Posts by BarryParkinson32:
Hosting a Successful Party
August 1st, 2011Everyone loves a good party but things can get a little stressful when you are hosting one for yourself. It can be difficult to manage all the aspects of the party adequately to ensure that it all runs smoothly and everyone enjoys themselves. Before the day of the day of the party, make plenty of time to check over all the details and this will ensure that the party goes off without a hitch.
When planning your party you should start out by deciding on an appropriate theme. Don’t feel obliged to choose something elaborate – even if there is a reason why you and your friends are celebrating then this could be enough of a theme. Perhaps someone is returning home from travelling, a friend could be announcing their engagement or it could simply be because you have recently moved in and want to meet the neighbours. Whatever the reason, decide what theme is right for you then you will be able to plan the rest of the party around it.
Next you will need to send out the invitations. The amount of time leave before sending out the invitations and when the date of the party depends on how large a gathering you are planning. For a small social gathering you should leave at least 2 weeks with larger, more elaborate parties requiring extra notice as people will need to make sure that they are available.
While you are planning the party, an important factor to take into consideration is the atmosphere. Of course parties should be fun and your surroundings should reflect this. If you are hosting the dinner party at home then you should take a good look around you to see what looks out of place. Perhaps you have lots of trinkets and decorations cluttering your shelves and bookcases – these should be stored away and perhaps replaced with more approprate decorative items. It goes without saying that you should provide adequate seating for your guests.
Another important task is to schedule the events taking place at your party. Make sure that there is enough time for your guests to arrive before the evening’s events kick off. If your party is focussed around a televised sporting event then it is sensible to have your guests around around 30 minutes before the event starts. However, if you are planning a sit down meal then you may want to leave a little more time to allow time for latecomers.
It’s a good idea to plan your list of food and do the shopping a few days before the party. Any dishes that can be made in advance and frozen food will save you plenty of time on the day of the party. If you are hosting a particularly large gathering then it may be sensible to hire someone to take care of the catering. If this is the case then make sure they are fully briefed as to the details of party.
Double check all the details the night before your party. This will be made easier if you have made yourself a checklist. On the day of the party be sure that you dress yourself early to save any last minute dashing and bear in mind that some guests may arrive early. Greet all of your guests in person and welcome them into your home. Make sure that you enjoy yourself , smile, have fun and it will no doubt rub off on everyone else!
Dave Matthews is writing on behalf of Your Events, a leading UK event planner.
Is Party-Planning For You?
January 17th, 2009Do you love a good party? Are you always looking for reasons to throw one yourself? Do your friends call you for advice when planning their parties? When asked, do you jump in to help, without thinking twice?
If you answered “yes” to any of the previous questions, starting up a party planning business may make perfect sense for you. Working from home while doing what you love to do? What could be better than that?
But although others may gush over the wonderfully creative parties you throw for your kids, how can you be confident that you’re qualified to actually get paid for planning their events and celebrations? Here are a few sure ways to tell whether you’re cut out for the party planning business:
• You’re a good listener. Whether planning your own child’s birthday party, an acquaintance’s bridal shower, or a stranger’s retirement party, one thing’s for certain: it’s all about tuning in to what your client is looking for. If you’re good at focusing on others’ needs and clearly visualizing the big picture of exactly what they want, you’re bound to be successful. Although various options and your solid suggestions will be appreciated, people want to know you’re listening carefully to what they want and not trying to force your own opinions down their throats.
• You’re a people-person. If you love to volunteer, prefer crowds over solitude, and are constantly looking for opportunities where you can interact and socialize, party planning would definitely allow plenty of chances for you to do just that.
• You’re detail oriented. Do you pay attention to the little details other people often overlook? Color coordination, theme tie-ins, exquisite extras, etc. Even though the subtle details aren’t always exclusively recognized, when added, they are precisely the things that turn a mediocre party into a memorable one.
• You’re a great multi-tasker. Can you deal with the florist, the caterer, and the mother-of-the-bride at the same time? But, more importantly, can you do it without getting flustered? If you thrive on activity and don’t bat an eye when ten things are thrown in your direction at one time, then you’re already a pro! Party planning is the perfect choice for you!
• You don’t take things personally. If someone screams at you because the flowers haven’t arrived yet or angrily pulls you aside because a typo was found in the invitations, could you keep your cool or would you break into tears? When it comes to planning an event and making it as special as possible, people can get a little testy. But if you can maintain your composure and smooth out the wrinkles with your tone of voice and reassurances, chances are you may receive an apology or two when the day is done. And, hopefully, because you expertly handled the stress, you’ll receive a couple of client referrals, as well.
Party planning is not for the timid, shy, or introverted. For the outgoing and extroverted, however, it can be the ideal work at home career choice. After all, there isn’t much that can compare with actually getting paid to party.
Visit WahmZone, the ultimate community for the Wahm and all Work At Home Moms. Learn how to Work From Home as well.
Taming the Grocery Store Temper Tantrum
January 6th, 2009We’ve all seen it. A child in the grocery store screaming his or her lungs out. Sometimes it’s about candy, sometimes a toy, sometimes for no reason at all. We try not to stare, feeling sorry for the poor frazzled mother who usually ends up giving in to her child’s pleas, to stop the embarrassment. And even though the rest of us know that giving in wasn’t the right thing for her to do, we’re silently thankful that she calmed her child down so we can continue shopping in peace.
If you’re a parent, chances are, you’ve been that mom. Most likely, you’ve given in to the tantrums and probably kicked yourself afterwards. I know I have. At the time, it seemed so much easier to just give my son or daughter what they wanted and put other shoppers (and myself) out of misery.
And it was easier. Until the next time when my child threw another tantrum, knowing I would probably give in again and they would ultimately get what they wanted.
First, let me mention a few things I have tried in the past when my kids threw themselves into a tempter tantrum. These are things I learned (the hard way) do NOT work:
• Reasoning
• Holding
• Spanking
• Yelling
• Ignoring
Unfortunately, children who are in the middle of a temper tantrum aren’t much interested in reasoning. Holding them only sends them into a squirming fit that usually lands them on the floor. Spanking makes them cry harder, not to mention sends the message that hitting when you’re angry or frustrated is okay. They can’t hear you yelling over their own screaming and ignoring only makes your child more intent on getting your attention, as well as practically begs for irritated and disgusted looks from nearby shoppers.
But, fortunately, there is something we parents can do to tame that ugly and embarrassing temper tantrum. Something that is often difficult and always inconvenient. But, in the end, helps teach our kids that temper tantrums will be dealt with. Firmly and immediately.
Are you ready for it?
Leave the store.
I know, I know. Your cart is full of food and you really needed that carton of eggs for a cake you’re baking this afternoon. But I’m here to tell you, staying in the store while your child is screaming will only frustrate you more and cause you to do something you’ll later regret. Leaving is the only option.
Ask an employee to hold your cart for fifteen minutes. If you don’t return by then, they’ll need to put your groceries back on the shelves. But often, taking your child out of the store for a few minutes is all it will take to calm him or her down so you’re able to finish your shopping. But sometimes you will need to head home without your groceries and return later, when you have a sitter or after your child has had his or her afternoon nap.
Leaving the store accomplishes two major things (besides bringing peace to other shoppers). First, removing ourselves and our child from the stressful situation immediately minimizes the tension so we are better able to calmly deal with the tantrum. And second, it teaches our child that throwing tantrums will not get them what they want. It also sends the message that we care more about their state of mind than getting our shopping done.
Eliminating grocery store temper tantrums may be impossible. But handling them well doesn’t have to be.
Access Thousands of Christian Articles and Christian Poems. Discuss all Christian topics at our Christian Forums.
Planning Your Child’s Christian-themed Birthday Party
December 22nd, 2008Walk into any party store and you’ll find dozens of various birthday party theme ideas, from American Idol to Zoology. But the thing is they’ve all been done a thousand times before. Maybe you don’t want same old, same old. You want something different. More importantly, you’d like the theme to reflect your Christian beliefs – which Hannah Montana or Tony Hawk just can’t do.
Why not throw your son or daughter a Christian-themed party? Since you likely won’t find these themes in party stores, it will take a little more planning. But with some thought and a little extra time, you’re sure to end up with a fun and unique party that will be a hit with kids and parents, alike.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
NOAH’S ARK. Know someone who has a boat you can borrow or rent for the day? Invite your child’s friends to a party on Noah’s ark. Dress up your child as Noah and have the guests come dressed as their favorite animal. No boat available? No problem! Create your own boat in the basement or party room. Decorate with cut-out animals, rainbows and other Noah’s Ark accessories.
Another option: If it’s a summer birthday and the weather permits, hand out rain slickers and turn on the sprinklers for forty-minutes of fun in the “rain.”
PRINCESS. Who needs to dress up like Cinderella or Snow White? Your little girl is a child of the True King – so treat her like the genuine princess she is! Invite all of her friends to the palace for a royal celebration. Have lots of gowns, high heeled shoes, and white elbow gloves on-hand for dress-up. Tiara’s are definitely required.
BIBLE CHARACTER. Great for any age. Have guests dress up like their favorite Bible character. For the first game, play “ten questions” and allow kids to ask “yes or no” questions to see if they can discover which Bible character their friends are portraying. If you’d rather not play dress up, a game option is to pin a Bible character name to each guest’s back. Then have guests mingle and ask questions about their character to try and guess who they are.
THE AMAZING CHURCH RACE. This is a great party idea for older kids who can drive. If under age, designate a driver for each team car. Have teams race (within the speed limit, of course!) to a few different churches in the area and perform tasks, as they would for a scavenger hunt. Maybe they will have to get a bulletin from the secretary, take a digital photo of a staff member, or get the name of the Youth Pastor. If churches are closed, require a digital photo of the church itself as proof that they performed their task.
POPULAR VIDEO CHARACTERS. With the many Christian videos on the market, some kids are bent on a specific character party. 1-2-3 Penguins, Hermie, Adventures in Odyssey, and Life at the Pond are all video-based themes you can base your party around. And, of course, Veggie Tales is one of those Christian based theme you will find at the average party store.
Use these ideas as springboards for your own creativity. Plan a party for your child that kids won’t only enjoy, they’ll be talking about it for a long time to come.
Access Thousands of Christian Articles and Christian Poems. Discuss all Christian topics at our Christian Forums.
Praying With Your Children
December 12th, 2008When my kids were little, not a bedtime would go by when my husband and I wouldn’t pray with them. They would say a short prayer and then we followed with one of our own, often laying hands on them and blessing them before they went to sleep.
Now that they’re older, I’ll admit those bedtime prayers have become fewer and farther between. Although we encourage our kids to pray on their own, we’ve gotten away from praying with them. And I miss it.
God implores parents to speak to their children about Him and His ways when we rise and when we lie down. (Deuteronomy 11:19). It’s pretty obvious that, “when we lie down” refers to bedtime. Unfortunately, my husband and I have gotten lazy and haven’t abided by God’s command. And, no matter how old they get, as long as they live under our roof, we are responsible for obeying God’s instruction.
The truth is, praying with our children is one of the most beneficial things (not to mention, rewarding) that we can do. It teaches them not only how to pray, but our prayers open up the doors for God to do glorious things in and through our kids!
Maybe you used to pray with your kids and have gotten away from it like we have. Or maybe you’ve never prayed with them, due to feeling inadequate or because you just never got into the habit.
Here are some things we can do either to get back to the bedtime prayers that were once a regular part of our day or begin a new custom altogether.
• Make up your mind. Decide right now that praying with your kids will begin tonight.
• Ask God for help. It’s important for parents to pray for their kids on their own and together as a couple. Ask God to not only put a hunger for Him in your kids’ hearts but also ask Him to increase your desire and discipline to pray with your kids every night.
• Choose faith over fear. If you feel inept at prayer because your parents never prayed with you as a child or you don’t know where to start, take control of your fear and press through it. Your kids don’t care about eloquent words or flowery phrases – and neither does God. And, just like with anything else, the more you practice, the easier and more comfortable it will become.
• Location, location, location. When our kids were little, we alternated bedrooms each night. We met in my daughter’s room one night, my son’s the next. Maybe you’ll choose to meet in the living room or kitchen for your nightly prayer. Selecting a location sets the routine in motion.
• Everyone take a turn. Hold hands and go around the circle, each saying a prayer of your own. Or, allow a different family member to say the entire prayer each evening, rotating from youngest to older or vice, versa.
• Read books on prayer. There are so many wonderful books available that teach not only how to pray, but also suggest specific prayers to say with and for your children. It doesn’t matter that they’re not words you made up. There is only one requirement: simply that you speak them from your heart.
Access any Christian Story and Bible Studies at FaithReaders. Have Safe Christian Chat at GodLinked.
Celebrating Moms
December 8th, 2008I love Mother’s Day. And not just because I am one and it’s an excuse to be pampered (although, that’s nice, too!). It’s more about the opportunity to celebrate my mom. Okay, so I should be celebrating my mother all year long. But, unfortunately, life gets in the way and I just don’t tell her how much she means to me as often as I should. Maybe you can relate.
Here is a list of ideas to make your mom feel special this Mother’s Day (or any day!):
1. A DAY AT THE SPA. Facial…massage…manicure…pedicure…hair…the works! There’s no better way to treat your mom to royalty than a full day of being treated like the queen she is. If you can’t afford the entire Day Spa package, sweep her off her feet and opt for the pedicure. There’s nothing quite like getting those piggies pampered!
2. BREAKFAST IN BED. I remember bringing my mom toast and coffee in bed on Mother’s Day morning. It didn’t matter if the toast was burned or the coffee too strong. She loved it! But just because you don’t live with your mom anymore, doesn’t mean breakfast in bed is no longer an option. Consider picking up her favorite restaurant breakfast and making an early morning delivery. Or, sneak into her kitchen with the kids and whip up a batch of pancakes. Guaranteed to fill not only her stomach, but her heart.
3. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Whisk her away for some fresh air. For the mom who loves the outdoors, a nature hike, a day at the beach or a scenic tour will be just the thing to make her feel special and revitalized.
4. A CLEAN SWEEP. What mom doesn’t dream about lounging on the couch with her feet up while someone else mops the floors, scrubs the toilets and dusts the furniture? Give her the gift of a clean home by hiring a cleaning service to do it for her!
5. JUST THE TICKET. Is there a musical group or band she’s been dying to see? A museum she’s wanted to check out? Is she a sports fan? Does she love the theater? Present her with tickets to an event she would love to attend but maybe wouldn’t buy for herself.
6. CRUISIN. Rent a convertible for the day and take your mom for a spin. Drive to the beach, or just cruise around the city for a while before stopping to treat her to dinner. She’ll feel cool and invigorated. Another option: get the whole family together and rent a limo. Take Mom out for a night on the town!
7. REGIVE THE MEMORIES. Dig out all of those old home movies and have them professionally transferred onto a DVD so she can relive the memories any time she wishes. Or, go through those photographs and have them put into a slide show, complete with captions – both funny and sentimental. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Mothers certainly are a gift from God. And while it’s wonderful to honor your mom on Mother’s Day, don’t forget to remind her throughout the rest of the year what a treasure she truly is.
Access any Religious Articles and Religious Poems at FaithReaders. Join our Christian Community at GodLinked.
You Don’t Have to be SuperMom to be a Hero to Your Kids
December 1st, 2008Why do we women sometimes feel the need to do it all? We want to be perfect wives, mothers, friends, neighbors, school and church volunteers, and entrepreneurs. And when we feel like we don’t measure up to perfect in any of these areas, we get down on ourselves. We feel like failures.
But we tend to forget….we’re not SuperMom, we’re a human mom. We aren’t wired to do it all. And, more importantly, our kids don’t expect us to. They don’t care if we run a successful business or volunteer in the church nursery. All they want is a mom who is there for them and who loves them, no strings attached.
So how can we be a hero to our kids without having to wear a cape and imprint a big “S” on our chests?
• Just say Yes. When your kids ask you to play, instead of thinking of everything else you have to do, simply say, “OK!” Drop what you’re doing and play a game, read a book, go for a walk, shoot some hoops. Sure, this means you’ll have to just say no to plenty of other things. But by saying yes to your kids, you let them know they’re at the top of your priority list.
• Schedule Play Time. Of course there are other things to be done – like work, volunteering and other commitments. But no matter how full your calendar is, be sure to block out a big chunk of time every week to do something fun with the family. Go to the movies, go bowling, or spend the afternoon at the beach. The important thing is that you’re consistent in spending quality (and quantity) fun time with your kids.
• See Eye to Eye. Don’t ever become too busy that you can’t look at your child when he talks to you. Trying to maintain a conversation while typing on your laptop or scrubbing the toilet isn’t easy and your child will pick up on the fact that you’re not really “with him.” When your child has something to say, let him know you’re listening by giving him your full attention.
• Inclusion is everything. Instead of trying to do it all yourself, why not invite your kids to join you during regular tasks such as cooking dinner, dusting the furniture or grocery shopping? Your load will be lessened and some excellent quality time with your kids will be added.
• Pay Attention. Take a little time each day to get to the heart of your child. Whether it’s for ten minutes at bedtime or over breakfast in the morning, ask her about what’s going on in her life. Letting her know you’re there, no matter what, if she needs to talk is the key ingredient in keeping the lines of communication open.
Remember, your kids don’t care if your house is as clean as Martha Stewart’s, you cook as well as Rachel Ray or if you’re as successful as Oprah Winfrey. Being there for your kids and demonstrating your love for them regularly and consistently are the only things you need to do to be a hero in their eyes.
Visit WahmZone, the ultimate community for the Wahm and all Work At Home Moms. Learn how to Work From Home as well.
Ten Terrific Godly Games for the Whole Family
November 25th, 2008Talking to our kids about our faith isn’t something God simply suggests we do; He expects us to do it. Regarding the ways of God, it says in Deuteronomy 11:19: “Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”
Praying with our kids and being an example is what we should do every day. But God never said that we can’t enlist the help of specific tools to make the job of teaching our kids about Him more fun! There are several Christian games on the market today that teach, train, and entertain our kids into a better relationship with Christ! Here are ten of them:
1. THE UNGAME. Huh? A game that’s not really a game? Well, sort of. This non-competitive game encourages communication and opens up topics of discussion for the whole family. Also available in Teen and Family versions. Depending on the version, recommended age ranges from 5-Adult
2. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. This game includes over 1,300 questions about the life of Christ and will give you a better understanding of God’s love and forgiveness through salvation. Recommended for ages 9+
3. BIBLEOPOLY. One of the most popular Bible games of all time. Instead of defeating your opponents, you will be challenged to assist them in order to win the game. Recommended for ages 8+
4. BIBLE BAFFLE GAME. How well do you know the Bible? Will you be baffled? Find out with this exciting and interesting trivia game that includes seven Biblical categories. This one is for older players, recommended for ages 13+
5. BIBLEMAN BOARD GAME. The popular fictional character comes to life in this fast-paced adventure where players have to rescue kids from the “bad guys” and get them to church safely before racing back to the BibleMan cave. Two ways to play: a basic game is designed for kids ages 3-6 and the regular game is recommended for ages 7+
6. APPLES TO APPLES BIBLE EDITION. This award winning game is now available in a Bible version. A wonderful party game or simply enjoy with your family of four on game night. This game combines clever comparisons and increasing biblical knowledge. Recommended for ages 9+
7. LIFESTORIES CHRISTIAN VERSION. Everyone has a story to tell based on his or her own life experiences. This game gives you the perfect chance to tell it! Use the prompt cards to make up stories the whole family will enjoy! Recommended for ages 6+
8. BIBLELAND. If your kids love CandyLand, they’ll find BibleLand an even sweeter treat. Take a journey through the Bible, from creation all the way to salvation. Recommended for ages 3-6
9. INKLINGS. Answer questions like, “who am I” with only six clues. This game offers a wealth of information for Bible buffs. Recommended for ages 8+
10. BIBLE CHARADES. This classic game brings Bible topics to life. Act out words or phrases in six different categories. Great fun for the whole family. Recommended for ages 10+
For more information on these Christian games and more, check out www.truelightchristianstore.com. Teaching the Bible to your kids will never be so easy or so much fun!
Access Thousands of Christian Articles and Christian Poems. Discuss all Christian topics at our Christian Forums.
Should Your Teen Get a Job?
November 1st, 2008My son is now fourteen (gulp) and he recently reminded me that he is now old enough to get a job (double gulp). The legal age for employment is, indeed, fourteen, although there are certain state regulations, such as not being allowed to work between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM. And being employed in hazardous or unsafe working conditions. No problem, there!
But regardless of the fact that the law allows my son to be employed, is he truly ready to hold down a job? Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing. Here are a few things to consider before chauffeuring your teenager around town to fill out those applications.
Is my child responsible? The term, “responsible” is most definitely subjective. You might consider you son or daughter responsible if they keep their room clean. Other parents might overlook the messy room but see their child as responsible if he or she turns in their homework on time. While my son might not be considered responsible on either count, he does show signs of responsibility in other areas, like obeying most of the rules and doing chores without complaining (most of the time). As the parent, you have to decide what “responsible” means to you and whether or not you feel your child is responsible enough to handle a job.
Does my child get along with others? Of course, we’re not only talking about siblings, although if they get along well with their brother or sister, you are in the minority and have reason to rejoice! The more important question to ask is how your child gets along with friends, as well as the parents of those friends. Being comfortable around adults and being able to communicate well with them is a sign that your child may be ready for this step towards their own adulthood.
Does my child respect authority? If your son or daughter tends to resist being told what to do or frequently rebels against anyone in authority either at home or school, holding down a job may be a difficult thing to do. The fact is, they will have a “boss” and will need to do as they are instructed, whether they want to or not. Being agreeable and prepared to follow orders is necessary in any job.
How does my child manage his or her time? This may fall under the “responsibility” category but is something that needs to be considered. Will your child be able to manage their job, homework, extra-curricular activities and family time with minimal struggle? Setting priorities is a must as is being able to handle the challenge they will inevitably face to keep those priorities in order.
Does my child follow through? If your child has trouble sticking with something, particularly when the going gets tough, they may not be ready for a real job. Being reliable is at the top of the list that employers look for in a job candidate. Barring unforeseen circumstances, quitting should not even be an option.
Is my child a hard worker? When put to work, does your child put forth their best effort or do they complain the entire time? They may think that because they’ll be getting paid to work, it won’t be as bad. But the truth is, if they can’t work for free without complaining, they won’t be able to even when they’re getting paid. Let them know that their boss isn’t likely to tolerate slacking off. Diligence and hard work is a must.
Sit down with your teenager and go over these questions before making your final decision. At the very least, it will get your child thinking about exactly what it takes and what will be expected of them when they do finally land that job.
Access Thousands of Christian Articles and Christian Poems. Discuss all Christian topics at our Christian Forums.