Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Watch Your Language!

I have a big mouth. If you have read my testimony, you know that I have struggled with panic attacks and an anxiety disorder that most of the time left my tongue paralyzed when it came to simple things, such as ordering a meal or answering the phone. God delivered me from the solitude I had imprisoned myself in. However, I had a new problem--now I talked too much. I have started to monitor my w. . .

Making The Grade

“Here--" I said, handing my mother my progress report as I walked into her room. I braced myself for the inevitably screaming I was sure to hear. "My teacher says you have to sign this." My mother looked at the card, then at me. "How could you be getting a 'D' in Earth Science?" Some students have a natural ability for academics. They receive excellent marks, yet rarely crack open their textboo. . .

10 Tips for Better Grades in Math

Pass these on to your high school math student:1. Don't just aim for 70%. Aim high and shoot for 100%.2. When doing your math homework, be neat. It does make a difference.3. It's not just the answer that counts in math. Much of your grade is based on the intermediate steps in getting to the answer. So show all your work. Your objective should be to convince your teacher that you know how to do . . .

Poke'Mon Exposed!

Have you seen the Campbell soup commercial about the two brothers playing a video game. The one where their mom calls them to eat. One video game monster says to the other, "Don't worry. They'll be back. They need us." Then the monster whispers, "I hear footsteps," obviously convinced it was the kids coming to finish their game. As the mom turns off the video game, you hear "Oh no! It's the mom. . .

God Don't Like Rich People

I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth grade friend told me that. We had been discussing someone who had recently lost a fortune and had become very bitter as a result. She suddenly piped up with that all knowing scowl that only a twelve year old girl can truly master while proclaiming, "God don't like rich people!" She said it as if it was a mortal sin worthy of an eternity in. . .

ABC's of Becoming an Effective Teen

A: Acquire a Strong and Positive AttitudeB: Break Out of Your ShellC: Characterize Your HeroD: Demand Respect For Your Standards, Yourself and Your BeliefsE: Energize Yourself Everyday With a Goal of Making a DifferenceF: Failure to Plan, is Planning for FailureG: Go Big or Go HomeH: Humility is PowerI: Itemize Your Qualities and Seek your Strengths Not Your WeaknessesJ: Jealousy Will Always En. . .

Rasing a Violent-Free Teen in 10 Easy Steps

The disquieting behavior of teenagers in the 21st century, is being hailed by experts as a disturbing trend among troubled youth. Such an interpretation may be factual, but mental heath advocates maintain there are guidelines parents can utilize before problems reach the critical stage. They contend the problems of youngsters who defy parental authority is rooted in changes in the. . .

How to Cope With Colic

When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor night and day, rocking and swaddling, singing and even crying...anything to make my new little miracle stop her endless crying. Well, everyone told me she just had colic and that it would pass. And, alas, pass it did, however I wish that I would have known then what I know now.There are many theories about the causes of colic. Many believe. . .

Ten Careers For High School Seniors Who Hate School

Let’s face it…not everybody likes going to school and high school can be a terrible experience for many students. Whether you’re the hands on type who preferred Shop class to English class, or an athlete who liked working as a team more than studying alone, or even someone who liked schoolwork more than schoolmates; the idea of four more years of school is unbearable. If you identify with any o. . .

How to Create an Emotional Bond with Your Child

One of the most powerful tools that parents have for raising their children is the natural emotional bond that exists between them and their child. Children who feel close to their parents will have a strong desire to obey them. No child with this type of connection to his parents will want to risk hurting that connection by disobeying them. When such a relationship exists, the mere look of . . .

Why Other Children are Rejecting Your Child

Introduction Developing healthy peer relationships is critical for the normal development of a child. Peer relationships have been found to be an important predictor of positive adult adjustment and behavior. Difficulty in finding friends leads to feelings of low self-esteem and these feelings usually continue into adulthood. Children with poor social skills are at risk for delinquency, ac. . .

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidren's Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull, climb and grab things - they are growing from infants to toddlers. Between their first and second birthdays, they are self centered and get busy doing various things like - to flip light switches, pour things in and out of containers, unwrap packages and empty drawers. The toddler stage is very important in a child's life. It is the ti. . .

Jammin' with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music

Does music need to be “dumbed-down” for kids? The answer became quite clear to me and my husband as we observed how our own child responded to complex melodies and varied musical styles in the first months of her life. When I embarked on the recording of my children’s music CD (“Wake Up & Go To Sleep”, Artsong Music) shortly after my daughter was born, it didn’t occur to me to create a happy li. . .

Is There Such a Thing as a Popular Quiz?

Q. My students have asked me for a popular quiz. Can you recommend one?A. The answer to that question depends upon what your students mean when they say "popular".Do they mean a quiz that can tell them if they are "popular", or do they mean a quiz that is popular because everyone likes taking it?Hmm, maybe I can craft one answer that covers both options. You see, a popular quiz, also know as a . . .

Help Your Child Do Better in School

Has Johnny seemed a little frazzled lately? Today, kids have more worries and face more pressures than ever before. Here a few tips to help your child focus on and do well in school.1. Create a personal scheduleRecording everything that must be done on a calendar or "to do" list will help him to keep track of important dates and deadlines. If he keeps it in a visible place he will have no pr. . .

Who Says Nothing Lasts Forever?

In a world of instant gratification and so much that is made to be tossed out after one use, there are some things worth preserving. Childhood memories are among those things worth safeguarding. As a new grandmother, I fully appreciate the importance of teaching my son ways to capture memories of his first-born. Memories that will last for years to come. With some forethought memories that coul. . .

Inexpensive Dating Ideas

Dating and saving money. For many, the two concepts don't equate. There's an automatic reaction for most when suggesting the two together that the person paying is trying to be "cheap" and the resulting date will naturally have the same feel. Contrary to popular belief, however, dating doesn't have to be expensive to be fun, entertaining and memorable. It doesn't even have to take a whole lot o. . .

Seeing Purple: On Pens and Paying Attention

It's back-to-school time once again, and purple is IN. I'm not talking about fashion trends--though the September issues of most magazines are singing the praises of plum and berry shades. No, I'm referring to the hottest item at Office Depot, Staples, and other school supply meccas. Purple pens. According to a recent article in The Boston Globe, many teachers are giving up their infamous red p. . .

Good Friends, Great Life!

While I was in high school, I developed this habit of always watching people and how they responded to things. When I’m walking, when I’m talking, and when I’m eating, I love to watch people. I don’t know why I do it, but I think it’s just my curiosity of wanting to understand all of the various human characteristics.About two years ago, in one of my high school math classes, I met this unbelie. . .

Do You Really Need a Friend Quiz To Tell If Someone Is Yo...

Q. I took a friend quiz in a magazine and it says that I don't make a very good friend. Can that really be true?A. First, let me say congratulations! If the quiz said that you don't make a very good friend then you must have answered the quiz honestly, at least from the friend quiz author's point of view.Now let's delve into the content of the quiz. The bad thing about a friend quiz is that it . . .

Breaking the Mold - Creative Boys Bedrooms

Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an easy but expensive option. While most children do have a preferred character or theme that they would enjoy having in their rooms, there are more affordable ways to achieve a similar desired result.Without naming names or infringing upon any boys bedrooms copyrights or trademarks this budget-friendly collection of ideas can hel. . .

Erickson's Theory of Human Development

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “Identity Crisis” before. It’s thought of as a conflict of self and society and its introduction came from one of the most famous psychoanalyst of the 20th century. Sigmund Freud is probably the most familiar name that comes to mind when one thinks of famous psychologists. His basic foundation theories of instinct, phallic symbol obsession and oedipal complexes ar. . .

Sleepover Party Crafts

Sleepovers are always so much fun because you get to see all of your friends at once. You get to stay up late and play games. But sometimes sleepover parties are a time for kids to cause mischief – and they do so because they are simply given a little too much free time. Here are some fun crafts that are great for sleepover parties that involve the fun of working as a group, but also creating s. . .

Beading for Fun and Profit: Bracelet Beading Birthday Pa...

A birthday bracelet beading party for girls age 5 and up is guaranteed to be a big hit. Most girls are thrilled with the opportunity to make jewelry, and parents appreciate that you're providing both the party favors (the bracelets the girls make to take home) and the party activity (making the bracelets).I discovered this profitable home beading party niche by accident a few years ago when I w. . .

Starting a Teen Book Study Group

If you're looking for a way to connect with your teenage daughter this summer, consider starting a girl's book study group with your daughter and her friends. You may think that teens would not respond well to this idea, but think again...you just might be surprised. First bounce the idea off your daughter and see what her thoughts are on the subject. If she shows any sign of interest, then bra. . .

ThinkExist.com opens new online shop

MADRID – ThinkExist.com, the top-rated quotations search engine known for its unique interactive features and wealth of quotes, has opened its new online shop this week. Featuring a variety of specially designed items, the ThinkExist.com shop offers great gift ideas for graduating high school seniors and college students. T-shirts, baseball caps and mugs are among the many items that ThinkExi. . .

Childhood Friendships

Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary part of growing up. While some of our children will maintain these friendships into adulthood, many will not. Kids move away or they find other friends with more current interests and grow apart. Whatever form a childhood friendship is taking, know that these relationships are vital to your child’s well-being and growth as a human bei. . .

Be Serious With Your Child Future

As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your child for the future , physically emotionally and mentally. The first big Intellectual Challenge your child will face is the Entrance Test for KG and later for the First Standard . Every parent will feel anxious.We know that a child is born with a million of brain cells called Neurons and they form connection to each other called synap. . .

Children Who Talk to Angels

What do you do when your child begins talking to some unseen entity? How do you determine if it's a psychic event, an imaginary playmate, or some sign of a mental health issue? You want to handle things in a way that is best for your child and of course in a way that isn't going to harm them in any way. You also want to make sure that you speak from a spiritual belief system that you can bel. . .

Gaining a Child's Trust

My daughters and I went to the beach several weeks ago. They were having a blast playing in the freezing cold water as I tiptoed around the waves, trying to keep my feet from becoming frost bitten. Next to us in the water was a mother with her daughter who was no more than 18 months old. This woman was holding her frightened little girl hostage in the ocean as the bitter cold waves crashed into. . .

Role Models for Your Teen

By the time your children reach their teens, there is only a limited amount of time left to influence them and get them started in life in the right direction. The teen years are a critical time for role models in your children's lives. Often you will find teens have a hard time talking to their parents. This isn't always the case, but even in the closest families, teens often feel more comfort. . .

Teaching Kids the Value of Money

My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted to go to a winter retreat with her church youth group last year. Price of trip – $45. I told her I'd talk to her dad about it. "HOW much is it?" he asked, "didn't she just go somewhere with the youth group?" "Yes," I replied, "and also to two friends' birthday parties. Another one is coming up this weekend." We both agreed that was a lot o. . .

The Giving Jar

Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child to give with a happy heart you will raise a child who will never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Children enjoy helping others, especially if they see their parents doing the same. When a child's basic physical and emotional needs are met, they are willing to share almost anything they have with someone in need. My daughter wanted to help others . . .

Your Job as a Role Model

A certain educator was once asked at what point should a parent begin to prepare for child raising."How old are you?" the educator inquired. "Twenty-three." "You should begin twenty-three years ago." What is the message? The single most important thing a parent can do to educate a child is to provide the child with a good role model. A parent has to work a whole lifetime becoming the type of . . .

Back to School Feng Shui

How Rearranging Your Child’s Room Can Make Better Study Habits This YearEvery school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the malls in search of the perfect sneaker or the cool new outfit for the coming school year. However, it’s unlikely that the new shoe or shirt will benefit them at school like a new room arrangement. How so? According to feng shui, a child’s room that is ar. . .

Quality Time with your Teen

It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with your teen without totally intruding in his/her life. You want to talk to them, they don't want to talk to you (most of the time anyway). I've found the best way to connect with my teenage daughter is to enter her world and do the things she likes to do. There's a saying that if you want to understand your child's world you have to play w. . .

13 Ways to Spend Time with your Teenage Daughter

The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in that I don't have much time left to spend with her! She's turning 16 in a couple of months, and I know I won't be seeing her much after she gets her driver's license. It's hard to find things to do with your teenage daughter. You might be busy, they might have better things to do...I encourage you not to let this time slip away from you. Our i. . .

A Child Can Make a Difference

Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th, 2000, my daughter and I traveled to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, because of a dream my daughter, Amanda, has to make a difference in this world. Amanda (then a 6th grader) entered McDonald's Millennium Dreamer contest and told them about her contributions to the humane society and her dream of making the world a better place for animal. . .

Raising a Self-Sufficient Teen

Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working with your teen on gradually giving them a sense of independence and ownership of their lives, then you're going to have your work cut out for you. Don't wait until it's too late. By the time your children are in high school, they should be doing for themselves a lot of the things you've been doing for them all of their live. . .

Teen Dating Tips

IntroductionNo doubt that at some part of your life so far you have had a crush on someone, maybe that is why you are here now.You might also be here to find out how to tell what true love is or how to tell if he/she is the "perfect" match for you, well to be totally honest, noone can tell you who mr/mrs perfect is, and noone can tell you what true love is, because "true love" and "perfect" bot. . .

Face Painting Is Gaining Popularity For Parties And Events

Face painting is the new rave in party entertainment. Over the past decade, face painting has gained popularity and become a more sophisticated art form. Event planners are receiving an increase in requests than previous years and having to find face painters to accommodate the demand. New technologies for developing skin safe paints with vibrant colors and glitters are propelling the industry . . .

How to Build and Shoot a Marshmallow Gun

Marshmallow blow guns are safe and fun for boys and girls of all ages. Even dads will enjoy this toy. A marshmallow gun or shooter is a terrific Christmas, birthday or anytime gift! The first marshmallow blow gun I ever received was at a birthday party. We played “Capture the Flag” with marshmallow guns. After the party, we all received a marshmallow gun for a party favor. If you want to know h. . .

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Learning "Disabilities"

Experts estimate that between 4-10% of our youth are now diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder. It can be frustrating and discouraging to deal with symptoms of ADD. Here’s the great news: there is nothing "wrong" with your child or with you as the parent; there is nothing that needs to be “fixed”. You and your child have ALL of the resources within you to experience success in school, . . .

Poetry Speaks to the Whole Family

From the moment the shiny new book arrived at my doorstep, I was excited to see what this incredible creation had in store for my son and for me. From the moment I cracked open the spine, I realized it delivers more than I had hoped it would.Poetry Speaks to Children is a collection of poems and is accompanied by an audio CD containing many poems from the book, with most being read by the autho. . .

Shooting for the Stars

The magic of the camera in the hands of great directors makes kids all over the world dream of stardom. However, the world of cinematography is notoriously difficult to break into, but young, aspiring filmmakers take heart! The Windy Hill Kids Film Festival, debuting this spring, is on a slightly smaller scale than the larger festivals in New York and Hollywood…for now. Opening in Menlo Park. . .

Everyone Loves Children's Wooden Toys

For many years children have enjoyed playing with wooden toys. Long before video games, and other modern toys, that rely on batteries and cords that plug into the wall were invented, the old-fashioned, traditional wooden toys have amused and entertained children of all ages. Even though wooden toys were first invented in the early 19th century, these types of toys can be seen in many households. . .

Buying Genuine Beanie Babies

With the popularity of Beanie Babies, there is a problem with counterfeit or copy beanie babies on the market. Some copies are easy to spot, but some are getting quite clever in their attempts to sell less than true quality products. To be sure of only buying the genuine article make sure that the seller can be easily contacted and try to ensure that they are a reputable dealer who shows refere. . .

Resolutions – setting goals with the family

“Draw a great picture and win a battery-operated fire truck” the T.V. loudly blared. That caught my son’s attention. “That shouldn’t be too hard,” I thought as I began to make a plan of action. I decided to set a goal with my son to get the picture drawn and submitted in two weeks time. My son was ready and raring to go. Or was he?Although I was sure my son wanted to win a toy fire-truck, I mad. . .

How to Host a Superb Kid Birthday Party!

How do you plan a children’s birthday party... and still remain sane?Relax, don’t panic and keep it as simple as possible is the answer.Kids don’t care if the room has been vacuumed and cleaned. Think about it for a moment, kid's will make the tidiest of room’s look like a disaster zone within minutes of turning up. They won’t care whether the table napkins match or what time it is!... all the. . .

How To Find The Best College Credit Cards

College freshmen are bombarded with offers for college credit cards. They get all sorts of junk mail and e-mails saying enticing things like, "pre-approved for college credit cards." Few students can resist these college credit cards marketing gimmicks. Not that it's bad for students to have and use college credit cards. Parents just have to be aware that this college credit cards craze will ha. . .