It's good for your heart!

Yoga offers many benefits. I practice often, and found that Yoga Today is a great place to go because they offer a variety of yoga practices for all learning ranges. Give the video a look and try it. This particular session is good for your heart and circulation.

Time For School

Each year, at the end of summer, families prepare for the start of a new school year. There are lists to be made, shopping to be done, and every store is brimming with families buying their school supplies.

As the school year approaches, sit down with your kids and make some plans. It isn't too early to start a school routine, plan after-school activities, or set school curfews.

Younger children, in particular, need preparation for the coming schedule. Fit reading and activity times into the day. Working parents may think this isn't important to them, if their children are in daycare during the summer: getting ready to learn is important to every child, especially if they are in a daycare setting that has no real curriculum. Spend time working on what your child will be doing, whether it's remembering their name and address or remembering what they learned last year. It helps children start the year more confidently.

Don't forget to plan "play" times with your children. Family time is very important, helping kids to wind down after sharing what they did that day. It also re-asserts the importance of family when they're spending so much time away from home.

Enjoy the start of another school year knowing you're preparing your child, and yourself, for what lies ahead.

Summer's echoes

By this time of year most parents are eagerly awaiting what their children are dreading...another school term. I have to admit, I like that my son will be getting his social time at Head Start. But this year it will be me and our two teenagers.

And I'm actually looking forward to it! I rarely have time to myself, or time alone with them. I enjoy being here and offering them experiences and information they couldn't get anywhere else.

We've formed a connection to an internet school where the teens can amass their credits and learn from someone new in a way that's interesting and exciting. At the same time, we'll be working on Arts, Culture, and Health/Fitness, along with other subjects we can enjoy. More life-friendly learning options, I suppose.

Not everyong shares my enthusiasm for teenagers, but even if you're counting the days until school starts, take some time to spend with the kids; time that is pointless, fun, and memorable. These days don't last. It seems I've just blinked and our kids are adults now. And we didn't spend nearly enough fun-time together.

When summer ends, I hope some part of every parent will hate to see that time with their children end for the year. (Homeschoolers and NoSchoolers may not encounter this.) If you haven't taken the time to spend an evening or afternoon with your child alone, make time now. When they're living their life, it will be nice to have shared memories, and maybe even discover you've created a family tradition (family game night is going to start here soon).

Kim