Creative Ideas to Encourage Children to Study

As children get older, more responsibility is placed on them to complete homework, deal with
all the projects and remain stellar students. At this point, it is critical to remember that while
some kids can succeed with all the assignments independently, others cannot even start on
their own. Who is to blame? No one, as there is no need to put them under the burden of
unnecessary expectations that would make both the children and their parents disappointed.
Instead, it is inevitable to make maximum effort to simplify the studying process and help
your kid be interested in it. Social, intellectual and studying skills are not innate, so they can
be practiced and mastered. A little time, patience and effort may work wonders.

Top 9 Most Effective Ways to Motivate Kids to Study
Do you want to help your child stay motivated for studying? Be ready to spend much of your
time to find a specific approach to your child and help him/her enjoy the learning process.
It is sad to admit that the vast majority of parents are not interested in the success of their
kids. They would rather use the assistance of an online essay helper than work together with
their kids on the solution of the problem or completion of the assignment. The lack of
knowledge and information prevents most parents from adequate behavior aimed at helping
kids to prosper with complicated assignments.

Are you ready to change the tendency and help your children stay motivated and encouraged
to study? Here are the nine simplest and most effective ways to advance the learning process
to an ultimately new level. Additionally, some of these tips will help your offspring become
more independent, self-conscious, disciplined, and goal-oriented.

Creative Play
The first and the most important thing you need to do is show your child that learning may be
fun and interesting. You should insist on your eight-year son or daughter sitting and reading a
book all day long. Instead, you should focus on other methods that may keep the child
engaged and excited about the learning process.

Creative activities are exceptionally appreciated by younger kids who are just getting used to
the studying process. However, the quality and duration of the adjustment period depend on
parents a lot. Make sure you give proper instructions and ask meaningful questions that help
the learner follow the guidelines and understand various aspects of the process.

Arts and Crafts
Browsing the web, you will find tons of ideas on how to keep your children busy and make
them study in a pleasurable atmosphere. Combine numerous techniques that will help you
achieve the desired results much faster. Explain each stage of work so that the kids do not
only do monotonous things but enjoy the exciting process.

Digital Media
In the modern world, digital media plays a critical role in the growth, development, and
studying of children. At this point, the task of the parents is to use the up-to-date solutions
wisely in order to achieve the desired results. Believe it or not, but setting up a blog with your
kids may be an impressive way to help children learn how to be organized, diligent and
patient. Alternatively, you can work together taking photographs or making videos.

Online Services
It is impossible to deny that the vast majority of parents are too busy working, so they do not
have much time to devote to their kids’ studying. Fortunately, there is an array of online
services that may help you gain the desired outcomes without personal participation. Thus,
Quizlet is one of the most popular web-based platforms that offer a wide assortment of
assignments and fun exercises that will help children memorize, learn, write and retell.

Essay Writing
How often does your child approach you, asking, “Will you write essay for me?” It is the
right time to help your child acquire excellent writing skills that will simplify your life and
help your kid become a better pupil or student. Use the most extraordinary methods and
techniques that may potentially encourage your offspring to write. Start with jokes and
riddles, proceed to poems and engaging stories and end up with storybooks and games.

Reading Comprehension
The world of reading is exciting, alluring, and surprising. It may help the child acknowledge
various aspects of self-personality, also giving an opportunity to understand others better.
Read together since childhood so that this activity is not extraordinary or new to your child.
Do your best to have a few minutes of discussion time after the experience.

Experimenting

This is probably the best and the most impressive way to encourage children to study.
Fascinate and interest your kids by showing them impressive experiments that motivate them
to continue learning the topic and exploring other aspects of the process.

Role-Playing
Give your children a chance to take different roles so that they feel the responsibility of a
doctor, the high organizational skills of a teacher, and the persistence of lumber.

Celebrations
The last, but not the least prominent point is a celebration. It is not always associated with
victories, but it definitely correlates with achievements. If you choose proper ways to reward
your kid, you will never hear phrases like “Will you do my paper for me” again.

Can Students Adopt a Child?

Adopting a child is a complicated process. It involves a lot of obstacles that adopters have to
overcome. Nevertheless, the process becomes even more complicated when students want
to adopt a child.

In a nutshell, most adopters are grown people who have a stable income and can take care
of kids. Undergraduates rarely submit applications for child adoption. Therefore, the topic is
completely uncovered. There are a lot of concerns and unanswered questions. Moreover,
many people think that they cannot adopt a child while pursuing a higher education diploma.
Let's dive deep and cover all aspects of the process of adopting children by college
students.

Is It Legal To Adopt a Child by Students?

Let's begin by answering the primary question that spins in the minds of students who want
to adopt a kid. Many people think that it's forbidden for students to take care of adopted
children because they have tight schedules while studying. Nevertheless, no law makes the
adoption of children by undergraduates illegal. So even if you're a college student, you can
become an adopter.
However, it's a tough task that makes the goal almost unfeasible. There are a lot of
requirements that an adopter should meet to begin taking care of a child. Moreover, single
students always have lower chances to get their requests approved. Couples of adult people
are always considered first when choosing a child to adopt.

What Requirements Should Be Met?

Indeed, officers want all children to be adopted by people who can provide top-quality living
conditions and share unconditional love. Therefore, there are a lot of checks that should be
passed to get an adoption approved. Nevertheless, there are some main criteria that all
applicants meet to become an adopter.

For starters, all applicants have to be at least 21-year old. There is no higher limit. However,
the lower age limit is non-negotiable. Therefore, if you're less than 21, you have no chance
to adopt a child. Even if you meet all other criteria, you won't become an adopter being a
student under 21 years old. Also, you have to be a US resident. No visas and documents
that offer the ability to live in the US for a particular amount of time will help surpass this
requirement.

Nevertheless, additional limitations may apply. For instance, in exceptional cases, the birth
parents can set the minimum age of adopters. Also, they are involved in the selection of
adopters. Nevertheless, there are some additional requirements for students who want to
begin taking care of children.

Free Time and Income

It's not enough to be a successful student who never read the PaperHelp review on WritingPaperSucks.com to learn more about online academic writers. A high GPA and top academic excellence are not decisive factors that can help one become an adopter. To take care of kids, students need to have plenty of spare time, which is a tough task for
most undergraduates. Therefore, it's required to shift to home-based learning to spend as
much time with a child as possible.

Also, it's vital to provide children with a good quality of living. Students who want to adopt a
child have to prove that they have a source of stable income. It's not enough to show that
they can live well. It's mandatory to verify that students can support kids financially and
purchase all the required items.

Living Conditions

Indeed, an adopted child should live in good conditions. A home inspection is required,
regardless of an applicant's status. Most students live in dorms or share apartments with
their mates. In such a case, they are not permitted to adopt a child. To pass a home
inspection, they need to live in a dedicated apartment or house. In case a home is rented,
it's required to share the leasing agreement.

A house should be spacious, clean, and safe. Also, a child should have a spare bedroom.
Note, it's allowed to have pets. However, they are also subjected to inspection. Pets
shouldn't be potential threats for children. A vet's report may be requested to examine their
behavior.

Other Requirements

Nevertheless, if you're a student who has a house, a stable income, and avoids using poor-
quality paper writing services like UnemployedProfessors.com to study at college, you may
not get permitted to adopt a child. There are a lot of checks that should be passed. It's
obligatory to have zero criminal records to become an adopter. Also, the health of potential
adopters is considered. They have to be able to take care of a child for a long time. In case
students have serious problems with health, their applications may be refused.
If you're a student who wants to adopt a kid, you will likely face many obstacles that will be
required to overcome to achieve your goal. In such a case, it's recommended to reach an
advisor. Skilled experts in adoption will help you get prepared well to tackle all the
challenges.

Parenting

Teaching Children the Value of Money

Teaching children the value of money is one of the more important responsibilities a parent has. Beliefs, habits, and money management skills that children develop during their earliest years will stick with them throughout life. It’s important to reinforce concepts like saving and budgeting for kids at an early age so that bad habits will not take root. In this article, you will find tips on how to teach your child financial responsibility that you can use with kids of a variety of ages.

When to Teach Kids About Money

You can start teaching kids about money at a very young age. Most experts believe that you can start explaining money to a child during the preschool years. There are lots of fun, age appropriate money activities you can do with your elementary age children such as running a lemonade stand or a bake sale and you can progress to topics like finance for kids during high school and college. It’s never too early to teach kids about money and if you do it right, it can be very rewarding for everyone!

How to Teach your Child the Value of Money

You may wonder how to teach your child the value of a dollar. Teaching children about money is a gradual process that happens over a number of years. Don’t try to explain money to a child all at once. Learning money for kids needs to happen gradually and in age appropriate ways.

Many parents wonder how to explain money to a child. Money lessons for kids often begin at the grocery store. Begin by explaining that every item at the store has a price and that the coins and bills in your wallet are used to pay for needed items. Compare prices of similar items that have different costs. Then compare items that are very different, but have a similar cost. When you pay at the cash register, explain that the money now belongs to the store and does not belong to the family any longer.

One of the first kids and money activities parents often use to begin teaching kids about money is to start collection coins in a clear jar. Discuss the different sizes of the coins and their various symbols. Explain the different combinations of coins that add up to a dollar. This way to explain money to a child is good for kids who are old enough to understand simple addition and subtraction.

Where Does Money Come From?

A big part of explaining money to a child is helping them understand how money is obtained. Even very young children can understand that people work to earn the money to pay for things they need. The employees at the grocery store get paid to work there. The store uses the money it makes from sales to pay the workers and also to buy the merchandise and pay other expenses. Similarly, the family gets the money to buy things at the store from the work that Mom and Dad do.

Every Penny Counts in Money Management

An important part of explaining money to a child is that money is limited. Earning money takes time and effort and there is only a certain amount until the next pay day. Money management for children does not have to be a complicated subject. Just explain in simple terms that your child can understand based on their age.

Money management for kids and adults alike means we have to make choices about what we will use our money for. This is a good opportunity to explain wants and needs. There are things we need, such as food, clothing, medicine, gasoline for the car or bus fare, etc. And then there are things we want but don’t need, such as a larger TV, a fancy bicycle, or a new gaming system.

Teaching kids to save money is another important part of money lessons for kids. From the age of 7 or so, children are old enough to open a junior bank account with a parent. Through this experience, children can learn what a bank is and how people use banks to keep their money safe and withdraw it from the ATM when they need it.

When children are old enough to begin helping with chores, this may be a good time to introduce an allowance. Some parents choose to give their children an allowance because they got one as a child, or because it's helpful for teaching kids to save money.

Others prefer to tie payment to work performed around the house and will use this as motivation to get the kids to do their chores.

A third segment feels that performing chores goes along with being part of a family and that children should do their part regardless of whether or not they will get paid. This group may choose to give an allowance that is not contingent upon chores and then offer extra payment if a child performs work that is above and beyond routine duties. Whether you require your kids to work to earn their allowance or not, teaching kids to save money should be part of your kids and money lesson plan.

When teaching kids to save money, parents should explain to their children that there are many reasons why saving is important. As we grow up, our expenses grow, too. Instead of spending money on items such as toys or treats, we need to pay for things like transportation, college tuition, medical care, and living expenses.

Explain that in order to make large purchases, you need a large sum of money for a down payment on a home or car. Explain that there are also costs associated with maintaining these items and that while these costs can be anticipated to some degree, there will always be some surprises.

Talk about how much of what you earn should be saved, how much should be spent on living expenses, and the concept of charitable giving, if you wish. This is also a good time to talk about the concept of budgeting with kids.

Activities to Teach Young Kids About Money

As discussed above, one of the best money activities for kids is to help them save their money in a clear jar. This will help them see what they have accumulated and if they choose to spend it, they will see that they have to dip into the jar and take out some of their precious savings.

Another good activity for small children is to play store at home. Set up an area with some items and attach price stickers. Use pennies and make the prices very simple. Then have the child select some items and pay you for them. Then switch roles and have the child play cashier.

School age children can run a lemonade stand or bake sale. Explain to them that they should track what they spend on supplies and then deduct that amount from their earnings. This is how they can see if their business is profitable and how much they earned.

Activities to Teach Teens About Money and Investing

Older teens or college age kids who have learned to save their money may find the idea of growing their nest egg to be quite appealing. Teaching kids finance when they are old enough to understand it, starting around age 12-14, can be a fun activity for everyone.

Begin your finance for kids lessons explaining the concept of using the money you have saved to earn more money. Explain how investors buy shares of a company in hopes that they will grow in value, but that they could also lose value. At first, you can “buy” a stock on paper and track it for a period of time to see the results.

At some point, your kids will be ready to do some real investing, either with money of their own or money that you invest on their behalf to put towards their future expenses. Those interested in faith based investing may want to look into catholic mutual funds and other relatively low risk investments to grow their money in a way that aligns with their values.

Travel

10 Best Family Beach Vacation Spots in the US

Let’s face it. Family vacations are something we look forward to each year. One of the perfect places to vacation as a family is none other than the beach. You will find a plethora of amazing beaches throughout the country.

Feeling the sand between your toes, listening to the crashing of waves at night, making sandcastles, and soaking under the sun together as a family can be some of the most unforgettable moments of the year. Are you currently thinking about where you can plan your family vacation this summer?

Look no further because this post got you covered!

The perfect beach resort for families to understand how to keep both adults and children happy by providing amazing activities for all ages, apart from nightlife and nanny services. After all, the perfect beach vacations with children also offer alone time for the parents.

Let’s check out our top picks of the ten best family beach vacation spots in the US you should visit soon!

Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Massachusetts

The people at Winnetu Oceanside Resort genuinely understand how to create a family vacation wonderful and relaxing, given that they are family-owned by folks who understand what it is like to become parents.

The resort has handmade a creative menu of activities, which keeps children of all ages running around outside, visiting a nearby farm, discovering the tides, and making sandcastles. This resort is perched along a lovely stretch of South Beach in Edgartown.

Teens thirteen to sixteen years old can participate in Martha’s Vineyard Adventure Camp for some mountain biking, orienteering, and kayaking. You see, families can hike, take a ride on an ancient fire truck, play classic lawn games, and more.

For more information you can check their official site, https://www.winnetu.com/

Sea Island in Georgia

Why don’t you take a step back in time to a bygone period of ancient, southern charm on Sea Island? This beach spot for the family is an attractive gem among the Golden Isles in Georgie. The island is also steeped in pristine natural beauty and abundant history while surrounded by the Black Banks River to the west and five miles of dune-fringed.

At the core of the resort, you will find a Mediterranean-inspired Cloister and adjacent Beach Club that presents a broad spectrum of sophisticated suites and guestrooms. Hence, staying on the Beach Club side is perfect for families like you, presenting hassle-free access to the resort’s gorgeous and meandering pool.

You can check www.seaisland.com/ to know more about the Sea Island in Georgia.

Huntington City Beach in California

The 1,850 feet Huntington Beach Pier presents views of Newport Beach and Catalina Island. Did you know it has been the star of different sunset photographs and referred to as the Surf City USA? The southern California spot acquired its name after the iconic Hawaiian wave riders Duke Kahanamoku and George Freeth helped become the city into a surfing destination.

Open until ten in the evening, the three-mile stretch of white sand provides bonfire pits and volleyball courts, together with beach rentals and concession stands. You can also find all types of food there within walking distance of the beach, offering everything from Hawaiian seafood to tacos.

To know the best places to stay in Huntington City Beach, visit www.surfcityusa.com

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina

You will find over sixty miles of fun-loaded public beach along with secluded scenes, parts embracing quaint beach towns, as well as seasonal paid parking. What’s more, you can lessen the price by renting Myrtle Beach oceanfront condos if you are considering staying there the whole season.

You will also find many fun-filled activities for you and your kids, like parasailing, fishing, SUP, kayaking, and boat tours, among other activities. While your children are having an amazing time of their lives, you can also look at Myrtle Beach oceanfront condos to make it your second home or permanent vacation spot. Isn’t it amazing?

Visitmyrtlebeach.com can provide you the best accommodations in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

Inn by the Sea in Maine

Inn by the Sea mixes eco-luxury along with the nautical charm and rugged beauty of coastal Maine, as it overlooks the soft sand and gentle surf of Crescent Beach. Families can take up residence in the Inn’s spacious and sunny seaside cottages and suites. Many of them provide ocean sceneries, kitchenettes, and big furnished balconies or decks.

When you stay here, your days will be loaded with traditional seashore fun. Some of the things you can include take a dip in the solar heated pool, fly kites on the beach, enjoy a naturalist-led beach walk, pedal out one of the local lighthouses or grab some beach cruisers. Your children will surely love understanding Maine’s marine ecosystems and juggling lessons.

For more information about the Inn by the Sea, you can visit their official site https://innbythesea.com/.

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida

This family beach resort destination is one of the best in the United States. In case you didn’t know, it’s a universe in itself and doesn’t need you to step out for anything. You’ll surely love the leisure time you will have with your families without thinking about any additional stuff.

You will find three different golf courses in the resort. What’s more, there are also twenty-three Har-True tennis courts, a luxury spa, and shopping stores. How awesome is that? The resort also features three and a half private beaches that your family can take advantage of in peace. The pool area is loaded with kid’s activities, a tequila bar, and restaurants too. In short, this is a wonderful resort, which will make you like to stay on for as long as your wallet will allow it.

To know the best accommodations for your stay, visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/amelia-island

Surfsand Cannon Beach in Oregon

This beach resort is located at the edge of the pristine Cannon Beach. You see, Surfsan Cannon Beach is a family-friendly resort offering scenic benefits such as movie night facilitates by a comprehensive DVD library. You will also find different board games, in-room lanterns for late-night walks on the beach, biking trips, and ice cream socials too.

Haystack Rock is a local landmark you will find here, which is very close to the resort. The place is home to tide pools that makes a simple and hassle-free setting for your children to discover the underwater realm.

You can check the available accommodations in Surfsand by visiting www.surfsand.com/guestrooms/.

Four Seasons Resort, The Baltimore Santa Barbara in California

Take note that Butterfly Beach is right outside Four Seasons Resort. That means you will have simple access to this majestic beach and enjoy activities by or in the water at the same time, such as surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Memberships into the Kids for All Seasons Club is complimentary, along with your say as well. Hence, your small ones will surely be occupied with activities such as arts and crafts, movies, swimming, tennis, and cookie making. If you crave something tasty, you can just go to Bella Vista for some sumptuous Italian-inspired cooking.

For more accommodation details, visit www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina

This resort will provide you some of the best family beach vacations you will experience in your life. As soon you enter this place, you will be awestruck by how much effort has been put into getting a genuine low-country vibe.

One of the major attractions of this place is its golf courses, which it has won accolades for. Nonetheless, there are excellent views this place providers aside from that. The resort encourages you to take in a while sitting on one of their plush loungers close to the saltwater pool.

You can visit their official site, https://kiawahresort.com/ to find out more.

Hatteras Island on Outer Banks, North Carolina

Lastly, we have Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks. No matter if your family likes to beach-comb, swim, or fish, you will find what you are after in this Outer Banks town. The area provides only the finest in accommodations, activities, and amenities for any size family or trip.

This is the ideal Outer Banks location for offshore fishing and surfing where visitors can expect a spectacular environment for water-sports. Classic landmarks like the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and places like The Graveyard of the Atlantic museum offer great opportunities to explore the area.

Kees Outer Banks provides the best accommodations in the Hatteras-area, www.keesouterbanks.com

How We Choose the List

We picked the family beach vacation spots in this list through the following factors:

Location
Activities and play spaces
Home-like characteristics
Value-added extras
All-inclusive activities
Water parks and swimming pools
Entertainment for the whole family
All-inclusive meal plans

Why Are They Good for Families?

The names we have mentioned above are some of the best in the category of family beach vacation spots, which are eager to go the extra mile to make sure you and your whole family have the best vacation time possible.

These are all family-friendly beach vacation sports in the US, which are ideally comfortable for toddlers and even older kids. The resorts, as we have noticed, have a kid’s club that takes good care of the kids and involves them in all types of activities they are certain to have a blast doing.

You see, the magic of these beach vacation spots is that you’ll want to keep coming back after you go. Some resorts have many pools with an array of apparatus and gear, while some have direct access to the beach. Of course, the latter is perfect.

So, which of these family beach vacation spots do you plan to visit soon? Share your thoughts with us by leaving your comments below!

Travel

Family Ski Vacation Spots

Skiing and snowboarding are very popular pastimes worldwide. Here are some suggestions of great places internationally to shred that snow.

Kitzbuhel, Austria. Enjoy the scenic beauty of a 700 year old Austrian village commonly called Û÷The Pearl of the Alps.Ûª Skiing has flourished here since the winter of 1892 and it was host the 1964 and the 1976 Winter Olympic Games.

Stowe, Vermont. Arguably the best ski spot on the USAÛªs east coast, Stowe provides the biggest vertical drop in the region and good old-fashioned New England charm. ItÛªs picturesque and unique in that it has a lift-link to another nearby resort.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. Chamonix hosted the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 and boasts the highest peak in the world at 15,771 ft. It also has one of the worldÛªs longest ski runs at 13.7 miles.

Cortina, Italy. Cortina is home to one of the worldÛªs first ski resorts and knows alpine charm and style better than anyone. It was host to the Winter Olympic Games in 1956 and has been compared to Zermatt, Switzerland with a bit more panache.

Alta, USA. Located thirty minutes from Salt Lake City, Utah, Alta boasts some of the very best skiing in the world. In fact Utah license plates claim to have Û÷The Best Snow on EarthÛª due to an unusual weather condition

called the Û÷Lake EffectÛª which produces a particularly fluffy powdered snow. Snowboarding is not allowed here however, but snowboard-friendly Snowbird is right next door.

Travel

Have A Happy Staycation

When planning a family vacation, everyone wants to maximize their fun and minimize their cash outlay. Many family vacations involve long road trips, hotels, plane fair, and other expenses. The expenses and time commitment add up and soon the family vacation turns into a strain for Mom and Dad, which can ruin everyone’s fun. Couple this with a long trip to the chorus of, “Are We There Yet?” or “99 Glasses of Milk on the Wall,” and a long trip grows even longer. Everyone is already frazzled and the “vacation” has only just started.

This problem used to plague our family until we discovered a different way to vacation. We discovered the beautiful poetry of simplicity and practicality by looking at the fun that is right in our own back yard. This is a particularly effective way to introduce younger children to the idea of vacationing without the trial by fire approach of a cross-country trip. The staycation can be the answer to all of these traveling woes.

Staycation does not mean staying at home all of the time, it means seeking out the flavor and charm of the city or part of the country where you live. Last year, we decided to do just that. I live in Amish Country Ohio in an area that has a rich tourist industry. However, we lived here for ten years without ever seeing many of the attractions in the area that drew others from across the country. Local tourists would stop by the produce stand to ask directions to these places, such as Malabar Farm, Great Mohican Forest, Mid-Ohio Sports, and other local attractions on a regular basis. They would stop by to purchase organic vegetables on their way home from these places, but we had never been to them. All of these places are within 15 minutes of our home.

I call this the “local effect.” It is easy to ignore the obvious. Many of the tourist attractions in the area where you live may be just as exciting as those that are far away, at least all of those people who travel long distances think so, right? For those who live near them, the trip is just too easy, one could go anytime they wanted to, but don’t. Last year, we decided that this was ludicrous and decided to see just what others saw in our local area.

The first thing that we did was to set aside our official vacation week, take off work, don’t stock the refrigerator, stop the mail, etc. We did everything that you would do on a regular vacation. There were rules about using the phone, email, etc, No working, it is vacation week. The next thing we did was to decide a radius and travel distance that we wanted to stick to. After that, we made our travel itinerary and plans. When the week started, the laundry was packed and everything was ready for adventure. You could even pack a suitcase if you wish.

The Internet is an excellent source for places to go in your area. Just type in your state or city and lots of things will come up to do, many of which you may not have known existed. The Division of Natural Resources is another excellent source for programs and things to do in your area. The local area Chamber of Commerce or Tourism and Visitors Bureau will be more than willing to assist. Check with travel agencies, they are full of ideas.

These sources are the more obvious ones, but there are other ideas that may prove more fruitful for ferreting out those quaint little out of the way places. For instance, hotel lobbies often have racks of pamphlets and brochures that highlight area attractions. Local libraries are another great source. Another suggestion is to talk to people. Ask where they have been and what they have done in the area. Older persons can often guide you to wonderful things, such as historical buildings in the area, great trails and fishing holes. You can meet some colorful and interesting people this way. Most are happy to share their adventures with you. I have found covered bridges, one-room schoolhouses, and some very interesting restaurants this way, all in the area that we lived.

To make it a real vacation experience, why not stay at a local campground or local hotel in the area? Try sleeping in the back yard for a change. There are so many ideas if you just put a little effort into finding them. Take some friends along, make it a date. Planning a staycation can be just as much fun, without the hassle of a long trip. The main obstacle is that you have to be willing to break old habits in order to make it a real vacation.

Aside from convenience and expense, there are many other reasons for planning a staycation too. For one, small children can learn to take the small trips much easier than longer trips. It builds them up that vacationing is fun, not stressful. The entire family will gain a new appreciation for the resources and attractions in their area. They can see their area with the eyes of a tourist, making it seem new and fresh. You may even hear your children telling others about their community in a very positive manner. Taking a staycation instills a sense of community pride that cannot be gained by any other way than to get out there and appreciate it. If you take a staycation, at least you will know what all of those other tourists in your area are talking about.

Tech

3D Movies: Are They For Your Family?

Information on the effects of 3D movies on your child’s brain.
And, how 3D movies can cause nausea.

As 3D movies hit theaters at a faster clip than ever, the question arises: are 3D movies worth the added expense? Well, maybe; but certainly not for every movie and not every child.

“Sadly, both my kids get sick and can only watch for about 15 minutes before a headache starts,” said Caryl, Dix Hills, N.Y.

According to Michael Rich, MD, MPH, director of Children’s Center on Media and Child Health (www.cmch.tv), there’s a reason for the headaches and nausea some children and adults feel when watching a 3D movie. The glasses and visual effects directly impact our senses and our brains.

“Many people experience nausea during a 3D movie. That’s because the signals that your brain is receiving from your eyes say that you are moving in relation to your immediate surroundings, but your inner ear (in charge of balance) is saying that you’re not moving. If the nausea is not so bad that you’d avoid 3D movies all together, one way to reduce these feelings during a 3D movie is to close your eyes or look away from the screen. This will remove the competing stimuli and help reorient you in actual space,” wrote Dr. Rich in his blog at www.childrenshospitalblog.org.

“So what does your brain do when you’re sitting in a theatre, looking at a giant screen, wearing 3D glasses, swimming in surround sound, and processing the 24 images that flip by per second? Your brain dutifully processes those stimuli—and does little else. In fact, your pre-frontal cortex, which is involved in impulse control, future thinking, and moral choices, is basically inactivated in this process. That’s part of why you ‘get lost’ in the movie,” Dr. Rich wrote.

Another item to consider when going 3D, is the cost of the tickets. Tickets to 3D movies cost at least $3 more per ticket than traditional 2D productions, which could quickly impact a family’s entertainment budget.

“It depends upon the movie whether or not it is worth the additional money,” said Marita, Westerville, Ohio. “For anything with special effects, I would spend it for the 3D.”

Michelle, mother of two in Detroit, Mich., agreed. “I think it would be a waste on a cartoon, but movies with great scenery or action look pretty good in 3D. Too bad I only pay to see movies at the dollar show unless it’s something huge coming out.”

Justine, mother of three in Washington DC, is also particular about indulging in 3D movies. “Princess and the Frog I would not have paid, but Joey (my husband) said Avatar was totally worth it. So I guess for something with good special effects I would do it.”

Two other things to consider when going 3D are whether or not your child will be able to keep the glasses on for the movie (this can be a challenge with little ones who don’t like to wear the glasses) and also, the fear factor. The appearance of images popping out can increase a flick’s dramatic images, potentially being more scarey.

“For children, the extra processing that their brains have to do may make them more vulnerable to the content. In other words, if something in the movie would have scared them in 2D, it will likely be even scarier in 3D. But children’s fear is an issue to consider with any movie, so read up on the movie’s content before you go, whether it’s 2D or 3D,” suggested Dr. Rich.

So before you head to the theatre, do some research and make sure 3D is what is right for your family.

Information cited from: http://childrenshospitalblog.org/what-goes-on-in-the-brain-during-a-3d-movie/; Michael Rich, MD, MPH is Children’s media expert. He is the director of Children’s Center on Media and Child Health.

Social Media

The 411 on Social Media

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It), social media such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and texting has developed into a language all its own. Would you know what your child was saying if they typed WE or YYSSW? Just FYI, these refer to the popular teen phrases ÛÏWhateverÛ and ÛÏYeah, Yeah, Sure, Sure, Whatever.Û You can add the eye roll yourself. Perhaps you donÛªt understand what all of those acronyms mean because you are BT (Between Technologies) and have not quite caught up yet. If you are like many parents with children, you are aware that the Internet, particularly chat rooms and other forms of social media can be dangerous places. The focus of media and the dangers of the Internet tend to focus on stalkers, sexual predators and other miscreants of society. However, there are other dangers that parents need to be aware of that are much more prevalent and likely to invade your teenÛªs computer screen than the ones that are most commonly cited in popular news media.

The dangers of which I speak have been around for a long time. They have been pervasive problems in society long before the Internet came into existence. Only now, they have a new voice and new technology that brings them right into your own home, right into your living room and right into your childÛªs bedroom. They can be found at the local cafÌ©, at school, in your childÛªs car, at the mall, and at the local library. These old dangers, such as alcohol, drugs, dangerous sexual behavior, bullying, emotional abuse, and other forms of violence have found a way to follow your child around everywhere they go. The home is no longer a safe haven from these things and many parents do not know that they have already breached the walls of their castle.

The Internet is an excellent tool. It can help your child have a wealth of information at their fingertips. It can help to keep them connected to the world around them. Social media has also proven to be an excellent adult tool for keeping connected, building global networks, and for marketing. Given these advantages, the little plastic cell phone in your childÛªs hand might seem harmless at first. However, if you could only read between the lines of what your child might be using it for, you might be in for a surprise.

TodayÛªs parents face an age old problem that has plagued parents for centuries, how to monitor their children, offer guidance and advice, yet allow them to build their own friendships and make their own way in the world. Every parent wants to try to be distant enough so that they do not feel that you are hovering, yet, we all know the dangers that lurk in the world and feel the need to protect our children from them. The first step in the ability to do this is knowledge. Parents need to know what their children are saying on those seemingly ubiquitous little devices that seem to have sprouted from their ear like an additional appendage.

Teens are faced with the same problem that they have always faced, how to hide what they are doing from their parents, as they continue their quest for independence and self-sufficiency in the world. Technology has aided in their ability to hide what they are doing from their parents and parents have done a largely poor job of keeping up with their many techniques.

Social media is an ARE (Acronym Rich Environment). I was surprised to find out that there was even an acronym to describe acronyms. If parents are not aware of the hundreds acronyms and keystrokes that their children are using on chats, SMS, and other forms of social media, it will be more difficult to tell if their kids have something to hide.

IOW (In Other Words), the parent must learn this new language for themselves in order to understand what their children know that they donÛªt. The following list is from Webopedia Guide to Text Messaging & Chat Abbreviations and gives the more common abbreviations that every parent should know.

If you see your child type something like 420, it means ÛÏletÛªs get highÛ or smoke marijuana. Bet you didnÛªt know that one. If they simply type the number 9, it means that a parent is watching, a warning to the other parties not to type anything that would give a clue as to the real topic of the conversation. If they type 121, they are asking to have a private conversation. The language of SMS has developed into a secret code. Some of the more important ones that will give parents a clue that they need to look a little closer are:
ASLA
Age/sex/location/availability ( A request ).
9
Parent is watching.
B9
Boss is watching
121
Asking for a private conversation
420
Let’s get high or smoke marijuana
LGH
Let’s get high
B/F
Boyfriend
B/G
Background (personal information request)
BIB
Boss is back
MBS
Mom behind shoulder
MOS
Mother over shoulder
P911
Parents coming into room alert
PAW
Parents are watching
POS
Parent over shoulder
PRW
People/parents are watching
PSOS
Parent standing over shoulder
YBS
You’ll be sorry
If you donÛªt learn any others, at least learn these. If you see them you have a good clue that you need to look closer into what your kids are trying to get away with behind your back. Another one to look for that can lead to serious consequences, whether your child is the giver or the receiver is YBS (YouÛªll Be Sorry). This could be taken as a serious threat depending on the context under which it was made.

There are many of these acronyms that are tied to specific actions that a parent would be interested to know. If you suspect that your child is engaging in behaviors that would make your eyes bug out, my best suggestion is to go to one of the dictionaries online and check out the meanings of the acronyms. It is better to be informed and safe, than oblivious to what your child is doing online.

If you do find that your child is engaging in unsafe activities online, then comes the question of what to do about it. Should you tell them or not? This question is no different than if you caught them using any other way to hide their actions. It depends on the family and the situation. If you feel that you need to seek the advice of an expert, by all means do so. This is serious business. How much you let your child know about what you know about their world is up to you and depends on your relationship with your child. If nothing else, you will be surprised to find out how many acronyms there are. BTW this is just m.02 on the topic.

Music

Can Playing an Instrument Help Increase Math Scores?

Musical Instruction Benefits Children Of All Ages

Music, it’s said to soothe the savage beast. But did you know that musical training can increase math scores, social development and success in life?

Researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12. This observation holds regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time.*

It’s been identified that music in a curriculum improves a student’s ability to be educated, with improved cognitive and motor skills.

“Fourth graders who received two years of piano lessons scored higher on a spatial test than children who did not receive lessons,” reports schoolmusicmatters.com. So don’t be afraid to start a child in musical creativity early.

“You want to engage a child, they are sponges, the more you teach them early the more they will appreciate it,” said Frank Degler, an international concert pianist and versatile musician playing 11 instruments. “If they have difficulties in coordination you can overcome that in an early age. It’s easier to start playing and learning at an early age.”

Degler started playing early, was declared a music prodigy at age three and was a pianist for colleges as a middle school student. Not everyone will see such musical success, but music will increase educational, social and emotional successes.

“It takes coordination of motor sensory skills to play an instrument,” said Degler, likening music to vegetables. If you don’t try it, you won’t know that you like it. And like vegetables are to being healthy, so is music.

“Everyday that you don’t open the door to music or dance you are holding her back, let her run with it. Students that have that ability, their life is much more colorful (with music),” said Degler. “If you don’t open it up for them they’ll never know (if they like it).”

Even adults can be taught how to play instruments. “It’s never too late. People expand their horizons in many, many ways,” said Degler. “These are social skills, not just math skills, that went up by 47 percent, but the social environment and the community benefit.”

Just like age is not an obstacle with learning music, neither is money.

“There are community programs, community outreach opportunities. When I have students that need to practice more, I tell them to join a church choir or a community choir. It’s free, you get all that (training) for free, you cannot beat it, that’s where they learn,” said Degler.

Also, take advantage of school music programs. Students can learn about music, the classics and even gain the opportunity to play instruments.

“If you have a child, aren’t you going to give them any benefit you can? If I have a 50 percent chance of improving their math skills or IQ, I will give them that advantage,” said Degler.

And encourage regular practice. By setting specific days/times to practice, a child is more likely to take ownership of that responsibility. “There’s a sense of accomplishment, they are patting themselves on the back,” said Degler.

So don’t delay. Experiment with instruments and let your child have fun learning how to play music. Not only can it give them an outlet for their own creativity, but you are helping their education too.

Playing an Instrument Teaches:
• Organization
• Discipline
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Accomplishment
• Confidence

Tips To Tuning Into Instruments
• Start young, children have an innate interest in musical instruments
• Experiment with instruments via school rental programs before investing in one
• Consider starting with a comprehensive instrument such as the piano, organ or harp. Its great to start with lessons.
• Play alongside your child. If you are not musical, pick up child-friendly color-coded books from the library to help your child along
• Invest in lessons, it’s easier to teach young children proper form than an adult (or teen) who’s set in “bad” habits
• Encourage your child to practice regularly, offering incentives for practice
• Cheer your child along

*Catterall, James S., Richard Chapleau, and John Iwanaga. “Involvement in the Arts and Human Development: General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts.” Los Angeles, CA: The Imagination Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, 1999.

Sources: www.childrensmusicoworkshop.com; www.livescience.com; www.musicouch.com; www.schoolmusicmatters.com; Frank Degler, Lighthouse Music Production Studios, a music prodigy at age three, Degler became an accomplished and versatile musician playing eleven instruments. He continues to develop music education curriculum and provide selective private music lessons and finishing performance training for music professionals.

Travel

15 Best Family Beach Vacation Spots in the US

Look no further because this post got you covered!

Only 21 of the 50 States in America touch either the Pacific or the Atlantic oceans. This may mean that you cant find a beach near your home, or even within your state. However, there are hundreds of beaches in the United States. While all offer the beauty of the ocean to tourists, some are not family friendly.

How We Choose the List

We picked the family beach vacation spots in this list through the following factors:

Location
Activities and play spaces
Home-like characteristics
Value-added extras
All-inclusive activities
Water parks and swimming pools
Entertainment for the whole family
All-inclusive meal plans

Why Are They Good for Families?

Let’s check out our top pick of the 15 best family beach vacation spots in the US you should visit soon!

Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Massachusetts

2 Sea Island in Georgia

3. Huntington City Beach in California

4. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina

5. Inn by the Sea in Maine

6. Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida

7. Surfsand Cannon Beach in Oregon

8. Four Seasons Resort, The Baltimore Santa Barbara in California

9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina

10. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Tennessee

The 100-acre DreamMore Resort and Spa is very much identical to the Dollywood theme park next door. It is filled with fun for the whole family. Many pools, a game room, a playground spa, a storytime around the fireplace, and restaurants serving hearty fare offers 24/7 entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The perks include free transportation to both parks and TimeSaver passes for expedited entrance, and early Saturday entry, among others. Guests can use their free shuttle services to discover Pigeon Forge or relax in some rugged recreation in the Great Smoky Mountains.

11. Nantucket Beaches– From the North Eastern shore of Massachusetts to the Western tip Nantucket has some of the finest beaches in the United States. It is a popular tourist destination during the summer and the population more than triples from June to August. Along the beaches you can find wonderful activities from fairs to smorgasbords. Your children will enjoy collecting unique seashells from the shore that you cannot find on any other beaches within the United States. Nantucket Island will provide your family with the ideal vacation spot for all your summer vacations.

12. Hilton Head Island– Located off the shore lines of South Carolina Hilton Head Island offers 14 miles of un-obstructed beach. On the island there are 8 different beach areas all which offer a unique experience. There are rest rooms, changing rooms, water fountains, sand showers, pay telephones and other amenities. The town has recently added mats designed to make the beach wheelchair accessible at this location. Life Guards rent beach equipment and most pets are welcome. Hilton Head is also a popular tourist attraction with an estimated 2.3 million visitors annually. The island offers a high number of cultural opportunities from Broadway quality plays to a Symphony Orchestra. There are many great camping locations near, or right on the beach. There are also several community festivals throughout the summer seasons. Additionally the island is home to 12 themed parks your family can enjoy while vacationing.

13. La Jolla Beach– In the western most part of the United States you will find La Jolla Beach off the cost of San Diego California. Spanish for “the jewel” this beach is truly the highlight of the city. It offers a sunny Mediterranean climate and some of the most beautiful beach settings in the United States. It is a great tourist spot for nature lovers because of its elegant sand stone cliffs that tower high above the crystal clear water. It is an ideal spot for snorkeling and even surfing. It is an ideal spot for families because it offers a gentle surf and water play ground for kids, and all areas of the beach are sandy and gentle. The town itself offers some of the best hotels, restraints and galleries in the state as well as top of the line spa treatments.

14. South Walton Beaches– Located in Florida this relaxing vacation spot will allow you to un wind and recharge. There is a 26 mile stretch of beaches along the North Western coast that can be separated into 15 communities: Seacape, Miramar, Sandestin, Dune Allen, Santa Rosa, Blue Mountain, Grayton, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove, WaterSound, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, Inlet, and Aly’s Beach. All of the beaches have snow white sand and emerald green waters that attract a number of tourists every year. IT is also located near many state parks and forests that are ideal for hiking, fishing and even kayaking.

15. Cedar Point Beaches- Along side cedar point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio this beach juts out on a narrow peninsula into Lake Erie. Your children will love the fun of the amusement park which is full of 75 different rides and includes four huge roller coasters. The beach is a mile long white sand beach that is paired with other outdoor and indoor water attractions.

Where did you choose?

So, which of these family beach vacation spots do you plan to visit soon? Share your thoughts with us by leaving your comments below!

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When to Teach Kids About Money

How to Teach your Child the Value of Money

Where Does Money Come From?

Every Penny Counts in Money Management

Activities to Teach Young Kids About Money

Activities to Teach Teens About Money and Investing

Information on the effects of 3D movies on your child’s brain. And, how 3D movies can cause nausea.

Musical Instruction Benefits Children Of All Ages

How We Choose the List

Why Are They Good for Families?

Where did you choose?

Information on the effects of 3D movies on your child’s brain.
And, how 3D movies can cause nausea.