be more feminine. Many professional football players enjoy crocheting or knitting as a way to relax. Some even create items that can either be auctioned off or given away to help others. Let’s see anyone call them a sissy for enjoying these crafts!

Blacksmithing is definitely a manly craft. It’s another one of those dirty, stinky crafts that most girls don’t like. It takes a great deal of strength to be a blacksmith. Let’s face it; girls just don’t have the muscles. Blacksmithing and wrought iron work also takes a lot of skill. Manipulating hot metal isn’t a task for the faint of heart, or the weak of muscle.

Crafts that boys would enjoy will most likely be more physically demanding than what a girl would choose. There are also boys and men that enjoy the more feminine crafts, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whatever they choose, it’s important to remember that boys can be crafty, too.

Earth Day is an annual celebration of the environment and learning to improve our world. Taking some time as a family to celebrate Earth Day is not only educational, but fun as well. There are many cities that host Earth Day activities. Check and see what is offered locally.

Visit your local zoo and see the animals in their environments. The zoo will probably have educational programs planned, as well as fun activities for the entire family. It can be a great way to spend the day. Some zoos even offer free admission, or free admission if you either take public transportation or ride your bike to the zoo.

As you make your way through the zoo, you can talk about how the ecology of one area of the world affects another. Discuss with your family how we benefit from things like the plants from the rain forest and how important it is to preserve them.

Why not spend the day at the local botanical gardens? Not only are the plants beautiful, but your family can learn about how we benefit from the plants. Plants provide food, medicines and oxygen. They also provide ground cover that helps prevent erosion and flooding. After visiting the gardens, it might be fun to plant your own garden at home. Research the plants that will be the best for your climate. It will be a great family activity that will last beyond Earth Day and will be a reminder to help care for the planet as you care for your own garden.

Planning fun activities at home is also a great way to celebrate Earth Day, as you will be saving gas by not traveling. Reuse items from around the house to create clever crafts. Turn off the TV, go outside and enjoy the fresh air, weather permitting, and have a picnic in the yard.

There are many websites that give additional ideas for celebrating Earth Day. You can also find scheduled events for your hometown that can inspire other family fun that also helps the earth.

Toddlers love to create things with their hands. It's part of their personality and what makes being a toddler so much fun. These five crafts are perfect for toddlers. Try one or more so they can create artistic masterpieces.

1. Noodle necklaces are so easy a toddler can make them. Of course, Mom may have to color the noodles beforehand, but the results will be worth it.

• Mix together ½ cup vinegar and a few drops of food coloring for each color you would like.
• Soak various kinds of noodles in the various colors. Allow them to dry on pieces of wax paper.
• When dry, your child can string the noodles onto pieces of yarn. Tape one end to make stringing easier.
• Tie the ends together to close the necklace and let your child wear it with pride.

If you don’t feel like coloring the noodles, you could use colored cereal between the noodles to give it some pizzazz, or just make cereal necklaces, instead.


2. Paper plate maracas are easy and fun for toddlers, particularly if they like to make noise, and almost all toddlers are experts at that.

• Have your child decorate the bottom of two paper plates with whatever items you feel like giving them.
• Mom, help with this step: Staple the edges of the two paper plates, insides facing together. Leave a small opening for the beans.
• Place 5-6 dried beans or rice into the opening and then close it up.
• Put tape over the pointy side of the staples to be sure no one gets snagged on them.
• Turn on some music and let the kids join in!

3. Let your budding artist create by making edible finger paints with sweetened condensed milk and food coloring.

• Mix together small amounts of the condensed milk with a couple of drops of food coloring.
• Give the child a sheet of paper on which to create their work of art.
• Don’t worry if they put the paint in their mouth, it’s yummy.
• Wash their hands quickly to keep the food coloring from staining their hands.

4. Pompom caterpillars are furry friends you won’t mind finding in your toddler’s pocket.

• Get three pompoms, the same size, in varying colors.
• Glue the pompoms together in a line.
• Glue on the wiggly eyes.
• Mom, you may want to hot glue the caterpillars onto a clothes pin with a magnet and use them to show off your child’s other artwork.

5. T-shirts with painted handprints are more than just a craft. They are a snapshot to help you remember your child when they were little.

• Get a new t-shirt in your child’s favorite color.
• With fabric paint in a shallow bowl, allow your child to place their hands into the paint. Immediately help them put their hands on the t-shirt.
• As an alternative, they could place their thumbs or fingers in the paint and place several prints together to form a caterpillar.
• Help your child wash their hands thoroughly with soap.
• When the paint has dried, use paint markers to write the date and name on their t-shirt. Finish off the caterpillar by drawing on a face, feet, and antennae.

Making crafts with your toddler can be a highlight of your day. These five crafts, perfect for toddlers, may be enough to spark new creativity in your toddler, and in you.

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