A Word From Karen

One of the frustrations babies, and especially toddlers, experience is not being able to communicate. The results are tantrums and tears from both children and parents. Teaching children sign language helps to alleviate the problem. Get started on Dec. 5, National Communicate With Your Baby Day. Learn more at www.kindersigns.com.

According to legend, St. Nicholas gave stockings full of coins to the three daughters of a poor family, providing the dowries they needed to marry. Some families continue this tradition by giving presents to their children on the saint’s day, Dec. 6. Get the whole family involved on Dec. 12, Gingerbread House Day. You may find kits for the houses at most retail stores.

When I was a child, we would often sing songs as a family as we were driving from place to place, especially during Christmas. I still have trouble remembering lyrics. Learn about the origins of Christmas music by going to In a Nutshell. Keep reading to find out how cell phones are making teenagers sleepy.

Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. Keep up the holiday spirit in Treehouse Trivia with a parents’ view of the night before Christmas. You can also find advice on shaking the doldrums. Take a break from the festivities with Treehouse Games. See if you can match the quote to the speaker. Finally, ring in (can you believe it?) 2008 on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

And if you have a question, problem or a comment of any kind to make – about the research you participate in or our newsletter, you can let us know what you are thinking by e-mailing me at Scott@PineConeResearch.com. Thanks for your interest and CONFIDENTIAL participation in PineCone Research. . . .where we value you, your time, your privacy and your opinions.