Parenting Tweens
- Storing Summer Stuff
- Back to School Shopping
- The Concept of Spending Money
- 2008 Summer Olympics
- 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
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
If you are like me, you have managed to accumulate summer "stuff" that is overtaking your garage and storage spaces. What can you do with all this stuff?
I'm not talking about just one summer worth of stuff that has grown into bigger and bigger piles of things. I mean we have things like roller skates, inner tubes, water guns, and other things that have been around too long. Much of it are things that my children have even outgrown, but just keep getting stored year after year.
- Before you consider throwing things away just to make room for new summer items next year, why not donate unwanted items that are in good shape to less fortunate kids that will still have a ball with them.
- Resist the urge to store items that are broken and need repair. If you aren't going to fix them right away, then get rid of them. The attitude that, "I will get to that next year," may never really come.
- For the things you are going to store, make sure they are clean and dry before putting them away. It will be a pleasant surprise when you pull them out next summer all fresh and clean.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Many families are gearing up for a new school year right now. Where do you find the supplies and clothes that your tween needs? Take a look at some of these resources.
Parents are beginning to scramble to get all of the back to school items that a middle school child needs. If you are in the midst of a shopping frenzy, you are not alone. With three boys, I definitely want the most for my money. Here are a few resources you might find helpful in your pursuit of back to school shopping.
Frugal Back to School Shopping by Barb Hacker
How to Cut the Cost of School Supplies by Charlina Stewart
Back to School Checklist by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
How to Send Children Back to School Green by Charlina Stewart
Back to School Clothes Shopping by Debbie DeSpirt
Back to School Savings by Denise Oliveri
Believe it or not, these are just a few of the back to school articles here on Suite101! Simply search for "back to school" in the search field above each page, and you will find many more helpful articles.
If you have a tween in middle school this year, here are a few articles to help them prepare now. There are also a few articles for parents wanting to know what middle school will be like.
Peer Relationships: Middle School by Joe Bruzzese
How to Support my Middle Schooler by Joe Bruzzese
Middle School Parent Fears by Joe Bruzzese
Help Your Tween With Study Habits by Denise Oliveri
Parents Involved in Middle School by Denise Oliveri
Happy shopping!
Frugal Back to School Shopping by Barb Hacker
How to Cut the Cost of School Supplies by Charlina Stewart
Back to School Checklist by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
How to Send Children Back to School Green by Charlina Stewart
Back to School Clothes Shopping by Debbie DeSpirt
Back to School Savings by Denise Oliveri
Believe it or not, these are just a few of the back to school articles here on Suite101! Simply search for "back to school" in the search field above each page, and you will find many more helpful articles.
If you have a tween in middle school this year, here are a few articles to help them prepare now. There are also a few articles for parents wanting to know what middle school will be like.
Peer Relationships: Middle School by Joe Bruzzese
How to Support my Middle Schooler by Joe Bruzzese
Middle School Parent Fears by Joe Bruzzese
Help Your Tween With Study Habits by Denise Oliveri
Parents Involved in Middle School by Denise Oliveri
Happy shopping!
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
Tweens are really just beginning to grasp a concept of what spending habits are like for adults. It does need to be explained clearly to help them understand.
My family and I went out this past weekend to buy a birthday present for our soon-to-be 12-year-old son while he was at a friend's house for the day. My husband and I had our other two sons with us. We into the store that we wanted to shop, picked up the item that we knew our son would love, and headed home with the gift.
Our 9-year-old was quiet for a while, and then asked, "Is that all you're getting him?" See, our kids are used to having about four or five gifts from me and my husband, so, naturally my son didn't understand why there would only be one for his brother this year.
My husband's response was quite different than mine. He took it that our son was being ungrateful for the fact that his brother was only getting one gift. I took it that he was used to us buying more gifts and truly did not know why we were only giving his brother one this year. After I explained that as you get older the things you want become more expensive, and that we were not skimping on the quality of the gift, even if the quantity is smaller than used to, he understood completely. He actually thanked me for knowing what he meant in the first place, and that he was not trying to sound ungrateful.
This gave me an insight into the fact that not all tweens (especially on the younger end) understand the concept of spending money. I guess you can say my son and I both learned a lesson this weekend on how important it is to communicate.
Our 9-year-old was quiet for a while, and then asked, "Is that all you're getting him?" See, our kids are used to having about four or five gifts from me and my husband, so, naturally my son didn't understand why there would only be one for his brother this year.
My husband's response was quite different than mine. He took it that our son was being ungrateful for the fact that his brother was only getting one gift. I took it that he was used to us buying more gifts and truly did not know why we were only giving his brother one this year. After I explained that as you get older the things you want become more expensive, and that we were not skimping on the quality of the gift, even if the quantity is smaller than used to, he understood completely. He actually thanked me for knowing what he meant in the first place, and that he was not trying to sound ungrateful.
This gave me an insight into the fact that not all tweens (especially on the younger end) understand the concept of spending money. I guess you can say my son and I both learned a lesson this weekend on how important it is to communicate.
Posted by
Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri
The Olympics will begin on August 8, 2008. As the world gears up for the exciting events to take place, here are some things you can do with your tween to get ready.
The Summer Olympics occur every four years, and this year will be the 29th commencement of the ceremony. It will take place in Beijing, China, the Chinese capital. In order to help your tween better appreciate not only the games that will take place this year, but also the history of the Summer Olympics, here are some websites you just have to visit.
The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - This site includes absolutely everything you need to know about what games will take place and when, how Beijing is preparing for the event, and a photo gallery depicting exactly where the games will happen.
To learn about the history of the Olympic games more in-depth, Enchanted Learning provides an excellent source that your tween can understand and relate to. It includes printout activities that your tween may be interested in completing.
Get into the fun by helping your tween create his very own Summer Olympics, and inviting friends to participate. This articles ideas from what equipment you need to what games to play, and how to give out awards to the winners.
If you have some ideas for throwing a Summer Olympics for tweens, please share them with us. Contact me at Parenting Tweens, and I will share your comments with others.
The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - This site includes absolutely everything you need to know about what games will take place and when, how Beijing is preparing for the event, and a photo gallery depicting exactly where the games will happen.
To learn about the history of the Olympic games more in-depth, Enchanted Learning provides an excellent source that your tween can understand and relate to. It includes printout activities that your tween may be interested in completing.
Get into the fun by helping your tween create his very own Summer Olympics, and inviting friends to participate. This articles ideas from what equipment you need to what games to play, and how to give out awards to the winners.
If you have some ideas for throwing a Summer Olympics for tweens, please share them with us. Contact me at Parenting Tweens, and I will share your comments with others.
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.