Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Most Parents Are Not Idiots Or Negligent — So Why Do We N...

Why do we need compulsory-attendance laws? Why compel parents to send their children to public schools? Wouldn’t parents naturally educate their children without compulsion? Human nature and history prove this to be the case. All over the world, parents push to educate their children, with or without public schools.In Japan, school is compulsory only up to the equivalent of junior high school (. . .

Your Newborn and Reflexes

Newborn and Reflexes(General Information for new parents – always consult your Health Care Professional if you have concerns about your baby)The most magical part of your baby is watching them – watching them watching you!!! and responding to you, as you teach them about their new world!!!This is so special … as you and your baby learn to communicate …. as you respond to you baby and re-enforce. . .

Homeschooling — Can I Do It?

Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are afraid they don’t have the training or ability to be their children’s teacher. This is certainly understandable, because many parents never had any formal training to be a teacher. However, most parents don’t have to worry about this issue.There is literally a supermarket of education resources available for parents to choose from to . . .

Strategies To Help Boost Your Child's Self Esteem

Self esteem in an important quality for all children to have. As parents, you can help to boost your child's self esteem by following the steps below: Model good self-esteem: Express through your actions and words that you respect yourself. Children are wonderful at imitating what they see and hear. Remember, you are your child's best role model.Create positive routines: Young children need ro. . .

Care For Your Bedwetting Child's Skin

Bedwetting has few serious side effects, but one of the physical discomforts it may cause is skin problems. Urine is a mix of fluid and waste chemicals from the body. When left on skin for a few hours in the night, it can irritate. Skin may appear red initially, and may turn sore and flaky if the skin is not treated. The skin will also thicken if the irritation is not treated, eventually turnin. . .

Parents — The No Child Left Behind Law Won’t Do Much For ...

Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No Child Left Behind act (NCLB) will also fail parents whose children are doing poorly in school. The federal government has spent over $120 billion on Title 1 programs for low-income students since 1965. Yet the literacy rates for these children today are appalling and the achievement gap between low-income children and their pe. . .

Help! My Child Lies

Childhood Lies Unfortunately, even though adults hate lying, they often set up their children to do just that. Here's a look at how: Greg's mother just found out that Greg was throwing rocks at somebody: "Hi Greg, what have you been doing today?" [Why would I tell you if you don't know for sure?] "Like what? I haven't been doing anything", he says innocently and looked a bit confused. "Did you . . .

Tips for Buying Baby Gear

Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new parents who want to have the best for the baby without breaking their budget. You need to buy baby furniture, such as a crib or bassinet, a change table, high-chair, and a playpen. Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller for taking the baby for a walk. A cheaper alternative to a stroller is a baby sling where you can car. . .

Back to School-Advice

It's back to school time.... Do you have everything you need to start the year off right? Confidence is key to success!For those first time jitters help welcome your pre-school and kinder students with a walk to the door and a quick goodbye. Quick good-byes are always best even though they can be painful to let go of your little one. Rest assured your little one is going to be well cared for th. . .

Improving Spelling With Games

You got it! You can do just about any type of learning for a child or an individual learning a second language through the use of various computer games. You are sure to find something that will fit with their needs. You are also able to find a game that will keep them interested. Let's take spelling as an example.Many kids struggle each and every year at school with that dreaded Friday spellin. . .

Top 100 Baby Names And Helpful Tips To Consider When Nami...

Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little package of joy? Yet, you and your spouse are still looking for that perfect name? Well...fret no more! The list of the top 100 baby names may be the answer to your prayers.Searching for your baby's name is loads of fun, whether you're seeking a name for your soon-to-be baby boy or baby girl, wondering about the popularity of your o. . .

How to End the Misery of Bedwetting

When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend to become dry during the day more easily than at night. During the day they are awake and aware of their feelings and can go to the toilet normally. However, at night, when they are asleep, the usual feelings of a full bladder aren't sufficiently strong to wake them. The result is a wet bed. Or, young children have to continue wearing diapers . . .

Bed Wetting Alarms Can Be Useful

Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the topic of alarms inevitably gets raised. Bed wetting alarms can be useful devices, but in spite of the popularity with which they get discussed, they should not really be considered a first line option. Bed wetting alarms are highly useful, but they are probably only worthwhile once you have tried a few other methods. Children all develo. . .

More Water, Not Less, Will Help End Bedwetting

Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are so busy playing they sometimes 'forget' to drink. Sometimes, children seem like camels - able to go for ages without having a drink. Obviously, when they are thirsty they will rush indoors for a drink. But often they look for sugary, caffeine-laden drinks which are great for quenching thirst, but do little for the body's fluid le. . .

Help! My Child Won't Go To School

"My nine-year old daughter has started to dread going to school. She always has a head or tummy ache, and ends up missing two or three days a week. When I tell her she has to go, she acts as if she's truly afraid, and cries and screams. We don't know what to do." You need to be firm with her. Don't count on the problem going away if you ignore it. She could end up not ever going back. However, . . .

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Bab...

Congratulations! You’re a new parent and you’ve brought your precious, beautiful baby into the world. You want to shout from the rooftops that you have this wonderful bundle of joy and you are so proud! You have seen or heard about online birth announcements before, and realize that they are a quick, easy, and no hassle way of spreading the news of the birth of your precious baby. Below we’. . .

Common Household Products That Can Poison Your Children

In the United States alone, someone is poisoned every few seconds. 40% of these cases involve children under the age of 3. 50% of these cases involve children under the age of 6. For this reason, it is important to lock up household chemicals in a high cabinet that is out of the reach of children. In 75% of these cases, the poison was a common household product (ie prescription drugs, non-presc. . .

10 Slam-Dunk Crafts For Little Kids -- And Bigger Kids Too!

Crafting with young children really isn't about creating something in particular. Most young children don't have the foresight to see what a project is going to be. For young children it's more important that they have the opportunity to play and experiment with art. Kids need to use as many of their senses as possible to get the most out of crafting. This allow them to try new sensory experien. . .

Baby Clothes You Can Use All Year

Few things seem more important at a baby shower than duckies, monkeys and theme colors. Once you get the baby home though, the most important thing about baby clothes is how well they protect your baby. Depending on the time of year that your baby is born, and the type of climate you live in, there are a variety of concerns to take into consideration for your baby's very sensitive nature.For su. . .

Busy Moms, Don't forget to take time out for you!

As mothers, we play so many different roles and most of us do not take the time off that we deserve. Just think about it, we play doctor, cook, chauffeur, teacher, lawyer, and the occasional referee as well. I bet you can remember the last time you did a load of laundry, the last time one of your little ones gave you a hug or perhaps the last time one of your little ones created a little artwor. . .

Educational Jigsaw Puzzles, How Educational Are They?

Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much of this terminology is sales promotion and jargon, and how much is fact?As an educator for many years, I can say with authority, that there is educational value in all types of jigsaw puzzles. The skills acquired and practiced in completing jigsaw puzzles are a foundational part of successful learning. Doing jigsaw puzzles d. . .

Those Old TV Shows

With a very few notable exceptions, TV programming in the last decade... or three... has been relatively lame. Huh? You disagree? Let's not forget "Supertrain," or "Meet the Parents," "Am I Hot," "When Animals Attack," or any of the brilliant sludge created and perpetrated by Fox.But - ask any child of the 60's about Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show, or any of the d. . .

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience “postpartum blues.” This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body – both physically and emotionally. So, it’s common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth. If you eat well, supplement your diet with high quality whole food supplements (especially omega-3 oils and B vitamins) and get enou. . .

Back-to-School success: Support your Child with Feng Shui

Fall is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere, and back-to-school energy is everywhere. The malls are full of harried parents and children in tow, in search of the perfect new outfit for the school year.By using Feng Shui to give them a bedroom makeover you'll have more impact on your child's energy, learning and creativity than any new outfit could.Just as for adults, harmonious energy in a c. . .

Families That Hit Pine Cones Together Stay Together

It is said that families that pray together stay together. I think it’s almost equally true that families that play together stay together. If play time is the glue of family life, our family is a sticky crew!One scorching August day we were trying to escape the heat by retreating to a summer cabin rental at Diamond Lake, high in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Our little league star, Garin, s. . .

The Effects of Televised Sexual Content on Adolescents

According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation, "Adolescents who watch large amounts of television containing sexual content are twice as likely to begin engaging in sexual intercourse in the following year as their peers who watch little such TV." In addition, the National Institutes of Health-funded study found that these children's sexual behavior was akin to those adolescents w. . .

Vasectomy Reversal - A Personal Story

This article is a very personal one, but one I wanted to share with you, as there are always tens of thousands of men considering whether to have a vasectomy reversal.The desire for a vasectomy reversal can come from two main causes: divorce or relationship break up, and a change in financial circumstances that makes having a baby affordable whereas before, at the time of the vasectomy, it may . . .

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby's younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between practical and cute, fashionable and comfortable, need and impulse, and night and day can all play their part in affecting decisions on what baby clothes to buy, and in what quantity.All of these difficulties in choosing baby clothes. . .

Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing

Remember that adorable outfit you bought for your newborn - the one that cost you nearly $40, and got worn three times before it no longer fit? For such tiny things, baby clothing is expensive - and as fast as babies grow, they seldom see much wear. For parents on a budget, those are potent arguments for cutting costs where you can when dressing baby.Designer duds for baby DO make sense though . . .

Spelling Success for Back to School

Back to school. Whether you approach this time of year with anticipation or dread, it’s about to happen. Your child will have new teachers and classes, different rules and expectations. Children and parents can easily be overwhelmed with excitement and anxiety. Below are six ways to send your child back to school with success.S - Supplies – Most schools provide a list of essentials for each chi. . .

Fizzy Sherbet – A Sweet Science Lesson For Your Kids

Fizzy sherbet in a paper bag with a strawberry lollipop was probably my favorite treat as a child, but I never knew what was in the sherbet and why it sparkled and tingled on my tongue! Try making some with your kids and enjoy a mini science lesson in the process.The basis of the sherbet is icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar). 50g will make enough for about 6 children. For that amount you will a. . .

Do You Want Your Children to Be Like You?

There is an old saying regarding children: “Do as I say, not as I do.” Whoever coined this phrase didn’t know much about children. Children often do not “do as we say.” We are the role models regarding how our children learn to treat themselves and others. We are the role models regarding whether or not our children learn to take personal responsibility for themselves – physically, emotionally. . .

The Seven Keys to Child Obedience

Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This is the tool that allows you as parents to train your child. Through obedience your child will learn self-control and develop other positive character traits that he will need as an adult.However, obedience cannot be forced upon the child. Parents who simply command their children will foster resentment, which will eventually l. . .

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn’t make sense does it? You do everything possible as a new parent to keep your baby healthy and happy. So why is it, your baby decides to start screaming inconsolably right around dinner time? Just when you need it least.Ask yourself… When your baby starts crying, is it for spells of 3 or more hours at a time? Do these crying spells happen 3 or more times a week? Did you notice the c. . .

Alternative Baby Clothing

Whoever coined the phrase that there is nothing new under the sun was clearly not expecting to see the latest trend in clothing for infants and toddlers. The members of the punk rock generation of the ‘80s are the parents of today and it seems that a good number of them chose to go the way of Peter Pan and simply refused to grow up. That is the only viable explanation for the aforementioned bab. . .

Time for Sleep..A Guide for First Time Parents

If you don’t want to fight your two year old for space in your own bed, you must start early in establishing good bedtime habits. Good bedtime habits will allow your child the comfort that he or she needs to fall asleep in their own room by themselves. Good bedtime habits for your child are the gift that keeps giving because it pays off with better sleep and more comfort for you as parents.Fi. . .

Keeping Your New Baby Safe

After all the baby furniture is purchased, you'll have to start thinking of baby safety supplies. Once your baby becomes mobile (and that's in a few short months), battening down the hatches is extremely important. If you have stairs or open doorways leading to areas that you don't want your baby to wander into, you'll need to purchase some baby gates. Most are adjustable to fit a variety of op. . .

10 Simple Ways to Say, “I Love You”

We’re teaching our kids to be consumers at an early age. Look at the number of superhero and product endorsement Valentines on the store shelves. We, as parents, are sucked in by the media to believe that we need the latest, greatest gadget or fad for our kids. Share your love by giving of your time, not your pocketbook. What can you give your kids instead? Here are 10 simple suggestions:1. . .

Bath Time Fun

Bath time can be fun or it can be a real hassle if your child is afraid or don’t like it. So we as mothers try to make it a fun time for our little ones! Then the problem will be getting them out!Color ItBubble bath can be irritating to little ones causing urinary track infections, yeast infections as well as skin irritation. A few drops of food coloring are a wonderful solution adding interest. . .

Labeling is Disabling: Achieving Congruent Communication

A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by a town council of seven or eight members. The council normally met once a week. One member - let's call him Bill - would invariably stroll into the council chamber exactly ten minutes after the time scheduled for the meeting.For Bill's fellow councilors, this seemingly inconsiderate practice was very disruptive. At first, since Bill was known. . .

Reincarnation: Sacred Children Series - 1 of 3

Many years ago, my children were raised on the various teachings and concepts of "magic" as I was studying different religions and spiritual beliefs. I had come across many metaphysical teachings woven throughout most of the different religions. It was very important to me that they stay authentic and real. I didn't want them to ever allow anyone to convince them to be something other than the . . .

Jesus' Birthday: Sacred Children Series - 2 of 3

I had visions of my daughter for about five years before she finally showed up. She turned out exactly like the little girl in my dreams who had haunted me all that time. I was so very glad to see that she was alive and real. I always thought she must somehow be more magical and special then other normal kids.Her older brother had told her about reincarnation when she was only two years old. Sh. . .

No Invitation Needed: Sacred Children Series - 3 of 3

I had my first two children on either side of my twenty-third and twenty-fifth birthdays. I had always assumed that by the time I was forty, I'd have a ton of freedom to finally push forward with my dreams of becoming a motivational writer and speaker. It really looked like that was the way my life was going to go too.I fell in love with a man when I was in my mid-thirties and he was in his mid. . .

Why Kids Toys Are For Kids

I have made a discovery in my adult life, kids toys were made for kids. Now I know you may be puzzled about this because we all have sat down and played with our children, but if you peer deeper into this issue you will see as I do.Lego Mines…Tell me why it is a child can run blind folded through a room littered with Legos. Yet me I carefully navigate threw the room watching my step, stepping l. . .

In Search Of Elmo

My son is a wonderful boy, an imaginative, active four year old with a set of rules for life all his own. The rules that keep his four year old views in his perspective, the rules to life that make him, his own person.One of his “rules” is that his Elmo doll must go to bed with him each night. Sounds simple right? If you are the mother of a child like mine you are snickering under your breath b. . .

What does that new baby really need?

What your baby needs and may not need.There are so many gadget out on the market, so many cute little out fits, so many baby thing that we think we need, so many we don’t need. Simply Moms offers you a list to get you started and steer you clear of the don’t needs.LayetteDon’t spend TONS of money on these first little out fits baby will grow really fast and many clothes they may not even get to. . .

Help Your Children to Love Reading

It is so important to create an environment that promotes the love of reading. Not only is reading necessary for survival in today’s world, it is educational, it sparks imagination, it is a stress reliever, provides entertainment and enjoyment, the list goes on. Here are some ideas to help you help your child love reading. The most important thing a parent can do to teach a child to love readin. . .

Rainy Day Fun - Crafts For Kids

Rainy days can be so boring for a child…and just as hard on moms. So we give some ideas to brighten your day and chase their rainy day blues away!Shadow puppetsIn a room that is fairly dark set up a flash light so it is facing a wall. Have the children make hand shadows…If they get really good at them they could even put on a little play.My box homeAs a little girl some of my best times were sp. . .

Breastfeeding - Handling Criticism

Feelings about how to parent seem to shift with every generation. A new way of parenting, sometimes called attachment parenting, has emerged and it challenges many of the rigid teachings of our mother's generation. Although breastfeeding is on the rise now, women are still dealing with the repercussions of previous generations. Not too long ago mainstream women did not breastfeed at all and the. . .

Elephants and Teenagers

Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa recently.The adult elephants were taken away and the orphaned youngsters were left to fend for themselves.The youngsters started the path to sexual maturity. The young boys were going into lengthy 'musths', as a dog would go into heat, much longer than a normal elephant in a normal setting.The boys ganged tog. . .