So many people use email these days. It is for this reason the Postal Service claims they’re struggling and will have to make changes to the services they offer. When anyone uses email, they’ll want to understand that tone can come across differently than it may have been meant. This is especially important for children to understand. The potential for misunderstanding is something to consider. Here are some useful tips to help avoid this problem.

1. Ensure your child is sending the message to the person they intended to sent it to. This is a problem for adults, so it’s easy to understand how a child might send an email to the wrong person. How do you keep this from happening? Confirm the spelling of the contact person or address, make certain they save email addresses when they receive a message, and check the screen name to verify it’s the right person.

2. Update email addresses from time to time. There are occasions where people will change their internet provider so their email address may change. If an address is changed, be careful to change it in your address book.

3. Instruct your children to avoid sending spam or junk email. Some jokes, urban legends, or chain letters have been making their way around the World Wide Web for years. There’s no reason to keep them moving along. Teach your child that if they’re sending an email, it should have information they would tell someone in person. If they wouldn’t share it face-to-face, they probably don’t want to send it through email.

4. Explain the importance of not sending attachments. If there is something your child would like to forward to a friend as an attachment, they would do well to send an email first asking if it would be alright to send. They can also use the text of the document to include the photo, or cut and paste a document. If they must send an attachment, suggest they name the document something specific rather than ‘document.’

5. If your child is writing on forums or social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, help your child realize the wisdom of keeping religious, political, or racial opinions to themselves. This is important particularly when there could be people from other cultures participating.

6. Help your child understand that whatever is said on the internet can be there for the whole world to see. If they would be embarrassed for something to be repeated at school, they probably don’t want to broadcast it all over the internet.

7. Expect your child to apologize immediately if they have said something inappropriate or insensitive. This will ease any problems that may have been caused. The same holds true if someone has hurt them; ask your child to politely explain why they were hurt by what was said. Most people will apologize and make things right.

When thinking about how to teach children internet etiquette, you want to remember that the way they intend something isn’t necessarily the way someone reads it. If they follow the tips given above, they are more likely to avoid problems and enjoy their experience online.

Other Posts You May Like

• Use Twitter to Keep in Touch with Customers
• Weekly Round Up 9-25
• Tips to Curb Summertime Teen Laziness
• Mistakes Business Owners Make When Using Twitter
• Weekly Round Up Oct 3

1. Ask your older children to help with the younger ones. This will encourage your children to feel proud of being an older brother or sister and will help them build a better relationship.

2. Do your best not to compare your children, especially while they’re in the same room. It’s obvious that your children are different, but you don’t want them feeling as if there’s something wrong because they’re not the same. It may also cause your children to believe you love one of them more than the other.

3. Let them handle their own disagreements. It may not be easy to do, but it’s important to let them resolve some of their own conflicts. You also want to avoid taking sides because it might give the impression you favor one child over the other.

4. Explain to your children that however angry they might get, violence is unacceptable. Let them know you won’t stand for hitting or kicking. When your children resolve their problems peacefully, be sure to praise them for doing so.

5. Take your child out of the room if you must punish or scold them. It’s important not to do this in front of the other children because it may cause the child not being scolded to tease the one who was.

6. If possible, allow each child to have their own room. You’ll also want to stress how important it is for them to avoid taking or using each other’s items without permission.

7. Have a special date each month for you to spend with each child. Spending individual time with each child doing things they enjoy will let them know how special they are to you. It will also help your children have your undivided attention, if only for a little while.

8. Set limits as far as what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Hitting, name-calling, and putting one another down are not acceptable and you’ll want to step in if your children begin using any of those tactics. You may not want to act like the police, but it may be necessary at times.

9. Family meetings can be helpful for letting children voice differences or complaints. They’re also an opportunity for parents to restate family rules about how to treat one another, or add new rules.

10. Choose your battles wisely. You know your children aren’t always going to agree, so you might spend all of your time coming between them if you don’t let them handle things on their own. Squabbling about who had a toy first isn’t that important, but pestering until they feel they have no recourse but to strike out definitely needs your attention.

Having children can be a joy; however, it can also be stressful for parents when the children argue and fight. Using one of these ten ways to ease sibling rivalry may work for your family. It can’t hurt to give them a try.

Other Posts You May Like

• Cliques: Eight Steps to Help Your Child Survive the Social Jungle ~ Review
• True Brotherly Love ~ A Major Life Lesson Learned
• Remember That an All Work and No Play Makes Mom a Dull Mommy
• Yes You Can Survive the Teen Years
• Thinking About Starting a Mom Blog?

Spending time together as a family is something that strong families do. Some teens are more independent than others, and may not need the extra time and attention. However, your teen may need your undivided attention on regular basis – more than you know. Since you know your teen best, you can determine how much time the two of you need to spend together.

Are they going through a hard time at school? They may need to know that you’re available to listen without judging them. You can encourage them by explaining some of the trouble you faced when you were their age. If they know that what they’re going through is common to teens, it may help them feel better about the situation and themselves.

They may have broken up with their boyfriend or girlfriend and need you to reassure them that it’s not the end of the world. You don’t want to give them platitudes about young love or time heals all wounds. Offer them a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.

Perhaps your family has been affected by divorce and your teen feels like the split is their fault. It could also be that since their parents aren’t together anymore they’re feeling vulnerable and that their world has been torn apart. It’s times like this that teens need extra time and attention. You may want to concentrate on them to let them know the breakup of your marriage wasn’t their fault and that you’re not going anywhere. Reassure them that you and your spouse still love them but that you had problems that you couldn’t overcome.

Whatever the situation that makes your teen feel that they need you, you’ll want to know how can you spend more time with them? It’s not as hard as you think. In fact, it could be as easy as eating meals together each night instead of everyone running their separate ways.

You could also try taking up a shared hobby or sport. Has your teen always wanted to try rollerblading? Now would be the perfect time for both of you to take it up. If you have a teen daughter, you may want to spend time going through old photographs and create scrapbooks together – one for each of you.

It’s not really that important what you do to give your teen time and attention. What’s important is that you’re actually spending time together, talking, and listening to what they have to say. They want to know they matter and spending time with them can help accomplish this.

Experts agree that friends and peers are important to children and teens, but there’s no one that can compare to the influence a family has on them. When teens spend regular, quality time with their families, they get the type of support that only families can give. And that support can make a world of difference in their quality of life.

Other Posts You May Like

• 0rganizing from the Inside Out for Teenagers ~ Book Review
• Summer Vacation 09 is Almost Here
• Cliques: Eight Steps to Help Your Child Survive the Social Jungle ~ Review
• Yes You Can Survive the Teen Years
• Thinking About Starting a Mom Blog?

1.Disney World

This ultimate family vacation has been the source of great joy for adults and kids alike. Whether you stay several miles from the theme park or enjoy the onsite amenities, this vacation affords you an endless array of activities designed for the entire family. From Epcot Center to Sea World; from Disney Village to Universal Studios; Water parks to Wildlife parks; no time is wasted at this world-famous resort.
Moreover, many online travel sites are offering special packages to Disney World as well as Southwest Airlines and others. In addition, you can save quite a bit of money by selecting hotels that offer free stays for children, as well as free meals for the little ones. This is one destination where you can easily book a trip based on your budget and stick to it.

2. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.

From Alaska to Wyoming, there are a multitude of dude ranches perfect for a family vacation. But, one of the most notable is the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado, approximately 20 miles from Rock Mountain National Park. Here, your family can engage in an array of activities including: horseback riding, hayrides, nature walks, and a host of amenities provided by the ranch.
This dude ranch is perfect for families who love the outdoors as well as enjoy visiting such historic sites as Fort Collins, Old West Museums, and Cheyenne (where you can buy tickets to the world’s largest rodeo held from July 17 to the 26th).

3.Hawaii.

While Oahu has always been a popular destination, it is Maui that attracts family vacationers more than any of its islands. The reason is that it offers a wide variety of activities such as whale watching (seasonal); Lahaina, a famous whaling village; and Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest aquarium in Hawaii.
Your family can also take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train, circa 1890; visit Oheo Gulch to marvel at the spectacular waterfalls; spend a day at Iao Valley and view the Iao Needle; or visit the black-sand beaches at Waianapanapa in East Maui.

For fabulous weather, magnificent sunsets, and beautiful beaches; Maui is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy spending quality family time.

4.New York.

Probably the most exciting vacation spot for families is New York. The “Big Apple” has something for everyone; from Broadway to Rockefeller Center, you will never run out of things to do here. Among the many sites to visit is Radio City Music Hall where you can take in a show; Madison Square Garden; the Empire State Building; the Village; 42nd Street, the Theatre District; museums; shopping, fabulous cuisine; the list is endless.
Spend a day walking along Fifth Avenue and stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; take a tour of NBC Studios; spend an afternoon in Central Park and visit the zoo there; go to the South Street Seaport or take in a matinee performance on a Wednesday afternoon.

Whether you stay uptown or downtown, you will always be in close proximity to the many historic sites and sounds that comprise Manhattan. Moreover, your kids will enjoy all this city has to offer.

5.Las Vegas.

The city that never sleeps offers a wide range of attractions for kids. This is why it is among the top family destinations in the US today. Moreover, it is an affordable vacation because the hotel packages and meals will fit any budget.
Among the many attractions offered for families include: M&M’s World, the Lion Habitat at MGM, Adventure Canyon, Game Works (a video game-playing wonderland), Sports Park, Circus Circus rides; Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel; Shark Reef; New York, New York’s roller coaster; Madame Tussaud’s; Lake Mead; Children’s Museum (the largest of its kind); and Adventuresdome, the largest theme park in the U.S.

Many of these attractions are free and are well worth visiting. Don’t forget the Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo hotel or the spectacular water fountain show across the way at Caesars Palace.

For great fun and awesome rides and venues, Las Vegas is a wonderful choice for your next family vacation.

If you want to go on a vacation but dont think you can stop by  GlobeCheep.com to learn how to safe 80% or more on a fun family vacation.

Other Posts You May Like

• Weekly Round Up July 31
• Be Aware of Toxic Chemicals in Art Supplies
• Weekly Round Up June 19

Tips to Curb Summertime Teen Laziness

Most of us enjoy a lazy day when we can sleep in, putz around and just relax a little – and our kids are no different. However, when the dog days of summer come, some teens take that one “couch out” day and stretch it over an entire summer break. Here are some tips to combat summertime teen laziness and keep your teen active and engaged.

Communicate Expectations – Tell your teen in a nonthreatening but firm manner that you will not accept their staying in bed all morning and afternoon. It is perfectly reasonable to ask that they get up at a decent hour. Explain that you want them to do more than merely watch TV, play video games, or visit social networking sites all day.

If your teen wants you to help pay for their summer activities, they should be willing to abide by a few summer guidelines. Set an age appropriate, specific time that you expect them to be home, based upon the level of trust they have earned. Ask them to take on a couple of extra chores during the summer to earn some pocket money. These chores could be for you or someone else, but make sure they go above and beyond the normal, everyday chores that every member of the family should be expected to do.

Get Them Engaged – Whether you ask them to help you more around the house, participate in volunteer activities in the community, or help them get a job, you want them to be engaged in something worthwhile. Give them encouragement to help at a YMCA, children’s program, or nursing home. They may find they truly enjoy these volunteer activities and you will help them appreciate the joys of serving others that will last a lifetime.

Help them find volunteer positions by calling around to local places of worship, daycares, charities, or nursing homes. Local businesses may be hiring summer help; offer to help them find a job to earn some extra money. This will help them learn to manage money, but will also help them realize the value of their time. If they get paid by the hour, they might be less likely to fritter their time away.

Spend Family Time – Avoid giving lectures about what they should do during the summer. (Lectures, period, are ineffective with teens.) Instead, find activities that you can do with them. You don’t have to spend every waking moment with your teen, but take some time to take them shopping, go to a movie, or out for a coffee. Keep it relaxed and let your teen open up to you in their own time and way. Summertime is a great time to reconnect with your teen. Don’t let these weeks go by without taking this time to slow down and just be together.

Encourage Physical Activity – Take time to learn or play a new sport with your teen. Not only will this help your teen be more active during the summer, it’ll help you get some much needed exercise, too. Boys in particular are more likely to enjoy “side by side” activities. These are often great times to open dialogue with your son about important issues. Give tennis, swimming, cycling, or rollerblading a try. You both will benefit your health and well being.

Parents all over the country complain that their teens get lazy during the summer break. But teens, just like toddlers, need guidance, clear communication, and reminders of your expectations in order to be successful. These tips should get you well on your way. Ask your teen if there are things they’d like to accomplish before school starts, and then help them to meet those goals.

Need More Help?

Here are three guides to help you reconnect with your teen, so you can help them with the rocky road of being a teenager.

1. If you’re gearing up for another summer with your teen and want to dread trying to keep them occupied, happy and out of trouble, check out School’s Out for plenty of expert resources to make it a great summer.

2. Real Life Guidance to Understanding Your Teen shows you how to accept what you can and cannot control in your teen’s life, how to cope with mood swings, keeping the lines of communication open.

3. Real Life Guidance to Helping Your Teen in High School includes practical suggestions to help your child find his/her identity, avoid bullies, handle peer pressure and more.

Grab them all to be armed with the easy-to-follow advice at your fingertips. They’re available for instant download, which means you can get the help you need any day of the week, even if it’s the middle of the night.

Other Posts You May Like

• Cliques: Eight Steps to Help Your Child Survive the Social Jungle ~ Review
• Make “No” Your New Favorite Word
• 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Success In School ~ Review
• Family Dinners Are Important
• Yes You Can Survive the Teen Years

Your kids will love creating artwork out of household items. Popsicle sticks, newspaper, paper plates, buttons, plastic bottles and egg cartons are some of the many items which can be utilized for fun and inexpensive art projects at home.

The book is geared towards Grades 4 to 6, but younger children can be part of the craft experience as well with some help from older kids or parents. The book details over 600 craft projects. Each book contains between 80 to 90 color photos and clear step-by-step instructions. Non-readers will need to be supervised since there is only a picture of the finished project.

This craft book is a great resource for rainy days or even birthday party fun. The materials needed are inexpensive and easy to find within the house.

Other Posts You May Like

• Weekly Round Up Aug 14
• Potential Recruit Objections & How to Overcome Them
• Direct Sales Business Tasks: Money Making Activity or Time Sucker?
• Games & Giveaways: Can They Really Increase Your Direct Sales Business?
• 8 Ideas for Getting Your Direct Sales Bookings to Hold