Avoid Homework Wars-How to improve your child's after-school routine

Does your child have a problem finishing homework within a reasonable amount of time? Do you have to survive a battle each night? If your child has learning or attention problems, it's likely you have faced such challenges. Adopting these strategies for managing homework effectively can help.

The purpose of homework

Homework gives your child a chance to practice what she's learned in school. It's not supposed to teach new concepts or skills. But often, it's the kids most in need of practice who find homework hard to do.

First, make sure your child understands the assignment and the directions for completing it. If she's having problems with this, schedule a teacher conference to develop a communication system. It might be a homework sheet that the teacher reviews with your child, then sends home for you to sign.

Where is it done - and when?

 For some kids, a small desk where supplies can be stored is best. For others, the kitchen table is perfect. Wherever your child works, check to see that she's sticking to the task, especially if she has problems with concentration.

 Right after school is a good time for some kids to start homework, because the assignment is fresh in their minds. Others need a break before they can tackle more schoolwork. Sports or a parent's work schedule can interfere with a routine. With your child's input, develop two plans: one for the typical day, and one for unusual events. Write the plans down.

 If your child usually resists homework, make sure it doesn't follow an interesting activity, such as playing a computer game. Instead, transition from fun activities to activities that are less enjoyable, and also less difficult, than homework. For example, ask your child to bring in the mail, then ask her to set the table. This is called "behavioral momentum": getting your child to do relatively easy tasks before asking her to do something challenging. Resistance is less likely if the momentum of compliance is built first.

How much time should it take?

If your child has problems focusing, writes slowly, or needs extra time to understand concepts, homework can take a lot longer. No wonder she protests or tries to delay! Be sure the time she devotes to homework is appropriate. Some schools expect 30 to 45 minutes per night in the early grades, one hour in late elementary school, and two hours by middle school. If your child takes longer than the school expects, speak with her teacher about accommodations.

How can parents help?

•Reassure your child that everyone makes mistakes; they are an important part of learning. Ask your child what she finds hard or confusing, and listen to her ideas for making homework easier.

•Break assignments into smaller parts so your child won't feel overwhelmed. For a young child, fold worksheets in half. Have older students highlight sections of the assignment in different colors.

•Communicate progress with a chart. Draw a star when each portion of the homework is finished. When it's all completed, give a high five or a hug.

•Let her choose a fun activity when she's finished.

50-Year-Old Man Turns Teenage Daughter Into Sex Slave, Impregnates Her 3 Times In 5 Years

A 50-year old man, Wale Akanusi, who turned his daughter to a sex slave for five years, was arraigned Thursday before an Apapa Magistrates' Court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

The man allegedly began to defile his daughter, who is now 17 years old, when she was 12 years old, in their Ojo home in Lagos.The victim (name withheld) herself revealed how her father turned her into a sex slave for five years.

She revealed that her father  impregnated her three times and aborted the pregnancies to cover up his act.

The girl told the police that she was turned to a sex slave by Akanusi from 2007 to 2012 and the enslavement ended early this year when she was rescued by the Lagos State Government.

The victim said she suffered the fate after her mother left her father and got married to another man.

She said her father did not re-marry again and relied on her for his sexual satisfaction which she could not resist because of fear.

According to her, "my mom left my dad and got married to another man and after sometime my dad started pestering me for sex at the age of 12 and got me impregnated and forced me to carry out abortion three times."

She said Akanusi warned her not to tell anybody otherwise he would kill her.

She said when she was growing older and she began to realize what was happening to her, she became afraid and restless.

She said this continued until she summoned courage and went to the police station to report the matter.

The police arrested her father, rescued her and she is now in the care of the Lagos State welfare department.

According to a police source, Akanusi ensured that the victim stayed away from neighbours and her friends and warned her not disclose what was going on between them at their Ojo home in Lagos.

Akanusi is facing a two-count  charge of defilement by sleeping with the victim and killing of unborn babies.

When he was arraigned, his plea was not taken.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr O.I. Adelaja ordered him to be remanded in prison custody pending the amendment of the criminal charge against him.

The matter was adjourned till 27 November, 2013 for trial.

Source: PM News

Parents Need Healthy Sex Lives Too

Sex doesn't have to stop or get boring after children, though its pursuit can be challenging.

Many factors mess with parents’ sex lives, wrote Parenting.com.

 These include exhaustion, a light-sleeping child, hormones, lack of time, embarrassment about weight gain, and difficulty shifting gears from parent to lover.

 Despite the challenges, a sex life can be preserved. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy sex life.

 Communication is the key to a healthy sex life, according to About.com. Talk with one another about your expectations concerning lovemaking. False or unmet expectations can hurt your relationship.

 Parenting.com said that if you state explicitly at the start that you love and respect each other, you're both likely to feel more comfortable expressing your feelings.

Have date nights. About.com recommended swapping date nights with other couples. They watch your kids one night for a sleepover, and you watch their kids another night.

Experts agree scheduling regular date nights is a great way to keep the relationship alive, wrote SheKnows.com. When you’re out, try to keep "baby talk" to a minimum, instead focus on each other.

 About.com said that once the two of you become three or more, sex and lust may become less and less spontaneous.

In order to keep your sexual intimacy active, try scheduling sex. That doesn't mean sex won't be just as enjoyable. It just means you have to be a bit more practical.

And while scheduling sex can help, think about it broadly, wrote Parenting.com. If nights out are expensive and infrequent, what about scheduling time in the mornings or during afternoon naptime?

Be specific about what you want and need during sex. Parenting.com said that your body and your life have changed since you had a child.

Maybe there's something in particular you want that you didn’t want before. Just say it: "harder", "softer", "faster", "slower", "touch me here".

PsychologyToday.com recommended trying a little dirty talk to offer more direct suggestions, or to praise previous acts that you’d like repeated. If saying dirty words out loud makes you uncomfortable, start quietly and whisper them to your partner.

Baby-proof your bedroom advised SheKnows.com. Remove baby blankets, toys and other items from of your bedroom, even for just a little while.

PsychologyToday.com reported that research suggests some of the drop in sexual activity comes from a loss of novelty. Shake things up. Change locations, positions, even the music you play.

Keep your eyes open during sex. We deeply connect with one another through eye contact, wrote PsychologyToday.com. Even though it can make us feel vulnerable to maintain an eye-lock during lovemaking, it keeps open the neural circuits necessary for intimacy.

Kerry Washington and Kristin Cavallari Are Pregnant

Oh, baby! Both Kerry Washington and Kristin Cavallari are pregnant and expecting babies with their husbands.

Exclusive: Kerry Washington Pregnant, Expecting First Child with Husband Nnamdi Asomugha

Kerry Washington, like her Scandal alter ego Olivia Pope, sure knows how to keep a secret. The 36-year-old actress, who married NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha in a super covert ceremony in June, has yet another surprise on the way -- a baby! As the new issue of Us Weekly exclusively reveals, the Scandal star is pregnant with her first child.

 

2. Kristin Cavallari Pregnant Again, Expecting Second Baby With Husband Jay Cutler: "We Are So Excited"

Camden Jack is going to be a big brother! Kristin Cavallari and husband Jay Cutler are expecting their second child together, she confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday, Oct. 30. "Thank you for all the love!! We are so excited for Camden to be a big brother!" she tweeted.

 

3. Liberty Ross: Kristen Stewart, Rupert Sanders Affair Was "Horrible"

More than one year after husband Rupert Sanders was caught cheating with Kristen Stewart, Liberty Ross is still trying to cope with life after scandal. The 35-year-old British model speaks out on her now estranged husband's public affair and their subsequent divorce filing in the December issue of Vanity Fair.

Luxurious Wedding Invitations Brides are willing to Fly Halfway around the World For

Lela New York has the most sought after wedding invitations and stationary in the world. Brides have flown halfway around the world to meet for a consultation. The stylish designs have even attracted royalty. High profile publications have featured the company as many have noted the rich elegance of their invitations. I can describe the invitations as nothing other than the best dream a bride could ever have about her wedding invitations. The mesmerizing work put into the invitations shows with intricate detail and unparalleled beauty. Talk about sending out invitations that make a statement; these invites will cause quite the reaction.

The hallmark signature of these unique, couture invitations include hand drawn illustrations, watercolor paintings, silk box invitations, and charming crystal embellishments. The silk invitation boxes are truly special and one-of-a-kind. A box set created for one couple told the story of how they met in NYC and are tying the knot in Rome. You can view the entire romantic story in the photos section. The ‘Luxe’ invitations are a lovely, woven, book style announcement that is bursting with exquisite detail. Lastly, the ‘New York’ style invites are more traditional, printed invitations. The company also provides gorgeous stationary for your big day. Who can ask for anything more? The Lela New York company has made it clear why they are the most sought after luxury stationary company in the world.

Ex-Soldier Beat Daughter To Death With Nail-Studded Plank For Hissing While He Talked

Maybe it divine intervention ,maybe not but  John Udin, a retired soldier may likely spend the rest of his life in jail if he doesn't go to the gallows for clubbing his 14- year old daughter, Glory to death. John 72, from Jesse, Warri in Delta State was discharged from the Nigeria Army in 1999 as a corporal. He has 11 children from three wives. Two of the wives and seven children are in Jesse, while he resides at 28 Adewale Street, Iba New Site, Ojo, Lagos with the youngest wife, Comfort and four children in a two-room apartment.

Last Tuesday, what started as minor family quarrel turned fatal. On that fateful evening, while Comfort, Glory and the three other children were preparing for evening church service, it was alleged that John came to the front of their compound and sat down. As his family members wanted to leave for church, it was further alleged that he blocked the entrance and said they won't go because they lack the character of good Christians.

According to John, his daughter Glory, a secondary school student didn't have an iota of respect for him. "Whenever I tried to counsel or advise her as a beloved father, she would make ignoble and despicable signs to show an extreme disdain and contempt she has for me. These are the things she copied from her mother.

"Sometimes she would go to another family's house to sleep or she did something not of good report, when I tried to caution her, she would talk to me or demonstrate with a sign that shows an utter contempt."

As John prevented them from going to church, he accused Glory of making the same derogatory sign to show her contempt for him. This was said to have provoked the ex-soldier who dragged Glory to their bedroom where he allegedly beat her with a nail-studded plank.

According to Comfort, her husband didn't allow their daughter any medical assistance. "I went and called a nurse who came and started treating her. When she was not improving, my husband took her to a hospital where she died" Comfort said.

 

Glory died last Sunday five days after the incident.

 

Speaking to Saturday Sun, John in a sober mood, wondered why he should kill his own daughter and heaped the blame on Satan.

 

"I am not crazy to give birth to a child and at the same time kill the child. I don't have mother or father, my children are everything to me. So why should I kill her? My intention was to hit the plank on her back for her just to receive the pain and nothing more but it landed on her forehead.

 

"When my wife went and reported the matter at the police station, I didn't wait for the police to come and arrest me. I went to the police and submitted myself to them. That will show that I didn't have the intention of killing my dear daughter. If I meant to kill her as my wife is accusing me of, I would probably run away or went into hiding."

 

On what that type of dangerous weapon was doing in his bedroom, John said that he is a security man and that was one of his tools to defend himself and attack robbers.   He accused his wife of encouraging Glory the way she was misbehaving.

 

His wife, who by her name, should be providing comfort for him is now calling for the full weight of the law to be visited on him.

 

"He deliberately killed my daughter and so he should also be killed the same way", she declared. On how he met Comfort, John said that Comfort's father though late was his friend and also a retired soldier.

 

According to him, after his disengagement from the military, he took his two wives and seven children to his  village, Jesse. After staying at home for a while, he said life at the village didn't suit him and so opted to come back to Lagos, but his wives and children said they were not going with him and preferred to stay in the village.

 

" It was when I came to Lagos and started visiting Comfort's father, my friend by then he was still around and I started going closer to Comfort and one thing led to another  and she became pregnant

Source: Sun Newspapers

 

Prince George's Christening Set For Wednesday October 23rd, 2013

 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced the timings of their son's christening on 23 October. The baptism of Prince George will take place at 15:00 BST in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace and last about 45 minutes, Kensington Palace said. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, will perform the christening at the private service. The prince, who was born on 22 July at St Mary's Hospital in London, is third in line to the throne. High-ranking royal babies including the Queen, the Prince of Wales and Prince William have been christened at Buckingham Palace in the recent past. Princess Beatrice was the last royal baby to be christened at the Chapel Royal, in December 1988.

In 1997 the coffin of Prince William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales, lay before the chapel's altar before her funeral in Westminster Abbey. The Chapel Royal is also where Queen Victoria was married in 1840. The chapel was originally constructed by Henry VIII when he built St James's Palace. A number of alterations were carried out in 1836, with the current oak panelling dating from this time. In 1876, replica pews were installed to replace decayed Tudor ones. Prince George will be christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841. The Earl and Countess of Wessex's son Viscount Severn became the first royal baby to wear the new robe at his christening in 2008 The guest list for the christening has not been released but Kensington Palace has said "close members of both families" will attend.

The names of Prince George's godparents are also yet to be announced .Following the christening, a picture will be released showing the Queen with three future monarchs - Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George.The last time such a gathering of a monarch and her three heirs occurred was in Queen Victoria's time.

That photograph, taken at the christening of the future Edward VIII in July 1894 showed the royal baby with his father, later George V; grandfather, the future Edward VII; and great grandmother, Queen Victoria. Meanwhile, the Royal Mint is to create a set of commemorative coins to mark the christening .

Gifts for Women

When you need to please a special #woman in your life, you don’t have to follow many techniques and worry much about her mood or what will make her relax. Try your own taste depending on her romantic nature to provide the most beautiful gifts, yet the simplest ones that won’t screw your budget. As #women get satisfied with any thoughtful gift, try to bring her a nice bracelet, a pink mobile cover, an elegant keychain, high heel shoes, makeup kits or any similar stuff that suits her mood. Some women like practical stuff like coffee kits, travel kits, body care products, and kitchen stuff. The simplest thing that you can do for her is bring a delightful drink with a chocolate box and a delicate floral bouquet. Make sure to focus on her taste in the general things to be able to choose what suits her.

Any woman will be satisfied with lingerie; however, some working women would prefer a spa basket where you provide her with some of the best relaxation and enjoyment tools to care about herself and her body. Spa baskets are not all alike of course; you can buy a spa basket from the body care and cosmetic store or try the online shops. If you know your wife/ girlfriend’s needs well, try to make her a spa basket by yourself. Include bubbling salts, scented candles, body lotions, and a shower gel with oak and lavender scents, body scrubs, facial cleaners, and her favorite tea/ drink so that she can relax after her bath. You may also buy her an electronic shopper, to allow her to organize her shopping list and budget, or try the beach kit, the lady-shaving kit and her styling tools. For a more precious #gift, all jewelry and diamonds are irresistible to any lady; such gifts will really make her adore you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annie Idibia proves you can be pregnant & sexy (Photos)

Its official. I've never seen a happier pregnant woman than Annie. She is obviously enjoying herself and is glowing. She was at her daughter Isabella's school for their Parent meeting/cocktail and was looking all swagged up.

Recall her look to the Elite Model search below? STUNNING.

 

Exotic Family Vacation

Traveling on exotic family vacation destinations is much easier than you’d think, and far more rewarding than parking your family at the beach. In addition to expanding children’s awareness and deepening their curiosity by exposing them to different cultures and parts of the world, family adventure vacations to far-flung destinations strengthen family ties and create memories you’ll share around the dinner table for decades to come.

Family Vacation Destinations

 

Here are a few of our favorite family vacation destinations and family travel experiences:

•Many children are intrigued by Dubai’s impressive indoor ski slopes, but we recommends skipping the lengthy lines and exploring one of Abu Dhabi’s true gem’s instead—the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is a true landmark of the region and has endless cool corners to explore top to bottom, from admiring the world’s largest (and 24-carat gold plated) chandelier to world’s biggest carpet and refreshing air-conditioned marble floors.

•China wows people of all ages and is an outstanding family vacation destination. From Shanghai’s glittering skyline to the crumbling splendor of the Great Wall, and Sichuan’s Panda Sanctuary, this is a place for a family adventure vacation that will amaze everyone.

 

* Thailand is an endlessly and deservedly popular family vacation destination because it has bright cities, fabulous beaches, thick jungles, and locals who just love children. One particularly rewarding family activity in Thailand is volunteering or staying at an elephant reserve, where you can feed orphaned babies and help them bathe in the nearby river. You will be  allowed to meet the reserve’s founder, and learn firsthand about their efforts.

FAMILY TOUR OF CHINA

People of all ages are wowed by China, whose imperial monuments like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall inspire awe with their size and splendor, and whose iconic Panda bears inspire an entirely different kind of “aww.” On this trip, you’ll explore natural wonderlands like Yangshuo and Longsheng, whose rice terraces are the most intense green we’ve ever seen, modern marvels such as Shanghai’s glittering skyscrapers, and give everyone in your family memories to cherish forever.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO....
With its larger-than-life monuments and rich cultural history, China is a truly exciting destination for the whole family. This tour focuses on activities that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and all accommodations have been carefully chosen with families in mind. Start in Beijing, where highlights include visits to the remote Jin Shan Ling section of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as a stroll through the old maze-like hutongs for a glimpse at how most urban Chinese families once lived. From Beijing, fly to Chengdu to see the impressive work being done by scientists trying to save the pandas at the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center. After Chengdu, head to leafy Guilin and spend a day sailing down the Li River, which is framed by ghostly limestone karst formations. And though the drive is long, we encourage families to spend one of their days in this area at the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where the hillsides have been painstakingly cultivated into a breathtaking landscape. From Guilin, fly to Shanghai, an ultra-modern city that offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s future. Watch the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats perform their magnificent gymnastic feats, enjoy the view from one of the city’s tallest buildings, and walk through one or two of the charming water towns that lie on Shanghai’s outskirts.

FAMILY TOUR OF JAPAN

WHY YOU SHOULD GO......

If you want to turn your kids into lifetime travelers, take them to Japan—they go crazy for this country, and their interest in seeing the world immediately grows. Futuristic, friendly Tokyo is a feast for the senses. They’ll love slurping up bowls of ramen and taking in the neon wonder of Sega Joyopolis, a video game theme park. Everyone will relish Japan’s historic sites, such as Kamakura’s towering Buddha, and will be thrilled when they explore Kyoto’s ancient castles and temples, and take a cable car ride up Mt. Fuji.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Start this tour in energetic Tokyo. Privately guided family-oriented activities include a ride to the top of the Tokyo Tower, a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and nearby Nakamise-dori, a street selling traditional Japanese toys, dolls, kimonos, and snacks. Stop by Sega Joyopolis video game center on the futuristic island of Odaiba. Excursions include the religious center of Nikko and Edo Wonderland, an educational theme park. Continue to Kamakura to see the imposing Great Buddha, and then tour the Hakone region near Mt. Fuji. There will be a ropeway ride with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), a cruise on the lake, and a walk amid the geysers. Overnight in a Japanese tatami room at a traditional Japanese inn. Journey by bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and its educational museum. There will also be a scenic excursion to nearby Miyajima Island, famous for the huge torii gate rising out of the sea at the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine. Next visit Himeji-jo, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, and then continue on to Kyoto. Enjoy a cultural performance and tempura dinner in the Gion district, tour the major temples, and climb up the Fushimi-Inari shrine, a mountain covered with red torii gates. While in Kyoto, take a daytrip to the ancient capital of Nara.

 

Family Vacation to Dubai & Oman

 

Why You Should Go

Start this exhilarating family vacation in the high-flying skyscrapers of Dubai and set out on a whirlwind adventure through Wadi Wadi Water Park and the glitzy Nad Al Sheba Club, and onto a dhow ride through Dubai’s historic past. Continue on to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa for 4x4 desert tours and sunsets along the dunes. End your tour seaside in one of Oman’s most elegant resorts along the Gulf of Oman, from which you can visit the local souq, explore Al Alam Palace, and embark on a dolphin-watching excursion

What To Expect: Oman & Dubai Travel Tour Highlights

With high-flying skyscrapers, expansive deserts, and pristine beaches, this tour combines a diverse array of activities that will entrance and exhilarate your entire family! Begin in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city that has risen from the sand to become one of the most important economic hubs in the world. Set out on a whirlwind adventure where your family will discover the modernity of Dubai, with stops at the Wadi Wadi Water Park and the Nad Al Sheba Club, home to the world’s richest horse race. Dubai also has a long history and visits to its monumental mosques and ride on a traditional dhow will provide insights into its fascinating past. Continue your adventure by heading to the desert for a stay at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Here, your family will set out in the resort’s 4WD vehicles for a heart-thumping ride through the desert, concluding with a sunset dinner in the dunes. While the kids take advantage of Sinbad’s Kid’s Club, parents can take in a relaxing treatment at the Satori Spa. End your trip in Oman at Shangri-La’s Bar Al Jissah Resort, right on the Gulf of Oman. The traditional lifestyle of the Omani people is on proud display, and you will have the opportunity to visit the local souq and fish market, Al Alam Palace, and many more impressive sites. Conclude your trip with a dolphin-watching excursion and a relaxing afternoon on the shore.