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Commonly labeled "bad behaviors" are often young children's way of communicating something is wrong, so they may need help identifying the emotion driving their actions. It's important for children to understand that while their feelings are acceptable, their behavior may not be. That's where replacement skills acceptable ways to express emotions come in. For example, try saying "It's OK to be mad. It's not OK to hit other people. When you're mad, you can hit a pillow." For more tips to help boost children's self esteem, visit kindercare.com. #16393 Source: KinderCare
3 3 Tips to Boost Your Children's Self Esteem This School Year
Be Your Children's Cheerleader. When praising or complimenting children for their achievements, be specific and include affirmation for positive character traits, such as "You were so kind to help Ms. Delmar take her recycling out" or "I'm proud of you for seeing she needed help and offering it." Being specific with your compliments reinforces the idea that your children are kind and helpful. Eventually, they'll offer others the same positive affirmations and be less likely to look to outside influences to define their sense of self.
"When children have high self esteem and self worth, they know when someone's opinion of them is untrue," Peters said. "Children with high self esteem become adults capable of believing in themselves."
these three tips to boost your children's self esteem.
Teach Emotional Literacy and Replacement Skill Behavior. You can help your children move beyond comprehension of basic emotions happy, sad, mad and toward an understanding of more nuanced emotions. When children can identify their feelings, they're closer to developing healthy responses.
Give Children Space to Safely Express Their Emotions. While it's important to intentionally connect with your children one on one, it's equally important to give them space to come to you for help. Let them know you notice when they don't seem like themselves but try not to push them to share before they're ready. You can talk with your children about the ways they can communicate with you, aside from one on one conversations. If they find it easier to communicate their feelings through writing, you can go to the store together to pick out a journal. Children who are not yet proficient writers may prefer to draw pictures about their feelings. No matter the method, be sure to make time to check in with your children.
(Family Features) While packing bags and backpacks for school, there's one essential that may be overlooked: Children's self esteem. Although many children may feel confident and self assured at home, they can feel differently in the classroom. When children have high self esteem, they're less likely to reflect negative feelings toward others. "If children can treat themselves kindly, they'll treat others that way," said Carter Peters from KinderCare Learning Centers' education team. "When children feel encouraged, supported and loved, they are able to give those feelings to Considerothers."
Find more gadgets to help families balance learning and pleasure this school year at qualcomm.com.
First Work Then Play
4 Tech TechnologyTime-enabled devices for parents and children
A practical choice, the Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook is an ideal work and play device for a hyper mobile student, delivering superior experiences with an 11 inch 2K near borderless display. Faster connectivity options, all day battery life and the powerful, fanless and efficient performance of the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform ensure things get done. Thanks to the speedy, secure and simple to use Chrome OS, you can tackle tasks on this 2 in 1's detachable keyboard with anti pry, water resistant keys then seamlessly switch to pleasure pursuits by folding into tablet mode.
(Family Features) Encouraging a successful education for your kids while promoting fun after school learning may never be easier than right now. From wearables to virtual reality headsets and beyond, the latest tech enabled devices let families enhance classroom experiences while engaging in downtime together after the final school bell rings.
Weighing in at less than 1.2kg, the convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is not only light but also barely larger than a sheet of paper so it slips easily into any compact bag or backpack. Powered by the Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform, it delivers more than enough processing power, battery life and reliable connectivity to get you or your student through the day. A quick flip between laptop and tablet modes means it can be used to doodle, watch classroom instruction and learn on the go. Built in cellular connectivity means the device seamlessly converts between 4G LTE and trusted Wi Fi Wearablenetworks.
Lightweight, Powerful Computing
Choosing a phone means looking for the fastest speeds, highest resolution camera, loudest audio and boldest display. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform processor, the motorola edge+ (2022) delivers. This industry leading smartphone is a high performance choice that brings unparalleled processing power on the industry's fastest mobile platform, fueling cutting edge 5G, AI, gaming, camera and Wi Fi and Bluetooth technologies. What's more, features like extended battery life and 512 GB of storage mean your phone is ready whenever you are.
Powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2500 Platform, the Gabb Watch is a safe wearable phone for kids that does extra duty as a GPS tracker, phone and interactive smartwatch. The watch offers kid friendly sweat and dirt resistance and enables GPS tracking, calling, voice and text messaging to help parents and kids stay connected. With a lock mode, safe zone location management and emergency notifications, it's a smart first step toward independence for junior users.
Source:#16346 Qualcomm
the ground up to drive advanced features, Snapdragon XR2 is the force behind the Meta Quest 2 headset's freedom of movement and high resolution display. This headset allows families to become completely immersed in the virtual reality applications and games played for maximum adventure experiences. Even better, hundreds of hit games, one of a kind experiences and a growing community await users of this next level hardware that's both easy to set up and safe to use.
Connectivity
A Phone to Keep Everyone Connected
Headset
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Mom and Son)
DesignedHerofrom
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Start this school year off right with these tips for a smooth transition from the education experts at St. Joseph’s:
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5 Tips for Transitioning Back to School
Understanding which mindset your kids are taking into this school year can help you set the stage for success. Creating a transition plan for your family makes the return to school a team effort and reinforces a support system that is essential for kids’ academic achievement.
“Even students who are excited about the new school year can benefit from a structured transition plan,” said Robyn Knecht, director of counseling for St. Joseph’s Indian School, a Native American residential school that helps students move beyond the cycle of poverty, addiction and mental illness with an education and opportunities for a brighter future. “Talking with your student about what aspects of school they’re looking forward to, and where they might have worries, allows you to tailor your transition plan to their needs.”
(Family Features) Heading back to the classroom is a big change following a summer of fun in the sun. Some kids eagerly embrace the idea of once again being surrounded by friends and thrive on the familiar tempo a new school year brings. Others resist the disruption to their laid back lifestyle.
Encourage Involvement in Social Activities
Make Organization a Priority
Set Attainable Academic Goals
Get Smart About Sustainability
During the summer months, when there’s no bus to catch or school bell to beat each morning, many kids have different sleep schedules and less formal routines throughout the day. As you approach the start of a school year, begin easing back toward your classroom routine by gradually making bedtimes and wake up times earlier. Introduce some structure with projects that blend play with learning to help re engage those thinking caps.
Build Positive Relationships
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Modeling good organizational skills can help your student develop good habits that allow him or her to demonstrate a commitment to school and school related responsibilities. For younger kids, that may be creating a designated place to store backpacks when they get home so you avoid the morning scramble. You can ask kids of all ages to help manage a file system where you keep school papers that need to be signed and returned. Older kids can benefit from learning how to keep to do lists and their own calendars to manage school, sports, activities and social commitments.
While your parental involvement at home plays a vital role in your student’s success, so does positive engagement with supportive teachers at school. Leading up to the start of the school year, make a point to meet new teachers and develop connections that show your student he or she has a team of resources ready to share in celebrating achievements and provide a helping hand if challenges arise.
Learn more about the important ways you can influence your child’s success this school year and beyond at stjo.org.
Get Back into a Routine
Having high educational aspirations is a protective factor that may help youth avoid at risk behaviors. Goals should be based on the child’s abilities. Asking a student who consistently earns Bs to suddenly become a straight A student probably isn’t realistic. However, you can ask your child to create goals that push his or her comfort boundaries, such as aiming for mostly B pluses on first quarter report cards. Setting milestone goals that ladder up to larger, longer term goals allows your student to build self esteem, celebrate successes and stay motivated on the journey.
Particularly for a student who lacks enthusiasm about school, finding areas for him or her to explore personal interests and excel can be particularly valuable. Treat the start of the school year as an opportunity to discover which social clubs and activities are available and find one (or more) that sparks enthusiasm. These non academic settings can play a helpful role in developing close relationships with positive peers, which is another protective factor that supports positive outcomes for youth.
Tips for teaching kids earth friendly habits
(Family Features) For many parents, their interest in sustainability and earth friendly living is driven by a desire to create a better world for their children. Taking personal action and responsibility are part of the solution but teaching the next generation to be environmentally conscious is an important part of the equation, too.
Be smart about supplies. Before restocking your student's supplies, take inventory of what you have left over from last year. Your student probably had several items with plenty of life left, or things that were bought as backups, so you can avoid waste and save a little money while reducing your consumption of unnecessary goods.
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Model good habits. Kids learn by example, so know they're watching and internalizing your behaviors. If you're not already practicing these habits, make an intentional effort to turn lights off before you leave the house each morning, turn off the water while brushing teeth, use alternate energy sources around the house and encourage your school district to adopt sustainable practices, such as propane powered buses.
Connecting lessons about sustainability to familiar aspects of your child's daily life, like school, can makes it easy for him or her to understand and establish earth friendly habits from a young age. Here are some ideas for promoting sustainable behaviors this school year:
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Reduce food based waste. Convenient, single serve packaging makes assembling school lunches a breeze, but all that extra wrapping is waste that ends up in the landfill. Other options, like buying in bulk and sending treats in reusable plastic bags, is a more earth friendly approach. Bento style boxes with compartments for different foods are another option to help make lunchtime more sustainable. Similarly, encourage your child to carry a water bottle at school each day, which reduces water fountain waste (and cuts back on his or her exposure to germs).
Enjoy nature together. As temperatures cool, it's a terrific opportunity to spend quality time outdoors as a family. Showing your child reasons to appreciate nature can make it easier for him or her to understand and provide motivation to make choices that protect the earth.
The way kids ride to school today is very much the way children traveled to school 25 years ago: in aging diesel school buses. However, diesel school buses are not only expensive to operate, but they pose risks to children's health, the community and the climate.
Every day, 1.3 million American children ride to school in 22,000 propane powered school buses. Propane buses are currently in 1,000 school districts in 48 states. That's only about 5% of the nation's total buses, but the number is growing. These are some of the reasons more districts are moving to propane powered transportation:
Student Health and the Environment
The cloud of black smoke that comes from the tailpipe of a diesel bus contains harmful emissions that are classified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen and are known triggers for issues like asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Propane school buses lower those emissions to near zero levels, which improves air quality and eliminates concerns about breathing related issues. In fact, according to a study by Georgia State University, students who ride to school on a low emissions bus, like propane, had higher test scores than those who rode on diesel buses.
Reinforce with reading. Multiple studies reinforce the benefits of reading with and to young students. Selecting books with earth positive messaging helps them explore new ideas for sustainable living and see how beloved characters embrace values similar to those your family shares.
Safer, Smarter Bus Transportation
Today, there are two main options for clean student transportation: propane and electric. While both can reduce emissions, propane can do it at a fraction of the cost.
Compared to electric, propane buses provide a lower lifetime carbon option. That includes emissions that take place before the wheels start turning on the road, like charging a bus using the electric grid versus refueling it with propane. Coal and natural gas are still America's primary sources of energy for electricity generation and drive up emissions.
Source:#16256
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Find more information about clean school bus operation at BetterOurBuses.com.
Propane Education & Research Council
WhileReliabilityelectric vehicles make sense for several uses, propane has the fuel range and performance needed for large vehicles that drive long distances without stopping to recharge or refuel. A typical propane school bus can drive more than 2.5 times farther on a full tank than a comparable electric school bus can drive on a full charge.
School districts can save money throughout the lifetime of propane buses, which cost 30 50% less per mile to operate than diesel, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. What's more, a World LP Gas Association study found replacing diesel buses with propane buses would save enough money to hire 23,000 new teachers.
Cost ThreeSavingstimesless expensive than electric buses, the cost of a propane school bus and its refueling infrastructure is one of the most affordable options for school districts.
Source: The Master Lock Company
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (girl opening locker)
Simplify Security this Back to School Season
To help alleviate back to school stress and safeguard high value purchases, Master Lock, the leading name in security for more than 100 years, offers a variety of solutions to provide peace of mind for both parents and students whether enrolling in elementary school or heading off to college.
Secure Lockers with Ease
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Whether heading to school or commuting to campus, the Master Lock 8143D Combination Cable Bike Lock offers on the go security for students of all ages, especially those who may not be able to drive yet or simply prefer to ride a bike or scooter. Made with braided steel for flexibility, a protective vinyl coating for added weatherability and a preset four digit combination for keyless convenience, this bike lock also features a self coiling design for easy use and compact storage in a locker or backpack.
As one of the most known and widely used padlocks for back to school season, the Master Lock 1500D Combination Dial Padlock offers a reliable, keyless solution to help protect students' personal belongings while in the hallway or locker room. With a shackle made of hardened steel and a locking mechanism with anti shim technology, this padlock provides maximum security with extra resistance against cutting and sawing. Plus, the easy to use dial and three digit combination allow for quick and convenient access between classes when time is tight.
Safeguard Your Bike or Scooter
(Family Features) The beginning of a new school year offers plenty of excitement each fall, but it can also be a stressful time for parents and students alike. As expensive electronics like laptops and tablets become increasingly common for student use in classrooms and at home and complex schedules require students to bike to school or enter the house after school with minimal parental supervision, it can often be challenging for families to juggle the changes that back to school season brings.
For everything from padlocks for school lockers to bike locks for students on the go and personal safes for dorm room storage, parents and students can visit MasterLock.com to explore back to school security products designed to safeguard everything worth protecting.
#16250
(Family Features) Today's kids are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety at home, school and in their communities. The COVID 19 pandemic, which affected kids in all those places, only exacerbated the problem.
"It is normal for children to experience emotional distress as they develop and mature," United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said. "However, the number of youth struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide over the past decade have increased. The future well being of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation."
If you're concerned about your children, or another child close to you, consider these tips from Knecht and St. Joseph's.
Even pre pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The pandemic has been incredibly disruptive for youth since it has affected routines, access to social activities and virtually every aspect of their lives," said Robyn Knecht, director of counseling for St. Joseph's Indian School, a Native American residential school that helps students move beyond the cycle of poverty, addiction and mental illness with an education and opportunities for a brighter future. "Offsetting those impacts requires an active response from trusted adults that promote healthy development and well being."
12 6 Tips to Mitigate Mental Health Risks for Youth
The surgeon general issued an Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis to highlight the urgent need to address the growing concern.
Create a Support System of Family, Peers and Teachers
Teachaccountability.Copingand
Although it's natural to test limits, kids need clear boundaries. Consistently communicating your expectations for behavior and values sets a bar for your child and demonstrates your care and commitment to his or her success. Backing up your expectations with reasonable consequences when your child falls short can help teach responsibility and
Not every student is destined to be valedictorian, but every student can give his or her best effort. Encourage and recognize effort in studies, be conscious of struggles and work with educators to find additional support when needed. Talk about the future and impress upon your child many careers require further training through college, trade school or another form of advanced education. Talk with your child about setting academic goals and equip him or her with the tools necessary to achieve them. Find things your child is passionate about and encourage participation in activities that foster development.
Problem Solving Skills
How your child responds to and navigates challenges is as important as the outcome. Teaching your child how to accept disappointment, navigate conflict and be solution oriented in the face of adversity can serve him or her throughout life.
Set Clear Expectations for Behaviors and Values
Promote Involvement in Social Activities
If you notice changes in your child's behavior or routine, be inquisitive and partner with him or her to work through them. If your child doesn't open up, it's OK to find another trusted adult he or she can connect with. Ask your child if there is someone he or she would feel comfortable talking to and look into counseling services in your community. Additionally, mentor and social service programs can help support your child's journey and foster a supportive network. Find more ways to address the challenges facing today's youth at stjo.org.
Encourage Academic Achievement and Aspirations
Don't Be Afraid to Seek Outside Help
A sense of connectivity is important for humans at any age. Encouraging participation in group activities can help create opportunities to form bonds with other children whose families share similar values and interests. Examples include sports teams and religious groups, as well as age appropriate jobs where teens can interact with other kids learning the value of hard work.
The people surrounding youth influence their behavior directly and indirectly. Each child needs a team of actively involved adults at home, school and within the community leading by example and encouraging success. Similarly, encouraging friendships with peers who demonstrate positive habits and good decision making skills can provide a sense of connectivity and beneficial peer pressure.
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INFINI JR: Where do you find your inspiration to create your songs?
INFINI JR: Who was the artist that inspired you to become one?
SIRI SHA’LAY: There were two- That Girl Lay Lay & Super Siah
SIRI SHA’LAY: I just think about things that are going on in my life
SIRI SHA’LAY: I have it all worked out; I complete one project at a time.
SIRI SHA’LAY: I think that my style is different from others but some say the song "Blue Jeans" remind them of Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair"
INFINI JR: Do you feel that dancing and gymnastics is challenging, or is it a good challenge?
SIRI SHA’LAY: Gymnastics - yes but dancing - no; not at all
INFINI JR: How does your music style differentiate from other rappers we know?
SIRI SHA’LAY: When it comes to details in the script; you can get writer's block and you may think of anything for days but then you come up with something.
INFINI JR: When you write a story, does it take some time to know what to write, or does it just naturally come to you?
INFINI JR: You seem to have many passions. How do you balance them all?
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INFINI JR: Of all of your hobbies and activities, which do you think you’re best at?
SIRI SHA’LAY: Kevin Hart
INFINI JR: Are there any goals you want to reach in the future? Yes, I want to be a Doctor; a Neurosurgeon.
SIRI SHA’LAY: They can Subscribe to my YouTube Channels - Siri Sha' Lay and Siri Sha' LayTopic and they can watch my show; Dream Girl, by going to Infini TV Network then find Boardwalk Talk Kids TV Channel, Episode 1 is titled "When Dreams Come True". Episode 2 will be coming soon.
SIRI SHA’LAY: If it was a guy; it would be Super Siah and/or if it was a girl; it would be That Girl Lay Lay
INFINI JR: What is a show you enjoyed watching growing up?
INFINI JR: If you could collaborate with a rapper, who would it be?
SIRI SHA’LAY: It's a 50/50 split tie. I'm gonna let the fans determine which one they think
INFINI JR: Tell us about your projects and how can fans support you?
SIRI SHA’LAY: Jessie (Disney Channel)
INFINI JR: Who is an actor you wish would make a cameo on your show?
ATrillerTikTidalPandoraiTuiHeYouTubeInstagram/FacebookDeezerAppleAmazonMusicMusicartRadionesTokndmanymore
Boardwalk Talk Kids $1.99
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BLUE JEANS is available for purchase to download on your device on the following platforms:
https://youtu.be/3Onwo7lX1K0
To stream from your mobile device iPhone and iPads, download the MyInfini app from the Apple App Store. To stream from your mobile device Android and tablet, download the MyInfini app from the Apple App Store.
On Channel 23 Boardwalk Kids Channel on Infini TV Network available on ROKU MyInfini Mobile TV App
Check out the HOWhttps://youtu.be/QoW6WY2H_BUPreview.TODOWNLOADTOYOURDEVICE
AND START STREAMING
On Roku TV’s, go to the search button and type in INFINI TV NETWORK. Once there, an icon will appear. Click the icon and select ADD CHANNEL. Once you add the channel, you’ll be able to browse channels. To stream Siri Sha’Lay Dream Girl series premiere Episode 1, go to channel 23 Boardwalk Kids
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Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM CST
SIRI SHA’LAY DREAM GIRL – SERIES PREMIERE
(Family Features) The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the inside out, turn to an all time classic with a touch of southern flair.
“Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly what you see in season 3,” said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council’s director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there’s still a huge dedication to long held recipes and smoking techniques.”
To find more pitmaster worthy recipes, visit BeefLovingTexans.com.
to
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Take inspiration for this Tex Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary. Developed from the show by BBQuest co host and “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, this tasty take on comfort food can be the perfect solution for a family meal with plenty of leftovers.
Taste
Turn Tradition for Tex Mex
After dinner, settle in together and learn pitmaster techniques from the experts as the series follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community.
In large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat then add onion. Cook until softened, 4 5 minutes, stirring
Add kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle powder and onion powder; stir well. Add corn, black beans and diced tomatoes. Turn heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Addregularly.ground
15 ounces canned corn, drained
15 ounces canned seasoned black beans, drained
Layer 2 4 tortillas across bottom then top with layer of ground beef mixture. Use ladle to spoon some enchilada sauce mixture on top, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of tortillas then repeat layers until casserole is full, 3 4 layers. Top with shredded cheese.
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
12 corn tortillas
Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans
1 tablespoon olive oil
15 ounces canned red enchilada sauce
Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and green onions, if desired.
Loosely cover dish with foil in tent shape to help prevent cheese from sticking then bake 30 minutes.
beef and cook, stirring regularly, until beef has browned.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
1 onion, diced
2 pounds ground beef
In bowl, combine enchilada sauce and crema; mix well.
2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
nonstick cooking spray
green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup enchilada sauce mixture on bottom to prevent tortillas from sticking.
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10
Tex Mex Beef Lasagna
1/2 teaspoon cumin
8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese cilantro (optional)
Remove foil and bake 10 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
* Encourage open communication. Have conversations about what your kids see and do online and talk with them about potential dangers. Avoid lecturing in favor of an open exchange of information.
Learn how to protect your children and family in this digital age with these tips:
* Make their inherent interest in privacy work in your favor. Kids in this age group, particularly toward the middle school years, understand the concept of privacy and value it immensely. Use that context to help them understand what goes online is there to stay. Talk about what kinds of information should always be kept private, including identifying details like addresses and social security numbers.
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Protecting Children in a Digital Age
Elementary Age Children
(Family Features) Keeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech savvy many parents find intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family's personal information could be at risk, as well.
* Stay on alert. Not all apps are completely safe (even the ones you can access from trusted stores) and not all filters are foolproof. Keep close tabs on what your kids are downloading by reading comments and reviews, and regularly monitoring what kind of content they see.
Middle School and High School Kids
* Continue talking about privacy. You can never have too many conversations about privacy. What seems like harmless sharing on social media can be quite revealing. For example, frequent posts about visits to a favorite store or restaurant can allow a predator to begin tracking behavior patterns that make your child a target. It's also important for kids to understand how their privacy settings work. For example, settings that allow exposure to friends of friends make their visibility to strangers much broader than they may realize.
* Help manage their online reputation. Behaviors that once resulted in a day or two of hallway chatter can now live forever. Documenting mischief online is only fun until it spills over into real life and everyone sees those mistakes in full color including prospective future employers.
If you're looking for more practical advice for everyday family matters, visit eLivingtoday.com. courtesy of Getty Images
Photo
Source:#15612 Family Features
College Students
* Be clear about your position on bullying. From the safe distance of a screen, it's easier for kids (and adults) to say things they'd never say in person. Teach your kids to handle problems constructively offline and avoid engaging in attacks on others through social media, email and other platforms.
* Teach smart practices. With all the independence that comes with college life, this is an ideal time for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her online security, including learning about virus protection, updating software, avoiding scams and backing up data.
* Reinforce the risks. Once they're on their own, kids may feel more liberated to make their own choices online. However, college students are easy prey for identity theft and worse. Remind them what's at stake if they fail to protect their identity and private information, like where they live and what they do on a regular basis.
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Inblender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly.
Serve immediately.
1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
Find more drink recipes at Culinary.net.
For example, strawberries withfrozen pink lemonade concentrate combine tomake a spritzer recipe worth sharing. This fizzy Strawberry Spritzer can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the summer sun.
Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade.
(Family Features) When it’s summertime and you crave something cold and fruity, try using your favorite frozenfruit for a refreshing drink.
1 package (10 ounces) frozensliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed 2 liters lemon-lime soda,chilled
Substitution: Ginger ale may be used in place of soda.
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Sipping onSummertime Sweets
Strawberry Spritzer Recipe adapted fromTaste of Home
One minute you have a baby, the next a toddler, then, as your kids keep growing, you’ll probably find you have an endless supply of cuddly toys, books and games dotted around. At some point you might find that ‘stuff’ is taking over their whole bedroom (and the rest of the house!). But how do you get rid of items without too many tears and tantrums? We’ve got some tips that might
Declutterhelp.With
Invest In Good Storage
Talk to your child about giving away some of their toys to a charity shop. Kids can be so loving, and if you explain that this way they’ll go to kids that really, really want them and don’t have much, you might persuade them it’s a good option. Let them pick out a few things they’re happy to part with and tell them how kind they are to do it. Their hearts will swell with pride as they learn a valuable lesson.
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Put shelves up on the walls instead of a standing bookshelf to give yourself extra space. And if you think it could be time to invest in a new bed, consider one like this cabin bed which has loads of room for storage underneath.
If you or your child are struggling to part with things, you could at least make sure you’ve got some decent places to store them. A nice big wooden trunk will look great in your child’s bedroom and will hold loads of keepsakes: we like this Noa and Nani box which also has space to sit items on top.
One big cull could be too much for a little one, so if you’ve decided you want to trim down your child’s belongings, doing it bit by bit could be the way forward. Decide to throw away the odd cuddly toy or pile of books here and there, so they don’t even notice. Little by little the piles will have gone down and there (hopefully) won't be too much trauma
HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR CHILD'S BEDROOM
Getinvolved.Items to Charity Shops
Stealth
Take Photos
Sometimes it’s your child’s school or nursery artwork that can prove to be the hardest items to say goodbye to. But all that paper can take up space too. One option, if you can’t bear to part with it all (which we totally get), is to frame two or three pieces you love each year and take photographs of the rest. Or you can put together an annual photo book where all their masterpieces can be found in one place. They’ll be treasured as the years go by, and are a much handier, less space intensive way of holding onto those treasured keepsakes.
If all else fails, you might need to be strict with your child and let them know that for every new toy, game or book they get, one will need to go. We know it’s a tough line to take, but it will mean they really value anything new they receive, as it will mean letting go of something else. If they have a birthday around the corner, they might need to donate a few more items to charity to make room for the new toys they have coming. The same applies for Christmas. They might be a little upset for a while, but once the new toys are in situ, we reckon they’ll forget pretty quickly.
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Start a 'One In, One Out' Rule
Many families would like to dedicate an area of their homes to fitness to help keep them in the habit of working out and it’s a great place for the kids to chill out, too. But to achieve the maximum effect, you need to follow some simple rules
And for the kids, why not make the centerpiece of the room a wild, wavy climbing wall? It will create an interesting design element and provide endless fun for the youngsters. More importantly though, it will ensure kids make exercise a lifelong habit. Variation keeps families committed to exercise and improves fitness because it encourages working out different muscle groups in different ways. There are other practical considerations to a family fitness room. Safety aside, exercisers should be able to secure or stow gear that little ones could hurt themselves on. When everyone is done using the room, there should be a place to put everything so make sure there is plenty of storage room and space for everyone to exercise. A wardrobe with ample shelving and drawers for each person’s towel and exercise clothes is essential, as is ample shelving for holding equipment such as dumbbells, and a few towel racks would be a good idea too. The space behind the climbing wall could also serve to store equipment when you need more floor space for aerobics or the next time the kids want to roll out the mats to do a little tumbling.
MAKE ROOM FOR FAMILY FITNESS
It’s important to choose the biggest space you can for the fitness area, but don’t forget to create an atmosphere of warmth. That way it will be an inviting space for the whole family. Experiment with different types of lighting and use cherry or walnut trim for added luxury. Durable, self adhesive carpet squares help cushion floor exercises. Blinds offer privacy while one person is working out and others are watching TV. Conversely, keeping the blinds up allows exercisers to watch TV or even incorporate exercise videos into the workout. Putting mirrored panels on the back wall not only reflects light and gives the room a more open feel, but also has a practical function. Being able to see yourself when performing strength training exercises helps you check your posture for better results and less risk of injury.
Fitness for Kids
For most families, the key to fitness can be summed up in one word: convenience. Few things are more convenient than having all the essentials of a fitness club right in the middle of your house. But the room ideally must work as part of a home and as a part of the lives of the family using it. So remember, if you’re going to commit a space in your home to fitness and exercise, you have to make it inviting and motivating. A weight bench and an old treadmill down in a dark corner of the cellar won’t really work. You should want to spend time there and make it so there’s something for everyone: yourself, your spouse, and even the youngest children.
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Convenience is Key
What is UnschoolingUnschooling?isquitea popular form of homeschooling and is about as far from regular school as you can imagine. It’s a very personal learning experience and relies heavily on the passions and interests of the child. Unschooling is unique to the child but usually includes: No specific lessons or timetable The child sets their own goals and focus The child is empowered to learn for themselves in their interest areas The child learns from a wide and varied range of sources from books and museums to friends, siblings and nature. School can be as unstructured or as structured as the child wants The opportunity to learn how to think for themselves and practice decision making No division between learning and life, unschoolers are always learning in all aspects of life. It may sound very different to what we’re all used to but it empowers children to find their own strengths and build upon them.
The classroom isn’t for everyone, and many people opt to homeschool their kids instead, but what does this actually mean? For some, they follow an exact curriculum, while others approach things a little differently with a method known as unschooling becoming increasingly popular.
Whole Family Learning
To keep children interested, they have to find subjects inspiring and engaging. The best teachers can of course bring the best out of their pupils, but some pupils need to find their own path and focus on their own strengths. Unschooling provides a fully personalized learning experience, giving children the chance to discover their passions and concentrate their efforts in this area. Unschooling is not for everyone, but it is a way of giving children more autonomy and helping them enjoy and develop a love of learning. Parents who choose to home school can enjoy the freedom of unschooling and support their children in mapping out their own futures.
Why do Parents Choose to Unschool?
Life Skills Learning
If you choose to unschool your kids, then chances are you’ll learn a thing or two about their passions and interests. Unschooling involves the parents directly in the learning process rather than keeping them at a distance like traditional school. The whole family can work together to find their learning strengths and the best methods to suit each member.
Entrepreneurial Learning
Outside of the classroom, most kids want to switch off and forget all about their education. When it comes to unschooling, almost everything can become a lesson. Whether the kids pitch in with household maintenance, decorating or gardening or are curled up with a history book, every act is a valuable act of learning.
School teaches children how to follow lessons, making them good employees. But entrepreneurs think in their own way, just like unschoolers. Unschooling prepares children to think for themselves and outside of the box.
Personalized Learning
UNSCHOOLING: AN UNUSUAL APPROACH TO EDUCATION
Some argue that unschooling is a lazy approach, but it simply isn’t true. Parents are heavily involved in supporting their child’s learning and helping them to find the resources and tools in order to do so. Alongside this, there are several other key reasons to unschool:
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Classic Family Games
While there are some great apps and television shows to keep little ones busy and get them learning at the same time, it’s probably fair to say that most of us don’t really want our little ones glued to the screen all day on rainy weekends or the holidays.
27 SCREEN FREE IDEAS TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED
Don’t assume that classic board games like Cluedo, Monopoly or Jenga need to be reserved for Christmas. If you have a stash at home, get them out on a Saturday afternoon (with snacks, of course!) and have a few rounds. They’re a great activity to do together and you’ll probably find you have even more fun than expected. If you don’t have any bought games to hand, worry not. You could play charades: just write out favourite movies, TV shows, plays or musicals on bits of paper and put them in a hat to pull out. Then, divide yourself into teams or play as individuals and act out whatever’s written on your piece of paper until someone gets it right. For younger kids, a few rounds of “hide and seek” will have them finding nooks and crannies in the house you never knew existed. This one’s great fun but do make sure you have a few rules in place if you need them: no going into anywhere too dangerous, such as cupboards that can lock shut from the inside, anywhere too high up, etc. Remember to give them enough time to hide, and have a “rescue” word for if you really can’t find them, so if you call that word: they have to reveal themselves.
The good news is, there are loads of fun options to convince your kids to step away from their online activities for an hour or two, and they needn’t break the bank. Here are just a few to get you started…
Here’s one you can play in the house and outside. If the weather’s miserable, give the kids a list of things they have to find around the home and a basket. The list could include items like: something red a stone a pair of socks something made of paper something fluffy. If you’re playing with just one child, you can give them a time limit and see how much they can bring back in, say, three minutes. If there are a few children playing, the winner is the one who fetches everything on the list first.
There’s nothing like a bit of art and crafts to get kids “mindful”: tactile pursuits keep you in the present and the end results can be really satisfying too. If you’ve got poster paints handy, you could have a go at leaf stencils; grab a few leaves from the garden or local park, cover one side in paint and press them onto paper for lovely patterns. Or have a go at a “still life” exercise: ask your child to pick a few things from around the house (a vase of flowers, some fruit) and both sit there and take the time to draw and colour them in. Alternatively, nominate a friend or family member you haven't seen for a while and make a “thinking of you” card for them: just a note to say hi with a gorgeous handmade picture on the
front.Have
Cooking’s a life skill we all need, and if you have a star baker at home, encourage them to get in the kitchen with a spot of baking. You could start with simple sponge cakes (you’ll find lots of recipes online) and add fruit in to make them a little bit healthier. Not only will you be teaching them something that will come in oh so handy as they get older, you ’ll also have snacks at the end of it big bonus!
Treasure Hunt
Grab 10 or 15 short picture books off your shelves and see how many you can get through in an hour. Make it comfy: scatter cushions on the floor, and play a little background music if you fancy it. Then, read through the pile of books. You don’t need to rush it, but when your child sees what you’ve picked out, hopefully they’ll be keen to keep reading. Make it fun, using actions and voices and get them to join in wherever possible.
Get Cooking
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Art And Crafts
A Book Marathon
(BPT) As children across the country get ready to head back to the classroom this fall, one important item that shouldn’t be forgotten from the to do list is making sure they have health coverage. Studies have shown that academic performance and health insurance go hand in hand. Children who have health coverage miss fewer classes and perform better in school than those who are uninsured. But health coverage doesn’t just benefit students. Fewer missed days of school also mean fewer missed days of work for parents. With health coverage, children can get the routine and emergency care, immunizations, check ups, eye exams, dental visits and mental health services they may need to fully participate in school and remain engaged in class. Health coverage also provides access to important care if children get sick or Nationwide,injured.millions
of school aged children and teens qualify and are enrolled in free or low cost health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These health programs can provide vital access to care, including well child visits and vaccinations, to keep students focused on learning and give parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are covered inside and outside the classroom. The start of the school year is a good opportunity to catch up on important well child visits and ensure children are protected against vaccine preventable diseases (like measles and mumps). And don't forget &; if a child is 6 months and older and hasn't received their COVID 19 vaccine or booster, or they are aged 5 and older, parents should talk to their child's doctor about getting it as soon as possible.</p><p>For the millions of families with children currently in Medicaid or CHIP, this is also a good time to make sure their address is up to date with their state program. Many people move over time and forget to update their address. These families might accidentally miss their renewal application that comes in the mail. Then, they could lose their health coverage too.
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Make sure your child has all the essentials for a productive school year
Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low cost coverage for eligible children and teens up to age 19. Eligibility is dependent on household size and income and varies by state. States have different income eligibility rules, but in most states, children whose family has income up to $50,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. In many states, family income can be even higher, and children can still qualify. Young people up to 21 may be eligible for Medicaid. Having Medicaid or CHIP will not affect someone’s chance of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen. It is not considered a public charge except for people in long term care facilities or institutions. You can apply online, over the phone, by mail or in person with your state’s Medicaid or CHIP agency or visit the Find Coverage for Your Family section on https://www.insurekidsnow.gov InsureKidsNow.gov. For more information, call 1 877 KIDS NOW (1 877 543 7669). Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP is open all year, and, once your child is enrolled, you need to renew their coverage every year to keep them covered. Make sure your state has your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information, especially if you have moved in the last year. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. Your state will mail you a letter about your coverage, including renewal information.
(BPT) It's back to school season, which means it's time to gather the essentials for a colorful new year! There are lots of fun things to pick out and purchase, from backpacks to lunchboxes to that special outfit for the first day of school. Making a list is the best way to remember all you need.
1. Colors of the World Fine Line Marker https://shop.crayola.com/color and draw/colors of the world fine line washable skin tone markers 24 count 5878100000.html A new addition to the Colors of the World line, Crayola Colors of the World Fine Line Markers provide children with greater variety and representation to color the world they see around them. This pack contains 24 specially formulated, washable colors that represent skin tones from all around the world to celebrate growing diversity. Crayola Fine Line Markers are ideal for adding detail to small, coloring areas and writing or drawing thin lines. While these markers are vibrant, they won't smudge or bleed through paper.
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Of course, no school year shopping haul is complete without classroom supplies and nothing says back to school quite like Crayola! Add these must have, creativity inspiring Crayola items to your shopping basket to fulfill all drawing, coloring and note taking needs this school year.
2 Colors of Kindness Crayons https://shop.crayola.com/color and draw/crayons/colors of kindness crayons 24 count 5201300000.html The Colors of Kindness Crayons were designed to encourage kids, parents and teachers to spread the love. This flip top box contains 24 crayons and features four new colors: Cool Mint, Crayellow, Powder Blue and Oatmeal. This unique crayon set also includes special edition friendly sentiments printed on each crayon, such as Hello Sunshine, Peace of Mind and Heart to Heart, bringing positivity into the classroom. This special set is sure to help kick off a colorful school year and also makes an excellent gift for crayon collectors.
3. Mini Twistables Crayons https://shop.crayola.com/color and draw/mini twistables crayons 24 count 5297241004.html Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons never need sharpening, just give a twist to keep the color going! These twistable crayons are compact and come in 24 brilliant colors to get the imagination spinning. The crayons are perfect for projects at home or on the go. Simply twist the barrel ends and creativity can begin. The durable, clear plastic barrels allow kids to see the colors inside while also protecting them from breakage. Get your child into the back to school spirit by fostering their creativity this school year. Any of these products (or all three) are great additions to your child's school supply list alongside the classic https://shop.crayola.com/color and draw/crayons/classic crayons 24 count 5230243023.html Crayola 24 count crayons and https://www.amazon.com/Crayola Broad Markers Classic Colors/dp/B000F5SF52 10 count broad line markers Crayola Colors of the World Fine Line Markers, Colors of Kindness Crayons and Mini Twistable Crayons are available for purchase at retailers nationwide. To learn about more Crayola's back to school products, check out all the wonderful classroom supplies available for students and teachers at https://www.crayola.com Crayola.com
Start the school year off right with these 3 colorful supplies
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