Science Day: This is really a really cool simple experiment! Learn how density affects submerged objects.
What you will need: A bucket of water filled half way. Two cans of carbonated soda, same size and brand, but one regular, one diet.
Have your child drop the regular soda in the water first. Does it sink? Yes. Have your child now drop the diet soda in the pail of water. Does it sink? No! It pops back up and floats because the density of the diet soda is less than the regular one.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Deviled Eggs: Simple kitchen activity to do with your child.
Recipe for Deviled Eggs- Simple kitchen activity to do with your child.
Boil six eggs. Once eggs are hard boiled I find shells are easier to peel if I put them under cold water first. Cut eggs in half. Scoop out yokes. Put yokes in a mixing bowl. Add three drops of Worcestershire sauce to yokes. Stir. Taste. Add more Worcestershire sauce to your liking. Don't over do it. Mix in mustard and mayonnaise to your liking. Stir. Put yoke mixture in egg whites.
Check out the experiment for Science Day Thursday evening.
Boil six eggs. Once eggs are hard boiled I find shells are easier to peel if I put them under cold water first. Cut eggs in half. Scoop out yokes. Put yokes in a mixing bowl. Add three drops of Worcestershire sauce to yokes. Stir. Taste. Add more Worcestershire sauce to your liking. Don't over do it. Mix in mustard and mayonnaise to your liking. Stir. Put yoke mixture in egg whites.
Check out the experiment for Science Day Thursday evening.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Movie Review
Movie Title: The Nutty Professor. Comedy. 1963 version starring Jerry Lewis. This is my favorite Jerry Lewis movie without Dean Martin. In this movie Jerry Lewis shows he can be a one man show. Eddie Murphy stars in another version of this movie in which he plays many of the characters. But Mr. Murphy's main character goes a bit over the top when he turns into a ladies man. The 1963 version is milder.
In the 1963 version, a mild mannered chemistry teacher, Julius (Jerry Lewis), has the social skills of a bumbling buffoon. He goes ape over a woman, but lacks the charisma to win her heart. Or so he thinks. Julius puts his chemistry knowledge to use and creates a potion to make him suave and debonair. He calls his new personality, Buddy Love. But the potion keeps wearing off at the most inopportune times. Will Julius ever find true love? Of course, it's a movie.
Young kids who like cartoon movies might find this movie boring. But older kids should fine it amusing.
In the 1963 version, a mild mannered chemistry teacher, Julius (Jerry Lewis), has the social skills of a bumbling buffoon. He goes ape over a woman, but lacks the charisma to win her heart. Or so he thinks. Julius puts his chemistry knowledge to use and creates a potion to make him suave and debonair. He calls his new personality, Buddy Love. But the potion keeps wearing off at the most inopportune times. Will Julius ever find true love? Of course, it's a movie.
Young kids who like cartoon movies might find this movie boring. But older kids should fine it amusing.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Picture book to read with your kids
"What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home." Part of the What to Expect kids book series. Heidi Murkoff is the author. Pictures by Laura Rader. This is an excellent series. Ms. Murrkoff does a great job explaining situations to kids. Bold typed questions are asked every couple of pages. The answers are given below it. The Word to Parents in the beginning of the book gives helpful suggestions for making older siblings feel less isolated when new baby comes home. Angus the dog is also in this book, giving familiarity to children who have read Ms. Murkoff's other books. If you have a family member or friend who is having a baby I suggest putting this book on the list of presents to buy for them if they are having a second baby shower.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Arts and Crafts Project
Arts and Craft: Clothes pin animals. Basic needs: clothes pin, paint, and little paint brushes.
Clothes pin side down, have your child paint the pin as a dog (Dalmatians looks cool with little black dots), cat, or bunny. Face in front, tail in back. They can paint little paws on the clothes pin. Paint a collar around the neck. Optional: Once pin has dried glue on a yarn tail. Or for the bunny use half a cotton ball for a tail. Your child can cut out little pointy cat ears or floppy dog ears from construction paper or felt and glue them on the head.
Clothes pin side down, have your child paint the pin as a dog (Dalmatians looks cool with little black dots), cat, or bunny. Face in front, tail in back. They can paint little paws on the clothes pin. Paint a collar around the neck. Optional: Once pin has dried glue on a yarn tail. Or for the bunny use half a cotton ball for a tail. Your child can cut out little pointy cat ears or floppy dog ears from construction paper or felt and glue them on the head.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Doggy Tip- Dog Days of Summer
Dog Tip- If you travel in the car with your dog make sure on hot days the metal from the seat belt does NOT touch them. Hot metal burns. When it's really hot out try to park your car in the shade. And carry a thick white towel (white reflects) in your car. Place it over the metal part of the seat belt so it will not get as hot.
If you put your dog in the back of a pick-up truck make sure he is safely and securely tied in the back so he can't jump or fall out of the truck. He could be tossed out when you make a sudden stop or take fast turns. So be careful! And don't drive on the Freeway! Make sure metal flooring is not hot on his paws. You can carpet floor with cheap carpet. Or lay a blanket on it.
Personally, I don't recommend putting your dog in the back of an open truck because if the rope is too long it can strangle them if they jump out or fall out with the rope tied around their neck. And there is a chance that going over a bump your dog could have problems with the rope and hurt himself. If you are worried about dog hairs or your dog being muddy and that's why you put them in the back, try putting old towels down in the front and let them lie on it.
If you put your dog in the back of a pick-up truck make sure he is safely and securely tied in the back so he can't jump or fall out of the truck. He could be tossed out when you make a sudden stop or take fast turns. So be careful! And don't drive on the Freeway! Make sure metal flooring is not hot on his paws. You can carpet floor with cheap carpet. Or lay a blanket on it.
Personally, I don't recommend putting your dog in the back of an open truck because if the rope is too long it can strangle them if they jump out or fall out with the rope tied around their neck. And there is a chance that going over a bump your dog could have problems with the rope and hurt himself. If you are worried about dog hairs or your dog being muddy and that's why you put them in the back, try putting old towels down in the front and let them lie on it.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Movie Review
Movie Title: Beethoven's Big Break. Rated PG. Comedy-dog movie. An assistant animal trainer is working on the set of a movie when the star of the movie, Frizzy, gets dog-napped. A ransom of 1 million dollars is wanted. The assistant is blamed for letting the dog get stolen and is fired. At the same time this is happening, the assistant's son has a St. Bernard follow him home. He names him Beethoven because the dog likes classical music. The boy's dad doesn't want to keep the dog. On the way to taking him to a shelter the assistant stops by his old work to pick up some stuff. An audition is going on for a new star of the movie he was working on. Beethoven gets out of the car and manages to get the starring role. The assistant animal trainer now gets the job of main trainer, his ex-boss's job. His ex-boss is fired. Which is okay, since unbeknownst to the producer he's the one who had Frizzy stolen. Out of nowhere Beethoven goes and looks for his three puppies. The dad takes Beethoven and his pups home, where they wreak havoc. Beethoven does the same on the movie set. The director thinks Beethoven stealing bacon and jumping on a dinner table is funny so he's a hit. However, Frizzy's dog-nappers steal Beethoven. They send a ransom note to the producer for 1 million dollars.
That's all I'll tell. But the movie has a happy ending. The movie is for kids and adults. The dad in the movie is a single dad and he meets a female script writer. I think that was put in for the adults. Kids should like the shenanigans of Beethoven. His pups are adorable. Which is why I'm sure they were put in the movie. Kids who like big dogs should like this movie. It's not HA HA really funny. But it has it's moments of zaniness.
That's all I'll tell. But the movie has a happy ending. The movie is for kids and adults. The dad in the movie is a single dad and he meets a female script writer. I think that was put in for the adults. Kids should like the shenanigans of Beethoven. His pups are adorable. Which is why I'm sure they were put in the movie. Kids who like big dogs should like this movie. It's not HA HA really funny. But it has it's moments of zaniness.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Book Review- Award Winner
Chapter book for nine to thirteen-year-olds, depending on their reading level. "A Year Down Yonder," by Richard Peck. An amusing fast read, and a New Newbery Medal winner. The book is about a teen named Mary Alice who spends a year living with her Grandma. But her Grandma is definitely no shrinking violet. Some of things she says are down right funny. The book is quite entertaining. I recommend it for summer reading.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tips for Taking Long Car Rides with Kids
I'm reposting a popular article I wrote which has tips for taking long cars rides with kids. I have another article about taking plane rides with kids at Foundit-4u.com. On the main page, look below in the article section and click on More Parenting Articles to find it.
Traveling with children can be difficult. Here are a few tips to make it easier.
1) Have your children go to the bathroom before they get in the car. If they say they don't have to go, get them to try anyway. It's surprising how many do go when they get to the bathroom. Do not encourage your children to drink two glasses of any liquid before they get in the car. Unless you don't mind stopping often for them to go to the bathroom.
2) Okay, don't boo me, but this really helps for long car rides. Especially, if you normally limit T.V. viewing time with your children. If you have a van with a built-in DVD player get a few movies to watch. Pick ones your children are really excited about so they will be more inclined to watch them. If you get a movie one child has seen twenty times before, they might get bored and start bothering their brother.
3) Buy or go to the library and get some books on tape to fill in the time. If your children like to sing get some sing-along tapes. Some children like funny sing-along tapes other prefer folk songs. Maybe get a variety. Also, if your children can read in the car without getting sick (I know few children who can for long periods), then buy or check out some new books. If a child wants to try reading in the car but tends to get sick have a sick bag close by. If you checked out items from the library make sure you keep them in a safe place so they don't get lost. I.e., their own bag, or daily make sure you know where they are.
4) Put items your children are going to occupy themselves with in a backpack. Each child should have their own backpack. Ask them what they would like to put in it. If they like to draw, put paper, coloring books and crayons in their bag. No pens or pencils. While driving if you stop quickly they could poke themselves in the eye with the pen or pencil. Don't pack scissors or other sharp objects either. Items you might want to pack: Mad Libs, dot-dot books, mini-games, hand held electronic games, little toys, and small stuffed animals. The little toys should not have sharp points. Another thing I want to point out for safety reasons: There's always a chance with any object that your child holds that if you stop quickly the object could hit their throat. Now maybe a soft stuffed animal wouldn't do any harm, but a sharp corner of a hardback book could. So you can pack softback books and other soft items if you are concerned.
5) Have a time schedule. Let's say you are driving to San Francisco and it will take you four hours to get there. You have the option to A) Drive later in the evening when your children might sleep through the car trip or B) drive while your children are awake, which means you need to plan activities.
Plan A) Night trip. Make sure your children have gone to the bathroom and are in their P.J's before you put them in the car. That way you don't have to wake them up for extra pee breaks, and you won't have to deal with putting on their PJ's when you get to your destination. Make sure your children are feed, have their snuggle toy with them, and anything else they might need. Have a few toys handy in case they wake up. And a small blanket to cover them with if the inside of the car gets cold.
Plan B) Day travel. Try to avoid leaving when you could get caught in heavy traffic. Map a route where there are rest areas, or a least a park or gas station to stop at. If you let your children have sweets you can dole out one tiny flavored jelly bean every hour. If they aren't allowed sweets, pick a healthy little treat they like. Your children will have something to look forward to during the long car ride. It can make the trip seem to go faster, by breaking the time up in hour installments. This is for school age children. (You can try round tiny chocolates that you buy in a snack bag. But they tend to melt and get your child's hand sticky). For safety reasons I must point out you should stop the car at least at a gas station to give your children the treats. If they're given them while you're driving on the highway what happens if one of them chokes? You don't want to get in an accident trying maneuver your car off the road so you can apply CPR to your child. This said, I know someone who gives jelly beans every half hour to her school age kids while her car is in motion. She says her kids do better getting a jelly bean every half hour and she doesn't like making extra pit stops. If you do this, and I'm not saying you should! you should have two adults in the car in order that one can keep an eye out while your children eat. You also should know CPR. For safety reasons children really shouldn’t eat in the car while it's in motion. Think of this. You're in the front seat and they're in the back. You can't see them unless you are turned around looking. If you're not, they could be choking and you wouldn't know. A sudden jerk of the car could have caused food to get lodged in their throat. Beware. Also, do not let your children suck on hard candy (jaw breakers, etc) or lollipops in the car. Once again, if you stop quickly, the hard candy can get lodged in their throat. As far as the lollipop, it could hit the back of their throat and cause true harm. That is why children should not ever run around with lollipops in their mouths.
Time to leave for the car trip: Everyone has gone to the bathroom and has their own bag of toys and books where they can reach them. Buckle up and let's go.
First half of trip:
11-11:30a.m. = Play a book on tape. (This is good for you so you can get focused on where you are going and what route you are taking.)
11:30-12p.m. = Whole family plays the word game Twenty Questions. And/or I Spy. If extra time, look for out-of-state license plates or for a certain type of car or yellow cars.
At noon, bathroom break and stretch at gas station. Dole out tiny flavored jelly bean. (The child gets what they get, no arguing.)
12:15-12:45 = Child occupies him/herself with what is in their bag/backpack.
12:45-1:15 = A few rounds of Mad Libs, the whole family joining in.
At 1:15 = Jelly bean and lunch at rest area. Let your children run around and get energy out. Chase them to get them going. Play Freeze Tag or You're It.
Second half of trip:
2-2:30 = Second half of the book on tape. This will get them settled down.
2:30-3 = Child occupies him/herself with what is in their bag/backpack.
3 p.m., Gas station jelly bean break.
3:10-3:40 = Each member of the family tells others about their favorite trip. If extra time pick something else to talk about. What you plan to do on the vacation, etc.
3:40-4:10 = Sing-along tapes. Or if your child is too old, play music they like. Everyone can sing along. Or not.
It's 4:10 you should be at your destination. Last jelly bean.
You don't have to be rigid about the schedule. See how things are going and make changes accordingly. If your trip is for five and a half hours or six, and you have a van with a DVD player, play a movie for the extra time.
Traveling with children can be difficult. Here are a few tips to make it easier.
1) Have your children go to the bathroom before they get in the car. If they say they don't have to go, get them to try anyway. It's surprising how many do go when they get to the bathroom. Do not encourage your children to drink two glasses of any liquid before they get in the car. Unless you don't mind stopping often for them to go to the bathroom.
2) Okay, don't boo me, but this really helps for long car rides. Especially, if you normally limit T.V. viewing time with your children. If you have a van with a built-in DVD player get a few movies to watch. Pick ones your children are really excited about so they will be more inclined to watch them. If you get a movie one child has seen twenty times before, they might get bored and start bothering their brother.
3) Buy or go to the library and get some books on tape to fill in the time. If your children like to sing get some sing-along tapes. Some children like funny sing-along tapes other prefer folk songs. Maybe get a variety. Also, if your children can read in the car without getting sick (I know few children who can for long periods), then buy or check out some new books. If a child wants to try reading in the car but tends to get sick have a sick bag close by. If you checked out items from the library make sure you keep them in a safe place so they don't get lost. I.e., their own bag, or daily make sure you know where they are.
4) Put items your children are going to occupy themselves with in a backpack. Each child should have their own backpack. Ask them what they would like to put in it. If they like to draw, put paper, coloring books and crayons in their bag. No pens or pencils. While driving if you stop quickly they could poke themselves in the eye with the pen or pencil. Don't pack scissors or other sharp objects either. Items you might want to pack: Mad Libs, dot-dot books, mini-games, hand held electronic games, little toys, and small stuffed animals. The little toys should not have sharp points. Another thing I want to point out for safety reasons: There's always a chance with any object that your child holds that if you stop quickly the object could hit their throat. Now maybe a soft stuffed animal wouldn't do any harm, but a sharp corner of a hardback book could. So you can pack softback books and other soft items if you are concerned.
5) Have a time schedule. Let's say you are driving to San Francisco and it will take you four hours to get there. You have the option to A) Drive later in the evening when your children might sleep through the car trip or B) drive while your children are awake, which means you need to plan activities.
Plan A) Night trip. Make sure your children have gone to the bathroom and are in their P.J's before you put them in the car. That way you don't have to wake them up for extra pee breaks, and you won't have to deal with putting on their PJ's when you get to your destination. Make sure your children are feed, have their snuggle toy with them, and anything else they might need. Have a few toys handy in case they wake up. And a small blanket to cover them with if the inside of the car gets cold.
Plan B) Day travel. Try to avoid leaving when you could get caught in heavy traffic. Map a route where there are rest areas, or a least a park or gas station to stop at. If you let your children have sweets you can dole out one tiny flavored jelly bean every hour. If they aren't allowed sweets, pick a healthy little treat they like. Your children will have something to look forward to during the long car ride. It can make the trip seem to go faster, by breaking the time up in hour installments. This is for school age children. (You can try round tiny chocolates that you buy in a snack bag. But they tend to melt and get your child's hand sticky). For safety reasons I must point out you should stop the car at least at a gas station to give your children the treats. If they're given them while you're driving on the highway what happens if one of them chokes? You don't want to get in an accident trying maneuver your car off the road so you can apply CPR to your child. This said, I know someone who gives jelly beans every half hour to her school age kids while her car is in motion. She says her kids do better getting a jelly bean every half hour and she doesn't like making extra pit stops. If you do this, and I'm not saying you should! you should have two adults in the car in order that one can keep an eye out while your children eat. You also should know CPR. For safety reasons children really shouldn’t eat in the car while it's in motion. Think of this. You're in the front seat and they're in the back. You can't see them unless you are turned around looking. If you're not, they could be choking and you wouldn't know. A sudden jerk of the car could have caused food to get lodged in their throat. Beware. Also, do not let your children suck on hard candy (jaw breakers, etc) or lollipops in the car. Once again, if you stop quickly, the hard candy can get lodged in their throat. As far as the lollipop, it could hit the back of their throat and cause true harm. That is why children should not ever run around with lollipops in their mouths.
Time to leave for the car trip: Everyone has gone to the bathroom and has their own bag of toys and books where they can reach them. Buckle up and let's go.
First half of trip:
11-11:30a.m. = Play a book on tape. (This is good for you so you can get focused on where you are going and what route you are taking.)
11:30-12p.m. = Whole family plays the word game Twenty Questions. And/or I Spy. If extra time, look for out-of-state license plates or for a certain type of car or yellow cars.
At noon, bathroom break and stretch at gas station. Dole out tiny flavored jelly bean. (The child gets what they get, no arguing.)
12:15-12:45 = Child occupies him/herself with what is in their bag/backpack.
12:45-1:15 = A few rounds of Mad Libs, the whole family joining in.
At 1:15 = Jelly bean and lunch at rest area. Let your children run around and get energy out. Chase them to get them going. Play Freeze Tag or You're It.
Second half of trip:
2-2:30 = Second half of the book on tape. This will get them settled down.
2:30-3 = Child occupies him/herself with what is in their bag/backpack.
3 p.m., Gas station jelly bean break.
3:10-3:40 = Each member of the family tells others about their favorite trip. If extra time pick something else to talk about. What you plan to do on the vacation, etc.
3:40-4:10 = Sing-along tapes. Or if your child is too old, play music they like. Everyone can sing along. Or not.
It's 4:10 you should be at your destination. Last jelly bean.
You don't have to be rigid about the schedule. See how things are going and make changes accordingly. If your trip is for five and a half hours or six, and you have a van with a DVD player, play a movie for the extra time.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Pool Safety and Swim Tip for Beginners
Pool Safety-
If you have a home pool please put a fence around it so kids can't accidentally fall in. A fence is also helpful if you have pets that can't swim. If you have very young kids make sure the pool gate has a lock. And teach your kids to swim at an early age. Also, if you have a pool take a CPR class. As a former CPR instructor I can't stress enough that you should know what to do after you rescue a child from a pool. And don't let parents who drink alcohol be a pool lifeguard/watch kids in pool.
Swim Tip-
At age five I didn't want to learn to swim because I didn't want to put my face underwater. Here's how I was persuaded to do so. The swim instructor put small tootsie rolls on the second step of the pool. I needed to get my face wet in order to get the candy. Since my mom didn't give us kids many sweets this was a big incentive for me to put my head underwater. Soon the tootsie rolls were on the bottom of the shallow end and I was diving under to get them. My sister-in-law tried this with her daughter who didn't want to put her face underwater. It worked as well. You might want to try plastic wrapped candy that won't get wet. Buy a candy your child likes. If you don't want to use candy you can buy cheap little plastic toys. But make sure your child likes them or they won't be willing to put their face underwater to get them.
If you have a home pool please put a fence around it so kids can't accidentally fall in. A fence is also helpful if you have pets that can't swim. If you have very young kids make sure the pool gate has a lock. And teach your kids to swim at an early age. Also, if you have a pool take a CPR class. As a former CPR instructor I can't stress enough that you should know what to do after you rescue a child from a pool. And don't let parents who drink alcohol be a pool lifeguard/watch kids in pool.
Swim Tip-
At age five I didn't want to learn to swim because I didn't want to put my face underwater. Here's how I was persuaded to do so. The swim instructor put small tootsie rolls on the second step of the pool. I needed to get my face wet in order to get the candy. Since my mom didn't give us kids many sweets this was a big incentive for me to put my head underwater. Soon the tootsie rolls were on the bottom of the shallow end and I was diving under to get them. My sister-in-law tried this with her daughter who didn't want to put her face underwater. It worked as well. You might want to try plastic wrapped candy that won't get wet. Buy a candy your child likes. If you don't want to use candy you can buy cheap little plastic toys. But make sure your child likes them or they won't be willing to put their face underwater to get them.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Movie Review- Animation
For summer- Movie Title: Surf's Up. Rated PG. Animation. A penguin named Cody goes to a surfing competition. He makes some pretty wacky friends. One is a chicken who has a sever case of surfing-fever. Cody really wants to win this surfing competition. An ex-pro surfer guru teaches him life isn't all about winning. Which is a good message for kids to learn. The penguins are cute and funny. I rate this movie as pretty good. It's not the best animation film I've ever seen, but it's watchable for adults. So if you rent it for your kids you shouldn't be bored watching it.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Book Review- Picture Book
For Parents to read with their (approximately) almost two-year-olds: From the What to Expect Kids series. "What to Expect When You use the Potty", by Heidi Murkoff (co-author of What to Expect when your Expecting). Illustrated by Laura Rader. The What to Expect books has Angus the dog as a transitional character throughout the series. So your child can look forward to seeing him again and again, guiding them as a trusted friend.
"What to Expect When You use the Potty," is just about that. Every couple of pages there is a bold faced question a child might ask about the potty. The answer given is explained in an appropriate manner. Hints are given about potty practice which is great. The beginning of the book has a word to the parents about potty education which is nice. The pictures throughout the book do a fine job explaining what's going on. This is a good book to buy or check out of the library. If your library does not have it, ask if another city library has it. Then have it sent to your library branch. This should cost nothing (at least in the U.S.)
"What to Expect When You use the Potty," is just about that. Every couple of pages there is a bold faced question a child might ask about the potty. The answer given is explained in an appropriate manner. Hints are given about potty practice which is great. The beginning of the book has a word to the parents about potty education which is nice. The pictures throughout the book do a fine job explaining what's going on. This is a good book to buy or check out of the library. If your library does not have it, ask if another city library has it. Then have it sent to your library branch. This should cost nothing (at least in the U.S.)
Friday, July 9, 2010
Summer Camping Check List
Here's a handy camping list you can print out or change according to your family's needs. Already have a camping list? Look at mine and compare to see if you should add anything to yours.
1. tent
2. lantern
3. flashlight(s)
4. sleeping bags
5. air mattress/foam for under sleeping bags
6. pillows
7. plastic tarp for under tent and in front of it (for placing dirty shoes on so tent does not get dirt/sand in it, and to keep bottom of tent clean of pine needles)
8. cooking pot and frying pan
9. tea kettle
10. 2 big spoons, metal tongs (good for salad and taking corn-on-cob out of pot), metal pancake/hamburger flipper, cutting knife, knife fork, metal sticks for cooking marshmallows, corn-on-the-cob little end sticks
11. plastic utensils
12. paper/plastic plates, bowls and cups; and Styrofoam cups for hot drinks
13. can opener
14. bottle opener
15. matches
16. camping stove and tank
17. small BBQ grill and charcoal
18. watch
19. compass (show kids how to use)
20. cooler
21. bags of ice
22. sun screen
23. bug spray
24. lip balm with sunscreen
25. hand lotion for cracked hands due to dry air
26. deodorant in case you can't shower for a couple of days
27. ear plugs (nothing is worse than getting no sleep because a person in the tent or campsite next to you is a loud snorer)
28. lap blankets for when sitting in night air
29. folding chairs
30. umbrella for shade if not forest camping
31. cloth for picnic table (cloth/plastic)
32. large plastic or metal bowl for washing hands at camp
33. soap in bottle
34. 2 to 3 camp hand towels
35. paper towels (for messes and useful if camp restroom is out of paper towels. Also can be used as napkins)
36. toilet paper (in case restroom is out)
37. first aid kit ( make sure has band aids and antiseptic/anti-bacteria cream)
38. nail cutter and file (for chipped nails. It can happen when camping.)
39. tweezers for taking out splinters
40. Calamine lotion to soothe red, itchy skin
41. tooth picks/floss
42. clothes line (for wet swimsuits and towels…)
43. clothes pins
44. binoculars
45. camera
46. bird or nature books, other reading material
47. games (mini board games, puzzles, jump rope…)
48. cards, plus pen and paper to keep score
49. bikes and helmets
50. firewood (do not always assume camping places will have it or you'll find wood to burn around camp).
51. small ax for splitting firewood (put in safe spot away from kids).
52. trash bags for campsite trash
53. air freshener for stinky areas
54. ID/campsite receipt in case you have to show it to Park Ranger. Also, bring any state/national park discount cards. Your road side assistance card. If you camp a lot think about getting battery cables for battery jumps.
Clothes and such:
1. toothbrush(s)
2. toothpaste
3. shampoo
4. bottled body wash (a bar of soap gets scummy and dirty)
5. brush/comb and hair ties
6. female monthly needs products/medicine
7. wash cloths
8. body and swim towels
9. swim suits (and any water wings and life preservers if applicable)
10. swim shoes with rubber soles
11. goggles and swim toys
12. tennis shoes/sandals (pack whichever you're not wearing)
13. jackets
14. hiking boots and thick socks
15. sunhats/caps
16. regular socks
17. underwear
18. pants
19. shorts
20. long sleeve shirts (it cools down at night even at beach)
21. short sleeve shirts
22. day packs (small backpacks) for swim towels, and food and drinks when hiking
Food:
1. trail mix (buy or make your own with nuts and dried fruit. Useful when hiking for quick snack.)
2. oatmeal and/or cream of wheat packages (kids like the flavored kind)
3. pancake box mix (make sure you pack other ingredients you need to make it)
4. bread
5. lunch meat
6. cheese (sliced and if having chili- a bag of shredded cheddar to melt on top)
7. mustard/ketchup/pickles/tomatoes
8. bag/ball(s) of lettuce for hamburgers and salad makings
9. plastic container of coleslaw/potato salad
10. corn in husks
11. butter (if bring butter stick can roll corn-on-cob on top of it)
12. fruit- peaches, melon, bananas, apples
13. salt and pepper
14. sugar packets
15. small creamer packets
16. coffee in can and/or tea bags
17. hot coca packets/can (that has milk powder already in it)
18. bottled water
19. drinks
20. can(s) of soup/chili, cup-of-noodles
21. can of tuna, but then pack mayonnaise
22. hot dogs and/hamburgers
23. hot dog and/hamburger buns
24. chips (tortilla chips if having chili), and crackers if you are having soup
25. other treats- bag of cookies, Starbursts (useful for when hiking. If you have unhappy hikers tell them every half mile or mile they get a piece of candy.), smore makings (graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows), little packs of pretzels….
Special needs:
1. diapers with diaper bag
2. collapsible baby crib
3. plastic baby gates (fit together for area for baby to play in)
4. blanket for ground
5. medicine for kids or grandparents
Remember when camping where there are bears do not to have ANY nice/sweet smelling products (lip balm, baby lotion, deodorant, toothpaste…) or food in your tent. There should be bear lockers to keep your food in. If not keep items in sealed coolers in car, away from tent. The last time I went camping a bear broke the window of a truck to get the candy bar and tooth paste left in the front seat.
1. tent
2. lantern
3. flashlight(s)
4. sleeping bags
5. air mattress/foam for under sleeping bags
6. pillows
7. plastic tarp for under tent and in front of it (for placing dirty shoes on so tent does not get dirt/sand in it, and to keep bottom of tent clean of pine needles)
8. cooking pot and frying pan
9. tea kettle
10. 2 big spoons, metal tongs (good for salad and taking corn-on-cob out of pot), metal pancake/hamburger flipper, cutting knife, knife fork, metal sticks for cooking marshmallows, corn-on-the-cob little end sticks
11. plastic utensils
12. paper/plastic plates, bowls and cups; and Styrofoam cups for hot drinks
13. can opener
14. bottle opener
15. matches
16. camping stove and tank
17. small BBQ grill and charcoal
18. watch
19. compass (show kids how to use)
20. cooler
21. bags of ice
22. sun screen
23. bug spray
24. lip balm with sunscreen
25. hand lotion for cracked hands due to dry air
26. deodorant in case you can't shower for a couple of days
27. ear plugs (nothing is worse than getting no sleep because a person in the tent or campsite next to you is a loud snorer)
28. lap blankets for when sitting in night air
29. folding chairs
30. umbrella for shade if not forest camping
31. cloth for picnic table (cloth/plastic)
32. large plastic or metal bowl for washing hands at camp
33. soap in bottle
34. 2 to 3 camp hand towels
35. paper towels (for messes and useful if camp restroom is out of paper towels. Also can be used as napkins)
36. toilet paper (in case restroom is out)
37. first aid kit ( make sure has band aids and antiseptic/anti-bacteria cream)
38. nail cutter and file (for chipped nails. It can happen when camping.)
39. tweezers for taking out splinters
40. Calamine lotion to soothe red, itchy skin
41. tooth picks/floss
42. clothes line (for wet swimsuits and towels…)
43. clothes pins
44. binoculars
45. camera
46. bird or nature books, other reading material
47. games (mini board games, puzzles, jump rope…)
48. cards, plus pen and paper to keep score
49. bikes and helmets
50. firewood (do not always assume camping places will have it or you'll find wood to burn around camp).
51. small ax for splitting firewood (put in safe spot away from kids).
52. trash bags for campsite trash
53. air freshener for stinky areas
54. ID/campsite receipt in case you have to show it to Park Ranger. Also, bring any state/national park discount cards. Your road side assistance card. If you camp a lot think about getting battery cables for battery jumps.
Clothes and such:
1. toothbrush(s)
2. toothpaste
3. shampoo
4. bottled body wash (a bar of soap gets scummy and dirty)
5. brush/comb and hair ties
6. female monthly needs products/medicine
7. wash cloths
8. body and swim towels
9. swim suits (and any water wings and life preservers if applicable)
10. swim shoes with rubber soles
11. goggles and swim toys
12. tennis shoes/sandals (pack whichever you're not wearing)
13. jackets
14. hiking boots and thick socks
15. sunhats/caps
16. regular socks
17. underwear
18. pants
19. shorts
20. long sleeve shirts (it cools down at night even at beach)
21. short sleeve shirts
22. day packs (small backpacks) for swim towels, and food and drinks when hiking
Food:
1. trail mix (buy or make your own with nuts and dried fruit. Useful when hiking for quick snack.)
2. oatmeal and/or cream of wheat packages (kids like the flavored kind)
3. pancake box mix (make sure you pack other ingredients you need to make it)
4. bread
5. lunch meat
6. cheese (sliced and if having chili- a bag of shredded cheddar to melt on top)
7. mustard/ketchup/pickles/tomatoes
8. bag/ball(s) of lettuce for hamburgers and salad makings
9. plastic container of coleslaw/potato salad
10. corn in husks
11. butter (if bring butter stick can roll corn-on-cob on top of it)
12. fruit- peaches, melon, bananas, apples
13. salt and pepper
14. sugar packets
15. small creamer packets
16. coffee in can and/or tea bags
17. hot coca packets/can (that has milk powder already in it)
18. bottled water
19. drinks
20. can(s) of soup/chili, cup-of-noodles
21. can of tuna, but then pack mayonnaise
22. hot dogs and/hamburgers
23. hot dog and/hamburger buns
24. chips (tortilla chips if having chili), and crackers if you are having soup
25. other treats- bag of cookies, Starbursts (useful for when hiking. If you have unhappy hikers tell them every half mile or mile they get a piece of candy.), smore makings (graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows), little packs of pretzels….
Special needs:
1. diapers with diaper bag
2. collapsible baby crib
3. plastic baby gates (fit together for area for baby to play in)
4. blanket for ground
5. medicine for kids or grandparents
Remember when camping where there are bears do not to have ANY nice/sweet smelling products (lip balm, baby lotion, deodorant, toothpaste…) or food in your tent. There should be bear lockers to keep your food in. If not keep items in sealed coolers in car, away from tent. The last time I went camping a bear broke the window of a truck to get the candy bar and tooth paste left in the front seat.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Summer Dog Tip
When it's hot out, put your hand on the asphalt, pavement, or dirt to see if it's hot to the touch (quickly brushing finger tips on the ground isn't enough). If the ground is very hot, then wait to take your pet out when it's cooler. Walking on hot ground can burn the pads of their paws. If you're already on a walk and your dog is hopping from paw to paw, then the ground could be getting too hot. Find green grass for your dog to walk on and take him out early from then on.
On a hot day if you leave your dog in a tennis court with black asphalt the ground can get extremely hot. Your dog could burn the bottom of their paws walking on it. And if they don't have adequate shade they could get heat stroke.
On a hot day if you leave your dog in a tennis court with black asphalt the ground can get extremely hot. Your dog could burn the bottom of their paws walking on it. And if they don't have adequate shade they could get heat stroke.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Book Review- Award Winner
Chapter book for third to fifth graders. "The Whipping Boy," by Sid Fleischman. New Newbery Medal winner. A short chapter book. Once again here's a book I've known to be on the reading requirement list in a grammar school. It's a fast read and has a good plot. It takes place about two hundred and fifty years ago, when princes and kings ruled Europe. A poor boy named Jemmy is the whipping boy for a bratty prince. In this kingdom whenever the prince misbehaves the whipping boy gets the punishment. Can't say I'd like it one lick. And in fact Jemmy in the beginning would like the Prince to get what he deserves. However, nice boy that he is Jemmy changes his mind later when the two boys run away after being taken hostage. Jemmy feels sorry when the Prince is whipped by a cutthroat. Because he knows how it feels.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Fourth of July Tip
Happy Fourth of July! I suggest seeing fireworks at your local park or at another place were experts run the show. Do not have a home show. If your child handles fireworks or gets too close to them they can get seriously hurt. Every year fireworks have harmed children. They can burn hands, eyes, and other body parts. Plus, fires can start. If you have dry weeds in your backyard they could catch on fire. In the summer you should cut down tall dry weeds, before the Fall winds come. Dry weeds are excellent tinder for fires.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Movie Review
Movie Title: Oliver and Company. Disney Movie. Rated G. Animation with musical songs. A twist on Oliver Twist. An orphaned kitten (who just happens to be called Oliver) meets a rascal of a mongrel dog, Dodger, in New York City. Dodger invites the kitten to join his pack of pick pocketing thieves. A sweet little rich girl adopts Oliver. But the story doesn't end there. The villain in the movie, Sykes, plots to kidnap the little girl. Oliver and his ragtag friends recue her in the nick of time. Cute songs. Nice movie for young kids. Children should like the funny antics of the dogs. My favorite part in the movie was the chase scene in the underground subways.
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