Spending Time at the Kid's Table

Before you know it, your Halloween candy will have mysteriously disappeared, and you will be preparing a dish to bring to your family's potluck Thanksgiving dinner. The holidays are approaching and you might find yourself agreeing to take care of your brother's kids. If that is the case, or maybe you end up at the kid's table at Christmas, here are some helpful ideas for passing the time. This applies to kids ages 5-19.

First, to break the ice, ask them specific questions to avoid the "How is school going?" "Okay," conversation. If you must speak about school, ask them about their favorite class or favorite teacher. I recommend finding out what their favorite after school activity is. Find out what they are really interested in -- movies, video games, karate, swimming, etc. Now, you can easily talk to them about a subject they enjoy. If you know nothing about the topic, ask them! They will enjoy being able to explain what they are passionate about. Remember, stay specific.

Sooner or later the kids will take out their very own iPod Videos. You can tell them about the days when you had a Walkman and a cassette player, and a record player, but don't let it get out of hand. Just find out what video they are watching and enjoy being at the kids table.
Also, there is always something to be learned from kids, so try your best to keep an open mind and a smile on your face.

Praise

There are many gyms out there and I wonder: Are they are praising themselves or their members?

In any case, I would like to praise all the gym goers out there. It is remarkable to know that each day, or as often as possible, these people fit working out into their busy schedules...and really enjoy it! Before work, during lunch, after school, after dinner, or during Prison Break, people are bettering themselves and their bodies at the gym. I think that many will agree that once you fall into the habit, (or force yourself to) the benefits of working out begin to appear, and it becomes not only a part of your life, but a time to look forward to. Day after day, month after month, I see gym members enter the club with smiles on their faces, and it is that persistence that deserves praise. Whether it be the treadmill, StairMaster, kickboxing classes, weight machines or yoga classes, you folks out there deserve praise, so here it is, and keep it up!