Where Education & Fun Go Hand in Hand

Learning is Fundamental

2011-03-14T11:04:00.001-05:00

How to Retain What You Have Learned

Learning new things is all very well, but whether or not we learn through reading, attending a course or through any other means, retaining information can sometimes be a struggle. One of the most effective ways to do so, however, is by teaching someone else what you yourself have been taught.

Of course, teaching others does not have to be done in any kind of formal way. In the case of work-related learning, for example, you might choose to pass on your newfound knowledge either to a subordinate as part of informal on-the-job training or to a colleague or group of colleagues in the form of an informal discussion. If your learning is non-work-related, you might simply go home and talk to your partner or children about the things that you have been taught.

Another great way to pass on knowledge in order to retain it, as well as to help others, is by sharing it via a blog or podcast. This is also a superb method of building your professional resume and setting yourself up as an expert in your field, especially if the information relates to your career.

Whichever method you choose, though, the mere act of putting your new knowledge into your own words and presenting it to others will help to make it stick.

Written by: Kristi Boulware
Business Development Manager with the Home Office Support Team for Childrens Lighthouse Learning Centers Franchise Department. You can find more information about our schools at our website. Also for information to Own your Own Childrens Lighthouse learn more about us at Franchise website.

Do your homework on helping kids with theirs

2011-03-07T09:49:00.000-06:00

When you have school-age children, homework is a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Do your part to help your child get the most from his or her homework with this advice:

• Show your interest. Ask children about their homework assignments. Talk about why they’re important and what the child can learn from them. You need to show that homework is important and worthwhile.

• Establish a routine. Set aside regular time for homework—right after dinner, perhaps. This helps the child get into the habit of beginning on time.

• Eliminate distractions. Turn off the TV and radio, and provide adequate space where your child can work without being bothered by siblings, parents making dinner, etc.

• Help your child prioritize. Time management is essential. Your child should keep a notebook or log all of his or her assignments so none of them gets forgotten. Advise them to identify which assignments will be most difficult and time-consuming so they can start on those when they’re fresh.

• Offer help—within limits. Don’t do their homework for them. If they get stuck, ask questions and guide them through the difficulties so they’re doing the work themselves. Otherwise they won’t learn the subject—or responsibility for doing their own work.

• Praise their efforts. Getting the right answer is important, but so is supporting the process. Praise them for working hard and not giving up when they’re tired or frustrated.

• Give them a break. Let children take short breaks if they start to get too frustrated with a particular assignment. You don’t want a complete meltdown over an arithmetic problem.

• Work with the teacher. Stay in contact with your children’s teachers so you know what their expectations are—for the child and for you as a parent.

Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Business Development Manager. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

‘Only’ doesn’t have to mean ‘lonely’ when raising one child

2011-02-21T09:47:00.001-06:00

TV shows from The Waltons to Jon & Kate Plus Eight spotlight big families with lots of children. But what if you’re raising an only child? Some studies suggest that single children do better with language skills and school performance, and maintain closer relationships with their parents, than kids with one or more siblings.

It’s a question of balance. Here are some tips for preventing your only child from living up to the stereotype of the lonely, self-centered singleton:

• Help them build friendships. Put a little more effort into arranging play dates and sleepovers with friends from school or daycare. Make sure they get to know their cousins and other younger family members so they’re not always surrounded by grownups.

• Establish boundaries. Remember that you’re the parent and you’re in charge. Let children know what kind of behavior you expect. Involve them in family decisions, but don’t let them take over.

• Teach patience. Children with siblings usually learn to wait their turn. Take the same approach with your only child—don’t drop what you’re doing every time he or she calls you. At meals, serve guests first. You don’t want them to expect that their desires will always take priority.

• Give them chores. The more children you have, the more help you need, and so assigning chores at home comes naturally. With a single child, you may be tempted to do everything yourself, but assigning regular tasks around the house teaches responsibility and independence.

• Don’t gang up. If you’re married, you and your spouse have a 2-to-1 advantage over your child, which can be intimidating. Support each other, but don’t automatically jump into every conversation (or confrontation). Give your child some space to grow on his or her own.

Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Business Development Manager. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

A good night’s sleep for your child

2011-02-07T09:27:00.001-06:00

Does your child suffer from sleep problems? If so, according to University of Cologne (Germany) research (originally published in the journal SLEEP), he or she is more likely to have trouble falling asleep than staying asleep. Here are some tips to help your children sleep better from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:

• Follow a consistent bedtime routine. Set aside 10 to 30 minutes to get your child ready to go to sleep.

• Establish a relaxing setting at bed time.

• Interact with your child at bed time. Don’t let the television, computer or video games take your place.

• Keep your children from TV programs, movies and video games which are not appropriate for their age.

• Do not let your child fall asleep while being held, rocked, fed a bottle or while nursing.

• At bed time, do not allow your child to have foods or drinks which contain caffeine. Try not to give him or her any medicine which has a stimulant at bed time.

The Perils of Perfectionism

2011-01-24T09:25:00.003-06:00

Finding work/life balance in today’s busy and highly competitive world could never be described as easy. For most perfectionists, however, it is downright impossible.
Although many people tend to think of being a perfectionist as a positive thing, true perfectionism is, in many ways, extremely counterproductive. Not only does the need to attend to every last little detail waste unnecessary time and lead to tasks and projects taking much longer than they need to, but it typically means that perfectionists end up allowing work to eat into their own personal leisure time. Perhaps worse still, even once the job is finally handed over, the perfectionist still never feels that he or she has completed it well enough and so is left with intense feelings of frustration and low self-esteem.

Striving for excellence is something that can only benefit ourselves and our employers, but there is a world of difference between this and trying to achieve the impossible. As human beings, we are not built to be perfect; trying to achieve perfection is a certain road to unhappiness. By all means give everything your best shot, but know when to stop because your best really is good enough!

Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Business Development Manager. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Saying "NO" to Negativity

2011-01-10T10:43:00.001-06:00

We all know people who never have a good word to say about anything. Comment on what a beautiful sunny day it is and they will complain that they are too hot. Say how much you are looking forward to going to the cinema and they will tell you how awful the movie is. These people sap our energy and can cause our spirits to plummet within minutes of being in their company.

Being a positive or negative thinker, however, is something over which we have control, and thinking positively is a good habit to adopt. Optimistic people are healthier, live longer and are more satisfied with their lives in general.

Whole books have been written on how to become a positive thinker, but essentially being one boils down to a few key things:

•Being aware of how your cynicism and inclination to think the worst causes you unhappiness
•Training yourself to become conscious of your negative thoughts and words
•Replacing your negative thoughts and words with positive ones. Even amidst the bad situations in life, there are nearly always positive opportunities, so focus on the good
•Repeating positive affirmations such as “I am a hopeful, optimistic person”
•Reflecting on the positives of each day and the things that you have to look forward to tomorrow

Awareness of your thinking is absolutely key to adopting a positive mind-set, so listen carefully to your thoughts and then banish the negative ones for good.

Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Teaching Stranger Danger

2010-12-27T10:21:00.000-06:00

As parents, it can sometimes feel as though everything is a potential danger to our children. Cars, hot kettles, sharp knives, small objects, strange dogs – you name it and we’ll fret about it. Of all the scary inanimate and animate things, however, other people are perhaps the scariest of all. As our children grow and become more independent, teaching them about stranger danger is vital not just for their safety, but also for our own peace of mind.

Simply telling children not to speak to strangers can cause confusion, such as when they start school and are faced with an unknown teacher. So here are a few of the things that you can say to help your child make sense of different situations.

Stay close to Mommy and Daddy or the grown-up you are with in public places like the park or the stores.
Always stay an arm’s length away from someone you don’t know. If a grown-up gets too close, then move away or run for help. If they try to grab you, kick and scream as hard as you can.
You can talk to someone if I’m with you or if I say it’s okay.
Never take anything from a stranger.
Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
If you get lost, ask a police officer, security guard or store clerk for help. Stay where you are until someone finds you.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Take Care of the Pennies

2010-12-12T10:19:00.000-06:00

We have all heard the old saying “Take care of the pennies and the dollars will look after themselves,” and, indeed, some of the richest people in the world are those who are well known for being careful with even the smallest amounts of cash.

In our normal daily lives, there are numerous ways that we can cut our expenses or begin to put something away for a rainy day. Starting with that pocket full of small change, for example, why not set up your own small-change jar where you can drop your loose coins at the end of each day? Even if you only choose to save the smaller denominations of coin, you will be surprised at just how quickly the value mounts up. When the jar is full, simply take your coins to the bank and pay them into your own little savings fund.

Cutting down on routine daily expenses is another way that you can easily take care of the pennies. Instead of paying extortionate amounts of money for a lunchtime sandwich that somebody else has prepared, for example, make your own to take to work. Also, if your workplace is reasonably close to home, why not try cycling to work a couple of days a week instead of paying out for gas or using public transportation? It might save you only pennies, but the pennies soon add up!

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Daycare Helps Build Immunity

2010-12-11T22:57:00.000-06:00

December 6, 2010, 4:14 PM ET

Daycare Helps Build Immunity

Working parents often worry that small children in daycare seem to get sick all the time, and bring infections home to the family too. Some parents I know have avoided group child-care centers because they worry about long-term health effects.

A new study promises to ease some of those fears: While children placed in daycare early do tend to get sick more often, they also stay healthier than other kids later in elementary school, apparently because their daycare experience has built up their immunity against colds and other infections.

The study, released today in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, found a higher illness rate mainly in children who are placed before age 2-1/2 in child-care centers with relatively large groups of 8 to 12 children. Compared with children who were cared for in their homes, these kids had more respiratory and ear inflections during early preschool and the same risk of infection between ages 3-1/2 and 4-1/2, based on the eight-year study of 1,238 families with newborns in 1998. However, they had lower rates of infection between ages 5 and 8.

The research “provides reassuring evidence for parents that their choices regarding child care shouldn’t have a major effect” on their kids’ long-term health, says the study, led by Sylvana M. Cote of Ste-Justine Hospital and the University of Montreal, Quebec. In fact, kids who start child care early “may even gain protection against infections during the elementary-school years, when absenteeism carries more important consequences” for grades and learning.

The findings also could step up pressure on child-care centers to be less restrictive about sending home children with the sniffles.

The researchers also found that children who stayed home as infants and toddlers, then entered preschool after age 3-1/2, tended to get more ear infections in preschool, but not respiratory bugs. Researchers also studied gastrointestinal infections but didn’t find any differences between children at home and those in daycare. Children in family child care, with small groups of children in a sitter’s home, didn’t show any differences in infection rates compared with children who stayed home.

You're Never too Old to Learn

2010-12-03T09:58:00.001-06:00

For most youngsters, it feels as though the race is on to acquire valuable qualifications while they are at school and college. For a variety of reasons, however, some find it more difficult than do others to apply themselves to the task of learning at this stage in their lives.

Education, though, does not have to take place solely between the ages of four and sixteen. Nowadays, there are endless adult education courses that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis, and many of these reward students with formal qualifications. Evening courses, for example, are provided at what is usually a minimal cost to the student, and these, of course, allow adults to improve their education and qualifications without their studies interfering with their normal working lives. In addition, where the course relates directly to employees’ work, employers will often be happy to contribute toward the cost and/or allow the necessary time off work. Online study courses are widely available too, and these typically allow individuals to work through their courses at their own speed and so are ideal for mature students who need to fit their studies around other responsibilities.

Adults generally have different and stronger motivations for learning than youngsters, and in many ways their life experiences greatly enhance their learning capacity. Even if you weren’t the world’s best student in your teens, it is never too late to learn and you can still achieve great things now.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Positive Attitudes are Beneficial for your Health

2010-11-22T22:50:00.002-06:00

There are few who would deny the link between physical health and state of mind, and going about life with a positive attitude not only keeps you healthier but, of course, also makes you happier into the bargain. Here are a few tips on things that you can do to stay positive and increase your quality of life.

Live each day as though it is your last, with passion and vitality. Not only will you feel better in yourself, but also your attitude will rub off on others.
Revel in the little things and live in the moment. Stop to smell the flowers. Notice the sunset. Appreciate every moment of happiness instead of looking ahead for the next.
Take control of your life. Instead of leaving your life to fate and then reacting to situations that have turned out badly, be proactive and take control of the outcomes that you desire.
Don’t dwell on what you don’t have, but develop an attitude of gratitude for what you do have.
Don’t waste opportunities. Life is too short for regrets, so be brave and grab all the great opportunities that life puts your way.
Don’t take life or yourself too seriously – always hang on to your sense of humor and, especially, learn to laugh at yourself.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Laughter – The Best Medicine

2010-11-09T11:48:00.000-06:00

Laughter – it’s natural, it’s free and it’s totally contagious. It helps to bring people together, aids communication and reduces conflict. Did you know, though, that a daily dose of laughter is good for your physical health too?

When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, commonly known as “feel good hormones.” These chemicals not only promote an overall sense of well-being, but they can even help to provide temporary pain relief. At the same time, levels of stress hormones are reduced and our muscles loosen up so that both mental and physical relaxation is achieved. The production of immune cells and antibodies that are necessary to fight infection receives a boost, making our immune systems stronger.

As well as lifting our spirits and making our hearts feel lighter, laughter also increases the blood flow around the body, and researchers have found that it may even protect us from developing heart disease. By causing the lining of the arteries to expand, a good chuckle effectively allows blood to circulate more quickly, keeping not only the heart but the rest of the body well supplied and reducing the potential for blockages to form.

Studies carried out in the health care fields, in the workplace and in the classroom have all demonstrated the benefits of laughter, so what are you waiting for? Go and dig out that favorite comedy movie and laugh your way to better health!

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Inspire Your World

2010-10-26T11:35:00.001-05:00

Random Acts of Kindness

Birthdays, Christmases, Valentine’s Days and anniversaries – if we are lucky, we can expect to be on the receiving end of kind messages and thoughtful acts on special occasions such as these. Often, though, the mere expectation of loving treatment can make it seem in some way false or forced. Random, unexpected acts of kindness, on the other hand, whether toward a partner, friend, child, family member or colleague, can really make other people feel special, and they needn’t cost a penny. Here are just a few ways that you can brighten somebody else’s day and make him or her feel loved.

The next time you find yourself thinking about someone you care for, drop your loved one a text message to let him or her know.
Put a note inside your beloved’s or your child’s lunch box to say that you love him or her, or stick a Post-it on a mirror or somewhere else where it will be found as the recipient goes about his or her day.
Ask about someone’s day and really listen to what he or she has to say.
Pay someone a genuine compliment when he or she least expects it.
Run your partner a nice, relaxing bath if he or she has had a hard day.
Give someone your undivided attention if he or she is going through a tough time and needs a shoulder to cry on.
A simple touch or a heartfelt smile is guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits and make him or her feel cared for.

Go on, make someone’s day!

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Family Life

2010-10-12T10:35:00.001-05:00

Not in Front of the Children!
As a parent, there is no question that you absolutely will face times when your patience is tested to the limits, life events get on top of you, your own moods make it hard to stay in control, or arguments with your spouse or partner become inevitable. In creating a loving bond with your children, however, and in treating them fairly, there are certain times when staying in control is very much in order. Here are three top tips to bear in mind if you feel as though you are about to lose it.

Children are notorious for feeling responsible for the mood swings of their parents, especially the downward ones, so try to regulate your moods and behaviors and keep things on an even keel when you are in their company. If you are able to, it’s better to take a few minutes alone to exercise or just chill out if you feel your stress levels rising.
Even mild arguments between spouses and partners can be extremely frightening for children who have no concept of how the argument might end, so try not to argue in front of them. If it really cannot be avoided, then do your making up in their company too so that they feel reassured.
Crying, like shouting, is upsetting for children, so if you need to vent your feelings, make your excuses and leave the room first.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Ways to Connect with Your Family

2010-09-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest challenges of today’s time-pressed parents is having quality time with their children. Fostering a true connection with kids and family doesn’t always have to mean scaling back your work hours or stepping off the career fast track. Try these suggestions to stay connected:

• Hold weekly family meetings. Use them to schedule everyone’s activities for the week, from school meetings and athletic events to family outings. Give your kids a say on decisions; it makes them feel like an integral part of the family.

• Share your child’s interests. Yes, that means enduring their rap music on the family-room stereo. Get them subscriptions to magazines associated with their hobbies or activities, and commit to reading at least one kid-related article each month to stay abreast of their world.

• Share your work with them. Bring them to your workplace. Show them what you do and how your work relates to the entire organization. When you have a particular success at work, celebrate it with your family.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

5 Tips to Learning Through Play

2010-09-13T08:59:00.001-05:00

It might be fun, but playing with your children has much more going for it than just that. Not only does it help with your children’s concentration skills and to improve their attention spans, but it helps them to work through problems, triggers their imaginations, makes them more independent and, of course, helps to bring you closer together as a family. Here are five top tips on how to really maximize your playtime with the kids.

Actively set aside quality time for playing – at least 10-15 minutes when you give your child your full attention.
Letting your child have a say in what to play instead of choosing for him or her will lead to a much more productive learning experience.
Sit close to your little one and give him or her good eye contact. Children need to know that you are involved and interested, so if that means sprawling out on the floor with them, then do so.
Rather than directing the playtime yourself and asking your child endless questions, copy what he or she is doing and simply describe what you see.
Give genuine, sincere and enthusiastic praise to your child as soon as possible after they have done something “right” to reinforce the behavior. For example, if you are playing at dressing dolls, say something like “What a good girl you are for putting the blue skirt on.”

Written by: Kristi Boulware

October Calendar Events

2010-09-06T08:42:00.001-05:00

See if these items are on your calendar!
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Approved by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, this is a celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, as well as recognition of the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which all declared independence in 1821. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. See our quiz on page 15.

Baby Safety Month. To educate consumers on safety issues involving car seats, strollers, cribs and beds, toys, and other accessories for infants. Sponsored by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; visit www.jpma.org for ideas and details.

Library Card Sign-Up Month. To promote the accessibility of your local library. Children who use the library as a resource tend to perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library for learning and exploring new opportunities throughout their lives.

Pain Awareness Month. Dedicated to increasing understanding of pain issues and supporting the more than 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, the No. 1 cause of adult disability in the United States.

Pollution Prevention Week, Sept. 19-25. This week is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and government to emphasize commitment to preventing pollution and supporting sustainability activities and achievements.

Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 19-25. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. Parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles to prevent injuries and deaths among children.

Balance Awareness Week, Sept. 20-24. Millions of people are affected by inner-ear balance disorders. Balance Awareness Week was created in 1997 to improve public understanding of “invisible” inner-ear balance disorders and their impact on the lives of affected individuals of all ages.

Labor Day, Sept. 6. To honor and celebrate the contributions of the American labor force.

National Boss/Employee Exchange Day, Sept. 13. Trade places with your boss—and have him or her try to do your job for a day. A day for bosses and employees to switch roles and responsibilities in order to appreciate one another’s point of view.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 17. The third Friday of September, observed across the nation as a time for Americans to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families.

Talk Like a Pirate Day, Sept. 19. Avast, ye bilge rat! Drink some grog and dance a hornpipe, or else yer a lowly lubber!

Written by: Kristi Boulware

A Roll of the Dice Ends Sibling Sniping—Eventually

2010-08-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

Quarreling between siblings is a problem that many parents face. A column from The Wall Street Journal told of one mother’s solution: Her daughter and stepdaughter, both 10 years old, constantly bickered and insulted each other. One day she handed the two girls a pair of dice and told them that the number they rolled would be the number of compliments they had to give each other. At first the results were good. “I like the shirt you’re wearing today,” said one sister. “I like when you’re here on weekends.”

But quickly things took a turn for the worse when one daughter said, “I like it when you’re not here.” The mother immediately set a new rule: Now the girls had to double the number of compliments they gave each other. By the end of the exercise, harmony had been achieved and the fights ended.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Get Started on Reading to Your Kids

2010-08-23T13:21:00.010-05:00

Reading to your children should start early. Really early. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting as soon as your children are born. Reading stimulates brain development and language skills, as well as fostering a closer emotional bond between parents and children.

Remember these tips:

• Read widely. Infants respond to voices around them, so start out by reading anything that’s handy—sports pages and cookbooks will do, as well as very simple picture books.

• Ask questions. As your child grows older, get him or her involved. Ask them what they think will happen next, or why a character behaved that way. You’ll start teaching some basic critical thinking skills, and you’ll make the experience more enjoyable.

• Read every day. Make reading a regular activity. Don’t just limit it to bedtime. Bring a book with you to doctor’s appointments and the store so you can read while waiting.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Don’t Let Your Child Get Lost in a Crowded Classroom

2010-08-16T13:43:00.011-05:00

Concerned about the growing size of school classrooms? Lawmakers and school administrators faced with massive budget cuts are struggling to keep class sizes small, but these days it’s a difficult task. Until they find a solution, you can take some steps to ensure your child gets attention in the classroom:

1. Volunteer in the classroom. If you have the time and want to make the commitment, ask to be a class parent or a teacher’s assistant. If you can’t be there daily, help prepare displays or complete paperwork.

2. Get involved with the school. Join the PTA or another group committed to improving schools. Volunteer on projects designed to help ease the burden of teachers and help students learn.

3. Get a list of your children’s classmates and their phone numbers. Knowing this may help you help your child reach out to peers to make friends or to get help with homework.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

How to Spot if Your Child is Failing at School

2010-08-12T14:56:00.003-05:00

After the exam results are in isn’t exactly the best time to find out that your child is struggling at school. Do you know what signs to look for before then? Here are 10 early warning signs to be aware of. Your child:

Has failing grades on tests and class work
Brings home reports of behavioral problems from school
Doesn’t attend school regularly
Takes no interest in school activities or courses and doesn’t seem to want to be involved
Doesn’t want to discuss classes or grades and becomes annoyed if the subjects are broached
Never brings books or papers home and doesn’t discuss or share homework with you
Doesn’t seem to study for exams or doesn’t even know how to
Has difficulty focusing on reading or writing
Says that he or she is bored either because he or she already knows the work or because it is too difficult and he or she will never “get it”
Appears generally depressed

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Exercise Your Brain for Inspiration

2010-08-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Turning on your creativity may not be as easy as starting a car. You have to cultivate creativity on an ongoing basis. Here are some ideas:

• Keep a journal. Record ideas as soon as they come to you by keeping a notebook close at hand all the time. A real notebook, not a digital one, is best, allowing you to make sketches and drawings, but anything that lets you capture your thoughts will work. When you need to charge up your creativity, search your notebook for ideas and examples.

• Relax your mind. Give your subconscious a chance to work by turning your brain off from time to time. Don’t focus on work or solving problems constantly. Take time to exercise and relax, and give yourself permission to think about other things. A tired mind won’t generate fresh ideas.

• Turn problems around. Switch gears by looking for the opposite of what you want. Exploring how you could make a bad situation worse can sometimes tell you what not to do. Looking for a bad idea may lead you to a good one.

• Combine random elements. Try this exercise: Look at two items on your desk right now and figure out a way to put them together. A clock radio and a coffee mug, for instance, could be turned into a coffee mug with a clock on it (maybe at the bottom).
This won’t necessarily generate a useful idea, but it will train your mind to see different possibilities.

• Recruit a partner. With another person involved, you’re not limited to your own experience and perspective. Bounce ideas off another person—someone you’re comfortable with, but someone who will challenge you when necessary.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Traveling With Children

2010-08-05T14:30:00.001-05:00

Family holidays can be a great experience, and often they form the basis of some of our earliest memories. For parents, though, getting to and from the chosen destination can be a stressful experience that leaves them exhausted at either end. Here, then, are a few tips to help make traveling with children less of a chore:

It isn’t just excitement that causes children to be such a handful when they are headed off on holiday but also the insecurity of being away from their familiar environment. If your little one has a favorite toy or comforter, be sure to take it along so that he or she feels less stressed.
An hour spent traveling might just as well be a year to a child, so avoiding boredom is a must. Stories, favorite music and travel games all help make the time pass more quickly, and you can find lots of travel game ideas on the Internet.
Although typically Mom and Dad tend to occupy the two front seats on long car journeys, consider changing positions if your children are old enough to travel safely and in an appropriate car seat up front. Why?
1. Children who are bored and seated together are more inclined to take out their frustrations on one another and start squabbling and fighting.
2. Being physically closer to them makes it easier for you to give them personal attention and keep them occupied.
3. The view from the rear seats can be very limited for little ones, which just adds to their boredom.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

August Monthly Celebrations and Causes

2010-08-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

Children’s Vision and Learning Month. A campaign by the American Foundation for Vision Awareness to encourage parents to have children’s vision checked before the start of the school year.

Psoriasis Awareness Month. Twenty percent of people with psoriasis report being discriminated against in public swimming pools, although the disease is not contagious. For information, go to the National Psoriasis Foundation website, www.psoriasis.org.

National Water Quality Month. Drinking plenty of water is essential to your health, especially on hot summer days. Water plays a vital role in our body’s well-being, and maintaining the cleanliness and quality of our drinking water is an ongoing concern. For more information on water quality, go to the Water Quality Information Center website.

Ramadan (Aug.11-Sept. 9). The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorated as the month that the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for spiritual guidance, and seek to purify themselves through restraint and good deeds.

World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7. Sponsored by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding worldwide.

National Assistance Dog Week, Aug. 9-15. Assistance Dogs greatly enhance the lives of their handlers, giving them a new sense of freedom and independence. The three types of Assistance Dogs are Guide Dogs for the blind and the visually impaired, Hearing Dogs for the deaf and hearing-impaired, and Service Dogs for people with disabilities other than those related to vision or hearing. Go to the Assistance Dogs International website for more information.

National Safe at Home Week, Aug. 23-27. More people are injured in and around home than at the workplace, and studies have also shown that the costs to both employees and employers from home injuries are higher than work-related injury costs. Sponsored by Safe At Home, www.safeathomeonline.com, a safety professional and emergency response provider to protect families and their quality of lives by preventing injuries at home.

Friendship Day, Aug.1. Friends come in all shapes and sizes: school friends, work colleagues, siblings, partners, parents, pets, and neighbors. Pull out all the stops and let our friends know you truly appreciate them. For suggestions, go to www.friendship.com.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Snacks That Won’t Undermine Your Diet

2010-08-02T14:25:00.002-05:00

You’re hungry, but you’re trying to lose some weight and snacks are a bad idea, right?

Actually, a healthy snack can support your diet by making you less likely to binge at your next scheduled meal. Better yet, you don’t have to limit yourself to endless snacks of carrots and rice cakes. Here are some ideas for satisfying, low-calorie hunger stoppers:

Sliced bananas and fresh raspberries (1 cup)
Air-popped popcorn (3½ cups)
Peanuts (2 tablespoons)
Olives (5)
Hummus (1/4 cup, with 4 carrot sticks)

From Mayo Clinic’s website come these suggestions for quick, healthy meals when you don’t have time for anything elaborate:

Toast half of a whole-wheat English muffin and top it with a slice of Canadian bacon, a slice of tomato, and a slice of low-fat American cheese, and microwave it until the cheese has melted.
Spread half of a small cinnamon-raisin bagel with one tablespoon of part-skim ricotta cheese and top it with a few thin slices of apple.
Take one flour tortilla (6 inches) and sprinkle two tablespoons of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack. Microwave until the cheese melts, and cut the tortilla like a pie. Eat with salsa.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products in the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica

2010-07-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products in the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica

Easy Ways to Go Green at Home

2010-07-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

The great thing about going green is that you don't have to change your entire life to make a difference. Every little bit does help. But whether you're taking a first step or getting ready to move off the grid, there are five basic things to always keep in mind:

Step 1: Manage pests safely

Though it is often encourage children to "go out and play," exposure to common lawn / garden care and indoor pesticides is identified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as potentially causing a range of health problems, including asthma, hyperactivity and behavior problems, cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and compromised brain development. Rather than stifling healthy activity in children, you can make healthier choices in pest control!

What to do:

• Avoid unsafe chemicals indoors and outdoors. Many pesticides are volatile. That means that they volatilize — or become gaseous. This allows the pesticides to drift throughout the application area to eliminate pests. But this also means that they can contaminate all surfaces in a home. To combat these negative effects, only use non-toxic, pesticide-free products. You can also try these simple remedies to eliminate pests:

For ants, you can sprinkle red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint (or its essential oil) where the ants are entering. For outdoor pets, place their food bowl within a larger bowl of soapy water.
For fleas, feed your pet brewer's yeast in powder (mixed in food) or tablet form.
For ants, termites, lice, fleas, spiders, or roaches, mop or spray floors with Borax. It's poisonous if ingested, so store and use carefully.
For ants and fleas, mix 4 oz of a natural soap in 1 gallon of water and spray as needed. Or sprinkle powdered soap around your home's foundation.

• Prevent pests through good sanitation and food storage habits, and by preventing their entry structurally by:

Seal all cracks, and apply caulking to outdoor plumbing and electrical outlets
Install door sweeps
Use (or fix holed) window screens
Manage outdoor lights to prevent insects' gathering
Eliminate moisture problems in walls, ceilings, and around the home's foundation
Install and maintain vents, vapor barriers, fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, piping, and appliances that will keep the home dry
Properly store all food
Remove shoes and wash hands immediately after playing outside to prevent the estimated 70 percent of dirt (which contains chemicals) that can be tracked indoors.

Step 2: Use non-toxic cleaners, body care, and home furnishings products

We bring home a wide variety of products that can contribute to making our family and home sick and filled with potentially harmful toxicants. We put them in our grocery bags and they can be found in many home and life-style stores as well.

Luckily, there are a number of safe and healthy alternatives to these products, which allow you to make informed and wise choices in your marketplace to seriously reduce the amounts of chemicals you invite in your home.

Cleaners, body care items, and home furnishings are the three main categories that can have serious effects on you and your child's health.

What to do: Cleaners

Use gentle castile soap and water - these have been shown to keep surfaces as free of bacteria as antibacterial soaps do. In fact, antibacterial soaps and disposable wipes have not proven any more effective than regular soap in preventing infections among average consumers, but raise significant concerns about developing resistant bacteria. Also, triclosan commonly used in antibacterial product may be problematic.
Buy Safer Cleaning Products: many local, online, and discount stores carry cleaning and home products that are very effective without harsh chemicals or fumes. Or make your own safer cleaning products with typical household products.
Look for with safer ingredients: cleaning products labeled nontoxic, bio-based, chlorine-free, organic, phosphate-free, natural fragrance, and/or biodegradable. Learn to read a label.

What to do: Body care items

Buy Safer Body / Bath Care: look for products made organic botanical oils, paraben-free, preservative-free, petroleum-free, and vegetable-devired surfactants.
Reduce the need for anti-bacterial soaps by frequently requiring hand washing.
Avoid body care products with toxic synthetic preservatives (parabens), petroleum-based ingredients, sodum lauryl and laureth sulfates -1,4-Dioxane, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors, formaldehyde donors and other proven harmful chemicals.

What to do: Home furnishings

Buy safer home furnishings: look for products made with natural or organic cotton, natural latex, 100% FSC certified /reclaimed / or recycled wood, hypoallergenic down and feather, non-toxic / water-based paints and stains with zero VOC, water-based adhesives, no formaldehyde, no polyurethane, fabric fibers; abaca, cotton, hemp, visose, jute, muslin, wool, wools, vegetable and low-impact dyes.
Clean floors with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner that traps fine particles of dust, soot and pollen, and wet mop regularly.
Avoid polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants) and resins and glues containing carcinogenic formaldehyde and other neurotoxic, VOC (volatile organic compounds) in paints and stains, particleboard.
Always avoid using products that say POISON, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

Step 3: Clean up indoor air

Did you know that people in America spend 90 percent of their time indoors? It might seem safer and cleaner, but indoor air pollution is linked to a host of health effects. Common indoor air pollutants — which are exacerbated by smoke, mildew, and gas — include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke, asbestos, lead, and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.

Not to worry, it's easy to reduce the risk. Start by replacing products that contribute to the problem, then try some other simple steps.

What to do

Our furnishings are the source of a substantial portion of indoor air pollution. That's why it's essential to use natural products are natural, from upholstery fabric and carpeting, to building material glues and adhesives, to paint and wallpaper.
Ventilate the home by opening windows, even for a short time. It's is the second best pollution reduction strategy in your home after prevention.
Populate your home with indoor plants, which absorb air impurities. Areca palm, lady palm, bamboo palm, rubber plant, and Boston fern are great examples.
Use air cleaners and purifiers with approved HEPA filters.
Change the air filter in your air conditioning and heating units as the season change, or at least once a year.
Change your vacuum bag, and be sure it has a clean filter to prevent the spreading of dust, which can be redistributed into the air.
Avoid carpets and synthetic flooring. All natural rugs, like jute or wool, or wood flooring (with safe adhesives) are better, chemical-free alternatives.
Don't use conventional paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, furniture made from particle board, and "air fresheners" that emit harmful chemicals. Instead, seek non-toxic, naturally derived, and "low or no VOC" alternatives for paints, carpets, and furnishings.
"Air out" new carpets and home furnishings before indoor use, especially newly painted and newly carpeted rooms. The new carpet smell is most likely unhealthy.
Use building materials, furniture, and other products that are low emissions.
When indoor pollutants do decrease air quality, use non-toxic techniques to scent the house, such as placing orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, or any other herb in boiling water on the stove.But be careful — the term "non-toxic" is not regulated. Look for specific claims and product ingredients.

Step 4: Shop smart — try to eat more organic and healthy foods

Eating organic food reduces the amount of toxic pesticides in our bodies. It's grown without potentially harmful, long-lasting synthetic chemicals and is approved by the FDA after meeting rigorous standards.

In conventional grown food, however, synthetic or chemical means may have been used to fertilize soil, control weeds and insects, and prevent livestock disease. These non-organic foods often contain chemical and pesticide residue.

What to do

Eat USDA certified organic fruits and veggies and avoid those with the highest pesticide residues: apples, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, red raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, carrots, celery, green beans, hot peppers, potatoes and spinach. The best way to accomplish this is by shopping at Natural Foods Markets and at neighborhood farmers' markets for locally grown foods.
After you get what you bought home, wash all fruits and vegetables (even organic) before eating to reduce surface traces of chemical residues, wax, and pesticides on non-organic produce.
Choose your protein wisely: meat, eggs, milk products, and poultry that are hormone-free, antibiotic-free, free-range and/or fed with vegetarian feed.
Avoid conventional dairy and meats: these are treated with artificial hormones and antibiotics that interfere can affect human health and development.
Avoid foods high in sugar, high in fat, processed, and fast foods. Less processed foods are greater nutritional content and are less likely to contain artificial and chemical preservatives.

Step 5: Be wise with plastics

Plastic provides a good amount of affordable convenience. Only recently have we discovered that the hidden cost may be our health. Plastics, which are used in much of our food storage and cooking, have the potential to negatively affect health in certain applications.

Some petroleum-based plastics leach harmful chemical into foods and drinks, especially when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and microwaving, as a result of harsh cleaners, and when exposed to excessive moisture.

Luckily, we can all make safe choices.

What to do

Choose smart plastics (see icons below) and avoid putting them in the microwave (where they can release dangerous chemicals when heated) or the dishwasher (where they can degrade in the heat and excessive moisture).
Safe plastics are those that use polyethylene (marked with a #1, #2, and #4) and polypropylene (marked with a #5), which require the use of less toxic additives. They also are non-chlorinated.

Avoid PVC products, like vinyl chew toys (marked with a V or #3). Also skip choosing products that use polycarbonate (again #3) and polystyrene (marked with a #6), which often are found in baby bottles or sippy cups. If you can't eliminate them all, then make sure they are cleaned regularly. Also take a close look at products marked with a #7, which indicates that the package in question is made with a resin other than those already mentioned, or the product is made of more than one resin used in combination. These could be safe — or not.

Be aware of plastic products in your child's surroundings - squeeze toys, rattles, bath toys, cribs, teethers, pacifiers, high chairs, sippy cups, and baby bottles
Opt for toys and books made with natural wood, paper, cloth, or metal.
Opt for plastic alternatives - glass, ceramic that's lead-free, and stainless steel — whenever possible.
Use glass or ceramic containers to microwave food and beverages.
Be cautious of cling wraps, especially for microwave use. Wrap foods in butcher paper, waxed paper, or paper towels. Or store food in glass or ceramic.
Avoid using plastics that aren't identified on the packaging.
Look for products that state "no phthalates" or "no bisphenol A (BPA)."
Wash plastic containers by hand with a mild soap.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Tips for Basic Discipline Issues

2010-06-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

I'm sure all parents have experienced some for of discipline issue with their child through the years. Whether it arguing with an adult, a sibling or simply just not following the rules you will need to know how best to deal with this behavior. As a mother of two girls who are 5 1/2 years apart I have had more than my fair share of arguments as well as other discipline issues. These tips are things I have tried myself as well as tips from many parents I have learned through my years of experience.

In good weather, put two angry children on opposite sides of a strong window or sliding glass door. Provide each with a spray bottle of window cleaner and a rag. Then let them "attack". Their anger and ugly words will turn to laughter...and your window will then be clean saving you a step!

When children tell lies, say something similar to, "I'd really like if I could believe you, but it's hard for me to believe you're telling the truth." Then you need to wait for your child to straighten things out. When kids do tell the truth, they may confess something that requires you to discipline them. Your job as a parent is to make sure they know they are being disciplined for the action, and not for telling the truth. In fact, you may want to reduce the punishment a little, explaining that telling a lie causes them to be in more trouble and honesty is the best policy.

Don't have more rules than your child can easily remember. Don't have so many rules that they are impossible to enforce. Explain the reason for your rules so they understand why you chose them. Be sure you are also following the rules yourself.

For better discipline at home, be positive, clear, reasonable, consistent and set a good example.

Positive discipline teaches:

Self-control
Cooperation in resolving conflicts
Right from wrong
How to communicate expectations using words.
High self-esteem
Give the feeling that the child is "part of the solution"
Respect for others and authority

Speak quietly for better discipline. If you speak in a normal tone of voice, even when you are angry, you will help your child see how to best handle anger appropriately. And if you don't scream at your children, they are less likely to scream at each other...or end up screaming at you.

Try a "black hole" to keep toys and other belongings picked up. All you need is a closet or cabinet with a lock to create the "black hole". When something is left out that you have asked them to pick up, it gets put into the "black hole" for 24 hours. Once a favorite toy or something your child wants is locked up for 24 hours, there is greater incentive to keep it where it belongs. This works best when the whole family participates.

Try role playing to eliminate constant fighting. For five minutes minimum, have the fighters switch roles. Each has to present the other person's point of view of what they are arguing about. They must be as clear and fair as possible. Odds are, they'll start laughing and make up. Better yet, they may end up compromising and finding a solution that both parties like.

Dealing with your child's chronic forgetfulness:

Use tricks, like a checklist. Before your child goes anywhere outside of the house, have her run through a checklist head to toe. Asking herself if she has done her hair, jacket, gloves, shoes, backpack, etc.
Before your child leaves have her stop and ask if they have everything they need for the day.
Write it down. Write down a checklist of everything your child takes to school on a typical day.
Don't make it easy to forget. If your child has forgotten homework, don't drive her to school to retrieve it. That way next time it makes an impact to help her remember.
Teach your child to develop her own ways to remember things.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Summer Heat Illness Safety

2010-05-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

With summer just around the corner temperatures are warming up all around us. Children are much more prone to heat related illnesses because they have more body surface area per pound of weight than adults. It is always helpful to know what early warning signs to watch for but the major one is dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

Thirst
Fatigue
Dry Mouth
Irritability
Feeling Overly Hot

If you child begins complaining of thirst, feeling hot or becomes irritable in the heat, they may have early dehydration. First you should make sure your child drinks plenty of cool fluids. Remove your child from the sun and into a cool, comfortable place.

These symptoms can never be ignored, more serious heat illnesses can occur, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, putting your child at great risk.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Anyone with heat exhaustion requires immediate attention. Some of the common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, profuse sweating, muscle aches, excessive thirst, cramps, agitation or irritability, and sometimes even unconsciousness. In some cases, heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke which requires emergency medical treatment.

What am I supposed to do if my child has heat exhaustion?

Bring your child into a cool shaded place and have them begin to drink plenty of fluids. These fluids should be taken in slowly in the beginning to prevent vomiting. You should prevent your child from playing again that day. If your child becomes unconscious or confused, has a seizure, trouble breathing, vomiting, or loose stools you should seek medical attention immediately.

What is a heat stroke?

Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention as it is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a heat stroke include high body temperature (104-105 degrees Farenheit or higher); nausea and comiting; possible seizures; disorientation or severe confusion; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; unconsciousness; coma; shortness of breath; decreased urination; or blood in urine or stool. It is possible for heat stroke to occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion.

What do I do if my child has heat stroke symptoms?

Immediately get your child to the emergency room or call an ambulance. Begin cooling your child's body while awaiting treatment by removing clothing and places ice bags on the neck, in the armpits, and the groin areas. Fan the child and spray with cool water. If your child is alert and able to swallow begin slowly giving cool liquids.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Cold or Allergies

2010-05-08T09:30:00.001-05:00

Spring is here in full swing...along with our little ones being covered in mud and we are going through tissues very rapidly. I know as a mom I have always wondered if the stuffy noses, congestion and sneezes were allergies or were they coming down with a cold. The common cold and allergies can have similar symptoms, including runny noses, watery eyes, cough and congestion. This makes it difficult for parents to know whether it is an allergy or battling a virus.

A cold is a virus that must run its course. Over-the-counter medications, approved by your child's doctor, may help to relieve some of the symptoms. The cold will generally stick around for 7-10 days before it passes. Allergies, on the other hand, will continue as long as the child is exposed to the cause of the allergic reaction.

Here is a checklist of some things they may help you determine if your child has allergies or just a cold:

Have the symptoms been around for more than 2 weeks?
Is the mucus clear (not yellow or green)?
Is there a chronic (continual) cough?
Are his/her eyes red and itchy?
Does your child have a stuffy nose or breathe through his/her mouth?
Does your child have dark circles under his/her eyes?

If your child has one or more of the above symptoms, there is a chance that it is an allergy. Common allergens include food, medications, pet dander, mold, dust, pollen, plants. Depending on the allergen your child could experience skin reactions, respiratory reactions or digestive problems. Nasal allergies tend to make children have more frequent ear and sinus infections.

Your physician can help determine the source of the allergies and give recommendations to help with this. Some tips to reduce common allergens in your home are:

Wash all bedding in hot water to remove dust and kill bacteria
Vacuum your home at least once a week and consider purchasing a HEPA vacuum
Have pets bathed regularly to keep pet dander at a minimum
Replace furnace and air filters every 1-2 months especially during peak allergy seasons
Wash blankets, stuffed animals and other toys regularly to remove dust and bacteria

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Urgent Childrens Medication Recall

2010-05-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

We wanted to make sure all parents, grandparents and caregivers were aware of the children's medication recall. We have posted information for all to see on our website with a list of the medicines being recalled and instructions on how to proceed.

http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/latest-news

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

10 Great Mother's Day Gifts

2010-05-04T12:38:00.002-05:00

As we are all aware Mother's Day is just around the corner. For those of you who may have forgotten, this is the day that we honor the woman that brought you into this world. A mother holds a cherished and honored bond with her children. The journey of motherhood is not an easy one. Motherhood is the most rewarding and challenging job that anyone will ever be blessed to hold. Don't make the mistake of giving your mother or the mother of your children a gift that reinforces the "work" she does daily. Here are 10 gift ideas that will show how much you are and love her with all your heart.

Home Spa Products: Let the mom in your life pamper herself with a spa experience from the comfort of her own home.
Heart Pendant: Every mother loves to have a gift showing the love she shares with her child.
Home Decor: Every mother enjoys getting a new piece of decor to freshen up their home.
Perfume: You can never go wrong with perfume. All women love to smell nice. Take a little time to see what her favorite scent or type of scent is.
Art: When you were a child your mothers walls were covered by your artwork, dirty fingerprints and the accidental crayon on the walls. Take the time now to get your mom some real artwork to replace these spots on the walls.
Gift Basket: You can't go wrong with gift baskets. They can be catered around what she likes most in life.
Flowers: Flowers are a symbol of life and beauty. Help your mother have a day of feeling vibrant and full of life.
Massage & Spa Treatment: What better way to reduce stress, improve blood circulation and feel rejuvenated.
Watch: A sweet way to show your mother that you appreciate all the "time" she has spend with you.
Earrings: Mothers love being able to feel appreciated and loved. What better way to do this than with a gift of sparkle and shine.

Enjoy the time you have with your mother or the mother of your children. Make sure you point out the love and gratitude you feel for these talented and caring women not only for Mother's Day but everyday.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Building Responsibility

2010-04-19T08:14:00.001-05:00

Have you every had a discussion with your child about responsibility? I know as a parent I have had numerous talks and upsetting moments where I wished my children had more responsibility. So, I spent time talking with other parents and researching ideas to help build responsibility in children. Hopefully something here can help you in parenting your child in growing their responsibility to become a responsible adult.

Make a grocery list with your child, including things the child wants. Agree on a budget. After you've bought the essentials, how much money is left? Let your child make the decisions about which treats to buy.
Try giving your child the responsibility of growing a small garden—even in just a flower pot. Once you've planted a garden, you've got to weed it and water it or all your work will not bear fruit. The positive and negative results of carrying out your responsibilities are very clear.
Help children understand, and take responsibility for, the consequences of their choices. "I chose to do my homework. The result was that I got an 'A' on my math test." "I chose to get up 15 minutes late. The result was that I missed breakfast . . . and nearly missed the bus."
Try a simple cardboard box to help make your child responsible for school belongings. Have your child choose a place for the box—near the door or in his room. Every afternoon, his first task should be to place all belongings in the box. When homework is finished, it goes in the box, too. In the morning, the box is the last stop before heading out the door. Occasionally put small treats in the box as a reward for checking.
To encourage taking responsibility for homework time, plan to read or do something quiet yourself at that time. You'll be a good example.
Make yours an equal opportunity household. Boys should learn about food preparation and laundering clothes. Girls need to learn how to handle simple household tools.
Give children some household responsibilities: Make sure responsibilities are clearly understood. If your children are not used to helping out, have a meeting to discuss why they must get involved. Involve everyone in the family when assigning jobs.
Try giving kids alarm clock duty: First, make sure your family has an alarm clock that works. You'll also need one slip of paper for each member of your family. Write "wake up" on one piece of paper. Write "wake me up" on the others. Put the papers into a bag. Have everyone draw out a slip of paper. The person who gets the slip of paper marked "wake up" will be responsible for waking the family the next day. Taking turns as "wake up" person can help children practice responsibility, but the final step is learning to be responsible for getting themselves up every day. Learning to accept personal responsibility is the goal.
Don't redo chores your kids have done. If a job can only be done your way, then you have to do it. Redoing a job hurts your child's self-esteem.
Develop "no-nag" methods of reminding children. Some families post a chart on the refrigerator. Each day, family members check off their jobs as they complete them.
Finally, help your kids learn that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. As they do more, they should also expect more freedom.

Hopefully you are able to take something from these tips and use or modify them to better enable your family to be responsible for themselves and their actions.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Teaching your Child to Handle Bullying

2010-04-12T17:45:00.002-05:00

Children of all ages experience some form of bullying during their childhood. Whether it is from another child at school, a sibling or someone else they will run across a fight at some point. As a parent you are perfect to teach your child the necessary skills to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Talk about problems before they become conflicts. When little things are ignored, they tend to grow into major disputes.
Don’t play "the blame game." If there’s a problem, it probably doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Help your children spend their time fixing the problem, not fixing the blame.
Listen. Children can never see another person’s point of view if they don’t listen to what that person has to say.
Use "I-Messages." Help your children learn to talk about their feelings, not the other person’s mistakes. Instead of, "YOU always leave my bike out in the rain," your child could say, "I feel angry when you leave my bike out in the rain because it may rust. If you are going to use it, please put it away."
Be willing to cooperate and compromise. If two people have a conflict, they both have a problem. To solve it, they’ll probably both have to make some changes.
Talk to adults. Sometimes, children think they have to solve all their problems themselves. A trusted adult—parent, teacher or counselor—can sometimes help children see solutions they hadn’t thought of themselves.
Practice. Just like learning to ride a bike or read a book, learning to solve conflicts peacefully takes practice. Help your child role-play different ways to resolve conflicts.

Remember to always listen to your child and don't discourage them from talking to you. Focus on what they are saying and if you tell them you are going to do something to help make sure you follow through with this.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Biting Tips

2010-04-02T12:40:00.001-05:00

Over the years I have had numerous parents and teachers come to me for advice on why children bite. What causes it? What do we do about it? What did we do wrong? The answer is almost always the same. It is a developmentally appropriate thing for young children in between about 13 months to about 30 months of age. Sometimes they bite because it feels good on swollen teething gums. Sometimes they bite because they are frustrated and do not have the vocabulary to express it. Sometimes they bite because they enjoy the instant strong reaction that they receive from the adults around them. It is nothing that parents have done wrong or need to do differently necessarily. Below are some tips to help your child stop biting sooner.

Learn the predictors and watch for them. You will learn the clues that tend to lead up to your child biting.
Keep your child in sight. When playing with others watch your child very closely. If he bites or attempts to bite remove him from the situation immediately. When he is playing well make sure to show/tell him you are proud of the behavior.
Give children enough toys. Make sure that there are plenty of toys around for everyone to prevent fighting.
Don't play in a way that resembles biting. Some children do not understand that mom blowing raspberries on the belly isn't the same as biting his friends belly.
Have more than one "special" toy. If there is one toy that is very popular you should gave more than one so children do not have to wait very long for a turn.
Be consistent with your actions. Explain to your child that biting hurts and it is not okay. Consistenly remove him from the situation when biting occurs. This will teach that if they want to play with their friends or their toys they can't bite.
Teach alternatives to biting. Give your child outlets for frustration when they are angry and feel the need to bite. Teach them to use their words and tell the other child no. Have an area to go to if frustration equiped with teething rings or things that are okay to bite.
Use redirection. If situations are getting to the point of biting redirect him to another activity or interest. Change his thought process towards something less frustrating.
Pay attention to the other child. In the case that your child is biting for the attention, if you are paying attention to the child that was bitten it will help.

Remember that as educators we know this is a challenging time for you. Usually your child is biting at school or playdates and not at home with you. Don't be embarassed or frustrated just breathe and try to be patient knowing this too shall pass.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

5 Ways to Teach Generosity to your Child

2010-03-24T16:32:00.002-05:00

Children do not automatically understand how to be generous in life. It is difficult for children to share their favorite possessions, understand how others feel or learn to help others. Generosity means much more than just sharing your toys and treats. Here are some things you can do to help teach your child(ren) generosity.

Demonstrate generosity. Your child will take their best cues from watching you with others. If they are able to consistently witness you being generous they will desire to copy that behavior.
Show that you do not approve of selfishness. When you witness your child being selfish use consistent reprimands (avoid being harsh or punishing) to explain your family stance on generosity.
Discuss what other people would want or need. Teaching them to think about what others might want or need will grow generosity.
Be a volunteer. Show your child generosity on a community level by getting involved in a local charity and volunteering. Bring your child along to help so they can see how real people are affected by your acts of generosity.
Pile on the praise. Make sure you notice and praise the times of generosity that happen. The more you notice and praise these moments the more they will strive to make you happy. In time generous behavior will come more naturally to them.

If you are having problems with getting generous behaviors take a look at issues in your life. Have you moved recently, has someone passed away, was there a falling out with a close friend? Any negative issues happening can cause children to respond with more selfish behaviors.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

19 Ways to Promote Self-Esteem in your Child

2010-03-08T17:48:00.002-06:00

Children that have a high self-esteem are more confident throughout life. They think they can do things that others may think they cannot. Therefore, they do better in school, sports, friendships and life in general. There are many things you can do with your child to foster their self-esteem to grow and stay strong. Below are nineteen things you can do to help with their self-esteem:

Be honest with your child.
Laugh and play with your child.
Say one positive thing to your child every day.
Talk together every day.
Ask questions in a positive manner.
Teach your child how to do things for himself.
Find out what your child is good at. Then encourage that area.
Don't expect more than your child can do.
Discipline with love.
Show interest in what he is learning.
Praise your child when he does well.
Be involved in your child's life.
Model a "can do" attitude.
Say you are proud of him for trying.
Teach your child how and why he is unique.
Offer encouragement when he needs help.
Give your child practice in making decisions.
See and appreciate your child's help.
Reduce fear of rejection. Say to your child, "All people make mistakes."
Tell him, "I love you" daily.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

5 Tips of Things to do with Children during Spring

2010-02-28T16:06:00.000-06:00

Spring is just around the corner and if you are anything like me you are wondering what types of activities you can do on the weekends to spend some extra quality time with your children. Here are some tips that the wonderfully creative Center Directors of Childrens Lighthouse locations across the DFW Metroplex came up with to help you out.

What’s Missing Game

Materials:

5 objects pertaining to spring. Can add more objects depending on the age of the child.
Tray

Procedure: Place the objects on a tray. Let the child look at the objects. Have child cover their eyes and remove one object. Have child uncover their eyes and guess which object is missing.

Button Flowers

Materials:

Green florists wire, colorful buttons (older children) tissue paper (younger children)

Procedure: Children will thread an 8-inch length of wire up through a stack of buttons, and then back down. Twist wire just below button to secure it. Then insert the flowers into your potted plants soil.

Mouse Tails

Tuck pieces of string or yarn about a foot long into the backs of the kids’ shoes. After your “Go!,” the kids try to step on each other’s tails. When all the tails are lost, replace and repeat!

Blob Tag

The youngest child gets to be first “it.” When he or she tags someone, they join hands and have to tag another, on and on, until everyone is holding hands.

Shaving Cream Pictures

Materials

Shaving Cream
Black Construction Paper

Take any brand of shaving cream and squirt onto a clean surface. Allow your child to experience the texture and make pictures with it. When done playing take the black piece of construction paper and press onto their shaving cream creation. When it dries, it leaves the memory of what your child drew!

Hopefully you have plenty of additional ideas of things you can do with your family. Feel free to comment what you plan to do as well.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

How Do I Overcome A Problem Report Card?

2010-02-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

If you have a school-age child this is the time of year when they are moving towards the downward slope of learning for the year. Most states are gearing up for their standardized testing that allows the children to promote to the next grade along with their scores in class. A poor report card at this time of year isn't a good sign. It mean your child might not be learning the important skills that they will need for future learning and advancement through the next grade. You must take action to try to resolve what is going on and if needed get your child the extra help to catch up. Here are some tips recommended by well known learning center experts:

Speak with your child about the situation. Ask him why he thinks he is getting poor grades. What is causing this situation? How could he do better?
Talk with the teacher. Meet with the teacher asking if your child is working up to his ability. If not, what keeps him from doing so in their opinion? What can you or your cihld do to overcome the difficulties?
Pinpoint the problem. Is there excessive absences causing him to be behind? Is there some type of behavior problem going on? Is he turning in his homework on time and complete?
Share you expectations. Tell your child that you take education and his grades seriously. Tell him you expect him to also take this seriously. Explain that he doesn't have to get all A's, but that you expect him to try his best and request help if needed.
Make a plan for improvement. Sit down and set a realistic goal for improvement in each area that is needed. Work on turning a C into a B or improving homework grades by a set time to complete them with study time available.
Monitor the plan for improvement and your child's progress. Talk with him every single day about his homework and what went on in class. Ask if there is anything difficult or unclear about what he is working on. Keep in touch with the teacher asking her to let you know if things are not improving.
Always praise your child's successes. Don't just focus on the poor grades or weaknesses. Point out the areas that he is doing well even if it an extracurricular activity.

Getting a quality education is a life long event that starts when you place your chidren in high quality educational child care programs, through elementary, middle and high school and on to college. Even after that we as adults are constantly learning and growing each day. Foster a love for learning in your children by supporting them in this process every step of the way.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Reading with Your Child

2010-02-05T22:51:00.000-06:00

In today's world it is highly important to have a good education. This allows you to move farther in life with a good career and financial stability. Regardless of what your career goals are it is important to have good literacy skills in life. Those literacy skills start at infancy. Those times when you are singing to your baby, reading board books with your toddler and on throughout their adolescent years. Here are some tips on reading with your child.

Make sure the books you are reading are ones your children will love, keep these things in mind:
- Your child's age
- Your child's interests
- Your child's recent experiences in life - moving, visiting relative, zoo trips
- Your child's reading level. A good rule of thumb for this is if your child can read the first page of the book, then chances are she can read the entire book.
Work with your child to start their own library.
- Paperback books are just as good as hardback books.
- Encourage your child to swap books with friends.
- Encourage them to look for books at garage sales or used book stores.
- Give your child books as gifts.
Try relaxing your family's bedtime rules on the weekend to give more time for reading. Let your child know they can stay up as late as they want that night as long as they are reading.
Look for easy to read books for your child.
- Large, clear print
- Pages have alot of empty space.
- Pictures give lots of clue about what the story means.
Try the magic of poetry when you read aloud to your children.
Try holding "DEAR" times at your house. "DEAR" stands for "Drop Everything and Read". During "DEAR" time the entire family sits down for uninterrupted reading time. The TV is off, the computers are off, the telephones go to voicemail.
With younger children, try reading to them during bath time for less distraction.
Always let your child see you read this will encourage children to be good readers.
- In 1988, more students than ever reported that their homes contained few or no reading materials. More than one-third of the nation's nine-year-olds (33.8 percent) said they had little or no access to reading materials in their homes. Students were also asked how often the people they lived with actually read newspapers, magazines, and books. Students who said they saw people reading more than once a week scored better on reading tests. In 1988, 16 percent of 13-year-olds and 14 percent of 17-year-olds said they saw someone reading never or once a year. —National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Try reading to your child in unusual places. Sit under the dining table, make a pallet on the floor, anything out of the ordinary will get their attention more.
Talk to your children. Talking in your spoken language is the basis for reading. Talk about what is going on around the house or throughout the day. Go for walks around the neighborhood and talk about what you see. Try to answer your child's question even if you have to "find out" the answer later.
Children improve their reading ability by reading, and reading, and reading more. Research has shown that as little as 30 minutes a day reading will make the child a better reader. They are more likely to read faster, score higher in tests and do better in school throughout their college careers. Try keeping a chart of when and how long everyone in your home are reading.

A tip to use as a "rule of thumb" to see if a book is too challenging for your child:

Have your child read a page of the book aloud
As she reads, have her hold up one finger for each word she does not know.
If she holds up four fingers and a thumb before the end of the page, the book is probably too hard for her to read alone.
But if it's too hard for her to read alone it could still be a great book to read aloud to your child.

Some "Don'ts" when you are reading aloud to your child:

Don't try to compete with the television.
Don't read stories that you find boring or uninteresting.
Don't confuse quantity with quality. Your child will remember fifteen minutes of reading with you far longer in life than she will remember a two hour movie.
Don't get too comfortable while you are reading. If you are slumped over, your voice will lose it's ability to be energetic and lively. If you are lying down you may get drowsy and being to yawn or fall asleep.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Free Year Contest Winner!

2010-02-03T15:59:00.000-06:00

Press Release

Fort Worth family wins Free Year of Childcare for their son Samuel.

Childrens Lighthouse Learning Centers nationwide took entries to give away a free year of childcare to one lucky family.

Fort Worth, TX, February 1, 2010: For two months Childrens Lighthouse Learning Centers across the United States took entries for a contest to award one Free Year of Childcare to a lucky family in one of our state of the art locations. The drawing was held Monday, February 1, 2010 at our Home Office in Fort Worth, TX. The family of Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Williams from Fort Worth heard about Childrens Lighthouse through the website and decided to come in to the center located at 3470 W. Risinger Rd, Fort Worth, TX for a tour on January 4th for their son Samuel who is six years old. When the Center Director, Eilene Moore, contacted Mrs. Williams to notify her of being the winner of our contest the family was so excited to find out they had won and came in the next afternoon to enroll.

For any additional information about Childrens Lighthouse please feel free to contact us or go to the website at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/. If you wish to contact Mr. & Mrs. Williams for an interview please email me at kboulware@childrenslighthouse.com and I can get you additional contact information.

Building Self-Esteem

2010-01-20T13:50:00.002-06:00

Self-Esteem is an essential quality that all adults have or wish to have. Self-Esteem helps you to obtain quality employment, perform well at work and school, helps maintain quality relationships and much more. Early childhood is the prime time to build the self-esteem factor in life. Here are some ways that are proven to work and recommended by many professionals:

Help your child to learn how to set and achieve goals.
- Before the week begins, help your child state one challenging but attainable goal. Something simple from returning a library book on time to getting an "A" on a math test.
- Once the goal is set have your child write it on a paper and post where it will be easily seen.
- Talk with your child daily about how they will accomplish the goal. Help them know how to break the goal down into smaller steps.
- Ask your child how their goal is progressing throughout the week. If a problem arises, talk them through some solutions.
- When the end of the week arrives, help them evaluate how they did with the goal. Did he achieve the goal? Why/why not? But always remember to praise your child for trying. Then start setting the new goal for next week.
Have your child make a book about themselves, with pictures of themselves, pictures they have drawn/colored and wording that they have helped with. "A Book About Me" is a great way to have your child look at themselves as "somebody".
Let the children hear you praising them to others regularly.
Help your child have a feeling of control over their lives by setting scheduled homework hours.
Keep a scrapbook to keep a record of your child's accomplishments. Things they learned in school. Ways that they helped others. Their artistic skills, places they have been, things they are proud of and so much more.
For good behavior or good report cards try "King/Queen for a Day".
Use your family members to help your child discover their roots by talking during holidays and other visits.
Help your children learn from problems, not be crushed by them. Many parents avoid using the word "failure" around their children. They may discuss things as a "glitch", "problem" or a "snag". But successful people learn from life when things don't go as planned or just don't work out.
Always be looking for ways and times to express to your children what you appreciate about them and how much you love them. There is no age limit on this. Even adult children need this. A high school dropout wrote, "When I do something well, no one ever remembers. When I do something wrong, no one ever forgets." We want to prevent those feelings in your child. The children who are successful in school - and in life - believe in themselves. They also know their parents believe in them as well.
Help children realize and remember how much they have learned and how far they have come with things.
Always try to attend their sporting or school events and encourage them after for something about their performance.

It has been proven that children with high self-esteen have parents who: love and accept them even with mistakes. Children with high self-esteem know their parent love them regardless of what they do. All children will misbehave at one time or another. But parents who are building self-esteem know to criticize the behavior choice, not the child. I have been know to tell children, "You know I love you and you are a good girl, so we need to talk about the choice you made that was not good and I don't approve of it." See something special in your children. Do not compare your children against each other or against other children. Set limits for them however. Children get confused when there is too much freedom in life. Even if they don't like it children know their parents care enough to set some rules and they actually feel more confident to spread their wings. Allow for flexibility for the individual as well with the limits.

Children need to hear and feel these regularly:

You are loved.
You are you.
You matter.
You are growing up.
You are secure.
You are special.
You are okay even with mistakes.

When discussing things with your children make sure to use words that are encouraging to children:

Words that encourage:
- I have faith in you.
- I'm sure you will do fine.
- You can do it.
- Try your best.
- I have faith in you.
- You will figure it out.
- You are doing fine.
- I can see you really put effort in that.
- That was a good try.
- Don't worry about a mistake.
- That was hard but you did it.
Words that discourage:
- That looks too difficult for you to try.
- I think you should do more.
- If you can't do right, don't do it at all.
- You usually make mistakes, so be careful.
- Better get some help.
- I doubt you can handle that.
- That's a good job, BUT the corners are ragged. (when you say but it totally takes away everything in the beginning of the sentence)
- You can do better.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Family Winter Activities

2010-01-13T12:05:00.000-06:00

It is winter and we are all trying to decide if we enjoy the colder weather or not. There are times when we think it is great however it doesn't allow our children to go outside to play near as much, it restricts our desires to run errands or do activities outdoors. Aside from bundling up for outdoor fun or planning a winter picnic indoors. Below are some ideas of some things you can do throughout this winter season with your family:

Cupcake Creations

Turn that indoor cold wintry day into a fun filled event with a cupcake decorating party. Make your own icing by mixing one box of powdered sugar with a small amount of milk for blending consistency. Add one teaspoon of soft margarine, and one-fourth teaspoon vanilla. Divide icing into eight different bowls then add food coloring for bright colored icing. Let the children decorate their own cupcakes with the icing of their choice adding candy sprinkles to create their own tasty delights.

Family Photo Album

Children enjoy looking at pictures so this will be a great activity for those winter weekends when extreme weather keeps the family inside. It is also a a great way to organize those abundant photos, get them into albums and involve the whole family.

Ice Castles

Items Needed:

Small containers (yogurt and drink cups, deli salad tubs, etc.)
One ice cube tray

Fill all containers with water and freeze overnight (or outside if it’s cold enough). The next day you can set your child/children to building just like they are making sand castles, but only colder!! Stacking the ice chunks and then misting them with a spray bottle helps the pieces stick together.

Silly Slime

Items Needed:

2 teaspoons Original Metamucil Fiber Supplement (Course Milled)
1 cup of Water

In a plastic jar with a lid, have your child shake together the Metamucil and water for one minute. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir occasionally until it cools. This quick and inexpensive idea offers your child an optional lesson in chemistry!

Hidden Letters

Objective: Build reading observation skills

Materials: Anything around the house with letters on them. Can foods, cereal boxes, newspaper, etc.

Have child find five A’s, or three C’s or any number of letters, or combination. Start with easy-to-find and build up to harder-to-find-ones. Have your child write the letters on paper or point out the letters.

Weigh Me

Objective: Teaching estimating skills

Materials: Several household objects, scale, paper, and pencil

Procedure: Show them how to use the scale. Have them guess the weight of several household items. Have them write down how much they think the item will weigh. Have them weigh the item and write down the actual weight. Compare how close or far away they were from the actual weight.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Helping Preschooler with Math

2010-01-02T08:42:00.001-06:00

It is not hard to find children and adults that are intimidated by math. But there are ways to get your child off to a good start by making math more fun. Here are some activities that are designed to help preschool children learn to enjoy math instead of fearing it:

Work with your child on sorting things. There are numerous things your child can sort. Have him start with simple manipulative toys, move on to silverware, foods from grocery store, items by color and much more.
Work with your child by counting things. Have them help to set the table and count the plates, forks, etc.
Work with your child to use fractions. Have them help you measure ingredients in cooking. Discuss dividing things into halves and thirds.

There are many ways you can incorporate math into the daily world. Just take a look around you and make it something fun you spend time with your child while doing rather than discussing that is it math.

Parents of Young Children Most Stressed

2009-12-30T14:19:00.000-06:00

You've got to be kidding. Did someone really need to poll Americans to determine which was the most stressed group of people statistically amount our masses?

According to a Gallup poll held a few years ago, parents of young children are the most stressed, with mothers - at-home and at-work alike - saying they have little or no time to relax.

You and I could have published these finding from our own homes, neighborhoods, churches and local stores.

It's the mom sitting in front of you at church whose kindergartener is doing the pee pee dance in the pew. It's the woman who looks as if she's preparing to compete in a pro wrestling match each time she wheels her children dow the grocery store aisle while fending off their pleas for chocolate cookies and sugary juices. It's the woman next door who, after working ten hours and putting her kids to bed, is still up until midnight finishing work she brought home.

It's you and me, the study tells us. We are stressed and in need of some serious relaxation and rest time.

Books and magazine articles are full of advice on how moms can incorporate time into their day for relaxation. Here are some suggestions I ran across recently and tried.

~Take five minutes alone and clear your mind. Repeat a soothing word and keep that word going in your head.

OK. The first soothing word that came to mind was "butter". (Possibly because we had pancakes for breakfast.) Butter is soft and smooth. It smells great melting on pancakes. But after repeating it a few times, the word made me think of my grocery list. I was running low on butter. I had promised the kids we would make cookies but couldn't without that ingredient. As I continued repeating the word I became more stressed about what else I needed at the grocery store and how I was going to get to the store before the kids got out of school so I didn't have to fight to not buy extra things they wanted. So, if you are going to try this one, think of something that doesn't relate to a task you are planning to do.

~Breathe in peace; breathe out stress.

Sounded a little goofy I know, but as I sat at my desk I pictured breathing in the scent of freshly laundered sheets. I then pictured my stress and imagined breathing it out. This worked for a moment, except that on that particular, like so many others, I didn't have any freshly laundered sheets, socks, jeans or otherwise in my house. It was time yet again to get the laundry done. Again, avoid task-oriented visualization.

~Take a buble bath.

Now we are talking! This is the closest I came to some form of relaxation. I drew a bath full of hot water and poured in the bubbles. I made sure the kids were occupied, closed and locked the door. Not even ten minutes later, the kids are yelling for me throughout the house, fighting with each other, telling me the dog needs out, the mailman needs something signed and how mean the other one is.

The poll tells us what we already knew: When we move from the parent of young children category to the older American without children category, we will then finally achieve relaxation.

For now, however, a relaxed mother is an oxymoron.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for approximately 8 years and then moved up through management as a curriculum trainer, Assistant Director and ending to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with being a Director for Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Teaching your Child to Tell Time

2009-12-26T08:32:00.001-06:00

At very young ages children begin to question things in "time". They wonder how long for things and how to manage their time in life. Your children are not able to learn to manage their time until they are able to learn to tell time. Experienced educators frequently use similar tips to teach children how to tell time:

Start with an old-fashioned clock that has moveable stems and knobs.
Begin the concept of time by teaching approximate time. Move the hands of the clock and have your child describe time using language such as "almost 4:00, little after 4:00, halfway between 4:00 & 5:00"
Show your child how the minute hand takes five minutes to move from one number to the next. Start at 12 and move the minute hand around the clock counting by 5's.
Show your child how as the minute hand passes by it requires a full rotation to make one hour.
Help your child master the concept of the minutes after the hour before introducing the concept of time before the hour.
Have your child practice setting the clock to the same specific time until mastered.
Help your child set special times for things such as bed time, dinner time, snack time and the like.
Get your child your her own clock and teach her how to set an alarm on it.
Allow your child to have the responsibility of using her alarm to manage wake up times, TV times, play times and much more.
When your child's time-telling skills are more advanced you can reward them with a watch that they can learn to manage their time when away from home.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Benefits of Being Involved/Volunteering

2009-12-17T19:44:00.000-06:00

All parents with children in school have experienced being asked to volunteer at some point or another. There is no question that agreeing to volunteer with your child's classroom will require a commitment of time, energy and possibly finances. On the flipside of these commitments there are also great benefits to volunteering. Some of these benefits include:

The ability to observe for yourself what your child's strengths and weaknesses are. Also in observing the methods your child's teacher uses to teach certain skills to your child it will help you succeed at home.
The ability to observe your child's choice in friends. You will be able to watch your child interact with friends and see who they have chosen. Also allowing you to put a name to a face when they talk about friends at home.
Helping in the class with more day to day activities will allow your child's teacher more time to actually teach. Teachers don't always have time to do everything they wish to do, especially the ability to focus on a smaller group of children who need help. Take the children aside for a story or project to give the teacher more time or spend time with an individual child who needs help.
Spending time volunteering will also give you a better understanding of the school system. Parents typically hear one side of the story from their child's point of view. Volunteers however are able to see the bigger picture and reinforcing teachers rules and philosphies at home.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Childrens Lighthouse Donates to Ronald McDonald House

2009-12-10T20:44:00.000-06:00

Childrens Lighthouse locations together raised over $2,000 in funds and gathered over $1,000 in goods to donate to the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth. Fox News covered this wonderful moment of teaching children the importance of charity.

Childrens Lighthouse Donations

Stay Involved with Education

2009-12-04T08:25:00.001-06:00

It is vitally important to stay involved with your child’s education. There are numerous ways to keep yourself involved with this but here are a few simple ways to get you started:

Join your child’s school parent organization and attend all meetings that you are able to.
Make sure to stay on top of homework. Checking each day what your child has for homework and schedule a regular time to complete it.
Occasionally take a vacation day to spend the day AT school with your child. Help the teacher or attend a party.
Plan to take part in your child’s after school events.
Plan to take part in your child’s special events such as pep rallies or school parties. Special events help you become part of the school community better.
Plan a long lunch break and join your child for lunch at school as a surprise.
Ask if you can help your child’s teacher at home in the evenings.
Always attend parent-teacher conferences to stay up to date on events.
Make sure your employer knows that you wish to spend time with your child during school hours from time to time.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for approximately 8 years and then moved up through management as a curriculum trainer, Assistant Director and ending to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with being a Director for Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Want to win a FREE YEAR of child care!

2009-11-25T22:02:00.001-06:00

A FREE YEAR OF TUITION AT A CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL. To register to win, the family just has to tour the facility nearest them and complete the entry form. The drawing for the FREE YEAR of child care will be held February 1, 2010.

Who couldn't use some great news right after the holidays? Parents know that child care is one of the highest expenses throughout our children's growing years. Stop by one of our locations to enter to win a YEAR of free childcare at any of our locations.

Morning Rush Reduction

2009-11-21T08:57:00.002-06:00

Do you ever get tired of the morning grind to get your children up and ready to get off to school or child care? Do you wish you had some ideas for making life less hectic in the early mornings? Here are some simple ideas to help reduce your morning “rush hour” before you get into the “rush hour” traffic.

Make sure every night has a routine bedtime. Children who are up late watching TV are less likely to be content to wake early and get ready to go.
Plan for your successful morning in the evenings. Before the children go to bed be sure to have them pick their clothes for the next day. Make sure their shoes and socks are ready, their lunches are packed, their homework is in backpack and such activities.
Help your children form good habits. Have a place to keep their belongings, a set place to hang their coats, a regular place to do homework.
Set alarm clock for about fifteen minutes early. Even just a few minutes extra in the morning can help make a difference.
When grocery shopping stick to easy-to-fix breakfast foods. Children learn substantially better on a full stomach. Easy and quick breakfast foods ensure they have a full meal and still not take too much time from the morning plan.
Make sure even in a rush to tell each child “I love you”. This will get everyone’s day off to a better start and ensure there are no regrets that you missed a chance to say it.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

Making Time with Family Count

2009-11-19T20:20:00.001-06:00

Everyone has a super busy life and wishes they more down time to spend with family and friends. There are many ways to make the time you have count more. Make memories with quality time and quantity will not be as important.

Use a calendar to put specific planned times down each week for when you will be able to spend time with your family. During these scheduled times make sure you are focusing your attention and love on your family.
Remember that your children love alone time with you. Even if you do not have a large family make sure you are planning times with each member individually. Plan time where just one of your children is able to be with you. In the future it won't be the gifts you have purchased them that are remembered, it will be the time you have chosen to spend with them. My daughters know that even things as simple as running errands with me alone is a way we spend time alone with each other.
Use the time you are in the car driving places to talk. There is no television, telephone, computer etc to interrupt you. No one can get up and walk away to do something else. This is the perfect time to just chat without risk of losing someone.
For birthdays or other special times try giving your time rather than tangible gifts. The most priceless thing you are able to give your family is your time. Make sure you are leaving free time available for your children. The most important conversations happen when they are ready to speak not when you are prompting it.
Make a point to plan one meal each day as a family.
Get everyone involved and decide on things to do together as a family. Try new things and experience each person's desired activity if possible.
When it is a holiday or special occasion time let everyone get involved by giving them a task of something to do. Make sure they know how special they are to the day's events.
Do what you can to make memories with your children. Be crazy at times, follow routines with them, or have family rituals where you always do something special for whatever reason.
Dream up a few places each of you would choose to go on vacation if you had endless finances. Then spend time together studying these places.
Reduce your morning rush hour making mornings smoother.
Regardless of work or other life events stay involved in your child's education.
Put your television where it is less convenient, making you spend more quality time together.
Always remember those extra chores will wait. Spending that extra hour playing with your child or going on a walk is so much more important in the long run than finishing the housework every night.
Try giving the children TV vouchers. Decide on how many vouchers to give at the beginning of each week. Each one can be cashed in for a set time span of TV time. Any leftover vouchers at the end of the week can be cashed in for cash for a piggy bank.
Make a list of your priorities then think of how you have spent the hours of the last week. Are you spending your time according to your priorities? If not decide what you should change in your planning of activities.
Help your family develop routines for daily activities such as meals, bedtimes, homework, etc. These routines will help your child learn how to organize their world and their time.

There are some ideas you can use to give yourself more time in your schedule to allow more time available.

Set priorities in your day to day activities. Decide what is really important to you and focus on what really matters.
Learn to say no when people ask things of you. You do not always have to agree to do things that people wish. You can at times decline politely a request.
Lower your standards about some things. When shopping avoid high maintenance items. When planning meals avoid long strenuous recipes. When doing housework it's okay to miss some dust in the corner.
Think through your activities and find alternatives that can still be the right answer. When preparing meals rather than seclude yourself to the kitchen ask for volunteers to help. When planning to go to the gym, skip it and find a physical activity you can do with your family instead.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for approximately 8 years and then moved up through management as a curriculum trainer, Assistant Director and ending to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with being a Director for Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Children & Conflict Resolution

2009-10-20T08:09:00.001-05:00

Are you wondering what is the preferred methods for helping to teach your child conflict resolution skills? Whether your child is having a fight with a sibling or an argument on the school playground, all children will eventually be involved in a conflict. Your job as the parent is to teach your child these skills in how to peacefully resolve these conflicts with a positive outcome:

Teach them to talk about the problems before they turn into conflicts. When they ignore the little things, it tends to grow into bigger things.
Teach them to NOT play the blame game. If they have a problem it really doesn't matter who is at fault. Help your child spend the time fixing the issues not trying to assign blame.
Teach them to use "I" messages. Children need to learn to talk about their feelings, not what the other person did wrong. Show them that instead of saying, "YOU never put my crayons back in the box," your child could say, "I feel angry when my crayons are left out to ruin. If you would like to color with them please put them away."
Teach them to talk to adults. Sometimes, children feel they must solve all problems themselves. While problem solving is an important skill, at times a trusted adult can sometimes suggest different solutions.
Teach them to be willing to cooperate and compromise. Show your child that if two people fight then they both have the problem. To solve this problem, they may both have to make some changes.
Teach them to practice. Similar to teaching your child to read or ride their bicycle, learning to solve disagreements peacefully time time and practice. Use the chance to role-play different solutions with your child.
Teach them to listen. At times children struggle seeing the other person's point of view if they aren't listening to what that person is saying.

As adults we use conflict resolution daily in our interpersonal communication skills at work, the store, at home, basically everywhere. Let's teach our children these skills at an early age to help promote this peaceful outcome.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Toddlers and Sharing

2009-10-18T13:10:00.002-05:00

Everyone knows that toddlers are notorious for having a hard time sharing with others. After all, remember they have just recently learned what "mine" really means, and they are not excited at all about giving things that are "mine" away. As your toddler grows into a preschooler the sharing skills will undoubtedly improve. In the meantime while you wait for that progression, you can encourage your toddler to share in the following ways:

Offer to share your things with your todder. For example, you might ask your child, "Would you like half of my sandwich?"
Remember that it is normal for children to refuse to share at times. Instead of having the expectation for your child to share all the time, encourage a general pattern of sharing with others.
Practice sharing skills. For example, you can give your child something and then ask for it to be given back. When they are getting more comfortable with this, ask them to give you something of theirs. Keep it in sight and return it after a short time, showing that things shared will be returned to them.
Avoid asking for your toddler to share their favorite of something. Everyone has a special item that we do not wish to allow others to use. It is okay for them to keep that special item to themselves.

Remember this too is a phase and it shall pass. Parenting teaches us how to teach them. If you need suggestions or ideas try asking your child's teacher how he/she handles it each day.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Talking back?

2009-10-16T12:47:00.000-05:00

Has your child started talking back? Is your child starting to call you names? Is this just a phase? This a part of parenting we almost all go through.
Talking back or calling names is a way for your child to test limits, a step that is necessary for them to move toward independence. This behaivor usually comes in spurts throughout older childhood and early teen years. If you hold your ground and handle it firmly, it should pass without too much pain and suffering for either of you.
Here are some suggestions to handle a child who talks back:

Always be a good model. Communicate with others with respect.
Stay as calm as you possibly can. Most of the time your child is trying to get under your skin with the behaivor. Avoid gratifying them by remaining calm.
Enforce consequences for the actions.
State your expectations clearly. Make sure you have outlined rules for how you will treat each other. Openly discuss consequences for talking back, name-calling or other forms of disrespect.
Teach. If your child chooses to make a disrespectful comment, firmly state, "that is disrepectful and it is not allowed".
Tell your child clearly why the action is unacceptable. Such as "shut up" is a rude and hurtful phrase. We will not say it in this house.
Find ways to allow more independence. Allow them to make decisions about matters themselves when able.
Tone of voice is very important. Be clear with your child about their words may be okay but their tone is rude and insulting and you will not listen to it. Let them know you will discuss it with them when they are ready to speak politely.
Notice the good times. Make sure to point out and thank them for the days they speak politely to you through stressful situations.
Find alternatives to being rude. Encourage your child to understand that it's okay to be upset but when they are being disrespectful you can not help them
Allow them to complain at times. Often your child will mumble under their breath. This is just their way of saying they will do what you ask but they don't like it. Choose your battles this may be a time to not fight about it.
Don't respond to the rude comments. Your child saying you are mean does not require a response from you.
Say it once. State your point clearly, then be quiet.
Refuse to argue with them. Your child can not continue to be rude or argue with you if you stop talking or leave the room.
Check out their friends. Are they hanging out with friends that are allowed to speak disrespectfully to their parents? Make sure your child understands that disrespectful behavior is not allowed and if their friends are rude they will be sent home.

Again this is a phase and if you act promptly and positively it will pass.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Importance of Parent Support

2009-10-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

Parents Need Support, Too!

Being a parent is the most rewarding, exciting, busy, stressful and fun job you will ever hold! Having a family means your life is always on the go and you are trying to do it all without enough time or support. Always remember if you are feeling overwhelmed that you are NOT alone! There are many ways for you to manage your stress before it becomes overwhelming. First and foremost, do not be afraid to ask for help.

Most Common Needs:

Someone to vent to
To feel validated
To learn something
To socialize "grown up time"
To believe there IS hope

Reach Out for Support When:

you have too many demands causing you stresses
your children seem to misbehave on purpose
you are yelling at your children
you are saying mean or hurtful things to your children
your children don't listen to you
you feel as if your children won't do as you expect them to
the feelings of being overwhelmed lead to you to see no way out
you begin to take your frustrations out on your children

Age Specific Tips:

If you have a newborn - When baby sleeps YOU sleep. The housework will still be there when you wake up, get the much needed sleep when you have the chance. If you find yourself getting frustrated with baby crying, lay him gently in the crib on his back and leave the room for a moment to cool down.
If you have a toddler - Take the time to childproof your surrounding which will let you enjoy your toddler exploring and discovering new things rather than stressing about what they will get in to. Get a babysitter on occassion to give yourself a break.
If you have a preschooler - Research parenting tips and ideas on how to enjoy your time with your preschooler and make the time smooth and stress free. Don't feel like you can't enroll your child in a preschool program to give yourself time if you don't work.
If you have a 6-10 year old child - Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed with too many activities. Find other parents to become support systems for each other for carpools and group outings.

Stress dealing techniques:

Once you make sure your children are safe give yourself a time out. It won't hurt to use five minutes alone to breath and recollect yourself.
Don't try to be super-mom. Be realistic in your goals for yourself.
It's okay to use shortcuts sometimes. Don't open all the mail, use paper dishes, order take-out, turn the ringer off on the phone.
Don't compare yourself to other parents. Give yourself the deserved credit for doing a good job.
Share your experiences with other parents to see if there are tips or tricks that might work for you.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. You need time for yourself too, even if it's just to get your nails done.
Be sure to take care of yourself too. Healthy body and mind is required for parenting. Get plenty of rest, nourishment, exercise and remember to laugh!

Tips to meet other parents or find a parenting group:

Introduce yourself to parents you see at your child's school and/or childcare center.
Volunteer at your child's school.
Talk to parents in your neighborhood, organize a gathering.
Set up trade offs for watching each other's children with the neighbors.
Check with local churches or community organizations for parenting groups.

Parenting is something that will always give your more blessings and rewards than anything else you do. Remember that in stressful or painful times and always know you are doing a good job.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.

Reading to Your Child

2009-09-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

• Try relaxing your family's bedtime rules once a week on the weekend. Let your child know that he can stay up as late as he wants—as long as he's reading in bed.

• To find books your kids will love, keep these things in mind:

- Child's age

- Child's interests

- Child's recent experiences—moving, visiting grandparents, zoo trip

- Child's reading level (but don't over-emphasize this). If child can read the first page aloud to you, chances are she can read the entire book.

• Help your child start their own library—paperback books are fine. Encourage child to swap books with friends. Check used bookstores. Give books a gifts.

• Here's how to spot easy-to-read books:

- Large, clear printing.

- Pages have lots of empty space.

- Pictures give lots of clues about what the words mean.

• Want your children to be good readers? Let them see you read. In 1988, more students than ever reported that their homes contained few or no reading materials. More than one-third of the nation's nine-year-olds (33.8 percent) said they had little or no access to reading materials in their homes. Students were also asked how often the people they lived with actually read newspapers, magazines, and books. Students who said they saw people reading more than once a week scored better on reading tests. In 1988, 16 percent of 13-year-olds and 14 percent of 17-year-olds said they saw someone reading never or once a year. —National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

• Try the magic of poetry when you read aloud to your children. In The Read-Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease offers these suggestions: read it aloud, read it often, keep it simple, keep it joyous or spooky or exciting.

• Try holding D-E-A-R times at your house. "DEAR" stands for "Drop Everything And Read." During DEAR time, everyone in the family sits down for some uninterrupted reading time. The TV goes off. The telephone goes unanswered.

• With young children, try reading to them during bath time.

• Watch these DON'Ts when reading aloud:

1. Don't read stories you don't enjoy yourself.

2. Don't get overly comfortable while you're reading. If you lie down, you're likely to get drowsy. If you slouch, your voice will lose its energy.

3. Don't be surprised if your kids interrupt with a lot of questions. And answer their questions right away. There's no hurry.

4. Don't confuse quantity with quality. Your child will remember ten minutes of reading together far longer than he will remember two hours of television.

5. Don't try to compete with television.

• Children improve their reading ability by reading, and reading, and reading some more. Research shows that kids who spend as little as 30 minutes a day reading books, magazines, and newspapers are more likely to become good readers. They're more likely to read faster, score higher, and do better in high school and college. How does your family rate? This week try keeping a chart of your and your children's reading and TV time.

• Talk to your children. Spoken language is the basis for reading. Talk about what you are doing around the house. Go for walks and talk about what you see. And try to answer your child's questions. (You can always say, "I don't know. Let's find out.")

• Try reading in unusual places.

• Use the "Rule of Thumb" to see if a book is on your child's reading level: Have your child read a page of the book aloud. Have her hold up one finger for each word she does not know. If she holds up four fingers and a thumb before the end of the page, the book is probably too hard for her to read alone. But it might be a great book to read aloud.

Childrens Lighthouse

2009-09-25T13:19:00.002-05:00

I am honored and humbled to work for a company, Childrens Lighthouse, that strives daily to do better than the day before for their families and to have had this opportunity to share the commitments they all make to families and children each day. I believe that each of us has the ability to change the world. I share with you one of my favorite stories about making a difference…

A man who was walking along the beach notices a young boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. He approaches the boy and asks, “What are you doing?”

The boy replies, throwing starfish back into the ocean, “The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

The man looks at the boy and replies, “Don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t possibly make a difference.”

After listening politely, the boy bends down, picks up another starfish, and throws it back into the surf. Then smiling at the man, he says, “I made a difference for that one.”

There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have been given a gift to make a difference in the lives of children. We have it right here, right now. Let us make success out of what others would say is impossible.

Motor Skills

2009-09-19T14:02:00.001-05:00

Every Child Should Have

These Motor Skills

No two babies develop motor skills at exactly the same rate—not even siblings. But during the first year of life, there are some signs of healthy motor skill development every baby should show. Here are some of them:

Use of both sides of body from birth on.
Mobility in hips and legs when diaper is being changed.
Use of smiles and facial expressions to respond.
Ability to hold head up at three months.
Ability to sit by eight months.
Use of both arms and both legs to crawl by 12 months.

If your baby seems to be developing normally, but something just doesn’t “feel” right, trust your instincts. A visit to your child’s doctor may reassure you that nothing is wrong. Or, if there is cause for concern, you’ll be glad you sought treatment so quickly.

Childrens Lighthouse's comprehensive Infant and Toddler Curriculums feature activities and equipment designed for development of gross and fine motor coordination. Hands on activities that are appropriate for children at such a young age are planned and incorporate into our daily routines. This curriculum is focused on individualized care and attention to build strong foundations of love and security.

In our infant room, each child has his or her own crib and place for personal belongings.

The Toddler Curriculum offers many hands-on opportunities to learn about the world, experience creativity and continue development of gross and fine motor skills. Toddlers especially like the spacious room to interact with their friends. They also love the tactile and sensory toys and soft climbing equipment.

For more information about our programs please visit http://www.childrenslighthouse.com.

Literacy with Children

2009-09-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

Help Young Children

Learn to Love Reading

September is National Literacy Month so what better time to discuss raising a good reader in your family. As children grow, so do the ways they can enjoy literacy and reading. Babies love cuddling, looking at pictures and hearing parents’ voices. But toddlers have new skills that can help them enjoy book time even more. Here are some ways you can make the most of the time you spend reading with your child:

Choose a relaxed time to read together. Many parents read to their children at night. But if your child seems more excited about reading in the morning or afternoon, take advantage of his interest then.
Allow your child to choose which book you will read. If that’s too difficult for him, pick out a few books and let him select one. Children love repetition, so don’t worry if he chooses the same book day after day. You can read it again, or ask your spouse to take a turn.
Let your child read to you. Reverse roles and have him turn the pages and tell you the story.
Be creative. Consider using different voices for each character. Your child will enjoy it—and you might, too.
Take the time to answer your child’s questions, even if they interrupt the story. And if your child wants to stop reading or skip a few pages, that’s OK, too. Enjoying the time with your child is more important than reading the entire book.

The curriculum at Childrens Lighthouse fosters these early literacy skills through our amazing A Beka curriculum. A Beka uses a strong approach to phonics to build literacy. Please look for more detailed information on our webpage at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com.

Positive Guidance

2009-09-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

POSTIVE GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE PARENTING TIPS

Raising children can be one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs you will ever undertake. Parents sometime become frustrated when their children challenge their authority and are not quite sure how to handle their child. Hopefully, the following information will be a valuable resource to you as you as a parent work with your most precious possession, your child.

First and foremost positive guidance, methods, and appropriateness are dependent upon the age of the child and the child’s development. Consistency is a key factor. Be open to trying different techniques as each child is unique and different. What works for one child might not work for another.

Consider the following:
Offer children choices
Build a child’s self-esteem, never diminish it
Offer natural and logical consequences. Example: when you are finished picking up your toys, we will read a story together.
Consistency is a key factor.
Never administer guidance in anger, be too rigid, or intimidate
Be respectful of the uniqueness of your child and avoid comparing siblings
Praise them for their efforts and accomplishments. Focus on the good behavior. Some might also say, “Pick your battles.”
Use redirection whenever possible and avoid power struggles.

Try using some of these phrases: great job, what a good listener you are, that’s perfect, you’ve figured it out, super, great, neat, I love you, I knew you could do it, you tried hard and I am proud of you.

Finally, punishment should never break a child’s sprit or uniqueness. It should be used to teach expectations and self-control. Your relationship with your child is a building block for their future success as they encounter life’s challenges.

Written by Linda Pavliska

Hello, my name is Linda Pavliska and it is a pleasure to be the director of Childrens Lighthouse in Grand Prairie. As the administrator of this school I offer 20 years of experience as a director, five years as an assistant director and five years as a kindergarten teacher. I am also the proud mother of three grown children and am especially proud of my one and only grandchild, Kaitlyn. My husband and I will celebrate 38 years of marriage this summer. My education is an Associate's Degree in Business and I am nearing completing of my Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business Management, Labor Relations and Behavioral Sciences. What I am most proud of at my school is the fine academic atmosphere and the wonderful family involvement. I thoroughly enjoy working at Childrens Lighthouse as I am able to be instrumental in the positive development of young lives as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. To learn more visit http://www.childrenslighthouse.com

Biting Behavior in Young Children

2009-09-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

Biting Behavior in Young Children

Why do children bite?

Biting is a natural part of development during infancy and toddlerhood. A baby’s biting is exploratory. Infants are curious about their environment and will experience and explore with their mouths. In addition, when a young child is teething, it feels good to bite. Later, a child may begin to bite with an objective in mind. For example, if a child sees another child playing with a toy he wants, he may bite to get a desired reaction: He bites, the child drops the toy. This kind of biting can begin as early as seven months and will last well into the second and third year of life. If a child learns that biting produces results, he will continue to bite.

Other reasons young children bite is that during infancy and early toddlerhood, children are preverbal – they do not have the language skills to express what they want. In addition, they have limited means for expressing feelings. So for some children biting is an outlet for releasing strong emotions such as anger or frustration. As their language skills increase and they are better able to satisfy their needs through talking, the incidences of biting will decrease.

Myths about biting

Children only bite in daycare settings
Children do not bite at home
Children will stop biting if you bite them back
Children learn biting at daycare
Children bite because the teachers allow it
Only mean children bite

What do I do if my child bites or gets bit?

Remember, biting is as normal to toddler-hood as self-inflicted haircuts are to preschoolers. Parents who don’t experience this milestone with their child can consider themselves lucky. This doesn’t, however, do much to ease the fear of a parent whose child is biting others or the parent of a child who gets bit.

If your child is biting, observe him/her carefully during the day to see what is happening when the behavior occurs. Also consider the following questions:

If he/she cutting teeth?
Is it close to snack/meal time?
Is it close to naptime?
Is he/she being ignored?

By doing this, you may see a pattern to the biting behavior and you can develop a plan to handle the problem. If the biting occurs at daycare, make sure you are informed about the situation. Keep the lines of communication open and remember that they are there to help you (this is a sign of a good daycare!)

Similarly, if your child gets bit while at daycare, find out what happened and what actions the teacher took after the biting occurred. Although your natural instinct is to find out who bit your child, knowing doesn’t make the situation or your child feel any better. And remember that severe bites are unusual in daycare centers and almost never lead to bacterial infections.

Tips On Biting

Show your child by your tone and expression that biting is not acceptable.

Remove the child from the situation immediately.
Do not, under any circumstances, bite your child back.
Provide teething rings, teething biscuits or cold washcloths for children who are teething.
Look for consistencies in the biter's environment and emotional state at each episode. Is the child tired or hungry? Has there been a change in his/her routine?
If you see your child becoming frustrated, intervene and get him/her involved in something positive.
Work with your child on building communication skills.
Make sure your child is getting adequate sleep for his/her age and try to maintain a schedule.
Give plenty of praise when he/she handles tough situations in a positive way.
Have faith: The biting will stop – most likely as suddenly as it began.

Looking for Fun Fall Family Activities

2009-09-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Well from the smells outside, the cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves on the trees...I would say Fall is clearly on it's way. If you are anything like me you are wondering what types of activities you might be able to come up with to spend some time with your children while enjoying the changing seasons. Here are some ideas for fall activities you can do with your children to keep them busy and you being able to spend quality time with them.

No Small Potato!

Items Needed:

1 Firm Sweet Potato

Toothpicks

Disposable Clear Cup

With pointy end of the potato down, help your child push 4 toothpicks into the sides of the sweet potato. Put the pointy end of the potato into the clear cup and the fill almost to the top with lukewarm water. Place in a sunny spot and change the water every 2-3 days. Before you know it roots will begin to sprout along with stems and leaves! As an extended project you can plant it 3-4 inches deep in a pot filled with moist soil. The sweet potato is a member of the morning glory family that you can train the vines to grow wherever you want!

Backyard Camping

Items Needed:

Tent

Flashlights

Sleeping Bags

Snacks

Stories to tell

Pick a nice Saturday afternoon to set up your tent with all other items inside. If available take time to roast marshmallows and make smores or circle around and tell stories in the dark with the flashlight! This can be a fun time without having to be out in the woods, just the comfort of your backyard!

Eating Shapes

Items Needed:

Cookie cutters of the 4 basic shapes

Bread, Favorite sandwich fixings

Objective: Matching Shapes

Procedure: Let the child cut the bread into shapes using the four basic shapes, 2 of each shape. Have the child choose 2 of the same shape to make their sandwich. Repeat steps.

Leave Friend

Items Needed:

Variety of autumn leaves

paper

glue

pencils, pens, or crayons

Procedure: Go outside to collect a variety of leaves. Glue them to a piece of paper and use the pencil, pen, or crayons to make the creatures complete. Ex. Maple leaves can be the wings on a butterfly.

Family Fall Wreath

When the leaves start to turn in the fall take a family excursion to the local park and let your children collect the beautifully nature colored leaves. They can catch falling leaves and place them in their own bag to create a beautiful fall wreath. Place the leaves between layers of newspaper and press down with a heavy object as the newspaper will absorb the moisture.

Items Needed:

9 inch paper plate (not Styrofoam)

glue

scissors

dried leaves

ribbon

Cut out the middle of the paper plate leaving an open circle in the middle of the plate. Glue dried leaves all around the plate covering all the white of the plate. You can also add acorns, nuts or any nature items from your fall excursion to the plate. Attach a small ribbon to the top center. You have now created a beautiful fall family wreath and your children have discovered the beautiful changes that come about in the fall!

Butter for Thanksgiving Meal

The children will delight at helping with the Thanksgiving meal and what better a treat than actually making homemade butter for those delicious dinner rolls to be served.

Items Needed:

heavy cream

plastic air-tight container with lid

Pour the whipping cream into the container filling about two-thirds full. Have the children take turns shaking the container until you feel and see the butter separating. Using a colander rinse the butter slowly with cold water until the water runs clear. You can now salt to taste. Store the butter in the refrigerator ready to be spread over those warm delicious dinner rolls.

Separation Anxiety

2009-09-01T11:16:00.002-05:00

You may wonder how you are going to deal with this heartfelt goodbye as you drop your child off at daycare. Hearing your child cry and reach for you as you walk out the door makes your stomach drop and leaves you with the thought, “Am I doing the right thing?” Separation Anxiety is a perfectly normal part of childhood, but can be unsettling for parents to hear when their child gives a teary and sad goodbye. Keep in mind that your child’s unwillingness to not want to leave you is a good and healthy sign that there is a strong bond between the two of you.

Separation Anxiety develops as early as 7-14 months. At this age they can distinguish that there is only one mom and one dad. Babies do not have a concept of time at this age, so when one of them disappears into another room, the baby thinks that they are gone forever. When your child is between the ages of 15 months – 4 years old they are even more attached to you as a parent, but at the same time, they also have developed some independence for themselves. Children can have anxiety, but can be distracted easily by a fun activity. At 5 years old they are more likely to have less separation anxiety because they become more independent and more confident that you will be returning. There are a few simple things that you can do to make the transition go a lot smoother so that you and your child will be happier.

The first thing you can do is show confidence in your choice of child care. By doing this you show your child that you are not worried about the person you are leaving him/her with. You may not be aware of this but your child can read your body language such as; stress in your voice, facial gestures, and body tension. Remember if you are calm and confident then your child is more likely to be open to the separation.
Another thing you can do is visit the child care facility before their first day so your child can see where they will be going, get to know the teacher, and meet their new friends.
You also need to be consistent by creating a routine when you are dropping off. You can do this by giving your child a happy good bye, such as “See you later okay, I will be back as soon as I get off work”.
Be sure that you give your child your full attention, a loving firm goodbye, and stay calm yet confident that everything will be okay. No matter how much or how loud your child cries make sure that you do not run back into the room. Your child can understand how their behavior affects you as a parent. For example, if you keep running back into the rooms, stay longer, or even cancel your plans every time your child cries they will continue this behavior because it prolongs the separation. They will continue to do this once they recognize what works with you and what doesn’t.
You also need to keep your promises that you tell them when you are dropping off. If you tell them that you are going to be back at a certain time try your best to be there because they tend to rely on everything you say. Not being there at the time you tell them may make your next drop off even more difficult.
If you think your child is having a rough morning, don’t stay longer; stick to the routine and call the care giver about 20-30 minutes later to check on your child. By this time they have calmed down and are interacting with the other children.

Always remember that separation anxiety is only temporary, even though it feels like it lasts forever. In some cases separation anxiety is harder for the parent than it is for the child. This phase will pass once you establish a routine, stay calm, remain confident, and stay consistent. It is only natural that your child wants to be with you and you only. Don’t think that you are making the wrong choice by leaving your child with a care giver; you are actually helping your child develop their social skills, coping skills, and independence.

Written by: Latisha King, School Director, Childrens Lighthouse, Arlington, TX

My name is Latisha King; I am married and have 3 very energetic young boys. I live here in Arlington and love how much the city is growing! I have my Childcare Administrator Credential through the Early Childhood Management Institute and an Associates of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies-Early Childhood Development. Before becoming a Director I was an Assistant Center Director at the Hickory Creek location for over 3 years. I have been working with children in an early childhood setting since 2001 which included teaching the A Beka program for several years. Working for Childrens Lighthouse has been one of the greatest experiences due to all the support you receive and the team work that is involved throughout the company. Here at the Arlington location I am most proud of all the wonderful staff that have created a family like atmosphere and their love for education. Our management team also strives to provide a comforting experience for both the parents and children during this important milestone in their young lives! We look forward to welcoming you to our family! Get more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com.

Looking for Six Awesome Ways to Spend Time with Your Young Children?

2009-08-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

Young children rely on their families and parents for all their basic needs. Children need love, guidance and a sense of belonging. When children's lives are lacking these things, it's hard to do well in school or in life in general. Below are some activities that will help show your child that they have family support:

* Spend meal time together. Eating your meals together is one of the best ways for families to put each other first in life. You can even extend this time by preparing/cooking the meals and cleaning up together. I know my children love taking turns cooking and cleaning up with me while we talk about their days.

* Spend time taking small trips together. Take your child or family to a concert, a local event or museum. Take the time to ask your child what they would like to do. It is simple to plan a day trip to a local park or event that is cheap but very pleasing to your child.

* Plan time to play together. Have games that everyone can play and enjoy. Try things like board games, cards, charades or a group reading time. Ask your children what they want to play. This day and age you could even try a video game. My children love playing Rock Band or the Wii together as a family.

* Pick a night to plan a family night. You can decide as a family what to do for the night or take turns letting family members decide. Make a list of options such as ordering pizza, baking, going to a movie or even inviting another family over to join you. This also helps your children develop a sense of community as well.

* Act silly or do something silly. Families develop memories together. Some of the best ones are the funny ones. Don't be afraid to be childish around your children. Let them know it's perfectly acceptable to be a "kid" and enjoy life.

* Relax! Find a time during the day, maybe right after school or while you are preparing dinner to just spend time together. Talk about the day, talk about how things went. When I pick up my children from school I have time between getting them to have one on one time to talk to them about how the day went and anything important.

Life is always busy with family, work, errands, housework, etc. But when all is said and done make sure you have made time for the important things in life. Make time for your children and family. That load of laundry will still be there tomorrow I promise.

Written by: Kristi Boulware

I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Social Media Consultant. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com.

Where Education & Fun Go Hand in Hand

Learning is Fundamental

Do your homework on helping kids with theirs

‘Only’ doesn’t have to mean ‘lonely’ when raising one child

A good night’s sleep for your child

The Perils of Perfectionism

Saying "NO" to Negativity

Teaching Stranger Danger

Take Care of the Pennies

Daycare Helps Build Immunity

Daycare Helps Build Immunity

You're Never too Old to Learn

Positive Attitudes are Beneficial for your Health

Laughter – The Best Medicine

Inspire Your World

Family Life

Ways to Connect with Your Family

5 Tips to Learning Through Play

October Calendar Events

A Roll of the Dice Ends Sibling Sniping—Eventually

Get Started on Reading to Your Kids

Don’t Let Your Child Get Lost in a Crowded Classroom

How to Spot if Your Child is Failing at School

Exercise Your Brain for Inspiration

Traveling With Children

August Monthly Celebrations and Causes

Snacks That Won’t Undermine Your Diet

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products in the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica

Easy Ways to Go Green at Home

Tips for Basic Discipline Issues

Summer Heat Illness Safety

Cold or Allergies

Urgent Childrens Medication Recall

10 Great Mother's Day Gifts

Building Responsibility

Teaching your Child to Handle Bullying

Biting Tips

5 Ways to Teach Generosity to your Child

19 Ways to Promote Self-Esteem in your Child

5 Tips of Things to do with Children during Spring

What’s Missing Game

Button Flowers

Mouse Tails

Blob Tag

Shaving Cream Pictures

How Do I Overcome A Problem Report Card?

Reading with Your Child

Free Year Contest Winner!

Building Self-Esteem

Family Winter Activities

Helping Preschooler with Math

Parents of Young Children Most Stressed

Teaching your Child to Tell Time

Benefits of Being Involved/Volunteering

Childrens Lighthouse Donates to Ronald McDonald House

Stay Involved with Education

Want to win a FREE YEAR of child care!

Morning Rush Reduction

Making Time with Family Count

Children & Conflict Resolution

Toddlers and Sharing

Talking back?

Importance of Parent Support

Parents Need Support, Too!

Reading to Your Child

Childrens Lighthouse

Motor Skills

Every Child Should Have These Motor Skills

Literacy with Children

Help Young Children Learn to Love Reading

Positive Guidance

Biting Behavior in Young Children

Looking for Fun Fall Family Activities

No Small Potato!

Backyard Camping

Eating Shapes

Leave Friend

Family Fall Wreath

Butter for Thanksgiving Meal

Separation Anxiety

Every Child Should Have

These Motor Skills

Help Young Children

Learn to Love Reading