North Texas Kids

DIY Kids Birthday Party Favors: Treasure Stones

Treasure Stones: Inexpensive Kids Birthday Party Favor

“For his 6th birthday, our son Kellen wanted a pirate-themed party where we would give out mystery rocks, store-bought stones with tiny treasures inside, as favors,” says Danita Thomas. “Rather than buying them for the 15 guests, John suggested trying to make them. He remembered his mother making stonelike clay with used coffee grounds when he was a kid. So after some experimenting, we came up with our own surprise-filled mystery rocks that turn trash into treasure.”

See the Velveteen Rabbit

“When a child loves you for a long, long time…then you become Real.”

So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams’ famous and much-loved literary classic.

Now the beloved children’s classic comes to vibrant life as well. A plush rabbit—given as a gift to a young boy—yearns for the day the boy will choose him as his special playmate, so that he can become real.

‘The Hobbit’ Illustrates Value of Adventure Tales for Pre-Teens

Juveniles on Brink of Personal Journey, Says Youth Advocate

It’s only appropriate that fantastical genres of storytelling are often geared toward pre-teens, says writer Elayne James.

“It’s an extremely impressionable time, with the wonder of childhood firmly established and a dramatic transformation about to take place,” says James, author of “Destiny’s Call,” the first installment of the fantasy series “The LightBridge Legacy,” (www.lightbridgelegacy.com).

It’s also not surprising that the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy from 2001 to 2003 was one of the most successful in film history – and that fans were eagerly anticipating director Peter Jackson’s return to Middle Earth on Dec. 14 with the release of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” she says.

In addition to being masterfully interpreted on the big screen, many of us were attached to the story from the books, which are often introduced during the middle school years. The narratives and personal experiences we have during preadolescence tend to stay with us more than those from other phases of life.

Researchers frequently cite pediatric neuroimaging studies, which show that during the ages of 11 and 12 our brain development is at a fundamental stage. A four-month journey across America at that age left an indelible impression on James. The trip culminated in New York City which became the launching point for the “Tolkien-esque” adventure in her most recent novel.

Plano Symphony Orchestra Sunday Family Series Starts Jan 27th!

2013 Family Symphony Sunday series begins January 27th with Strings!

Strings Concert, part of the Plano Family Symphony Sundays, is a fun, interactive, concert for kids ages 3-10 and their families featuring the String instrument family. Children hear, see and learn about the many different instruments as they interact with the musicians.

There will be children’s activities before the show in the lobby, including the Instrument Petting Zoo, Conductor Station, Storyboard/iPod Station, Coloring Station and Craft Station.

5 Super Powers Available to Teens

Heroic Abilities Aren’t Exclusive to Comics, Novelist Says

Cynical adults may sneer when they say, “Youth is wasted on the young.” But young world-traveler Ryan Pearson sees a more positive message in George Bernard Shaw’s often repeated quote.

“I see it as meaning that youth is an opportunity to seize direction, enlightenment, significance and to expand one’s powers,” says Pearson, author of “Green Hope” from “The Element Series,” (www.theelementsseries.com), about a teenager blessed with wealth and fame who discovers he has the added responsibility of super powers.

“It’s sad that so many teens get sidetracked by trying to fit in with a crowd, or worrying that they don’t measure up somehow. At a time when they should be enjoying a new sense of independence and capabilities, they’re often paralyzed by self-doubt.”

Pearson says all teens have super powers – they just need to recognize them:

8 Frugal Tips for Fitness Resolutions

If getting fit tops your New Year’s resolutions for 2013, you’re not alone.

According to the 2013 Outlook Survey organized by TD Ameritrade, Inc., 42 percent of Americans are making health-related resolutions this year. That’s compared to 32 percent opting for financial-oriented goals.

After the holidays, the new year always triggers the need to be more active, eat healthier and feel better. But how to get the most from your fitness regime without breaking the bank? Consider these ideas to stay in shape on the cheap.

1. Take Advantage
Gym rats abhor the beginning of the year when well-intentioned newbies crowd their classes and struggle with the equipment. Despite the initial claustrophobia, however, the gym floor inevitably clears within a couple months as fitness goals wane. As a committed newcomer, you should take advantage of New Year’s gym deals, like reduced monthly payments and waived activation fees. Chat with salespeople at several gyms and be sure to ask for a free pass to experience the facility and classes before committing.

Developing Fine Motor Skills with Fun Activities

Easy Fine Motor Skills Activity

Guest post from KidsActivitiesBlog.com

A fine motor skills activity can help young children develop and strengthen their hand, wrist, and finger muscles. Early learning skills such as writing and dressing oneself are dependent on these muscles. Kids Activities Blog offers many great ideas for your child to have fun while building those important fine motor skills.

Easy and inexpensive activities for kids do it for me every time. For this activity, all you need are pipe cleaners and beads. I picked up these gorgeous and colorful various sized beads from JoAnn Fabrics months ago for a very reasonable price. The pipe cleaners we had in our supply closet and the small pot I purchased at Ikea for a ridiculously low price.