Tag: children

Middle Schooler Equals Smart Cranky and Sensitive

You never understand whether to appreciate a growing up middle school kid or to resent the cranky argumentative. The sharp contrast signs of a smart child versus aggressive debater of a pre-teen child is a normal.

Elementary school leaves behind a world when your child enters the middle school. Now, your child is capable of handling more work and responsibility. Has grown up physically and is able to handle more physical and mental challenges. Middle school provides opportunities for the child to explore more about self and know the strengths and weaknesses. They are now smart enough to make their own decisions and choices. They are able to handle the changes in their bodies and minds. They can acknowledge the changes happening to their friends too. Everything seems perfect. Not yet.

Middle school success also brings a lot of confidence in children. This may cross the boundaries some times and may lead to questions. Such as, why I have to brush my teeth, why I need to take bath, why do I have to do the work, why I have to listen to you and blah blah blah. Voila, welcome to the new child. These questions would have been made sense from the elementary child perspective. But, you may wonder why a middle schooler is asking these questions. Well, now you may have to take some patience stand and repeat the answers carefully as you would to do the elementary child. You may have to remind the basics again and review the guidelines again. Remember, now you can no way shove the questions or hush the child. You may have to reason and explain more to the now grown up midde schooler.

Mostly, there would be no difference between the elementary child and a middle school or a high school child. But, they may show some extremely adult like choices and conversations in the pre-teens. And sometimes go back to the elementary child like arguments. Sometimes, you may be bewildered by their explanations and overwhelmed by their accomplishments. And yet sometimes you will be shocked as why you have to explain the little things. Remember that they are now more smarter and equipped with better knowledge and skills. So, you have to take a firm approach on the rules and consequences. Do not let your love for them influence their ability to get-away with the mistakes. However, it is equally important to appreciate the good behavior and achievements to encourage further.

Watch out for any signs of abuse, depression or bullying. You can give positive suggestions and neutral feedback to help them take better decisions. Pre-teens are emotionally more vulnerable and susceptible to anger. They need your love and support more than ever. Show some concern and care and shower some hugs and kisses. They will be your sweet kids again. 🙂

Getting older, Feeling younger? You are not Alone

Deny the grey hair and ignore the growing children. Are you old enough to be old. How old are you feeling. It is a universal feeling that people do not feel as old as they really are. Men tend to push-up old age until 60s while women may feel old as soon as they see the grey hair. Anyhow,
You are not alone in the ‘growing old – feeling young’ phenomenon. The whole world is with you!

As per the saying, ‘you are as old as you feel’, there is no limit on when you actually decide to be old. While the age may catch up and delay your physical abilities and features, your heart may feel ten to fifteen years younger. Or you may be stuck up in the twenties as well.

Well, according to the people around you and per the social rules, you are expected to behave according to your age. That is very well true. But how far can you pretend to be like that
when you are not actually feeling that way. Your actions and talking may reflect your wisdom and experience but it is possible you have never realized that you came so far.

For some people it is also possible to feel ten years older at times and fifteen years younger at times. Further, when you compare the people born in the same year, you may be shocked to see how old they look! Perhaps, you also will realize some day that you have grown up at last.

You may also deny that many people have passed away in the recent years and the young ones born are already going to school. In the immediate family, you may have so many additions and losses without realizing how far you have come. People may look at you as a role model or an example in their lives, but you don’t feel that old yet.

The feeling is common particularly around holidays and special occasions such as .. Hmm, The birthdays. Your child might be bewildered at how old are you and how out dated you are, you keep denying the fact. That’s quite common as well. Sometimes, you might also wonder when did science and technology become so advanced that you are taken aback by it.

It is also important to have a purpose and a job to keep you occupied. Further, do not stop enjoying the life and appreciating the blessings in your life. Some volunteering and some spiritualism also may help in the moral satisfaction part.

Okay, so all the young people out there, don’t worry about the age. Keep doing what you want to and what you are supposed to and the age won’t bother you. Stay young at heart and stay happy. Don’t forget the healthy diet and frequent exercise which can really keep you young. You will catch up someday. 🙂

Putnam Museum – Fun in the Exhibits

Putnam museum is offering unique events and fun opportunities this holiday season. Visit Putnam this Thursday and Friday for a Pyjama party. Further, December 26th thru Dec 30, Putnam is hosting special events for all.

Putnam Museum

Putnam is a venue for different exhibits and shows for Quad city residents. They encourage fun and learning and is a great place for the IMAX movies.

Pyjama Party

Putnam is hosting the pyjama party this Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 10pm. Each ticket costs $10. Audience can watch Polar Express in 3D and get their flashlights ready for a total lights out experience.

Fun in the Exhibits

Putnam is arranging family friendly activities in the exhibit halls from Dec 26th to Dec 30 from 1pm to 3pm. The events are free with the museum admission $7.

  1. December 26th – Travel around the world on Map-it Monday
  2. December 27th – Explore the gadgets on Tech Tuesday
  3. December 28th – Encounter hands on science experiments on Weird Wednesday
  4. December 29th – Solve puzzles and numbers on Think tank Thursday
  5. December 30th – Visit live animals and birds on Friends of Nature Friday
Visit the museum during the special events to make most of the holidays. Get a free pass at the public library and have more fun. 🙂

Back to School Infections

Your kid is prone to multiple allergies and infections apart from learning and fun when he gets back to school. Spring allergies, red eye, strep throat, cold, cough are some of the common threats which your child may encounter during the initial days.

Young children might forget the rules of cleanliness when they are playing or interacting with other peers. Here are some common precautions that you can take to tackle back to school infections:

  1. Remind your child of cleanliness and personal hygiene
  2. Ask them not to share any personal items with others and keep contact minimal
  3. Let them wash their hands with during the breaks or disinfect the hands using a hand sanitizer
  4. Pack them healthy food and snacks particularly fresh fruits that boost their immunity and metabolism
  5. Clean their water bottles and lunch boxes with soap and water
  6. Change the tooth brush every three months or after they recover from any fever
  7. Let the child rest a lot ten to twelve hours of sleep that can reboot their energy levels for the next day
  8. If you notice any infection or allergy, supply them with enough rest and medication
  9. If needed, let the child stay at home for a day until the allergy reduces
  10. Give the child allergy medicine or cold medicine for three days

If the infection persists more than a week, it is better to contact the paediatrician as they might suggest the correct antibiotics to treat the infection.

Back to school learning might be fun, but the allergies and infections hinder the child’s interest to get back to school and work. 🙂

 

 

Kids and Money: Why Children Need Money

Parents argue that why do the children need money when they are willing to buy everything for thier children. In contrast, children think having money is cool and they can buy whatever they want. Well, it all depends on the family circumstances on how early one can teach their children about money. Experts suggest the sooner one introduces money to a child, the better the child gets at finances when they grow older.

Teaching Money

The age old piggy bank system does not seem to working in the modern days. All children are looking out for immediate gratification and instant rewards. Why the kids are fascinated about money? It may be the fascination towards the power of money to buy anything or the mess adults make around finances or savings. Parents may wonder why children need to get money when they are struggling very hard to earn it.

Children see a toy as a need while parents might think, it is a waste. 🙂 Teaching money to children is as important to teach any other basic life skills. Initially, counting the coins and identifying and grouping them might be a good idea to start with. Handling small amounts of money to save in the piggy bank or purse helps them understand the importance of saving.

Handling Money

Being money smart can be taught to children by actually handling them some money, say, ten dollars. Allowing them to spend and observing how they take care of the cash will help parents in giving feedback. As it is a small amount, some mistakes may be permitted to facilitate their learning. By learning their spending patterns or saving habits, parents can help the children improve their money skills.

Handling money for children in turn for small chores around the house is a traditional and good idea. Depending on their age children can be appreciated and rewarded for minor chores such as putting the toys away, sorting laundry, throwing waste, unpacking groceries, keeping their room clean and so on. Older children may be allotted additional tasks such as vacuum cleaning, lawn mowing, snow blowing, raking leaves, baby sitting, and so on.

The minimum age at which children can start earning is 14 and it may vary by state. While handling money in return for chores, parents must always emphasize that education is the top priority for children and that earning comes only at a later stage in life.

Spending and Saving

Spending the money appropriately and identifying the change is a good skill for children. Basic math skills can be put to use while children learn money management. Children can be supervised while performing small transactions such as ordering their food, buying their favorite toys, choosing their video games, and so on. Calculating and handling change is also a good skill to be taught to children.

Letting the children save their money (which is hard :)) in a piggy bank or a bank account for future use is a good idea. Keeping track of the money initially through a small note book is suggested so that every body has a track of the money. Accounting and budgeting can also be introduced to children apart from buying and saving.

While financial management is the constant learning for most adults, it is also crucial for children. Children learn by observing parents and might want to exercise their own money management techniques. Sometimes parents may be surprised to hear the ideas from children that they could never think of. 🙂

Disowning a Child

Most believe that all children are equal and are treated equally by parents. But, most parents have a personal favorite to whom they may or may not bestow gifts. In contrast, some parents who are disgusted by their children’s choices may even disown them barring from all their properties and inheritances.

Parents versus Children

Some children make their parents proud through their achievements while some others may bring embarrassment and shame on the family through their failures. Regardless of the child, most parents treat children fairly and try to support even in their old age. All children will be equally fed and provided education with some minor adjustments and based on the financial situation of the family.

Children during the young ages look up on the parents as role models and try to learn from them. As life progresses children get busy with studies, jobs, families, which is inevitable and is expected. During the entire process, how efficiently one is balancing parents and siblings expectations differs. While all may not manage equally, most of us feel related and belonged while speaking to a family member or sibling.

Disowning

Disowning siblings or children is a common phenomenon in families. Due to changes in lives or personal choices many family members may not stand each other and try to avoid each other. Disowning formally involves barring all communication and inheritances which may be further distressful.

Why some chose to disown a child or family member is a individual decision. But, the common psychology may have been in the interest of the child. Many poor families disown their children so that they may find a better family. In modern days, children who marry out of the parents choice or who are drug addicts or have committed serious crimes are all being disowned by parents.

Disowning is an extreme choice and must be done only in severe circumstances. While the disowned may face depression and loss, the dis owner may feel satisfied by being able to do what they wanted to do. Disowning may sometimes provide relief from the emotional burdens. 🙂

Nowadays, some children too are disowning their parents once they become major. Would you disown your children if they acted out of your beliefs and wills?

Celebration Belle Cruises

The Schadler family runs the Celebration Belle cruises on the mighty Mississippi river right from the heart of Moline. The river cruises offers a unique opportunity to travel the river without actually getting sea sick. 🙂

The Celebration Belle cruises run from the past 25 years to entertain the visitors and residents of Quad cities. The recent flooding of the river might caused some closure of the cruises for a while. The cruises are available at an affordable prices. For a family event or business meeting, the Celebration cruises are a perfect match at an affordable price.

The range of cruise optons available vary from one hour narrated cruises to two day cruises. They include:

  1. Big Band
  2. Broadway and Movie Show Tunes
  3. Classic Oldies
  4. Dixieland Cruises
  5. Fall Foliage
  6. Holiday Cruise
  7. Mardi Gras
  8. Oktoberfest Cruises
  9. The Legends Music Review
  10. 2 Day Cruises
  11. Day Long Excursion

The cruises also include enhancements and other cruise options:

  1. Captain’s narrated lunch cruises
  2. Captain’s dance and dinner cruises
  3. Northbound cruises
  4. Narrated sightseeing cruises
  5. Southbound cruises

The prices are affordable and children under three are admitted at no charge and children three to twelve receive extra discounts. You can call the office 800 297 0034 to reserve an appointment. Visit the Cruise calendar to choose a show of your choice. 🙂

Arguing in front of Kids

We don’t often realize that the kids have grown up and what not to do when they are around. Arguing parents is one of the conditions which most kids confront in their childhood and may have created unnecessary thoughts. Most parents argue without actually realizing and some argue to prove their power in front of the kids. While negotiating and settling matters softly will prove as a good example to your child rather than calling names, insulting your partner, or hurting.

Arguing Couples

Most couples or in any relationship arguing is natural. Wife and husband do argue quite a few times. Be it a petty issue such as a messy toilet or a major financial issue, couples do tend to argue with each other. Sometimes, the arguments go over the board and result in screaming, yelling, pushing, physical attacks, calling names, swearing, and what  not.

Such powerful arguments do not necessarily result in divorce or a settlement for that matter. Arguments do not really produce results or a common agreement. They just increase the tension in the relationship.

Arguing in front of the kids

OK, we all grew up watching our parents argue. Didn’t we turn up alright? Perhaps, Yes or No. But, how are we making sure how our kids are going to tackle it in a proper manner. Avoiding arguments in front of the kids may not be possible all together. Sometimes, we do not really mean what we say to each other while we argue. But, the kids may take it in a real sense. Their small minds may stay confused who is right or whom to take sides with.

Some kids may undergo severe shock or depression when they confront arguing parents. They may get scared that their parents might hurt each other which they do not want. Often, they may find it amusing and may wait for a chance to use it back on parents. 🙂 Be mindful that how we behave in front of them may lay guidelines for them to behave with others.

Watch out

If you are caught arguing in front of the kids, apologize and say that you really don’t mean it. Sometimes, due to emotions, adults do forget the rules of fighting and set up a bad example. You can promote healthy argument by:

  1. Respecting your partner
  2. Facing your spouse while talking
  3. Making your point clear while listening
  4. Not involving in any other task while talking
  5. Repeating what the spouse said as an example
  6. Talking softly as you would talk in front of your neighbors
  7. Restating your expectations
  8. Agreeing or proposing an action plan for the resolution

Most of the things may seem ideal and unattainable, but there is  no harm in practicing once in a while. 🙂

Moline Soccer Club

Operating since 1978, the Moline Soccer Club has encouraged area children to play soccer. Setting the teams, providing the ground, arranging the team uniforms, and facilitating the games are some of the services apart from providing expert coaching. Moline Soccer Club is a great platform to encourage the sportsmanship in children while mastering soccer.

Soccer, also called as football, is a great sport played by millions worldwide. It is the most popular sport in all parts of the world. The FIFA World cup will be held in 2014 in Brazil.  Spain, Netherlands, and Germany are the top countries in the Men’s rankings.

Moline Soccer Club

Moline Soccer Club aims at promoting soccer in area schools and children. They provide unique coaching and guidance in soccer as well as building sportsmanship and teamwork.

Moline Soccer Club provide coaching and facilitate games for children from ages five through fourteen. They form the teams for both boys and girls according to the ages and arrange the games. The teams are called Gnats, Bumblebees, Mosquitoes, Hornets, and Grasshoppers based on the ages.

Registration

The registration forms are supplied through area schools or can be downloaded from their website. The charge for six games and twelve practice sessions is about $61. One can register for both fall and spring sessions.  The players will be recognized and awarded a medal a the end of the session. Some of the best players are identified for travel teams and other soccer sessions.

Quad Cities United Soccer also offers soccers sessions for children for around $40 at Augustana College.

Rules

Moline Soccer Club expects the participants and their parents to follow certain guidelines during the sessions. For instance, calling names, using drugs, abusing, hurting, or passing negative comments must be avoided. All the players and parents are expected to display positive sportsmanship attitude during the practice and games.

The Moline Soccer Club is one of the mediums through which boys and girls can learn soccer and develop sportsmanship. 🙂

Movie Review: Gnomeo and Juliet

Based on William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Gnomeo and Juliet is a love story but with a happy ending. The music is composed and directed by the great Elton John. A funny animation movie and has a 3D version too. 🙂

Gnomes

Gnomeo and Juliet is an animation movie in which real characters action is converted in to three dimensional characters. The voice over and music is added and they sound like real people. 🙂 Gnomeo and Juliet is about Gnomes and a funny love story. Gnomes are fictious creatures. They are mischievous and live underground. Several literatures in the past such as the Harry Potter and other stories have referred to the Gnomes.

Story

In this movie, the Gnomes live in the back yards of two adjacent houses. One is a red house which accommodates the red gnomes. The other is a blue house, which accommodates  the blue gnomes. Due to the apparent rivalry between the neighbors, the gnomes too end up fighting with each other. The hero, ‘Gnomeo’ is a young blue gnome, whereas the heroine, ‘Juliet’ is a red gnome.

Gnomeo is the leader of the blue gnomes and takes care of his garden apart from frequent lawn mover races with the red gnomes. Juliet is the only daughter of the red gnome’s leader and apparently pampered a lot. They both meet in an unexpected encounter and voila, they fall in love at the very first sight. Later, they realize that they being the professional rivals, are not supposed to meet each other. The rest of the story is all about how the hero and heroine face the further difficulties and succeed in their love story.

Review

The producers took eleven years to make this movie. The characters are apt and the music is highlight of the movie. Original scores by Elton John are catchy and melodious. Comedy by the crane, frog, mushroom, and the gnomes is hilarious. The story and the narration is engaging and the adults get totally engrossed in the movie along with the children. 🙂

Watch it in 3D for a better experience and let me know how you felt about the love story during the Valentines Day weekend.  🙂

ISAT

The Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) is held annually for determining the student and school’s performance. Students in third through eight take tests in reading, mathematics, writing, and science. Based on the results, the future decisions for the students and schools can be made.

ISAT

ISAT is conducted for students in third grade to eighth grade in reading and mathematics. Students in fourth and seventh grade take tests in science in addition to reading and math. Three test sessions of forty minutes duration will be conducted. Student may be given additional ten minutes if they are still working on the paper.

ISAT is based on the 1997 Illinois Learning Standards and other assessment frameworks. The tests will be assessed by teachers from other schools and graded. Students in grades four through eight can use certain calculators during the test.

Preparation

Teachers give short mimic tests to the students for them to practice. Parents can let the students practice at home daily. Workbooks and worksheets can be used for the practice sessions. Further, sample questions can be practiced. Prepdog and mathslice are some other resources for practicing the test.

Apart from daily practice, here are some tips for your child to prepare for the test:

  1. Taking good rest and having sound sleep the day before the test
  2. Having favorite breakfast
  3. Wearing comfortable or favorite clothes
  4. Learn about the different kinds of questions
  5. Follow test directions
  6. Watch out for the words not, none, never, always, all, and so on
  7. Look carefully at each  page before starting
  8. Look at the labels on graphs and charts
  9. Use time wisely and figure out when to stop
  10. Do not spend too much time on any question
  11. Fill in the whole circle and mark the answers correctly
  12. Use context clues to find the answers
  13. You can take a good guess if you do not know the exact answer
  14. Check your work before you handover the paper
  15. Stay calm and happy through out the test

For reading passages, read the directions, read the questions, and then read the passage so that you will know what to look out for. In case, you have a doubt you can go back to the passage again to confirm the answer.

Results

The student will be rated as academic level warning, below standards, meets standards, or exceeds standards based on the results. ISAT results assist in comparing the school against all the schools in the State. Schools and students can win special scholarships and aids if they score well in the ISAT.

Similar tests are being held on all the States but the name may differ. Wish you all the best for your ISAT. 🙂

Figge Art Museum

Located in the downtown of Davenport in Iowa, the museum has some of the unique paintings. The free family event let the visitors get a glimpse of the museum’s possessions apart from fun activities for children.

Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum in Davenport is a prime venue for collecting and exhibiting art. Started in 1925, the museum has over 3000 collections of art, sculpture, and paintings. The museum moved to the current building in 2005 with glass walls to reflect the nature.

The collection includes Asian, America, Haitian, Mexican, African, and European some of which are dated back to the Colonial period. Figge Art museum has different exhibitions going on including the railroads, water views, vehicles, automobiles, and school paintings.

The museum has partnerships with local schools and colleges and displays the art exhibits from the students. The museum has classes and workshops for school children, young adults, college students, and researchers.

The art museum is open all days except for few holidays. The admission costs $7 for adults and $4 for children. Plan your visit on special events and exhibitions so that you can see more. You can obtain the membership and avail special benefits in all their events.

Free Family Event

The museum lets visitors enter the facility for free in partnership with the John Deere. Numerous activities for children and adults are arranged for families. Special videos are showcased depending upon the theme of the day. Some of the galleries and exhibits are open all day. You can visit the museum store to buy special collections from around the world.

The free family event is a best time to attain a glimpse of the museum and revisit if you are further interested. It is astonishing to see some of the arts by young children and students. 🙂

Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

Located in Dixon, the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center (WREN) offers a range of activities and opportunities to explore the nature. Schools and families can visit the center for field trips and picnics. Next Saturday, the center is hosting a free day time event for family fun and nature study.

The Wapsi Center aims at conserving the nature and developing a comprehensive educational programs. The center has an Eco center with nature study and exhibits. Environmentalists and naturalists flock the center for information and research.  The center has pool, picnic shelters, cabins, camp grounds, and beach for the visitors at an affordable price.

The center maintains trails for exploring the nature and the Wapsi river. Wildlife and grasslands can be viewed around the center which include some of the endangered ones. The center offers hunting lessons for enthusiastic learners. The different recreation and learning events hosted by the center include:

  1. Eagle watching
  2. Deer hunting
  3. Maple syruping
  4. Skiing
  5. Bird feeding
  6. Recycle crafting
  7. Nature hiking
  8. Paper making
  9. Gardening
  10. Flower preserving

Further, the Wapsi center offers community projects and partnerships for conserving nature. You can reach the center at 31555 52nd Avenue in Dixon, IA  52745. The contact number is 563 3283286. You can subscribe for their quarterly newsletter and events for more information.

Halloween – Tips and Best Practices

With Halloween fast approaching children and adults are already preparing for the occasion with variety costumes and parades. Local schools and businesses arrange Halloween parties to pep up the children and adults in the community. It is fun watching children in pretty costumes. However, here are some safe practices during Halloween.

Costumes

The costume is a great deal about the Halloween. So, it is better to select and arrange for a costume well in advance. All the local stores are selling costumes but Walmart has the ones in affordable ranges. Halloween Express store has some of the scary ones and Kmart has the common ones.


Parades

Different businesses and cities have Halloween parades in different dates. So, find the dates nearest to you and make sure you visit them to have more fun before the Halloween on October 31st. Different communities have Halloween parties too and you can participate in them. Some of the Haunted houses and forest adventures are thrilling and must be watched for overcoming the fear. 🙂

Trick or Treat

The following Trick or Treat rules must be emphasized with children for their own safety:

  • Never go alone
  • Never accept goodies from strangers
  • Never eat the candies right away
  • Take parents permission before eating anything outside
  • Walk in well inhabited and well lighted areas
  • Check with parents before changing the plans
  • Report to the nearest adult in case of any suspicion
  • Take care of self and friends
  • Never imitate or mimic others
  • Stay away from bullies

Finally, enjoy your Halloween while getting scared. 🙂

Disney Magic Show – iWireless Center

The Disney’s magic show at the iwireless center was a hit among the children but the adults did not like it much though. May be the show is good for toddlers as even the seven year olds can guess what is happening behind the magic. The show was not as good as the other ones of the Disney’s such as last year’s Disney on Ice. 🙂

Disney’s Magic Show at the iWireless center last friday started at 6.30 pm. The commentators participated in the magic show and were good. The characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald duck, Goofy, Aladdin, Snow white, Jasmine, Cindrella and other team members worked very hard to make the show a success. The commitment of the staff in entertaining the audience was commendable. The team coordinated well and performed the tricks.


The magic tricks included locked rings, vanishing things, flying objects, changing objects among others. The best one I thought was when the performers put two girls in separate boxes. Then, swapped them in the boxes, cut them in to half and then even the dresses of the girls swapped too!

They let two children from the audience participate in the magic show and it was engaging.  Occasionally, the audience had to shout  ‘Abracadabra’  to let the magic work. The Disney characters were fun to watch. 🙂

The iWireless center offers group discounts for a group of 20 or more. This time due to security concerns none of the food items from outside were allowed inside including water! The store had a collection of Disney’s characters and accessories. Some of the children took pictures with the Disney’s characters after the show. Overall, the show was money consuming along with a bit of entertainment. 🙂

Obesity in Children

Healthy food and sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity in children. The junk food coupled with lot of screen time is a major cause of obesity leading to chronic diseases in later life. Chubby children look cute when they are in their early stages but not when they grow older. Most pediatricians recommend two hours or less of screen time and one hour or more of physical activity for children.

Healthy Food

As per the saying all that tastes good may not be good, children must not be continuously fed junk food or high calorie food just because they like it. Bribing food or sweets may not be a good trend. Doctors recommend daily five servings of fruits and vegetables. One serving is equal to the amount that fits in their fists. Children must be encouraged to try out all the different types of fruits and vegetables. Your child may have to take vitamin supplements if totally depending on vegetarian food.

Milk

Milk is the first food for any baby. Milk has all the essential proteins, minerals and vitamins for children. Some parents feed solid foods for their children and may sacrifice milk. But, doctors recommend daily 24 ounces of milk daily for children. Milk is easily digested in children in most cases.

Screen Time

Electronics serve as a great assistant and baby sitter to engage children. Mostly living indoors, children resort to electronic media such as the good old television, video games, computer games, mobile phones, and others for entertainment. But, it is suggested that children get no more than two hours of screen time per day. It is not good for their physical health as well as destroys brain and vision.

Physical Exercise

The physical exercise which children get in schools is not enough. Doctors do recommend one hour of physical exercise for children. In fact, they are capable of more than that. The physical exercise may be any sport or swimming or just casual play in the backyard.

Water

Finally, children must take zero sweetened beverages as it is not good for their health. Water is a major part of the earth and the body and hence must be a major part of the daily intake. Eight glasses of water are recommended daily. And don’t forget fifteen minutes of sunshine and ten to twelve hours of sleep for your child.

First Lady Michelle Obama recently announced “Let’s move” campaign to increase the child obesity awareness. It is important to consult your family pediatrician regarding a child’s diet and have annual health check ups.

Is money the only method to maintain relationships?

Yes. It seems in the current recession era, money is the only way which can help maintain relationships. If you have money, I can be friends with you. Or else, you are not my friend. If I give a gift to you, only then, you know I love you. Why money is the only predominant factor in relationships?

Any relationship, be it wife and husband, parent and child, brother and sister, cousins, or  friends, is currently being evaluated with how much one is spending in it. One is able to maintain relationships only if capable of spending enough in a relationship. Most relationships are getting commercialised. The importance a person gives us is being decided based on the money or gifts being exchanged.

Communication and not spending enough time may be some of the reasons for such trends. Most family members or friends may not communicate often. Due to which it is extremely difficult to decide whether a person has changed a lot or remained same with time. So, in order to compensate this gap, exchanging gifts or spending money is essential. With which, you are establishing that things have not changed much and you still value the other person.

In addition, living distantly and not meeting often, is another reason for the trend. The thirst to work and earn more leaves less time for family and freinds. To compensate this gap again, spending money is essential. Working parents do not get enough time to spend time with their children and so they keep on buying gifts for their kids. On the other hand, working people do not get time to spend  with their aged parents. And again resort in spending money to compensate the gap.

Finally, what has begun voluntary money spending has become mandatory in relationships. Now, the current trend is, only if you have money, you can talk to me about anything. Or, else the relationship is not smooth. Watch out people. 🙂

Fall is ‘On’ and so are children’s activities

With school reopening and kids running around most of the time, parents are busy picking and dropping. I am glad to have free time in the mornings. 🙂 But also am pretty busy in arranging sports and other activities for my kid. In the Fall season, kids can be engaged with a wide range of activities, but may have to chose based on the priorities.

Moline Parks and Recreation

The Moline Parks and Recreation board along with other local sports clubs is offering wide range of sports sessions for children at an affordable cost. What may be costing around $200 per kid if we approach separately, will cost $45 now with the special offer. You can register the Moline Parks and Recreation and add the required activities for your child.

The sports club participating in this event include the Quad City Tennis Club, Quad City Mini-Wheekers, Summit Gymnastics Academy, and other local schools. The sports taught are Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling, Basketball, Soccer, Football, and Gymnastics.

It is better to expose your child to multiple areas so that they can decide which activity is better suited for them.

Blackhawk College Aquatic Center 

The Blackhawk College Aquatic Center is offering swim sessions in fall thru spring on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The cost is $38 per session and each class is for 45 minutes. Wednesday evenings the batches are from 6.15 pm to 7 pm and 7.15 pm to 8 pm. In later sessions, a 5.15 pm to 6 pm batch may be started. Saturday morning sessions are from 9.15 to10 a.m., 10.15 to 11 a.m. and 11.15-Noon.

You can reach them on 309 796 5601 and register and may pay the check at the time of the session.

Quad Cities Kite Club

The Quad Cities Kite Club is organizing a kite festival on September 25th and 26th. The admission is free and different cultural events and performances aer planned. You can reach them at 563 650 4143 for more information.  The event is at the Centenial park in Davenport, Iowa.

The kite battles for children and adults are some of the events aprt from the India Kite Message Tree. Several games and contests will be there and prizes too. 🙂

Choose Wisely

Whatever activity you plan for your family must be based on your family priority and goals. Do not overload the child and yourself with too many activites. Plan properly so that your kid is engaged while having fun. 🙂

Scared to be a Role Model

Whatever I do, whatever I say, wherever I go, I am aware that two tiny eyes are watching me and observing. Yes, children watch and observe us all the time and often imitate. Sometimes its scarier to be having so much influence and being a role model to children.

Children and Parents

Children observe parents’ every move and action. Most kids imitate their parents which some times is amusing and some times not. They observe:

  • What we say
  • What we do
  • What we eat
  • How we behave
  • Where we go
  • How we exercise
  • What we do in free time
  • How are we managing friends
  • What we do in critical situations

Often, children can catch us telling lie or skipping a chore and immediately point it out. 🙂 And of course, they learn from us.

Most of the times it may not be convenient for adults to explain their actions and behavior. But, we have to explain why we are doing or not doing a task if they ask. Then, they may take a decision or draw a conclusion what is alright or not.

Role Model

Being a role model is not always easy. We may not be perfect all the times and cannot always preach to do the right when we ourselves are not doing. I think it is a continuous struggle to be honest with children and set up good examples for them to adhere.

Children immediately look up to their parents in any situations during their initial development stages. So, we need to be a little careful and choosy in using the words and doing the actions. After all, we do not want children to learn what is not good for them eventually. 🙂


Back to School!

While back to school season means a lot of fun for children, it is a lot of work and stress for most parents. Taking care of the registrations, school supplies, back pack night, day care, transportation among others is easier for some but stressful for other parents.

Registration

American public schools require a child to register every year to enable them to plan the classes. Further, submitting address proof is mandatory so you fall in the same school district. Most schools have posted the registration information on their websites but some have sent the registration packets to all children as well. Some schools have online registration for middle school and high school children.

Physical presence of the parent at the time of registration is necessary in order to fill out the forms, pay the fees, and submit the proofs.

  • The forms include registration form, Language forms, Food forms, Transportation forms, Parent-Teacher-Association forms among others
  • The school fee may be from $40 to $60 for public schools and for private school may be $35.
  • The address proofs may be your most recent rental agreement, gas bill, cable bill, electricity bill, telephone bill , and so on.

Some schools require school physical form filled out from the child’s doctor which can be submitted later.

If you cannot register your child on the specified dates, you may register st a later date but the seat at the desired school may not be guaranteed. Then, it would depend up on the class strength. You may have to send your school to another school in the same school district.

School Supplies

School supplies list have been posted on the school websites and can be collected at the time of registration. Many departmental stores such as Walmart have school supplies list of  all local schools in the store itself. Some schools have the facility of arranging the supplies if you pay the amount to the school directly.

Most of the supplies for all schools are similar but may vary slightly depending on the school. Some of the supplies may be reused from the previous year’s stock. School uniforms and shoes may change and require further shopping.

Back Pack Night

Most schools have a preset date on which children and parents can visit the school before the school reopens. You may need to submit the school supplies and check out your child’s class room and teacher. It will be exciting for some children to meet their friends and class mates but some may feel nervous facing the new teacher.

First Day School

You do not want to miss the first day of school as it will be a lot of fun for the children. There will be introductions and children will get familiar with the class rules and regulations. For the first week, there may not be any serious classes but most adjustments and ice breaking sessions may be in progress.

Some parents may not like sending their children to school, but note that, the American government mandates that every child must receive education, be it public, private or, home schooling. 🙂