Global View of Corporal Punishment

Is it right to discipline kids with spanking and other forms of corporal punishment?
Opinions vary greatly from country to country and the subject is often a source of great debate.

There are many countries that legally ban and condemn the practice of corporal punishment for children such as Austria, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Cyprus, Denmark, Latvia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Germany, Israel, Iceland, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary.

In East Asia, specifically in China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, it is legal to punish one’s own child using physical means. However, even China and Taiwan have made corporal punishment against children illegal in the school system, although mild chastisement, pinching, shaking of the arm or shoulder, slapping to the back of the head and even more serious punishments are still known to be practiced in some places. In some instance, the public outcry has been so strong that is has led to the ouster of teaching staff.

In many Asian countries, people have traditionally believed that a fair amount of punishment for their kids is not only acceptable, but appropriate and necessary. Their cultures and societies tend to tolerate the practice.

In the United States and in many other places around the world, opinions vary greatly. In the USA, spanking children is legal and even allowed explicitly in the laws of some states, both as practiced at home or in school.

In 2004, the USA declined to participate in signing the United Nations’s policy paper on “Rights of the Child” because it issue sanctions on parental discipline. US representatives cited their tradition of parental authority and their high regard for privacy in family decision-making as key factors that had to be considered.

In general, most countries have banned corporal punishment in schools as early as 1783 in the case of Poland. About half of the schools in the United States still allow corporal punishment in schools while others strongly discourage the practice.

A common argument used to support corporal punishment is that it is more effective and less cruel than incarceration. In other words, it is a far more desirable alternative than imprisonment. Others even argue that in minor cases such as graffiti, corporal punishment may be a more effective course of action that issuing fines.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Family, kids And Teens, and
Society.

Fun Halloween Masks For Great Trick Or Treating

A big part of Halloween costumes are the masks. They make great accessories for the rest of the costumes. They add mystery and excitement to any outfit. There are different styles of Halloween mask that are designed in many different ways. For starters, you have the basic traditional mask. This is the plastic mask that covers just your face. These designs have an elastic string that ties on each side of the mask that goes around your head to hold it on. They are very simple and easy to wear.

A little more complex is the latex mask. They look more realistic and many of them are designed to pull completely over your head. These masks are for the person who really wants to reach and grab the attention of everyone they meet on Halloween night. Regardless of which design you choose there are many fun Halloween masks to choose from. Below is a list of the most popular ones.

Scary masks - One of the most popular Halloween mask is the scary ones. Everyone agrees these mask are a lot of fun whether you are the one wearing it or the one being scared by one. This includes mask like Frankenstein, Godzilla, Freddy Crougar, Michael Myers, Gorillas and Zombies.

Funny masks - If you are in the mood to just have a lot of fun then choosing one of these masks will be for you. There are numerous selections for you to choose from. There are all types of animal masks available such as cats, dogs, birds and most any other animal you can think of. There is also a wide variety of TV characters to choose from like Spiderman, Superman, Super Girl plus many more.

Celebrity mask - Be a big hit when you walk into the party wearing the mask of your favorite celebrity. Most all of the latest stars are available including many of the older ones.

Political mask - Make a statement on Halloween night by wearing a mask designed after one of the presidents. You have your choice between famous presidents of the past all the way up to the present. Abraham Lincoln, Nixon, Ford, Clinton and Bush are just a few of the political Halloween masks available.

Nicola always enjoys Halloween parties with her family. Visit her Halloween site for tips and information about Scary Halloween Masks at http://Halloween-Masks.Best-Halloween.com

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Best-Halloween.com

Hard Decisions About Software How to Choose the Best Games & Educational Software for Your Kids

With so much software on the market these days choosing the best
games, learning activities, and other computer materials for your kids
can be tough. Sure you want your kids to have fun. But the best software
should do much more than just entertain. And you certainly don’t want to
waste your money by purchasing something that isn’t developmentally
appropriate for your children.

So how can you be sure you’re making wise choices when it comes to
software?

For starters, read reviews of any software you’re thinking about buying.
You’ll find reviews in a variety of places. Many computer and parenting
magazines feature new reviews in each issue, and online software
companies usually provide reviews of any products they carry. But aside
from that, consider these five elements when choosing software for your
kids:

1) Educational Value - Most good software programs explain the skills
the program teaches or reinforces. You’ll want to make sure a variety of
skills are taught with any program you purchase. Also make certain the
learning activities are age and developmentally appropriate for your
kids. If you aren’t sure what this means, this is where reviews will help,
and look for software packages that contain a user’s manual which gives
basic information about child development as it relates to the software.
And, of course you’ll want to choose programs that encourage creativity,
imagination, and exploration.

2) Design Features - First, you’ll want a program that is easy to install
and has several playing options. For example, a SAVE option so the
game or activity can be saved each time the child plays it, and maybe
even a PRINT option so the child can print out portions of his work. Next,
check to see that the program offers the learner (your child) clear
directions and on- screen help. If your child is a pre-reader you’ll want
the software to include icons or audio directions, as well. Finally, look for
outstanding graphics and a program that offers animation and sound.
After all, computer programs are competing with television for your
child’s attention and interest every day, so they must look and sound as
appealing as possible.

3) Fun Appeal - If kids don’t like a program it doesn’t matter how
educational it is. Again, read reviews to see what other kids and parents
say about it. Also, check to see that the program offers positive feedback
and methods for teaching children that could not be experienced in a
different media (through books or by the teacher at school, for example).

4) Value vs. Cost - Some programs can seem quite expensive, yet
they’re really a good value because they can be used over and over
again (without the child losing interest), plus they teach or reinforce a
variety of skills. Also, most high quality games and actitivites offer a
variety of levels appropriate and interesting for children of many different
ages.

5) Scary Images and/or Violence - Emily J. Johnson, Ph.D, assistant
professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse,
advises parents to “avoid scary images and violent themes found in
some software. Some children have particularly difficult times with scary
images - even if you don’t see them as scary. And regarding violence - it
isn’t that the child will necessarily turn around and become violent, too,
but he/she learns that violence is a way to solve problems. Plus, do you
really want your children ‘killing off bad guys’ just to learn a math
concept, for example?’”

Computer games and activities are quickly becoming part of the
educational experiences at childcare centers and schools across the
country. Talk to your children’s teachers to see which programs they
recommend, and also find out which programs your children are using
at school. There may be other programs you can purchase that would
coordinate well with these.

Donna Nelson, M.Ed., preschool teacher at the Francis Institute Child
Development Center in Kansas City, says, “the best type of computer
programs for young children are ones that offer a child many choices
and many ways to get to the right answer.” And Linda Bell, M.S.,
Coordinator of the Francis Institute, reminds us that “wise parents and
teachers will view computer programs as another tool to use to help
children learn - and not use them as a replacement for other
developmentally appropriate activities.”

Once you get the hang of it, choosing the best software for your kids
shouldn’t be that difficult. It just requires a little time and research.

Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, children’s author, and owner of
the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Find out more about her children’s books at http://www.suzannelieurance.com or read her daily food tips at http://www.threeangelsgourmet.blogspot.com

Performing Magic for Kids Part III - How Your Performing Style Will Make You Rich Or Broke

The most important secret to doing kid’s magic is:

You are not performing for the kids!

You will learn quickly that the most difficult task facing the
children’s performer is to design the show to appeal to children and
adults at the same time and at different levels. No I don’t mean filling
your performance with phrases that have sexual double meanings. Nothing
is more pathetic and unprofessional than the performer that gets a child
on stage and slyly eyes the adults in the crowd and says “Do I have a
big magic wand or what?”

Children’s cartoons provide the best examples of the point I am trying
to make. Take Loony Toons or Spongebob Squarepants for example. These
cartoons work for children and adults on different levels at the same
time. This is what you must achieve to be a successful children’s magician

This is very difficult thing to pull off. This is one of the main
reasons that doing children’s magic is so difficult. You must DESIGN
your show for both audiences. One key to the show design is your
performing personality.

Your Performing Style is Critical to Your Success

When you perform magic for children, you must have a distinctive and
appealing performing personality. Long gone are the days when the
children’s magician can come out on stage in a second hand tux and wow
his audience with a formal magic show. Look at Silly Billy, one of the
most successful children’s magicians. His performing personality is fun
and engaging. His show tone is fast paced and humorous.

Even beyond children’s magic, examine the performing personalities of
children’s television. Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Rodgers, and Peewee Herman
are examples of compelling performing personalities. Each one was
successful, yet, had very different performing personalities. The common
factor was that each performer engaged children through fun.

Your performing personality must engage you audience, children and
adults, with fun and wonderment. You must draw your audience into the
show by your performing personality, but you must wow them with a well
designed show that delivers great magic. This is why doing children’s
magic is so tough.

If you want to start your career in magic as a children’s magician,
think again. Kids are brutally honest. There is nothing tougher or more
satisfying than have a great children’s magic show. Being a children’s
magician is not the best way to become a part-time professional magician.

Copyright © 2005 J.L. Siefers, All rights reserved.

J.L. Siefers has been performing great magic for years. He has written extensively on many topics in magic. He has shown hundreds of people how to successfully learn to do great magic tricks.

Want to learn to do magic? Click now to get your FREE magic tricks! http://www.Learn-Great-Magic-Tricks.com

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Hanukkah The Festival of Lights

Also called Hanukkah and Chanukah, Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It takes place every year in mid to late December. Though the date varies on the western calendar, it always begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. The celebration begins with the menorah, which holds nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles.

The Hanukkah tradition recognizes oil as one of the central themes of Hanukkah, and this is reflected in the foods enjoyed on the holiday, foods like latkes, or potato pancakes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) Cheese Blintzes, and cheeses and dairy products are the staples of the Hanukkah diet, so obviously that would be incorporated into any Hanukkah celebration.

Supplies for traditional Hanukkah games such as the Dreidel Game, in which participants sit in a circle, and are given twenty candy drops (peppermints, special foil-covered chocolates that look like coins, or even pennies) and they spin the Dreidel, a toy that looks like a spinning top, which, alluding to the miracle of Hanukkah, have letters on each side:

Nes (N-miracle), Gadol (G-Great), Haya (H-happened), and Sham (S-there, meaning in Israel).

Each player gets equal amounts of candy or coins. Each player places one in the center, or “pot” and each player will take turns spinning the dreidel. If it lands on Nes, the player gets nothing. If it lands on Gadol, the player gets all the pot, and each player again contributes a candy to allow the game to go on. If it lands on Hey, the player collects half the pot, and everyone contributes again. If it lands on Sham, the player puts one of their candies back into the pot. The player with all the candies, wins the game. If time is a constraint, just give a specific amount of time, and the one with the most pieces wins.

The most important thing about Hanukkah is celebrating the miracle of the menorah, which burned for eight days on enough oil for only one day. That miracle is the basis for the festival of lights, called Hanukkah. Each day of Hanukkah, a candle is lit, progressing until the festival of lights is complete, with all eight candles burning, and one and all giving thanks for the miracles God has given in their lives.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Hanukkah Party Games (Hanukkah-fun.com), holiday party planning tips, trivia, history, recipes, printable activities and free coloring pages.

Candles, Kids and Safety Tips

Those who use candles around the house should train their children how to safely handle or avoid these wax decorator items. Although candles have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, there have been occasional mishaps from fires and burns. Kids need to learn that candles are not toys and must be handled in the proper way.

Never let young children play with candles, even the ones that come on their birthday cakes or holiday decorations. Kids should learn that adults are the ones to handle candles. Touching a lit candle can cause a burn, and if one tips, it could cause a fire. Let your kids know in no uncertain terms that candles are for looking at, not touching.

Don’t leave candles unattended. Children have an uncanny knack for finding the things they shouldn’t, and touching them after being told not to. Some kids will say it was “accident” that they found or handled the lit candles. Others will “borrow” the candles to look at, and then experiment with lighting them in the privacy of their bedroom or another secluded area. Simply put up the candles beyond the reach of small children; older ones probably won’t be interested, or they will be trained well enough to avoid the wax temptations.

At birthday parties or during holiday celebrations when candles are used as part of the decorations or at dinner, explain to older children the safe way of using candles. For example, they should learn how to light, monitor, and extinguish candles of all sizes, from tea lights to dinner candles. Kids should be able to use a lighter safely, along with a candle capper to put out the flame without touching it by hand. Explain what to do when the candle burns down, sputters, drips, tips, or goes out. You don’t want kids taken by surprise if any of these things should happen while an adult is out of the room (hopefully this is a momentary absence).

Train your children in fire safety. Whether a fire should start from a candle or another source, kids need to know what to do in case a fire gets out of control. Remind them of what they probably learned in school (”stop, drop, and roll”) as well as the important facts about leaving the house immediately and meeting at a certain area outside the house to ensure everyone’s safety. A burnt tablecloth or drapery is a small price to pay for the safety of all family members.

Candles are a common source of home decorating today. Families with children should take time to explain the beauty and correct handling of candles that they plan to light for special occasions. Since candle use is one of the leading causes of house fires, it is important for children to understand how dangerous they can be, no matter how innocent they appear. Even if you don’t plan to light your candles, teach your kids how to use them wisely.

For more information on candles and kids, Visit The Candle Case

Santa in Different Countries

It is fascinating to know how Santa Claus makes kids around the world very happy during Christmas. Every wish come true and smiles can be seen from their faces. This happiness may even last for a lifetime. But have you ever thought if Santa has other names? When and how he brings the gifts all over the world?

Every country calls Santa’s in a different name (Father Santa, Kris Kringle, Granfather Frost, etc) and he has unique ways in bringing gifts to the children. Below is the list of countries where Santa is giving away presents.

Known as Santa Claus in Canada, Alaska and US while Kerstman in Netherlands, he loves to bring gifts on a sleigh ride with his reindeers and flies through the sky during Christmas Eve.

In Germany, gifts are given during December by Knecht Ruprecht (on the 6th), Christkind, (on the 24th), Belsnickel and der Weihnachtsmann.

La Befana (Old Witch) is flying on her broomstick to give candies to kids in Italy. This is done on the night before Epiphany.

In France, Pere Noel places the gifts in the shoes that kids have left near a fireplace. This is observed every 6th of December.

Children in Africa hung their stockings where Father Christmas would place their presents during Christmas Eve.

Heiliger Nikolaus (St. Nicholas) give rewards to good children in Austria during December 6. While Christ Child brings gifts during December 24.

It is quite different in Belgium because Pere Noel (St. Nicholas) visits the children twice. First is every December 4 so he’ll find out who have been good and bad among the children. Then good children would receive toys and candies while the bad ones will find twigs on their stockings on December 6.

Santa Clause (Winter-grandfather, Tel-apo or Mikulas) in Hungary has similar practice as in Belgium which is done on the 6th of December.

In Brazil, Papai Noel (Father Noel) who usually wears a silk clothe will bring the gifts for Christmas. However, Latvians believe that Father Christmas brings gifts for 12 starting on the eve of Christmas.

Kids in Sweden will behave all year so that during Christmas, Santa would give them great presents such as toys and candies. They would hang stockings on their Christmas tree. During Christmas Eve Santa will come down the Chimney and put their presents on the stockings underneath the Christmas tree.

St. Nicholas is very popular in Russia because of the miracles that he had performed. A feast is being celebrated every Dec 6. But later on, his identity changed into D’yed Moroz (Grandfather Frost). During January 1 D’yed Moroz (Grandfather Frost) arrives to bring gifts from a Sputnik-drawn sleigh.

UK’s gift giving tradition started in the Victorian era. Santa is known as Father Christmas and children would write letters to him about the presents they want to receive. However, instead of sending the letter, they would burn them because they believe that Father Christmas would be able to determine their wishes through the smoke.

No matter how we call Santa in our country, there is one goal that he always would like to achieve which is to give joy to the kids all over the world and make them feel that the earth is a great place to live.

When We Was Kids in Chicago (part 3)

I have been thinking about those times back in the 70’s in Chicago. We were all out of service, the war was over, and we were coming home in droves. Many guys found out that they had lost their girlfriends, and wives, to the romeo’s who stayed behind, while we served in the military.

I remember how some people reacted to what they had seen and done. Some of it was good and other actions were not so good. It was all the matter of melding back into society. I use that word loosely, because Chicago society, as I knew it was tough and sometimes dangerous.

When I was seventeen I left home for a life of adventure on my own. I moved into a horse stable on Chicago’s far south side. The name was, Sky High Stables on 172nd and Central Ave. In the bunkhouse, we lived with drunks who would make us drive to the liquor store, then threaten us and take our money so they could buy liquor. It didn’t seem that far out of line back then. One might say it was the price of living that adventure.

Every morning we would roll open those huge barn doors, and the smell of horse urine coming from all those poor equines, would almost knock us out. We shovelled and cleaned all those stalls, so the horses could have some kind of good life. That was just one of the two sides of the barn. Fifty horses on the stand stall, and livery side, and about thirty on the high dollar side with box stalls.

Funny thing about that, they all kicked hard and bit viciously, when they were hungry in the morning, and we thought nothing of it. Cleaning all those stalls was an all out assault on the senses and in some case, dangerous to our health. I guess when your a kid, nothing really gets to you that much. At least, not a kid from Chicago.

We threw hay bales during the summer. If you had any fat on you at all, there was none after that excersize. We were fairly strong, now that I look back at it. I remember too, all the big black limosines, rolling down the long road that lead into Sky High. Oh yes, mobsters, coming to see Kenny. The owner, as we all knew was involved with the mob. He would get regular visits and we all knew to keep our distance from the trailer, that he and his wife lived in, just outside the barn, during those meetings.

We would find a good spot, far away from the action, we didn’t even want those tough guys to see us looking at them. We knew that it was the best thing for our health. We just loved the horses, and living with the mob was an everyday thing for us. We all knew gangsters and we all stayed far away from those black clothed drivers, who would lean against the limos, and cross their hands in front of them while waiting for the bosses.

Horses were our lives back then, and we belonged to a click of kids who knew about horses. We had broken even the toughest brutes by sheer terror of getting busted up. We had no finesse or horse sense, everything was brute force and compliance. That is all we knew back then.

As time drew me into its vortex, I started looking for other things in my life, outside the horse arena was a world of interest to me. Most of it was coming from the veteran’s who were coming home, and were having a hard time. My Father, his Father, all my uncles were all veterans of the wars and service. There was never a day in my life when I doubted the thought of anything, other than enlisting in the service.

Lets see, I remember the old timers saying, “ya ain’t a man till ya fought in Japan”. Sheesh how was I gonna follow that up?

All the days of my life, my eyes had beheld these powerful men, all my relatives, wearing khakis, and navy blues, these were the real tough guys in my life. I say those words with real fond memories of these men, who had done things that were not intimated to those, who were not destined to serve. That too was a club of sorts, The Mens Club, and not the one in Houston, Texas.

I want to tell you more of these stories but first, I must think about, how I shall describe these men, and how they dealt with their burdens. Their wives and families had their own crosses to bear while they were gone, and they were strong, and brave. The tears they cried, left indellible wet spots in my mind and wonderous thoughts of those men’s peril, while they faced the ultimate test.

We will talk more later, please come back and read my tales of bravery. All these people deserve to have their stories told because most are no longer here. I will tell those stories as I remember them. With fondness and respect for all. Till next time, these are my thoughts and memories of Chicago.

Life was becoming more serious as the war in Vietnam wore on. We were just doing what we were trained to do.

Labor Day History For Kids

Of all the things our teachers teach our children, they do not often touch on the idea of Labor Day history for kids. How much do our children know about this important holiday? If anything, they only know that it is a holiday for workers, but that is the extent of it in most cases.

The designation of Labor Day as a national holiday prior to the turn of the 20th century is historical enough for our children to know about the history of the holiday, and not just that it is a holiday for working class Americans and Canadians. It is an important part of their heritage as Americans to know that the celebration began in 1882 in New York for those working under labor unions. From its conception in 1882 to its later designation into a national holiday in a bill signed by President Grover Cleveland, it has become an important part of our history.

Some confusion may exist concerning the adoption of the first Monday in September as the official Labor Day celebration. Some sources say it’s to differentiate it from the Socialist Labor Day on May 1st, a date that later became May Day, and others indicate that it was chosen because it is halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Regardless of which version you accept as truth, it is still important to know that Labor Day is not just a holiday to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, nor is its purpose to signify the beginning of autumn and a return to school for our children.

The historical significance lies in the fact that upon its inception, 40 percent of the workforce worked under a labor union, and the holiday was set aside to honor those workers. Currently, about 14 percent of the workforce belongs to a labor union. Although it still holds significance for those older workers and retirees who belong to the labor unions, for most, Labor Day means the unofficial end of summer and a day off from school. Sadly, Labor Day has taken the same road as Memorial Day and is only recognized as important by those who lived in the era that caused its creation.

In future generations, the children will not even know its significance unless we teach them now. Let us not forget the significance of Labor Day and teach our children the struggles their forefathers endured in order to allow the labor force to become one where the average person can earn a decent wage without working 16-20 hours a day six days a week.

Nicola always enjoys celebrating Labor Day and the end of summer. Visit her Labor Day 2006 site for Labor Day party tips and news, information and views at http://labor-day.your-holiday.info

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Your-Holiday.info

From “Are We There Yet” to Are We There Already” Great Travel Toys for Kids

The solution to keeping kids amused and occupied on long car rides can seem as elusive as the perfectly placed pit stop.

Parents of even the smallest of infants will find the perfect travel toys to keep them amused and stimulated in between naps. The irresistible Whoozit Activity Spiral wraps around most stroller and car seat carrier handles for on-the-go fun. A baby safe mirror encourages self-discovery, a hidden rattle reinforces cause-and-effect play, and the pull-and-release ball under the Whoozit makes a delightful jiggling motion that stimulates developing motor skills.

Does your baby love to reach for little toys and give them a good shake - before throwing them under the front seat? Well, Lamaze Garden Bug Foot Finder and Wrist Rattle Set is your solution to keeping those toys and rattles off the car floor. These baby-soft wrist rattles and foot finders slip around wrists and onto feet. Let baby grab and shake to her hearts’ content - while developing hand-to-eye coordination skills! Bright patterns and faces encourage discovery while fun sounds reward exploration.

Now baby can “drive along” just like mom or dad with the Beep Beep Baby Soft Driver by IQ Baby. This colorful, soft activity toy features a steering wheel, key, gear shift - even a cell phone! The colors and contrasts stimulate baby’s visual development, while the baby safe mirror promotes self-recognition. And with all the squeakers, rattles and ratchet sounds, your baby will be kept amused no matter how long the car ride is!

For quiet moments, try keeping an assortment of CD’s to soothe your young ones to sleep on the road. For example, Dreams and Lullabies by Markus is a collection of old favorites like Brahms’ Lullaby and new favorites-in-the-making like the dreamy Angel on my Shoulder.

LeapFrog can make traveling with kids seem like a walk in the park. The Little Touch LeapPad allows your baby to interact with classic stories like Guess How Much I Love You, while the My First LeapPad is perfect for your pre-schooler to learn letters, numbers, shapes and other fundamentals while reading and interacting with engaging stories and familiar characters like Bob the Builder and the Wiggles. You can even coax the Game Boy out of your 4-8 year-old’s clutches when you hand him a Leapster! Boys and girls have a blast reinforcing essential math and language skills while playing games and reading stories with their favorite characters like Spiderman, Junie B.Jones, and Spongebob Squarepants.

Electronic games are sure to be a hit with your school-age travelers. Remember 20 Questions? The the hot new game, 20Q - a small, handheld electronic genius that can guess what you are thinking in 20 questions or less! Just think of any object and answer “yes” or “no” to each of its questions as they appear on its LCD screen. Will 20Q guess your answer? About 95% of the time it will - wow!

Another backseat favorite is MadLibs by Excalibur Electronics. Based on the wildly popular series of activity books, players create the craziest, funniest stories by choosing from a list of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs - or by writing their own. The wackier the better!

Perhaps you have a passenger who is an aspiring chess master. Travel chess sets are a great way to improve your chess game on the road, and the Excalibur Chess Station is the grand champion! This full featured travel unit has an LCD screen - no small pieces to lose - and boasts a 1750 tournament rating with 73 power levels from beginner to advanced. It even has a teaching mode and a series of opening play challenges to sharpen your traveler’s skills. Once you have arrived at your destination or returned home, Excalibur Chess includes a game board and chess pieces for traditional play as well.

So your teenager thinks he knows it all? Test his Quiz Quotient against the New York Times Quizmaster from the famous Noodle Nudger of the NY Times online quiz game. Featuring over 2200 questions in 280 topics, this multiple choice format travel game is perfect for either the solo player or a minivan full of kids (and adults!) to match wits against each other.

Pen and paper games are also essential activities for traveling with kids. Klutz has discovered a new use for your vehicle’s drink-holder - how about Klutz Books in a Cup in either Green or Orange `flavors’? For ages 8 - 10, this unique collection of puzzles and games comes in a reusable container, complete with a pencil and a lid, that fits neatly into a cup holder for easy access and storage. Combine this with the Klutz Kids Travel Book and you have the ultimate backseat survival kit. This super high quality book comes with a built-in clipboard, 100 page notepad, 47 page activity book, and a conveniently attached zipper pouch full of markers, yarn, dice, string and more! Mazes, Cat’s Cradle Loop and instructions, Hidden Pictures, Parcheesi Board, License Plate Bingo and Classic Song Lyrics are just a few of the activities included in this Parent’s Choice Gold Award-winning travel activity kit.

What’s a road trip without a great selection of tunes? Your traveling tots will enjoy Raffi or Disney. For songs in the car that even Mom and Dad will love, check out A Child’s Celebration of Rock and Roll featuring original artists like Bill Haley and the Comets, the Coasters, Bobby Darin, Johnny Otis, Shirley Ellis, and Richie Valens. Modern hit-makers, including Sarah McLaughlan. Billy Bragg, Tom Waits, and the Barenaked Ladies, provide new takes on old childhood classics (and some new ones!) on For the Kids. This alternative-rock CD is perfect for traveling with kids of all ages - even those too-cool tweens who think they have outgrown kids’ music!

You’ll be surprised at how easy your next road trip will be!

Lisa Bronart is freelance writer and homeschool mom and always on the look out for cool stuff for kids- neat travel toys can make a long trip shorter for everyone!

http://www.mastermindtoys.com