Articles written by Karin Becton

What is Helium

About me - Karin Becton

I'm a forty-something mother of two teenagers. I teach preschool, and work in classified inside sales at a local newspaper. I have a degree in interior design, and I love writing, photography, music and scrapbooking.

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood My most embarrassing mommy moment: 1 of 39
My son resisted potty training. Consequently, he would hold back on bowel movements until he couldn't hold it anymore. He would hide in his closet or behind the chair when he had to go.My mother-in-law was visiting, and we decided to take the kids out for lunch. We struck up a conversation with another mom who was there with ... More..
Education > Education (Other) Tips for fitting in with classmates: 1 of 28
Everyone, regardless of their age, wants to fit in with his or her peers. It seems to come naturally to some children. They breeze through life, surrounded by a support group of friends who love and accept them. But for most children, being accepted by their peers takes a little more effort.There are ways you can help your ch... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Childhood: 6 of 100
TOY DAYSThe small boy wandered through the souvenir shop with an almost reverent attitude. He tenderly fingered the feather-tipped headband, gazed longingly at the genuine leather tomahawk, and tested the tips of the brightly colored plastic arrowheads."Mommy, can I please have this?" he asked his mother as he held up a tom-t... More..
Education > Education (Other) How to deal with back-to-school blues: 2 of 25
Back to school can be an exciting time, for parents and kids alike. But what do you do if the end of summer brings moping and tears, rather than anticipation? Here are some tips to beat the back-to-school blues.MAKE A SUMMER MEMORY BOOK-If you took pictures of fun things that you did during the summer, put them together in a ... More..
Relationships & Family > Friendship Advice Teen advice: How to tell if someone likes you: 2 of 22
You've seen him staring at you in class, when he thinks you're not looking. He calls you just to say goodnight. He sends you funny texts in the middle of class that make you laugh out loud. He's cute, sweet, interesting; but how can you tell if he really likes you?"I wish he would just make a move, or leave me alone," Kylie, ... More..
Relationships & Family > Break-Ups & Exes Teen advice: How to get over a relationship: 6 of 60
"We need to talk. I think we should just be friends" Those dreaded words. Break-ups can be unbelievably painful, whether you are the rejecter or the rejected. Have you ever wondered why there are so many break-up songs? Just about everyone has to go through a botched romance at some point. Even though it may feel as though yo... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Falling in love: 65 of 614
MomentsWrapped in silky, moon-dipped silence,Butterfly rising, soft and white;Whispered breath and words delicious,Lost in air so still and light.Moonlight dances on dew-dripped petals,Fragrance drifting, clear and bright;Silent steps and softened laughter,Lost in sounds of balmy night.Lingering notes of silver-tipped music,M... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Teen Challenges Self esteem issues in teenagers: 7 of 53
Self esteem issues can surface at any age, but the teenage years seem to be the worst. At no other time in your life does your social, physical and emotional standing seem to be so important. You feel compared to, and judged by, everyone.People mistakenly believe that if you improve your looks or your social skills, you will ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) Pros and cons of electronic baby dolls: 1 of 7
Electronic dolls are used by some schools as part of a program called "Baby Think it Over" to teach teens about the responsibilities of taking care of a baby. Teens take the dolls home for the weekend, along with items needed to care for it, just like a real baby. The dolls cry or wet their diapers at various times and the te... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Helping your kids writing a letter to Santa Claus: 4 of 26
When my children were small, we tried to place more emphasis on the real meaning of Christmas, rather than the secular traditions. But part of the fun of Christmas is the anticipation of a visit from Santa Claus. And that fun begins with sending a letter filled with childish requests.However, my kids had to rely on snail mail... More..