Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Stuck at Home Fun For the Holidays

Stuck at Home Fun For the Holidays:

Staycations are the new way to enjoy vacations without going into debt on plane tickets or overpriced gasoline. Do you and your teen need a break but can't afford to get away? Maybe you're just snowed in, or don't want to travel over the break. You can have a fun weekend get-away at home. Warning: this activity involves blowing off chores and responsibilities-a good message to send your kids of all ages!

Home may be where the heart is, but it is still nice to escape from it occasionally. Whether you're saving up for Christmas or you can't see your car through the snow, sometimes escape is impossible. You can, however, create a weekend getaway-a staycation-without leaving the house.

To start your staycation, you and your family must agree that, just as if you were staying in a hotel, there will be no chores, not even making beds or cooking! (The kids and probably dad will readily agree, so this rule is targeted at mom!) Let your kids play an active role in deciding what the theme of your staycation will be: Is it family bonding time? Do you and your teen daughter need a spa-like weekend of pampering? Wish you were out seeing the world?

Whatever theme you and your family chooses, design your weekend to fulfill it as much as possible. If it's family bonding time, pop some old home videos in and play board games. You know how you never have enough time to play a whole game of Monopoly? Well, this staycation weekend, you finally do have the time to discover just who in your family is the Monopoly tycoon! Pop some popcorn and watch a favorite movie. No cooking - you'll have to order out for pizza tonight.

If it's just you and your daughter and it is pampering you seek on your staycation, have a home spa weekend. Focus on eating healthy, meditating and relaxing. Take long bubble baths while drinking a glass of champagne (sparkling cider for the younger girls) and reading a romance novel. Paint your fingers and toes and deep condition your hair. Again, no cooking - order in Chinese food.

For those with wanderlust, weekends at home are the hardest for you, but even you can have a weekend getaway by watching some favorite foreign films, looking through photos of prior trips and making plans for your next travel destination. No, it's not the same as getting away, but if money is tight or weather is a problem, there are ways to "get away" right inside your own home!

This can be a great way to reconnect with your family, but if you want your teens to be involved, let them help with the planning and cater to their desires as well as your own. Remember, this is a great way to get to know the budding adult your teenager is becoming, so don't lose sight of the true purpose of your staycation.

Norbert Georget is an accomplished professional speaker, teen motivator, parenting expert and author of the book, No-Nonsense Parenting For Today's Teenager - How To Feel Like A Good Parent Even When Your Teenager Hates You. You may get a FREE REPORT called No-Nonsense Parenting for the Disrespectful Teenager. All the answers you'll need to deal with your disrespectful teenager.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norbert_Georget

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Why Go to Summer Camp

Jeff Lorenz

In the early 1900's a tradition in America was born it Children's Summer Camp. The originally thought that camp was all about getting young children out of the city and enjoying being out in nature the clean cool air of the country while learning what camping was all about.




Today, summer camp has progressed from campfires to computer screens and from nature trails to rollerblade rinks. In fact, many of today's camp programs take place in the heart of the city.




The essence and the purpose of traditional summer camps remains unchanged. Summer still comes and children need to use their summertime in a productive and healthy way. The best summer camps teach activity skills but are equally dedicated to a child's maturity and personal growth. Summer camp has a special feeling one of fun and a relaxed environment. They work with parents in developing a child's self confidence, self esteem, independence, leadership, mutual understanding and making new friends. It is this that make summer camp unlike any place else in a child's life.




Nationally, nearly 12,000 summer camp programs exist with nearly 8 million children participating summer camp each and every year. The ACA (American Camp Association) is industry organization that accredits summer camps. They are also responsible for giving gives us these figures. It seems that that families are rediscovering the many benefits camp gives our children.



Nationally, nearly 9 million children attend some sort of summer camp programs. So say the The American Camp Association. The ACA is a community of camp professionals that is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp adventures. It is the ACA that accredits all types of summer camps and makes sure they are safe for your child.




One can find camps that specialize in rollerblading, space, football, soccer, tennis, computer, academics, traveling, nature, world peace, weight loss, art, and much more. Yet, traditional children’s summer camp still continue to provide a well rounded program despite the many special interest camps available.



There is wide variation in cost, with camp prices to suit almost every budget. Generally, programs run by organizations like churches and YMCA/YWCA tend to be less expensive than private or independent summer camp. Local government agencies such as city and county parks are the most reasonable. Day camps can range from $200 to $1000 per week, while overnight experiences range from $400 to $1200 per week.







Changing eating habits like planning your menu for the whole week using some sort of meal planner and change how you shop look for more healthy foods stick to the main food groups and how many serving of each your body needs for you lose weight and still stay healthy without starving your body for nutrition. Just remember to look for a diet plan that will give you new ideas for meals and controls your calorie intake.



So in closing everyone should remember that losing your weight is not going to be easy although through healthy food choices being active and staying active as well as having a good support system in place as well as realistic goal setting and pure good old commitment you will be well on your way to losing the weight you want for a lifetime











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When one weighs heavily, the joints of his or her knees, hips and lower back would have to exert double – if not triple – effort to carry him or her through out his / her waking, walking and moving life. This could cause tension and stress on these joints. Weight loss decreases the load these joints carry thus decreasing – if not eliminating – the pain of one who has osteoarthritis.





Mothers always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Have a healthy meal in the morning to jump-start your metabolism.




Your food intake after you wake up will be used to burn fat all day long.




3. Eat small, healthy meals frequently. (About 6)




Five small-serving snacks per day are better than three hearty meals. Eating more frequently, and in small servings, can prevent over-eating. This will also increase your metabolism and make calories burn faster. You don’t get hungry you are consistently eating,




4. Decide on how much weight you want to lose.




Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.




Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules.




5. Drink lots of water. (12 oz. every meal 6)




Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.




6. Avoid too much sugar.





Visit the Best Summer Camp



Monday, August 17, 2009

Boy, how have times changed

James Holan



We were not raised this way!




Sorry if this offends you. This article is not meant to offend anyone. It is meant to open everyone’s eyes to what we as a society are doing to our children and our nation.




When you were a child did your mother cook for you. When I was a child my mother used to cook dinner every night. She made me eat my vegetables. I couldn’t leave the table until I had eaten everything she thought I should have eaten no matter how many gagging noises I made or how much I pretended I was going to throw up.






McDonalds was not located on every corner or every 2 minutes apart back then.




McDonalds was not located every 2 minutes apart back then.




I didn’t have a video game. I had to do crazy things for entertainment like play outside. I had strange toys like tennis racquets, footballs, basketballs, Frisbees, slingshots and BB guns. I had Gi Joes and toys soldiers. I knew how to play hide and go seek and I could run and ride bicycles. I even knew how to swim and took Judo lessons at the YMCA. A joy stick was a stick that gave me joy when I threw it.




It was unusal to see an overwieght child. There was only 1 “fat kid” in the school. She was teased a lot. Sorry that is just how it was back then. We just were not used to seeing fat people that were children.







There was only 1 “fat kid” in the school. She was teased a lot. Sorry that is just how it was back then. We just were not used to seeing fat people that were children.





Boy, have times changed!




When I was a kid I had to take a bath after I was done playing. Today, kids only have to wash their thumb that was working the button or their joystick hands when they are done playing. They don't have to take a complete bath becuase if they wash their hands then they have washed all they used to play today.



Parents don’t know how to cook anymore. I guess some do but McDonalds is so much easier. They think eating healthy is eating a Fried Chicken Breast sandwich from a fast food restaurant with a diet soda. Soda does not count as water. Kids these days are not forced to eat vegetables. Parents don’t want to have to argue with their children. It is a parent’s job to decide what a child eats and to make them eat healthy. My son says my job is to protect him. Teaching him how to eat properly and saying no to him is my job as a parent.





Today children think basketball, football, volleyball and tennis are played on video game screens. The only part that is getting exercise is their thumbs. Come on parents. Make your kid play outside. I have parents come into my Karate School everyday with overweight children wanting to get them away from computers and video games. You could just take the games and TV’s away. Over 50% of the kids in my karate school come in the door overweight.





When the child walked in I noticed he was almost as wide as he was tall. We tried him out; he was as I figured, too young for the class. At this age exercise should not be to get back in shape. It should be fun. A 5-year-old should never have been given the chance to get out of shape. Whose fault is it? Did the 5 year old get the car keys and drive to get a cheeseburger and fries? I don’t think so. The parents give in to the child and let them eat what they want. Immediately after the trial class while I was trying to talk to the mother, the child kept saying, ”I want Cheetos, I want Cheetos”. So what did the mother of the overweight 5-year-old child do? She bought him Cheetos and a Sprite. The child didn't sign up. He said the class was too much work.










Will your child be a quitter? Are we raising a quitter? Adults don’t want to push their children into anything these days or force them to commit to it because their parent forced them to do things they didn’t like to do things. But my question to you is this, are you successful today because your parents forced you to exercise and forced you to commit to projects and sports? Did they let you quit sports when you had a bad day? Did they let you quit anything? Mine didn’t. And I thank them for not letting me quit everything. The habits of quitting and not committing to things are going to follow your children through life. If you let them always quit things as a child then they are never going to be able to hold a long-term job as a teen or adult. Think about this when they say karate is too hard and I don’t want to go anymore. Think about them quitting their 1st job when they are 16 because they had to work hard that day. Think about them dropping out of college if they make it that far. Think about them quitting a job every 2 years as an adult. Did you quit every 2 years and become as successful as you are today with these quitter habits.



When the child walked in I noticed he was almost as wide as he was tall. We tried him out; he was as I figured, too young for the class. At this age exercise should not be to get back in shape. It should be fun. A 5-year-old should never have been given the chance to get out of shape. Whose fault is it? Did the 5 year old get the car keys and drive to get a cheeseburger and fries? I don’t think so. The parents give in to the child and let them eat what they want. Immediately after the trial class while I was trying to talk to the mother, the child kept saying, ”I want Cheetos, I want Cheetos”. So what did the mother of the overweight 5-year-old child do? She bought him Cheetos and a Sprite. The child didn't sign up. He said the class was too much work. Since when is exercise too much work?






The reason I am writing this article is to remind everyone over 30 that we were not raised this way so why are we raising our children this way?




James Holan 5th Dan in TKD



In Irving and Grapevine, TX.



Adults don’t want to push their children into anything these days or force them to commit to it because their parent forced them to do things they didn’t like to do things. But my question to you is this, are you successful today because your parents forced you to exercise and forced you to commit to projects and sports? Did they let you quit sports when you had a bad day? Did they let you quit anything? Mine didn’t. And I thank them for not letting me quit everything. The habits of quitting and not committing to things are going to follow your children through life. If you let them always quit things as a child then they are never going to be able to hold a long-term job as a teen or adult. Think about this when they say karate is too hard and I don’t want to go anymore. Think about them quitting their 1st job when they are 16 because they had to work hard that day. Think about them dropping out of college if they make it that far. Think about them quitting a job every 2 years as an adult. Did you quit every 2 years and become as successful as you are today with these quitter habits.




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Teen go to Camp

J. Lorenz

Choosing the right summer activity for a teen is often more complicated than for a younger child. Yet, the rewards can be even Greater. A teenager is in the midst of an incredible growth spurt. As parents we are always looking to increase our teens emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social Development. Teen Adventure Camp programs are a wonderful way of doing this.




Finding the right summer program for teens is not all that different than that of a ten year old. It is important to find a safe, secure, and appropriate environment. Yet, teens need and are ready for new challenges and increased independence. Yearly, as interests expand and your child matures, reexamine your choice.




Remeber, interests, and abilities of a 13 year-old are quite different from that of a 17 year-old. So, when thinking programs, you should always keep in mind your child's maturity. Supervision in many of the programs designed for teens is less than for younger children, so be sure to ask. One great resource is Summer Camp Advice a resource for Summer Camp Information




Teens are part kid and part adult. So planning a summer program may be more complex than you think. Because many good programs fill up fast, you will want to try to focus early to avoid disappointment.




The best way to start is to sit down and listen to your child. Often you can strengthen your relationship with your teenager. Discuss with your child his interests, concerns, and values. You need to talk with your teen about what each of you want the summer to be. Look for opportunities for personal growth as well as just getting better in a sport. Be ready for " I don't want to do anything."




Their are many teen programs available and its important to try to find the right one. As a parent do not give up right away. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find the right answer. The internet is a very useful tool for this. But it is helpful to know if your thinking serving, traveling, adventure or a little of all.




One of the best ways to reconcile your goals with your child's is to piece together the summer with activities from both of your lists. Although it is more difficult and figuring things out may be more time consuming, your teen will get a broader experience for your work.




If you decide that your teen will choose a local program, it is important to establish summer rules, expectation, chores, and schedules. This will be especially important if this will be the first summer in years that your youngster is spending at home.




Swift Nature Camp may be the perfect fit for your teenager. Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teenagers want to do things for themselves and are bored by a "normal" camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities cabins often leave camp and go out into the big open wild and see the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center or find themselves canoeing down the Mississippi River. Camp for Teens




Last and most importantly remember youth is limited and no adult ever looked back and recalls the good old days of just watching TV all summer!




TO learn more how to select an Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Kids Camp Information



This may have been on his mind when he used imagery from Egypt to foretell another midnight cry when deliverance would again be at hand, and another covenant made resulting in his Bride?—Behold, the Bridegroom comes!” Matthew 25:6.




Christians believe the Savior fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Jewish law and “and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6. Known as a great teacher, he reflected concern for “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” that had been scattered, Matthew 15:24.






















You will surprise them with your defense. The facts, evidence, and case laws that you present will get you that dismissal.






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About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, Summer Camps for Teens. That offers a traditional coed overnight summer camp for Boy and Girl Teens. Campers enjoy Adventure trips along with in camp activities: Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more. To learn more click Summer Camp

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Environmental Camp

LONNIE LORENZ

At a Summer Camp with Animals Kids find out about animals at summer camp, if you choose a camp that includes animals in the programs they offer. Science camps offer sophisticated learning programs, but there are summer camps that include animals as a part of more playful programs.




For many children making a connection with animals is a great way to reconnect with nature. Campers can find and develop a desire to know more about the nature they find all around them. When they follow that desire, they begin to acquire a deep respect for nature that will serve them all their lives.




At Swift Nature Camp, also known as a Science Camp, has a unique pond aquarium gives kids a chance to see pond life from a frog's point of view, while our Nature\'s Neighbors live animal collection provides opportunities for up-close study and care of several common Northwoods residents as well as a few exotic immigrants. Campers with their own small animals are encouraged to bring them to camp to share with others. The animals live in the Nature Center, where all campers can enjoy and learn about them.




Working in conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S. Park Service, Swift Nature Camp has also developed a hands-on environmental learning program which includes field trips, such as visits to a fish hatchery and state parks; hands-on field projects, like goose banding and butterfly counts; and exciting camp presentations, including visits with live owls.




Swift Nature Camp has a voluntary four-level program that rewards campers with a special patch of merit, and the categories include recognition of special skills with animals in categories like insects, pet care, bird watching, and horseback riding. Campers can choose just the right mix of play and learning to suit individual preference and need.




Todays children grow up too fast and need time to play. The summer camp you are looking for should challenge your child to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.




Every camper is an individual and benefits from his or her own particular mix of play and skill development. Swift Nature Camp has found a way to accamodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper's interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!




The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.




You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Summer Camp



As an environmental camp SNC shines, but it's our small size that allows us to help each camper with their development. At summer camp children will have an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves. THis is all part of growing up.




To put it in one word, summer camp provides independence, and that's a major part of growing up. When campers find adult friends called counselors, whomodel perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences, campers set new and high standards for their own behavior. This in turn brings their new found independence more in linewith yourat-home teachings.




We see Swift Nature Camp as an opportunity for each child to come to a new place and try new things and make new friends. Summer camp is a new world. Who you were before has no bearing on who you want to be, because camp is a new beginning. Many of our campers return year after year saying that "Swift allows me to be my real self with real people" and we feel that's a good thing.




the northwoods is a great place for fun & sun. All who come to Swift Nature Camp find this to be their summer home. So be a part of our family this summer?




Need help finding a summer camp that fits your child's needs. Visit Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp



Larvae devour natural fibres throughout their development, eventually emerging as an adult.




Adults emerge between March and early August, and feed on pollen.




These insect pests cause both physical damage by their larvae eating fabrics and psychological damage from the huge numbers of these pests which can emerge into homes.




When dealing with these pests it is important to look for the presence of birds’ nesting material and remove any nests and feathers etc from the infested before treating with an appropriate insecticide.




It is important to be aware that in the Great Britain legislation affects the removal of birds’ nest, including sparrows and starlings which are the two common birds which have an association with A.verbasci so professional advice should be sought to avoid contravening the law.



In the majority cases trapping is the the only option and



As a special offer before our busy times begin we are offering 25% off the normal cost until April 30 2009. Whilst we normally cover the whole of Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, we are willing to travel further afield but this will increase the cost.


Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.




Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules.




5. Drink lots of water. (12 oz. every meal 6)




Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.




6. Avoid too much sugar.





About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Adventure Teen Camps

Rethinking Discipling Your Children

Rebecca Walther



Back in the day, when our Parents were children discipline was totally different. It was common for children to be spanked in stores, at home,for insolence, poor grades, bad behavior, or other misgivings. We all remember this happening to us and have, probably, since vowed to never do it to our child but does that mean they should stop being disciplined?





No. All children need boundaries, rules, and consequences. This is, in short, what all children need rules and consequences. Without this a child might never learn the difference between right and wrong.






In light of this, what kind of discipline should be kept in place to help teach a child morals? A lot of people are recommending time-out as the standard for small children and grounding for much older children. As far as older children go standard groundings last between two days and a week, sometimes more depending on the severity of the action. Some parents have even started taking away cell phones, game systems, and other fun activities in order to punish their children.



On the series “Nanny 911,” most out of control children are easily taught proper behavior by extraordinary British women who have been rearing children for fifteen plus years. What about the parent who is new to this “child rearing” experience and is not able to control their child in the same manner as those with so much experience? Not everyone can hire a British Nanny or get a spot on the show, so what is a parent to do?










If this is the case then a lot of parents might want to resort to a new method of discipline. Children with severe disciplinary problems need to be allowed to learn from someone other than their parents. The average child has problems with their parents; they get to a certain age where they cannot listen to their mother and father anymore. After all, at this point they think they are right about everything, that mom and dad no longer know what’s best, and that they have the ability to thrive in the world on their own.














Adults emerge between March and early August, and feed on pollen.




These insect pests cause both physical damage by their larvae eating fabrics and psychological damage from the huge numbers of these pests which can emerge into homes.




When dealing with these pests it is important to look for the presence of birds’ nesting material and remove any nests and feathers etc from the infested before treating with an appropriate insecticide.




It is important to be aware that in the Great Britain legislation affects the removal of birds’ nest, including sparrows and starlings which are the two common birds which have an association with A.verbasci so professional advice should be sought to avoid contravening the law.



In the majority cases trapping is the the only option and



As a special offer before our busy times begin we are offering 25% off the normal cost until April 30 2009. Whilst we normally cover the whole of Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, we are willing to travel further afield but this will increase the cost.


Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.




Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules.




5. Drink lots of water. (12 oz. every meal 6)




Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.




6. Avoid too much sugar.





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