Family Tradition at Holiday Time

By Sharon Rose
     Starting a family tradition at holiday time can be fun and result in lasting memories for years to come.  An inheritance is usually thought of as something monetary, but family traditions can be handed down from one generation to another, word of mouth, through our children as an inheritance would be.  We can create an invaluable inheritance for our children through tradition.

      When my three children were quite young I started a Christmas tradition with them by creating a hand- made Christmas decoration.  Sounds simple and it was; very easy to make, even for the children.  What resulted was a beautiful hand-made decorative piece displayed in our home each Christmas for many years after.  It kept its vibrant look a long time.  I love using my hands; I am a big arts and crafts fan.  When school children are out for Christmas break, it is a great time to do a family arts and crafts project.  I started our project by gathering pine cones and cutting branches of pine in our back yard with my children.  In between throwing pine cones in our bags I answered all the, “What’s this?” nature questions from my little ones.

Ouch! Pine cones are prickly and can hurt.  Children should wear gloves to gather them.

     Once back inside I stripped them of their warm winter clothes and gloves; the gloves a must have for handling the prickly pine cones, and started some Christmas music. Then we sat at our round work table and got busy.  I had placed our other supplies in the middle of the table, to include the one that brought the most excitement and squeals of joy; colorful glitter.  All children love glitter, though it can get messy; therein the fun, for kids and kids at heart.  We proceeded to decorate our pine cones, curl and make bows from colorful Christmas-wrap ribbon, and arrange it all in my favorite straw basket.  I purchased the large, natural-colored basket from a nomadic couple selling straw goods on the side of a road in Darmstadt, a small town in Germany.  Even as it sat in the leaves and dirt among many other straw items, I could see its beauty.  Now, I again surrounded it with nature as our pine cones claimed it for their home.  Over the years, during the Christmas season, our beautiful decorative piece, consisting of pine cones; ribbon; pine branches; and the large, prized basket sat at our door or the fireplace.  It announced our family tradition to all who entered.  For our family, the tradition of taking it out to warm and decorate our home each Christmas season, brought smiles, excitement and a feeling of pride and stability in what we accomplished together, and at what had not changed.  We looked forward to seeing it each Christmas season, as you would a cherished friend.  Years later, when we moved to a new home, we took that decorative basket arrangement, our tradition, along with us.

How to Make Christmas Basket Decorative Arrangement

Use tempera paint that will be absorbed into item you are painting.  A child's water paints will not work for this project.

          Use tempera paint that will be absorbed into item you are painting.  A child's water paints will not work for this project. 

Supplies: pine cones, small pine branches, washable glue, scissors, various colored ribbon, various colored glitter, various colors of tempera paint, artist paint brushes, popsicle sticks, straw basket, newspaper to protect furniture and floor.

Procedure:  Gather pine cones and cut fresh pine branches outdoors in advance.  Cover surface of work table and under the table with newspaper. (Instruct children to handle prickly pine cones, gingerly.) Place each pine cone on a work piece of paper when working with it.  Paint pine cones various colors.  Spread washable glue on some areas of the pine cones with popsicle sticks.  Sprinkle glitter on pine cones, using various colors for each.  Catch extra glitter with work sheet of paper to make use of as much of the scattered glitter as possible. Continue to sprinkle glitter until a large area of pine cone is covered.  Place pine cones in a designated area to dry. Take different length Christmas-wrap ribbon and tie into bows. Curl ribbon by placing the sharp part of one half of scissors against ribbon, starting at point nearest your finger, and scrapping across, to the end of ribbon.  Children should use blunt end scissors and be assisted with this part of project according to what is age appropriate.  Arrange pine cones, pine branches, and prepared ribbon in basket. Display in a choice area of your home.  This is a family project and tradition that can be passed on to each generation. 

Use a sheet of paper under the pine cone to catch the excess glitter.  The excess glitter can then be re-used.

    

Easy enough, with supervision, for our 4 year old.  

Supplies: School glue and glitter.

You can make this tradition your own with a basket of your choice.  Add other decoration, like ribbon. 

Learning Skills:  Use this project to teach children colors, memory (encourage children to remember which color pine cones are the ones they decorated); handling of scissors; numbers (count pine cones); creativity; and working with a group.

Ages:  3 years and up.  Some 2 year olds can help, with assistance. (My youngest child was 3 years old when we did this project.)    

Make additions and/or variations to this project to make this tradition your own.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 



Copyright, Family Tradition at Holiday Time, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 19, 2011, all rights reserved.          

 

Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide 2012 -2013

By Sharon Rose

Unique, fun, and educational toys.

*Prices taken from WalMart price list, unless otherwise stated. Prices will vary throughout holiday.

1.   Hot Wheels Wall Wheel Starter Set, by Mattel; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $47.97. 

      Description:  Race track that mounts on wall at eye level; wall protective strips provided.

2.   Leap Frog Pad II, by Leap Frog; Ages 4 – 9 yrs.; Price: $100.00.

      Description: Kid-friendly tablet that imitates the iPads, etc., of their parents.      

3.   Laser Stunt Chaser and Stunt Set; Ages 4 yrs. & up; Price: $38.88.

      Description: Race car controlled with laser gun light that pushes car along at top speeds;

      performs super stunts.

4.   Transformers Dark of the Moon,Voyager Sentinel Prime; 5 yrs. & up, $12.25.

5.    Fisher Price Smart Screen Laptop; Ages 6 mos. to 3 yrs.; Price: $18.88. 
       Description: Baby appropriate laptop animated LED screen, sing-a-long 
       songs in English and Spanish.

6.    Lego Creator Rescue Robot; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $16.97.  Description:

       Multi-colored robot; armored chrome head protection, pose able arms and legs; 

      149 piece set.

7.    X Box 360 4 GB Console Bundle with Kinect Sensor; Ages 5 – Adult; Price: $299.99.

       Description:  Locate at www.microsoftstore.com or www.bestbuy.com.  Game that

      allows you to use your entire body to control the action on the screen without

      having to hold a controller in your hand.  Many games to choose from.  

      Parts can be sold separately.

8.   Let’s Rock Elmo by Sesame Street; Ages 2 yrs and up; Price: $37.49, Target.

      Description: Robotic Elmo holds mic and plays instruments; various instruments

      to choose from.    

 9.   Y – Volution Y Fliker F1 Scooter; Ages 5-9 yrs.; Price $79.99, Amazon.

       Description: Unique 3 wheel scooter.

10.   My Pillow Pets; Ages 3 and up; Prices vary, $24.99 and up. Description:

        Ping the Panda, Taj the Tiger, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pinto the Horse and more

        to select from; large stuffed animal that converts to large, soft fleece blanket that

        is stuffed inside pet.

  

 11.  Disney Doc Mc Stuffins: Time for Your Check-up Doll; Ages 3-6 yrs.; Price: $63.00,
        Amazon. Description: One of the hottest selling dolls, taken from new Disney Channel
        TV show hit. Doll is dressed as doctor with bag of magical tools to fix toys.

 12.  First Act Disney Acoustic Guitar; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $18.88.

        Description: Starter instrument; Cinderella or Cars Mater.

13.   Jumbo Dinosaurs, Dozen; Age: 4 & up; Price: $8.98, Amazon. Description: 6 inches long.

14.  Wii Family Fun Bundle by Nintendo; Ages 5 – Adult; Price: $169.00.  Description:

       Action packed games; you control action on screen; includes Wii console, remote,

       nonchuck and game. Games include: Michael Jackson: The Experience, $39.96;

       and Just Dance Kids, $17.96.

   

15.   Leap Frog Tag Learning System & Books; Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price: From $38.00

        Description: Encourages beginners to read; uses “touch to word” wand with audio.  

  

16.   Evenflo Exercisor Jump & Learn Frog; Ages 6 mos. – 14 mos.; Price: $89.00.

        Evenflo Exercisor Jump & Learn Bee; Ages 6 mos. – 14 mos.; Price $79.00.

        Description: Baby walker and bouncing toy; rocks, spins, and bounces. 

 17.  Angry Birds Indoor & Outdoor 3D Action Game; Ages 6 and up; Price: $29.00, Amazon.

        Description: See instructions.

 18.  Angry Birds Card Game; Ages 7 – 11 yrs.; Price: $6.35, Amazon. Description: See
        instructions.

 19.  Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game; Age 5 – 9 yrs.; Price: $13.13, Amazon.

         Description:  See instructions.

  20.  Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy; Ages 9 mos. - 2 yrs.; Price: $39.97.

         Description: Riding toy plus skill building manipulative in the shape of a floppy-ear puppy. 

  21.  Baby Alive Wanna’ Walk Doll; Ages 3 & up; Price: $42.41, Amazon.  Description:

        Walking doll.

  22.  Barbie Collector Holiday Doll 2012; Ages 6 & up; Price: $35.95, Amazon. Description:

         From the Barbie collection of dolls; Barbie dressed in beautiful red holiday evening gown.

         Popular with collectors.

   23. My Magical Wand Cinderella; Age: 4 & up; Price: $49.99. Ball gown included.

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide, 2012 – 2013, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, November 21, 2012.  All rights reserved.

Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips

Being loaded down with too many packages leaves you vulnerable to crime during the Holiday Season. 

By Sharon Rose      

      Holiday shopping is already underway.  Some are already feeling the mad rush and an urgency to get in on the sales. Then, there are others, like myself, who are really looking forward to taking advantage of the sales that will come after Christmas Day. This is the season of shopping!  However, not meaning to promote fear or paranoia, it is also the season of higher petty crimes.  Unfortunately, Holiday shoppers are prime candidates to be victimized. You can avoid being a victim by planning ahead.  So, in the last weeks before the Holiday is upon us, whether out shopping or just out and about, here are some tips that will help to keep you safe.

Safety Tips:

1.   Get an early start.  Traffic will tend to be quite dense.  Stores open as early as 6:00 A. M. to 10:00 A. M. Some stores will remain open 24 hours.  Leaving out early will help you get a relaxed start with more time to shop.  Drive safe; don’t rush on the road.

2.   Shop during the day, whenever possible.  If you find that you cannot avoid shopping at night, be sure to take a buddy with you. 

3.   Park in a well lit area and as close to the store as possible.  If a parking valet service is offered, this is a great time to take advantage of it.  An example of valet parking service for shoppers is at Riverchase Galleria, a mall in Hoover, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham.

4.    If your children are shopping with you, keep them in view at all times.  Don’t use toy stores, toy departments, toy aisles, or game arcades as a babysitter.  The reality is predators may be looking for unattended children to prey upon.  Don’t take the risk. 

     

Keep a close eye on your children.  Don't risk leaving them alone. 

                                     

    5.   Provide teen children, who are more independent, with a cell phone so that you can keep in contact with them while you are shopping in different areas of a store or mall.  Check in, intermittently, to make sure they are safe.  Arrange in advance to meet them back at a designated place at an agreed upon time. 

6.   Ladies, take a purse that has a long strap and can be put over your head and across your body.  This leaves your hands free to better carry packages and keeps your purse safe.  Guys, it is suggested you find another place to carry your wallet instead of your back pocket.  Discourage pick-pockets and purse snatchers.  They do exist and this kind of crime is on the rise during the holiday season.

7.   Avoid wearing expensive and excessive jewelry.  This makes you vulnerable and attractive to thieves as a target.    

8.   Be wary of strangers who approach you and ask for donations or for any other reason.  To avoid guilt feelings give at the office, church, or community charities early in the season.  It is the season of giving and caring, but choose to do it in a safe environment.  Taking out your wallet and flashing cash can make you vulnerable to crime.    

9.   Be cautious when using your cell phone.  Cell phones are being snatched from user’s ears as they walk aimlessly along.  Be observant of your surroundings while using your cell phone.  During this season when thievery is taking place in some of the most unusual ways, cell phones are best used in a safe environment.

       

Be cautious while using a cell phone when out shopping. Cell phones are prize targets for thieves.
 Keep your eyes on your packages.

      

10. Don’t load yourself down with packages; it makes it difficult for you to carry them.  You are more likely to drop things or put them down.  If you take a seat to rest, place your packages in your view.  When packages leave your hands they are vulnerable to thievery.  You are also more likely to leave something behind.

11. Before you leave the store or mall to return to your car check to see if you have all of your belongings.  Take your car keys out before going outside.  Have them ready to open your car door, quickly.  Put packages in your car and lock your door.  Forgo placing and arranging packages in your trunk, which makes you vulnerable, unless absolutely necessary.

12.  Cash Alerts: Avoid ATMs for cash and make transactions inside the bank during the Holiday Season.  If you must use the ATM, make sure you are in a well lit and safe area, observe those around you, and/or conduct the transaction at a drive-up machine which allows you to stay in your car.  Be cautious of counterfeit bills, usually distributed in forms of 20 dollar bills or 100 dollar bills. They are hard to detect, so examine cash carefully when receiving cash from transactions. 

13.  Do not leave packages or any other item visible in your car.  Thieves are attracted to items visible on car seats or floor of the car, regardless of the size or value of an item.  Thieves will break the windows of unattended vehicles to steal the smallest of items.  Don’t risk it!  Place items that you are not planning to take with you when you leave your car to shop, in the trunk of your car before you arrive at your shopping destination, or leave the items at home.  If you place packages in the trunk of your car while shopping and need to continue shopping, move to another parking space.  Thieves may have been watching and will break into your car when you walk away.         
   
14. Shop online and take advantage of the competitive internet prices and discounts.  Use codes and the printable coupons offered to get price breaks.  Some or all of your shopping done from your computer, at home, will keep you out of the hustle and bustle.    

 

         Again, planning and being aware of safety is not paranoia, just plain common sense, especially during the holiday season.  Let us remember, to keep our season festive and filled with peace and goodwill, we should all practice safety. 

                                    Shopping with a buddy can be fun and more safe.

Copyright, Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, November 16, 2012.  All rights reserved.

Is It a Boy or Girl?

By Sharon Rose

                                                        I wonder?  Girl or boy? 

        Expectant mothers, and the whole family, want to know, is it a girl or a boy? Excitement always swirls around the sex of the baby. Some parents have their heart set on a boy, others, a girl. In some cases a couple may differ on whether they want to know, or not, before the baby is born. Medical science does allow you to know, before the birth, what the sex of the baby is. When parents know ahead of time they can prepare mentally, better select baby items, and get the nursery ready. Any disappointment over the sex of the baby will have disappeared by the birth of the baby.

      When can you find out if the baby is a boy or girl? By your fifth month of pregnancy a sonogram can be taken to show you the sex of your baby with 95 percent accuracy. Another medical test, ultrasound, can determine the health, age, and position of the fetus. 

Pregnant woman has sonogram done to find out if it is a boy or girl.   

      Throughout history, the baby’s sex has been a priority in what expectant parents want to know during the pregnancy. There was a time when preparing a girl for her future was so different from preparing a boy for his future. Not so today. In the past, girls and boys were not reared with the same kind of future in mind. Boys and girls did not participate in the same activities, and girls were not expected to break the glass ceiling. Although, some struggles for gender equality still remain in our society and around the world, girls can look forward to more equality than ever before. The birth of a baby is a miracle and a blessing to behold, whether it is a girl or boy. For parents, the excitement and joy can last a lifetime! 




Copyright, Sharon Rose, “Is It a Girl or Boy?” - Parents Want to Know 101, September 14, 2012. All rights reserved.

Terrible Twos: A Sign Your Toddler is Growing Up

By Sharon Rose

      Most toddlers go through a stage known as "the terrible twos." Your toddler may be going through "the terrible twos" if they are between 20 months and three years old. Yes, your toddler could even be three before "the terrible twos" set in, as I found with one of my children. Look for temper tantrums, mood swings, and the word "no" to be used frequently as this rite of passage is ushered in.  Parents wonder why their little angels, suddenly, one day turn into difficult, uncooperative, bossy, adventurous risk-takers. Toddlers going through "the terrible twos" are undergoing intellectual, motor, social, and emotional changes that signals the new independence that shows your child is growing up. They are eager to do things on their own without any help from Mommy or Daddy, even if it is a task too difficult for a toddler to do. They are risk-takers, so must be watched very closely. They climb on things that are not for climbing, often out of curiosity about something that is at the top. Their vocabulary is growing, but is not big enough yet to clearly communicate all their needs and wants. All of these changes and the limitations cause frustration for your toddler, which can show up as a temper tantrum or moodiness. 

      Parents and toddlers can get through this, because it is a stage that will pass. Prepare to be patient with your toddler; offer words of comfort and hugs. When extreme temper tantrums show up, however, the best tactic is to ignore the behavior; always making sure that your toddler is safe. Yes, when they fall to the floor, kick and thrash about, walk away. Take a peek at them, off and on, again, to make sure they are safe. Avoid giving attention to this kind of negative behavior, as your toddler will choose it to keep getting more attention in that way. Never shout, or yell; use a patient, but firm voice to signal that you, the parent, are in charge. Parents should use positive words, and avoid using the word "no." This is your little ones favorite word now and you don't want to encourage the use of it. Now is the time to modify your toddlers behaviors that are not positive ones; while they are little. How will you do this? I recommend "time-outs." Use a chair, or have child sit "criss-cross legs" in a quiet area. Have your child face forward, not face the wall. Time your toddler out one minute for each year old that they are. Tell your child why they are being timed-out and how many minutes they will be in time-out. When the time-out is over, sit with your child and explain the behavior you want them to use instead of the negative behavior, and why. Give them a hug and kiss, after the brief talk, so they understand that you are not angry. They will learn that parents get angry, soon enough, when they are older. Children are learning and you have to tell them what you expect from them. You are modifying or training their behavior as they grow. Other punishments, such as taking away a favorite thing or activity may be incorporated as they get older. You are your child's first teacher.

If your toddler is having a temper tantrum, have him to remain in time out until it's over.

In a case such as this the "minute" rule would not apply. 

Copyright, Sharon Rose, "Terrible Twos: A Sign Your Toddler is Growing Up," Parents Want to Know 101, October 3, 2012.  All rights reserved.