Telling It Like It Is» Relationships

Grandparents Interfering by Suggesting Baby Names?

Lin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:04 +0000

If a grandparent were to suggest baby names to one or both soon-to-be parents, is the grandparent interfering? Why is suggesting nice girl or boy names as possible options out of excitement and anticipation of the coming baby considered an interference in the parents lives? As a grandmother of three and soon-to-be grandma of two more grandchildren, hearing about the baby names being discussed as possibilities is fun and exciting. I haven’t made a single suggestion for any baby names and I’m not going to.

Baby names for our upcoming grandchildren is one of the many things being planned and considered, even though there is still plenty of time for the baby’s parents to make their final selection of their favorite baby names for either a boy baby or girl baby. Some of the girl names that have been mentioned are beautiful, feminine and “soft” sounding, perfect baby names for girls, while names for boy babies are a bit more challenging for the parents to pick even one they both like.

As I’ve said before, choosing a grandparent name or nickname for “Grandpa” and I is really no big deal. I would happily accept the moniker of “Grandma” if that is the name my grandchildren ultimately choose to call me, and Grandpa doesn’t care either. But when it comes to parents choosing baby names, that is an area where friends, in-laws and grandparents can often get themselves into trouble.

Based on the message boards, blog articles and comments, as well as grandparent forums and online polls about grandparents interfering in the decision-making process for baby names that I’ve seen, it is clear to me that some grandparents have stepped over the very fine line between making simple suggestions about baby names to rude and disrespectful behaviors. On the other hand, there have also been many cases where hyper-sensitivity on the part of one parent (usually the daughter-in-law) creates a full-blown war over baby name suggestions, based on the kinds of email I receive regularly about so-called interfering grandparents or mother-in-laws.

Oh the stories I could tell of grandparents, mother-in-laws and father-in-laws making a few harmless baby names suggestions of boy or girl names they really liked and the baby’s parents subsequent reactions would be shocking to readers. Sure, there are boy and girl baby names chosen by celebrities that might fall into the category of “weird”, “odd”, or downright crazy names celeb’s choose to name their children. Whereas, some parents might think naming their baby Apple, Camera, Puma, Chastity, Sailor, Suri, Banjo, Free, Dweezil, Moon Unit or Diva Muffin are just unique baby names that no one else has.

There are online websites that list the most popular baby names for any given year, but you can bet that if a grandparent were to suggest any of those baby names for girls or boys, there will be parents who become upset at the mere suggestion. So much thought goes into choosing a name for a baby, including the various meanings and unique spellings of names under consideration, that it would be best for grandparents and the relationships with their adult children to keep their ideas to themselves unless asked directly.

Even if/when the parents-to-be ask for advice or want ideas for baby names, tread very lightly and carefully so any names you may suggest does not come across as telling the parents what names they must choose for their own child. I named my children, you named your babies, so take a step back and give the parents the space they deserve in naming their own child. If you, as the grandparent, don’t like or actually hate a baby name chosen, suck it up and deal with it. The choice of names is theirs, not yours.

If you hate a child’s first name but like their middle name best, calling the child by their middle name instead of their legal first name (the name chosen by the parents) will get grandparents or in-laws into trouble. The line between being helpful and interfering is extremely thin, and in some cases, being too sensitive to hearing input offered by grandparents or in-laws creates bigger problems than necessary.

If parents ask for baby name ideas, be prepared to hear the person’s favorite names. If you don’t want advice on names, don’t discuss baby names and don’t ask for suggestions from people. It is unfair to grandparents, in-laws, friends etc to discuss problems, concerns, worries or conflicts about baby names, child development or child behavior problems with people and then get upset and argue when thoughtful solutions are offered.

Some parents choose to keep the names they’ve chosen private until the baby is born in order to avoid problems and conflicts. When the announcement was made that a baby is on the way and we’re about to become grandparents again, the first-time parents were given a baby names book with over 100,000 names for boy and girls to choose the perfect name for their child. Not only does it help them in their efforts to find their favorite names to decide on, but it helps take the pressure off of grandparents wanting to suggest baby names that the parents may or may not like and being treated as interfering grandparents.

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

10 Reasons Why People Don’t Go to Church Anymore

Lin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:46 +0000

Churches around the US have changed over the years, where multi-site churches mean pastors are able to reach thousands of would-be church attendees on the web, says USA Today. In an interview with pastors Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll and Ed Stetzer, the “old fashioned”, traditional churches from grandma and grandpa’s time are going by the wayside and are being replaced by what is often referred to as the “mega church” with thousands upon thousands of church members.

Having visited a few “mega churches” over the years, such as the Potter’s House and a few others, witnessing the burgeoning growth of large churches and the increased numbers of online internet churches has been interesting to say the least. To say this ain’t your grandma’s church anymore is an understatement.

Going to Christian church services and meetings is a tradition for many families, but the traditional way of attending church can now be accomplished by watching church services on television, online and by watching church service podcasts like the Holy Trinity church offers interested ones. Enjoying a sense of fellowship, shaking hands with the pastor or minister and developing a one-on-one personal relationship with the preacher and family appear to be disappearing and creating culture shock for some.

“It’s not the traditional American mom-and-pop church, where the same pastor counsels parishioners, visits when they’re ill or marries or buries them. . .

This form of high-efficiency evangelism allows thousands of worshipers to hear the same message from a lead pastor or a member of his team, in person or by video at three, five, even a dozen or more locations. Meanwhile, others take over the one-to-one side of ministry — counseling, ceremonies and small-group guidance. . .

“I do miss having a pastor at the door shaking hands in the ‘check-out line,’ ” says Lauren Green, drawn to join Redeemer by Keller’s preaching. “But I realize that model of a personal relationship with a particular pastor is probably gone.”

Having witnessed firsthand various kinds of abuses within churches over the years, and the increased evidence of pure greed shown at some large churches we’ve attended, it really comes as no surprise that many previous mega church members have become church dropouts and no longer regularly attend church anymore. Why? Why don’t people go to church anymore? Here are some of the reasons based on a survey poll:

Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Go to Church

Boring or unfulfilling church services 42%
Beliefs of the church 35%
Church’s moral views 35%
No need to 34%
Prefer to do other things 31%
“My beliefs are too weak” 27%
The way churches are organized 24%
Other commitments 21%
Bad experience among church people 16%
Not enough time because of work 15%

Source: Why People Don’t Go to Church, 1998 Australian Community Survey

LifeWay Research, the research arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, based in Nashville, conducted a survey of 1,402 “unchurched” adults to determine why respondents had not attended a religious service in a church, synagogue or mosque for several months.

“More than one in five (22%) of Americans say they never go to church, the highest ever recorded by the General Social Survey, conducted every two years by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. In 2004, the percentage was 17%.

Just 52% agree on the essential Christian belief that “Jesus died and came back to life”.

61% say the God of the Bible is “no different from the gods or spiritual beings depicted by world religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.,” although Buddhist philosophy has no god and Hindus worship many.

Most of the unchurched (86%) say they believe they can have a “good relationship with God without belonging to a church.” And 79% say “Christianity today is more about organized religion than loving God and loving people.”

The importance of faith and prayer in our lives goes without saying, or at least it should. Keeping true to Christian beliefs and understanding the power of prayer can be accomplished whether believers physically attend a local church, watch church services on television or pod casts on the internet.

Listening to almost nothing but “fire and brimstone” Bible sermons from childhood, or Hell and Damnation types of sermons from the pulpit leave much to be desired. Seeing and hearing ministers running around the Church stage screaming and hollering and pounding their fists about whatever Bible topic they chose to speak about, is a complete turnoff to me.

I don’t go to church to listen to a pastor scream and yell about something or another, and if that is the only way for a pastor or minister to preach and get their message across, I’ll just find a church to attend elsewhere without all the dancing and prancing around. I much prefer ministers who preach and teach practical things about life, with scripture readings that drive the point home, and that’s just one reason why I like Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Reading Joyce Meyer books and watching her show on television every chance I get is always enjoyable. It would be great to be able to attend a Joyce Meyer’s “Convention Tour” if it comes to our local area, but for now I just have to be content with listening to her television program as she talks about serving God, reading and re-reading her book “The Love Revolution”, and enjoying everyday life.

Have you read any books by Joyce Meyer? What is your favorite Joyce Meyer book so far?

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

It’s The Thought That Counts – Thoughtful Gift Giving

Lin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:38 +0000

When giving gifts for any occasion, it’s the thought that counts. Being a thoughtful gift giver means we have taken the time to carefully think about the gift recipient’s personal interests, needs, wants, likes and dislikes, in order to find an appropriate gift to give from the heart.

Being thoughtful is defined by personal qualities like being kind, giving, considerate, attentive, appreciative, helpful, caring, loving, and giving mindful thought towards the comfort and good of others. Kids learn the thought counts very early in life, and teachers appreciate thoughtful gifts from schoolchildren, so why are thoughtful gifts given such a bad rap?

“You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others – something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” – Albert Schweitzer

It’s The Thought That Counts

There are many ways to be thoughtful and kind in our daily lives that have nothing to do with giving gifts to others for birthdays, Christmas, Hannukah, other holidays and special occasions. I personally enjoy sending special cards to people I love and care about, perhaps a “just because” or “thinking of you” card, always remembering to send Christmas, birthday or anniversary cards to those on our list.

Why send cards? Because I can and want to, and because it’s just one more way for me to show loved ones they are being thought of and cared for throughout the year. Being thoughtful and giving towards others does not only include close friends and family, but also our neighbors and complete strangers we’ve never met before, perhaps while performing random acts of kindness from a caring, giving, charitable heart.

Thoughtful gifts do not have to be expensive and gifts do not have to be for any specific occasion. Well thought out gifts show a person you’ve been thinking about them, how well you know them and want to buy a gift for them that they will like and genuinely appreciate, even if it’s a cheap gift.

When we think of others and kindly put them ahead of ourselves, we reduce our thoughts about ourselves and our own ego, especially if the giving act is done without expectations. When we accept gifts with genuine gratitude, regardless of whether we like the gift or not, we reduce thoughts about ourselves and our ego. This is a spiritual benefit of giving and receiving.

Whose thought counts? The quote “it’s the thought that counts” expresses the thought process and good heart condition of a thoughtful gift giver, but not necessarily that of the gift recipient. The idiom that acknowledges thoughtfulness and kindness on the part of a gift giver is far too often given a negative connotation.

“People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind. Think big anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack if you help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.” – Dr. Kent M. Keith (The Paradoxical Commandments)

Practical or “safe” gifts can be misinterpreted as a sign of not caring about the person being gifted, or wrongly interpreted as being given purely out of obligation, rather than a desire to give nice gifts. Intentions are sometimes questioned, false assumptions and judgments are made as to why the gift is being given at all.

The Art of Receiving – Gift Etiquette

Receiving gifts properly in an art form, and it is a joy for people to give freely to others, but many are not comfortable with the etiquette for receiving a gift. There is an art to receiving gifts, compliments or money, and while most of us give quite easily, some feel especially uncomfortable or unworthy of receiving gifts. The psychology and science behind “it’s the thought that counts” and the art of receiving is discussed by Ode Magazine, explaining how receiving may be harder than giving for various reasons, but can lead to even greater personal and spiritual growth.

The receiver of gifts should always remember that an effort was made, no matter how big or small. It is good etiquette and good manners to accept a gift graciously and to say thank you. To choose the perfect gift that a gift receiver will enjoy and will be happy to receive, we have to tune into that person, carefully listen to what they have to say, and take notice of what they need or want for Christmas gifts or birthdays that are within the budget.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Inconsiderate, negative attitudes on the part of a gift recipient might be expressed with words or implication that mean the gift(s) received “wasn’t at all what the person wanted from you; it’s cheap but okay and will do just fine; at least you tried; it’s better than nothing; the thought is appreciated but……”

Such negative responses are a clear sign of an unappreciative, inconsiderate person, who does not understand or care about the real meaning of it’s the thought that counts and what being a thoughtful, gracious receiver of gifts is all about. Be positive and giving towards others anyway, give from the heart and make it personal.

When receiving a gift, always say a heartfelt, sincere Thank You for the gift received. It doesn’t matter how large or small a gift is, how little a gift may cost; what is important is the feeling or thoughtfulness that the giver is expressing with his or her gift.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa

If someone buys a gift for you that you don’t like, but they did it out of love, that should still be acknowledged. No one should judge a gift based on the assumed value of the item or how much a gift costs, but appreciate the gift given that has thought and feeling behind it. If you’re given an inexpensive gift that someone put a lot of time, thought and work into, you should be just as appreciative as if the person gave you an expensive diamond ring.

“Giving whether it be of time, labor, affection, advice, gifts, or whatever, is one of life’s greatest pleasures.” – Rebecca Russell

With a little creativity and planning, coming up with ideas on how to be thoughtful about gift-giving and finding meaningful gifts for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion becomes easier. The best presents are always the ones that directly think of the recipient, heartfelt and genuine gift giving. That’s the real meaning behind it’s the thought that counts and what matters most.

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Simplifying Life – Choosing Voluntary Simplicity to Simplify Your Life

Lin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:17:37 +0000

A great quote by Hans Hofmann says, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” That quote and others, along with numerous books and articles dealing with simplifying life in very meaningful ways has been replaying in my mind for quite some time now.

For about six months now, I have been thinking of ways to simplify my life in ways that are meaningful to me and my family, to allow me the necessary time and energy to focus on the more important things in our lives. I spend an enormous amount of time reading books, doing craft projects, gardening, and researching a large variety of topics, learning how to do new things.

Such as learning how to can fruits and vegetables from our garden. Having our own organic garden takes quite a bit of my time, and learning various canning methods and experimenting with recipes for the home canned foods requires not only time but also space to store canned jars etc.

Decluttering, getting rid of “stuff” we really don’t need taking up space, is high on our To-Do List. We had planned on doing a garage sale last summer but that had to be postponed, so now we’re planning on just donating most, if not all, of the stuff to those in need. Some things we need to get rid of can and will be donated to FreeCycle group members to use as they choose. Other items can be divided up among various charity organizations and shelters, etc.

There is only so much time in the day and week to do all the things I want and need to do, whether for myself or for my family. I’m not Superwoman, so it’s become crystal clear to me that somethings got to give. I’ve got to cut back, reduce and eliminate distractions that eat up too much of my time, in order to allow me and my family the time and opportunity to fulfill at least some of our set goals for the year.

Reduce the number of blog sites I own and run. Ugh. Deciding to let go of all but one of my blog sites was a very tough decision for me to make. This site, Telling It Like It Is, will soon be my only blog site. Over the course of the next couple of weeks or so I will be moving some articles from my other blogs over to this one, and then the other sites will be deleted. I simply do not have the time to continue spreading myself out too thing writing for so many blogs, juggling my time between writing for various blogs and accomplishing the goals we’ve set for ourselves.

Eliminating the other blogs and incorporating some of the articles on the other blog sites will also help in reducing the number of emails, questions and correspondences that come through the various websites on a regular basis that I of course feel responsible to respond to promptly. I truly appreciate and value the discussions that go on within the comments sections on the many topics discussed here, as well as the personal email correspondences I receive regularly. It is understandable and reasonable that some reader correspondence occurs privately through emails, especially considering some of the topics discussed on this site, so your emails and questions and discussions via email are certainly welcome and I will respond as quickly as possible.

There are some really good books about simplifying life, with many great ideas of ways to reduce and get rid of clutter, clearing your schedule for more important things, saying No to people who sometimes expect too much from you, downsizing your home, getting rid of debt, spending more time with children and grandchildren, more time spent with friends and loved ones, and many other ideas. I haven’t read any of those types of books yet since I’ve got plenty of my own ideas of ways we can simplify our lives, live with less stress and anxiety, spend more time with friends and family, etc.

I greatly appreciate my many readers and will continue to bring you informative articles on lots of different topics.

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Toxic Relationships – Narcissism and its Deadly Effects

Lin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:24:31 +0000

Thank you, Lin, for asking me to guest post on the topic of narcissism and its deadly effects. This is a subject that has come into its own. Lin’s awesome post, Toxic Relationships – Toxic Family Members has garnered almost 200 comments and 700+ Facebook “likes” since it was written three years ago.

Many more resources are available to folks who find themselves in a relationship with these insidious people than when my co-author, Lori Hoeck, and I first wrote The Narcissist: A User’s Guide a scant eighteen months ago. Since then, our User’s Guide e-book has been downloaded over a thousand times, and continues at a steady rate.

People are recognizing that they’re dealing with a person whose behavior hinges upon creating a partner dynamic designed to elevate the narcissistic person’s self-esteem by way of depleting it in another person. Where the struggle remains is what I’m going to discuss in this post.

It would be wonderful to say that the incidence of narcissism has declined since Lori, Lin, others and myself have sounded the alarm bells. This doesn’t appear to be the case. If anything, it appears that narcissism might have increased somewhat as the recognition factors became more well-known.

We’ll never truly know whether this perception is accurate, however, because, as Lori and I were among the first non-academics to point out, narcissists rarely seek treatment. There’s something wrong with them, not everyone else, after all. Estimates vary widely concerning the incidence of narcissistic personality disorder within the general population, ranging from .5% all the way up to 16%.

The negative effects these toxic people have are highly disproportionate to their numbers, whatever those numbers may ultimately be. Direct interaction with them creates dread and drains emotional energy, but we also expend additional energy anticipating, deflecting and developing strategies to neutralize their behavior. Extended interaction with narcissists in the workplace or social/family situations can be detrimental to physical health as well, with partners exhibiting physical manifestations of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other effects.

Still, even with the word getting out about how dangerous these people can be to good emotional health, many of us find ourselves ill equipped to deal with narcissists effectively. Lori and I have received many heartbreaking stories from people – both men and women, gay and straight – who were caught totally off-guard and sucked into a relationship with a Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde-like charmer. The pattern is fairly predictable:

the person initially appears too good to be true
an escalating series of interactions where the partner is caught off-guard and devalued
incidences of hypersensitivity and overreaction (including rage) to criticism, perceived slights or other behaviors in the partner they deem unacceptable
increasing demands for narcissistic supply and corresponding passivity from the partner
difficulties in ending the relationship because the partner is emotionally incapacitated and/or fearful of physical or emotional retaliation

Many self-help references get hung up on understanding the whys and hows behind narcissists becoming what they are. It’s all fine and good, but this is where most people get stuck. They think it’s their fault: if they only were better at holding up their end of the relationship, it would improve.

You must know what you can do other than blame yourself. Yet, time after time, we see well-meaning advisors who have the non-narcissist partner adapting in an attempt to create a more harmonious relationship. The problem with this advice is it amplifies the root causes of the toxic dynamic and can actually exacerbate its troublesome aspects.

As a result of the research and personal experience that prompted us to write The Narcissist: A User’s Guide, Lori and I concluded the most effective way to deal with a narcissistic person is to minimize contact. Ideally, you would eliminate it completely, but of course, this isn’t always possible. Ultimately, you’re going to have to reduce it to the bare minimum. In our e-book we provide strategies and scripts you can really use when you’re ready for that path.

Once you’ve left the relationship, you can’t let your guard down. There’s evidence to suggest a repetitive pattern in many co-dependents. If this kind of relationship is only what you know, then you may sub-consciously seek it over and over again. Fortunately, if you recognize this as a pattern in your relationships, you can overcome its causative factors and be on the lookout for triggers that affect you. For some this is a life-long process, but it’s well worth the vigilance.

If you or anyone you know is in a relationship with a toxic individual, you owe it to them or yourself to be aware that it’s undeserved and there are ways to escape. Lori and I used to say that if we helped just one person put behind the agony that these relationships cause, our own painful experiences would be vindicated. I think it’s safe to say we’ve done that, and we’re asking you to pass things along. We’ll probably never eradicate narcissistic behavior, but we don’t have to tolerate its toxic effects, either.

Be sure to “Like” The Narcissist: A User’s Guide on Facebook – Stop struggling with toxic people and learn to deal with them on your own terms!

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Top 5 Gifts: Gift Guide for Father’s Day 2011

Lin — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:00:52 +0000

Buying Dad impersonal gifts like ties, cigars and cologne are “safe” but exceptionally boring. Instead of taking the traditional gift-giving route, why not make this father’s day extra special by getting him one of the top 5 gifts listed below? As a bonus, there are also some really neat craft gift ideas kids can make for Dad as well.

5. Wrap a Nap—Just because Dad is man doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need his beauty sleep. This unique and highly innovative pillow acts as three devices in one which will give any hardworking dad the soundless rest that he deserves. In addition to being an extra comfy pillow that is designed to allow anyone to sleep comfortably in even the most awkward positions, the device also serves as ear muffs that can block out a spouses’ excessive snoring and as a blindfold for sleeper’s who are sensitive to light. Price: $14.99

4. Personalized Book—Hard and paperback books are something that people keep forever. So why not make a permanent declaration of how much Dad means to you by designing and publishing your own bound book filled with sentimental phrases, “coupons,” and artwork. You can either select pre-made pages or make your own. Price: Starts at $24.95

3. Stuffed Animal—Another great way to immortalize Dad is to create a stuff animal that looks just like him. All you need to do is send in a digital photo of Dad and a team of cartoonist will design and create a stuffed-replica toy. If you like this idea you may want to get on it as soon as possible, it may take a few weeks to get the toy. Price: $69 plus shipping

2. Amazon Kindle—If your dad is a hard-core book lover, a great gift to give this season is a Kindle. This e-reader is extra light, has no sun-glare and can store up to 1,500 books at a time. You can make the gift even more special by purchasing a few books so that he’ll have some reading material already loaded onto the device and add a heart-felt personal note that he can read as soon as he turns the Kindle on— Amazon allows it’s costumers to convert e-mail letters into a custom Kindle document. Price: Starts at $114

1. iPad 2—The new and improved iPad2 is “the” gift to give Dad this Father’s Day. Dad can do all sorts of neat things with the ultra light and sleek gadget, including watching his favorite action flicks, reading up on his favorite sports teams, listen to his favorite music, and video chat with his college buddies. He can even take care of work-related business. Price: Starts at $499.00

Craft Ideas for Kids:

Memory Jar: There’s nothing more loving than reminding dad of all the great moments he’s shared with his children. This simple but personable gift requires children to write down their fondest memories of their dad on colorful strips of paper and insert them into a glass jar with their father’s favorite candy. For example, notes can say “I remember waiting for you to come home from work so we could play basketball” or “I remember when you took me to my first baseball game and you spilled mustard on your shirt.”

What You’ll Need:

• A Mason Jar
• Different colored craft paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Dad’s favorite candy
• Beads, buttons, ribbons

Directions: Decorate Mason jar however you’d like. Fill jar with candy and memories.

Scrap Book: Another excellent way to send Dad down memory lane is to have children make a scrap book filled with photos and other mementos.

What You’ll Need:

• Scrap Book
• Different colored craft paper
• Different colored markers
• Stickers
• Scissors
• Glue
• Photos
• Beads, buttons, ribbons

Directions: Decorate each page as you wish, making sure to add photos and other significant mementos such as concert or movie stubs. Adding dates and personal messages on each page or creative headings is also a good idea.

Homemade Tie: Sure real ties might be a passé gifts but ones that are made from the heart will be treasured forever.

What You’ll Need:

• A piece of colorful construction craft paper
• Different colored markers
• Stickers
• Scissors
• Glue
• String
• Beads, buttons, ribbons

Directions: Cut and shape construction paper to resemble a neck tie. Decorate tie using markers, stickers and beads and button. Write personal messages on it. Glue sting near the neck of the tie. For more detailed directions visit enchantedlearnning.com.

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Similar Posts:

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed: