Archive for the ‘teen’ Category

By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt

No matter what culture we come from, we all grew up with metaphoric stories which taught us lessons for life. Since the beginning of humanity, we have passed on life lessons from generation to generation via storytelling and this is still relevant today.

Here is why it works so well.  Children spend most of their time in a trance state - a state of mind where they are susceptible to suggestions.  Think advertising…  Secondly, children love repetition.  This is how concepts and skills are absorbed.  Thirdly, children are egocentric.  If they identify with the main character of the story their sub-conscious will process the lessons of the story to apply it to similar situations the child is experiencing.

When I work with children as a hypnotherapist, I use the power of storytelling to help them work through whatever life issue they are facing.  This is something you can also do as a parent.  It is effective in helping children with bullying, bedwetting, habits, anxiety, nightmares, self esteem, etc.  The key is in writing an effective metaphoric story.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when developing a metaphor to help your child:

• Always indirectly address the issue.  Do not make the storyline exactly like the situation the child is experiencing.  For example, if the child is afraid of the dark, don’t make the main character afraid of the dark; have them afraid of something else.
• Establish what you want to instill in the child & have the main character exhibit these characteristics, i.e. confidence, courage, etc.
• Personify unconscious strengths of the child in form of heroes.  This helps them identify with the main character and sends the message to their sub-conscious that they are their own heroes.
• Present a situation where the main character overcomes an issue and is successful.
• End with a celebration of success.

Resist the urge to explain the story & how it relates to your child’s life.  Let the child process it (usually during sleep). Analyzing it together will ruin the effect of using a metaphor.

Here is an example.  Your 7 year old daughter is afraid of the dark.  She loves anything to do with princesses and is very good at play-acting.  The story line you may want to develop would involve a princess who is putting on a play for the palace.  In the play she must ride a horse.  However, she is afraid of horses.  The princess overcomes her fear, rides the horse and realizes there was nothing for her to fear.  At the end of the story everyone cheers for the princess.

You may need to tell the story many times to your child before you start to see results.  Just know that, on some level they are processing the lessons.  And most importantly, have fun with it!

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Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit.  Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood.  Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki.  She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage.  To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com

Over one billion children live in poverty. Hunger is only one of their challenges; exploitation, abuse and discrimination haunt them on a daily basis. Many live in remote areas of the world and have little, or no, education.

They have no rights. They have no voice.

On March 5, 2009, people around the world will remain silent for 24 hours in support of those who are unable to speak up themselves.

Join the quiet revolution.
Take the Vow of Silence.

About: The Vow of Silence is a campaign of Free The Children, a Toronto-based charity. Free The Children is the world’s largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in its innovative education and development programs in 45 countries.

In this world, where my 3 year old can use a mouse on my computer, as well as, if not better than me online safety is another part of ’street proffing’ your kids.  

While we are not that stage of chat rooms, messenger or Facebook, we will soon be, It’s never to early to talk about online safety with your kids.

The Street Smart Kidz program is a great site for general safety and they have a wonderful ‘contract’ for parents to discuss with children and for the child to sign.

 With rules like, I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable and many more, it is worth the visit. 

Now here is something fun to do this weekend, and for the next few weekends.  The Royal Ontario Musuem is offering kids get in free with each regular paying adult, senior or student.

This winter we want to ensure all families get a chance to experience the ROM. 

The Free Child Offer Details: No coupon necessary. Valid for one free child admission (a $15 value) with every paying adult, senior or student admission. Offer does not apply to online purchases and is valid for walk-in ticket purchases only. Cannot be combined with other offers, included but not limited to; consignment tickets, vouchers or pre-purchased tickets. Not valid on Friday nights after 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Adult (18 to 64 years): $22.00
Senior (65+ years): $19.00
Student (15 to 17 years): $19.00

More about the ROM -

Galleries

Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. With six million objects in the ROM’s collections, there’s something new to discover around every corner.

World Culture Galleries
Natural History Galleries
Hands-on Galleries
Exhibitions Spaces

How to fly, stay, and eat for less…

The weather’s bad and the news is gloomy; time to escape with the family for a week and decompress on a beach - right? Unfortunately, the economy is just as nasty as the weather and the news, and many are opting for “staycations” or canceling their travel plans altogether. For me, neither are appealing options… If I stayed close to home I’d never relax or let go of the chores that need tending to. If I cancelled our trip, I’d be even more miserable.

Back pre-baby, I was the cheapest traveler around. I flew on rickety airlines at awful times, I stayed at hostels and tiny b&bs, and I’d live for days on end on nothing but bread, cheese, and wine. But now that travel involves more than a backpack on my back and time on my hands, I’ve found it a challenge to travel on the cheap while still maintaining a certain level of comfort and safety for my daughter. However, I’ve now got a number of trips with her under my belt, and I’ve leaned some money-saving tricks along the way.

The economic crisis has affected the travel industry as well, so if you’ve already socked away your travel money, you may find it goes further than you were expecting it to with reduced prices on different types of packages. However, if you’re building a trip from scratch, here are some ways to fly, stay, and eat for less…

Kids, no matter what are awalys happiest on the beach!

Flying for less:

If you’re close (even close-ish) to an American gateway, it’s often worth the extra travel time to fly out of The States. For example, flying direct to Tampa from Buffalo added about 2 hours to our journey (we got lucky at the border) but the total cost for all 3 of us to fly was less than the cost of one fare on a Canadian carrier. Long-term parking from Buffalo airport worked out to less than $10 a day. Some hotels nearby even offer free parking for up to 2 weeks (plus shuttle to and from the airport) if you stay with them the night before your flight. Just a quick peek at some fares on US carriers for the third week of January: Buffalo to Tampa return: $215 USD, Burlington, VT to Cancun: $404 USD, Bellingham, WA to San Diego: $178.50. All prices quoted are taxes-in!

If a US gateway is not a possibility for you, keep your eyes peeled for seat sales and charter sell-offs. Also note that a mid-week departure is often significantly less than Saturdays or Sundays.

Staying for less:

They say that that travel is one industry that has been completely revolutionized by the Internet, and the Internet is your friend when looking for deals on accommodation. If you

‘re looking for a small, family-friendly motel or b&b, chances are they have a website and chances are there are reviews to be found online as well. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the hotels that are part of a package also book separately and the rate is often reduced. This works out well for you if you’ve done your research and found a great flight online! The types of deals usually to be had are 7 nights for the price of 5 and amazing mid-week deals as well. As with any brochure, the web site of any hotel is meant to sell the property and may very well glamorize the rooms and amenities. This is where online reviews come in. Once you’ve sorted out your flight and hotel, you can then prepare to save money elsewhere.

Eating for less:

In a word: self-cater (ok, technically that’s two!) This was never an appealing option for me as I thought cooking on holiday was not my idea of a good time. However, the more we’ve done it, the more I prefer it. Not only do we eat healthier and save lots of money, I’ve also come home at least the same weight as I left (I’ll admit to a bit of a self-control issue when it comes to buffets).

In order to make your self-catering experience as stress-free as possible, locate the nearest grocery store online before you go and have a few snacks and essentials on-hand so you’re not scrambling as soon as you check in. We also keep our breakfasts and lunches very simple, and go out for nice dinners. A loaf of bread, a few spreads, a box of cereal, milk, juice, cold cuts, fruit and pre-sliced veggies (and often prepared salads) have kept us full and satisfied with a minimum amount of fuss or dishes. We’ll indulge in a couple of great brunches to fulfill the requisite vacation bacon & eggs, but otherwise our mornings are less rushed and if our early riser decides to rise extra-early, we’re not constantly checking the clock to check out when the restaurant opens!

Beer and wine are usually available at grocery stores in most other countries, and usually at incredibly low prices. If you’re not renting a car, have one stay back with the kids while the other shops and grabs a cab back to your hotel.

The bottom line:

Travel is a luxury, and tough times often means giving up luxuries. But for me, travel has become a necessity, so I have to find ways to make our money go further. While this has sometimes meant staying in minimalist accommodation and/or curtailing fancy activities, my daughter only knows she’s on a fun adventure with mommy and daddy and their full attention. She was just as happy on the beach with a bucket & shovel as she was at Disney World, and so were we!

Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel - your online guide to traveling with babies and toddlers. For more information please visit www.havebabywilltravel.com or send a message toinfo@havebabywilltravel.com

When we saw Shains last month we became big fans right away. Shains are a very cool gift for tweens and teens or anyone who has something to say!   Shains manufactures bracelets, necklaces, pet collars, hair bands, key chains, and much more all designed to work with Shains interchangeable icons and letters.

Here are the things we love about Shainsware

• they are dedicated to producing eco-friendly products that are useful and empowering. 
• they donate a percentage of net profits to environmental organizations. 
• Shains products are made of recycled and recyclable parts and everything Shains produces is certified lead free. 
• Shains packaging is also recycled and recylable. 

Who is Photography by SSV?

Think of Photography by SSV as a photographic boutique experience!  You will receive one on one service where we will create anything you have in mind with all attention paid to detail.  With every family (client) I work with I strive to create a portrait that is as unique as you and your family are and I want you to cherish the portraits you choose for a life time, not simply a year.

What type of work do I offer?

I like to create out of the box portraits therefore I choose the type of light I use carefully with minimal props.  I like all attention to be on the subject in the photograph therefore I only use props that mean something to you.  Think of my work as a character study.  I never ask children to pose as that is when they clam up and nothing is achieved.  I look for those in between moments where the child may chew on their figure, pull at there hair, or laugh for real.  Those are the little nuances that best represent your child.  It’s amazing how fast they change! 

What type of products do you offer?

Photography by SSV offers a wide range of products to preserve your session forever.  Whether you are looking for simple prints, to a print that will last the test of time, we will meet any need.  That is why we offer standard prints along with Giclee prints.  Giclee print colours are more true, more vibrant and are guaranteed to last at least 100 years before fading or discolouring.  Giclee prints are available on a number of different art papers and canvas if you so choose. Other products are Fine Art Coffee Table Books.  Preserve your session forever in a stunning fine art table book that will wow any guest that flips through and will be something you enjoy forever. 

Finally we offer framing services, when you invest in a fine art print it is so important to preserve it so the print will last the test of time.  All framing products are acid free archival quality materials so your print will stay as true as the first day you bought it!

You’re Fee?

It’s true I am not as cheap as a big box store but when considering price you must compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges.  My pricing reflect a higher level of service one where your session time will last 1 – 2 hours and follow with hours of print processing to ensure you nothing but top quality.  Think of me as your personal connoisseur to this industry.  Years of studying and learning have brought me to expect nothing but the best so that is why I only use the best equipment and the best supplies this industry has to offer.  I guarantee ALL of my work and that means if you are not happy we will try again until we achieve what you are looking for.  Now when was the last time you received a guarantee like that at your local big box chain?

So stop by and take a look at what I have to offer at www.photographybyssv.com or call 905-898-0146!

We have had a few emails from parents asking for some ideas for their tweens and teens for Christmas presents.  You can check out our Holiday Gift Showcase, but we also found a new and local company that creates custom graphic gear for outdoor sports. 

You can customize graphics to make you ski or snowboard all your own.  It’s an inexpensive way to get a totally custom and fresh look on your gear.

FreshFace is a great way to give your board (or skis) a brand new look without the high expense. Many times we’ve heard that our customers enjoy their boards (or skis) but would like to bring the style into this century. A FreshFace is the way to go! Our FreshFaces are temporary (you can update them as often as you wish), but they also last - for as long as 2 seasons.

To sum it up, The FreshPow! FreshFace^TM”  is a graphic that is applied to the top of snowboards, skateboards and other lifestyle sports equipment.  A great way to score points with your kids this Christmas.

Enter the code “YRPGift” during checkout, you’ll receive a 10% discount.

For the Cool Mom on Your List

You know that friend who is a little funky and fun; the one whose wardrobe you would love to raid?  This is shirt by Etsy Store, Xenotees is so wonderfully cool.    The “French Pet Lobster Shirt”  says « J’ai le goût des homards, qui sont tranquilles, sérieux, savent les secrets de la mer, n’aboient pas… »Translation:”I have a liking for lobsters. They are peaceful, serious creatures. They know the secrets of the sea, they don’t bark…”

Supposedly the French poet, Gérard de Nerval, would walk his pet lobster with a ribbon. This was his reasoning for adopting a lobster as opposed to a dog! A lobster…our kind of pet!!

The best gift for an mom-to-be of a mom of many, is time!  What better way to give her some time, by giving her a Pippalily Sling.  These Canadian-made fashionable baby slings are so functional for your newborn to toddler.  With fabrics as from funky to classical these slings are such a wonderful gift for all your mommy friends!!

We also like this necklace from Bella Button Designs.  At only $35 it’s an affordable and sentimental gift for mom.

Both pendants dance on a fancy-link sterling silver chain, finished with your choice of a lobster clasp with 2-inch extender or a toggle clasp. Add a freshwater pearl or Swarovski crystal charm for no additional charge.Your favourite, high-quality photo is permanently enclosed in a reversible, glass charm with soldered silver frame. Photos will be printed in your choice of black/white, color or sepia. 

For Grandparents, who live near or far!

The best gifts are ones that grandparents can share and show off the most precious things in their lives.  We all know how much grandparents love to brag.  Check out Heritage Makers 5 X 5 Storybook that allows you to add photos and journaling.  This size give you 21 pages to create your own design or try a template.  A sure hit for grandmas everywhere. 

For Your Bundle O’Joy

Our favourite body wash for babies and up is now available in Newmarket atWild Child Baby Store on Main Street.   It smells sooooooo yummy and has no harmful parabens or other chemicals.  It’s made with organic ingredients and is pH Balanced for Sensitive Skin. 

This dermatologist-tested formula contains skin-softening Vitamin E, skin-soothing calendula-with a light, lively citrus-rosemary scent. 

parade has always been on our of favourite brands for our babies. They have extended their line from their signature prints, like monkey and peanut to these lovely organic cotton rompers.  Who says organic has to be boring?  At parade it is anything but that!

Under the Nile’s Organic Cotton Teether is sure to capture the heart of your little one and safe for them to chew on. Made with 100% organic Egyptian cotton. Available at online baby store Along Came Baby. 

New for Winter 2008 from baby magoo are these animal print hooded towels.  The towels have been a best-seller and now available in adorable giraffe and cow prints. They are hand-made with absorbent, soft terry on the inside and velvety chenille on the outside.(cute baby not included!)

For the Toddler & Preschooler in Your Life

Every little boy loves to dream!  So let them dream away in this Bolt of Thunder crown. This fun crown will be a part of everyday play and will let your little one explore the heights and depths of imagination.

One the right is a fun set for the your 3+ princess.  A hand-made set of sweets to go along with any tea party.  

In under 5 minutes and under $20 you can create a personalized onesie or shirt atsimply colors. I created one for my niece and love that it is quick & easy, yet personal.  As well, moms will appreciate that they are shipping Christmas ordersFREE (as in NO charge whatsoever) in November and December 2008!

 We love Canadian mom-invented name stamps are for little learners to learn and print their names. The self inking stamps fromThe Little Stamp Co. are personalized in a large dotted font so kids can stamp and trace their name on colouring pages, cards and artwork to encourage printing in a fun and interactive way! Genius!!

For Bigger Kids

We know that iPods, video games, computers and all the techie stuff are big on kid’s lists, like usual.  But, you already know that.  So we want to offer you some other ideas…

Totes with Quotes  were created as an outlet for good ideas and phrases!  Not only are they hip, trendy and good for the environment but they are a good way to have fun!  We like that they are fabulous as well as fair wage, fair labour, eco-friendly reusable bags are stylish, affordable and fashion forward!  

Who says blankets are just for babies?  At Designs by Mimi and Lola their Kids Collection is big!!  It’s is 51″ x 59″, which makes it great for a kids bed or from snuggling on the couch watching movies. Choose from non personalized or personalized. 

These helmet covers for bike, skate, ski, snowboard, toboggan, and equestrian are designed to make it exciting for kids (and adults!) to wear their helmets. Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase visibility, especially in low light conditions. From tigers to zebras and much more, kids can choose from more than 30 animal themed helmets for their next adventure.

10% off all online orders placed  directly  with Tail Wagsfrom now until December 31, 2008.  Just enter the promotion code York when checking out. 

The 2nd International Cookbook for Kids by Matthew Locricchio is great for boys or girls. Following up on his popular The International Cookbook for Kids, Chef Matthew Locricchio brings us more mouthwatering recipes specially designed for kids and their families.  

Veggie Teens Cookbook is a great receipe book written by 14 year old Elyse May, with the help of her doctor mom and chef dad.  This boo is for teenage vegetarians, teenagers hoping to convince their parents to let them try becoming a vegetarian, vegetarians of any age, and anybody else who loves to cook and eat great food. 

If you are looking for an inspiring gift, then checkout 1>0 (one is greater than none) a charity created by high school girls who wanted to make a difference. 1>0 is working hard to save kids in Africa from a life of slavery and abuse one bracelet at a time.  By buying this bracelet you are helping children in Africa as well as supporting teens who are making a difference!

There is only one company who I trust to make our birthday invites and Christmas cards each year, and luckily for our readers they are based in York Region. 

Grace Announcements is the place to get your cards for the upcoming holidays. Mom of 2 and owner/designer, Lindsay loves creating custom photo cards and stationery for all your life’s moments.  

She has a complete line of professionally printed photo birth and adoption announcements, invitations, holiday cards, note cards, call me cards and more.

I am so excited that I just got the proof of our Christmas card yesterday and can’t wait to send it out!  I can’t share it here, because I want it to be a surprise for my friends and family!  But take a look at this great card, that also is a birth announcement and go to the gallery to view all the spectacular designs!