Wouldn’t we all like to make our kids’ lives magically full of friends and free of stress? Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for making the transition to a new school totally stress-free. But there are things we can do to help kids cope for child education. Teaching them how to make friends can really help children adjust to a new place. Here are some strategies for helping your kids in a new school.

1. Meet the teacher ahead of time

If it’s practical, arrange a meeting with your child’s new teacher before the first day of class. Most teachers are glad to do this, and if your child sees a familiar person in his teacher, he will feel more relaxed. See if the prospective teacher will meet you both for lunch, or come to your home for a meal. More than one meeting is even better.

2. Visit the school before class begins

Take a tour of the school to get familiar with the layout and possibly meet some of the students. If it’s summer, there may be an official orientation for new students; but it’s better to go as a family or with a parent in a no-pressure visit. Your child will feel a lot less overwhelmed if she knows where her locker, the bathroom, and her classroom are going to be.

3. Keep lines of communication open

Your child needs to feel safe in discussing social problems and joys with you. If you and your child never talk about such things, you may think everything is just fine when it is not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and let your child know you are asking because you want to help.

4. Teach basic social skills

It’s easy to take these skills for granted, but your child may not know these things - especially if you have never gone over them. Teach him to look people in the eye, to shake hands, to answer when spoken to, and to introduce himself. Also teach specifics about being a good listener, such as not interrupting and making eye contact while another is speaking. These are skills that will serve your child well in school and in the future.

You can arrange play dates and meetings to teach these things, and take advantage of ones that happen along the way, such as the grocery checkout clerk or the mailman. Keep it relaxed and easy, even game-like at times, because high-pressure situations forced on your child will only make him more anxious.

5. Encourage some group activities

There’s no need to overwhelm your child with a dozen extracurricular activities. But finding something your child can do with others can help socialization. Find out what groups are available at your child’s school - it does not have to be a sport, or a large, organized group (although those are fine). Find something that suits your child’s personality and needs.

Teach and practise socialization, talk to your child about how she’s doing, and the transition to a new school will be more a time of excitement than one of stress.

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Our dogs bring lots of joy to our lives. Naturally, we want to do what’s best for them in every situation. But when we take trips during the holidays, it can be difficult to decide just what the best thing for pets for kids is.

Many pet owners would like to take their dogs with them wherever they go. But when traveling, that’s not always an option. Some dogs get carsick or can’t handle the stress of traveling long distances. And the people the owner is visiting may be allergic to dogs or rent a house or apartment that doesn’t allow them. In such situations, it may be necessary to leave them in someone else’s care.

Kennels have traditionally been one of the few options that pet owners who were traveling had for pet care. But many of them have poor reputations. Even kennels that are very clean and tend to pets’ basic needs may not provide the human interaction that dogs need. Luckily, today’s options are much better.

The modern version of a kennel is known as a pet hotel. These facilities often provide dogs with their own rooms, complete with comfy beds and music or television to provide a more homelike atmosphere. Workers may walk each dog several times a day, or there might be supervised play with other dogs. Some dog hotels even offer services such as grooming.

Another possibility is hiring a pet sitter. This is usually more expensive than a dog hotel, but it also provides more individualized care for your four-legged friend. A sitter usually watches no more than a few dogs at a time and has the time to play and cuddle with them. You can also hire some pet sitters to simply go to your home a few times a day and check on your dog, providing food, water and walks. This option is generally much cheaper than full-time care.

Making Sure the Caregivers Are Qualified

When choosing a dog hotel, it’s best to visit the facility before making reservations. Drop by unannounced to see what the conditions are like when they’re not expecting potential customers. Pay attention to the demeanor of the animals there. Do they appear happy for the most part, or do most of them seem distressed? Do the caregivers have a good attitude? Ask for references to find out what other pet owners think of the place.

If considering leaving your dog with a sitter, visit his or her home. Is it clean, and does it appear to be a safe environment for your dog? Whether you’re leaving your pet with the sitter or having him or her come to your house, ask for references and documentation of insurance, bonding, and any applicable training. Have the sitter interact with your pet, and see how they react to one another. If the chemistry is good and everything else checks out, things will probably work out just fine.

Dog owners are hesitant to leave their beloved canines with just anyone, and rightfully so. But when traveling, leaving them with a qualified dog hotel or sitter may be your only option. If you take the time to select a qualified and trustworthy caregiver, you can go on your trip assured that your pet is in good hands.

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Every adult gets angry sometimes. It’s a fact of life. Sometimes we’re just in a bad mood and something that’s not really a big deal sets us off. Other times, our anger is completely justifiable. Some of us have a short fuse, while others rarely lose their temper.

Children aren’t immune to anger, either. Anger is, after all, a completely natural emotion especially for child development. Our job as parents is not to prevent our children from ever getting angry. In order to do that, we would have to cater to their every whim, and that would be doing them a disservice. Our job is to teach them how to properly manage their anger. Here are five ways we can do that.

1. Set a good example. When you find yourself getting angry, strive to handle your emotions in an appropriate manner. Yelling, screaming and getting violent aren’t things we want our children to do when they get mad, so it’s important that we don’t do them, either. Calm yourself down in a way that you would want your child to calm down when angry, and he will usually emulate your actions.

2. Talk to your child about his feelings. When you see that he is angry, ask him to explain why. Sometimes it might be such a silly reason that by the time he gets done explaining it, he will realize that there’s nothing to be angry about. If he does feel that he has a right to be angry, talking it out will help him calm down and find a solution to the problem.

3. Encourage your child to let his anger out in an acceptable manner. When we’re really mad, sometimes we just need to release some of that negative energy before we can move on. Your child could hit a pillow, run laps around the house, or pound on some Play Doh for a while.

4. For children who are old enough to write, a journal can be helpful. When they get mad, they can write about their feelings. Once they’re down on paper, it’s easier to work them out rationally and let them go.

5. Sing with your child. Singing might be the last thing he wants to do when he’s angry, but it can help diffuse the rage. Help him make up a song about being angry, and have him sing it when he’s upset. This provides an appropriate outlet for his feelings and lightens the mood a bit so that you can effectively work out the problem.

Seeing our children angry can be difficult. But it’s important not to give in just to calm them down. Teaching them how to deal with anger will serve them much better in the long run.

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When going on a trip for the holidays, pets for kids owners must decide what to do with their beloved animals. Kennels will take in cats and dogs, but many pet owners are concerned about how well their pets will get along with other animals while they’re there. You could hire a pet sitter, but that can be rather expensive. Have you considered taking your pet along with you?

Animal lovers often assume that taking their pets on a car trip will be too much trouble. They could get carsick, or they could make a mess in the vehicle. And once they get to the destination, there’s always a chance that they could be confused or intimidated by their new surroundings and run away. But if you prepare your pet properly, he can have a happy and incident-free trip with you. Here are some tips:

* Don’t make a long car trip your pet’s first experience in a car. Start taking him on short trips several weeks before you plan to go out of town. This will get him accustomed to riding and alert you to any potential problems while you’re still close to home.

* Reward good behavior in the car. Keep some treats handy when going on those short car trips, and if your pet behaves well, give him one. This will reinforce the good behavior, and he will repeat it.

* Keep your pets in carriers when traveling, and buckle them in. This will provide the best possible protection for your pet in the event of an accident. It will also prevent the carrier from striking and injuring you.

* Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding schedule while traveling. Long car rides are stressful for animals, and hunger makes things that much worse.

* Stop and let your pet relieve himself regularly. If you don’t, there’s a good chance that he will do it in the car. Even pets that never do their business in the house could slip up during a long car ride.

* Make certain that you bring a leash along. This will be necessary when stopping for bathroom breaks and walks, as well as when you get to your destination. If you keep your pet on a leash when outdoors, there is very little chance of him running away or being stolen.

* Put a collar on your pet with a tag that includes your phone number, just in case he does get lost. This is good practice at all times, but it’s especially important when traveling.

If you don’t like the idea of leaving your pet with someone else, take him with you. With a little preparation, most pets travel well. And wouldn’t you prefer to have your best friend with you while visiting your loved ones?

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A significant part of preparing your home for a foster child care is preparing yourself. A prospective foster parent must prepare his or her heart to deal with the sacrifice, the pain (sometimes foster children have truly tragic stories), and the joy.

It’s also important to see to it that the child is comfortable in his or her new foster home. Of course, if you are prepared mentally and emotionally, that adds greatly to the child’s comfort. There are some practical things, too, that you can do to make the foster home a place of refuge and love.

* Know your state’s requirements

Much of the physical aspects of your home - types of toys, sleeping accommodations, etc. - are determined by the state. An inspector or case worker will come to your home and determine whether it is suitable for a foster child, looking for proper safety measures (such as smoke alarms), number of bedrooms (some states require a separate bedroom for each foster child), etc. It will make the process go a lot more smoothly if you find out your state’s requirements ahead of time.

* A welcoming home

Besides state regulations, you probably want your home to project a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. Try to keep the household quiet on the day of the foster child’s arrival. Let your children know they will need to be quiet and calm, but not stifled. Make sure the house is free of clutter which can be overwhelming to a child who is already feeling traumatized. If you have pets, especially big dogs, put them outside or in a separate room at first.

* Put valuables away

Keep any “tempting” items, such as jewelry, electronics, or other valuables out of sight. As you adjust to this new child and discover his strengths and weaknesses, you will learn where you can relax the rules and where you need to tighten them up.

* The child’s own space

Remember that a foster child is going through something traumatic, and may have known little but trauma for most of her life. She will need a space of her own where she can go to process her thoughts and feelings when she feels overwhelmed. Prepare this special space, most likely a bedroom, by making it welcoming and peaceful - a comfortable chair, a neatly made bed, some books, and maybe some stuffed animals. Quiet, soft toys are a good place to start.

* Preparing your other children

Of course there will be a period of adjustment, and some bumps along the road are to be expected. To prevent any big set-backs, though, it is a good idea to prepare your children for the foster child. Let them know how things are going to be different, and why you are taking a foster child in to your home.

The whole family can participate to make the fostering experience a joyful and rewarding one for everyone involved.

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Pets for kids feel the stress of change, too, and the upheaval of a move can be hard on animals. If your move involves an airline flight, then you will need to take more comfort measures to assure your pet makes the transition well. Here are some ideas and tips to soothe your pet in the midst of house moving.

Visit the new house ahead of time

This is not always possible, especially if the house is very far away. If it is possible, however, it’s a good idea to take some treats along to make the experience positive and let your pet check out the new house. Try to get your scent and the pet’s wherever you can. Humans can’t discern these smells, but your pet will, and when you arrive ready to move in, it will have some smells that are familiar to your pet.

Flying on an airplane

Check with various airlines and find out if your pet qualifies to ride in the cabin with you, under the seat. This costs an extra fee, but is well worth it to avoid having your pet travel in the cargo bay. If your pet does need to travel as cargo, make the sure kennel is strong and escape-proof, and has a spill-proof container for water. Put in a favorite toy or blanket that smells of you and your house. For dogs, include something to chew; for cats, include a toy with catnip.

The kennel

Several weeks ahead of time, purchase the kennel or carrier, or set up the one you already own, and leave it open for several weeks in your old home before you move. Your pet can come and go and get familiar with the kennel. Keep toys and water in there, and when it’s time to go, nothing will change inside the kennel.

When you arrive at your new home, don’t put the kennel away yet. When moving in boxes is finished and the new house door is closed, open the kennel or carrier and let the pet decide when it will come out. Leave the kennel out and open the way you did in your old house for a week or two, so your pet will have a familiar place to which it can retreat as it gets used to the new house.

Introduce the new outdoors gradually

Dogs, of course, should not be allowed to run loose even in a familiar neighborhood; but letting them run loose in an unfamiliar place can be disastrous. If there is a fence, check it carefully for holes or other escape routes. If you tie your dog out, don’t leave him outside unsupervised for the first few days.

Cats should not be allowed outside at all for several days. On the first venture out, take the cat out in its carrier and take it around the perimeter of the property, getting the cat familiar with the scents and sites of its new territory.

Car ride

Some animals, especially cats, can get very anxious in the car. There are various anti-stress remedies on the market. Your vet may prescribe a sedative, or you can check at your local health food store for natural remedies.

Keep calm

Animals sense your tension. Lots of gentle touching, stroking, and soothing, upbeat talk will go a long way in relieving your pet’s stress.

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Foster parenting requires willingness to sacrifice and a genuine love for abused and neglected children. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, bear in mind that it is a big commitment to child development but one with great rewards as well. This article discusses some of the important aspects of foster parenting, and addresses some of the questions commonly asked by prospective foster parents.

What does it mean to foster children?

Fostering is not the same as adoption. When you foster a child, it is understood from the beginning that your home is a temporary refuge while the child’s biological parents try to straighten out their lives and become responsible parents. Foster parents are in the unique position of giving love and attention to a child as if that child were their own, but need to be able to give that child up to a permanent home when the time comes. That can be a difficult sacrifice to make.

What kinds/ages of children are fostered?

Foster children range in age from newborn to 17 years of age, and encompass all genders, races, and backgrounds. Thus, there is quite a variety in the sorts of children foster parents can have in their home, although most foster parents specify what sort of child they feel most able to foster.

How long does a child stay with the foster parents?

This is quite variable, and depends a great deal on the state of the biological parents. There are cases of children being fostered for only a few weeks, during which time the child’s biological parents get their lives in order so as to be fit parents. Other times, a foster parent may have a child for years and may even adopt that child. Generally, a foster parent reserves the right to have a child removed for any reason, or to refuse to accept a child for any reason.

How is the existing family affected?

The whole family is involved in creating a “foster family” - thus, everyone needs to be committed to the fostering process. If there are any family members who are not on board with the concept of welcoming children into the home and caring for them, then it would not be a good idea to try to become a foster family. The existing family, after all, will be asked to share space and toys and time, and children will need to share their parents’ time.

There can be no doubt that foster parenting requires sacrifice and dedication. But like so many things of that nature, the rewards are great and so is the joy. Parenting, after all, is not about what we get out of it; it is what we give to it that makes it rewarding.

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The Petco Trupanion Pet Insurance offers protection for your beloved pets in case of accident or illness. With vet bills soaring, it offers you the peace of mind that pets for kids are in good hands should treatment be necessary.

Trupanion offers a higher payout than other pet insurance providers as it covers 90% of your veterinarian’s bill. The company also approves and pays claims faster than other competitors and won’t charge you any penalties. The insurance premiums won’t rise as your pet gets older.

Trupanion benefits from the Seal of Acceptance from the American Animal Hospital Association.

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Are you thinking of buying a guinea pig for your children? The Petco Guinea Pig Starter Kit includes everything you need to give your new pets for kids a good home.

It contains:
* 2-story home with a solid-surface balcony
* 2 lb guinea pig diet food
* Treat bar
* 16oz timothy hay (a staple food for guinea pigs)
* 5 liter bedding
* 16oz water bottle and wire hanger
* Dishwasher-safe food dish

The cage assembles very easily by snapping together, no tools are required. The wire on the cage is washable, chew-proof as well as stain and rust-resistant. The plastic base is quite deep and therefore reduces the amount of mess in your home.

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You’ve been hoping to put it off a little while longer, but your children finally wear down your defenses against pets for kids. You agree to get a dog. But which dog breeds would make great family pets and which will you choose? The answer to those questions may not be as difficult as you imagine.

Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.

Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?

More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.

One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.

Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.

Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.

For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.

There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.

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Families who are considering home child education, or homeschooling, for their children want to know what is needed to home educate successfully. You may be surprised to know that home education success is often more than educational. The following are some things a home educating family will need to succeed.

* Commitment of the whole family – One thing that that will help you to home educate successfully is a commitment to do so by the entire family. This means that both parents must agree that homeschooling is the right choice for their children. The children must be willing to be homeschooled and commit to do their best. Without this commitment, homeschooling will be stressful and will be seen more as an experiment which can be discarded rather than a change in the family’s dynamics.

* A good sense of humor – Home education requires the parent doing most of the teaching to have a good sense of humor. There are days when being able to laugh will be what gets you through. You’ll also want to try to make learning enjoyable and using humor is one way to do that. There will be times when you have to be serious, but allowing the children (and you as the teacher) to have fun during the learning process will make your day go smoother and quicker.

* A good relationship with your children – Parents who are having struggles with their children may not want to homeschool. It’s not that they can’t be effective in teaching their children, but their children may not want to spend most of their time with their parents. Having a good relationship with your children will enable you to bond closer together and overcome any obstacles you may face.

* Patience with your child and yourself – Many families choose to begin homeschooling from the beginning of their child’s education. It is so much easier then because children are like little sponges that soak up new skills and knowledge. As they get older, however, home educating may require more patience with your child and yourself. You may both get frustrated after a long day of schoolwork, but have patience; you can and will get through the tough days.

* Curriculum and course materials – Of course, if you’re teaching your child at home, you’ll need some type of curriculum or course materials. There are many homeschool curriculum choices available. Talk with other homeschool families to see what curriculum they use.

Make plans to attend homeschool curriculum fairs which are normally held at the end of school year. This allows you to physically look at the curriculum to see if it meets your family’s needs. You can also search online through auction websites to purchase a used curriculum and find websites for curriculum producers. Be sure to get a variety of catalogs to help you make your curriculum choices.

You may be under the impression that home education success depends strictly upon the curriculum or textbooks you use. Surprisingly, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the curriculum you use with your children is important, but if you don’t think you can spend the amount of time it takes to homeschool with your child day in and day out, homeschooling may not be the best choice for you.

If you really want to know what is needed to home educate successfully, look to your family’s commitment, sense of humor, and your relationship with your children to help you decide if this education method is best for you.

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It’s a common complaint of many families these days. Everyone is involved in so many children activities that it’s hard to come together and enjoy time as a family. Consider some of these ideas on how to enjoy a fun family night in instead of everyone going their separate ways.

Scientifically it has been proven that families who eat meals together are more emotionally connected and more stable. And since everyone has to eat, why not start your fun family night in by cooking a meal together?

Family meals don’t have to be elaborate or tedious to prepare. They can be as simple as cooking hamburgers, having chips, and drinks. Of course, you may want to prepare something that will get everyone involved in the cooking process. Someone can cut up vegetables, someone else be in charge of cooking the dessert, and another person in charge of the main meal. Have everyone pitch in and the work will be completed quicker. You can also use the time to reconnect and talk about what’s happened in each person’s life since your last family fun night.

Once the meal is complete, take time to set a nice table and eat there rather than in front of the television. You can make clean-up a breeze by using disposable plates and napkins if you like, but you can also make the dinner seem more special by using nice place settings which are normally reserved for holidays.

After you’ve eaten dinner and cleaned up the dishes, continue your family night by playing board games. Have everyone choose one of their favorite games and then decide together which one you’ll play first. Games are meant to be fun and relaxing, so try to avoid becoming too competitive if that’s your personality. Depending upon the game you’ve chosen, you may be able to play more than one game; and don’t forget to play games even the little children of the family can enjoy.

If games aren’t your favorite things, you can also plan a movie night. Find a movie everyone will like, or at least tolerate, and pop some popcorn. Comedies are usually a good choice even though people have different senses of humor. Unless the humor is extremely dry, everyone in the family should at least get a chuckle out of the movie.

Pull out the family albums and take a stroll down memory lane. Remember the way the children were when they were young. Everyone loves to look at pictures of or hear stories about themselves even if they can be slightly embarrassing. Talk about some of the things your children did as babies or toddlers that you found so endearing.

No matter how busy your family may get, it’s vital to take time to reconnect as a family. You can use some of these ideas on how to enjoy a fun family night in or you can come up with some of your own. The important thing is to do something everyone, no matter what their age, will be able to enjoy and look forward to.

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The Parents’ Guide to Successful Homeschooling is a child education resource that provides parents with the support and information needed to become successful homeschoolers. It covers topics that every homeschooling parent will be interested in.

The book features:

* Things you need to consider before homeschooling your child
* Important actions to take to make sure you have the correct information for homeschooling in your own state and know the law
* How to make sure your school district will approve your homeschooling proposal
* What is expected from you as a teacher
* What a school committee looks at before accepting your proposal
* How to create lesson plans
* How to pick subjects the school committee will approve of
* How to make homeschooling fun
* Where to find homeschooling resources and information
* And lots more

In his book, the author gives you the straight talking on what you need to know before embarking on homeschooling your children. Which laws to abide by and on how to deal with your local school district. You don’t need to be a qualified teacher or have a degree but you need to have enthusiasm, be informed, find the right support and want the best possible education for your children.

This book comes as a Kindle version and the file size is 58KB.

For more information, go to www.amazon.com.

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Give your kids with some healthy doses of seafood nutrients with this recipe for kids: Valentine’s Day Smoked Oysters and Bacon Appetizer

Ingredients:
2 cups smoked oysters
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp garlic, minced
½ lb bacon strips, cut in thirds
Toothpicks

Instructions:
Wrap bacon slice around an oyster and place toothpick through to hold it together.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add garlic. Then fry bacon wrapped oysters until the bacon is nice and crisp. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towel to drain.

A great appetizer for your Valentine’s Day Party.

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To home pets for kids is serious business, the animal whether a dog or any other animal becomes a family member and the right animal care knowledge for kids is very essential. This article gives a broad overview of the basic considerations and care that need to be taken for dogs.

Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog.

Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced:
• Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal’s blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression.
• Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal.
• Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding.
• Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems.
• Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag.
• It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty.
• You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month – check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots.

Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids.

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In order to use the computer you need to know how to type, efficient typing or touch typing, you still need to learn how to type. Learn to type for kids in the virtual world is an article that covers the child education, you will need to know how to type or you will be lost, reduced to fumbling around.

There are many good sites that will teach you how to type successfully. When using virtual worlds to socialize, play, shop and chat you need to call upon your typing skills. A good way of learn to type for kids in the virtual world is to practice your skills. It is recommended that you log on to sites and practice because typing is an acquired skill that is developed over time and through constant practice.

You will find sites that focus on the right use of the fingers on the keyboard, provide extra practice for weak keys and non repetitive lessons to keep you motivated. Some of the sites even have games that allow you to take a break from your typing lessons. Some of the best sites provide training for the right positioning of the keys on the keyboard and the right way to type, as well as practice sessions to use the letters. You can track your own progress through the data that is recorded and strive for continued improvement. The text passages provided in the practice mode help you maintain your speed and improve typing skills.

Learn to type for kids in the virtual world is a good option for the dyslexic student, who fares better because much of the communication is done through typing. In virtual worlds the typing is done in real time and you can see the mistakes you make and learn the right spellings form what is produced on screen by others. Moreover, text logs provide the opportunity for the student to revise what was done, understand at their own pace and make corrections.

There is a very good site called Wiglington and Wenks that allows you to make use of your typing potential to the full through games that are education oriented. These games will help to develop a child’s IQ and social skills, educate about animals, the environment, geography, history, culture and much more. Children learn to develop their typing skills as they move through the site playing games and learning.

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In an age of highly advance computer technology and the World Wide Web at our disposal, using virtual worlds for kids that focus on child education is a good way to get children interested in learning. It is recommended that you read this article to learn more about these virtual worlds of learning to enhance your child’s educational development.

Research has shown that children who actively use virtual worlds for learning, not only benefit in terms of education but also learn to be technologically smart and the art of socializing. The educational value from using virtual worlds for kids that focus on education can be quantified in terms of engaging a child’s mind in study and the ethical values that a child learns from playing games that require ethical decision making skills.

One of the better virtual world kids’ sites is the Wiglington and Wenks site that allows a child travel to over one hundred factual places around the globe; travelling through time and space, you will meet many famous people, plays loads of enriching and fun games, party with new friends, buy island and build houses, explore many secret places and solve mysteries and puzzles. What could be more inspiring or fun? A safe site that allows children to learn about history and geography and so much more, giving the player fun filled hours of exploration and discovery.

Virtual worlds replicate all of the bullying and racism found in the real world to help educate your child on the realities of life. Parents are advised to take an active approach with their children in these virtual worlds. Going into the virtual world with your child will give you a better understanding of the level of education the child receives from playing these games.

Educational virtual worlds are a combination of different learning activities, imagination and plenty of fun for your child and the adult too. Virtual worlds offer children a range of activities that include puzzle solving, action games, contests, fascinating facts and a host of learning activities, all combined to make learning fun. There are various educational elements of math, history, geography and English woven into the fabric of the games, so children learn while they play.

These virtual worlds offer the opportunity of earning virtual money as various activities are completed. The money can then be used to buy different items like homes or pets. The really good part about virtual worlds for kids that focus on education is parents can also register an account and link it to the child’s account. In this way parents can control the child’s play and chat safety features.

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As the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you may want to consider allowing your child to play preschool games for kids on the internet. This is a great way to make learning fun and capture the child’s imagination, making him or her more receptive to being educated. There are many sites that provide excellent preschool educational games that your child can play at home.

This article about preschool games on the internet was written based on research of some of the sites and one very good site we came across was Wiglington and Wenks, a truly massive virtual world for kids. A child can virtually travel through time and space, around the world, meeting famous people, playing fun filled games, exploring secret places and making new friends. There’s a lot more activities that the child can undertake on this site, virtual learning made easy – learn history, geography, animals, inventions and so much more.

Parents need to beware that Preschool games on the internet are in abundant supply but not all of them deliver on their promises. Your goal is to find safe sites that your little one can play on and learn from. You need to research the sites carefully first before you allow your child to go exploring.

Capturing and holding a child’s attention for a reasonable period of time can be a difficult task simply because children get easily bored. To hold your child’s attention you can select from online games, preschool math games, counting games and several other different kinds of kids game activities online. Most of these games can be downloaded free of cost or at the most a registration fee for the really good sites. The purpose behind online games is to impart simple counting skills, coordination skills, learning the alphabet and numbers, word recognition, basic reading skills, reasoning skills and motor skills all through a fun filled educational program.

When you select good preschool games for your child you are in effect seeking to help them increase their abilities to observe and learn, play and understand, increase agility and reasoning skills and so much more. Children are quick learners in their early years and you can make use of this ability to the full, encouraging your child’s educational development before the actual schooling begins.

A child that has the basic educational knowledge will be more confident in going to school for the first time. Preschool games on the internet are well worth the time invested in educating your child.

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Healthy friendly recipes for kids are the need of the hour as more children across the globe tend towards obesity, stemming from poor eating habits and inactivity.

You can give your kids what they like to eat, yummy foods that are delicious and healthy. Teaching a child to eat healthy from the start will avoid a lot of problems later on as the child grows. Overweight children tend to have medical issues involving the heart and blood pressure and then there is the psychological factor as well, overweight children get bullied and mocked. You can prevent all of this as a parent by making sure your child eats the right kinds of nutritious food and leads an active life.

Parents can develop healthy eating patterns in children by being innovative and making use of some very healthy kid friendly recipes that use vegetables and proteins in combinations that provide for lower calorie, vitamin and mineral rich foods will teach a child to eat right and enjoy it. Whole grains are full of proteins but need to be served up as appealing fare to get children to eat the food and calcium rich foods are a must for the child’s bone development.

Busy work schedules and microwavable food have seriously affected the growing child’s overall growth and development, because bad eating habits make for nutrition less food. Parents tend to think that as the child grows these deficiencies can be made up for but that it is absolutely the wrong thinking. Right nutrition goes a very long way in making for a healthy child and the positive effects carry on into adulthood, helping defend against medical illnesses.

Children who are raised on nutritious foods adapt quickly to the food and don’t have any problem with eating it, but it is important to start them off right from the word go. Potato crisps are yummy but not nutritious, while fruit is tasty and good for a child. While it is true that it is far easier to whiz through the market picking up snacks and other munchies, it is well worth the time invested in shopping for healthy fruits and vegetables. Buy more fish, which is full of omega 3 fatty acids that are excellent for the body. Always check the child’s food pyramid for your food options and try as far as possible to stick to it.

Make sure your healthy kid friendly recipes include generous helpings of the daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals. You can get the vitamins and minerals chart to help you closely adhere to the necessary daily intake and make sure the food groups you buy cover all of them. Children who eat healthy, nutritious food seldom need vitamin supplements. Your pediatrician can help you make informed decisions about the food you give your child. Calcium, iron, zinc and fluoride, and vitamins A, C, D and K should be included in healthy does in the foods you feed your child.

There are several good books that you can buy, which provide healthy kid friendly recipes to help feed your child favorite foods that are healthy alternatives to high calorie diets.

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Maintaining a balanced healthy diet for kids is of paramount importance in today’s world of overabundance of fast food, television and computers. There is a serious problem of obesity in children the world over, as more children give up active outdoor activities to sit in front to televisions and computers. The easy availability of fast food, soft drinks and microwave meals does not help either. The backlash from obesity comes in the form of medical and psychological hazards that are putting our children at risk!

As parents we have a responsibility towards maintaining a balanced healthy diet for kids to help prevent childhood obesity. To do this the parent needs to ensure that the child consumes foods that will provide nutrition and help maintain a healthy weight. Beverages can also greatly increase calorie intake, so it is best to try to limit the amount of soft drinks consumed and promote water as a healthier alternative.

Parents are encouraged to find new and interesting recipes and to make foods that provide nutrition and the right amount of calories as attractive and appealing as possible. Some of the healthy foods on the food pyramid include: fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry, beans and lentils. You can reduce portion sizes so that they are reasonable instead of unlimited, and pour out water for your family as an alternative to unhealthy soft drinks. The consumption of refined sugar and saturated fats should be controlled.
Parents will need to bring all of their ingenuity into play to find ways to promote a balanced healthy diet for kids, which is both nutritious and attractive. A heap of greens on a plate is far from appealing and of course your kid is not going to want to eat it! The internet is filled with recipes for new ideas to make dishes more nutritious and balanced with vegetables and even fruits. A macaroni and cheese diet is easy to throw together and will fill your child up but will it provide the nutrition needed?

Team up with the mother’s in your child’s play group to trade ideas on how to get children to eat the food that is good for them, trade recipes and plan play activities. What you need to be aware of is that simply eating right is not enough; your child needs an active lifestyle as well. You can also balance diet by ensuring that the appropriate amount of physical activity is engaged in to strengthen bones, reduce blood pressure and stress and help with weight management.

You have to be firm and remove all those calorie rich temptations from your fridge. If children see ice cream and chocolate and all those yummy things every time they stick their heads in the fridge, how much resistance do you think there will be to the temptation to gorge? A very good idea for a dessert is yoghurt filled with fruit; peaches, berries, mango in yoghurt make for a naturally sweet dessert that is really enjoyable.

Ensuring a balanced healthy diet for kids is every parent’s responsibility and one that needs to be taken very seriously.

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Employees continue annual charitable tradition at Santa Monica facility

Canyon Capital Realty Advisors (CCRA) helped kick off this year’s holiday season for children activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica. On Wednesday, December 9, more than 125 children gathered at the Boys & Girls Club for a pizza and cupcake party, where CCRA employees distributed pairs of TOM’s tennis shoes to all party guests. At the end of the evening, CCRA Managing Partner Bobby Turner also presented a check totaling $30,505, which represented the generous donations of CCRA employees, business associates and friends.
The non-profit Boys & Girls Club, founded in Santa Monica more than 60 years ago, strives to enable all young people, especially those with the greatest needs, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs in Santa Monica are offered at two branch locations, and at Santa Monica High, John Adams and Lincoln Middle Schools, and McKinley and Roosevelt Elementary Schools.
The shoes and donation were given in support of the Family Assistance Program at the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club. Each year, the program provides the most deserving families with food, clothing and presents. For many families, being a recipient of the Family Assistance Fund is the only time they will receive new clothes or toys throughout the year.
“Our annual holiday visit to the Santa Monica Boys and Girls club has become a wonderful tradition for Canyon, and we are thrilled to support an organization that works so hard to improve the lives of young people,” said Turner. “This year in particular, resources are strained for families across Los Angeles and the needs of the community are greater than ever. We are thrilled to bring a bit of cheer into the lives of these children and make their holidays a little brighter.”
“For two years running, Canyon has helped create a fun and energetic event that is a highlight of the holiday season at the Boys & Girls Club,” said Aaron Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club. “These economic times have put tremendous pressure on many families whose children are involved in the club. Now, more than in years past, the tennis shoes and Canyon’s generous donation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.”
About the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica
Founded in 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica currently serves approximately 7,000 youth through memberships and community outreach. They come from all over Los Angeles County, largely from Santa Monica, Venice, West Los Angeles and Inglewood. Members pay a $10 annual fee for access to all Club amenities and programs that span across education, leadership, recreation and more.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica operates with the objective of serving children from all backgrounds, regardless of economic circumstances - ensuring that youth ages 7 to 18 have a safe and nurturing environment to develop socially, succeed in school, stay physically active and prepare for positive futures.

SOURCE Canyon Capital Realty Advisors LLC

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Irwin Redlener, MD, President and Co-founder of the Children’s Health Fund, a national organization that advocates for and develops primary child care programs for disadvantaged and medically underserved children, today released the following statement on release of the final Senate health care legislation by Majority Leader Harry Reid:

“First and foremost, we applaud the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on producing this historic health reform bill which will provide millions of currently uninsured children access to comprehensive health insurance coverage.

“We support Congress’ goal to fulfill President Obama’s campaign promise to provide mandated coverage for all children. We have been vocal in our concern for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and we are hopeful that Senator Reid’s manager’s amendment, that keeps the program intact through the end of 2019 with funding until 2015, will be preserved as Congress moves forward with this process.

“We do remain concerned, however, about its future fate: CHIP will run out of funding in 2015 and expire in 2019, moving millions of children into private coverage through an untested health insurance exchange that will increase costs and may deter families from signing their children up for insurance. The implication of fewer kids with health coverage is disastrous, both from a public health and an economic standpoint.

“As the bill moves forward, CHF urges Congress to preserve CHIP and provide funding for the entire authorization period.

“We are pleased with the number of positive health measures for kids and their families, among which are provisions that will require insurance companies to allow children to stay on their parent’s plans until they are 26 years old and Medicaid expansions that allow foster children to remain on Medicaid until they are 26 years old.

“The legislation bans insurance companies from denying children with pre-existing conditions coverage under their parent’s plans, an important reform measure which we believe will enable sick children, and families suffering under debt, to get the care kids need.

“Likewise, we are pleased with the inclusion of pediatric specific benefits in the list of essential benefits to be provided to all Americans in the newly formed exchange and efforts to strengthen access to oral health for children. Pediatric oral health is often lacking in medically underserved areas, with dire consequences for children and families.

SOURCE Children’s Health Fund

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Crystal Cruises invites kids 17 and under to cruise for free on two Crystal Symphony European voyages this summer. The new offer for children activities, valid for children sailing in a third berth with two full-fare adults, is available for Crystal Symphony’s seven-day British Isles and Baltic itineraries:

June 14, Roundtrip London - The “Ballads of Britain” cruise includes calls at London, England; Guernsey/St. Peter Port, Channel Islands; Waterford, Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; and Liverpool, England.

August 7, Copenhagen to Stockholm - The “Russian Inspiration” voyage visits Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (two nights); and Stockholm, Sweden.

Junior Activities Directors will be on board to oversee dozens of organized activities from arts and crafts and story time for little ones to disco-themed pool parties for older kids and teenagers. As with all summer and holiday cruises, Crystal’s Northern European summer voyages also feature destination-related enrichment for junior cruisers, like “dress-up” photo sessions in traditional Russian costumes, or scavenger hunts promoting fun facts about Stockholm.

Crystal’s purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children’s and teens’ facilities - rare in luxury cruising - also feature events and top video games and toys.

Also ideal for families, Crystal’s Family Memories program offers two savings options: $500 credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure, kids under 17 sail free in third berth, plus other perks for six full-fare bookings; all of this, plus one complimentary berth for 10 full-fare bookings.

Two-for-one cruise fares start at $4,210 for the British Isles cruise, and $4,375 for the Baltic itinerary, per person, double occupancy, and include $1,000 per couple All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credits, complimentary air transportation and business class air for Penthouse guests. The credits and air transportation apply only to full-fare bookings.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

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While many families are having trouble affording holiday gifts for kids this year, AboutAirportParking.com, an online airport parking reservation site, announced today that it would use the busy holiday travel season to help Toys for Tots.

Between now and the end of the year, as families across the country make travel plans for the Holidays, each airport parking reservation made through www.AboutAirportParking.com/ToysForTots will result in a $5 donation to Toys for Tots, a leading foundation fulfilling the Christmas holiday dream of millions of our nation’s neediest children.

“People come to our site for a convenient way to get great deals on airport parking. Now, they can go to www.AboutAirportParking.com/ToysForTots for an easy way to make their parking reservation while, at the same time, help brighten a child’s Christmas,” said Erik Budde, CEO of AboutAirportParking.com.

A report Tuesday from Gallup states that consumer spending was down 21% from 2008. With unemployment remaining high, more families will be struggling to give gifts this year.

In its 62 year history, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to over 188 million needy children. “Finding a parking lot sold out at Christmas is a hassle, but not having any Christmas presents is hard on both parents and children. If we can help even a small number of families, it will be worthwhile,” said Budde.

“Toys for Tots is very pleased to welcome AboutAirportParking.com on board the Toys for Tots Team this year,” said retired Marine Major Bill Grein, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With their help we will be able to reach many more children than we would otherwise be able to do.”

SOURCE AboutAirportParking.com

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The holiday season is a joyful time for celebrations, family gatherings and decorating the home. It’s also the most popular time for burning candles and, unfortunately, the peak season for accidental candle fires. The National Candle Association and the National Association of State Fire Marshals are urging consumers to take child safety precautions when using candles this holiday season, and to follow these important fire-safety rules:

Always keep a burning candle within your sight.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep burning candles away from combustible items. Be careful not to place candles near flammable decorations or Christmas greenery.
Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be sturdy, heat resistant and big enough to collect dripping wax.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch before lighting or re-lighting. Keep the wax-pool free of wick trimmings, dust, matches and debris at all times.
Keep burning candles out of drafts and away from air vents.
Never move a candle when it is burning.

SOURCE National Candle Association

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With the arrival of the holidays, parents may be wondering how to keep their kids occupied during the long holiday break with children activities. Creative play activities offer plenty of opportunity for fun that’s educational and important to the development of cognitive skills.

Here are some ways to keep creative play at the forefront during your child’s holiday vacation.

Indoor Creative Play
There are endless activities that allow children to engage in indoor creative play. Next time you hear “I’m bored!,” try one of these great activities:
Ask your child questions to help them think creatively about how they might solve their boredom - you may be surprised at what you learn!
Help support your child’s musical development. Using “instruments” like pots and pans can shift their imagination into high gear.

Read together, making sure you take time to look at and describe the pictures to each other.

Outdoor Creative Play
No matter the climate in which you live, there are ways to incorporate creative play into outdoor activities. In cold climates, building snowmen, snow forts, or even participating in the occasional snowball fight (with adult supervision!) are great ways to incorporate creative play into cold-weather fun. These activities help develop children’s problem-solving and leadership skills, while keeping them entertained for hours.

SOURCE CreativePlayPlus.com

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Looking for good gifts for kids that will never be outgrown? Do you have family and friends asking you what they can give to your child for a birthday or holiday gift? Do you wish your child could better understand how regularly saving money is a good thing? Citizens Bank is introducing a new personal savings account that can answer all those questions. It’s called a Let it Grow Gift Account(SM).

A Let it Grow Gift Account(SM) allows you, your family and friends to easily and securely contribute to a savings account in your child’s name. As the child grows older, they can also begin contributing to the account to further boost their savings. It’s like a gift registry, only this is a savings account. Citizens Bank representatives say that this new account is a perfect alternative to a gift of cash. By contributing to a Let it Grow Gift Account(SM), family members are contributing to something and more meaningful than what a cash gift would be. Plus, it has a longer term impact. One of the best features of this account is that it helps children to learn that by saving, long term financial goals, whatever they may be, are more attainable with the discipline of savings.

A Let it Grow Gift Account(SM) comes complete with invitations, email templates and step-by-step instructions for suggesting this gift alternative to family and friends.

SOURCE Citizens Republic Bancorp

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Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is very rare among children who have been vaccinated against chicken pox, according to a Kaiser Permanente child safety study in the December issue of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal.

The study, the largest of its kind, used electronic health records to identify more than 170,000 children vaccinated with the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine from 2002 to 2008 in Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California region, then followed children for an average of two and a half years to identify the occurrence of herpes zoster.

Researchers found only 122 cases of herpes zoster among the 172,163 vaccinated children, for an estimated incidence of 1 case per 3,700 vaccinated children per year. This is a lower rate compared to what one would expect in the unvaccinated children based on previous experiences.

“The message to parents and pediatricians is: vaccinating your child against the chicken pox is also a good way to reduce their chances of getting herpes zoster,” said the study’s lead author, HungFu Tseng, Ph.D, MPH, a research scientist and epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation in Pasadena, Calif. “More research is needed to identify the virus strains that cause herpes zoster.”

This study did not look at side effects of the varicella vaccine.

Herpes zoster is an acute skin viral infection caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus, which remains in certain nerve cells of the body after an infection with either wild-type or the varicella vaccine virus. The wild-type virus is found in the natural infection, in contrast to the virus strain found in vaccine.

Since the vaccine’s introduction in 1995, there have been few studies on the incidence of childhood herpes zoster among children vaccinated with the varicella vaccine.
Following licensure in 1995, 1-dose varicella vaccine was recommended for children 12 months to 12 years of age. In 2006, a routine second dose of varicella vaccine for previously vaccinated persons aged 4 years and older was recommended.

Other study authors included: Ning Smith, MS, Lina S. Sy, MPH, S Michael Marcy, MD, and Steven J. Jacobsen, MD, Ph.D., from the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente

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It was Bing Crosby who immortalized a white Christmas in his 1942 hit single, but these days more and more eco-conscious consumers are dreaming of a green Christmas instead. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint for gifts for kids this holiday season, consider these tips from Wake Forest University Director of Sustainability Dedee DeLongpre Johnston:

Use sustainable gift-wrap.
Consider saving and re-using holiday wrapping paper just as your grandmother once did. Or wrap your gifts in pretty fabric that can be used for other purposes. “In my family, we re-gift gift bags again and again,” DeLongpre Johnston says. “Pillowcases can also make pretty gift wraps if done right.”

Decorate with energy-efficient lighting.
While many people still use standard incandescent holiday bulbs, decorative LED lights are now available in a variety of holiday shapes and colors. In addition to having a much longer lifespan than standard lights, LEDs also reduce fire risks because they stay cool to the touch. “This would be one of the areas where you might spend a little more upfront, but save in the long run.” Want to be even greener? Use light-sensor timers to turn your lights on and off.
Give consumable gifts.
Most of us don’t need any more stuff, or as DeLongpre Johnston points out, we’re all “stuffed out.” So consider giving the gift of services instead, or goods that can be consumed. Some ideas include massages, pedicures, tickets to sporting events, gift certificates for restaurants and other similar pampering treats. Other options would be to give consumable gifts that keep on giving all year long like a membership to a Wine of the Month Club or a monthly delivery of seasonal fruits grown locally. Says DeLongpre Johnston: “It doesn’t mean you have to be any less generous.”

Make a donation in someone’s name.
If someone has a passion in life, giving to an organization that supports their cause can be very meaningful. Whether you donate a flock of chicks to support a hungry family through Heifer International or fund the planting of trees through American Forest, you will be giving a gift that gives back and helps preserve the environment at the same time.

Give the gift of time.
Schedule time to get together with friends and family for cookie exchanges or other meaningful holiday events. “We do have the ability as individuals and families to bring whatever intention to this season that we want,” DeLongpre Johnston says. “So we can share meals and share time with one another, and if we’d like to give each other gifts, we can do that too.”

SOURCE Wake Forest University

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Full of hand-drawn color illustrations, “Catiana Makes a Family” (published by AuthorHouse), the new children’s book written and illustrated by Mary Lotorto-Soroka, details the poignant true story of child education and her own daughter’s adoption.

Told from Catiana’s point of view, “Catiana Makes a Family” is a perfect tool for helping children understand adoption by relating to Catiana and her story. Catiana’s tale begins when her adoptive parents fall in love and wish to share their love with a child. Soon, the couple makes friends with people who want to help their dream come true.

One day while at the beach in New Jersey, the couple receives a telephone call about a special new baby who has been born just for them. Once they hear the news, they begin dancing on the clouds. Immediately, they pack their bags and all of their baby belongings to travel to Colombia, South America, to meet their new baby.

Once in Colombia, the couple has to go into the mountains so that they may finally hold their baby girl. When baby Catiana is in the woman’s arms, tears of joy fill the couple’s eyes and when Catiana smiles up at them, they realize that in this exact moment the woman had become a mother and the man had become a father. All together, smiling, they were a family.

At home, they arrive back to a big welcome party for the new family, complete with balloons, food and presents galore. After the celebration, Catiana and her parents get settled and ready to live their happily ever after.

By contrasting the New Jersey beach to the exotic landscape of Colombia, full of eucalyptus trees, gorgeous flowers and mountains, “Catiana Makes a Family” reflects how both adoptive children and their new parents come from diverse places with their own unique characteristics. Entertaining for eyes and ears, “Catiana Makes a Family” will be fun and informative for the whole family.

SOURCE AuthorHouse

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