Playtime - A Lost ArtWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
Today's world is filled with violence - from wars - to crimes committed - every day - in every country. There are bombings, explosions, and murders. Our television programs bring up subjects that are "not suitable" for children and certainly "not suitable" as entertainment for adults. But world today has taken this violence one step further - they have incorporated it in a child's playthings. The "shoot 'em up, blow 'em up" mentality has permeated even toy aisles in every city. While being vigilant or "street smart" is, of course, a major concern for parents of children, old adage of "What came first - chicken or egg" seems to emerge. Was idea of these recent violent crimes always out there - in reality world - or was it nurtured and fed by violent TV, movies and now toys? When is child is placed in a situation of making a choice when angry with another child, does he/she make decision based on knowing that he/she can't make them disappear into cyberspace by using a laser gun, jumping over tall buildings and disappearing, or eradicating them by all sorts of other means? It seems to be getting harder and harder as toys portray violence from cars turning into robots or bugs, viscious looking creatures that permeate a person's worse nightmares, and now are sold for $29.99, packed in cellopane, and ready for a child to create their own "nightmare." As parents, responsibility of helping a child grow into maturity with a "right" sense of preservation and protection for person and property seems to be swaying to side with help from "ad" agencies and toy manufacturers. Toys - meant to be an extension of a child's imaginative world - one of finding out what things are made of, and how they can be used - should not be filled with violence that solves all problems and leaves "hero" surrounded by smoldering buildings and disintegrated opponents. Yes, world is a violent place at times - but that should be adults' responsibility to cope and deal with circumstances. Our children can be made aware of certain dangers as their age allows them maturity to understand, but why heap on violence and destruction during their recreational times as well.
| | Relieving Christmas Anxiety for ChildrenWritten by Sarah Delaporte
For a child, Christmas is most exciting holiday of all. They look forward to Christmas tree, lights, presents, stockings, make-believe Santa Claus, wishlists, snowmen & many more aspects. It is easy for adults to forget how excited children become when arrival of Christmas draws near. Of course children only seem to think about presents, but it is actually more than that. What child doesn't enjoy visiting a store just to watch a toy train go around and around fake Christmas tree? What about snow and snowmen they build? Or lights that blink or sing songs? Maybe it is cookies grandma makes? Or Aunt Lily's beef roast? Or warm pajamas they are in when they run down to check what it is their stockings? Or is it enchanting story about newborn long ago who was actually Son of God? Whatever case may be, Christmas is most exciting holiday for most youngsters. It is a combination of magic (lights, snowmen, snowflakes, etc), family, good food, presents & stories. Everyone remembers how important holiday was to them once, but somehow we have forgotten how wonderful it really is. Rather than worrying about what present we are going to buy Aunt Martha, we should be enjoying holiday. Why not take Johnny & go sledding today? This is why it is crucial that we get all of our holiday shopping done early. I usually start my shopping in September, and I like to have most presents bought by 1st of December. This way, I can relax during wonderful holiday. Why not create memories instead of sharing your stress? If you enjoy holiday, your child will enjoy it ten times more. Create a plan which will acomplish two tasks. The first "task" your plan will accomplish is to help your child wait for Christmas. The second and most important goal is that it will help you remember why holiday is so special. Remember that fun time with your child doesn't have to cost money. Create a plan to do one special thing every day for 24 days before Christmas (starting December 25th). Your plan may look like following: 1. Make homemade Christmas cards with your child and mail them to grandparents. Maybe incluce a photo of your child. 2. Make a Christmas wishlist with your child and mail it to relatives. 3. Build a Snowman with your child or have a snow fight. 4. Make homemade Christmas ornaments.
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