RockIt Times AmuseLetter
Jump Into July!

July 2006 - Issue 27

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.  ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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As July hits home, many of us have older children who are now out of school for summer and starting to get bored. It can be hard to find activities that are suitable for both your preschoolers and your school-aged children and that don't make you crazy, in the process of getting the kids out of the house.

In this issue, I've brought you a yummy snack and a craft project that will amuze all your children and, hopefully, create an opportunity for your children to work together successfully. I've also included a parenting article on being both kind AND firm, just in case things don't work out as planned. :)

I hope that you are enjoying a lovely summer and have a wonderful 4th of July celebration! If you are looking for something to do with the kids, check out our first 4th of July issue, full of fun ways to celebrate!

Until next time!

Mari

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Disney Fun

Welcome some of your favorite Disney characters into your home with this fun Disney-themed party!

Songs may include:

• Mickey Mouse Club Mix
• Wonderful Thing About Tiggers
• A Whole New World
• Heigh-Ho
• Under the Sea
• You Can Fly
• When You Wish Upon a Star

Reserve your party date today! Email to parties@rockitkids.com or call us at 847-961-6584.

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Bubble Prints

Materials:

• dish soap (Dawn works best)
• water
• straws
• food coloring
• large mouth plastic cups
• light colored paper

Instructions:

1. Fill three or four cups about 3/4 full with water.
2. Add dish soap (needs quite a bit).
3. Add a few drops of food coloring to each cup.
4. Have your child put a straw in the cup and BLOW. Be sure they know that they should not suck in...it won't hurt them, but it will taste yucky! They should blow until bubbles are coming up over the top of the cup.
5. Help your child lay his or her paper over the top of the cup to break the bubbles. The bursting bubbles will leave a beautiful design on the paper.
6.  Continue with this until the desired effect has been achieved.

Comments: Make sure to lay newspaper or plastic under where you will be blowing bubbles to help catch spills. This is a great activity for outside!

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If you are in our neighborhood, we happily provide stress-free, interactive children's party entertainment for any function. Or, make it a Kid Rock day no matter where you live, with our perfectly assembled gift bags and party favors!

Visit the official Kid Rock website at http://www.rockitkids.com/
for more information!

Cool Fruit Shakes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup very ripe summer fruit of choice
• 1/2 cup milk
• honey or sugar (to taste)
• crushed ice
• vanilla or almond extract (to taste)

Directions:

1. Peel the fruit, if necessary. Your child may enjoy peeling fruits such as bananas, oranges, and tangerines and will reap the benefit of a fun sensory and fine motor activity.
2. Blend in the blender with a 1/2 cup of milk.
3. Add honey or sugar (to taste) with crushed ice, and vanilla or almond extract (to taste). 
4. Continue blending until smooth and enjoy! This recipe makes about 12 ounces, when using 1/2 cup fruit and 1/2 milk.

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Bouncing and Rolling a Ball

Bouncing and rolling a ball is a fun developmental activity that your child will love! It takes practice for a child to be able to roll a ball without it bouncing. Children also tend to try to bounce balls using the palm of their hand, instead of their fingers.

Use the following rhyme as you practice bouncing and rolling with your child!

This Is the Way
(Tune: Mulberry Bush)
This is the way we bounce a ball, bounce a ball, bounce a ball
This is the way we bounce a ball
On this beautiful day!

Add in roll a ball, hold a ball, balance a ball (have your child hold a ball on his/her open hand) and any other good ball activities you might be able to think of!

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Special Guest Article

Parenting Just Right - The Number One Secret
by Jean Tracy, MSS

Our number one secret is a simple formula that will help you parent Just Right. You'll be in control of your emotions, proud of your behavior, and pleased with your child's reactions. Let's find out how.

I remember a young father who took his 6-year old daughter for a walk. His daughter skipped and sang as they headed six blocks downhill. When they turned around to head uphill, she screamed. She whined. She cried. She demanded that her daddy carry her on his shoulders. He told her firmly, "I don’t like the way you’re talking to me. I won’t carry you." Then he told her both firmly and kindly, "But I will take your hand." She refused to take his hand. She continued moaning and groaning. She even lagged behind. When he kept on walking, she ran to catch up. Then she pulled a new tantrum.

On the Discipline Stick, which looks like a ruler but doesn’t spank hands, the young father measured Just Right. The numbers in the middle between 4-7 represent the wide middle road and Just Right. He didn't discipline too kindly or not kindly. He didn't discipline too firmly or not firmly. He disciplined with the secret formula - Kind and Firm.

Kind and Firm can be measured by:

• The sound of your voice
• The look on your face
• The words you say
• The emotions you feel
• The actions you take

Kind and Firm:

• Sounds respectful
• Looks serious
• Talks with authority
• Feels strong
• Acts consistently

You’ll get the results you want if you remember you are the parent. Your children will learn limits and feel secure if you are consistent. You'll enjoy being a parent if you are Kind and Firm. You'll parent Just Right, using one of the best parenting skills ever, if you ask yourself this powerful question before disciplining:

How can I be Kind and Firm?

The Wrap-Up:

• The 6-year old daughter had 2 more tantrums.
• The young father stayed firm and didn't give in.
• The 6-year old daughter stopped fussing and took his hand.
• You can be Kind and Firm.

To parent Just Right ask yourself this powerful question before disciplining:

How can I be Kind and Firm?

Never let your child's misbehavior get you down. Boost your parenting skills by using this secret formula. You'll be building character too.

Subscribe to Jean Tracy's Free top-rated Parenting Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Character Builders at: KidsDiscuss.com

Look for her Character Building books and unique parenting products at: KidsDiscuss.com

Jean Tracy, MSS may be contacted at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com

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