ARTICLE: Kindergarden "bullying"

We have all heard the problems with bullying lately. It is a problem that many schools are attacking by using different programs and activities. However, we usually start worrying about this in elementary school and on through high school. There are times that this can start at a very young age, as early as kindergarden. Talk to your children every day, ask them how their day was and who they played with. Get to know your child´s teacher and ask her about your child´s attitude in school. If your child is being bullied, the sooner you deal with the problem, the better. Watch for warning signs such as: your child doesn´t want to go to school on a regular basis, they come out crying, nail biting, hair or t-shirt biting, etc. Talk to your child and the teacher if you become aware of this, and always assure your youngster that you are there to help them out in whatever they might need.

DAILY RECIPE: Mac and Cheese dinner

1 family size KRAFT Mac and Cheese package

1/2 bag frozen brocoli florets, thawed

1 boneless chicken breast

salt, pepper

In a little oil, grill chicken breast until well done. Cut into strips. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Add brocoli when you add milk and butter. Stir well. Add chicken strips and place in pan. Dot with butter and place in microwave until butter is melted and dish is throughly heated.

TIP OF THE DAY

Practice math skills with preschoolers by using different items such as buttons, coins, rocks or sea shells. Have them count, add and subtract. You´ll be amazed how these simple games can improve their skills.

ARTICLE: The Sandwich Child

If you have three children, you have one of the sandwich child families. The middle child gets, precisely, caught in the middle. The oldest will always be the eldest and the first to do almost everything. The youngest is the baby of the house. Where does that leave the middle child? If all your three children are boys or all girls, this factor is even worse because of comparisons. If you have this situation in your house here are some tips to help you out:

• Always keep your middle child in mind. When talking about the day´s events or when planning something, focus on him or her, or ask them to talk first.
• Find an activity or sport that only he or she can participate in. This will help make them unique in that area.
• Set a day aside for him or her. Once a week or every two weeks, take them out to chat in the park, or out with the bikes for a moment of just you and him/her.

Keep in mind that each child is different and some middle children can really have their feelings exposed while others will keep all bottled up inside. Watch your middle child extra carefully so they don´t become a sandwich.

TIP OF THE DAY

When walking in a crowded area, hold your child by the wrist, instead of the hand. It´ll be much harder to get separated from this grip.

ACTIVITY: Bean plant

Read the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to your children. Then, try growing this bean plant:

You will need:

1 small jar (baby food)

cotton
water

beans

Place the beans (2 or 3) at the bottom of the jar, being careful they fall to the sides. Add cotton and wet. Observe with your children as the plant starts to grow. (First roots, then stem and leaves). Make sure your plant gets enough sunlight and water. (The cotton should always be damp.)

DAILY RECIPE: Tuna Bread

2 loaves white bread

4 cans of tuna

1 tomato

1/2 onion

salt and pepper

1 bag spinach (cooked and seasoned)

milk

Dice onion and tomato and sautee in a little oil. Add tuna and season with salt and pepper. Cut ends off bread. Taking one piece at a time, lightly wet in milk and place in a rectangular pan. Once you coat the entire bottom add a layer of tuna. Then bread again. Add a layer of spinach. Bread again. Continue adding layers, ending with bread. Place a heavy pan over the last layer and refrigerate. Turn over and coat with mayo.

TIP OF THE DAY

When attending a school meeting always take a notebook and pen with you to jot down quick notes or to write short reminders of everything you want to discuss with the teacher.

ART: Rain Stick - musical instrument

You will need:
1 thick, long wrapping paper roll
hair pins
beans and rice
posterboard
tissue paper
glue

Cut slits all along the roll. Cover one end with posterboard and secure. Pour in several beans and a handful of rice. Insert hair pins in each of the slits, pushing in all the way through. Cover the other end and glue. Cover the roll with tissue paper, let dry. Once dry, you can hear rain as you turn the stick upside down and downside up.

ACTIVITY: Family Book Club

Reading is an important part of growing up. We should encourage our children to read using different tips and ideas (reading to young children every night, for example). When your family gets into the habit of doing this you can start a family book club. One night a week get together after dinner or after Sunday breakfast, for example, to talk about a book or a chapter of the book you´re reading. Get children excited by having them name characters and what the book is about, if they liked it or not and why. Great topic for conversations, extra family time, reading encouragement, public speaking skills and basics for book reports and reviews: all developed with this activity that won´t take you more than 15 minutes of your time!