Movie Review: Night at the Museum

Movie Title: Night at the Museum. Comedy-Fantasy. Rated PG. Based on a book written and illustrated by Milan Trenc. In Night at the Museum a divorced father, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), takes a job as a night watchman at a history museum. But this is no ordinary museum. The objects (statues, stuffed exotic animals, etc.) come to life at night. Larry not only has to learn how keep everything in order, but he has to make sure all the museum objects are put to right before daybreak. Night at the Museum is great fun! The whole family should like this film. If you’re deciding between getting this movie or the sequel, rent this one. Highlights of Night at the Museum: The skeleton of a T-Rex racing for his bone like dog, miniature men arguing with Larry, Larry chasing a monkey who steals his museum keys, and a wax Teddy Roosevelt dispensing advice.

Does your Child get Hungry when you Shop?

Parents curb hunger melt downs by making sure your child eats BEFORE you leave the house with them. If you need to take them shopping bring healthy snacks. (Keep a few granola bars or mini boxes of cheerios in the car in a shady area for emergency hunger pains.) DO NOT give your child soda on an empty stomach. When some parents are in a hurry they might buy their child a quick soda thinking it will give them an energy boost. However, after the initial boost it will give them a let down, and you could end up with an ill-humored child. I know a former Brownie Troop leader who noticed when parents brought super surgery drinks for their little girls they would get grumpy and whiny 15-20 minutes after having these drinks. Other parents started noticing this when she bought this to their attention. Track this with your own child.

Book Review for Third Grade Readers: Kidnapped at the Capital

Chapter Book for third graders. "Kidnapped at the Capital," by Ron Roy. Good plot. An easy to get through book, meaning kids shouldn't get so bored that they put it down for weeks.
Plot: KC, her mother, and KC's best friend, Marshall, an Asian-American, are invited to the Cherry Blossom Festival by the President of the United States. (KC met the President on a previous case). KC's mother and the President are kidnapped. KC and her friend search for them.

Science Day- Learn How to Make Homemade play dough

Science can be fun. Show your kids how to make homemade play dough by using products you already have in your kitchen.
Note: This play dough does not last as long as the store bought stuff.

What your child needs: Mixing bowl, big spoon, one cup of flour, 2/3 cup of water (you might need to add more), half a cup of salt, red, blue, yellow or green food coloring.
For more dough fun find cookie cutters, rolling pin, wax paper, cutting board to roll dough on, old cookie sheet, old spatula, art paint for kids.

To make homemade play dough: Have your child pour flour and salt into mixing bowl. Mix with spoon. Now decide what color you want the dough. Add five drops of this color to 2/3 cup of water. Stir. Now add this colored water, slowly, to salt and flour mixture. Mix. Mix. And mix some more. (If you don’t like the result add more salt.) Show your child how to kneed dough. When dough is of a firm consistency your child can play with it. When they are done playing with it put it in a freezer bag. Label and store in freezer until next time. (You are freezing dough to make it last longer. You will have to let dough thaw out fully before it can be played with again. You can also put dough in frig if your child plans to play with it the very next day, or sometime that same week.)

For cookie cutter fun: Put wax paper on cutting board. Put play dough on wax paper. Have your child roll dough flat with rolling pin. (You might need to dust rolling pin with flour so dough does not stick to pin.) After rolling, place cookie cutters in dough. Move aside extra dough and using spatula carefully place cookie shapes on old cookie sheet. Let shapes dry out in warm sun (48 hours depending). Remember warm metal can burn so keep away from cookie sheet while shapes are drying. Paint shapes when fully dry. DON’T EAT.

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon

Movie Title: How to Train Your Dragon. Animation. Rated PG. How to Train Your Dragon was recommended to me by a teenager who liked it so much she saw it three times. She really thought it was a cute film. I really liked it, as well, and would recommend it for families with kids who are 9 or 10 and up. How to Train Your Dragon is a movie the whole family will enjoy. Do note: There are dragon fights which kids ages 8 and younger might find scary. And a few times it was hard to hear what the main characters were saying because the background music was too loud. If you want to hear what they said you might have to rewind those parts and struggle to figure what was said.
The movie is based on the book How to Train Your Dragon (Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III) by Cressida Cowell. Your kids might like the movie so much they will actually read the book.

About How to Train Your Dragon: The main charter in the film is a thin, gangly Viking teenager named Hiccup. His father, the chief of the village, is a top notch dragon slayer. Hiccup would like to be a great dragon slayer like his dad, but he lacks the skill. However, during one particular attack by dragons (the dragons are in the village to steal the fish supply) Hiccup actually manages to down a dragon. But when he goes in for the kill Hiccup finds he doesn’t have the heart to kill it. The dragon tries to fly away. But he can’t. Hiccup sees part of its tail is missing which makes it hard to fly. Hiccup soon fixes this and befriends the dragon which he names Toothless. Toothless lets Hiccup ride him like a horse. They go on fast, and I mean fast (which kids will find cool), flights through the sky. Meanwhile Hiccups father goes on sailing mission to find out where the dragons’ nests are. During this time he has Hiccup go to dragon school to learn how to kill dragons properly. Hiccup doesn’t want to be a dragon killer and instead becomes what you could call a dragon whisperer (He makes them behave). This amazes his teacher and schoolmates. When Hiccup’s father finally comes home from his sailing mission he learns Hiccup’s secret. And isn’t pleased. Hiccup stands up for the dragons saying they are only stealing their fish because…and I’ll leave it like that so you’ll rent the movie.
I thought the ending of the movie was excellent. Don’t read on if you don’t want the ending to be spoiled. I liked how Hiccup, who loses his foot in the last battle with the T-Rex like dragon, realizes he can still have a happy life. He knows that a loose of a limb will make things harder, but that life can still be satisfying. Life is what you make it. The ending of How to Train Your Dragon shows that not all ending are perfect but you can still be grateful for what you have. I also like the fact kids learn fighting isn’t all glamorous. That you can actually lose a limb.

Part three of Children and Inappropriate Behavior

Now that we have talked about intentional inappropriate behavior, this next scenario shows the opposite of it. You have seen, and not minded it in the past, when your child has jumped on the den couch. Now you have a new den couch and Jimmy is jumping on it. Seeing this you lose it and scream, “That’s inappropriate behavior!” Why? You never said he could not jump on the den couch before. It does not cut it to excuse your outburst by saying, “He just should have known he shouldn’t jump on the new couch!” How is this? You let him jump on the other couch. You have to actually let your child know what behavior you do NOT want and what behavior you do want. And where they can and can NOT do it. If you have already yelled at your child for this, step back, take a breath and calmly say, “I shouldn’t have yelled at you. But the new rule is no jumping on the den couch. Okay?” Make sure your child hears this. Since you now have informed him of the new rule if he does it again you are justified in reprimanding him. Hopefully by reading this three part article you now have more knowledge about intentional and unintentional behavioral actions by your child.

Part two of Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

Another example of a child exhibiting inappropriate behavior: Your family is seated at the dinner table and your son passes gas. You laugh it off. Some children will leave it like that and other children…will want more attention. They will try to fart again or will do something else, like make a fart noise with their armpit. If you do not want your child to make such an inappropriate noise then do not laugh when they first accidentally do it. Say something like, “Remember to say excuse me when you pass wind (gas) in front of people.” I believe it is not fair to get angry with a child if you have not given them limitations on certain behaviors. Such as, your husband likes to join in with your son in armpit (fart) wars. Your husband has never bothered to explain to the boy, just because he hasn’t, situations in which he should not do this. Then one day your husband’s boss comes over and your son runs in and does an armpit fart. Your husband should not lose it and yell, “That’s inappropriate behavior!” The behavior in itself was not inappropriate, the situation was. Your husband should say, “We don’t do this in front of guests, son.” Later he should tell his son when and where he can do such behavior. I like how my own brother (even white collar workers do this) reminds his sons while they are having such fun that this is something that is not to be done in front of their mom or other guests. It would not be polite. Boy fun, like having burping contests, can do done if the child knows when and where it is okay and not okay.

Parenting Article- Rewarding Inappropriate Behavior

This article is a three part look at Rewarding Inappropriate Behavior.

Parents have you ever rewarded inappropriate behavior without conscientiously thinking about it? Many parents have, especially in situations like the following: You have repeatedly told your daughter she is not to beg to go over to a friend’s house after you have said no. You are now talking to a friend. Your daughter comes up to you, bends down on one knee, and with the most pitiful eyes implores you that she needs to go over to her friend’s house because she has the latest and greatest gadget. You have already told her no twice today. But you think she looks so funny or so cute, or you do not want to be embarrassed in front of your friend, so you override your previous no. What does your child learn by this? This over the top behavior will get her what she wants. Will she do it again? Why not, it works. (The behavior was inappropriate because she purposely begged when you told her not to do this when you have already said no.) Consciously make an effort to not let your guard down and let your child get away with behavior like this. When your child grows up if their boss says X needs to be in on time no bended knee sad puppy eyed look will give them more time. It will just make them look unprofessional. It is your job as the parent to get them ready for the world at large, not society.

A Really Special Valentine's Day Present for your Child

This Valentine's Day do something really special for your child.
This is something your child will treasure and it shouldn't cost you any money.

Has your child ever asked you to play a game that you've avoided playing? Like basketball because you don’t like it or because you don’t think you’re good at it? Do they like a game you find boring so you tell them you'll play it another day? Well today’s the special day you can play it. Tell them that for Valentine’s Day you are showing your love for them by doing something they enjoy (and you don’t.) This will teach your child generosity of the heart. That we should give even when it’s hard.

Book Review: Children Make Terrible Pets

Picture book with sentences. Reading level: Some second graders can read this book alone.
"Children Make Terrible Pets," by Peter Brown. The title got me to pick it up, the story kept me reading. This is a terrific book! I highly recommend it. "Children Make Terrible Pets," is funny and silly and makes you think. Simple plot: Lucy the bear finds a boy in the forest and takes it home as a pet. Lucy's mother tells her children make terrible pets. Tis true. The boy she has taken home is wild and ill mannered. It’s all in good fun.

Arts and Craft Project for Valentines Day.

Have your child create a big card for a loved one.

What your child needs: Red, pink and lavender (if you don’t have lavender, purple will do) construction paper; scissors; pencil; glue stick; Red Hots candy; and hard Valentine’s heart candy with words on them (Love Ya, #1 Dad, Be my Valentine…).

Fold red paper in half. With scissors, using the closed edge side of paper, cut in shape of half a heart. What you’re trying to achieve is, a hole in the shape of a heart when paper is opened. When done glue this heart on top of lavender or purple construction paper. Cut out tiny pink hearts and glue on edges of red paper. Now for the really fun part. Have your child draw a heart inside middle of red heart. Following the heart they just drew, glue with Red Hots. (Let your child have a few if you plan on doing this project. This is part of the fun. Mind you the Red Hots have a spicy cinnamon taste.) Inside the area of the Red Hots have your child place the candy hearts. If they can’t read tell them what each says. Tell your child once glued candy can not be eaten. Place on Mom, Dad’s, or Granddad’s breakfast place setting on Valentines Day.

Be Prepared- Caretaker Emergency Phone Number List and Call Sheet

If you haven't done this yet, do it today! Place all emergency phone numbers on a sheet of paper on your refrigerator or a prominent place where all can see it, like near a phone. Keep it in a fixed place. Do not let people walk off with it. Tape it in place if you must. Numbers you should list: 911 (or your country’s 911 equivalent); poison control; husband and wife’s (or your) office and cell numbers; doctor, dentist, and veterinarian numbers; a relative, close friend’s or neighbor’s phone number; your home and/or computer phone numbers; your home address.
It can be stressful when there is an emergency so write on a sheet of paper what a person should tell the operator when they call 911. Keep this sheet near the emergency phone list.

Sample of what to write for someone caring for your child:
This is (actually write, give your name). I am calling because (write, say why). It involves a child. The phone number here is (actually write it in). The address here is (again write it in). The medications they are taking are (write it in). They are allergic to (write in any medicines they are allergic to if any). Their pediatricians name is (write it in). What should I do until you get here?

Sometimes during an emergency the person on the other line will want to know your name so they can use it to calm you down. You might have more confidence in a person if they use your name. It makes it more personal. Which sentence makes you feel more like the person on the other end is on your team? "Sarah I want you to open the airways…" "Ms. I want you to open the airways…"

Buy a how-to-sheet for CPR and basic first aid. Keep it near the emergency phone numbers. Everyone living in your home should know where the emergency phone list, call sheet, and emergency CPR/First Aid chart are placed. Make sure all caretakers know where they are.
Here’s an idea, take your older child with you when you take a CPR and basic first aid class. They might not be able to get certified depending on how old they are and where you live, but at least in an emergency situation they can help you or their grandparents if need be.

Movie Review: Secretariat

Movie Title: Secretariat. A Disney family movie which is a horse flick. Rated PG (it had some bad language which seemed to me to be put in to get a PG rating.) Based on true life events. I highly, highly recommend this movie for kids ages 9 and up, and adults. It was a really well made movie. The cinematography, especially the shots of the race horses, was excellent.
Plot: Penny, a wife and mother, wants to keep her father’s horse ranch after he dies. Her husband and brother don’t share this idea. With the help of a trainer (who wears wild print shorts) and a top notch jockey, Penny saves the ranch by racing a horse named Secretariat. Secretariat is different than other horses. He likes to start out in the back and break out to win his races. It’s an exciting movie because Penny takes risks concerning her horse and ranch, and manages to succeed.

Chapter Book: "Down and Out Down Under"

Chapter Book for third to fourth graders. "Down and Out Down Under," by Geronimo Stilton. Illustrations by Silvia Bigolin. I like how the book gives interesting information on different issues, from eye conditions to jet lag, to facts about Australia, to how to survive in the outback. But I didn't like the constant bold and colored lettering of random words like: get on, liked, sliced cheese... I could see if it was for new readers. Or if certain nouns, verbs, or opposite words like out, in, up, or down were in bold. Or if words like black or brown matched their color. But the randomness of the colored words is just lost on the reader in this book. I doubt a child would remember how to spell spectacular just because it was in red.
Now about the main character. His name is Geronimo Stilton. He's a newspaper publisher who happens to be a mouse. Petunia, a TV mouse reporter who Geronimo has a crash on, persuades Geronimo to go on adventure in Australia with her and her brother Wolfie. If you happen to be in the library you might think of picking up this book. But I wouldn't buy it.

A Simple, Tastey Recipe for Kids

Coconut Orange Delight.
This is a food activity kids can do with supervision.
What you need: One orange per person. Tiny marshmallows. Shredded coconut/coconut flakes. White chocolate.
I have had orange delight with and without chocolate. Trust me it tastes better with the white chocolate. It gives it an added flavor.

Cut orange in ½ inch slices. Put in bowl.
Add a scoop of marshmallows.
Sprinkle in shredded coconut or coconut flakes. Mix with spoon.
Lastly, with a cheese grater grate white chocolate on top. Enjoy.