Do you remember the fun you had as a child blowing bubbles?  Then it would make since to think that your child would have the same fun and excitement.  What about the added enjoyment they will have when you join in the fun.  You can have your own contest to see who can blow the biggest bubble.  Maybe you will want to see who can blow the most bubbles.  How about just watching them drift around aimlessly.

Blowing bubbles is something you can do weather you are inside, or outside.  It is not expensive and can bring hours of entertainment.  Out side or anywhere, the sun hits the bubbles will fascinate your child as the colors of the rainbow appear.  It will give you something to talk about while blowing the bubbles.  Why do the colors of the rainbow appear?  How many different colors do they see or can they name?  How far will they drift off before the pop?

One of the most amazing things about blowing bubbles is the fact that you can make your own bubble solution.  Making your own bubbles could not be easier!  You can use liquid Dish soap and a bit of water to do this.  All you would need is a bubble wand, which you could create out of a bit of thin wire.  Those left over Easter egg wire dippers would be excellent for this.  A container for the bubbles could simply be a bowl, or plastic container for that matter.  There you go you are all set.

For smaller children, try picking up some “tear free” shampoo to create your bubble mixture.  Do remember that the more “foamy” a liquid soap is the lower quality your bubble mixture will be though.  Another good liquid soap to use is the one you us for a bubble bath.  Now, to create your own bubbles, simply take 1/15 cup of liquid soap mixed with 1 cup of water inside whatever container you want to use.  A container with a sealable lid would make a good choice if you plan to save them for later.

Adding a little glycerin, sugar, or corn syrup to the bubble mixtures of liquid soap and water will give you even better results.  Adding the corn syrup, sugar, or glycerin seems to make the bubbles last a little longer.

For even more bubble recipes, check out these websites: http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/bubbles1.html,
http://bubbleblowers.com/homemade.html.

Everyone loves to have a little fun now and again. Especially kids and most of us are still kids at heart. With the rising economy, it becomes more and more difficult to have money on hand for fantastic family outings. 

My hope is to help you find several ways to spend the least amount of money while still having a heap of fun with your family. Doing things together as a family creates lasting memories for both you and your child.

You may already know, or have heard, that spending time with the ones you love costs you nothing. That is true however, without some activity to help pass that time; you may just be spending time in the living room glued to the “tube”. Being stuck indoors is not much fun. We all know though that at certain times, going outdoors is not always possible.

Find inventive and interesting ways to enjoy the time you spend with your family. Both indoors and outdoors and you do not need to spend a lot of money. You can do many things without ANY money for that matter! This is always a great deal!

The most memorable activities will be those that money played no part in for you and the rest of your family. If you do not believe that, think back of one of the most terrific times you had when you were a kid. Anything about money in that memory, No I thought so.

There are twelve activities below to help you get started. Select a few, or invent a few of your own. Who knows, you may just begin a family tradition of fun! Just remember to do these as a family that is what makes them so exciting.

1. Board Games
2. Coloring
3. Play Card Games
4. Working On Puzzles
5. Home Movie Night
6. Park Outings
7. Museums
8. Library
9. Swimming/Playing In Water
10. Skating
11. Bike Riding
12. Yard Sales

This list is by no means complete. It is a starting point to get those old brain cells working again. With a little thought I am sure you will be adding to this list in know time. Once you start taking the time for your family, it becomes addictive and you will search for new ways to enjoy your time together.

In a child’s education an important factor is the parents’ expertise for this “job”. No one is born holding all the knowledge, but we can learn and understand some things from books or advice from qualified individuals. 

Here are 12 Commandments to help you along the way: 

1. Do not underestimate your child - he can understand more than you think he does and if you make him believe you think poorly of him this might affect his development. 
2. Don’t use threat - a child loves a challenge and once threatened he might probably go on and do what he wasn’t suppose to just to see if he can escape the punishment. 
3. Do not bribe your child - if you are trying to get him to learn for money for example, he will fail to understand the importance of learning, all he will get from this is the importance of money. 
4. Do not make a small child promise something - small children can’t hold promises so don’t force them to lie and then punish them because they did that. 
5. Do not keep them under a short leash - to grow up normally children need some space, some freedom. 
6. Do not use big words or too many words when you are talking to your child - keep your ideas simple and concise so he can understand every thing you have to say. 
7. Do not expect an immediate and blind obedience - it is not recommended, the child has to be learned to think for his own not to follow orders. 
8. Do not indulge him too mush - he can develop compartmental disorders. 
9. Do not compromise when it comes to the rules of a game - the trick for a game to become educative is too have its initial rules respected. 
10. Don’t impose rules that don’t go with the age of your child. 
11. Do not try to inflict quilt - quilt is not an appropriate feeling for children, especially if they are little. 
12. Don’t give your child orders that you don’t take seriously - your child will try to please you and giving him an order is drastic, and it becomes cruel if that order is a joke.

 All these “commandments” are addressed first to the parent. But they are to be referred to by teachers and educators as well. Along with the parents, they will settle upon an attitude and strategy for the education and growth of the child, so that they can give him all the things he needs to properly develop emotionally and physically.