Marci Merrell – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:53:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Marci Merrell – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 How to drill flashcards with your child like a pro https://www.familytoday.com/family/how-to-drill-flashcards-with-your-child-like-a-pro/ Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:51:28 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/how-to-drill-flashcards-with-your-child-like-a-pro/ As my kids have grown up, there have been numerous times they've had to drill flashcards for math, reading, or…

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As my kids have grown up, there have been numerous times they've had to drill flashcards for math, reading, or even piano lessons. It's not my kids' favorite activity. I've had to adjust the way we drill the flashcards to make it a more entertaining activity for them, and something they want to do, rather than something they have to do. If your kids are like mine, and you struggle to get them interested in those flashcards, here are some ideas for you:

1. Make it a timed challenge

: Buy a tiny timer (only $1 at Walmart) and set it on the table. Tell your child you're going to see how fast they can do the flashcards. Once they're finished and you have their 'base time', offer a reward for a faster time.

2. Use consistent words

: I find that my kids have been the most successful with memorization if it's exactly the same every time. If the flashcard is a symbol, use the same language every time you refer to it. (i.e., Bass Clef Sign - notes below middle C) - If you say the same thing every time your child sees the card, they'll start to connect that to the symbol they see on the front.

3. You start the word, let them finish it

: If your child gets stuck on a card, start the word, but let them finish it. Sometimes they just need a little clue to help jog their memory.

4. Put mistakes at the back of the pack

: If they make a mistake on a flashcard, don't just tell them, and put it down. Put it at the back, so they have to see it again. They might make a mistake again, and that's fine - put it at the back again. Pretty soon, the mistake card will be seen enough that they'll remember, and hopefully, the next day, they'll have it down!

5. Learn the flashcards in small numbers

: Trying to learn too much at one time is the biggest mistake you can make. Little brains can only handle so much. Learn two or three flashcards one day. No more. Then, the next day, review those, and add one or two more. Learning in small increments, but lots of repetition, is the best way for little minds to learn (and the least frustrating!)

6. Create a super challenge

: Not only do I offer a reward for the timed (against themselves) challenge, I offer a "Super" Challenge Reward if they can beat my time. I tell them that nobody has ever beaten my time, and if they can, I'll give them a giant candy bar (or some other big prize). Then, I have them time me doing the flashcards. (This shows them that it's possible). Of course, I don't do it quite as fast as I really could, but I do make it challenging. Then, I put the giant candy bar out on the counter where they can see it, and leave it to them to work hard to beat my time.

7. Praise, praise, praise!

No negative feedback allowed. Only positive and encouraging words while they're working on those cards. Subtle "good" and "you can do it" and "don't give up" is all it will take for that child to feel like a million bucks and develop the confidence to keep trying.

8. Don't spend too long

A child's attention span is only two minutes longer than their age. That means if you're trying to spend a half an hour on flashcards, you're going to lose them, and it will become frustrating. Pay attention to your child's body language. You'll know when "enough is enough" and don't go any further. Tell them, "Great Job Today! Let's do some more tomorrow," and you'll be much more successful than if you try to push them beyond their limits.

Learning is a tricky thing. If kids are taught in a positive, environment that supports their intelligence and makes them feel good about themselves, they're much quicker, and more willing, to learn. Teaching our kids can be such a fun experience if it's done correctly. Our kids get that thrill of success, and we get the thrill of seeing our child happy. We both win! Best of luck with those flashcards, and enjoy another special mommy moment with your child.

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Surviving unemployment with class https://www.familytoday.com/family/surviving-unemployment-with-class/ Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:56:53 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/surviving-unemployment-with-class/ Most of us in the working world will, at some point, experience how it feels to be unemployed, but whether…

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Unemployment is no cake walk for anyone involved. In spite of the anxiety and frustration it can bring, I won't deny that, in the end, I learned a lot from our unemployment experiences, and the knowledge I've gained has been beneficial in leading us through the next unemployment. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things I've picked up along the way that just might make enduring this trial (and with class!) a tiny bit easier for you to do:

1. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS GET BUSY

When we've experienced a job loss, the best thing we've done is getting right back in the game. We've even gotten to the point that we start looking the same day we get the news. If you're the supporter of a spouse who's lost their job, you should get busy too. The less time you have to worry about things, the better.

2. GOOD JOBS DON'T COME ALONG OVERNIGHT

When my husband lost his first job, I pressured him non-stop to get another job fast. I realized my mistake when he took the first thing he could find, and it turned out to be a sales position which never paid him a cent. It was wasted time in our 'good' job finding effort, and I didn't repeat that mistake again. Give your spouse some time to work out the details and find a job that will last.

3. YOUR KIDS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH

Hiding the loss of a job from your children 'in order to protect them' may not be the best idea. They're smart little people and they'll pick up on it. If you aren't upfront with them about what's happening, you may end up causing them more worry than is necessary. Tell them what's happening. Assure them of your resources; your family and friends. Remind them that come-what-may, you will get through this together. Let them know that there's no need to worry - that you have funds set aside for things like this - and that nothing is going to change anytime soon. Then, hide up in the bedroom, find those 'funds,' and get to work.

4. FIND YOUR OWN PERSONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM

Losing a job is no ideal scenario for the employee, but it's not easy to be the support of that employee either, especially if you're totally dependent on that income. You might feel you have no control over what's happening or when you'll be receiving income again, are forced to put on a happy face for the children, and still keep the house running. A good friend that won't cast judgments is the best gift you can give yourself at a time like this. Cry (or scream) with them on the phone, then put your smile on and get back out there.

5. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE WORST CASE SCENARIO, AND YOU CAN THANK FATE LATER

. Losing a job can mean lots of scary things from losing a home, to moving, to losing friends. I'm not going to lie, none of these things are fun or easy to overcome, but I will say this: You can make it through! You might lose that house. You might lose your cars. You might end up in a rental with a Junker in the carport. You might have to give up your cable and your fast internet. All that and more - but here's the life lesson: Life can be really good anyway.You'll make many awesome memories in that rental, and you'll laugh later about the broken down car, but you'll make friends while you're looking for a carpool, and you might just end up liking some of the life changes you'll make along the way. It's a great lesson to learn; it turns out that sometimes the worst case scenario isn't so bad after all.

6. IT ENDS

If there were one thing I could leave with you to ease your burden at this time of stress, it's this: eventually, you WILL find a new job. It may not be as quick as you'd like, or the job you'd prefer to end up with, but somehow - in some way, you'll get through it. And if you can do it together, as a team, you'll end up stronger for it. And after all, that's what life is all about. Learning to endure trials with class, and finding out what really matters along the way.

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5 reasons why a ‘shelter dog’ is a great idea https://www.familytoday.com/family/5-reasons-why-a-shelter-dog-is-a-great-idea/ Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:17:09 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/5-reasons-why-a-shelter-dog-is-a-great-idea/ If your family is considering adopting a dog, and you're unsure of whether or not to get him or her…

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I was one of those lucky children whose parents got a dog for me and my siblings when we were very young. I grew up with my dog and learned how to care for, treat, and love an animal, and he loved me right back. I was 23 years old when I said goodbye to my loving and faithful pet, and I knew that soon, I'd be getting my own children a dog, too. Since then, we've had four dogs - all shelter dogs - that we've loved and adored. Life has brought us changes and we had to find a new home for two of the dogs when we moved into a rental, but we've never regretted getting them. All four of the dogs from shelters were bright, well-behaved, and loyal members of our family. We currently have just one dog - Chester - whom we got from a shelter in Wyoming three years ago. If you've ever wondered whether or not a shelter dog is right for you, here are five things I've learned:

1. You are saving a life

When you take a dog out of the shelter, you save his or her little doggie life. You're doing a service by keeping a good dog from dying. We've gotten four shelter dogs now, and each time we have, the dog has turned out to be a loyal friend, and companion to us, and we've wondered to ourselves how good dogs like these can be dying every single day while people are paying breeders to breed more dogs. It's a shame, and we're so proud that we have made that difference. Even if it's small in the whole scheme of how many dogs die every day, it's a big difference to our dog.

2. You know what the dog is like

People have real misconceptions about dogs at the shelter. They think that they all dogs at shelters are either brought in for bad behavior, or are diseased. The truth is most dogs there are abandoned dogs that are well-behaved, and just need a home. Almost all dog shelters have an in-house vet who checks out the dogs as they are brought in, takes care of any medical needs, and gets them strong and healthy well before they are put on display for you to see. So any dogs you're seeing have been treated for any possible medical problems already. Many that are brought in are dealing with mange - a disease that causes patches of their hair to fall out - simply because of dehydration. They have easily cured problems, and have usually been completely treated for these problems by the time you meet the dog. Dogs are also assessed for their behavior. When you meet a dog, the shelter gives you all sorts of information about him or her. They'll tell you if the dog is house trained, if the dog is active or calm, if the dog is good with kids or not. We even had our shelter let us know that our dog might need some work with ball training - because he wouldn't give up his ball when he retrieved it (and they sure were right about that!). If you get your dog at a shelter, chances are you're going to have a MUCH better idea of what he or she is like than you would with a new puppy you buy.

3. Shelter dogs cost LESS

When you get a dog from the shelter, you are charged a minimal fee for the time the dog spent with the vet, and for his or her neutering or spaying. Before you leave the shelter with the dog, they require that the dog is spayed or neutered. Makes sense, right? They take care of all of that for you and let you know what day you can come pick up your new baby. We've never paid more than $75 for a dog from a shelter.

4. Shelter dogs are mainly mutts

People often hear the word "mutt" and cringe, but mutts (mixed breed dogs) are almost always healthier dogs all around. Full bred dogs pass on genetic issues from generation to generation, because their gene pool is limited. The only way to eliminate these genetic issues is to breed them with dogs of a different breed. That's what makes a mutt so wonderful! They often have fewer health issues than dogs who are full breed. However, if you're still intent on getting a dog who is full bred, rest assured - the shelters have those as well! In fact, estimates are that 25 percent of dogs in shelters are full bred - brought to them because the owners don't want to have to deal with the veterinary costs of full bred dogs. Personally - I love mutts. I love getting a dog that is unique and special with all different sorts of personality traits in him.

5. You can love a shelter dog, and your shelter dog will adore you

If you take the time to find, train, and love a dog from a shelter, you will have not only a loving, loyal, faithful companion for the rest of his or her doggie life, but you'll also have a new member of the family. We've had four dogs from shelters, and have adored every one of them. It's not always easy, but if you can get through the first six months to a year with the dog, and are consistent about teaching him or her the rules of your home, you'll find that they are great animals to have around - and are very low maintenance. They'll follow you wherever you go, lie at your feet, protect you, protect your home and children, and be devoted to you for life. It's an investment you'll never regret.

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How to be the world’s best tooth fairy https://www.familytoday.com/family/how-to-be-the-worlds-best-tooth-fairy/ Sun, 30 Sep 2012 18:15:03 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/how-to-be-the-worlds-best-tooth-fairy/ I remember when my daughter lost her first tooth. It was an exciting day! For weeks, we'd been waiting for,…

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I remember when my daughter lost her first tooth. It was an exciting day! For weeks, we'd been waiting for, and wiggling, that little tooth. Finally, there it was, gleaming in the palm of her little outstretched hands (or maybe down the drain of the sink, if you have a child like mine). I knew that it was my job to make sure the tooth fairy rewarded my daughter for that precious tooth, so we started a little tradition that our children love. Here are the things we do to make that mommy moment extra special:

1. Make the note tooth-shaped!

Of course a tooth fairy would write her note on tooth-shaped paper, right? It's simple enough: Draw an outline of a tooth on perfect white paper, and cut it out. If you, like me, are artistically challenged, there's always the internet! Just Google "tooth outline images", and perfect little tooth shapes will come right up. Save one to your desktop, print it, and cut it out.

2. Write small

In our house, the tooth fairies are real fairies, which means they are tiny. Their little, tiny hands write with little, tiny handwriting.

3. Get creative!

Make it more than just a thank you note. Create a story about the fairy, where she lives and what she does. Give her a name. Make her a personal fairy just for that child, whose life revolves around your child's teeth. Tell your child what will be done with their tooth, and why it's the most special tooth in the world. My daughter's fairy, Flitter, was collecting this first tooth to put the final touch on the King Fairy's new castle. He was anxious to move in, so Flitter was very glad that my daughter's tooth finally fell out. Not only that, she was grateful that my daughter had kept the tooth clean and shiny so it could be used on the castle. Dirty teeth are not allowed, of course! (What motivation to brush future teeth!)

4. Make it fairy-ish

Add a bit of shiny glitter to your note, or use a glitter pen to write. Maybe throw some shiny confetti in with the dollar bill. Make it special any way you can think to do it.

5. Roll it up with a dollar bill inside

Because it was the first tooth, our daughter got a special bill (a $2) for a special tooth. Two dollars really brought a smile to her face!

6. Finally, tie a pretty bow using floss

! It's the perfect touch for a tooth fairy's special note.

Nothing will brighten your child's day more than finding this sweet surprise under their pillow, and nothing will brighten your day more than the big smile on your child's face upon discovering it. Good luck and enjoy this moment with your child!

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