Sibling Fights Can be Good for Your Kids

Siblings fight over anything, and everything. A parent having more than one kid knows very well what sibling wars are. Fighting can actually be beneficial for siblings. Here are the reasons why:

1) These intense arguments common between siblings helps them develop understanding of relationships and a variety of constructive skills. When siblings fight and then make up, they learn that anger is natural and that relationships can survive disagreements.

Read more: Sibling Fights Can be Good for Your Kids

Fast and Easy Time-Saving Kitchen Tips

Not much time to cook? Here are some tips to help you save time in the kitchen.

Cook Once, Eat All Week

Rice and other grains can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a colander and pour boiling water over it until it’s heated through. Drain and serve immediately.

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The Value of Silence

Whoever started the rule that study halls and other places requiring silence should be bastions of quiet has done a great service to humanity.

Great things have been hatched in silence. Leonardo da Vinci sat motionless for days in front of an untouched canvass before he could even start on his Last Supper masterpiece. The abbot who commissioned him the job, a man without the slightest hint that ideas are born not only in the onrush of conscious effort but also in the quiet, almost subconscious workings of the mind, was greatly displeased.

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Open Yet Empty Arms on Mothers’ Day

A familiar scene shows children with cards, papers, and crayons, scribbling hearts, wobbly letters and words of love. Husbands bring home gift wrapped presents or plan a surprise special meal. The family lets Mom have her leisurely day. It is a day when women with children receive the adoration and praises the very much deserve. It is a day of happiness and warm affection as well it should be.

Yet, in some homes, the happiness of this day does not reach all homes. To some, Mother’s Day is a date to dread...

Read More: Open Yet Empty Arms on Mothers’ Day

Associated Content Removes Performance Payments for Non-US Citizens

Has economy gone this bad?!!! Effective May 1, 2010, Associated Content will no longer give Performance Payments to Non-US citizens. Members, however, may still get a chance to earn if they will apply as a Featured Contributor and, if ever they get accepted to the Featured Contributor program that’s the only chance they can earn through a few assignments that they can grab when available.

They will also raise their minimum payout from $1.50 to $100. How sad.

Read more: Associated Content Removes Performance Payments for Non-US Citizens

How to Enjoy Life to The Fullest

Some things make life pleasant, others make it miserable. Here are ways to enjoy life although the these pointers may not always be easy to follow.

1) Make up your mind to be happy. Find pleasure in simple things.

2) Make the best of your circumstances. Everyone has sorrows. Seek ways to make smiles outnumber tears.

3) You can’t please everyone. Don’t let your critics run and ruin your life. The more you accomplish, the more resistance you will meet.

Read more: How to Enjoy Life to The Fullest

Tips for Storing Herbs and Spices

Among nature’s first convenience foods are dried herbs. You can simply pick them from your garden when the leaves are mature, hang them carefully to dry, and cook with the dried herbs all winter, until the fresh ones return in the spring.

It is more common for us to buy a bottle or jar of dried herbs from the supermarket, but the principle is the same. Herbs retain their flavors and aromas because they are dried.

Read more: Tips for Storing Herbs and Spices

When You Lose

No one likes to be a loser. Losing discourages and sometimes angers us. It’s never easy to be a good loser. But anytime there’s a competition, someone wins and someone loses. Here are four common pitfalls to avoid when you lose.
Blaming yourself
In both team and individual competitions, it’s easy to degrade yourself for mistakes—you miss your serves in tennis or forget your song at a music competition. Blaming yourself doesn’t change the situation.
Instead, analyze what went wrong with and correct how to correct it next time. Make a plan to improve weak ideas, strategies, or actions.

Blaming others
You might blame others because it’s easier than accepting what really caused the loss. Did you lose because of bad calls or because the team didn’t play well together? Were the poor playing conditions the problem or the team’s skills?
Sometimes a loss may actually be someone else’s fault. Since you can’t change it, accept it. Blaming others makes you feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t change the loss.

Dwelling on it builds feelings of resentment and a poor attitude. Accept the loss and move on. Look ahead to the next game or competition.

Letting things get out of perspective
Losing is hard. Sometimes you may fee that your whole year was ruined and nothing else mattered except winning this competition you worked so hard to prepare for. This happens when things go out of perspective and nothing matters except this event. While competitions are important, they are only a small part of life.
Don’t let one game, music competition, science fair, or other event dominate your life. You are part of a family, you have hobbies, you’re involved in group projects, church or community activities and a multitude of other things. Focus on your life as a whole, and losses won’t seem so great.

Letting loss hurt your character
Maintain integrity even in the face of loss. A bad temper, poor attitude, or foul language mars your character. Rise above the loss and react in a positive manner. Accept the loss and congratulate the winner.
Losing isn’t easy for anyone, but you can avoid the pitfalls of blaming yourself or others, letting things get out of perspective, or damaging your character. Accept loss and determine to do better. Next time you may be the winner!

Some Suggestions for Leftovers

There are times when we cannot avoid having leftovers. When a member of the family fails to come home at a mealtime or when the family decides to eat out during untimely occasions when food had been prepared at home, food may be left over for the next meal. To throw away food is a wasteful thing to do.

With a little ingenuity and imagination any leftover food can be used for another meal. An important thing to remember when dealing with leftovers is changing their form.

Full Article: Some Suggestions for Leftovers

Running on Resurrection Morning

“Come see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen.” – Matthew 28:6-7.
In every gospel account of the resurrection morning, it is no accident that running has been mentioned. There were two women who left the scene in joy and haste (Matt, 28:8). The women who had bought prepared spices ran to tell the others (Marl 16:1-8). Peter and John raced to the garden to see the empty tomb (Luke 24:3-4). Christ’s victory over the grave is an exciting truth—a story that must be told!

Full Article: Running on Resurrection Morning

The Endangered Exotic Animals of The Philippines

Each country has its own unique variety of animals native to its geographical location. The Philippines has some interesting species of animals, too. Sad to say, these animals are faced with the threat of eventual extinction, generally caused by illegal and non-environment-friendly human activities. Let me introduce you to some of the Philippines’ exotic animals:

The Calamian Deer
This deer is usually found only in the Calamianes–a group of islands in Northern Palawan — particularly in desiduous forests and clearings on the islands of Culion and Busuanga. It has a tawny brown-colored coat, with the males generally darkening with age. Compared to other species of the deer, the Calamian deer (Axis calamianesis) has relatively long legs, which are darker than the rest of the body. The male sports three-pronged antlers mounted on its forehead.
Though generally nocturnal, they emerge early in the morning from their resting places in the undergrowth to graze on the clearings and fields. Prized for their meat (as food) and antlers (collectible items), this species have been declared by the IUCN as endangered in 1996, having an estimated population of 900. Actions to save the Calamian deer have been initiated both locally and internationally. One is by breeding them in captivity in Calauit islands. As of 2002, there were 1,200 Calamian deer counted in this natural reserve alone.

The Philippine Sailfin Lizard
This is the largest member of family Agamidae of lizards native to many islands in the Philippines. They are usually found in woodland areas basking on trees, rocks and boulders never far from water edges. Large fins extending from along their bodies best characterize male sailfin lizards. Females are slightly shorter and the crest is absent. The Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) is threatened throughout most of its remaining range by destruction of habitat and over-hunting for food and the live animal trade. The Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation initiated a significant move to protect these lizards in Bacolod City. With funding support from Adelaide and Melbourne Zoos of Australia, the foundation designed a special sailfin lizard enclosure that will serve as the species breeding habitat.

The Philippine Monitor Lizard
A particular subspecies, Varanus salvator mamoratus, is commonly found in the Philippines, particularly in and around Sibulan Watershed Reserve in Polilo Islands. Locally, it is called bayawak. Like the Philippine sailfin lizard, the Philippine monitor lizard is heavily hunted both for its meat and leather. The conversion of forest to agricultural land on a massive scale is also held responsible for the decline of this lizard’s population.

The Palawan Peacock Pheasant
This particular species of pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum) that is endemic to the Palawan Island in the Philippines is regarded as the most beautiful of the peafowl species. A long, metallic blue crest with white lines above and below the eye best characterizes the males, which are attractively colored to attract a mate. Palawan peafowl, locally called “andikan,” are shy but adapt well and breed in confinement. Unfortunately they are already endangered because of declining habitat and the continuing bird trading and hunting for food. An estimated decreasing population of 1,000 has been recorded at present.

The Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove
Naturally found in Luzon, this species of dove (Gallicolumba luzonica) is distinct for its “bleeding” spot in the middle of its breast (that looks like it has been shot on its breast). Bleeding-hearts, locally called “puñalada,” are almost completely terrestrial, seldom going even into the low bushes. However, they do not build their nests on the ground. Just like all kinds of doves and pigeons they regurgitate crop milk to be fed to their chicks.

Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight

A Wordy Playground

Words are there for us to use. As writers, speakers, lyricists, or poets, we regularly employ them, and give them life or power to relay our thoughts or feelings. Some are weak, some are strong, some pierce, some hurt, and we use them everyday. We stretch, shuffle, reshuffle, cajole, badger, whip into submission around 200 to more than a thousand of them in every article daily.

Let us pause and just play with them now, just to blow off steam, whoop them up and have fun with them...

Full Article: A Wordy Playground

Bananas May Reduce Risk of Strokes

An extra serving of potassium-rich fresh fruits and vegetables every day could reduce the risk of stroke, says a study; but we do not have to resort to potassium pills which may be dangerous.

Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, of the University of California at San Diego, and colleagues studied 859 men and women ages 50-79 years. Among their findings, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine: Men with low-potassium diets were almost three times more likely to die after a stroke than those who had higher potassium diets. Women who consumed little potassium were almost five times more likely to die after a stroke.

Full Article: Bananas May Reduce Risk of Strokes

The Social Pests Classified

No, these are not social insects in the literal sense. They are the people who simply have no regard for others. At one time or another we have encountered at least one or some. Here are the common ones.


Full Article: The Social Pests Classified

How to be a Welcome Guest

Sooner or later you’ll be a guest in someone’s home. It may be a visit to a friend or a relative, or a weekend sleepover, or perhaps your boyfriend or girlfriend would introduce you his or her parents.

Whatever the situation, you’ll want to be considerate of your host, and leave a good impression. Here are some suggestions on how you can do that:

Full Article: How to be a Welcome Guest

Fears Children Face

Fears are normal parts of a child’s development. These arise out of a child’s perception of being unable to cope with a situation and therefore feeling threatened. The following fears are some of the most common developmental fears children face.

The 1st year: Fear of strangers and separation from parents are primary fears. Other fears involve sudden loud noises, falling, animals, sleep, and the doctor.

The 1-year old: Many of the fears of the first year continue. Others that develop are fears of the dark, thunder and lightning, toilet training, and the bath.

Read full article: Fears Children Face

Dealing with Favoritism in the Family

Favoritism, according to Irving Bieber, a clinical professor at the New York Medical College, adversely affects both the ignored child and the preferred child.

The preferred child might want to see why he was chosen and may even feel guilty because his brothers and sisters are being deprived of their fair share of parental love because of him. On the other hand, the ignored child will also want to know why he was not favored. Consequently, he might develop an inferiority complex and may harbor ill feelings towards the favored sibling.

Full Article: Dealing with Favoritism in the Family

Two Negative Attitudes of Parents That Deter the Development of Their Children

Each child has a unique intelligence profile. However, this cannot be fully appreciated and nurtured if the parent exhibits these unhealthy attitudes...

Think “Are you raising your children for your own good or is it only for your own ego?”
Remember, their future should be about them achieving things with their own potential not about “you.”

According to Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard University who developed the Theory of Multiple Intelligence, “As parents, we are our children’s first educators. Do not prejudge the child. Observe him.” “What may work for you may not work for him. Respect their differences. Each child should be nurtured and celebrated!”

Full Article: Two Negative Attitudes of Parents That Deter the Development of Their Children

Choosing a Good Story for Children

Children often look forward to story-telling time at the end of the day. How do you choose a good story so it will also be a worthwhile and a learning experience? Here are some pointers.

...A good story does not make the truth beautiful; it showcases the beauty of the truth. It does not only impress you; through it, the truth is impressed in you....

Full Article: Choosing a Good Story for Children

Children and the Human Touch

Studies show that human beings, especially children, need to be “cooed, smiled at, kissed, cuddled, hushed, fed, bathed, dressed, sheltered, toilet-trained and their noses wiped when they run.” They also need to be disciplined, educated and taught social conduct and occupational skill if ever they are to grow normally. In every sense, human touch spells L-O-V-E.

Full Article: Children and the Human Touch

Roads to Learning: What is the Best Path to Take?

Learning is central to activities the in the home, in school, and in everyday life. It is a complex process which takes place in the brain. The human brain is considered a frontier in the educational explorations today.

However, every parent and every teacher searches for the best road - the most effective way to learning. The important question therefore is: How do people learn? What are the most effective and the fastest method of learning, especially for children?

Full Article: Roads to Learning: What is the Best Path to Take?

What Happens in Man’s Brain During Mid-Life

All men go through mid-life, some with ease, and some turbulently. There may be some biological explanation to this.
Psychotherapists have long observed that some persistent anxiety-related problems experienced when you’re young seem to “burn out” between the ages of 40 and 60.

Full Article: What Happens in Man’s Brain During Mid-Life

The Perfect Personal Coffee Blend

Confused by the variety of coffee to choose from? Are there substantial differences between them? How does the grind actually affect the taste?

Several factors substantially affect the flavor of home-brewed coffee; the most important is the roast. The lighter the roast of the bean, the weaker the flavor and, surprisingly, it has the more caffeine. Most canned coffee are light roasted. Dark roasts, such as Italian and French coffee varieties are used for espresso. A medium roast, such as Danish coffee or Vienna roast, is a blend of dark and light-roasted beans.

Full Article: The Perfect Personal Coffee Blend

A Beginner’s Guide on Making a Pet Cat Happy

Do you have a pet cat? Let me tell you some things to make your pet cat happy. If you know your pet better, you will enjoy it better.

Cats have good memories. They remember persons who treat them kindly and those who are cruel to them. If you kick your cat, it will remember your unkindness and will learn to avoid you. But if you are good to it, it will think of you as a friend.


Full Article: A Beginner’s Guide on Making a Pet Cat Happy

Going Green: Some More Environmental Facts You Should Know

Environmental awareness should never be underestimated. Here are some additional facts you should know about going green.


Full Article: Some More Environmental Facts You Should Know

Tips on Buying Toys for Children

T is for “toy.” Toys are for children. But most of the time, it’s the adults who buy them for the kids! Toys can be highly educational or merely entertaining. They may be expensive or dirt-cheap, depending on the taste of the child or the parent. They can also be harmful or simply harmless.

For playthings to be very beneficial, it is the giver’s duty to carefully select them. Here are some guidelines to consider.

AGE

Manufacturers usually indicate the age bracket for which their toys are fitted.  Children mature differently, and they easily lose interest if toys are either too complicated or not at all challenging for their age.

Toys for infants should be those that will awaken the senses of sight, hearing, and touch.  During years when muscles and coordinators are being developed, throw toys would be very interesting.  Later, playthings that encourage the imagination and visualization should be given.

EDUCATION

Toys are silent teachers.  Their educational potential is too vast to be disregarded considering the developmental tasks in this stage of life.  Children can quickly develop dexterity, and learn association, letters, numbers, and reasoning.  Character traits such as patience, efficiency, and orderliness can be greatly reinforced.

Most mechanical toys that run at a flick of a switch or at the turn of a key may be completely entertaining, but if kids do nothing but watch amused, they will have and nothing more. 

Give them things that will bring out creativity and innovation – toys that will challenge their thinking prowess such as building blocks, Lego, puzzles, modeling clays or Play-Doh, and art and craft materials.

SAFETY

Check for sharp metal edges.  Rough plastics and woods can be very abrasive to tender skins.  Small parts that loosen easily poses risk of getting swallowed.  Moving parts might pinch fingers or pull hair.  Pointed sections can blind or puncture skin. Scissors should have blunt, rounded tips and should not be barber-sharp.  Clays and water colors are usually indicated if they are non-toxic and safe if accidentally swallowed. 

 

When they do get dirty as toys are apt to be, they should be easy to clean.  Toys that not washable not only deteriorate quickly but are dangerous to the child’s health especially if they kiss and cuddle them or take them to bed at night.

PRICE

Toys need not be expensive to realize the purpose for which they are bought.   Many expensive toys just end up inside the glass cabinet because they might not last long in the child’s hands.  During chances that these are played with, they are always under watchful eyes.  Then with the repeated calls to “be careful,” plus threats to put away the toy, would hardly make the child fully enjoy the plaything.

Children will delight in their toys regardless of the price tag.  Make room for the fact that they will outgrow them and not use them for long.

QUALITY

Cheap toys end up being expensive if they easily break, stop working after a short while, or run on and off at your dismay.  Check for defects in manufacture such as peeling paints, loose joints, or missing parts.  Mechanical or electronic toys should always be tested before purchase.  Check for availability of warranty or repair service if offered.

Toys should be durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of child’s play.

NEED

Toys are bought with a particular kid in mind.  Do not buy out of impulse or just because it caught the fancy of the child in you. It might not be the recipient’s preference.  Consider the need for buying the toy.  Is it to keep him busy? To while away the time while he is sick in bed?  As a reward for a good great or an excellent performance?  Whatever the need, it should be a great consideration. 

Whether it is a birthday, graduation, a Christmas present, or just a surprise gift, a toy is for fun and profit.  Fun, because that is how toys should be.  Profit, because they should be character and skill-building tools.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

When to Start Reading to Your Baby

Many parents are surprised at how early an interest in reading begins.
Although you can start reading to your baby as soon as three months, at this age the activity has more benefit for you than for him. If your baby enjoys being nestled in your arms and hearing your voice, then by all means read to him.

Full Article: When to Start Reading to Your Baby

Diabetes and Cold Weather Go Together

People living in extreme cold-weather conditions tend to have higher levels of blood sugar, which they use to their advantage.
If you’re diabetic (Type 1, Type 2, and otherwise) and you happen to get stuck in Antarctica, you’re in luck. The reason behind this is sugar is a natural anti-freeze substance. The higher the level of sugar in a liquid, the lower the freezing point.

Full Article: Diabetes and Cold Weather Go Together

How to Cope with the Tensions of Daily Life

A certain amount of tension is healthy and necessary for concentration on the job to be done. But the time may come when tension increases to the point of over-anxiety, fear, and stress. This can endanger mental ability, emotional control, and in time physical vigor. Here are some ideas for dealing with tensions everyday so that they do not build up to unmanageable proportions.

Full Article: How to Cope with the Tensions of Daily Life

How to Shop for the Perfect Ring

When shopping for a ring, be it for a gift or an engagement, the best advice is to become an educated consumer. Once you set a realistic budget range, shop around and familiarize yourself with both traditional and new styles. Clip out photos of rings you like from magazines and catalogs. Ask the store salesperson to present a selection of rings to try on and to learn what appeals to you in terms of stone cut, shape, and settings.

Full Article: How to Shop for the Perfect Ring