Facts About Bullying

The research on bullying is comprehensive and, generally, consistent and shows that bullying


is widespread in schools and communities around the world. Work from well-known

Australian researcher, Ken Rigby, for example, reports that about one child in six (16.6%) is

bullied in Australian schools on a weekly basis. In Norway approximately 9% of children in

schools are bullied weekly (Olweus, 1993), in England approximately 8% (Smith & Sharp,

1994) and in the USA, the National School Safety Centre estimates suggest that 8%

(approximately 1 in 12) of students are victimized throughout the school year, with an

estimated 22% victimized at the beginning of the year.

While most of the bullying is in the form of verbal harassment and teasing, a report from the

United Kingdom (Ofsted, 2005), suggests that up to 5% of pupils may display challenging

behavior which results in more serious violence, although serious violent behavior is still rare.

In the UK example, where behavior was so serious that there were permanent exclusions

from schools, 14% were for assaults against other pupils and 12% were for assaults against

staff. For long-term suspensions, the figures were 16% for assaults against pupils and 5% for

assaults against staff. The report further points out that sound international comparisons on

the extent and nature of poor behavior in school is difficult to come by, but figures for the

United States and Canada appear similar to UK figures.

While bullying, obviously, can have serious effects on victims, it is important to recognize the

ongoing effects on the bullies and on society as a whole if we do not take seriously the

problem of bullying.

The Bullies

What does the research say?

 Bullies are more likely to have a criminal conviction by age 24.

 60% of bullies have criminal records and are more likely to engage in violent behavior

after leaving school.

 Aggressive behavior at the age of eight is a powerful predictor of criminality and

violent behavior at the age of 30.

 Students who are bullies at age 14 tended to also bully as adults and are much more

likely to have children who engage in bullying.

(Source: Eron, L. D. (1995), A Longitudinal Study of Bullies. Psychology Today, September

'95)

We do know that bullies end up being disadvantaged throughout their lives because they are

unable to relate to others in an acceptable and positive way. They often never learn the skills

to cope with conflict and violence – except by using conflict and violence – and their lives can

spiral out of control as their relationships deteriorate.

While there is some evidence that bullies can be quite popular in the early years of school, by

senior years their peers often reject them because they have become tired of being bossed

around and bullied. Or they find themselves forced to hang around with ‘losers’ as peers

concentrate on their studies and future careers.

The research (Hara Marano in Psychology Today, 1995) shows that bullies are more likely to:

 find it difficult to cope with their studies

 drop out of school earlier

 experience less success in relationships

 earn less in later life

 have difficulty creating close friendships

 create another generation of bullies

 solve problems with their wives and children by using physical violence

 abuse alcohol and drugs, if they are male

 lose friends, if they are female.

The Role of the Community

Although it is limited, there is some research on bullying in the wider community, and the

effect this might have on the attitudes and behaviour of young people.

A 2001 survey in Australia by VicHealth, concluded that bullying is rife across society, from

the more traditionally known settings for bullying, schools and the workplace, to government,

media and sporting circles.

Two thirds of 600 people involved in a survey believed that there was a culture of bullying in

their State and they generally believed that bullying was part of their countries culture. 91%

percent of those surveyed reported they had been a victim of one or more forms of bullying,

although a resounding 95% said bullying was never acceptable and only 8 percent believed

the prevalent culture of bullying should be acceptable.

Some of the findings from the survey were that:

 Country people were more likely than their city counterparts to have difficulty in

sleeping, feel tired, depressed or suffer an upset stomach or headache, as a result of

being bullied.

 City dwellers were more likely than rural people to feel stressed, angry, upset or to be

embarrassed, as a result of bullying.

 7 out of 10 surveyed believed that the way some radio talk back announcers spoke to

callers was bullying.

 Almost 4 out of 10 nominated a politician as a public figure who’s a bully.

 Almost half of respondents believed the language used by politicians at question time

was bullying.

 When asked to identify by name any public figures they thought were bullies, 39%

identified politicians, 11% named media figures, 6% names sporting personalities and

4% named union officials.

 The 8 percent of the population who thought the culture of bullying was acceptable

were most likely to be: younger people (18-24), males, low-income earners and those

with lower levels of education.

 Females were more likely to suffer symptoms such as feeling embarrassed,

depressed, frightened, tired, avoiding return to the scene of the bullying, withdrawing

from school or work, and getting sick more often than normal as a result of bullying

than males.

 Both males and females were likely to feel angry at being bullied, but males are

slightly more likely to drink alcohol, to have a cigarette, or to smoke more, as a result

of bullying.

This research is important because it indicates that children are likely to see bullying in their

daily lives on a regular basis, and the bullying is often perpetrated by high profile figures who

might be considered ‘role models’.

Children copy what they see.

The fact is, the research tells us that stopping bullying is going to take more than supporting

victims and punishing perpetrators. The problem is more complex than that. It requires, at the

very least, that every member of society take responsibility for his or her actions to ensure

they do not inadvertently send signals that bullying is ever acceptable.

References

Rigby, K. (1996), Bullying in Schools: and what we do about it, Melbourne: ACER

Olweus, D. (1993), Bullying at School, Cambridge: Blackwell

Smith, P. & Sharp, S. (eds), (1994), School Bullying: Insights and Perspectives, London

Ofsted (2005), Managing Challenging Behaviour, London, www.ofsted.gov.uk

VicHealth, (2001), Victorian Attitudes Towards Bullying, Research Paper,

http://www.togetherwedobetter.vic.gov.au/resources/research.asp
 
This article was written by Robyn Collins and Wendy Nichols
Check out their site Solving A Bullying Problem

Go Karting For Kids?

Go Karting for Kids, some kids, yes.

Having a heart attack in your 40's. Nearly had one last night.

My little nephew who is 7 years old just received his license to race go-karts.
My brother has always been into racing, cars, bikes, anything with a motor and it was inevitable that his kids would be trying their hand at it.

Last night was the little fellows first race and he was so nervous. I had both him and his sister for the day before his big race. All day he was asking "when is dad going to pick me up?"
This started early in the morning, so it was a very long day for him. I finally made him have a sleep just to get his mind settled. He actually slept for nearly two hours. Surprise.

The time had finally arrived for dad to pick him up and head out to the track.
He was so excited, all over the shop. Couldn't stop him talking all the way to the car. "See Ya There." I told him as he drove down the driveway.

We arrived just in time to see his first race.
What do you know, Big smash heading up the long straight. He smashed straight into the tyre barriers and was jolted up out of his seat landing ontop of the tyres. Major heart flutter at that point, I'm only his aunty, mum would have been frantic.
He was unharmed but very shaken. When mum arrived late he rushed over to her and couldn't get it out quick enough about what had happened. Big "OMG" followed and "Did you hurt yourself?"
Touching his head all over and feeling his arms.
He just replied and said "Fine, I have another race soon." and off he ran.

He took his other races very easy but did a really great job. I think us adults took it a lot worse than he did. His father was fine about it all, didn't make a fuss about it, but us women, well what can I say, it's just in us to be concerned and worried. Thats what we do.

Perhaps I will be better at it next time around, his mother, perhaps not. (The little guy in the red)

Reading Importance

Reading importance for your child. Reading is one of the best skills that a child can learn. The earlier you start the better.
Every child has the right to learn to read, it is our duty as a parent to provide the opportunities for a child to develop their reading skills.
It is a pathway for a child to have a successful and confident life.

Check out this great site that I found which has some great tips for teaching reading.
Read To Your Child

Weight Watching

Weight Watching Tot





Buy This Allposters.com


Picture says a thousand words.

Developing Stages Of Children

Children’s behaviour can be very difficult to understand at times and there are so many different opinions out there to tell us what we should be doing.
Children develop and learn through experiences, through others around them, from the environment and from inner needs.
Little monsters can appear and cause chaos, especially during the “terrible two” stage as everyone calls it. Most parents have a hard time with the behaviours that their children display, not knowing what to do or say to calm their mood.

There are many theories about how children develop and learn and why children behave
in the way they do.
The five major child development theories are
1. Behaviourist- Pavlov, Watson and Skinner- stimulus-response reinforcements. Particular behaviours can be reinforced not only from adults but also can be chemical or physical.

2. Maturationist- Gesell- Biological factors from within and environmental factors that ensure children develop to their potential. Children need to be maturely ready before they are able to develop and learn.

3. Psychodynamic- Freud- Biological needs and instincts driven from within for development. The need is satisfied. Behaviour is developed because of a need being eased, usually the easiest and fastest way.

4. Cognitive-interactionist- Piaget- internal devices and external environmental factors motivate children’s development.

5. Social constructivist- Vygotsky- social interaction between children and adults. Children’s development and learning comes from the experiences and the internal drive they have within. Adults need to provide challenging experiences and opportunities for social communication. (Working with children. Guidelines for good practice, 2nd edition. Joan Faragher, Glenda MacNaughton)

It is also suggested that there are four behavioural developing stages of children:
• The baby- 0 to 1 years
• The younger toddler- 1 to 2.5 years
• The pre-school toddler- 2.5 to 4.5 years
• The early school age child- 4.5 to 8 years
During the first stage, children learn to bond with their carer’s, build a trusting relationship, begin to feel secure and when developing, a regular routine is necessary. Freud believed that the first stages of life are those most important to develop emotional and social development.
Stage 2 is when toddlers begin to explore. Everything that comes into contact with him/her from touching, tasting, grabbing and moving is imbedded in his brain. Muscles are developing and should be encouraged by providing a safe and large area for children to explore and experience these new beginnings.
Stage 3 is the thinking stage. The brain is developing, taking in every little bit of information that can be stored. Having one idea and leaving it to try another. Language becomes more important to his/her development.
Stage 4 can solve problems and understands rules. Is able to communicate what he is thinking. He uses language to work things out. Understands others feelings and thoughts, realises that these may be different to their own.

So with all this in mind, think about how developed your child is. When you ask
if they can turn off the television, pack the toys in the box and get their shoes all at once. Do you think that they are mentally capable of handling all this information?
Most likely, taking in one task and completing it, is probably all they could handle.

Children will undoubtedly pick up on the vibes. Watching body language and listening to an adult’s tone of voice. He/she feels the tension in the air, becoming upset and angry by the reaction that is given by the parent or carer.

Preparing for change and giving plenty of time to children before deciding on going shopping or packing toys away before tea is one way to avoid an argument.
Children need time to adjust to the change, to take in what has been asked of them.
Giving reminders of how long they have left to play, “we will be leaving in five minutes.” Again remind them “Four minutes until we go.” Ask how they are moving along and then remind them that there is only three minutes left and so on. By doing this procedure they have been given plenty of warning and time to absorb what will be happening in five minutes.
Children love routine and organisation, by keeping up with this routine, children know what to expect after five minutes and there should be no arguments.

Children can and will at times run your home, needing attention nearly 24/7. Parents will try and work around them; everyone tries to keep the peace by giving into their wants and needs. As you see this is reinforcing the behaviours.
Be a positive and confident parent, communicating with confidence can make for a very powerful parent.
Don’t have to high expectations and set by example, children will watch and learn from those in their environment.
Also be consistent, what one rule is today will still be there tomorrow and from that day on.

Understanding the developing stages of children will undoubtedly help with your parenting and make for a much happier environment.

parenting

Cooked Playdough Recipes

Children love playing with playdough and this cooked playdough recipe is great for creating and using one's imagination.
Children develop their physical and cognitive skills when being creative with playdough. Learning how to interact with others while exploring and modelling the playdough will also develop social development.
Great for children aged 2 years+. You can have the children help make this cooked playdough.

So try out this Cooked Playdough Recipe for your children:

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
1 Cup plain flour
1 Cup water
1 Tblsp cooking oil
Food Colouring
1/2 Cup cooking salt
1 Tblsp cream of tartar

HOW TO MAKE
Place all dry ingredients into a saucepan, add water and mix with wooden spoon over medium heat. When mixture has thickened let it cool down, then add cooking oil and knead it well on a floured board until combined thoroughly.
Now you can divide the cooked playdough into different bowls and add a different food colouring to each. Knead in the colour until mixed through the playdough.
Keep in an airtight container.

Great for a rainy day activity, use different cookie cutters for shapes, plastic knives, rolling pin and bottle caps or buttons for a little creativity to develop.

Kids Riddles

School holidays are nearly upon us. Holidays show up fast and we all say that we are going to be more prepared.
Have the kids organised with some great activites so bordom doesn't even enter their little minds, but wait, you don't. Just been too busy to even think about school holidays. "What, their here already?"

I found this great product called Riddle Me
It has some really great riddles, over 5000, age related, Scavenger hunts and Treasure hunts.
Design your own invitations for parties and create great looking thankyou cards.
Build up your very own unique riddles and hunts with objects from your own home without it costing heaps of cash. Travelling can also become a nightmare, screaming, fighting kids in the backseat is not a happy holiday, been there, done that, so create some games for those long car trips with this product, Riddle Me.

Kids get bored easily but this is something new to try, something a little different and gets them away from that tv or computer screen. Kids spend way to much time inside watching television or playing games on the computer. Doing riddles and solving puzzles developes children's cognitive skills.

Sounds good, anything to keep the Peace I say.

Kids Riddles FOR MORE INFO

Surrogacy, Production Gone Mad

Take a look at this program about surrogacy http://www.abc.net.au/compass/s3233604.htm .

I know there are a lot of people out there that cannot have children, I was one of them, although blessed with a child now, I found this program a little disturbing.
It was like a production line, surrogant mothers lining up to be implanted because they wanted a better life, you cannot begrudge them of that.

A lot of these women were very poor and this was a way to get a better home, food for their children. I can understand why they choose to be a surrogant mother although I feel some are pushed into it by their husbands.
You could see it in their eyes that they were concerned about how the baby was after the birth and that letting go was difficult.
I truly wonder what these women will be like in another 10 years or so, emotionally. I am not sure that they understand what the full effects will be.

The thing that gets me is that if these people want to be parents so bad and want to pay, why not adopt. There are so many children in the world who have nobody, nobody to love them or to feed them. The world is already over populated and creating babies in a farm type way is wrong.

Do these couples really know or even care how it can effect these surrogant mothers.

Just my opinion, let me know what you think.

children

Top 7 Dog Breeds For Your Child

Choosing a pet for your family can be difficult. Choosing a dog can even be harder, there are so many different breeds, large and small.
Many questions should be asked before considering a dog. "Can we afford a dog?" "Do we have time for a dog, can we play and exercise him when he needs it?"  and the main question that must be asked is "will he be good with children?"

Personally, I never trust any dog around children, so never leave your child unsupervised. No dog is 100% safe.
I think it is good to be weary of all breeds because for no apparent reason your best buddy has just attacked your child in the backyard. This is on the news a lot, "family dog attacks child."

Dogs have personalities just like humans, getting the right one to fit in with the family is tough.

Take a look at these 7 breeds-:

Whippet- medium size weighing up to 14kg. Considered an indoor animal because of short hair cannot handle too much cold. Very loyal to their owners but also friendly towards visitors. Very affectionate, loving and easy-going dog. Suggested to be good for the family. My daughter has a whippet, would have to be the most friendliest dog I have ever seen. Very loyal and affectionate, playful and a real character, very energetic, has times of absolute speed and chaos then exhaustion. Always has to be touching you, either with a paw or it's nose. Needs a good run every day so needs plenty of space. Highly recommend a whippet for the family. Very inquisitive. Healthy.(Burke's Backyard)
View my daughters Whippet with my little fox terrier Bailey.

Golden Retriever-   Medium size breed with long, waterproof coat. Golden Retrievers were used for retrieving water fowls. They are considered not to be good as watch dogs as they are very friendly towards strangers and anyone familiar to them. Breeds should not show agression of any kind, this is considered not acceptable within the bred.

Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, friendly and show a willingness to please their owners. Being very trainable, they are used as guide dogs, because of their easy going and friendliness manner towards other animals and people. This is why they are recommended for families with children. Love to work and rest, so will need some daily exercise and plenty of room to explore.
Health:   Hip Dysplasia and cancer are common, so ask your vet for more information regarding the breed.

Irish Wolfhound- Not the best looking dog but a true friend for life. Large breed, tallest, with loving nature, needs grooming and a large backyard. Friendly, good with kids, playful. Calm and very tolerant.

I once had a wolfhound, the most friendliest dog I have ever owned, cuddly, needing to be near you or touching you. It would jump on your lap when you pulled up in the car. Lay on you, it had to be close to you all the time. He probably was not the brightest dog, but then he wasn't a pure bred either. Cody, that was his name, would chase flying birds and wouldn't watch where he was going. Ran straight into a tree, picked himself up and went again.

Health- may have heart problems and other conditions but generally good, check out first.

Collies-

Light framed dog, medium size. Longish hair and have a long nose. Two types-working breed and show, pet breed. You should be looking at the show breed because you don't want to have to spend hours after work exercising your pet. Although the show breed will still need a little exercise.

Considered very trainable, remember lassie. Collies are very intelligent, friendly, loyal and gentle, that is why they are deemed to be good with children. Because Collies are natural herders they sometimes will roundup the children, get this out of them early, don't encourage it. Needs grooming regularly.

Health: genetic disorders, seek vetinary assistance when choosing this breed.

Poodles-  Considered to be a very intelligent dog. Breed comes in three sizes, toy, miniature and standard size.

Bred as a retriever dog or water dog, originating from Germany. Come in an array of colours with hair that will need regular combing to keep it maintained.
The standard size is reguarded to be best for family with children. Poodles, if spoilt can become demanding. They tend to go to one person more than another, so need to be firm with demands and intructions.
Exercise is essential as they can get bored easily, taking them on regular walks and jogs in the local park should become a daily routine for your family.
Health: Can have eye problems, Hip Dysplasia but are considered a very healthy breed. (Burkes Backyard)
Check with breeder and consult your vet.



Pugs-  
Low maintenance, small breed. Kind of cuteness about it, with a pushed in snout and curled up tail.
Considered to be great with children and the elderly, affectionate and loyal to their owners. Tend to shed coat twice a year so regular grooming is best but not necessary. (Burkes Backyard)
Do like the company of other dogs, so having two might be good. Colours are fawn, apricot/fawn, black or silver.
Can be a good watchdog but also can get a bit yappy. The breed can be quiet and docile but are known to be quite active. Regular exercise is needed to help keep weight at bay.
Health: Breathing difficulties, prone to obesity,  NME an inflammation of the brain. (Wikipedia)
Please talk to your vet before considering.


King Charles Cavalier Spaniel- A small dog, around 33 cm. All round cuteness.

The eyes will draw you in first, floppy ears and beautiful colours, highly recommend by vets for families with children. Temperament is loving, affectionate, friendly. Likes attention. (Burkes Backyard)

Long hair, so maintaining coat with regular baths and brushing.

Health-can be some issues, so check first before considering.

These are just a few breeds that I did some research on. Some I have owned and others I have been around. Please check with your vet when considering a breed.
As I said at the beginning, dogs all have their own personalities just like us humans and as we know, with humans, some can be unpleasant.

Happy Hunting.........

parenting

Some Children Quotes

I've noticed that one thing about parents is that no matter what stage your child is in, the parents who have older children always tell you the next stage is worse. ~ DAVE BARRY


What is a home without children? Quiet. ~Henny Youngman


Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.




It is amazing how quickly the kids learn the operation of the DVD, yet are unable to understand the vacuum cleaner. - Etienne Marchal




When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out - Erma Bombeck




Small children almost never misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said - Etienne Marchal
children

Engaging In a Conversation With a Teenager.

I have just returned from a great holiday, Queensland again.
Did a lot more travelling this time round, headed for the outback, away from city noises and  traffic chaos.

Visited family. On this particular day my husband and myself decided to take a walk out to this island for a little exercise (When the tide goes out you can walk across, it takes about half an hour.)
My brother-in-law said he would come and take the dogs for a walk, he also told his 14 year old son to come along. (Hardly gets any exercise.)
Now this teen sits at his computer playing games and talking with people all over the world for hours, I mean well over six hours a day, especially on the weekends. I was surprised he said yes.

As we drove to the island his father asked "How was school?"
The response, "good," usual answer, nothing else.

Before I had really thought about it I replied "Now, we're not suppose to ask that, what we should really ask is "Ohh, let me think, what did you learn in maths today?"

Do you know he did not stop talking for the whole trip to the island. He went on to tell me that he learnt algebra, not my forte, maths never was. Explained how they had a problem that had to be solved and how he went about it.

When we got home I asked my husband about what had happened. He said he was amazed how much his nephew talked and how much detail he went into. He is a teen who is very hard to get a conversation out of, usually a grunt and sometimes never even acknowledges that you are there.

Perhaps I was just lucky or maybe it really works. Thinking about the way we talk to our children, how we can engage them into a conversation without trying real hard and when we do sound enthusiastic.
Try not to use the same old questions everyday because you will get the same old response. If you think its boring no doubt your children will to.

Try this with you teenager and if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Protecting Our Children From Mosquitoes

How many times have you been lying in bed, turn off the light and then suddenly you hear that dreadful noise, buzzing sound zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.


Mosquito flying above your head, dive bombing at you waiting to suck up your blood. You turn on the light, nothing, cannot see the mosquito anywhere, can’t find it, so off goes the light and there it is again that terrible sound, annoying sound that will send you into a frenzy until you can destroy it.



This year has been exceptional for breeding, conditions have been perfect, mainly temperature. Taking up to two weeks to reach adulthood and if not controlled, there can be millions within weeks.

Carrying many diseases, Dengue Fever, Ross River Fever, Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Malaria.



Mosquitoes can ruin an outdoor event, like the backyard barbeque which is a big part of every family’s way of life and make this occasion very unpleasant. Keeping ourselves and our children safe from any disease can be a nightmare. Here are some tips to help survive the mosquito season:



Breeding areas for mosquitoes-clean up or spray.

Bases of pot plants

Old tyres, tins and any rubbish that will hold water.

Stagnant water- children’s wading pools, bird baths and pools of water from heavy rain.

Boats

Swimming Pools need to be salted or chlorinated. Otherwise they should be totally drained from water if not in use for long periods of time.

Dog bowls should be changed every week.

Protecting ourselves and our children-

Wearing loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants, not tight clothing because mosquitoes will bite straight through the material.

Choose light coloured clothes, tend to like dark colours.

Try not to be outside early morning or just on dusk.

Use repellent containing at least 20% Deet or Picaridin(not on Children). For children spray inside of prams with a mixture of baby oil and a few drops of tea tree oil. Ask your chemist what is best for using on children.

Use screens when camping or place nets over beds for extra protection.

Knockdown sprays should be used inside the home.

I have also heard that using dettol, water and glycerine can be effective. (use eucalyptus oil if no dettol

Protecting our family is very important. By keeping mosquito numbers down, life as we know it, can still be enjoyed.

Happy Easter

"HAPPY EASTER" everybody.

What does Easter mean to me?
I am not a very religious person but I still think that children should learn the significance of  Easter. What Good Friday is all about and why Easter Sunday is special. I like to spend the time with family, it is also the only day, perhaps, that I truly do think about Jesus and what happened to him.

Good Friday is when Jesus was crucified, placed on a cross along with two other men. He lasted six hours before giving up his spirit. After his passing there were earthquakes and tombs crashing open, a centurion who was standing guard beside Jesus was heard to say "Truly this was God's Son." (Wikipedia)
This day, a day of fasting, is now a day for only eating fish.

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration. The resurrection of Christ, when he rose from the dead. This day is also referred to as Resurrection Sunday.

This time is also the only time that we can get away with eating lots of chocolate and give chocolate to the kids without feeling guillty.

LOVE CHOCOLATE..........

Kids and Bad Sports

The Games have come and gone and it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. I totally nailed him in the basketball shooting range, 3 point thingy. He totally cleaned me up with 3-on-3 doing slam dunks all the time. I did not have a hope in hell of getting near him.
Wakeboarding was my specialty. I totally whipped his butt and man did he get angry. Now my nephew does not like to loose, if he is losing he will reset the game.
He did this once when I was beating him and I snapped, I clipped him across the ears and said "don't cheat."
He didn't do it again. But I totally think it is a bad thing for kids not to realise that losing is not a part of sport or playing in general. (Did you understand that, you know what I mean.)

Some times you win, sometimes you lose, that is part of life. You can't go through life and expect to be the winner all the time, it would be nice, but not always possible.
Children begin to dislike others who are cheats and finally will not play with that child.
This carries into adulthood and people who cheat don't get very far at all.

So all in all the games went well but he still reckons he is going to practise his basketball so he can beat me.
(Fair and square, I hope).

The Old Kid Has Mastered The WII

Well, I wouldn't really say that.
I think I have worked this basketball action out. I'm up to 21 shots in the free shooting game. That's probably not that good to some but for me I thought that was pretty sharp. I have won a few 3-on-3 games buy 10 points (little more practise needed there).
Now I have no idea how good my little nephew is, he plays a lot so am guessing 'GOOD' and he hates to loose. Bad loser.

The wakeboarding I totally rock at that. Got some great moves happening there.
I practise all this at night and I have large windows, so anybody watching will get a good laugh. Arms flying everywhere. Not the greatest thing anybody would want to see before dinner.

I have one more night to totally destroy any mistakes that I can make in these games and then it will be
"LET THE GAMES BEGIN"

At The Movies With The Kids

The day was absolutely freezing, first week of the school holidays. So what do you usually do, go to the cinema.

Myself, my mother and my daughter took all four children (ages 4-10) to see 'HOP'. Appropriate as easter is only two weeks away. Would not have said it was the best kids movie I have ever seen, but not bad.
It started slow and I feel it lost most of the audience about half hour into it.
Children all through the cinema were starting to fidget and start talking amongst themselves, not a good sign.

The kids wanted to sit on their own, so they sat in front of us eating popcorn, as you do at the movies, best part of it.
No matter how many times you ask before the movie starts "Do you need to go to the toilet?" sure enough, half way through they need to go.

Children get on very well, being cousins. The two older boys just talk none stop and the two little girls, well I can see them being great mates when in their teens, both looking out for one another. One is a little shy, where as the other is right out there, no shyness in her at all. She is four and told her mother to stay home, she wasn't allowed to come to the cinema. Very independent.

A great day had by all. Pity it was so cold.

children

A Functional Family Is A Healthy Family

Do you think you have a functioanl family?
Most of us believe that our family is running along quite nicely but perhaps if you really look into it, probably not.

Tips for a functional family-
1/  How often do you sit down as a family for a meal? Set the table together, prepare the meal, or do most just grab and run in different directions. Eat dinner in front of the television.
Try to organise to sit and the table to eat meals, this is quality time that can be spent together, sharing each others journeys throughout the day.

2/ Communication, this is a must for any family. Listening to others problems and helping to solve them together.

3/ Privacy, everybody is entitled to their own space. People need time out from one another. Knowing the telephone coversation they are having with a good friend is not being listened to, not having correspondence opened.

4/  Spend time together as a family. This could be having a film night with popcorn, letting the kids choose the movies. Going camping or fishing, cooking, day to the beach, sporting event, a picnic at the park, all this is quality time. Life can be busy and sometimes we just get caught up in the ride and forget to step back and smell the roses.

5/ Let others have opinions. Openly putting an opinion out there without feeling as though they will be critised.

6/ Knowing what is right and wrong. Explaining about right and wrong, stealing is not acceptable and hitting another is frowned upon. Treating people with respect in a family helps it to run smoothly.

A family is a working system and when all the cogs don't work together it can fall apart.

parenting

WII in The Household

That's right I just got a WII for my birthday, I know, your all thinking "oh my god, she's old and has a WII.
My brother said "what the hell, your not fifteen you know."
But truly I bought it for exercise and entertainment for when my nieces and nephews come and stay. The Michael Jackson game came with it and I haven't stopped dancing since I received it. Has to be good for you.

My little nephew, who is seven, heard that I had a WII. The first thing he said was "I bet I can beat you."
So I told him I was going to practise all week. (He and his sisiter are coming to stay on Saturday night.)
So here I am madly practising wakeboarding and basketball. What a sight, the old jump shot is not how I remembered it to be.

Bring It On I Say.

children

Depression in Children

I am sad, so very sad.
Yesterday I went on to a social network and read a lot of questions from people.
Now most of these people were teenagers, no surprise there but I nearly cried when I read some of these questions these kids were asking.

Many were asking if they should keep on living, should they go on because they do not fit in, they are alone, nobody treats them well, nobody listens to them.

Think about this for a minute, yes, you the parent.

Have you ever just sat and listened to your child?
What they are asking, do you understand them, do you see them hurting inside, because some of these kids could be yours.

I truly do not want to hear of another teenager commiting suicide.

KIDS HELPLINE   1800 55 1800 (australia)

parenting

Japan in Crisis

All our thoughts go out to all those people affected in Japan.
May God keep you all safe from any other disasters. (Nuclear Meltdown)
This also raises the question
"Do we really need nuclear plants?"

Some good news, they have just discovered a four month old little girl in the rubble. Lets hope there are a lot more miracles to be had.

Good Luck to you all.

Check Out My Lense

I just wanted to tell lyou about my squidoo lense that I created.
Check it out and leave a comment if you like.
CUTEST PHOTOS

Parent-Child Communication Checklist

Author: Sherrie A. Madia, Ph.D.


In the wake of our fast-paced, technology-driven society, parents may find it harder than ever to communicate effectively with their children. While your language and style may change based on the age of your child, these tips are designed for a lifetime of effective family communication. And remember, if communication hasn't been your focus until now—it's never too late to start! Below are 16 "touch points" designed to provide parents with effective ways to engage with your child, not once, but each and every day.



Check the numbers that you practice with your family and consider building some new touch points into your daily routine.



____1. Show that you value good communication by sharing something every day. Share what's in store for your day, and ask your children to do the same.



____2. Send the message that home is a safe place for unwinding, regrouping, and sharing. Children should never feel that they must be guarded in their own home. Home should be your family's central system of support.



____3. Communication doesn't have to be a chore. But chores are a great way to engage in communication. Turn the weekly chores such as folding laundry or doing the dishes—into an opportunity to share the workload—and spend time together.



____4. Put down the mobile devices at the dinner table, in the family room, or wherever there is an opportunity to converse face to face. Have a "cell phone drop" if need be.



____5. Day trip. Plan a surprise day-trip for your children. If they are younger, you might give them clues as you go to keep them guessing. If they are older, you may ask for their input as to where they might like to go. This doesn't have to be far away, and it doesn't have to be costly. A day trip is a great way to pull your family away from outside distractions, and provide a venue to focus on each other.



____6. Hold a "Best Story" contest. Story of the week. Story of the month. Story of the year. Everyone loves a good story, so why not make storytelling a part of your family's traditions? Set guidelines such as, "Your story has to be real" or "Your story has to be made up—the more creative the better!" The "winning" story can be highlighted on the fridge or in a special place of honor. Stories might include positive—or negative situations—whatever a family member is comfortable sharing. The point is for parents to show children that family matters.



____7. Never underestimate the power of game night. A quick board game can do wonders to reinforce the importance of together time, and you will learn a great deal through observing how your child handles winning, losing, and playing the game.



____8. If your child has important news to share, avoid letting anything from a phone call to the television distract you. Showing your child that he or she comes first sends a powerful signal of where your priorities lie.



____9. Ask quality questions such as, "How do you think you did on your science test today?" or "What was the best part of your day today?" Be prepared to offer your stories as well.



____10. Be an active listener. Listen—really listen to what your child is telling you. If the story takes some twists and turns, settle in and enjoy the ride. Don't interrupt or offer a quick ending to a drawn-out tale. Giving your child this opportunity for expression is a great way to build your child's confidence and self-esteem.



____11. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. As parents, we are always free to say, "Because I said so!" but with the exception of situations in which health and safety are at risk, creating an opportunity to dialogue with your child takes your son or daughter beyond doing what you've asked and being empowered to communicate effectively. Humans respond better when they understand the reasoning behind a request. And if you've said something you didn't mean, offer an apology. "I'm sorry" is a powerful statement that demonstrates to your child that you are human, and you are confident enough in your parenting abilities to admit when you have made a mistake.



____12. It's all in the details. Consider your choice of words. If you are a parent who is filled with negatives or put-down words, directed toward yourself or your family members, this is the image your child will begin to take on. Like self-talk, family talk becomes an important means of shaping our environment. Choose empowering words and positive phrases.



____13. When you catch "good communication" happening in your home, reinforce this behavior by acknowledging the act and publicizing this within your home (e.g., "Thanks to Martin for telling Dad that I was stuck in traffic. And thanks, Dad, for picking up this delicious Chinese take-out.")



____14. If your child comes home with a problem, use this as a chance to shape a solution together. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Hear your child out, then talk it through.



____15. Humor is your family's secret weapon. Find humor in life and teach your children to learn to laugh at themselves. Had a bad day at work? Just retelling the things that went wrong can turn an awful day into a lighthearted moment with your family.



____16. Tell your children you love them. Children are never too old to hear, "I love you"—and they are never too old for a sign of affection. While older children may have outgrown your kisses on the playground, they haven't outgrown the need for verbal and nonverbal signs that you are there for them. Make a hug or a kiss a part of every day.



Happy parenting!




Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/parent-child-communication-checklist-4219713.html


About the Author


Sherrie A. Madia, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and communications coach. She is author of the children's book Bumblelina (2010), the first in a series of books for preschoolers based on life lessons including friendship, sharing, respecting the environment, the importance of trying, and more. For more information, visit www.Bumblelina.com or www.SherrieMadia.com.

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God bless you all.