Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

8 Cheap Activities To Do With Your Kids

These inexpensive ideas are sure to get your kids creative juices flowing! The kids will love them because it gives them something productive to do and mom will love them because they’re easy and cheap!1.) Fly a kite at a local park. Kites can usually be found at any local dollar store. We found a cute Tigger kite at our local Dollar Tree.2.) Blow bubbles. Now how cheap are bubbles, like $.. . .

Alison's Journey Home: An Adoption Story - Part 9

12-8-2000Congratulations are in order! Today, my 15-day waiting period required after court ended, so it was time to go all over Almaty to get new documents. We had to drive back out to Karakastek, the village where Alison's orphanage is located, to get her adoption certificate, and to the Almaty registration office to get her new birth certificate listing me as her mother. Galiya is now gettin. . .

Alison's Journey Home: An Adoption Story - Part 6

11-29-2000Well, we woke up to snow today, but it didn't last very long. I met a really great woman, Amy Von Blon, from Houston, Texas. Her husband Michael came in for court, and then went back to Houston (they have five kids at home). Amy's great... she and I have been hanging, and her son, Michael, is just a few months older than Alison. She gets to leave about five days before I do, but she's. . .

Alison's Journey Home: An Adoption Story - Part 7

12-3-2000I've been silent for a few days. That's because my little one hasn't! She's had a cold and cough since I took her from the orphanage, and the cough medicine, vitamins and Tylenol I've been giving her haven't been helping much. The last time I wrote, I was off for a day of shopping and a massage at the Arasan Baths. It's a beautiful old building that has Russian baths downstairs and Tu. . .

Alison's Journey Home: An Adoption Story - Part 8

12-6-2000 Well, the good news is that Alison and I are both feeling much better. A few days of antibiotics has her just about back to her happy self. She loves going outside, but it snowed again the night before last, so we were stuck inside yesterday. Today seemed nicer and the snow was melting, so we headed out. It got progressively colder, and it's now freezing! I'm very bummed because my fr. . .

Skin Care and pH

Whatever we use to wash our bodies should have a ph of 5.5, which is close to the pH of our skin. Alkaline products (above pH 5.5) strip the protective coating from the skin. This invisible coating is made of oil and sweat. The loss of its protective coating can cause the skin to go wild in the production of oil, furiously trying to replace the protective layer that was lost. This excess oil ca. . .

Tips for Moving with Young Children

Moving can upset children of any age. It frequently causes them to feel apprehensive and insecure. But, don’t despair; there are many things you can do to make the moving experience less scary for your children. Involve Them from the Very Beginning. Tell your children as soon as you know you’re moving; don’t spring it on them at the last minute. Explain why you’re moving in terms they can under. . .

A Visit To The North Pole

It’s the annual outing every Christmas-celebrating parent makes. The trip to see Santa Claus. I so wanted that perfect picture of my son with the famous bearded elf. The adventure began with a 45 minute wait in line behind all the other eager parents and children. As the parent of a toddler, I have come to realize that all of these “special” events are ten times more exciting for me than for hi. . .

Effective Strategies For Dealing With Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a really annoying baby problem. It can get out of control easily, and can make your baby miserable. Luckily, it can be controlled with a little effort on your part. Following are some remedies that worked well with my children.Some babies are just more prone to diaper rash than others, and if yours is prone, you’ll really have to keep on top of the problem. The most important thi. . .

Meta Patterns & Genius - A Simple Game To Increase A Chil...

As a side effect in my life long study of human excellence, genius and creativity, I have discovered ONE particular thinking pattern that makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in:- understanding the world- problem solving- innovation and creativity- and even inner harmony.This is a meta filter which people LEARN, they are NOT born "that way", and it is a really profound one that makes the difference between. . .

Is Your Baby Ready For Potty Training

You’re getting tired of changing those diapers, aren’t you? It’s so great to be able to get your child out of diapers. But, when it comes to potty training, timing is everything. If you start when your child isn’t ready, it will just take longer. However, if you miss the right opportunity, your child may resist the process more when you try later on. So, just how do you know when to begin?First. . .

How Do I Talk About Dating And Sex With My Teen?

Tips for Parents on Teaching Respect & Healthy DatingBelow are the seven most common questions parents ask me when I am speaking in their schools or with their community organizations:Without sounding like you are lecturing and without endorsing sexual activity, how do you approach the issue of healthy dating and intimacy with your child? Kids are constantly told by their parents how “times wer. . .

Why Parents Need Keylogger Software

The emergence of the internet, and associated technologies like email and instant messaging, present problems for today's parents that were unimaginable just twenty years ago. Children use computers for homework, surf the web at their leisure and socialize through instant messaging - all activities that are often outside direct parental control and by themselves leave little or no record of th. . .

The Holidays and Education

Tis the Season for Giving. An interesting concept that parents forget about is the importance of remembering their child’s education during this time. Every time is a learning time and parents should take the opportunity to educate their child both in mind and spirit during this time. Yeats once wrote, “Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of the fire”. Parents need to tak. . .

Praying for Your Child's Future Spouse

The past couple of years I have been contemplating the power ofprayer. God seeks for us to be close to Him, and we primarilycommunicate with Him through our prayers.When we pray, God wants us to be specific in our prayers. If wefollow Him, he wishes to give us the desires of our hearts. Whatdoes your heart desire? One of the things I very much desire formy family is for my children to grow . . .

How To Schedule But Not Over-Schedule Your Children

It is important to engage children in a variety of activities to stimulate their mind and body. It is also important however to as much as possible avoid over-scheduling your children if possible. Many well meaning parents set out to interest their children in a few extra curricular activities aside from school and ordinary family fun stuff.It’s natural to work hard to be the best parent that y. . .

Babies Minor Maladies

Babies can have a ton of little issues, and we worry ourselves silly over them, though most are no real threat to baby’s health. Here are a list of the most common little ailments, how to treat them at home, and when to call the doctor. · Diaper Rash – Diaper rash is caused by baby’s bottom being constantly exposed to wetness. For most babies, changing their diaper a little more often and apply. . .

How to Get Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Much as we love them, babies can bring parents to their knees when they wake frequently during the night.Tired from a hard day at work, it’s hard to get up in the wee hours of the morning to soothe a crying baby who probably doesn’t realize he’s supposed to be nice and quiet so the rest of the family can get some rest!So how do we cope with this situation? The first thing to realize is that bab. . .

What Do All Parents Need To Know Before Your Child Goes T...

Books for children do more than just entertainThe Importance of Reading to Children Books for children are a great way to spend quality time and form a bond with your child. Reading to your children is not only fun and exciting but educational for the child; this has long been well known in the field of child development. One of the best ways to help a child "learn how to learn" is to read to t. . .

Science Can Be Fun

In today’s high-tech society it is important that children develop an interest in science at an early age and see that science is a part of our lives. By becoming comfortable with science at an early age, children can reap many long term benefits. Getting children interested in science does not take a lot of time and effort. Their natural curiosity will ease the way. Making it fun is the key el. . .

Common Childhood Illnesses… What To Look For

Children are very susceptible to illnesses, in part because their immune systems are not fully mature. Breastfeeding of course provides some immunity to common illnesses, but nowadays most children are weaned by the time they are 1 year old. Children also have a habit of exploring the world around them with their mouths and their hands. Anything that comes into contact with their mouth and hand. . .

Is Your Baby’s Size Normal

All mothers watch their children’s development closely. We get worried if they’re too small, or too big, too short or too tall. But, just like adults, babies come in all shapes and sizes. When you take your baby to the pediatrician for her well baby checkups, they will rank your baby’s size. Here’s some idea of how it will work. When your baby is weighed and measured, the pediatrician will tell. . .

Is Your Family Really Benefiting When You Work at Home?

You’ve beaten the obstacles and found a way to work at home, whether by finding a job or starting a home business. But is your work getting in the way of time with your family? It may be time to make sure you are finding balance between working at home and your family.Let’s take a look at some easy things you can do to ensure that you are spending time with your family.1. Make time for play. Fa. . .

8 Fun Ideas To Get Your Kids To Eat Their Veggies

Do you have trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies? I sure do. My daughter used to be great about trying and eating just about anything…and then she turned 2 ½. Now it is pretty much impossible to get her to eat anything other than corn when it comes to vegetables. So I had to come up with some fun and sometimes sneaky ways to get some veggies in her. Here are a few of my favorites. 1) . . .

Your Baby Nursery

Where you live will probably dictate whether a baby nursery is the norm; and your budget and living accommodation will influence whether you are able to follow that norm or tradition and supply your new baby with their own separate nursery.A baby nursery, or separate bedroom for a new born, is not the usual practice in many countries. My children by my first marriage were brought up in England,. . .

Have A Holiday Tea Party This Year!

Teatime! It's as if it's just part of being a girl ... hats, little teacups, beads and bracelets. Girls of all ages love a fabulous tea party!There are so many great reasons to join up with our friends across the Atlantic and begin the tradition of afternoon tea EVERY day, but especially at the holidays, creating the tradition of a special holiday tea will provide a fabulous memory for our girl. . .

Children and Learning

How would you like a way to help your child to feel more successful at home, at school, with friends?How would you like to feel less stress in your life and have a better relationship with your child?What if your child knew simple, effective strategies that will enable him to learn easily and quickly?It has been my experience that virtually every young person that I have worked with has had the. . .

How to Help Struggling Students go from Sinking to SOARING!

Experts estimate that 6 to 10 percent of the school-aged population in the United States is learning disabled and approximately 3 to 10 percent of the population as a whole is diagnosed with ADD. This growing problem impacts many areas of society and there is a growing need for effective solutions.Parenting or teaching a child with ADD or learning difficulties can, no doubt, be an enormous cha. . .

Baby Car Seats Safety Tips

Baby car seats can prevent serious injury to your child in the event of an accident. It is the law that all children under the age of twelve should be seated in the back seat. This is especially true if you have airbags in the front.From the time you bring your baby home from the hospital, s/he should be placed in an appropriate car safety seat. Infants must be in a rear facing infant only seat. . .

How To Get Your Toddler To Eat Well

Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. Not a parent exists that hasn’t worried about their toddlers eating habits at one time or another. Some worry their toddlers aren’t eating enough, others worry that their toddlers are eating too much, and still others worry that their toddlers aren’t eating a wide enough variety of different foods.The good news is that if you do things right, you can set y. . .

Tips For Selecting A Good Day Care

Selecting a daycare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before returning to the workforce. Why? The center you choose will ultimately be responsible for your child’s well being and safety the 5-9 hours a day they are left in the care of the center. Whether you are looking for a home child care provider or an official daycare center, there are several things you should keep in min. . .

Holiday Self-care Guide

Come this time of year, and stress, stress, stress abounds. Talk about how we as mommies try to be perfect in every little thing. We just about run ourselves ragged trying to make sure all the decorations are up right after Thanksgiving, our Christmas or Hanukkah shopping is done by March, and every present is wrapped by September. Seriously. When I was a teacher, one of my fellow teachers had . . .

Family Meetings: Kids Discuss the D Word

Painful problems occur in every family. In fact, pain is a challenge for everyone. The Family Meeting is an excellent tool for discussing difficult situations.Many of our children face the one thing that pains them most, divorce. In my 22 years as a child/family counselor, I rarely found a child happy about his/her parents’ divorce. Instead they looked for ways to get their parents to pull toge. . .

Managing Tantrums in Autism Spectrum Disorders When Consi...

When dealing with tantrums and difficult behaviors in autism spectrum disorders, using behavioral approaches alone can sometimes fail. What is the missing piece to managing these behaviors that a behavioral approach alone may not address? To start, we need to look at the reasons for behavior. According to behavioral approaches, most of the behavior we see results from one of three reasons: a re. . .

Is Your Baby Ready For Solid Foods

Your little one is growing like a weed and drinking you out of house and home. You may be wondering if your little one is ready for some solid food. Here are a few tips to help you determine if your baby is ready to take the next step.Gone are the days when anxious moms start their little ones on cereal somewhere between six and twelve weeks. To be honest, these moms did this for their own conv. . .

School Classroom Parties 101

In the past several years I've volunteered to help in my children's classrooms in a lot of different capacities. To me, being a room mother is the most challenging and stressful volunteer positions I've held. Room mothers are usually responsible for planning and hosting holiday parties for the class. Unfortunately, teachers often don't provide much information or guidance, and children have hig. . .

Dating, Drugs And Alcohol

Dear Daughter,I love you so much. I wish that I could always protect you from all dangers, but I know that I can’t. You are growing up and you will have to face dangers and make some decisions on your own. However, I am always here and I can always be a pretty good coach. Please talk to me anytime about any problem you may have, even if you have messed up. I have messed up a few times myself.I . . .

How To Survive As A Working Parent

Basic Tips1. Communicate with your babysitter, nannies or au pair, mother’s help to keep up-to–date.Make as much time as possible to talk to your child care provider. If you can keep the lines of communication open beyond the rush, you'll have a much better feeling about your child's development and well being.2. Don't get wound up by small issues.If your child only wants to eat burgers every d. . .

Does a Child See What You See?

Joey Knight was puzzled. What did his parents mean by color? Green shirt, red shirt, brown shirt, gray shirt. Huh? They all looked pretty much the same to him. He figured his parents were just smarter than he was. Approximately 1:12 males and 1:200 females has some degree of color vision deficiency or colorblindness. Pre-school books, puzzles, games and other toys are colored intensely enough t. . .

Autism: What Causes It, And Can It Be Cured?

Autism is a disorder that is affecting more and more children. But many autistic children have been able to lead normal lives. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by abnormal social interaction, communication ability, interest patterns, and behavior patterns. Autism is found to occur due to the vulnerability to environmental triggers displayed by the human genes. Seven major g. . .

Autism: The Mystery

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by abnormal social interaction, communication ability, interest patterns, and behavior patterns. Autism is found to occur due to the vulnerability to environmental triggers displayed by the human genes. Seven major genes have been identified to be related to autism. One child in every thousand in the Untied States is found to suffer from thi. . .

How To Choose Perfect Christmas Gifts For Boys

What do boys want for Christmas?Every year, there would be one particular item that every child must have. That would probably be the gift the kid would pester mom or grandma for. If the little boy in question tells you what he wants for Christmas and it is within your budget, then problem solved. That is the ideal gift for him.. that is, if it is not something that is potentially dangerous lik. . .

Autism: Is There A Cure In Sight?

Autism: What causes it, and can it be cured? Autism is a disorder that is affecting more and more children. But many autistic children have been able to lead normal lives. Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the early stages of development of a child, mostly in the first three years of development. It is a neurological disorder that affects the proper functioning of the brain and. . .

How To Throw The Best Baby Shower In 3 Easy Steps

Here’s a really simple way to throw the best baby shower possible and really wow your friends and family members. Throwing a winning baby shower shouldn’t be more work than it needs to be. However, there are 3 steps to follow to the letter to ensure that the baby shower is special for everyone involved. Sticking to these 3 steps will make sure that your baby shower goes off without a hitch and . . .

Parenting Rules for Permissive Parents: Use These with Ca...

I remember a childless couple who slept with their dogs. They were clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Yet every night their dogs crawled into bed with them. During the day the two black labs ran through the house, climbed on the furniture, and regularly ate human food from the hands of their masters. Did you know some parents treat their kids like this couple treated their dogs? Let’s fi. . .

Top 10 Quick and Easy Kid Activities For Those Long Weekends

With the holidays quickly approaching, it's likely that you'll have some unscheduled 'down-time' with your child where you don't have anything actually planned. Just because you don't have any planned activities with your child doesn't mean that they have to languish on the couch in boredom. Take a look at these quick and easy anytime activities.1. Make Paper Stuff: It doesn't take a lot of. . .

Nature versus Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate is one of the biggest debated issues in the child development theory. Which has more bearing on a child’s development, environment or genetics? This debate is “of the degree to which environment and heredity influences behavior” (Feldman, 2003) and whether “a child’s development is governed by a pattern built in at birth”, which is Nature, or whether it is shaped b. . .

Emotional Development and the Self Esteem in Children

Emotional and Social DevelopmentMany theorists have suggested the emotional development of a child, or the core of one’s self esteem needs to be understood and fostered at home and in the classroom. Teachers and parents should focus on children’s emotional development or the “feelings that generally have both physiological and cognitive elements which influence behavior” (Feldman, 2000, p. 329). . .

Memory and Attention in Children

What is the relationship between Memory and Attention in the classroom? As a teacher, it is important to maintain the child’s attention, but does memory have a co-existence in this field? Attention is seen as being important because, “we do not pay close attention to much of the information to which we are exposed, typically only scant mental processing takes place, and we forget new material a. . .

Asperger’s Syndrome Diagnosis - Should I Tell My Child?

To tell or not tell your child or others of their diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome? It’s really a personal decision that has pros and cons on either side. Some parents may struggle with telling a 3 year old they have Asperger’s Syndrome, fearing they may not understand; that it could frighten them. While saying directly “The doctor says you have Asperger’s Syndrome,” may be unnecessary, talking. . .