Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Is Your Child Ready For an Allowance?

Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but they sure think there is a never-ending supply of it. They see you at the grocery store pushing a cart overflowing with the week's groceries; you hand the cashier a piece of plastic and suddenly it's all yours. People come to the door asking for money to support a charity and it magically appears from the bottom of your purse as if y. . .

Three Steps To Safety On Wheels

(NC)-Are your kids safe when riding on wheels - bicycles, scooters, skateboards or in-line skates? Safe Kids Canada, a national child safety program, has launched the "Got Wheels - Get a Helmet!" campaign this spring. Safe Kids Canada urges Canadians to follow these three tips to keep their children safe:Make sure your child wears a helmet that fits correctly, as well as other protective gear. . . .

Stopping Young Risk Takers

(NC)-In Canada, more child deaths are due to unintentional injuries than to all other causes combined. Furthermore, injuries are a primary cause of children's hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms. But we don't really understand why children take risks that could lead to injury. Dr. Barbara Morrongiello and her team at the University of Guelph are studying the way emotion-based factors. . .

Tools to Find Family-Friendly Content

The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational resources abound. Kids can easily find help for their homework blues without venturing to the library. Kids can chat with friends from far away for free; friends who, probably just a few years ago, they would never hear from again. And, of course, there’s plenty of entertainment to satisfy the whole family once the chores a. . .

What Can We Do To Reduce Bullying?

(NC)-According to Family Services Canada, approximately 12% of children are bullies. Additional research confirms that bullying occurs frequently: once every seven minutes on the playground and once every twenty-five minutes in class (Craig and Pepler, 1997).To reduce and prevent bullying, it is important to consider not only the bully and victim, but also peers, school staff, parents, and the . . .

Can Your Child Ride Or Skate Safely?

(NC)-Riding a bike, scooter, skateboard or using in-line skates is great for kids. These activities help build physical fitness, motor skills and self-esteem. But the number one cause of injuries is loss of control of the equipment. Safe Kids Canada recommends that children wear helmets and other safety gear, and that parents check children's abilities to make sure they are able to: Keep their . . .

How To Help Kids Deal With Stress

(NC)-Modern life is faster and more stressful than ever. To cope, many resort to dreaming of their happy childhood days. But for a surprising number of people, this kind solace is unavailable. Childhood can be a very difficult time. Children experience stress just like adults do, and this needs to be recognized. Family conflict, domestic violence, divorce, constant school changes, new neighborh. . .

Nurtured by Love or Matured by Nature?

“There is nothing new under the sun,” states Ecclesiastes 1:9. This is certainly true of the nature-nurture debate, the modern name for the ageless argument about the importance of learning in the development of the child. While one side argues that the development of the child is mainly a process of maturation, with learning playing no more than a supportive role, the other side ma. . .

An Ode To Dad

(NC)-For over a hundred years, we have dedicated the third Sunday in June to honour dear ol' Dad. This year, treat Dad like a king and honour him in style. Yvonne Diesing, Dockers® Brand Manager, provides the following gift ideas to help make this Father's Day perfect for him:Grill him - Present Dad with a new set of accessories for his outdoor grill. Make his day by breaking them in and creati. . .

Give Presence Not Presents

Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show love to those around us. From Christmas to Birthdays, Valentines Day and more, our thoughts turn to finding the perfect gift. Before you shop and wrap remember that our loved ones need more of our presence than our presents! This type of gift giving uses more creativity, less of our money and more of our heart. Need some ideas o. . .

The Top 10 Tips for Communicating with Children

Most people have more training before they receive their driver's license than before they become a parent. Educating yourself on how to communicate effectively with your child can be the key to achieving your parenting goals. If you do not have children of your own, these 10 tips can help you whenever you are around children.Draw children out to speak about the things on their minds.You can 'p. . .

Celebrating Fathers

On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives. Not just our dads and the fathers to our children, but all the men who have made a positive impact on a child’s life.A number of recently published studies call attention to the effects of good fathering. Men who play an active role in their children’s lives stimulate all aspects of development: emotional, academic, behavioral, and social, ev. . .

The Top 10 Tips on Hiring a Babysitter

1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on hand.Write a thank you card to your babysitters a couple of times a year. Experienced parents always say, "When you find a good babysitter - keep them happy!"2. Hire a "mother's helper" to come in to your home to play with your child.This extra help will enable you to get those unfinished chores done - wh. . .

A Dangerous Environment

The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't even begin to believe that your child is safe. There are more dangers than you can possibly imagine waiting to lure children to their doom. You had better be aware of what's happening and take steps to shield them from the danger ... if you don't, your child's sanity and safety are at serious risk. Does this sound alarmist? Actually, I . . .

7 Easy Ideas for Organizing Kids Artwork

In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint and build. These activities can certainly stimulate children, and help them grow. Very often, these masterpieces that your children create are brought home and proudly displayed. But what do you do when all of the artwork begins to take over your home? Here are 7 great ideas: 1. FIND THE DIAMONDS. Rather than keeping every single piec. . .

Get Down (On The Floor!) And Play With Your Children

When was the last time you and your kids rolled around on the floor together laughing yourselves silly? If you're like me, it may have been a while! Sometimes I get caught up in household chores, give errands a priority or answer the phone when I know I should let it ring, instead of making time for my two daughters. It's not that I don't play with them; just the opposite is true. It simply see. . .

Anti Scooter Media Frenzy

An estimated five million scooters will be sold this year and according to the U.S. Product Safety Commission 26,000 scooter-related injuries were reported before the end of December 2000! 90 percent of those injuries were to children 14 and under. The Consumer Product Safety Counsel also received reports of two deaths tied to scooter injuries. Several elementary schools are discussing ways to . . .

Preparing Your Child for the Three R's

There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are crucial elements in the education of any child. A child's ability to later cope in the adult world, to have a career, to take charge of his financial affairs and to live independently depends to a large extent on his mastery of these skills. Unfortunately many children are deprived of the privilege of an abundant adult life. The $14. . .

Frugal Ways To Show Your Love

At one time, I would have never wanted to share my frugal ideas for showing love to those around you. My reason for keeping it to myself? At one time I thought that no one would be interested. After all, we were the only couple not buying each other expensive gifts, jewelry, roses, and more, right? Reality check! I have grown up a lot over these last 10 years and I have learned that I am n. . .

Parenting Predicaments

Predicament:My son is 4 1/2 years old. His younger brother is 2 1/2. From the time his brother was born, until now, he has been loving, giving, and caring. Like all siblings sharing has not always come as easy. In the last few weeks he has made comments that I pay more attention to his brother. I have evaluated it and even though my husband and I think he is wrong...I have tried to spend more o. . .

Talk Your Child Clever

Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say its first word. This usually happens between the nine months and a year. From about two years, the child should be able to use simple phrases, and by three he should be able to use full sentences. By four, he should be fully able to talk, although he may still make grammatical errors. By five, he should have acquired basic language. There is li. . .

The Top 10 Fun Things for Parents and Toddlers to Play With

1. Give your child a spray bottle of water and watch them spray every possible thing outside of the house!2. Use shaving cream in the bathtub for extra fun.It is usually possible to find cans of shaving cream that cost only a dollar each.3. Remember that Barney dolls, Sesame Street dolls, and the like are as real to your child as any other person that they have met.Respect their relationship wi. . .

The Offspring of Aeolus - On the Incest Taboo

Incest is not such a clear-cut matter as it has been made out to be over millennia of taboos. Many participants claim to have enjoyed the act and its physical and emotional consequences. It is often the result of seduction. In some cases, two consenting and fully informed adults are involved. Many types of relationships, which are defined as incestuous, are between genetically unrelated parties. . .

Parenting - The Irrational Vocation

There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance is involved in feeling that children are more a satisfaction than a nuisance. Why do people bother with parenting? It is time consuming, exhausting, strains otherwise pleasurable and tranquil relationships to their limits. Still, humanity keeps at it: breeding. It is the easiest to resort to Nature. After all, all living species bree. . .

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them

Did you know1 out of 5 kids has been sexually solicited online1 out of 4 kids has been sent a picture of naked people or people having sex onlinethat May 21, 2002 there was the first death of a child linked directly to an Internet Predator? Parents' biggest concern about the Internet used to be pornography, but there is definitely a greater fear today.You have probably taught your child not to. . .

Mom Can I Have The Car Keys?

Parents find peace of mind with high-tech vehicle tracking system(NC)—It's a question that makes most parents cringe. A teenager's request to use the family vehicle can leave many parents feeling worried and anxious. Familiar doubts inevitably start filling their minds.Will my child obey the rules of the road? Will they speed or drive dangerously? Are they being truthful in their whereabouts?Th. . .

Fuzzy Names, Sweet Names

As with everything, names go through cycles of change with passing generations. I also tend to think that names have improved immensely since the first Elmas, Minervas, Bufords, and Alfreds graced the baby’s room wearing appropriate nametags on their cribs.A country of tradition, we still hold tightly to such commoners as Becky, Wendy, Mike and Bill. And being the trendsetters of a diverse ti. . .

How To Purchase A Mural Online For Your Child

So you are thinking of having a mural installed or painted in your child's room? What a perfect addition to your little one's room. A mural is a beautiful gift to give to any child. I have a mural in each of my 3 children's bedrooms and I can't tell you how much joy it has brought to them over the years. If you could only see the look on little kids' eyes when they see my children's rooms. Ther. . .

Get Rid Of Baby Walkers And Bath Seats, Urges Safe Kids C...

(NC)—Do you use a baby walker to keep your baby entertained? Do you use a baby bath seat because it keeps your hands free for baby's bath?These two products are popular with some parents because they are believed to be convenient. But Safe Kids Canada strongly advises parents not to use them."Children have fallen down stairs in walkers and suffered head injuries, and children in baby bath seats. . .

Pull Your Wagon

The Little Lady offers so many lessons. Almost two now (just a couple days), she went for a ride with her 14-month old cousin in a wagon. We adults took turns pulling . . . until Little Lady decided that SHE wanted to pull. And once she got her hands on the handle, pity the adult foolish enough to try to relieve her of her responsibilities!Was it easy for her to pull the heavy and bulky wago. . .

Give Your Child the Gift of Self-Esteem

Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in truth every child is born with unlimited potential. As expressed so well by Orison Marden: "Deep within man dwell those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish him, that he never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize his life if aroused and put into action." This statement can be true for your child. Not just if he's a "g. . .

Keeping the Stress out of Single Parenting

Researched through personal experience! by Marta DoddBudget Your Money. Even if you are living paycheck to paycheck like most of us, knowing how much money goes to where can be a big help. This gives you the relief that the bills are being paid, with a feel of how much you can spend on allowance, school photos, birthday gifts, entertainment or just You!Keep a Daily Schedule. Time is important, . . .

I’m Sorry! Blame-Game or Accountability?

A powerful tool for health as we approach the new year can be to focus on giving and/or receiving only real apologies when we want to heal a rift with a family member, friend, or co-worker. We hear apologies all the time, but I don’t think many of them are sincere. An apology has to be real to heal.Trang Lei spent the day helping Martha buy furniture and art for her remodeled living room, but M. . .

Get Out of Jail Free: Stop Being Defensive

When Marcus and Sally first met they immediately felt like kindred spirits. Marcus was generally warm and open. But as their relationship continued, Sally noticed that sometimes when he was upset he had trouble talking. When she asked Marcus what was bothering him, he would reply that nothing was wrong. Only when she coaxed him would he eventually tell her. As time went on, his resistance incre. . .

Responding to Criticism Without Being Defensive

In an actual war, to be attacked means to have our survival threatened. Thus, we might chose between surrender, withdrawal, or counterattack. When we feel attacked (criticized or judged) by others in conversation, we often move into that same kind of survival mentality and automatically defend ourselves. But conversation is different than war. When we defend against criticism, we give more powe. . .

How Children Learn

Nurture and TeachThe single most important thing caregivers can do for a child is provide a nurturing environment. By doing this, we influence children’s brain development and their ability to learn. Introducing nurtured children to learning opportunities every day will help them become happy, well-adjusted adults. In all stages of child development, each experience builds on the one before it.. . .

Where Do Your Priorities Fit?

An expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students when he decided to do an experiment. He pulled out a large mason jar, a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one by one, into the jar. When no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes."He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. The instruct. . .

Five Tips for Successful Grandparenting

1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety. All children need and must learn to respect boundaries. Being clear about expectations before an activity begins frees you and the child to enjoy the event and ensures the safety of everyone involved. If you observe the boundaries are being violated, don’t be afraid to remind your grandchildren again. Restate the rules as many times as necess. . .

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your...

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but most names do have meanings. You should at least find out the meanings of your favorite choices before giving one of them to your child. The meaning of your child's name probably won't greatly affect his or her life, but may help you to make a decision between your favorites.Many names are shortened to nicknames during childhood, or other st. . .

Exercising With Kids -- Tips For Parents

Making exercise a priority is a challenge for everyone. And for parents it can be especially difficult to find time to workout because of the full plates that they often juggle. When summer arrives the juggling act becomes even more tricky with kids home from school and involved in extracurricular activities.But, finding time for regular physical activity is so important that it should be a pri. . .

Calming Tips for Hyperactive Children

Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just settle down?!" phrase well, and likely use it on a regular basis. There are a number of tips to help parents settle their hyperactive child down. These quick tips and relaxation techniques take the same amount of time as yelling and scolding but produce incredibly different results in hyperactive children. Quick Calming Tips:Try qu. . .

The 7 Feng Shui Fundamentals for Children's Bedrooms

Feng shui is a very popular and intriguing concept in home design today. In addition to the life benefits it provides, it also offers a roadmap, so to speak, of not just how to decorate... but why. In short, it offers you, the homeowner, design with purpose. For a child's room this purposeful design is especially important. Feng shui gives parents a guide for decorating your children's bedr. . .

Concerta: Benefits and Side Effects

A number of ADHD medications are hitting the market, joining the old Ritalin standby. Concerta, in its relatively short existence, has already grabbed a sizeable portion of the ADHD medication market share. Although Concerta offers a number of advantages over the older ADHD medications, it also has several side effects that people with Attention Deficit and parents of Attention Deficit children. . .

Holiday De-Stressing Tips for Kids

The holiday season can be a hectic, stressing time not only for adults, but also for children: lots of driving around town in traffic jams; schlepping through overcrowded shopping malls; giving up your room for out-of-town relatives who emit a funny smell. Yep, it can be a difficult time. Here are a few tips to keep your little ones, and yourself, calm and comfortable during the holiday season.. . .

The Curse Reversed

Oh, that awful parental curse!At one time or another in a moment of desperation nearly every parent has spewed these venomous words upon their offspring: "I HOPE YOU HAVE ONE JUST LIKE YOU WHEN YOU GROW UP!"I'd always sworn I'd never say it but I can't lie. I did it too. I hang my head in shame whenI think of that horrible day 10 years ago when I wished the worst upon my 12 year old son. At the. . .

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them: To...

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid ThemDid you know1 out of 5 kids has been sexually solicited online1 out of 4 kids has been sent a picture of naked people or people having sex onlinethat May 21, 2002 there was the first death of a child linked directly to an Internet Predator? Parents' biggest concern about the Internet used to be pornography, but there is definitely a greater f. . .

Creating a Peaceful Sleeping Environment for Children -- ...

(ARA) - Is daylight-saving time wreaking havoc in your home? Is it difficult to get your infant to sleep in? Do your kids keep informing you "It can't be bed time, the sun is still out"? How about when the summer ends and it is time to get your children back onto a school schedule? Let's face it, just because the calendar says September, that does not mean that the sun no longer shines throug. . .

8 Gifts of Parenting

No one who has hugged their child can doubt the gift of a child’s presence in their life. The love that is expressed in that simple act is one of the most profound ways that we experience love in this world. In order to nurture the special relationship of parent and child, and fulfill our roles as parents, there are number of things that we are signing up to do. Here is a list of eight essentia. . .

When Time Out Don't Work

Joey steps away from his time out chair “I won’t sit!” His mother is frustrated and throws her hands in the air..Time out is just not working for this mom. Many kids do not respond to time out so what do parents do???- Let the discipline reflect the behaviorSome children respond well to discipline that is structured around what they did wrong. An example of this is a child that draws on the wal. . .

Parents Dealing with Worry and Fear

This column offers solutions to people who write in questions about how they can solve their life challenges through the formula described in the books, Way of the Positive Flow and Positive Flow Parenting, by Lawrence Vijay GirardPlease send your questions to Submissions@FruitgardenPublishing.ComParents Dealing with Worry and Fear by Lawrence Vijay GirardDear Vijay,I worry about not being a go. . .