Gifts for kids are supposed to be bought as a surprise though in some occasions, a promise can be made in return for good behavior. Where a surprise if required, you can find yourself blank on what is best to be bought. Below are some of the gifts ideas for Kids:

First get ideas of what may interest them: A good gift is one that will be accepted and used by the child. If you have ever bought a gift that your child only uses or appreciates at one time, then it is not the best. You identify the best gift ideas for kids from the kids themselves. This can be done discretely by visiting a gift shop together with kid on a day that is not meant for gift buying. Take note of the particular items that the child would be maneuvering around. This will form the basis for the choosing the next gift item.

Books: This is one of the best gift ideas for kids for your child. It will enable you meet several objectives at the same time. You will have encouraged and shown you children that you love them and also provided them with a tool for developing the mind.

Books may include story books with illustrations. This has the capacity to develop the creative mind in a child. Besides story books, you can have the books that teach the child on how to prepare various recipes. This will interest the child in cookery. Poetry books will develop the child into a literary expert. The famous books that have identified various generations such as ‘Cinderella’ will make the child feel comfortable among peers.

Toys: Today there are various sets of toys that enable the child to mimic a particular life scene. These include kitchen sets or garage sets, airport simulation or military simulation. You however have to be clear on what you want to build your child into. Do not expose the child to stuffs that would build a negative image in mind or to militant approach to life.

The modern sets of toys are also fully electronic and can use remote controls. You can easily find remote controlled cars or train sets. They are mainly powered by battery. For younger children, building blocks that can be stacked up will be the best as they develop their cognitive skills.

The socialization around us would also determine the gifts that would be appropriate. The child would not want to look different from the other children. Therefore some gift ideas for kids for girls may include baby doll while for boys may be a soccer or basket ball.

For learning: A good gift ideas for kids should provide opportunity for learning. Art materials such as crayons or construction paper can help develop artistic skills. A telescope and some literature on astronomy would develop an interest on this special skill.

For special events: Special events such as birthday or graduation at school may requires more special gifts such as a bicycle or one year membership to a club. This must also be age appropriate.

The best selling gifts for kids

The following are tips on what most children will love as gifts to them. They are gifts that have been best sellers all over the world and you child would not find it easy to resist them. It does not matter whether it is a surprise gift or one that is being given as part of a good behavior. Therefore you can be sure that you will not be worried of what gifts to select when you next visit the gift shop.

Gifts that meet the psychology of the kids: The top 10 gifts for kids are those that meet the psychological expectation of kids. This is the gift that speaks the language of the child depending of the age of the child. Such a gift must be able to meet the various needs of every child and also allow for space to know each other. These gifts will make the child feel a hero at the moment and is age appropriate.

Increasing access to literature materials: Every child needs to develop the ability to develop a creative mind. This is best done using books. Therefore you will find that children will greatly appreciate the books that keep them ahead of the pack back at school. The stories such as those of Cinderella are a popular set of books among the children. These literature books can help the children to keep off from `harm.

Books that have illustrations have even a better chance of being accepted by the children. The illustrations can be made even more significant and meaningful by introducing the various children’s heroes. These are personalities that you would want them to learn from.

Musical instruments: These are loved by both boys and girls. All you need to do is an assignment of identifying the interest or talents of your child. Seek to develop the particular interest of the child.

Video games: These have a role to play in the development of the audio-visual abilities of the child. With the growth in technology, you will that the gadgets have methods of inputting software that allow the child to simulate various situations in real life,. You can use them as behavior change instruments.

Wii remote controlled toys: These are the most modern sets of the electronic goods that are controlled by the remote control.

Toy sets: These include sets such as those that simulate the kitchen or laboratory or recording music room. These should allow for detachment and replacement of the various parts so that to engage the child in the use of the various types of the toys. This increases ownership.

Karate skills: This is a book that guides the training in the self defense skills. With this, the child can then be able to learn these skills on their own or with your guidance.

Club emmebrship: These are special gifts that will be loved by most older children because it allows them to interact among themselves. .

Sports children activities are an essential element in the life of any child. As a child grows up, the fact that he or she needs playing time is equally important because more the play more the exercising that the child undergoes and eventually better the all round development of the child.

Right from the birth, it must be borne in mind that the baby spends a lot of time in playful activities and gets interested in something where it can shake its limbs in playful gesture, displaying all the happiness that it can show. This is a natural phenomenon and no amount of research can actually prove the need for such playful activities. Not only in babies, every newborn animal after a few days jumps about running and playing amongst other animals. Again, research has not been able to pinpoint this behavior of all animals and human beings as being the outcome of certain factors. But essentially it boils down to the fact that kids sports activities are necessary to let the limbs and the body open up to aid circulation of blood and at the same time help in the growth of muscles in the body.

While animals have their way of growing up, children require all the supervision that is necessary to ensure that there is no injury or wound in the growing up process and therefore supervision of the activities become necessary.

A lot of kids sports activities are undertaken at the primary and high school level of the child. The teachers engage the children in running and physical exercises and the participation of each child in these activities is encouraged. Senior school children continue the trend and there are a number of sports events organized by the school under trained experts who guide the children to participate in the sports in the correct way without getting hurt or becoming unusually tired during the course of the games. The Annual Sports Day of the school is a big event where keen competition is displayed by all the participating children in winning the various kids sports activities organized for them. While winning and losing are a part of any sports event, the most important thing is that the child gets all the exercise that the body requires to keep it in good shape and remain fit.

If you are interested in inculcating some of the popular kids sports activities in your children, it is easy. Either get in touch with a local club who organize various sports events and get your children enrolled in the club’s activities, or get in touch with a sportsman or a trainer who would be able to take regular exercise and sports training classes for your children to help them grow up to fine little men and women in the coming years.

Remember that along with sports the necessary inputs in the form of good food and vitamins are absolutely necessary to help the children develop faster and keep common ailments away permanently.

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

Lost Child Procedure Launched at Stores

When children and parents are separated while shopping, panic can set in… that’s why Art Van Furniture is implementing CODE ADAM. Backed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the system was developed to quickly find children who are reported missing or lost in a retail store.

Beginning immediately at all Art Van stores, when a child is reported missing a special alert is broadcast over the announcement system. Immediately, specific steps are followed by the store employees and a “call to action” is taken to find a missing child. All Art Van employees have been trained in these special child safety steps.

“As a father, I completely understand the worry parents can have when shopping in a public place. CODE ADAM has proven to be successful and Art Van employees are 100% behind this program,” stated Gary Van Elslander, President of Art Van Furniture.

CODE ADAM, which began in 1984, is one of the country’s largest child safety programs.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc., manufacturers of Burner Balm and Energy-X lip balms, today announced the launch of their new product line which can aid in child care.

These 100% natural therapeutic heating/cooling treatment packs are specifically designed to reduce swelling and relieve pain and have been developed in a variety of applications.

Researchers behind Thermal-Aid created a line of products, which allows a specialized corn to hold temperatures for long periods of time, making a more effective product for both humans and pets. Thermal-Aid is recommended by doctors and physical therapists across the United States.
“These low cost Thermal-Aid products are truly extraordinary and have given many of my patients the ability to reduce and sometimes eliminate taking their expensive arthritis and pain-killer medications,” said Dr. David Toomey of Toomey & Toomey medical group.

In conjunction with the Thermal-Aid launch announcement, company representatives from Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc. will be giving out warm Thermal-Aid Bears to children attending a holiday party at the North Hills transitional housing facility operated by Penny Lane. Since 1969, Penny Lane’s mission has been to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California by providing a wide range of essential programs including residential services, foster care, adoption services, an on-site special education school, and outpatient mental health services.

“We are very honored and proud to support the hard work and dedication by so many individuals that make Penny Lane the cornerstone of non-profit organizations in Los Angeles today,” said Matthew Mills, CEO of Pacific Shore Holdings Inc. “We feel it’s our duty to support the children in our community who are in need during the holidays.”

Thermal-Aid Bear can be found at all 98 California-based Ralph’s Grocery Store pharmacies.
Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc., a multidivisional corporation, strives to fulfill consumer demands by manufacturing and distributing low cost niche products that are green, clean, and safe.

SOURCE Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc.

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

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

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

One of the most common questions from parents this time of year is what they should give to their babysitter or child care nanny this holiday season.

While a third of sitters said they are not expecting a holiday gift from their families this year, those who are hoping for a little something were fairly consistent. The following are those gifts topping sitters’ wish lists for this holiday season.

Monetary Gift. Fifty-seven percent of Sittercity sitters ranked cash the highest on the list. Some parents prefer bonuses to raises because a bonus is not a year-round commitment. So how much do you pay? For a part-time sitter, double her pay for the last job that she had before the holidays. For a steady babysitter/nanny working more than 20 hours a week, consider doubling her weekly salary for one week instead.

Gift Certificates. If a monetary gift is not an option, a Sittercity.com poll indicated that the most popular non-cash babysitter gift is a gift certificate. There are a great deal of gift certificates to choose from: movie passes, popular restaurant, favorite store. Make sure you know what your sitter likes so he or she can get something they would use for the holidays.

Handmade Gifts. Sitters and nannies often love getting handmade gifts from the children, so that’s a great place to start. Have the kids make your sitter an ornament, delicious holiday cookies and or a thoughtful card is a cute and personal way to show your appreciate for all that your caregiver does. Note: Handmade gifts are good on their own, but it’s best to supplement them with a monetary gift.
Remember that whatever you can afford to give your sitter this season, all that matters is that she knows she is appreciated. Just taking a few minutes to thank her for everything she does for your family will go a long way in helping to make her season bright. Happy gifting!

SOURCE Sittercity.com

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

Music Making Creates Magical Holiday Traditions and Gifts for Kids, Gift of Music Keeps on Giving with Numerous Health, Wellness and Cost Benefits

With interest in recreational music making at an all-time high, according to a 2009 Gallup Poll* conducted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the holidays are the perfect time to share the gift of music by giving a gift of music lessons or instruments. NAMM’s “Top 10 Reasons” illustrates just some of the many proven benefits of an untraditional musical gift that keeps on giving beyond the holidays:

10 Reasons for Giving Musical Instruments and Lessons This Holiday Season

Brought to you by

You’re never too old to learn how to play music - A common myth, but music can be learned at any age, and studies show that making music is a life-long skill that enriches the lives of children and adults

Making music relieves stress - Recreational music making has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and reverse the body’s response to stress at the DNA level. With the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year, making music or giving a gift for someone special to make music for you, can help reduce stress for an entire family

Making music fights off depression - Depression affects about 19 million people in the U.S.**, and with the holiday season as one of the most vulnerable times of the year, music making can make all the difference in keeping spirits uplifted

Enrich your holiday experience - and your life! - with music making - Whether gathering around the piano to play holiday tunes or caroling around the neighborhood, or dancing to live music at a holiday party, music making vibrantly brings the entire holiday experience to life

Use music to create lasting family traditions - Each family has its own traditions, but music making offers a new way for families to celebrate the festive season together. From playing a favorite tune on the piano or jamming on the drums with a rock n’ roll rendition of a classic holiday song, music-making can create unique traditions for generations to share

Source NAMM

Santa Claus is coming to the annual “L. Ron Hubbard’s Winter Wonderland” this Sunday at 8:00 PM directly following the Hollywood Christmas Parade to give away gifts to hundreds of underprivileged Southern California children and teens.

Santa’s gifts and children activities will include Disney Studios’ movie DVDs, Stories from the Golden Age print and audiobooks by L. Ron Hubbard, and presents donated by Southern California businesses.

The invited children and teens (ages 6-19) come from local youth shelters and programs for underprivileged youth.

“We wanted to make this evening a very special one for these young people, so several of us (area businesses) decided to contribute gifts for those who might not otherwise receive any,” said Tony Dinges, president of LTD Enterprises, one of the event’s sponsors.

Other event sponsors include Audiology & Associates, Color West Printing/Packaging, Inc., Distribution Video & Audio, Hirschey & Associates, Pasadena Family Dental Center, Stevedores Physical Rehabilitation and the Wellness Support Network.

For more information on the event or how you can participate, contact John Goodwin at jgoodwin@galaxypress.com or call 323-321-2144.

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SOURCE Hollywood Christmas Parade

Lifeway Foods, makers of the nutritious probiotic beverage, Kefir, is spicing up the holidays with the launch of Cranberry Creme Brulee Kefir. Lifeway’s alternative to eggnog this holiday season will give consumers a healthy way to enjoy classic holiday tastes without the classic holiday calories - a nice complement for recipes for kids.

Bursting with the rich flavor of vanilla custard and caramelized sugar, and infused with a tangy cranberry zing, Cranberry Creme Brulee Kefir has only 160 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving. And just like the other 13 flavors of Lifeway Kefir, there are 10 exclusive live and active cultures that work in your body to help build and restore immunity, improve digestion and help fight off pesky cold and flu bugs. Delicious and nutritious, Lifeway Kefir is a perfect way to enjoy holiday flavors guilt-free.

CFO Edward Smolyansky said, “Our hope is that seasonal flavors become an annual tradition for us at Lifeway and something that our customers look forward to each year.”

Julie Smolyansky, CEO commented, “Our Kefir customers have been asking for a special holiday version for years, so we have been working to develop just the right flavor profile.”

Source Lifeway Foods

Children usually look for any excuse to ride their bicycles during the summer. It’s a fun children activity that is good for them, too. While you’re planning your 4th of July festivities, why not organize a 4th of July bike parade in your neighborhood? It will give those in your neighborhood an opportunity to show off their bikes, celebrate the holiday, and have fun at the same time!

The bike parade doesn’t have to be limited to children; adults can and probably should participate as well. Here’s what you’ll want to do to plan and host your own neighborhood bike parade.

1. Gather the neighborhood together to discuss your idea and see how many people are interested in participating. After you know who will be involved, you can determine the parade route through your neighborhood. Don’t make it too long that little children won’t be able to participate, but don’t make it too short that adults and older teens won’t be interested.

2. Announce the event in your area at local businesses. Create colorful flyers with the important information – date, time, and place. You may want to include a tear-off with your telephone number so others in your area can contact you if they need more information.

3. Ask the children to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, wagons, or scooters with streamers. Leaving the type of transportation open will allow more people to join in the fun. The only limitations necessary are that the decorations not be dangerous such as things poking off of a bike that a child might be injured on. Otherwise, the sky is the limit as far as the decorations go.

4. Allow the children, and adults too, to dress up in patriotic clothing or have a face painting area set up at the beginning of the route so those interested can have their faces painted with red, white, and blue flags, stars, and Uncle Sam hats.

5. Plan to arrive early on the day of the parade. Mark off the route and be ready with other adults to help you. Take your time getting everyone arranged so the parade will be safe (adults or teens at the front and back to keep an eye on the children).

6. Choose a teen or adult to lead the parade because they’ll need to carry the music. Remind the participants to stay together rather than running off on their own. This is a parade, not a race, so it’s important that the parade go slowly enough for young children but quick enough for older children not to become too impatient.

7. Ask those viewing the parade to take pictures to remember the day by. You may even want to call the local newspaper to come and cover the parade.

8. At the end of the parade, you can have refreshments or a picnic for everyone to enjoy together.

July 4th is a great day in the United States’ history. You can organize a 4th of July bike parade for your children and others to enjoy. They can show of their bikes and have a great time celebrating the day. If it’s a success, you may want to consider making the bike parade a yearly event.

Children may not know the story behind the Statue of Liberty. So now that the 4th of July is nearing, sharing its history may be one of the best relevant children activities you can do.

The United States has many symbols – the Bald Eagle, Mount Rushmore, and others – but one that stands out for those coming to the United States from another country is the Statue of Liberty. In fact, this one statue is a monument to freedom easily recognizable all over the world.

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, came up with the idea for the Statue of Liberty (also known as Liberty Enlightening the World) while he was visiting Egypt. Knowing how large he wanted the statue to be, he enlisted the help of Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower to help him create the structure of the statue. The statue was given to the United States in 1886 by the people of France in a gesture of friendship.

The statue of Lady Liberty, constructed entirely in France, traveled by boat from France to the New York harbor taking over a year for it to be reassembled. Standing in the New York Harbor welcoming immigrants, visitors, and those returning to the US after travel abroad, the statue is over 305 feet tall, including the pedestal. The statue is one of the first items visible when flying into New York.

The Statue of Liberty is a robed woman, believed to be Libertas, the ancient Roman goddess of freedom from slavery, oppression, and tyranny. She appears to be stepping forward with her left foot stepping on broken shackles. She holds a raised torch in one hand, symbolizing enlightenment. The tablet made of stone in her left hand represents knowledge.

The statue is made of steel undergirding with a copper layer on the outside; she now appears green due to oxidation. She wears a tiara with seven points. Many experts agree that the points represent the seven continents and seas. Inside the statue is the poem by Emma Lazarus entitled The New Colossus engraved on a bronze plaque which was added in 1903.

How did the statue become associated with freedom? Many historians credit this to the number of immigrants, counting in the millions over the years, who have come to the United States to find a new life. Many arrived on the shores of America fleeing oppression in their own homeland, so it’s no wonder the Statue of Liberty is seen as a symbol of freedom.

If you have never seen the Statue of Liberty in person, and you’re traveling to France, you can see a smaller version located in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. Another small model was given to Maceio, a city in the northwest of Brazil. Other versions can be found in locations around the United States and the world.

The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom for well over 100 years. If you have the opportunity, going to see it in person can be an event that you’ll remember for years to come. Who knows, you may have had relatives who immigrated to the United States and viewed the statue with fresh eyes and a heart yearning for freedom.

Children are used to seeing the American flag flying over government buildings and in their classrooms. They may not, however, understand the significance of the different parts of the flag. Do they know what the colors of our flag mean? This is an important aspect of child education so make sure to tell them.

When the flag was originally created, the colors on it held no significance. However, when the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal, the colors did have particular meanings. Those colors and their meanings were transferred to the Stars and Stripes at a later date, although no one knows exactly when.

* Red – There is some disagreement about what this color represents on the American flag. Originally the color was used on the Great Seal and was to represent hardiness and valor. Some have indicated that the color is indicative of the blood of the patriots who fought and died helping to make our country free and are still doing so.

* White – This color has always signified purity and innocence.

* Blue – Vigilance, perseverance and justice are what this color symbolizes.

The thirteen stripes are purported to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The fifty stars are said to represent each of the fifty states that make up this great country.

If your children don’t know the story behind the flag, you may want to take time this year to teach them. Be sure to include the proper handling of the flag in a respectful manner.

1. Flags are not to be displayed at night unless they are fully illuminated.

2. The flag should not be flown in inclement weather.

3. The flag is not to be allowed to touch the ground. If it does, the flag should be properly disposed of.

4. Flags flown at half-staff are first hoisted to the top of the flag pole and then lowered. Normally you will see flags at half-staff, or half-mast, on governmental buildings only. Flags at half-staff signify the death of a former President. From sunrise to sunset they are placed at half-staff on May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, from sunrise to sunset on September 11 which has been declared as Patriot Day, during October 5 to 11 for Fire Prevention Week, and then again on December 7 for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

While the President of the United States cannot require the citizens of the country to fly their personal flags at half-staff, he may request that they join the government in flying them in that manner. The President may, at his discretion, declare other days as being recognized by flying the flag at this position.

Perhaps you don’t know, or have forgotten the significance of the Stars and Stripes and its history. You may not be aware that the flag has be changed twenty-four times during is history. You can learn more about the flag’s history by visiting the official website about the American flag, www.USflag.org.

Each country in the world more than likely has a statement of allegiance that their citizens know and recite. It’s no different in the United States where the Pledge of Allegiance has been spoken in classrooms around the country since 1892. Many people, especially children, however, don’t know the history behind the Pledge; here’s a way to change that and enrich child education:

The Pledge of Allegiance is an oath that American citizens make to assert their loyalty to the country. It has been quoted at the beginning of the school day as well as during many public events. Each day, the U.S. Congress opens its session by reciting the Pledge. When reciting the Pledge, one would stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over their heart. If the person is a member of the military, they are allowed to leave their hats on and salute the flag.

Written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy, a Baptist minister, the Pledge of Allegiance was first printed in the children’s magazine The Youth’s Companion. The Pledge was written to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The original Pledge, however, read differently: “I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

By October 1892, President Benjamin Harrison made the proclamation that the Pledge would be recited during Columbus Day observances. Over the years, however, changes have been made to the Pledge. The first major change was from “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States” in 1923. The phrase “of America” was added a year later. On June 22, 1942, the Pledge was declared the national pledge by the U.S. Congress.

The phrase “under God” was added originally to the Pledge in 1951 by the Knights of Columbus, pulling the phrase from the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. The addition of this phrase to the national pledge, however, took considerably longer. Following a sermon by Reverend George M. Docherty, in 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower agreed that “under God” should be a part of the Pledge to help keep the United States humble despite its strength.

In recent years, some people have been trying to get the phrase “under God” taken back out of the Pledge. Their rationale is that having this phrase in the Pledge violates the protection in the Constitution about the establishment of religion.

In effect, when one pledges allegiance they are promising their loyalty to the ideals represented by the flag, loyalty to each of the states in the country, as well as to the government which unites all of us. The current Pledge of Allegiance is recited at the beginning of school and also during sports events around the country. It currently reads: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

The Star Spangled Banner talks about the “rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” Thankfully, the only rockets and bombs that can be found on the Fourth of July are fireworks and patriotic decorations. If your child wants rockets this July 4th, let them make their own that they can enjoy after the holiday has passed through these very creative children activities.

The 4th of July is a wonderful time to allow your children to make patriotic crafts. One of the easiest they can try, even if they are very young, is making paper rockets. They’re a quick and easy craft they can make with minimal adult supervision.

These are the items you’ll need to have available for your children to make 4th of July rockets:

- Empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes, depending upon how large they want their rocket to be
- Pre-cut colored paper - construction paper, colored printer paper, and patriotic wrapping paper will all work
- Cellophane tape or a glue stick
- Markers and stickers
- Gift wrap ribbon

If you’re using solid colored paper, your child will definitely want to decorate the paper before constructing their rocket. Be sure they know which part of the design is covered up when the paper is glued or taped. When the decorations are complete, wrap the paper around the tube and tape it in place.

Draw a 3-inch circle on sheet of paper and cut it out. Carefully cut from one edge to the center. Pull one side of the circle behind the other creating a cone shape. Tape this to hold its shape and then attach it to the end of the tube using two or three pieces of tape.

Cut triangles out to use as fins. Tape three of these onto the end without the cone. If the cone and fins are level, the finished rocket will be able to stand. Fins that extend past the end of the rocket will look cool, but they probably won’t allow the rocket to stand. They can be used, however, if your child intends to hang it from the ceiling.

To give the illusion that the rocket is blazing through the sky, your child could tape pieces of red, orange, or white ribbon to the open end of the rocket. They can hang the rocket from the ceiling using loops of fishing line.

Using glow-in-the-dark stickers on their rocket would help them see their rocket in the dark. Your child may find making 4th of July rockets may be so much fun they’ll want to create more than one. Before you know it, they may have rockets hanging all over the ceiling. Of course, as long as there aren’t actual explosions, you should be fine.

One of the most important documents in the United States is the Declaration of Independence. However, so much about this document is unknown to a vast majority of the population. Public schools don’t stress its importance like they used to, so many people know very little about it. Why not test your family’s knowledge with this children activity? Find out if they know who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, before you can create a quiz or test to find out how much your family knows about the Declaration of Independence, you’ll want to learn all you can about it. The easiest way to learn is by going online and finding a copy of the document. You may also be able to find a copy in your local public library.

Take a close look at the document. Because it was handwritten, and signed by men of varying ages, some of the signatures may not be legible. Finding an online version of the document will give you a typed version to look at so you can understand the language of the document itself as well as getting help to read the signatures.

The following are some questions (with the answers) that you may want to ask. Since the answers are given, you will be able to determine how much your family knows about this important document and those that were instrumental in its existence.

Q: How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?
A: A total of 56 men signed the Declaration.

Q: Which colonies were represented by those who signed it?
A: All 13 of the original colonies had representatives to sign the Declaration, with Pennsylvania having the most delegates at 9.

Q: How many signers of the Declaration of Independence went on to hold national political offices in the fledgling country?
A: Two became President of the United States (Thomas Jefferson and John Adams) while three were Vice Presidents (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Elbridge Gerry). Two signers (John Adams and Benjamin Harrison) had sons that later became President.

Q: How many signers served their country in another political capacity?
A: 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence became governors of their respective states. 18 served in their state legislatures. 16 became state and federal judges following the Revolutionary War. Seven men went on to become members of the United States House of Representatives while six became United States Senators. Two men (James Wilson and Samuel Chase) were among the first Justices of the United States Supreme Court.

Q: Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
A: Thomas Jefferson, from Virginia, was selected to draft the Declaration and did so in 17 days.

Q: Which signer of the Declaration of Independence lived the longest?
A: Charles Carroll of Maryland died in 1832 at the age of 95.

Q: Was the Declaration of Independence actually signed on July 4, 1776?
A: No, the document was not signed until August 1, although the Congress did approve the wording of the document on July 4.

Q: Whose signature is the most easily recognizable?
A: John Hancock’s signature is nearly five inches long and was supposedly written large so King George could read it.

As citizens of the United States of America, we owe the men who signed the Declaration of Independence a debt of gratitude. After testing your family’s knowledge about the document, you may want to find a copy of it and try to memorize portions of it along with some of the names of the men who signed it.

Fourth of July is the holiday to celebrate the history of the United States. Common elements of the holiday are red, white, and blue colors. Why not make patriotic red, white, and blue cupcakes for your Fourth of July picnic for some interesting recipes for kids?

You’ve most likely made cupcakes before, so you know they aren’t difficult. You can create patriotic cupcakes in a number of ways. You can make colored cupcakes by using food coloring or you can decorate them with patriotic designs. Here are some ideas of ways to create red, white, and blue cupcakes your picnic guests will enjoy:

* Using a white cake mix of your choosing, follow the directions to make a cake. However, instead of merely frosting the cupcakes after they’ve cooled, take the time to decorate them differently. Ice each cupcake with Cool Whip and then place cherries and blueberries on the top. Be creative in how you decorate them to make them beautiful and yummy.

* Make and frost cupcakes as normal with cream cheese frosting. Use blueberries, red fruit leather, and the frosting to create a symbolic flag on top of the cupcakes. Of course, you’ll want to use small blueberries for the stars, the fruit leather for the red stripes, and the frosting as the white stripes.

If you’ve never made cream cheese frosting, it’s quite easy. Soften one package of cream cheese (8 ounces) and then blend it with 1/2 stick softened butter or margarine. Next, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla and gradually add one package (16 ounces) of powdered sugar until it is the correct spreading consistency.

* You can also create patriotic decorations on your cupcakes by using red and blue sprinkles on white frosting.  Carefully line the edge of the frosted cupcake with blue and then make a red star on top. Other colored candies can also be used for decoration.

* Using food coloring to make the cupcake batter red or blue is another option to consider. Layer the red batter on the bottom, followed by white, and then blue batter. The cupcake itself will be patriotic and it then can be decorated any way you please.

Let your children help you decorate the cupcakes. Not only will they have fun, they may surprise you with the patriotic designs they come up with. They’ll also feel proud about helping and can show off their artwork/cupcakes to those who may join you.

Patriotic red, white, and blue cupcakes will be a hit at your Fourth of July picnic or party. They’ll be easier to serve your family and guests. They’re sure to show your patriotic spirit on the day we celebrate freedom the birth and freedom of the United States of America.

Celebrations on the 4th of July are set to conquer patriotic hearts once again. From picnics to fairs to fireworks, the family can enjoy the festivities just about anywhere you turn. Even though there are laws in some communities banning the use of regular fireworks, your child can still have their own fireworks display – in art, with these exciting children activities.

Your child can easily create fireworks artwork or decorations without having to worry about legal issues. Why not take the time to break out the craft supplies and get creative. The artwork they create can help them celebrate July 4th whether they have real fireworks or not.

While you may use the following craft ideas for the 4th of July, you can also use them for New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, and even for Chinese New Year. The following items are needed for the first craft:

* Black or other dark construction paper
* Glitter
* A straw, toothpicks, or paintbrushes
* White glue
* Old newspapers

Spread out the newspaper to work on. Place a small amount of glue on the construction paper. Geometric shapes can be made on the paper by blowing gently through the straw on the glue. Your child can also use toothpicks or paintbrushes to create designs on the paper.

Once all of your glue has been blown into shapes, sprinkle some glitter over the top of the glue. Carefully pick up the piece of construction paper and gently slide the excess glitter back into the bottle.

If you want to, you can repeat the glue and glitter process with different colors. Let the glue dry between colors.

Another craft to consider making with your little ones is another display of fireworks on paper. This one, however, is quite different. You will need:

* Smocks to cover the kids’ clothes
* Aluminium foil
* Washable acrylic paint
* Black craft paper
* Sponge
* Flowers (dandelions or mums work best)

Start by getting all your materials together. Put a smock on each child making this craft with you.

Let the kids choose the colors of paint they want to use for their project. Using a folded piece of the aluminium foil, create a color palette for each child with the colors they chose. The best colors to show up on dark paper are gold, silver, red, blue or green. If possible, try to get the metallic paints.

Give each child a piece of sponge or a flower for each color of paint, showing them how to ‘load’ it with the paint. Dandelions and mums work best because of the many crevices they have.

Show the children how to gently dab their dark paper with their sponge to make imitation fireworks. By dabbing the paper gently and quickly, your children will be able to achieve fantastic looking fireworks to fill the “night sky” without having to leave the house.

These two fireworks art projects are sure to please your children. Make sure to share your children’s masterpieces with everyone after the paint dries. Let them sign their artwork before giving it away, including the date. Take any 4th of July fireworks pictures that remain and use them to celebrate the holiday at any time of the year.

Children love to fly kites so imagine how much more enthusiastic you’ll be able to turn them when you start children activities about building these kits.It is an excellent way to spend the weekends together in order to bond.

You’ll need the following items to create a ceiling kite:

* One 24” wooden dowel
* One 20” wooden dowel
* One piece of fabric – red, white, blue, or patriotic – at least 26” by 26”
* Tape or hot glue gun
* Lightweight kite string
* Craft knife
* Ruler
* Red, white, and blue ribbon

Make a cross out of the two sticks. Tie them together and put a drop of glue on the joint to make it stronger.

Cut a notch at the end of each stick making sure that each notch is deep enough to keep the string in place. Wrap the string around each notch twice, keeping the string tight. This will create the framework of the kite and should create a diamond.

After you’ve gone around each notch, move the string up to the center of the kite and make an “X” around the crossed sticks. Make another “X” with the string to keep it together. Tie it off and glue the string to the sticks.

Cut the fabric so that it’s at least an inch larger than the diamond. Wrap the fabric around the string and then tape or hot glue the ends to the fabric. Be sure the fabric is tight rather than loose.

Poke two small holes in the top and bottom points of the kite. Tie a piece of kite string, about two feet long, and tie a knot in each end. Tie a two foot piece of string on the bottom of the kite. Make bows and tie them in alternating colors about three inches apart on the string to make the tail. Tie the spool of string onto the string going from top to bottom as the flying string.

If your kite was made from a solid fabric, you can decorate the kite with paints, markers, or other fabric. Use patriotic symbols such as stars and stripes, eagles, or rockets. After you’ve taken your kite flying, you can hang it from your child’s ceiling. Using glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers to decorate the kite will help the designs stand out when the lights go out.