Can Toy Pets Ever Replace Real Ones?

Author: Reese Downing

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia, Job,Career

Kids love having all sorts of pets, but sometimes that are some circumstances that do not allow them to have real live pets. The answer is simple: toy pets! As a matter of fact, some adults even think that toy pets are better than the real thing, because they are cheaper and safer! If you think that toy pets are dull, then think again, because in this day and age these pets have been made to be more interactive and more fun! There are now toy pets of all kinds, such as toy pet hamsters, toy pet monkeys, and even birds that are actually toys! These pets are all made differently, but one thing remains the same: their manufacturers have developed them in a way that allows the kids and their friends to interact with the pets more than ever before.
For example, one of the reasons that kids just absolutely love toy hamsters like the advanced models currently available is because they have a superior artificial intelligence that they can talk and move accordingly to their habitat. They don't just walk around and bump into things as though they are just mindless machines. They can sniff around objects, and they have personalities. They can be silly or funny, or even truly unpredictable! You also have such great choices when it comes to these toy pet hamsters, such as differences in color, size and personality!
Another example of a truly amazing kind of toy pet is a new toy monkey.This is an amazing interactive monkey that has many interactions available. It can sit quietly on your shoulder as you walk by on the street, but it can also talk to your friends as they come nearer to you. It comes with a remote that allows the owner to control how he interacts with the people, and it comes with ten different interactions that kids can choose from! There is no sidekick that is better than this kind of fun product, so is it really such a big surprise that kids are absolutely dying to have them for their birthdays and Christmas?
So if you need to buy the perfect present for the birthday of your kid, or if you need good ideas for Christmastime, then look no further than the wide array of toy pets that are available for you to choose from, be it replica hamsters, monkeys, dogs, even dinosaurs!

How Toy Computers Can Help With Learning

Author: Reese Downing

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia, Job

Are you looking for effective educational toys for your child? As a mother, it is natural that you would want only the best for your child, which is why the best option is to utilize toy computers for learning. These high technology toys are specially designed to cater to the learning needs of your child and at the same time provide them with wholesome fun and enjoyment.
What are toy computers for?
Just like regular computers, these toy computers for learning are designed to be innovative and at the same time helpful in aiding in your child's intellectual development. These toys are equipped with learning essentials like nursery rhymes and educational games that really work to increase the learning capacity of the child. It is also interactive and it makes your child's playtime more exciting and fun. And because it uses high technology, it trains the child early on to become computer proficient.
The toy computers for learning come in many variations. Aside from the laptop toy computers, some new models now utilize the touch learning system. This new feature simulates the touch screen technology of the new computers nowadays. Some were made like miniature game pieces to be played conveniently anytime, anywhere. There are also toys that simulate the technology of cameras to allow them to hone your child's artistic skills.
How are they beneficial?
There are many researchers that can support the importance of interactive toys for the development of the children. Such studies show that when a child is exposed to educational toys at an early age, the chances of him or her being competent in school is more likely. This means that with toy computers for learning, your child is sure to become very proficient by the time he or she starts schooling.
Apart from that, these toy computers also help challenge your child's thinking, especially with the games that are programmed with it. As a result, your child will not only maximize his intellectual capacity but also broaden his imagination as well.
Last is, of course, the fun that your child will have while playing with the toys. He can learn while he takes pleasure in these toy computers for learning. It can also be a great way for him to discover things as you and your child bond while playing. And even when you're not around, he or she can still discover new things just by playing with the toys. These will definitely provide your child with a holistic learning while at home.

Parenting a Dyslexic - Five Tips From a Busy Mom

Author: Camille Booth

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia, Job

I have two dyslexic teens. Actually, I have three but one is in college now...so parenting her has changed to phone calls and "send money". However, the two who are at home are both a joy and a challenge. They have so many wonderful attributes but sometimes I still want to pull my hair out when giving directions or when I come across another mess where one of them got all creative and then ran out of steam on the project. But, I also remember what it felt like before I knew much about dyslexia. I remember the struggles that I had trying to understand my children's behaviors. So, the following are five tips that have helped me raise my wonderful kids. Many look at us and can't believe how close we are...it's all because I learned from my kids to not sweat the small stuff and to be real.
Tips from a BUSY Mom
1) When you give your child directions, make eye contact. Yes...you will have to get out of your chair after a rough day. No, you can't holler from the kitchen. It's very important that your dyslexic child see your expression while they hear your words. As dyslexia is an auditory processing disorder, your child may have major difficulties processing what you've actually said if they can't see you. Also, make your child repeat the directions back. I still do this with my 18 year old. She has gotten very used to it and knows that it helps her to remember. I often review directions several times. If you are asking your child to do something new, expect to repeat the directions at LEAST three times and it will all go better if you show them what you expect the first time.
2) Be patient. loving and clear. Your child DOES NOT mean to not understand. When things happen in your household that have to do with your child(ren) "not listening", begin with patience, love and clarity. Of course, if they are being obviously defiant, then they need consequences. But, if you look at their face and they look genuinely confused about what you've repeated ("Son, I asked you to take the trash out to the curb.") Then, they probably did not process what you've asked properly. I often give time frames, like, "It is 3:00. At 3:05, I expect you to take the trash from the kitchen outside to the curb because the garbage man will be here in the morning." Notice I also made sure to paint a full picture of my expectation. Dyslexics think in pictures, paint a clear word picture for them.
3) Use humor. My kids are funny. They make me laugh every day and I appreciate that. However, they also make me laugh at inappropriate times...like when I'm trying to provide consequences for misbehavior! Still, I've found that using humor and laughing about the challenges helps us all to make it work. In our house, we have "Dyslexic moments." Those moments are acknowledged and accepted. We crack up rather than becoming frustrated. When my kids do something backwards like putting the pitcher of juice under the sink and the dish soap in the refrigerator, it's way funny. I used to get frustrated and angry simply because it seemed to take so much time to figure out how to explain things to my kids, but really words are over rated...laughter will get the loving message across much better. Laughing together when things are a challenge says, "I love you no matter what!"
4) Support organization but don't freak out about lapses. My kids are a bit of a mess, as are many dyslexics. We've tried many organizational strategies...some help some don't. I've learned to go with my kids' style. My daughter loves written calendars, she is great about writing down appointments and assignments. My son prefers to have open tubs in his room where he can see his "stuff". The best we can do is label tubs and make sure the stuff doesn't get mixed. There are certain things I insist on. For example, our living room MUST be cleaned and my kids are not allowed to trickle their mess into the common area. Their rooms can be "organized" how they want but the common spaces are organized by Mom...no exceptions. In order to do this, I had to establish strict structures to make this happen. I also have to do deep breathing exercising whenever I notice the structures have been ignored. Parenting dyslexics take flexibility.
5) Respect what your kids are feeling in the evening and on weekends. Now, this seems obvious...but it's not. I used to try to do the conventional things like enforce a homework hour, do play dates, and read for the big "at least 20 minutes a night". Then, I realized my kids needed me to be their advocate. They needed me to look at them and really SEE the dark circles under their eyes from being so worn out from trying to keep up in classes. The needed me to understand how deflated the balloon of their self-esteem was from not ever being number one (or even number 10) in their classes at school. They needed me to know that they didn't want to look at one more darned word of text. They just needed to be hugged, to be regarded as the coolest kid on the planet, and to do something they were good at with Mom or Dad. My daughter loves to cook. My son likes to play video games with Dad.
Once I really woke up, my kids got better and better...more and more confident. I'm an educator. I know what the rules are. I know what I "should" be doing to make sure my kids are successful in school... but guess what? That formula doesn't work very well for a dyslexic. So I wrote our formula based on MY kids...I highly recommend it.

Designer Baby Clothes To Wrap Your Baby Fashionably

Author: Michael Hermansen

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia, Job, Careers

The arrival of a new born is the most welcome idea for parents. As parents you usually think of your baby and try to give him or her very best. Once you have a baby your shopping spree begins and you do get busy buying beautiful clothes for your little one.
There are different kinds of designer labels available online as well as in leading children's boutiques. Some of the leading designer baby clothing brands are Jottum clothes, Eliane et Lena kids Clothes, Cakewalk winter clothing, Catimini clothing, Oilily baby clothes, etc. So forget about basic stripes for boys and head-to-toe pink for girls, because today's kids want something much cooler. And, fashionable parents across America are shunning traditional kids' duds and reaching for stylish and edgy clothes for their kids. Hot and stylish brands are in demand.
If you are looking for the best design that fits to your baby, you may visit some children's boutique that sells professional designer brands like Jottum clothes, Eliane et Lena kids Clothes, Cakewalk winter clothing, Catimini clothing, Oilily baby clothes exclusively.
One of the greatest options is to buy branded baby clothes. Though they are expensive you will never regret of buying them because they are worthy in the form of quality and style. Another option is to search from the internet. Varieties of unique designer baby clothes like Jottum clothes, Eliane et Lena kids Clothes, Cakewalk winter clothing, Catimini clothing, Oilily baby clothes are available that suits both your baby's style and your budget. You can choose the size, color etc. as well as purchase online. Most online children's boutique deliver your goodies within 3-4 working days at your door step. You can even avail discounts from the most popular children's brand. Even though a bit expensive, the clothes are really worthwhile for your little bundle of love.
It's normal to see children's clothing everywhere and individuals tend to take them for granted. Nevertheless, if you have to get baby clothes as a present, there are several things you'll want to consider to guarantee that it will always be correct for the child.
The very first matter to think about will be the kind of clothes to buy. There are numerous forms of clothing for infants that deciding on one may be confusing. To narrow down your choice, discover the particulars about the infant in question. Things such as gender, size and age can help you select the right clothes.
The particular season will additionally make a difference. It would not do to buy her a summer time outfit when it has already started snowing. If you are planning to give something special to a would-be mom, recognize when she is actually due. Figuring out such things beforehand will help you prevent wasting your time and cash along with the embarrassment that may result from a mistake.

Why Kids Love Toy Pets

Author: Reese Downing

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia, Job

Having a pet is a big part of every child's formative years, but unfortunately not everyone is able to have pets, but that can all change with the existence of toy pets! These kinds of pets are not really any different from the comfort taken from having a doll in the olden days, but thanks to technology and the development of artificial intelligence, these toy pets are so realistic that your children will forget that they aren't. Take for example the best selling toy pet hamsters of the season. These hamsters are so real that they can actually move around their surroundings with adaptation. They don't just walk around and stop when they hit the wall or a hindrance, but they can actually move around in their current surroundings.
Another reason why children absolutely love these toy pets is that they do not have to think about cleaning up a mess. One of the things that children absolutely hate about having a real pet is having to clean up after them, or having to keep their pets in a box because of the easier clean up. Thanks to these artificial pets, they can have all the benefits of the companionship that a pet can give, but they do not have to deal with any of the messy clean up.
Parents also really love these toy pets; because they give all the benefits and learning lessons that their children can get from real pets, but without the extra stress and expenditures. Take for example the amount of money saved on not having to buy pet food. Dog food can rack up thousands of dollars per year for a family, but with toy pets, that expenditure is gone. But although they spend less, the children garner just the same lessons. They learn responsibility for something under their care, and they also learn about the different ways that they should interact with animals that also have personalities. They learn affection and respect, and even the value of friendship and companionship.
So if you want your child to learn all of these wonderful lessons, but do not have to go through the stress of having a real pet, then buy these toy pets today. Cut your costs in half without having to deny your children the extraordinary experiences of having their very first pet. Watch them learn, watch them grow. Buy your toy pets today!

Lego Instructions - Isn't It Time You Invented Your Own?

Author: Kevin R Burns

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

You'll find full Lego instructions included in most of the Group's theme sets - be they Lego's own classic themes, or themes which the Company has licensed from well-known cartoon and film franchises.
Lego's long-running classic themes include such greats as the Company's Space, Castle, City and Pirates sets, all of which boast several sub-themes. Whilst licensed themes include extremely popular kits such as the Star Wars, Sponge Bob, Toy Story, Harry Potter, and Spider Man sets, not to mention numerous others.
However, these famous little plastic building bricks are renowned for their durability so, what happens if the instructions for the kits get lost along the way? Well, that's no problem really, for you'll discover plenty of sites on the Internet where you can download instructions for free, not to mention the Company's own website.
But, as well as being durable, versatile and good value-for-money, it shouldn't be forgotten that the main beauty of these colorful building bricks is that they're a tremendously fun way of developing children's creative skills.
So yes, Lego sets and kits are a wonderful way of first getting kids interested in the plastic construction game but, once this interest has been aroused, why not purchase the more affordable buckets of bricks and invent and develop your own constructions?
Because the plastic blocks are so durable and easy-to-clean, you could even buy them resale by placing adverts under the "Wanted" section of local press, or by checking out what's on offer online at eBay. Just make sure the bricks are the right size and in the proper Lego colors of red, blue, yellow, green, tan, black, white or grey. Invest a bit of time, and you're sure to unearth some fabulous bargains which will lead to hours of affordable family fun.
Once you and your family have the hang of inventing and building your own constructions, why not write instructions for these? That way, friends and other family members can try them out.
Remember that your plastic bricks will last a long time, and could well end up being passed on to consequent generations. Wouldn't it be great for these future generations to have photos and instructions of their family's own, unique Lego inventions?
Not only that... you'll also discover heaps of sites online where you can upload photos and instructions of your own inventive constructions, so that you can share them with other Lego fans.
So, put your thinking caps on and get inventive! It's time to start building your own constructions and writing your own Lego instructions!

Razor Scooter - The Latest Craze

Author: James Neo

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

This razor scooter bears high quality, safe to be used, and hence, forms the perfect gift item for your kid. Your kids would not want anything else on their birthday, when they see this power wing razor scooter. With this kind of gift item, your kid would actually be happy using it, and they would not get bored of playing with it easily. The best element is that instead of being a mere toy, it will just serve as an exciting vehicle granting the power to have an exhilarating rides anytime and every time.
The razor power wing comes with three wheels, and the back of it is dual winged. This item is available for both boys as well as girls. The maximum weight of your kid, which this kind of a razor scooter can handle, would be 143 pounds. The safety features of the razor power wing scooter make it very kids friendly to use. The three wheels of this scooter helps kids to balance themselves well, and learn well. The front wheels of this scooter are made of urethane, and the back wheels are made of polyurethane. This gives extra durability to the wheels, and the vehicle would last for a longer period of time, no matter how much your kid uses it. In order to gain increased control over the toy, hand brake has been provided. In order to ensure a smooth ride for your kid, ABEC-5 bearings have been used. This is a high performing bearing, and the scooter is bound to last longer with this kind of bearing. The stability bars of the razor power wing scooter are removable. This helps those children who are younger to learn how to ride this kind of razor scooter more safely. The razor power wing is loved by kids of all ages. Please keep in mind that, smooth surfaces are the ideal place to ride this kind of razor scooter. This toy is very easy to assemble, and can be moved without any hassles, as it requires just hip movement to move this toy. No pushing is required.
For all round fun mode to set in, how about a razor scooter? This scooter has marked a niche for itself in the American culture, and from kids to youngsters to adults, everyone wants to go on the move and have fun with razor scooter. Every scooter is designed in such a way so that it suits the lifestyle of its rider. It is designed in a sleek manner, thereby making it a stylish thing to possess! There are different designs available to choose from, and you can go in for the one, which best suits, your style, and self. Enjoy your ride on your well-chosen scooter! Another chosen means of ride can be a ripstick. Riding a ripstick can be fun too, and you can have a fun ride on your ripstick, while you balance yourself well on it. Have a fun ride!

Lego Blocks - Why Have They Successfully Endured The Test Of Time

Author: Kevin R Burns

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

Lego blocks were originally patented on January 28th 1958 - that's more than 50 years' ago. Yet, did you know that you could still use any Lego building bricks you might have bought from that year with the company's current-day bricks?
In to-day's throw-away society, very few products can boast such a remarkably long shelf-life, and the durability of these attractive, colourful blocks is just one reason out of many for their outstanding popularity. But, before we consider the other reasons, let's take a brief look at the beginnings of this renowned plastic brick...
Origins Of Lego
The original founder of today's colourful plastic building brick was a Danish carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen who, at first, concentrated on making wooden toys.
In 1934, the carpenter named his company "Lego", from the Danish "leg godt" which, roughly translated, means "play well". However, it wouldn't be until the year 1940 that the company started to offer plastic toys. And, it wasn't until nearly 10 years' later - in 1949 - that interlocking bricks were introduced, sporting the now-famous round studs on one side, and rectangular hollow on the other.
Reasons For Their Success
When originally introduced, the little building bricks were not particularly versatile. Also, plastic was not considered in a particularly favorable light when compared to wood. However, the Company, with its motto of: "Kun det bedste er godt nok", or: "Only the best is good enough", continually worked on and improved its toy.
Nowadays, it's renowned Worldwide, perhaps being fairly unique in the fact that it pleases both children and their parents: kids derive hour upon hour of fun from it; whilst Mom and Dad recognize that playing with the toy is developing their offspring's creativity, dexterity, as well as problem-solving faculties.
Here are just a handful of other reasons for the never-ending popularity of the bright little bricks:
• Safe, suitable, and fun for children of all ages... adults too!
• Versatile - most ranges are compatible with each other.
• Durable - you can even pass them on from one generation to another.
• Value-for-money - once purchased, they could last longer than you!
• Easy-to-clean - just wash in warm, soapy water.
• Easily-obtainable - from local stores, the Internet, or eBay.
• Environmentally-friendly production and marketing.
• Many different styles - from the ordinary building bricks through to boxed, up-to-date themes such as Harry Potter, Star Wars and Space Police, which include all people and items to fit the particular theme.
The Company continually strives to improve its product. Nowadays, you'll even find Lego Education Centers, complete with qualified instructors, and fun, Legoland Parks, where you and your family can enjoy castles, dinosaurs, pirates, wild animals, and even water parks.
Fads come and go but, one thing's for sure... Lego blocks are definitely here to stay!

Popularity of Freestyle Scooters and Caster Boards

Author:  James Neo

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

If you have teen children who love adventure sports, Ripstik caster boards are a great gift idea. Children who have reached the age of 8 years can do freestyle riding. Ripstik caster boards offer the ultimate in excitement for your young blood. Just take care that your child is safe while riding Ripstik.
Not just Ripstiks, there are other items like Powerwing and Razor scooters too that can be a great gift idea for the young bloods. These scooters are a great source of entertainment as they not just boost your mental self but also are a great source of physical activity. The ease with which anyone can use these makes them even more popular. Earlier skateboards were a great source of entertainment for many teenagers and adults. However, teen entertainment in freestyle writing has moved a step ahead. Now they enjoy riding a Razor scooter or a Ripstik.
Freestyle riding is such a popular sport these days that you will find several kid also entering contests for the best freestyle riders. A good caster board made of good quality can give you an edge over the others in competitions like these. With some practice, you can show your feat and impress a lot of people. Moreover, it is widely used not because of the impression it creates on others but because of the excitement, it provides.
Ripstik, powerwings and Razor scooters are very popular as they are made conforming to the latest technology. The quality is also not compromised with. These can withstand rough treatments but you must check on the wheels from time to time so that you don't get involved in any accidents. Just like the wheels of a skateboard, the wheels of your caster boards or scooter may wear off. This may lead to an accident and hence you need to be careful.
The movement with such sports gear can be made very smooth. These Ripstik and Razor scooters are made such that they allow free movement and in any direction too. You can twist and turn your caster board without having to put your foot down and kick on the ground to gain momentum. This is also another reason why caster boards are preferred to skateboards. The designs and the color on these boards and scooters symbolise the young generation. Free as a bird they want to move around in ease and without any obstruction. These scooters and powerwings provide them with the same freedom that they desire.
The Razor scooters can be used anywhere on the pavement. These side-to-side scooters give you the thrill that you have expected when you drive freely with the breeze blowing in your hair. Teenagers also use this as a mode of transport to go short distances. If your school is close by, you may use your Razor scooter to reach school in time. Again, you may also visit a friend at his place on a scooter. These make for exciting play with friends at leisure.

Talking About Sex With Your Kids

Author: KimChell Haskell

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

I believe many kids seek a mature and adult-like relationship because they lack some form of support, connection, and or attention. Having sex has very real consequences both physically and emotionally. The emotions that come from having sex can be heavy and overwhelming for someone too young; they can be even for someone older who has sexual experience. Confusion often sets in on them, their priorities shift, and their lives become muddled.
You'll notice that their attention shifts from themselves, their lives, from their dreams and aspirations to their relationship. You'll see them rob themselves of the simple joys of just being and experiencing all the activities that encompass adolescence; an important aspect of their childhood. Sex often carries with it feelings of intense vulnerability, insecurity, an indescribable hollowed emptiness, and a severe lack of focus on anything outside of their relationship.
I believe that there is a long and extensive list of potential reasons why kids engage in sexual activity at a young age and I certainly will not be able to cover all of them in this article but I will go over a few.
When kids see sex as a knuckle-bumping, high-five worthy experience their focus shifts just as quickly as their bodies do during puberty. They may see these behaviors from people close to them within the home, a relative, on television, from a friend or a family member of a friend. You will never know everything your kid is exposed to or by whom. This kind of mentality teaches them that sex is cool, and once experienced it will make them even cooler. It makes a joke and a mockery out of the sexual experience, one that is not funny at any age and is certainly no way to begin their sexual experience.
We all remember being adolescents and wanting to be with our friends, hanging out, playing outside and just being a kid. This is fine... I'm not finding fault with that. But if you're noticing that your kid would always rather be with his girlfriend, friends, or at work rather than in your home with their family you may have a situation brewing that's worth examining.
Many kids seek out their friends/boyfriends over their family because they feel a greater acceptance of who and how they are from their peer groups and therefore they feel more relaxed around them. They may feel their peers/girlfriend have a greater respect for their thoughts, words, and actions than their family does. Their friends never yell at or demean their already fragile self-esteem so there's an immediate comfort with their friends or boyfriend if there is a lot of yelling in their household. Rather you agree with these statements or not, if this is their perspective... then this is their experience.
Kids are always thinking... all of the time. You may think they're fine, you've got good kids, you think they'd come to you, they'd tell you if they were engaging in or even thinking about having sex, but this isn't always the case. Did you go to your parents before you started having sex? Did you let your parents know that you were thinking about having sex? If you were like the majority of adolescent and teenagers I'm guessing that you did not. It may have been embarrassing for you to bring up such a topic. Maybe you were afraid you'd get in trouble, or maybe you thought they'd keep you from your girlfriend or other friends. Chances are better than not your kid has the same fears, concerns, and apprehensions.
It is not their job to bring up the difficult subjects... it's yours... and it's expected of you. And as hard as the subject matter may be, as awkward and or uncomfortable as you might feel you simply need to suck it up, and get the conversation rolling.
Every child that's in my life hears a series of questions from me almost every time I see them. The questions are:
* You drinking?
* You smoking?
* You doing any drugs?
* You got a boyfriend?
* A girlfriend?
* Your friends drinking, smoking, doing any drugs?
* Your friends have boyfriends/girlfriends?
I started when the kids were young, around 2-3 years old. They would answer "no" to each question all the while thinking I was silly as they laughed and giggled. But over the years the answers changed. For some their friends were experimenting with cigarette smoking at 9, another had a friend who was offered a sucker at school with ecstasy (allegedly) on it at 10, other kids were drinking and some parents were buying it at 13-14 years old.
I ask so that I can get use to "asking the questions I want the answers to" and so the questions are not an uncomfortable surprise for them. I want to know if they're doing any of these things, if their friends are, what they think of it, are they interested in trying it, why? Depending on their answers I can easily add more specific questions.
It doesn't matter when or how you start the conversations it only matters that you start. Ever hear, "better late than never?" That applies here as well!
Many kids, especially young girls, who for whatever reason are without a father figure in their life may seek the love, attention, affection, and approval they lack from not having that parental relationship in a physical relationship.
Kids that feel unaccepted and generally unhappy with themselves may seek acceptance from a group you don't feel fits the personality of the kid you know. Often time this group is older, more mature, and at a place in their lives when they're ready for certain things in a relationship (and otherwise) at 16-17-18 than say your 11-13 year old simply is not.
If self esteem is an over shadowing issue I suggest letting them know that you understand there's a natural desire to explore their bodies and experience the pleasurable experience of sex but affirm to them that they are extremely valuable. I suggest elaborating on this in a way that is applicable specifically towards the child in your life. For example, mention specific examples of their kind nature, their generous spirit, or the creative way they do something.
Point out the things they may think no one else notices about them. For example, share with them how adorable it is that her teddy bears are a collection of only the squishiest and the softest bears. Make him aware of how cute it is that he has to stir his ice cream before he eats it or how funny it is that he waits until everyone else is finished with their treat before he'll eat his in front of them... knowing they all want more.
Let them know that you would like all of their sexual experiences to not only be experienced at a time in their life when they can handle the emotional repercussions of a sexual experience but that you would like it to be with someone who truly knows them, who respects the individual that they are, and who is considerate of them.
Sex is an intensely emotional experience that can bring about feelings of extreme vulnerability. You may notice that these feelings can distract your child from goals they may have had prior to their sexual experience. If you see college aspirations, day-dreams of profession sports, and international travel being replaced with financial worries, and how to support a family, you've likely got a kid that's becoming heavy involved in a very adult-like relationship.
My other suggestion is to help them see their life in a different way. For example, if they use to dream of sports you could begin to tell them how you picture them in the uniform of their favorite team, playing for their favorite college, or that you always love watching him during his games. If their college aspirations are being replaced with other thoughts then start taking them for campus tours, and meeting with every department that might catch their interest. Introduce them to the study abroad programs and all the places they can choose to take their life experience. These things help them to visualize the potential and possibilities their life holds.
I believe that life is meant to be experienced; that you are here to continuously discover new aspects of your self and live your life to the fullest extent of your desires and abilities. Life may be hindered and your experiences hampered if you rush past the years or bring about the many responsibilities and potential obligations of a premature sexual relationship before you have had a chance to experience and develop your self outside of your adolescence and teenage self.
It's NEVER too late to start talking with your kids about sex. Your conversations may not be met with gratitude at first and that's okay; if the roles were reversed you'd probably be giving a similar... less than welcome response. They're nervous, uncomfortable, and embarrassed.
They may be afraid of disappointing you. Rather you see it or not most kids have a great desire to please their parents and will keep their less than flattering behaviors out of sight to avoid hurting you. One of the key aspects of your job is to educate them with everything you know. This kind of protective education lets them know the potential repercussions of their actions. These are not one time conversations... they are ongoing.
Rather they have started having sex or not they still deserve to be educated and sex still needs to be an ongoing topic of conversation. You don't need to know all the intimate details if they are having sex. But by continuing to make it a topic of conversation they'll know they haven't been outcast and ostracized and that they have your support, your input, and your guidance.
I hope this article helps make talking with the child in your life about this seemingly difficult topic a little easier.

Youngsters Walkie Talkies - An Excellent Christmas Gift

Author: Carmelo Reuben E Mayo

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

Kids of all ages are sent for their education to schools and thus they spend a lot of time within the college campus. It is impossible to personally send or receive messages, particularly when the faculty is big and covers several buildings or dormitories. At the exact same time fixing a telephone in every single block or even in every class is time and price consuming task. The greatest form of conversation in terms of time and cost is the Walkie talkie. Prior to cellular phones and other high tech communication gadgets children Walkie Talkies are the most well-liked items for children to perform with. Some are designed into a watch or other toys. Now, it is a excellent Christmas present that you can give your youngster.
Walkie talkies are a modern communication concept which became well-liked after the Second World War. It functions a lot more like a radio as it receives and sends out radio signals. These are hand held devices which can be carried around with ease. Colleges are typically situated more than vast locations of land and the staff or safety personal will be moving in different directions or placed in various points. The Walkie talkies will assist in speeding up the communication procedure in case of emergencies. Several kinds of Walkie talkies are available in the marketplace. It can also be customized to suit individual requirements. The number of walkie talkie hand held devices and the region will figure out the price of setting up this conversation method.
Now it is gaining a lot more popularity than ever. Youngsters everywhere are rediscovering the joy of playing with these fantastic toys. They can play espionage or war games with these handy toys. Even adults can make use of them. They can preserve in speak to with their children although inside the house instead of shouting for them. Mothers and fathers can even use these objects to talk with their youngsters whilst in a significant department store.
Lengthy Variety Radios have the following benefits which makes them a better choice over satellite and cellular communications.
They are a joy to perform with, your children can perform in the woods and you can keep track of them. You can effortlessly monitor all of them with the assist of this handy gadget. You can also bring this gadget throughout your hiking or camping trip. The technicians can be contacted right away and the issue is solved without significantly delay. Take for example a child is hurt, the physician in the campus can be summoned immediately using this communication program. Safety individual can be alerted about strangers in the campus, strange predators and thieves immediately. Thus the use of Walkie talkies in colleges are extremely essential and have become a basic necessity these days as the will need and responsibility of the faculties to protect the institution and the kids are higher.
For mother and father with teenagers this is also a excellent way to keep track of their activities. Putting a walkie talkie inside of her or his space will assure them that their privacy is not violated. Teenagers tend to be little bit sensitive about their privacy and territory.
The greatest component is there is no loss of time and the function or the problem is instantly resolved with out delay. It is a 1 time investment on the portion of the faculties and several companies may even offer special discounts for faculties. Installing the Walkie talkie in your college might also hold large esteem in the eyes of the mother and father who will be satisfied with the arrangements in school. All you will require is couple of batteries to operate it. Then you are set to go. This Christmas season you can surprise your youngster with this great toy. Your youngster will simply adore this item.

Baby Names - Read About Naming Your Kids

Author: Jimmy Jenkins Ray

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

The names given to children by parents are their first gift to them and they carry it to the end of their lives. Baby names are selected from various references like tradition, family history, religion, trends etc. We often name our children after our parents or someone dear to us. Parents-to-be spend hours and hours discussing the most adorable name to call their baby.
However, as parents we should be aware that the name we give our children should make them comfortable, confident and happy. Special and unique ones are alright but odd and strange names make children shy away in friends circle and other gatherings. Especially when children are in their teens, they get teased by friends for their odd name, which makes children very uncomfortable.
A name that is easy to pronounce and is befitting in every age is will be a good choice. Some though endearing at a tender age may not fit when the child becomes an adult. Some countries keep a tradition of granting parents three months to decide a name for their child. It gives time for parents to study the features and habits of their baby, so that they can choose an appropriate name.
A wide range of baby name websites are available on the net, which shows people consider naming their babies as serious affair. The most accepted boy's names according to the birth statistics for 2007 say that they came from Irish, Hebrew, Welsh, English and American. Top name in Hebrew is Ethan who means strong and Jacob meaning 'Sup planter'. Noah means 'peace' and Caleb means 'one who rages like a dog'. Irish names like Connor means 'wolf lover' and Aidan is 'a little fire'. Jaden is a merge of Aidan and Jay from Irish. Dylan means 'son of the sea' and Kaden is the 'fighter'.
Most popular baby girl-names are found to come from Greek, Latin, Italian, American, Hebrew, English and Irish. Chloe means 'blooming' is a popular Greek name. Emma means 'universal' and Ava is 'like a bird'. The Italian name Isabella means 'God is my oath'. The Hebrew name Abigail means 'joy of the father'. British names like Madeline meaning 'woman of Magdala' and the Irish name Brianna meaning 'highly noble' are very popular girl-names.
You can select a traditional or trendy baby name for your. As far as it does not have a distasteful meaning, does not sound odd or does not make a person lose his esteem, the name can be considered okay.

How to Buy Snow Boots and Winter Boots for Toddlers

Author: SA Perillo

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

Buying the right winter wear is a very daunting task, especially if the one you are buying it for is for your kids. From their first pair of pajamas, summer clothing, and party costumes, there are so many things to know and to consider in buying the perfect items for them. Their first winter wear is not exempted in this rigorous task, and with the winter season fast approaching, you should have some know-how's and guides on how to pick the perfect winter boots for your toddler that will go well with their cute little winter outfit.
Keep it waterproof for kids
You are buying a toddler's snow boots for your kid, and what is the first thing that should pop to your head? Well, of course the boots should be waterproof. This instinctive thinking is because the main purpose of the boots it to keep your kid's feet dry and warm. Since kid's feet are very vulnerable to infections and bacteria manifestation when not kept dry, it is important to keep in mind that the boots you are going to buy are waterproof from the uppers, where in the toes are located up to the soles. This ensures top quality protection for their little feet.
Aside from being waterproof, the boots should also be tied snuggly at the top, or totally closed so that snow from the top parts of your little kid's winter pants will not creep down inside the boots. Also, the soles of the boots should be made from rubber to prevent unnecessary accidents on the slippery ice.
Insulation for the kids
Since this winter boots are designed to keep your kids feet dry and warm, so the boots should be well insulated so that it can generally keep the body temperature of your kid's feet. You can have a variety of materials that can provide proper insulation-examples are the toddler winter boots made from sheepskin, fleece, shearling, or even an insulated synthetic fabric. Another popular material used for boots in the thinsulate which are occasionally found as removable liner inside the boots. Just always keep in mind that though the boots will be insulated, make sure that there will be room for their feet to breath since a sweaty feet can result in extra cold feet.
Quality to last
It is true that toddler winter boots and toddler's snow boots are quite expensive, so it really important to keep in mind that quality should not be compromised for fashion and design. The functionality of the boots and the length of years it can serve must be the first priority in choosing the right pair. This is because this boots are made to protect the little feet of your little tikes, so it is really a must to buy a sturdy and high enduring winter boots that can take the different wear and tear from your kid's adventures. Although kids grow very fast, rest assured that you will still find pairs that may last a while.

Basic Food Tips for Kids

Author: Nanda Banerjee

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

All human beings are composed of what they eat, size, rate of growth, appearance, and, indirectly mood and behavior. The defects that show up in children, and later when adults, are largely due to the kind and quality of food eaten, especially during the growing period. The injurious effects of a poor diet are manifested in the bone structure, general health, the nervous system, Weakness of immunity against infections such as the common cold. Very simply: the food we eat, particularly in the growing period, must contain the greatest possible number of food factors and in their natural condition. Food that is whole, food that has suffered the least amount of tampering is a key to good health. Nature provides the proper balance of food factors. When we remove one factor, the effectiveness of that food will be quite different from that in its natural state.
Milk is an excellent example of a whole food, vitally important for growing children. Certified milk is preferable. Since it has not been heated, none of its value has been destroyed.
Raw vegetables and fruits are next in importance for phytonutrients and fiber. Vegetables, if cooked, should be done lightly, preserving crispness, color and flavor. Raw vegetables and fruits should be finely chopped for small children. Whole fruits are better than just the juices. Unless the fruit has been grown without poison sprays, it ought to be peeled. Two or more servings of fruit daily are a must in every child's diet. Whole-grain foods, such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice and oats are nourishing and important, but should not represent the largest part of the diet. Baked beans, peanuts, hard cheese, tofu, soya milk, chick peas, and muesli are good source of protein.
Without a doubt the whole plant foods, like nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, soybeans, and flax seed oil are known as good source of good fat. Fresh, fertile eggs from chickens raised on the ground, should be eaten once a day whenever possible. Meat, especially liver, beef, lambs and poultry, may be included in one meal a day. Pork and veal, which are not as readily digested, should be served less often. Ham and bacon are better for children than fresh pork. Fish is most desirable, especially ocean fish because of their generous supply of minerals and omega 3 fatty acids. Serve as often as possible. Sweets should be confined to the natural sugar-containing foods, such as fruits, honey, root vegetables, or those little-processed, such as unsulphured molasses, brown or raw sugar. Carbonated drinks, coffee and tea have no place at all in a child's diet. An endless variety of special foods is available; whole-grain flour cookies, dried fruits, nuts, fruit candy, popcorn, seeds of sunflower, pumpkin and soy nuts as snacks.
Eating habits are not inherited. If the whole family follows the nutritional eating patterns,then the child will grow up liking those things which are so good for him... whole-grain breads, certified milk, raw fruits and vegetables.
Remember that a child will learn to like foods if you offer them to him/her for the first time when he/she is hungry, and if he/she sees others eating them with pleasure.

Welcome! I am Nanda Banerjee. Helping as an nutrition consultant since 9 years with a bachelor degree of Bio-chemistry. Let us start our journey together towards a light of health and wellness by acknowledging and applauding your search for personal change and improvement. Not all health problems are avoidable, but, by monitoring and twisting our inputs, we can influence and even determine our well-being. We all follow the basics of a good healthy lifestyle but sometimes we need to be reminded of the essentials.
Years of experience have taught me that anyone can live a healthier life -no matter what your present or past may be. Take a timeout for your health and Learn about helpful tips on your doorstep about improving your body composition, avoiding toxic chemicals and much more.

Leapfrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System - Where To Get It Cheap

Author: Carol Mercado

Job Vacancy, Indonesia Job, Job Indonesia

The popular Leapfrog Leapster was first established in the year 1995 when the manufacturer Michael Wood was striving to invent an educational game for his child. This made him invent Leapfrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System. And it looks like it could be a major hit this Christmas.
Leapfrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System will not just guide educational talents to your kid but also, interest him with its cute Disney, Nickelodeon, Toy story and Princess cartoon characters. Your kid will soon get engaged in Educational as well as entertaining learning and, you can move out and benefit from a secret lunch! Sounds interesting know?
With Leapfrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System, you can select over 40 Leapfrog games. This miniature game is stuffed with numerous cool attributes that can be enjoyed by the children and their parents. The handheld animated application is available with a 3.2 Technicolor display monitor, effective processor technology, data cables as well as 3 dimensional images so that your toddler can in no time take in its materials. You can add lots of game to 512MB automatic memory and also memory chips.
Leapfrog games sharpen mathematics, spellings, reading, writing and painting capacity of your child. It's a blessing for each and every school going kid. Couples who often think that it is hard to coach a dull child that exhibits no interest in classes, can simply present this helpful hand held device to him. It's a creative way of teaching immature minds outside the classroom. The Leapfrog Leapster provides sufficient space to their imagination and self-confidence. Your young one wills certainly love to read folk tales with his cuddly Toy Story toons further; he could demonstrate his sharp math abilities with the aid of NFL rushzone. And kids simply love drawing multi-hued shapes and characters, with the help of his or her best friend Mr. Pencil.
Your toddler can explore Leapfrog online games where, he shall get a chance to construct his own little world. They can guide their online pooches as well as teach them playful tricks. In this manner, he shall exhibit his skills to the entire world. A noteworthy quality of these Leapfrog online games is Learning path using which; guardians can monitor their tot's achievements in different sections. In this way, they can easily locate strong and weak qualities in their Toddlers and, provide them support wherever they want.
In case you're searching for the Leapfrog Leapster game, you could rely on web based shops. With these net based shops you can avail exclusive offers, shipping costs, significant discount and shopping coupons to achieve profitable deals! Besides, you will have vast selection to select from! By far the perfect method is repeating a person who already did the research for you, so you will get the best offer for Christmas!

Steps to a Successful Diversity Program

by WFC Resources

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

This month, one of our Newsbrief stories quoted experts who say while a solid diversity program is more important than ever before, it's time to be more subtle about it. Advertising your company as an Equal Opportunity Employer just doesn't do it any more. It can even be a turnoff, making minority job-seekers think they're being courted just to fill a quota. Here are some steps that companies say have helped them to build a successful diversity effort, reported in the latest issue of Staffing Management.

View diversity as a business advantage

"It has to be a business goal," says one recruiter. The Urban League reports that most companies noted for good diversity practices have been involved in those efforts for more than 20 years. The most important traits are commitment and involvement of top leadership. That doesn't happen unless it's linked to business.

Define Diversity, set goals and measure progress

Looking across the board at your company, says Texas Instruments' Diane Johnson, is not always a good assessment of diversity progress. Many times minorities and women are well represented in the workforce but not in leadership positions. She studies U.S. census data to find out how many engineers are in the population, the graduation rates and the percentage of women, blacks, Hispanics and other groups in those pools. "Then we compare our current population to see if we're on target" and set hiring goals. Managers make the final decisions, and their buy-in to hire diverse candidates is critical.

Hold managers accountable

At Pitney Bowes, diversity metrics are built into the corporation's business objectives and management compensation is tied to diversity. Managers are also held accountable at Allstate, which has mandatory diversity training. The company has moved away from emphasis on affirmative action and looks at having a diverse workforce as business strategy, as opposed to a legal mandate.

Tap the college market. Building a strong campus relationship requires a presence that is constant, positive and consistent. Staples has established ties with the student chapters of minority professional organizations, and brings in students as interns with an eye toward eventually hiring them as employees.

Connect with diverse professionals

Pitney Bowes has been recognized for its strong support and sponsorship of minority professional organizations and CEO Michael Critelli is current chairman of the National Urban League. Supporting such groups is one way the company stays on the leading edge of the diversity movement. One of their newer initiatives is an MBA Leadership Summit for members of Hispanic and black MBA associations, which is focused on career and technical development. They attend career fairs and national meetings, sponsor sessions and provide speakers for professional organization conferences.

Make community connections

Both Texas Instruments and Allstate reach all the way down into grade schools, supporting programs that target diverse seventh and eighth graders. Allstate is involved with numerous community programs that deal with tolerance, inclusion and diversity, partnering with the NAACP, the National Crime Prevention Council, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement and the Hispanic Association of Police Commanders. They support the Women's Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurial Youth Institute, a partnership with the NAACP that teaches entrepreneurial skills to young people. All enhance their reputation as a company that is tolerant and inclusive of minorities.

Focus on a long-term strategy

Companies that have effective diversity efforts view diversity as a long-term strategy and use multiple vehicles to find viable candidates. That means committed time and resources. Said one executive, "Leadership commitment has to be real, not ceremonial. . . It means being an advocate. . .We as leaders must do this job ourselves. Diversity can't be delegated."

After 20 years, a whole new set of work-life issues

by WFC Resources

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

This year WFC Resources – and arguably the entire work-life field – celebrates its 20th anniversary. Back in 1984, “work and family” was a brand new term, totally focused on childcare. There’ve been some dramatic changes in the past 20 years, changes in the field of work-life, and in the focus of the work-life professional.

Some things have not changed. Quality care for children of all ages is certainly no less important. In our rush to please Wall Street, it often looks as if American society has forgotten that without healthy, nurtured children there will be no future.

Eldercare and other caregiving programs are more important than ever, and will continue to grow in importance as our workforce ages.

And it is still vitally important to help employees meet their other personal and home life obligations in order that they may be fully present when they're at work.

So we're not suggesting that we work-life professionals change our focus. We are suggesting it be broadened to include the basic needs of all workers. Here are some thoughts about what some of those needs are, and where we believe we work-life professionals must put our attention.

Wages

Wages may be the most critical work-life issue. This spring, a study by Northeastern University researchers reported that while output increased 7.3% between 2002 and 2003, hourly compensation grew only 1.2%. In every other economic recovery since World War II, labor compensation increased at a greater rate than corporate returns. This time, while corporate profits have achieved healthy growth, the real hourly and weekly earnings of the average wage and salary worker increased by only 1.6% over the past two years, from $15.10 to $15.63. As the attention of financial executives focuses on human capital, more work-life professionals are being called to the table where business decisions are made. Let's not let them forget while we're there that people must earn a living wage.

Health care

Health care is a key work-life issue for several reasons. First, of course, there are the uninsured, a group that’s growing by leaps and bounds. And now the link between high health care costs and jobs is painfully clear. Economists are saying that the unaffordable cost of health insurance is one of the main reasons job growth hasn’t kept up with the rest of the recovery. It’s also one of the reasons, along with wages, that U.S. jobs are going to India and China (although that’s a more complicated issue). The latest Mercer study says providing health care benefits could cost employers as much as 13% more in 2005 on top of the huge increases over the past few years. Many firms will shift as much as 4% of that increase to employees. Work-life professionals had better join the lobby for government help on this one; employees and employers must be confident about affordable health care that includes prevention as well as catastrophe protection.

Workload, stress and the focus on productivity

Every study ever conducted on the matter has linked stress with higher health care costs! Employers are trying hard to reduce employee angst with “stress management” programs, but there is no “program” that can counterbalance 70-hour weeks and the stress of unmet expectations and obligations both at home and at work. Researchers are finding that the benefits of stress management programs are, at best, short lasting, said a recent article in the Science Times section of the New York Times (9-7-04). With the assistance of Blackberries, Palms and WiFi, work obligations have pushed “like a climbing vine” into almost every corner of private life. An article by American University professors Joan Williams and Ariane Hegewisch published last month (9/6/04) in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (and originally in the LA Times) points out that the U.S. “productivity advantage” is just another way of saying that we work more hours than workers in any other industrialized country except South Korea. Our lead in the world vanishes when productivity is measured per hour worked. One mission for work-life professionals should be to encourage their employers and clients to know what a normal day's work is and enforce it.

Demographics and the quandary of the older worker

Each month our collection of news features more and more articles about the older worker, and it's a confusing state of affairs. Some companies are still offering early retirement packages to get rid of them and others are knocking themselves out to keep them as long as possible. Here are three factors involved in the decision:

1. As workers get older, their benefit costs rise (again, health care raises its ugly head) decreasing their value.
2. It behooves companies to hold on to those expensive older workers and keep their experience. Whether or not we agree that there is a severe labor shortage ahead, there seems to be no disagreement about the approaching shortage of leadership skills and experienced workers, as the Gen Xers, fewer in number, move into leadership positions.
3. You can’t fire a worker just for being old, and fewer are going to be enticed by a retirement package unless it replaces the savings they lost in the recent recession. More will feel forced to stay in order to replenish their savings.

Put them all together and they add up to an older workforce, and once employees begin to age, they need some accommodation. While there may be some costs involved, next month’s Trend Report will show that not only are companies doing that, they're also demonstrating a firm belief that the cost is nothing compared with the payoff. Work-life professionals should be ready to offer advice and counsel on how to go about it.

Flexibility and control

We all know by now, 20 years after the birth of our field, that these are two of the most important words in a work-life professional's vocabulary. We must help employers see that if they want employees to take responsibility, they must treat them like responsible adults, not school children. That means collaborating and agreeing on goals, making results measurable, and giving employees flexibility and control over how the work is done. And it means redesigning jobs so that those tasks that demand to be done in the office can be separated out wherever possible, leaving a "job" that's appropriate for flexibility. Work-life professionals can help.
Once we thought that if we did a good job, companies would catch on to the importance of hiring whole people and allowing them to have a life, and we work-life professionals would put ourselves out of business. Twenty years later it looks as though that's not going to happen any time soon. While work-life may be integrated into other areas of the company, and may even be called by names like "talent manager" or "retention strategist," the tasks of the advocate are expanding rather than contracting, and the stakes are only getting higher.

Colleges and universities meet to discuss work-life

by Leslie DiPietro

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

Reflections on Culture Change in the Academy

“We’ve come a long way, Baby!” That was the sense I got at the CUWFA (College and University Work/Family Association) conference in Santa Barbara in March. There was more talk about strategic planning and a focus on what Linda Siebert Rapoport (University of Illinois, Chicago) termed “total institutional transformation” – broad scale shifts in culture, rather than piece by piece change efforts. Work/life practitioners at universities are getting much more skilled in finding ways to integrate and “brand” what they are doing to further the overall mission of the school.

I also had the sense that the upper echelons of administration at many schools are—(finally!) beginning to “get it.” Several work/life directors came with their bosses (or their boss’ boss!) in tow, and they seemed actively engaged in the conference.

Competition for human capital is the driver here, expressed most frequently in terms of faculty recruitment. Academia is only just beginning to understand the impact of the large numbers of faculty who are fast approaching retirement. The AAUP (American Association of University Professors) calculated that in 2003, 35% of all full-time faculty were 55 and over. Work/life directors and practitioners are finding ways to calculate the percentage of potential retirees – both staff and faculty – and broadcasting ways the work/life program can help.

However, I did not hear a lot about the need to target programs or policies to staff, particularly hourly workers. (There are notable exceptions, i.e. UC Berkeley and Ohio State). Although there is general support and some movement toward flexibility policies, I didn’t hear of many institutions that were actively making progress towards adopting new policies, let alone policies that had an appeal process. Likewise, I didn’t find much movement toward management training for flexibility – something that we all agree is necessary to bring about a real culture change. This may be a function of many “old school” HR administrations, where a majority of work/life programs are housed, but work/life programs need to figure out how to make change in this arena.

Childcare services have (finally!) come into the limelight, particularly in terms of infant and toddler care. Several of the “top tier” schools, such as MIT, Harvard, Michigan and UC Berkeley, have built, or are building, new centers, and it's just a matter of time until pressure from peer institutions brings more schools into the fold. Many are choosing to outsource the management of these centers, although some have formed creative partnerships between the work-life programs within the University and outside vendors. Most of the change in this area seems to be coming from the need to recruit top-level faculty by showing the “bricks and mortar” commitment, whereas students’ childcare needs are by and large being met through additional scholarship money. In this way, more student-parent families can be served than would be the case if they were allotted a small proportion of spaces in campus childcare centers.

If you had asked me a year ago whether domestic partner benefits were prevalent at universities and colleges, I would have said a resounding “yes” (with the exception of some Bible Belt schools.) Today, however, I am less optimistic, given the voters’ repudiation of Affirmative Action policies in states like Michigan, where the courts recently overturned domestic partnership benefits in public universities and colleges.

Also, there are clear indications that students are leaving school – both graduate and undergraduate – with staggering amounts of debt. This may be an area with which work-life programs (the ones that serve students, at any rate) may be able to help by sponsoring financial planning workshops for students, for example..

I asked some attendees if they thought there were areas where business could learn from colleges and universities, and Sam Hester, CUWFA President and work-life manager at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, had this to say: One of the strengths of the academy is its emphasis in providing and nurturing an environment that promotes creativity and freedom of though and expression. Some of the “great” companies have created a corporate culture that fosters creativity and open expression of ideas. I think that our long history of academic freedom might provide a model to business in creating this type of open environment.”

Linda Rapoport believes businesses could apply the tenure clock flexibility model (the practice of pausing the “time to tenure” clock for faculty who need time off due to birth, adoption or care for a family member with a serious illness) to careers in accounting firms, for example. And Jennie McAlpine, director of the Office of Work/Life at the University of Michigan, pointed out that some colleges have had childcare programs as part of their teacher training curriculum since the 1940’s, and that currently they set a high bar for quality in the communities where they are located.

CUWFA members saw a potential for partnership, agreeing that universities have a lot to offer in terms of research capabilities. Businesses would do well, they said, to tap their expertise.

David Thompson, a friend and former work-life director at both Purdue and Microsoft, once told me that it takes universities about seven times as long to make meaningful cultural changes as it does for private industry. (I don’t know what his source was, but I’m confident he has one!) This fact obviously reflects huge differences in academic culture versus business culture. Although it can be maddeningly hard to wait to see these changes adopted, if I learned one thing when I was in academia, it was that change will happen, and it will be “well-tested” in the process. So hopefully, the change will stick!

The Happy Workaholic: A role model for employers

by Stewart Friedman and Sharon Lobel

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

Business books are filled with common-sense admonitions insisting that leaders be role models. We have reason to question whether this common wisdom is truly wise.

Can a workaholic executive be an advocate for something that does not mirror her own personal lifestyle choices without appearing hypocritical? The executive we call the "Happy Workaholic" values work over other activities and invests her time and energy accordingly. Contrary to popular belief, "Happy Workaholics" can advocate for employees to realize both their company’s goals and what matters to them in their personal lives. They serve as role models, not for "balance" in the usual sense but, rather, for authenticity.

Authenticity means knowing what you truly care about and devoting your attention and activities to these ends. Research indicates that people find a sense of fulfillment from being true to themselves. Happy Workaholic executives know that when employees feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives then they are better able to add value to their companies.

We conducted about 100 interviews in 25 organizations over a period of 4 years (1999-2002) to find out how Happy Workaholics, who willingly subjugate personal priorities for the sake of their careers, create and sustain cultures in their businesses that support employees’ fulfillment of work and personal life goals. How do they do it? Here’s a summary of what we found.

In one-to-one interactions with their people, Happy Workaholics respect diverse choices about work and personal life, talk to employees about what matters most, help employees take responsibility for their choices, and foster trust. They:

• Assume responsibility for helping employees act on their values and priorities
• Make it easy for employees to discuss personal life challenges when necessary
• Get to know people on a personal level
• Stay abreast of employees’ personal priorities and ask about them

Happy Workaholic executives also engender support for their employees through system-wide actions. They broadcast their advocacy for authenticity (making work and personal life choices that are aligned with one’s values and priorities); tell their own stories publicly; question basic assumptions about how, where, and when work gets done; actively encourage innovation in the design of work; focus on results, not process; and change performance management systems to support authenticity. Happy Workaholics:

• Sponsor discussions that address the impact of the organization’s culture on the expression of diverse core values with respect to work and personal life
• Incorporate support for both work and personal life in the organization’s mission statement, vision, operating principles and management practices
• Provide resources, financial and political, needed for successful change efforts
• Make sure everyone feels free to speak up about new ways of getting things done
• Recognize and reward employees for identifying inefficient work practices
• Ensure that workloads are manageable
• Hold employees accountable for results, not face time at the office

A new generation of senior executive men and women is on the rise. They represent greater diversity in the choices executives make about how they lead their lives at work, at home, in the community, and for themselves. Our bet is that the market for talent increasingly will favor organizations with the highest proportions of authentic executives. Which type dominates yours?

Combating Sleep Deprivation in Shiftworkers

by WFC Resources

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

This tip comes to us from an article in a periodical called Occupational Hazards. Writer Josh Cable interviewed Bill Sirois, senior VP of Circadian Technologies, about how to make sure your shiftworkers aren't sleep-deprived.

We weren't built for shiftwork, says the article, so it's up to employers to manage the risk factors that come with the territory. Educating your shiftworkers in the following areas can help you make a positive impact on their safety, health and productivity.

Caffeine management: Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, but drinking too much coffee or drinking it late in a shift can interfere with sleep. Encourage shiftworkers to use coffee in moderation and to drink coffee at the front end of the shift; they should switch to decaf or juice for the rest of the shift.

Diet: Encourage shiftworkers to "graze" through their shifts on low-fat, low-sugar snacks such as low-fat crackers, popcorn, pretzels, tossed salads and celery and carrot sticks with low-calorie dip.

Exercise: A 20-minute aerobic workout can delay by 3 to 4 hours the energy/alertness drop that workers experience during their circadian lowpoint and can help workers sleep when their shift is over, according to Sirois. That's why Entergy Corp.'s Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Mass., has installed aerobic equipment in its facility. "Guys are encouraged to use it if they're feeling a bit down," says Paul Coffey, a project manager at the facility. The facility also has incorporated surveillance walks into the schedules of many of its 125 shiftworkers.

Naps: A 20-minute power nap has been scientifically proven to provide a 4-hour boost in alertness and productivity, according to Sirois. Develop a policy that allows overly tired workers to take short naps – with supervisor permission – as needed or during breaks.

Scheduling: A growing number of employers are moving away from 8-hour schedules to 12-hour schedules; advocates include author Glenn McBride, who contends that 12-hour schedules, if managed properly, provide more energy, recovery time and quality time with family. Sirois recommends starting morning shifts around 7:30 or 8 a.m. to accommodate the circadian rhythms of the most workers. For rotating schedules, clockwise rotations from days to evenings to nights are user-friendly; counterclock-wise rotations "are extremely stressful," Sirois says. Any restructuring of schedules only will succeed with employee involvement and input.

Training: Incorporate education on the basics of sleep, circadian rhythms and other shiftwork issues and strategies into training. Bayer Material Sciences of Baytown, Texas, hired Circadian Technologies to provide train-the- trainer classes for six of its employees, and now the facility provides mandatory training for its newly hired shiftworkers and newly promoted shift supervisors as well as voluntary training for all employees, explains site HR Director Shirlyn Cummings. Training covers sleep management, nutrition, family relationships and other tips and guidelines for managing a shiftwork lifestyle. Family members, spouses and friends are encouraged to attend.

Work environment: Changes to the work environment can reduce physical and mental fatigue. Bayer Material Sciences, for example, recently lifted a 35-year ban on music in its 15 or so control rooms. Cummings says the previous anti-music policy "was based on the belief that additional noise or music would be a distraction," but recent research shows that "within certain parameters, music actually is a stimulant." Other musts in a work area include bright, full-spectrum lighting; bright colors on the walls; good airflow; and temperature control, as the human brain works best in a 68- to 70-degree environment.

Talent management is now everybody's business

by WFC Resources

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Job Vacancies

In 1999, Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman of The Gallup Organization wrote a book called First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. It was a good book, essentially about talent management, and it was directed towards managers. After analyzing more than 80,000 interviews conducted by Gallup during the past 25 years, the authors outlined four keys to becoming an excellent talent manager: Finding the right fit for employees, focusing on their strengths, defining the right results, and selecting staff for talent rather than just knowledge and skills. "The point," said the book, "is to focus people toward performance. The manager is, and should be, totally responsible for this."

Times have changed. While the description of an excellent talent manager may still apply, it looks like that manager now has some help. A report released last month by the Conference Board, nearly four years later, says talent management is coming into its own. They call it "a major force in corporate strategy" and a "relatively new and increasingly popular human resource area." The report is called Integrated and Integrative Talent Management: A Strategic HR Framework.

What’s really new is the word "integrated." The report talks about "a fully integrated approach" to managing talent. What it means is that no longer is the manager totally and solely responsible for doing that job. Now he/she has the help of not only the human resources department, but the whole leadership team and the board of directors as well.

Managing talent (or human capital) now lies prominently in strategy, says the report, at the core of business success. It means integrating all of a company’s human capital initiatives, anything and everything that is focused on recruitment, retention, professional development, leadership and high potential development, performance management, feedback and measurement, workforce planning, and culture. Such integration says – loudly and clearly – that its people are a company's most important asset.

The report is based on a study of 75 HR executives who direct areas like organizational development, leadership development, succession planning and – in some cases – talent management. Among them were Time Warner, Hewlett-Packard, Delta Air Lines, Medtronic, PepsiCo, Synovus Financial Corp., Goldman Sachs, and Johnson & Johnson. The study found that talent was seen as critical to success in these companies, and that "its management is integral to all aspects of the business." Less than one-third of the surveyed firms cancelled talent management initiatives due to the economy; less than half significantly cut them back.

More than half of the 75 companies reported that their entire leadership team is held accountable for talent management results.
Nearly two-thirds see their use of talent management initiatives as "integrated," defined as the fitting together of different talent management programs to create a single, coherent system. "This study," says author Lynne Morton, principal in Performance Improvement Solutions, "shows that talent is seen as critical to success and that its management is integral to all aspects of the business.”

Integration is still relatively new, says the report. On average, companies that view their talent management programs as integrated say they have only been that way for about 10 years. Some said some of the components had been integrated for only one to three years and a few described themselves as relatively new to integration.

What does it all mean in relation to work-life? The obvious purpose of work-life initiatives is to recruit and retain talent, to create a culture that allows employees to be fully productive and to focus on work when they’re working, a culture that encourages them to feel enough loyalty so the company’s investment in them is maximized, and enough satisfaction so they're willing to go the extra mile. Integrating talent management is a way for human resources and work-life staff to strategically align themselves with the whole organization. If talent management is integrated, work-life will have a very secure seat at that table where business decisions are made.

At least for a while. Eventually, depending on the extent of the integration, work-life may be integrated right out of existence.

Duxbury gives us a recipe for a supportive workplace

by WFC Resources

Jobs Vacancy, Employment, Employment Jobs

Canadian researcher Linda Duxbury has been responsible for some remarkable and powerful work-life research. In 2001, she and Chris Higgins surveyed 32,000 thousand employees and concluded that job stress and work overload are seriously harming the health, family life and future of Canada’s workforce. Employees were so stressed and overloaded that they were abandoning or putting off plans to raise a family. They reported that both management and organizational culture were unsupportive. In many companies there were no supportive policies that employees were aware of, and in others they were there, but either unclear or unequally applied, and there was no accountability with respect to their use. Too much change and too much travel exacerbated the stress, and temporary or part-time employees reported no benefits, insecure jobs and little control over their work. Many had eldercare, financial or other personal problems that spilled over into the workplace.

More than 10,000 respondents wrote comments at the end of the survey, and those comments have formed the basis for a new report called Voices of Canadians: Seeking Work-life Balance.

Here's a summary of their conclusions – and suggestions for solutions. We think they're a comprehensive recipe for a new kind of workplace – one that works for everyone.

Employers, they say, need to focus their efforts on increasing the number of supportive managers within the organization; providing flexibility around work; increasing employees' sense of control; and focusing on creating a more supportive work environment.
They must improve the "people management" practices in their organization. Managers at all levels must be given not only the skills and the tools that will enable them to be more supportive, they must have the time they need to manage this part of their job. People management has to be seen as a fundamental part of a manager's role, not just as an "add on" that can be done in one's spare time.

Managers also need incentives to focus on the "people" part of their job. Rewards should focus on recognition of good people skills and it should be part of promotion decisions, hiring decisions, etc.

Employees must have more flexibility around when and where they work. The criteria under which these flexible arrangements can be used should be mutually agreed upon and transparent. There should also be mutual accountability around their use – employees need to meet job demands, but organizations should be flexible with respect to how work is arranged. The process for changing hours or location of work should, wherever possible, be flexible.

Organizations that want to increase employees' work-life balance need to move away from a focus on hours to a focus on output; performance measures should focus on objectives, results and output, and rewards should be based on output, not hours. People who have successfully combined work and non-work domains should be rewarded and promoted. Those who work long hours and expect others to do the same should not.

The policies in place must be communicated regularly, along with how they can be accessed and any restrictions on their use. Encourage their use by having senior management model appropriate behavior, conducting information sessions, discussing how others are using them successfully, etc. Employees must be made to feel that their careers will not be jeopardized if they take advantage of supportive policies. Measure their use and reward those sections of the organization that demonstrate best practices in these areas. Investigate those areas where use is low.

Give employees the right to refuse overtime work. Some organizations may want to give management limited discretion to override the employee's right to refuse overtime (i.e. emergency situation, operational requirements), but this should be the exception rather than the rule. Implement time-off arrangements in lieu of overtime pay.

Provide a limited number of days of paid leave per year for childcare, eldercare or personal problems.

Make it easier for employees to transfer from full-time to part-time work and vice versa. Introduce pro-rated benefits for part-time work, guarantee a return to full-time status for those who elect to work part-time and allow an employee's seniority ranking and service to be maintained.

Examine workloads. If certain employees are consistently spending long hours at work (i.e. 50 or more hours per week), determine why this is occurring (e.g. career ambitions, unbalanced and unrealistic work expectations, poor planning, too many priorities, lack of tools and/or training to do the job efficiently, poor management, culture focused on hours instead of output) and how workloads can be made more reasonable.

Says Duxbury, "Employers need to realize that this is a very complex issue and that many employees blame them when their lives aren't working; that policies will not work if the managers do not walk the talk and if the culture within the organization does not change; that work-life conflict is not just an issue for women or employees with young children, but a problem for us all. It just looks differently at different times in our lives. Work-life professionals need to help employers integrate work-life into the mainstream of their business, and realize this is not a feel-good issue. This is a business issue."