Posted on May 21, 2010 under gardening |
Each Christmas that I visit toy shops, I come across new toys and inventions that no one of my generation would have ever imagined in the 80s.
Playing outdoors with my brothers and sisters is one memory that always makes me relax, and brings those nostalgic moments back in my mind.
While I was playing war games with my schoolmates, my grandparents’ generation did not have many toys to play as their childhood coincided with the second world war, thus that generation became adults much faster after all that took non-sense that took place in Europe.
Virtual games have replaced ‘real’ experiences where one had to physically run to hide, rather than get killed and restart the video game within a couple of seconds.
Although creativity is questionable, nowadays’ toys can still impress me because of their eccentric design and provocative appearance.
Another aspect of today’s toys is that they are affordable in general, being made in mass production in Asian countries before being imported.
The question to answer though is whether all those new toys have anything else to be remembered of, other than being affordable by the majority of the people.
A today’s blaster toy would cost a fortune 30 years ago while it would be unthinkable 50 years ago due to its high manufacturing cost.
Getting a hadmade kite today is just a question of visiting a high-street shop and paying a bit of money, while my granddad would spend hours or even days to make one for his kids.
Today’s toys are just about what the consumer thinks when looking at them: impressive, colourful, bulky, noisy, and sometimes incredibly ‘smart’, so they do not leave many opportunities for the kids to explore something new or use their imaginations.
Each generation have their unique outdoor toys to remember and the right question is not which one had better toys available but what their impact was.
There’s no point trying to compare generations’ toys but there is definitely some meaning looking into the toys each generation was brought up with.
Posted on Nov 22, 2009 under gardening |
When it comes all the way down to it, what do children actually want? Do they desire clothes? Not likely. How about school supplies? Not specially. Do they want to have healthful healthy meals on the table? That’s not something that they really care about is it? What they really want is kids toys. Unfortunately, we need to make sure that the crucial things, the required things, come first. That doesn’t typically leave a lot for the things they actually need does it? But there are many choices available to getting the things your youngsters want while still giving them the things they actually need.
At one time people went to garage sales to find cheap kids toys. But hitting the garage sale circuit is time consuming and if you’re attempting to find something specific it can be awfully worsening to know that you might have to spend weeks to find it. The Net is your year long virtual garage sale. You can find multitudes of sites that offer gently loved youngsters toys that you are able to afford. Not only are you able to afford it, but you can purchase it from the comfort of your own home, without having to spend some time or gas money. Thanks to global shipping, it can also be despatched immediately to your step with tiny additional cost.
At the same time that you are finding the toys that your kids really need, you can also cut back the muddle of forgotten children toys that are filling up their toy rooms, storage bins, and closets in your place. Selling toys that were loved by your youngsters in the past and they have now outgrown doesn’t get any easier than selling them on the web. Why hold a garage sale or spend money to post an ad in the paper when you can put up a simple picture and an ad online? As you sell the toys they no longer play with you can bring in a little additional cash to spend on the toys they need. Now you can afford to buy the things they need and give them what they need at the same time!
Finding children toys that are unique, fun, and cheap saves you cash and time. It takes the strain of bargain hunting from store to store out of your life. Your home becomes less cluttered, your children get the toys they want, and you save money to buy them the necessary things in life.
You will find a good selection of toys on the Top Toys website including some excellent boys toys including the Lego City Crane
Posted on Nov 13, 2009 under gardening |
When a kid is below the age of five, there are sometimes awfully limited options for things they can do outside. They can run and play, but they can’t ride a bike, or get on a scooter like plenty of the other kids they may see while out. This implies that they have to find something akin to do. My daughter always adored the kids ride on toys that my mummy got for her, and I’m sure that lots of other kids love them also. There are different types that go with different age groups, and many can be saved for the next kid, if you are having more.
The smallest child will need kids ride on toys that allow them to sit in them without falling out. This implies that there should be some means of support for them. The type having a roof and a door might be costlier, but also they are safer for the child that’s only starting with the children ride on toys. These youngsters might not be able to master pedals just yet, so these should be ones they can push with their feet. Check them over for breaks if they’re passed down to you before you let the child ride.
The youngsters ride on toys for children who can pedal on their lonesome come in many different sizes and colors. Some comes in the theme of TV characters. These are a lot of fun for a child that is not really ready for a bike, but wants to ride around like the other kids. When purchasing these, you have got to be certain your youngster is tall enough to use it comfortably. If their legs are too short they will not be able to reach the pedals or they won’t be able to get on and off without falling down.
You can find kids ride on toys anywhere you find toys, for the most part, and you may also ask your friends and relations to work out if they have any used ones that they don’t need anymore. Just make sure they’re in good shape before you permit your youngster to employ them. You can find them online too and you can find some there that you cannot find locally. Shipping could be a problem, but most of them are light and the costs for shipping them to your house won’t be as bad as you may think.
Some of the best regarded ride-on toys come from the Little Tikes company. They have been making their Cozy Coupe for 30 years now and they have made a special 30th Anniversary model on sale this year.
Posted on Sep 27, 2009 under gardening |
As a parent it is important that we understand what potential problems our child has. The majority of young people have to cope with a variety of problems and worries as they continue their journey through childhood. In this article, I write about the types of fears that this might be and about how we can help our children to cope and to get through life in the best possible and stress-free way.
I am by now a child social worker and what I write within this article is just my own personal opinion. I actually work within the stammering therapy industry; I am also involved with a DVD authoring company and with a group of cost reduction consultants.
The majority of children are more than capable of being able to pick up on the anxieties of their parents. They may hear arguments about money and can then start to worry themselves about the financial situation their family may be in. I am a parent myself and try where possible to only discuss serious issues with my partner when the children are out or are asleep. If I believe that one of my children has overheard a conversation which I would have rather they hadn’t, I then talk to them to attempt to reassure them that everything is OK.
Children may also worry that their parents may break up and that they will end up living apart. They will no doubt hear that this has happened to their friends and may wonder and stress about how their lives would change if this happened to them.
My children have told me that they worry and that they fear that one of their parents may die in the near future. It is quite difficult to explain to them that this is unlikely to happen as it obviously could. I try and laugh it off which may not be the best policy, by stating that I am still very young and that I have no plans to leave this planet in the near future. I explain to them the age that the average male will live to in our country and that normally, I hope, makes them feel better.
School can be another area of stress for some children. Will they be able to comprehend all of the work that they are given? Will they be able to obtain a good examination mark and a good report? Will they be able to make their parents proud of them? I have told my own children not to worry about these issues and to just try their best.
Socialising and meeting friends can also bring its own tensions. Children make and break friends at regular intervals, especially during the early teenage years. When friends fall out this can be a very stressful time for any child. When this happens to my children, I make a point of saying that it has been the fourth time in a month that you and Amy as an example, have had a falling out. Your sure to make friends again in the near future.
As children get a bit older there is then the challenge of meeting a member of the opposite sex. We all know the problems and strains that this can bring. At this time I think it is just a matter of being there for your children and getting them through these difficult years the best and easiest way possible.
Posted on Jun 06, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Time spent with your children is time very well spent. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily tasks of our lives, but the bonds created by time spent together are priceless and cannot be put off until a later day. Children grow quickly as we all know and opportunities for bonding, once missed, cannot be recovered.
Spending time together as a family strengthens the family unit as a whole, indeed a worthwhile goal. However, it is equally important to spend time with each family member one on one to strengthen those individual relationships and build memories that will last your child through his lifetime. Think of this time as an investment in your children’s future.
Time together can be as simple as tossing the ball around in the backyard or playing a quick game of basketball under the hoop over the garage with your older child as long as there is opportunity for conversation. You can get portable and adjustable basketball backboards or hoops that will accommodate family members of every age and size. Older children also enjoy learning things from mom or dad and feel grown up when they are included in adult tasks. There are many different kinds of basketball backboard systems, so you’re sure to be able to find one that works for your family.
Chores that they have not been assigned to regularly are more interesting to them than those that they have already learned and are expected to do independently. Allowing them to help you build or repair something is a surefire way to engage their interests and build their self-esteem. Allowing them to use those tools or equipment that are usually off limits is almost always a big hit.
On the other hand, reading age appropriate books that are just beyond your child’s reading ability is a great bonding experience. It also has the additional benefit of being educational. Board games are another great activity to enjoy with an older child. One on one games such as chess or checkers provide opportunity for bonding as well as teaching strategy and game skills.
If you want to see your younger child’s eyes light up, plop yourself down on the floor while he or she is playing. Young children live for the opportunity to include their parents in their games. While it is good for them to spend time playing independently, it is equally important for them to have a few minutes of time to just play. Young children need spend time playing in a way that does not impose rules on them. They need the freedom to create rules themselves. This type of play may be more challenging for parents as most of us have forgotten how to play, but give yourself time and opportunity, follow your child’s lead and you will catch on.
For tired parents of young children, a snuggle on the couch after the dinner with a favorite book will go a long way toward helping you reconnect with your little one at the end of the busy day.
Simple activities such as these are not only enjoyable for both you and your child now, but they will create memories and experiences that will help your child through the tumultuous teenage years, they will reflect fondly on them while at college and draw inspiration from them when they become parents themselves.
Posted on Apr 14, 2009 under Uncategorized |
It wasn’t long ago when the use of car seats was frowned upon as a snobbish thing to do. That is until it was proven that some children’s lives could have been saved if only the parents had taken a few minutes to seat them in car seats. There are many types of car seats that you can use and they will save your child’s life.
Have you seen parents in the mall carrying their babies in very tiny contraptions that look like car seats? They probably are car seats and are the easiest to use. This type of car seat has a base that is securely buckled to the vehicle seat. The car seat itself is then lifted off and carried around by the handle. The child is small enough to carry anywhere.
The next type of car seat you will consider will be the convertible car seat such as the britax marathon convertible car seat. In the beginning, the car seat will have to be installed facing backwards. When the baby is old enough or heavy enough, he may then face forward using the convertible car seat. These have strong a 5 point harness buckled to the bottom and chest.
At around 40 pounds, the baby can then be moved to the booster seat. At this time the child should be able to appreciate the use of car seats and you only have to ensure that it is well buckled. This type of seat has a small base that keeps the child secure, while allowing him to use a regular seat belt.
Car seats are no longer a fashionable thing to have. It is necessary and in some countries, the law to use car seats at all times if the child is below 12 years of age. You need to keep your child safe at all times in the car, and a car seat will ensure that they do not become airborne during a car accident.
Posted on Feb 15, 2009 under Uncategorized |
You know that exercise is good for you, but what about your child? If she is not exercising at all, you must take steps to change that right away. Exercise is essential to your child’s health. Here are 4 more reasons why your child benefits from a regular exercise routine:
1. Exercise cuts back the risk of obesity. If your child takes part in a regular exercise program, her chances of becoming obese are dramatically reduced. An active child means a healthier child.
2. Exercise lessens the risk of diseases. Diabetes and high blood pressure are combated by exercise. If you have a family history of such diseases, you should encourage your child to exercise.
3. Exercise strengthens your child’s body. As your child exercises on a frequent basis, his muscles and bones will become stronger.
4. Exercise induces feelings of well-being. Have you noticed your child struggling with peer pressure or becoming uncomfortable with her body? Promote an exercise routine. Exercising helps release frustrations and can help encourage your child’s self-confidence.
Need some exercise ideas to encourage your child? Why not incorporate an exercise routine into your schedule with your children? Try these simple ideas:
WALKING – Walking is the simplest, and one of the best forms of exercise for anyone. Walking is a easy way to encourage a conversation as well.
SPORTS – Is your child interested in any type of sports? Why not grab the basketball and head to the court with him? Make a date every Saturday to spend a couple of hours playing basketball with your son.
SWIMMING – Just about every kid loves to swim. If you don’t have a personal swimming pool, invest in a monthly membership to a local gym.
BIKE RIDING – Next to walking, riding bicycles is another great way to get fun exercise.
HIKING – If your family loves the outdoors, get everyone a pair of hiking boots and a backpack and get moving. Plan special expeditions monthly, in addition to your regular exercise. Kids love hiking because they get to explore and observe new things.
GEOCACHING – This is {related to|based on} hiking, but has a “mission” or purpose. There are other resources that can explain what geocaching is, and your kids will probably love this activity.
Posted on Jan 05, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Children enjoy listening to stories.
One easy way to begin your story telling career is to use a picture book. I find that holding it against my chest/stomach and reading it upside down works well. If you cannot read upside down, then hold it off to one side so you can glance over at it that way. A key is to read the story ahead of time so you do not have to read the story word-by-word. Younger children will not even know that you are not saying the exact words.
What type of story should you read?
I present here 3 classic story telling types.
- fairy tale
- nature story
- historical story
Let’s look at each type.
The Fairy Tale
“Once upon a time …”
We have all heard that famous line. At least in many Western Cultures. A fairy tale. Most of us can remember being told fairy tales. Little Red Riding Hood, Snow-White, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Puss-in-Boots, and many more. Many of these have been made into modern animated movies, and in some cases, regular live actor movies. A favourite is The Princess Bride. Or how about Ever After starring Drew Barrymore.
Although most children just hear the simple story, the underlying moral truths or general life experience lessons seep into their subconscious, to emerge later in life.
The Nature Story
Bringing animals, and even plants, to life is another common story type. First to this mind is Bambi. This famous Walt Disney movie is about a young deer as he grows and matures. E.B. White’s beloved children’s book “Charlotte’s Web” is about a spider and a number of farm animals. It was also made into a movie.
The nature story type can be used to introduce actual facts about nature, and about the interaction amongst nature’s various creatures and plants, etc. As well, and especially for city children, this story type introduces them to life forms that they rarely get to see. A fitting extension to this is a trip to a zoo, or even a real farm or large forested area.
The Historical Story
Compared to the nature story, which tends to discuss the present, the historical story helps us to give our children a sense of their past, and their ancestors. As a child’s mind matures and enables them to understand the concepts of parents, grandparents, and beyond, a historical story enables us to share a connection of generation with generation. I think of “Little House on the Prairies” as one example here in North America. A historical story also helps build a sense of patriotism and national pride.
Historical stories also give our children stories of true heroes, as opposed to the modern sports hero, and similar. Quality historical stories often help instill desire of emulating goodness and wisdom.
Time to Act
Do you regularly read to your children? Start now to introduce your child to stories. Grab one from the above genres and read some of it each evening, just before bed. Your child will become enthralled and will look forward to this new nightly ritual. In many cases it will turn them into readers as they grow, and maybe even decrease their dependence on electronics!
I would also suggest that you visit websites like Grandpa Richard’s Children for other ideas and advice on raising children, and thoroughly enjoying your child’s, or your grandchild’s, early years.