DrDeClutterBlog.com

My clients Sandy and Joe really love their kids.

This climbing rope is attached to the vaulted ceiling in their livingroom with a massive hook. Why? Because their young and active daughter likes to climb. How cool is this!

You probably won’t be putting a climbing rope in your living room! But, what can you do to support your kid’s creativity, athleticism, joy and wonder! They’re only young once, and Spackle and paint will cover many a great idea of good parenting!

Money management, information and financial education is one of the best gifts you can give your children. Yet,  among our young people it is sadly lacking. However, this is not new.

How much preparation for the real world of “how money, credit, investing, debt management and how to distinguish a “need” from a “want”" did you get as a kid? If you’re like me, I’m guessing, not much. It’s a rare household that really teaches the world of finances (we can only give what we have or know!), even MONEY 101 to their kids. And, where then will they learn? In school? Nope.

Only seven states require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate, according to the Council for Economic Education.

Discipline through planning, saving and knowing what is important to purchase is important all our lives. It’s important for kids to understand “the math” of a dollar and that there are some things they/you can and can’t afford “right now” or ever. Learning patience and to wait while planning, saving and getting the “gut” emotional hang of “Oh, I really don’t need it anyway now that I’ve had time to think about it,” is a important life-skill – vs – the throw-away, consumer based society we’re in. 

Some basic things you as a parent can do for your kids – before they go off clueless into the world armed with some cash, debit and credit cards waiting for misuse and disaster:

1. Pay with cash. Give your kids real money/cash to pay for items with so that they get that when it’s gone, it’s gone, as opposed to a plastic card that means nothing to them except, MORE, MORE, INFINITY, MORE!
2. Teach the Understanding of a Dollar. Do the math with them at home with items that have price tags to help them understand how much things cost, as well as in the store. If you give them a $5 bill and limit them to $4.50 plus tax (they have to learn about tax!) they will learn the basics of how it works, e.i., there is no more money over the $5 bill, so plan accordingly. Or, save it and spend later on something you want that costs more. It’s a choice, which is important to learn, that we always have choices.
3. Learn to Earn. Give an allowance to make kids learn about “earning” the “money” that is the method to “buy” and “trade” for what they want. Be consistent with what is required to receive a specified amount of money.
4. Teach Saving. Whether you use a good old pink piggy bank, envelopes or a new digital counter bank for coins that count up, saving is a life-skill to learn early; not so as to hoard and fear spending, but used to pre-plan purchases with forethought and enjoyment. Help them think through what they want – the cost and the math- so that success if learned, and not failure and disappointment.
5. Teach the Value of Investing.  Give them examples of how you invest and how interest works and why.
6. Teach them to Learn the Difference Between “Need” and “Want.” Have them spend money on clothing and school lunches (necessities) vs. fun food, toys, music or games (non-essentials).
7. Be Honest About Your Financial Situation. Don’t say everything’s okay and keep spending if you’re having a hard time paying the bills. Kids need to know the reality without overdue burden on them. If you’ve lost your job, tell them the truth and how that translates into money-matters until you get a new one. If you make a financial mistake – it happens – explain it to them as appropriate and how it affects the bigger picture for your family.  Why? They most likely know something’s wrong anyway, or hear your thinking outloud or to others about it.  Your anger, fear and guilt are teaching them life-patterns, but not life-skills! So, just give them the basics and what they need to know if there are changes they need to know about.
8. Have Fun with Finances! When money if flowing in and when money is tight, let your kids see how you can enjoy it and take good care of it all at the same time.

 RESOURCES FOR HELP

See JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit that work with students.

Get free teaching materials from the JumpStart Coalition Clearinghouse too. For all ages and several languages.

Money Savvy Generation has great banks for kids to separate and save wisely.

Christmas makes kids wide-eyed, with thoughts of a ton of presents under the Christmas tree. Some kids even like to count their presents under the tree. This holiday season, teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas — giving to others.

Give to Others – One simple way to teach your children the value of giving is to have them donate to a local shelter. Have your children go through their toys and clothes. Make sure they give away one really nice thing that they don’t really need or play with. Place an emphasis on the fact that there are many children who have no home or parents.

Another way your children can learn about the gift of giving is to donate canned goods to a local food drive service. These services provide food to families in need. The holidays are often a difficult time for those in need. Take your children to the grocery store and have them choose a nice variety of canned foods to donate.

One more way your children can learn a lesson in giving is to buy gifts for others. Choose a needy family in your church or community. If you don’t know of anyone in need, ask around. Officials at your city’s municipal building, or local pastors will be able to make recommendations to you.

Take your children shopping and help them pick out age-appropriate toys and gifts. Let them wrap the gifts, too. Finally, drive your family to your “adopted” family’s home and let your kids hand out their gifts. You can also give a gift to a local gift drive for children in need, most of these will advertise in stores and the local community during the holidays.

If you have one or more children at school, the holidays can get a little out of hand. Keep yourself (and your kids!) organized this year with these quick ideas:

School Activities:

* Use a calendar. This is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself organized. Keep a large, wipe-off calendar in the kitchen. Have your children write their parties or other holiday activities on the calendar. This way, everyone will be able to see who has an event scheduled. This will help to prevent over-scheduling or double-booking any day of the month.

* Keep a running list. Your kids will be asked to bring refreshments to contribute to their class party. Keep a running list on the refrigerator so that you can do your shopping all at once. Having this list will prevent you from making several trips to the grocery store.

Gift Giving:

* Create a budget for your kids. If you will be providing money for your kids to buy Christmas gifts with, then make a budget. If they will use their own money for shopping, you should still help them make a budget so they don’t overspend.

* Make a shopping list. Again, create a list with each child of who they need to shop for. If they know what kind of gift they will buy for their friends, then let them go ahead and make that list. Don’t take them shopping without a plan or it may end in disaster, with you spending a lot more than you’d intended to in the beginning or worst shopping for hours without finding the right gifts.

In the much-loved movie “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie sets out to convince the world that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift.

“You’ll shoot your eye out!” was the response he got from his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. It’s one of the more hilarious and memorable quotes from this Christmas classic because we’ve all heard it repeatedly during our childhood. But unfortunately, it comes true for too many people.

Common Sense, Training and Awareness are Key to Safety with Toys
We all know that “Christmas is for kids,” and that one of the best things about the holiday season are the smiles on the faces of tiny tots when they see the year’s new toys. It’s important for parents and gift-givers to take the time to read age-appropriate labels when choosing toys, as this information could save a child’s life or save them from injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 144,000 children are, treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for toy-related injuries.

In the last few years the CPSC required labels to be put on all toys marketed for children from 3 to 6 years old if the toys pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. These labels let you know that a toy is not safe for younger children and why. Before CPSC issued these requirements, it was more difficult for consumers to know whether toys for older children could be a danger to younger kids.

The following tips will help consumers choose appropriate toys for children this holiday season:
· Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skill, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
· For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
· For all children under the age 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges, points, or long strings.
· Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
· Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
· Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose, and other potential small parts.
· Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings.
· Teach and train the children how the product works so that they can use it appropriately.

By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing toys for children.

Teachers work hard all year with our children. If you are looking for a special gift for your child’s teacher this year, why not try something different this year.

Here are a few gifts for teachers’ ideas:

1. Stationary with pens
2. Coffee mug with gift certificate to their favorite coffee bar
3. Homemade cookies and candy
4. Mini scrapbook or photo album, ready to insert pictures into
5. Candy-filled glass bowl
6. Books from their favorite author
7. Keepsake box
8. Small jewelry box
9. “Pamper Me” basket, filled with bubble bath, soaps, body lotions, etc.
10. Deliciously-scented candles
11. Handmade cookbook, filled with your special/favorite recipes
12. Gift certificate for “two” to the movies
13. One dozen of her favorite flowers
14. Scarf, knitted by you
15. Small bottle of favorite perfume
16. Personalized keychain
17. Personalized gift basket, filled with all her favorite things
18. Tote bag with name or initial embroidered on the front
19. Pretty refrigerator magnets
20. Potpourri jar
21. Handmade soaps or lotions
22. Handmade pillar candles
23. “Why you’re special to me” book – Purchase a small notebook or journal. Have each kid in the class write why their teacher is special to them. Present it to the teacher as a class.
24. Surprise party
25. Decorative watering can, filled with pretty flowers or greenery
26. Variety of specialty teas inside a china teacup
27. Home cooked meal, delivered at the day/time of teacher’s preference
28. Monetary donation in teacher’s name, to her favorite charity
29. Custom made charm bracelet
30. Food baskets (fruit, canned foods, specialty items, etc.)

KEEPING AN EYE ON SAFETY
Submitted by Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN Director
Options for Healthy Living, Inc.,
Estes Park, CO
Options For Healthy Living newsletter at http://www.optionsforhealthyliving.org/

“For many children, each year, the holidays are interrupted by a trip to the hospital emergency room. Prevent Blindness America (PBA) reports that in 2003, there were more than 10,000 toy and play activity eye injuries in children under the age of 14. The PBA further reports that 90% of these injuries were preventable. Unfortunately, each year some of these easily preventable injuries will result in blindness.

So, choose toys wisely. Prevent Blindness America recommends gift-givers follow these tips for choosing safe toys:

1) Look for toys that have the letters “ASTM.”
This means that the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.(Many toy makers follow safety guidelines, some do not).

2) Inspect toys for sturdy construction.
Children’s toys should be durable and be able to with stand impact. (Shattering pieces are a recipe for disaster).

3) Store toys properly after play to avoid trips and falls onto sharp objects.
Check the lenses and frames of “dress-up” and sunglasses. Many less sturdy models can break resulting in an eye injury. Always avoid toys with sharp areas or rods. (Stay clear of toy weapons).

4) Avoid toys with flying objects or that shoot – especially BB guns and slingshots. (Toy guns are responsible for the largest amount of eye injuries in children).

5) Never give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths increasing the risk of choking.

6) Read directions carefully and follow suggested age levels to ensure the toy is appropriate for your child’s ability and age.

7) Explain the proper use of a toy to your child. A simple explanation of how not to use a toy and enforcing it prevents dangerous misuse of some toys.

If a child does sustain a cut or puncture of the eye or eyelid, knowing what to do could help to prevent vision loss: PBA lists the following instructions to help save valuable time.

1) DO NOT allow the child to rub the eye.
2) DO NOT try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye. (This could further damage delicate eye tissue) Cover the eye with a rigid shield without applying pressure. The bottom half of a paper cup can be used. See a doctor at once”.

Enjoy the holidays and keep these eye safety tips in mind while you finish your holiday shopping.

Resources: www.preventblindness.org and www.mayoclinic.com
Source: Akron General Medical Center, Center for Parish Nursing
Thanks for taking good care of yourself and your loved ones. www.optionsforhealthyliving.org

AVOID A FIGHT, FAT and FRENZIES due to sugar-overload.

Preplan the plan, man! Avoid arguments for after the bags are over-flowing with sugar. Set up the rules with the kids first, before they head out the door to trick-or-treat.

If the kids are small enough, put candy in a jar or bag up in the pantry or cabinet. They don’t need to have it in front of them with free-access. They will eat it, of course! That’s not their fault. Take charge!

NOTE: Please read up on research on diet candy/sodas/drinks/foods and their danger to our health. Don’t let your kids eat those items, then, you too!

I love having clients, now friends, who are so creative.

Sandy Sartor is one of these. In an effort to help her very right-braincreative/learning children learn left-brain math, she created these very cool books!

Listen in Addition and Multiplication Sensation, move the mind, and the body, to learn snappy songs to number adding and multiplying. Great job Sandy!

Click here and find out more!

It’s stressful isn’t it?  Having to get all those things ready, trying not to forget anything, not to mention bickering kids, tantrums about what to wear or the sleepy head who doesn’t want to wake up.  No, the morning rush isn’t any fun but luckily there are a few things you can do to bring peace back into your family’s morning routine.

Prepare Ahead – Sounds simple enough but did you know you could actually leave just about everything ready for the next day?  It might take a few extra minutes out of your evening but you’ll be much faster if you prepare everything once the kids are asleep rather than rushing in the morning.

Lay out the kids clothes for the next day – Include things like hair clips, socks and shoes.  And don’t forget to lay out your clothes too.

Leave breakfast ready (or nearly ready) – Depending on what you have for breakfast you can often pre-prepare a lot of it.  If you have pancakes make the batter the night before and stick it in the fridge.  If you have cereal and toast, leave the cereal out, bowls, spoons and bread.  You can even set the table to save time.

Pre-Pack Lunch Boxes – If your kids take a packed lunch to school prepare it the night before.  Most things like sandwiches will be fine left in the fridge overnight. 

Pack Their School Bags – Look through their bags and make sure there aren’t any last minute dates or events you’ve overlooked.  Pack all their books and things in their bags and leave everything by the front door.

Get The Kids Involved – The responsibility of getting the kids to school shouldn’t completely lie on your shoulders.  As soon as children are old enough to help out then they should.  Even the youngest of kids can help. 

Make a Chart – If your kids (like most kids) are forgetful, make a chart for each one which explains in order all the things they need to do in the morning.  You can draw pictures for the really young ones and write a description for the older ones. For example, you can have a picture of a toothbrush, then the school clothes, hair brush, etc. 

Talk to your kids about the list beforehand and explain it to them.  Then stick it up in a prominent place in their rooms and the next time they ask you “mom, what do I do know?” tell them to go look at their list.  This is a great way of getting kids a little more involved and to start teaching them responsibility.

By preparing ahead you can’t avoid all of your family’s morning stresses but it will certainly help a lot, and who knows you may even have time for that extra cup of coffee. 

©2008 Kim Wolinski, MSW “Dr. DeClutter” Stress, Change and Organizational Skills Expert    www.DrDeClutter.com

Editors and publishers are free to reprint blog articles as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and the signature line remains intact.