6 Fun Fall Activities for Families
By Jamell Andrews Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t have to mean making life all about school and work. The season of falling leaves and all things pumpkin-spice offers a whole slew of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are 6 fun things to do as a family this fall.
Many U.S. Kids Still Getting Too Much Daily Screen Time, Says CDC
For years, doctors have been advising parents to limit the time their children spend daily watching television or on a computer — the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get no more than two hours a day of non-school-related ‘screen time.’ But the message isn’t getting through to all families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted two national surveys among children between 12 and 15 years of age. Close to three quarters of all the youths reported spending at least two hours in front of the TV and using a computer. Fifteen percent of those surveyed said they spent four or more hours watching TV every day; while 12 percent used a computer for four or more hours a day. The survey did not ask about use of smartphones.
Parents: The Best Way to Decrease Children’s TV Viewing — Is to Decrease Your Own!
It’s no secret to any parent that children, especially younger ones, strive to be like their parents and do the same things that parents do. So, it may come as little surprise that a study published recently in the journal Pediatrics found that the best predictor of how much time a child spends watching television … is how much time the parents do. Researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center (U of PA) interviewed 1,500 parents with children 17 and younger about the parents’ screen time habits (viewing DVDs, movies on the Internet, and so forth). They were also asked specifically about their television-viewing habits, as well as their kids’. When possible, adolescent children were also interviewed about their own TV habits.
Does Entertainment Play a Role in the Increasing Gun Violence Among Youth?
The recent series of horrifying, unspeakably senseless mass shootings perpetrated by teenagers and young adults in different American states has all of us in this country searching for answers. What can be causing these increasingly common, genocidal outbursts of gun violence? And what can we as a society do to change things? Most of us understand that it would be simplistic to try to
How to Raise a Musical Child
When it comes to educating children, a lot of focus is placed on practical skills like reading and math, which are undoubtedly important. But we should raise our children to be well-rounded individuals, and this involves teaching them forms of creative self-expression. While different kids have different talents-some are good at drawing, some can dance well, and some are most talented in non-artistic areas-music should be integral to every child’s life. And even if your child does not develop into a musical prodigy, it is a good idea to have cultivate familiarity with the art form.
The Negative Effects of the Media on Teens
By Lisa Pecos Today’s kids plug into media at an earlier age than their predecessors, and the amount of media they consume is staggering compared to the habits of past generations. According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child between the age of eight and 18 consumes media for seven hours and 38 minutes every day-and the real rate for teens is much higher. As parents, there is good reason to be disturbed by these figures. Granted, certain types of media have benefits, but the negative effects of media overconsumption are considerable. The good news is there are things responsible parents can do to moderate these effects.
Spread Your Wings and Fly…
In the early evening I would sit outside under the tree near our house and watch the birds. One day I saw a Blue Jay come and chase the other birds away if they got to close. I noticed that every time she did that, 2 little Blue Jays would fly up and eat the seeds in the feeder that was hanging in the tree. Then I noticed that she would hop from branch to branch and the little birds would follow her. This went on for a few weeks. She would look down from the branch where she was perched to check on them.
How to Encourage Kids to Love Reading
With the rise of television, video games, and now the internet and digital devices, many are worried that the old habit of sitting down and reading a good book is on its way out with the coming generation. But while the act of reading is certainly undergoing change, reading is still a fundamental component of education, and it is as fun as it ever was. For 21st-century parents, fostering the reading habit comes with some unique challenges, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your kids grow up loving to read books.
That, I understand! Parenting
By Ambyr Hunt So, their are times when I am up late enough to watch the old episodes of Seinfeld. I just love Seinfeld and the raw truth that is “uncovered” during each show. The presentation of each life lesson is so hysterical that their are times when I have to pause the t.v. and catch my breath! Seriously, I don’t know if I think it’s funny because I have lived out some of the drama presented or if it’s just that I am up late and slap happy! Either way, I just can’t make it through a show without wiping tears of laughter off my face! More often than not, I am laughing alone in bed with a very annoyed sleeping husband. To me, it’s worth every frustrated grunt that comes from his side of the bed!
What Luck, A Duck!
By Ambyr Hunt I used to read the kids this book called “What Luck, A Duck!” when they were younger. Basically, It’s a book about this boy who is painting in his garage and he’s really just not very good. Luckily for him this duck comes along and steps in his paint and low and behold, he now holds in his hands a masterpiece. It’s not really a very good book but I liked it just because it rhymed and I’m a sucker for rhyming books. Tonight however we had a not so lucky encounter with a duck, but it is so freakin’ hysterical that if I didn’t share it, I’d be letting all of you down.
Bus Missed – Transportation to School
By Ambyr Hunt First of all let me tell you, I am so grateful or my seven children and their sometimes idiotic behaviour. Yes, their behaviour coupled with mine makes this blog possible on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis.
Last-Minute Fun & Easy Party Games & Activities to Make Your Kids Birthday a Hit!
By: K.D. Grant Last minute kids party planning made easy! Find a full day’s worth of fun, ready-to-play, and often free, interactive games and activities to make your child’s next birthday party truly memorable.
Easy Kids Craft Ideas: A Refreshing Alternative to Extravagant Parties
By Rachel Messina As shows such as MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” showcase the growing trend of over-the-top and extravagant parties for children and teens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember the days of simple gatherings where Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs were considered prime entertainment.
Wrestle Mania – How Times Have Changed
By Sylvia Wells Wrestle Mania Back in the day I used to get a kick out of watching wresting on TV with my older brothers. We cheered for the good guys to come to their feet as the bad guys would somehow manage to pull a metal chair out from under the ring without the referee’s awareness. The chair was typically used to slam across the good guys back with a big foot stomp onto the canvas of the ring to heighten the effect. The wrestlers had sidekicks and funny-looking managers who always seemed to worm their way in front of the cameras for some trash talk.
TV in the Car: Beyond Obsession
Let me start by saying I am not anti-TV. I grew up on TV and I can still give you the plot summary for any Gilligan’s Island or Brady Bunch episode within 30 seconds of turning the show on. Heck, as I…