Everyday Christianity » Family Fun

A New Take on Family Game Night

Sarcalogos — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:32:45 +0000

Our family loves to play games together, but it can be trying at times to ensure “fairness” and a good time had by all when the youngest member of our family, Adam, feels he’s playing at a disadvantage. Who wants to play when you’re the youngest and you think you might lose? Mom has the same problem, owing to a competitive streak formed in early childhood.

We’ve recently discovered a new product that takes away this dilemma and ensures a fun family gaming experience. Newly released from the folks at bEQUAL, in partnership with DreamWorks, the Madagascar Animal Trivia DVD Game will be a hit with your entire family.

I recently took time to play the game with my sons, ages thirteen and ten, and can vouch for the game’s educational and entertainment value, but I thought I’d let the boys chime in and share their own opinions. To preface their remarks, I’ll say that these are some astute gamers – they’re not easily entertained by gimmicky products, and they bore easily with certain video games that are too easily mastered. We tested the game both on our home television and in our car’s rear DVD player.

Here’s what the boys had to say about the Madagascar Animal Trivial DVD game:

Adam – 10 years old: “This is a family trivia game about animals and it’s played on a DVD. Its theme is Madagascar, a new computer animated movie for kids. This game, in my opinion, is great for kids, even as young as five years old. I learned lots about animals playing this game.”

Eric – 13 years old: “Madagascar is a family-oriented DVD trivia game. Its questions about animal life can entertain people of any age. One feature that makes the game more enjoyable for everyone is Dynamic Leveling. Based on how many questions you answer correctly, the questions become harder or easier as you go on. The competition is fun for everyone, and anyone can win. Kids will have a great time showing their knowledge about animals with the backdrop of the movie Madagascar.”

I’m typically not a big proponent of video games, but I found the Madagascar Animal Trivia DVD Game to be a high quality product. As Eric stated, the Dynamic Leveling feature kept the game fair (even for Mom, who knows much less about animals than her boys!). Additionally, the game features a variety of question formats, stunningly photographed animal footage, and over 1600 questions on animals of all types, making it a true learning experience. Single player and time limit options are also available.

Great for families with school aged children, the one limitation I can see to this product is that only four people can play at one time…larger families may have to exercise some “turn taking”, as your kids (and their parents) will likely want to participate once they see this game. That said, I’d recommend the Madagascar Animal Trivia DVD Game for families looking to enjoy a new take on family game night, or an updated alternative to Slug Bug, car bingo, and family sing-alongs in the minivan!

For more information on Madagascar Animal Trivia DVD Game visit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007Y4D9I/catholicmomcom

About the Author:
Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com. Eric and Adam Hendey are students, avid readers and gamers, and all around great guys. Visit Lisa at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.

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Gifts for Kids: How About a Kite?

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:12:36 +0000

When Christmas or birthdays approach they often come with a dilemma: What gifts to give to family and friends? For something imaginative and memorable, check out the world of kites. Many hobby shops and kite sellers offer a variety of kite-related choices. You can find the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for everyone on your list. Here are a few kite gift ideas to get you started.

Single line kites, the traditional type, are simple and easy to use and may be the ideal choice for beginners or younger children. Colorful and festive, they come in all sizes and shapes and will surprise and please the recipient.

For the kite hobbyist or more experienced kite flyer, try power kites or stunt kites. Power kites are made of high-performance material in different inflatable shapes that allow the kite to really take off. Stunt kites are sturdier and can be flown in stronger winds. By using two or four lines to control them, stunt kites make kite flying much more interactive and exciting to fly. You can even find entry level stunt kites for the novice, making the stunt kite a wonderful kite flying option for everyone.

Another great kite gift idea, specifically for younger kids, is a do-it-yourself kite creation kit. Since kids love to build things and express their distinct ideas, they will certainly enjoy this crafty gift. Purchase a kit before the holidays and let the kids design a brilliant kite of their favorite holiday symbol or scene that can be used as a holiday decoration. The finished kite decor will make everyone proud for years to come.

In addition to kites, there are some very interesting flying toys that would also be ideal as gifts. Aerobie discs and rings and Frisbees are very popular items for outdoor fun. Even the family dog loves playing with these air toys.

There are also many kite accessories that can be added to the list of kite gift ideas, such as a wind gauge or learning DVD. Other supplies should be considered when giving a kite, such as extra string, bars, handles, and straps. These would make excellent stocking-stuffers and will be appreciated.

Kites are fun to fly and readily available. It is a gift that will truly be enjoyed.

About the Author:
Margaret Larson writes articles for KiteStore.net, an online site where customers can purchase kites (www.kitestore.net) and kite supplies (http://www.kitestore.net/xcart/kites/kite-line-and-handles/) In addition to single line, stunt, and power kites, the store also sells Frisbees and other air toys.

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Holiday Crafts for Kids: Five Easy Ideas

Sarcalogos — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:58:35 +0000

Kids love to help us parents get ready for the holidays. Here are five easy craft projects to help your home look more festive than ever. Some of these craft projects are best enjoyed together. Others will keep your kids happy and occupied as you do your own holiday preparations.

1. Make a turkey (or other centerpiece) from natural items.

This craft is fun for everyone, and very eco-friendly. Take your kids on a nature walk or a simple walk through the local grocery store. Pick items for different parts of the turkey. Pine cones and leaves can form the body and feathers of the turkey, for example. Or, if you are in the supermarket, choose different sized gourds and corn leaves. Glue the pieces together using craft glue or use some toothpicks, depending on the age of your children.

2. Make beaded bracelets.

Beaded bracelets can be used for a wide variety of different holidays. This project is also very adaptable to any age group. Preschoolers can use pipe cleaners and pony beads to create easy bracelets. Older children can string pony beads on plastic lace. Pre-teens can use a needle, thread and seed beads. Pick colors related to the holiday that you are preparing for. For example, gold, red and brown can create festive Thanksgiving bracelets. Red, green, silver and gold are perfect for Christmas and blue and silver will be great for Hanukkah.

3. Build gingerbread houses.

This yearly treat is fun for everyone. There are gingerbread house kits available that have everything you need for a simple house, or you can create your own. Using graham crackers, cream cheese frosting or white icing, gum drops, licorice and other pieces of candy you can create your own designs. Be creative with your items and you’ll have totally unique gingerbread houses.

4. Create gift tags.

These craft projects are practical and fun, too. There are so many different ways you can create gift tags that you can make some with whatever you have on hand. Use cardboard, tag board or decorative paper and cut out squares, circles, ovals and unique shapes. Your children can use stamps to create the designs on the tags using appropriate holiday colors and designs. They can also use markers to draw their own designs. Use sequins, glitter, bits of ribbon and stickers, too. Older kids can put “to” and “from” information on the back of the tags.

5. Cut out felt projects.

A few sheets of felt, some scissors and some glue are all you need to create a great variety of holiday crafts year round. White felt circles, a top hat and some beads are all you need for some felt snowmen. Green felt tree shapes, yellow stars and beads make an easy craft. Yellow felt stars can be jazzed up with some gold glitter. This craft is only limited by your imagination and your children’s skill level.

These craft projects are easily adaptable to any age level and will make the holidays even more fun for everyone.

About the Author:
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com and Susies-Coupons.com where she shares the web’s best coupons for discount art supplies: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes/dick-blick.htm and discount office supplies: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes/office-depot.htm

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10 Simple Ways to Personalize a Child’s Birthday

Sarcalogos — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:24:51 +0000

Cake, presents and parties: these are the traditional ingredients of celebrating a birthday. But what happens if a bad year comes along and you can’t afford a party or lots of presents? Your child will understand, but you can make the day special in a way your child will always remember. With or without the regular birthday hoopla, try a few of the following ideas.

1. Serve breakfast in bed.

What better way to start the day than being treated like royalty? Fix a tray with your child’s favorite breakfast foods. Dress up the tray as an additional surprise such as adding a cloth napkin, a little bit of confetti, a party favor, or a single flower in a small vase or bottle. Consider wrapping one small gift and adding it to the breakfast tray; most kids love to open at least one present at the beginning of their birthday.

2. Keep the day free.

Keep the birthday free of your own obligations. Give your child a free day off from chores. Declare the day to be free from spats between any family members.

3. Take a measurement.

Do you remember having birthdays as a child, and waking up expecting to feel older, except you felt just like you did the day before? Living through a whole year is an achievement, but kids don’t always recognize how much they’ve grown or learned from one birthday to the next. A birthday is a perfect opportunity to let them feel proud of those things. You can do this in a number of ways: Measure their height in the same place every birthday. Keep a private list of accomplishments and proud moments throughout the year in a special journal, and let the birthday child see the list only on his birthday. Keep a jar to which the birthday child can add a pebble (or any smallish object) every year. Whatever ways you choose to mark their growth don’t miss the chance to praise.

4. Hang out a banner.

On your daughter’s birthday, it’s her day to get the spotlight. On your son’s birthday, it is his day to shine. String up a banner (home made from blank copy paper, if you like) that includes your child’s name. Keep the banner in storage to use every year.

5. Include balloons.

You can’t go wrong with balloons, whether you spring for bouquets of helium-filled balloons, one single foil balloon, or a package of balloons to do whatever your creative mind can conjure. If your children are old enough (over the age of 3), put one un-inflated balloon by each child’s plate so they can have the fun of inflating the balloons. Let them draw a face on the balloon before they try to blow it up.

6. Hold a consultation for the menu.

It feels wonderfully grown up to dictate a menu. Let the birthday child choose his favorite recipes for the main meal of the day. If you feel indulgent, let the birthday star choose the menu for all meals of the birthday.

7. String up some twinkle lights.

Do you know a child who doesn’t like twinkle lights? Decorating with a string of lights (or Japanese lanterns) adds festive magic to any birthday. String them up under a tree or covered porch. If the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor celebration, decorate the birthday child’s bedroom, and/or wherever the party will be going on.

8. Save time for play.

You can have all of the right ingredients for a great birthday, but to a child, playtime is very important. Playing with mom or dad or the whole family can make that particular memory last a lifetime. The play doesn’t have to be complicated, especially for very young children, but it absolutely has to be fun.

9. Spend time together.

A birthday party with lots of friends can be fun, but most children covet time alone with Mom or Dad. If a party is out of the question, why not take the birthday child on an outing? Kids with siblings especially enjoy the one-on-one time without competing for it. Take the birthday child out for a meal, or for a favorite activity, like fishing, attending a ballgame, or going to the zoo.

10. Make a toast, bestow a blessing, and give thanks.

Maybe you’ve told your child how much he or she means to you face to face. This is different. In front of family and friends, say that you love, admire, and are thankful for your son or daughter, and give one simple reason or example why. Who wouldn’t feel cherished after that?

Every birthday, no matter the age, should be celebrated with love. Wrap up your love in a unique package, either from an idea above or one of your own creations.

About the Author:
Kevin Andersen is the owner of http://www.PersonalizedStoryTimeBook.com and specializing in children’s personalized books.

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Children’s Party Entertainment: It’s Not Child’s Play!

Sarcalogos — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:18:24 +0000

If you are planning to hold a children’s party, you are going to need some good, fun party entertainment. No matter how well behaved individual children are usually, once a group of similarly-aged children gets together, chaos can quickly ensue if there isn’t a focal point for their attention at all times. Hosting a party for them can be very demanding of your time and patience, and you will need a comprehensive plan to cover every minute of the party.

You might want to have a go at devising some party games yourself. The classics are always good: musical bumps, musical statues and pass-the-parcel, but try to feature something that won’t be seen at other parties too so that your child’s party is one that’s talked about.

One idea to consider is to throw a talent show. Depending on the ages of the children, they have probably heard of, if not watched, TV reality talent contests such as Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, and all children love to show off.

Let the talent possibility be open to suggestion. Not all children will be comfortable singing and dancing so let them write and read out a story or a poem or work in pairs to put on a play for the group. Have props for everyone to use. All you will need is some clothes for dressing up in and face paints and some pens and paper.

If you have a digital camera, video the whole show and play it back while everyone sits down to eat for endless fun and laughter.

Older children will occupy themselves in this task and if all goes well and no one argues you can have a few minutes to yourself while they plan and rehearse. Younger ones will need a lot more direction and inspiration during the whole party in general and, if you don’t feel you’re up to the task, why not look into hiring a professional for the day?

Companies which specialise in hosting children’s parties have some of the best party entertainment there is, and know exactly how to excite youngsters and get everyone involved in the fun.

A good party entertainment firm will use a mixture of interactive games and music to make the party go with a bang, all with the benefit of allowing you to relax and out your feet up while all of the hard work is done for you!

About the Author:
Dom Donaldson is a children’s party entertainment expert. Find out more about party entertainment at http://www.dnakids.co.uk

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Plan a Fun Family Game Night: 10 Tips

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:10:36 +0000

Having a regular family game night is a great way for the entire family to have fun together. It’s also a great way to spend quality time together and actually helps kids with their socializing skills. To make Game Night a success at your house, here are some tips on how to get started:

1. Agree on a night and time when everyone is available. Don’t make the mistake of scheduling during your son’s football practice or your daughter’s piano lesson.

2. Don’t let anyone out of game night unless it is a really important occasion. If they start missing for every little thing that comes up, eventually there will be no one left to play!

3. Decide as a family what games will be played. Vote on them and choose from several that you can switch between. If you take turns choosing which of the chosen games you will play, then keep a record of who chose last and whose turn it is every week.

4. Choose games that are age appropriate for the whole family. You don’t want to play Chutes and Ladders every week and the little ones can’t keep up with more complicated games. Look for those marked “All Ages”.

5. Don’t answer the phone. Have the machine pick up any calls to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Otherwise, you will end up stopping to wait for conversations that interfere with your family’s special time.

6. Let your friends know and have your children do the same with their friends. Once they figure out what you are doing every Wednesday at 7pm, you will have fewer interruptions.

7. Choose snacks for the family ahead of time so you can have them ready when game time starts.

8. Choose how long game time will last (maybe an hour) so that you have time to complete games. You will probably find it much easier to keep your older children still than you will the younger ones for longer periods of time.

9. Choose games that you can complete during one game night rather than having to pick back up in the same place the next week. By then, it will have lost its excitement.

10. Get a comfy card table and chairs. This is especially important for little ones who have trouble playing on the dining room table and trying to reach the middle of a game board.

Family game night can be a wonderful experience for every family member. With a little planning and a commitment to stick with it, it will grow to be your kids’ favorite tradition!

About the Author:
Denise Sanger is the owner of http://NewCoolToysOnline.com, which carries an extensive catalog of outdoor toys, pool toys, toddler toys and more. She also owns USAPoolToy.com which is a wholesaler distributor of toys and gifts. She may be reached at 877/950-7665.

10 Things To Do Before You’re 10 Years Old

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:41:03 +0000

Calling all parents of young children!

Are you stuck for ideas what to do with the children every weekend? Fed up with seeing them spend too much time on the computer? Getting bored with the Wii? If any of these sounds like your family then it’s time for a return to some nostalgic outside activities.

Nothing beats pure old-fashioned fun. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of some of my favourite childhood pastimes – many of which won’t even cost you a penny, but will guarantee hours of fun and years of happy memories.

Join me with a trip down memory lane with your children. All the activities are suitable for either boys or girls, depending on your own children’s likes and interests and up to the age of about 10 years old. I bet in years to come they will be doing them with their children too.

Ideas for Girls

1. Make a den. All children love nothing better than their own secret place away from the grown ups. Corners of gardens, sheds and hedgerows all offer lots of hiding places.

2. Plant seeds and watch them grow. Choose something quite exciting like sunflowers or plant seeds which will grow in to something they can eat.

3. Press flowers in a book and make a collage. Late summer is the best time to scoop up loads of wild meadow flowers.

4. Make daisy chain necklaces and bracelets. This is perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

5. Toast marshmallows over an open fire.

6. Make a wish on the north star in the night sky.

7. Search for seashells on a wintry beach. Remember to take them all home with you afterwards and after they’ve been washed and dried will look lovely in a little bowl in their bedroom.

8. Make mud pies. This one is gorgeously yucky.

9. Play hopscotch. Can you remember the rules?

10. Make rose petal perfume. Get the children to experiment with different colour petals to see if they make different scents.

Boys

1. Make a tree house. It can be simple structure or a mega huge one but make sure you supervise them when using power tools or hammers!

2. Fly a kite. This is exasperating when it goes wrong but soaringly satisfying when you get it right.

3. Sleep outdoors in a tent. This is loads of fun even in the back garden.

4. Roast chestnuts over an open fire.

5. Go hunting for frogspawn.

6. Find the distant Andromeda Nebula Galaxy in the night sky.

7. Search for crabs on a rocky beach, This is even better fun on a deserted winter beach.

8. Make a weather station. Search on the internet for tips on how to do it.

9. Learn how to use a compass. This is both fun and useful.

10. Play conkers. Are they harder if you put them in the oven or soak them in vinegar?

A recent survey by the National Trust highlighted the fact that many youngsters could identify sci-fi characters but couldn’t name a magpie. So let’s generate some enthusiasm from parents and kids for having fun outdoors!

About the Author:
Kim Peatfield. Little Terra offers a range of quality clothing and gear to kit-out children for the outdoors, whether they are playing in the garden, out walking, or at the seaside and, as part of its learning ethos, also stocks a wide range of educational games and toys to encourage and enthuse youngsters. Visit http://www.littleterra.co.uk

Have Fun With Your Family – Go Geocaching!

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:48:30 +0000

What’s free, healthy, outdoors and so much fun that all the family will want to do it? Geocaching that’s what! This latest high tech treasure hunting game is guaranteed to get your children, whatever their ages, out and about and having quality time together as a family.

Geocaching refers to GEO for geography, and to CACHING, the process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in hiking/camping as a hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions.

Carolyn Budding from Little Terra, a children’s outdoor gear specialist, has two young children herself and loves going Geocachng with them. She told me:

“In today’s digital age, Geocaching is the answer to every parent’s worry about the hours the children spend on the computer and play station, because this is one technological game that they play – off their bum.”

Have Questions? Here are the answers.

What is Geocaching?

It is essential a new form of treasure hunting or hide and seek. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups and is growing in popularity, with nearly one million active eocaches hidden around the world.

What do I need to go Geocaching?

All you need is a GPS unit, some basic understanding of how to use it and lots and lots of enthusiasm. And even if you don’t have a GPS you can still take part by downloading the OS map coordinates and plotting them on a map! As with all outdoor activities Little Terra recommends that you spend time ensuring the children are suitably kitted out, see their website for a range of warm outdoor clothes.

What is a GPS?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a system of satellites that work with a GPS receiver to determine your location on the planet (within around 6 – 20 feet). They started out to help drivers find their way to places in cars but now more and more people are investing in the hand held units and many mobile phones now have GPS and maps in-built. Coordinates are normally given in Latitude and Longitude. You can use the device to navigate from your current location to another location. Some devices have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, and voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device.

How Do I get started?

Geocaching is essentially a modern treasure hunt crossed with Face book as it utilises digital technology and an online community. The most popular website is www.geocaching.com where all you need to do is enter a post code or address to explore the geocaches near you. Once you have decided where you want to go, click on the geocache and you will be provided with a set of co-ordinates for that particular cache of treasure.

Isn’t that a little bit too easy?

Although Geocaching sounds really easy, it is one thing to know where a location is shown on a map; it is another to actually try to arrive at that location. Sometimes you cannot navigate directly to a cache by going straight in the direction your GPS receiver points – there might be a river or other obstacle in the way. It is up to you to find the best route to the cache.

What are the rules in Geocaching?

If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
Write about your find in the cache logbook.
Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.

What is usually in a cache?

In its simplest form, a cache always contains a logbook. The logbook contains information from the owner of the cache, notes from visitors and can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. In smaller caches, a log sheet may be used. Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the owner or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. That’s the part that makes it so exciting for children of all ages – and for mums and dads too. Remember, if you take something, it is only fair for you to leave something in return.

Where are caches found?

Everywhere – their locations are only limited by the imagination of the treasure hiders and seekers!

About the Author:
Little Terra - http://www.littleterra.co.uk - is a leading online retailer of children’s outdoor clothes and gear and is dedicated to encourage children and their families to explore and have fun outdoors. If you would like to find out more about geocaching, visit http://www.geocaching.com/.

Learn to Ride a Bike

admin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:04:45 +0000

Read a sample of what the author says about his ebook:

“With this information you will no longer have to worry that yourself or your child doesn’t know how to ride a bike.

“Their ability and confidence with riding will improve so fast, you’ll find yourself wanting to show off your new bike rider to your friends to make them jealous (Oh come on, you know you’re gonna’ do it).

“You will understand exactly what it takes to ride a bike and how to teach it to others. Can you imagine calling your friend up… JUST to tell them that you can’t decide which bike trail to take the whole family to today?

“Sound too good to be true? It’s not. All it takes is a little bit of direction and for you to want to learn about basic riding concepts.”

Get a free 35-page report, Secrets to Enjoying a Great Bicycle Ride with Your Family just for visiting by clicking here or on the book cover.

Munchkin Menus Kids Cookbook

admin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:55:36 +0000

Do You Need Help With Dinner Planning?

* Do your children only have 3-4 things they will eat for dinner?
* Do you find yourself making separate meals for your children?
* Do you have little time to prepare dinners?
* Are you tired of the same old recipes?
* Are you pregnant and just can’t stomach most foods?
* Do you eat take out most nights just to avoid the “what’s for dinner” question?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, this ebook could help! Custom menu planning is available also. Sign up for the FREE newsletter!

Just click here or on the book cover to learn more!