Brighter Minds Parenting Brighter Minds Parenting Tips and Suggestions for Parents from an Educational Publishing company. Articles
Eco-friendly Consumption
2008-04-11 19:51:00 Every morning I listen to the radio while getting ready for the day. Today, the deejays were discussing ways to be energy efficient, and mentioned Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. Leading up to Earth Day, on April 22nd, is when people talk the most about how to be eco-friendly. It’s almost like a trend. Through my articles related to Earth Day, I hope to encourage you to be more environmentally conscious throughout the entire year, not just for a day by informing you of ways to do so. The ENERGY STAR label is a notification to consumers that a product is energy efficient. A home can even be labeled as energy efficient! According to energystar.gov, “more than 5,000 home builders have partnered with the EPA to construct more than 840,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes”. A home can produce more pollution than your car. The energy used in a home comes from the burning of fossils fuels, contributing to smog, global warming and acid rain. The less energy we use, the less pol... More About: Friendly , Consumption
National Kite Month
2008-04-10 21:35:00 April is the beginning of the season when flowers begin to open; it is a great time to be outdoors, when the weather is nice. What better why for kids to enjoy this than to fly a kite outside? April is even National Kite Month and is celebrate throughout the month with special kite events across the world. These events help introduce people to the world of kites and to show kite makers creations. Kites can even be a useful learning tool for children. Here are two ways to make a kite that you can try with kids. Bumble Bee Kite What you will need: · 1 Sheet of copier paper · sewing thread · stapler · hole punch How to make it: · Fold the paper in half · Mark two points, on the unfolded edges of the paper, A and B. Point “A” should be 2 1/2 inches form the end, and point “B”, 2 1/2 inches from “A”. · ...
Put that Energy Elsewhere
2008-04-04 19:48:00 Dinner is cooking on the stove. The dishwasher is running. At least three kitchen lights are on. The kids are in the living room watching TV with the lamp on, while one sits at the computer. (...) More About: Energy
Taking Time for Autism
2008-04-04 19:32:00 April marks Autism Awareness month, and I couldn?t think of a better or more important topic to discuss in my article today. (...) More About: Time , Newsletter , Taking
A New Twist on an Ordinary Meal
2008-04-02 23:25:00 In honor of Earth Day and eating local, I?ve prepared a delicious recipe using organic foods. Buying local produce supports regional farmers and the economy in your neighborhood. All the vegetables used in this recipe can be bought from the local farmer?s market. For food to be certified organic, it has to meet specific qualifications: must have been produced without the use of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and food additives must have been grown on farmland that has been free from these chemicals for a certain number of years, usually 3 must have been produced using no genetic modification must be completely physically separated from any crops that are not Certified Organic Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 pounds Organic Prairie Italian Pork Sausage 1 large onion, cut into chunks 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons oregano 2 pounds eggplant, peeled and cut into chunks 3 pounds plum tomatoes, peeled and quartered 1 ... More About: Meal , Twist , Ordinary
Dinosaurs for Everyone!
2008-03-28 14:39:00 Despite everything that has changed since my childhood, one thing seems to have remained exactly the same… Kids love dinosaurs. They are just one of those things that will always be cool. During these dreary days while spring is on its way but just not here yet… a little crafting should be in order. Might I suggest one of the coolest crafts ever? Start making your own dinosaurs! Here are instructions for creating your very own dino-herd. 1. Gather your supplies. You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, a ruler, and a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll. 2. Cover your paper towel roll with construction paper. Measure the width of your roll on the paper to make sure that the paper covers it completely. 3. Once you have measured the correct size, cover the paper with glue (easier if you use a glue stick) and then attach the paper to the roll. 4. Cut out a square of paper. Make sure that the square is as tall as the roll. 5. Sketch out your dinosaur’s nec... More About: Dinosaurs
Earth Day 2008: Make it more than just a day
2008-03-27 20:26:00 Today as I was walking down the street, I was asked by a young man from the Sierra Club if I would like to help out the environment. The beginning of spring brings warm weather and the emergence of Environmentalists, reminding me that Earth Day 2008 is quickly approaching. Helping the environment does not require huge contributions by any one person. The little actions and steps collectively made can produce an effective result just the same. Anyone can follow a few basic steps to do their part to take care of their neighborhood. The simplest task involves recycling aluminum cans, paper, and plastic. Some cities are fortunate enough to have curbside recycling, which makes this step more convenient. Grocery stores have bins solely dedicated for depositing plastic bags to recycle. Some grocery stores even sell cloth tote bags that customers can carry their groceries in, rather than using plastic grocery bags. Carpooling and biking also decreases carbon emiss... More About: Earth Day , Make
Slip Stitches Lead to Special Moments
2008-03-21 16:48:00 It recently came to my attention that March 15th was National Quilting Day. Until that point, I was as unaware that there was a National Quilting Day as I am of how to quilt. (...) More About: Special , Moments , Lead , Slip
Cooking Cupcakes for A Diabeties Diet
2008-03-20 16:16:00 The 20th annual American Diabetes Alert Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 25th. (...) More About: Cooking , Diet
How to Tame a Tantrum
2008-03-19 22:22:00 Everyone knows it when they see it? screaming, kicking, hysterics. A full blown temper tantrum is spiraling out of control as the shameful parent futilely tries to stop it. (...) More About: Tantrum
What Exactly is St. Patrick?s Day Anyway?!
2008-03-14 22:15:00 St. Patrick ’s Day is a day that everyone loves. You get to dress up, party, and be Irish (for at least a day). (...) More About: St Patrick
Pet Personalities
2008-03-13 14:38:00 Last month we gave you some things to consider before adopting a pet. (...) More About: Personalities
Spring Frenzy!
2008-03-12 15:43:00 Your kids are getting antsy, your office hours seem endless, and you are so sick of being indoors. Sound familiar? Must mean one thing: spring break is on its way! (...) More About: Spring , Frenzy
Jell-O Aquariums
2008-03-07 18:58:00 This past weekend I made a dessert that my friends loved, and thought it was only fair that I share the idea. My Jell-O aquarium is easy to make, yet entertaining and visually appealing. What you will need: 1 box of Berry Blue Jell-O 4 clear dishes, or 1 big clear bowl Gummy fish, sharks (candy store) 1) Prepare the Jell-O as indicated on the box. 2) Distribute equally into clear dishes. The clear dishes are for added effect, making the dessert look like an aquarium. 3) Let Jell-O set in the refrigerator until it starts to gel, but not completely set- you want to be able to insert gummy fish and sharks. 4) An hour and a half later, or when Jell-O is starting to firm, insert gummy sharks/fish and let set for rest of designated time. I found that gummy sand sharks worked the best because they lay flat and fall to the bottom of the ‘aquarium’ naturally. My gummy fish didn’t stand up straight and fell on their side. I recommend that if you do use gumm...
Superhero Juice Pops!
2008-03-06 23:18:00 In celebration, or hope, of warmer weather to come; here is a recipe for superhero juice pops. This is a fun, safe activity you can do with your kids. What you’ll need: Eight, 3 oz. cups (either plastic or paper) Eight popsicle sticks One cup each of grape juice, orange juice, and fruit punch. Plastic wrap Eight rubber bands What to do: Pour your grape juice into the cups (divide evenly between the eight cups). Cover each cup with a small section of plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Cut or poke a hole in the center of the plastic wrap and insert a popsicle stick into it (this is to keep the popsicle stick vertical and centered throughout the process). Place your cups in the freezer, allow about one hour before moving on. Repeat this process with the orange and then grape juice, allowing at least an hour between types of juice to ensure stripes! When they’re completely frozen serve by removing the plastic wrap, then either peeling off the... More About: Superhero , Juice
Serving Up Sign Language
2008-02-29 18:24:00 In the six years I spent waiting tables, during high school and college, I encountered every kind of customer. Some are kind, rude, friendly or generous. Some tables need very little attention, while others need extra help. March is Deaf History Month, which encouraged me to think back to a particular customer. He was a regular at the restaurant where I worked, and he was deaf. The first time I served him, I was warned first by another server: “He’s deaf. When you walk up he’ll hand you a piece of paper with his order. Just take it and put the order in. He’s an easy tip.” I remember thinking how sad it would be to be treated that way; to have my server not say “hi” or look me in the eye. I walked up to his table, I looked him in the eyes, and signed an “h” and an “I”. Though my knowledge of signing was limited to a two day session in elementary school, it proved to be enough. It was an inefficient way to take an order, but he spelled out each word fo... More About: Language , Sign , Sign language
So Your Kid Wants To Do Magic Tricks At A Talent Show…
2008-02-28 23:12:00 Every year thousands and thousands of kids across America display their talents at a school, church or community talent show. Most of the talents that these kids have is either singing or dancing, hardly any kids are doing a magic tricks. If your kid wants to stand out in the pack of singers and dancers by doing magic tricks, I have some tips to help your kid’s star shine brighter than the rest! Tip Number 1: Give your kid plenty of time to practice! When I used to run a magic shop, quite often parents would come in and ask me for some magic tricks or a magic kit for their kid’s talent show. I would ask when the talent show was, and would be frequently shocked when the parent told me it was only two or three days away! Learning magic tricks from a magic kit, magic book, or when you just get individual tricks takes time to practice and learn properly. Learning magic is just like learning any other talent…you wouldn’t teach your kids a four minute dance routine on Wednesday an... More About: Magic , Tricks , Talent
5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children
2008-02-27 22:49:00 Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here’s how to help your child manage their emotions. We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world–school, friends, peer pressure–but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events. In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent’s job loss but there are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling. As a parent, you can become attuned to what’s a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better. ... More About: Children , Natural , Stress , Relief
Paper Mache
2008-02-22 20:21:00 Paper Mache can be one of the most fun projects because it can really allow for a child to exercise their creativity. There are a few recipes for making the paste to hold the paper strips and harden them, one includes flour and sugar. While more economical, this method has a tendency to mold over time so for this project I suggest using this formula: Elmers (or comparable) glue, slightly thinned with water. Use the paste quickly after mixing it. An easy way to to begin paper mache is to take an object, such as a balloon and use this as the base for your object. Dip the strips of paper to saturate them in the glue mixture. Lay them overlapping on the object, the more layers, the sturdier the final object will be. Be creative and use any objects you can think of to make an interesting shape. Once finished, allow the object to dry thoroughly. Allow your child to have their imagination run wild with this project. Use markers, cray paper, paint, construction paper, and any othe... More About: Paper
Post Potter Reading Problems?
2008-02-21 15:53:00 If there is anything that Harry Potter has taught the world, it’s that reading can be fun. J.K. Rowling’s amazing series has made huge strides in getting kids to pick up leisure reading. Sad to say, Harry’s journey has ended… and probably so have a lot of kid’s interest in books. The skills that children derive from reading are absolutely essential. For improved vocabulary and sophisticated writing skills, there is no richer resource for your child than a good book. In today’s world of video games, DVDs, and television it’s easy for kids to forget one of the most entertaining good old fashioned sources of entertainment. Here are some ways to get your kids reading: Make Reading Cool Somewhere along the way, reading got mysteriously labeled as “uncool”… Depending on how anti-reading your child is, you may need to provide a little incentive. While you may not be the standard of cool in your household, if you have a good attitude toward re... More About: Post , Problems
Does Your Child Know How to Give?
2008-02-20 20:39:00 When it is cold outside it is very easy to think of people less fortunate then yourself. But what about when it is warm or when it is not the holiday season? There are needy people in our communities throughout the entire year and it is important to keep them in mind. Food shelters can always use donations and are often at an all time low in the warmer months. Stress from this kind of burden can often be overwhelming for parents that are just trying to get by. Donations throughout the year of toys and food can make someone’s life a lot better. Maybe this year could be the year to teach your children about the importance of giving back. If they have too many toys, or toys that they have outgrown, have them go through and pick out ones to give away. Once your child has collected old toys to give away, take a field trip down to your local shelter and let your child see how they really make an impact. By teaching your child about people less fortunate than themselves, they may beg... More About: Child , Give
?My Kid Won?t Eat Vegetables? Dilemma SOLVED!
2008-02-15 20:16:00 As a kid growing up, I didn?t have much trouble eating vegetables at dinner. Today, kids seem to be more picky about what they eat. They don?t want to steer away from their trusty chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese to try new foods. I?ve found some good ways to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables kids eat. (...) More About: Vegetables , Dilemma
Time Management: Let the Kids Play
2008-02-14 20:29:00 It wasn?t until high school that I was forced to learn the very valuable art of time management. (...) More About: Kids , Management , Time , Play , The Kids
Sugar Crystals?. it?s Science and it?s Edible!
2008-02-13 17:48:00 So you would love to do something educational and science oriented with your children, but you aren?t exactly a chemist and on top of that you?re a little nervous to let your little ones run around with beakers of toxic chemicals. (...) More About: Science , Sugar , Edible
Sugar Crystals…. it’s Science and it’s Edible!
2008-02-13 17:48:00 So you would love to do something educational and science oriented with your children, but you aren???t exactly a chemist and on top of that you???re a little nervous to let your little ones run around with beakers of toxic chemicals. Well how about teaching them about crystals and making a tasty treat with them at the same time? The process of making sugar crystals is quite easy. You will need water, sugar (a lot of it), string, a pencil, and a jar or cup. DIRECTIONS: Step One is to boil enough water to fill all of the jars that you wish to make sugar crystals in. Step Two, is to take the hot water and mix in as much sugar as possible until no more will dissolve, you will know you have hit the maximum amount when it starts to settle at the bottom after constant rigorous stirring. This could be an ample opportunity to explain a little scientific fact to your children, that sugar can dissolve or become one with water; and furthermore, if the water is hot, more sugar can be dissol... More About: Science , Sugar , Edible
Mr. Grass Head
2008-02-08 17:37:00 When I was growing up I remember playing with a chia-pet, well not as much playing with but setting one up and getting bored of it after about 5 minutes because nothing was happening. (...) More About: Head , Grass
Mr. Grass Head
2008-02-08 17:37:00 When I was growing up I remember playing with a chia-pet, well not as much playing with but setting one up and getting bored of it after about 5 minutes because nothing was happening. (...) More About: Head , Grass
Pet Prep for Parents
2008-02-06 16:32:00 I want a puppy. I have wanted a puppy for years. And recently I have become a weekly regular at the local Capital Area Humane Society. (...) More About: Newsletter , Parents , Prep
Pet Prep for Parents
2008-02-06 16:32:00 I want a puppy. I have wanted a puppy for years. And recently I have become a weekly regular at the local Capital Area Humane Society. (...) More About: Newsletter , Parents , Prep
Cooking- Cooking With Kids
More articles from this author:2008-02-01 18:57:00 Kids love to be creative. Cooking is a great outlet for kids to express their creativity. It can also help provide a wonderful way to build and develop self-esteem. Here are some tips for cooking with your children. One-on-one Time With our lives so busy, cooking provides a wonderful way to spend quality one-on-one time. The memories that are created while cooking together will last a lifetime. I am sure many of you have fond memories of learning and helping your parents or grandparents cook. It may take extra patience and time to prepare the meal, but the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to clean up. Choosing the Recipe A great first step to this process is choosing the recipe. This is a great opportunity for exploring different cultures foods, and teaching your child to be adventurous. Or, try low fat, healthy recipes to encourage to child to really enjoy and appreciate healthy eating. If your child is involved in the entire process, from start to finish, they may be ... More About: Kids 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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