Posts Tagged ‘kids’

Child Photography-5 Creative Tips to Photograph Your Kids & Family

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

There are many ways to create stunning photos of your child. I`ve experience that you can get more beautiful images by yourself than bringing your child to some of the portrait studios. Kids don`t usually smile naturally to strangers. Parents have more chances to take better photos than professionals. Actually some of these studios are not really experience photographers because I`ve worked with them before. Your child will give you a pleasing smile that you`ll love and keep it for memories.

Here are 5 Tips about Child Photography.

1.Try different angle format: Usually professionals always use vertical shots to achieve their best portrait photos. But, I`ve noticed myself and the Photography books I`ve read that taking portrait photography in horizontal format looks pleasing and acceptable. This is especially true with an attractive background that you can include in the photo.

2.Avoid flat lighting: Use a combination of available light & on camera flash. That`s what I usually do to create a shadow on the face of my clients. Set your light meter according to the ambient or available light then reduce your flash intensity to about minus one. This way you can produce more highlights and shadows better.

3.Zoom in your Lens: A normal or telephoto lens usually produces more realistic photos. When you use wide angle lens you will have portrait photos that looks distorted. One more advantage of using a telephoto lens is, it compress the photo and blur the background. Thereby it highlights more your subject.

4.Take a lot of Photos: Remember you`re not using film anymore . Take a lot of pictures of your kids as much as possible to get the best photo. With Digital SLR Camera and some point and shoot cameras you can switch the Drive Mode selection to continuous mode to take more shots. Some advance DSLR Cameras have 6.5 frames per second. Imagine that, you can have about 6 photos in a second. You can`t miss a shot.

5.Use a tripod if possible: Sometimes using a tripod will help you more take great photos. If you also have a remote control of your camera, use it to your advantage. This way you can concentrate on your subject and get that perfect smile you`re waiting for. I was working in a small studio before and I experience the advantage of having a tripod. I can play with a ball on my right hand just to make my subject relax and smile, and at the same time my left hand on the remote. As a bonus your photos will be sharper too because the tripod holds the camera steadier than your hands. This is especially true when you`re using a slow shutter speed.

I hope these tips can help you get better portrait photos of your child.

About the Author:

Rodrigo Manguba is a professional Photographer and specializes in portrait and wedding photography. He maintains a blog about Photography Tips & Techniques.

http://www.cameraviewpoint.com/

Concerned about your kids: do spy cell phones break the law?

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

The story of an Italian father who bought his kids a couple of spyphones to keep them under control causes debate: How far can the development of miniaturized technology go when it comes to protecting your loved ones? Are spy cell phones legal or not?

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A few years ago, a time that seems to be ages ago now, a worried mother could take a sneak peek into a carefully hidden diary, to keep under control (or at least to be informed about) the outside activities of a daughter or a son who were starting to discover the world and its lures.

Decades have passed, but it really feels as if eons have gone. Nowadays, a smart kid keeps his secrets in an encrypted directory, safely stored in a password-protected USB key or a CD.
These terms, acronyms and procedures may appear as Chinese to those who have been in their teenage even just 20 years ago.

Today’s communication is mostly carried out via email, SMS or instant messengers such as Skype, and a concerned parent wishing to keep his kids safe, must be a techie to keep an eye over them.

Last summer, Italian newspaper reported about a father being set under investigation. The man, concerned with the possibility that his teen kids might use drugs, bought them a couple of so called “SpyPhones”, that is, cellphones which, unbeknownst to their users, act as listening devices and allow a third party to listen to the conversations they carry, thanks to a hidden software installed.

This father was concerned that the two boys might end up fooling around with the wrong company of friends (among which was a local pusher), and wanting to make sure that everything was all right with them, he gave them two of these devices as a Christmas present.
What the youths did not know, though, was that during their activities, all their conversations and sounds were being recorded and relayed to their father, even while their spyphones were turned off.

The father was placed under investigation, but a heated debate ensued, with people taking sides either in favor of privacy at all costs (after all, the man’s sons had not committed any illegal activities), or absolving the father for using a mobile spy with good intentions.

We know that all are equal before the law, and we all know that some are more equal than others, as the saying goes. But in cases like this, although eavesdropping is not legal everywhere if not carried out by law enforcement institution, does the usage of a cellular interceptor really break the law?

Politically correct lawmakers, though, tend to prevent a parent from secretly listening to their kids’ conversations, based on the protection of privacy and the assumption that unauthorized interception is by default aimed at an illegal use.

Caring for your kids goes beyond the boundaries of law, and the authorities may take this into consideration, when this man goes to trial for spying on his loved ones.

What is the cost of such spy cellphones, compared to the feeling of reassurance that comes from knowing that our loved ones are safe and sound?

Finding The Right Baseball Bat For Kids

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

Worth – The creative aluminum worth made baseball bats in the early 1970`s. The guests are still recognized for the high condition Worth bats they manufacture for little league, baseball and softball

Purchasing the adjust baseball bats for kids is as consequential as the right glove, the cleats, and every other slice of utensils for the hobby. The approved bat could promptly assume how your kids complete at the plate, and conversely, the erroneous bat can dump your kids struggling on the miniature band.

Regardless, ask superstar how to buy the Finest bat for your kids, and you`ll get the rigamarole. Some people will say buy heavy and let your kid adjust for bigger faculty. Others will say buy wholesale and let your kids fill up on the grip so they can trade the additional few inches. Others will say pray to Jobu and fantasize he delivers the polite bat to you.

Just like he didn`t cut it for Charlie Sheen and the boys in the hit skin Major League, Jobu won`t help if you`re looking to leverage bats for kids. The key is charming in all the suggestion from experts, and looking for consistency. In this instance, the chorus of voices says one thing: both chunk and substance are important.

With authority, think light. A light bat makes it easier for your kids to lead their swings. Don`t let those old-fashioned lessons types perform you that you oblige a momentous bat to bring the hits. Kids can actually hit the globe harder and further with a light bat because they can swing a light bat earlier. If you necessary verify, contemplate that the NCAA and high train system officials have passed prohibitions on baseball bats so they cannot be 3 ounces or lighter than the bat`s part in inches.

When it comes to part and bats for kids, the policy confusion that Little League baseball bats must be less than, or peer to 32 inches in duration. Their barrels cannot be more than 2.25 inches in diameter. Of course, for kids in the `Farm` league (age 7 to 8) you don`t want to back these limits. A duration of 26 to 27 inches will do.

For the Junior Minors (age 8 to 9), try 27 to 29 inches. For Senior Minors (age 9 to 12), try 28 to 31 inches. And for the Majors (age 10 to 12), you can buy a bat where from 29 to 32 inches.

Rawlings Bats – Most well known for their value baseball gloves, Rawlings nowadays is among the leaders in bats, making professional lumber bats as well as feature aluminum baseball bats used throughout NCAA and high train baseball.

Find info about pitching tips and softball tips at the Free Tips Online website.

Selecting the right kids` toy

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

If it happens that you enter a toy store or just browse online a virtual one, you will be amazed by the wide range and huge number of kids` toys available. The toy making industry is still one of the most profitable and popular, since kids will be always crazy about new toys and will always want something new, despite every possible economic crisis. That is something that is completely strange to their world; it belongs to the weird adult world anyway.

Finding and buying the ideal kids toy is probably one of the biggest nightmares for parents, who are bombarded by tons of commercials, billboards and magazine ads on new games and toys of all kinds: table toys, constructions, dolls, cars, combinations, role and action toys, strategy games: everything that the human brain conceived is out now in the form of a kids` toy. Despite the fact that some stereotypes, mostly encouraged by parents though, still exist, meaning that girls like dolls and puppets and boys tend to prefer war toys, cars or action heroes, parents or relatives should be careful when choosing something for a kid. Playing is fun definitely but when it can be combined with other factors it can be even more entertaining and practical.

Kids have a natural curiosity and are inclined to try new things, so it is the perfect time and age to buy them something that will encourage and enhance their creativity, such as painting or other art-like toys, 3d puzzles and construction toys. Lego bricks for instance have become classic due to the unlimited options of creations and construction they permit ; posing a challenge to child through the toy is something that can only act positively on them and influence his character. Strategy games are also a very good idea because they demand some thinking and judgment, which is very crucial at this age. Kids should learn to make decisions in their little world, and that is just the perfect way.These kids` toys are not only fun while playing but also give a feeling of accomplishment to the kid, boosting their confidence and self assurance.

Parents are usually influenced and allured by the new trends and what the kid ask for, but it is really wise to choose and buy kids toys that will provide definitely an enjoyable time to their children but also introduce the joy of learning, acting and deciding. Kids are natural learners and their toys should compliment that.

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The Difference Between Adult ATV And Kids ATV

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

If you are considering buying an ATV for your child, chances are you have heard the advice to only let them ride a youth sized ATV. Is there a big difference between youth ATV`s and adult sized ATV`s? There is indeed and the differences are what will keep your kid safe or potentially cause them to get injured. You should only let your kid ride a youth sized ATV because they are smaller, lighter, and easier for a child to handle.

Adult ATV`s are dangerous for children and children should not be allowed to ride them until they are old enough and large enough to properly handle them.

While size is the most obvious difference, there are other differences between youth and adult sized ATV`s. It is important for children to only ride youth sized ATV`s because they can comfortable control them. A child or preteen will have to stretch to reach the handle bars of an adult sized ATV and will not be able to put their feet on the ground. It is important to be able to comfortably reach the handle bars and the ground for safety reasons. Most children under 16 are not big enough to comfortably ride an adult sized ATV.

Adult sized ATV`s are also heavier and more powerful than youth sized ATV`s. They are designed for adults and children will have a hard time reaching the handle bars and pedals. This makes them harder to ride and they require more strength to control because of their larger size. Most children do not have the strength or experience to properly control these bigger machines. Adult ATV`s also go much faster than youth ATV`s which is not a good thing for inexperienced riders. Children should only be able to ride at a speed they can handle and on terrain they can comfortably maneuver.

Even if they have their own ATV, your child will probably want to ride yours because of the “cool” factor. Make sure you explain to your child that adult ATV`s are dangerous for children and they need more experience and strength before they can ride one. Do not be tempted to give in, as it is easy for a child to loose control of a large ATV. The size and speed of an adult ATV makes them dangerous for children so make sure you wait until your child is old enough to let them ride one.

Youth ATV`s also have safety features not found on adult ATV`s that will help to keep your child safe. These features allow parents to retain some control and keep their kids safe if they run into trouble or break the rules.

You can get a youth ATV with a remote shutoff so that you can turn off their ATV if they run into trouble. Youth ATV`s usually have other features that make them safer to operate as well. They have larger brake pedals, larger mirrors, and handle bars that are sized for smaller hands. All these features make youth ATV`s safer for children and are reasons why children should only drive youth sized ATV`s.
The author George Satcha is the manager of a store online offering Kids ATV and Adults ATV for Sale. There you can get a wide variety of great Honda ATV`s, other ATV`s and ATV parts in categories at great low prices.

Summer Fun: Keeping Kids Busy With Audio Books

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

As the summer months approach, not every day is filled with sunshine and pleasant weather when all of the kids are out of school and enjoying vacation. Parents with a suitable plan for when rainy days take over will successfully stay ahead of the restlessness that comes when children claim there is noting `fun to do.` Perhaps, stashing away a few audio books can help provide a different approach towards entertainment that doesn’t involve senseless cartoons and mindless TV shows.

You should also keep in mind that audio books don’t always have to keep children busy for only when they`re stuck inside, as the audio versions of classic fairytales and a couple of modern favorites also make great traveling delight for long car rides. When transferring your audio book to a CD – multiple children can enjoy the titles that best suit their individual tastes when given a CD player of their own.

The fun associated with audio books is endless as music, sound effects, and sometimes an assortment of voices add to the overall enjoyment. Depending on the age group of your children, the following list of audio books may appeal to your little one(s):

The Frog Wore Red Suspenders

A collection of humorous poems accompanied by the music of author Jack Prelutsky delivers an enchanting audio book filled with the sounds of guitar, mandolin, keyboards, and percussion. This particular title seems a hit with two- to four-year olds.

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

British actor Tim Curry (of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame) presents this Lemony Snicket gem, bringing to life an assortment of unforgettable characters, which includes the likes of Count Olaf and the Baudelaire orphans. This Harper Children`s Audio series includes three other volumes – the last two read by the author himself. Young listeners aged 10 and up are often most interested in this particular title.

Henry Huggins & Ramona`s World

Beverly Cleary is a well-known author of children`s books, who is responsible for a collection of classics that portray remarkable characters that speak to the young population of readers. “Henry Huggins” is recommended for children aged 8 and up. This time, it is actor Neil Patrick Harris that reads the adventures of Henry and Ribsy to children under Harper Children`s Audio. Another notable Beverly Cleary tale includes “Ramona`s World” (narrated by Stockard Channing), which follows the adventures of Miss Quimby and her sisters.

Because of Winn Dixie

The Listening Library has produced an audio book version of the tale of Opal and her lovable stray dog Winn Dixie. Children ages 8 and up truly enjoy the storytelling of Kate DiCamillo, as read by actress Cherry Jones.

The Harry Potter Series

The entire family will get a kick out of hearing the adventures of Harry Potter unfold with the help of an audio book narrator. One of the shorter books of JK Rowling is “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” which involves 12 hours of suspense, wizardry thrills, and mystery sure to add loads of imaginative fun for children looking for excitement during a rainy summer day.
Author Steve Childens manages the MP3 Audio Books Store online that provides access to a vast variety of audiobooks, ranging from self Help Audio Books to Religious audio-books and more.

The Three O`s of Kid Safety Online and Of Kids Computer Desk

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

The case of Megan Taylor Meier, the 13 year old girl whose suicide is attributed to cyber bullying by the fictitious persona conjured by a classmate`s mother, serves to reinforce the imperative need for parents to monitor their children`s online activities. This extreme caution and concern for online safety is of even more importance for your impressionable little children spending any amount of time in front of their kids` computer desk.

You can protect your child from malicious online predators, be it of the bullying kind and the sexual type. Here is what you can do.

Open Area

You have to install the kids` computer desk in an open area of the house. Basically, this means a common room where you can monitor online activities at a glance even when you are performing household chores. The living room and family room are ideal places for your kids` computer desk.

Never install an Internet-connected computer set in your children`s bedrooms because this increases the risk of exposing your children to online dangers. Since you cannot monitor your children 24/7, it is common sense to adopt measures where you can reasonably supervise and monitor their cyber activities.

Open Communications

If you can take on the responsibility of educating your child on the boons and banes of the Internet and make them understand your lessons on their own terms, then you can provide for an Internet connection to complete the look of their kids` computer desk. Indeed, getting wired means getting worried for your children`s safety more times than you can count and care.

Before you allow them to sit in front of their kids` computer desk for any amount of time, you have to make them understand basic rules like:

You have to give your express permission before they can provide other online people personal information like home and work addresses, contact numbers, name and location of school without your express permission.

You are to be informed of any and all communication and information that makes them uneasy, uncomfortable, and unsure.

You have to establish rules for going online – when to go online, what sites to visit, why use the computer, how to use the Information Highway, and other rules as new situations warrant.

Your family e-mail address will be used for their online communication. If they are of age to open their own e-mail accounts, your permission must be granted to discuss appropriate e-mail names.

Unfortunately, even the most airtight of online precautions can fail the strictest of parents and the most obedient of children. If this happens to your children, don`t lay the blame on them. You have to keep an open mind.

Open Mind

An open mind means listening to your children`s side of the online story. Don`t judge them because the online offenders bear full responsibility for their actions towards your children. Instead, you should all take valuable lessons with you to avoid repetitions of the incident.

Of course, you have to stop any and all communication your children have with the online predator and offender. You can also contact the local police with online history especially as some forms of online harassment is now a federal crime.

Indeed, with an open area with which your kids` computer desk is located in, an open communication with your children and an open mind, you can keep your children safe from online dangers and allow them to appreciate the benefits of the Information Highway.

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A Simple Way To Make Money Online For You & Your Kids!

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

People are always looking for free stuff and free money but never find it. Why? Because it doesn`t exist! I hate to be the one to say “i told you so…” but come on.

Today, I will show you & your kids a simple way to make money fast and several ways for teens to make money! Making money online is not rocket science and it doesn`t take a computer genius to do it. You don`t have to know anything about technology well except for the basic terminology of it. Which most people already do even if you don`t know it.

My system works for everyone who puts forth a little bit of effort every week. I will show you how to make money on the internet. My system works and it`s not a gimmick! Most people have gotten ripped off because of “Get Rich Quick” solutions that were ridiculous. Once you buy my product you will have access to the Members Only Area where you will be able to download all of the newly revised ideas and solutions on making money online! We continue to do the research and testing for you. If we make money doing it then we document the procedure and steps and dump it into the Members Only Area for all of our members to download and use! So in the long run you will get loads of options to use for earning money online.

Need money for teens? No problem. This is something that is perfect for teens, college students, or part time workers. Kids and Teens now have a way to earn their own money and teach themselves the power of being their own boss!

Forget about all the bad press you`ve seen about products like mine. I`m different because my product offers real services to other real people and companies. So it`s win/win! That`s why it`s different because you actually give people something they need and not want!!!

Visit www.RethinkDollars.com for free stuff, free money, easy money for teens, make money fast free, make money, make money online and/or to get started!

Dizzywood Rated Most Popular Game For Kids

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Dizzywood is the latest virtual world creation by Rocket Paper Scissors. Created in 3D Flash animation, Dizzywood has some of the most realistic graphic in virtual worlds today. Once in Dizzywood, players have the capabilities to play games, earn coins, complete missions, chat with new friends, and even dress their character to their own specifications.

Dizzywood missions are the backbone of Dizzywood and provide a never ending level of game play with new missions being released weekly. With missions like “Help Olivia unload her wheels” or “Montana Jacks Travelogues” your sure to find missions that create a level of game play that`s both challenging and entertaining for both parents and children alike. If missions become to challenging, there are quick guides, tips, and blogs that provide detailed information on completing your mission.

If missions are not your thing, Dizzywood also includes numerous games and activities where you can earn coins which can be traded in for clothing, costumes, additional levels, and accessories. Also, be sure to stay up-to-date with new tips that are released daily on the Dizzywood Explorer blog.

Dizzywood has also, quickly become a trusted name in kid friendly online gaming with the live monitoring and a security backed platform that allows for a safe, secure, and monitored gaming environment. Dizzywood is also a participant in the Privo`s Privacy Assurance Program, which adheres Dizzywood to strict disclosure requirements and information collection. This is the most trusted assurance program on the web today and simply put, Dizzywood is safe for your kids and your family.

To discover more tips, tricks, and walkthroughs for Dizzywood, visit Dizzywood Land.

Talking to Your Kids about Drugs May Get Them to Just Say No

Monday, December 29th, 2008

A lot of parents feel helpless when it comes to their kids. They think their kids will do what they want to do, including drinking or taking drugs, no matter what. But statistics show that’s not the case. In fact, kids whose parents talk to them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol are 50% less likely to use them. But how you go about educating them, and what you say, is pivotal.

Many parents think that simply telling their kids not to drink or take drugs, or telling them they’re dangerous, is enough. But the kids are being told something entirely different by their peers. They’re just ‘having a good time.’ They’re not aware of the immediate dangers, nor are they looking at the future.

They don’t realize they could become addicted and not even realize it until they try to stop. They don’t realize they could take a drug that has dangerous side effects, including the possibility of overdose. They also don’t know that if they drink too much too quickly, they may not feel the effects until they pass out.

Their friends aren’t likely to know any of that information either. They think passing out from drinking, for example, is just sleeping it off. They don’t know they’ve reached a toxicity level so dangerous they’re right next door to dead.

They also don’t know about prescription drugs. They go to parties with other kids who being drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinets and thrown them all together in a bowl so everyone can take what they want. They think the drugs are safe because they originally came from a doctor. Do they know that drug companies spend literally billions of dollars every year settling lawsuits for the people who these drugs have killed or seriously damaged? Do they know there are thousands of lawsuits going on at any given time? Do they know that prescription drug addiction is even worse than with street drugs?

Kids also tend to think they’re invincible – nothing like that would ever happen to them. And they think they’re doing things sensibly and making sure they’re not in danger, the equivalent of looking both ways before they cross the street. What they don’t realize is that taking drugs and drinking alcohol is like jumping into the path of an 18-wheeler going 60 miles an hour. Sure, there’s a chance the truck will stop, or be able to swerve off the road, but the chances are just as great that they won’t.

Start talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol early – Grade 5 is not too soon. That’s about the time they’re going to run into other kids at school taking drugs or drinking. Surprised? Don’t be. Many kids start when they’re 12 or 13. And don’t just talk to them once. They need to be reminded. And they need to know what to expect. They need to know that other kids may tell them that what they’re taking isn’t really drugs, it’s something from the doctor to make you feel good. They may also tell them the same about marijuana – that doctors prescribe it, so it’s safe.

And watch for the alcohol or drug use warning signs: changes in their moods, school problems of any sort or dropping sports or other extracurricular activities, rebelling against family rules, not communicating as much as they used to with parents, changing their friends and not really being willing for you to meet them, not taking care of themselves or their stuff, adopting an attitude that things aren’t important, sleeping more or seeming nervous or jittery – any kind of physical, mental or emotional changes or problems could be a sign they’re drinking or taking drugs.

If they’ve already started, your best bet is to contact a drug rehab referral service that is staffed with experts who can help you figure out what to do. You may need to find an alcohol or drug addiction treatment center, especially if it’s gone on too long.

The worst thing you can do is nothing. The longer you wait, the greater the chances your kids will get into real trouble. And the longer you delay talking to them about alcohol and drugs when they’re young, the greater the chances they’ll take them. Which could ruin their lives, and yours.