What Method of Discipline Really Works?

While some parents are not comfortable in the disciplinary role, order in a family must be preserved for all to survive. Lets take a look at some of the common methods of disciplining children and see how they really work.

1. Spanking. While most parents have experienced the urge to spank children, and many have resorted to spanking their kids, there are problems with this form of discipline. Spanking may give children a clear message about the unacceptability of their behavior and sometimes stops the behavior in the short run. However, in the long run, it teaches children that it is all right to hit, and that it is all right to be hit. Even children are confused by the irony of the statement, "This spanking will teach you not to hit your brother."

2. Time-outs. Giving children a short time-out can give them the chance to reflect on their behavior, and also a clear message that a certain behavior won't be allowed. This can be an effective method of teaching. Time-outs can also give an angry, frustrated parent a chance to calm down and respond more rationally. It is suggested that a child be given a time out equal in minutes to her age (a four-minute time out for a four-year-old child). It is not recommended to use time-outs with children under the age of three.
The problem with time-outs is that they take a child away from a valuable learning experience. A child who hits another child can begin to learn empathy from watching the other's child's response to being hurt, and if he stays around, he may also be able to participate in helping the other child feel better.
Article From iVillage.com

Keeping Your Children Safe From Crime

Statistics show that crime against young children by strangers is rare. Even so, these seven tips can help protect your child:

1. Tell your child to avoid talking to people they don't know when you're not around
2. Make sure your child knows never to walk away with anyone without first telling the person in charge
3. Make sure your child understands that they should always tell you if a stranger approaches, and never to keep this secret
4. If your child gets lost, they should ask for help from a police officer, another grown-up with children or someone working at a nearby shop
5. Have your children learn their address and telephone number by heart
6. Try to keep your children within your sight or another adults whom you trust
7. Use reins for your toddler - these will keep your child nearby even if you get distracted

DirectGov.com

Summer Ideas For Kids

Summer vacation is only a few days away and we are faced with the question of what to do with all that time. Or more like, what do we do to entertain those kids that are so bored and they don’t know what to do. Here are some helpful ideas to fill in those long summer days.
Start some type of collection - Bugs are everywhere and once properly dried can be collected, marbles of every color and shape, coins or whatever interest them.

1.Record and catalog information - What type of birds they have spotted, wild flowers or animals. There is not enough science in schools and what better way to learn than from hands on experience.

2.Visit the Zoo - But don’t just walk through it and you’re done. Sit and draw the animals, figure out what they’re doing. Research where the animals came from and what do they eat. Have each child pick an animal to research and go back and visit the animal that their interested in several times. Try to come up with ways to raise money for that animal.

Click here for more ideas

What If Your Child is The Bully

Article From DIRECTGOV.COM

If you have just found out your child is bullying other children your first reaction might be disbelief or anger. But there are calmer and more effective ways to stop your child bullying.

Reasons for bullying:

If your child is bullying, they could be copying the behaviour of other people in the family; or perhaps they haven't learned better ways of mixing with their friends. Friends may be encouraging bullying, or your child may be going through a difficult time and acting out aggressive feelings.

To stop your child bullying:

Explain to your child that what they are doing is unacceptable and making other children unhappy

Discourage other members of your family from using aggression or force to get what they want

Show your child how they can join in without bullying

See your child's teacher to talk about how you can work together to stop your child bullying

Check regularly with your child about how things are going at school

Give your child lots of praise when they are co-operative and kind to other people

Fire Safety Advice For Parents and Child Carers

DIRECTGOV.Com

The best way to teach children about fire safety is by example. Let your children see you being sensible and careful about cooking, candles, smoking and other potential fire risks.
Make your home safe for children
Here are some measures you can take in your home to make sure your children stay out of harm's way:
don't leave children on their own in a room where there's a fire risk
keep matches, lighters, candles and tea lights in a place where children cannot see or reach them
put a child-proof fireguard in front of an open fire or heater
don't let children play or leave toys near a fire or heater
put child locks on cupboards containing anything that could be used to start a fire (for example, matches, candles and flammable liquids)
keep portable heaters in a safe place where they can't be knocked over when they are being used or stored
keep your fire escape route clear of toys and other obstructions
never leave children alone in the kitchen when you're cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob
put plug guards into sockets so children can't stick anything into the holes
For more information on fire safety in the home, click on the links below.
Fire safety in the home (home and community section)
Talking to your children about fire
Children are naturally drawn to the warmth and light of fire, but without the proper guidance this can turn into a dangerous fascination. The Fire Kills website has plenty of advice for parents on ways to teach children about the dangers of fire, and how to stay safe
Advice on teaching children about the dangers of fire (opens new window)
Teaching your child what to do if there is a fire (opens new window)
In this section...
Bullying: getting support
Dealing with bullying
If your child is bullying others
Keeping your child safe from abuse
Keeping your children safe from crime
Protecting older children who are leaving home

Myspace Safety Tips For Kids

For teens, MySpace is a popular online hangout because the site makes it easy for them to express themselves and keep in touch with their friends.

As a parent, please consider the following guidelines to help your children make safe decisions about using online communities.

Talk to your kids about why they use MySpace, how they communicate with others and how they represent themselves on MySpace.
Kids shouldn't lie about how old they are. MySpace members must be 14 years of age or older. We take extra precautions to protect our younger members and we are not able to do so if they do not identify themselves as such. MySpace will delete users whom we find to be younger than 14, or those misrepresenting their age.
MySpace is a public space. Members shouldn't post anything they wouldn't want the world to know (e.g., phone number, address, IM screen name, or specific whereabouts). Tell your children they should avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find them, such as their local hangouts.
Remind them not to post anything that could embarrass them later or expose them to danger. Although MySpace is public, teens sometimes think that adults can't see what they post. Tell them that they shouldn't post photos or info they wouldn't want adults to see.
People aren't always who they say they are. Ask your children to be careful about adding strangers to their friends list. It's fun to connect with new MySpace friends from all over the world, but members should be cautious when communicating with people they don't know. They should talk to you if they want to meet an online friend in person, and if you think it's safe, any meeting should take place in public and with friends or a trusted adult present.
Harassment, hate speech and inappropriate content should be reported. If your kids encounter inappropriate behavior, let them know that they can let you know, or they should report it to MySpace or the authorities.

Now it's your turn. Let me know what you do to keep your child safe on the internet.

Helping Your Kid Make Friends

Article By Kidsgoal.com

Having friends is an important way for children to learn social skills. We all want our children to develop lasting friendships but if your child is a bit shy and seems reluctant to make friends sometimes a little help from Mom or Dad is in order.

If your child is on the shy side try helping them by providing positive social interactions without making them feel awkward or pushed. Play dates or other social interactions should be encouraged. This will give your child a chance to hone his social skills and increase his/her confidence.

We can't choose our children's friends so ask your child who he/she likes spending time with at school and contact the child's parents to suggest a get- together. Start by inviting one child over and keep the time short to start with. One or two hours is enough time to get to know each other. Any longer and they may start to squabble.

Make sure to provide games and activities for your child that he enjoys and is good at. This will help ensure that your child is comfortable and confident. Make a few suggestions but let your child pick the activity before the play date. It is a good idea to stay involved with your child and his potential pal. Don't just leave them alone and hope it all works out. You can supervise a cooking or craft project but allow the children to do as much on their own as possible. If your child is uncomfortable with you always being underfoot respect his/her wishes but be available if there are any conflicts or they become bored and want to change the activity.

Try to arrange regular play dates with the same children. If things go really well you can suggest an outing such as going to a movie or some other activity. When your child is comfortable you can suggest that he or she has a play date at his/her friends house. Let your child know that you are only a phone call away and they can come home anytime.

It also helps to play with your child on a regular basis. It will give you an idea where your child's strengths are and where he or she may struggle. Your child may we awesome at video games but may have a hard time playing checkers or doing puzzles. These activities may frustrate your child and should not be included in a play date.

Try to find out what the flavour of the month is. Most children are often into some kind of fads such as certain trading cards or a special video game that everyone must have. The latest trend may not thrill you but it offers great bonding material and gives them something in common to talk about while they are forming a friendship.

It is also very important to talk to your child's teacher about any concerns you may have and have and work together on strategies to help your child make friends. Offer to volunteer in the classroom to get a good idea how your child interacts with his/her peers.

Most importantly try not to expect too much from your child. Never make your child feel like they are being forced to make friends. When a child is shy too much pressure can make a child feel even more insecure. Try not to focus on it and allow friendships to develop naturally. In most cases shyness and problems making friends for children is normal. But If your child constantly avoids eye contact, seems withdrawn or avoids children all together it is time to talk to your family Doctor.

Making Parent–Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child

Parent teacher conferences are very important. Whether your student is doing well or needs to improve, sitting down with your student(s) teachers is vital to their education.

It demonstrates that you are paying attention to them and what they are involved in. Do not fall into the "You don't have too," or "I'm fine, don't worry about going," or even "conferences are dumb and the teacher hates me" trap. It's the tendency for most teens to down play conferences and especially if they're struggling.

Getting to know teachers is important. Asking them questions, even if it's "why does my son think you hate him?" Or, "she's getting an A but do you feel she understands the work." Any question is good and setting up a dialog about your student(s) education is important.

I stay in close contact with my son's teachers. I also volunteer on Monday and Friday to help out with lunch. This keeps me involved in school and my son's grades and behavior reflect my involvement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS

Nine Things To Do Instead of Spanking

By Kathryn Kvols

Research confirms what many parents instinctively feel when they don't like to spank their child, but they don't know what else to do. The latest research from Dr. Murray Strauss at the Family Research Laboratory affirms that spanking teaches children to use acts of aggression and violence to solve their problems. It only teaches and perpetuates more violence, the very thing our society is so concerned about. This research further shows that children who have been spanked are more prone to low self-esteem, depression and accept lower paying jobs as adults. So, what do you do instead?

Kids And Television

American children watch an average of three to fours hours of television daily. Television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior. Unfortunately, much of today's television programming is violent. Hundreds of studies of the effects of TV violence on children and teenagers have found that children may:

1. Become "immune" to the horror of violence
2. Gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems
3. Imitate the violence they observe on television and
4. Identify with certain characters, victims and/or victimizers.

Extensive viewing of television violence by children causes greater aggressiveness. Sometimes, watching a single violent program can increase aggressiveness. Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see. The impact of TV violence may be immediately evident in the child's behavior or may surface years later, and young people can even be affected when the family atmosphere shows no tendency toward violence.

This does not mean that violence on television is the only source for aggressive or violent behavior, but it is a significant contributor.

Parents can protect children from excessive TV violence in the following ways:

1. Pay attention to the programs their children are watching. Watch some with them.

2. Set limits on the amount of time they spend with the television.

3. Point out that although the actor has not actually been hurt or killed, such violence in real life results in pain or death.

4. Refuse to let the children see shows known to be violent, and change the channel or turn off the TV set when something offensive comes on, with an explanation of what is wrong with the program.

5. Disapprove of the violent episodes in front of the children, stressing the belief that such behavior is not the best way to resolve a problem.

6. To offset peer pressure among friends and classmates, contact other parents and agree to enforce similar rules about the length of time and type of program the children may watch.

Parents should also use these measures to prevent harmful effects from television in other areas such as racial or sexual stereotyping. The amount of time children watch TV, regardless of content, should be moderated, because it keeps children from other, more beneficial activities such as reading and playing with friends. If parents have serious difficulties setting limits, or deep concerns about how their child is reacting to television, they should contact a child and adolescent psychiatrist for help defining the problem.

Look At What I Stumbled Upon

Stumbleupon is much more than just a social network tool known from such sites as friendster or orkut. It provides addition with features like - Link Recommendation (which is the main purpose) - Topic Surfing (which makes it a great research tool) - Channel Surfing aka co-browsing (which means leaving your comments on sites, pages and people) - Web and Photoblogging - Recommend to friend via mail - Bookmark collecting - Community forums - Site promotion - And a lot of fun ! All of this adds up on meeting a lot of friendly people, that have the same interests as you have. Privacy issues might worry you: SU leaves you full freedom of entering details about you. The only thing that leaves a trace of your identity is in my view a collection of which sites you prefer and your probably everchanging IP number. You cannot be connected to your surf-preferences if you dont reveal your identity, as your email address is not visible for other users. So privacy is not really an issue as it may be in other networks you might find, and if you don't care building up a data-minable collection of likes and dislikes connected with other peoples likes or dislikes.

10 Tips For Better Grades In Class

Parental Involvement Is the Answer
Study after study has shown that parental involvement is the number-one determinant of how well all children -- regardless of their background -- do in school. Here are ten ways you can help your kids succeed in the classroom -- and beyond.

1. Create an environment in your home that encourages learning.
This will be a major influence on how well your children do in school. Provide them with many different opportunities to become excited about learning. Make sure that appropriate materials from puzzles to paints to computers are available to stimulate their curiosity.

2. Provide your children with a well-balanced life.
A stable home, filled with love, serves as a solid foundation for getting straight A's. Establish routines so your children get enough sleep, eat regular nourishing meals, and receive sufficient exercise. Limit excessive TV-viewing and the playing of video and computer games.

3. Read to your children every day.
Most of the learning your children do in school involves reading. Read to your kids to teach them about reading, expand and enrich their vocabularies, and broaden their experiences. Reading aloud exposes them to materials that would be difficult for them to read on their own.

4. Encourage them to read extensively.
As your children progress through school, as much as 75 percent of what they learn will come from the printed page. The more children read, the better their reading skills become. Make sure there is a wide variety of interesting reading materials in your home to encourage the reading habit.

5. Show your children how to be organized.
Children who are organized find it much easier to succeed in school. One of the best ways to teach organizational skills is through example. Show your children how to use such organizational tools as assignment pads, calendars, notebooks, binders, and backpacks.

6. Teach them effective study skills.
Good study skills are absolutely essential to get A's. Make sure your children know how to read their textbooks, prepare for tests, memorize facts, and use their time efficiently. Encourage them to have a regular time for studying, and provide a study place that is free of distractions.

7. Urge your children to listen and participate in class.
Listening in class is the easy way for children to learn. Advise your older children to take notes, which will help them concentrate on what is being said. Encourage your children to participate in class -- it will greatly increase their interest in what they're learning.

8. Help your children learn how to tackle homework.
Doing homework reinforces what your children learn in school. Show them how to do it so that homework quickly becomes their responsibility. Help them learn what assignments to do first and how to plan their time. Encourage them not to rush through their homework but to consider every assignment a learning experience.

9. Talk to your children about school.
Your children spend hours in school every day. A lot can happen during that time. Show that you are genuinely interested in their day by asking questions about what they did and talking with them about the papers they bring home. When problems occur, work with your kids to find solutions.

10. Develop a good relationship with your children's teachers.
Good communication between home and school helps children do well in school and makes it easier to address problems. Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences, visit your kids' classrooms, and volunteer to help their teachers. And don't forget to express your appreciation to teachers for all that they do for your children.

Talking to Your Kids About Building Wealth

The primary task of parenting (besides loving, of course) is preparing your kids for independence. You teach them about life and give them the tools and the wisdom to make the most of their talents and their opportunities.
It's easy when they're young. "Look both ways before crossing the street." "Study hard." "Do your best." But as your kids get older, the issues get more challenging -- sex, drugs, and alcohol come to mind -- and the conversations get a lot more difficult.
Yet too few parents are having the one conversation that's vitally important to their children's future, and which -- when compared to talks about sex or drugs -- is surprisingly easy to begin: The one about building wealth.

Does It Pay For Mom To Work?

The phrase "It costs money to make money" is certainly fitting when used to describe the second income of a working parent who has dependent children. The "working tax" on a second income includes additional income taxes, childcare costs, work-related expenses, and additional household expenses...CBS News

I think it's important these days to have multiple income steams. There are so many opportunities with the Internet at our fingertips. I'm a big fan of affiliate programs because you can usually do them from home. I have several, some high commissions and a few low commissions. The possibility is out there we just have to search it out.

Allowance Tips: Good Money Management Begins with an Allowance

Teach philanthropy at an early age. A portion of a child's allowance — 10 percent — should be allocated to charity. Encourage children to participate in canned good, clothing, or toy drives for charities. Help them to respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, outside their community by donating money to help.

Teach saving at an early age. It's important to put something aside for the future. Teach your
children that saving isn't for leftover money. Both the allocations for charity and savings should be made before any discretionary spending takes place. As with the donations to charity suggested above, the child should be encouraged to set aside the same portion of allowance — 10 percent — for savings. Children should have savings accounts by the time they're 8 years old. If older children don't have savings accounts, remember it's never too late to start a savings account for a child.

Encourage an entrepreneurial spirit. If children have a special goal, encourage them to find ways to earn the necessary funds. Don't create unnecessary jobs just so they can meet the goal. That's the same as giving them the money. Let them find a job and make the offer. If it meets a need and the price is right, hire them.

Never reward good behavior with tangible gifts. Goodness is its own reward. Your approval and words of praise should be sufficient. Paying for good behavior leaves parents open for juvenile blackmail. Parents don't want to hear, "I'll stop crying if you take me to the toy store," or "I'll come home on time if you buy me a new stereo."

Don't try to compensate your children for your own deprivation as a child. There are some purchases that signify changes of lifestyle and qualify as rites of passage. Allow your children the pleasure and pride that making those purchases for themselves can bring.

Teaching children financial responsibility can be an exciting and fun-filled experience. It's not always easy, but when parents are consistent, the rewards are immeasurable. Parents will be giving their children skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

The Story of Mother's Day

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter*), "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England.
*(For more information on Lent/Easter check out - Easter on the Net)
During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.
As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.

In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

IIs Your Child A Picky Eater?

If it seems like your child's eating only a few bites of plain pasta, you're not alone. Nearly 40 percent of kids under 6 are picky eaters, and while it can be frustrating for you, it's actually a normal developmental stage. At this age, kids' instinctual response to something new is suspicion and caution, and they may be asserting their independence by refusing your offerings. But picky eating won't last forever — most kids grow out of it by age 8 or 9. In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to try to expand his palate.

Encourage adventurous eating!

Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe Online

By Sharon Housley

Parents are constantly struggling with ways to keep their children safe online. The Internet has a global reach and at this point no bounds, or limitations. Outside of installing filtering software children should be educated in order to protect themselves to this virtual monster. We've put together a collection of ten tips that should be observed while surfing online. At the very least these tips will prompt family discussions regarding safety.

1.) When on the internet personal information should be kept private. Just because someone asks doesn't mean you need to tell them. When someone asks for personal information, consider how they might use that information and whether it is necessary for them to have it.

2.) If you are conversing with someone online, don't assume that they are being honest with you. Just because they say they're 16 doesn't mean they are.


3.) Do not release your password to anyone, even if they say they are from your online provider.

4.) Overall it is best not to respond to unsolicited e-mail (SPAM), if there is something flagrant or inappropriate in the e-mail, consider reporting the sender to their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

5.) Do not give out or post identifying information, including address or telephone numbers.

6.) You may want to create a nickname for a screen name in chat rooms.

7.) Keep in mind when posting in chat rooms or newsgroups, that there may be lurkers (people who read but do not post). Your information can be read and seen by all.

8.) Keep an open dialogue with children surfing the Internet, remember if they come to you with a problem, your first reaction should not be to take away the Internet. Applaud child's confidence in confiding in you and work together to find a solution.

9.) Overall it is not a good idea to post or exchange pictures over the Internet

10.) Try to keep in mind the Internet is global and is *not* governed by any entity. This means that there are no limitations or checks on the information posted and accessible to Internet users.

Get Out Of My Face(Book)

Facebook is a social networking website. It was originally developed for college and university students but has since been made available to anyone with an email address. People may then select to join one or more participating networks, such as a high school, place of employment, or geographic region.

I signed up for my Facebook account. I like Facebook for its simplicity and private features. I saw that the developer also turned down $1 Billion dollars from Google. Crazy Stuff!!

Lavish Baby Accessory

Just because your baby can't walk yet, doesn't mean he can't step out in style with these lace-up sneakers that have signature Gucci detailing. With sizes starting at 8-10 months, nothing beats a little Gucci to get your baby off on the right foot.
www.gucci.com

These are some lavish extras for little ones. To see a few more click here.

Family Fun Is In The Air

Spring is here and it's time to play. I like to keep busy and a good way to do so is arts and crafts. I've always loved to create things with my hands. Arts and crafts are a great way to shut the TV off and bond once again. My favorite thing to do is set up a table outside and enjoy nature at the same time. Sometimes we go to the state park and craft it up all day.

School Bans Mother's Day Cards

A school has banned the making of Mother’s Day cards because the headteacher does not want to upset children without a mother.
Helen Starkey has ended the tradition in the interests of "sensitivity".
"More than five per cent of children here are separated from their birth mother and have either no contact or no regular contact with their mother," she said.
"This decision was not taken because of any philosophical attitude towards the celebration of Mothering Sunday, but to protect a significant number of children in our school.
"In all our dealings with these children we have to exercise great sensitivity. I am not against Mother’s Day but no time will be devoted to making cards in lessons."
The move has angered parents at the 357-pupil Johnstown Primary School in Carmarthen, West Wales.
One mother said: "No one wants to be hard-hearted to those kids without a mum at home but it means that 95 per cent of pupils are being deprived of a traditional activity.
"Children who don’t have mothers can make cards for an aunt or a relative or even a neighbour who cares for them."
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent - March 18 this year.
Mothers’ Union spokesman Fiona Thomas said: "We understand not all children have contact with their mothers.
"However presumably all the children at the school have care, and it would be ideal if the school could promote and support carers by encouraging each child to make a card which thanks the person in their lives who does that mothering.
"That could be a dad, auntie, carer, foster mum or grandparent.
"All the children should be encouraged to think about the skills of mothering - and how they can be appreciated on this special day."

5 Minutes For Mom Contest!!

5 Minutes For Mom is holding a contest on April 25 for this awesome Phillips digital picture frame. All you have to do is go to the site and fill out Mister Linky. Good luck to all!!!

Abraham-Hicks Daily Quotes

Parents often think that they are here to guide the little ones. When - in reality - the little ones come forth with clarity to guide you.

Food Quiz For Kids

When you're home and your stomach starts growling, where's the first place you go? The fridge, of course! But before you grab some ice cream or chocolate cake, try your hand at the "Healthy Fridge" Quiz to learn about some "better-for-you" food choices. We'll test your "heart smarts" and nutrition I.Q. And after you answer each question correctly, you'll fill the fridge with healthy foods.

Take the food quiz.

Oprah Wants To Know : How Happy Are You?

Are you truly happy? If you were presented with a group of people you've never met, could you determine who was really satisfied with their life? A panel of five people took a test to see how happy they really are. See if you can tell who is the happiest, and then take the test yourself!

Happiness is in the mind of the beholder.

Me And My Squidoo

Millennium Mommy has gone Squidoo on you! Squidoo: SKWID-OO, n. v., adj., addiction. 1) thousands of people creating a hand built catalog of the best stuff online 2) a free and fun way to make your own page 3) a place to find what you're looking for, fast.

So that's it in a nut shell.

Check me out!

Blogs Teach Kids Lessons

I know I post a lot on kids safty on the internet but I saw this article on lessons tought by blogging. My son just resantly started his own blog and I can see the lessons working. Give it a try!
Blogs for Kids
by Sharon Housley

Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!

Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:

Benefits
1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts
Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.

2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and Relatives
Blogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.

3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies
Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building.

4.) Improved Writing Skills
When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.

5.) Improved Editing Skills
Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally.

6.) Improved Spelling
Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.

7.) Typing
Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.

Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.

Kids And Nature

As a kid I loved being in nature. Growing up in an urban area of NJ I did not have as many nature experiences as kids in the suburbs. Kids these days don't get out enough and some people think it might be linked to child obesity and behavior problems. I think it might have a little to do with it. Nature helps because it gives the mind a chance to rest and it also shows children that there is more to life than their home town. What do you think?

Kids Nature Kit

Planet Earth Was Great!!!

Planet Earth is the new series on Discovery Channel. The camera work is outstanding. Planet Earth Brings you up and close with nature.

• Planet Earth Blog

What's The Best Way To Keep Slim For Somer, Summer?

My fiance and I are always very active. From tennis , biking to weight lifting and swimming. This winter we put on a few extra pounds and are wondering what is the best diet out there? I'm a firm believer in exercise with good eating habits. With so many options out there what is a girl to do?

More than 3 million people have discovered how to Somersize… the amazing way to eat delicious foods in abundant portions and lose weight at the same time.

Smart nutritional choices are the bedrock for happy, healthy living. Get motivated, get smart and get started! Atkins Diet

The Only Four Exercise You Need

It's not always easy to get up and exercise. Sometimes just the thought of it is tiring. Oprah says that all you need is four main exercises to stay in shape. That's right I said FOUR!!! To watch a free workout video just click here.

You don't need balls, mats and elastic bands to get a great workout. Dr. Oz says there are only four exercises that you'll ever need to know—and none require fancy machinery!

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Blog Basics For Kids

Just as you've taught your kids to be safe surfers, you may want to educate them about blogging and set some ground rules — much like completing driving school before hitting the road solo. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Establish rules for online use with your kids and be diligent.

Screen what your children plan to post before they post it. Seemingly innocuous information, such as a school mascot and town photo, could be put together to reveal where the author goes to school.

Be selective about the information you share in a blog. If you are uncomfortable knowing a stranger could see certain content, do not post it.

Evaluate the blogging service and find out if it offers private, password-protected blogs.

Save the web address of your child's blog and review it on a regular basis.

Check out other blogs to find positive examples for your kids to emulate.

12 safety tips on blogging for parents and kids

When Is It Too Early For An Allowance?

Experts differ on whether or not allowances should be tied to household chores. Although many people say children will learn more about personal responsibility if they are NOT paid for pitching in around the home, others feel it teaches them valuable lessons about working and earning. You might consider paying your children for chores outside of daily duties, such as helping to garden or wash the family car.
Provide by Yahoo

I give my son an allowance for his contributions around the house. I think it's a wonderful way to learn about the art of give and take. In life there's usually more give than take so when it comes to earning for giving I'm all about it.

My First Mister Linky

Top Mamma Maddness

I finally became a Top Mamma member. I think it's a fun site. Check it out!

Teaching by Example

Working from home has it's advantages besides financial and time freedom. Being home with your kids also teachs our kids how to live their dreams. Most families in my business community live life by example. They teach their kids to work smarter not harder!!!

My Top 5 Lessons For My Son:

1. Kids model what they experience. My son will follow my example and leverages his time and money.


2. Your career should be something you Love to do. The fact is that wealth is developed when you have passion in what you do.


3. Family is the most important part of life. Putting family first shows our children the meaning of life. The reason we are who we are is because of family and that should be praised.


4. The path you choose is your own. There's nothing more important in life than being your own person. I'm a huge believer in thinking for yourself. If I wasn't then I would be working for the man, wishing for my next break or something like that. In life there are followers and there are leaders. I'm a leader and my son knows this about me. Therefore he will follow in my footsteps and call his own shots!

Peer Pressure All Over Agian!!

We've all experienced peer pressure. It's a part of life and there's not much us parents can do about it. My best advice for parents is to keep the dialog open with your children. I speak to my son about it all the time. Yes, he might think I'm nagging him but when the time comes he'll hear my voice and advice. My fiance always told me that the way he stayed out of trouble was his moms' voice in the back of his mind.
My son is at the age where his class mates are asking him to do the silly things that boys do. I make it a point to go to my sons' school and meet his friends. Children tend to respect their friends a little more when they know their parents. I found this article on the web and thought you might like it. If you have any other advice I would love to hear about it.

15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money

15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money

Introducing Kids to Money Money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities. Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend. Everyday spending decisions can have a far more negative impact on children's financial futures than any investment decisions they may ever make. Here are 15 simple ways to help educate children about personal finance and managing money:

1.As soon as children can count, introduce them to money. Take an active role in providing them with information. Observation and repetition are two important ways children learn.
2.Communicate with children as they grow about your values concerning money --- how to save it, how to make it grow, and most importantly, how to spend it wisely.
3.Help children learn the differences between needs, wants, and wishes. This will prepare them for making good spending decisions in the future.
4.Setting goals is fundamental to learning the value of money and saving. Young or old, people rarely reach goals they haven't set. Nearly every toy or other item children ask their parents to buy them can become the object of a goal-setting session. Such goal-setting helps children learn to become responsible for themselves.
5.Introduce children to the value of saving versus spending. Explain and demonstrate the concept of earning interest income on savings. Consider paying interest on money children save at home; children can help calculate the interest and see how fast money accumulates through the power of compound interest. Later on, they also will realize that the quickest way to a good credit rating is a history of regular, successful savings. Some parents even offer to match what children save on their own.

Allowance and Spending Decisions

6. When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving. If the amount is $5, give them 5-1-dollar bills and encourage that at least one dollar be set aside in savings. (Saving $5 a week at 6 percent interest compounded quarterly will total about $266 after a year, $1,503 after 5 years, and $3,527 after 10 years!)

7. Take children to a credit union or bank to open their own savings accounts. Beginning the regular savings habit early is one of the keys to savings success. Remember, don't refuse them when they want to withdraw a portion of their savings for a purchase--This may discourage them from saving at all. You can also introduce children to U.S. savings bonds. Bonds are still a good value, costing one-half their face value and earning interest that in some instances will be tax-free if used for a college education. Perhaps more importantly, when given as a gift, bonds will not be spent immediately, reinforcing saving and goal-setting lessons.

8. Keeping good records of money saved, invested, or spent is another important skill young people must learn. To make it easy, use 12 envelopes, 1 for each month, with a larger envelope to hold all the envelopes for the year. Establish this system for each child. Encourage children to place receipts from all purchases in the envelopes and keep notes on what they do with their money.

9. Use regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money. Going to the grocery store is often a child's first spending experience. About a third of our take-home pay is spent on grocery and household items. Spending smarter at the grocery store (using coupons, shopping sales, comparing unit prices) can save more than $1,800 a year for a family of four. To help young people understand this lesson, demonstrate how to plan economical meals, avoid waste, and use leftovers efficiently. When you take children to other kinds of stores, explain how to plan purchases in advance and make unit-price comparisons. Show them how to check for value, quality, repairability, warranty, and other consumer concerns. Spending money can be fun and very productive when spending is well-planned. Unplanned spending, as a rule, usually results in 20-30 percent of our money being wasted because we obtain poor value with our purchases.

10. Allow young people to make spending decisions. Whether good or poor, they will learn from their spending choices. You can then initiate an open discussion of spending pros and cons before more spending takes place. Encourage them to use common sense when buying. This means doing research before making major purchases, waiting for the right time to buy, and using the "spending-by-choice" technique. This technique involves selecting at least three other things the money could be spent on setting aside money for one of the items, and then making a choice of which item to purchase.

Buying Smart

11. Show children how to evaluate TV, radio, and print ads for products. Will a product really perform and do what the commercials say? Is a price offered truly a sale price? Are alternative products available that will do a better job, perhaps for less cost, or offer better value? Remind them that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

12. Alert children to the dangers of borrowing and paying interest. If you charge interest on small loans you make to them, they will learn quickly how expensive it is to rent someone else's money for a specified period of time. For instance, paying for a $499 TV over 18 months at $31.85 a month at 18.8 percent interest means the buyer really pays about $575.

13. When using a credit card at a restaurant, take the opportunity to teach children about how credit cards work. Explain to children how to verify the charges, how to calculate the tip, and how to guard against credit card fraud.

14. Be cautious about making credit cards available to young people, even when they are entering college. Credit cards have a message: "spend!" Some students report using the cards for cash advances and also to meet everyday needs, instead of for emergencies (as originally planned). Many of those same students find themselves having to cut back on classes to fit in part-time jobs just to pay for their credit card purchases.

15. Establish a regular schedule for family discussions about finances. This is especially helpful to younger children--it can be the time when they tote up their savings and receive interest. Other discussion topics should include the difference between cash, checks, and credit cards; wise spending habits; how to avoid the use of credit; and the advantages of saving and investment growth. With teenagers, it's also useful to discuss what's happening with the national and local economies, how to economize at home, and alternatives to spending money. All of this information will be important as they take on more responsibility for their own financial well-being.

Kids to Parents: Leave the Stress at Work

NEW YORK — Working parents might think they leave it at the office, but kids know better.
Whether adults realize it or not, their job-related stress affects their children, scientists said here this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychoanalytic Association.

Over the past 30 years, time spent at the office has jumped 10 hours a week. And one in three employees in the United States reports feeling chronically overworked, said Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute in New York.

Read The Rest

Suggestions to help Combat Personal Fraud

Be very aware of your valuables, i.e. purse, wallet.

Use postal service mailboxes for envelopes containing checks or personal information especially Social Security numbers.

Consider using a paper shredder for personal trash destruction, including financial solicitations you receive in the mail.

Before sharing personal information, especially Social Security numbers, ask why personal information is being requested, how it will be used, and whether it will be shared.

Careful who you write a check out to (your checking account number and routing number is on the check) - Careful with who has your checking account info.

Don't carry ID cards and credit cards unless you intend to use them.

Report lost or stolen checks immediately. Promptly review all checks when you receive new deliveries to be sure that none of the checks have been stolen in transit.

Order a copy of your credit report annually from each of the major credit reporting agencies. Check the records for accuracy.

• Equifax www.equifax.com, order a report 888-766-0008 or write P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
• Experian www.experian.com, order a report 888-397-3742 or write, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
• Trans-Union www.tuc.com, order a report 800-680-7289 or write, P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022

If you identify unauthorized activity on your credit reports, report fraud by contacting:

• Equifax 800-525-6285
• Experian 888-397-3742
• Trans Union 800-680-7289

If you suspect fraud, contact the major check verification companies to request that retailers using their databases be notified not to accept the stolen checks.

• Telecheck 800-710-9898
• Chex Systems 800-328-5122
• Equifax 800-215-6294

Consider removing your name and telephone number from Direct Mail Marketing groups. This can be accomplished by sending your name, address and telephone number to: DMA Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014. Additional information is available on-line at www.the-dma.org.

Consider adding your name and phone number to the Federal Trade Commission's National Do Not Call List. You can register on-line at http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall or call 888-382-1222 (TTY 866-290-4236).

Store cancelled checks, new checks, line of credit checks in a safe place.

Young Student's Documentary Leaving Audiences Stunned

I found this video the other day when I did a search for inspiring news clips. I see it to show a certain mindset of these children. It's crazy how early some children learn this type of mindset. After watching the video I think that parents should be a little more aware of the information our kids are watching.

Abraham-Hicks Daily Quotes

Abraham-Hicks
As you identify the thing that you want and you achieve vibrational harmony with it, by Law of Attraction you summon the Energy through you, and that is what life is. When someone stops desiring, Life Force no longer flows through them, and then they re-emerge into the Nonphysical where you have all kinds of goals and intentions.

Top 10 reasons to be a WAHM!

1. Save on Daycare Costs
2. Eliminate the stress bosses dish out for not being able to work because our kids need us.
3. Do away with commuting, traffic and nervous tension assoicated with driving to work.
4. Big savings on eating out and work clothes
5. Freedom and Flexibility
6. The opportunity to be yourself and do whatever you want with your time
7. Work a home business that you can feel proud about and make as much money as you want
8. To be able to say “I own my own business”
9. Kids can learn how a business works
10. To be in control of your own destiny

1. Save on Daycare Costs:
According to the Children's Defense Fund and Runzheimer International parents are paying an average of $250 to $1,250 monthly for daycare. A mother who is making about $20,000 a year will probably find that she is really only bringing home only $5000 a year once all the additional costs of her working are figured in. Some moms are actually loosing money each month by working outside the home.

2. Eliminate the stress bosses dish out for not being able to work because our kids need us:
No More Bosses Giving You the Stink Eye For Not Working Due To Kid Issues. There’s nothing worse then when your daycare provider tells you they can't watch your kid because he's sick. So there you go, having to take time off work as your boss and coworkers resent you and your chances for promotion become slimmer and slimmer because "you're unreliable at time".

3. Do away with commuting, traffic and nervous tension associated with driving to work:
No more commuting when you work from home. No long drives, bad traffic, added expenses for car upkeep (car upkeep costs about $250 a month on average). You can simply wake up in the morning and walk a few feet to your home office in your most comfortable choice wardrobe.

4. Big savings on "eating out" and work clothes:
Between eating out and buying uniforms or an office wardrobe (even if you don’t have to wear a uniform) you are looking at paying about $145 a month. Nice thing about working at home and being your own boss is you can decide what you want to wear to work.

5. Freedom and Flexibility:
There are field trips to go on, sport programs to get the kids to, exercise classes, family that needs extra care at times that goes on in a moms life. Working at home offers the freedom and flexibility needed to do all these small things that add up and make a huge difference in everyone’s life – including your own.

6. The opportunity to be yourself and do whatever you want with your time:
The ability to be a work-at-home mom is the best gift you could ever give yourself, for so many reasons. The big one though is being able to create a home business around something you really like and enjoy doing. You shouldn’t have to hate your job or the way you make money. This is the perfect opportunity to finally put your interests and talents to good use, and make money from them.

7. Work a home business that you can feel proud about and make as much money as you want:
Being the owner of your own business you can decide if you can work full or part time. This can depend a lot on the age of your children and how much you can dedicate to your business.

8. To Be Able To Say “I Own My Own Business":
When you can say, “I own my own business” this is very empowering. As something Emeril might say, “It definitely kicks the self-confidence level up a notch or two.”

9. Kids Can Learn How a Business Works:
Your kids can learn first hand how a business runs. There will have no problem answering any questions like, “So what does your mommy do.” Kids become very proud of their work-at-home moms. They love the fact their moms are there for them, and that it makes mom happy to make money doing something she loves.

10. To Be In Control Of Your Own Destiny:
Work at something you love to do, have the flexibility to work around your families schedule, wear what you want to work and becoming the person you are supposed to be. These are all ways that you can have control of your own destiny.

Jamie Oliver Cares About Kids

Jamie Oliver is a great chef from London, for his official bio click here.
His work with school lunch duty opens up new options for children. Check it out.

Kidfresh

At Kidfresh, children have their own bar specially designed for them with lots of goodies...They can customize a Shapewich by picking their favorite shape, select from an array of colorful, organic fruits to blend into a smoothie or even color their cupcakes! And, dare we mention the exciting offerings at the ice cream station?

I think this is a great idea. The best way to get kids to eat healthy is to get them involved. Kids love to be part of the action in the kitchen.

Exercise For Kids

In addition to the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle the physical and emotional challenges that a typical day presents - be that running to catch a bus, bending down to tie a shoe, or studying for a test.


Fun exercise ideas.

The Reaction To Oprah And The Secret

This week Oprah focused on the reaction to The Secret. The testimonials were very moving and hit close to home. Hope you saw it and if you didn't I will be posting it soon.

The Secret on Oprah Was Incredible!

If you haven't seen it yet then you don't know what your missing. The Secret was thrown into mainstream. It was a great show and I think Oprah covered it to the tee. She spoke about how she has always lived her life in the manner of The Secret and I couldn't have agreed more.

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Alcohol and Drug Awareness

As a child I was rarely informed about drugs. Fortunate for me I totally bypassed the drug scene. I try to inform my child any chance I get. I'm a big fan of showing my son positive portrayals of other youth. Merely talking about not being involved with drugs is not enough.

Read this article for more info.

What Kind of Mom Are You?

Are all Moms alike? We don't think so. We think each Mom has her own style of balancing life and work, kids and career, food and fun, home and office. What kind of Mom are you? How do you find the balance?

Take the Test!

TIME Management

I know I'm not the only mom out there with time management issues. Like most things in life if you have a plan then your on the right path. I was looking for some help on time management and came across this website. It seems to be exactly what I was looking for. It has a bunch of free downloads from day planning to goal setting. Let me know what you think!

Yoga For Kids

Although kids' yoga has been catching on in studios over the past few years, not all families have the means to send their children to classes at $15-$20 a pop. Another venue is growing, however more and more public and private schools are welcoming yoga and integrating it into the curriculum. I've noticed how relaxed my child has become since we've started yoga. I recommend it to all moms with hyper children.

How to protect your home network

Wireless networks are everywhere. In fact, in the past 18 months, they surpassed old-fashioned, tethering wired networks as the method of choice for connecting computers at home. According to Jupiter Research, there's now over 12 million wireless home networks floating around America.

Four steps to better home office security

Computer Time Watcher for Kids

Should Government Tell You if You Can Spank Your Child?

It’s an old argument — to spank or not to spank children. Now California could theoretically be the first state to outlaw parental spanking. The proposal includes penalties of up to a year in jail and fines of as much as $1000 dollars. The Mountain View legislator who proposed it is instant national news. Fox News

I Dream of a Spa Vacation

I visited the Biltmore resort in Arizona in July and wish I never left. It's been cold and snowing in NJ the last few day and all I can think about is the seaweed massage from the Biltmore,

there's nothing like being pampered. I crave it, I want it!

My top 10 reasons for a spa vacation:

1. NJ is sooooooo cold.


2. Cold weather makes my muscles tight.


3. Taxes.


4. My car inspection is due.


5. Post Christmas blues.


6. Mailman keeps leaving me junk mail even though I posted a no junk mail sign up.


7. Kings food market can't keep up with my organic avocados.


8. Erik plays his guitar too loud.


9. My aroma candles just aren't doing it for me anymore.


10. Did I mention That NJ is really cold.

Daydreaming Can Make You Smart

Daydreaming is brain's default setting, study finds

I used to get in a lot of trouble for daydreaming in the classroom. Who knew it was so important. Studies show That the brain is in constant motion with it's thoughts. Most people just daydream about the wrong things. Instead of daydreaming about your daily tasks, we should daydream of our life goals and things we want in our lives.

Motivational Quote

World peace, means one mindset big enough to make the decisions about what everybody else wants, and the rest of the world conforming. That is the ultimate definition of world peace. You say, "Oh, let's get along!" And what each of you mean is, "You do what I want." A peaceful world means, "Everybody wanting what I want. Going along with what I want." And the only problem with that is, there are more than one of you, and you have endless desires that are born within you. The ultimate experience is, everyone having their experience and launching their individual rockets of desire, and the Universe yielding to all of them simultaneously. And everybody not worrying about what anybody else created, and so, then allowing what they are wanting. What a world that is, when there are endless desires, who are allowing the fulfillment of their own desires.

All Is Well
Quote by Abraham-Hicks

Feng Shui

The ability to balance work, relationships and living space can be a bit tricky. Who knew that by placing items in a certain way you can achieve balance. It makes a lot of sense to me. I notice when I'm in a disorderly environment it's difficult to feel comfortable. On the other hand, when I'm in a well balanced environment I feel at peace.

Feng Shui

How's your love life?

Sometimes being in a relationship has its' ups and downs when it comes to intimacy. The trick is to keep the flame burning. It all boils down to love, and I don't mean love as a word you say here and there. To me, the word "love" means sacrifice, acceptance and attention. I Hope those words don't scare you. Knowing that love is much more than a word helps me love better.

Take The Love Quiz