Do you hear the question "Can I watch TV?" as much as I do?
It is the second day of summer vacation and my girls have been whining all afternoon about wanting to watch TV.
Experts say kids should spend no more than one or two hours a day on screen time. Screen time is the term used to describe watching TV, using the computer or playing video games. Research links excess TV viewing to problems with weight, eating junk food and lower performance in school.
Here's some tips that I am instituting in my house to set firm limits on my children's screen time this summer:
- Accept the challenge. Limiting screen time is tough, but possible. Set firm limits and monitor your child's viewing carefully.
- Make a plan and communicate with family. My husband and I have decided that on a daily basis the TV will be off by a certain time each morning (about an hour after they wake up). There will be no TV in the afternoon. During rest time (my kids no longer take naps-boohoo!), they may play the DS or Leapster for 15 minutes, only after they have done their silent reading time.
- Provide alternatives. Plan creative, active ways to spend time. Read aloud or act out books together. Go for a walk or bike ride. Cook or bake together. Draw, write, or paint. Make craft projects. Take field trips to new places.
Here are some links to some great ideas:
100 Days of Fun
Tub O' Fun
'Mom, I'm Bored' Activity Cards
I understand how tempting it is to plop your kiddos in front of the TV, believe me I really do. Some days you just have to have a few minutes of peace and quiet.
But for the majority of days, it is best to find a healthier alternative.
Keep checking back for some more ideas throughout the summer!
Communication is one of the most important aspects of every relationship.
Even though this blog is mainly focused on raising children, I wanted to share some great tips on communication in a marriage. Many can be applied to communication with your children.
This is a list compiled by "The Ladies" from the Thursday morning Bible Study I am blessed to lead.
Question: What was the best advice you would give to an engaged couple/newly-weds about communication in marriage?
- Talk and talk often
- Use "I feel" Statements (I feel_____, when you____. )
- Do not keep secrets from each other
- Don't expect the other person to read your mind
- Understand how members of the opposite sex communicate (ie: do they want to solve the problem or do they want empathy/listening ear/to vent?)
- Pick your battles
- Understand that they will accept you and love you, but may not always understand you
- Your partner cannot be ALL you need nor can he/she meet ALL your needs
- Pray together.
- Pray first (by yourself) before any confrontation or deep conversation
- Don't try to win
- Be patient
- Always communicate love with your words and your nonverbal communication.
What was the best advice you were given about communication?
YIPPEE! Today is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!
Here's how we are going to celebrate:
- Pick her up from school
- Go get ICE CREAM!!!!
- Sleep out on the Living Room Floor tonight
- Make pancakes in the morning for the first day of summer vacation!!
My daughter also had PERFECT attendance this year! It was tough, but she was healthy all year! I am so proud of her. I am trying to come up with a fantastic reward for all her hard work. I haven't decided yet what to do. I was thinking about having a babysitter for the younger 2 and having my husband and I take her out to eat with dessert!
Do you have any Last Day of School Traditions?
If you are looking for a FUN and very INEXPENSIVE Staycation idea for Western Pennsylvania, I highly recommend:
Pymatuning State Park, Pennsylvania!
It is north of Jamestown and west of Meadville, Pa Here's the link to the State Park:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/pymatuning.aspx
Linesville Spillway
The first stop I recommend is the Spillway "where the ducks walk on the fishes back". Take your stale bread to feed the fish, but don't worry, you can buy some there. You will see thousands of carp feeding on the bread crumbs! Gross, but totally cool!
Environmental Center
Just 100 yards or so toward Linesville on the right is the Environmental Center. There is a great walking path to traverse. The small building has an amazing collection of taxidermy-stuffed animals native to the area. There is a great hands-on section for kids too!
Fish Hatchery
Keep on going down the road and the next stop I recommend is the Fish Hatchery of the Department of Boat and Game Commission. It was raining the day we stopped but we were able to explore their hands-on activities and watch the fish in the HUGE tank! You can tour the facility to see how they 'hatch' fish. Very education and fun! Here's their website: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/dir_sfh.htm
Linesville State Park (playground/picnic/swimming beach/camping)
The last stop I recommend is the beach or playground. Continue down the road towards Linesville and follow the signs. There is a nice playground, bath house and beach for swimming.
Two great things about this Staycation
1) Educational
2) Free (just gas for the car)
Do you have pets?
We have a great family DOG!
We haven't ventured any further than that until...
TODAY!
We were pulling out of the YMCA parking lot when I saw a Painted Turtle crossing the drive. Of course I stopped, my 3 and 5 year old were ecstatic!
We called a friend to borrow a 30 gallon tank. Brought it home. Found a rock. Filled it with some water.
Voila! A new family pet!
At least until I read more information online at www.ehow.com. Turtles carry Salmonella, they eat really weird things only available at the pet store, the list goes on. Basically, they are too high maintenance for this MOM!
So we let him go in the wetland/swamp/woods next to us.
By the way, its name was Spiky! Go figure!
Spiky will like his life in his natural habitat better than our glass tank!
But it was a fun family adventure for the day!
Western Pennsylvania is filled with so many wonderful places to visit and play. Throughout the month of June, I will share our favorite places to Stay and Play for families!
Erie, Pennsylvania is located in the north-west corner of the state on Lake Erie. It is a great town with lots of offer.
Here are our favorite things to do in Erie:
Presque Isle is a must see for Western Pennsylvanians. There is so much to do on this 3,200-acre sandy peninsula. The beaches are great with clean and assessable bathhouses. There is at 13.5 mile circuit to bike. The kids will love fishing, watching the boats and playing on the playground at the Waterworks area.
Lindsey at Growing Kids Ministry has some more great Staycation Ideas for Erie, Pennsylvania.
Also, these resources:
Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
800-524-3743 or 814-454-7191www.VisitEriePa.com
Erie Regional and Growth Partnership
800-524-3743 or 814-454-7191www.EriePa.com
We are planning a camping trip in our new-to-us camper to Erie in July. We are excited to return to Presque Isle and the Erie Zoo!
