“Do Something Nice For Someone Else”

02 Feb 2010 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

sweet4“Do something nice for someone else” is the last thing I say to my twins before they leave for school everyday. When I first told them this I explained that it is not only nice to do things for others but it just Feels Good. The first day or two the boys were excited to tell me what they had found to do for someone that was nice. Then about the third or forth day they said “I can’t find anything”. That is when I explained to them that it can be something little, even just a smile. A smile can totally change the day of someone. It is little and seems insignificant but it can be HUGE. Seeing someone who is sitting by themselves or looks like they could use a friend is also something I told them to look out for. I explained that it seems like some days it is harder than others but on those days you just have to look closer. I also told them that before long it will just come second nature. My boys are seven but I really tried to breakdown for them how we all feed into energy and a kind of karma and that we should be sure to feed into this energy so that we may also be able to tap into it. They looked at me a little strange but I know they are getting it. I am proud to have boys that are not only sensitive to the feelings of others but can also show empathy and remember how it feels when they are sad, mad or having a bad day. I have taught my boys that you never stand by when someone is being picked on- even if they risk getting in trouble- I will handle it. Do not stand by while someone is being called names or being mad to feel bad. Always befriend the new kids for it must be really scary to come into a new school. These things I have worked hard to teach them and it is such a great feeling to see that they are actually starting to do these things naturally…without me saying anything. In doing these things it also gives them a greater appreciation when someone goes out of their way to do something nice for them. The do not have self-entitlement to people doing things for them. I am often touched when one or the other of  my sons tells me thank you for “cooking dinner” or “helping me with my homework” …things I would never expect a thank you for, things I do naturally without thinking… but they take the time to say thank you and in those moments I KNOW THEY GET IT!

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Spirit  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Tips for Helping Children with Timed Math Sheets

10 Nov 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

Timed math sheets are part of what teachers are using to evaluate children in schools. Starting in at least First Grade and now in second grade get timed math tests. The are 50 to 100 math problems, addition or subtraction  and sometimes even mixed. They time to see how many the children can complete in 10 minutes, typical, not always. The individual problems are not hard, some super easy (5-0, 6+1), some are a little more thought process (8+7, 9-5).

My twins have been having problems with these test since the beginning. I have determined that with my boys, they see so many problems and have an inner dialog that says “There are too many problems, I can not do this many problems”…instead of looking at them as individual problems. One test I know one test maybe 12 out of 50 in 10 minutes, and some where plus or minus one and I know that he can do those problems with no difficulty if I give him a group of 5 or 10. This happens with both of the boys. Attitude makes a big difference, if they get on an roll and are making good time they will finish in a acceptable amount of time, b

Helpings Child Improve in Timed Math Test Taking

  • Practice, Practice, Practice
  • Print out pages for practice.
  • Start with easy problems, but get children used to see large numbers of problems and being able to finish them
  • Have child practice dialog out loud, that says “I can finish these problems. I know this I can”.
  • Have them look at individual problems and Focus on individual problem, instead of Group of problem
  • Get Excited! When they finish a problem, a row, a sheet….keep encouraging.

Resources For Times Math Test Practice

  • This site is very helpful. You can set the variables, such as what type, how many in row, on column, what number to go up to Build Math Facts Sheets
  • This site has practice sheets for every grade and all types of math issues tlsbooks
  • This pages has links to other pages and links to tips as well 2nd Grade Math Sheets
  • You can google grade level and timed math sheets or timed addition sheets, ans so on for a ton of information.

Biggest things is t

hat is you are reading this then you care. Continue to work with them. I know with my boys it is mostly that inner self dialog that is making it the hardest for them. WE will continue to work on it at my house for many years to come. I know that being confident is half the battle to good test taking skills. Them telling themselves “I can do this, these problems I know….so what that there are 100 of them, I will do them one by one and get as many done as I can”… Those type of “inner dialog” will help a great deal.

Again, caring and taking up the time to work with your child will give them the advantage they need to continue to grow. Bravo to YOU!

sig

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Mind  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment

Play Blackjack ~ Help Kids with Math (& Have Fun)

02 Nov 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

ban12

I recently taught my 7 year old twins to play blackjack. No, I am not planning on a trip to Vegas or teaching them to gamble, but I am helping them count cards…. not the illegal sense, just count their cards.! Black jack is a card game with a simple concept… reach 21 with out going over. The one to technically make 21 with the least number of cards wins- go over 21 and you BUST out! For more detailed rules on blackjack check out Blackjack Info. I start out with basic rules bent a little bit for my boys and was amazed how quickly they caught on, how much they loved it, that they really didn’t see I was making them do math, and I enjoyed as much, if not more than them. I enjoy is so much that I often pull out the cards when nothing else is going right and the stress level seems high.. I just sit on floor and we play, and usually by the time I go through the deck twice I really am more relaxed.

Beginner Blackjack (few simple rules or non rules I found work

  • We do not really keep score, we just play
  • No double down… heck that is hard to explain to some adults
  • We talk about risk in staying (holding) and getting hit (getting a card) .. in normal games no discussion goes on, but we talk about it, “ok your at 18, what is the card you need to hit 21)
  • I let them switch what value they give the Ace during the game- since Ace is either 1 or 11 if they pick 11 and decide 1 would work better, even after getting another card, I let them change it to 1
  • Usually it is one who reaches blackjack or closest to it without going over in least amount of cards, and that is true, if it is them, if they get blackjack (21) or closest, they win, no matter if I have same with less cards

Skills Blackjack Helps Kids With

  • Counting
  • Number Fact Recognition
  • Cognitive Shills -guessing, probabilities and possibilities, “what if’s” and “chances are”
  • Confidence
  • Quick Thinking

Best Thing About Playing Blackjack with Your Kids

  • Spending time together... family time, game time, whatever you call it, taking time out to play with your kids is good for everyone. It shows kids you care, it shows you what skills they are improving on or need more help in and it is just plain fun. Extra bonus…a pack of cards you can buy for less that $2 and they last for years…. cheap fun is Great fun in today’s economy!

Online Blackjack for Kids

  • If you child really enjoys blackjack or you see that it is helping them with their math and cognitive skills then check out online blackjack games for kids (although nothing replaces playing with your kids). I do suggest that you go to site and check out game, since this is usually an adult game the site may place bets, which can be hard for kids to get and also not what some people want their kids to learn, the sites may have adult graphics or ads and well also a lot of game sites have ad ware so beware. Always check out sites that your kids play.

sig

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Mind, Spirit  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,  2 Comments

Reasons Joining Boy Scouts Is Good For Kids (and Parents)

26 Oct 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

cub-o-reeMy twins are in Boy Scouts. I myself was in Girl Scouts.  Scouting is a wonderful activity for young boys, girls and the entire family. Scouting teaches children countless values, lessons, provides role models, great peer interaction and makes the most wonderful memories. Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts has been around for a long tine and have continued to grow and really keep that sense of family involvement more so than most other things that children get involved with. It is unlike a sport or a certain club at school, in that scouting really fosters family involvement, giving back to the community and trying to teach children things that parents are also trying to teach, such as values, lessons, and morals.

In first grade The Boy Scouts of America sent someone around in my twins’ school talking about scouting and all the stuff they do and even talking about doing well in school in order to be a good boy scout…. and  my boys came home ready. Ready to camp, and hike, and “Mom can we get a pocket knife for cutting fire wood and shoot Be-Be guns”….they were ready. I was really an easy sell, because I was a girl scout, yes, I was a totally involved girls scout, who’s Mom went camping, and who went away to Girl Scout camp in the summer…that was me (so much in fact that I still get in trouble referring to the kids “PACK” as “Troops”.. few slight differences, as you can imagine, but not really as much as I would have thought), so I was all for them joining. We attended the meeting where we found out that the school was just putting Boy Scouts back in- meaning, just to explain, it really has nothing to do with school but that is where we meet and where we get most of our kids, but if I child is home schooled they could go as well. The meeting was short and sweet and we were told that our children’s Boy Scout experience would be a lot what we made of it, which is pretty self explanatory and well it really is a parent-child activity. And it is just not the Dads, or even the boys, Moms and siblings, including girls are welcome at the meetings, are not left out and participate in just about everything.

SO fast forward to the following year and we have been in Boy Scouts 2 yrs. My boys were Tiger Cubs last year and this year they are Wolves. I am very impressed with the structure of the Boy Scouts, it really emphasizes helping out at home, doing well in school, helping your community, being a good friend.  My boys love it. I mean they LOVE IT. We meet like every other week and then once every so often all the dens- Tiger Cubs, Wolf, ….) all get together for a little recognition ceremony for patches and what not. I have found that the parents are great. These are normally parents who take a interest in what their child is doing and are very involved, and that is what make Boy Scout run. The Parents and the Boy Scouts of America. Boy Scouts has a lot to offer, and for those boys who may not have a lot of any positive male role models in their life, Boy Scouts is a good place for a concerned Mom, Grandma or guardian to turn, you do not have to have a man to participate with your son, you can do it and I am willing to bet that other men in the Pack will notice and step up and take time up with your child, I know my husband does. I also am very aware of the ones who also on the other hand, for whatever reason, may be needing a little extra mothering or comforting due to something or just circumstances.. you can just notice. If a boy is camping with his Dad all weekend, especially at my boys age, 7, they can always use a little Momma time, even if it is someone else’s Mother.

Boy Scouts focuses on building kids character, values, teaching them to respect the Earth, to give back to the Community and much more. The “Words TO Live By” on the Boy Scouts of America Site are

Brave

Obedient

Courteous

Clean

Trustworthy

Kind Loyal

Helpful

Reverent

Friendly

Thrifty

Cheerful

That right there about sums it up for those are all things I want my boys to be, and try to teach them since they were babies. How wonderful it is to have someone like the Boy Scouts and the den leaders, pack leaders, handbooks, camping events, scouting events, constantly reinforcing that over and over. Heck, it is good for many of the adults to remember for I know those are all things I strive to be in my life as well.

Lastly what I find I love about Boy Scouts is the experiences and memories you make with your boys (and same with girl scouts for I have my own file full of wonderful memories stored away in my head from my own childhood). This weekend was the Cub-O-Ree, which we missed last year due to boys being sick. Every year is a different theme, this year was Star Wars (last years was Indiana Jones) and they go all out. They have tons of events all centered around this theme. They had character walking around dressed up (see picture below for Star Wars guys- I know I can not recall their names, think on is supposed to be Luke Sky-Walker . The different campsites decorate according to the theme and are given awards for best and so on. It is a good time had by all. My husband was so involved and has admitted he had the time of his life and the memories him and the boys are still glowing from are a testament to the Awesomeness of Boy Scouts…sorry, that it the best way I can think to describe it. Awesome!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend and if you are looking for something fun for you child that also helps with your job, teaching them things they are going to need to know in life, I highly recommend you check in to Scouting!075

067068

Boys Loved the Be-Be Shooting!

I think this is the first year they were old enough for that activity

sig.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Body, Mind, Spirit  2 Comments

“Mom I’m bored” …Activities for Kids That are Cheap with Added Educational Twists

19 Oct 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

“Mom, I’m bored” is not unusual to hear around my house, especially on days like today and last Friday (and tomorrow) when they are out of school due to a school holiday and I still have work to do. Being a Work at Home mom allows me to be here on these days but unfortunately I am not able to clear my schedule for them entirely and have certain work I HAVE to do. I have found that if I plan some activities or have them handy it is not only fun for kids, but allows me to get my work done. Another good thing is that I do not feel so guilty for having to work when I know they are having fun and not just vegging out in front of the television all day.

I try to mix the activities up between things that are just fun and things that are fun but have some educational value to them. I find that on breaks like the one my boys are on, where they have many days off that IF we go that many days with out reviewing any math facts or reading that their skills do not stay as sharp. I also understand that finacially times are hard right now for many families, including mine, and that the best activities are the once that cost little to nothing. At our house, the fun activites I use to also help out around the house. For instance I say “I am going to let you do so and so activitiy as soon as you pick up your toys out of the livingroom”. That way they do it quickly and usually without much compaining or whining.

LIST OF CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES TO BEAT BOREDOM ~

  • Make a Fort~ I let them go all out, use the cushions of the couch, get big blankets, let them take the little dogs inside. This is such a simple activity but because I do not let my boys take over my living-room often this one is a Lot of Fun for them. I like this activity because it is one that can last for hours. They will find other activities that otherwise might not have been so much fun and make it fun. Educational twist- give them a flashlight and a book. Books are always more fun in forts with flashlights.
  • Make a Card to Send to Someone~ I am a crafty mom with all kinds of supplies. I can keep my boys busy for a good hours by giving them some card stock, some buttons, ribbon, yarn, beads, stickers, and whatever else I can find in my stash. The love to make cards for Daddy or Granny. I do find the more embellishments I provide the long the activity last.  Educational twist- I have them write on practice piece of paper what they want the card to say so that we go over spelling and punctuation. I find that this is a good idea because so much work goes into the cards the children want them to be perfect and are crushed if they make a mistake on the card the decorated. Plus it is great way of them getting used to making a rough draft.
  • Play Cards~ Cards are big at my house right now and there are endless games kids can play.  If you only have one child ..take a few minutes to teach them to play solitaire. Not on the computer, the real game, kids love cards. Cards are also great for building towers on carpet (one of my childhood favorites). Educational twist~ Two or more children can play Blackjack. I recently taught my boys to play and I have noticed their math improving, It is good for learning those math facts that you just have to know, that they should see and be able to recall instantly. I think it is the current favorite game at my house, beating out even the DS games.
  • Paint~ Kids love to paint. Take 10 minute to get them set up in a paint friendly area and let them go to town. They can paint paper, or on wood, or they can find something in their room thachildrens activitest they think can use some sprucing up…the possibilities are endless. My children got some ceramic trinkets that came in pack or 2 or 3 with paint and brush from the Dollar Tree (entire set $1). Next time I go I will pick up a few extra to put back for rainy or vacation days. My son loves to paint them and then GIFT them to people. Educational Twist- Look up some artist online, like from this great site Garden of Praise which has section focused on Art Apprication for Children, have child pick out favorite artist and be influenced by that artist style to make up their own painting.

dollar tree paint sets

  • Write~ Most kids could use extra practice on their penmanship. It is something I know we are constantly working on around our house. Have kids write a Grandparent a letter, or have them draw a picture and write a story to go along with it. You will be amazed at your child’s imagination. Educational twist~ have two or more kids play school- I know seems silly that they would want to play school on a day they have off from school, but when one child is the teacher and one is the student….and then they switch, you will be amazed at the learning that will take place. The “teacher” can make a set of math problems, the “student” can do them and then return to the “teacher” to grade.

These are a few of the things that help my boys beat boredom and allow me to get some work done. These are usually activities that little or nothing is need to do so hopefully there is something that will interest your child. Feel free to leave any tips or activities that work for you and your child in the comments. I just covered my no fail bach up and hope to do more post that will provide more resources, such as websites and or downloads for things that will entertain and Feed their Mind and Spirit!

sig

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Body, Mind, Spirit  Tags:  Leave a Comment

Tips for Parents for Having a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference

15 Oct 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

Parent-Teacher conferences are very important part of our children,s education. It is a time where the teacher and parent can meet and discuss progress and way to help the child improve or be more successful in one or more areas. It is also just good to have more face to face time with the person that your child spends a majority of their waking time with on weekdays. Most IMPORTANTLY it is hows your child that you CARE!

This week was parent-teacher conferences at my boys elementary school. Since I have twins I had back to back conferences.It is end of the first nine week grading period so it is pretty standard to have one (or in my case tow)then. The conference was attended by my child’s teacher, the teacher who pulls my boys out for extra more one on one attention- like early intervention due to last year them falling behind at about midway and them playing serious catch up to pass to the second grade. So each conference had a different set of teachers. This round of conferences went well. My boys are making great progress…especially considering where they where mid-way though last year and even compared to the beginning of this year. I did find out each of their weaknesses right now and what I can be doing on my end to help. I left feeling proud, enlightened, informed and with a game plan. That to me IS a successful conference.

Some Tips for Making Your Next Parent -Teacher Conference a Success

  • The night before talk with your child. Make sure they know that you will be meeting with their teacher. Ask them, delicately but directly, if there is anything that the teacher might have to say or tell you that you should already Be Aware of. Explain to them that being blindside by some type of misbehavior, note sent home or ton of homework not completed that you should have know about is going to make the conference focus on that instead of ways to help your child or learn about their strengths. If they do offer up information, thanks them for being honest, you might explain to them , that while you are proud they where honest NOW, that such and such behavior is not acceptable and punish or not punish according to your own parenting style.
  • Think of a list of questions and or concerns you would like to discuss with the teacher. I do this with doctors as well, nothing like leaving with 4 unanswered questions because you forgot to ask. I am better able to remember just by the act of writing them down, most often I do not even need my list. If you do need your list do not be embarrassed, this just shows you are an involved parent.
  • Go in looking presentable… I am not saying dress up or stress over it, I know some parents that go straight from work in fast food uniforms, but you can spruce yourself up.
  • Go in with Open Mind, ready to listen. Remember that no matter what your child has told you, good or bad, that there are two sides (at least, often three, the third being the truth, lol) to every story.
  • Ask to look at your child’s school work both good and not so good.  If you do not understand it, and believe me, the new rules of math and such get me, do not be ashamed or embarrasses to ask.
  • Ask what is expected of your child at this stage in their school career, should they be writing their assignments down, are they responsible for completing unfinished school work at home….
  • Ask WHAT you can do to help your child at home with areas that he is struggling in at school.
  • Ask for resources, online sites, extra readers, flashcards, and or a reading book to keep at home. Often time teachers have list of websites and some that the children are allowed to use after being given a password either from the teacher or the school.
  • Ask if there are any concerns with your child.. I know, this is a hard one, but you can not work on what you do not know.
  • Do not take up more that your far share of time, usual they either are having conferences between class or have several scheduled on the same day.
  • Thank the teacher for the conference and for everything she does for your child.
  • Let teacher know if you are available for extra activities, or even ask if they need anything for the class…and if you can not contribute something financially and you have time, offer it.
  • Praise your child FIRST for the good things that were discussed, then discuss the not so good, and tell them how your child and you are going to work on those areas together to improve his or her weak areas.
  • Hug your child- ok so this is not necessarily imperative to having a great conference but it imperative to having a GOOD day!

I hope that these tips are useful to other parents who are sometimes overwhelmed by these type thing or just have some much going on they usually forget to to one ore several things I listed. Feel free to print out, for your personal use, and use as a checklist.

SMILE

sig more…

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Mind  Tags: , , , ,  One Comment

How to Feed Their Behavior

11 Oct 2009 by Meredith "craftyGAgal"

Kids will be kids. Of course but what type of kids. Enjoyable, healthy, happy kids or unpleasant, aggravating, unhealthy kids? All kids are different… I am the mother of fraternal twins who are as different as NIGHT and DAY in every way. From the way the look, acts, learn, behave, interact with others, sleep… you name it. They are both great kids, no disclosure need that I am their mother and am probably bias) but they are FAR from perfect. I have learned in the 7 years I have been a parent that I have a lot of control, way more that I thought, in how my kids act, behave and grow. I understood that I raise them, make them as healthy as possible, keep them alive..lol, but I really began to see that certain things, be it food or activities, lead to certain outcome, in fact, I found that there are MANY thing I can do to get the outcome I desire… a positive one.

When I say my boys are opposite, I mean, like Black and White, Night and Day, Cats and Dogs, Sweet and Sour, Bear and Hunter! I have one son, “Bear” is very sensitive, very analytical, more a thinker  and my other son, “Hunter” is very hyper, active, mile a minute, more a do-er. They love each other to NO end and have a special bond and at the same time, no one can push each others buttons they way they can. They will fight like nothing I have seen ( I am an only child, my husband says it is natural) but do not let someone else, including my husband or I hurt the other ones feelings. Surprisingly the more sensitive son is not as loyal, although he is loyal, but not as loyal as his brother, or not outwardly. Hunter will take Bear’s punishment if he could, not so much with Bear.

Izea. Halloween 011

Boys Dressed for Halloween This Year for Boy Scout Halloween Party

Direction I Plan for “Feed Their Behavior” to GO

I am by no means a “expert” on anything, including my own children, BUT I have found certain things that work for me. I have spoken with other mom’s about some of the bigger choices I have made and I found that many of them either needed help in the areas I was working on or had found solutions that worked for them, often similar to mine. I started this because I think that many parents just are not sure what to believe. As parents we hear so many different, contradicting things that we are left more confused than informed. I want this to be a blog where other parents feel free to comment, share their stories, and even disagree. What works for my children and my family MAY not work for yours and whatnot…and that IS okay.

I am going to try to keep information and tips I share to things that fall into one or more of three CORE areas, feeding, meaning nurture, grow, develop, help… our children’s Mind, Body or Spirit (soul). Now knowing me there may be times I stray to share something good, but I have really spent a long time working and developing the concept and direction I want this blog to go and I have those 3 areas at the top.

Topics to Be Covered at “Feed Their Behavior”

Body

  • Food that affect behavior, including Hyper-activity
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise

Mind

  • Education
  • Activities
  • Concentration
  • Arts

Spirit

  • Self-esteem
  • Confidence
  • Peer-pressure
  • Kindness
  • GIVING

I know as I write and think, and well frankly live, and continue to figure this mothering thing out, I will add to my lists but for now that is a good start. I know how much having access to information and being able to connect with other mother via the Internet and social media and networking has influenced and shaped my parenting. I am a need information parent, I want to make the BEST decision I can while being as INFORMED as I can possibly be. I know that if I can not find an answer somewhere or I am just getting different answers that there are other mothers out there that I am connected with on twitter, facebook, or one of numerous other sites I am a member of, will tell me their opinion on any given subject. I did this even as recently as this post where I asked my friends their opinion about blogging about your children, if they used their real names, nicknames or what. I already had my own opinion but REALLY wanted to hear what other Moms out there felt… even got a few guys who responded… and I got an overwhelming response that young children they gave nicknames to. So that is what I am doing… as you read, my children are “Bear” and “Hunter”…names the chosen by them after I vetoed a few that just would not work in writing. Thanks to all my wonderful friends who helped me make a quick decision.

I am super excited to finally be working on this project that I have been thinking about and planning for a long time, and am SUPER excited that you are here to share.

sig

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Category: Body, Mind, Spirit  Tags: , , , ,  6 Comments