Raising Great Kids

Christmas Stocking Oranges and Socks

Nov 13th, 2011 by Jan Littlehales

It’s fun on Christmas morning watching my boys empty their Christmas Stocking.

Of course they know the ‘real’ presents are spread around the Christmas tree, but it’s the stockings that always get emptied first.

Christmas Stockings - all shapes and sizes

The Christmas Stocking Story

According to Rabbi Brasch in his book “The Book of the Year” the story goes like this:

St Nicholas was deeply concerned about three lovely sisters living on the outskirts of a city. Desperately poor and destitute, they were tempted to sell their bodies.

Nicholas was determined to save the girls from prostitution. One night he went to their home and, unnoticed, dropped three pieces of gold through the smoke-hole (chimneys did not yet exist at the time). The coins did not fall on to the hearth as he had expected, but into the sisters’ stockings, which they had hung up near the fire to dry.

Nothing could describe their happiness when, next morning, they found the fortune. Ever since, people – unaware of the legendary origins of the custom – hang up stockings, hoping to receive similarly pleasant surprises and gifts.

What a lovely tale

Oranges…

When I was a young lass (that’s what young girls are called in the north of England) there was always an orange tucked away at the bottom of my Christmas Stocking.

I think about that today and wonder if my Mum sub-consciously remembered the war years, when oranges were like gold, and putting an orange in her children’s Christmas Stockings was her way of acknowledging things were better now.

…and Socks

Years later, I continue the Christmas Stocking tradition by tucking a pack of new socks at the bottom of my children’s stockings. Bizarre eh? Well, perhaps not.

My Mum used to darn socks and taught me how to do it. I even remember writing about it at primary school – and getting top marks!

The first time a hole appeared in one of my own children’s socks, I threw them away – refusing to darn any socks – times were better – right?

So, I wonder if my Christmas Stocking madness is a sub-conscious stand-off to those darning days. Weird eh?

Where’re the Socks?

Of course, it’s become a standing joke at Christmas time. “Ha Ha, Mum always puts socks in our stockings”.

So, last year I decided to break with tradition and tucked a pair of undies at the bottom of my boys’ stockings. I know, even more odd.

You know what’s coming, right?

Bemused, both my sons said “But Mum, where’re the socks?”. You’ve got to laugh.

So, this year I’m going back to socks and even though they’ll laugh, I know deep down they love the tradition of it.

What do you put in your children’s stockings, year after year? …and I don’t mean DVD’s and chocolates. Spill the beans on your weird ‘tradition’ – if you have one.

Keep on raising great kids everyone – and have a wonderful Christmas

For even more Christmas tales:

Creative Women Online – The Story of Christmas for Kids

Dinner in Ten Minutes – Easy Christmas Cake Recipe

Parks in Sydney – Christmas in the Park

New Life on the Road - Our First Christmas Living in our Motorhome

Weekend Getaway Ideas – Christmas Destinations

Lisa’s Healthy Lifestyle Challenge – Christmas Shopping List

Rita Pepper Online – Christmas Past and Present

Raising Great Kins Blog – Christmas Stocking Oranges and Socks

Jan Littlehales

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Top 10 Outdoor Activities for kids

Oct 16th, 2011 by Jan Littlehales

Want to tire the kids out, so they’ll sleep well tonight?

Well, here’s my Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Kids list, without breaking the bank account!

Go Walking

Walking in The Lake District

If you live near the coast, how about a family walk on the beach
If you’re a city dweller, chances are there will be a park near by
If you live near the mountains – buy yourself and the kids some hiking boots and off you go

Go Cycling

Cycling near Sydney Airport

Cycle paths are appearing all over the place in Sydney and I image it’s much the same in other cities

For the more adventurous, try mountain biking

If children are still young, many parks have mini cycle roads where kids can ride their bikes and scooters

Go Fishing

Fishing on the Northern Beaches of Sydney

Watch a child catch their first fish, and they’re hooked

Fish in rivers, lakes or the ocean – safely of course

For a guaranteed catch of the day, visit a fish farm

Go to the Zoo

Sydney Zoo

If you live near a zoo, it might be worth buying an annual pass

Smaller animal sanctuaries are also lots of fun to visit

Don’t let the rain stop you. Often animals are more active on wet days – take a brolly

Go to the Beach

North Curl Curl Beach Sydney

Live near the coast? Then why not spend a morning or afternoon at the beach

Have a sandcastle building competition

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Go Play with a Ball

Shot Put Practice

If your kids are sporty, then playing with a ball might be one of their top 10 outdoor activities for kids

And kids don’t just kick balls – they throw them, catch them, pass them, hit them and even shot put them!

Just find a place with some open space and you’re onto a winner

Go Fly a Kite

From Mary Poppins Musical

I was reminded of this wonderful outdoor activity when I recently saw Mary Poppins

If the wind’s blowing, grab a kite and have some amazing fun

You can even make your own kite

Go Gardening

Gardening at Grandad's

As well as being a great outdoor activity, gardening is educational and helpful

You don’t even have to leave home to do this one

Weeding, watering, planting and mowing – it can all happen in your own back yard

Go to your local Park

Roseville National Park Sydney

Many parks have BBQ’s

There’s often a children’s playground in parks

Take the deck chairs and do some relaxing as well – if you get a chance!

Go for a Picnic

Picnic on shore of Hooker Glacier Lake New Zealand

Pack a yummy picnic and find a nice place to eat it

Take a picnic with you to any of the above outdoor activities for kids

Take some extra bread, just in case you get a chance to feed the ducks

So, there you have my Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Kids – that wont cost a fortune!

Raising Great Kids – Facebook Unfriend

Oct 4th, 2011 by Jan Littlehales

It would appear parents and their children all love Facebook – and why wouldn’t they – it’s a great place to connect with family and friends and keep up-to-date on all the gossip. It’s also a handy place for parents to keep a watchful eye on their little darlings

Don’t be Surprised…

But don’t be surprised if you find yourself a Facebook Unfriend when your children reach a certain adolescent age.

I found myself Facebook Unfriended when my oldest son was around 17. I felt a little hurt and slightly unloved to be honest, but I wasn’t surprised.

Let’s face it, what 17 year old boy wants his mum looking over his shoulder and checking out his social scene? Thinking back to when I was 17, I certainly didn’t want my parents knowing all about my socialising. What about you?

Parents are so fortunate today…

When I was out and about as a teenager, my parents couldn’t contact me. The only way they knew I was okay was if I phoned them – from a public phone box!

Remember them? When was the last time you used a public phone? Do they still exist? I guess they do, but I’m getting away from the point I wanted to make.

Parents today have around-the-clock access to their children via mobile phones – reassurance of their child’s well-being is but a text away.

How fortunate are parents today. Do you realise how much our own parents would have loved to be able to do that!

So don’t fear the Facebook Unfriend…

If you discover your kids have hit the Facebook Unfriend button (at a ‘suitable’ age of course) just shake off that unloved feeling in the knowledge you still have 24/7 access if you need it.

And don’t be concerned they wont answer your call or reply to your text. It’s been my experience that teenagers go onto auto-pilot when their mobile phone rings. They just automatically answer or text without even realising they are doing it half the time. And if they don’t, you could always resort to threatening not to pay their mobile phone bill

Oh, the joys of parenthood.

I wouldn’t be without it – would you?

Thanks for reading Raising Great Kids – Facebook Unfriend.

Children Sharing – Raising Great Kids

Jan 15th, 2011 by Jan Littlehales

Children sharing – this is an interesting topic and one I have a few thoughts about.

First of all, I do believe that children need to learn to share, but I also think that children sharing can be taken to such ridiculous lengths it can end up doing no good at all – even ‘damaging’ a child in some circumstances.

So, What do I Mean by That?

You’ve just taken procession of a new, long awaited car. Just as you’re about to drive out of the car dealership, a good mate turns up and asks if he can drive it. Well, do you let him?
You’ve just downloaded (legally of course) your favourite songs onto your new iPod. A girlfriend calls around and asks if she can use the iPod for the afternoon. Well, can she?
It’s your daughter’s birthday and she’s thrilled with the new baby doll you’ve bought her. Her party friends want to play with it. Well, do you make her let them?

Over the years I’ve been to children’s parties where the birthday boy or girl has ended up in tears and in some cases been sent to their rooms because they didn’t want their friends to play with their new toys. Yet, are their new toys any different from ours? Our toys might cost more, but I don’t believe kids’ toys are any less precious or valuable in their eyes.

Children Sharing

Most mates would know not to ask to drive a friend’s new car (at least not before the friend had driven it) and I doubt a girlfriend would ask to use a friend’s new iPod on day one. But children don’t necessarily know when it’s appropriate and not appropriate to ask to share. We should encourage our children to share, but also teach them when it’s appropriate to ask to share. Once the initial excitement and newness has worn off, a child will be more enthusiastic about sharing – just as we are with our new ‘toys’.

Children Learn by Example

Every time you have friends around for coffee or dinner you are sharing. A neighbour loans your lawn mower. You borrow a friend’s video camera. A friend borrows your car to drive to the airport. You’ve borrowed books and DVD’s (and returned them of course). Neighbours are invited to use your pool on a hot day. Your child borrows your clothes for dress up.

As children grow, if they see see sharing as being part of everyday life, they will likely be happy to make it a part of their life too.

What are your thoughts on children sharing?

I look forward to reading your comments below. Thank you for reading another Raising Great Kids blog.

Raising Great Kids – Table Manners

Oct 5th, 2010 by Jan Littlehales

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to meal times I like to see some manners at the dining table. While raising great kids I think it’s important table manners are discussed and taught from an early age.

Some ‘trying’ table manners

A couple of months ago we took part in a school fund raiser and had a 14 year old Japanese student stay at our house. He was a delightful young man but some of his table manners sucked! Eating terribly fast with his mouth open and making a lot of noise in the process.

I realised this may be Japanese custom, so I checked with other parents who had students staying, but it turned out their students weren’t necessarily doing this. Of course, we didn’t say anything to him. He was only with us for 10 days, so we figured we could put up with it for that long – and he did have other lovely qualities.

Table Manners - still learning

What table manners do you insist upon while raising great kids?

Here are a few that spring to my mind:-

Nobody wants to see what you’re eating – so no talking with food in your mouth
Nobody wants to hear you chewing, so chew quietly if the meal permits – crackling pork springs to mind as an exception
Eating is not a race
Chewing food is important as it helps with digestion
Use the knife and fork properly – the fork is not a shovel
Don’t use your knife and fork to point at people and things while talking
Don’t ‘play’ with your food
When you’ve finished your meal, put your knife and fork together on the plate
Sit up straight
Elbows off the table
Keep your elbows to yourself so you don’t poke your neighbour in the ribs
Know what’s acceptable to eat with your fingers, and what’s not
Don’t have eyes bigger than your belly (we’ve all heard that one)
Take part in conversation but don’t dominate it
When you leave the table, tuck your chair in

My goodness, the list was longer than I thought – and I’m sure to have missed a few!

Table Manners - getting better

Table Manners take time to learn

While raising great kids, don’t expect your children to learn all this stuff in their infant or even primary years. My boys are well into their teens and they still need the occasional reminder – and so do I for that matter. But, like most things, after years and years of practicing, table manners will eventually become automatic – well almost!

Your children will pass on what they’ve learned

Your children will likely pass on what they’ve learned to their own kids. So teaching table manners will lead to generation after generation of acceptable behaviour at the dining table, whereas the opposite could be true if table manners are not taught.

So come on parents, we owe it to our kids to pass on this important habit.

“Elbows off the table please… don’t chew with your mouth open… stop playing with your food… and I do hope your hands are clean”. Oh, the joys of being a parent

Thanks for reading another raising great kids blog.

Raising Great Kids Blog