As my little guy grows up, I make sure reading is a part of our everyday life. He absolutely loves book and I love that! I found this article by Mary VanClay and thought it provided some really good tips.

It's never too early to steer your child toward books. But for toddlers, the goal is not to make sure they can read the classics before they're out of preschool. "The phrase to remember is 'developmentally appropriate,'" says Roni Leiderman, associate dean of the Family Center at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Parents often come to me wanting to push academics too much, too fast, too soon. In fact, children learn best through play. Make reading a joyous event for them."

There are many developmentally appropriate — and fun — ways to help your little one learn to love books and stories. And, surprisingly, not all of them involve sitting down with an actual book.

Use books to bond
"It's not about reading the words," says Leiderman. "At this age it's about learning to love the interaction with Mom, Dad, or a caretaker." When your child sits in your lap as you read aloud, she doesn't just enjoy books, she also enjoys the security of your undivided attention.

Set up a ritual
A regular reading time establishes a calming routine young children love — that's why the bedtime story is a time-honored tradition. But don't forget that many other daily events also provide good reading opportunities. Once in a while try establishing a new ritual with a breakfast story, a bathtub story, a just-home-from-daycare story. Some toddlers (and older children) who are heavy sleepers are much better able to face the day when their parents "read them awake" rather than hustle them out of bed.

Choose appropriate books
Toddlers love board books, bathtub books, and pop-up books — any type they can hold easily and manipulate themselves. They love stories accompanied by bright, clear, realistic pictures. And of course they love rhymes. That's not to say your 2-year-old won't appreciate the stories her big brother chooses — who knows, Rocks and Minerals may end up being her favorite book. Just make sure she has access to simpler books as well.

Repeat, repeat, repeat
Stifle your yawns if you've read The Very Hungry Caterpillar every night for the past month and your child still asks to hear it again. Repetition is a hallmark of the toddler years. "The reason children love to read the same stories over and over and over again is that they're so thirsty to learn," says Leiderman. You'll soon find that your toddler has memorized her favorite passages and is eager to supply key phrases herself — both signs of increasing reading readiness.

Ham it up
Lose your inhibitions when you read to your child. Growl like the Papa Bear in Goldilocks, squeak like Piglet in Winnie-the-Pooh. Kids love drama as much as adults do — in fact, your youngster may love to pretend to be the scary wolf in The Three Little Pigs. Encourage her, even if it slows the story's progress. She'll get more out of the story if she's participating actively.

Follow her interests
Choose books about her favorite activities — visiting the zoo, swimming, playing ball. Back up your kids' favorite videos and TV shows with books about the characters. You may be mystified by the appeal of Teletubbies, but if your child loves the cheery little creatures, she'll love the books about their exploits as well. Follow her lead, but do experiment with a wide variety of books before you decide you know exactly what your child will like. Your little girl who loves dress-up and dolls may, to your surprise, also be the one who asks to hear Godzilla Likes to Roar or Monster Bugs over and over.

Go to the library
Even babies like library story-hours, and they're wonderful adventures for toddlers. Your child may well discover a new favorite when it's presented by a beguiling librarian with a soothing voice and perhaps some pictures or puppets to illustrate the action. And, of course, libraries let parents — and kids — try out countless stories without spending a bundle.

Push play
Many wonderful books exist on cassette or CD. Your toddler may not be interested in them because what she really likes about books is the interaction with you, says pediatrician Laura Jana, a national trainer for Reach Out and Read. But if your toddler does happen to like them, great. She may want to sit with the picture book while she listens to the recording, or you may want to put it on while the two of you do other things. You could also record yourself — or another relative or friend — reading stories. Just remember, says Jana, that recorded stories can't take the place of sitting down together.

Don't make books a reward
Don't tell your child she can listen to a story if she finishes her dinner. When reading is associated with systems of reward and punishment, it isn't a positive experience. Instead, pick times to read that feel natural, such as when you want your toddler to quiet down before her nap.

Dealing with the wigglers
Some wiggly youngsters just won't sit still through all of Blueberries for Sal. What to do? "Sit down and leaf through something short for just 30 seconds, and then say, 'Wow, we read this whole book!' Then let them go," says Leiderman. The next day you can try a little longer session. "Some children will always be more interested in motor activities than in reading," she says. "Respect that, and don't make reading a negative experience." If your toddler is the physically active type, she may respond best to the non-book-related activities described below.

Make storytelling a part of life
"Promoting reading readiness is more than reading a traditional book," says Leiderman. While you're at the dinner table or in the car, tell stories — standards like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" anecdotes from your own childhood, or stories that feature your child as a central character. Make books of your child's drawings or favorite photos, and tell stories about them — or ask her to be the narrator.

Point out words everywhere
Wherever you go, you can show your child that words are an important part of everyday life. Even the youngest toddlers quickly learn, for example, that traffic signs say STOP. Alphabet refrigerator magnets are staples in many homes. Other families label objects around the house, such as the shelves that house BLOCKS, DOLLS, and other toys. If your child is in daycare or preschool, slip a daily note into her lunchbox. Even if she can't yet read CAT, seeing the word printed on a piece of paper, along with a drawing or sticker of a cute kitten, will be a high point in her day and help excite her interest in reading. If this seems too ambitious, try drawing a heart or smiley face with a simple "I love you," which will help get your toddler excited about the meaning behind words.

Talk
Children from families who converse at the dinner table have larger vocabularies, according to researchers at Harvard University. Talk with your toddler, and don't be afraid to use complex words and phrases. Encourage her questions and explanations. Toddlers are curious and wonder endlessly about the world, so don't be shy about trying to explore her interests with her.

Demonstrate your own love of books
Your child wants to imitate you. If she sees books all around the house and knows that you like to settle down with one whenever you have a moment to yourself, she'll learn that books are essential to daily life. Modeling your own love of reading is more powerful than making your child sit through a rigid story time.

Books for you
Numerous books have been written for parents who want to nourish a love of reading. Try Jim Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook, E.D. Hirsch's Books to Build On, Elizabeth Wilson's Books Children Love, and Bernice Cullinan's Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read.

The title reflects how I feel when I see kids GIVEN everything to them without any inclination of how to EARN something,--Or when kids think they're too good for the waterhose after playing outside, and Dasani bottled water is their only means of hydration. Oh wait! Did I just say playing outside??...LMAO...What the hec was I thinking?--Kids don't play outside these days, do they? Of course they don't, not when they have Xbox, laptops, and TV.

I think today's kids are spoiled, pampered and couldn't survive a day of our childhood. Kids want, want, want and don't even know what earn means. Consequences to their actions are minimal and they are practically baby fed.


Who's to blame?

• Parents

I believe the parents are to blame 100%. Yes, there are other factors involved but it all comes down to the parents.

Example: You're tired of hearing your kid whine about that toy they want so bad while your shopping in Wal-mart.

What do you do?--- You buy it to shut them up.

What should you do?---

1. You could take them to the bathroom and whip their ass.


2. Or, you could leave your basket right there and walk your child out of the store and head home.

Now obviously, everyone doesn't agree with spanking so I'll focus on #2.

I have applied #2 with my children and it works wonders. Unfortunately, you won't see too many parents do this. Why? Because they are lazy. They would rather give in to the child's desires than leave the store, go home, and then have to go back again later to finish shopping. If you do this a couple of times though, your child will see that you are going to follow through by leaving and the begging for stuff will stop. I actually picked this idea up from my father-in-law and it works wonders.

Parents would rather find the easy way out then put in the work that is required in raising a child. TV is a fine example of this. First of all, look at what's on TV--mostly crap, so why in the world would you want your kid to sit their watching it? Again, because parents are lazy. They have things they want to do and what could be easier than plopping your little one in front of the television!

Parents are the ones who let their daughters wear whatever they want, even if means having 'hottie' written across their butt, on shorts, that show a little cheek. Parents are the ones who make Christmas look like they've won the lottery. I mean, come on, does your child really need 50 gifts? How about 3 or 4 good ones and make the earn other things they want by working. If you can't afford both Senior pictures and cheerleading camp, then have your child choose between the two. Don't give them both. There's no need to go into debt just because she will cry and be disappointed and hate you forever. She'll get over it. It will teach her in the long run to be grateful for what she has. If you're going to GIVE your kids a cellphone, make them pay the bill. Take their 'precious' belongings away from them when they complain after you have just asked them to do something. Parents need to lay down the law, quit being lazy and follow through. You need to be parents first, friends second. Make your kids earn that cellphone, laptop, Xbox, and yes--even money. Give them chores to do--have them volunteer at the homeless shelter or at the kids orphanage. Make them get a job and pay for everyday things they want. This will make them be more responsible, respectful, and appreciative.

That special moment--A father sharing a beer with his son. WTH! Mad would be an understatement for the feelings rushing through my body when my husband told me he offered, our son, a drink of his beer. First of all, why would I feel any different? Did he want me to say, "Hey that's great!" or what? Maybe this is normal? You tell me. Is it normal for a father to share a beer with his son? And if so, what is the "normal" age this moment is shared?

My little guy has quite a few teeth now and loves to show them off. With these brand new teeth came the need to bite just about anything he can find but his favorite thing to get his teeth on is my fingers. I'm constantly saying "Don't Bite Me!" I actually have a little bruise where he bit my shoulder. Geez, maybe I should get him a bone..lol! Does everyone else's 11mth olds do this? And if so, have any suggestions on how to get him to quit?

I came across "This Eclectic Life" during my rounds with Thursday Thirteen and just had to share with you all.

I love to crochet and when I read what these ladies do, it touched my heart and inspired me. If your heart is big enough and you can crochet, I hope that you will consider participating in the Share a Square campaign for kids with cancer. All they want you to do is crochet a square and send it to them. They are making these afghans for each kid at the camp. Camp Sanguinity has allowed children being treated for cancer and blood disorders to have a summer camp experience. The camp allows children receiving treatment at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth to spend a week gaining confidence and determination by challenging themselves, trying new activities, learning new skills and making new friends.

Now if you don't crochet, you could still send them some black Red Heart brand yarn. They are in desperate need of this. The black yarn is what outlines the squares and puts the whole afghan together! You can also make a donation. It doesn't even need to be money. They take bottled water, hats, caps, sunscreen, markers, and sooo much more!

If any of you are regular readers of my blog, then you probably have read my Where is a Woman's Place post and know how I feel about it. I received a comment from anonymous shown below. My response is below the comment.

I get so sick of women who stay at home trying to justify their existence by touring that the world would be a better place if all women followed in their footsteps. What a bunch of garbage. Let me paint a picture of them good ol' days when women actually did stay at home. I'll even give you a true story about my own grandmother.

She was a pastors daughter and married my grandfather whom she met in college. My great grandfather only paid for her to go to college for one year because he felt it was a significant enough amount of time for her to land a husband - and she did. My grandfather cheated on her from the onset of their marriage and she had no escape from it as she had 4 children and no job skills other than those a maid would have. She was miserable the rest of her life until she died. My great aunt was in a similar situation. She wanted to be a Pediatrician - loved children - but my uncle didn't want her any place but under his control. It was a relief to her when he died after 20 or so years of marriage.

I am a mother of 2 fantastic kids. I work fulltime and make a great living and so does my husband. In fact, I don't have to work. But I do because I enjoy the financial freedom, the work itself, making worthwhile contributions to society and for the security knowing that if god forbid something ever happened to my husband, I wouldn't be whoring myself trying to scratch out a living to support my children.

I find it amusing that people (men especially) are trying to push so hard the "beauty" of motherhood and that rah rah rah and how important it is to stay at home with kids. Well, if it's so very honorable and important, they can get off their butt and stay home with their own kids and give up their careers, hopes, dreams, ambitions and otherwise lives. They can trade it all in for raising children.

I somehow think it's better for BOTH parents to be equal custodians of the children they created together and demonstrate how important it is to be able to take care on oneself by both parents holding down jobs. And no, my kids aren't in daycare (which there is nothing wrong with). I work days and my husband works nights so we both participate in the raising of our children.

Men get an automatic station of priveledge in life. They get to make a way for themselves, realize their hopes and dreams, have a wife and kids with minimal personal and career sacrifice. Women get the drudgery. I for one will not sit by quietly and accept my "position" in life. I made something of myself. And my children are going to be better for it.

Lilith

Dear Lilith,

There are ALWAYS options. Your grandmother didn't have to stay with her husband. That was HER choice. Maybe if being a maid was her only other option, the she should have chose that instead of living miserably with a cheater until the end.
Your aunt had the same choices in life as well. Here's MY example: My mom was beaten for years and finally made the CHOICE to leave. She worked at several jobs, we lived from place to place, and she dropped out of high school early on so had little education. She sure didn't have the luxury to attend college for any length of time, BUT despite all this, she made a life for herself and her children and lives happily today.

I'm glad you don't have to work, neither do I. I CHOOSE to stay home. And if something happens to my husband, we will be OK because we took all the necessary financial precautions.

I never said that both parents shouldn't have equal responsibility in raising the children-I just think we were given the ability to birth a child so that makes us women the natural nurturer. I don't think men (in general) can raise kids like a woman can.

Yes, I do agree that men ARE privileged in life. We can sit back and watch or we can make a name for ourselves. Just because I don't work doesn't mean I didn't' make something of myself by the way. In my friends, family, husband, and kids eyes I am someone special who they know they can depend for anything! And that means more to me than what a boss or co-workers think of me.

I often wonder why people choose to do drugs. I'm assuming they are weak--That they have no self-esteem and low self-confidence. Am I wrong to assume this? I grew up seeing drug users just like everyone else but had the unfortunate experience to live with a druggie.



I remember the first time I was offered pot. I'm 14 and driving with some of my best friends down the "drag". Diane pulled out some ready-to-smoke pot and asked if I wanted a hit. My first reaction was shocked because I had no idea that they did that sort of thing and my second reaction was NO. Why did I say no? I could have easily said "sure, I'll try it"........


There was a time when I didn't live with my mom and lived with my dad. (who has spent most of his life in jail and is better off there) I remember coming home from school one day, walking into the kitchen, and seeing my dad laying there. He had slobber coming from his mouth, a band around his arm, and a needle hanging from a vein. It was heroin. He had just "shot up" and was in la-la land. When you see your dad or anyone in that kind of situation, you have 2 choices. You can be like that or not. I chose not. I knew instantly that I didn't want any part of that in my life. But WHY was this so clear to me, why wasn't I curious about it. There was heroin and needles everywhere, why didn't I try it?....


I have always been independent and strong willed. I never did what everyone else was doing or tried to be something I wasn't. I was me and if people didn't like who I was, I didn't care. I was a leader, not a follower.


I didn't do drugs because I didn't want to and it's that plain and simple. I thought it was stupid and it just made everyone else look stupid. I could never understand why other people didn't think like me, why they felt the need to TRY this or that. I've never sat down and asked my dad how he started using drugs and why. To me, it's an easy choice. Just say NO!

WOW!! I received an email from someone in need of advice on the subject of abortion. Because this is such a controversial issue, I will not expose this person. AND, I will not tolerate hateful comments. You are more than welcome to state your opinion and to offer suggestions or advice but if there are any really hateful comments that only give back negativity, then I will delete your comment. With that said, here is what she wrote:

We received some news this morning that a little girl drowned. That little girl was 11 and was my son's first crush. I broke the news to my son this morning because I didn't want him to hear from someone at school. He's been in his room crying and it just breaks my heart. I don't know what to say to him or anything. I'm at a loss.

I am so mad about this whole thing. How can you leave your child, who you know can't swim, with a friend at their swimming pool unsupervised??? I swear I just want to strangle her mother!!!!! WHERE WERE THE ADULTS?? Our job as adults and, more importantly, as parents are to protect our children from harm. There are some things that can't be helped but this is not one of them. It was the parent's responsibility to make sure the children were supervised. More than likely, there was an assumption that everything would be ok but you should never assume and always take precaution!

Are the new generation of babies more undisciplined than their earlier counterparts or is it that the new mothers have lost the tact to deal with the kids? I’m saying this because the older generation of mothers are supportive of spanking kids, while the newer generation are against picking up a belt to bring kids back on track. And is this one possibility why parents have lost control over their kids? No doubt the results are surprising…what do you have to say about this notion…what’s your stand?

MY THOUGHTS

I think it's ok to spank your children. If you ask me, new mothers think they have control over their children and that certain displays of rudeness were just ”natural for their age”. But for me, as a child, spanking was enforced when I did something wrong and I learned quickly not to do it again.

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Today I am writing about my mother. I know she doesn't know this but she is an inspiration to me.

She had me young but worked hard to make sure she provided what I needed. Always unselfish, she put me first (like most mothers do) and even though I took it for granted then, I am extremely grateful now. I'm sorry it took until becoming an adult before realizing what she did for me, but I know now and love her for it.

It's very hard to survive abusive behavior from people you love but it's even harder to escape the situation. To experience that kind of abuse on a daily basis sometimes just makes you think it's just the way it is and it's not gonna change.......IT CAN CHANGE and it did change. She withdrew herself from that situation and was able to overcome the physical and mental scars that were dealt to her for years. I don't think she realizes that it takes a strong woman to get away from a situation like that and start fresh. To love again and find someone who loves her for who she is, is an amazing thing. That inspires me and I love her for it.

My inspiration is my mother. She's strong, smart, and loves me for me.

I know you would do anything for me because you always have...
and I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.

Today I thought I would vent a little.
There is one thing I cannot stand and that is rudeness. I see it all the time in kids. Do parents think that manners and respect are not important to teach these days or what!!??

I went to the school the other day for open house and was so aggravated at the kids by the end of the evening that I had a long talk with my kids about manners and respect. These kids have dirty mouths and just run into you or in front of you without any care whatsoever. There are no yes maams, no sirs, or any kind of mannerism. The bad part of all of this is that the parents are to blame.

My kids say yes maam, please, no thankyou, thankyou very much, excuse me, etc. They know when they can act silly and when to behave. They understand that (most)adults deserve respect and appropriately treat them with respect.
I don't know if it's because both parents work, or if they are just lazy, or maybe parents themselves don't have any manners or respect for anyone else.......

It is the parents responsibility to teach their kids how to act and speak to adults or anyone for that matter. Kids need to learn manners, respect, and morals. Maybe that's why kids are the way they are today..'cause they have no-one to teach them these basic but essential life skills.

2-D Shoot Out Game

Coloring.com

Cow's vs. Sheep

Cow Pie

Cow A.B.C's

Cow in out game

Cyborg Livestock From Outer Space

Funny Farm

Fling the Cow

Milk the Cow

Most Wanted Cowboy Game

Saddle Club Puzzle

Tombstone Card Game

Udder Insanity

Where's the Cow?

These games were found at www.thethomasranch.com. Happy whiners?