Christian Parenting Today articles from October 2000

Christian Parenting Today archives from October 2000

Celebrate the Miracle.(of being a parent)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... When my daughter was a baby, I was amazed by her. I'd spend hours just gazing at her and welling up with a love that only parents feel. I asked my husband to remind me of that feeling when our "baby" is 13 and I want to sell her to the circus....

Letters From Home.
October 1, 2000... mail that matters The Joy of Boredom I truly enjoyed "The Blessing of Boredom" in the July/August issue. It took me back to the days of my childhood up at our cabin in Canada where we spent our summers. I hope every child gets a...

Can You Help?(advice on how to get a reluctant child to go to school)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... real-life advice from readers "My son doesn't want to go to school." Debbie of North Dakota writes: "My 6-year-aid son started kindergarten this year and doesn't like it at all. He says he'd rather stay home with me. Every morning is a...

Scrabble School.(using board game to teach spelling words)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... To encourage our daughter in spelling, we play the game of Scrabble. We look at her current spelling list and use the letter tiles to help her spell her words. It's a fun way to teach and she enjoys it more than homework!

Picture-Perfect Cards.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... When developing film, I always get doubles. We then use the extra pictures to create our own thank-you, birthday, and other holiday cards. Fold a piece of paper in half and glue the photo to the front of it. You can write your own personal...

Frozen Fare.(how to get toddlers to eat vegetables)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... I tried everything to get my 2-year-old son to eat his vegetables. Nothing worked, until one day I discovered that he would eat them if they were still frozen, especially frozen corn and peas. Now he loves to eat his "ice-veggies!"

Photo ID.(how to make sure a child does not go home with the wrong person from child care)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Whenever I leave my child in an unfamiliar church nursery, I always leave a small family photograph with the nursery worker. This way, I know the nursery worker won't accidently let my child go home with someone else.

Memory Makers.(way to entertain children in public)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... I keep all our outdated wallet-sized photos in my purse for the kids to enjoy whenever we have to wait in a public place. We've even started turning them face-down for a quick game of "memory."

Bubbly Battles.(advice for bathing toddlers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... My 2-year-old son has always loved bath time, until it's time to wash his hair. I made a deal with him: each time he lets me wash his hair without a struggle, I let him blow soap bubbles in the tub. The bubbles don't hurt anything in the...

Great Dates.(date for couples)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... The Road Less Traveled This is one of our favorite dates and one you can do anytime of the day. Let your sense of adventure lead you on a "Yellow Road Date." (On our map, the back roads are yellow.) 1. Choose a 40-mile radius around...

Devotions for Two.(overcoming juvenile behavior in marriage)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... A Grown-Up Marriage (Read Judges 61-22) We've all met Samson before. He's that 40-year-old guy who's still running his life the same way he did when he was 17. And if we're honest, many of us recognize Samson's juvenile hang-ups in...

"It Works For Us".(marriage building tip)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... "Any time my husband, Steve, or I go somewhere without the other, even if it's just to run an errand, we bring home a prize for the one who 'missed out' on the trip. Most of the time it's just a small something--a packet of gourmet coffee from...

Life in our house.(stories about children's behavior)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Humor from Readers Feeling Buggy My 1-year-old son wasn't feeling well and I asked my mom if she thought it might be a bug. My 4-year-old looked at me and replied in all seriousness, "I did not see my baby brother eat any bugs today!"...

All Wound Up.(yo-yoing tips)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Who would've thought you could have so much fun with a piece of plastic and some string? What's old is new again! Yo-yos are popping up everywhere. If you and your kids have yo-yos and aren't sure quite what to do with them, here are some...

Here and Now.(hectic pace associated with raising children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Even when life feels frantic, don't forget to stop and enjoy the moment If there's one word that describes the life of a single parent, it's hectic. Even though my kids are older now, it doesn't rake much for me to remember that feeling of...

Promise to "Be There".(having involved parents helps children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Why your presence matters to your kids Unless you've got a cast-iron heart, I suggest you get a tissue handy. I want to share with you two letters recently handed me by a third grade teacher. The letters were part of an assignment her...

The Power of Touch.(how touch aids infant development)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... As your infant makes the transition from the comforts of your womb to a world filled with new sights, sounds and stresses, your touch holds a special power to calm her and make her feel secure. Research has proven that babies who receive close...

Toothless Tooth Care.(infant dental health)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Even if your baby doesn't have teeth yet, it s not too early to start him on the road to good dental health. The American Dental Association's Dr. Barry Kaufman recommends the following ideas for preventing tooth decay in your baby: * Wipe...

Giving Effective Directions.(to young children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Now that your child has reached toddlerhood, he can begin to follow basic directions. By age 2, many toddlers can respond to a one-layer command, such as: "Bring me your glass," or "Put the paper in the wastebasket." As they approach 3, kids...

No More Colds?(how pneumococcal vaccine may help children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... A new vaccine may save your child from illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia and bronchitis. The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that all children under 2 receive the pneumococcal vaccine concurrently with other childhood vaccines...

Why Routines Matter.(routines for preschool children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Having a routine for your child to follow may seem like simple common sense, but even the experts agree that in order to feel secure, your preschooler really needs a daily routine. "Routine is to a child what walls are to a house; it gives...

Breaking the Thumb Habit.(thumb sucking)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Does your preschooler still use a pacifier or suck his thumb? If you're ready for him to break the habit, try these ideas from the American Academy of Pediatrics: * Talk to him. Explain that sucking is something babies need, like bottles...

Better Brains Through Music.(benefits of music instruction)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... New research has found that music lessons do more than teach a child how to play an instrument. You may have heard about the "Mozart Effect"--the theory that babies exposed to classical music show more advanced brain development than other...

The Boy-Girl Thing.(helping a child to learn to relate to the opposite sex)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Up until now, your child's probably had lots of friends, both boys and girls. But as she reaches the age of 9 or 10, she may begin to prefer friends of the same gender and see the opposite sex as, well, different. The same child who climbed...

Is That Backpack Safe?(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... If your child's backpack outweighs your child, she could be headed for back problems. "Improper backpack use can present some real dangers, especially to young, still growing joints and muscles," says Jan Richardson, president of the American...

Computer Health Habits.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Is your computer hazardous to your child's health? From eye-strain to wrist pain, long stretches of computer time can cause physical problems, even for children. To make sure your workstation is comfortable for young users, use this checklist:...

Faith Questions.(answering a child's questions about faith)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... When your middle schooler starts questioning God and your family's faith, don't despair. His questions are actually a sign that he's growing up. By the time they reach 11 or 12 years old, kids have begun to move from concrete, literal thinking...

Wild Child.(dealing with problem children)
October 1, 2000... Some kids really are harder to handle than others. If you've got one of them, find out how a few simple changes can bring peace to your house. There was a little girl who had a little curl Right in the middle of her forehead. And when she...

RAISING CONFIDENT KIDS.
October 1, 2000... Teach your children to find, real self-esteem in the unconditional Love of God Melissa is an attractive, intelligent and musically gifted 14-year-old whose self-esteem has plummeted in the last year. Outwardly, Melissa appears to be a...

Free at Last?(mother's narrative of life after her youngest child started school)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... When my youngest child started school, I couldn't wait to have the day to myself. What was I thinking? Another first day of school has arrived. But this year, it's different. As I give a kiss to 5-year old Katie, the youngest of my nine...

The Return of Harry Potter.(Harry Potter books)
October 1, 2000... With the arrival of The Goblet of Fire, this young wizard is more popular than ever. Here's everything Christian parents need to know about the books your kids are begging to read. You've undoubtedly heard of Harry Potter: loyal friend,...

The International Adoption Option.
October 1, 2000... Adopting a child from another country can be a powerful way to share God's love. And it's easier than you think. June 18 is a special day for 3-year-old Thomas Schoedel. That's his "Gotcha' Day," the day he became part of the Schoedel...

Help Your Kids Help the Homeless.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... An easy ministry your whole family can do For years I ignored the homeless panhandlers I passed on the street. I had convinced myself that they didn't really want to work, and any money they collected was probably used for alcohol or...

The School choice.
October 1, 2000... Public school, private school or homeschool? How to find the right fit for your child tom and I really need to decide about school," Jennifer sighed as our 4-year-olds took turns on the slide and we took turns bouncing Jen's new baby....

Pass the Salt.(religious exercise)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Get Ready Pour two tablespoons of salt into a small bowl of water and let it sit for a day. Drain the water, leaving the salt in the bowl. Put two tablespoons of new salt in another small bowl. You'll also need a notebook (or your family...

This Little Light.(religious exercise)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Get Ready Have your children help you gather several types of lights--a lamp, a night light, a large candle, a birthday candle, a flood light, and any others you've got. Make sure you include a flashlight. You'll also need a small...

Ask Dr. Mary.(questions and answers on child rearing)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Standing Up to Peers Q. My Sons, ages 4 and 8, will do anything their friends tell them to do, even if they know it's wrong. What can I do to help them make wise choices? A. I believe that the courage to do the tight thing comes from...

Listen, Learn and Grow Lullabies.(Review)
October 1, 2000... (Naxos) $6.99 Sure, there's a ton of children's music out there, but frankly, most of it can be as grating for parents as it is fun for kids. So rather than suffer through another round of kiddie music, turn on this collection of classics....

The Book of Wiggles and Tickles & The Book of Tapping and Clapping & The Book of Simple Songs and Circles & The Book of Bounces & The Book of Lullabies.(Review)
October 1, 2000... * The Book of Wiggles and Tickles * The Book of Tapping and Clapping * The Book of Simple Songs and Circles * The Book of Bounces * The Book of Lullabies compiled by John M. Feierabend (GIA Publications) $12.95 The...

My Busy, Busy Day.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Kelly Kim (Zonderkidz) $5.99 From an adult perspective, little kids have it made. They eat, they sleep, they play. No stress, no worries. But as this little book reminds us, toddlers actually accomplish quite a bit during the...

Tell It Again!(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Rebecca Isbell and Shirley Raines (Gyphon House) $14.95 My kids love to hear a good story. But I have to admit, I'm not the world's best storyteller. So when I stumbled across this book, I knew I'd love it. The book contains 16 stories...

Mad Maddie Maxwell.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Stacie K.B. Maslyn illustrated bylane Schettie (Zonderkidz) $7.99 Maddie's take-no-prisoners quest to find her jump rope will ring true to any parent who's watched an angry preschooler in action. But it's the way Maddie handles the...

"Between the Lions".(Review)
October 1, 2000... (PBS weekdays. Check local listings) PBS, known for its impeccable children's programming, has responded to the tragic reality of illiteracy at the elementary level. "Between the Lions," a daily series clearly cut from the celebrated...

Penelope Jane.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Rosanne Cash illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Joanna Cotler Backs) $15.95 This is one book I'll hang onto long after my kids have grown up and moved away. It's a cute story about Penelope Jane de Ia Fesser, a flying French fairy, who's no...

Diary of a Teenage Girl.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Melody Carlson (Multnomah) $12.99 Caitlin O'Conner is a typical 16-year-old: self-conscious, eager for acceptance, sometimes sure of herself, sometimes not. As she begins the second half of her junior year of high school, her life takes...

You Don't Know Doc!(Review)
October 1, 2000... (Kid Rhino) $9.98 ($5.98 for cassettes) If your idea of family fun is joining Regis Philbin for a rousing game of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", you might want to check out these great CDs. The set-up: an old-fashioned quiz show, with...

101 Simple Service Projects Kids Can Do.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Susan L. Lingo (Standard) $14.99 If you're like me, it's hard to come up with practical, creative ways to serve, especially when you've got kids. That's why I'm excited about this book. Not only are there a ton of great, kid-friendly...

Ready for Kindergarten.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Sharon Wilkins (Zondervan Publishing) $9.99 As the mother of a brand-new kinder-gartener, I couldn't ask for a better resource. Written by award-winning teacher Sharon Wilkins, this book was designed to give your preschooler a head-start...

Lyric Language.(Review)
October 1, 2000... (Penton Overseas) $14.95 for each product You may have heard about the research that shows the many advantages of exposing a young child (preschool early elementary) to foreign language. Note I didn't say teaching a foreign language....

The Aesop for Children.(Review)
October 1, 2000... by Milo Winter (Barnes & Noble Books) $12.95 More and more homeschoolers are coming to the conclusion that a technique known as "narration" is the best foundation for language arts. Deceptively simple, narration means that after you read...

James Herriot's Treasury for Children.(Review)
October 1, 2000... (St. Martin's Press) $19.95 It's been said that the best scientists begin as naturalists, and certainly all children benefit from plenty of exposure to God's creation. But if you want a for young children I suggest this classic volume of...

Letting Go.(why parents need to let go of children)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2000... Find the faith to allow your child to take his own path My son Ethan was about to begin his first day at a new school. He was too big for me to walk him to the door, and so I did my motherly best to offer complete instructions for handling...