Saturday, November 29, 2008

Christmas Joy comes Back to You

Somehow, not only for Christmas But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad.
John Greenleaf Whittier

Imagination Quotes that are Positive

Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein

Friday, November 28, 2008

Value of Time and Happiness

To realize the value of ONE YEAR Ask a student who has failed his exam. To realize the value of ONE MONTH Ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE DAY Ask a daily wage laborer who has ten kids to feed. To realize the value of ONE HOUR Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet or . . . To realize the value of ONE MINUTE Ask a person who has missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND Ask a person who has survived an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND Ask the person who has won a silver medal in Olympics. On Why you should value and treasure every moment of life and be happy about your success.
Anonymous

Let Every Day Be Christmas

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
Norman W. Brooks in Let Every Day Be Christmas

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Christmas is more than gifts, toys

Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and gifts and baubles of a hundred varieties. It is love. It is the love of the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches out beyond our power to comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful."
Season for Gratitude

Lessons we Learn from Life

Things I have learnt in Life...that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. ...that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up. ...that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. ...that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. ...that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. ...that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. ...that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would if they believed it. ...that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological. ...that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. ...that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. ...that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. ...that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. ...that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to. ...that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. ...that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. ...that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. ...that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. ...that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. ...that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process. ...that there are many ways of falling and staying in love. ...that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life....that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most. ...that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. ...that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. ...that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains. ...that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us. ...that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. ...that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. ...that although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used. ...that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
author unknown

Monday, November 24, 2008

Martin Luther on Christmas Joy

Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.
Martin Luther

John F Kennedy on Democracy

Democracy is a difficult kind of government. It requires the highest qualities of self-discipline, restraint, a willingness to make commitments and sacrifices for the general interest, and also it requires knowledge.
John F Kennedy

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Never Lose Hope

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King, Jr

Practical tips to manage your time better

Teachers need to manage their activities better. Practical tips to make teachers perform effectively at school.

This is actually a misnomer. You don’t manage time, you only manage your activities. Time is fixed. There are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute. You can’t change that, can you?

One has to organize one’s activities, schedule the priorities and execute t hem. This way one can be effective, to say the least.

Time management theory has evolved over hundreds of years. The earliest beings went by the sun and the shadows. It looks thousands of years to arrive at a scientific concept of time. The first generation of time management led to notes and checklists. Whatever was needed to be done, or avoided, was written down on bits of paper. This led to a bit of control over our time. Each time someone finished a task, it would be struck off from the list. And of course there was a little thrill of accomplishment in that. But this was on a very short term basis.

The second generation theory led to diaries, appointment books, to do lists and calculators. This helped plan for the next day. The immediate future was brought within control. The subsequent generation resulted in a lot of thoughtful planning, scheduling, prioritizing, comparing relative values of two tasks, goal-setting and short and long-term achievements. While this lead to greater effectiveness, it has its disadvantages. This leaves nothing to spontaneity. It didn’t account for the unexpected, the momentary and the unscheduled. It talked about immediate crisis, need of the hour and priorities.

Instead of being conditioned by time, fourth generation ideas focused greatly on long term goals building relationships of lasting values, planning for the future, recognizing opportunities recreation and the like.
This module allows us to transform our personality, spend time, planning, organizing and prioritizing. If you don’t take time to plan, you’re planning to fail. It also pushed us to set and achieve goals in a reasonable time frame you learn to do the right thing, instead of focusing on doing things right. Further, it allows time for distractions, interruptions and helps use the best time for your priorities. 80% of the reward comes from 20% of the work (Pareto Principle) so we learn to prioritize and do that 20% work which will fetch us 80% reward.

Let us take your total active time per day and fit it in a time management matrix to identify where we need to concentrate to succeed.
1. Prayer Assembly
2. Teaching
3. Break
4. Getting child ready to school
5. Breakfast
6. Traffic Enroute
7. Counselling
8. Reading good books
9. Gossip
10. Dinner/TV
11. Relaxing
12. Guests
13. Time with husband/wife
14. Attending telephone walls

URGENT NOT URGENT
2
4 6 I
5
1 7
3 8 II
11 11
12
13 III
14
9 1V

The first quadrant activities are all important and urgent. It can’t be postponed. Teaching, getting child ready to school and encountering traffic whether by bus or two wheeler – well, they have to be done immediately.
The third quadrant deals with the unimportant but urgent tasks. Attending to guests, husband and telephone calls. Attending to guests, husband and telephone calls. Can’t say ‘no’ to them. The last quadrant is neither important nor urgent.

The II quadrant is actually the most important if we have to be effective, be successful and happy in life. Unfortunately, quadrant activities are the lowest on our priority. Building relationship of lasting value, strengthening our character, helping others and entertaining ourselves and the family all leave lasting impact on our physical and emotional lives. But, we seldom care.

If only we schedule priorities better, do more quadrant IV activities, we will be a different person tomorrow.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

love of jesus

There is but one love of Jesus, as there is but one person in the poor—Jesus. We take vows of chastity to love Christ with undivided love; to be able to love him with undivided love we take a vow of poverty which frees us from all material possessions, and with that freedom we can love him with undivided love, and from this vow of undivided love we surrender ourselves totally to him in the person who takes his place.
Mother Teresa

Mark Twain Quotes Quotations

Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, & over these ideals they dispute & cannot unite--but they all worship money. Mark Twain's Notebook

Friday, November 21, 2008

powerful dreams make success

Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours. Richard Bach, author of Illusions

christmas quotes, xmas sayings

Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
Dale Evans

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home.
Carol Nelso

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis

Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.
Margaret Thatcher, former british PM

Thursday, November 20, 2008

remembering xmas day

Let Us Keep Christmas Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing; Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering It's poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.
Grace Noll Cromwell

funny fashion quote

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.Oscar Wilde

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Savior of the nations Jesus

Savior of the nations, come, Show yourself, the virgin’s son. Fill with wonder all the earth, That our God chose such a birth.
Not by human power or seed Did the woman’s womb conceive; Only by the Spirit’s breath Was the Word of God made flesh.
Mary then was found with child, Still a virgin, chaste and mild, God had favored her with grace To receive the Prince of Peace.
Christ laid down his majesty, Passed through dark Gethsemane, Though he left his Father’s home, Christ now sits on God’s own throne.
Since the star at Bethlehem Brought new light to earth again, May our faith shine bright each day; Faithful God, keep sin away.
Christ in glory, intercede For your creatures’ suffering need. Let your resurrecting power Soon complete the victory hour.
Praise to you, O Lord, we sing. Praise to Christ, our newborn King! With the Father, Spirit, one, Let your lasting kingdom come.

Love means giving

You never lose by loving, you lose by holding back.
Author Unknown

christ our saviour

God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born upon this day, To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy! For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born on Christmas Day. Dinah Maria Mulock Craik in the God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Quotable quote on imagination

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein

song of christmas

The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung. Phillips Brooks

Christianity on love

Christianity has done a great deal for love by making a sin of it
Anatole France

Monday, November 17, 2008

christmas poems, christmas songs, quotes, xmas sayings, christian poems

feel youngDivine inspiration
There is a deity within us who breathes that divine is fire by which we are animated. Ovid
feel young
You can't help but get older, but you don't have to get old.
George Burns
christmas poems, christmas songs, quotes, xmas sayings, christian poems
Cute Christmas Poems that are memorable to be shared with family and friends this season.
Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can! John Wesley
At Christmas I no more desire a rose Than wish a snow in May's newfangled mirth; But life of each thing that in season grows. William Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost
The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself, like a spider, in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes. LeoTolstoy
A little child a shining star a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place so crude, forlorn, The Hope of all the world was born. Anonymous
Ah, dearest Jesus, Holy Child, Make thee bed, soft, undefiled Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber, kept for Thee. My heart for very joy does leap My lips no more can silence keep, I must sing with joyful tongue That sweetest ancient cradle song. Gilbert Keith Chesterton
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger. -St. Luke ii. 10-12
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas; Star and angels gave the sign. Christina Rossetti
Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven. Martin Luther
Born in a manger at Christmas, as a gift from the father above, an infant whose name was called Jesus, brought mankind the gift of God's love. Helen Steiner Rice
The time draws near the birth of Christ; The moon is hid; the night is still; The Christmas bells from hill to hill Answer each other in the mist. Alfred Lord Tennyson "In Memoriam"
I've seen the face of Jesus... It was a wondrous sight! Oh, glorious face of beauty, oh gentle touch of care; If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there? W Spencer Walton
It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be much mistletoeing And hearts will be glowing, When loved ones are near. It's the most wonderful time of the year. Eddie Pola & George Wyle, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
A Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen! Robert Louis Stevenson
Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Hate less, love more; And all good things will be yours. Anonymous
Roses are reddish Violets are bluish If it weren't for Christmas We'd all be Jewish. Benny Hill
A Christmas Blessing During this Christmas season, May you be blessed With the spirit of the season, which is peace, The gladness of the season, which is hope, And the heart of the season, which is love
Somehow, not only for Christmas But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad. John Greenleaf Whittier
Be merry all, be merry all, With holly dress the festive hall; Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, To welcome merry Christmas. William Robert Spencer
O Father may that Holy Star Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar To fill the world with light. William Cullen Bryant
"Somehow, not only for Christmas But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad." John Greenleaf Whittier
If we think of our heart, rather than our purse, as the reservoir of our giving, we shall find it full all the time! David Dunn
Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete. Charles Dickens
We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the work, the health, the food and bright skies which make our lives delightful for our friends in all parts of the earth. Robert Louis Stevenson
Born in a stable, Cradled in a manger, In the world His hands have made, Born a stranger. Christine Georgina Rossetti
England was merry England, when Old Christmas brought his sports again. 'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale; 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft could cheer The poor man's heart through half the year. Sir Walter Scott, Marmion (canto VI, introduction)
Christmas is here: Winds whistle shrill, Icy and chill. Little care we; Little we fear Weather without, Sheltered about The Mahogany Tree. William Makepeace Thackeray in The Mahogany Tree
Ring out ye crystal spheres! Once bless our human ears, If ye have power to touch our senses so; And let your silver chime Move in melodious time, And let the bass of Heaven's deep organ blow; And with your ninefold harmony Make up full consort to the angelic symphony. John Milton
Sing hey! Sing hey! For Christmas Day; Twine mistletoe and holly. For a friendship glows In winter snows, And so let's all be jolly Anonumous
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good will to men!
God rest ye, little children; let nothing you affright, For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born this happy night; Along the hills of Galilee the white flocks sleeping lay, When Christ, the Child of Nazareth, was born on Christmas Day Dinah Maria Mulock
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep. "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep! The wrong shall fail, The right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men!" HW Longfellow
And is it true? And is it true, This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, A Baby in an ox’s stall? The Maker of the stars and sea Become a Child on earth for me? Sir John Betjeman
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring-not even a mouse: The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Clement C. Moore
Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. Norman W. Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas"
"Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born king." Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.! Charles Wesley (1), Christmas Hymn
'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale; 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft could cheer The poor man's heart through half the year. Sir Walter Scott in Marmion
I love the Christmas-tide, and yet, I notice this, each year I live; I always like the gifts I get, But how I love the gifts I give! Carolyn Wells
The Gift of Christmas
Christmas is the one day of the year that carries real hope and promise for all mankind.
It carries the torch of brotherhood.
It is the one day in the year when most of us grow big of heart and broad of mind.
It is the single day when most of us are as kind and as thoughtful of others as we know how to be;
When most of us are as gracious and generous as we would like always to be;
When the joy of home is more important than the profits of the office;
When peoples of all races speak cheerfully to each other when they meet;
When high and low wish each other well;
And the one day when even enemies forgive and forget. Edgar Guest, The Gift of Christmas
Oh! lovely voices of the sky Which hymned the Saviour's birth, Are ye not singing still on high, Ye that sang, "Peace on earth"? Felicia Hemans
There is no name so sweet on earth, no name so sweet in heaven, The name, before His wondrous birth, to Christ the Savior given. George W. Bethune
What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a Wise Man I would do my part. Yet what can I give Him? I give Him my heart. Christina Rossetti
Let Us Keep Christmas Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing; Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering It's poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell
Let Christmas not become a thing Merely of merchant's trafficking, Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath And surface pleasure, but beneath The childish glamour, let us find Nourishment for soul and mind. Let us follow kinder ways Through our teeming human maze, And help the age of peace to come From a Dreamer's martyrdom. Madeline Morse
'Tis blessed to bestow, and yet, Could we bestow the gifts we get, And keep the ones we give away, How happy were our Christmas day! Carolyn Wells
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'" Dave Barry in Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! Charles Dickens
Dear Lord, I've been asked, nay commanded, to thank Thee for the Christmas turkey before us... a turkey which was no doubt a lively, intelligent bird... a social being... capable of actual affection... nuzzling its young with almost human- like compassion. Anyway, it's dead and we're gonna eat it. Please give our respects to its family... Berke Breathed
christmas gifts to buy Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal. Lenore Hershey
Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind. Helen Steiner Rice
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins Matthew 1:21

feel young

You can't help but get older, but you don't have to get old.
George Burns

Divine inspiration

There is a deity within us who breathes that divine is fire by which we are animated.

Ovid

Saturday, November 15, 2008

How to deal with your talented child

Very often we are confused about how to handle our talented child. Do we answer all his curiosities. Tell the child to shut up and do his studies. Here are expert from someone who has dealt with exceptional children and counseled parents.

Years ago a middle-aged man and his nephew were playing chess out in the verandah in Phillipines. Having arrived at a complicated middle game, there was a lot of thinking to do. A little boy of seven who was playing in the garden breezed in, moved a piece and darted into the house. The move led to a checkmate very soon. Spotting this prodigious talent, his parents put him in a chess club and lo! he went on to become Viswanathan Anand, the World Chess Champion.

But, not all such gifted children are lucky. Two decades ago when I was in the 7th standard, a classmate exhibited rare knowledge in physics. He talked about liquid fuel in rockets, life on Mars and nuclear reaction; we were all in awe of him. Initially, the Physics teacher tried to answer his questions, but soon he ran of patience, or rather answers. “Don’t act funny. Questions outside the portions will be dealt with separately. Come see me in the staff room,” screamed the teacher. The last I heard of him was he worked as a marketing executive. If only he had a more understanding teacher and parents, I’m sure he would have advanced much further.

Dealing with a gifted child is downright difficult to keep pace with him and soon he’ll get bored with the class. Once you’ve spotted him, its best to handle him with care and a little more attention. The talent needs to be nurtured. Get in touch with an educational psychologist to assess his abilities. Give him assignments that are a little more challenging. Provide a stimulating ambience to open the floodgates of talent.

Excellence could be in academics, sports or arts. And most talents have to be spotted. And unearthed. Like what coaches do to sports persons. One in a 1000 children could be gifted. And most of them are like uncut diamonds. It needs a smart parent, a caring teacher or a vigilant coach to see that trace of genius and uncover it to the world.

Let’s not forget that these children need to be loved and treated like normal children. They need to be with children of the same age, unless absolutely necessary. Though a child may display exceptional talent in arts or sports, normal educational is a must. Only that the school authorities have to spend more time coaching his special abilities.

Interact with parents and help them cope up with the gifted child. Ensure that they provide an emotionally stable atmosphere for the child to grow, get him enrolled in clubs or associations, which might benefit him. Praise him where necessary but don’t let him turn arrogant or overbearing with other kids because of the special talent or treatment.

Look for sponsors and scholarships to enhance his progress. Let him learn to take disappointments with ease. Make him a winner. He is after all your student

Dealing with the talented child
Points to ponder
1. Spot the talents and nurture it.
2. Give individual attention.
3. Make him feel special, but don’t overdo it
4. Interact with his parents.
5. Get professional help.

Caution
1. Don’t fuss over him
2. Don’t disturb the equilibrium in the class
3. Talent is no excuse for not doing homework or bunking classes
4. Treat him like any other boy while at class
5. Don’t forget to stress on studies despite talent in sports

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Cute Short Christmas Quotes

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.
Washington Irving

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.
Taylor Caldwell

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
Alexander Smith

The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.
Andy Rooney

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas Day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.
Phillips Brooks

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Planning Holiday Travel with Kids

Holidaying and kids are a contradiction. Any exasperated parent would vouch for this. You must plan your travel carefully, if you have kids under three, or you’ll end up wondering if home wasn’t better.

No doubt babies love to travel since the constant motion soothes them to sleep. But travels don’t mean mobility all the time, it also means noisy railway stations, overcrowded buses and boring airplanes.

When you pack your bags, put nappies, clothes to change, towels, shoes and socks, a small bed, comforting toys and a dummy, if your child is used to one.

Medicines are a must, for loose motion, cold and fever. Rattles. Pluck and fix toys, cards, colour pencils, magic slates and building blocks do away the boredom.

Soaps, creams, mugs and water bottles will take care of the little one’s hygiene.

Biscuits, snacks and a chocolate or two to nibble. Since food is a good way of putting a child to sleep, sometimes.

Travel by Road
Travelling by road is uncomfortable for children, since their movement is restricted, they are bound to get bored soon and will begin to let a scream now and then, fling toys on the old lady in front or put one under your car seat.

Boredom can be handled by telling him stories, playing games or showing him some picture books.
Food is a nice way to keep him occupied and finally put him to sleep. Beware not to overdo it.

Counting animals, cars or trees you sight from the window is an interesting way of keeping children engaged.
When you break your journey even for half an hour, get down from your vehicle and let the children run up end down. Freedom to move about after a journey is crucial to keep a child excited about traveling. Else by the time your vehicle has started your child will enquire “if we have arrived.”

Travel by Rail
Train journeys are always fascinating for kids and adults alike. The hills, rivers, animals, sunsets and workers in farms…………… well there’s so much to see. And the freedom to stir out of your seats. The easily accessible loos.

A bored up kid could be taken to the pantry and back. And he’ll have enough uncles and aunts to play with. Picture books and magnetic toys keep one engaged on trains. Rhymes and naming games are permitted too.
Pack plenty of clothes to change since he’ll insist on squatting on the floor or tiny ones may wet often. While train journeys may not be tiresome, children will definitely feel thirsty. So you’ll need a bottle or two of water, besides fruit juices.

Holiday by Air
Children find the noise during take off and landing unbearable. And there’s hardly anything to see, even if you get a window seat. Good cabin crew may help sometimes. But getting strapped onto your seat may be the worst thing for a child. If you’re lucky to find an empty seat then you can keep him occupied with toys, books and food. Collapsible cots will prove handy, if only the airline allows you to use it.

Booking Hotels
Book with the best travel guys and hotels, but always carry the child’s bedding and warm clothes. As for food, keep out fat and oily stuff. Steamed food is the best, with plenty of fruits.
Don’t forget a sling, which can be comfortably strapped to your shoulders with the child looking over your shoulders or facing the road behind.

And the next time you travel with a child, we’re sure you’re quite prepared

Travelling with kids
Points to ponder
1. Travelling is educative
2. Help children admire the culture and heritage of this country.
3. Encourage them to explore the world.
4. Arm yourself with guides, maps and travel literature.
5. Explain the beauty of each city and its people.

Don’t
1. Get out without reserving your rooms.
2. Forget to enough knowledge of the weather, what to see and what to do.
3. Miss your daily medicine, if any.
4. Go out if you don’t have enough money.
5. Let children get out of your sight.