Snow People Do you remember going out and making snow people or snow angels in the snow? Well, if this is new or if you have forgotten, this is the way you do it: After a snowfall, dress very warmly and go outside. Lie down on your back in the snow and swing your legs and arms back and forth in the snow.
Carefully get up and look at your “snow person.”
SCAVENGER HUNT For next week’s Activities feature, you will need celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins.
(Contributed by Discovery Place Early Learning center.)
JOKE OF THE WEEK Q: What protects snowmen?
A: Snow angels.
BOOK OF THE WEEK There are thousands of books written for young children every year and many are available for you to borrow from a public library or can be purchased from a bookstore or online. Here are a couple of classic children’s books that your family might enjoy: Buehner, Caralyn. Snowmen at Night. Snowmen play games at night when no one is watching.
Pinder, Eric. How to Build a Snow Bear. To build the biggest and best snowman ever, Thomas enlists the help of his “bear” brother, who would rather sleep.
VIDEO VARIETY In addition to the books that are available for your family, there are also many movies and documentaries that may make you laugh and inspire you, as well. Here is one classic choice: The Snowman Based on the book by Raymond Briggs. - Weaves a spell of magical winter enchantment as a young boy's snowman comes to life and escorts him on a visit to the North Pole.
WONDERS OF THE WEB The Internet has long been available to supplement your parenting knowledge and skills. This is one web location that your family might enjoy: How to make the perfect snow angel! http://builtbykids.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-snow-angel/ Remember that you can also visit the website of your local public library to find out more about local library services. Libraries in much of Northwest Minnesota are listed on the Northwest Regional Library website: http://www.nwrlib.org/ (With assistance from the Thief River Falls Public Library.)
PARENTING TIPS Conflict Resolution Following are some ideas that may be helpful in trying to resolve conflicts: * Take a deep breath when you are experiencing conflict. The old adage, “Count to ten” is useful not only to prevent impulsive reactions but also to give you time to listen to yourself and to observe others before reacting.
* Try to pinpoint the real issue. What is being discussed may not be the real issue.
* Use specific rather than general language. Confrontation is most effective when it is specific and timely. To generalize, “you always...” or “you never...” is not helpful. Rather be specific, such as “yesterday you did not pick up your clothes.”
*Be willing to say “No.” “No” can be a loving word. It is more loving for you to say “No” when something does not feel right than to say “Yes.”
* Be aware that people handle conflict differently. Some are quick to temper and others are slow.
Some want to talk about conflict right away, and some want time to reflect and think about it (including small children).
Use the following list of suggestions as needed depending on the situation: * smooth over * listen * blow up * ignore it * compromise * talk it over * be specific * back down * seek clarification * seek alternatives * ask for help * count to ten (Contributed by the Early Childhood Family Education department of School District 564.) SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT This time maybe we should listen instead of talk.
(Contributed by the Early Childhood Family Education department of School District 564.)
