The Pros and Cons of Cursive Handwriting

Cursive handwriting.  Is cursive still important or outdated today?  I teach social sciences in grades 7th-12th, and I still hang up the alphabet, this one Around the World Cursive Alphabet Set: 26 Ready-to-Display Letter Cards With Fabulous Photos of Extraordinary Natural Wonders, Ancient Sites, Architecture, and More  because it is a reminder to students that cursive matters in the social sciences world because of PAST historical documents.  If you can't read cursive, how are you supposed to read these documents?

I understand we have technology, but it is also important to be able to learn the "old fashioned" way as well because it exercises our minds.

Below, is a brief pros and cons of cursive handwriting.  

The Argument to Teach Cursive

Some parents and educators want cursive handwriting to be included in students' lessons. Here's what they said about that:

• How will they ever be able to read historical documents such as the constitution, etc if they don't learn to read and write in cursive? -Sara J.
• I don't think it has been taught in our school for at least the last 10 to 15 years. Cursive writing will become a lost art in America. I think it should still be taught. -Claudia A.
• Yes! It's part of my children's 2nd grade homeschool curriculum. They just started doing it, and they are so excited about it. :) -Angela M.

Download FREE cursive handwriting worksheets on Educents!

The Argument Not to Teach Cursive

Some say cursive is no longer an essential lesson to teach kids, here's their reasonings for that:

• No, it's not relevant anymore. Learn typing instead. -Robert C.
• Honestly, it's no longer important. Teach them to sign their name; then teach them to convey their thoughts, and be persuasive, via oral and written communications. Why would we want to spend valuable school time, beyond a day or two, teaching someone to sign their name in cursive? Why don't we spend time teaching calculations via abacus or slide rules? -Gary F.
• I can read Shakespeare, Mark Twain and the Bible among other things all without ever needing cursive. Just don't get the hype. -Mike E.

Handwriting Resources for Kids

Are you an educator or parent who wants to spend time teaching your kids how to write in cursive? If so, these resources from Educents will make it a lot more easy and FUN to learn cursive.

• FREE Super Hero Cursive Alphabet Writing Worksheets - Have you met the Educents Heroes? Your child can practice writing cursive with 53 pages of FREE CURSIVE alphabet worksheets! The Educents Heroes are prepared with both lowercase and uppercase letters.
• Wild Animal Print Cursive Alphabet Posters - A set of 26 cursive alphabet posters in a fun wild animal print for less than $5!
• Revolutionary War Copywork in Cursive Activities - Learn history while you learn how to write cursive! This eBook contains 20 quotes from America's Founding Fathers for kids to write!

Web Learning Resources for Kids

Online learning is becoming even more important for the next generations. Educents also has affordable resources that helps children develop their typing and coding skills.

• Learn to Mod with Minecraft - Did you know kids can learn how to code by modifying (or "modding") Minecraft®? Kids learn how to code in Java® and apply it to Minecraft® themed problems!
• The WriteWell App - A simple and intuitive web-based tool that makes writing fun and effective. With its unique visual and tactile interface and library of interactive essay templates, WriteWell is a convenient tool for teachers and students at home or in the classroom.
• Handwriting Worksheet Wizard - StartWrite helps teachers, homeschoolers, and parents create handwriting lessons quickly and easily. This program saves hours in lesson preparation time, yet allows you to easily create fun, meaningful worksheet to teach handwriting.

What do you think?

So what do you think about cursive?

What makes you happy? Minions? Freebies? Well, how about Minion Freebies?

These free math activities on Educents offers 22 printable pages of math activities for Minion fans. It covers addition, subtraction, measurement, money, and more!

Minion Math Centers Freebie

• Minion Addition (to 12)
• Minion Subtraction (to 12)
• Minions Making Ten
• Minion Measurement
• Minion Money Match
• Missing Minion Numbers
• Minion Number Cards

If you're looking for more ways to make math learning fun, check this out:

Early Math Musical DVDs

This DVD set from Rock 'N' Learn is a fun way to boost math skills for the early grades. Like the Minions, these DVDs have fun characters your little ones will love to get to know! Math facts are easy to learn with fun music and exciting animation. Learn all about counting coins and bills and practice making change. Kids will learn to tell time to the hour, half hour, and minute using traditional analog clocks. Includes Addition & Subtraction Rap DVD, Money & Making Change DVD, and the Telling Time DVD. I hope this math freebie made by Amy of Teaching in Blue Jeans makes you happy. Download the Free Minion Math Centers, then go ahead and do a little dance! :) 

Join NHTSA on Twitter on July 31 for a Heatstroke Tweetup

Did you know that heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash-related deaths for children under 14? Already 10 children this year have lost their lives to heatstroke after being left in vehicles. In fact, each year, an average of 37 children die from vehicle heatstroke.

While it seems like an impossible mistake to make, every parent or caregiver can potentially become distracted, and distractions often fuel this devastating situation. No one is immune. This tragedy is 100% preventable. We each have a role to play to help keep kids safe. Help  share live-saving tips and resources with as many people as you can about this important safety topic. Join National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Tweetup. Your support can help us prevent tragedies.

nHTSA will be tweeting all day on Friday, July 31, 2015, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET with the hashtags #heatstrokekills and#checkforbaby. They’ll be sharing information, safety tips, badges, infographics, and other resources to help spread the word about the dangers of vehicle heatstroke.

Use these sample messages to get your followers involved in the Tweetup:

Twitter:

• Do you know that #heatstrokekills? Join @NHTSAgov’s #Heatstroke Tweetup Friday, July 31, to help spread awareness.
• On average, #heatstrokekills 37 children each year. Follow @NHTSAgov’s #Heatstroke Tweetup Friday, July 31, to help change this stat.
• Summer days are hot! Don’t let them end in tragedy. Follow @NHTSAgov’s #Heatstroke Tweetup Friday, July 31. #heatstrokekills
• Interior car temps rise quickly! Learn more about the dangers of #heatstroke during @NHTSAgov’s Heatstroke Tweetup, July 31. #heatstrokekills
• Act fast, save a life. Bystanders can help. #checkforbaby #Heatstroke Tweetup Friday, July 31.

Facebook:

• Vehicle #heatstroke deaths are 100% preventable. Join @NHTSAgov for a heatstroke Tweetup onFriday, July 31, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Safercar.gov/heatstroke. #heatstrokekills #checkforbaby
• On average, 37 children die each year from vehicle heatstroke. Help NHTSA change this number to zero. Join us for a heatstroke Tweetup with @NHTSAgov on Friday, July 31, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. #heatstrokekills #checkforbaby
• We’re joining @NHTSAgov on Friday, July 31, 2015, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET to help put an end to help end vehicle #heatstroke. Join with the hashtags #heatstrokekills and #checkforbaby.

Encourage your family and friends to be proactive about responding to potential heatstroke situations or victims. Join NHTSA for the Heatstroke Tweetup on Friday, July 31, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and I invite everyone to participate in the Tweetup, too.

Free Minecraft--Themed Math Worksheets Your Kids Will Love

Do your Minecraft kids need some encouragement to practice math? How about a quick addition refresher before going back to school?

 

Download Multi Taskin' Mom's FREE Minecraft Themed Addition Worksheets.

These fun math worksheets include single digit to double digit addition, making this freebie useful for Minecraft kids ages 5 to 12. Here's more ways to use your child's interest in Minecraft for learning:

• Writing about the Minecraft World
• 10 Exciting Lessons for your Kindergartener Using Minecraft
• Math Lessons Using Minecraft - Show Your Work
• How Minecraft Taught my Daughter to Read

Looking for more ways to turn gaming time into learning time? Check out all the Minecraft-themed 
educational products offered on Educents at a discount.  

*contains affiliate link

Review and Contest Information: Maty's Medicine at its Natural Best

I am a person who doesn't like to use medicine.  Not for religious reasons.  It is more for fear of unwanted chemicals in my body.  I worry that medicine has too much chemicals.  So, when I was asked to review Maty's all natural vapor rub, I was kind of cautious because I am not quick to run to medicine for myself, or until I do careful research when it concerns my child.

Maty's all natural vapor rub is just pure awesome.  It is made of pure ingredients, meaning with natural ingredients!  Yes, natural ingredients!!!  I read the ingredients--they were words I can actually pronounce and understand like Sunflower Oil and Coconut Oil, and even Vitamin E.  

The vapor rub even has a eucalyptus, wintergreen, and peppermint smell to it as well.  Smells that I and my child can tolerate.   Not that bad chemical smell.

The baby chest rub is good for any child 3 months and older. The chest rub has won 3 awards including the "2013 KIWI Magazine's Best Natural Cold & Flu Products", "2012 National Parenting Publications Award" and "2011 Parent Tested-Parent Approved Award".

Maty's products are more effective and work faster than any cough medicine too.  There as a study done by Penn State University back in 2007 that concluded buckwheat honey was more effective at quieting a cough than dextromethorphan, a popular cough medicine.  Maty loaded their cough syrup with 8-9 other immune boosting ingredients.  People even take the cough syrups daily as an immune booster.

You  will need to become a fan on Facebook to enter the contest. To learn or enter the contest Click on the link: http://woobox.com/4a4e3j 

 

Check out the links below for more information. 

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MatysHP

Twitter Account:  https://twitter.com/matys_cares

Pintrest Page:  http://www.pinterest.com/matyshp/

Website:  http://matyshealthyproducts.com/

FTC: I was sent a sample product of Maty's all natural vapor rub to review for compensation.  All opinions are my own.

Bright Horizons Webinar: Reading Aloud with Children (+playlist)

Research shows one of the most important ways parents can support literacy development is to read aloud with their children. Bright Horizons wants to help your family explore new ways to make reading together both educational and exciting!

Join on Tuesday, November 5th, 8:00 p.m. EST  secrets to becoming a masterful storyteller and adding excitement to family reading time are shared. Click here for more information.


Early education experts will share practical ways that you can:

•  identify high quality children’s literature and select the right books for your child.

•  master storytelling techniques to make books come to life.

•  make reading time a more engaging, enjoyable and enriching learning experience.

• 15 registrants will be selected to win a set of Rory’s Story Cubes, courtesy of Gamewright Games!

• 5 webinar attendees will be selected to win a book of their choice from Barefoot Books!

• 1 lucky attendee will be selected as our GRAND PRIZE winner and will receive a Family Reading Toolkit from Barefoot Books including: 15 books, a puzzle and a puppet. ($139.99 retail value).

Register to Win! By registering for our webinar, you’ll not only gain helpful information to enhance your child’s educational journey, you’ll also have the opportunity to win prizes:

To register for this webinar, click here.  

Bowling: AMF Summer Unplugged

Summer is upon us.  I am sure your kids have complained that they are "bored" or "there is nothing to do."  I have always kept my child's schedule semi-structured during the summers because I believe children need to know how to fend for themselves--teach themselves how not to be bored sometimes.

Other times, I have planned some activity such as bowling.  My son likes bowling.  This activity is always a success.  He has gone to bowling themed birthday parties and also with family members.  I love the fact that the bowling alley will put up gutter shields to ensure the child knocks some pins down.  What a great way to build their self esteem and to enjoy playing bowling.  So, I was excited when I heard about the AMF Summer Unplugged, where there are some great deals to take your children to bowling.

Summer Unplugged- You can spare your kids from boredom (and the heat)! Two free games every day
for each child ages 15 and under registered in the Summer Unplugged program* (Shoe rental not
included, but they're worth paying for.). Sign-up here for free bowling all summer long!

*You can register up to six children in the program. If you would like to add more children, you will
need to create a new account using an alternate email address.

Summer Pass- Adults won't be left melting in the heat! An AMF Summer Pass is just $34.95 and
includes two games per day for the pass owner and up to three guests ages 16 and up. (Shoe
rental not included, but they’re worth paying for.) Sign-up here for AMF's Summer
Pass!

New for 2013:
• One simple sign-up, no coupons to be emailed or printed! Simply present your
membership card or your name at your local AMF center and you're all set to go!

• Also new this year for Summer Unplugged members is the "Stay and Play" option.
Additional games can be added for just $1.49! So if the competition is hot and the
weather is hotter, you can keep the strikes coming and stay cool for less!

The Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass programs runs through September 2,
2013. Members can redeem their bowling games every day from open until 8pm using their
membership pass, member ID, first name or other unique identifier.

With over 250 locations, AMF is where America goes bowling! Find an AMF Bowling Center near
you- http://bit.ly/AMFCenters.

FTC: I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in this post are my own.

Give the Gift of Sports Illustrated Kids this Holiday Season

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Kids is THE magazine for boys and girls who love sports. It presents sports the way kids want to read about them: with great action photos, easy-to-read stories about star athletes, helpful instructional tips from the pros, and humor, comics, and activities. SI Kids is a great way to encourage kids to read, and it has won highest honors from the Association of Educational Publishers and the Parents' Choice Award.

Special Offer:

Receive an entire year of SI Kids in print and on tablet for only $19.95! You can subscribe HERE.

Need more reasons to give the gift of SI Kids this season?

Reason #1: It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.

Reason #2: It promotes reading for children who are reluctant readers.

Reason #3: Each issue is full of exciting stories, photos and games that are a perfect distraction while traveling.

Reason #4: No gift wrapping – it’s delivered straight to your door.

Reason #5: It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year through.

For more information go to: http://www.sikids.com/

Like SI Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIKids

And don’t forget – take advantage of this great offer by subscribing HERE.

Important Information on Sunshine Kids SuperLatch Safety

Over the last month there has been concern that the Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH anchor strap has not worked properly with the Radian Car Seat.

 

Sunshine Kids does not takes this lightly and would like to promote the proper use of the Radian Car Seat and SuperLATCH.

 

Below are some links you may find useful.  

 

1. Letter From Sunshine Kids Recognizing Problem

 

2. SuperLatch Safety Specifications

 

3. Radian Rear Facing Installation Video

 

4. Radian Front Facing Installation Video

Related articles

• Car seats for your kids (theglobeandmail.com)
• Young Kids May Be Able to Unbuckle Car Seats (children.webmd.com)
• Installing a Child Safety Seat the Right Way (katyhonda.wordpress.com)

Resource: Totsy for Shopping Needs

Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales, up to 80% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-7. These are top brands for mom, baby, and child that we are talking about here. Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children's clothing, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best in quality and designer brands. 

100% eco-friendly: Totsy is the first company in private sales to take on sustainable and socially responsible initiatives in all areas of business. One baby, one tree: With every purchase you make through Totsy, they will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation. Who says shopping can't save the world?

Not Wrapped, but Remembered: Nine Tips for Gifting Your Children with Meaningful Experiences

Instead of breaking the bank to shower your kids with material things this holiday season, authors Andrea and David Reiser suggest giving them the gift of a meaningful experience instead. Time spent together, not a new video game system or wardrobe, will truly stick

with them and shape their worldviews. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose an event to attend together. Get a schedule of local holiday-themed concerts, plays, parades, shows, and other events, and choose a few to attend as a family. Your kids (and you!) will enjoy counting down to these outings, and you'll have an even better time attending them. Plus, everyone will remember the live performance of White Christmas or the holiday-themed magic show much longer than they will a bevy of action figures under the tree. Even better? In most communities there are plenty of events to choose from that are free to the public! It just goes to show that you don't have to spend a mint to make memories over the holidays. 

Remember: There really is no place like home for the holidays. Making special holiday memories doesn't always have to mean going somewhere. In fact, some of your most treasured experiences can be created inside the four walls of your house, and they don't have to cost a lot of money or cause a lot of stress to be perfect! Take a regular weeknight dinner and turn it into a magical holiday meal by dimming the lights, lighting candles on the table, and playing soft holiday music in the background. Serve sparkling juice or cider in special glasses and pull out the fancy china for once. It's a special night you and your family won't soon forget!

 

Set your family up for success. On the best of days, kids will be kids...and their propensity for energy, misbehavior, and hijinks grows exponentially when they're excited. Whenever your family is preparing for any sort of event this season, don't assume that the "usual" rules are at the forefront of young minds. Go over your expectations—and potential consequences—beforehand so that you don't spend the whole time scolding and correcting. And as a parent, take the time to remind yourself that children are often overstimulated, overexcited, and saturated with sugar this time of year. If you don't think your brood can handle sitting still for an hour-long concert, then make the choice not to go. You'll save yourself a lot of stress, anger, and disappointment in the long run.

 

Make meaningful conversation. Conversation is the foundation upon which any memorable event is built. So to make the most of outings and experiences this holiday season, have a few meaningful topics up your sleeve to engage your family. Otherwise, you'll find yourself griping about chore lists, homework, and soccer schedules during your special outing—instead of the things you really wanted to share. For example, as you drive around your neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, you may want to ask your kids about their favorite Christmas memories. Or, before attending a church service or local event, sit down and talk about what Christmas truly means to each member of your family. You may be surprised at the answers—and it will make each event and activity that much more meaningful.

 

Dress up! It's amazing how getting all dolled up can take an event from "okay" to "outstanding." If you frame your holiday outings as opportunities instead of as obligations, your kids probably won't mind putting on their fancy duds...and they'll definitely remember the fact that Mom and Dad thought that they were mature enough to attend such a special event! (And you can take the opportunity to snap some photos everyone will enjoy looking at for years to come.) 

 

Make something out of nothing. A meaningful experience doesn't have to cost a massive amount of money, and it doesn't have to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. In fact, your family can make "routine" holiday tasks into beloved traditions. For example, get everyone together to wrap gifts for friends and family, and share hot chocolate and cookies while you're curling ribbon and cutting paper. Or let everyone climb into special holiday pajamas, then pile in the car and look at all of the beautiful holiday lights in your town.

 

Give thanks. As the saying goes, "Remember the reason for the season." Depending on your family's beliefs and background, that "reason" might differ from your neighbor's, but one thing's for sure: This is a time to be grateful and to count blessings. Whenever your family visits a friend or attends a special event, make sure to point out to your children how fortunate they are to have such individuals and opportunities in their lives...and point out that not every child around the world is so privileged.  

Give back. If your family is counting its blessings, the natural next step is to reach out to those whose holiday seasons might not be filled with much cheer. Consider donating to a charity instead of giving as many gifts, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or caroling at a nursing home. This is the perfect time of year to teach children that it truly is better to give than to receive—and it can actually feel really good, too. These experiences will instill values in your children and broaden their perspective on holiday privileges.

 

Live in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the holidays, and not living in the moment is a downright joy robber. If you're constantly setting your sights on the next holiday party or dance recital on your calendar, you won't be fully enjoying the activity you're currently doing. Reveling in the now and accepting the (minor) flaws that might come along allows you to truly experience the benefits of living in the present. Those moments with family and friends will be that much sweeter.

Husband and wife, David and Andrea Reiser are authors of the new book Letters From Home: A Wake-up Call for Success & Wealth (Wiley, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-4706379-2-0, $27.95, www.ReiserMedia.com).

Help Save Lives with the National Seat Check Saturday/Child Passenger Safety Week

Each year, thousands of children are tragically injured and killed in automobile accidents. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older.

The reason? Most parents and caregivers don't realize that their children aren't properly restrained in their car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 3 out of 4 car seats are not used correctly.

We're aiming to change that with National Seat Check Saturday on September 25.  As part of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 19-25), communities nationwide will have certified technicians available to provide hands-on child safety seat inspections and advice - for free!

You can find instructional videos, handy informational flyers, and links to product ratings and recall lists at  http://childcarsafety.adcouncil.org/

Additionally, the Child Passenger Safety Twitter account (@childseatsafety) will be hosting a Twitter party on Wednesday, September 22 at 2 p.m. EST. NHTSA experts will be available to offer information and insight on car seats and how to travel safely with children. Just use the hashtag #CPSweek to follow along and ask your questions.

For more information on Child Passenger Safety Week and to find your local car seat inspection station visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS or http://www.facebook.com/childpassengersafety.

How To Keep Kids Organized For Back To School

It’s that time of the year again, you finally get settled into a workable summertime routine with the kids and everything changes again. It’s back to school time and that means back to morning chaos, homework disorganization, and dealing with massive amounts of information between school and home. I’ve got some interesting tips that highlight some lesser-known ways for keeping kids organized for school, and I thought you might be able to use in a story you’re planning.

It’s normal for kids to generate chaos and disorganization (it comes with the territory), but being organized is a learned skill that is developed over time. With guidance and practice, kids can develop an effective approach to becoming organized. Amy Morris, single Mom of two teenagers and founder of GotFamilyGetOrganized.com, offers these unique tips to help your kids start the school year with a check plus.

5 Ways To Keep Kids Organized

Hub Of The House – Create a central location to hang a bulletin board that will hold important school and family information. Teach kids to update the calendar upon receiving new information and get in the habit of checking it the night before for the following day’s activities so that they can prepare in advance. 

GotFamilyGetOrganized.com – An organized parent sets a good example. This website stores in a unique, simplified, and easy to use format, important family information: school schedules and extracurricular activities, social and sport information, and medical, just to name a few, and it is all available in a central location that can be accessed anytime and anywhere – from any computer, iPad, or smart phone.

Organize Backpacks – A backpack is your child’s personal assistant. Teach them how to keep it neatly organized by only filling them with necessary school day items and keeping out unnecessary loose papers, non-school items and liquids. 

Make Lists – Teaching kids to make and prioritize lists will provide them with a greater sense of accomplishment - as they complete items and their lists become smaller, they will feel more productive and they have a greater sense of satisfaction in themselves.  Kids will take ownership for their tasks, shape their own time, and gain greater independence.

Student File Storage – Teach your kids to sort and effectively file school papers in an organized manner.  It will be crucial to them at exam time – especially if midterm and end of year final exams are inclusive of all the material covered to date. 

Organization is an awesome opportunity for kids to gain self-confidence and independence and not lose their sanity or you lose yours.

Sunscreen Tips for Kids Going Back To School (how to protect them when you’re not with them):

Summer vacation may be over, but that doesn’t mean kids will be out of the sun.  Data suggests that the majority of sun exposure in a person’s like occurs before the age of 18.  So… how can you be sure to protect your children when they are back at school and out of your sight?  Kavita Mariwalla, MD, Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt and Beth Israel Medical Centers, suggests following these simple rules:

    

-       If your children play sports, pack water-proof spray-on sunscreen in their backpack. Make sure you tell them tospray it on while getting ready for practice or the big game (30 minutes before sun expDear Faten  Abdallah,osure). The spray version is easy to apply and they don't have to feel shy about asking a team mate to help them out.

-       Consider washing your child's practice clothes and uniforms with Rit Sunguard. Available on-line and in most grocery stores, the easy to use powder can be washed in with clothes in the laundry and confers added SPF to t-shirts, shorts and socks - good for multiple washes.

-       Buy empty lotion bottles (travel size) and fill them with sunscreen to pack in your child's backpack. That way it is easy to transport and easy for you to monitor their use.

-       Don't forget sunglasses. Beyond a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your child's eyes from harmful UV rays

-       Encourage wearing a hat. Though most children are resistant to wearing a broad-brimmed hat, baseball caps are better than nothing. Just remind your child to put sunscreen on their ears and the back of their neck!

-       If your child is in tournaments lasting the whole day in the fall, designate a "sunscreen parent." Just like the "snack parent" who provides nourishment to keep the kids on the field, the "sunscreen parent" can keep them safe and free from sunburns. Making this part of the sport environment creates healthy habits early on.

What is the data to support the importance of sunscreen use?

Data shows that basal cell skin cancer is rising in people under the age of 40. In addition, a study done in 2000 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that children who wore sunscreen consistently developed fewer moles than those who did not. The same study showed that sunscreen use is even more important for children with freckles because it decreased the number of nevi or moles they acquired by up to 40%. An epidemiologic study completed in 2009 showed that male children are at higher risk than female and additional risk factors for developing moles include spending 5 - 6 hours /weekly/ between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm outdoors. That's not a lot of time considering most sports practrice at least 1 - 2 hours a day. And don't forget those soccer tournaments!

So, if your child is playing sports when school gets back in session, remember these tips and keep them protected even when they are not under your watch.

Contest: Ready, Go, Play-Doh

Standing the test of time, shaping, molding and sculpting the Play-Doh compound never seems to get old! The creative, tactile experience of producing whatever comes to mind makes for awesome indoor fun with your kids.

Embracing the idea of creating food, Play-Doh has created a "Ready, Go Play-Doh" contest where our kids can come up with their own Play-Doh "food" creations for a chance to win a makeover of both their playroom and their school's playroom. You can visit www.ReadyGoPlayDoh.com to enter by uploading a photo of your child's food-inspired Play-Doh creation along with the "recipe" to make it.

The grand prize winner of the "Ready, Go Play-Doh" contest will win $10,000: $5,000 for a playroom makeover as well as a $5,000 "Doh-nation" to their child's school. Contest entries will be accepted through September 30, 2009. On October 15, 2009, the ten finalists will be posted on ReadyGoPlayDoh.com and the public will vote on who receives the $10,000 prize! The website will also feature a gallery of entries, so even if you don't win, everyone can see your child's creation.

Speak Now For Kids Campaign

We all want healthy children, so we will do anything to make sure our children are healthy by making sure they live in an environment and have all the required essentials, such as health insurance, and maybe a little extras essentials when we can.

However, did you know that about 9 million children in the U.S. don't have any kind of health insurance including government assistance? Craziness. There is no excuse why children can't be offered some kind of health insurance despite their parents' financial abilities. All children must be covered with health insurance. That is why I want you to know about Speak Now for Kids Campaign.

Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform is a national campaign sponsored by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (N.A.C.H.). N.A.C.H. is joined by national partners and supporting organizations from around the country who all care deeply about how children will be treated in health reform. Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform urges parents, family members, health care providers and other advocates to tell Congress why children matter in health reform – through stories, photos and videos.

Let your voice be heard through stories, videos, pictures, or even just your thoughts because you care and want to see all children in the U.S. given the right of health care insurance.

Go to Speak Now For Kids.