Isabel Allende, Elena Poniatowska, Laura Restrepo, Paco Ignacio Taibo II, Carmen Boullosa, Francisco Martin Moreno, José José and Kate Del Castillo, are Among Presenters

One of the most ambitious efforts to celebrate the world of Spanish language books will make its debut when LéaLA, the Spanish book fair in Los Angeles, premieres April 29, 30 and May 1, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “This book fair is the first of its kind in the U.S.,” says Marisol Schulz, Director of LéaLA. “LéaLA was conceived as a cultural festival where the spinal cord is the literary program, a space where authors from Latin American countries and U.S. Latino writers can find a home that reflects the U.S. Latino reality. A place where Hispanics from all walks of life can rediscover their roots, reading, culture and understand the new society they are building in the U.S.,”

LéaLA will feature an impressive gathering of highly acclaimed authors from the literary, cultural and entertainment worlds. More than 100 publishers and 80 authors will showcase their works from fiction to non-fiction, with topics ranging from history to empowerment, for everyone from book aficionados to children just learning to read, in Spanish and English. The jam-packed literary and cultural program will complement the sale of books and give the public a close-up look at the wonders of the written page in an entertaining way.

Confirmed authors include: Isabel Allende, Laura Restrepo, Francisco Martin Moreno, Xavier Velasco, Sealtiel Alatriste, Carmen Boullosa, Sanjuana Martinez, Paco Ignacio Taibo II, and Sandra Lorenzano. Also participating will be the Director of the Royal Spanish Academy, Jose Manuel Blecua; former Miss Universe, Dayanara Torres; legendary singing superstar, Jose Jose; actress Kate del Castillo, and more celebrities who will read to children in the kids’ zone.

The Mexican state of Jalisco is the honored special guest and as a tribute LéaLA will present a homage to three Mexican literary greats: Juan Rulfo, Agustín Yáñez and Juan José Arreola, as well as the theatre performances by one of Mexico’s greatest artists, actor-writer-director, Ofelia Medina, presenting "El Placer de Nuestra Lengua,"  "The Pleasures of Our Tongue,” with the Rubén Albarrán (lead singer of Café Tacvba). The play’s name is a double entendre referring to the Spanish language as well as our physical tongue.  It is a dramatic staging where delicate, romantic lyricism is intertwined with potent eroticism through the Spanish Language.  The Ballet Folclórico of the University of Guadalajara, considered one of the best folk dance troupes in Mexico with international acclaim, will also offer a command performance, with concert caliber mariachi on Sunday, May 1 at the Wiltern Theatre.

Plenary sessions, book signings, talks, panel sessions and talks will fill each day’s program revealing insights into a plethora of topics including: popular trends, current events, immigration, the vitality of Latino culture in the U.S. and Latin America, the history and roots of Latin American countries, mysteries of love and sex, personal finance, mental and physical health for women, gay history, the drug trade, Mexican cinema in L.A., the art of Mexican cuisine, and the education crisis, among others.

Topping each day will be evening concerts at the Nokia Theatre with top recording artists including, Lupillo Rivera and Banda El Limon, Pedro Fernandez, and Molotov and Kinky.

The event is open to the public and expects to draw over 30,000 people. Admission is free to the book fair. Event hours are: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Concourse Hall, 1201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90015. Tickets for the concerts and theatre performances are available through Ticketmaster. For more information visit the LéaLA website at www.lea-la.com

LéaLA is an initiative organized by the University of Guadalajara USA Foundation and supported by the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Feria Internacional del Libro, known worldwide as FIL; and the University of Guadalajara in Los Angeles.

For interviews, photos and more information, contact:

• USA: Oralia Michel
• 626-705-1942
• oralia@ommpr.com
• México: Yadira Cota
• 33-31342222 ext.12641
• Yadira.cota@redudg.udg.mx

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Thank you for supporting literacy through Read with Me/Lea Conmigo, a family engagement program designed to improve the early literacy skills of infants and toddlers, preschool children, and students in kindergarten through 1^st grade. Expand your Read with Me program today for the low, one-time cost of $100 per student. Also, please feel free to contact us for other support services including:

• Getting Ready for Read with Me: A 2-hour Read with Me training for new staff.

• Read with Me Again: A 2-hour Read with Me refresher training for staff already trained in the Read with Me program
• Read with Me Literacy Backpack:  Replace your Read with Me backpack with or without books.
• Read with Me Backpack Tags:  Replace you lost tags for your backpacks.
• Storysharing Tips:  Replace lost Storysharing tips for your Read with Me backpacks.

CLICK HERE to Read with Me brochure for your information. 

Please feel free to contact me at (213) 201-3905 or at lmiranda@familiesinschools.org to expand your Read with Me/Lea Conmigo program today.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Best Wishes,

Lupe Miranda

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Target Early Childhood Reading Grants are for $2000 and are submitted through an online application process. Application instructions will be posted on the Target web site on March 1, 2011. (Look for the button "Apply for a Reading Grant.")  Grants can be submitted until April 30, 2011. Recipients will be notified in September.

For more information, Click here.

Remember, this craft for toddlers needs to be done under adult supervision and the little ones will need help with some of the steps.

This is what you will need for this mother’s day craft:

• A small piece of white poster paper
• A decorative pair of craft scissors (called zigzag scissors by some)
• 4 Colors of thin watercolors (you can find watercolors powder to make these at any crafts store)
• A medicine dropper
• Thin ribbon in a color of your choice
• A punch to make a hole for the ribbon

Method for this mother’s day craft:

1. With your decorative scissors cut a piece of your poster paper to the required size for a bookmark. (Bookmarks do not always have to be the well known size, I have a very pretty one that my granddaughter made that is quite big and it is beautiful. A bigger bookmark also gives you more space to work with.)
2. Now you have to splatter a little bit of clean water on your bookmark. (Not too much because we do not want the bookmark to become too soggy!)
3. Draw one of the colors, of your paint, up into the medicine dropper and drip the paint on different places on the bookmark.
4. Wash the medicine dropper and repeat the procedure with the other the other three colors.
5. You will notice that the colors will flow a little and where they mix the colors will change depending on the colors you used. For the little ones it may be a good idea to use the primary colors.
6. Keep an eye on the kids so that they do not get over exited and use too much water and paint, as the bookmark will then become very soggy and the end result will not be satisfactory.
7. Let your bookmark dry completely.
8. Punch a hole in the bottom of the bookmark and thread the ribbon through the hole.
9. Make a not in the ribbon to keep it in place.

Kids really love doing crafts that can be used in some way. With this mother’s day craft for toddlers they make a gift for mom that she will be able to use for many, many years to come. I hope you and your toddler will enjoy this easy mother’s day craft for toddlers.

By Magriet Du Plessis

Get more fun and easy mother’s day crafts at Magriet’s site Fun Kids Crafts at http://www.kidscrafts.topknacks.com/documents/mothersdaykidscrafts.html There is a fun one at Magriet Recommends http://www.our-crazy-world.com/documents/easycraftsforkids.html If you are looking for fun and easy Bible crafts you can visit http://www.squidoo.com/biblecraftsforkids

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Some kids have no problem. They start school and instantly have a gang – a best friend, birthday party invitations, play dates, sleep-overs. For other children, the social aspects of school can be difficult. Sometimes this is because the child has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder, Autism, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and sometimes the child is just shy. As a therapist with years of experience working in schools, I’ve seen how tough the school day can be if a child has not figured out how to make and keep friends. I know there are simple steps that you as a parent can take to help make friendship easier for your child.

1. Talk about it

The first step is to talk to your child and make sure there really is a problem. Some kids are more introverted than others and they need a lot of alone time. Not every child wants to be the class president or most popular student. But every kid needs to learn how to get along with peers, work in a group and have satisfying social interactions. Try to discuss friendship with your child and set a realistic goal, such as a couple of friends, an occasional play date or someone to eat lunch with.

2. Get to know the other parents

Other parents are your best resource. A friendly parent can help pave the way for your own child, introducing him to the gang, inviting her for play dates. Also, parents may not be comfortable extending or accepting invitations to kids when they don’t know the parents. Usually, parents of small children will be waiting together at school as it gets out. For even the most introverted parent, this can be a low key, easy place to meet people and a great opportunity to allow a little after school free play. Try to show up a bit early, smile and be sociable, and let your child have some free time with classmates. For older kids, see if you can volunteer at the school and meet the other parents there.

3. Try to join groups

Find a group that your child can be a part of, whether it’s scouts, drama, an after school class, or a sports team. This new setting may allow your child’s special skills to shine in a way they don’t in the classroom. It’s also a new opportunity for you to meet other parents. A bonus is that often the entire team is invited to a pizza party or a camping trip. Of course, if the family is invited, you should make every attempt to attend also, even if your own introverted nature makes this tough.

4. Work on social skills

This brings us to the next point, social skills. When your child is playing after school or at the pizza party, you have the perfect opportunity to watch her interact. Is your child being bossy, clingy, whiny or difficult in other ways? Public places are not ideal for discussing the problems you see. Wait until you get home and then talk to your child, pulling in the friendship goals you’ve already set. If you see major problems with social skills, you may want to address this further in a social skills group.

5. Pay attention to appearance

Your child may care nothing about his appearance, and maybe you admire his independent spirit. Unfortunately the other kids may not be as open-minded. If friendships are being impacted, some degree of conformity may be a compromise you’re willing to make. Take a look at the other kids at school. Does your child stand out from the rest of the class? You don’t have to bow to fashion and buy the most stylish and expensive clothes, but maybe a simple move away from the too-short-pants and bright over-sized sweatshirt will help your child be one of the gang. Pay attention to hygiene and personal habits too. Behavior that’s OK in kindergarten can be a social death knell in middle school.

6. Beware of being too different

Your child may be brilliant, unique and know everything about comets, and you can see how delightful he is, but the truth is, the other kids may just think he’s weird. Don’t think your child has to give up his special interests and talents. Aim instead to supplement these areas with something more universally accepted. Sit down as a family and watch the popular TV shows or go to a blockbuster movie. School is similar to your office, where everyone is discussing the Super Bowl or the presidential primary. At school, your child will have an easier time if she has been to the school carnival or seen the latest episode of Hannah Montana.

7. Take the plunge – Invite someone over

For more reserved parents, the idea of a child’s play-dates can be a bit daunting. But, it’s an important step, because it helps move the friendship outside of the realm of just “school friends.” If your child has not had play-dates before, relax. You don’t need to structure activities or entertain the children. Discuss in advance what activities your child might enjoy doing with a friend and then try to step out of the picture. As a backup, set up a few simple projects in case things are not running smoothly, such as an easy craft project or a movie to watch on TV. You might want to set up a private signal to use with your child if you need to correct your child’s behavior.

8. One special friend

Sometimes, all it takes is one special friend. If your child can make just one friend, that eases the way throughout the school day. He’ll have a partner for projects and someone to eat lunch with. Bullies will usually choose a solo target rather than a pair. For many kids, one friend is enough.

9. Encourage more than one friend

That said, one friend can be a problem. Depending on the situation, your child may be demanding too much from his solitary friend. Watch for signals that the best friend is feeling overwhelmed. This may take the form of complaints from your child that the best friend invited someone else for a sleep-over, or would not eat lunch together as usual. This should not mean the end of the friendship. It just signals to your child that he should move out a bit and socialize with a few other kids.

10. If all else fails

If these simple steps are not helping, don’t despair! There are many other options. The teacher may be able to step in and assist your child. Many teachers will deliberately set up table and work groups to help shyer kids socialize. Find a social skills group by talking to the principal, or searching online. Therapists and other mental health professionals can work on the basics with you and your child.

Finally, progress takes time. Your child does not have to get there all at once and things may get easier as your child matures. The group dynamics of every class will be different. Middle school may provide more kids to choose from, so your child can find a group where he fits. Just keep making an effort and trying new things.

Patricia Robinson, MA, MFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in California. She has offices in Danville and San Ramon, CA and works with children and families. Patricia focuses on kids with Asperger’s Disorder, High Functioning Autism, Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. She has an MA in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University as well as Engineering degrees from MIT. Please visit her at http://www.patriciarobinsonmft.com

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Yoga is “preventative medicine” for children and adults. Yet the world does not embrace preventative action. Just look at hunger, global warming, health care, and poverty. Now you see that some people do take action, but many do not.

Educating the public about the many benefits, which children experience from Yoga practice, is a full-time job for some Yoga teachers. Although most of the public thinks of Yoga postures as a “mild” form of exercise; there are many more different aspects to Yoga practice.

Yoga is a complete holistic approach to health. Yoga teaches proper breathing, dieting, exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, and many more natural solutions to health problems.

Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine have dieting practices based upon a person’s constitution or dosha. This same classification can be made for exercise routines. An Ayurvedic doctor will, most likely, recommend specific exercises based upon a patient’s dosha.

The entire approach of Yoga and Ayurveda is based upon preventative measures. There are also solutions for “damage control,” when a person has an existing ailment, but any doctor can agree that many of today’s health problems are preventable.

Let’s look at global obesity. The public is very tired of hearing about obesity. Your spam filters are working overtime to pull all of the “Instant weight loss” methods out of your Email box. If you read through the spam, you will notice that spammers want to sell you pills, not permanent solutions to obesity. The spammer’s approach is to make quick money off the public.

When the majority of our population refuses to exercise, the easy money is in selling pills, instant weight loss, and “snake oil.” There is a solution, but most of us will not like it. Yogic diets are full of fruit, vegetables, and natural food. Even in India, it can be observed that diabetes is on the rise, when people eat “junk food.”

As the Indian economy has improved, so has the “middle class appetite” for processed food. This runs parallel to western social and economic patterns.

What does this have to do with Yoga for kids? Yoga is a lifestyle and the earlier you expose children to good health habits, the better your child’s health will be.

As parents, we have many choices, but establishing good health habits, within our children, is an obligation. We also have to eat properly, and exercise, with our children. If you cannot go to a Yoga class, you can always take your child out for a walk. Parents are role models, and any child will copy the image, which you create for him or her.

Yoga classes for children are a parent’s gift of good health. Yoga gives kids a better chance to develop good habits, handle stress, find natural solutions to good health, and live a quality life.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the Author

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

NOTE FROM ‘RAISEYOURCHILD.ORG’: check with your physician if Yoga is appropriate for your child.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

1. Talk and listen.Have you ever explored an idea with a trusted friend? Your conversation probably helped you figure out what you thought or felt. Talking out loud does not just express your thinking; it actually helps you to think.

Researchers have been observing the power of talk in the classroom for decades. They’ve noticed that kids are natural thinkers and problem-solvers, provided they get the chance to think out loud. At home, think and wonder out loud yourself and build on your child’s observations.

2. Embrace problems.Employers and guidance counsellors have said it for years: problem-solvers will rule the century. If you’ve ever hired a problem-solver, you know what I mean. Problem-solvers say, “Ok, here’s what we could do.” People who can’t problem-solve stare at you blankly and say, “Janice isn’t back until Tuesday.” Always involve your child in problem-solving and invite her solutions to the problem.

3. Argue.From the classroom to the boardroom, the ability to argue well is a hot thinking skill. Arguing means making a claim and backing it up with evidence, or reasons. A claim sounds like this: Recycling should be the law. A reason sounds like this: because the world is running out of space for all the garbage. Dream up some claims with your child and argue them together. They can be silly or serious. You can take one side and she can take the other. Praise good reasons even if you don’t agree with them, and plant the seed for civil discourse.

4. Become obsessed with cause and effect.Seize every opportunity to talk about the way stuff works and how one thing leads to another. This develops your child’s ability to recognize and use causal reasoning. Your examples can be everyday–why the dust disappears when you suck it up with a vacuum cleaner; why you pay to get on the bus; what happens when you put the pot of water on the stove. These conversations will feed your child’s natural curiosity and encourage him to learn more. If you’re unsure about how something works, visit the How Stuff Works website to brush up.

5. Say when you don’t get it.When you say you don’t get it, two things happen: 1. Your child sees you as a person who instinctively evaluates the information she receives; 2. You send a message that being smart doesn’t mean you understand everything.

Only confident people say that don’t get it because they feel entitled to understand. This should be every child’s entitlement–and yours–at home and school. When your child doesn’t understand a concept, never blame him. Encourage him to explain his current understanding so that you can help him move forward. Never let him think he should keep quiet to avoid looking stupid. Smart people always speak up.

6. Ask for the executive summary.Heck, it saves time and it makes your child think–hard. Summarizing is filtering thinking: it means isolating the key ideas and omitting unnecessary detail. think of the last time you tried to summarize your thoughts in front of a friend or boss and failed. Did your brain feel like spaghetti? That’s how mine feels when I haven’t come prepared to summarize.

Ask your child to summarize often. It can be anything–a movie, a school day, a birthday party. When your child masters how to summarize, her brain will start to autocruise for key ideas all the time. A recent article in the Journal of Business Communication characterized the ability to summarize as “key to business survival” but noted that few people could do it well.

7. Offer choices.Choices, rather than directives, force your child to think. You don’t have to offer a complete smorgasbord of options–just a range. Lunch ideas, movie rentals, things to do on the weekend, lessons, hobbies, and extra-curricular activities are some areas where your child benefits from exercising choice within a controlled range. Once your child lives with her choices for awhile, she will start to think more deeply about the implications of them.

8. Watch TV.That’s right–TV. Television increases your child’s general knowledge; exposes him to narrative and all its devices, including characterization, conflict, and chronology; and often offers up a feast of vocabulary.

Start listening to television with your child and talk about what you see and hear. Why was a character funny? Why was a situation unfair? What does quasar mean, anyway? Share with your child the storylines and characters that intrigue you or make you laugh.

9. Dig advertising.Advertisements need not be empty lures; they can be an education in media literacy. If an ad pushes your buttons, don’t get disgusted–get even by talking about the ad with your child. As an adult consumer, you already know the basics of advertising manipulation–from catchy slogan to eye-catching graphics. If you and your child want to know more, visit the Ad Detective at Don’t Buy It! (a PBS website for kids). It’s one of the best sites out there.

By Jessica Pegis

Jessica Pegis is an author and consultant specializing in learning resources kids. She is the mother of 10-year-old Simone, her sternest critic and loudest cheerleader. Sign up today for KidSmart, her FREE e-zine, by going to http://www.talkplaythink.com ! Tips, games, and other fun (and brainy) stuff to do with kids.

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Tantrums are a normal part of development. Tantrums usually get fewer as the child matures. As children get older they learn to control their emotions and so do not have the frustration which can spark off a tantrum. Some children will have more tantrums than other children.

Tantrums can often be called temper tantrums but there can be other emotions that may cause your child to behave this way.

Things that may cause tantrums

Anger — is the one that is usually associated with tantrums. Your child is overloaded with anger and the tantrum is the pressure valve.

Frustration — either by not being understood as language skills are still being learned, or not being able to do a particular activity like tying buttons.

Not getting his or her own way — being refused something is a classic trigger. Whether it is sharing a toy or getting a snack too near to dinner time.

Lack of independence — your child may want to do things for himself and get upset when he is overruled. Things like tying your child into his car seat will often start a tantrum.

Attention seeking — this can happen when you give your child too much attention when he is having a tantrum. This teaches him that having a tantrum will get him your attention, avoid this situation! Give praise and attention for good behaviour.

Tired, uncomfortable or hungry — there is more chance of a tantrum when your child is already upset.

Tips on Avoiding Tantrums

Here are a few things to try to cut down on this type of behaviour -

Praise good behaviour — this one really encourages your child to behave well.

Be a good example — if you get angry quickly you are setting an example that your child will follow.

Offer alternatives — so your child feels that he has some control in his life. Ask what he wants to eat (for example, “Do you want peas or carrots with your lunch?”) or what outfit he wants to wear today.

Redirect your child’s attention — you will probably be able to tell when your child is getting worked up and will have a tantrum, divert his attention to something else before he gets too upset. Children of this age have a short attention span.

Avoid known triggers — avoid situations that start tantrums when you can. Try the 5 minute warning method of saying “It will be bedtime in 5 minutes, so you’ll need to think about tidying up.” That way the child knows that playtime is almost over.

Use age appropriate games and toys — this will allow your child to succeed and avoid tantrums caused by frustration of not being able to do an activity.

How to Deal with Tantrums

Sometimes you will be unable to avoid tantrums; here are a few ideas to help you deal with the situation.

Keep calm — the most important one, even if you are not calm try to appear that you are — it really does help.

Ignore the behaviour — works best at the very start of a tantrum. Walk away and pretend not to notice, avoid giving attention to this undesirable behaviour.

Redirect his attention — often you can distract a toddler before the tantrum is full on, try “seeing something very interesting” somewhere else.

Hold your child — and talk with a calm, quiet voice. Again this only works at the start, once the tantrum is in full flow it can make things worse.

Time out — once the tantrum is really going and you feel that you may lose your temper it can be a good idea to move your child somewhere safe where you can leave him for a few moments (not for longer than 2 minutes and only once the child is over 18 months). For school age children you can send them to their rooms and they can come out when they have cooled down and are ready to behave. This gives them some control too. Time out works best for children who understand why it is being used.

Do not try to reason with a child who is having a tantrum.

Top Tip — once the tantrum is over do not hold a grunge. Cuddle your child and make up.

Be consistent. So that your child understands that having a tantrum does not get him what he wants and you will not change your mind because of it.

by Catherine Calder

Catherine Calder has compiled an amazing course that brings together all the best parenting information. Proven techniques which are easy to use. Have successful, happy kids and be a relaxed, confident parent!

For more information visit http://www.LearnAndDo.com

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Are you at your wits end with cycle after cycle of bad behavior with your child? Do you raise your voice more than you’d like to?

It is true that children know exactly what buttons to push when it comes to discipline. They know when and how to test your allowances. YOU…The parent, should be in full charge. Not the other way around. A colorful sticker chart proudly displayed on your refrigerator can be of some significant assistance.

A behavior modification plan (if used properly) can successfully break through the cycles of undesirable or bad behavior. This can also be an effective learning tool to assist them in progressing to a new level of social development. Children love stickers. They make them feel special.

Present this behavior modification plan to your child with enthusiasm. Talk about it in a positive way. Let them know that you want them to learn and maintain good behavior habits and this is a really fun way of doing it. Take them shopping with you to pick out the stickers. Have your spouse join in on the excitement.

It is advised to give the plan four to six weeks to be effective. This should give your child a clear understanding of YOUR expectations for his or her behavior. These charts can also be used to assist with daily chores and homework.

Sticker charts assisted me in disciplining my own son. It worked like a charm. You can use various colors of construction paper to make these charts. I used the color blue. That is my son’s favorite color. I used a black magic marker to outline the charts. But, use your imagination…you can make them up however you wish. You can also use poster paper.

At the top of the chart, write your child’s name. Then list the desirable behaviors that he or she need to learn. For example: honesty, cooperation, responsibility, kindness.

Making a chart up for each month is ideal. Draw lines separating the listed behaviors. Place the date on the left side of the chart…drawing lines for each day of the month. This way, you will have a square to display a sticker for good behavior for that particular day. Make sure you have bright, colorful stickers on hand at all times. They can include, smiley faces, stars, hearts…anything that you think will capture your child’s attention or anything they might like.

For each day your child earns your approval on a particular behavior, place a sticker on the chart for that day. Be generous when just beginning the plan to motivate and encourage. Then adjust the amount of rewards accordingly.

Help your child understand the value behind these behavior changes…(to feel better about themselves, not just to please you.)

Here are some helpful tips:

1) Be consistent with the plan. If your child feels that you have lost interest in the charts…he or she will most likely lose interest as well.

2) Go the extra mile and really show your admiration, appreciation, and approval when they display desirable behavior.

3) Take stickers with you wherever you go. You can also reward your child with them when you’re away from home. Children love to wear them on their clothes.

4) These charts are beneficial for teachers as well as parents

5) When your child completes a whole week (or month) earning stickers consequetively everyday, give them a special treat. Go out for pizza, go to the show, or let them invite a friend to stay over for the weekend.

6) (Important)…Never, ever forget to use plenty of smiles, hugs, kisses, and praise along with the rewards. Hugs and kisses go a long way. It is important to let your children know they are loved special.

Article written by: Tammy Embrich

Tammy is an Internet Marketer and is the Owner of Work At Home Opportunities, owner of Real Work At Home Jobs, and owner of Parent Zone. Tammy’s two WAH websites focus on free telecommute job leads and more.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

She scored one point shy of admission to the gifted student program at our local elementary school. Because she didn’t hurry through a timed portion of the test – indeed, has never hurried through anything – a score sheet said she wasn’t The “profoundly gifted,” but just a “plain old smart kid.” I was invited to bring her back in a year and have her tested again. The school was sure she would make it on the second round. I decided it wasn’t that important.

Of course she’s gifted. Her IQ measures in the 120 range. She’s twelve now, a magnificent artist, with a mature flair for cartooning and a deep and abiding love and understanding of nature. But she can’t do grade-level math to save her soul. Her sister, whom I never had tested, is also gifted. At ten, she shows “prodigious talent” at the piano and works well above grade level in math. But she gets confused with word problems on paper and her giftedness takes flight at the sight of any kind of “test.” The girls’ seven-year-old brother would probably be stuck in a learning disabled class. His giftedness is somewhat hidden behind a gregarious, fun-loving nature and an abhorrence of reading, although he loves to be read to and has the focus and maturity to enjoy listening to long novels with his sisters.

My friends’ kids are gifted, although not all of them notice their gifts. These children are wonderful skaters, artists, inventors, budding scientists, amateur filmmakers, young architects, and more. NThem have ever been formally tested for giftedness. As far as the public schools are concerned, these plain old smart kids have to tough it out in crowded classrooms with everyone else. Fortunately, many of these friends homeschool and they don’t have to worry about that.

I’m sure your children are gifted too. When my children were very little and we spent time with other friends who had children the same ages, I would watch in fascination and wonderment at the skills and talents they all showed at those tender ages. I couldn’t figure out why those other parents didn’t seem to see their children’s talents. Indeed, over time, a lot of those talents went unrealized because they were never recognized.

How many brilliant scientists have we lost? How many doctors, how many possible cures for cancer, how many magnificent compositions and great works of art, how many inventions and cosmological theoretical advances have never seen the light of day because throughout their youth, our possible saviors were told they were nothing special? Genius isn’t relegated to the domain of high I.Q. Genius, said Thomas Edison – who was considered “addled” in his youth and probably wouldn’t have qualified as GSP material today – is one tenth inspiration and nine tenths perspiration. It’s the result of the blue-collar work ethic, not white-collar elitism.

I am grateful that homeschooling allows me to nurture the unique genius and gifts of each of my children. I mourn the genius lost in public schools because a child hasn’t yet realized his or her potential at the age of 5. I believe we get what we expect from our children – and from one another. At least, I believe we do if our expectations consist in belief in one another’s highest potential. If we treated all our children as the geniuses they can be, and nurtured their innate gifts of kindness, charity, understanding, and compassion, as well as their hoped-for academic gifts, then 9,999 children out of 10,000 could brighten our future and theirs with their own “extraordinary abilities.”

What are the odds your child is gifted? Probably pretty good if you believe in your child!

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