Ryan Galiotto

Posts Tagged ‘parenting’

No matter how much the adage ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ is used or heard, its truth never gets old. Kids need to develop in a balanced way so that they are able to deal with all the challenges and demands that life will later put on their shoulders.

Learning should be encouraged in a wide a field as possible in this regard and sports provide one of the most versatile and dynamic platforms for this to happen. The misconception that reigns in some places that sports participation in children should be restricted is one that causes a lot damage to the way they grow up.

Sports as a field contains a lot of activities especially for the kids that if applied in the right way will allow kids to learn valuable lessons about life. It is not uncommon for kids to extend the discipline, creativity, hard work and team building skills attained in engaging in sports activities to other areas of their lives such as school work.

The thing is, sports especially at children’s level is carried out in a simple way in a friendly and healthy environment that allows kids to let themselves go and come out of their small cocoons to discover what lies in the outside world.

The simplicity of sports does not, however, compromise its ability to provide the necessary learning and development necessary for balanced growth. It is indeed this same simplicity that causes the lessons learnt to stick into the kids psyches to be used later on in life. How important therefore that the lessons adopted through sports be positive ones rather than negative ones. The ball is now therefore firmly set in the courts of parents, teachers and guardians of children to recognize the awesome potential of sports in developing children to be upstanding members of the world community.

Through sports kids learn to share with others, the power of team work and positive competition can be fostered in the muddy soccer and hockey fields that the classroom can only fantasize about. Through competitive games and sports kids can learn what it takes to win and how to deal with unexpected outcomes in life. The beauty of sports is that through its many intense activity, interaction among kids themselves and also with adults is essential.

Kids can learn how to express themselves and respect authority, traits that can be hard to develop in adults. Starting them on such at a young age will reap fruits that will be the pride of all.

Sports activities come in many forms. Mainstream sports like baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey and tennis to name but five are used to instill the traits described above. With creativity, learning activities can be converted into fun sporting activities. Music and art and crafts are among the best candidates for this. It’s high time the true potential of sports be tapped. Take a cue from Tiger Woods and the Williams sisters.

Most teens want to do things for themselves and are bored by even the thought of a “normal” camp. Swift Nature Camp has created the Adventure Camp program, a coed teen summer camp program that is just for teenaged campers up to 15 years of age, with a Counselor in Training Program for ages 16 and 17.

Like its summer camp programs for pre-teens, Swift Nature Camp offers an amazing range of camp activities. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are among the most popular programs among teen campers.

Summer camps bring teens into a relaxed and fun-filled environment, foster self-esteem and independence, and inspire challenge with new physical and creative activities. Teen Camps is a special opportunity to make friends for kids of all ages, and teens are no exception. Most easily bored teens crave adventure.

Swift Nature Camp offers their Adventure Camp program, opportunities to leave camp behind and take trips to the Apostle Islands, the International Wolf Center, or the Mississippi River.

The directors of Swift Nature Camp believe that children of all ages, especially teenagers, need a break from the stress and competition of the modern world. A positive, encouraging environment that fosters acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. The small, intimate, friendly and non-competetive environment for all of its teen summer camp programs benefits veteran campers and first-timers alike. Teen Camps

Today’s teens grow up too fast and need time to play. An Adventure Summer Camp should challenge your teen to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.

Campers come to love and remember the fun, the companionship and the life in a beautiful natural setting among caring staff and instructors, . Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy everything they have come to know as camp life.

Summer camp is a great place to be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Teens come to love summer camp and look forward to time away from the pressures of performance, and the change to rediscover themselves.

Find more information about great Teen Summer Camps by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

What to Consider When Choosing Stair Gates

Child safety is the number one consideration in every families’ mind. This is why deciding upon the right products like safe and trusted stair gates needs to be done with concern. Simply because a product is being promoted for children and pets doesn’t mean that it is actually safe and reliable.

Parents should know that there are some tips to keep in mind to make selections of safety stair gates and other child protection devices an easy and worry free process.

Review stair gates that have been JPMA and/or CPSC approved.

Select stair gates made from sturdy material with secure latch fittings.

Be certain that the stair and safety gates are right for the location in which they are to be used. For instance, certain gates are not for use on stairways but for door openings only.

Mounting systems that will work for your location should be a primary consideration.

Certifications

Having a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC is considered a gold standard for any products designed to be used by children. This certification ensures that parents are choosing an item that has met or exceeded every manufacturing guideline that promotes safety. JPMA is one of the largest groups that monitor whether or not childrens products meet the required safety standards. ASTM is the organization that lists all of the safety features and quality standards for products being prepared for market.

JPMA is a individual product authority that collaborates with ASTM and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to produce and maintain the highest level of standards and quality for the childrens marketplace. When you see the JPMA certification seal of approval you are promised that the product you purchase has been validated during and after the manufacturing process. JPMA will approve only juvenile products like safety stair gates after these items have met the most rigorous of standards.

Material Strength and Mounting Systems

When choosing safety stair gates parents should always select those that are made from sturdy, dependable material. Cheaper items are readily available and these are constructed from flimsy plastics or cheap wood. These types of safety gates will not hold up under the weight of a determined small child and can result in a serious accident.

Mounting systems have to be constructed with materials that will be sound after they are installed. Hardware consisting of metal mounts is perfect and twill typically not give in when small children and larger pets are applying force as they attempt to climb or push on the stair gates.

Visual Appeal

Of course, families want not only the safety features but a visually appealing quality as well. You can find a variety of styles for child safety gates that prevent access to dangerous areas and many of these stair gates and safety gates come in colors and designs that complement into any type of decor.

Parents need to make certain they are not sacrificing any safety features when they select one of the more aesthetically pleasing gates.

Kids Should Have the Best

A child’s safety is not something to jeopardize with an improperly chosen safety item. You want the best for your children and this means selecting safe and trusted stair gates that will prevent an unfortunate accident.

Parents should always choose child gates that are made of high quality material, have a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC, and have a strong, durable mounting system. This will give your home the child friendly safety features that you can trust.

Summer Camp in the North woods of Minnesota is more than the pristine beauty of lakes, forests and eagles flying overhead. To me, Summer Camp is another home with another family. But camp isn’t just any family or any home, Swift Nature Camp is a specialMinnesota Camp.

Why is it so much more? It is filled with encouragement, love, acceptance, and real friends that will be part of your camp memories for life. Your counselors are great people to look up to they act as parents, older siblings and more. You may even end up looking at them as siblings. Your Uniqueness is celebrated and Acceptance is everywhere. This is what makes Swift Nature Camp place that i can not wait to return to each summer.

Activities are everywhere at summer camp, there is so much to do. Here are just a few: Archery, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Tubing, and Riflery. You are never bored and active all day long. The counselors help you get better regardless of that your skill level is. All activities are noncompetitive and so we all support each other, rather than worry who is best.

I’ll never forget the great out of camp trips we took like the Superior Hiking Trail. What an adventure! I loved being in the of the forest. overlooking Lake Superior. The wildlife was wonderful too we saw hawks, bald eagles, & deer. This is why I love Minnesota Camps

Life in a cabin is about learning from others and with others. It is becoming a team of understanding. Sure, sometimes we had our fights or minor issues, but almost always they were resolved and we grew closer as a team for them.

I always loved the Nature Center. It is a great place to learn about Nature and the Environment. The Director is always fun and teaches us loads of cool things but its not at all like school. There are all sorts of animals that are fun to observe and hold. One day they even made me feel a little more comfortable when I was homesick.

I’m returning to Swift Nature Camp for all these reasons. I love camp and hope to be a Counselor in training when I’m sixteen and then a counselor when I’m eighteen. So, I’ll see yawl in the North woods of Minnesota this summer!

Figuring out the child custody situation can be one of the most stressful things about a divorce. Not only do parents need to figure out the logistics of custody and visitation, but they also need to know how to help their child adjust to the new situation. This can be difficult because all of this requires new knowledge and skills that a parent has to learn.

Take heart. There is a way to get through all of this. If you are willing to put in the time and the effort then you will figure out how to manage your custody situation and help your child through it too. Here are three ideas of how to do this.

1. Base the custody agreement on what is right for the child. It is easy for parents to fall into the trap of putting their needs and wants in a custody situation before what is best for the child. It’s hard, but try to be objective to decide what the right thing is for the children.

You know your child the best, and your child and custody situation are unique. You need to figure out the solutions that will work for you. Don’t worry about appearing unconventional; adopt any method that helps you and your child.

2. Be fair and flexible about custody and visitation. Of course you want a custody schedule that allows you the most time with your child. And, your child’s other parent wants it too. It’s vital that you are flexible about the schedule you create so that both parents are happy.

You can make a custody schedule that is fair to both parents. Base the custody and visitation times on what is best for your child. There are many options available and you can experiment with some of them to find out what works best.

3. Explore the resources. There are many valuable resources that can help divorced parents figure things out. There is information online and at the courthouse. They can talk to a lawyer, download a custody software, try mediation or attend a support group.

These are just some of the ideas that can help someone going through a custody situation. Divorced parents need not despair about their custody situation. They can get things settled and help their children through the process.

Summer toddler fashions for boys should be chosen with fun in mind. You can find many different toddler boy clothes that are unique and will reflect the budding personality of your little boy. It just takes a little imagination and some savvy shopping to find the right clothes for your toddler this summer. With a little know how, you can make sure your toddler is the best dressed kid in town.

Little boys wear shorts in the summer, unlike little girls who can get away with dresses. As this is a time in their lives when they are just getting potty trained, there are a few things that parents need to know about toddler shorts. These tips can make it easy on both the parents and the child.

T-shirts are always in fashion when it comes to toddler boy clothes. Instead of generic t-shirts, however, you may want to choose some that have some fun sayings that are bound to give others a chuckle and make your child stand out.

Look for t-shirts that are cool when it comes to comfort, but hot when it comes to style for your child this summer. Consider getting those that show a little bit of humor and that reflect on the personality that your child is developing.

You can pick toddler t-shirts for you boy that say that he only dates models. You can also choose from some symbols and logos that are both hip as well as adorable on youngsters.

Of course, you do not want to forget about shorts as they are the essential part of a summer wardrobe. You are going to want to be sure that your little boy is comfortable in the heat by wearing short pants that will allow him to keep cool.

Corded shorts are in style with boys of all ages and are the ideal choice when it comes to toddler boy clothes. You can find a variety of different styles in corded shorts when you are looking for toddler fashions.

You will also want to make sure that the clothes that you choose for your toddler boy will be easy enough to wear that he can put them on himself. This is an age when children are learning to dress themselves and looking for independence.

When you are picking out fashions for your toddler boy, be sure to choose those that will not only make him comfortable, but will proudly proclaim his gender. You can find a large assortment of toddler clothes that are made especially for little boys. Your little boy will be both comfortable and stylish in these clothes that are made with little boys in mind.

Spring is here and kids will participate in more activities, this means that there will be an increase in trauma to mouth areas. Properly fitted mouthguards have been proven effective to provide protection against injuries to the mouth and teeth. It has been shown as well that the use of custom-fabricated mouthguards decreases the likelihood of concussions as well.

Today, children participate in activities where being hit in the face or mouth may occur at any time, from a backyard basketball game to organized sports. With increased sporting activities comes an increase in the number of injuries. It is interesting that only a few sports such as football, ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, and women’s field hockey require the use of mouthguards. We should note that the sports that have the highest incidence of tooth loss are basketball, and baseball (mouthguards not required).

Most children do not like to wear a mouthguard for various reasons. The difficulty in breathing and speaking being the most important one, the other is that the fit and feel of a mouthguard is not pleasant and finally kids do not think that they look cool. Yet children wearing special fixed orthodontics need special considerations. The guard must compensate for tooth eruption and growth in the young adults. Most of these difficulties can be dealt with fairly easily.

There are three basic categories of mouthguards. They include: Type I (stock) Type II (mouth-formed) Type III (custom-fabricated)

Type I mouthguards are the least expensive and offer little protection. These mouthguards can be purchased at any sporting good stores, you can take them out of the package and wear without any fitting. They are also the most cumbersome and least comfortable to wear.

Type II mouthguards also known as the “boil and bite” mouthguards. Also available in many stores, they are the most popular. The guard is boiled in water and some attempts are made to fit them.

Type III mouthguards are custom-made by a professional from impressions of the mouth. These are considered the best when compared with the others. They are more protective because of they closely adapt to the teeth and shape of the mouth. Because they are custom fitted they are more comfortable. It is easier to speak with it in your mouth, therefore kids’ compliance goes up considerably.

Mouthguards are usually designed for the type of sport being played. They are crucial in preventing teeth and mouth injuries as well as concussions. Children prefer mouthguards that are comfortable, soft, and resilient, which is the characteristic of a custom-fitted mouthguard. It is important for those who participate in sports to have proper protection. There is no reason to risk a lifetime of dental problems when a mouthguard can give children the protection they need.

Do you ever wish, after having read a fairy tale to you daughter you could dress her in yester-year’s style but still incorporating some of today’s fashion? It’s a bold step to grab this bull by the horns so to speak. You may be worried how it will be perceived by the outside world. You may even be dealing with fears that it is “too much” or “off the wall” to clothe your daughter in such a statement of class and grace. How about being nervous about the possibility your darling daughter may be teased?

That flare has been brought from the past into the fashion world once more. Belle Ame Pettiskirts are top notch at showing how their unique designs can potentially have such a large impact to children’s fashion. They have hit the mark from infant to teen, as well as each stage in between.

The pleasure we receive by dressing our daughters with ruffles and bows, allowing them to show off that little-girl mix of beauty and innocence which is what memories are made of. The opportunity to have this much influence on your daughter ’s choice of clothing escapes so quickly; every moment we can dress them like the little princess they are is time to hold on to. Before you know it, your precious darlings are making choices on their own, following the trends and popularity of their peers. Make the best of this situation while you still can. It’s the best time to instill a positive influence about their fashion sense and aim them in the appropriate direction.

The versatility available to you with Belle Ame Pettiskirt allows for many different purposes. From Halloween costumes to beauty pageants, for dance or other groups to wear on performance night or simply perk up your daughter’s wardrobe there is a Belle Ame Pettiskirt for the occasion. The possibilities are endless, and will leave your daughter with a new look that is not only fun, but suits her personality with astuteness and sharpness you won’t find in other every-day attire elsewhere.

Every little girl, at one point or another wanted to be a princess or ballerina, even if it’s only for a short period of time. Belle Ame has a multitude of full and fluffy skirts which can permit you to see her dream come true (or maybe even yours!). They are perfect for the holiday season, or for those family get-togethers for grand feasts with long lost relatives. Valentine’s day, full of hearts and flowers allows for a layered style of pink and red in various tones. Your daughter will be the highlight of the day as she outdoes the decorations.

Is it time for a new family portrait? If so, consider an old-fashioned theme with the ladies done up in pettiskirts or dresses, while the men sport handsome suits. This type of portrait not only becomes a topic of conversation when friends and family see it for the first time, either when received as a gift or mounted on the family wall.

When you think about baby pettiskirts, you’re possibly thinking how quickly little ones grow. Think of the magical moments your daughter will experience playing dress-up with her dolls, using the same pettiskirts and pettidresses she once wore herself. Another option is to properly pack them away for when your daughter’s little girls can wear them, or perhaps other members of the family. For generations to come, the same grace and beauty can be shared.

All Belle Ame Pettiskirts and dresses are available in various solid colors, two tone or rainbow options, as well as different styles for any possible occasion, celebration or desire imaginable. The only limitations are those which are limited by your imaginations. Pettiskirts can be matched with graphic tees, one of a specific color or even a fluff t-shirt. Other choices could be coordinated leggings or simply by adding a made-to-match headband with crocheted flowers. There are ample choices for everyday attire, but your darling daughter will also be the ‘bell of the ball

We all like to recall things from the past because these jog the memories of individuals of the fantastic times they received in their lives. To save great memories and experiences, increasingly parents encourage their kids to create their own scrapbooks at at an early period so they can maintain their young memories into some of order. Indeed, scrap booking is just about the most efficient and pleasant ways of keeping memories safe and fun to look at. By gathering and holding segments of memories together, anyone can make, and tell a chronicle, so for children, scrap booking can be a learning experience because this can instruct them the worth of resourcefulness, creativeness, forbearance, and persistence.

Scrap booking is an enjoyable activity you can share with your kids and one of those activities they can share with their playmates and friends. Yet, before you get emotional and begin to instruct your children the beauty of scrapbooking, there are some things you need to think about. The first thing is to encourage your children to get into scrapbooking, is their involvement in the art. So, if your child is one of those who are into fine arts and into gathering souvenirs to make another work of art, then she or he is the perfect candidate for the activity because they have the ambition.

If your kid is not yet interested with arts and crafts, it doesn’t mean they cannot indulge in scrap booking because in fact, this is the ideal time to present the to a new area of stimulating and pleasurable activity. Aside from the involvement of your child in crafts and arts, another thing you need to consider is the accessibility of space where your kids can carry out the pursuit. As scrapbooking requires a lot of materials, you will need a space large enough for them to sprawl and to scatter the materials they will use. It is advisable you provide a space where kids can carry it out and a site where they can store their stuff.

Next, you will want to think about the quantity of stuff your kid will need and since you are about to teach them basic scrap booking, you will need stuff which you can find about your house. Your kids will require paper or scrapbook paper, usually 12 inches by 12 inches in size, pens and colored pencils and photographs. Tools such as hole punches, pairs of scissors, card and paper trimmers and rules, stamps - rubber, clear and foam, glue and removers, in addition old cards will also be useful but this list only contains the basics of what they can use because almost anything can be utilized in producing a scrapbook.

Cost saving ideas are paramount for those parents who want to teach their kids scrap booking but don’t have the wherewithall to purchase pricey provisions and tools. So, if you are operating to a budget, assemble old photographs and let your kids trash the photographs you no longer need and whenever you go to the developing center, ask for the double photographic prints and let your kids play around with the duplicates.

Then after completing a special project, make certain that you put the leftovers and unwanted scraps in a box so the kids can use it for a new project. Don’t forget to go over your old material and bring out the supplies you will no longer use but guide your kids in producing scrapbooks, so they will not waste supplies, time and effort in making projects they cannot use.

I’ve been having major trouble around our house concerning 3 of our kids and the inability (or unwillingness is more like it) to be ready to leave for school on time. I started thinking about the problem, and wondered if this was my fault (Heaven forbid!) or theirs. Well, the conclusion I came to was a little of both. Let me explain.

I started looking through my Total Transformation workbook for some answers, and I happened upon a section called Ineffective Parenting Roles. Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good. Better take a look, though.

Holding my breath, I read on. It seems there are 7 ineffective parent roles, that seem like I mean well, aren’t allowing my kids to be self responsible, accountable or give them the chance to change. This in itself was a bitter pill to swallow, but not as bitter as the fact I could see myself acting several of these roles out at various times - uggh!

My favorite part - the Martyr.

A glimpse of the Martyr -

* Takes on the childs responsibilities, for example, wakes their child up repeatedly.

* Keeps lower what is expected and having no limits on what is acceptable.

* Fearing that the kid may not be happy or be stressed.

This teaches the child:

* Learned helplessness is effective. The less ability the child demonstrates, the less is asked of him.

* This unconditional approval can be demanded. Not earned, but demanding, threatening, or misbehaving will get it.

* The parents don’t believe they can do it. They sadly learn that they are unable to perform things, to earn the approval or to control how he acts.

Doesn’t that sound great? I was sure I was being effective!

Oh and there are 6 more of these lovely parenting roles.

This is just a brief overview, but I will give you enough info to see if you recognize yourself in any of these. James Lehman fleshs these out in the Total Transformation and the best news is that he will tell you how to resolve them! Yeah!

1. Bottomless Pockets - Buys off the child to avoid conflict or behavior issues. Children learn the sense of entitlement.

2. Over-Negotiator - Negotiates already established rules, commitments, and standards. Child learns that boundaries aren’t solid.

3. Screamer - Get sucked into the screaming and name calling games. Kids learn no one is in control.

4. Ticket Puncher - Over indulges the child emotionally. The parent takes any and all opportunities to shower their child with love and attention. The child learns there is no objective right or wrong.

5. The Savior - Blindly comes to the kid’s defense. Kids learn that they are not accountable to any authority.

6. The Perfectionist - Has impossible high standards to meet. Child learns to only fail.

There you go - do you see yourself in any of those? I hope you don’t, but I know I’ve been guilty of most of them at one time or another. If you do feel like you need some help, or just want to learn more about these ineffective permissive parenting styles, get your hands on a copy of the The Total Transformation and check it out for yourself.