Valentine's Day: Easy Cards that Kids Can Make

It’s Valentine’s Day and crafters of all ages will love making these homemade Valentine’s greetings for friends and loved ones.

Thumbprint Heart Card

Who knew that tiny thumbs could make such cute heart shapes?  Here’s what you will need:

• ½ sheet of construction paper (pick any color other than red)
• A small puddle of red acrylic paint
• One pair of tiny googly eyes
• A black fine-tip marker

Instructions:

• Fold construction paper in half and crease to make a fold-open card.
• On the front of card, make a thumbprint heart.  Simply dip your child’s thumb in red acrylic paint.  At an angle to the right, make a print on the card.  Repeat angling to the left and overlapping prints at the bottom to make a heart shape. 
• Glue googly eyes on heart.
• Add detail such as arms, legs, and a smile with fine-tip marker.
• Don’t forget to write “Happy Valentine’s Day” on the front and add a personal message inside.

        

                        

Peek-a-Boo Card

Grandparents love nothing more than to get a card with their grandchildren’s picture in it.  Here’s what you will need to make this simple card:

• Red card stock
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Glue stick
• Two identical photocopied images cut to fit the inside of your card
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 5 inches)

Instructions:

• Fold card stock and trace cookie cutter design onto card stock.  Be sure that the top part of the heart is on the fold so when you cut it out you will have two complete heart shapes that are hinged at the top.
• Using one image, determine the placement of the eyes and mark with a pencil on the front of the card.  You make have to poke holes in this image for accurate placement.
• Using your hole-puncher, punch holes on the front heart where you put pencil marks.
• Glue the other image to the inside heart making sure that the eyes line up with the holes on the front.
• Write your Valentine’s Day message on the card.

Chewing Gum Butterfly Cards

This oh-so-simple butterfly card uses heart-shaped, construction paper wings and sticks of chewing gum to form the body.  Here’s what you will need:

• Red or pink construction paper
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters for the wing pattern
• pencil
• Two sticks of chewing gum
• Two lengths of black pipe cleaner for antennae
• Tape or glue

Instructions:

• Form butterfly antennae from two lengths of black pipe cleaner
• Lay two sticks of gum on top of each other.  Sandwich pipe cleaner antennae at the top between the sticks of gum.  Tape or glue well to avoid shifting.  Tape or glue the gum together at the bottom as well.
• Cut two construction paper hearts using heart-shaped cookie cutter patterns.  These will be your wings.
• Write Valentine’s Day messages on them.
• Glue to the top stick of gum to form butterfly wings.

How to Actively Listen to Your Teen

Parents don't always think about listening to their teens, but learning to be an active listener may help resolve some of the communication problems that parents and teens often have.  Although it may take some effort, learning to listen to your children, especially during times when emotions seem to be running high, is a valuable skill to acquire. 

Parents may be more knowledgeable than teens on a number of subjects, but it's probably safe to say that teens know more about their own feelings than anyone else does.  Talking to your teen about their feelings and showing genuine concern are some ways that parents can really connect to their children and solidify fragile relationships.  Here are some more tips on active listening:

·         Don't multitask.  There is nothing worse than trying to talk to somebody when they are watching television, texting, or reading mail.  Communication involves paying attention and if you are doing other things while your teen is trying to talk to you it sends a distinct message that what they are saying is unimportant.

·         Mind your body language.  The way in which your body is positioned and the direction that your eyes are looking give away how interested you are in the conversation.  Your body should be facing the person who is speaking and you should be making eye contact.  Leaning toward the speaker also indicates interest.

·         Give Feedback. Repeating and rephrasing key points in the conversation will let your teenager know that you were listening and it will also ensure that you have a good understanding of the concepts that they are trying to convey.

·         Don't interrupt.  Besides being rude, interruptions are very frustrating to the one talking.  Interruptions also sends the clear message that you are not really listening, but developing a counter argument instead.  Let your teenager finish their thought and then respond appropriately and respectfully with your opinions.  We would all do well to remember the words of Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton:  "The true spirit of conversation consists in building on another man's observation, not overturning it." 

By practicing active listening with your teen, you will gain significant insight into your child's perspective on the issues that are important to them. In addition, you will have the added benefit of becoming a model of respect and understanding for them to follow.

Cell Phones: How Old Should a Child Be?

In recent years, the swift advances in technology have made new devices and gadgets more appealing to a younger crowd. Already, half of America’s teenagers have a cell phone and that number is growing. So how old should children be when they get a cell phone? The answer to that question requires an assessment of individual’s circumstances. One of the main reasons that cell phones are issued to children of all ages is the safety advantage. Cell phones provide parents with certain security benefits like being able to reach their children at any time. In addition, cell phones give parents peace of mind knowing that their children can place a call in case they are in an emergency situation. Other parents, however, are concerned with the legitimate problem that children may not be responsible enough to manage using a phone appropriately. With these issues in mind, parents should consider a few guidelines when determining what age is the.............read more

Summertime means grilling time so fire up the grill and don your apron. But first, you'll want to take advantage of some tips for producing the best grilled burgers around. Here are some great grilling tips to help you be the star of your next get-together.

The Best Meat to Use


When it comes to what kind of meat produces the best grilled hamburgers, grill masters will tell you that the best meat for grilling is ground chuck. Some even take it a step further and say to mix your ground chuck with ground sirloin. They will also advise you not to skimp on the fat. For best results on the grill, opt for meat that contains at least 15% fat. If you want like your burgers well-done, you might even want to go with 20% fat. It's important to remember that the longer you cook your meat, the drier it becomes. High fat content will help keep your burgers moist and flavorful.


The Best Hamburger Patties


Forming patties that are the right size with the right seasoning is an important part of a great grilled burger. Start by popping your purchased meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make forming patties easier. Wet your hands and handle the meat as little as possible to avoid "bruising" the meat which makes it dense and dry. Form patties that are at least a half an inch thick. Thin patties have a tendency to burn quickly on the grill. Seasoning should be simple - just a little salt and pepper will suffice.


The Best Flavor
 
Many outdoor chefs use a gas grill, but many grill masters will contend that a simple, old-fashioned charcoal grill is a better option for flavorful burgers. And it doesn't take long to cook the perfect burger. All that's required is a smoking hot grill and 3 or 4 minutes per side. Whatever you do, don't squish the patties with your spatula. You will squeeze out all of the flavor. Lastly, don't forget to let your cooked patties rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Great grilled hamburgers start with ground chuck that is formed into thick patties and lightly seasoned. Throw them on the grill for a few minutes and you might just have the best burgers on the block.