Great (and Cheap) Summer Activities for your Kids
Summer is here! And, around my house, it is pretty obvious. Over the years I have noticed that my kids always seem to get a condition during the first week of summer called "rulesdontapplya." Rulesdontapplya is a common ailment that hits kids of all ages right after school lets out. Maybe your kids get it too. You might see this ailment displayed in behaviors like eating popsicles for breakfast, wearing pajamas until 6:00 p.m. or by the noncompliance of standard household rules like wearing shoes outdoors or bathing. It usually takes a week for my kids to get this illness completely out of their systems. That’s why I typically do not schedule any activities for them the first week. I let them be lazy daisies. That way, by the second week of summer vacation, my kids are practically begging me to put them in summer school to combat their boredom. That’s when our real summer schedule begins.
There are so many things to do with kids in the summer to keep them busy without spending a lot of money. Start by scouring the local newspaper to find out the happenings in your local area. Although each area is different, there are some summer staples that are typically found throughout the country.
First of all, the library usually offers programs for preschoolers all the way up to teens. You can enroll in a summer reading program that rewards kids for reading books. Also, many libraries have weekly storytelling sessions that include arts and crafts. And, most of the activities are free to the public. Public libraries also offer classes for kids on things like babysitting, pet care, and learning special skills. Our library has weekly activities for kids as well like bingo, scavenger hunts, and puppet shows.
Next, check out some movie theater discounts. National Amusements offers a wonderful program called "Bookworm Wednesdays" throughout the summer. This program encourages young children to read by offering a free movie on Wednesdays for those kids who read a book and write a short book report about the book. Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a specific children’s film every Wednesday from June 27th to August 15th at 10:00 a.m. All they need to do is present the Official Bookworm Entry containing their book summary at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box offices. Children under six who accompany a participant are not required to do a book report. Adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie. To learn more about Bookworm Wednesdays, visit the National Amusements website.
Another great place to look for great summer activities is your local Parks and Recreation Department. Many sponsor free programs for children of all ages and families. For example, you can register for scheduled activities, art projects, nature hikes, environmental education and other various park happenings. For a nominal fee, you could also sign your kids up for youth athletics and other age-specific activities.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs provide fun and engaging ways for kids to learn about the Bible during the summer. Typically about a week long, kids attend either a morning or evening VBS, depending on the church. Not only do children have the opportunity to learn about the Bible and meet new friends, they also get to play games, participate in fun activities and make crafts. Always free for kids, it's also common for Vacation Bible Schools to have a theme each year. Activities, crafts and scripture lessons taught throughout the week all center on the chosen theme. My kids have attended as many as three different Vacation Bible Schools at different churches during the summer. They love it and always learn new things.
The bottom line is, you can keep your schedule full of free activities if you take some time to look around. So, make sure you beat the boredom blues by getting your kids involved in local programs that can keep them active physically as well as keeping their brains busy. Check out your local area newspapers and websites for free and nearly-free summer activities that will keep your children entertained, healthy and active without you going broke!
There are so many things to do with kids in the summer to keep them busy without spending a lot of money. Start by scouring the local newspaper to find out the happenings in your local area. Although each area is different, there are some summer staples that are typically found throughout the country.
First of all, the library usually offers programs for preschoolers all the way up to teens. You can enroll in a summer reading program that rewards kids for reading books. Also, many libraries have weekly storytelling sessions that include arts and crafts. And, most of the activities are free to the public. Public libraries also offer classes for kids on things like babysitting, pet care, and learning special skills. Our library has weekly activities for kids as well like bingo, scavenger hunts, and puppet shows.
Next, check out some movie theater discounts. National Amusements offers a wonderful program called "Bookworm Wednesdays" throughout the summer. This program encourages young children to read by offering a free movie on Wednesdays for those kids who read a book and write a short book report about the book. Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a specific children’s film every Wednesday from June 27th to August 15th at 10:00 a.m. All they need to do is present the Official Bookworm Entry containing their book summary at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box offices. Children under six who accompany a participant are not required to do a book report. Adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie. To learn more about Bookworm Wednesdays, visit the National Amusements website.
Another great place to look for great summer activities is your local Parks and Recreation Department. Many sponsor free programs for children of all ages and families. For example, you can register for scheduled activities, art projects, nature hikes, environmental education and other various park happenings. For a nominal fee, you could also sign your kids up for youth athletics and other age-specific activities.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs provide fun and engaging ways for kids to learn about the Bible during the summer. Typically about a week long, kids attend either a morning or evening VBS, depending on the church. Not only do children have the opportunity to learn about the Bible and meet new friends, they also get to play games, participate in fun activities and make crafts. Always free for kids, it's also common for Vacation Bible Schools to have a theme each year. Activities, crafts and scripture lessons taught throughout the week all center on the chosen theme. My kids have attended as many as three different Vacation Bible Schools at different churches during the summer. They love it and always learn new things.
The bottom line is, you can keep your schedule full of free activities if you take some time to look around. So, make sure you beat the boredom blues by getting your kids involved in local programs that can keep them active physically as well as keeping their brains busy. Check out your local area newspapers and websites for free and nearly-free summer activities that will keep your children entertained, healthy and active without you going broke!
Business Can Be Part-Time: Being A Mom Is Always Full-Time
Business Can Be Part-Time: Being A Mom Is Always Full-Time by: Cheri Alguire
Sometimes it might feel that your business is taking up all of your time. It can be very common to feel as though all you do is work on your business, answer calls, talk to clients and put out fires at the office. In fact, sometimes you may feel as if your family is being shoved to the background because you are too busy with work.
The thing that you need to remember, even when work gets crazy, is that business can be part time, but being a mom is always full time. Once you have children, you are a mom twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for fifty-two weeks of the year. You don’t get time off, you don’t get vacation, and you definitely don’t get sick days. Once you become a mom, you are always a mom, and that’s great! It just means that you need to reprioritize your life.
Depending on your business, you may have the flexibility to work part-time while your children are young, enjoying the best of both worlds. Some businesses allow working women the ability to care for their children, enjoying every moment that being a mother provides, while building a career and a future for that family.
Even if you don’t have the ability to work your business part time while your children are young, you need to remember that business can be part-time and being a mom is always full time. This will never be so apparent than if you get a phone call in the middle of an important meeting that your child is sick at school and you need to come and pick him up. Being a mom means never taking a day off, no matter what!
If you don’t feel like your current position or occupation allows you enough flexibility to spend ample time with your children, it doesn’t hurt to take a look around. They are numerous jobs that allow you to spend time with your children, take care of them when they are sick, and make enough money to maintain your household. Don’t ever feel that you are “stuck” in your current occupation because there are opportunities for everyone out there to make a life that is family-friendly and balanced. Your children are number one, and if your company doesn’t understand that, then you can find a company that does.
Jobsandmoms.com has job postings, books, and other resources that can help you find a desirable, flexible position that works with you and your children.
Need a little inspiration? Check out Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs: How Eleven Women Escaped Poverty and Became Their Own Bosses by Martha Shirk and Anna S. Wadia (available at www.GreatBooksandAudioBooks.com). Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs tells the inspirational stories of eleven low-income women who have marshaled the creative energy, confidence, and capital necessary to start their own small businesses. These women, who have used their entrepreneurial skills as a route out of poverty, give an American face to an economic empowerment tool that has enjoyed great success in developing countries. By becoming their own bosses, they not only provide for their children but also inspire them.
Real Estate, Business and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals and Small Business Owners to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri specializes in Group Coaching for Small Business Owners, Working Mothers, Real Estate Agents and Managers. Learn more at www.NextLevelServices.net.
Sometimes it might feel that your business is taking up all of your time. It can be very common to feel as though all you do is work on your business, answer calls, talk to clients and put out fires at the office. In fact, sometimes you may feel as if your family is being shoved to the background because you are too busy with work.
The thing that you need to remember, even when work gets crazy, is that business can be part time, but being a mom is always full time. Once you have children, you are a mom twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for fifty-two weeks of the year. You don’t get time off, you don’t get vacation, and you definitely don’t get sick days. Once you become a mom, you are always a mom, and that’s great! It just means that you need to reprioritize your life.
Depending on your business, you may have the flexibility to work part-time while your children are young, enjoying the best of both worlds. Some businesses allow working women the ability to care for their children, enjoying every moment that being a mother provides, while building a career and a future for that family.
Even if you don’t have the ability to work your business part time while your children are young, you need to remember that business can be part-time and being a mom is always full time. This will never be so apparent than if you get a phone call in the middle of an important meeting that your child is sick at school and you need to come and pick him up. Being a mom means never taking a day off, no matter what!
If you don’t feel like your current position or occupation allows you enough flexibility to spend ample time with your children, it doesn’t hurt to take a look around. They are numerous jobs that allow you to spend time with your children, take care of them when they are sick, and make enough money to maintain your household. Don’t ever feel that you are “stuck” in your current occupation because there are opportunities for everyone out there to make a life that is family-friendly and balanced. Your children are number one, and if your company doesn’t understand that, then you can find a company that does.
Jobsandmoms.com has job postings, books, and other resources that can help you find a desirable, flexible position that works with you and your children.
Need a little inspiration? Check out Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs: How Eleven Women Escaped Poverty and Became Their Own Bosses by Martha Shirk and Anna S. Wadia (available at www.GreatBooksandAudioBooks.com). Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs tells the inspirational stories of eleven low-income women who have marshaled the creative energy, confidence, and capital necessary to start their own small businesses. These women, who have used their entrepreneurial skills as a route out of poverty, give an American face to an economic empowerment tool that has enjoyed great success in developing countries. By becoming their own bosses, they not only provide for their children but also inspire them.
Real Estate, Business and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals and Small Business Owners to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri specializes in Group Coaching for Small Business Owners, Working Mothers, Real Estate Agents and Managers. Learn more at www.NextLevelServices.net.
5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children
5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children by: Michael Atma
Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here's how to help your child manage their emotions.
We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world--school, friends, peer pressure--but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events.
In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent's job loss but there are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.
As a parent, you can become attuned to what's a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better.
Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms
1. Tune in to their moods. Pay attention to your child's behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem. Ask questions like "How are you feeling?" "What's happening at school?" or "How are things with your friends?"
When you show concern for their problems and issues, it's reassuring to them and they'll be more responsive to that attention.
2. Watch the same shows they do. If you have younger children, you certainly don't want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children's minds are like sponges in they absorb almost everything they see or hear.
They are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.
It's important to discuss with them what they've seen. You can't tell them that it's never going to happen to them but you can say,"We're going to do everything we can to protect you". It's also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Focus on the positive.
There is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count their blessings. Comfort and reassure them by saying, "We're strong and we're going to make it." "And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines.
For many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives. What can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.
4. Lead by example.
Children often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don't tell your child that you're about to be laid off from your job or that you're worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress.
They may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice,which gives them the message that something's going on that may affect them too.
That's why it's so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you're under pressure, your little one may internalize that as a coping method.
Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel without blaming, or taking a walk.
5. Instill confidence.
When children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defense and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let them champion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own.
One of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child's temperament, maturity and the situation.
For example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, but a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention.
Still, always make sure your child knows you've got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own first,but if you need help,let me know and I'll be there."
To Your Great Life and Health...
Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here's how to help your child manage their emotions.
We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world--school, friends, peer pressure--but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events.
In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent's job loss but there are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.
As a parent, you can become attuned to what's a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better.
Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms
1. Tune in to their moods. Pay attention to your child's behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem. Ask questions like "How are you feeling?" "What's happening at school?" or "How are things with your friends?"
When you show concern for their problems and issues, it's reassuring to them and they'll be more responsive to that attention.
2. Watch the same shows they do. If you have younger children, you certainly don't want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children's minds are like sponges in they absorb almost everything they see or hear.
They are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.
It's important to discuss with them what they've seen. You can't tell them that it's never going to happen to them but you can say,"We're going to do everything we can to protect you". It's also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Focus on the positive.
There is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count their blessings. Comfort and reassure them by saying, "We're strong and we're going to make it." "And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines.
For many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives. What can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.
4. Lead by example.
Children often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don't tell your child that you're about to be laid off from your job or that you're worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress.
They may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice,which gives them the message that something's going on that may affect them too.
That's why it's so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you're under pressure, your little one may internalize that as a coping method.
Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel without blaming, or taking a walk.
5. Instill confidence.
When children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defense and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let them champion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own.
One of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child's temperament, maturity and the situation.
For example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, but a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention.
Still, always make sure your child knows you've got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own first,but if you need help,let me know and I'll be there."
To Your Great Life and Health...
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