Thursday, May 16, 2013

What gadgets do you think will be most popular in 2013?

Q. I am researching new market trends that are likely to produce more gadgets in 2013. Efficiency, especially in terms of how we run our daily lives, is essential here. I have looked at websites such as Kickstart.com and have gotten a few good ideas, but would like any more suggestions. This is NOT a homework assignment. I am looking for investmentts.

A. You will find things you never new existed in this list. If you are like me, you will also find yourself wishing you were a kid, just so YOU could get some of these hot toys. I know they didn't have cool toys like this when "I" was a boy.Technology is something that kids understand a lot better than us old folks. Many of these toys and gadgets are technology based (although not all of them). Kids understand them and love them.


What are some good topics teen girls should learn?
Q. I'm leading a girl group of ages 12-15, and we're short on ideas of what to learn. I want to plan the 2013 calendar, but I'm not sure what type of lessons should be put into it. What are some suggestions?
Examples we've already covered include, but are not limited to: morse code, languages, nutrition, safety precautions, first aid, crocheting, and physical education.

A. For many of these girls, it won't be long before they want to apply for their first job. How about doing a lesson on applying for jobs, interviewing, writing Thank You notes/emails, giving proper notice when planning to quit, etc. A lot of teens think that living alone at 18 will be easy. Try doing a lesson on budgeting so they get a sense of how much money they will need to pay rent, Renter's Insurance, Car Insurance, gas, groceries, utilities, etc. for one month. If these are at risk kids, you could do a lesson on cost of rasing a baby. You could have them find prices of carseats, formula, diapers, cribs, highchairs, baby food, bottles, sippy cups, clothes, toys, saftey items, etc.


How do you get your kids out playing with other kids?
Q. My kids were in daycare until I got the opportunity to work from home in Jan 2013. I noticed when my son (3 years old) was in daycare he played all day with the other kids and learned a lot about imagination and so on. since I took him out of daycare he became clingy like he cant survive if I am not around. He did break his femur in March and was in a body cast so I dont know if that is where the behavior is coming from or if it is because he is only ever with me and his baby sister. I want to get him around some other kids but dont have a ton of money for preschools or programs like that. I looked into swimming lessons but then he broke his leg. He cant walk yet but should be able to in a couple more weeks. any ideas on how to get him around other children? I want him to have some of his Independence back. before he would go potty by himself, get in the car by himself, play with his toys on the floor by himself (Of course I played with him too but he was able to play by himself when I was cleaning or something). Now he wont do any of these things. He is constantly saying "mommy I need you" but when I go see what he needs it was nothing. He asks for hugs and kisses about every 10 minutes. if I am not home and he is with his dad he cries until I get home. He gets mad if his dad or grandma make his food, help him to the sofa, put him in the car, get him out of bed, etc. It is getting exhausting. I know he needs me but I want to help him get out of this phase and I think other kids would really help.

A. Hi!

Sounds like you have a big ole combination platter of issues going on here.

Let's simplify.

1) Your child was seriously injured, and is still emotionally, if not physically, recovering from that.
2) Your child is dealing with a major change (removal from childcare) and any change is stressful for kids.
3) Your child is at an age where children often develop separation anxiety, or assert their independence through regression.

Now that it's simplified, here is my belief:

Your son is perfectly normal, and you should not "make" him play with other kids. Also, you can't *force* independence. All you can do is give him the love and support to once more progress on his own.

I think you should give him the extra love and attention he needs while he's dealing with the dual emotional assault of a stressful change and a broken bone. It could take a couple more months to bounce back! As for playing/socializing with other kids, well.. it happens naturally in childcare, where he's surrounded by children. It will happen naturally without childcare too! Take him to a park or zoo where other kids are everywhere. Set up some playdates with friends or neighbors who have children in his age range.

And don't force it. Pressuring him to do everything on his own again, or making him lean on others instead of the person he really needs - you, can actually make him regress further!

Just relax. And if it doesn't improve after a few months, let his doctor know about it. There's nothing wrong with asking for a bit of help!





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