Who was St. Patrick and why do we have a holiday to celebrate his life? St. Patrick first introduced Christianity to the people of Ireland around the 5th century. He used a shamrock to teach new believers about the Trinity.

Let your children draw a picture of a shamrock and talk about how St. Patrick could have used it to share about God’s love. Google St. Patrick and read his story.

Have a dinner with green foods; put together a treat bag for each family member with green gum and small green treats.

Children wear green shirts and have celebrations at school but seldom know the real story behind the holiday. Make this St. Patrick’s Day more memorable than pinching others if they do not wear green!

Who was St. Patrick and why do we have a holiday to celebrate his life? St. Patrick first introduced Christianity to the people of Ireland around the 5th century. He used a shamrock to teach new believers about the Trinity.

Let your children draw a picture of a shamrock and talk about how St. Patrick could have used it to share about God’s love. Google St. Patrick and read his story.

Have a dinner with green foods; put together a treat bag for each family member with green gum and small green treats.

Children wear green shirts and have celebrations at school but seldom know the real story behind the holiday. Make this St. Patrick’s Day more memorable than pinching others if they do not wear green!

February is a perfect month to emphasize love of God and love of others. Make sure your child realizes that God’s love is the one they can count on in every situation. There will be times in their life when people they love will disappoint them. There will be times when they are afraid and you will not be there to comfort them. God will be with them even when you cannot. Loving others is not the same as loving chocolate or loving to sleep late. Christian love is love in action. Put that “loving feeling” to work by showing kindness, patience, and humility.

• Talk about God’s love for us and the love we are to have for others.  (John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16)

• Have a dinner with RED foods.
• Let the kids help bake foods in a heart shape. There are cookie cutters, cake pans, and muffin tins available. Take some of your goodies to a special person.
• Have each family member make cards and exchange them.
• Make a valentine for God.
• As a family read 1 John, especially chapter 4 and list all the clues about what perfect love is all about. Put together a definition of perfect love from God and illustrate it or write it out so you can share it with others.

Children love Valentine’s Day.  Who doesn’t?  But finding new ways to celebrate the day of hearts isn’t always easy.  Try these fun-filled songs, games, crafts and snacks to make Valentine’s Day a day children will remember!

• Have children guess how many marshmallow hearts are in one box of Lucky Charms and record their guesses.  After they guess, put three empty bowls on a table:  one for marshmallow hearts, one for other marshmallow objects and the other for dry cereal.  Give children a scoop of Lucky Charms and have them sort the cereal, putting the correct objects in the correct bowl.  Then count the number of hearts.
• Spell out Bible verses about love, using Alpha-Bits cereal.  For example, use Psalm 116:1a; Proverbs 3:3a; Jeremiah 31:3; 1 Corinthians 16:14; and 1 John 4:7.
• Sing this song to the tune of “The Muffin Man”.  Isn’t it great that God loves you?  That God loves you?  That God loves you?  Isn’t it great that God loves you and that we love each other?”
• For treats, cut hearts out of bread with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Top heart cut-outs with strawberry jam.
• Have children sing this song to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”  First verse:  “Do you know that you are loved?  You are loved.  You are loved.  Do you know that you are loved?  That Jesus loves you so?”  Second verse:  “Do you know that I love you?  I love you.  I love you.  Do you know that I love you, on each and every day?”
• Make Valentine cards, using construction paper, glue, glitter and markers.  Have children make the cards for your church shut-ins, sick and hospitalized church members, the pastor or the church custodian.  Then have the children deliver the Valentines to the appropriate people.
• Make a large heart wall-hanging with red string licorice.  Have children tie the licorice pieces together and then glue the licorice in the shape of a heart on a piece of butcher paper.

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