Homeschool Videos for Teens.
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Sweet Sixteen Pool Party Decorations and Ideas
Planning a pool party for a sweet 16? A beach themed pool party is a lot of fun! It can be difficult to plan a birthday party theme for teens and tweens. Even if you don't have a "real" pool you can have a pool party for a sweet 16 birthday party. Just get an inflatable pool (or two) and add lots of fun decorations and beach themed food. We love planning parties with The Oriental Trading; they are our go to spot for summer fun. They have the most fun decorations at the best prices. So, have the best pool party ever for teens or tweens with these pool party activities, food, and fun decorating ideas with a pink and green flamingo theme. Enjoy!
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Teen Heartbreak and Advice for Girls: Beware of Holidays
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| Teen Holiday Heartbreak. |
A big-fat break-up wrapped with a puke-colored bow and sprinkled with salty tear-sparkles, that's what.
Boys suck. You know they do- even if you have one of your own. It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Try telling that to a heartbroken teenage-girl after her first boyfriend breaks up with her thru a text message three days before Christmas.
She thinks I have ESP. Perhaps I do, whatever you call it I have an Extraordinary Mother's Instinct. I saw it coming. In fact, I've been there more than once. Although, I must confess, I am happy with the end result; I cannot bare the pain I see in her eyes.
At the beginning of the semester her Honor's English teacher called to say she is failing English (the fifth English Teacher in a row). We discussed options and made the tough decision that extra-curricular Jazz Band would have to go. Said boy = Jazz Band.
One tiny paragraph stood in her way between passing class and extra-curricular activity bliss. Three weeks ago her Honor's English teacher called to say she is still failing English. One tiny paragraph stands in her way blocking her from passing with a D-! The same paper. Teacher loves her, "I cannot comprehend this."
"Me too", I lie.
I struggled with what to do -with what to take away. The teacher says she is an excellent student. Teacher has no explanation for the outcome. She's tried everything. So have we. Band is all consuming...
Well, at least I thought it was band, but of course it was said boy. Did I mention that boy's suck?
So, we grounded her until second semester and exiled her from band for the rest of the year. You cannot go anywhere but 'Sucky Boy' can come to our house. He can go to Thanksgiving, to the Family Office Party, he can come hang and watch movies, go to lunch, go sledding- you get the drill.
He couldn't find the time. He didn't want to come over to our house. He kept asking her to do things that he knew she couldn't do- frustrating her beyond words. Elevating her anger with her evil parents. "Why does he keep asking me to do stuff he knows I can't do?" I knew the answer but I kept my mouth shut.
I wanted to say, "Because he knows you can't and this way he can keep stringing you along. He gets to keep you on a rope and still have his fun." Instead, I said, "What are we going to buy 'Sucky Boy' for Christmas?" Wait remove the quotes I didn't say that exactly. I politely used his name and smiled sweetly waiting for ideas to throw my hard-earned money away- on a boy who can't even use the telephone to speak words.
That's right- there aren't any late night 'I love yous' or 'Sweet Dreams' no 'I just needed to hear your voice'- Just some crappy text that say things like, "What Up?" or "Okay Then". Is this modern love and I'm just an old-fashioned old lady at forty-one?
My instincts were correct as usual. Apparently, 'Sucky Boy' had his eye on someone else. In my daughter's absence he's been spending time with 'the other woman'. I remember holidays with my boyfriend. He went everywhere with me. I didn't find out he was a 'Sucky boy' for years!
Her 'Sucky Boy' says, "I can't wait until January when you aren't grounded."
Excuse me? Wait for what? Good riddance, fair weather friend.
Merry Christmas 'Other Woman'.
And then technology hit the fan- He changed his Facebook status and seconds later an influx of text messages filled her inbox. "OMG!" and "What's going on?" "Are you okay?" Every time the phone vibrated she cried.
We did what any awesome parents would do; we took the phone away. But I'm a sucker and I let her use mine to text her best-friend. Minutes later it zinged to remind me I had a unread message. Sucky Boy was texting her back. "Y wut?"
I'm angry at myself for giving her my phone. Angry at her for texting him "Y?" And angry at him for sucking so much. Really? "Y wut?" He's such a lame.
So, I'm thinking, 'Thank you for ruining our holiday stupid boy and a true, heartfelt Thank you for ending it now rather than after the holidays which would make you look even more sucky in my eyes. And a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for saving me the money of purchasing an awesome gift for an unworthy recipient.'
What do you think? Is it better to break-up before the holidays or try to be 'polite' and do it after to save feelings? I had a boyfriend who would break up with me before my birthday or Christmas so he didn't have to buy me a gift. "For Reals."
I dedicate this post to all the texting teenagers out there. Write a letter. Use your voice. Even if your 'Sexting' it is still a detachable relationship. IT'S NOT REAL. It's too easy to type, "It's over." Why not try saying that eye to eye? Man up now before it is too late because many men never do.
Look for Part Two next week, "Why Sucky Boys Make Me Cry"
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You played these games in PE class, now teach your kids how to play games in Home School.
Here are rules for 6 activity games for kids that don't take up too much space. Preschoolers love them, so do older elementary students. For a real hoot, play them at a Teen Birthday Party! We've added a little twist to some of these kid's activities so don't let the names send you away. Enjoy!
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Kids PE Activities: Simon says, "Bark like a dog!"
Change an old game up by digging in a costume trunk. |
Musical Chairs
To play you will need chairs (or carpet squares); one fewer than the total number of players, music you can stop and go easily (for a twist designate someone to sing). Start with the chairs in a circle. When the music starts, the players will walk in a circle around the chairs. After a few seconds, the person who is controlling the music shuts it off, and all of the players scramble to sit. The player left standing is out of the game. The remaining players stand up again, one more chair is removed, and the music starts again. Repeat until there is one player left in the game. If you have a large number of children, as they get out move them to an inner circle, and let them play inside around a single chair to heighten the action moving in the opposite direction of the outer circle.
Duck Duck Goose
Who doesn't love a game of duck, duck, goose? We change it up for the seasons and play Ghost Ghost Goblin or Bunny Bunny Chick (Must hop around the circle) Have the participants sit down in a circle facing each other. One person is "it" and walks around the outside of the circle gently tapping each player on the head and saying either “duck" or “goose." When a person is tapped on the head and called “goose,” they stand up and chases the person who is “it” around the outside of the circle, trying to tag “it” before the player can sit down in the spot where the "goose" was sitting. If the "goose" is able to tag "it," then the "goose" can return back to his seat. "It" repeats the same procedure again. If "it" is sits before being tagged by the "goose," then the "goose" becomes "it" and the game starts again.
Balloon Volleyball
Blow up one balloon, and locate a divider to serve as a net. A doorway, some kitchen chairs, a jump rope on the floor, or a fence make great 'do not cross lines'. Players hit the balloon back and forth across the “net” until someone misses. When one misses the balloon, the other scores one point. The first team to reach 10 points wins.
Simon Says
Mark a line on the ground (jump ropes work great or sidewalk chalk) and another line about 10' in front of the first. "Simon" stands on one line; and the players line up on the other line. "Simon" calls out directions to the players telling them actions or movements to make to move forward. For example, if "Simon" calls out "Simon says bark like a dog," then all of the players who bark like a dog get to move forward one step. If "Simon" does not start with "Simon says," then the players should not move. If a player does move, he has to return to the starting line and begin again. The first player to cross over the line where "Simon" is standing is the winner. For a fun twist, have a costume trunk nearby so the players can get in character. For example, for hop like a bunny everyone must grab bunny ears.
Red Light, Green Light
Mark a line on the ground and another line 15-20' in front of the first. The person who is the "traffic light" stands on one line, and the players line up on the other line. The "traffic light" faces the players when it is a red light. When the "traffic light" turns his back to the players it is a green light, and the players can move towards the finish line. As soon as the "traffic light" turns back to face the players the light is red, and all of the players must freeze. During this time, no players are allowed to move. If a player does move on a red light; he has to go back to the starting line and begin again. The first player to cross over the line where the "traffic light" is standing is the winner. For a twist, add a yellow light where players must move slowly (they could even be required to crawl) or a blue light where players must walk backward. We always just shout out the light color.
Cherry Pickers
This stretching exercise requires the players to stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at sides. Then, the player will bend forward at the waist, reaching down and touching fingertips to the ground in front of his feet. He will then move his fingertips back so they are between his legs, and then back farther so they are through his legs. This movement should resemble picking cherries. The players stands back up, claps hands, and repeats the movements again. Pair two children back to back, and have them try to touch each other's fingertips.
Recommended Reading:
Great Big Book of Children's Games: Over 450 Indoor & Outdoor Games for Kids, Ages 3-14* 
Games for Parties
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*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
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Plan the Best Sleepover Ever with These 5 Cool Games and Activities for Teens
These five, easy party ideas for teenagers will help you plan a fun sleepover or even the best slumber party ever! Click the links to find more great birthday party ideas for both teen boys and girls. Enjoy!
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| 5 Best Sleepover Games and Activities for Teens. |
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| Have all the guest wear all of their clothes backward. |
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| Play, "Who's in the Bag?", at your next sleepover. |
Before the party, mark straws with the number of party guest minus
one. On the last straw, write "it" with a Sharpie. Have each guest
choose a straw. Get everyone's sleeping bag and roll them out on
the floor in a large room. Send "it" into the bathroom or a closet.
Now, everyone else climbs into a random sleeping bag (not their
own). Pull the bag over your heads so "it" cannot see who is who.
When "it" comes back, he taps the foot of a bag and asks one question.
For example: "What is your favorite color?"
The person in the bag, disguises his voice to answer but answers truthfully.
Now, "it" guesses who is in the bag. If he guesses wrong, he moves to the next bag. If he guesses right, the player gets to come out of the bag and watch the fun!
Play continues until all player's identities are revealed.
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| The guys from One Direction. |
Before the party, find photos of cute guys. Make a Pinterest board
just for the party. Pin as many cute guys as you can find, then pull
them up on the television screen with Chrome Cast. What would
you do with him? Make Out, Marry, or Dump?
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| Sleepover prank: place whipcream on a sleeping beauty's fingers, then tickle her nose. |
Put some whip cream on the fingers of the first one to fall asleep.
Unlike peanut butter, which is sticky and can be deadly if anyone
at the party has a peanut allergy, whip cream is an innocent
slumber party prank. Now, gently tickle sleeping beauty's face.
Watch what happens! For the record, I hate pranks. I'm opposed.
If you are the first one to fall asleep, you probably won't be a fan
of sleepover pranks either, so keep this in mind when choosing
activities for your party.
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| Play "Cell Phone", a sleepover game similar to 20 questions, but better! |
Gather the party guests and pick one to be "it". Send it to the
bathroom with loud music or headphones. Now, the rest of the
group chooses a noun for the game.
For example: Cat, Car, Flower, Food.
Now, bring "it" back to guess the chosen word.
"It" has to ask questions about the unknown word. So, she replaces
the unknown word with Cell Phone. She asks each player a
different question.
For example: "Is the Cell Phone purple?" or "Does the Cell Phone
breathe?"
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
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What Age Should Kid Get Phone?
If your child doesn’t already have their own phone, and they’re at an age when their friends are getting smart phones, no doubt, you'll face endless nagging conversations in the days up to their birthday and the holidays. The peer pressure for kids to get a cellphone is high, and if your child doesn’t have a phone, they may worry about being excluded from their groups or missing out on events (#fomo.) So, is it time to bite the bullet and get your kid the phone they’ve been wanting? It depends, right?
This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon. When you click, we may get a commission.
Average Age
We face this in our family. On the one hand, I don't want to buy an expensive phone that's going to get lost or misplaced. But on the other hand, it would make life easier with after school clubs and activities. Children mature at different rates, each parent has to make their own decisions based on their own child. However, many parents want to know whether their child is ‘too young’ to get a cellphone, or whether they’re being cruel by holding out on this big purchase. According to recent studies, the average age to get a first cellphone is 10.3 years old, which means, by the time kids hit middle school, many of their friends will already have phones.
Following Rules
Most parenting experts agree, it’s not the age of the child that matters, but more the maturity level and the ability to follow rules around smartphone usage. Before you put the device into your child's hands, you need to set ground rules. Set daily phone usage limits, how much time kids can spend, whether they can take the phone to school, etc.
Did you know, many cellphones have apps that help you keep track of your child’s screen time and ensure they’re not visiting inappropriate websites, but when you give your child a phone, you should be able to trust that they aren't using the phone in a way that will put them in danger. You can use "Google Find My Phone" to keep track of the phone's whereabouts, this can be very helpful when your teen is supposed to be home.
Protecting the Device
Cost is also a big factor when it comes to deciding to buy a cellphone for your child. Unless they’re already at an age where they have a part-time job, it’s another monthly bill for you to cover. You’ll need to ensure you have insurance in case the phone is lost or stolen. It’s worth looking for BodyGuardz iPhone 7 Plus cases too, just in case of any drops or knocks, so you aren’t stuck with a big phone repair bill.
Ensuring Screen-free Time
One problem with giving children cellphones is that it’s harder to enforce screen-free times if they have their own device. If your kids go to the park with friends or hang out in their room, they’ll likely be glued to their phone.
When it comes to homework, studies have shown that simply having a phone in the room ruins a child's concentration, so you may need to watch out for slipping grades too. Consider enforcing cellphone usage times, say between 8 am and 10 pm, so your kids aren’t up all night surfing the internet or watching YouTube. When it’s time to do homework or sit down for dinner, place all phones in a basket out of sight, so there’s no temptation to fiddle with the phone and ruin family time.
Getting your first cellphone is a rite of passage in the digital age, but as a parent, it’s up to you to decide when the time is right for your child, and whether they can understand the responsibilities that come with this pricey gift.
No matter what you decide, you'll have to deal with teen angst that will surely stress you out. We're right there with you. Got questions? Leave a comment and we'll try to help!
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, okay, it is really just a fancy flashlight, but we like it anyway! It keeps the Creepers away at night. It also makes for stellar pretend play. Even older kids will get in on the act. This is perfect for kids of all ages.
is perfect for pretend play. Younger Minecraft fans enjoy pretending with these cute critters. Older girls will love to display them in their 
. We have this and the kids fight over who gets to wear it. Yeah, we're nerds like that. It is a unique Minecraft gift for Minecraft freaks and geeks!
* is perfect! It makes a 
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for health and well-being.
and use it safely.
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