Posts filed under 'The Mom's Blog'
Recently my husband put a window on my desktop to inform me that it is only 11 days, 6 hours, 1 minute and 11 seconds until the start of the football season. (He’s a little excited.) Married for nineteen years and five kids later, his fall preoccupation with All American football is still a puzzle to me. So, for us less informed Moms’ who have kids and/or a husband taking part in the football craze, I offer the Mom’s guide to football.
Children who play football should be of the same age and size to avoid unnecessary injury. A well managed Pee-wee or Youth Football team will also have a balanced number of coaches per player to promote one on one instruction. For more information on getting your child ready to play football, check out the article “Prepare Your Child to Play Youth Football.” In this article we offer sound advice from two expert coaches to get your child’s game on!
In the game of football there are eleven players that take the field playing either offensive or defensive positions. The team that has possession of the ball is called the offense and the team defending their goal is called the defense. Each team develops pre-set game plans to get the football past the opposing team’s line of scrimmage, down the field and into the end zone to score a touchdown of six points.
There are four timed quarters in football with a half-time. When the game is being timed, the football is in motion and it is called a play. The goal of the offense is to get the ball down the field by at least ten yards within the time-frame of four plays. Achieving a ten yard advancement is called a “first down.” Critical to the success of the team is how each player executes their position during a play when the football is in motion.
The defense is made up of seven positions. Defensive players must be able to run, block, tackle and react quickly to offensive strategy. The offense is made up of five major positions. The objective of the offensive line is to protect the football as it is hiked by the center to the quarterback for a pass, handoff or running play. Offensive players must be able to pass, block, tackle, run fast and quickly see holes in the defensive strategy.
For children who want to play football, Pop Warner Football is a national youth organization with football and cheerleading leagues throughout the country. The Pop Warner organization is well known for strict age, weight and safety requirements. Children can play, parents’ can watch and, in the end, everyone who enjoys All American football goes home a winner!
By:
Debby
Hoffer
August 20th, 2008
As spring was approaching, my daughter started asking if we could plant a garden this year. The word garden is a very frightening word for me. Not only have I never attempted to plant a garden, but I have never really been able to grow much of anything. Needless to say my lack of a “green thumb” has always stopped me from gardening, despite my love for fresh from the garden veggies.
I thought about it and realized that a garden would be a great way for my daughter to learn a skill that I have always wished I had, and would be a self-esteem builder should anything actually grow.
Together, we read up on gardening and decided that a raised bed garden would be our best bet. She helped me get everything ready, and carefully chose what she wanted to grow. Pumpkins, carrots, peas, and of course corn. I explained that in order to have a garden, we could not have any weeds. She happily went around the yard and pulled out all of our weeds. Already having a garden was working to my advantage.
We prepared our soil, carefully planted each seed, and she began to water her garden and check daily for any signs of life. Already she is telling everyone about her very own garden, and cannot wait to show her friends what she has done.
We are anxiously awaiting the first vegetable that she can pick from the garden she prepared for, took care of, and made her own. While we still have a few months to wait, this experience has taught both of us a valuable lesson. She has learned that with hard work and patience you can accomplish your goals, and as her Mother, I have learned that trying new things can be very rewarding and a great way to teach our children.
Get ready for your children’s safe summer swimming at Child N Patrent
By: Vanessa Lee
May 24th, 2008
We know that spending quality time with our kids is really important and is the perfect way to bond with our children. However, what some of us Mothers often forget is the importance of spending quality time alone, away from the kids, Mom Time, so that we do not forget who we are and what we love to do.
While playing with Barbie’s is very exciting, it is nice to take time away from wishing you had Barbie’s life, to actually having it for a night. Going out with some girlfriends and shopping, getting your hair and nails done, or going to a movie can be just the break necessary to help clear your mind and have some adult conversation.
While taking your child out to dinner may work most of the time, imagine you and your husband, out for the night without having to feed someone else, worry about all of the spilt food on the floor, or rush outside when your baby is crying and coming back to cold food.
I have seen first hand that sanity goes hand in hand with Mom Time. I feel the difference when it has been a while since I have been “alone” or done something just for me. Once I get out for a few hours I come back refreshed and realize that I actually do like my kids. After all, how can you miss them when they are always with you? You can’t!
In the rare case that it has been so long since you had a moment to yourself, you may be wondering what you would do if you were kid free for a few hours. Here are a few ideas. I already mentioned shopping, getting your hair or nails done, and a movie with friends. There is always date night with your significant other, including dinner, where you will actually be able to carry on a conversation. Have you thought about taking a walk or a drive? What about a trip to the grocery store or to your favorite craft store?
Whatever you do, remember to spend the time doing grown up things, and as tempting as it may be to talk about or think about your kids the whole time, don’t! This is your time to get away.
And, of course, use the advice at Child N Parent on Parenting Tips to help keep your sanity.
By: Vanessa Lee
May 12th, 2008
After seeing Mom run as a way to stay fit and keep her piece of mind with three small children, my daughter, age 9, decided that she would like to begin running and eventually start to race.
As we sat down and discussed what she knew about running, I realized that she did not know much. However, she noticed that when I would run, I would have fun. She said that she wanted to be healthy, and she wanted to learn to run faster so that she would do better at sports. I told her that this was a great idea and that I would love to help her get started.
The first thing that any runner needs is some good running shoes. I explained to her the value of having shoes that would properly support your feet and help keep your body in proper alignment. Second, she would need to spend a little time stretching before and after her run. Stretching helps to prevent injury. Third, she would need to start out slowly, and gradually build up her mileage and speed.
After the quick lesson, she was ready to run. She got ready, put on her iPod, and was out the door. She came home about 10 minutes later and said that she felt great and was ready to race. It was the fastest run ever, but the important part was that she had planted a seed. She found something healthy and active that could benefit her for years to come and she wanted to pursue running for fun.
As parents, we need to encourage our children to engage in healthy activities that keep them moving, and build strong lungs and a healthy heart. Running is a great way to give your child an amazing workout in a short amount of time. Running will help them gain strength and build endurance and will help them to excel in future sports.
To find races and events in your area suitable for children, visit www.active.com.
Click here to find Parenting Tips and help with Youth Sports.
By Vanessa Lee
April 21st, 2008
As the princess of my castle, it stands to reason that the only prince in my life should be my husband. But there is a new guy in the family picture. He is my new puppy and stands about a foot tall, is devilishly handsome with soft brown eyes, caramel brown fur and a black snout.
It was a process of delicate negotiation to try and come up with an appropriate name for our new doggy. After holding a family council, at the round table, the official vote of our five kids finally came down to “Prince Edmund.” The name was expanded after our Prince went on an unapproved crusade and killed our gerbil, Peanut. A grisly affair that I will not go into except to say that his official name is now “Prince Edmund, gerbil slayer.”
This dog has brought substantial excitement into this princesses hum drum life. For the first week we had jousting tournaments over who was going to feed him, now I’m paying reward money for anyone who will feed him. In a very short time he has chewed through two pairs of shoes and gone on more unapproved crusades than I can count; spreading garbage throughout my beloved castle.
It is a lot of work keeping up with this prince, but well worth the effort. When anyone comes to the door, it’s nice to know that he will bark and be another champion defender in my life. It is also is a great laugh as I watch my five kids get and give slobbery good night kisses to this sweet little Prince. So to those of you wondering what to get your family for that special bonding, I say, stock up on the dog food, and get another prince in your life. You won’t regret it.
Find better parenting advice at Childn’ Parent.
By Debby Hoffer
February 20th, 2008
“Look kids,” my husband exclaimed excitedly, “we are having castle bread for dinner.” I had to smile at my husband’s remarkable attempt to smooth over another one of my attempts at homemade wheat bread. Instead of turning out smooth and rounded, the way bread is supposed to look; it was sunk in the middle with pointy castle peaks on each side. With its wheat texture, it looked just like a dilapidated sand castle whose tide had come in.
In spite of all the “poke fun” dinner table comments, I did learn the secret magic about bread making. As I was gathering all of the necessary ingredients, I suddenly had two little helpers that, more than anything, wanted to sit on the counter and help mom make bread. As my little ones helped me mix and knead the strange stuff, we laughed and joked. It put a magical spark into my otherwise hum drum day. It also gave me opportunity to reflect how thankful I am for my little ones and their willingness to help mom in a pinch.
This bread making episode was just the sort of magical moment I want to have more often with my kids. I also learned that creating a magical moment of family bonding makes me a fairy princess in my own right; flour covered nose and all. This fairy princess is still smiling inwardly at her husband’s princely comment, and I just have to add that nothing should stand between the magic of a woman and her castle bread.
Look for more Parenting Tips at Childn Parent
By: Debby Hoffer
November 25th, 2007
Since school has started and my children have stepped up a grade, they seem determined to let me know just how big they really are. Whether its my three year old insisting on brushing his own teeth (picture toothpaste everywhere), my first grader wanting to do her own hair (picture many, many barrettes at once), or my 3rd grader fixing her own after school snack (picture chocolate syrup on any food imaginable), it’s clear my kids are growing up.
Independence is good, but sometimes can lead to conflict as kids try to push the boundaries.
We’ve had our share of tiffs in my home as we try to re-establish a school routine and decide what my kids can and cannot do. Those pesky “other people’s parents” seem to be able to throw a wrench in things, but it’s important for our family to establish our own patterns and rules.
Today a couple of things reminded me despite all the “good parenting” I try to do, the most important thing I can give my children is love.
In order to sign my kids up for basketball at the local community center, I had to sit through a 20-minute video presentation reminding me to be a good sport (i.e. don’t yell at the refs, coaches, or kids) because after all, it’s just for fun.
It was sad to see some of the kids on the video talk about how they feel when their parents yell at them from the sideline. It was a good reminder for me to let my kids have fun. After all, they’re never going to go pro out of high school — no matter how good of a sideline coach I am.
Last night, before bed, I read my kids two great stories, “I Love You Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt and “The Garden”, a “Frog and Toad” story by Arnold Lobel. The first taught me my kids need to know I’ll always love them – no matter what. The second showed me all growing things respond to love better than criticism.
Visit childnparent’s articles on parenting tips and youth sports for more advice and feel free to share a few insights of your own.
Good luck and have fun,
Megamom
Megan C. Wallgren
October 13th, 2007
