I don’t normally post articles that PR folks send me for reprint, but this came at a time that I really needed to read it.  So, I couldn’t resist sharing it with my readers. ~Kelli

Celebrate Parent’s Day!
The most joyful and frustrating job in the world
by Gary M. Unruh

What do we value most in life: moment-to-moment enjoyment or the longer-term rewards and pleasure of a meaningful undertaking? Of course, we value the meaningful undertaking, and that’s what we signed up for with parenting-the most joyful and frustrating job in the world.

Parenting is immeasurably rewarding over time, but from a moment-to-moment perspective, it’s often more frustrating than happy.  The every-once-in-awhile experiences of “I love you, Mom,” the glow of accomplishments, fun times together…well, that’s joy of the highest order.
After watching all of this played out in front of me through the lives of over 2,500 kids and families for the last forty years, I’ve got one thing to say on Parents’ Day (7/25/10):

Thank you, thank you, parents, for continually working to unleash your love and putting up with the daily frustration.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like to see this unconditional love being transformed into a kid’s feeling lovable.

Warren Buffett said it all recently: There is no power on earth like unconditional love. And I think that if you offered that to your child….you’re 90 percent of the way home (July 7, 2010 Huffington Post).
As a way to celebrate your parenthood, here are four tips that will make your day-to-day parenting a little less frustrating:

• Work toward your kid feeling understood and accepted (unconditional love) — “I’m lovable” — even during discipline. Video games, vacations, and soccer are great, but your kid feeling accepted and understood, that’s the keeper.
• Agree on parenting approaches with your spouse. (Forty percent of parents’ arguments are about kids.)
• Take adequate time for yourself and your spouse. (It’s good for your kids to witness.)
• Don’t compare your parenting or your kid to others. Loving your kid unconditionally 65 percent of the time is plenty good, at least a B.  Besides, you and your kid are different from everyone else. Kids are forgiving, especially if they feel accepted and understood no matter what.

Okay, parents, celebrate this day. You deserve it. As you increasingly show unconditional acceptance and understanding to your kid (and be kind to yourself), you can know without a doubt, I’m giving my kid the most powerful gift-love. I’m doing a good job.

Note: Parent’s Day is the 4th Sunday of every July. This year, Parent’s Day is July 25th. Read more at www.parentsday.com.

Gary M. Unruh, MSW LCSW, is a child and family mental health counselor with nearly forty years of experience. He is the author of Unleashing the Power of Parental Love: 4 Steps to Raising Joyful and Self-Confident Kids (www.unleashingparentallove.com).

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This guest post from Kelly Wilson should have been a Homeschooling Notes post!  I am planning to use a couple of her ideas this coming school year!  Be sure to welcome her and visit her site to show her how wonderful my readers are. ~Kelli

By: Kelly Wilson

Teaching Resource Center

www.trcabc.com

Kelly.wilson@trcabc.com

Fun and Easy Outdoor Activities With Kids

Kids will often claim to be bored during the summer, but that phrase may mean that they’re ready to spend some time with you. Here are a few fun activities that not only give you and your kids time together, but also teach them a little about the world around them.

Bubbles

Gather your bottles of bubble solution and all of your bubble-blowing tools. Start by adding a couple of drops of food coloring to the bottle or dish of bubble solution and shake or stir. Blow some bubbles and check to see if they’re clear or if they have taken on any color. Slowly increase the amount of food coloring, keeping track of how many drops you put in and if the bubbles are colored or not.

Chart The Sun’s Travels

Choose a spot on your driveway or patio and mark a large “X” in a space that gets regular sunlight. At about the same time each hour, have your child stand on the “X” and trace his/her shadow with sidewalk chalk, writing the time of day next to it. At the end of the day, take a look at your unusual artwork. The following questions can help you and your child discuss the change in the shadow’s length:

• What happened to the shadow in the morning? In the afternoon?
• What time was the shadow the shortest? What time was it the longest?
• What does this shadow chart tell us about the sun?

Water Balloon Test

This is a fun activity for those unbearably hot days.

If you can, buy a few different brands or sizes of water balloons. Fill them, making sure to keep the brands or sizes separated.

When the water balloons are ready, choose something to throw them against, like the side of the house or the driveway. To make this test fair, the balloons need to be thrown the same way every time.

Keep track of which water balloons bounced and which ones broke right away. Use this information to plan a water balloon party with friends and strategize which water balloons will get everyone soaked the fastest.

These three easy activities should provide some fun with your kids during these warm summer days!

Kelly Wilson is an editor with Teaching Resource Center, a trusted source of high-quality teaching supplies.

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Welcome Fiona to 3 Boys and a Dog.  Fiona has an AWESOME story so after reading her tips and tricks, be sure to run to her website to find out more about her and her adopted daughter.

Helping Kids Read Better With Homeschooling

Parents give many reasons why they prefer to home school their kids: better academic test results, poor public school environment, improved character/morality development, and objections to what is taught locally in public school. Homeschooling cannot be undertaken lightly. Parents need to be dedicated and may have to sacrifice two incomes for one because one parent has to take on the schooling task. The benefits can be enormous, and include better bonding with kids, being able to monitor their academic progress, and sharing the joy of reading, obviously the cornerstone of any schooling program.

Reading is one of the hardest aspects of learning because kids must love reading to benefit. Here the home school parent can really ‘get stuck in’ with loads of novel and fun ideas that transform reading from a chore to the best activity imaginable. It can be disappointing when your child expresses absolutely no interest in reading. However, you can change that by coming up with new and interesting ways to ‘package’ the art of reading. Reading is a skill, just like any other skill. It has to be introduced, nurtured, and developed. Children don’t enjoy what they can’t do. When reading is difficult, they shy away from even coming near a book. Turning your non-reader into a reader will require your participation and encouragement every step of the way.

• A good way to begin is to actually assess your child’s reading level. If it’s below par, then that’s one reason why he or she isn’t keen on books. Have your child read a page or two from a variety of books they might enjoy. Make a list of the words they find easy/hard/not understood. Once you have an idea of their level, based on vocabulary skills, then you can move forward. In fact, to build your child’s confidence, perhaps begin with a book for a younger age. Your child will skim through it, feeling proud at having finished and understood it, and you can offer praise by saying, “Look how easily you managed that! Shall we try something else?”
• A book can appear quite a formidable object to a non-reader. Begin small. Start with a thinner book and say, “I bet we’ll finish this quickly.” Then let your child read the book in bite-sized pieces. Don’t try for ten pages—read only four or five pages. Your child will feel this is not a huge task after all.
• Reading aloud is something that all parents should do, regardless of children’s age. Most children really love that special time when Mom or Dad comes in to say good night. You can say, “Hey! I’ve got something really exciting here. Want to hear some?” Anything to delay turning off the light, your child will say (of course) “Yeah!” You can make this session into something really memorable by acting the parts and using your Repertoire of Funny Voices, but more importantly, stop at a really exciting point, just when the hero is about to be plunged into mortal danger. Close the book and say, “Gosh! I hope he survives. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.” Generally, no kid can go to sleep without confirming their hero is indeed still alive…
• Praise and admiration boost a child’s confidence. You can do this by letting friends and family members know just how well your child is doing. “It’s amazing how many pages (child’s name) is reading every day now!” Soon your child will be the one to suggest reading. Use the time together to understand your child’s thought processes, and structure the book choices around what really sparks their interest.
• Get your child their own library card and encourage them to begin choosing their own material, based on what captures their interest. Buying book vouchers instead of other kinds of gifts will encourage your child to start building their ‘own’ collection of cherished books.

Fiona Ingram (B.A., Hons. (Natal), M.A., (Wits)) was born and educated in South Africa. Her interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel has resulted in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in her exciting children’s adventure series—Chronicles of the Stone. The first book was inspired by an actual trip the author took to Egypt with her two young nephews (then aged 10 and 12).

Fiona’s dedication to helping children read better was inspired when she adopted a disadvantaged African child who was still basically illiterate at age eleven. Visit Fiona’s author site at www.FionaIngram.com for more articles on helping your child become a better reader.

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This Teachable Moment fits perfectly for very busy summers and as we are thinking about the upcoming school year!  Dr. Susan give us some fabulous advice for balancing your child’s time.  ~Kelli

By:  Dr. Susan Bartell

Scheduling Your Child’s Time: A Balancing Act

If you’re like me, the beginning of the summer is spent planning how your child’s fall schedule will look. If we wait until the very last minute, the dance and gymnastics classes will fill up, the good Little League coach’s team will be complete; and the carpools will have already been organized—without us in them. So unless you have taken care of all these things in the spring (and if you have, I envy you!), at least part of the summer is spent planning for the fall. Which brings me to my next thought…how much organized activity is necessary and healthy for kids?

It is definitely important to encourage extra-curricular activities. Too much downtime is inevitably spent watching TV, playing on the computer and bickering with siblings. In addition, it is important for kids to learn how to balance mandatory activities like homework, chores, religious education and tooth brushing with elective, fun activities. It is also critical for kids to work on the skill of follow-through. Kids and teens should be exposed to new experiences in order to broaden their horizons. When they learn multiple sports, try different instruments, plays in a chess club, they learn that one can stretch both body and your brain and perhaps find a true passion.

While creating a fall schedule for your child that encourages extracurricular exploration, it is also important to keep in mind that for all children, there is a fine line between enough activity and too much! If you follow the five steps below you can be confident that you will strike exactly the right balance:

1. Your child should have only one regular after-school activity on a given day (this includes mandatory activities like religious education). On a weekend day, it’s okay to have one mandatory activity (like religious school) and one fun activity (like soccer practice), as long as your child is happy about it.
2. The majority of elementary school age children or younger should not be formally committed to an activity more than two weekdays and one weekend day per week. Even kids who want to participate in an organized activity more often should be discouraged. They don’t realize that they are likely to ‘burn out’ physically and emotionally. The rare child will become professional or go to the Olympics!
3. Most kids can use one weekday off from any formal activities—usually Friday is a good day for this–so they have time to play with friends.
4. Younger kids should have activities scheduled right after school, so they aren’t tired and already settled in at home.
5. Once signed up for an activity, a child should be strongly encouraged not to miss a practice or session. It is important for kids to learn that they have a commitment to a team, that follow-through is important and that activities cost money. Therefore, except for truly extenuating circumstances, complaints of “I’m tired, can I skip this week” or “I don’t like this can I quit”, should be met with, “You need to stick it out until the end of the semester and then we can reconsider.”

Dr. Susan Bartell is a nationally recognized child psychologist, speaker and award-winning author. Her latest book is The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about Dr. Bartell at www.drsusanbartell.com

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Post written by mommy blogger Melanie Collado

Lately my neighborhood has been going through some very pleasing changes. More attention is being focused on safety and kids, like it should be. After a few incidents that took place recently (theft and break ins) with some of our residents, changes were made immediately.

More and more House alarms are being set each day, and we also decided to find out how to get around Chicago. Many changes including manicured lawns, new bike trails, and cleaner streets are taking effect right now.

The streets around here feel much safer, and it’s a good feeling to know that our neighborhood actually tries to keep us comfortable.

Overall our neighborhood watch has really progressed these past few weeks. Families come out more and the playground is usually filled all the time now. There are also more events that take place to ensure that everyone gets to know their neighbors. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re not the only one wanting to make your neighborhood safe and secure. I can honestly say that my neighborhood now feels like a home.

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This is a guest post by Jacqueline Link

I never thought I would say that I like watching the shows my children enjoy but after today I think I’ve found a favorite. Out of all of the shows they love I would have to say iCarly is the best. It combines all of the elements needed for a good children’s sitcom laughter, drama and real life situations. They have been watching iCarly religiously since it has come on which made me decide to see what it was all about. I especially like how Carly and her friends single handedly created a web show that made them “superstars” overnight, they are living my dream.

The coolest part is that they can act silly and use digitally enhanced sound effects. I have watched over ten episodes now and have actually laughed out loud at her brother Spencer who’s artistic talent is way before his time. My kids think it’s hilarious that I am asking lots of questions about the show to get caught up to speed. It has been a great way to connect with my children. You wouldn’t believe sitting together watching Direct TV could be so rewarding. We especially like to sing the iCarly theme song when the show first comes on. The character has also been trying to start a singing character and will you believe I actually like the first song.

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The installation of a car seat is often a tricky proposition for most parents. However difficult (and frazzling!) it may seem to install a baby carseat, it is important to understand that the proper installation of a one can mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, the reality is that most car seats are not installed properly, thereby putting our babies at risk for serious injury or even death. It is therefore of the utmost importance to abide by the following four safety checkpoints when installing your baby’s carseat.

1. Always, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations – There is no better place to learn about the safety of your car seat installation than the manufacturer’s instructions. Read and re-read the instruction manual and install the car seat according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most of the car seat manuals come with easy-to-follow instructions and pictures to help guide you through the installation. Indeed, this is not the time to guess or assume how to do something! In addition to car seat instructions, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding age and weight requirements, as this can play a big part in how and where the seat is installed.

2. Use the LATCH system, if possible – Many newer car models come equipped with a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which is essentially a factory-installed latch than ensures a secure fit for a car seat. The LATCH system eliminates the need to use a seat belt, thereby providing a foolproof method of installation. However, it is still important to carefully read the instructions for installation when installing a LATCH system!

3. Remember: the best place for a baby is in the back seat of the car – Regardless of the carseat manufacturer, type of car you have, or how old your baby is, the best possible place for your baby is in the backseat: preferably in the middle seat. The front seat is simply too dangerous for an infant, especially if the car’s seat does not have an automatic air bag switch. Remember: babies and young children can be killed by airbags!

4. Ask your local fire or police department if they offer car seat inspection services – If you have any doubt about your car seat installation, or if you simply want to double check your work, contact your local fire or police department and ask if they have a car inspection service. Most of the time local fire and police departments will offer this service for free, so take advantage of it to ensure that your baby is safe and secure in the car at all times.

Aside from making sure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed, it is best to contact your auto insurance company at least once a year to review your auto insurance policy. An annual review of your auto insurance policy will ensure that your insurance needs are met and that you, your family and your passengers are fully protected in case of an accident. You may also want to keep in contact with other car insurance companies to see if a better policy is available.

Annie Wallace is a new mom and blogger. You can find her blogging at Viral Mom.

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Thanks to Leslie King for the guest post.

If left to their own devices, I think my kids might spend the entire summer watching our satellite TV. My husband spends his summer waiting for Direct TV nfl Sunday ticket. That’s why I always try to make a list of activities they might enjoy and make sure we all get out of the house during the summer.

My favorite summer activity is camping. When I was growing up, I always went camping with my family, and now that I am a parent I want my kids to have the same happy memories that I cherish. We usually go camping at the beach. My husband loves to go body surfing with the kids. They ride on him like a boogie board. It is so cute to watch.

In the evenings, we all sit around the campfire and tell stories or sing songs. We roast marshmallows and make s ‘mores. Being surrounded by nature and silence gives me a peaceful feeling. When we come home, I always regret washing the smokey smell out of my jacket. Whenever I smell it, I think of summers spent camping on the beach. That is the smell of nostalgia.

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Summer Exploration

Dr. Susan Bartell

The summer is great when you’re a kid. The stressful weeks of school have been left far behind and autumn’s cold and dreary days seem like they’re still forever away. Each sunny moment is an opportunity for something new—an interesting shell on the beach; a new friend at the park; a delicious ice-cream flavor. The summer is a time for exploring.

In addition to being fun, exploring is an important task of childhood. By becoming a detective, a child learns that one must look beyond the obvious “big picture” to see the world as interesting and complex. Developing the ability to explore with an open and inquisitive mind—to analyze situations, objects and places—is a skill that will carry a child far beyond the fun of the playground and into a successful adult life.

It is important for you to provide opportunities for your child to explore—and summer is the perfect time. Encourage digging holes on the beach by making sure you remember to bring the shovel. Invite exploration in the playground by leaving ample time to play. Ensure bicycles and their safety equipment are accessible and ready to go. Your enthusiasm and patience (rather than frustration or boredom) will support your child’s desire to question and learn. At home, adventures can be found in baking or homegrown scientific experiments with soap, water, clay and…just ask your young explorer! Summer days are perfect for ‘science’ when patios or driveways can be hosed down afterwards!

Exploring need not be reserved for playful detective work! Trying new foods is a type of exploration—a venturing into unknown and for many children, scary territory. However, the summer is a great time for widening a child’s palate. For one thing, it is less stressful, having left behind the “hurry up and eat, we’ll be late for school, homework or bed.” There are also so many great foods to try—fruits, BBQs and picnic foods all seem tastier and more fun in the summer. So, invite your child to explore a rainbow of summer foods—make it tempting by cutting them into interesting designs or serving them in fun ways. Invite neighbors to a picnic in the backyard—new foods taste better on colorful paper plates while sitting under a tree, especially when other kids are eating them too—peer pressure can work wonders when it comes to exploring foods.

Some children are born explorers. For others, the idea of venturing out of their comfort zone doesn’t seem like fun, it feels overwhelming. Sometimes a child is left behind by the others who want to explore—especially when the park, pool and beach are calling out for adventure. A reluctant explorer may need a boost from you to get over fear. Also, ask yourself if you’re contributing to his or her anxiety by conveying your own worries about straying too far, getting hurt or becoming dirty. If so, you’ll want to keep this in check so your child can become a more confident explorer—while still being safe of course!

Igniting interest in creative exploration is a gift you can give your child that will burn brightly long into adulthood. So get out your favorite walking shoes, your digging stick and your magnifying glass and get ready to explore!

Dr. Susan Bartell is a nationally recognized child psychologist, speaker and award-winning author. Her latest book is The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about Dr. Bartell at www.drsusanbartell.com

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This is a guest post by Wilson Philsing

Until recently I have never been an avid coupon clipper.  I know that by just throwing the coupons away I am probably irritating some people.  I have been told that it is just completely ridiculous to not utilize a way to save extra money.  The truth of the matter is I am a very busy person, I work two jobs and have three children.  Therefore, I usually have a lot more things to do on my list other than clipping and sorting through a bunch of coupons.

A friend of mine turned me on to getting coupons online. I have had satellite internet service for quite some time, but usually my kids use it more than me.  A while back I decided that I would take my friend’s advice and check out coolsavings.com and coupons.com.  I was amazed at how easily I could find coupons that I actually needed.  The best part was I could print the ones that I wanted right then.  On top of that I also found coupons that required no clipping at all.  This is something called electronic coupons and can be used to purchase items online. Some were even for free or reduced shipping.

Since then I am completely addicted. There is not a day that goes by that I do not check to see what new coupons are available that I may want. I never knew that couponing could be so easy and fast with my hughesnet internet. If I would have discovered this a long time ago, I could have saved myself a lot of money.

You still will not find me clipping and sorting through the coupons that I get in the mail. I seriously cannot find the time. Nevertheless, do not be surprised to see me at the grocery store with my freshly printed coupons in hand.

*This post is linked to Madame Deals Linky*

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