Keeping personal feelings out of a book review

There is one part of this book that really troubled me. As a mother, I wanted to get into that story, and pull Fee away from the ceremoy screaming, "No, stop! She's too young!"

As a teenager, this whole thing may seem romantic and it may even inspire feelings of true love. I have so BEEN THERE! I remember when I was Fee's age, had fallen in love with someone, wanted to do this exact same kind of thing with him and live happily ever after. Every girl this age could fall into that kind of fantasy so easily. And even think, "Gee, it's a good idea!"

But it's not. It is so NOT a good idea, especially for a girl so young. She has her whole life ahead of her. Who knows what the future will bring? She will grow, mature -- and maybe even fall out of love with Faron. It was so wrong to expect a naive, emotionally-troubled and idealistic 16-year-old girl to choose her one true love to stay with forever.

True, this is a fantasy story. In fantasy, we like to think that true love really does conquer all. But I have spent too much time in the real world to know that fantasy has no place in a real world relationship between male and female. So this whole scene left a real sour taste in my mouth.

It was also hurtful that Fee did not even include her mother in this. I know that even if my own daughter made such a bad choice, I would still love her and support her -- and be by her side no matter what. And I know that, as a mother, I would be hurt if I was not at least included in such an event.

REASON FOR CUTTING: Too personal and it may give away an important event that takes place in the story.

Read this book review here: Dividing Dark by Melissa Swaim

Raising a child's self-esteem

Learning a new skill or indulging in a hobby are other great ways to enhance a child’s self-esteem. This helps them to feel good about themselves and their abilities to learn new things. It also allows the child to feel that they are smarter for being able to learn so much about this new facet of their life. Ideas can be as varied as learning a new language, learning how to play an instrument, collecting rocks, birdwatching and swimming.


REASON FOR CUTTING: Word count limit exceeded.

Read this article here: How to Enhance a Child's Self-Esteem

Global warming: Fact or fiction?

"Several debates rage over theories about how the planet was formed and how it is thriving – or not thriving."

CHANGED TO:

"The global warming scare has made plenty of people become more aware of the impact they have on the planet, but one has to ask if this theory can actually be fact or just a lot of hot air."

CHANGED "can actually be fact" to "is actual fact."

CHANGED "one has to ask if this theory is actual fact" to a question format.

CHANGED "Another claim adding fuel to this debate that global warming is a myth" to "another claim that global warming is a myth" Needed the sentence to be shorter.

CHANGED "Another point which the proponents make" to "Another point they make" because of word limit.

CHANGED "Bottom line, whether or not global warming is real, the fact remains that all human inhabitants of this earth" to omit "the fact remains." Felt it was irrelevant since I started the sentence with "bottom line."

CHANGED "all human inhabitants of this earth should take steps to care for our environment" to "all human inhabitants of our home planet should care for our environment." I felt that calling Earth our "home planet" would have a stronger emotional impact and cause some sensitive readers to feel that attachment to our planet.

Read this article here: Is Global Warming a Myth?

Tips for checking out a childcare provider

Ask for references, talk to clients, carefully observe the environment, hang out with the children and watch how the child care provider works.

REASON FOR CUTTING: Word count limit exceeded.

Read this Article Here: How to Find Child Care

Sleep remedies for children

"Caffeine does stay in your bloodstream for several hours."

"Try the above tips for a few days to see if they help your child fall into a sleep routine. Give things a few days to work before turning to outside sources of help in assisting your child’s sleep problems."

REASON FOR CUTTING: Word count limit exceeded.

Read this article here: Natural Sleep Aids for Children

Advice for women buying a car

Following your research, try to have the money you’re willing to pay on you when you go to the car lot. Let the salesman know you have cash ready to pay. This will change their tune and they’ll be more willing to work with you in negotiating a price.

Give yourself a day or two to decide if that car and that price is what you are willing to go with.

REASON FOR CUTTING: Word count limit exceeded.

Read this article here: A Woman's Car Buying Guide

Tips for childproofing your home

Check the walls of your home for chipped or flaked paint. This can lead to lead poisoning if the paint contains lead. Hire a professional to remove it.

Use doorknob covers and hook-and-eye locks on doors to keep children out of certain rooms. Also, keep items children can’t touch – such as framed photos, fine china and jewelry – in these “off-limit” rooms.


REASON FOR CUTTING: Word count limit exceeded.

Read this article here: How to Child Proof Your Home