More Effort = More Fun?

It’s hard to think about work as it’s own reward… but it’s an idea that makes a lot of sense. Work well done leads to the kind of self esteem that comes from confidence and knowledge that we can take care of ourselves.

So many of us struggle to balance conflicting responsibilities — work, home, kids, social, spiritual — that keeping regular exercise prioritized in our schedules can be a challenge.

Can this be the answer? Enjoy.

 

P.S.  Happy Birthday, USMC.

USE ANOTHER WORD

by Esther Jantzen, guest poster

 This game can be played anywhere, anytime, for as long as it feels fun! It’s good when you are driving in the car, walking to school, eating supper, reading together, or just relaxing. It’s a synonym game. A synonym is another word for something. For instance, “lad” is a synonym for “boy.” Learning new synonyms can really build a child’s vocabulary rapidly!

Here are some ways to play this synonym game:

1) When you are reading a book to a child and come across a word for a feeling like “happy” or “sad,” see if you or the child can think of another word that means the same thing like “joyful” or “tearful.” 

2) When you are driving or walking, see how many words you and the children can think of to describe actions that some animal might do. For example, if you see a dog running on a sidewalk, ask, “What is another word for “run”? Some possibilities might be “sprint,” “dash,” “lope, “jog,” or “scamper.”

3) Say to your child, “I’m thinking of another word for ___. Can you guess what it is?” For example  “I’m thinking of another word for “fast.” Can you guess what it is?” The answer might be “speedy, “quick”, “swift,” or “rapid.” It’s fine to give hints like, “The word I’m thinking of rhymes with _____ “or “It starts with…” 

4) When you’re watching television or listening to the radio, pick some word you hear and see if you can find a few different ways to say it (during a commercial, of course).

 

Esther Jantzen, Ed.D, is a mother, an educator and the author of Plus It! How to Easily Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Adventures for Kids available at www.plusitbook.com and the Way to Go! Family Learning Journal available through www.jantzenbooks.com

Is Your Daughter a Bully?

That’s not a question too many parents ask.  But bullying may be on your daughter’s mind.  You might be able to steer to some good information (for bullies and for victims) by directing her this quiz    http://www.girlshealth.gov/bullying/quizzes/quiz.bullying.cfm    on the Girls’ Health site sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The site is dedicated to helping girls between the ages of 10 and 16 make healthy, positive choices.  In addition to bullying, topics include health, fitness, relationships, substance abuse prevention, nutrition and the future.

The site gives girls reliable information about the issues and pressures many of them encounter as they become young women. 

Many teens are unaware that giving someone the silent treatment, calling names, gossiping or texting to spread rumors are all forms of bullying.  Taking the quiz together may be a great way to open a conversation – to find out what your daughters think and how they feel about victims and perpetrators.  How do they relate to those who are different?  Those who may be less popular or less powerful?

The Girls Health tagline is “Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be You. Beautiful.” Imagine a site devoted to showing our daughters that being themselves is what makes women truly beautiful!