All posts tagged: kids

SleepAway Camp: A Stepping Stone for Independence & Responsibility?

Published by

Summer. I find myself wanting to re-create my idyllic childhood summers for my children. Isn’t that human nature, parenting nature, perhaps pure Mother Nature that drives us to re-create for our children what was good in our childhoods, while also adding in what we didn’t have? I always wanted to go to summer camp, sleepaway camp to be exact. My husband too. Whether it was financial restraints, or just not on our parents’ radar, sleepaway camp wasn’t part of the summer recipe. It’s not that I’m complaining. I was blessed with the perfect childhood summers. I spent weeks at the Jersey shore, time in Pennsylvania with grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins, all while spending my everyday summer time in my then hometown in Connecticut. Mornings were spent at swim lessons, followed by the library, and then long, hot, lazy afternoons at the pool. Capped by neighborhood nighttime fun of Kick-the-Can, Witch’s Hour, Spud . . . catching a few of the hundreds of fireflies . . . which later transformed themselves into a temporary lantern …

Are You & Your Kids Ready . . . Just in case??

Published by

As parents, we wonder (sometimes constantly) if our kids are ready.  Ready for kindergarten.  Ready to ride the bus.  Ready to be “dropped off” without mom.  With each new stage, comes new questions of “readiness.”  Sometimes we prepare them; and sometimes, they can suddenly prepare us.  Whether we’re ready or not. Be ready.  Be ready to be their leader, their source of information, their “at that moment” teacher of values.  Some things come quickly with these kids, especially in this rapidly developing world in which we live.  Be ready.  I can help.  I can help your kids too (and have them laugh along the way). Check out my books.  They’ve helped a lot of parents, caregivers, kids . . . to be ready . . . for so much.  For girls, I suggest a Just In Case pouch.  Yep.  A Pouch.  Just in case.  Read on, check out my books.  There’s that . . . and more . . . awaiting to help you and your middle graders be ready . . .

“You Don’t Need To Tell Me About The Birds & The Bees. I Downloaded It All From The Internet.”

Published by

  Study after study has shown that kids want to learn about “the birds & the bees” from their parents.   Grab the reins.  You can do it.  Be the source of information for them.  You’ll be glad you did.  Grab a hold of one of my books.  It will lead the way — and open up some good discussion too.  Check out my books (one for girls & one for boys), along with this latest review: Our kids are going to learn alot about themselves and this world from the world, and that’s not really a good place to start. I want my children to learn from me so much so that I homeschool them. Have you ever heard the quote, “I have seen the village and I don’t want them raising my child?” Well that is how my husband and I look at this world and all it has to offer. If you want them to know the truth about how things really are whether its the world they live in or the skin …

Parents: ON STRIKE

Published by

I’m a loving parent. And I’m going on strike. I’m striking against Lack of Appreciation. Otherwise known as Not Knowing How Good We Kids Have It. It’s not that I’m looking for a thank you (although who am I kidding, that would be nice) or increased pay or more days off (now THERE‘s a concept). I just want to lay a little low, and do remarkably less, so these wonderful, developing kids of mine appreciate what they have. It would look something like this: Instead of the plate of eggs, toast, fruit and juice awaiting the sauntering teen in the morning (what is it about the compulsiveness of us parents to fill ’em with the good stuff?), my teen would find me (quietly on strike), sipping her coffee, reading the paper. As I see him come in, I might say, “Could you pour me a little more coffee, while you’re up?” And he’d be on his own. On his own, at least (albeit in those wee early school morning hours), to find his own breakfast. …

The Attitude of Gratitude

Published by

We’re beyond the official season of Thanks and into the season of giving.  How do we keep the Attitude of Gratitude alive? Do you know that being grateful actually increases one’s happiness? Where does gratitude come from?  I’ve been watching and listening over the years.  I share with you now my simple and easy list of reminders to keep the attitude of gratitude alive . . . in us, and hopefully our kids too. Count Your Blessings.  Big, small.  Each and every day.  Tell your kids to think about at least one thing for which they are thankful each day.  Jotting it down has even more profound effects.  This little exercise can actually re-wire our brains to be happier and ultimately more productive. Thank someone for something each day.  Model it.  Lead your kids.  Whether it’s thanking the clerk at the store, someone who holds the door for you, or writing a thank you note or message, thank someone each day for something.  The possibilities are endless in a day if you open up your …

Do Your Kids Drink Enough Water?

Published by

As a young teen, I was greatly dehydrated and didn’t even know it.  Had a headache every day by 3:00. Every day.  Got worse as the day went on.  Had medical exams, even brain scans. Vitamin deficiency, they said. Looking back, those headaches came from a simple lack of fluid. I would rush out in the morning, and go most of the school day without drinking much. Sound familiar in your household? How much water and other hydrating liquids do your kids drink?  Probably not enough.  They fly out the door in the morning, may not have much time during the school day, and before we know it, the negative effects of dehydration can set in, be it headaches, lack of energy, body cramps.  Some schools, classrooms, and teachers have figured this out; and they encourage — even require — students to keep a water bottle close by.  It’s something worth a moment of consideration. Think about it.  And check this out:  http://www.examiner.com/article/the-importance-of-drinking-water-2 For other tips for your developing teens and pre-teens, check out my book. …