No one wants to deal with children’s tantrums while traveling. If you plan a little, then you can maintain a stress-free family vacation. The main thing is your child has no real concept of time. What may seem like a short trip to you can be intolerable to your child.

Plan your trip so your child’s routine stays as normal as possible. Travel when your child  usually sleeps. This way they are rested and better prepared to enjoy the attractions of your destination.

Make sure to have plenty of activities for when your child is awake. Keep switching out age appropriate toys, books, puzzles and art supplies. Plan stops at play grounds and bring outdoor toys so your kids can stretch their legs and release some energy.

Keep your child comfortable. Bring their favorite things, like pillows, blankets, stuffed animals. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks too.

Plan your trip with your child’s needs in mind and you will have a nice and peaceful vacation.

I saw this video on youtube about a phonics system. Just thought I would try and post it, but have come to realize I really need to update my version of WordPress. Here is a link to the youTube video about Miss Jenny’s Phonics System.

Elementary school teacher Jenny Fixman developed a program to teach literacy through song. She visited the Parents TV studio to tell parents how they can use her program. Here is the youTube video about Miss Jenny’s Phonics System again. She also has a website www.edutunes.com where you can find out more and purchase all her products.

I just found this system and wondered what other parent and teacher think of it. Let me know. Are there any systems you recommend?

The U.S.A.’s Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15 2008

If your dad is anything like mine, he is the hardest person in your family to shop for. I hate to say it, but I jsut don’t know what he needs. I don’t want to get him another tie. He must have 100. He has about every tool he could ever need. When I ask him what he needs he tells me sock. That just isn’t enough. He deserves more than socks.

So what to do? It may lack creativity, but I get my dad a gift card. That way he can get what ever he wants. This year I am getting him a Amazon.om Gift Card.

 Brenda really loves Dora The Explorer. I spent some time with Brenda listening to The Dora the Explorer MP3s and picked out the one she seemed to like the most. Check the out for yourself. Your little toddler will love them too, I am sure.

 I just found out that amazon has these cool new widgets to play music/ mp3s. I thought I would start trying them out so you could all  tell me what you think. If you like any of the music  you can buy it. All proceeds will go into helping build Brenda’s Friends which is in desperate need of some funding.

Top MP3 Songs

Here is an article I found interesting about the pros and cons of kids blogging.

Helping Your Kids Blog Safely
Larry Magid Offers Tips To Parents Of Aspiring Bloggers Here

Here is his website/ forum about blogging safely.
http://www.blogsafety.com/

Here are some rules for Online Safety. Find the complete list at http://www.safekids.com/kidsrules.htm .

Kids’ Rules for Online Safety

1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents’ permission.

2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.

3. I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.

4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.

5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the service provider.

6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

7-10. at http://www.safekids.com/kidsrules.htm

Rules one through six are  adapted from the brochure Child Safety on the Information Highwayby SafeKids.Com founder Larry Magid. (©2004 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). Rules 7 through 10 are copyrighted by Larry Magid (© 2005)

 It is a long way away until Brenda is blogging for her self , but I plan to be well informed so I can protect her. I am sure I could be safer too.  I will try to let you in on any really good tips some time in the future.

With Halloween around the corner, I was starting to think about Halloween safety.

I started a list, but then noticed I was far from knowledgeable on the subject. I was of a different era, where safety was not as big of a subject. You just didn’t eat any apples in case they contained a trick. Here is the list I started.

Halloween Safety

• Go in a group with an adult
• Don’t where black or dark colored costumes
• Carry a flash light
• Make sure you can be seen by cars
• Let parents check your candy
• Make sure your vision is not impaired by your mask or disguise 

My list is nothing compared to what I found online. Here are some Halloween safety tips I found online provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department. They cover a whole lot more than I could, so I will just copy and paste in here for you.

Halloween Safety Tips

BEFORE HALLOWEEN: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant. Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes. This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms. Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone. Review with your children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll”, should their clothes catch on fire. Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time. Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home. Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house. Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack. Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office Party. FUN ALTERNATIVES: Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood. Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized festivities. Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center. Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs for children’s face painting or a carnival. BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN: A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors. While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O’ Lantern, leave the carving to adults. Always keep Jack O’ Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking. Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you. Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home. Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls. Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice. Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community. Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver. WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING: A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. Remind Trick-or-Treaters: By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others. Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going. Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat. Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Always walk. Never run across a street. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley. Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will. Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered. No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home. Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING: Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween. Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

I heard a report on the radio about sex offenders having to avoid any activities where kids are present including Halloween. The report said the offenders were to have their lights out and if I remember right post a sign of some sort.

I would just think it smart that all parents to assume that caution should be taken. An adult should be with your kids at each house monitoring the behavior of the owner for appropriateness. If the are fishy don’t go back again next year. Sex offenders are listed in many city along with there stated address. If that is the case, one could find those houses and avoid them all together. I have heard in reports that many these sex offenders listings are wrong and even more sex offender are simple missing in action. Keep an eye on each and every kid under your watch.

Sorry to be so grim on about such a fun holiday, but nothing destroys a good time worse than a disaster. Have a safe and happy Halloween.

Welcome to Brenda’s Friends For Parents Category

We thought every once in awhile when we came across some information that would help parents we could put it up on the blog. In the future we will probably have a section of the website set aside for parent resources. We want to help out Brenda’s friends any way I can. That includes both kids and their parents.

You are all very important to use here at Brenda’s Friends.  If you ever want to share something you think will help us parents out feel free to comment and let us know. We are happy to share resource here. You may even find us talking about how great our so called competition is now and then. If its good its good. You deserve the very best. We hope to get better and better at being a place to share with all our friends. Parents are Brenda’s friends too. They are the protector and  providers for the lovely children that inspire Brenda’s Friends makers.

To start Brenda’s Friends For Parents will give some Safety tips for Halloween in our next entry. Take Care