Search Results for: blog reward points for kids

Snapping Summer Memories—Going Digital

Since I failed miserably at my New Year’s resolution to get outdoors and capture more breathtaking winter shots I’ve decided to double up this summer. I plan to work overtime capturing my family’s summertime activities. And I know I am not alone. Summer is the time of year when most families head out on their annual vacations and snap happy parents’ give their fingers quite a workout. For those of you who are still relying on those disposable point-and-shoots to capture your sunny day memories perhaps the Summer of 2008 is when you go digital. I know. I know. Making … Continue reading →

Are Credit Cards Tools or Traps?

Many view credit cards as useful tools. They can help you get something that you want now, that you do not have the money for. Others view them as a way to get cash back, or earn points for prizes, vacations and flights. It is important to realize that with the convenience that credit cards offer, also cards are also dangerous. It is important to avoid charging your wants on your credit card. If you are paying for your wants with cash at the beginning of the month, but charging your groceries at the end, then you are still charging … Continue reading →

Money Week in Review: September 16-22

In Save Your Paperwork Debbie gives some great advice on what paperwork you should save. She offers some money saving and organizational tips as well. She points out that it is important to stay on top of your paperwork as well. Monthly Budget and Biweekly Paychecks addresses the confusion that might arise when it comes to budgeting. It gives suggestions on how to make your money and your budget work for you. Reward Points for Kids offers a new way to address the allowance–chores issue. Debbie’s unique solution is worth considering, since it simplifies matters. You can reward or take … Continue reading →

Could a Point System Help Your Child with ADHD?

Experts are suggesting that parents of children with ADHD and other behavioral difficulties should try using a point (or credit) system for discipline and motivation. In a recent PEOPLE magazine article, I read about a special camp for children with ADHD run by Dr. Karen Fleiss. The camp gives points for good behaviors, and takes them away for less appropriate ones. Campers who achieve a certain number of points during the week are rewarded with a special Friday field trip. In the article, Dr. Fleiss says that the point system helps motivate these kids to choose the right behavior. With … Continue reading →

Create a Driving Contract for Your Teen with Type 1 Diabetes

“Mom, can I drive?” It’s one of those questions that gives me a momentary shudder. Maybe because I know my sixteen-year-old son doesn’t have a whole lot of driving experience, and I envision us driving off a cliff. Or maybe it’s because I’m just not emotionally ready for this particular rite of passage in my oldest child’s life. Either way, I’ve learned several techniques for disguising my white-knuckling and shallow breathing. We nervous mothers must appear calm and confident. “Mom, would you relax?” Yeah, right. Teens with juvenile diabetes must be especially cautious as drivers, because symptoms of hypoglycemia, which … Continue reading →

How About a Chart For Mom or Dad?

We make charts for our children—doing homework, staying in bed at night, brushing teeth, and doing chores—and some families have a great deal of success with charts for changing and shaping behavior (my family has not always been so great in the chart department). And, as adults, we make ourselves all sorts of lists, set goals, and resolutions about changes we want to make in our lives—but why not a chart for Mom or Dad? Why not have some fun and show our kids that we are working on stuff too? When I was contemplating the idea for this blog, … Continue reading →

Red Hot Trends: Bilingual Toys

Did you stand in line to purchase T.M.X. Elmo? What about Bilingual Elmo? Yeah, I didn’t see many of the Spanish/English speaking red guys flying off the shelves either. But, if you believe toy analysts you may want to pick one up soon. According to toy experts, bilingual toys are what all the cool toddlers are playing with these days and the trend is predicted to explode in the coming months. If you are interested in getting your kids to learn a second language toy manufacturers say your job could be easier provided you have the right toys. Oddly enough, … Continue reading →

Ten Rules of Conversation for Asperger Teens

Children with Asperger’s Disorder sometimes have a difficult time relating to peers due to their social awkwardness and narrow, often obsessive, interests. Especially during adolescence, these kids want to make friends and even date but they misinterpret important social cues. For example, they might speak too loudly or get too close, making other teens uncomfortable. They might talk incessantly about their peculiar hobbies, leaving peers perplexed at how to relate. They might have odd behaviors which tip-off classmates that something about them is unusual, yet it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t appear to be a disability. So peers think, “That … Continue reading →

Guild Wars for $19.99

My teen boys are gamers. Much as I tried to fight against it, they are. Some of those “discussions” with your spouse, you simply aren’t going to win. We do, however, use time online in a reward system. They both love Guild Wars. I like the fact that there’s no subscription fee. Elisha plays another one that costs $10 a month. With Guild Wars, you don’t need to buy anything once you have the software. The basic game comes with four accounts. If you have more players, you can add them for $10 apiece. You can also buy extra weapons. … Continue reading →

Not for Homeschoolers

While many homeschoolers would be happy making up programs for their homeschoolers, I am a huge fan of the no-brainer. Any thing with a technology bent is a program I want to try out. Schools however jump all over the same types of programs, and often monopolize on the programs I most want to use. This leads to one of the most frustrating problems for homeschoolers. Few things are more aggravating than discovering a great curriculum only to find that it is not available to homeschoolers. I ran into a similar problem with morning. I read a blog about a … Continue reading →