Hanging With Your Children... It Can be Fun (Can't it?)

Children seem to have an endless supply of engergy. No matter how they use, they seem to recuperate fast. There are times that we cannot or don't want to catch up as other things in life get in the way. Be glad that your kids have activities and a social life because having a life in front of the computer, tv or hand held device does not serve them well during the early informative years (later on ok, but not so much as toddlers). Supporting their activities plays an important part in the overall development of your child mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

It does not mean that you have to follow your kid’s every move because that's a bit much, but the thought that you support them is enough to keep them going.Yes we should leave our kids alone sometimes, especially if they are determined to do the activities they want but as a parent, we them to be safe right? We should suggest different activities that are safe. The good news is that there are many activities worth trying. If you have time, it will be memorable for your kids if you can join them. Making time for your child is important if you want to stay close to them.

Activities that will strengthen your bond are the best. In line with this, you can consider the following fun activities:

1. If your kid is a music enthusiast, you should send him/her to music classes or encourage them to join the school chorus. If they have live performances, attend and give her flowers or give him a cool rock t shirt. Music schools can be pricey, but learning an instrument or being able to carry a tune is well worth the cost.

2. If your kid loves dancing, you should send him/her to dance classes. When they have performances, get grammy and gramps to attend. Boys will try to avoid this but it'll pay off during middle and high school.  

3. If your child likes to go out for outland adventure, hiking, walks on the beach (if you're close) or riding around the nearest park is great exercise and fun.

4. If your kid likes to explore the world, a subway, bus or train ride is a great start. Old subway stations have mostly been fixed up as more people use mass transit but most designers have kept some of the original buildings to remember the past. Take pictures and video... digital cameras are one of the best investments and storing these memories is free.

5. If your kids just want to stay in the house, cook together play board games. These are family bonding experiences that strengthen your clan. Have a movie night and let kids pick the show half the time. Make sure you choose some of the awesome nature shows that have been produced like The Earth by the BBC.

Kids should know that you support them no matter what activities they choose. If it is dangerous, talk them through and tell them you don’t want to see them in pain. If you feel that what they are doing is safe, provide whatever they need.  

Find educational toys, kids area rugs and more at SensoryEdge.

Why I Discourage My Kids From Buying Gift Cards

It's quite possible I'm hardcore about gifts and gifting, but as a Dad, I think it's really important to share my values with my children, and one of them is the importance of a gift being a demonstration of your love and awareness of the recipient.

It's rather a game I play, actually: when someone I know has a birthday or Hanukah / Christmas is coming up, or, in the case of a partner, Valentine's Day, the challenge of figuring out the perfect present begins.

You pay close attention to them, listen to what they talk about wanting, take note of the things they gravitate towards in stores, at the Mall, or even in product catalogs or newspaper fliers. You obliquely ask them about specific kinds of products. You see what they are coveting of yours (or a friend), and you keep track.

When it's time to purchase the gift, a bit of research on a site like Amazon.com, with its extraordinary database of product reviews and comments, can quickly reveal the best in class or the limitations and problems associated with a given potential gift. 

In the end, a perfect gift is a terrific gesture of love, an obvious sign that your affection for them isn't just associated with a cash value but that you pay attention to them. That you see them, hear them, and think about them.

How can a gift card compare to that?


Dave Taylor writes a parenting blog at GoFatherhood.com and is a single dad to three children, 15, 11, and 8.

4 Ways To Create Fabulous & Unique Kids’ Rooms With Wall Decals

Wall decals are a fun way to decorate kids’ rooms. You can create a look and a sense of style without a big commitment since you can always change out the decals. This is especially helpful in kids’ rooms since they grow and change so quickly.
We also love how wall decals personalize a space. You can pick the decals that bring out the uniqueness of your child and make his or her room one of a kind.
Here are 4 designer secrets about how to use wall decals like a decorating pro:

1. Interior designers and decorators like to anchor decals by placing them above or around larger furniture pieces. Decals look better this way than just floating on a wall.
2. Try spelling out your kid’s name above his or her bed. Designers also love creating monograms with a person’s initials. Another idea is to spell out an inspirational word or saying. Again, try to connect the letters to furniture or an architectural element in the room so that they are not just floating on the wall.
3. Limit yourself to one or two decal styles with coordinating colors. Bigger decals are better than smaller ones. Less is definitely more when it comes to mixing different decals or lots of decals.
4. Create an emphasis wall and group decals for maximum impact. You could paint this wall a darker color to make the decals stand out. If you are artistic, try creating a faux stage with paint on one wall.

Whether you are artistic or not, you can create a unique, one of a kind room for your child with wall decals. Give it a try. You won’t be let down.

Nancy Del Santo helps homeowners create beautiful, family friendly homes. Get your decorating questions answered and learn about designer trade secrets and stylish resources by subscribing to her website http://askDECOR.com .

You can also connect with Nancy on Twitter @askDECOR.

How technology is impacting the way we learn

The Future of Higher Education

How technology is impacting the way we learn—for the better!

There is no doubt that online technology is changing the way we learn. As the transfer of knowledge moves from traditional lectures in the classroom to the digital realms of online colleges that deliver courses to the comfort of you home, many educators are apprehensive about some of the ways that technology is impacting the way we learn.

Important questions are being raised, like:

• Are online tools, such as mobile devices, making us lazy learners?
• Is technology corrupting education by making it too easy to earn a college degree?
• How can we expect learning be consistent if it’s being taught in social networks?

Technology making us lazy! We say rubbish! And with this article, we plan to show you that as we adapt the way we learn to meet 21st Century needs; e- learning is actually increasing education opportunities for everyone around the world.

Mobile learning

Web-based portable learning, or mobile learning, is a trend that’s based on society and their heavy use of mobile tools, such as wireless smart phones, iPods, laptops, tablets, iPads and personal media players. Not only is mobile learning in demand by graduating high school students and competitive companies around the world, it also has several advantages, like:

• It reduces the time spent on learning, for example, the need to go out and purchase a textbook
• It increases retention because it can be referred to multiple times, for free
• Mobile learning delivers on-demand college course material, meaning it’s available when you need it, not the other way around
• It allows for self-paced learning
• Mobile learning increases one-on-one  opportunities for students and professors
• It increases confidence, hard work and discipline (because no one is looking over your shoulder)
• It accommodates varied learning styles—auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners

Social networks

Web 2.0 tools are driving the way we engage with each other as we collaborate and share knowledge. As we become more tech savvy, we’re turning more often to free social media tools to support our learning and seeking knowledge from people who might be normally out of reach. Learning via social networks has the following benefits:

• The ability to learn from the experts
• Gives us the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with colleagues located in other parts of the world
• The ability to stay current with the latest trends in a certain industry or career field
• Offers us the ability to create a presence in a career field outside of our own geographical location

Do-it-yourself learning

The final role technology offers with technology is do-it-yourself (or DIY) learning opportunities. DIY learning opportunities allow us to improve our careers, skills and personal lives using an informal network of colleagues, professionals and experts. DIY learning uses technology to immediately find new information. It’s especially beneficial for people without the time or financial resources to access formal learning. Learning via a DIY style offers the following advantages:

• DIY learning is available in any format, anytime, anywhere on the web
• DIY learning is customizable to meet the needs of everyone
• User created content lets us access the latest facts created by experts
• It’s available through open content resources (meaning it’s completely free)

Bio: Kathy F. Porter left her extremely uninspiring job as a Marketing Director at a large Georgia-based company and she decided it was ample time to do something she loved. The thought of going back-to-school was very intimidating until she discovered you could earn a degree online from a reputable university—without quitting her job or moving to another city. Kathy now works as a freelance writer and is very passionate about learning. You can contact Kathy at KathyFPorte@gmail.com.

Sensory Edge Adds Foamnasium Soft Play Furniture

Earlier this year we went to an industry trade show and meet the team from Foamnasium. They were super nice and had some fun products that can be used at home, school or in waiting areas.

Foamnasium toys and furniture provide easy to clean, high-quality soft play toys that expand young imaginations. They're tough and durable enough for energetic play and offer a myriad of educational activities. The products stimulate the kids senses, aids in the development of gross motor skills and allow children to use their imaginations for exciting play. The soft play toys and furniture are strong enough to withstand rough play, yet soft to ensure children play in safety.

Foamnasium soft shred pillows for children of all ages are for lounging at home or for use in preschools. The accordion mat can be used as a mat, fence or seat to lean against a wall. Fold it and easily move it into another room or area. All Foamnasium products are flame retardant and contain anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection.

There's a  wide variety of vinyl covered foam chairs, video loungers, child-size sofas, bleacher benches, wedges and triangles so kids can sit quietly or read. The soft, child-sized furniture is ideal for child waiting rooms, playrooms and any location where children may have to wait for any length of time. The kids waiting room furniture allows children to play without fear of injury.

There's also an assortment of foam blocks in different sizes that children can sit on, use as a table or stack for hours of fun. The play mailbox features a curved surface for improved balancing skills and can be coordinated with other pieces to form a soft, safe playground. The circle in a circle toy can be used as part of an obstacle course or seat.

Toddlers love to climb, and with the Toddler Soft Step, small children can reach low placed toys for themselves or climb on the couch with parents without assistance. It provides children with a way to gain confidence, learn balancing skills and independence.

5 Easy Ways to Brighten a Child's Bedroom with Furniture

Childhood is a magical time which is full of vivid colours, great adventures and a real sense of imagination. It's a time when everything seems a little easier, and when the number one concern should always be how to have the most fun. If you're a parent or carer of children, you'll know just how important it is to keep kids stimulated, both mentally and from a health point of view.

There is lots of talk about fitness and staying active, but what about when your children are at home? What is there in your home to keep kids engaged, interested, and having fun? Well, if you're unsure where to start, you could always begin with their bedroom. It's here that many of their great adventures begin, and where they spend a lot of their time. So why shouldn't it be comfy and cosy or bright and vivid?

Whatever your taste, there's upholstered furniture available that can really bring a child's bedroom to life. Let's look at five very easy ways that you can brighten up your kids' rooms with some furniture.

Rocking Chairs

You might associate these with older members of our community, but rocking chairs are actually a lot of fun for kids. You can find upholstered rocking chairs in a wide range of colours and designs to suit every child's room. Plus, kids' rocking chairs aren't just available as the more traditional wooden chair; you can also find them in comfy cushioned form which any child will just love. Children tend to really enjoy things that are a little bit different and interesting - and if you've ever seen children playing on a rocking chair you'll already know how much of a difference an upholstered rocking chair can make to a child's room.

Recliner seats

You'd be forgiven for thinking that recliner seats are designed only for men who want to sit back, drink beer, and watch TV. That's the reputation they've picked up through popular culture, but recliner seats are great for everyone - and what better way to bring a child's bedroom to life than with a miniature recliner? Kids love to imitate adults, and an upholstered recliner is a fantastic way to let them do it. It really will bring a touch of class to any bedroom, and give the impression of a fully sized recliner without taking up too much space in the bedroom! 

Bean bags

An all time favourite for kids and adults alike, bean bags are a fantastic way to brighten a bedroom. They're available in all sorts of colours, designs, and materials - plus they're great fun to sit on. Bean bags are really versatile, so they can be used in almost any child's bedroom in almost any corner. Bright and vivid or a little more understated - the choice is yours (or your child's, of course). Just make sure that you let the kids play with it now and again!

Sofas for kids

Why let the adults have all the fun on the sofa? Ideal for chilling out on or to spend time with friends, a fully upholstered sofa is a brilliant addition to a child's bedroom. Plus, because they're quite small compared to their bigger brothers, you don't have to worry too much about space requirements. Plus your kids will love having a catnapper sofa to kick back and relax on whenever they like! And don't forget, one upholstered kid’s sofa is enough for multiple kids - so you'll only need to buy one!

Sleeper chairs

Relaxing in the bedroom can be tiresome work for kids - so thank goodness there are sleeper chairs to help out! These nifty seats literally transform from seat into bed, much to the amazement of children watching. Not only are they comfy, they're also a lot of fun. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours, an upholstered child's sleeper chair can be a fantastic way to bring a bedroom to life. And you won't need to worry of they tire themselves out because you'll have the answer right there in the bedroom! You could even move the upholstered child's sleeper chair to the living room for those nights when you're all watching a family movie. It's really versatile and will bring joy and fun to any kid's bedroom. 

Pretend Play: Getting Them Ready for School

When it comes to school, we all want our kids to be at the top of the class and that means giving them a head start before they ever meet their teacher. From letters and numbers to shapes and colors there's a lot they can learn while they're still at home. But let's face it, no parent wants to be a drill sergeant! The more positive learning experiences the better. A child who is used to being curious will have a much easier time staying ahead in school. Thankfully, there are some great toys that will entertain your child so much, he won't even realize he's learning! Let's take a look at some different types of toys that can put your kid on the right track.

If you've got a toddler in the house, don't forget the classics! Some of the best educational toys have also been around the longest. These toys have lasting power because they have universal appeal and will help introduce you kid to some foundational ideas. Blocks are a smart option for any kid that's at least one and a half years old. You can find them with all kinds of basic shapes, numbers and letters. Don't worry if your child is too young to understand them right away; blocks are good for motor skills and hand-eye coordination too. This means your little tot can get years of playtime with these handy little stackers.

Now if you like the sound of wooden toys but you need a little more variety, try a stacking board or some basic puzzles. You can find boards with all the basic shapes and in vibrant colors. Puzzles are another fun way to sharpen these skills and you can find some tailor-made for toddlers. These are just thick and safe just like blocks but they can also teach kids about environments. A farm animal themed puzzle is an easy way to introduce your kid to concept in an enjoyable way. You can even find puzzles that make sounds! This does require more hand-eye coordination because each shape must be fitted onto a peg or into, but that extra challenge can be more entertaining. That being said, You might want to wait until your child is a little older before you introduce this toy.

Plush toys are another great way to make learning fun. Nowadays, there are so many plush items that are adorable and educational. Melissa and Doug is a toy company that makes a wonderful line of educational plush toys just for tots. You can act out a classic fable with the Three Little pigs play set or start teaching your child about money with the Fill and spill wallet. All of these play sets are large and cushy; perfect for that age when everything ends up in his mouth! And the company has made each piece colorful and friendly looking.

There are so many toymakers dedicated to helping children during those first five years of learning. And with a few of the right toys, your toddler will be well on the way to having a great education. So keep an eye out for these toys which are sure to be so much fun, your child won't even know she's learning!