Children with special needs are truly different. It sure is a privilege to offer them extra love, care and attention that is unconditional. It is not easy to live with cerebral palsy, blindness, speech impediment, retardation, autism or any other kind of disease that involves learning disabilities. It is a daily battle for them, to cope with the inability to cope with emotional, mental and physical disability. In some cases, these can be over come with focussed and consistent effort.

There are times when families of children with special needs are restricted and harassed more than the other homeschoolers. Due to this, many home-schooled children with special needs children feel that they have lesser rights than others.

Constitutionally, this might not be far away from the truth. Parents with special-need children, like all other parents, are protected by the same Constitution. As a result, they too are under the protection of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Homeschoolers can choose from two basic options to receive help, resources from the public schools through the federal IDEA program or private special need resources. Some homeschoolers can also opt for a combination of the two.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs or the OSEP, the IDEA special education resources should be made available to students in private and public schools. Meanwhile, certain states have approved of regulations, which allow homeschoolers to participate actively. Furthermore, if the students are from states that recognize homeschools as private schools, the homeschoolers can avail of assistance.

According to a survey, parents give a higher form of education to their special-need children, by educating them at home. Parents do not have to be specially certified or have special qualifications to teach their handicapped children at home.

Why is home the ideal Environment for Children Special Needs?

Every child needs to feel loved. Love means more for children with special needs. Homeschooling gives special-need children the right teachers, the parents who truly love them and are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. This provides parents with the upper hand in delivering effective education programs to their children.

Home schooling should en in adherence to the laws laid by the legislatures, to make sure there are no attempts to create excessive regulations in the case of handicapped children. The homeschoolers ought to stand united to safeguard the special-needs homeschoolers from being excessively and separately regulated.

Homeschooling gives parents the opportunity to teach their children all that they feel really matters. Living with a handicap is not easy. Handicapped children are constantly aware of their inability and weakness. This in some cases leads to a feeling of inadequacy and worthlessness. Love and personal attention given by family members is more important in times of need. Children with special needs truly need the reassurance and extra support.

Homeschooling the disabled child is an exceptionally enriching experience, which helps the child reach his full potential. You do not need any special credentials or a lot of training to homeschool the special child. With a little bit of patience, love and dedication, teaching the little one is easy.

Kris Koonar
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/homeschooling-programs-for-children-with-special-needs-125469.html

Obesity in school aged kids is out of control. It is the parent responsibility to establish limits and control the amount of food the child eat, children lack this ability.

Here are some tips that will help you keep track of your child’s food and eating regimen and help him fight childhood obesity. By eating poorly and not having good eating habits will effect the eating habits of your child and will lead to being lazy and becoming heavier and unhealthy. Your entire family will benefit from eating healthy eating and physical activity. As a parent you need to take a role in trying to create good habits and help your children establish healthy eating and exercising rituals, this will help in the long run.

Child obesity has lead to a number of other health related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease from the combination of improper nutrition and lack of exercise. For the sake of her child’s health both as a child and throughout his or her life, breastfeeding is the very best possible thing you can do when your child is young. A recent study in obesity suggests that children who are breastfed by their mothers during the first year of life are less likely to develop obesity as they get older.

If you are concerned about your child possibly being overweight then you need to decide whether the excess weight is part of a growth pattern that may change over time or whether there is a weight problem. Forget all the drugs and diets, feed your children healthy food and monitor what they eat, this will help your child in the long run.

It is important as parents that we take more responsibility to ensure healthy living for our children and to ensure they eat enough so they are healthy and they grow up eating healthy foods, we must understand what is healthy weight and what is weight that is leading to becoming obese. Yes they need to eat enough to be healthy and to grow properly, but we must know where to draw the line between what is a healthy weight and what is excessive weight. As parents, we can not take the stand that it is healthy for our children to be round and plump.

One reason: children have increased the amount of calories they eat each day by as many as 300. Did you know that more than 60% of American youth eat too many fatty foods, and less than 20% eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A journal is just a tool for you to help your child eat better.

Many of the foods children are eating today are fried or fast food type. To keep your children healthy and at an acceptable weight make the meals yourself so you know what you are putting into the food, you are able to control the portions of food and include healthy types of food like vegetables, fruit and many other types of food.

David Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/teaching-healthy-eating-habits-will-help-obese-children-124478.html

You need to teach overseas! Pick a country, any country, and there will be at least one international school there. International Schools offer private education for expatriate’s children worldwide. And, while most of the parents have to pay school fees, one of the conditions nearly always included in the contracts of international teachers is free education for the teachers’ children. There are over 4000 international schools worldwide, all requiring teachers to staff them, many of them offering excellent quality private education.

Picking a school that suits both your children’s needs and yours can be challenging, but it is possible. In a recent interview I conducted with international teachers, Maggie Hos-McGrane, an international teacher of 19 years experience said that after she had completed her research she’d found only 30 of the more than 4000 international schools suited both her and her children. If you have children, here are some things you should consider when applying for teaching posts abroad in international schools.

Is the school a profit making enterprise?

There are a number of different kinds of international schools to choose from, some are run by a board and are not designed to make a profit, and others are run by an individual or company in order to make a profit.

As a teacher you will be concerned that the school’s educational philosophy matches your own. As a parent you want to insure that your children’s education is the priority of the school, rather than the amount of money spent on educational materials and the effect that will have on the school’s owner’s profit.

There are some directors or owners of international schools that may be more interested in the financial benefits of running a school than the education benefits to the students. Be aware, both as a prospective employee and as a parent.

Is the school accredited?

International schools can become accredited by an organization that sets educational and operational standards for international education institutions. One such organization is the Council of International Schools (CIS). In order for an international school to become accredited by CIS, they must go through a rigorous appraisal process which looks at the staff and management, the facilities and, the quality of teaching and learning in the school.

If an international school is accredited, then you can be confident that the quality of education provided by the school is high. Most schools that are accredited by an organization like CIS advertise their status on their webpage, brochures and stationery.

Other organizations that offer accreditation for international schools are NEASC, COBISEC, ISCIS and the Association of Christian Schools International, to name a few.

How many students are in the school?

This is particularly of concern for parents of high school aged children as the number of students in a school may affect the number of subject choices offered at higher levels. For example, if there are only 30 students in the graduating class, then the school will have to limit the number of subjects being offered to make it cost effective. This can often affect profit and non-profit making schools alike.

Additionally, the number of students in the school can affect the number and type of extra curricular activities offered, and therefore your child’s opportunities to experience team sports and other activities that are usually run after school.

When a school has a large number of students, this can also mean that the school is more likely to have a well-stocked library, well equipped laboratories, up-to-date computer equipment and outdoor activity areas. This is usually true of larger schools simply because there is a larger pot of money to fund these facilities from.

On the other hand a school that has thousands of students, while usually offering a wide variety of subjects and activities for students, can often be an anonymous place for children. It is up to you to decide what a good balance is for you and your family.

Which curricula does the school subscribe to?

There are international schools abroad that offer what is essentially a national curriculum. In fact, in the case of many British schools abroad, it’s even called the National Curriculum.

You can find international schools that are running the national curriculum from America, Britian, Australia, Canada, France (usually taught in French), and so on. Securing a teaching contract in an international school that offers the national curriculum that you and your children are used to will help ease the transition. However, you are not limited by the curricula that you have taught in the past, international schools are generally looking for good teachers and realize that teachers can adapt and teach any curriculum.

When you are looking for a good school for your children, you may run up against some curricula that you haven’t come across before. For example, there is the school wide system offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The IBO offers the Primary Years Programme up to Year 6, the Middle Years Programme from Years 7 to 11, and the Diploma Years Programme for Years 12 and 13.

Which examinations will your children be working towards?

There are a number of examinations available for international school students, and you will need to understand the options before making any decisions about accepting an employment contract.

I mentioned the IBO previously as being a school wide programme. However many schools adopt bits and pieces of the programme. You may find that an international school offers the Diploma for the upper two years but offers the British IGCSE for Years 10 and 11. IGCSE is an examination based qualification, and the IBO Middle Years Programme has no formal examination assessment, students get a certificate and a record of achievement. Some international schools have a mix and match attitude to the curricula offered.

International schools that run national curricula tend to prepare students for the related national exams. American schools overseas run a mixture of state curricula and AP courses.

In this article I have listed just a few of the factors you’ll need to consider if you would like to get a private education for your children by teaching overseas. While I don’t have any children of my own, many of my colleagues do, and they believe that the education their children are receiving abroad is better than what they could get back home, wherever home may be.

Kelly Blackwell
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/teachers-want-a-private-education-for-your-children-but-you-cannot-afford-it-124438.html

Over the last few decades, there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of single-parent homes. As you might expect, the number of children in single-parent homes as increased as well. Many people believe that separation and divorce are very bad for developing children, while others argue that nothing’s worse for them than constant arguments and even violence in the home.

Social scientists have come to conflicting conclusions on the positive and negative impacts of single parenting. Some studies conclude that living with a single parent results in low self-esteem for the children. Others find no impacts different from two-parent households.

It’s clear, though, that single parents can make all the difference in helping their children adapt and cope with the change to a single-parent household. How single parents deal with their children at this time can mold family dynamics for the future and determine the well-being of both parent and child.

Here are a few ways the newly-single parent can be a positive supportive force for their new family.

1. Help your children understand why you are now single.

Before a separation or divorce, the chances are that the home life wasn’t too pleasant. The children may have overheard fights or witnessed personal violence that you don’t know about. It’s also likely that you weren’t as sensitive to their feelings as you might have been if you hadn’t been going through so much yourself.

Children who don’t understand the realities often assume that they are the cause of their parents’ problems. Now that the fireworks are over, it’s time to be honest with them. You don’t have to go into graphic detail, but you do need to make them understand that they are not responsible for the break-up.

Without blaming the absent parent, explain as much as you can about the basic conflict between you and why you couldn’t work it out. Your openness and honesty will help them put it in perspective and will tell them you respect their feelings. Hopefully, this will also reduce any resentments they may be holding against you.

2. Spend more time with your children.

You’ve all been through a very hard time. Tensions during the break-up may have been intense, and your children may have been aware of and affected by the stress. They probably are very familiar with screaming, fights, and cold silences. They know hostility well.

Now that you’re single and your home is getting more stable, it’s time to invest some time in your kids. Doing things together helps re-establish communications and help you get to know each other outside the conflict and tension of the old life.

Take time to talk to them about your hopes and dreams. Ask them about theirs. Plan and go on vacations, week-end trips, and quick trips to the beach or nature preserve. Have a special family night to “celebrate” the week’s accomplishments. The important thing is spending time together to help heal old wounds and build new healthy relationships. It will produce a happier, healthier family.

3. Become part of your community.

Single-parents have busy lives and many responsibilities. Depending on the age of your children, they may be able to help. But it’s important that you find nearby support. Get to know your neighbors. Where they have children near your kids’ ages, encourage them to play together.

Ask your neighbors for help when you need it. Don’t be too proud to ask for help. You have neighbors who’ll be more than happy to help you out with some baby-sitting or household chores. Neighborhood kids may want to earn a few extra dollars by helping you in your yard.

And don’t just ask for help, get involved. Take part in neighborhood and community events. Volunteer, as a family, to participate in and contribute to block parties, community flea markets and yard sales, community watch programs, and other organized activities.

It will help both you and your children establish new relationships and keep you from feeling isolated or lonely after the dramatic changes you’ve been through.

4. Give your children new experiences.

Your kids may be having a difficult time, especially if their time is divided between parents. They may be trying to adjust to a new school and make new friends. Life may seem overwhelming to them right now. It’s important that they feel that life is still an adventure, and they that belong.

Be sure to ask them about what they did when away and do not, under any circumstances, use it as time to criticize your ex. Show your interest in what your kids did and what they accomplished. Encourage them to participate in events for children, join local sports teams, and learn new things. Keep them interested in the bigger world so that they don’t become self-absorbed and overwhelmed by their personal troubles.

5. Let your children grow up with you.

Children need to feel that they have successes, just like the rest of us. You can encourage their feelings of accomplishment by giving them responsibility. Assign them specific chores in the house, and then leave the tasks to them. Don’t supervise or criticize. Let them fail, and learn, on their own. But do praise them when they do a good job. Let them know how much you appreciate their help and how important they are to your family. And try to find a job for each child that is visible to and supportive of the family unit.

6. Balance your life by prioritizing your life.

Single parents can be overwhelmed by responsibilities and the things that must be done after a break-up. It’s important that you learn how to use your time to make life better for everyone, including you! If your job is too demanding, you may need to find something else so that you can focus on your family. If financial obligations are difficult, maybe a new job’s not the answer. Perhaps trying to negotiate a new working schedule with your boss will be the key.

Begin to think about and create family schedules that are flexible enough for those inevitable unexpected events yet structured enough that your bases are covered. And include recreation and family entertainment in your schedule. Let your children help you develop a schedule. This will be another opportunity for some quality conversation and getting to know each other better. You never know, your children may have some great ideas that will make everyone’s life easier.

7. Make decision-making a family affair.

Now that you’re a single parent, it may be tempting to rule with an iron fist. But that would be a mistake. Your kids need the reassurance of knowing you respect and need them. When decisions about the home or family need to be made, include them in the process. Help them understand your decision-making parameters and the pros and cons of different decisions. This will them become more self-reliant and responsible within the family and afterward as they become adults.

These are just a few things you can do to help your children accept you as a single parent and start your new family life off on the right foot. You should seek advice and guidance from several sources. Internet research may give you a lot of ideas, but you may need to get some personal counseling or face-to-face discussion time for your specific issues.

You may be able to find a support group for single parents that will be very helpful. Other single parents can share with you their experiences and lessons. And you can have some support from people who really do understand your situation.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/single-parenting-effects-on-children-how-to-help-kids-adjust-740363.html

Children in Poverty

It is possible to capture a glimpse into the future when we look into the faces of children. The environment in which children live is nurturing this world’s future generations. Adults today have to ask themselves the question – is our environment shaping children into become caring, productive, and globally aware citizens?

Are the wealthy countries really doing enough for the children worldwide?  Are the governments of the poorer countries doing enough for their children?

Are there better ways to provide support and assistance, particularly for those children with mental and physical disabilities lacking in social safety nets?

There is a huge need for funding support for children in need in impoverished areas of the world, regardless of class, ethnicity, culture, religion or nationality. There are many definitions of special needs. In the “well off” countries of the Western world such as Canada, the United States, England or Australia, a special needs child might be autistic, have physical limitations, suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome, be a victim of sexual abuse, or face other challenges. In the “global south” (otherwise known as the ‘Third World’), such as many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, you can add the horrors of malnutrition, homelessness, sexual slavery and sweat shop laboring to these children’s lives. Many of these children are without parents due to civil wars, HIV/AIDS, or were just abandoned by their parents. Most face threats to their basic human rights and live in squalor and fear.

The destiny of all countries and all people on our planet Earth depend on the support, care, development and safety of children. When we attend to the physical, intellectual, and moral growth of our children, we give them the skills, values, opportunities, and confidence necessary to succeed as adults, earners, parents, citizens, and leaders.

There are many children’s foundations in the world today. Some focus on reducing the misery of poverty and hunger. Others address the gaps in education, health care, and shelter that many children face. All are doing their part to provide help and assistance to needy children. Sadly however, there are always more needy children than there are helping hands. There is every reason to believe that many of the needy children in the poorest countries will not live to reach adulthood. Many of these children have physical disabilities, giving them a zero chance of survival in environments suited only for the survival of the fittest.

In Western countries, we take for granted that our governments will provide adequate health services as well as wheelchair ramps, handrails and accessible public transport. For most Westerners, the ready availability of equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs, low entry buses and taxicabs are taken for granted. And any Western government that cuts funding to special needs children do so at their peril.

The Author and Associates

Michael Trigg is CEO of You N Me Productions Corp, a Vancouver Canada entertainment company. You N Me Productions is joint ventured with Media Kitchen I.N.Teractive and World’s Away Productions Ltd, an produce a new children’s website entitled Greanwold’s World with a spin-off television series and feature film. www.greanwold.com

Resources

Greanwold’s World is the environment of Greanwold and his Minosaur friends, the newest children’s property in the kids’ international market place.  You N Me Productions has formed the Greanwold Foundation to assist children world-wide. http://www.younmeproductions.com/foundation.html

Michael Trigg
http://www.articlesbase.com/causes-and-organizations-articles/children-in-poverty-749049.html

Many parents seeking a Brookline preschool or Brookline childcare program prefer one that includes the same cultural diversity found in the community, among other reasons. The presence of diversity in the setting and curriculum used by Brookline preschool or even Brookline childcare centers carries many benefits for the families as well as the children.

For many families, the neighborhood in which they live is more culturally diverse and they want their child to attend a preschool in Brookline or Brookline childcare center that reflects the same. Others may simply prefer their children attend a preschool in Brookline that reflects their diverse cultural heritage.

Generally, by the time children reach the age 4 they are becoming aware of differences between themselves and other children in their neighborhood or in their Brookline preschool. This can include differences in skin color, religion, or spoken language. Therefore, when a child attends either a preschool in Brookline or daycare in Brookline it provides the perfect opportunity for them to learn cultural diversity.

Programs rich in cultural diversity benefit youngsters by helping them develop broader language skills, increased cultural awareness, and instill a feeling of cultural pride. In addition, programs of diversity helps build a sense of connection with the surrounding community.

Because language and culture are intertwined, preschools in Brookline and programs for children in daycare in Brookline that promote diversity offer bi-lingual programs. Typically, programs are in English and Spanish or English and another language. These programs are of obvious benefit to children who speak another language, but they’re also beneficial to children who don’t because they provide all children a richer opportunity to develop language skills including sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar.

A culturally diverse Brookline preschool program is not just about language however, it’s also about celebrating similarities as well as differences. The focus of culturally diverse programs includes languages that are spoken, foods that are eaten, toys that are played with, and holidays and unique cultural celebrations.

Activities such as singing songs in other languages, playing musical instruments, eating foods, or reading fairy tales from another country or culture make daycare in Brookline, or a preschool in Brookline lively and interesting places to learn for students. Exposure to different cultures through attending a preschool in Brookline that offers programs and the diversity of the students themselves serve children well in the long run, giving them the skills to flourish in the increasingly culturally diverse world around them.

Jane Bartlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/how-culturally-diverse-preschool-programs-benefit-young-children-698575.html

Do you find yourself doing thing in front of your children that to you seems to be normal but is not normal to other people.

Quarrelling in front of your children

Are you quarrelling in front of your children in different situations such as when you are home, in the car, when you are shopping or at a restaurant?

You are teaching your children because you feel and it is alright to vent your feeling out in public no matter who it hurts.

Hurtful names in front of your children

Are you calling hurtful names in front of your children hoping to hurt your mate emotional so they will know how it feel to get hurt and the children is in the room will you are doing this.

Later on your children will call you the same names because they will think that it is acceptable.

Do you find yourself blaming the other

Do you find yourself blaming your mate in front of the children because of the difficulties you have with spending money.

In blaming your mate for what happening you teach your children to be a victim and to blame others for what it is happening in their life without taking their responsibility.

Disappointed in your mate

Do you show that you are disappointed in your mate in front of your children and verbally or physically express this in front of your children?

Talking bad in front

Do you find yourself talking bad saying hurtful thing in front of the children when your mate has left the room because you feel that it is easier than if your mate was standing in front for that would create more confrontation.

Throwing things

Do you find when you get upset in front of your children you throw things at your mate even if it is a little thing.

Screaming

Are you a person when you get upset even in front of your children you screaming but you do not realize that you are screaming?

Being inconsistent

Do you find that you are inconsistent with things you say and do in front of your children if yes you are giving a wrong message to your children?

Your children needs guidance that will carry them in to a better relationship when they grow up and when you are saying one thing and doing another you leave the children with a feeling of insecurity.

Scaring your mate

Do you find yourself scaring your mate with your outburst of anger in front of your children and is this what you want as an outcome.

This attitude changes your children history for the future and how they see or believe what a relationship is about.

Verbally aggressive

Are you verbally aggressive to your mate in front of your children and they are not so sure how to behave because they do not know if they are next.

Do you find the way your mate talk to you triggers feeling in you that you find difficult to control and your behaviour is affecting your children because most of the time it is happening in front of them.

Not listening

If you feel that the only way to get your point across because you do not feel that your mate is listening to what you have to say screaming in front of your children is not the way to go because you are teaching them that about how to conduct themselves in a relationship when they do not feel heard.

Time out

Know that when you are emotionally charge you may not be thinking logically of what to say, how to form the right words to your mate in front of the children so it is better a time out so both of you can resume the conversation without the children around.

Conclusion: How you behave in front of your children affects them in either a positive or negative way and changes how they perceive the world and how they will behave in their relationships.

Francis Hosein
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-are-you-behaving-in-front-of-your-children-699412.html

By far the most common type of injury accident involving children are those that also involve motor vehicle collisions. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents.

This means that on any given day nearly 700 children are harmed due to accidents on our roadways. Of the 250,000 kids injured each year, approximately 2,000 die from their injuries. Children make up about 5% of total fatalities due to car accidents. In fact, for children between the ages of 2 and 14, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death.

Car accidents are also the leading cause of acquired disability (e.g., brain injury, paralysis, etc.) for children nationwide. And approximately 20% of the children who die in a car accident each year are killed in accidents involving a driver who is legally intoxicated. Nearly half of these children were killed while riding as passengers in an automobile driven by an intoxicated driver.

The failure to wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat is a contributing factor in more than half of the cases involving children who die in car accidents. Not only is an unrestrained child a potential distraction to the driver of the vehicle, but also the failure to wear a seat belt dramatically increases the chance that a child will suffer much more serious injury and death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 72% of the 3,500 observed child vehicle safety restraints were being used incorrectly. When that happens, the risk that the child will suffer an injury or more severe injury rises even more. NHTSA estimates that a properly installed and used child safety seat lowers a child’s risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4.

Every state requires the use of approved child safety seats for children under the age of 5. According to NCSA there is only a 90% compliance rate with respect to using approved safety seats for children under this age. Notably, a recent study found that a key factor influencing the increased risk of harm to children in accidents is when the child is prematurely moved from a child restraint system up to an adult seat and then allowed to sit in the front seat too soon (source: Partners for Child Passenger Safety Fact and Trend Report, 2006.)

Christopher Davis
http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/children-car-accidents-the-alarming-statistics-695796.html

When planning Christmas games for young children, the options are endless. Make sure you provide room to run, do a little planning and the kids are sure to have a good time.

Let’s start with a few relay race ideas. Begin with a candy cane relay. Give each team 4 candy canes (and be sure to have a few more in case some break) and have the child who’s running hold the candy canes between their fingers, with the crooked part of the cane hanging over their fingers. But tell them not to use their thumbs. The canes should be just carefully perched between their fingers.

The children run to their teammate, exchange the candy canes (again, only using fingers), and that teammate runs to the other end and does the same. The game is over when only one team still has candy canes that haven’t dropped on the floor.

Another fun relay that kids love is pass the ornament. In this game, each team gets one ornament (a lightweight, basic thin glass one is fine) and a straw. They must blow through the straw to get the ornament down the line, then the next child blows on their straw to get the ornament back down the line. Make sure each child has a fresh straw, as you don’t want everyone to get sick.

This next simple relay game can be played with just about anything that signifies Christmas. You could have the children pass a Santa hat (perhaps requiring them to wear the hat as they run down the line) or have them wear Christmas socks that they then have to take off and get to the next child during the relay.

“Santa Says” is a fun game that all children will know how to play because it’s just like “Simon Says”. Before playing it, confirm that each child is familiar with “Simon Says” and then create a series of orders from “Santa”, like “Santa says, touch your toes”, “Santa says bend your knees” and so on. But sometimes leave the “Santa says” part off and trick the children. Always a popular game!

Young children love the “freeze dance” which is often played in preschool and kindergarten. Only in this game, you create a Christmas freeze dance: here you play some Christmas music, let the children do a little dance, then turn the music off and the children must “freeze”. If there will be several sit-down games played at the party, this is a great way to let the children use some energy before they have to sit down and focus on the other games.

Young children can play the “clue” game as long as the questions are kept to their knowledge of various things surrounding Christmas. The game is played like this: the teacher gives a series of clues about something Christmas related and keeps giving clues until someone shouts out the answer. It might go something like this:

Answer: Santa’s sleigh
Clue: I’m thinking of something big
Clue: It helps Santa on Christmas Eve
Clue: It holds a lot of presents
Clue: It’s very fast

You keep giving clues until he children figure out the answer. Since these are young children, don’t give clues that are too difficult or beyond their knowledge.

Kids love toss games, so why not create a snowball toss game at Frosty’s belly? Get or make a large cardboard cutout of Frosty the Snowman and cut a hole in his stomach. You can create snowballs out of several things. Take plastic bags and put mini marshmallows inside, or use Styrofoam balls. If you use the latter, don’t make the children throw the “snowballs” very far since the Styrofoam won’t go that far. Have the children stand a distance back from Frosty (you can determine this depending on the age of the children and space you have available) and have them toss the snowballs into Frosty’s tummy. First one to get all 3 snowballs in the tummy wins a prize!

Christina Marks
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/christmas-party-games-young-children-693512.html

Wedding favors are an important part of the wedding experience. They are a way to express appreciation to all of your guests for taking the time to support you on your special day. A carefully chosen favor is also a great way to tie into your wedding theme. Because you are purchasing a gift for each of the guests at your wedding, price is also a consideration. If you are having a large wedding with many guests, this can add up quickly.

If you decide to invite children to your wedding you may want to choose a favor that will appeal to them in particular. Fortunately, there are so many choices available when choosing wedding favors that you can easily find something that appeals both to children and adults alike. What are some ideas for favors that are fun for children, yet special for adults?

Photo Memories

All children love to have their picture taken, and most relish the idea of having a special responsibility. Consider leaving plenty of disposable cameras lying around to capture candid shots. While this is not a new idea for weddings, to really include the children that you have as guests, make sure they, and their parents, know that they are welcome, and even encouraged, to use the cameras. Something about weddings brings out the stuffy adult in many people, so hand out cameras specifically to children, announce that you want a kids-eye view of the event, or come up with some other way to encourage the children at your wedding and reception to take pictures.

By providing cameras for the reception, you open the door for a touching favor many people love, which is a miniature photograph album. The miniature album, which will typically hold around 40 four by six pictures, is the perfect favor for children. They can put their own pictures in it, and you can send along copies of any cute candids that you get. Miniature photograph albums making a special wedding favor for both children and their parents.

Edible Favors

Kids love treats, and tiny treats are even better. Personalized mints or chocolate candies such as Hershey’s Kisses, loose or in a special tin, make a fun treat for parents and their children. In fact, many kids will get just as much enjoyment out of a small mint tin or basket as they will the candy that was inside. Most wrappers can be personalized with the bride and groom’s names, the date of the wedding and even the wedding’s color theme. Edible favors can also be certain mixes of cocoa or tea to be enjoyed after the event.

Bookmarks

If you are hosting a large reception, or your budget is tight, bookmarks are affordable and fun favors. Children, in particular, enjoy the idea of their own bookmark. Parents can utilize this favor as well. Using bookmarks engraved with scripture, line of poetry or even a simple, “Thank you for sharing the day with us,” will make children and their parents feel appreciated for attending this special occasion.

Tote Bags

Children universally seem to love to sort and pack. Loading up their treasures in a box or bag is one way that many children spend their time. Tote bags are a wonderful favor, especially if you are expecting many out of town families or are hosting a destination wedding. The tote itself makes an excellent favor, but adding information about the area, a coloring book and crayons and a bottle of bubbles can make this wedding favor a favorite for families with children.

Soaps and Bath Favors

Children love anything tiny, and the tiny soaps or bottles of shower gels that are available as wedding favors are a real treat for young children and parents alike. Many of the small containers or bars come in appealing packaging, such as small wooden boxes or tiny plastic bathtubs. An overall wedding theme can be extended into soap and bath favors, such as with a fall themed wedding. Bath favors are available in fall themes in the form of leaf-shaped soaps. These cute and practical favors are guaranteed to be popular with the guests at your party.

No matter what type of favors you choose, picking something that appeals to the children at your reception is sure to make you popular with both adults and youngsters. Many couples, even those who invite children to their wedding, present a no nonsense attitude about the wedding and reception. While it is understandable that you want your wedding and reception to be an enjoyable event, the majority of these celebrations are not geared toward children. Choosing favors which appeal to children is a wonderfully thoughtful way of letting both parent and child know that they are appreciated for attending.

Arianna Jordan
http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/memorable-wedding-favors-for-children-and-parents-691537.html