Tag Archives: Activities for children

How to Raise Thankful Kids

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by Pat Lamb

Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is… (Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor.com)

Train up a child..

How to Raise Thankful Children

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:29 NKJV

We’ve probably all heard comments about the “ungrateful” children of today.  It’s too bad that the children get so much blame for being ungrateful when it is mostly the fault of those who are raising them!  Here are some ideas of how to raise “grateful” children:

1) Don’t praise children too much.  Praise should be for specific things.  When a child is constantly told how special s/he is, they begin to believe it.  They feel no need to try to improve.  After all, they have been told they are wonderful the way they are.  

2) Children should not be given too much.  Yes, they should be given birthday and Christmas presents, but when they earn what they get, they appreciate it more.  They develop a feeling of appreciation for what it takes to obtain what they have, and they are more selective about what they want.  Many children are capable of doing yard sales in a safe community, working to earn money by doing chores, checking sales slips for errors, etc.  “Necessity is the mother of inventions!”  We don’t give children enough credit for what they can do.

3) Teach children how to work.  They can do chores for neighbors and  fix things around the house.  They can go to work with parents to see what the parents have to do to earn money to support them.

4) Teach them to improvise.  When they don’t have exactly what they want, many times what they have can be used to accomplish the activity.

5) Insist that they write thank you notes or tell a giver “thank you” for what they receive..

6) Help them plant and care for what they planted to raise vegetables.  Many things can be raised in pots on the patio or deck.  Children learn about what it takes to provide their food.

7) Take children to visit a food plant to see people working to provide the food that goes on the shelves at the grocery store.

These are a few simple things that can be done to help children appreciate what they have.  When they sit down to eat and say “thank you” to God, they can really mean it! 

Children and Halloween

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child

Children and Halloween

“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”.  I Samuel 16:17 (NIV)

Halloween presents a dilemma for Christian parents.  Do they really want their children celebrating a holiday that was begun by people who were not worshiping our Lord?  Not only that, the history of Halloween has many undesirable things associated with it.  Yet, is it fair to a child to restrict them from enjoying what seems so harmless when it is the talk of the time, and all their friends seem to be having such a good time?  How can we sort this out?

The history of Halloween can be easily found on the Internet.  Admittedly, it is not what we, as Christians, want to encourage with our children.  It is a good idea to look up this history and go over it with children so they understand how Halloween started.  Although there are some places where Halloween may be celebrated in similar ways to the original Halloween, for the most part, the holiday has essentially become a day of fun with no association with the original intent.  Most children, I dare say, have no idea about the original meaning of Halloween.

What, then, are we to do with children on Halloween?  Many churches have alternative Halloween celebrations that serve to not only provide an acceptable way for children to enjoy the event, but provide opportunity to make contact with the unchurched.  In addition, personally, I always encouraged my children to select costumes that were not scary nor would they promote the original beliefs of the holiday.  There are many fun costumes.  Some of the best are those that children make themselves.  Halloween provides an opportunity for children to be creative.  

The holiday provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to let children know that we serve a loving God of whom we don’t have to constantly fear. He knows who we are and everything we do.  If we give our heart and life to God, He will take care of us. We need to emphasize that no matter what we look like on the outside, God cares most about what we really are on the inside.  

There are actually some good learnings that can come from dressing up as someone else.  It helps children learn to “put themselves in someone’s shoes” and helps them to learn to understand others.  Also, creativity is enhanced as the children work on costumes.  They can learn to say “thank you” when they receive candy or other things. (It is a good idea for parents to go with the children when they “trick or treat”.  There are many dangers now of which we need to be aware. Candy should be checked before it is eaten.) Parents need to talk to children about good manners.

Whatever parents decide about Halloween, children need to learn that God is a loving God and looks at our heart, and He is more concerned about the heart than the appearance.

Children Need Help with Social Studies

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down, Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is….) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child…

Children Need Help with Social Studies

     Social Studies in school includes so very much that it is virtually impossible for a student to obtain all that is needed to become a good citizen through studies taught there alone.  Parents must step up and help children form attitudes, gain knowledge, and put into practice those things that make up a person who fits well into our society. At best, teachers can only skim the surface of important knowledge that children need.

         Social studies include the study of history, government, citizenship, geography, economics, and political science.  Schools generally have separate courses to cover each topic, but actually all of the topics necessarily overlap.  

         Parents can help teach good citizenship by first setting an example of being a good citizen.  They need to obey laws and point out to children what the laws are.  Many young people do not know until too late that certain things are against the law.  In addition, they often wonder why the laws are, in their sight, so unnecessary.  Reasons for laws should be pointed out to children at a very young age.

         I am amazed at how many of my GED students did not know the branches of government or the responsibilities of each branch. The system of checks and balances is so very important, yet many young people think that our president makes all of the decisions.  A 30 minute session with a child can teach these important facts that help enable a child to understand the workings of our government.  

         When families go on vacation, children can trace the trip on maps.  When they write letters to relatives or friends, they can locate where the letter is going on a map.  When news items are discussed about foreign lands, a globe or world map should be available in the home for the children to locate those countries.  These things all help a child with geography.

         A thrifty family automatically teaches economics.  When a child is taught to wait to purchase an item when it is not a fad, that child is learning the principle of supply and demand.  When an older child is given a clothing allowance and made responsible for budgeting and purchasing his/her own clothing, that child is learning economics. 

         Many children have a negative attitude toward politics and it is suspect that they have picked up this attitude at home.  Adults need to be very careful about their comments concerning elected officials when children are present.  It is really impossible to teach a child to respect authority, government, and love for our country when all they hear is negative comments about it.  Parents need to tell stories from history of sacrifice of many who have worked and fought for our country, so their sons and daughters will develop an appreciation for where we live. There are many in our society now who would do away with our constitution.  Children need to be taught at home about how our constitution came about and how successfully it has worked in the past.

         Children should watch some news and documentaries on TV, but parents need to be very selective in what they have their children watch.  Older children need to watch or listen to news at least one time each day and discuss with adults what they hear.  Most would agree that there is much on the news that younger children should not be allowed to view.  That said, it is, in a way, fortunate that the news is repeated so many times each day.  This allows parents to watch it first and then select the portions they think would be good for the children to see.

         Leaving the teaching of social studies entirely to the schools is a bad idea.  Just as journalists pick and choose what they report according to their opinions, so teachers cannot help but emphasize what they believe and deemphasize what they do not believe.  Parents need to take charge of the learning of their young children and teach children to think for themselves.  

Learning Science can be Fun!

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble; www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child…

Learning Science can be Fun

         Parents are often hesitant to help children with homework for fear they will look dumb to their children or teach them something that is inconsistent with what the school is teaching. There is much that families can do to provide learning foundations for children at home as well as  helping with assigned projects.  Helping children use the scientific method for problem solving helps develop logical thinking that carries over to produce success at school in science classes.

         One of the best things parents can do is help children develop a curiosity for learning.  Taking children for walks and observing plants, rocks, animal tracks, and animals is interesting for both the children and the parents.  It is quality time spent to nurture curiosity for learning.  There are simple projects that are fun for children.  An acorn man can be made by using toothpicks and running them through the acorns making a body, legs, arms, and head.  It is fun to use an acorn that still has a “hat” on for the head.  A pen can be used to make facial features.  Laying paper over leaves and scribbling on it brings out the features of the leaves.  If a magnifying glass is available, children learn even more about the construction of things in nature and develop an eye for details.  It seems that many children love to collect rocks.  Using the Internet to look up information about different rocks is certainly a great learning project.

         As children ask questions, parents can ask questions in return.  As parents ask questions, children are forming a hypothesis about the subject.  Whenever possible, follow-up experiments can be conducted to see if the reason is true.  This is the scientific method of thinking.  In this simple way, children are learning a foundation for experimentation in science classes in high school and college.  It is good at this point to tell children the difference between a theory and a fact.  Until something is proven, it is simply a theory.  It is so very important that children understand this difference.  If children tend to believe theories, they can simply be asked, “Has that actually been proven?”  A child who has been taught that facts must be obtained to back up theories does not readily accept any idea that comes along.

         Science project assignments for children at home provide an opportunity for quality time spent with children.  However, some children are simply not able to do some of the things often required in home projects.  Teachers need to use care in making assignments.  When children are asked to do artistic type projects, it is a real temptation for parents to do it for the children if their child is not “picture smart”. Teachers would be wise to offer a choice of projects for children that include a variety of methods.  When the child chooses a preferred project, it is usually because he/she feels more capable of doing it.  The parents can then ask questions, provide information, and make suggestions, rather than doing the project.  

         It is so easy to help children with learning science.  It is fun to learn together and explore the wonderful world that God made.  Spending time with children in nature provides an excellent opportunity to point out the greatness of our heavenly Father. Those who don’t choose to do so, miss out on a wonderful and fun time with their children.

Helping Children with Math

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child…

Helping Children with Math Homework

         A common phrase heard by parents is, “I was never any good in math either”.  My late husband, a retired math teacher, said that you never hear parents say, “I was never any good in reading either”.  A parent’s attitude is transferred to children easily.  Undoubtedly, this attitude expressed about math influences a child and often causes the child to think that it is alright to be less proficient in math than in reading and “lets them off the hook” when it comes to doing math homework.  One of the best ways to help children with math homework is to have the right attitude about math itself.  In addition, parents need to be involved with the homework and need to provide opportunities for math usage to help children see its importance.

         Math is similar in one way to building a house.  You can’t put the walls up until the foundation is laid.  Often children miss out somewhere along the way in math and that affects the understanding of current assignments.  In such cases, the child simply needs to go back and find where he/she got off track and “fill in the chinks” in that foundation.    

         There are two reasons for learning math.  The first reason is obvious.  It is used in many, many aspects of life.  Adults should never say, “You’ll never use this.” This causes the child to think they don’t have to learn it.  The other reason for learning math is that it is a mental exercise that develops the thinking processes.  When children learn to do math, especially word problems, they are learning to consider all facts and are required to sort out what is needed and set priorities to solve the problem. These same procedures are used in all decision-making in real life. In this respect, all math is useful. It is interesting that at one time math was referred to as the math discipline.  That title is fitting as math truly disciplines the brain.

         Parents often shy away from becoming involved in math homework for fear they will do it wrong.  It is true that some different methods are being used in some schools, but often if the child is asked to explain the methods, the problem will be solved by the child during the explanation.  A good thing to do is to ask the child to tell you what he/she knows about a problem.  This helps the student break down the problem in parts.  It is not a good idea to try to teach children different methods until a child has mastered one method as it will cause confusion.  It is profitable to take the time to study the textbook to see what method is being taught rather than try to teach a child to solve the way we were taught.  

         When children hear parents comparing prices and noting how much money can be saved, they are being helped with math.  When children are restricted from impulse buying and required to compare prices, they are being helped with math.  When coupons are clipped and children are allowed to keep a portion of the savings, they are learning math.  When parents require children to learn multiplication tables, they are doing a very important action to help their children in math. In safe communities, children can hold their own yard sales and sell toys or other items they have outgrown. The money earned is a great motivation!

         In a workshop I attended, we were told that an unusual number of students nationwide are finding it necessary to take remedial math when they go to college.  There is a real concern about the low math achievement in this country. We can help not only our children with their math, but in doing so, we are helping our country.  

Helping Children with Writing

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is….) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child…

Helping Children with Writing

         The three r’s, reading, ‘riting’, and ‘rithmetic’, are still the most important subjects in school because everything else is based on these three things.  There are innumerable complaints that children are not learning these things as they should. Help from parents is definitely needed to make sure that children learn these basics.

         Parents can help their children learn to be good writers in a number of ways.  “Practice makes perfect” certainly applies to writing.  Practice helps with both the mechanical aspects of learning to make the letters and the mental organizing and creating of subject matter.

         Very young children who have toys requiring the use of motor skills in the hands are more apt to learn to print well using sticks and circles to make the letters of the alphabet.  Making dots for children in the shapes of the letters provides a guide to follow.  Cursive writing is not given a great deal of emphasis in today’s educational process since it is not used as much as in the past.  After all, most job applications say, “Please print,” and computers are available for composing letters and stories.  Although it is nice to know cursive writing, limited time in school demands that teachers emphasize subjects that are very practical. At one time, cursive writing was necessary for taking notes in college classes, but now students can record a lecture or download necessary information on their computers.

         When older children are required to write essays, a good way to tell them to organize the essay is the “five finger rule”.  One finger is for the introduction where three points are named.  The next finger is for a new paragraph to talk about the first item named.  The next finger represents the next paragraph to talk about the second thing and the next finger represents another paragraph to talk about the third thing.  The last finger is to summarize the essay by restating what was said in the first paragraph.  This five paragraph essay is taught to GED students to write an essay for passing the GED test. The format works in most cases and can also be used as an outline for making a speech. It is helpful to have a child draw around his/her hand on a piece of paper and label the five fingers for the five paragraphs. 

         Many students have trouble in knowing what to say when they write.  Questions help a child to expand thinking.  Taking the time to discuss a topic with a child helps give ideas.  A background of various experiences is always a big help in providing material for writing.  The Internet is a gold mine of information. 

         A friend of mine mentioned a good idea I would like to share.  She required her children to write at least a page telling why something they had done was wrong.  It was part of their learning to never do that thing again.  What a wonderful idea!  It not only gave the children practice in writing but instilled the understanding of right and wrong.  It made them think!

         Reading, writing, and speaking form what educators call the language triangle.  As a child improves in any one of the three, the other two are also enhanced.  Children need to do a lot of reading and a great deal of writing.  Unfortunately, many inventions are harmful as well as helpful. Since the copy machine was invented, children often just fill in blanks to answer a question. Good writing should be required at home and in all classes at school, not just the communications class.  If a child is allowed to get by with sloppy writing in math, science, social studies, and health classes, the one class in language is not likely to succeed in teaching good writing skills.  Consistency is important. Parents would be wise to see that their children are doing plenty of writing and doing it well.

Helping Children with Reading Homework

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is….) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child

Helping Children with Reading Homework

         Many parents shy away from helping their children with homework.  Often, this is because they are afraid they will not do it the way the teacher wants, or perhaps they feel inadequate.  There are six basic subject areas for which children may receive homework. They are reading, math, language, social studies, writing, and science.  In this column, I would like to make comments about helping children with reading.

         It is helpful to understand how reading is taught in schools today.  In the past there were arguments about whether sight reading or phonetic reading was best.  Actually, both are used.  There are certain words that children should simply memorize and learn by sight.  A good basis of phonics is absolutely necessary for a child to be able to decode words on his/her own.

         One of the best ways to help a child with sight words is to use flash cards.  Teachers can give parents a list of words that children should know by sight.  Children can make their own flash cards or flash cards may be purchased.  The advantage for a child to make the cards is that the child learns about spelling and writing at the same time as the words are learned. The advantage of purchasing the cards is that the print is similar to what the child sees on the pages in books.  Either or both are helpful.

         If a parent feels inadequate to teach phonics, that parent can ask the child to teach the parent. The child learns the sounds at school and usually knows them but simply needs review and practice for reinforcement.  Sometimes a parent may need to put a finger over part of a word to help the child break the word down.  Much of reading depends on the vision of a child…both the physical vision and the way the child sees the word in his/her mind.  By covering part of a word, the child can see parts of the word in the mind rather than just seeing a bunch of letters of the alphabet.

         The best thing any parent can do to help with a child’s reading is simply have that child read, read, read.  Older children can read stories to younger children or to the parents.  The children need to be familiar with the local library and have enjoyable books on hand to read at all times.  Reading at home should generally be easy reading. If a child does not know five words to a page, that book is too difficult for the child.  Reading easy books develops a feeling of self-satisfaction.  The child becomes more fluent and develops speed.  Usually, it is best to leave the difficult books for the school to handle.  Encouraging a child to read enjoyable and easy books develops a good foundation for reading in years to come.  If reading is always difficult, the child will shy away from it.

         Parents should see that books are available for children all the time.  Books should be in the car, so that when a child has to wait for a parent somewhere, the child can be reading.  Children can help make and read grocery lists.  They can read directions on packages to mom or dad when meals are being prepared.  Parents can find many opportunities to help children with reading and need not hesitate to do so.

Something’s Missing

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Raising children….

Something’s Missing!

The Backpack Ministry is a good thing, especially now with prices on so many things continually rising. Many children would be starting back to school without the tools they need for learning.  However, it seems that something may be missing!

It is common to hear adults talk about how today’s children seem so ungrateful for the things they get or have.  “Why I can remember in the old days that we were lucky to have shoes to wear when we went to school! We sure didn’t have all the fancy stuff kids these days have!”  True.  It was sad to see broken pencils on the floor of classrooms when I was teaching GED classes.  It was obvious that someone didn’t appreciate those pencils!  They had deliberately broken them in half and thrown them on the floor!

What’s missing?  The attitude of gratitude.  At a recent meeting I attended, the backpack ministry was mentioned.  “Do any of you know of anyone receiving a “thank you” note from a recipient of a backpack?” I asked.   Blank looks all around!  No one had.  Aren’t we missing an opportunity to teach children to be grateful when we don’t require them to write a thank you note?

Perhaps an addressed blank note could be included in the backpacks.  Parents and/or teachers could require the children to write a note of thanks to the giver.  This could go a long way in teaching gratitude and is also a good writing lesson for the children.  Children who have not yet learned to write could draw a picture and have someone else write the words “thank you”.  

It would seem we miss many opportunities to teach children to be grateful.  My husband and I started years ago giving our grandchildren $5 for each “A” they made on their report card and $4 for each “B”.  Nothing was given for “C’s” because that is expected of them and is nothing special.  At the end of the grading period, we saw a copy of their report cards and tallied up what they had earned.  We also gave money for high marks in conduct.  After all, good conduct is necessary for success in life.  The children gain pride in earning money and feel they have a job like their folks have.  It was understood that part of the money was for pleasure and part to save for future education.  We always received “thank you’s” from the children for the checks we sent.  Now that my husband has passed away, I continue the practice. I don’t shower them with constant gifts.  They can learn to budget their own money for the things they really want or feel they need.

Why are we surprised that so many children do not feel gratitude for what they receive when we don’t require them to do such a simple thing as to say, “thank you”?

Children Learn in Different Ways

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is….) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.patlambchristianauthor.com

Train up a child…

Children Learn in Different Ways

         Studies show that we tend to raise our children the way we were raised in spite of any training in child-rearing classes we may have received along the way.  Without realizing it, we tend to think that our children will learn the same way we learned without taking into account the differences in inherited traits and personalities.  We can be much more effective in parenting (and grandparenting) if we can understand the differences in the way children learn.

         Some children tend to learn better by hearing information while others learn better by seeing or doing.  Educators classify children as auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learners.  Actually, all children learn in each of these ways, but most are dominant in one or two of the ways.

         Auditory learners learn best by having a story read to them rather than reading it for themselves.  They like to have music going most of the time and would rather have someone tell them what to do than read instructions for themselves.  They are often musically inclined and can learn better when things are set to music. Auditory learners might learn multiplication tables more easily if they are set to music.  From my experience in teaching, I think many children have not developed listening skills and do not fall into this category.  

         Visual learners learn better with charts and graphs or demonstrations.  They need to see how a word looks to decide if it is spelled right, and they will probably learn their spelling words by writing them over and over rather than just saying them over and over. They will be the individuals who take a lot of notes when they are in high school or college.  They need to be shown how to do things rather than just being told.  Charts for daily chores work well for these children.  They probably won’t just take a person’s word for something.  They will probably want to see for themselves whether something is right.  

         Kinesthetic learners like to use their bodies and do active things.  They are usually the children involved in sports.  They learn best by doing projects. They like doing play-doh projects when they are young.  When they are older, they are the ones who like the social studies and science projects that involve making things.  An example of using a kinesthetic method to teach in school might be to have students stand and turn a certain number of degrees right or left to learn about degrees in a circle.  At home, boys will love to do fix-it projects with dad.  Girls will like cooking or other projects involving action.

         Observance of children will give clues as to how they best learn.  When children constantly doodle and draw pictures, you can know they are the visual learners.  The very active children are usually the kinesthetic learners and it is important to keep them busy with projects.  Quiet children may be the auditory learners as they are listening for sounds in nature or listening to others.  No two children are the same.  Good parents and teachers will learn to observe the differences and capitalize on the way that children learn best.

Helping Children Learn to Plan

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by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristiansauthor.com

Train up a child…

Helping Children Learn to Plan

Luke 14:28  “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”

         It has been said that there are three kinds of people.  There are those who make things happen, those who let things happen, and those who wonder what happened!

         If we want our children to grow up and stay out of the last two categories, we need to help them learn how to plan.  Getting ready for school to start is a great time to work with children to help them learn to plan for their needs for the coming school year.

         Many churches have backpack ministries.  If this is the case, it is still a good idea to have the children figure the cost of items provided.  Also, the child should write a thank you note to the organization who provided the gifts.  However, much learning can take place when a child helps with the planning and purchasing.

         A good starting place with children who are able to read, write, and do some math is to simply have the child sit down with pencil and paper and make a list of everything he/she can think of that will be needed for school.  When the child thinks his list is complete, sit down with the child and divide the list into needs and wants.  Explain that a certain amount of money will be available and that needs must be met before wants can be addressed. Some items may need to be added or subtracted from the list according to the parent’s choice.  It is possible that there are items left from sisters or brothers or the previous year that can be used to save money.  Such things as scissors can be used year after year.  However, there is a real value in children having some new items to start school.  It is a great feeling for a child to go to school with a new box of crayons, a new pencil, and a new tablet or notebook and at least one new outfit of clothing.  

         After the lists have been decided upon, give the child several flyers containing ads with prices. We all get those almost daily in our mailboxes.  Ask the child to look through the flyers and check on prices of the items on the lists; then, write the prices beside the items listed.  It is good if flyers are available from several places to enable the child to compare prices and find the lowest ones.  Since there will be several items, allow the child to use a calculator to add the prices to get a total. 

         Now it is time to do the actual purchasing.  Undoubtedly, there will need to be some changes made when the store has sold out of certain items, etc.  However, guard against allowing the child to do impulse buying.  Take time to discuss the pros and cons of purchases that must be changed from the original plan.  

         After the items have been obtained, plan for a place to do homework in the home.  Help the child decide the best time and place to do homework.  Storage places for books, homework, or other school items need to be decided.  Doing so now will prevent having those items thrown helter-skelter all around the house and the child not being able to find them when needed.

         Older children can be given an allotted amount of money and be allowed to make their own purchases.  They will then have to decide how best to use that money.  If they get to keep what they don’t use, you can be sure they will try to find the best bargains.  Younger children need more help, of course.  Parents may need to do the writing and calculating for them.

         It wouldn’t hurt to mention the length of time that mom and dad have to work on the job to pay for the needs for the children. (In a nice way, of course, so the children don’t feel guilty.) Doing so will help the children to have a realistic concept of the value of purchases and they will probably be more inclined to take care of those things.  

         The process of planning just described will enhance reading skills, writing skills, and math skills.  Children will have a better idea of the value of money and the things it can purchase.  They will have an exercise in critical thinking and with this process repeated enough times, they will grow up making things happen, not just letting things happen, or wondering what happened.