Blowing your worries away

Before bed children often need to decompress about the day’s events. For young children a way to offer this is to blow some bubbles. Have children imagine putting their worries into each bubble and watch it drift into the evening sky. For older children journaling, worry dolls, or placing beads or any small object into a box or plastic bottle; one to represent each worry is a way to voice concerns and put it “away” for the night. Once children have rid themselves of the “weight” they can experience a peaceful rest and be ready to face the next day.

Learning to Relax

At the end of a long day, we all may find it hard to let go of the days stress, making it hard to fall asleep, get a good rest, or focus on a task. Learning to relax is a key family stress management skill that can be learned by all members of the family. Teaching children how to “let go” is as easy as pretending to be a wet noodle or a rag doll. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) walks the body step by step through each muscle, tensing then relaxing. Start by asking your child to make a fist and to straighten their arms out tight, as if they were a tall tree trunk and then release them; imagining letting go like a leaf falling from a tree. Follow with all parts of the body until the child has completely relaxed.

PMR also offers children the opportunity to learn where in their body they harbor tension allowing them to focus on that area. By taking deep breaths or imagining a soothing color offers kids a way to “wash away” the stress of the day leading to a better night’s sleep.

Picking a dream

Have your children choose what they would like to dream about. Helping children to create in their mind a sacred place can lead to increased relaxation and a better night sleep. Create with your child a sacred space that they can go to anytime. Ask them to describe it to you, what would it look? Who would be there with you? What would you eat? The more detail you ask for, the more vivid the image, the easier it is to regain those peaceful feelings associated with the memory. Some children will combine more than one memory or include things they wished had happened or make up an entirely imaginary dream. Asking children to create in their mind a special place that brings them peace and comfort offers them an opportunity to experience tranquility and safety while falling asleep.

Family stress management is crucial in the times that we live in. Today’s children are more stressed out than ever before academically, socially, and physically due to increased media, school and social pressure. Providing children with a repertoire of tools to face challenges can lead to increase self-esteem, promote creativity, and build positive relationships with family and friends. By offering children strategies for falling asleep helps them to learn a lifelong skill and manage their own stress, all leading to a decrease in parental stress and a more peaceful home.

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About the Author:
Genevieve M. Lowry M.Ed, CCLS has been helping children and families for twenty years. As a certified child life specialist at The Children’s Hospital of NY, she worked on a general medical floor providing therapeutic activities for children facing chronic or life threatening illness. Through play and preparation she encouraged self-esteem, mastery and control over their illness, as well as promoted choice in an environment that offers little or none. She also helped children and families cope with the rigors of a cancer diagnosis in an outpatient oncology clinic. http://guidedimageryforchildren.com
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Luckily there are a few options available to struggling families.  Some day care facilities offer a scholarship program to a select number of children each year.  Chosen families will have one year where they do not have the burden of high child care costs. Since not every child can win this metaphorical lottery, the government also has assistance programs in place.  TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and CCDBG (Child Care and Development Block Grant) are two examples of such programs.  Both TANF and CCDBG have income eligibility limits which vary from state to state, meaning they are based on how much you make versus the poverty level. These income eligibility limits may take into account multiple children or marital status. Child care costs have become such a burden to working families that some states have waiting lists to receive subsidies, so it is important to check with your individual state office for specific details and eligibly.

Extra aid is sometimes offered to military families.  The burden of military life makes raising children and keeping jobs as a military spouse very difficult.  All four branches offer their own programs to help with the burdens of child care.  The Air Force, for example, offers child care aid to families of servicemen who are deployed to certain areas or operations – especially war-time operations.  There is also a fund for aiding the child care burden of servicemen or women who have been seriously injured, such as wounded veterans or active duty members who are hospitalized or affected by other serious injuries.  A more common fund also exists for active duty members as well.  All of these details can be found at the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies’ website.

There may not be an assistance program for everyone, but there are options available to struggling or needy families.  Speak to your local government offices about assistance or grants, and also check for daycares that offer scholarship programs.  Affording child care is a burden borne by many young families today.  Many times couples will work split shifts or depend on family to aid in the child care burden.  Creativity has become a necessity in the world of child care affordability.  Luckily, some aid is available to the neediest families.

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About the Author:
<p> We invite you to view more about <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.daycare-compare.com/”>Daycare Reviews</a> by visiting our website.  <br> <br>Andrew L. Hallinan, owner of Synergy-SEO.com, is<strong> Tampa Bay’s leading Search Marketing Specialist.</strong> With over 5+ years of organic and Pay-Per-Click SEO service experience, Andrew has worked with dozens of local and nationwide businesses while the owner of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.synergy75.com”>Ocala Web Design</a>, and he has gained a great <strong>reputation in the Search Engine Marketing industry.<br /> </strong><br /> Andrew’s experience as a <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.synergy-seo.com”><strong>Search Engine Specialist</strong></a> ensures that your business will benefit with his knowledge of the latest search engine result algorithms, and he has the technological know-how and search marketing experience to make your site gain<strong> maximum exposure on Google and other search engines. <br /> </strong></p>
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Babies are innocent beings that can’t speak out or communicate in any way, shape or form. Crying is the only means by which they could alert us to what they’re going through at that specific point in time: they are either hungry, sick, fatigued or needing a nappy change. Here is a really important question that all mothers and fathers have said at some point: how would you know which cry represents what sensation or sentiment? Parenting books will allow you to learn how you can distinguish your newborn’s cries and familiarize yourself with her / his every inclination and nuance. Moreover, child-rearing books will show you the ways you could contend with other concerns such as having difficulty sleeping as a result of regular feedings and also diaper changes.

From there, mums and dads would go through a myriad of medical problems, most of which don’t really call for scheduling an appointment with the paediatrician. This is where neophyte parents get a considerable amount of strain; they’re continuously distressed and don’t know how they can react or what to believe. For them, everything is magnified and they need to do something right now. Parenting books would rescue frustrated and anxious brand-new moms and dads and present information regarding the typical maladies and infections that infants pick up, plus the treatments and alternatives that could be utilised to cure them. Apart from that, child-rearing books present helpful tips about how you can tackle particular scenarios appropriately as well as calmly. It would not do any good if mothers and fathers are too panic-stricken to think straight.

As your infant grows into a preschooler, there will be plenty of new problems that must be addressed. Taking care of an infant is quite different from nurturing a toddler in numerous ways. You will have to find out if your daughter or son is growing up adequately, receiving all the minerals and vitamins that he / she needs to be healthy, and hitting all the milestones that are associated with his / her age. Child-rearing books go over all these matters at length; by reading parenting guides, you will be able to document your child’s growth and see if there are milestones that he or she has missed or can’t achieve. You could then inform your doctor about your anxieties or apprehensions and make a plan that can solve the problem.

Many child-rearing guides are made by fellow dads and mums or authorities like doctors, pediatricians and psychiatrists. Their guidance and experience would offer you views that might not have crossed your mind and help you confront numerous types of challenges. Leafing through child-rearing guides created by other mums and dads as well as experts will also be extremely helpful once your girls and boys start attending school and need to work on their insecurities, anxieties and worries.

If you think that child-rearing guides can’t help you with your teen kids, think again! Bringing up teens will necessitate additional support, and parents have to give special attention to their older children. It’s a giant world out there, with lots of things going on everywhere. We live in a tumultuous time, and the concerns that you confronted when you were a teenager are pretty different in comparison to the things your adolescents deal with. You’ll have to know what is happening to your older kids to make sure that they enter their adult years properly. Child-rearing guides would offer you loads of information about these matters.

Lots of child-rearing books are available both offline and on the Internet, either 100% free or for a manageable price. All of these guides would help you give your sons and daughters a better future and also develop a deeper relationship with them by offering you the know-how and ability to address any type of problem that comes your way.

You can always trust in your parental intuition and ask your family members and friends for assistance. But there is only so much the folks in your daily life could give you, and you’ll act on every issue in a different manner. As a mom or dad, your #1 job is to make sure that your offspring are healthy, taken care of and brought up correctly; child parenting books will help you do the job!

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About the Author:
Don’t struggle with child behavior problems any longer. Sign up for the FREE Good Child Guide Newsletter and discover the child parenting tips you need to have a happy, peaceful household.
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Buying your child’s first mattress may be considered a rite of passage.  Just as cribs are designed for infants, children have special needs for mattresses that are different from adults. So it’s important to choose the right mattress.

As soon as you venture into the marketplace, however, you quickly find yourself overwhelmed with options — this feature versus that feature, this price over that price.  To ease your stress, here are five tips to help you choose the mattress that will best support your child in getting a good night’s sleep.

1.  Know what materials to avoid:  There is growing widespread concern regarding the effects of potentially harmful chemicals.  Your child may spend 10 to 12 hours a day sleeping on that mattress for many years, so avoid heavily-treated mattresses containing polyurethane foam, eco-foam (which is mostly polyurethane foam), vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants or barriers and industrial chemicals.  Many chemicals can “off-gas” from the mattress and be inhaled by your child.

2. Know what materials to look for:  Mattresses made with organic and non-toxic materials are best.  A good choice is a mattress made with organic cotton fabrics and filling.  Remember that not all organic mattresses are alike.  For example, “natural latex” or “coir” may actually be allergenic for your child.  Look for a mattress that has earned the recommendation or certification of a reputable organization (for example, GREENGUARD or “Healthy Child Healthy World”).

3. Look for non-toxic waterproofing and dust mite protection:  Avoid vinyl, nylon, polyurethane.  Ask for FDA food-grade polyethylene, the safest way to waterproof and dust mite proof a mattress.  

4. Look for a firmer mattress:  Children’s bones and spines are still growing, and, as such, pediatricians recommend firmer mattresses to encourage proper bone growth.

5. High prices don’t necessarily mean better quality:  While it’s true you may pay more for a good quality child’s mattress, a higher price doesn’t always mean a better mattress. Make sure you do your research and focus on the materials used to make the mattress.

To learn more about healthy mattresses for children and babies, visit www.naturepedic.com. 

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About the Author:
Barry A. Cik is an environmental engineer and loving grandfather who chose to make a difference in the world when he had his first grandchild. Eager to buy a new crib mattress for his grandbaby, he soon discovered that crib mattresses contained toxic chemicals. So, he decided to use his background and knowledge to produce a safe, new mattress. Today, he is an advocate for preventing the toxic poisoning of our children (and grandchildren!). www.naturepedic.com
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A week or so later, he did it a second time on the same wall. He was so sad and embarrassed he cried, shrugged his little shoulders, and said he wasn’t sure why he had done it, but he would surely never repeat the petty crime. Hoping it would help motivate him to be true to his word, we explained if it happened again he would go to bed early and without supper. He loved both our evening family time and food. He solemnly promised to restrict his canvas.

About a week later, I arrived home to find his biggest masterpiece ever on the same wall. It was the end of an especially trying day for me and I had been looking forward to the safe-haven of our home. I allowed this incident to become the focal point of my negative reactions to the day’s harsh circumstances. In an angry and insulting voice, I called our young friend to stand before the wall with me.

When he came beside me he was already crying, but I was so angry it hardly touched my hardened heart. After all, he had cried the last two times, hadn’t he? That didn’t seem to affect his ability to keep the edict we had issued and prevent us from having to once again move the furniture and repaint the wall. Surely, I should teach him a lesson.

I then asked him the silliest questions. Why had he done this? Didn’t he remember what we had talked about the prior two times? Did he know what was going to happen now? I knew our son was aware of the answers to these questions. The truth was our little friend was very bright. He loved us and didn’t color on the wall to aggravate our relationship. He remembered it was wrong. There were other things that momentarily provoked his creative outburst.

I asked him those questions in an angry, loud voice, being three times his height and perhaps five times his weight. I continued to strip him of his dignity and self respect, falsely relying on this abuse of my already humble friend to somehow make me feel better. It did not.

How is it that we may find ourselves in such a position, responding in a manner offending someone, perhaps someone we deeply love, in the belief this might improve our relationship?

Mahatma Gandhi passionately spoke of his own nation, what well applies to all, “We have so well exercised ‘an eye for an eye,’ we have almost all gone blind.”

In perhaps His most famous, if not most important, Sermon on the Mount, the Master invites us to give to those who take from us. He passionately explained, though common among most people, responding lash-for-lash only yields negative outcomes. In fact, we are here to be a Light and blessing to those within our reach- especially those who may seem, even if only occasionally, trying to make of us their enemy.

When we set our base instincts aside and reach within, being motivated for a better outcome then the thin gruel of retribution, we not only promote better relationships, but receive healing peace.

Unfortunately for my son, as a young father I was only learning these transformational truths. I sent our son to his room for the evening and not long after was at our table with the rest of our atypically quiet family for dinner. I do not recall who offered thanks for our food before we began dinner, but I clearly remember my conscience being seared as soon as I bowed my head. Immediately, I knew it was not acceptable that I was eating and our son was not. I remember considering what I should do and it coming clear to me, “I was in prison and ye visited me.” I told my wife and our young daughters I wouldn’t be eating, and excused myself from the table.

I entered his room and sat next to our son on his bed. He was still sniffing a little and his expression revealed he thought I had come to expand his embarrassment. I was quiet for a moment, collecting my thoughts. I knew what I should do and express.

I began to explain to him that it was a much greater sin to yell at someone and humiliate them than it was to color on a wall. There in our son’s room, me so huge and him so small, I saw more clearly our relationship, and my heart swelled wide with remorse at my selfish and destructive actions. I confessed that the kind of damage for which I was responsible was much harder to clean up and sometimes almost impossible to be made right again. Deeply humble and ashamed, I told him I was sorry.

Our little lad responded by trying to explain to me that he deserved to be yelled at, and that his crime justified such abuse. It was a terrible indictment of his experiences with my prior mistreatment and pierced me to my core.

I assured him that neither he nor anyone deserved such cruel treatment. I explained that yelling was always evil, one of the meanest expressions of selfishness, and again asked if he would forgive me.

He threw his tiny arms around me, and with a fiercely honest child’s passion, told me he loved me, and to my tender astonishment, that I was the best dad ever. He hesitantly moved away from me so he could look in my face. I could tell he had something to say that was important to him but was choking the words. Then they simply tumbled out. “Can you forgive me?”

I folded my little friend into my bosom and wished I could express to him the feelings in my soul. He was innocent, sweet, and lovely before God. There was only one person in the room who needed serious correction. I was determined to have learned the most important lesson. Yes, I told him. All was forgiven. We would paint the wall together, with mom. All was well.

We spent the evening together, playing with action figures and then reading until he fell asleep. To his queries of wasn’t I going to go eat and didn’t I want to go out with the family, I said assuredly I could not eat if he didn’t and that I wanted to stay and keep him company so he wouldn’t be lonely.

I didn’t really miss dinner and it was one of the most contented nights I have ever had. As is so often the case with giving-and-receiving, I was more blessed in the giving than our son.

I do not recall if he ever colored on a wall after that. But if he resisted future temptations, I like to think he was not persuaded by fear of what would happen to him, but his concern that his dad would miss his dinner.

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About the Author:
John J Lee Jr is the author of Fulfilling Relationships
 
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Though by the actions of some it may appear otherwise, it becomes clear through our life experiences that all people everywhere, are God’s children. Consequently, not only does the Lord love all people, regardless of our choices or love for Him, but our Heavenly Father also beckons us to love everyone in our lives, especially those who do not love us or may try to make of us their enemies.

To the extent we focus our lives upon ourselves we are empty and alone. But when we begin living to bless others, we open the way to a well-lived life, in which we feel the Lord’s hand upon us, bringing us peace and gladness.

Perhaps for every person who has ever lived, or ever will, our first kernel of wisdom is that our happiness is largely reliant upon how we treat others and they treat us. It is our experiences with those in our lives that consume us with so much inexpressible joy that tears gush from our soul’s core; or canker us with so much sadness, jealousy, fear, pain, anger, etc., to make us wail as the very damned soul.

Because we want to be loved and dispel all contention from our lives so we may be joyful and serene, it is good for us to know we hold the keys for our own peace and largely for the harmony others feel for us.

As our happiness and solidarity rests almost entirely upon the condition of our relationships, we have been given what may appropriately be termed the Law of Relationships, appropriately taught with elegant simplicity and clarity. As our joy and peace are largely regulated by it, there is no more useful and beneficial truth for us to know.

Taking-and-losing

One of the clearest iterations of the Law of Relationships is recorded within what is commonly known as The Sermon on the Mount, in the final 11 verses of Matthew 5, beginning with verse 38. The Lord first gives the lesser law, which most of those listening to Him at that time were living, as well as most of us today, regardless of our faith or culture. Then He invites them-and us-to live a radically divergent standard. He said, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”

When someone takes from us, we suffer loss. This plants within us the natural desire to take from them to compensate for our hurt. Because this is natural and common among all people, we may feel justified in taking whenever we lose. After all, they took from us first. It is widely spoken, “You would have done the same thing if it had happened to you.” These passions are universal and the laws of most nations uphold that this governance is just and enforceable.

Though the law set bounds that the taking was not to exceed the full measure of the loss, the unavoidable result of us taking from another person to compensate for our loss is that the person we take from is then harmed. Though they started it, their suffering is nonetheless real and naturally awakens within them the desire to take from us or from someone else to compensate for their grief. When they do this, we-or someone else-loses and will seek to take from that person or another to compensate for this new loss.

Taking-and-losing is the order of the natural world as we know and exist in it. It is all about the business of accumulation and recovering from loss. After all, if we do not take from others, how will we gain and progress? And if we do not retaliate against those who take from us, won’t they simply walk all over us?

Taking-and-losing is the powerful negative half of The Law of Relationships and a natural course in mortal life. It permeates our least to greatest experiences and relationships. Whether we are among our own family or out among others, our every day is wearily packed with “take-and-lose” exchanges. Someone may push upon us a negative expression, say something derogatory to us or to someone else about us, take the apple we were going to buy, cut us off in traffic, or move in front of us in line. Someone may steal by diverse means our friend, spouse, or children, or our money, transportation, or house. There are thousands of engagements, many of which we unavoidably experience while still children.

Each time someone takes from us, no matter how small our loss, it naturally triggers within us an urge to take from the person responsible or from someone else. People comment, “Watch out for that person.” Most often, these are those who have freshly suffered being taken from. They may be better later, but until they find someone to take from to compensate for their loss, they are dangerous to be around.

There is some instant satisfaction in retaliating by taking. The taker feels justified, and may utter the phrase, “That felt good.” But the thin savor of taking soon turns sour and is not the stuff of happiness. In fact, it is the certain propellant of negative relationships and shrinking souls.

Giving-and-receiving

The Giver of Life continues, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.”

In its simplest form, the Master counsels us that taking-and-losing may feel natural and others may justify our participation, but it is evil and we should refuse the inclination to participate. To “resist” is to push or fight against something pushing us. The Lord clearly counsels us not to push back, not to become mired in the evil bog that is the world’s fundamental taking-and-losing economy.

This is a provocative and radical invitation. However, there must be losses we may experience in our lives that are so major they are exceptions. What of them? Anticipating our tendency to seek out the least requirements for living this foundational life principle, the Lord next gives three experience-examples so fierce and broad, it leaves us little room for exemptions. Yet, He also provides the redemptive key to living The Law of Relationships imbedded in each example.

“[W]hosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Perhaps nothing can be taken from us more personally than our dignity. There are few things that so patently communicate contempt and personal disdain than for one person to slap another in the face. Few can suffer loss in this raw manner without mounting a furious response in an attempt to compensate for such intimate injury.

Unquestionably, the universally-felt emotions of this offense are the reason the Savior used it as His first example. This is not merely a loss. When we have been taken from so savagely, is there anyone who would not deal out passionate vengeance?

So, those gathered on the mount must have been-as well as we today may be-stunned into quiet reflection as to what would happen if we turned our other cheek and gave such a rude, affrontive person the opportunity to strike us again.

When I read this the first time I was in high school. I understood what the Lord counseled, but the application seemed unreasonable and impossible. My thoughts went to three bullies who had tormented many of my fellow students and me in earlier years. They did not seem quite human, to say nothing as appearing to be children of God. As I considered what they would do if I turned my other cheek to them, it seemed certain they would strike me again with all the more rancor.

As the Lord continues, He reduces the possibilities for exceptions even more as He invites, “And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.”

Whether we are in a small claims action or more sophisticated legal entanglement, when we are forced into public display and charges are brought against us, it is caustic almost beyond enduring. Especially if we are defendants with little or no means to protect ourselves- particularly if we have only life’s essentials to be taken. Courts and their very public attacks and defenses are necessary among most people, but how sad are the consequences from such caustic practices, too often damaging all participants.

And so, the King of Heaven speaks of someone who sues us when we have no home, no wagon, and no animals for them to take, so the most they may sue us for is our coat. If someone pursues this meager target and they win, then, after we have suffered the humiliation of public accusation and defeat, and our coat is taken from us by force of law, then the Master invites us to give the taker, of our own freewill, perhaps one of our very last possessions, our cloak, the covering for our coat.

The third example may seem easier compared with the first two, but was especially challenging for the listeners in the day and place it was given. Palestine was occupied by Rome. All who were not natural Roman citizens were subject to carry the load of a Roman soldier for one mile. Knowing they could usurp their time and strength, non-Roman citizens avoided Roman soldiers. And so, the Master said, “Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

Imagine our day is tightly scheduled. We are pressing forward, running the good race of life and we round a corner and straight into a Roman soldier who commands us to take his burden on our shoulders and follow him a mile. But we have those expecting us who will worry when we do not timely arrive. There are things we will not be able to do which we have planned. Further, this will likely take us in a direction contrary to the one we had before determined.

Perhaps of the three examples, this one offers us the most insight into the power of this second half of The Law of Relationships. For at the end of the mile, when the intrusive person says they are finished with us, we hold onto their burden and say in effect, “You must need my help. You took the first mile. Let me carry your load for another mile as my gift to you.” In this example, we can begin to see how positive change might naturally occur in the person who took from us, as well as in ourselves, when we freely give to them.

The thoughts of the usurper regarding us during the first mile are easy to understand. But what of the second mile? What would the feelings and conversation be like? Perhaps the imposer will ask why we are helping them. They may suspect the trickery of the world. They may be concerned we have expectations this will obligate them to us in some way. Every question allows us to speak what we truly feel. “My friend, you need help and I am pleased to give it to you.” Such gifts change the temperament of both receiver and giver, and decimates the negative power that comes from taking.

The Lamb of God first clearly demonstrates that when someone takes from us and we lose, our natures change and we are driven to compensate for our loss by taking from someone else. However, He next reveals that just as surely when someone gives to us and we receive, we gain; and in this expansion we are naturally, consistently motivated to give to the person who gave to us, as well as to others.

We may be given a smile, an embrace, a listening ear, food, transportation, clothing, or shelter. Regardless of how slight or great the gift, we receive, and in receiving our natures change. We are empowered to give, to virtually share the good. We may offer encouragement, place our hand on a drooping shoulder, write someone a gracious note, clean their home, or provide vital resources. No matter the gift, the receiver is enlivened with the spirit of giving.

Just as taking-and-losing are negative and downward spiraling, leading to death, darkness, and sadness, so giving-and-receiving are positive and upward spiraling, leading to life, light, and happiness.

Invitation to Become a Peacemaker

And so, we are invited to embrace the truth that we have the power to positively affect and, in many exchanges, improve altogether the temperament of every person we encounter; and in so doing, to change our own natures. When commencing this very different path, our transformation may not initially be complete or permanent. However, we will immediately and powerfully commence impacting everyone in our lives in a manner leading them and us to peace and contentment.

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About the Author:
John J Lee Jr is the author of Fulfilling Relationships
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Dayton’s Ford dealership offers some tips to keep kids safe including:

Put Kids in Proper Seats

Infant car seats, toddler seats, and booster seats should all be used at age-appropriate times until the child is 8 years of age or 80 pounds and the seat belts fit their bodies properly. Interstate Ford can help you ensure the seats are properly installed on your Ford so be sure to visit our dealership in Dayton, OH.

Keep Them in the Back

Ford like most vehicle manufacturers place warnings in their vehicles about the importance of putting children in the back seat at least until the age of 12. The back seat is a much safer place for kids to be because in the event of an accident, the air bags can injury and even kill smaller children.

Remove Clutter

Busy families tend to spend a lot of time in their vehicles, leaving lots of toys and clutter in the back seat and on the floor. In the event of a crash, those objects can turn deadly when they are thrown around the car. Take the time to ensure your Dayton Ford is cleaned out before putting in the kids. Keep busy items in a secured bag and put everything else in the trunk or outside of the vehicle.

Always on Alert

Vehicle safety for kids doesn’t mean it is just inside the car. Pay close attention when you are pulling in and out of your driveway and never let kids play in a parked or abandon car. They can easily get injured or even trapped. A car is not a playground.

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About the Author:
Chuck George’s  Dayton Ohio Ford dealership, Interstate Ford serving Dayton Ohio offers great low prices, rebates, and incentives for new Ford & used Ford cars, vans and SUVs to all of our neighbors in Miamisburg, Kettering, Indian Springs, and Hamilton. Our Expert Service & Parts staff assist our Ohio customers keep their Ford vehicles in great shape.
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Firstly, you must ask yourself if being a kids party magician in Brisbane is for you. The positives are numerous. However, there are some negatives that you may not have thought of. As a birthday party magician you will be paid very well per show. You will be performing usually for a maximum of 1-2 hours at children’s birthdays in Brisbane and be paid between $220-$400 for a magic show depending on your level of expertise. You will usually be surrounded by happy adults and happy children that constantly tell you how amazing you are. You will work the hours that you want to work and get home from children’s parties at a reasonable hour.

The cons of being a kids birthday party magician in Brisbane are that sometimes you have to tolerate obnoxious children that want to give you a hard time to show off to their friends. There will also be shy children that do not want to go near you, children that hit you and children that cry through the whole party. Any children though are not as bad as rude clients. At times you will encounter parents that expect you to do an extra half an hour for free, expect you to ignore all the experience that you have gained at children’s birthday parties in Brisbane because they have ideas for the birthday party for you to perform, which you know sadly will fail miserably. Some parents will barely speak to you and see you as a glorified babysitter too look after the children. This is very very rare – almost all parents are very friendly and pleasant. There is also the negative aspect of working mainly on the weekends and also, being self-employed, you need to generate constant magic shows for children’s parties to pay your bills which means that you spend the rest of the week also working in order to market your show. You must also be 100% reliable. A birthday party magician in Brisbane cannot even stay home ill in bed even if their voice has gone. It is extremely important not to ruin a children’s birthday party but not attending or being late.

So, now that you know the pros and cons of being a kids party magician in Brisbane and you are still reading it is time for you to test the waters, go out their and perform magic shows for children’s birthday parties in Brisbane and see if you really enjoy it!

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About the Author:
SuperSteph is a professional full time Brisbane and Gold Coast children’s birthday magician and performs 300-400 magic shows and kids birthday parties in Brisbane every year. SuperSteph has three shows that fit children’s parties from aged 3-14 http://www.SuperSteph.com for more details.
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Self-Esteem (SE) is your child’s internal barometer as to how they see themselves. It is the core value or worth they place upon themselves. SE is the primary resource affecting the degree of happiness or unhappiness, success or failure your child will experience in the world.

Our children’s SE begins at infancy and by the time our children are 5 years old they have already learned about 75% of what they will use for the rest of their lives, and the foundation of their SE is beginning to harden.

There are 3 main factors that affect the SE in our children. These factors can cause our children to flourish or wither.

1. The amount of love, respect and open affection the parents have towards each other:
This is truly the greatest gift a parent can give a child. The parents must truly be in love. My experience and research has clearly demonstrated that our children are not as much interested in expensive gifts, cars, jewelry, clothes, money, or trips to Europe. Our children’s soul simply wants to bear witness to parents that love each other.

2. Name Calling – Put-Downs – Sarcasm – Ridicule – Belittling & Mocking:
These are the negative messages or labels frequently repeated towards the child by the parents or other important people. It has been said that Albert Einstein was a genius, however I believe the true genius was his mother. Why? Because throughout his childhood she constantly told him he was a genius. He believed her and eventually it became so, via the power of the self-fulfilling prophesy.

I am amazed and distraught at the horrible amount of put-downs, badgering and name calling I’ve witnessed parents plague upon their children. Negative messages such as: “You’re so stupid!” “You’ll never amount to anything!” “You’re a loser!” “I hate you!” “You disgust me!” “You’re ugly,” and so on; leave a child’s SE torn and unable to repair without major therapy. It is very rare that a child who is consistently bombarded with these criticisms will ever truly love themselves nor find themselves worthy enough to be loved by another. Instead they’ll spend the rest of their lives trying to live up to their parents negative expectations. However, it is critical to remember that the parent who verbalizes this type of negative terminology towards their child, also has a severely damaged SE.

3. Insufficient Praise:
Praising your children and constantly “catching them in the act of doing something good” can best be compared to the proper watering of a flower. The ideal time to praise your child is in public. Public praise is the most powerful type of all. However, you must make sure that the praise is well deserved and sincere. Mis-placed or mis-delivered praise can back-fire very quickly causing future praise to lose its effectiveness.

Research into the psychology of child behavior states that there are -6- characteristics of children with low SE.

1. Anger & Rage Issues.
2. Smoking, Drug or Alcohol Abuse.
3. Vulnerability to Peer Pressure.
4. Eating Disorders
5. Strained, Unhappy or Hostile Relationships.
6. Unhappiness.

Research into the psychology of child behavior states that there are -6- characteristics of children with very high SE.

1. Resistance to Dependencies & Addictions.
2. Trust in Oneself.
3. Ability to be Self-Directed.
4. Ability to Cope with Adversity.
5. Stronger, Healthier, Peaceful Relationships.
6. Basically Happy.

Combining my research into the field of SE with my own experience of raising two happy and respectful children; my wife and I constantly put into practice what I call, “The Top 10 Steps to a Healthy Self- Esteem.” I teach this information in all of my parenting seminars and it is always well received. I hope you also find it beneficial.

1. Never fight if your children are present!

2. Say, “I love you,” with a touch or a hug!

3. Say, “We’re proud of you,” with a touch or a hug!

4. Ask many times, “Aren’t you proud of yourself?”

5. Never criticize in public.

6. Criticize only their behaviors—never them as a person!

7. Always praise in public. Make sure it’s sincere, well-deserved and timely!

8. Constantly catch them in the act of doing something good!

9. Be consistent with what you say and do!

10. Keep the refrigerator full. A well stocked refrigerator always creates a feeling of safety and comfort for children!

Remember your child will never rise higher than their SE allows. As parents we have a tremendous amount of power and obligation to help them reach their full potential and beyond. Our children are a reflection of who we are and our own works of art. Let’s teach them that they are masterpieces.

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About the Author:
John Eric Jacobsen was born to teach and destined to be a motivator.  In 1985 John founded “Jacobsen Business Programs, Inc.” (JacobsenPrograms.com), a corporate seminar company helping people to succeed personally and professionally. 
John’s experience is what sets him apart. With a diverse background in business, sales, communications, theatrical arts, dance and acting; John has the unique ability to not only be a great entertainer, but also an amazing teacher.  He has trained and worked with over a half a million people and has performed or taught all over America on stage and on TV. 
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Internet monitoring software helps parents keep up with their children’s more advanced online capabilities.

In today’s modern age of iPods and iPads, families have never experienced such vast generational gaps. Children and young adults innately understand the latest technologies that advance and progress every single day because they grew up with these changes happening around them all the time. Even the most technologically savvy parent probably can’t keep up with their child’s knowledge of the Internet, websites, chat rooms, instant messaging and social media.

Of the many key logger programs available on the market today, only WebWatcher operates completely invisibly to record and monitor all keystrokes made on the computer where the software is installed. Our internet monitoring software also tracks what websites your child visits and what they typed while at that site. Both of these operations take place completely unknown to the person using the computer, so even if your child has a greater penchant for computers than you do, they’ll never find out that you’re watching the sites they are visiting.

Even though almost every child in America has access to the Internet, it is still important to be safe and wise about how they are using this valuable resource. The following are a few surprising statistics about the Internet and children of which you should be aware:

-Eighty-five percent of children between six and 16 years old have encountered some form of pornography on the Internet, either on purpose or accidentally, usually while trying to do their homework online.
-Eleven is the average age children first are first exposed to pornography online.
-The biggest Internet pornography consumer group is made up of children between the ages of 12 and 17.

Besides being a dangerous place for children to come across pornography, the Internet also holds other dangers, including:

-Twenty percent of children who visit online chat rooms have been approached by a pedophile.
-Only 25 percent of children who have been sexually solicited online have told their parents about it.
-Twenty-five percent of children between nine and 17 years old are likely to freely give out their home address online.
-Sixty percent of children who have committed suicide expressed their intention to do so online, either on purpose or indirectly.

In order to be sure that you and your family avoid any chance of these dangers taking place in your home, consider investing in WebWatcher’s key logger programs. By utilizing the internet monitoring software, website tracking, screen shot imaging, e-mail recording and convenient “alert words” system, parents can ensure that the worst tragedies of the Internet do not threaten their children’s, or their family’s, well-being.

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About the Author:
Webwatcher is the best monitoring software because of how powerful of a tool it can be even with remote use. Our keylogger software is designed to be 100% remotely useable making it the most powerful key logger ever! Download a 7-Day Free Trial of WebWatcher here.
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