Consider this for a Xmas gift!!!

Many of you are running about feverishly looking for that great gift for your child, friend's child, niece or nephew and even grandchild.....  Yes, electronic toys are fun. Trains are great fro the holidays. Video games keep kids occupied for hours... BUT. when you give the love of learning, it stays with a child throughout their entire life.

        

I really love the company Homestart Learning Solutions for children from 3-7.  It is an interactive web-based learning system that allows a parent to download up to 16 lessons that they can help their child master each month.  I truly believe that we need to work with our young children to instill confidence in them, self esteem, and a love of learning.  So, while you are circling the toys you will buy, and the toys, you will suggest to Santa Claus, bring home the learning with Homestart Learning.  Two wonderful women and their wonderful son started the company.  Combined, they have years and years of experience as teachers.  Here is an excerpt from their monthly newsletter featured at http://homestartlearningsolutions.com/

            Keeping Our Children Healthy and Happy

If you ask any parent what they wish for their child, you will invariably receive the same answers. “I want to raise a cheerful, confident and healthy child.” Many of us strive for this each and every day. Here are some tips to help.

1)      Praise your child whenever you can. Too many times, children are told what they cannot do.  We say, “Don’t jump on the couch!” “Don’t play ball in the house!”, Don’t push your baby sister!” the concentration is always on the negative. When trying to discipline your child, try not to use the word, “Don’t”. The next time your child keeps jumping on the couch, you might say: “You are growing so fast that you can jump high and far. When we go to the park later, let’s play a jumping game and see how far you can jump” And do go to the park and keep your word. Praise is much better. When your child helps you with a task like cleaning up his/her room, respond by saying how proud you are. You are my great helper. Always remember to state the action for the praise. Change the words you use for kids definitely like variety.

2)      Too many play dates can cause problems. Of course, your child wants to visit a school friend and schedules must be planned in advance. You, too, have an agenda for your child. Perhaps you would like him/her to visit the library or take up playing an instrument.  Homework time must also be considered. Interests can conflict and arguments can start. Parents need to beflexible. Children need down time where can be creative with their own toys. You cannot plan every waking moment in their lives.

3)      Find time to spend as a family. Your child needs to learn to relax. You as a parent need to model this. If a child runs around too much this is not healthy. And if he sees you running from one activity to another, he soon learns this unhealthy behavior. Set time for homework and keep it reasonable. Then make family time for a game, or an important television program, or reading a good book together. Relaxation is vital for good health.

4)      Children need physical activity. Our schools are not providing enough time for physical education. Most educational systems stress academics for most of the day. Your kids need a break after school so let them have time to unwind. You need to take them to a park and get involved in those climbing, running and sliding activities. Your child will feel good about himself and will remember that you took the time to play with him/her.

5)      Listening –an overlooked skill. In our very busy world, both parents work and even if mom is at home, listening to a child often takes a backseat. You must listen to your child, contribute to the dialogues and praise and encourage. The smallest part of his day-whether he drew a circle face in art class, he helped a friend and the playground, received a smiley face on a test paper-are all very important moments in your child’s life. Stop, look and listen!! It will definitely help in raising a confident child.

6)      Make Time Count. Reduce that morning “rush hour”.
a.       A successful morning begins at night. Before your child goes to sleep, have him/her take out and order everything that will be needed for the next school day-homework in a folder, lunch money, notes for the teacher and of course what clothes will be worn for that day. Also, set out some easy to fix breakfast foods. Yogurt, dry cereals, peanut butter and jelly on bread/toast or even mention frozen mini waffles for a new idea.

b.      Set the alarm clock 15 minutes earlier. This will make a big difference!

c.       Set up a regular weekday bedtime depending on the age of your child. It is hard to concentrate the next day without a sufficient number of hours of sleep.

REMEMBER TO SAY “I LOVE YOU TO HELP THEM END THE DAY AND TO START A NEW ONE!

Holiday Recipe you can Make with Kids at Home!

Kids are coming home for the holidays. Even with the jubilation from Christmas, at some point, they will appear, long-faced and bored. Can't you hear their desperate voice ringing in your ears right now? "Mom, I am bored!" Well, instead of waiting for this dreaded moment to occur, get your arsenal ready! I will supply you all holiday long with tis to delight and mostly keep occupied, your energy filled little elfs. Here is one of my favorites. Make a Towering Tree Cake with your kids!

Towering Tree Cake
 

Want your holiday dinner to end on a sweet note? Finish it off with this creative Christmas tree complete with candy ornaments, an icing garland, and (of course) presents!
Ingredients
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow or white cake mix
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
12-inch wooden skewer
3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
4 1/2 tablespoons water
3 teaspoons vanilla, peppermint, or lemon extract
Food coloring in green and other shades of your choice
Candies for ornaments (we used Runts candies)
1 tube yellow decorators' icing (not gel icing)
Instructions
Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions using an electric mixer (this yields a firmer cake), then bake it in a 9- by 13-inch pan lined with parchment paper or foil. Let the cake cool completely.
Place the cake on a cutting board and use a long, sharp knife (parents only) to shave off the rounded top. Carefully flip over the cake and cut it into 7 squares, as shown, setting the extra aside. Cut the bottom half off each of the 2 smallest squares and set them aside withthe other leftover cake pieces.

Stack the cake squares from largest to smallest on a serving platter, setting each one at a 45-degree angle to the one below it. Trim the skewer so that it's just slightly shorter than the cake, then stick it down through the stack to help keep the squares together.
To prepare the glaze, stir together the confectioners' sugar, water, and extract in a medium bowl until smooth (it should be about the consistency of honey). Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture, then tint the remaining glaze with the green food coloring until it reaches a shade you like. (We used about 1/8 teaspoon, or about 12 drops.)
Pour the tinted glaze over the cake from the top, using a rubber spatula or butter knife to gently spread it over the cake as needed.
To make the presents, divide the remaining icing among 2 or 3 bowls and tint each with a different shade of food coloring. Cut the extra cake pieces into small squares, then set them on a wire rack with a plate or waxed paper underneath. Pour the glaze over the squares. Let the icing set for a few minutes, then use a spatula to carefully move the presents to the base of the tree.
Decorate the tree with candy ornaments, then use the tube of decorators' icing to add a frosting garland to the tree and frosting ribbons and bows to the gifts. To serve, remove and cut the layers one at a time. Serves 18 to 20..