How to Prepare Your Child for School

Sending your child off to school is bittersweet. It is a beautiful thing to get to watch your little one grow into his own person and become more independent, but it can be hard to let go. When it comes time to send your kid to school, you may not know exactly how to handle it. Here are a few ideas that can help make the transition a little bit smoother.

Find the Right School

Public school is not right for every kid. If you think your child might thrive in a different environment, look into your options, such as Sammamish private schools. There are also alternative learning environments for students who learn differently. Do some research and ask around to figure out what works best for your little one.

Create a Routine

Most children thrive on routine. Once kids start school, their daily schedule changes, so their routine needs to be altered as well. Make a chart of what needs to be done before and after school. You can even create a point system to help get your child motivated to get his chores done.

Keep an Open Dialogue

Try going beyond just asking your kid how school was that day. Keep an open dialogue with him and go into specifics. Starting this off early can help you avoid getting one-word answers in the years to come. It can also help your child feel more comfortable coming to you if something isn't going right at school.

Remember that it is important for you to put on a brave face for your little one. If he sees that you are excited about him going to school and you make it sound like a fun place, then he is more likely to want to go each day. It will take time to adjust to the new schedule, so give it time and just be there for your baby. 

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The Blessing Of Day Camps For Kids

Day camps are a fun time for children. They get to explore a world outside of their own home and encounter the kind of experiences that make for a positive image of the world. Friendly camp counselors and other children eager to learn make for an enriching experience that can impact a child for a lifetime. Memories are often the only thing we have left as we trudge forward in life. If children are to have positive lives, let them have positive memories. They make a large number of these memories when they spend time in day camps.

The positives of day camp

When children go to day camp, they go on an adventure. They meet other children around the same age who want to have the kind of playful fun that children have. Some day camps incorporate extras that make the experience even more fun, such as pet therapy or just a general experience with pets inside the camp. Horses are a popular choice of many day camps because horses have so much beauty and intelligence and have temperaments that fit in well with the children around them. 

It's positive for parents, too. No matter how much a parent might want to be everything to their child, they simply can't be. Children need experiences outside of the home that are positive and that show them the world is a friendly place, a safe place worth exploring. When the kids head off to day camp, parents are safe in the knowledge that their children are forming positive experiences and turning strangers into friends. 

Day camps especially benefit disabled children who often struggle to fit in. Sometimes the camps are solely for disabled children to bond with other children going through the same thing and sometimes day camps incorporate a program for disabled children as well, to help them blend in together with their peers and learn that they, too, are part of life's adventure and fun.

Why day camp?

The best thing of all about day camp is that it's short. Children don't have to commit to a long period of time within the camp, just a small portion of their lives where they will experience everything the camp has to offer, from the companionship of children of similar ages to the wonderful pets that bring added life to the childrens day camp Washington.

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Pirate Ship Playhouse

 
Source: hammacher.com via Race on Pinterest


My little boy saw this and he loves this and imagines playing in their school play as a pirate. This school year they were trained and taught different roles to play. He played as a politician, engineer, fireman, street boy and many other roles. He excitedly played them all and got good grades. With all of those plays we did some really hard to do props like fire truck, car, armor of God and a lot more.

His Dad contributed a lot in his school works arranging all costumes and things to use and even spent over nights. Anyway Josh just told me that this pirate playhouse is really cool and nice to play with his school friends with pirate costumes of course. Boys are boys and they really are excited over playing things they see on movies. Now if you're ready to play in this playhouse get ready with your costumes.

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Living My Dreams

Summer vacation for the kids proved to be a good time for them to rest, have a good sleep and enjoy family amidst the hot season. My eldest is on her on-the-job training in a Korean Restaurant and she’s enjoying rounding up duties in the restaurant in serving customers, helping the kitchen and assisting fellow employees. She’s having fun in everything she learns and always tells me stories of their Korean customers and some celebrities who eats there. She learns the Korean menu easily and masters the name which is a bit tricky in pronunciation. I love looking at her when she shares her experiences. It’s what she really wants. 

My daughter has many things to consider when she enrolled in PUP. At first she wanted to take up Interior Design but when enrollment finally came she enrolled in Hospitality Management where she studies management of hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, amusement parks, convention centers, destination marketing organizations, country clubs and a lot more. It also involves culinary things which she loves most especially pastry. The course suits her as it needs patience in organizing and planning events which is so much of her. Well it’s like singing to her which she loves doing in her free times. She has a good voice and can play keyboards and lyre. Her passion for cooking is like her passion for music. 

Sometimes when I hear her sing together with her youngest brother I love to have mackie onyx and have their songs recorded. As Ruth and Gen always sings with Gen playing the instrument it’s a sight I always love to see. It’s a great feeling to see your kids have the hobbies and flair for the things you dream of having. As I dreamed of being a musician in my younger days it’s enough for me now to see all my kids have the talents in singing and playing musical instruments. It’s one of the best gifts from above.

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Kids’ Music Schooling

When I think about my kids’ hobbies I can’t help returning back to one summer vacation that I enrolled them in our municipality’s free music schooling for kids and teens. I enrolled my daughters who were so young then in their 6th and 7th grade while my son was in grade 1. As young as they were they’re very much interested not just in music but in playing various musical instruments. I know that it comes from the genes of my Mom who have some musicians in their family but their interest is still overwhelming. 

The girls had their keyboard classes which they used until now in playing their pieces, the eldest didn’t finished the class because of chicken fox but the two made it until graduation. My little boy was so infatuated with playing drums so I enrolled him and he enjoyed every session of it. When I saw concert toms on my favorite music online store those memories of music schooling keep coming back to me. Josh, now a big boy plans on continuing his drum lessons and we’re planning to do it next school break, maybe on summer vacation.

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Skills and Talent Enhancement in School

I’m glad now that my kids have lots of resting and playing time unlike school periods when they have so many assignments and activities. I remember when my daughter spent so many after school hours practicing cheer dance and school plays. I always see her almost drained out because of daily practice aside from her regular academic chores. 

Her school trains them to be competent not only on academic subjects but on other fields like arts as well. They also encourage them to be proficient in music and create activities that involve instrument playing and singing. They use a very nice music system like the pro tools student that helps get the best sounding and powerful audio software. When I get to see their musical plays I was amazed by their performance.

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My Daughter’s Career Goals and Dreams

For our new dark wood sofa bought last week we’re thinking of some nice couch cushions for extra cushion when we need replacement for the current one. As for now we’re happy with the Safari designs on our sofa which actually got our interest when we saw the sofa. It blended beautifully with the black wood furniture and harmonizes with the light peach color of our wall. We bought a golden shining curtain to enhance the new furniture and we’re contented about it. 

Our house is a huge one and the size, color and style of the new sofa and curtain enhances the home classic beauty. How I love to do interior design on our own house and it seems that my eldest daughter inherited it. She’s taking up Interior Design in college next year and she’s very excited about it. She has always been a fanciful one with design ideas and fashionable also so I think the course befits her and her personality also. I’m hoping and praying that she’ll reach her dreams and goals in life with a good and hopeful attitude in life.

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Thinking of Birthday Gift for My Daughter

My daughter will turn 15 next month and as early as now she’s thinking of what she’ll ask me for her birthday. The other day she smiled at me and asked if I could buy her a new badminton racket of her favorite brand. Since it’s kind of expensive she told me that she’ll share in the expenses so I will not be burdened as I will also spend some on our family night out together. I love my kids for thinking of my budget and not putting any pressure on me when they want something. I know that they will grow up with a good management on their financial with an attitude like that. Anyway she’s also thinking if she should be replacing her one-year old guitar or adding one because her elder sister wants to play alongside her most of the times. She also saw the epiphone dr-100 at musicians friend and love the look and how it’s nicely crafted. She loves the mahogany color, the total look of the guitar and the quality as well.

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Training Daughter In Doing School Papers

My daughter has plenty of projects even though holiday is very near. They also have a 40-page story paper due for submission next month after the vacation. Since they’re already teens they do their own assignments and I just help them with reviewing what they wrote and give them tips on how they can do it better. I want them to understand what they’re doing and to be creative as well. They excel in doing graphics and we just get some Brochure Printing Services when they’re finished with their work. 

It’s sometimes cheaper to let others do the printing than print them on our own as our inks are more expensive. I’m amazed at how the students now can make a real artistic and stylish work out of the simple materials they have. They also cope best with high technology gadgets when doing their assignments and projects. That’s the perk of high tech innovations.

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Sweetie Ruth is now 16

At 16

Younger!

My Ruthie has turned 16 today, the age they calls 'sweet sixteen' and from her pics above I could say she's just not sweet but very nice as well.  Actually when I looked back some of her pictures from younger days she hasn't changed much (just look how she maintains her cheeky smile).  I always joke her that her face stays the same throughout the years....she's still the same cute, pretty and full of cheeks girl who always hugs and kiss me. 

She told me that she'll never stop hugging me until she's old.  We had an advance celebration yesterday and I'll talk about it some other time as we're so happy about our lunch-dinner date together with the whole family.    We enjoyed our bonding time together and I pray

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Baby-Sitting While Doing House Chores

Source: hautemamasfaves.tumblr.com via Race on Pinterest

This indoor swing in the kitchen would be perfect for Moms who love to do multi-tasking jobs. Multi-tasking includes preparing dishes, cooking, washing dishes and taking care of your little one who wouldn't agree being left in their rooms.  Well sometimes it's not really safe when they're on their own so it's better if they're within your sight or best if within your reach.  The boy looks very comfortable in his swing here while watching how his Mom can do all things at the same time in perfect order and timing.

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My Daughter’s Dreams and Determination

My eldest is now into her last year in secondary school and I can see that she’s making the best of it with regards to her best friends, school activities and everything that involves her school. She’s actually excited when we’re talking about her intended degree course in Interior Design. She has the talent and skills in designing and she hopes to study in two of my most favored universities in the city. She’s a very determined girl and I know she’ll be able to pass the exams. 

 Ruth is fast becoming a lady and little by little I see something of myself in her – her hobbies, flair for cooking, her art inclination and music. I believe now that we took something from our Mom be it in looks, personality, ways and even skills and talents. I always pray to God that He’ll guide all my kids in all their undertakings and dreams. I have these thoughts in my mind while I was browsing some nice graduation rings for girls which I’m thinking of buying in the next few months. I’ll have to ask her if she wants it because I always see graduation rings on graduating college students.

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Home Storage Ideas

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Race on Pinterest

Have you ever find yourself losing ideas on where to put your kids' toys and stuff? It's always been my problem because I have three kids and you wouldn't imagine the bulk of their toys, accessories and school things. In fact I was thinking if their things would fill up their rooms and there will be no space for them there lol. 

Anyway if you're in the same dilemma as I am you could use some of creative ideas on the picture above using those pretty home made baskets.  The baskets serve as hanging decors and storage for stuff toys and accessories as well.  It looks beautiful yet very functional. Will try doing it also.

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Dresser and Bookshelf in One

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Race on Pinterest

Want to maximize your home space?  Many of  the row houses available in the market now have limited spaces for extra appliances and storage so they need to plan every detail of their appliances and various accessories to maximize what little space they have.  It's not actually hard if you will see other creative ideas on using up all possible storage without sacrificing the space in your house.  

This one uses the dresser's two sides to function as bookshelf which add usage and creates a different approach to home decors as well.  The key to make it beautiful is to maintain order so it will not look messy.  This way the kids can get their books easily without messing up the dresser.  Such creative and very useful ideas fit for families with small bedrooms and no extra space for storing plenty of books and magazines.  Great help!

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Lovely Cottage Beds

Source: brianvandenbrink.photoshelter.com via Race on Pinterest

Having two kids who grew up like twins I always plan to have their beds like the picture above which is like cottage beds seen on most fairy tale stories.  My two daughters has only more than a year difference in age and because of this they were mistaken always as twins when they're just babies and toddlers.  They're not identical nor similar in features but they really look like twins because they like many things in common and I dressed them in sHimilar dresses with different colors of their preferences.

Just remembering their childhood days makes me smile because now that they're teens already they still look like they're of the same age, different in looks but same in some ways.  How I love my darling daughters but I think this fairytale beds will not be appropriate for them anymore. Well for those of you who have two darling kids who grew up almost the same as my girls or who have two little boys this would be perfect.  Well on second thoughts it could be patterned for bigger beds also.

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Saving for Better Quality Guitar for the Kids

We need to drop by the nearest music store to buy extra guitar strings for my kids’ acoustic guitar because one of the strings gave in. We must buy replacement strings because the kids are spending this summer vacation to learn playing it. Well the nearest is actually far from our place and we’re considering asking our church mates to buy it for us because they live near the place where we bought the guitar. 

I have noticed that strings are easily worn out when the kids play it every day so we really must have some stocks for future usage. Maybe it’s not that easy to wear out if it’s made from quality materials like ibanez from musicians friend. Their guitars are made from high quality mahogany wood and all other additions are quite durable also. Guitars are so compact and very comfortable to play with. Well I need to save for the kids’ next guitar because I want such kind of guitars.

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Benefits of Name Labels on Your Kids

I have three kids and throughout their first schooling years I did a lot of techniques on how to keep their things in order and intact. In the kid’s first years of going to school they don’t know how to keep their things all to themselves because their attention is devoted to their first teacher, their new school friends and on the new activities they are being introduced to. I’ve watched how my kids dealt with their first days and weeks in school and I saw how excited they were in learning new experiences. 

Anyway I know how Moms like me are concern with their kids’ belongings like pencils, pencil case, lunch box, crayons and other things that they bring to school. It’s a common thing for these young school kids to miss their crayons or pencils when their things fall on the ground and they didn’t notice them. How many times that my youngest son would go home without his pencils which has become a common occurrence for us. 

With all these problems with missing school things I’ve learned to solve it by making a distinctive mark that will help my kids identify their own thing when mixed with other things of their classmates. Making name labels for kids seem to be the only solution for this problem because it paves the way for others to identify your things and when found by others they will know where and whom they will return it. It will save you money too because all your kid’s belongings will just come back everytime they lost it. 

Every year I made it a point to make not just ordinary name labels for my kids but distinctive ones also. I make beautiful name labels with some pictures or images also on some of their things except for the books and notebooks which has a standard pattern requested by the teachers. In doing these labels you’ll be spared from worrying about lost items and will teach our kids also on how they will be able to protect their things and look for them when they’ve lost it. They will just look for their name labels attached on the items and they will be able to identify it fast and easy.

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5 Ways to Encourage Kids to Help Out With the Chores

Kids just want to have fun! Of course that’s only natural, as having fun is a major part of childhood. Days filled with play, exploration and creative activities can all stimulate a child’s mind, which is a very important part of a child’s development. However, it is also important to teach children from a young age to be responsible. One way to do this is to encourage them to do their chores. From a very young age, toddlers can be encouraged to put away their toys. At this young age, a big toy box where little ones can put their toys in is ideal. Taking time out to teach them this can make your child more responsible as they grow up. It is also important to give them plenty of encouragement to nurture responsibility.

 

Use a chart

It is important that they have a routine, so chores listed on a calendar or chart will ensure they understand what their responsibilities are. If the chores are completed satisfactorily on the correct date, a sticker can be placed over that chore. When a certain amount of stickers have been reached, perhaps a small reward would be appropriate. Select something that will encourage your child to enjoy doing chores, such as a play date, extra pocket money, a special food treat, rent a movie or anything that your child particularly likes.

 

Make chores fun

Even adults know that chores are easier to do with some music on! Let your child choose what music to play while doing their chores. Crank up the music, sing along and time will pass quickly. This is a great idea for older children.

 

Set time limits

Give them a chore to complete in say, 20 minutes. If it is not done in the time requested, they will have to go to bed early. If the chore is done in the time allocated, they can be rewarded by going to bed a bit later. There are many incentives you can use.

 

Choose their own reward

Have a list of suitable rewards, such as going to the park, renting a DVD or staying up a bit later. When chores have been completed satisfactorily, let your child select a reward from the list. This will give them something to think about whilst doing their chores and is quite an exciting reward for younger children.

 

An allowance

Children should have certain chores they do daily. However, if you wish them to do something extra, perhaps you could encourage them with extra money in their allowance. This is a good way to make children understand there are occasions where they will have to work for their money. Many family arguments will be had over doing chores. For parents, this can be an extremely frustrating time. You may get tired of hearing yourself repeat the same thing over and over. Young children love rewards, and something as simple as stickers can work remarkably well at encouraging the task of doing chores. As an adult, you do your chores simply because they have to be done. You have been doing the same tedious tasks for years and years, so from a child’s viewpoint, chores are simply boring. It is important for children to understand that every family member has to do chores; no one is exempt.

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Making Balloons for Kids

Source: vippins.com via Race on Pinterest

My kids are so fond of balloons and on some occasions I would buy balloons that are not blown yet so they will experience how to do it themselves.  I bought a small air-filling toy-like machine that let them fill balloons with their desired air.  They were thrilled about it and until now when we have time we play with making small balloons.

But looking at the picture above it seems that it would be easier to create pretty balloons because you will not need helium  to fill balloons for any occasion you have in mind.  You just need to prepare vinegar and baking soda and that's it. Glad I saw this one.

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Legal Help for Child Custody

We all want a love that will last forever but sometimes there are things and situations that you have no control of. Couples have different fate, while some may love until death others stayed together only for a couple of years and fade away. More often the people involved didn’t see it coming as they’re too busy or too relaxed in marriage. Well in this time and age as surveys would agree also there are a great percentage of couples who didn’t see it through more than 10 years of marriage. 

Now if the marriage finds its way to annulment or divorce it’s good to settle things the right way to save further hurt on both ends. Since the first impact of separation is to the kids they should be given proper care and attention to accept things as they are and not be too bitter about it. Child Custody Attorney Clearwater  will be able to help in this area because we all know that one of the biggest problem in separation is how the kids will cope up with it. 

Divorce brings ensuing problems in the areas of assets, home, retirement accounts, business, custody of the children and a lot more so consultation is a must to prepare the family for the complications that may arise from it. With a good and experienced attorney from Child Custody Attorney Clearwater  the issues of child support, visitation schedules, split holidays, child custody and other related matters would be properly discussed and agreed upon. Life should not end from the chaos of divorce and family disputes there are solutions for all of these things.

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