Halloween Fun – Messy but Fun

FROM the book

201 THINGS TO DO WHEN CHILDREN SAY I’M BORED!

Idea # 123 SPOOKY SAM

Have children sit in a circle blindfolded. Repeat the Spooky Sam story below while passing each object around the circle. Tell the children it’s okay to react but it’s not okay to tell what the object is lest they spoil the surprise for others.

“Spooky Sam passed away so we brought his body here today. Here comes pieces of his teeth. (pieces of chalk)

“Now, don’t be shy. Here’s comes his eye.” (grape)

“You don’t suppose, this was Sam’s nose?” (piece of a hot dog)

“Please don’t linger. Here’s comes his finger.” (carrot or pickle)

“Better beware, this was Sam’s hair.” (cooked spaghetti)

“I know this sounds grim, but this was once inside him,” (Jello)

Finish the game by having the children guess what each part of Spooky Sam was.

Go to www.201thingstodo.com to download a copy of the book, or get a soft cover edition because the book is not just a checklist. It’s also a shared family journal. A future keepsake that your children will appreciate when they are older.

Preserve childhood memories!

It's also a journal!

The “Ask the COWCATCHER” Game

The COWCATCHER

Give me a Q and I’ll give you an A!

Here it is – a new game for the fans of 201 Things to Do When Children Say I’M BORED! The Checklist and Journal for Busy Families.

If you want to suggest a title for this activity, please leave a comment. Naturally, I will give you credit (or if you wish, a free book).

SO – here’s how it goes:

• Find an advice column from Reader’s Digest, any woman’s magazine, a newsletter or newspaper.
• Read out load the QUESTION, the “Dear Abby” portion only. Do not read the ANSWER.
• Have everyone write down their response.
• Read all the responses including the columnist’s.
• Ask players to vote on which response is the best, and which response belongs to which player.
• If you only have two people playing this game, read the QUESTION and ask the other player to predict the ANSWER.
• Give points for creativity or for predicting the columnist’s ANSWER.

Wouldn’t it be huge fun to post the results for others to read?  SEND COMMENTS. Twitters, I’d love to have you retweet this post.

Have fun!

Mean Moms

You're Fired!

“Mom, I HATE YOU!” When you child says these words, it may actually be a sign you’re doing something right.

I have to agree with Valerie Frankel who wrote the article in this month’s Good Housekeeping magazine, OCT 09, p.111.

When your kid give you a red card or “fires” you, be confident. You’re on the right track. If you have a parenting style that brings on cries of “You’re so mean!” then you should be proud. Children need boundaries whether they like them or not and parents need to establish codes of acceptable behavior. Sure, it’s tempting to be the nice parent and avoid temper tantrums, but I’m convinced a couple of temper tantrums are well worth the aggravation. Once a parent establishes herself or himself as the authority, the child, believe it or not, will come to appreciate a much-needed sense of security.

TODAY’S BEST ADVICE: Do not put your child’s happiness above your moral obligation to set healthy boundaries. Do not let children grow up thinking their happiness is the priority. Ask any teacher. They’ll tell you which student lives in a home wherein their happiness is the priority.

DO NOT BECOME YOUR CHILD’S BFF. The last time I had to be the tough parent, I had to take away my daughter’s car keys. She was in a rage about something (who can remember what) and I forced her to give me her keys so she could not “get away from me.” She even argued that some space would do her some good. I disagreed. I knew that driving while in a rage might lead to a disaster. I take my parenting seriously and suffered through the evening of her displeasure.

Say it often.

BY THE WAY…The next day I wrote her a letter to explain how much I LOVED HER. I copied pages out of a sappy greeting card booklet, added my own notes and tape the pages all over her mirror, her door and bed frame. She had no choice but to see the evidence of my love. Now that things have settled down seven years later, I’m thinking I’ve instilled in her at least one parenting skill I call “Let ‘em Hate You.”

Books to Heal Back-to-School Jitters

Back to school can cause feelings of both excitement and nervousness. No matter what age your student is, back-to-school jitters can be alleviated with some good books. You might want to add a quick trip to the library or bookstore to your list of things to do.

PRESCHOOL: “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. A soothing book for anyone, not just little ones. “Wemberly Worried” and “Owen” by Kevin Henkes. It’s all about the security blanket issue. Classic! “Don’t Go” by Jane Zalban.  Commonsense tips for helping children adjust to preschool.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  “Amelia’s School Survivor’s Guide” by Mirissa Moss. “Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story About Bullying” by Beck McCain. “The Homework Handbook: Practical Advice You Can Use Tonight to Help Your Child Succeed Tomorrow” by Harriet Cholden.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: “The Middle School Survival Guide” by Arlene Erlbach. It covers it all! “Making the Most of Middle School: A Field Guide for Parents and Others” by Anthony Jackson. Want to understand what makes them tick? Please read “How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Poinst of the Tween Years” by Julie Ross  FUNNY STUFF!!

HIGH SCHOOL:  “High School’s Not Forever” by Jane Bluestein. Real life. “Where Should I Sit at Lunch? The Ultimate 24/7 Guide to Surviving the High School Years” by Harriet Mosatche. More been there done that stories. “When Things Get Crazy with Your Teens: The Why, the HOw and What to do Now” by Mike Bradley.

COLLEGE:  “College in a Can: What’s in Who’s out, Where to, Why not, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Life on Campus” by Harry and Sandra Choron.  Realistic advice. “The Naked Roommate: And 100 Other Issues You might Run Into at College” by Harlan Cohen. Humorous.

Getting (and Keeping) Kids Organized for School

You may or not be an organized person by nature but don’t let that discourage you from putting routines and systems in place to help a child “get it together” for the upcoming school year. Keep in mind, being organized is a life skill that everyone can learn. The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities has compiled a list of strategies that you can use to help your child get — and keep — her life under control.  Hope this helps!

BY THE WAY…to get the COWCATCHER’S ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ONLY newsletters, go to  www.201thingstodo.com.

1.  Use checklists.

Help your child get into the habit of keeping a “to-do” list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores, and reminders about what materials to bring to class. Your child should keep a small pad or notebook dedicated to listing homework assignments. Crossing completed items off the list will give him a sense of accomplishment.

2.  Organize homework assignments.

Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments in the order in which they should be done. She should start with one that’s not too long or difficult, but avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments for last.

3.  Designate a study space.

Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn’t have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies and materials should be nearby. If your young child wants to study with you nearby, too, you’ll be better able to monitor his progress and encourage good study habits.

4.  Set a designated study time.

Your child should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school — most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if she doesn’t have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day’s lessons, read for pleasure, or work on an upcoming project.

5.  Keep organized notebooks.

Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or notebook. This will help him review the material for each day’s classes and to organize the material later to prepare for tests and quizzes. Use dividers to separate class notes, or color-code notebooks. Separate “to do” and “done” folders help organize worksheets, notices, and items to be signed by parents, as well as provide a central place to store completed assignments.

6.  Conduct a weekly cleanup.

Encourage your child to sort through book bags and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a separate file at home.

7.  Create a household schedule.

Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well-rested. Try to limit television-watching and computer play to specific periods of time during the day.

8.  Keep a master calendar.

Keep a large, wall-sized calendar for the household, listing the family’s commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school, and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your child has big exams or due dates for projects. This will help family members keep track of each other’s activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.

9.  Prepare for the day ahead.

Before your child goes to bed, he should pack schoolwork and books in a book bag. The next day’s clothes should be laid out with shoes, socks, and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.

10.  Provide needed support while your child is learning to become more organized.

Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Gently remind her about filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most important, set a good example.

Create a Back to School Tradition

Traditions don’t have to be complex, time-consuming, or expensive. They just have to be right for your family.

From schoolfamily.com

Summer’s End

For these traditions, don’t even think about the word S-C-H-O-O-L.

Last hurrah: Make one last trip to an amusement park, the pool, or other favorite spot.

Movie night: Rent a movie the family can enjoy together. Go for a light comedy. Make popcorn and eat candy. If you’re lucky enough to have a drive-in movie theater in your community, check to see what family-friendly movie is playing.

Game night: Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, Candy Land….Unearth the board games and enjoy an unplugged night at the dinner table, free from the distractions of televisions and computers.

Summer photo session: Spread the summer photos out on the kitchen table and let the kids help you organize them in a special keepsake, such as a photo album, journal, or scrapbook.

Ice-cream outing: It’s an old-fashioned idea and a simple indulgence, but it works. Just going out for ice-cream cones as a family is a treat.

Backyard camping: Pitch a tent, get out the flashlights, and have a night under the stars. Try cooking over a gas stove, telling stories, and roasting marshmallows.

Community service: Do something for others. Spend the day at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or food bank. Or fill a backpack with school supplies for a needy child in your community.

Getting Ready for School

The kids who respond best to these rituals are the ones who are excited for school to begin and welcome the fresh start a new school year brings. We also have some ideas for children who are worried about going back to school.

School supplies shopping spree: For many kids, shopping for just the right school supplies is fun. Set a budget and allow your child to make some choices. Encourage your kids to help you go through sale flyers to find the best prices.

Fashion show: Choosing the right outfit can be important, especially for tween girls. Have a family fashion show. Find something encouraging to say about each outfit your daughter models. For comic relief, show her some of your old school pictures.

School visit: A visit to the school, even if it’s just driving by, is especially helpful for children who are anxious. Most principals will allow families to come in and check out their classroom, desk, cafeteria, and restrooms. Think of as many positive things to say about the school as you can, and assure your child that she will be fine.

Special dinner: The night before school starts, enjoy a family dinner at the kitchen table with no television, texting, or other interruptions. Make something everyone likes, such as pancakes or spaghetti.

Book preview: This is a welcome tradition for kids who struggle with reading. Find out what novel your child will be tackling in school and buy the book, the film, the book on tape, and any other resources to help him enjoy it. Start reading it together the night before school starts so he won’t worry about completing it for class.

Special Touches

These creative ideas help families make the back-to-school season extra special.

Small gifts: An inexpensive gift like a journal, book, or framed photo can make returning to school feel like an occasion worth looking forward to.

Special books: Some books, such as The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, are just right for the first day of school. Or you might choose a beloved book that everyone in the family can enjoy for nostalgia’s sake, such as Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are or a Dr. Seuss classic.

Family photos: This is a popular tradition. Parents take each child’s photo or a group shot just before they head to school, often next to the same tree or other landmark year after year. It’s great to look back on the photos to see how much the kids have grown and how dramatically fashion trends change.

Baked goods: Spend time with your child the day before school starts baking a cake or a batch of cookies. Then, when he returns home from the first day of class, enjoy the treat you baked together while discussing what happened at school.

The 12 days before kindergarten: This is a beloved tradition for parents facing the often-agonizing prospect of sending a child to kindergarten. They do something special every day for 12 days leading up to the first day of school, often recording the activities in a journal or scrapbook. Activities can be as simple as a trip to the library. Or parents hang their child’s book bag in a favorite spot and place a small gift in it each morning, such as a box of crayons or another school supply. This can be adapted for any grade level.

Art box: For younger kids, decorating a large storage box to hold their art work and other school papers can be a happy ritual. The process will get them excited about returning to school so they’ll have something to place in their special box. Once filled, the boxes become cherished treasures.

Letter to my child: Some parents write a letter on the first day of school, which their child can read on the bus or during a free moment at school. Your letter might offer encouragement or point out specific things your child did that made you proud. Consider saving a copy of each year’s letter for your child to reread at high school or college graduation.

For more ideas go to www.201thingstodo.com.

Leaving for College

The end of summer is approaching and we will be packing up our kids and sending them off to college very soon. It is a very stressful time for both parents and children.

Here are some simple ways to stay connected to your children from the author of 201 Things to Do When Children Say I’M BORED!  www.201thingstodo.com

* Use snail mail. Send cards and write letters. Getting mail that matters has become welcome because it’s so rare these days. Use the old post office and send a message from the heart.
* Make your child’s favorite dish and put it in their freezer. They will be delighted on the day they really need it.
* Make a scrapbook filled with pictures to send off to college with your child. They will love having it to show to their new friends, and it will be a wonderful comfort to them on the days when homesickness takes hold.
* Put notes in your child’s pockets as you pack their clothes for college. They will find them for months to come. They may be annoyed, but they will get a chuckle out of it, too!
* Send your child a one-way ticket home. Let them know they always have the means to make their way back home.
* Celebrate their successes over the phone, in an e-mail or surprise them with a visit! Show how proud you are of their accomplishments.
* Send flowers to college. You can add a little “thinking of you” note and let all the roommates try and guess who sent them. Your child will know.

Preserving Summer Memories

Parents never know which gesture, tradition or spur-of-the-moment childhood adventure will become a treasured memory. However, chances are more treasured moments will occur during the summer months when most parents have more time to spend with their children. Embracing the moments of life is one thing, but capturing those moments and turning them into treasured memories is something altogether different.
Here are some ideas (reminders) to help extend the celebration of summer’s meaningful moments, all of which are opportunities to grow your relationships, learn more about each other, laugh out loud, discover new things together, and have TONS of fun. For more ideas and to get the book 201 Things to Do When Children Say I’M BORED! The Checklist and Journal for Busy Families…. go to www.201thingstodo.com

These Are the Days We'll Remember

THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH PHOTOS

Whether your summer memories included a trip to the Disneyland or a dude ranch, wearing costumes to a friend’s birthday party or selling homegrown produce at your local farmer’s market, use these methods to relive the moments.
Scrapbook and Shadow Boxes
Before you begin your project, decide whether you like traditional or digital scrapbooking. Either you’re computer savvy, or you’re not. Either way, you’ll end up at a craft store or on the internet and you must choose a theme. Talk about your favorite summer memories. What was the most fun? What still makes you laugh? What surprised you? Then tailor the project to your child’s interests. If he wants to gather objects that won’t tuck into a book, consider alternate ways to preserve the collection, such as a shadow box he can display on a wall.

Here are a few theme ideas:
All About Me (Us)
Exploring the Great Outdoors
Roadtrips R Us
Somewhere Out There is…
Summer Buddies
A Camper’s Life

Video

Videography has come a long way in the past few decades. Before digital camcorders, home movie buffs had to use VHS camcorders, and before that, 8mm film. Fortunately, smaller cameras are capable of producing clearer images and the whole process of capturing, preserving and enjoying memories is much easier.
SUGGESTION: Schedule and then devote time to putting finishing touches on your videos. At the very least, add labels and some front and back end graphics if you have the software. Don’t make the mistake of putting one person in charge of the project. The fun part is working together.
If you don’t have a video camera, you can create dynamic videos by uploading digital photos onto websites such as animoto.com. Users of Animoto pay a $25 yearly membership fee allowing them to create an unlimited number of videos for one low price. Animoto adds the fancy special effects, graphics and music; however, a project can be remixed if you don’t like their choice. A high-resolution version will cost $5 extra. Animoto is one of many websites offering this service.

Lastly, for a quick and easy way to make a time capsule of your summer vacation, find a large, clean, wide mouth jar such as a mayonnaise jar. Gather ticket stubs, shells, maps, souvenirs, subway tokens, pressed flowers or anything with sentimental value. Be sure to check local regulations if you want to gather natural items, such as fossils, feathers, or plants. If you include photos, write names and dates on the back of images. Place all of your items inside the jar. On brightly colored paper, write a few notes about each event after interviewing family members.
IMPORTANT: Don’t put your scrapbook, photobook, shadow box, DVD or souvenir jar in a drawer. Instead, place it in a prominent place of honor so children can revive their cherished summer memories for many years to come.

Summer Fun

School’s out for the summer, which, for many parents and caretakers, usually means more wails of, “I’m booooored!” from children who just don’t know what to do with their classroomless-days. Here are some suggestions:

* Sign The Child Up For A Summer Class – Whether sports, arts-and-crafts or even a day camp, there surely is something that will pique your child’s interest. Check your local library, school or house of worship for ideas.
* Check Out Your Library’s Summer Reading Program – Many libraries have summer reading programs that have activities, prizes and other event based on your child’s summer reading. Since your child likely has required summer reading for school, these programs are just added incentive to crack open a book.
* Unplug The TV And Computer – Children will park themselves in front of television sets and computers if they have nothing else constructive to do. But both can get addictive, so there’s a point where you should unplug the devices and force the child to find another activity.
* Encourage Play Dates – Encourage your child to invite friends over or go play at another child’s house.
* Have The Child Put Together A Complex Puzzle Or Build A Model – Puzzles and model-building take time, and will fill up a few summer afternoons. Your child will likely want to work through to see the end result. You can even participate, if you’d like.
* Redecorate A Room – If your child’s bedroom or playroom hasn’t been updated in a while, make it a project for both of you to redecorate it. Go shopping for paint, accessories or even just move furniture around for a totally different look.
* Garden – Gardening is another activity that will likely take multiple days, so find a patch of dirt and start planting.
* Volunteer – Bring the child to a local soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity project or another volunteer effort.
* Take Trips Together - Go on day trips or a vacation together, whether local or far away. Just getting out of the house is enough to relieve boredom.
* Have The Child Get A “Job” – Even though it’s likely your child is too young for a work permit, have them do odd jobs around the house and for your neighbors, like mowing the lawn, weeding, dusting or walking dogs. Or go for the summer classic – setting up a lemonade stand.

Tips for a Great STAYcation

With gas prices and travel costs rising, many people opt just to stay home on their vacation time – hence, a “staycation.” But being at home, or close to it, can make it seem like less of a break. Here are ways to ignore the fact that you’re home and enjoy your time off:

* Get All Of Your Errands And Chores Done Ahead Of Time - Wash your clothes, clean the house, shop for groceries, pay your bills and do other essential errands and chores before your staycation begins.
* Make Sure People Know You’re On Vacation - Just because you’re home doesn’t mean people should be bothering you for favors or other menial things. Make sure you reiterate to people that it’s your time off, and you intend to keep it that way.
* Decide What You Want To Do Ahead Of Time – Like a vacation, staycations to involve planning. Think of activities and other things you’d like to do before your staycation starts, so you’re not trying to think of things on your time off and wasting time.
* Create A Vacation Atmosphere – Put fresh, new sheets on your bad, buy some luxurious bath items, add fresh cut flowers and put out a bowl of fruit and some of your favorite magazines. Try sleeping in a different room from where you usually sleep.
* Unplug The Computer And TV - And any other tool or device you wouldn’t normally use on vacation. Don’t worry, your e-mail is not going to disappear, and there’s always TiVo.
* Invite People Over - If you usually visit with people on your vacation, invite some people to spend time with you. Go out to a fun restaurant or local attraction.
* Treat Yourself – Do things you normally wouldn’t do, whether it be eating lobster at a fancy restaurant, getting a spa treatment or indulging in a box of expensive chocolates.
* Do Something Your Normally Can’t Enjoy – Haven’t had time to read that certain book? Never get around to learning some new cooking skills? Now’s the time, because you have the time.
* Get Out Of The House – Don’t just stay home – make sure to get out of the house a bit, or you may go stir-crazy.
* Check Out Local Attractions - Staycations are a great way to stop and smell the roses, as well as experience things around you that you normally don’t notice.