PlanetKid » Development

Project Puberty

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Do you have a son or daughter growing up so fast you can hardly believe that puberty is on the horizon? If so, I know just how you must feel, because I’ve got a new 11-year-old who is launching right into a state with which I am completely unfamiliar. Never fear, though, because KidsHealth.org is here, and it’s designed to “talk” to kids, teens, and parents in different formats. Just click on the appropriate link, “parents,” for example, then switch over to “kids,” like I did, and plop your kiddo in front of the screen for an age-appropriate lesson. Here’s some puberty stuff to get your growing one started. There’s also an audio option if reading is not a preferred method of receiving information. This site met all of our initial needs — we know what to expect, and so does the boy whose body is about to go through major changes!

Kid Chores

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:46 +0000

Do your kids do chores? And, if so, to what extent do they put forth effort in helping to maintain the household and prepare themselves for the lives that await them? I ask because my kids (ages 8 and 11) do some tasks — they take down the trash and bring up the cans the next day, they rotate doing dishes (most times), they put away their already-folded-by-mom laundry, one boy cuts up his own apple when he’s hungry (the other boy does not because we fear his interaction with a knife), and they basically do most of what we instruct them to do, like rake leaves, wash cars, straighten rooms — granted, not without whine and protest, they do it. Yet, is this enough? Or should they be doing way more?

Plight of the Middle Kid

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:57 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Autism Goes Mainstream

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:51 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sticker Charts — Ban Them Before They Backfire

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:00:32 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wednesday Wisdom – Make Learning Fun

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:19 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Ethics Guy Wants You to Know …

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:11:41 +0000

Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D., the author of “Is It Still Cheating If I Don’t Get Caught?” left a comment on today’s post, and it’s something you all should read — so here it is:

Thank you so much for mentioning my book, “Is It Still Cheating If I Don’t Get Caught?” Your readers may order it from my website, TheEthicsGuy.com, and I’ll even sign and personalize it upon request. It may also be obtained at Amazon.com or your favorite local independent bookseller. (Let’s support the independents!)

I am pleased to mention that the book is now the #1 bestselling book on Amazon.com’s children’s book list (nonfiction/philosophy).

WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK! I will give a free signed copy of “Is It Still Cheating If I Don’t Get Caught?” to the child who writes the best response to the question posed by the book’s title. I’ll also publish the winning essay on my website. This contest will end on October 31, so let’s see those essays! All essays should be submitted through my website, TheEthicsGuy.com, not PlanetKid. You need not buy the book to enter the contest.

Cheating – What If I Don’t Get Caught?

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:00:09 +0000

Here’s a book you might want to get: “Is It Still Cheating If I Don’t Get Caught?” by Bruce Weinstein (also known as The Ethics Guy). With lots of sample dilemmas for teens and tweens to resolve, this is one you ought to add to your home library.

Photo: amazon.com

Stroller Squats and Cheap Clothes – Cool Kid Clicks

Jacki Donaldson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:31:48 +0000

On Fridays, we list the links we love and point to the hot topics at our favorite sites.

Relocating can be stressful for parents and kids alike. And in this economy, many a family is on the move. MomLogic goes into more detail.

Is the economy affecting your fashion budget? Makeover Momma says you can score a Jennifer Lopez-like outfit for as little as $70.42.

Are less attractive men more fertile? Lil Sugar has the low-down.

Another crazy question: Can swimming pools get you pregnant? ParentDish has this news.

CafeMom has the move of the week — Stroller Squats.

Create an Adventure Journal

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:56:46 +0000

Chances are your kids keep some sort of journal at school — mine start each school day by writing an entry. It’s great for honing their writing skills, and it fosters creativity too. Even if your kiddo can’t yet write, drawing pictures and attempting to pen a few words is just as good. Don’ let journaling stop at school, though. Pick up an inexpensive composition book or two (we keep them in the car and in the house), arm your kids with pencils (colored ones are fun) and challenge them to write something every day. Call it an adventure journal and ask them to describe their fun activities — a trip to the zoo, afternoon at the park, family game night. Teach them to write the date on each page, and review their work every now and then. When their journals are full, stash them in a safe place and bring them out after some time has passed. It’ll be a nice trip down memory lane as you re-read their adventures, and you’ll be amazed when you look back at the progress your kids have made.

Photo: amazon.com