Good Strangers, Bad Strangers

Preschool children are curious by nature. The world is a new place to them. They are excited to see and try new things. This includes talking to strangers, which can be an uncomfortable experience for parents because despite educating your preschooler, he or she may talk to strangers again.

One of the most important things to remember is that there are good strangers and bad strangers. Good strangers are what you can consider "community helpers," like police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, and even teachers. You can explain to your preschooler that those good strangers are available for help, if they ever need it. Bad strangers may be anyone you do not know or are not community helpers.

Explain to your preschooler that he or she must always ask you, dad, or caregiver if they can talk with a grownup they do not know.

Constantly remind your children about strangers to be sure it is enforced. Be creative when teaching them about stranger danger.

Teaching Your Kids To Recycle

Recycling should practically be part of your life. If it is not, then it should be. Teaching your children to recycle is important because not only will they be helping the environment, they will be helping themselves. They will learn not to waste products they are using. This will help them become more aware of their own actions.

You can almost recycle anything now days, from cans to newspapers to clothes to tires. You can even recycle workable items that you no long want or sell. Groups like Freecycle.org is a great example of this type of activity.

Recycle at home. Children mimic their parents. Be sure to recycle aluminum cans, newspapers, plastics and card boards. Encourage your children to recycle their products as appropriate. Encourage your schools to recycle and talk about recycling.

We all can make a difference. It just starts at home.

Have Children Make Homemade Gifts

One of the best things you can do with your children is have them make homemade gifts when gifts are necessary.

By having your children make homemade gifts, your children will put a lot of thought into the gift. He or she will want to come up with an idea, collect materials to make the gift, and spend time putting it together. This will show them that their time is special.

Materials for homemade gifts are usually not that expensive. These are materials that can be found throughout your home. For materials that you don't have, ask family or friends or purchase at a discounted store.

Some ideas for homemade gifts include: making cards for all occasions, putting items in a basket (see http://www.allizon.com to purchase baskets or items for baskets), making coupons, writing letters, painting pictures, and planting flowers.

Ideas are endless. As long at the gift comes from the heart, it is worth the effort of making and giving!

Teaching Your Children

Teaching your children is usually an awesome experience that you will cherish and remember forever. However, at times, it can be frustrating or stressful, especially when you are trying to meet a school objective by a certain deadline.

I am going to offer tips on how to make it less stressful or frustrating for you.

• Turn learning into a song. Often times children (and adults too) remember things when it is presented in poetry or rhythmic form. People enjoy music and often dance, clap or tap to the beat.
• Make it a transitional activity. When your child is ready to move on to the next activity, have your child recite or repeat what he or she is supposed to learn. Once that is accomplished, then allow them to do the activity.
• Repeat as often as necessary. Repetition is key. I know you may find it boring, but repeat, repeat, repeat throughout the day. You can choose to repeat every 15 minutes or have two hours--that is up to you.
• Make an art or craft activity. If an art or craft lesson can be tied to the lesson, go for it. Just like music, people tend to remember when they are making something. Doing an art or craft, takes time.

Feel free to ask your child's teacher for help or tips as well.

Teaching Your Child to Care through Toys

With toys becoming easily available for many families, it is easy for your child to get carried away by wanting every toy they see. Often times, it is also easier for children to become more demanding and spoiled. This allows children to become more materialistic, putting pressure on you.

All this may not be necessary. In many families, children now donate gently used toys to less fortunate children who are at homeless shelters, preschools, or other institutions. When children receive new toys, that is when they donate their toys. Why not have that be the same for your children?

Every time your child receives a new toy, have your child donate the same amount of toys he just received. For example, if your child received two toys, then he would donate two gently used toys. Donated toys have to be gently used. Do not allow broken or missing toys to be donated. This will not be a good lesson for children to learn.

Be sure to discuss the process of donating toys with your children, so that they may understand the process. If possible, let your children give the toys to the appropriate parties.

Your children are never too young to donate their toys. The lessons will last a life time.