Sophisticated family management experts, more commonly known as “moms,” universally endorse these five activities for children of all ages, including husbands.

1. Gardening.

Gardening stands out as the people’s favorite–literally. In every major survey by a family publication, gardening has ranked first among “best family hobbies.” Kids love gardening because it gives them license to play in the mud and they thrill to the wonders of little seedlings growing into great big plants. Dads love it because it gives them good reason to show off all their construction skills as they build planter boxes and irrigation systems. Moms love it because it cuts their food bills and gives them a good excuse to get a little sun. Most of all, moms love it, though, because families that mess in the mud together start talking to each other in ways they never would open-up at the dinner table or even trapped in the car on a long road trip. With a little careful shopping at your home improvement retailer you can launch “a deluxe family farm” for about $50 or you may begin more modestly with a plot of green beans for about 75-cents.

2. Cooking.

Coking ranks a very close second behind gardening because it, too, creates opportunities for making great messes while generating spectacular results. Many families discover how to create amazing gourmet meals for little more than the cost of a fast-food restaurant drive-thru. Naturally, families that combine big-time gardening with a passion for cooking get the best of both worlds but many families find similar joy and satisfaction in shopping for ingredients at their local farmers’ markets, where they meet not only local growers but other avid cooks like themselves. In many cases, favorite family dishes become excellent sale items at farmers’ markets and crafts faires.

3. Hiking and biking.

Hiking and biking get you up and off the couch, out of the house, and on down the road. No matter where you live, you have excellent places to hike or bike and Google maps can help you identify some of the best trails in your neighborhood or near-by. Mothers and daughters who get hooked on hiking often create teams for the Breast Cancer Three-Day Walk, a great event in service of a great cause. Bike-happy families frequently discover they can compete in weekend relays or they can combine their two-wheeled adventures with over-night camping in local parks. Health-conscious moms understand, of course, hiking and biking provide the family with great cardio-vascular exercise cleverly disguised as just plain fun.

4. Scrapbooking.

Scrapbooking naturally complements every family hobby. Among your cellphones and digital gear your family probably has as many cameras as it has members and each member should record family adventures from his or her point of view. Digital scrapbooking makes your hobby-histories more active and engaging than the old paper-and-paste kind, and posting your stories online makes them accessible to the whole world. Explore the new timeline features on Facebook or play with the multi-media features on Blogger or WordPress. Of course, this, too, is another sneaky mom trick for getting families to develop skills. While they record their adventures, the kids and husband also are developing their writing skills–but they do not really need to know that little fact.

5. Dedication to a cause.

This one can naturally develop from some family hobbies. For example, working with local chapters of “Roots and Shoots,” many families build and sell bird-houses. High school students may face community service requirements that easily become family affairs. Habitat for Humanity always needs volunteers as do local food banks and other public service organizations. The Department of Commerce reports that millions of miles of highway still are up for adoption and that cause comes with its own distinctive roadside sign.

Bonus: Your hobby can evolve into a home business.

One Colorado family grew so proficient at making delicious, delectable deluxe cheesecakes that all their friends and neighbors not only stocked-up for family events but also started sending these amazing confections to nearby friends and relations who in-turn inquired whether or not they could all flavors and styles of cheesecakes to friends and loved-ones around the country and all around the world. Mom and dad ended-up becoming full-time cheesecake professionals and the kids paid their way through expensive colleges with the proceeds from what began as a family amusement. “It takes only one good idea and a lot of love,” the cheery cheesecake family agrees.

Author Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and suggests there are times when payday loan lenders may come in handy while waiting for your regular paycheck date.

1. Decide between infant and convertible seat.

The biggest decision you will have to make when choosing a new car seat is deciding whether to first invest in an infant only car seat or to opt for a convertible car seat. An infant car seat is usually the best choice, but will need to be replaced as the child ages beyond one year in age. A convertible seat is the better value for money, but may not fit your infant perfectly. Proceed with caution in this area, and only consider a convertible car seat if you find one that fits your child from birth.

2. Always buy a new seat.

It might be tempting to purchase a used or secondhand car seat, or even accept one from a friend for free. However, even the sturdiest looking seats can actually be structurally unsound beneath the surface. Rather than risking the life of your child in the event of an accident, play it safe and invest in a brand new seat.

3. Check the ratings.

All car seats should meet certain minimum requirements before you consider purchasing it. Check the packaging to make sure it clearly states that it surpasses the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, as well as any other additional safety features or special ratings it may have.

4. Choose front or rear facing.

When you choose your car seat, it will either be one designed to face the front of the vehicle of the rear of the vehicle. Rear facing car seats are generally safer, especially for young children. However, it may be worth considering a convertible seat that can switch directions for when your child grows up. Toddlers are equally safe facing forward and will generally have more enjoyable car rides when in that position.

5. Put safety above price.

Although it might be tempting to just choose the cheapest car seats available, remember that safety is the ultimate determining factor. If possible, try to fit the car seat in your car and make sure there are no safety issues, and if there are be sure to return it for a safer model. A few extra dollars might make all the difference in the case of an accident or an emergency.

By implementing these five suggestions when you begin looking for the perfect car seat for your child, it should be easy to find the right seat for your safety, peace of mind and budget.

Author Stephen Anderson is an insurance consultant who strongly suggests that you search online for an Auto Insurance Comparison to make certain you get the best possible prices. Quotes are available by state or city, such as Dallas Car Insurance Quote.

1. Use a piggy bank.

Establishing a money saving system through the use of a piggy bank is a great way to teach a young child about the importance of saving money. Change collected can be saved up to eventually be used for a special privilege.

2. Make it a game.

Many popular board games, such as Life and Monopoly, are based on the principles of spending and saving. The goal is to finish these games with the most amount of money left over, which can definitely encourage children to use this objective in their financial lives. Even grocery shopping and other activities can be turned into games with the key goal being how much money can be saved during purchases.

3. Turn coupon collecting  into a family activity.

Children can be taught to take pleasure in the art of coupon clipping, especially if it is for items they enjoy. Parents can encourage their children to help cut out these savings as a family activity. Since coupons can also be found online, parents can assist children in using the fun of technology to help search for these deals.

4. Be a good role model.

Children often mimic the behaviors they see from their parents, and many of these actions could follow them into their adult lives. By making a conscious effort to emphasize the importance of saving money in daily purchases and practicing good spending habits, a child can learn to emulate these activities.

5. Open a savings account

A child will likely be more interested in saving money in a bank if a savings account is opened in his or her name. They can know that the money will go towards their college tuition or any other future capital expenditure. They can also keep track of the account as more money is earned as it accrues interest.

Children who learn how to save money at a young age can have a much easier time managing their finances as they mature into adulthood. This can help them avoid financial problems such as debt and poor credit. Giving a child the gift of money saving knowledge is a great way to enrich their future development.

Author Tanya Mitchell is a budget consultant and writes for SavingUp.com.au, a site which lets you compare the best savings accounts with the highest interest for your future needs.

1. Seat the children as far apart as possible.

Children often love to smack or push each other when they are seated within close proximity to each other. If you know that your kids have difficulties keeping their hands to themselves, seat them accordingly in the vehicle. If you have an extra row of seating, sit one child in one row and the other in another row.

2. Employ the help of the passenger.

Whoever is sitting in your passenger seat is likely a bit older, whether it’s your own older child or a fellow adult. They are a great resource to use in order to help you parent your children while driving because they can turn their heads to speak to the children while you focus on the road. You can always tell your children prior to the beginning of the ride that they are supposed to listen to the person in the passenger seat as if were you doing the parenting.

3. Reward positive behavior.

You could tell the children that they will receive a reward on the next car ride if they behave during this one. Perhaps you could seat the children close to each other and’ if they behave well during a car ride, you can reward them the next time they ride in the car together. Maybe you could give them a small piece of candy or other favorite foods that they enjoy.

4. If things really get out of hand, pull over. There are times when situations just get out of control to the point where you need to physically pull the vehicle over and handle them. Once the car is safely stopped you are able to pay attention to the children and the situation without putting anyone at risk. This is a great idea for longer trips, especially if you or your children are having a bad day.

5. Add chores or errands for older children and timeouts for younger children. For each time they complain add more and remember to schedule them. You can still issue punishments.  Just remain calm and remember exactly what you say. This could be used in conjunction with the fourth tip.

As you can see, three of these five tips are preventative measures. Those three methods will stop a lot of misbehavior in a vehicle on their own and the other two are just for advanced situations. You can still be an effective parent while driving with some practice.

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking out this site for cheap car insurance quotes and also to see if you qualify for special rates from cheap car insurance companies before making your choice.

You may have the tendency to use one of the colorful flavored syrups or animal-shaped chewable tablets. However, experts warn that such medications are not without their side effects. Some of them can even be dangerous. Remember, no medicine will make the flu go away nor will it treat the actual virus.

The FDA does not recommend any cough and cold medicines for children under the age of two. Also, even though they may be safe for older children, they may not benefit from these medicines either. There is concern over the potential dangers of over-the-counter flu products and the FDA is currently studying the issue.

Instead, it seems to be a better idea to research the pros, cons, and risks of specific medicines before giving them to your child. Certainly the best course of action is to check with your child’s doctor before administering any medicine.

Your child should rest as much as possible. It may not be that hard to encourage them to do so as most people with the flu don’t usually feel like doing much of anything. To ease the feeling of isolation a child may feel when confined to his or her bedroom, you can set up a comfortable resting place in a more “social” location. A beanbag chair, recliner, or the couch will allow comfortable rest while still allowing closeness with the rest of the family.

Non-aspirin pain relievers designed for children can offer some relief if your child complains of a painful sore throat, high fever, or the aches often experienced with the flu. Treat fever with acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol, Infant’s Feverall, Junior Strength Panadol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin) taken according to package instructions or consult the child’s doctor. Note: Do not give aspirin because it poses a risk of causing Reye syndrome.

Encourage your child to cough and blow his nose. Doing so helps to expel mucus and keep air and nasal passages open. For very young children and infants, you can use a nasal aspirator. Use a humidifier in the child’s room to make dry air easier to breathe.

The old advice that has almost become a cliché is still true: Drink plenty of fluids. Allow the child to drink lots of fluids of the child’s choice. For an added boost and as a treat give your child give him vitamin-enriched drinks and fortified juice.

Finally, once symptoms are relieved, however, don’t allow your child to “pop up” and start running around. Children may think they are “all better” and not understand that it’s just that the symptoms have been relieved.

My Child Is Sick!: Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries offers fast answers to questions about 50 common ailments and symptoms and provides clear guidance on when it would be acceptable to treat symptoms at home and when emergency care is required. Drawn from clinical protocols used in 10,000 practices and 400 nurse-advice call centers throughout the United States and Canada over the past 15 years, the guide focuses on ailments typical to children of all ages, from birth through the teenage years.

It is true that some homeschooling parents have difficulties measuring their children’s success, but there are ways to effectively encourage advancement without forcing the child into the same kind of structure you chose homeschooling to avoid.

The Difference between Parenting and Homeschooling

Part of the reason people believe that homeschooled students do not advance as quickly as those in private school is due to the idea that parents often put on blinders when it comes to their children. They believe that a parent will see the child as “doing his best” and accept that as good enough, whether he or she is actually progressing or not. In some cases, this is probably true, which is why you need to be able to draw the line between parenting and homeschooling.

A parent’s job is to provide the support and encouragement a child needs to develop into a well-rounded, confident, and moral person. A teacher’s job is to provide the opportunities to advance in knowledge and learning. In order to ensure your child develops academically and socially, the parent in you may need to step back and let the teacher take over.

How and What to Measure

As a teacher it is your job to measure everything. This does not necessarily mean you should use these measurements to set expectations. After all, one of the major benefits of homeschooling is the ability to let the child explore the things that interest him or her and focus more on those areas. So it’s not about setting expectations, it’s about showing how far you’ve come.

As you guide your child’s education you will need to follow up and follow through on everything. Have them tell you about the things they read, correct the errors in their speech, mark their tests, and check all their work. It’s a lot of work, but no one chooses to be a teacher because they expect it to be easy.

Measurements are pretty hollow without a proper reward, though. Make sure that as you observe your child’s progress that they are properly rewarded for making solid improvements. This could be something as simple as small stickers and verbal praise, or something more elaborate like a certificate of completion or a field trip related to the curriculum. More than anything, these kinds of rewards will help encourage the child to make even more positive advances.

Remember, it’s not about “measuring up,” but about “measuring progress,” and when you see how far your children have come, you will be able to refine their development even more. If you are very observant and react to their needs and learning styles, you can make sure they are really being educated, not just doing schoolwork.

About the Author

Bill Henry has been involved with the development of a new homeschool curriculum in his local community. He enjoys writing Christian books that help children learn more about their faith and growing up.

Remember that love for and acceptance of your child are never conditional.

Despite having heard strong opinions to the contrary, I’ve never confused my son with whatever it is that afflicts him. My love for my son does not spill over into any kind of affection for his disability any more than my hatred of his disability causes me to reject my son. To me, it is no more a part of who he truly is than would be, say, an obvious injury such as a broken leg.

Do try to help your child overcome his or her issues.

We need look no further than the ministry of Jesus to see the attitude to take toward paralysis, blindness, seizures, and similar afflictions. They are rejected in the Bible, and I believe in rejecting them, too.

Of course, the protocol for fixing broken legs is considerably more straightforward than anything my wife and I heard proposed for our son. The options available to us were controversial and problematic. But we never regretted trying. We weren’t prepared to carry on with our lives without knowing we had done everything we could.

Lay down the burden.

All parents face daily challenges, and for parents of disabled kids those challenges can at times feel both daunting and endless. Again, in suggesting that we should lay down the burden, I’m not saying we should abdicate our duty to give our child every possible opportunity to improve and to enjoy life. However, when the going gets tough—and it can sometimes become very tough—consider the Old Testament prophet who said that although all around him may be turned into destruction and despair, “,,,yet I will rejoice in my God.” (Habakkuk 3:18)

To me, this means putting aside the counterproductive emotional baggage each of us carries, be it a sense of guilt or inadequacy or indeed anything that feeds our frustration and anxiety. Ultimately, we are not in control. God is. So there is no necessity for us to take events personally. Yes, our job is to do the very best we can, to become informed, to locate good resources, to use our judgment in making decisions on behalf of our child. We also need to preserve our own health and stamina, so that we will have the necessary patience and fortitude. (For example, currently I am going around and around on a tedious appeal with my son’s insurance provider.) But even doing everything right does not guarantee the outcome we want.

In the absence of that desired outcome, or until we see it, I suggest affirming that there must be a reason for what we are seeing, and that it will be made clear in due course. I think laying down the burden may be more difficult than anything else, because acknowledging in our minds that this is true does not necessarily mean we will follow through on an emotional level.

However, if we do, I think our kids will benefit.

Stephen Gallup is the author of What About the Boy? A Father’s Pledge to His Disabled Son. For information, please visit www.fatherspledge.com.

Misconceptions And Misunderstandings

Although millions of children and adults have ADHD, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the condition. First of all, ADHD is not a life sentence. Treatment can keep it in check. And ADHD is not something that occurs only in children, or just in boys. While research suggests that ADHD is genetic, it does not develop from bad parenting. And people with ADHD are not lazy or stupid. In fact, many people with ADHD are highly intelligent.

Physical And Spiritual Implications

ADD and ADHD are neurological disorders that affect three primary areas of behavior: attention, activity, and impulsivity. ADHD brains are typically healthy brains that work fine.
However, the brain’s chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are inconsistent or inefficient. In some cases, medication can help.

How should a Christian view ADD or ADHD? There are generally physical and spiritual implications for Christians diagnosed with these conditions. Much of the debate surrounding ADHD centers on its physical cause and treatment. Certain medications have been shown to help people struggling with ADHD behavior issues. And Christians might choose to view ADHD as a gift that allows them to find creative ways to cope.

Common Characteristics of ADHD

When ADHD involves behaviors that the Bible addresses, Christians need to consider the spiritual impact of their diagnosis. ADHD describes a struggle with a number of behavioral issues. People with ADHD exhibit certain characteristics with varying levels of severity. These include distraction, disorganization, short attention span, distorted sense of time, difficulty following directions, daydreaming, risk taking, impatience, frustration, procrastination, boredom, mood swings, restlessness, insecurity, addictive behavior, sleep problems, short term memory loss, and low self-esteem.

Biblical Teachings On Behavior

Adults and children are diagnosed with ADHD for a variety of reasons. However, when evidence rests mainly on behavior, Christians should consult God, who is the Supreme Authority on behavior. The Bible has much to say on a variety of behaviors, including attentiveness, self-control, and impulsive actions.

God knows it is hard for people to stay focused, receive instruction, and develop priorities. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom and advice on these matters. Christians are continually battling for control of their mind and body, but Galatians speaks of self-control as the “fruit of the Spirit.” The book of James reminds Christians of the signs of spiritual maturity, and Ephesians speaks of “renewing the mind.”

A Christian Response

Many of the behaviors exhibited by people with ADHD are signs of wisdom and maturity, or the lack of these qualities. The church can help Christians with ADHD redirect their attention and energy, and Christian parents can do the same for their children with ADHD.

While medications, counseling, and other treatment can all help people diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, Christians should not overlook God’s word which, as the Bible says, is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instructing.

About the Author
Wendy Bailey is a contributing writer at adderallsideeffects.org.

There is no doubt that having kids is an expensive exercise and so it can be tempting to try and minimize that expense by avoiding paying out regular pocket money. However, before you close your wallet in an attempt to save some of your hard earned cash for yourself, consider some of the genuine and valuable advantages to giving your kids pocket money, and then decide whether they are outweighed by the cons.

Pros of Giving Kids Pocket Money

If you’re going to need some convincing on why it is a good idea to give your kids pocket money, consider these benefits:

It is the first way your children will learn how to manage money. You know how hard money management is, and you’re an adult, you’ve had years of experience to get it right. Therefore, wouldn’t you want your children to start early, in a medium you can control? Learning to manage money will also give your children a feeling of independence.

Finance lessons start at home. Children will usually learn their attitudes towards money at home, and when you give your children pocket money you have the opportunity to teach them positive lessons.

Children can start to make choices. Rather than asking you to buy them everything in sight, having their own money can help them make choices about what they can afford to buy, and what they need to save up for.

Learning from mistakes. It is important that your children learn first hand the remorse of blowing all of their money on an impulse when they had been saving up for a dream purchase, as it is a feeling which will stop them making the same mistake in the future. This also teaches your children the finality of spending, and that once the money is spent, it’s gone for good. You can of course help to put limits on their spending, advising against spending all of their money on candy in the interests of their health.

Understand advertising pressures. Giving pocket money is also a good chance to explain how advertisers will target them to convince them to buy things they don’t need or can’t afford.

Learn the value of money. When your child goes out into the world with their own money, they will soon realize how much things cost and how quickly their funds can diminish.

Working hard for their money. Pocket money which is paid in return for chores teaches your children that earning money can be hard work, but that is usually the best and most reliable way to get it. You can also deduct money from the pocket money amount if chores aren’t done in a week, and add more money if your child does extra chores.

Freedom for luxuries. When your children have the freedom to spend their own money they can buy the pencils, magazines or toys they want and that their friends are all talking about, or treat themselves to a snack at lunch or on the way home from school.

Cons of Giving Kids Pocket Money

While there are some valuable benefits to giving your kids pocket money, you should do so with the cons clearly in your mind to keep the pocket money experience from turning into a negative lesson. For example, be aware of disadvantages to pocket money such as:

You don’t always get paid for helping out. If you give pocket money when your children complete their chores, then they can develop the mindset that they should always be paid when they do work around the house or neighborhood. Therefore, at the same time you need to teach them that sometimes you do something because it is just the right thing to do–not for any reward.

Individual payments. You also need to show your children the importance of being a family team: making their bed, doing the dishes or cleaning the bathroom is something they do to help each other out. Encourage them to help around the house because it is the right thing to do, rather than because they will be paid for it.

Pocket money can be spent quickly. Often younger children won’t understand the concept of pocket money or finances well enough to budget and save and you may find that they spend all of their money at once, then come back to you asking for more. In this instance you need to make sure you stand strong as this will teach your children that if they make a mistake with their finances there is no one to blame (or fix the situation) but themselves.

Inappropriate purchases. If you send your children out to make purchases with their pocket money they may buy things which are not age appropriate such as violent video games or adult magazines.

Preyed on by bullies. Children who carry around their pocket money can be a target for bullies and this can expose your children to unnecessary violence and danger.

How to Give Your Kids Pocket Money

Every child is different and so there is no right or wrong age to start giving your children pocket money. Instead, look for the following indicators to help you decide if it is a good time to introduce pocket money:

• Your child understands that one needs money to get items from the store.
• Your child understands that if all the money is spent today there is none left for tomorrow.
• Your child needs money to buy a lunch or bus ticket to school, as you can give your child money for the week so they can plan their spending.

The next big question is how much money should you give as pocket money?

This depends on your own financial situation but the amount isn’t as important as making sure your child understands he will receive a regular amount on a certain day. To help you decide on the right amount of pocket money:

1. Look at the room you have in your household budget.
2. Know what you expect your child to be able to buy with his pocket money and whether he will have to pay for lunch, bus fare and the like.
3. Find out how much your children‘s friends receive in pocket money from their parents.

When you start paying your child pocket money, make sure you follow these steps:

1. Explain to your child how he should and shouldn’t use the money.
2. Choose an amount you can afford to pay regularly.
3. Make the pocket money payment on a set day.
4. Organize jars or piggy banks so your child can save for both long term and short term goals.
5. Don’t give your child an advance on their pocket money if he has spent it too soon.

About the Author
Alban Smith has contributed several articles to parenting blogs.  He is particularly interested in educating children with money. When he is not contributing,  he writes for a credit card comparison website.

Here are six ways to keep them happy and well-behaved.

1.  Spend more time with your children.

Buying them expensive toys to compensate for your lack of time and attention is not the best way to make them happy. Instead, spend more time with them, as much and as often as you can. Read a book with them, play fun games, do some engaging activities such as a weekend trip to the zoo, watch a movie they like at home, cook together, lie on the bed with them and cuddle or simply lie on the grass on your lawn and make out shapes and animals on the clouds.

2.  Know their passion.

Know your child’s passion. If your kid loves to draw or paint, spend an afternoon with him drawing. If your kid loves music, then you can hit the piano and make fun and crazy music together. Encourage your kid into continuing that passion and talent. Remember that your child’s passion is a way he can use to express himself. Supply your kid with materials he can use to explore his talent like a set of new paint, canvass, brushes, art materials, books, paper or a musical instrument. Let your kid know and feel that you support his passion so that he will be encouraged to continue and do better.

3.  Talk and Listen.

Toddlers are fond of asking questions. Most of these questions are scientific, crazy or even philosophical. If you child suddenly asks questions like “Why is the sky color blue?”, don’t shrug him off when you don’t know the answer. Hit the internet and try as much as you can to explain to your kid in the simplest way his little mind can understand. Giving him true and simple answers may encourage your kid to ask some more thus, he learns more. At the same time, ask your children some questions, too. And when he starts about blabbering things, reporting about someone from school or an episode he watched from his favorite cartoon, you must listen and give him time to talk.

4.  Don’t be mean.

If you want your children do things or to obey you, give them reasons why. They need to know and understand why they aren’t allowed to do some things. If they ask why, do not ignore them. Explain in the simplest way.

5.  Be polite.

Children feel the way adults do. Do not be a reprimanding parent. Be polite and make your kid feel important and cared for. Do not demand. Instead make requests. Be polite and expect them to be polite to you, too.

6.  Show love and respect.

Love and respect your children. Make them feel loved and respected all the time. This will create a positive world around them. At the same time, it will create a positive outlook. A child that is loved and respected at home will love and respect his parents, other family members and all the people they encounter every day. Treat your children as people not merely as children. Remember that a happy child is a product of a happy family.

About the Author:
Amy C. is a writer who loves to write about children and parenting. She is fond of learning new things about children, their ways and how they think. Aside from being a child and parenting enthusiast, Amy is also an interior decoration buff. She enjoys designing calming indoor fountains and glass art. She invites to browse her collection to beautify your home.