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Top 5 Tips to Teach Math to Kids Effectively

March 06, 2010 By: admin Category: Education, Parenting Tips, Smart Child, Smart Kid

teach kids Math
Creative Commons License photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Top 5 Tips to Teach Math to Kids Effectively
By Leah Fendi

Every parent is aware that math skills is essential for their children’s future. Math will assist in all aspects of life. If Math is educated in incorrect way, children could possibly get bored easily. Listed below are top 5 best tips to teach kids Math effectively.

1- Before teaching Math, be sure they are taught formal logic first. They should be able to think in a logical way using words and real-world situations before it can be applied to abstract concepts like numbers. Failing in this initial step causes kids hard to understand Math, and soon makes them hate Math. They should be taught on how to THINK first.

2- When thinking about the best ways to teach math to kids, age is an important element to consider first. Make sure your teaching module is appropriate for the kids’ age. Toddlers and preschoolers should learn the basic meaning of numbers, means to count things. Early elementary school should concentrate on arithmetic, understanding addition and multiplication tables for single digit numbers. Once they can master these, then move on to algebra, geometry, fractions, decimals, set theory, even calculus, and if possible, introduce the so-called advanced topics as early as possible. At the early stage of teaching advance Math, they just have to see it, they don’t have to understand it. The results will be seen later on, they will easily absorb and understand of topics when they are covered in grades 6-12.

3- Use something in which they can relate to. Try to make it simple yet fun. Also be practical to make them easy to understand. For example, to teach addition or subtraction, use countable food they used to eat. To teach division or fractions use cake.

4- Create fun and cool Math games for kids. Printable Math board games, card games, print and play game worksheets can be found on the internet.

5- Since Math needs a lot of recall skills, having a good memory will be a big advantage on our kids. Improve your kid’s memory by providing him/her number exercises on mental addition or multiplication, recalling dates for instance birthdays or anniversaries or dates for special occasions and making connections to other events that happened or will happen on a particular date. Working out your kid’s memory will truly be an asset at a later time when he has to memorize rules, formula, methods or procedures in resolving mathematical problems or equations.

Teaching Math to kids should always be fun, make sure your kids don’t feel stress when learning Math. Cool Math games for kids can make your kids enjoy learning Math. Visit http://www.coolmathgamesforkids.info for more than 450 pages jam packed with printable Math games which can be accessed directly from your computer.

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Medela Breast Pump Symphony | The Best Breast Pump Ever

February 24, 2010 By: admin Category: Breastfeeding

Medela-Breast-Pump-Symphony

Medela-Breast-Pump-Symphony

Medela Breast Pump Symphony is the latest innovation in hospital-grade electric double pumps, the first and only electric breast pump to simulate a baby’s two-phase pumping Program for maximum milk flow and comfort. Medela Breast Pump Symphony is the most outstanding breast pump; very durable, powerful and provides comfortable, natural, and efficient pumping. This is the most expensive breast pump, but if money is not an issue to you, and if you are planning to use it for other kids in the future, the Medela Symphony is just for you.

The first breast pump with natural expression with two-phase pumping program.

Compared to other breast pumps, The Medela Symphony is closer than ever to nature. It is the first breast pump with Natural Expression™, produces such fantastic results and comfort because it utilizes a program that simulates this natural two-phase feeding pattern which consists of a Stimulation/Let-Down Phase and an Expression Phase, you will feel just like real breastfeeding. Medela’s breakthrough two-phase pumping program that offers an initial, rapid rhythm to promote “Let-Down” and then a slower, deeper rhythm for efficient milk expression. Research has shown that a baby’s feeding is not a single continuous action, but rather a two-phase process in which the baby will initially suckle rapidly to stimulate the mother’s milk ejection reflex (MER), and induce milk “let-down”. This phase is referred to as “stimulation”. Once the breast has been sufficiently stimulated, milk begins flowing and the baby settles into a slower, more relaxed sucking speed for the actual feeding phase. This phase is called “expression.”

The Benefits

  • Hands free pumping
  • Versatile operation
  • Faster pumping time
  • BPA/DEHP Free
  • Much more comfortably fit
  • Suitable for daily pumping
  • The features:

  • Double or single pumping: Moms can switch between single and double pumping simply by adding or removing the second Pump Collection Set.
  • One knob control of vacuum level, and cycle speed: Invented for moms’ convenience, one knob combines vacuum level and the number of cycles per minute in the expression phase.
  • Whisper quiet operation
  • Unique Overflow protection: Specially designed membrane which separates Pump Collection Set from pump mechanism, ensuring unmatched overflow protection without compromising vacuum capacity.
  • Program Card: Pumping Program stored on a Program Card, allowing further Pumping Programs to be implemented in the future by releasing alternate Program Cards as research supports it.
  • LCD display: Indicates pumping mode, vacuum level, battery status, and other technical information.
  • Easy to clean
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Purchase of the Medela Breast Pump Symphony includes:

  • Symphony Breast Pump
  • Symphony 2.0 Program Card – English, Spanish, or French translations
  • Electric or Battery operation (requires power pak – sold separately)
  • One container stand
  • One quick start card
  • One protector for card or cord
  • Instructions
  • Please note that other Medela Symphony Pumping accessories are sold separately.

    What Misconceptions Are About Bullying?

    February 03, 2010 By: admin Category: Uncategorized

    Bully
    Creative Commons License photo credit: trix0r

    What Misconceptions Are About Bullying?


    By Bertil Hjert

    The truly understanding what bullying is will help to stop and prevent it. Because of the possibility of physical and emotional injury, all cases of bullying must be taken seriously.

    Here you can read about some misconceptions about bullying:

    - Bullies have low self esteem

    A misconception is that bullies have low self esteem. Many bullies are popular and very confident. Bullies are not the unconfident kids trying to make up for their problems. Bullying may actually be a way that kids try to dominate others and assert their power.

    They want to fit in with their friends and use bullying to achieve this. Often they act in conjunction with the friends. It is also a way to control and impress their friends, although in the wrong way.

    - Victims should toughen up

    Bullying is a normal part of childhood and the victims should just toughen up is a common stereotypical view and the biggest misconception. To think in this way can have serious consequences for both victims and bullies.

    It should not be tolerated and letting a bully continue picking on others just reinforces their behavior and sets them up to continue making poor choices for the rest of their lives. The victims can also suffer from low self esteem, depression, and a poor self image.

    - Bullying only in high class schools

    This occurs only in lower class neighbourhoods and schools. This is not the case, and plenty of bullying cases occur in high class neighbourhoods and schools. Bullying can occur no matter what socioeconomic class a child is in. Many upper-class schools have bullying problems because children feel as though they are better than others and try to show how much power they have over children they perceive as weaker than them.

    - Bullying is most common in high school

    Another misconception is that bullying most commonly occurs in high school rather than in younger children. Studies have shown that bullying occurs at all ages but the most common ages are in middle school, not high school and elementary.

    Children from 9-13 years old are the most likely ages to bully. Children in this age group are just beginning to face stress in school and the pressure to fit in, so bullying becomes a common way cope with these problems.

    - Boys are the only kids that bully

    Boys are the only kids that bully is also wrong. In fact boys are bulling more than girls. However girls can also be bullies. Bullying among boys is often physical where girls tend to use emotional bullying by saying mean things and spreading rumours to humiliate people. Both types of bullying can have devastating effects on bullying victims and leave them with self esteem problems and a lifetime of insecurity.

    - Bullying target is to demean a person

    Many people think that remarks made with bullying most commonly target intelligence and are meant to demean a person. Experts mean that the most common insults are about a kids perceived sexual orientation. As ridiculous as it sounds, this is the most common thing kids tease each other about.

    - Bullying is not a big deal

    Many parents think that bullying is normal and is no big deal, but once they know how serious it can be they will be more concerned.

    Parents and teachers working together is the best way to stop bullying and help a bullying victim. Parental involvement is also important to solve the problem. Addressing both the bullying victim and the bully is the best way to prevent bullying in your school.

    For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about Bullying please visit BULLYING ADVICE

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

    http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Misconceptions-Are-About-Bullying?&id=1076897


    How to go dinner out with small kids

    December 04, 2009 By: admin Category: Parenting Tips, Toddler, Tween

    Cookbook author and food god Craig Claiborne opined, “I cannot estimate how many meals are spoiled by fractious, overtired children aching to be home, and their parents are doing no one a favor by permitting such disruptive behavior.” I’d guess most folks agree with Mr. Claiborne, judging by the stink eye many waiters and fellow diners show parents eating with kids. It’s a shame, really. True, a restaurant is not a playground, but it’s not a church either. Some parents won’t go near a restaurant with their children in tow, for fear of being ostracized. It’s not like this in many other countries, where kids are welcomed to the table and where, not by accident, the food culture is strong. A few tips:

    1.New parents, listen up: When your baby can’t talk or walk, put him or her in a sling and get thee to a restaurant as often as you wish. People will ooh and aah at your bravery–as well as at the baby.

    2.Choose your restaurant wisely. Go on the early side and avoid weekends. Brunch was invented for families–alcohol for mom and dad, and pancakes with smiley faces for kids. Many top-notch places now have kids’ menus that go beyond the nugget, grilled cheese, and buttered-pasta triple threat.

    31 of Bon Appétit’s Most Delicious Holiday Desserts

    3.Introduce your kids to new flavors. Asian restaurants, especially Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai ones, are often casual, full of big tables of families, and loud. Small-plate restaurants, like Spanish tapas places, allow easy sharing (and if things go south quickly, you can make an exit without having to cancel your entrée order).

    4.Adults get toys (cell phones, PDAs) to play with at the table, so kids should, too–but keep handheld video games on mute.

    5.Bring a small snack to tide your little one over immediately after you sit down. But if said snack ends up all over the floor, it’s your responsibility to clean it up–not the waitstaff’s.

    Food Allergies and Food Intolerence For Kids

    November 04, 2009 By: admin Category: Kid's Health, Kids Meal

    Third piece
    Creative Commons License photo credit: mia3mom

    Some Facts on Food Allergies and Food Intolerence for Kids Which All Mothers Should Know
    By Susan Carey

    True food allergies affect a relatively small percentage of the population. It may be hereditary as it is found to occur most frequently in children with family histories of allergies. The term ‘food allergy’ is sometimes confused for ‘food intolerance’, but they are in fact different. The difference is in the way the body handles the offending food. Here are some facts on food allergies and food intolerance for kids which all mothers should know.

    Food allergy, or hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune response. The most commonly affected organ systems and their symptoms include:

    • Skin: hives, rashes, eczema
    • Mouth: swelling of mouth, tongue
    • Digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
    • Respiratory tract: wheezing, asthma

    In contrast, food intolerance is more common and the immune system is not responsible for the symptoms even though the symptoms resemble those of a food allergy. The problem lies with the body’s ability to digest the food, usually due to a chemical deficiency.

    For example, difficulty digesting milk (lactose intolerance) due to lactase deficiency. Lactase is the enzyme required to digest milk sugar (lactose), hence deficiency causes abdominal discomfort and diarrhea after taking milk. However, people with food intolerance often can still tolerate some amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms.

    To reduce the risk of your child developing food allergies, do not introduce solid foods till four months of age unless medically indicated, eg; if your baby has failure to thrive or has iron deficiency anemia. Some may even encourage introducing solids to baby at 6 months. It is prudent that a limited variety and quantity of the least allergenic foods are introduced first in the following progression.

    1. Rice based cereal,
    2. Pureed root vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, carrots)
    3. Pureed fruits (apple, pear, banana),
    4. Other vegetables (spinach, broccoli),
    5. Meat (pork, beef, lamb).

    Only one new food should be introduced at a time and wait a few days before introducing another food. This is to enable identification of the offending food should there be any adverse reactions.

    For more cooking, health fitness articles, resources, tips and recipes from around the world:

    http://www.101vegetarianrecipes.com

    http://www.101cookingrecipes.com

    http://www.desserts-recipes.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Carey
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Facts-on-Food-Allergies-and-Food-Intolerence-for-Kids-Which-All-Mothers-Should-Know&id=357775


    Keeping Your Kids Safe While They Are Online

    October 04, 2009 By: admin Category: Safety Tips


    Keeping Your Kids Safe While They Are Online
    By Tina Barraclough

    TV Is No Longer The Addiction
    Creative Commons License photo credit: LAYeiser

    The INTERNET can be a dangerous place for your kids, if you don’t know the risks that can occur while being online. It is our jobs as parents, to know what our kids are doing when they are online. It is up to us to keep them safe in everything that they do.

    Thousands of children use the INTERNET everyday without any problems at all, but we’ve all heard about the danger they could find themselves in. I am a mother ,and I always worry when my kids are online, that is why I pay close attention to what they do when online.

    Here are some tips so you can be sure that your kids are safe when they are online.

    1. The most Important thing you can do to keep your children safe when they are on the INTERNET is to be right there with them while they are online.

    You should not let them surf the INTERNET in their bedrooms or in another room away from you. If this is not a possibilty, then make sure you are often in and out of the room to keep an eye on what is going on.

    Be sure you know what your kids are doing online at all times.

    2. Before allowing your children on the INTERNET ,let them know what is and what is not allowed and stick with these rules. For example, you could tell them no e-mailing, no chat rooms, or whatever guidelines you decide to set for them. Also, let them know that should they decide to break any of your rules, then they will not be allowed online anymore, until they agree to follow the rules you set for them.

    3. Get involved in what your kids are doing online.

    Ask them to show you some of their favorite sites. Have them show you what they like to do when they are online. This will help you determine if there are any problems or concerns that need to be addressed with them.

    Another way to keep a check on which websites they have visited, click on HISTORY in your browser window.

    4. Down load some filtering software.

    You can find software available that can stop your child giving out personal information such as their name, address, and telephone number.

    Here are a couple of filtering software you can check out:

    We – Blocker

    Furnishes users with free software that allows parents to monitor their children’s Internet access and filter out inappropriate sites.

    Naomi Internet Filter 2.9.64

    Naomi is a powerful internet filtering program for families, easy to use and totally free. Naomi is able to constantly monitor all internet connections, protecting kids from inappropriate material.

    Stress to your kids is why it is important to keep such information private.

    5. All kids, it does not matter how old they are, can be vulnerable when they are online.

    For example, teenage girls, are at risk from men who lure them into meeting them face to face after chatting online with them for awhile.

    Let your children know never, ever to arrange a meeting with someone they met online, no matter how safe it may seem to them.

    6. Tell them firmly, never to pay money or agree to pay money for anything without your permission, and never to use your credit card details without your knowledge or permission.

    You just never know who could somehow get a hold of your credit card details.

    7. Also, be sure to warn your kids about online chat rooms for kids.

    Sometimes, Adults will pretend to be kids in these chat rooms trying to lure kids into meeting them. Rather than chat rooms, I have set up AOL’s INSTANT MESSENGERProgram for my kids.

    This gives them more control over who they allow to be one of their “buddies’ and they’re not nearly as visible, as they would be in actual chat rooms.

    AOL INSTANT MESSENGER The INTERNET can provide hours of fun for children of all ages

    We, as parents should certainly monitor what our kids are doing on the NET, put safety features in place, depending on how they will be accessing the NET. AOL allows you to set restrictions on certain sites [MSN as well], so your children can surf and be safe at the same time.

    To find out about AOL:

    http://aol.com

    To find out about MSN:

    http://www.msn.com

    For more information and a listing of guide lines for keeping your kids safe ONLINE, please visit these two sites.

    Safe kids.com

    Here are some recommended sites for you to check out for your kids:
    Computer Games for Kids

    Play new games every week with characters from DISNEY

    Nickelodeon – Official Site Commercial, all-kids cable station “NICKELODEON” offers a schedule and outtakes for its popular lineup of cartoons, including” Rugrats” and “Garfield”

    Official home of “SESAME STREET” ,TELE TUBBIES, and PBS’s other kids shows. Play games, read jokes, and paint some of their characters

    PBS Kids

    Fun Brain

    Interactive, Educational games (math and grammar) for children of all ages. Games include Math, Baseball, Change Maker, and Wacky tales.

    Kids Games. org

    Check out this collection of online games for kids of all ages.

    Kids.Com

    Offers Adult monitored kids chat, games like tangram, and hangman, message boards, video game cheats, contests, and prizes in a kid safe environment.

    Tina M Barraclough Is A Wife And A Mother Of Five Beautiful Children. She Has Been A Stay At Home Home Mom Since September Of 2001. She Has Been Involved In Several Successful Home Based Businesses, And Has Been Very Successful With Them. She Is The Webmaster of Best Home Based Business Idea.Com Visit Her Website Today To Find Some Honest And Legit Work At Home Business Opportunities.

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    7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children

    September 18, 2009 By: admin Category: Parenting Tips

    7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children
    By Steve Brunkhorst

    Stob040
    Creative Commons License photo credit: ChrissyGombos

    Our children are our most important legacy to the world. However, our love is our most important legacy to our children. Here are seven ways to show love that will help children build sturdy foundations for the future.

    1. Spend Time with Your Children.

    Time is the most loving gift we can give to our children. It allows for the mutual exchange of ideas, emotions, actions, and words that help our children develop and learn to communicate.

    Enjoy a toddler’s tea parties as well as a teen’s ball games. Help your children build things and create art. Begin new family traditions that you can enjoy together each year. Ample time spent in mutually enjoyable activities will create memories you will always treasure.

    2. Be the Primary Role Model for Your Children.

    Children need examples to follow. Teach practical values to your children by modeling those values. Admit when you have made a mistake and apologize. Model being committed to the ideals you embrace. Demonstrate the advantage of integrity over peer pressure.

    We teach and influence children more through actions than words. We are our children’s first heroes; the ideals that we live today are the ideals that will influence our children throughout life.

    3. Listen to Your Children.

    A child’s message is one of his or her most essential gifts. We build self-esteem in children when we show interest in what they have to say. Children need to communicate their pride of accomplishment as well as their needs.

    Get down at eye level with very young children and listen with your eyes, ears, and heart. Listen most of all to the feelings conveyed through a child’s eyes and expressions. If you listen to your children deeply, they will grow up listening deeply to you.

    4. Provide Your Children with Loving Discipline.

    Children need guidelines and safe boundaries without being constrained unnecessarily. They need to learn the value of being accountable for their choices and actions.

    Let your children know that you disapprove of hurtful actions but will always love them as sons and daughters. Loving discipline enables them to recognize the best in other people. It allows children the freedom to explore the world safely and reach their highest potential.

    5. Give Your Children Encouragement.

    Encouraging words are powerful emotional deposits of confidence and self-esteem. Verbally acknowledge your children’s special talents and accomplishments. Catch your children doing something great, and tell them what a great job they have done.

    Children need to know that we recognize and support their hopes and dreams for the future. Encouraging children to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually provides the foundation for living a balanced life.

    6. Share Your Experiences with Your Children.

    We each have valuable stories to tell, unique maps of our journey through life. These stories tell how our reactions to events created the life we are living now. Sharing the benefit of your experiences — the roadblocks and rewards — is a very loving way to guide your children.

    Your children may face many of the situations you faced. Your experiences can help them make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Among the most worthwhile possessions that we can someday leave for our children are journals filled with the stories that shaped our lives.

    7. Love and Support Your Children Unconditionally.

    Love is an unconditional gift from the heart; it is not a reward for good behavior. Let your children know that you will love and support them in any situation. This message creates a sturdy bond of trust. Your children will grow to feel safe in coming to you with any problem they face.

    Children need the freedom to make decisions, try new things, and learn that life requires personal responsibility and persistence. They need the freedom to fail and learn from mistakes without being judged. Unconditional love helps them to acquire the decisiveness and resiliency required to become successful.

    If you could sum up all of our children’s needs, hopes, and expectations in one word, that word would be love. We share love when we play a central role in our children’s world of learning and discovery. Our legacy of love will have a guiding influence upon our children and grandchildren for many generations.

    © Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Brunkhorst
    http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Powerful-Ways-to-Show-Love-to-Children&id=13205


    Morning Sickness Causes and Relief Tips

    August 28, 2009 By: admin Category: Pregnancy

    Morning sickness is a natural and normal phenomenon among expectant mothers. According to experts, it is not actually a sickness and it is harmless regardless how difficult they feel to cope up with this symptom. Drastic hormone changes indicate production of suitable ambiance in pregnant woman’s body’s to support the baby’s growth. There is nothing to worry about the pregnancy morning sickness.

    The symptoms of morning sickness vary from one woman to another.  A feeling of nausea and vomiting during the initial stages of pregnancy are referred to as the symptoms of morning sickness. For those who suffered from morning sickness, taking meals become such a difficult task for them. Morning sickness causes must be found out to find the remedies, accordingly. Here are some of the common causes of this symptom:

    • Increased levels of estrogen and hCG such as human chorionic gonadotrophin hormones. Release of this hormone in the blood stream leaves women feeling nauseous.
    • Increased sensitivity to selected odors and tastes.
    • Increase in progesterone leading to stomach acid. This hormone affect in the digestive system of pregnant women.
    • Eating greasy and spicy food.
    • Low levels of blood sugar.

    Here are some basic tips to help this sysmptom:

    • Avoid those aromas that could trigger off morning sickness.
    • Eat little but often, especially in the mornings before you leave the bed.
    • Take frequent naps. Do not resist dozing off if possible.
    • Take Vitamin B6 supplements. This could act as morning sickness medication.
    • Take lots of liquids.

    The expectant mothers should be prepared with  sickness bags everywhere they go to avoid mess. They should study necessary steps that can be followed to prevent morning sickness during pregnancy. However, if it becomes serious, they should not hesitate to consult a doctor for morning sickness relief measures.

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    Children Photography Tips from A Pro Photographer

    July 10, 2009 By: admin Category: Kids' Photography

    The Nation’s Top Child Photographer, Jade Albert, has shared some secret tips on how to take the best pics of your CuteKid™! Got a pic ready to be seen? Upload a photo for Jade’s pro review.

    Jade has photographed some of the cutest kids for campaigns such as Target, M & Ms, Toys ‘R’ Us, Huggies & more. She knows the tricks to taking the best photos of your little ones.

    Tips on getting that perfect shot!
    Jade has pro tips that are easy & fun! Would you believe that dancing, Superheros & even ice cream are part of Jade’s technique? Read Jade’s unique tips below:

    Here are some tricks up my sleeve, out of the hat, directed straight to my subject.

    If you want to take a children’s photo, the photographer’s role goes beyond capturing that special moment. But, processing the sensitivity to perform with gentleness is a double duty with loads of patience.lucyalbert sepia Bubbles, Barney and… Bingo!

    Do not talk down to them. Make them feel equal. Pick a subject and have a conversation. For example: what is your favorite color, ice cream, etc.? Or let’s tell jokes. Interesting enough the child in you will appear and you will bond with a playful rapport. Thus simultaneously you can capture the moment – Bingo!

    For babies & toddlers, put a sticker or Scotch tape on their fingers. It keeps them distracted and when you call their name… Wow! You have the shot. Babies are fascinated by light – pocket flashlights, etc. I was on a TV commercial spot and we used sparklers. Their bright eyes were really focused on the camera, with a smile.

    Another tool from my goodie bag are whistles, maracas and feather dusters to capture the attention of the young ones. Another attention getter would be to put a squeaky toy over the camera. Anything Barney or Elmo’s World. The best of success: bubbles.

    Sometimes a prop can be a familiar support system like a security blanket. They could bring their special Superhero and Care Bear to achieve their comfort zone. Don’t forget the family pet brings out the best in all of us. This is a wonderful way to get the candid shot.

    Keep your set up simple and safe, so they’re not scared of the lights or wires. My best approach, I recommend, for a picture perfect shot is to be prepared, work quickly and keep shooting. Remember children’s attention spans are limited. If your child holds a pose too long, it looks stiff and stale. Avoid them squinting at all times. Outside, do not shoot in direct sunlight. Use open shade or backlight. Inside, avoid hot lights. Plan their best times of day and schedule accordingly. Work around naptime and breastfeeding time.

    Try to make it a game, so it’s play, not work. Make it like an adventure (because photographing kids is an adventure!). Some of my favorite requests are playing Simon Says, peek-a-boo, dancing and musical chairs. If all else fails, reverse psychology works like a charm. Key words: Don’t smile. No laughing. Look mean. And they crack up with giggles.

    Happy snapping! Don’t forget to upload that pic to the CuteKid contest!

    Teaching Children To Talk

    June 13, 2009 By: admin Category: Discovery Years, Education, Parenting Tips, Smart Child, Smart Kid, Toddler

    It’s time for the baby’s bath. It’s been a busy day, and you have a lot on your mind. Your child loves playing in the warm water, but tonight it feels like just one more thing to do.

    Is this a good time for a language lesson, even if you don’t feel like it? You bet. Talking with your child during everyday events like nappy changes and baths is a great way to help your child learn the sounds and words of language.

    ‘It’s time to wash your hair now. Should we use the cup to pour the water? Lean your head back a little so the soap doesn’t get in your eyes. Let’s dip the washcloth in the water so we can clean your little nose. Do you have dirt under your fingernails? Let’s see if we can get it out …’

    More is better

    When it comes to teaching your child language, it’s how much you talk to her that counts the most. It may sound simple, but the best way to build children’s vocabularies during the critical first three years of life is to talk with them – a lot.

    One study looked at the everyday talk between parents and children in 42 families. The results clearly showed that children’s vocabularies grew faster and they scored higher on IQ tests when their parents talked to them often.

    Talking to children throughout the day helps in two ways. When parents talk more often, they use a wider range of words. Also, parents who talk a lot with their kids usually use longer and more complex sentences. This helps children learn what words mean, how grammar works, and how to talk about things in the past or the future. And when parents have ‘conversations’ with their young children, they create a foundation for good communication down the road.

    Talking gap

    All parents talk to their children. But the study found big differences in the types of conversations some families have. Researchers spent one hour a month with each family tape-recording the conversations between parents and children. The results were surprising:

    • One group of parents spent an average of 40 minutes each hour interacting with their children, while another group spent about 15 minutes per hour.
    • Some parents spoke more than 2000 words an hour on average to their kids compared with others who spoke around 600.
    • One set of families responded to their children 250 times an hour on average, while another responded only 50 times.
    • After three years, children from the most talkative families are exposed to nearly 30 million words, while those from the least talkative may have heard only 10 million (see figure 1).

    Total words spoken to child

    Quantity is quality

    In each family, all the children learned enough language to get through everyday experiences. And for the most part, the conversations were about similar things. Families talked about people, places, actions, feelings, objects, experiences and past and future events. They answered their children’s questions and responded to their actions. And they guided them with encouragements such as ‘that’s great, honey,’ and restrictions such as ‘don’t touch that’.

    If the families seemed to talk about the same things, why were some children speaking and understanding more words at age three? It turns out that the more parents talked to their children, the better the conversations got in terms of variety and richness.

    Take bath time as an example. The more you talk to your child, the more likely you are to use different and more creative nouns, verbs, and modifiers. Sentences will become more complex and longer. You’ll ask more questions. And there is a greater chance you will talk about things in the past and in the future. Conversations like these help build a child’s vocabulary.

    ‘Look at those little dirty hands. They got so dirty playing outside today! Do you remember digging in the dirt? We found a little worm that wiggled in your hand. I’ll bet next time we’ll find more worms and bugs. Oops – it looks like there’s some dirt in your hair too! Let’s wash your hair now …’

    The study also found that talkative parents were much more likely to guide their children with positive feedback such as ‘good’ or ‘that’s right’. When parents were talking less, they were more likely to use negative feedback such as ‘stop that’ or ‘don’t’. The families that talked the most used an encouraging tone 70-80% of the time, while those that talked the least were more likely to scold or use a discouraging tone.

    Big words, big boost

    By the age of three, children from families that talked the most had an average vocabulary more than twice the size of children from families that talked the least (see figure 2).

    Childrens total vocabulary size

    Not only did they understand more, they were able to use language to talk about a broader range of subjects. Even six years later, children from talkative families outscored others on language tests and reading comprehension.

    Talking tips

    So what’s the key to talking more with your children? The researchers noticed some good strategies parents used when interacting with their children.

    • Just talk: Use everyday events like folding laundry, changing nappies or doing the dishes. Talk enough to keep the child cooperative and engaged. This works well with younger children learning their first words.
    • Listen: When children talk, even if it’s silly or hard to understand, use it as a chance to add information, encourage more talking, or to elaborate on what they said. ‘You’re talking about the little bird? Look at his pointy beak. What colour is his beak? He can fly high in the air.’
    • Be nice: Kids need our guidance to learn what’s OK to do. When they do something they shouldn’t, suggest a better or right way to do it and avoid negative criticism. For example, a parent could say, ‘We write on paper, not on the walls’, instead of ‘Don’t do that!’
    • Give choices: Whether trying to get a child to do something like pick up toys or teaching them to use a spoon or fork, choices are important. Give choices that are real. ‘Do you want to eat your peas or your rice first? Do you want the blue or the green cup?’
    • Talk some more: It’s a big new world for kids, so help them by pointing out interesting things. ‘Look at the yellow bird in the sky! It reminds me of the story grandma told us about …’ Talking about things is a great way to remember past adventures and prepare them for new experiences.

    Helpful parenting tips

    • Talk. Engage your child all day long, asking questions, explaining things, and adding new ideas. Try to use full sentences and lots of different words.
    • Use positive, affirming language to guide your child’s behaviour. ‘I like it when you hang up your coat!’ Use negative language sparingly.
    • Read lots of stories. Read favourite books over and over. Try sharing books with friends, or bringing home new stories from the library.
    • Talk to your child even if your child is not a talker. Some kids are naturally quiet. Talking to them will help them learn the language just the same.
    • In a large family, pay special attention to younger ones to make sure they are getting the verbal attention they need.
    • Grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, neighbours, siblings and babysitters – encourage all of those who love your children to talk with them as much as possible.

    Children start the wonderful road of learning language from the day they are born. Parents who talk to their children throughout the day are giving them a gift. The language they learn will help them enjoy and understand the world around them, and it will prepare them for the challenges of life ahead.

    Source: http://raisingchildren.net.au/


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