If your child has a television or computer in his or her room, consider removing it permanently. You can console them by saying, "Too bad. Why don't you get something from your activity shelf?" They might cry and complain, but remain cheerful and direct them to their activity center.

To optimize their learning, children need to use their hands and heads together. Granted, television can give good information, but watching it robs our children of hands-on activities that develop important skills such as drawing, building, sewing and reading, to only name a few.

Using an activity center, they will become active, imaginative learners instead of passive learners. I challenge you to turn off your television for one week. It takes a bit of planning, but I think you will discover something wonderful.

Robin marveled at changes in her children, and they went more than a month without television. Robin told me, "After a week, they didn't even ask about it." It could happen to you. Happy parenting!

(Helpful hint for world peace: If Dad has to watch game, ask a friend to have him over.)

Favorite Salt Dough Recipe 1-cup flour 1/2-cup salt 1-cup water 1-tablespoon cream of tartar 1-tablespoon oil

Stir and cook ingredients in a saucepan until rubbery. Knead slightly. Food coloring may be added. Cool and store in a plastic container.

Kids Talk is a column dealing with early childhood development issues written by Maren Stark Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt founded a Montessori school and holds a Masters of Education from Loyola College in Maryland.

She has over 20 years experience working with young children and holds teaching credentials from Association Montessori Internationale. She is also Creative Director for a video-based reading series for children ages three to six, The Shining Light Reading Series. Contact her via e-mail at maren@shininglightreading.com.

Visit http://www.shininglightreading.com for more information.

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Maren Schmidt is Creative Director for a video-based reading series for children ages three to six, The Shining Light Reading Series. Contact her via e-mail at maren@shininglightreading.com.

Visit http://www.shininglightreading.com for more information.

Daniel, on other hand, isn’t afraid to take a stand. His bravery and constant obedience to God land him in a tough spot. He has to rely on his trust in God’s plan to see him through a very dangerous test of his faith. He stands firm in his faith, and teaches Lenny an important lesson – taking a stand for what you believe in, although scary sometimes, is always right thing to do.

Lenny Loses His Lunch, although a fun fictional take on Daniel stories, conveys important biblical principles at hand. A wonderful tool for opening early discussions on peer pressure issues, book features cute sideline dialogue as a bonus to Damon Taylor’s bold and eye-catching illustrations. The book’s emphasis on following God in our lives choices is an important message to share with children of any age.

For additional information on Lenny Loses His Lunch visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825438713/digitalcropper-20

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com