13Aug2018
Kids Development
|
, , , , ,
August 13, 2018

via Inc.: Becoming a full-time inventor takes commitment. Most ideas-even great ones-just aren’t brought to market that quickly. Any inventor will tell you that it can sometimes feel as though you’re waiting and waiting.

But I think it’s worth it. After all these years, I still think of product development as having an element of magic. The joy I feel when an idea I dreamt up is actually brought to life is unparalleled. Thankfully, between the advent of new avenues to market like crowdfunding and the expansion of open innovation, becoming a full-time inventor is easier than it ever has been.

Living the licensing lifestyle has been incredibly rewarding. If you want it to be yours, follow these steps.

1. Don’t quit your day job just yet. First, you need to understand that product development happens relatively slowly. The fastest I have ever seen a product brought to market from initial conception is six months. Two years is a more realistic time frame. So the question becomes, how are going to support yourself during that time?

Chuck Lamprey quit his job in computer science to begin inventing full-time five years ago and has since brought five ideas to market. He cautions others against following his lead though, because he says he underestimated how long it would take him to start earning royalties.

“Ultimately, I was successful, but the runway was much longer than I anticipated,” Lamprey explained. “It took me a while to familiarize myself with the industry and to get to know people.”

The way Keith Mullin-an inventor who has brought dozens of SKUs to market via licensing-sees it, becoming a full-time inventor requires a willingness to make sacrifices.

“When I had a regular job,” he said, “I would invent on nights, weekends, and holidays.” That kind of dedication doesn’t leave much time for relationships or hobbies.

2. Find a mentor. There are a lot of resources available for inventors and entrepreneurs. You can find an inventors group. You can read books. (I’ve written a few!) But if you want to progress quickly, the best thing you can do is learn from someone who has been there. Having someone to run your questions by and help keep you focused is invaluable.

3. Consider joining a startup (particularly if you’re young). I learned more about business during the two years I worked at Worlds of Wonder in the mid ’80s than I have doing anything else. Because we were always short-staffed, I got to take part in projects I never would have been able to otherwise. It was like I was getting paid to learn.

4. Stick to one or two industries in particular. For the most part, the full-time inventors I know focus on depth rather breadth, which makes a lot of sense. Honing in on a few industries allows you to develop expertise and familiarity. The more you know about an industry, the more easily you will be able to identify opportunities for innovation. And if you keep submitting ideas to the same companies, they will begin to know you and respect you as a professional.

For example, all of the ideas Lamprey has licensed are for the pet industry. As a result, he’s developed a rapport with several companies. He thinks potential licensees look at submissions from inventors whose names they recognize more seriously.

“If a company doesn’t like my idea, I ask, ‘Can you think of another company that might?'” Lamprey said. “More often than not, the company provides me with a few names and even contact information.” Befriending other inventors who share his same interests has also been beneficial to him.

One way or another, successful inventors capitalize on the power of their relationships-and relationships take time.

5. Understand and embrace that licensing is a numbers game. Before he set out to become a full-timer, Mullin studied the professional inventors he knew and quickly observed that they all had multiple deals going on.

“There seemed to be a magic number, and that was six. Professional inventors seemed to have at least six royalty-producing licenses at any given time,” Mullin explained. “Sure, you hear stories about fantastic one-hit wonders-but those are rare.” He knew then that he was going to need to have many ideas.

6. Develop thick skin. You’re going to be told no. In fact, your ideas are going to be rejected over and over again. I like to joke that I could paper the walls of my home many times over with all of the rejection letters I have received. All of which is to say: You must learn not to take it personally. If you’re committed to becoming a professional, it’s more important than ever that you find a way to hold on to your creativity and love of wonder in the face of adversity.

7. Be persistent. As Lamprey put it, “Fail early and fail often.” If you want to become a professional, you must be able to abandon an idea that isn’t working out and quickly head back to the drawing board. Your goal is to test your ideas quickly, not let them linger for years.

“You can’t spend too much time or money on one idea,” he said. “If no one is interested, you need to move on. And that can be really hard, because our ideas become our babies. You don’t want to throw away your baby. But you have to be brutally honest with yourself.”

Mullin agreed that the challenge is having the staying power to break through the walls of resistance in doing something new.

I also want to add that you must do these things yourself. Be wary of any middleman who promises you success.

Do you have what it takes?

12Aug2018
Kids Development
|
, ,
August 12, 2018

via bluestone: The 12th of August is the official day of the middle child. We couldn’t let the day go by without celebrating what makes them great! Here are 8 traits that prove it pays to be the middle child:

1. Exceptional negotiators
It isn’t unusual for a middle child to become a master of negotiation. Without the leverage of being “the oldest” or “the youngest”, they will often use the art of negotiation to get their own way.

2. Great leaders
Historically, middle children have proven to be very successful leaders. Did you know that 52% of all US presidents have been a middle child? That includes former presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy!

3. Admirably empathetic
The experience of being both a younger and older sibling makes it easier for middle children to emphasise. This often makes them the peacemaker or “glue” that holds the family together.

4. Beautifully Creative
It’s not uncommon for a middle child to look for adventurous ways to express themselves. This often leads them to becoming very creative and innovative people.

5. Refreshingly Laid back
By the time the second child comes along, parents are often more comfortable with their parenting style. This often makes for a more relaxed upbringing and a “laid back” second child.

6. Inspiringly Open Minded
Closeness to an older and younger sibling allows them to engage with different interests and opinions from an early age. This exposure leads them to become more accepting and open minded individuals.

7. Amazingly Ambitious
Middle children will often strive for greatness and grow into very ambitious adults. Just ask co-founder of Microsoft and number 1 on the Forbes rich list; Bill Gates!

8. Wonderfully Independent
Whilst the oldest and youngest siblings are used to getting the most attention, middle children become fiercely independent and capable.

So that’s our 8 traits that make middle children so great! Of course there are many more but next time you hear the term “middle child syndrome”, you’ll know that it is in no way an insult!

11Aug2018
Kids Development
|
, , ,
August 11, 2018

via msn: August 12 marks National Middle Child Day in the U.S. Read on for some fun facts about middle children.

A 1966 study published in The Journal of Genetic Psychology claimed that middle children are very adaptable by nature, which makes them great in group activities.

While collating the data of a youth survey, researchers at the University of Colorado Denver found that middle (and last-born) kids have it easy from their parents, which in turn makes them risk-takers. In comparison, parents are always more strict with their firstborn.

Middle kids tend to be independent from an early age, which makes them successful in later life. A bit of trivia: of all American presidents, 52 percent have been middle children.

Middle children are great negotiators. A study conducted by Jason Kaufman and Daniel Eckstein in 2012 on the role of birth order in personality found that since middle kids usually have to find a way out between the oldest and youngest children from early on, they turn out to be articulate in proving their point.

A study published in the Journal of Individual Psychology in 2009 stated that middle kids are almost always attracted to other middle children.

The same study also found that middle children have healthier and happier relationships, both with their romantic partners and friends.

Guided by self-motivation, middles turn out to be quite ambitious in life, according to Catherine Salmon and Katrin Schumann in the book, “The Secret Power of Middle Children: How Middleborns Can Harness Their Unexpected and Remarkable Abilities.”

Middle kids learn to set realistic expectations since they often have to make an extra effort to draw attention toward them.

Middle kids are also more responsible. While parents tend to devote more time to their first- and last-borns, the middle children pick up tricks on their own, which make them take control of their lives.

The behavior of the middle child is directly linked to the firstborn’s actions. Author Kevin Leman of “The Birth Order Book” states, “Once a role is filled by the firstborn, the second-born will seek out a role that’s completely the opposite.”

Middles have a knack of handling any kind of conflict. They use their negotiating skills to come out of any tricky situation with ease.

Middle kids turn out to be empathetic, since they learn to compromise at an early age. Amy McCready, in her book “If I Have to Tell You One More Time,” states that middles often feel more motivated by justice rather than money.

As parents, middles have a great relationship with their kids. They know how to walk the balance between rules and freedom.

Career-wise, middles tend to be proficient as teachers, social workers, diplomats, actors and defense lawyers.

Since they are always surrounded by family, middle kids are less likely to suffer from any kind of emotional disorders, according to a 2013 study conducted by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.

10Aug2018
Kids Craft, Kids Development
|
, , ,
August 10, 2018

via Cosy Project: Between 10 and 15 per cent of the population is left-handed, and most tools, utensils and other industrial and household items are designed to suit right-handed users. We can’t help with kettles and power drills, but read on to find out how to embroider, sew, knit, crochet, cut and iron as a left-handed crafting guru.

Some stitches are worked the same with either hand: detached chain (lazy daisy) stitch, glove stitch, feather stitch and some others that are worked in vertical lines. Many stitches are simply flipped 180 degrees: a leftie begins lines of running stitch, backstitch or chain stitch at the left end of the line instead of the right. Stitches worked the other way, such as herringbone and blanket stitch, are worked right to left instead of left to right.

There might not be left-handed needles, but the twist in some threads determines how they should be worked, meaning that left-handers can’t simply mirror-reverse all the stitch diagrams. A few stitches even work better turned 90 degrees from the right-handed instructions — it’s complicated, isn’t it?

Embroidery guide for left-handers

Previous generations of lefties were just told to turn the book upside down, but this was simplistic and encouraged a clumsy, inefficient stitching action. Fortunately, there’s now some expert help available to guide them through the myriad embroidery stitches used in surface stitchery, counted thread and other styles of embroidery.

The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion (2010) by Yvette Stanton is a comprehensive manual, depicting the stitches step by step in clear diagrams as well as in photographs with a brief description of the right-handed versions for reference. (She’s also published an equivalent book for right-handers – both are highly recommended. They are available from craft book stores or directly from Yvette.)

Judith Baker-Montano’s 1995 title, Elegant Stitches, has a chapter on left-handed stitches. She covers a good range of basic embroidery stitches with a particular emphasis on silk ribbon. The book is widely available in hardback and as an e-book.

Sewing

There are no left-handed sewing machines as such, but some are more user-friendly than others. Manipulating complicated controls or overly detailed touch screens can be difficult with your non-dominant hand or clumsy if you try to work across your body with your left hand. When you are shopping for a new machine, spend plenty of time trying out the controls on several different makes and models before making a decision.

Are sewing machines left-handed? It’s certainly true that some current industrial models as well as many early sewing machines require the needle to be threaded left to right and the bobbin to be loaded from the left. We haven’t been able to verify the reason for this, but it’s believed that one of the inventors of the sewing machine, Elias Howe, was himself a left-hander.

Knitting and crochet

Both hands play important roles in knitting, so many left-handers simply knit right-handed. It might also be because they were taught by their right-handed mothers or grandmothers. These days, you can view Youtube videos of nearly anything you want to learn, including excellent tuition in left-handed traditional and continental knitting styles.

Crochet is very different. It requires quite complicated manipulation of the hook with the working stitch and yarn while the non-working hand merely holds the yarn taut and supports the work. Ideally for crochet, one should learn from (and teach) a person of the same lateral dominance. Failing that, Youtube provides detailed step-by-step guidance. The low-tech alternative is to observe a right-hander crocheting in a mirror.

Cutting

Scissors

True left-handed scissors have the blades arranged differently from right-handed and ambidextrous scissors. Many scissors that are marketed as left-handed merely have the handles shaped accordingly, but the blades are arranged as for right-handed scissors. So-called ambidextrous scissors have neutral shaping on the handles with right-handed blades.

The main advantage of true left-handed scissors is that lefties can see the line they are cutting along. The upper blade of right-handed scissors conceals the line when they are used in the left hand, making for messy or inaccurate cutting. In addition, the action of left-handed blades is quite different from right-handed blades in your hand and if you’ve always used the latter, it might be quite hard to adapt. If you’ve got a left-handed child or grandchild, supply them with true left-handed scissors from their very first pair – their cutting will be better because they can see where they are going and the action will be more ergonomic for them.

True left-handed dressmaker’s scissors, embroidery and other specialist scissors, including ones for children, are available from scissor suppliers, but probably not from your local craft shop, nor in the broad range of styles, brands and colours available to right-handers.

Rotary cutters

Many rotary cutters are symmetrical and work equally well in either hand while others are shaped to work in one hand only. Some of these, such as the Olfa deluxe and Fiskars models, are easily reassembled for left-handed use while the Martelli ergo cutters come in right- and left-handed versions. Of course, left-handers also need to arrange the fabric and ruler on their cutting board in reverse of right-handers — something to keep in mind if you are working from a photographic tutorial or in a class with a right-handed teacher.

Ergonomics

When you are setting up the various workstations in your craft room, think about the way you do things when arranging the relevant components. For example, position task lighting on your right when you are embroidering or quilting so you are not working in your own shadow.

Set up the ironing board to the left of the sewing machine for pressing patchwork seams as you go. If you are fitting out a studio from scratch, even the location of power outlets and switches can be optimised. If you work with pencils or paints and paper at the design stage, position the paper to the right of the equipment so you aren’t reaching across your work to pick up the eraser or wash a brush.

If you work digitally, you’d have the Wacom drawing tablet to the left of the keyboard. Many lefties also convert their mouse to work in their dominant hand. You can lessen the inconvenience and irritation of right-handed equipment with thoughtful planning and design.

Ironing

These days, most irons have the cord anchored at the centre, not at one side. Left-handers should avoid irons with side-mounted cords as they always get in the way and flex sharply, causing them to break down quickly. That said, it doesn’t mean that most irons suit either hand equally well. Like kettles, they may only have a water window on one side and the controls may favour right-handers too.

A basic ironing board is a symmetrical shape and can be turned either way, but most models with iron stands, cord holders or shaped legs are only suited to right-handers. The lever for collapsing the board or adjusting the height is also inconveniently located for a leftie. In a household of both dexterities, the ironing-board set-up can be a source of conflict. If you have the space, position the board at 90 degrees to the wall so that a user can stand at either side.

If you are considering the purchase of an ironing system (comprising a powerful steam-iron head connected to a boiler mounted in the board framework), examine it very carefully from a left-handed perspective before buying.

8Aug2018
Kids Development
|
, ,
August 8, 2018

via Science of People: In today’s “did you know?”, we’re exploring the science of handedness. Watch the video or read below to find out more:

Researchers believe that our handedness (tendency to be right or left-handed) is determined in the womb. The majority of humans are right-handed (a whopping 85-90%) and this makes sense– our right hand is controlled by the left hemisphere of the brain which is responsible for speech and writing. The right hemisphere of the brain controls the left hand and is associated with creativity and imagination. Does this mean left-handed people are more creative than right-handed? It’s possible. Let’s dive into the science of handedness a bit more:

The Science:
Scientists at the Universities of Oxford, St Andrews, Bristol and the Max Plank Institute in Nijmegen, the Netherlands have researched how handedness and our genetic code align. Their research revealed that a specific network of genes are likely associated with determining whether someone will be right- or left-handed. This determination happens in the womb before a baby is even born. Scientists have isolated the gene PCSK6, a gene “intimately involved in turning a spherical ball of equally oriented cells into an embryo that has discernible left and right sides.” According to an article in Time,

Researchers do offer caution that genes may only be one component of dexterity. The role of behavior and training may also contribute to which hand a child prefers, another example of the fascinating combination of nature and nurture.

The Brain:
Our brains are designed in an asymmetrical manner meaning that the right and left sides are responsible for different things. Just like you may be responsible for dishes and your partner is responsible for taking out the trash, the right hemisphere of the brain controls most emotional functions and the left hemisphere manages many thinking and intellectual skills.

We learned above that the use of the left hand is managed by the right side of the brain, the moods and emotional side. One study found that lefties may be more prone to depression and negative emotions since this side of their brain is activated more regularly.

Another study furthered this idea of our handedness and brain being interconnected. Researchers asked a group of right-handed participants to clench their right fist before memorizing a group of words. Remember, movement of the right hand signals the left side of the brain to ‘turn on’. These participants performed significantly better in recalling the memorized words than their counter-parts, a group of right-handers who clenched their left fists before memorization.

Dr. Daniel Geschwind, professor of psychiatry, neurology and human genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles says that while the majority of right-handers process language in the left-hemisphere, lefties have an equal distribution of this skill across their brains. This lack of asymmetry leads to more random and less specified skills. This wide distribution has a health benefit– if a left-handed person has a stroke on the left side of the brain (the language processing side), they tend to recover more quickly since their language processing skills are dispersed across the brain. There is a disadvantage, however. “Having more distributed language abilities probably makes the system more complicated, so it may increase the susceptibility to developmental [abnormalities] and neurodevelopmental disorders,” says Geschwind.

This begs a chicken or the egg type of question. Is the brain’s tendency toward asymmetry based on handedness or does the layout of the brain veer someone toward a preference? Geschwind believes this all may happen together: “Left-handedness is a marker for how the brain is organized in a more symmetric than less symmetric way.”

Caveman Hands:
Right-hand majority isn’t a trending topic. As humans, we’ve been using our right-hand as the dominant choice for over 500,000 years. And interestingly, this fact is determined by caveman teeth.

Dental records of our hunting and gathering ancestors were studied by researchers at the University of Kansas. They found that when our great, great, great- (and on and on) grandfathers processed animal hides, they would hold one side of the carcass in their hand and the other in their mouth. Scientists reviewed the wear and tear on fossilized caveman teeth to determine the dominant hand used.

According to researcher David Frayer, Ph.D, “All you need to have is a single tooth, and you can tell if our assumptions are right — if the individual is right- or left-handed.” They found that similarly to today, most of the records showed a dominant right hand.

And how about other species? Research has found that other mammals, including gorillas and chimpanzees exhibit the use of a dominant hand. David P. Carey, a neuropsychologist at Bangor University in the United Kingdom says that even dogs have a preferred paw. “Your dog is one-pawed,” said Carey. “If you force a dog to reach for a toy through an aperture, it will tend over many trials to use one paw over the other.”

Famous Lefties:
Lefties or ‘southpaws’ may be in the minority, but there are several famous ones you may have heard of. President Obama, anyone? Yep, he’s a leftie. Several past Presidents made the list as well:

  • Bill Clinton
  • George H.W. Bush
  • Gerald Ford
  • Harry S. Truman
  • James A. Garfield

Some of your favorite musicians and actors may be the elusive leftie too. Here’s a few we found:

  • Kurt Cobain
  • Judy Garland
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Paul McCartney
  • Tim Allen
  • Carol Burnett
  • Robert DeNiro
  • Nicole Kidman

And check out this awesome infographic on left-handers (click to expand):

7Aug2018
Kids Development
|
, , ,
August 7, 2018

via Reader’s Digest: Only 10 percent of the population is left-handed. While there may not be many of them, being left-handed sure does come with some surprising perks!

Being a lefty may help you succeed in leadership roles

“When I was at Columbia Law School, which is one of the most elite schools in the country, we noticed that a large proportion of the class was left-handed,” says Robert S. Herbst a left-handed attorney, wellness expert, motivational speaker, and powerlifter. “This made sense as left-handed people are right brained meaning they are more creative, analytical, verbal, and have better language skills, all of which are traits necessary to being a good lawyer.” Herbst was also an Eagle Scout: “I have met a number of left-handed Eagle Scouts, including Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire and former New York City mayor. Perhaps being right brained and left-handed also gave us the leadership ability, discipline, and ambition to excel even at an early age.”

Lefties earn more

In a study published in Laterality, Christopher Ruebeck, PhD, an economist at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, found that lefties earn slightly more money than their right-handed peers who work at the same jobs. These results were most pronounced in left-handed college-educated men, Ruebeck says, who, on average, earn 15 percent more than righties. Here are other myths about lefties you need to stop believing.

Lefties often learn to be ambidextrous

“Over the years I have found myself learning to be ambidextrous simply because I had to,” says Ernestine Sclafani, a public relations specialist in Los Angeles. “The world is geared towards being right-handed: buttons on jackets, jeans, doorways, desks in school.” Certain activities also were made easier by switching the hands. “Learning to play golf was much easier being a right-handed person than left,” she says. Today, there’s more awareness of lefties and more products and activities that accommodate them. But being ambidextrous is certainly a good skill to have.

Left-handedness lets you stand out

“I remember back in high school a friend had told me that being a lefty was going to be made into a handicap,” says Danielle Becker, a mixed media artist and the founder of Leftys Right Mind. “Besides being the only one in class with the side of their hand completely covered in pencil, I never felt being a lefty inhibited me from excelling in my work, let alone hold me back in life. In fact, I believe it sets me apart from the rest. I cherish the fact that I am a lefty. My left hand has guided me over the years to find my passion and to be able to live my dream as a professional designer.” She credits her creativity—her work as an artist—to being a lefty. “I thrive in the creative world. My wide array of talents across multiple platforms is rooted in (lefty) hands-on art making and a commitment to unbound creativity.”

It’s a great conversation starter

“I’m a lefty and find that, strangely, people often notice,” says Ingrid Hansen, a publicist at Launch Media. “It’s a great conversation starter when they do.” Also, she finds that many lefties are introverted, which actually led her to her career. “As an introvert, I’ve created a successful company that coaches other introverts, including lefties, on speaking to the media.” Find out other benefits of being an introvert.

While it’s not always easy, the challenges can make you stronger

“While I cherish my creativity, I do find it difficult to live in a right-handed world,” says Kim Murphy, a left-handed author in Batesville, Virginia. “For instance, when I go to the library for research, there are rarely any computers set up for lefties. Garden equipment, such as weed whackers, can be downright dangerous for me to use. Still, I love being different.” Having to overcome obstacles, and always challenging yourself, ultimately makes you a stronger person. She, too, credits her left-handedness to her creative spirit. “Because I’m an author, I have met many authors and artists over the years and a higher percentage of the artists I have met are left-handed.”

Lefties are more likely to think outside the box

According to the American Psychological Association, 10 percent of the population is left-handed. And according to a study in the Journal of Mental and Nervous Disease musicians, painters and writers were significantly more likely to be left-handed. Brain hemisphere specialist Michael Corballis, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, points out that just as information is prone to errors as it traverses between brain hemispheres, it’s also more likely to encounter novel solutions. Righties might dismiss an idea as too radical, but lefties might be able to develop a solution that a right-hander’s brain would skip right over. “It’s good to have a few people in any society who think outside the square,” Corballis says. Handedness aside, these are 10 things all highly creative people have in common.

You are in good company with these left-handed presidents

There have been eight presidents who have been lefties, including James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

You’re likely to find lefties in your extended family tree

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, multiple factors including genetics, environment, and chance determine whether a person is left-handed. It was initially thought that a single gene controlled handedness, however recent studies suggest that multiple genes, perhaps up to 40, contribute to this trait. Each of these genes likely has a weak effect by itself, but together they play a significant role in establishing hand preference. However, because the overall chance of being left-handed is relatively low, most children of left-handed parents are right-handed (even though there’s a greater chance that left-handed parents have left-handed kids). If you look far enough in your family tree, you may be surprised to find a number of lefties there. This is the real reason some people are left-handed, according to science.

You have a decreased risk for some health concerns

In a study published in Laterality, it was found that left-handed people have a lower prevalence of arthritis and ulcers. It probably doesn’t have to do with your handedness, though. Researchers believe it’s related to the underlying DNA that creates left-handedness––the genes that are associated with lefties. So if you’re ever teased for being a lefty, remind yourself that they have a higher chance of developing those painful conditions.

You’re a better GPS

Do you or your left-handed friends have a knack for reading maps, remembering parking spaces, and figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B? According to a study, researchers observed that left-handed people showed a lower rate of error in a spatial orientation test than righties. Spatial skills will always be important (yes, even in the age of the GPS)––you never know when you and your right-handed counterparts will get lost in the woods and you’ll be able to save the day.

You bounce back more quickly from injuries

If you suffer from a stroke or other brain-related injuries, research shows that left-handed people recover faster. While we hope nobody has to go through anything as traumatic as a brain injury, it’s nice to know that you could potentially have an easier time recovering. The reasoning? The cognitive functions are spread out in the brains of lefties, which means that in theory, when you have a stroke (which is typically concentrated to a small area of the brain), less of your cognitive functioning will be affected.

Lefties are more competitive

Everything is a competition nowadays, so being competitive will get you far. In a study done at Northwestern, it was found that lefties are more competitive than cooperative. Take this example from the study: “Cooperation favors same-handedness—for sharing the same tools, for example. Physical competition, on the other hand, favors the unusual. In a fight, a left-hander in a right-handed world would have an advantage.” So, being a leftie could give you a leg up on physical competitions like certain sports, but the jury’s still out on mental competitions. This is the real reason a person is right-brained or left-brained, according to science.

Lefties are better at video games

Before you ask: No, it doesn’t have to do with the competition thing. Research from Australia National University showed that left-handed people outperform right-handers in processing a large amount of information at a fast rate…like shooting enemies, dodging zombies, and avoiding GTA car collisions. These findings can be extended past the computer screen, too. Like, you’re probably better at absorbing the list of things your mother told you to do during your last phone call than your righty counterparts. (We’re joking, of course, but this skill is certainly a valuable asset)

You may have better self-control

As it turns out, left-handers are shown to have better self-control than right-handers. They don’t have any trouble passing up those brownies or refraining from lashing out at a coworker, two things that can be very difficult sometimes. A study in JECN found that lefties have better “inhibitory control,” which regulates the way we control ourselves, than righties. That will come in handy! (Pun intended)

6Aug2018
Kids Development, Parenting Tips
|
, , ,
August 6, 2018

via skyscanner: It’s summer, and time for the big annual summer holiday! If you’re flying with kids you might be worried about arriving in one piece. What if they act up, or spend the whole flight screaming? What if you land more frazzled than ready for fun? We could say “stuff ’em” and tell you not to worry about people who tut and sigh, but we know it’s not that easy.

First of all, here’s some hope that everything will be alright: consumer champion Sarah Willingham explains why she loves travelling with her kids and how she copes on flights

Next up, some top tips from Skyscanner staff and well-travelled mums who know a thing or two about flying with children …

1. Understand the charges and regulations for each airline

If you’ve ever looked into flying with babies you’ll know that there are so many variations in the charges and regulations involved with taking your baby on a flight. Different airlines have different rules. Some charge for one thing; while with another it’s free. Check out the table below which explains all of the variations parents need to be aware of when flying with babies.

2. Plan and plan some more

Blogger Vicki from online parenting magazine Honest Mum‘s top tip for flying with kids is be prepared-over-prepared. Vicki says: “you can never have too many wet wipes and snacks! Fill your bag with snacks, games, playing cards, a portable DVD player in case the aircraft doesn’t have one and make sure you buy water once you’re through check in. I always take extra clothes and medicine, you never know when your kids might get a temperature or feel unwell.”

3. Write notes for fellow passengers

Worried the other passengers on your flight are going to hate you if your child screams all the way to Malaga? Or, even worse, enjoys a penchant for kicking the back of the seat in front. Why not follow the example of the parents who handed out bags of sweets to fellow passengers on their flight or pen them a message of apology in advance.

4. Wet wipes and Pull Ups

Cathy from mummytravels.com says: “pack some spare clothes for them and for you – even now my daughter is potty trained, I’ve kept some emergency pull-ups. And you can never have too many wet wipes! That way if there are delays or you’re in a plane that’s stuck on the runway for ages, you won’t be panicking…or spending a whole flight smelling less than fresh after an accident or unexpected illness. You almost certainly won’t need it but it makes me feel much more relaxed, and I think my daughter picks up on that too. That way flights are an exciting adventure, not a potential nightmare scenario.”

5. Keep it simple

A game can keep kids occupied and make the journey fly by – but you don’t want to be carrying lots of equipment to make it work. So keep it simple. Easy games like I-Spy are the best. Get ideas for more simple, cost-free, games you can play with the kids on your next journey.

6. Consider a backpack for hand luggage

Gretta from Mumsdotravel.com says: “my kids are teenagers now, but my top tip for flying with younger children is to have a backpack as hand luggage so that you have both hands free. That makes it easier for you carry your child or hold their hand or push a buggy or show your passports or whatever else you need to do at the airport.”

7. Hold your baby up high

Ok, so this one won’t work for everyone, but some parents have found that holding their baby above their head makes them stop crying. No scientific reason we can think of for this one working but hey, if it does the trick… Not one to do on takeoff though!

![Holding a baby over your head can help calm him or her down](http://content.skyscnr.com/2d2187449dc3d15b2e45507790213361/baby-above-head.jpg
“Baby in flight”)

8. Pack each child a plane bag

Katie from mummydaddyandmemakesthree.co.uk says: “pack them a plane bag – We have three young children and my girls have amassed many flights between them at a young age. We always pack a plane bag for them, we don’t let them see if before we get on the flight and in it are cheap pocket money toys to keep them entertained. Things you can buy in supermarkets and that only cost a couple of pounds each, like crayons, colouring books, little sets of Lego they can build and of course sweets in case all else fails! They love it and get excited to open them as soon as we are up in the air.”

9. Check the flight price for your little one

Assume your baby is flying free under 2? Double check. Oksana found she was expected to pay far more than she had imagined on one recent flight: “you may be surprised that some airlines force you to pay up to 75% for a ticket without a seat. This happened with me and my one-and-a-half year old son. In this case you don’t save money! Buy a normal ticket. At least you will get extra space – that is really valuable.”

10. Check in early

If you are flying with the family, or holidaying with your extended kin (sharing a villa with your sister and her five kids perhaps?) you’ll be struggling to all sit together if you leave it late to check in. So do this online as soon as check-in it opens. Unless you don’t want to sit anywhere near your sister’s five kids, that is.

11. Tell the police

Skyscanner PR Manager and mother-of-two Mary Porter has loads of tips on flying with toddlers. Our favourite is: “warn young children of the ‘Aeroplane Police’ who are looking out for badly behaved children. I am not suggesting you scare them out of their wits (and admittedly we never did explain what the Aeroplane Police actually do when they catch a naughty child). However, it proved hugely effective in stopping my toddler climbing over seats, playing with the fold down table, kicking the seat in front and all the other things that passengers around you really love.”

12. Pre-order your baby milk from Boots

Baby milk is something that always throws up questions. What can you take? Will you have to taste it at security? How much are you allowed and will it be enough? To avoid these questions did you know you could pre-order your milk from Boots and collect from a store in the airports departures? Find out here which airports are available. Alternatively check out Skyscanner’s guide to hand luggage restrictions do you don’t get caught out.

13. Be a slave to the (circadian) rhythm

If at all possible, choose flights at the ‘normal’ time your kids are meant to be falling asleep. If they’re shattered and it’s bedtime back home you might just find they’ll drop off. However, this could backfire if they’re so excited that they don’t want to sleep – tired and bratty is never a great start to a holiday.

14. Make regular toilet stops

“I don’t need to go” can quickly swing to the other end of the scale when it comes to childrens’ bladders – even the older ones. So make sure they go to the toilet immediately before getting on the plane/boat/train. Don’t give them too many fluids either or they’ll be up and down to the toilet all the way to your destination – extremely annoying for the person in the aisle seat! This is sensible advice for adults too. Drinking five pints of lager before getting on the plane is dangerous, especially if you’re held up during taxiing!

15. Play pilots

Kids scared of flying? So were Oksana Ermolaeva’s, a Skyscanner blogger for Russia who made the whole thing into a game. “I played role games with her”, she says. “Let your child be a pilot or a flight attendant. Play everything that normally happens onboard. This really helps to avoid pre-flight and in-flight panic.”

16. Arm yourself with snacks

For the ones on solid, gown-up food, make sure you pack plenty of snacks. Like an irascible cat which hasn’t had its morning Whiskas, a hungry toddler will damn sure let you know if they’re hungry. So, until the in-flight meal is served, fend them off with snacks. We won’t get into a debate here – obviously mainlining Haribo is not good for them, but unless they have a soft spot for grapes, it might be the only thing that works.

17. Never travel without an iPad or tablet

Travel blogger Monica from thetravelhack.com says: “most parents start off with good intentions when it comes to screen time for their little ones but you’re definitely allowed to let your standards slip during a flight! Load your tablet with games, songs, TV shows and Disney films to keep them entertained for as long as possible. Even tiny babies can be distracted for 10 minutes by a cartoon with a catchy song and it can be just long enough to enjoy your in-flight meal or avoid a tantrum. Try The Furchester Hotel – it works like magic for my little guy! Also invest in some kiddie headphones so you don’t annoy your fellow passengers with those catchy Disney songs.” Before you stock up on free apps to keep the kids entertained, check out our list of the best ones for your iPad or smartphone to get before you fly, guaranteed to keep children entertained long enough for you to at least eat your in-flight meal.

18. Keep them comfy

An impractically-dressed child is an unhappy child, so get them dressed up in soft, roomy layers that you can take on and off as the plane’s air conditioning demands – pyjamas are probably your best option. It’s worth taking a pillow too, so they can snuggle up in the window seat against the wall, drift off and dream of holidays.

19. Calpol can be your best friend

In the unfortunate event of your child being poorly when you fly, have handy an emergency stash (no more than 100ml obviously) of mother’s little helper, Calpol. Ear drops are also a winner for coping with altitude change.

20. Be prepared for upset tummies

The worst fear you might have about travelling with the kids could well be what if they get sick? A bit of advance planning will make this something to shrug off rather than panic over. Sounding like he speaks from unfortunate experience, Mark Logan, Skyscanner COO says: “always pack more sick bags than you think you’ll need for the drive to the airport in the hire car. And don’t pack away all of their clothes – for the same reason. Also, ensure that you bring your medical cards if you’re travelling within Europe. In my case, with three children, there’s a statistical likelihood that you’ll need it.”

21. Cuddly toys can make all the difference

Skyscanner Co-founder Bonamy Grimes has a clever solution for that desperate moment when nothing seems to make it all better: “stock up on toys, but make sure you hold back a favourite teddy that you bring out on the plane, and keep one in reserve for the way back.” There is always the risk of losing a cherished companion in transit, which is heart-breaking, so whenever you buy them a soft toy, buy two and if the worst happens, substitute New Peppa for Left-On-Plane Peppa.

22. Take a break

Initially this one may seem to add even more stress to your journey, but it does makes sense. Oksana says that for her kids, several transit flights work much better than one long haul. “Kids have time to move (run, jump) in airports, which they can’t onboard.” Probably best not use this tactic if they don’t like the take-offs and landings, or have a habit of getting lost in airports, though.

23. Use the time to get creative

No matter how much you love them, a bored child is a pain in the rear. Here are items for keeping the terrors from the perils of boredom:

  • Notebook and pens or pencils
  • Reading books or a Kindle
  • iPod/headphones: if music be the food of a happy child, play on!

24. Remember the wonder of flying

Flying is fun. In fact, flying is amazing. Remember that your little ones don’t associate budget airlines with baggage restrictions and commuting for business – they’re probably quite excited about going up in the sky. So you should be too. “Don’t forget that flying was once wondrous. To them it still is, so point out the small houses, the clouds, the setting sun…” says long-suffering Skyscanner Chairman Gareth Williams. And if you’re desperate, get them to count how many passengers are on the flight. We kid you not, this has been known to work a treat!

25. Take care of yourself out there

While pouring all your efforts into project managing your offspring’s on board, in-transit behaviour, don’t forget to look after your own wellbeing and comfort. Take care of yourself and the rest will take care of itself. If you are in good form, you’ll be far more able to cope with the inevitable tests thrown at you by your errant charges.

4Aug2018
Kids Development, Parenting Tips
|
, ,
August 4, 2018

via Fisher: If you’re wondering when to start reading to your baby, it’s great to to do right from the start! Here’s what to know about your child’s early development when it comes to reading, listening, and following along with stories.

You don’t have to wait until your child is talking; even from early infancy, reading to your baby begins to teach her to recognize the sounds and rhythm of language and to feel that cuddling with you and reading books is comforting and fun. Reading is also a great way for fathers, grandparents, and older siblings to bond with the baby. Studies show that children who are routinely read to from a young age develop improved language skills and increased interest in reading, which helps improve their readiness for preschool and kindergarten. Try to make reading part of your daily routine with your baby—for example, at bedtime. You can start out reading for a few minutes at a time, and extend to longer reading sessions as your child grows older and develops a longer attention span. Find a comfortable place to read and turn off other distractions such as the television or radio. Make the story come alive by using different voices for different characters, and even acting out parts of the story.

Children can be interested in different types of books depending on their age, development, temperament, and life experiences. Babies like books with interesting things to look at and touch; toddlers also like books that make noises and have fold-out sections they can lift to reveal hidden surprises; and preschoolers appreciate books with more elaborate pictures, rhymes, funny words, and interesting stories. Children may be enthralled with books about animals, trucks, princesses, baseball players, or children like themselves. Try out different books with your child to see what he enjoys. There are the time-honored favorites like Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat series as well as many new books. Check out your local library, bookstores, and friends’ bookshelves.

Here are some tips for reading to your child:

Birth to 1 year:

• In the early months, hold your baby close and read, talk and sing to her.

• By 3-6 months of age, your baby will start to enjoy looking at mirrors and pictures of faces, shapes, colors. She will begin to make sounds, reach out and touch the pictures. Choose books with interesting pictures and textures.

• By 6-12 months of age, your baby will sit in your lap, look at the pictures, touch the book, and put the book in her mouth. Use plastic and cardboard books, and point to and name the pictures for your baby.

1-2 years:

• From 12-18 months of age, your baby might enjoy choosing the book from the shelf, sitting and holding the book, and turning the pages. Follow your child’s interest in reading for as long as the book holds his attention. Ask “Where’s the doggie?” and let your child point to it. Ask “What does the doggie say?” and let your child respond.

• From 18-24 months of age, your child might begin to name familiar pictures and fill in words in familiar stories. She might even “read” to her dolls or stuffed animals and recite parts of stories. When you read, stop to ask your child, “What’s that?” and give your child time to answer.

2-3 years:

• Your child will be able to handle books with paper pages. She understands how the pictures go with the story, and may look for her favorite books and favorite pictures. Be prepared to read the same book over and over. Ask her questions about what’s happening in the book, and relate the story to her own experiences, “That truck looks just like the garbage truck that comes to our house!” Try dropping some words from the end of a rhyme and let her fill in the missing word.

3 years and up:

• Your child will be able to turn pages one at a time. He can listen to longer stories and retell familiar stories in his own words. He will also start to recognize letters and numbers. Ask him questions, “How many balls are there? Let’s count them!” “What’s happening now? What’s going to happen?” Look for books that teach children helpful lessons for making friends, going to school, etc. Encourage him to tell, draw and write his own stories.

2Aug2018
Kids Craft, Kids Development
|
, , ,
August 2, 2018

via treehugger:

A Fork Bracelet

The pleasures of giving and receiving handmade gifts are many. The headaches of handmaking handmade gifts are often even more. All too commonly our best-laid plans result in crafting till sunrise like deranged elves, attempting to pull off an assembly line of feel-good DIY presents that have us cursing like a sailor. Which is why we’ve come up with a list of sane homemade gifts that will allow you to actually enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. From elegant funky fork bracelets to bath bombs and candied kumquats, all of these gifts take less than an hour to make, but still have plenty of bang for the buck First up, a fork bracelet. With an old cheap fork and 4 minutes and 47 seconds, according to the video tutorial, you can make a fabulous bracelet. This Stars for Streetlights step-by-step shows you how to craft the classic.

Flower Powered Edibles

For those not in the northernmost climes, you may still have blooms in the garden. If so, Flower Petal Vodka, Flower Petal Sugar, and Flower Syrup are a few quick steps away.

DIY Bath Bombs

Become your own chemist and create homemade bath bombs (variously called bath fizzes) in the home lab known as your kitchen. With a handful of ingredients you can give the gift of bubbly, crackling baths.

Candied Kunquats

Seasonal citrus in the winter is like a blast of sunshine. Since kumquats take to candying like a dream, make a jar of these teeny zingy oranges to brighten the plates and palates of friends in need of a splash of cheer.

Salt or Sugar Body Scrub

Here’s the rub, so to speak: Commercial body scrubs cost an arm and a leg. Here’s the secret: They couldn’t be easier to make. Packaged in a recycled jar with a personalized label makes a super sweet (or salty) gift.

Homemade Granola

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day and all, a big pretty bag of homemade granola is like a healthy investment in the days of your friends and family. This easy-to-make recipe is easily customizable, and looks sweet as cereal packaged in a ribboned, craft-paper bag or reusable canning jar with a homemade label.

Upcycled Sweater Coffee Cup Sleeve

If you’re quick with a pair of knitting needles, you can whip up a cozy sleeve to help your latte-loving friends avoid the extra cardboard slip from the coffee shop. But even better, if you have some old sweaters looking for a new lease on life, you can follow a tutorial like New Green Mama’s for the super quick directions. It can be as easy as cutting up a sweater sleeve and donning it with a bit of embellishment.

Vinyl Record Notebook

Old paper + old records = new notebook gift for vinyl fans.

Homemade Hot Sauce

For your fiery friends, a little taste of the devil for Christmas? Homemade Tabasco-ish Sauce or Red Chili Oil both are easy to make, travel easily and keep well.

Rope Necklace

This is the perfect example of taking simple components and transforming them into something so much more dazzling than the sum of their parts. Take some cord and ribbon, and voila.

 

1Aug2018
Kids Development, Parenting Tips
|
, , ,
August 1, 2018

via The YMCA of Austin: Summer is not over yet! Your flip flops may have seen better days, but you can still take steps to keep the fun going as we celebrate Family Fun Month in August. Now’s the time to squeeze in a few more family memories before the new school year starts. Here are a few ideas to get you going—and don’t worry: none of them require a drop of sunscreen!

  1. Make a blanket fort. This is a classic, and you can make the fort as big or small as you like. Start in the morning and designate the spot as the day’s reading nook. Pile on the pillows and turn it into a nap corner.
  2. Create a summer memories time capsule. Collect photos, write down stories and toss in a few souvenirs to preserve the good times for enjoyment later. Mason jars and shoe boxes make great capsule containers.
  3. Bake cookies together. Whip up a batch of sugar cookies and let each family member personalize their treats with icing and sprinkles. Even simple shapes like circles and squares can be decorated to become monograms or emojis.
  4. Mix your own soap bubbles. This recipe makes a great hard-to-pop batch: 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons dish soap and 1 tablespoon glycerin. Experiment with different bubble wands made from drinking straws, pipe cleaners or the top half of a water bottle.
  5. Hold a family game night. Enjoy the classics or try something new. Don’t forget to think outside the box and include games like charades, hide-and-seek and balloon volleyball.
  6. Set up a build-your-own meal. Each family member can have fun designing their own plates. Some ideas include funny-face pancakes with pieces of fruit and whipped cream, pizzas with veggie and pepperoni shapes and frozen yogurt sundaes with all the trimmings.
  7. Turn an everyday dinner into a fancy affair. Pull out the cloth napkins and candlesticks. Toast each other before you dine. Even pizza looks better by candlelight!
  8. Have a water fight. Once the sun goes down, take the gang outdoors for fun with super soakers and water balloons (or use sponges for a more environmentally-friendly option). Set up a slip-and-slide, if you’re feeling extra peppy.
  9. Go star-gazing. Try to find constellations. Take a drive outside the city for best viewing. The annual Perseid Meteor Shower peaks on August 12. Even with the moon three-quarters full, you can still expect to see about 40 to 50 meteors per hour at the peak.
  10. Keep the fun going. Give each family member strips of paper to write down things they like to do. Put the strips in a jar and as the year goes on, pull out a strip and make it happen!
Copyright 2018 Energise Kids Sdn Bhd. All Right Reserved.