Saturday, March 20, 2010

Online Christian Kids Games

We live in the age of technology. There is not a home that doesn’t have some form of gadget that brings the outside world into our home. If your kids are Internet savvy, turn them onto online games that are affiliated with the Christian lifestyle.

If you have a television, then you have technology in your home. Most people have more than that, but every home has something. When kids are learning about the Internet and playing games, choose some Christian sites to introduce them to. They’ll soon learn that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean stuffy or boring.

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One such site is http://christiananswers.net/kids/home.html. It is called Kid Explorers. Kids find a lot of things to do including mazes, puzzles, online space games, Bible trivia, and more. Kids can find lots of things to do here making it a great choice.

I did an online word search there. It was great to not have to use a pencil and print it out. Two days from now, that paper would be stuffed under the couch or thrown in the trash. Online games save paper and trees!

Kids can learn to use the Internet for other things besides surfing sites they shouldn’t be on and getting into trouble. Sites like this one also teach about science, animals, and the like which are subjects that all kids are interested in at one time or another. They’ll learn interesting facts that they can share with their friends.

Interactive games are also popular with kids. The game that is most popular now is the Wii. There are also Christian interactive games like Game Wave that can be played with several people with the use of remote controls. Play trivia and other fun games. While you are playing, kids learn coordination, Bible facts, values and principles, and useful life skills.

The Wii is also a great system but parents have to be willing to help kids choose appropriate games to play. The new Wii Fit lets everyone get moving while they play. Kids don’t get nearly enough exercise and this game system helps to mesh two things into one healthy kid.

Any game that they play doesn’t have to say “Christian” to be used for wholesome fun. Christian values are those that are exemplified by God. Getting healthy and learning about life are godly principles, too. Our kids can benefit from a myriad of activities and games, both online and off.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Tips to Tame those Toddler Tantrums!

 

Taming Toddler Tantrums: Tips that Really Work

Young parents get scared when they hear stories about the “terrible twos.” Take courage, though, you will survive the toddler stage.  It’s not easy to understand why your toddler has a tantrum but at such a young age, a child is consumed with thoughts of themselves.  Everything is about them and how they feel.  Until they are taught how to share, every toy or piece of food they see automatically belongs to them. 

Toddler temper tantrums can have a variety of effects.  Your first thought might be that everyone is focused on you and your screaming child, but getting embarrassed won’t diffuse the situation.  Besides, as a parent, you have many more years of embarrassing situations to look forward to courtesy of your children.  So worrying about what others think during this situation is simply going to stress you and make you feel worse.

Here are a few tips to help you cope during tantrums:

1. Ignore the tantrum.  This technique works best when at home.  In public places, you don’t want to ever leave your child unattended as a form of punishment.  Good behavior in public begins at home.  Ignoring a toddler is not harsh.  If your child is squirming on the floor screaming for a cookie, continue to talk to them as if you never noticed.  Eventually, they will get the hint and stop screaming. 

2. Avoid instant gratification.  In public, toddlers throw tantrums when they are denied something that they want.  Some parents give in to keep their child quiet but a child learns quickly.  Tantrums will continue if they know you will cave.  Simply tell them “no” and keep moving.

3. Don’t get angry.  When you scream and they scream the situation is wildly out of control.  You’ll end up crying and your toddler will still be screaming.  In any situation, raised voices mean civilized conversation has ended in favor of basic primal instincts.  Don’t revert back to the days of early man.  Keep using the same calm voice you use when they are behaving to get your child to calm down as well.

4. Praise your toddler when they behave well.  Positive reinforcement is better than negative.  In the absence of positive attention a child will behave badly just to get some attention at all.  Acting out and throwing tantrums may be a cry for attention.  Don’t let it get to this point.  Clap and celebrate when they go to the potty successfully and when they put away their toys.  Good manners such as saying “please” and “thank you” deserve a smile and a hand clap as well.

5. Run errands after nap time.  Kids get punchy when they get tired.  A toddler misbehaves more often if they are dragged around when they are tired. 

6. Carry snacks with you.  Low blood sugar can lead to tantrums.  If you are out longer than anticipated and lunch or dinner time is close at hand, let them eat a healthy snack to keep their hunger pains at bay and sugar levels stable.
7. Be consistent in your punishment.  At home, you might use “time out” to deal with a tantrum for bad behavior.  In public do the same.  Sit your child on a bench for five minutes or take them to the car.  Eventually they will learn that you are not a pushover and they will begin to behave.

You will survive the toddler years.  Nip temper tantrums in the bud with the above tips.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

To Much to do? Too Little Time?

To Much to Do? Too Little Time? By Aurelia Williams, author of Journey to Joy

Hey - Did someone press the FFW button? Have you ever felt like someone just pressed the Fast-forward button on your day and before you know it the day is over and you are sitting there wondering what you've accomplished?

I love to organize and with working Part Time outside of the home and FULL-TIME at home with my business, 4 children and Husband I really rely on a schedule and many time management tips to keep my sanity (ok, so some of you think I am already insane, I won't argue with that) but at least I am organized ;) Here are a few of my favorite Time management Tips (these are just a few of the tips I share with my Journey to Joy students):

1. Meal Planning: Try planning 1 - 2 weeks worth of meals at a time and write them down on a calendar. Do your shopping accordingly and prep tomorrows dinner today. You will be AMAZED at what a time saver this is.

2. To-Do Lists: I know most people HATE them but they actually do work. Just take a few moments out of your day (either in the morning or in the evening) to make a list for that day or the following day. Be sure to only put down the items that you MUST finish on this list.

3. Delegate: Do you have friends, a husband, children that can pitch in and do a few things for you? If so, be sure to use all of your resources.

4. Morning Rush: Scooting the children out of the door can be a huge time eater! Be sure to prepare lunches, lay out clothes and plan your breakfast the night before. This will make your mornings run a tad smoother.

5. Just say "NO"!: Such a small word that carries a might punch! If you truly can't fit something into your schedule and it is not urgent, just say No!. Keep a list of non-urgent things that you can do on hand for when you do have some down time.

Well, those are just a few of my time management tips. I personally set aside about 15 minutes a night and sit down with my Palm Pilot and make a short TO-DO list for the following day and it is amazing at the time this save.

Also be mindful of your own body. Are you a morning, afternoon or night person? Try to schedule your most time consuming tasks when you have the most energy. Take Care! Next Steps: For more help, instantly access your Journey To Joy tools, for more time a happier and more fulfilled life.

This inspiring eBook with accompanying audio recordings, worksheets and easy-to-apply action steps shows you how to squeeze more time and happiness into every single day.