Posts Tagged ‘children’

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Classic Horror Movies That Started The Trends

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

There has always been something about a scary story that has excited its audience, no matter the medium. No matter if its horror movies, ghost stories, or chilling novels by the likes of Stephen King or Dean Koontz, or the Grimm brothers for that matter, there is something about being scared that people really seem to enjoy a lot.

There are so many types of horrors, especially when it comes to films, whether they be bloody gore films, satirical comedies, ghost stories or psychological drama, the genre is diverse and wide.

It is almost impossible to compare horror movies, especially those on different sides of the scary spectrum. A movie like Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is so different to something like A Nightmare on Elm Street, except for the fact that they will both give you goosebumps. The five movies below though are a good broad selection of classic horror that everyone who loves the genre should see.

The first I have just mentioned, Psycho, perhaps the most eerie of all Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpieces. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is absolutely brilliant, and to this day, this classic piece of cinema will scare almost everyone. It is nerve-wracking and the tension is unbearable throughout, and while it may not be as scandalous as it was in 1960, it remains one the iconic horror movies of all time. Who will ever forget that shower scene.

Another oldie is William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, made in 1973, but beware, this oldie is going to make you have sleepless nights. Dealing with the possession of a young girl, and the attempts by priests to rid her of this demon, it is the kind of scary movie that will leave a lasting impression. With stellar performances from Ellyn Burstyn, Max Von Sydow and Linda Blair as the possessed girl, Regan, do not watch this alone.

Steven Spielberg made his mark on cinema with the unforgettable horror about a Shark terrorizing a small town beach town in Jaws. This sparked a different kind of fear, and many people claim to be scared of the sea, and sharks, based strictly on having seen this film. The John Williams composed theme remains as haunting today, and with a great cast like Roy Schneider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss, one can forgive how fake the shark looks these days.

While there are many to contend with when it comes to the slasher genre of horror movies, the original Halloween, made in 1978, stands out from the rest, perhaps because it was directed by the legendary John Carpenter. Michael Myers has had his fair share of competition from the likes of Friday the Thirteenth’s Jason or Elm Street’s Freddie Kruger. Jamie Lee Curtis and the eerie Donald Pleasance were the stars of that first film.

Finally, and to show Steven Spielberg’s influence on horror movies, is a movie produced by him, and directed by Toby Hooper, the one and only Poltergeist. Released in 1982, the film revolves around a haunted home, and the family these ghosts decide to terrorize, eventually even taking the youngest child, memorably into the television set. Leading the cast were Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams.

Need to catch up on horror movies starring your favourite actors? Fright Flicks has a variety of free movies to choose from with new arrivals coming in daily. From zombie movies to thrillers, you will find films perfect for you.

Tags: advice, art, budget, children, Computers, culture, economy, entertainment, family, fun, Internet, movies, party, technology
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Simple Ways To Improve Your Parenting Skills

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Ideas about parenting vary quite a bit, but no one would deny that mutual trust and good communication are central to the process. While this may be obvious, it’s nevertheless something that’s very often lacking in the parent child connection. Too many parents unthinkingly treat their kids the way they themselves were treated as children, which often leads to a disastrous outcome. There is a negative cycle that is perpetuated in succeeding generations. But since you’ve sought out this article, this means that you want to find a more effective and proactive parenting style. Nobody is born with the knowledge to teach or raise others, and that usually is not taught in school, either.

While many parents have trouble coping with the behavior of their toddlers, you actually have several choices available to you. At this age, children are not able to keep their attention on one object or situation for very long at all. For this reason, distracting your toddler away from the trouble he or she is causing is often the best form of discipline. This is something many parents do instinctively, whether they realize it or not. There is such a natural and almost logical thinking behind it. As soon as you see that your toddler is about to do something inappropriate, you should immediately create a distraction. Once done, then redirect attention to something safer or more agreeable to both of you.

The reason that we try to teach our children values is to prepare them for life. Your job as a parent includes providing for them physically, and preparing them mentally for later in life. A good skill to impart is to be polite to other people in their presence which hopefully will help them learn about co-operation. If you want your children to learn how to be considerate to others, you should be courteous to them, especially if you find yourself ordering them on a daily basis. A parent that is a good role model will do things in this manner habitually, reinforcing the fact that this is the behavior that should be assumed and learned. This type of conduct is learned, therefore by doing this yourself you are showing them how to interact with others.

Psychologists and professionals have identified certain types of parenting behavior. Unfortunately there is the type that basically allows their teen children to run amok. A better strategy is to learn how to talk with your teenagers about some of the dangers they may face in life. We are talking about high-risk situations involving drinking, drugs, smoking and running with the wrong crowd. These types of discussions actually make a favorable impact on the way that they feel and the choices that they make according to studies. The result is that most of these kids are more accepting of good advice as they continue to grow up.

As a parent, understand that your job includes all of the trials and tribulations that your children will put you through which is a test of your merit. The easiest way to get through these difficult moments is to stay calm and relaxed.

Many people would certainly acknowledge that not enough money is one thing that may cause a lot of stress in any household. In case you are short on cash, you might be eligible for numerous loans. Talk with your local financial institution to learn more information. Youmay find that getting some more cash is exactly what you may need.

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Tags: advice, children, discipline, family, Finance, marriage, money, parenting, relationships, self improvement, single parent, single parenting, single parents, society
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Simple Ways To Improve Your Parenting Skills

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

All parents are sometimes confronted with difficult situations where they’re not sure what the right response is. When something like this happens, you have to use your best judgment based on your own experiences, both as a parent and earlier in life. Of course, it’s hard to predict how things will turn out. That is why a solid and positive foundation we can nurture with our children can often help. It is the difficult and often tough times that can be made a little less daunting if the overall relationship is strong and of course based on love and acceptance. That way, even if we don’t always see eye to eye, there’s never any question about our devotion to our children.

The parent-child dynamics are extremely complex in many ways, and we know you have some appreciation of that. One area of concern is discipline, and this always works out best when you have a trusting relationship with your kids. When your children don’t doubt your good intentions, they won’t interpret discipline as something you’re doing out of spite or anger. You can’t really do a good job disciplining children if you don’t have a thorough understanding of them. As long as the child knows that you genuinely care about him or her, discipline won’t be misunderstood. The teen years will surely test the mettle of any parent, and that seems to be a universal experience. It is a combination of hormonal changes, body changes, and changes about who they are and how they relate to the world. Teenagers are not very susceptible to lecturing, so you should try a different tactic as this one typically does not work. You need to relate with your kids but not appear to be a friend or an acquaintance. The best strategy is to talk with them from the standpoint of an adult that can help. Consider memories that you have where adults talked down to you in the past and how it made you feel. So adopt the same type of rational and respectful strategy with your teens, and they will appreciate it even if they never tell you.

It’s always best to create firm and consistent boundaries that your children know they have to stay within. The main benefit of this is that it allows children to know where they stand without any confusion. We are also talking about boundaries that must be clearly communicated and reinforced as positively as possible. You shouldn’t be surprised, of course, if a child decides to push these boundaries or ignore a certain rule. While you have to respond appropriately to such situations, you shouldn’t let them surprise or stress you out. Your children have to realize that these are firm principles they must follow, so you have to be vigilant about enforcing them.

They should know that you love and accept them apart from any accomplishments or talents they may have. Parents who expect their children to be perfect are setting themselves, as well as their kids, for disappointment. Doing this can cause permanent injury to the child, which may linger on well into adulthood. When helping your children set goals, then, makes sure that these are realistic relative to their actual talents.

Your children and teens will push you and make you employ as many parenting techniques as you have in your bag of tricks. So during difficult and challenging times, keep it simple and basic.

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Tags: Babies, baby, children, discipline, Finance, kids, kids and teens, marriage, parenting, raising children, relationships, self improvement, society
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Protect Your Children With Amber Alert GPS

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

One of a parent’s greatest fears, if not their greatest fear, is losing their child. Would you like a way to calm that fear? Amber Alert GPS can do just that. A product that uses the latest in GPS and cellular technology. The company is run by parents for parents and revolves around the President’s initiative to protect children and give parents peace of mind.

gsmagazine.com rated the Amber Alert GPS a 4 out of 5 as the Editor’s Choice in their new “The Ultimate GPS Child Tracking Buyers’s Guide. It has recently been reviewed in MSNBC.com’s article “A Good Find: GPS to locate the kids”. Amber Alert Gps is the leader in the US child location technology industry.

The Amber Alert GPS 2G is the world’s smallest and most powerful GPS tracking device. Tracking your child is easy. As easy as placing a call or sending a text. Simply place this device in a pocket, purse, backpack or car, or attach to a wrist, ankle, or belt. Call or text the AAGPS device, and within seconds youll receive a detailed map and address of their exact location right on your web-enabled phone. You can also track one or more devices from your computer.

You will be able to define a Safe Zone area in your neighborhood. You will receive an alert when your GPS is carried outside that location. The safe zone can easily be changed or cancelled in seconds from your cell phone or from our website.

You receive an SOS Button. If your child needs help, he presses the GPS SOS button and you will immediately receive an alert with his location. If your child is in a threatening or dangerous situation, or has a medical emergency, he can press and hold the SOS button.

You receive a Speed Alert that will give you notification when your GPS surpasses a specific speed. You know immediately when your child is in a car. This is great for speeding teenagers!

The Amber Alert GPS can be used in many other scenarios. Vehicle tracking, pet tracking, special needs children and seniors, luggage tracking, and more. There are no limits to the uses of this amazing and efficient new technology.

Let’s keep our children safe! Click Here to learn about the New GPS Child Location Device No competitor has anything close to the simplicity and sophistication of its technology. Calm your greatest fear today!

Tags: children, Communications, education, family, gps system, mens Issues, parents, Product Reviews, social issues, teens, women's issues
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Keeping your family connected

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

A family focused on a common goal, works together and talks together. Family projects bring all family members closer. Whether you choose to watch the night sky together, create a garden (large or small!), or put together a time capsule, you will enjoy the camaraderie and conversation that develops.

Here are some great family project ideas that you might want to adopt – and who knows, some of these may well become a family tradition before too long.

SPOTTING SATELLITES

Did you know that there are over eight thousand artificial objects orbiting Earth? Over 2,500 are satellites, operative and inoperative while the remaining objects are orbital debris: parts such as nosecone shrouds, lenses, hatch covers, rocket bodies, and even objects that ‘escape’ from manned spacecraft during operations.

To spot satellites, grab a few lawn chairs and head for the garden. Depending on the evening you choose, you will see from one of many satellites passing overhead. These could range from communications satellites, to space trash. They look somewhat like really bright stars, passing overhead in a straight path. The first hour or so after sun down is the best time to spot them. There still has to be enough light in the sky for the satellites to reflect it – so dusk is the best time. When you spot a satellite log what you see and keep a family record.

MAKE A COLORING BOOK

Make coloring books together. Print coloring pages from the Internet and create coloring books for relatives, friends, nephews, nieces or even for yourselves to be put away for a rainy day. You could also keep a book or two aside as something for younger children to do when they visit your home.

You really can’t go wrong if you create a Disney coloring book because children of all ages love the many Disney characters from Mulan to Mickey Mouse and from Goofy to Mowgli. To get you started, at sites like Disney Coloring Pages you’ll find many Disney printables to print and collate.

Next, create a cover sheet that reads something like, ‘The Smith Family Coloring Book’ and perhaps add ‘To’ and ‘From’ if you plan to give it as a gift.

CONTAINER GARDENS

Container (terrarium) gardens are an ideal project for families living in the Gulf – indoor gardening is much more bearable than the outdoor variety at this time of year. Shopping for plants together on a cool evening and choosing a suitable container are all part of the fun. Because terrariums recycle their moisture, they need very little ‘gardening’ and care – and they actually thrive on neglect!

Any clear container can be made into a terrarium; the main requirement is that it be watertight. Choose something that is sufficiently large to accommodate the plants, and has a cover or lid to keep the moisture from escaping. Jars, aquariums and large glass or plastic bottles are some of the more common containers used. To begin your garden place a 2cm layer of small gravel (small pebbles) on the bottom of the container and top it with a good potting soil. The number of plants you place in the garden will depend on both the size of the receptacle and that of the plants. Plants such as miniature African violets, Aeschynanthus, Podocarpus and Fittonia thrive in containers, as do very small ferns and creeping figs. Try not to over plant and leave space for the plants to grow. Water your garden only very lightly and stand back to admire your work.  

PRESERVE THE PAST

A time capsule can be a great family project to commemorate a special occasion. Fill it with photographs and mementos and then decide how long you would like to put it away for. For instance, is it something you’ll want to look at in 5 or 15 years time? The next step is to choose a container and location for said box. 

Any waterproof, airtight and preferably fireproof container will do, there are even websites that will ship custom-made time capsules to you. If your stay at your current location is temporary then it is understood that the time capsule is best not buried in the garden! Ask everyone in the family to contribute a few items – clippings, photographs, drawings, hand prints, letters, arts and crafts, toys or just about anything else that fits into the capsule. Mark everything you add very clearly so you or others will know where each item came from and who included it.   Finally, fill the capsule, seal it, and then put it out of sight and out of mind.

PAINT!

From an arts and craft supplier purchase a large canvas and a set of acrylic paints. Divide the canvas into 4, 5 or more sections depending on the number of people in your family. Use masking tape to ‘fence off’ each area and mark each square or rectangle lightly in pencil with the name of the artist for that area, for example Mum, Dad, etc.

So that you don’t crowd each other, it’s best that just two family members paint at a time. The effect is striking if only four complementing colors are used and if each person fills their area completely with paint, using stripes, zigzags, dots or whatever pattern they like best. When the painting is complete, and this may take more than one week-end, ensure it is dry before removing the masking tape – then marvel at your modern art and hang!

FOSTER A PUPPY OR KITTEN

Our family has done this many times and we all have fond and happy memories of each little guest. Animal Welfare Charities are always in need of foster homes and are happy when puppies and kittens go to families with children because to say that an animal has lived in a family environment is a great ‘selling’ point when a permanent home is sought.

TRACE YOUR FAMILY TREE

If you have little knowledge about your ancestors, a few old photographs and a consuming curiosity, make tracing your family tree a family project.

Enter your ancestor information at www.familytreesearcher.com and it will search family trees at eight online databases. This free service will create the best family tree searches based on your ancestry – the site also includes hints for researching your family tree further.

SLOW FOOD

Instead of heading for your favorite fast-food restaurant this week-end, stay home and prepare some slow-food together. If you really want to make it into a project you could even shop for the groceries together.

Even the youngest member of a family can help prepare a meal – a toddler can shake a salad mix together, wash potatoes and other vegetables and even help to set the table.

GAMES NIGHT

Take the phone off the hook, turn off the television, bring out a board game and what do you have? An evening of fun and laughter that brings the whole family closer together. Family game nights are a wonderful way to spend quality time and create a family tradition that you and your kids will remember and cherish for years to come.  To make it extra special, add snacks, invite guests, hold tournaments and always display the winner’s name on the fridge! 

Here are some favorite games to consider:

Ages 6-8: Sorry!, Monopoly Jr., Clue Jr., Scrabble Jr. and card games such as UNO.

Ages 8-10: All the above plus the Game of Life, Monopoly, Jenga and Frustration.

Ages 10-12: All the above plus Scrabble, Yahtzee, Cluedo and Pictionary.

Ages 13 and up: All the above plus Boggle, Atmosfear (teenagers love this DVD board game), Risk, Trivial Pursuit and card games such as Rummy.

School, work, phones, homework, playstations, internet, television, friends – let’s be honest – every family gets pulled in a million directions. Set aside some quality family time and pull yourselves together! Talk with each other and keep your precious family connected! 

Tags: children, family, family projects, parenting, projects, togetherness
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