Parenting Tweens
- Picking a Career
- Dog Bite Prevention Tips
- Break Out the Books This Summer
- Beat the Heat this Summer
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame
- Video Game Ratings Guide
- The Headache Child
- April Showers Bring May Flowers
- Tips for Tweens With Allergies
- Games for the Mind
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Kids go through phases when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up. Here are the hottest jobs for the tween set right now.
Remember when you asked your daughter at age 3 what she wanted to be when she grew up? Did she say a ballerina or a teacher? How about the boys out there at age 3. If they are like mine, they wanted to be a fireman or an army soldier.
Obviously things change as kids get older, and so do their tastes in jobs. Some of this is because they realize just how dangerous some jobs really are, or how hard it is to make a dream a reality. For whatever reason, your child may go through 10 to 20 different occupations before graduating from high school.
Just for fun, here is a list of careers that are popular among the tween set these days, taken by a neighborhood poll. While some of these occupations seem sensible, don't fret when your child changes his mind to something different in a year or two (or a month or two!).
Girls
As a parent, it is important to encourage your tween's creativity and ambitions, even when they change. If you can get them involved in their interests through classes or programs, go for it! My advice is to not give them unrealistic encouragement, but rather gentle and loving support, and just enjoy where they are now with what they want to be later.
Obviously things change as kids get older, and so do their tastes in jobs. Some of this is because they realize just how dangerous some jobs really are, or how hard it is to make a dream a reality. For whatever reason, your child may go through 10 to 20 different occupations before graduating from high school.
Just for fun, here is a list of careers that are popular among the tween set these days, taken by a neighborhood poll. While some of these occupations seem sensible, don't fret when your child changes his mind to something different in a year or two (or a month or two!).
Girls
- Actress
- Singer
- Veterinarian
- Teacher
- Model/Fashion Designer
- Chef
- Web Designer
- Professional Sports Player
- Mechanic
- Business Owner
- Artist
As a parent, it is important to encourage your tween's creativity and ambitions, even when they change. If you can get them involved in their interests through classes or programs, go for it! My advice is to not give them unrealistic encouragement, but rather gentle and loving support, and just enjoy where they are now with what they want to be later.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
With summer well under way, tweens are spending much more time outdoors. Here are some tips for keeping them safe around neighborhood dogs, and even your own pet.
It can be a rather traumatic experience, if your tween happens to get bit by a dog. The best measure is to try and avoid a dog bite from happening in the first place. Prepare your child ahead of time on how to handle situations when a dog is running loose in your neighborhood, so if the situation ever occurs, he knows how to handle it properly. These tips can also work with your family pet.
Resource: Virginia Department of Health (1-800-732-8333).
- Do not approach wandering or unfamiliar dogs.
- Avoid running passed a dog. This gets him excited for a chase.
- Roll into a ball and lie very still, if knocked over by a dog.
- Report the incidence of a stray dog to the local authorities to have the dog removed.
- Do not stare a dog in the eyes.
- Always ask the owner of a dog if you can pet him before reaching out your hand.
- Avoid trying to play with a dog who is sleeping, eating, or fixated on a toy or other object.
- Do not try to pet puppies when the mother is caring for them. She is very protective over her pups.
Resource: Virginia Department of Health (1-800-732-8333).
Break Out the Books This Summer
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
If you want your tween to read this summer vacation, here are some tips for making the task fun...not painful.
Some kids are natural readers...others are not. Summer vacation is a good time to let your tween relax with some good reading, even if he is not aware that it can be fun. Here are some tips I find useful for getting my boys to want to read without being told.
~ Let your child pick out the books he wants to read. Nothing is worse than mom or dad picking out books, and expecting your child to read what you like. If your tween has options and can make his own decisions, he will feel more excited about reading.
~ Grab the suggested reading list that most libraries offer. To make choosing books easier, give your child the suggested reading list that is appropriate for his age, and let him use that as a guide. These are books that most kids his age have checked out in the past and raved about.
~ Make reading a casual event during the summer. Placing strict rules about when your tween has to read turns the love of reading into a task. Let your child decide when he wants to read, and let him read wherever he wants, such as in his room, outside, or on the couch.
Here are some great articles about reading here on Suite101:
Popular Book Series for Tweens
Implement a Summer Reading Program
Independent Reading
~ Let your child pick out the books he wants to read. Nothing is worse than mom or dad picking out books, and expecting your child to read what you like. If your tween has options and can make his own decisions, he will feel more excited about reading.
~ Grab the suggested reading list that most libraries offer. To make choosing books easier, give your child the suggested reading list that is appropriate for his age, and let him use that as a guide. These are books that most kids his age have checked out in the past and raved about.
~ Make reading a casual event during the summer. Placing strict rules about when your tween has to read turns the love of reading into a task. Let your child decide when he wants to read, and let him read wherever he wants, such as in his room, outside, or on the couch.
Here are some great articles about reading here on Suite101:
Popular Book Series for Tweens
Implement a Summer Reading Program
Independent Reading
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Getting too overheated poses a serious threat to your health, even if you are a young, healthy child. Keep your tween safe when the temperatures rise with these tips.
It has been unbearable lately with temperatures rising to the 100s in Richmond, VA. I know many parts of the US have been experiencing this extreme heat. If you have kids, they probably want to run around outside, not knowing the risks that accompany severely hot weather. Use these tips to keep your tween safe when romping outside.
Water Bottle Tip
Have him carry a water bottle at all times. To get the most mileage out of a water bottle, try filling it all the way up with ice first, and then add the water. This will keep the water colder longer.
Take a Break Tip
Let your child play outside 15 to 30 minutes, and then come inside for a long cold drink. Do this throughout the day, and he should stay well hydrated even while playing in hot weather. Also keep your freezer loaded with freeze pops. Kids love them!
Water Games Tip
Set up some fun water games to play outside. A water slide, swimming pool, and water gun battle are loads of fun, and keeping wet keeps your cooler.
Skip Going Outside Tip
Come up with some fun games and things to do inside when the weather is scorching. Rent a movie (you can rent them right on your computer to watch at places like NetFlix and Blockbuster), subscribe to a new computer game at places like iWin or Addicting Games. There's plenty you can do with your child when it's too hot to go outside.
Water Bottle Tip
Have him carry a water bottle at all times. To get the most mileage out of a water bottle, try filling it all the way up with ice first, and then add the water. This will keep the water colder longer.
Take a Break Tip
Let your child play outside 15 to 30 minutes, and then come inside for a long cold drink. Do this throughout the day, and he should stay well hydrated even while playing in hot weather. Also keep your freezer loaded with freeze pops. Kids love them!
Water Games Tip
Set up some fun water games to play outside. A water slide, swimming pool, and water gun battle are loads of fun, and keeping wet keeps your cooler.
Skip Going Outside Tip
Come up with some fun games and things to do inside when the weather is scorching. Rent a movie (you can rent them right on your computer to watch at places like NetFlix and Blockbuster), subscribe to a new computer game at places like iWin or Addicting Games. There's plenty you can do with your child when it's too hot to go outside.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Not much could be more exciting than taking your tween to a Major League Baseball game this summer. Here are some tips for making it enjoyable for everyone!
My son's favorite baseball team is the Washington Nationals. He has had the opportunity to see them play at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC, and is very anxious to see them play in their new field, The Nationals Park, this year. If you are planning to take your tween to a Major League Baseball game this summer, here are some things I found helpful for making the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Set Rules on Money Ahead of Time
One thing we found to be overwhelming was all the things you could spend money on in the park, including food, souveneirs, and programs. It would be helpful to set a limit on how much your child can spend on these items ahead of time, and stick to your "game plan."
Bring the Sunscreen
If you are attending a day game, don't forget the sunscreen! This is something some folks might not think about when packing for the game, but three hours in the sun can be very harmful, not to mention feeling bad that night when you go to bed.
Don't Forget the Camera
If you are like our family, seeing a Major League Baseball game doesn't happen very often, so having a digital camera is a huge asset. It helps capture memories that will last a lifetime. You can even make a separate scrapbook just for this special occasion, so your tween will have it forever.
Activities are Necessary
Kids, and some adults, tend to get bored watching a baseball game, if the score is low. It wouldn't hurt to have a few things to keep your tween busy for these times. One thing I like to have is a printable scorecard that lets my boys keep track of the game.
Set Rules on Money Ahead of Time
One thing we found to be overwhelming was all the things you could spend money on in the park, including food, souveneirs, and programs. It would be helpful to set a limit on how much your child can spend on these items ahead of time, and stick to your "game plan."
Bring the Sunscreen
If you are attending a day game, don't forget the sunscreen! This is something some folks might not think about when packing for the game, but three hours in the sun can be very harmful, not to mention feeling bad that night when you go to bed.
Don't Forget the Camera
If you are like our family, seeing a Major League Baseball game doesn't happen very often, so having a digital camera is a huge asset. It helps capture memories that will last a lifetime. You can even make a separate scrapbook just for this special occasion, so your tween will have it forever.
Activities are Necessary
Kids, and some adults, tend to get bored watching a baseball game, if the score is low. It wouldn't hurt to have a few things to keep your tween busy for these times. One thing I like to have is a printable scorecard that lets my boys keep track of the game.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
If you are confused about the ratings on video games, take a look at this guide to answer some of your questions.
Video games are an embedded part of our children's lives. With all the games available for purchase, and all the different ratings given to games, it is no wonder that parents stand there confused about what to let their child play. Use this handy guide to explain the ratings, so you can decide if a game is right for your child.
ESRB (something you see on every video game case) stands for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. These are the guys that review and rate the content on each and every video game on all gaming systems across the board, from Playstation to XBox 360, and others.
eC - Early Childhood: Should have nothing that is inappropriate for any age. These games are recommended for children ages 3 and up.
E - Everyone: Could have some minimal violence and very mild language. These games are recommended for children ages 6 and up.
E10+ - Everyone 10 and older: Likely contains cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language, and possible suggestive themes. These games are recommended for children aged 10 and up.
T - Teen: High levels of violence and/or language, strong suggestive themes, along with crude humor and simulated gambling. These games are recommended for children 13 and up.
M - Mature: Likely contains sexual behavior, abusive language, and bloody violence. Must be 17 or over to purchase with ID.
Ao - Adults Only: Likely contains graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and nudity. Must be 18 or over to purchase with ID.
It is your discretion as the parent what you want your child to view on screen. Just because a rating system suggests something, does not necessarily mean the content is acceptable based on family values. A parent should always be involved in the purchase of video games, especially with younger children.
ESRB (something you see on every video game case) stands for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. These are the guys that review and rate the content on each and every video game on all gaming systems across the board, from Playstation to XBox 360, and others.
eC - Early Childhood: Should have nothing that is inappropriate for any age. These games are recommended for children ages 3 and up.
E - Everyone: Could have some minimal violence and very mild language. These games are recommended for children ages 6 and up.
E10+ - Everyone 10 and older: Likely contains cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language, and possible suggestive themes. These games are recommended for children aged 10 and up.
T - Teen: High levels of violence and/or language, strong suggestive themes, along with crude humor and simulated gambling. These games are recommended for children 13 and up.
M - Mature: Likely contains sexual behavior, abusive language, and bloody violence. Must be 17 or over to purchase with ID.
Ao - Adults Only: Likely contains graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and nudity. Must be 18 or over to purchase with ID.
It is your discretion as the parent what you want your child to view on screen. Just because a rating system suggests something, does not necessarily mean the content is acceptable based on family values. A parent should always be involved in the purchase of video games, especially with younger children.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Headaches are no fun, and with the spring in full bloom, it is more likely that headaches can occur in kids. Do you have a "headache child"?
I, unfortunately, suffer from migraines, sinus headaches, tension headaches...you name it. What is even more unfortunate is the fact that one of my sons suffer from headaches as well. I have been dubbed a "headache person" by more than one doctor, and I would hate to think that any of my kids would have to go through headache pain, too.
Here are some interesting facts that I found through a TopHealth Newsletter (October 2007). Since half the battle of helping headaches is knowing what may be causing them, I try to use this list and its suggestions to help myself and my 11-year-old son deal with the pain. I want to pass these suggestions on to you.
Stress is a major headache trigger. One usually develops "tension headaches" with stress, and kids are victims as well as adults. Daily exercise can help with stress and, thus, lower your chances for developing a headache.
Too much television, computer, and reading can cause headaches. This type of headache is usually temporary and can be relieved by simply giving your eyes a break from the constant staring.
What you eat can cause a headache. The big culprits are caffeine, chocolate, anything containing MSG (usually found in Chinese foods), as well as citrus fruits. Lower the amount of soda and candy your tween is allowed to consume, and headaches may be a thing of the past.
Sitting for a long period of time can cause tension on your shoulders and give you a headache. Be sure to take regular breaks, and suggest to your tween that she take study breaks as well to stretch.
Too much sleep, as well as too little can cause headaches. Set a routine bedtime and wake up time to tackle this problem.
Here are some interesting facts that I found through a TopHealth Newsletter (October 2007). Since half the battle of helping headaches is knowing what may be causing them, I try to use this list and its suggestions to help myself and my 11-year-old son deal with the pain. I want to pass these suggestions on to you.
Stress is a major headache trigger. One usually develops "tension headaches" with stress, and kids are victims as well as adults. Daily exercise can help with stress and, thus, lower your chances for developing a headache.
Too much television, computer, and reading can cause headaches. This type of headache is usually temporary and can be relieved by simply giving your eyes a break from the constant staring.
What you eat can cause a headache. The big culprits are caffeine, chocolate, anything containing MSG (usually found in Chinese foods), as well as citrus fruits. Lower the amount of soda and candy your tween is allowed to consume, and headaches may be a thing of the past.
Sitting for a long period of time can cause tension on your shoulders and give you a headache. Be sure to take regular breaks, and suggest to your tween that she take study breaks as well to stretch.
Too much sleep, as well as too little can cause headaches. Set a routine bedtime and wake up time to tackle this problem.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Gardening is such a great hobby for tweens. It is a way to teach them about this fun activity and give them a feeling of accomplishment to see the fruits of their labor.
April showers had better bring May flowers with as much rain as we have received in Virginia so far this month. I can certainly tell you one thing...the ground is soft, which makes gardening a lot easier. One my oldest son has the job of cutting the grass each week on our riding lawn mower, and I am about to get my two other boys into planting a garden of their own. They will cultivate it and see what grows.
If you are interested in having your tween start a garden, but aren't sure where to start, take a look at some of these great articles that can be found right here on Suite101.
Gardening With Kids - A list of fun crafts to help spruce up their garden site.
Gardening Keeps Kids Healthy - An article about the benefits of gardening with kids.
Kids' Gardening Projects - Simple ways young children can grow things.
Five Fun Flowers for Kids Garden - Kid-friendly flowers that are easy to grow.
A Childs Garden - An aritcle with ideas for gardening with kids.
Gardening Lesson Plan - Teaches the basics of gardening with facts, activities, and resources.
Happy planting!
If you are interested in having your tween start a garden, but aren't sure where to start, take a look at some of these great articles that can be found right here on Suite101.
Gardening With Kids - A list of fun crafts to help spruce up their garden site.
Gardening Keeps Kids Healthy - An article about the benefits of gardening with kids.
Kids' Gardening Projects - Simple ways young children can grow things.
Five Fun Flowers for Kids Garden - Kid-friendly flowers that are easy to grow.
A Childs Garden - An aritcle with ideas for gardening with kids.
Gardening Lesson Plan - Teaches the basics of gardening with facts, activities, and resources.
Happy planting!
Tips for Tweens With Allergies
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Springtime is allergy time. If your tween suffers from allergies, consider these facts and tips for making life more comfortable this season.
My kids are prone to springtime allergies, just as I am. My 9-year-old is particularly susceptible to them, as he just has to look at grass and he gets hives. Here are some amazing facts I learned about allergies, and things that can be done to lessen their effects.
Pollen
If pollen brings on the allergies for your child consider having him wash his hair at night. This will remove any buildup he has gotten throughout the day and prevents it from getting on his pillow when he is sleeping.
When to Take Antihistamine
If you know your child gets allergies this time of year, don't wait for them to occur. Taking an antihistamine before the allergies start can help lessen them, or even prevent them in mild cases. Check witih your pediatrician or family doctor about what your child should take, and when he should start a routine.
Dust Mites AwayThose pesky little bugs that you can't even see with your human eye can cause all sorts of allergy trouble in your tween. Want to make them go away? Place area rugs in your home outside in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight kills the dust mites. Shake them off before bringing the rugs back inside.
I hope these tips, that I found quite interesting and useful, will help your tween fare springtime allergies this year!
Pollen
If pollen brings on the allergies for your child consider having him wash his hair at night. This will remove any buildup he has gotten throughout the day and prevents it from getting on his pillow when he is sleeping.
When to Take Antihistamine
If you know your child gets allergies this time of year, don't wait for them to occur. Taking an antihistamine before the allergies start can help lessen them, or even prevent them in mild cases. Check witih your pediatrician or family doctor about what your child should take, and when he should start a routine.
Dust Mites AwayThose pesky little bugs that you can't even see with your human eye can cause all sorts of allergy trouble in your tween. Want to make them go away? Place area rugs in your home outside in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight kills the dust mites. Shake them off before bringing the rugs back inside.
I hope these tips, that I found quite interesting and useful, will help your tween fare springtime allergies this year!
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Tweens like to play games. Here are my kids top picks for fun games that actually teach them at the same time. Go figure!
We have been playing Family Feud online a lot. It is fun, and my three boys have been enjoying it immensely. Tweens like to play games, so I decided to play my version of Family Feud with you. I surveyed three boys and the top five answers are on the board. Here's the question:
What games do kids between the ages of 9 and 14 like to play that also teach?
Top Answer: The Invention Game. This game not only teaches about inventions, but includes some of the wackiest things ever created. One of my favorite quotes is, "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. patent office, 1899.
Number 2: World Wise European Card Game. Learn about world geography while playing a fast-action card game. You get wild cards and super wild cards, so everyone playing has a chance to win, no matter how much you already know about the subject.
Number 3: Big Brain. This is a fun and interactive game that probes into your critical thinking skills in the areas of computing, identifying, memorizing, and more. You play as teams and win medals for correct answers.
Number 4: Typo Word Building Game. This is a vocabulary building game that is actually fun for the whole family to play. Players get cards that help them be able to build words. Sometimes you get to use your cards, sometimes not. The first player to use all of their cards wins.
Number 5: Quarto. This game is designed for tweens to adults. It is a critical thinking game that involves strategic planning. The object is to build a line of four objects that have something in common before your opponent does it.
What educational games do your kids like to play? Let us know by posting a discussion!
What games do kids between the ages of 9 and 14 like to play that also teach?
Top Answer: The Invention Game. This game not only teaches about inventions, but includes some of the wackiest things ever created. One of my favorite quotes is, "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. patent office, 1899.
Number 2: World Wise European Card Game. Learn about world geography while playing a fast-action card game. You get wild cards and super wild cards, so everyone playing has a chance to win, no matter how much you already know about the subject.
Number 3: Big Brain. This is a fun and interactive game that probes into your critical thinking skills in the areas of computing, identifying, memorizing, and more. You play as teams and win medals for correct answers.
Number 4: Typo Word Building Game. This is a vocabulary building game that is actually fun for the whole family to play. Players get cards that help them be able to build words. Sometimes you get to use your cards, sometimes not. The first player to use all of their cards wins.
Number 5: Quarto. This game is designed for tweens to adults. It is a critical thinking game that involves strategic planning. The object is to build a line of four objects that have something in common before your opponent does it.
What educational games do your kids like to play? Let us know by posting a discussion!