Preparing Your Child for Their First Day of School

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Strategies for Starting School - Preparation, First Day of School and What to Expect

Author: Jen McVeity
Several times this month, Fiona Brill and her five year old son have walked to the nearby Primary School. There they play on the monkey-bars, eat a picnic lunch and try out all the drinking taps to discover which ones work - and which ones spray water everywhere. Fiona points out the classroom Nicky will be in this year and the bench she will sit on, when it is time to collect him. In just a few weeks, Nicky will go to school for the first time. Fiona is already working to make the transition as easy and as happy as possible.
It need not be tears and traumas at the school gate at the start of the year. Given preparation and a positive attitude to school, the first day - and all the other days too - can be a time to look forward to and enjoy.

Teaching Patriotism to Our Children

Since September 11, 2001 Independence Day for the United States on July 4th has been especially poignant. While there has been a surge in patriotism, we all need to maintain a sense of pride and love for our country whether we are at war or in peace time.

Children need to feel a sense of belonging too, in their family, their classrooms and in their country. They will thrive in an environment of respect, compassion and stability. If we as parents teach our kids to love, honor, show compassion and respect for their country as well as for their fellow man, they will not only be graced by a sense of patriotism, they will become better citizens, and in turn role models for our future generations.

Flying the American Flag Respectfully and Responsibly

Back in the Norman Rockwell world that may or may not have ever existed, an American flag on every front porch seemed commonplace. That isn't the case so much now, but in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the practice is gaining a new life. More and more Americans are wanting to show their support for their homeland, their principles and the men and women who are oversees on their behalf. Flying an American flag, however, comes with some responsibilities. There is a little pomp and circumstance to the effort.

There are actually rules for flying a flag. No, not the kind of rules that will get someone arrested, but the kind designed to show proper respect for the American country and the people who have and continue to make it great.

Family Fourth of July Weekend Activities

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Family Oriented Fourth of July Weekend - Five Family Fun Suggestions
By Tiffany O'Brien

Looking for some great family activities to do on the upcoming Fourth of July weekend? Well, there are plenty of awesome activities for you and your family to do together you just have to get thinking! Here's a list of some of the best family activities to do on this amazing holiday weekend.

1.) Take a trip to a beach! It is the middle of July after all, so you might as well take your family to somewhere fun where you all have the option of cooling off in the water as well! Beating the heat is only one of the benefits the beach has to offer, you could also ride bikes from wherever you stay to the beach. This would also add some great exercise into your holiday weekend, while also beating the undeniable traffic you know will be swamping the shores all weekend. Soak up the sun, swim in the water, and maybe even learn how to surf over the weekend!

2.) Have a family cookout! Invite distant relatives over or keep it small with just the immediate family, either way you will be sure to have a great time. Must have commodities for a Fourth of July cookout would be hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, and maybe even some clams if you can get your hands on some. Anything goes when you're the grill master so it's really your call. While you're at it break out the horse shoes and wiffle ball sets for the kids.

3.) Have a movie marathon! The previous two ideas pretty much banked on the fact that it will be a picture perfect, ideal Fourth of July weekend, but you can never rule out the chance of rain. If you're stuck inside all weekend there's no need to be bummed out, just throw on some classic movies and relax. Maybe watch all 6 Star Wars films or mix and match all your favorites into a never-ending awesome movie weekend!

Do's and Don'ts For a Fourth of July Cookout

By Cherie Rasmussen

With the Fourth of July around the corner and cookout season beckoning, you could be planning the all-American backyard grilling event this year. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pro at the cookout, here are some handy Dos and Don'ts to help make your Fourth of July celebration a success!

DO plan your event beforehand. Make a guest list, send out invites, plan the menu, shop for supplies, and prepare the activities for the event.

DO get into the patriotic mood and set up red, blue, and white decorations. They could be simple - just some lights, or red, blue, and white napkins and other table decorations. If you enjoy craft, you could make an entire range of Fourth of July decorations ahead of time.

Best Father's Day Quotes - Celebrating Fatherhood

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Author: Paul Banas
This Father's Day, celebrate fatherhood with meaningful quotes that will change the way you think of your dad.

Alexander Pope: We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow. Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so.

Anonymous: Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.

Anonymous: The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad!

Anonymous: One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.

Anne Sexton: It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.

Bill Cosby: Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is "soap-on-a-rope."

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