Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study or organizational skills and encouraging kids in other ways. Here are some suggestions:

1. Know the teachers and what they are looking for. Attend parent-teacher conferences and ask about their homework policies.
2. Set up a homework friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit area to complete homework. Keep supplies within reach.
3. Schedule a regular study time with breaks. (A 15 minute break every hour if possible)
4. Keep distractions to a minimum; no loud music or television.
5. Make sure kids to their own work. Parents can make suggestions, but kids need to learn on their own.
6. Be a motivator and monitor; check work and ask about quizzes.
7. Praise their work and efforts. Brag on them when they make good grades.
8. If there are continuing problems, get help. Talk to the teacher; get your child’s eyes checked, etc.

Your child’s education is crucial, and you must take control. Homework can be the dreaded time of the day, or something manageable.

January is almost over, is your New Year off to a good start? It is never too late to begin good habits, especially since you are setting the example for your children. Here are some common bad habits—why not make a change for the good?

Not Working Out

Some kind of physical activity can get the blood flowing and the brain chemicals sizzling. Exercise is also proven to make you a happier person.

Eating Poorly

Our hectic lifestyle causes us to reach for processed foods and sugary snacks. Try portion control, keeping your meats 90 percent or leaner and eating low-glycemic carbs (vegetables, fruits, sweet potatoes, and brown rice).

Scrimping on Sleep

Lack of sleep can cause weight gain and an increased risk of inflammatory related diseases and can cause autoimmune related problems.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is the main nutrient transport system of the body. A good habit to begin is to drink at least two glasses of water when you wake up and two more glasses before lunch.

Teaching your children to exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water will be a valuable gift to them! Do not wait any longer. The health of your family depends on it.

Adapted from Living Magazine January 2013

As we prepare for a New Year, it is an excellent time to share the hope we have in Christ. Our children need to know that hope can never be taken away in the future. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”  Proverbs 23:18

Kids are beings of the here and now.  The closest they come to planning for the future is what to do next Saturday.  Boys and girls are often frightened of the unknown, and when their feelings become filled with doubt, they need to remember that God has things under control. The best way to address these fears is talk about them! The following activity is a fun way to help with the discussion.

Past and Present

Have children write or draw a few things they remember from the past year. What was their favorite month? Why? What was the most exciting thing that happened?

Next, have children list some things they are looking forward to in the coming New Year.

Cool Shades: Copy a sunglass pattern on stiff paper for the kids to cut out, or purchase sunglasses for the kids to wear while singing this rap:

God has given me hope with the plans He’ laid-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

God has given me a place in the future He’s made-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

God loves me and His love just won’t fade-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Each New Year we look for new beginnings. Here are three simple steps to make 2013 a great year in the life of your family.

1. Celebrate

That is right, celebrate! Think back over the past twelve months and thank God for the victories     your family has experienced.

2. Evaluate

Have each family member answer these questions.

• What did I learn last year?
• What went well?

• What can I do better?

3. Focus

Busyness kills focus. Discuss ways to eliminate clutter in your life, and then identify five top priorities for 2013.

Make a tradition of sharing holiday stories. There are so many Christmas books in the Christian bookstores. In our family, I try to find one each year and read it to the whole group. We play games or coordinate a gift to go along with the book.

Here are the books and ideas:

The Legend of the Candy Cane by James Griffin We played candy cane games such as licking a candy cane to see who could get it the smallest in a certain amount of time. Funny!

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Lori Walburg Each person received a stocking with their favorite candy inside.

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie A Sparkle Box was given to each family (to fill for Jesus). I know there are many others, so take time to relax and enjoy!