Introduce Your Kids to Your Favorite Classic Toys
Remember toys without batteries? Without buttons and video screens, that involved physical activity? Toys that engaged the child's imagination? This holiday season, think about introducing your children or grandchildren to the toys, games, and books that excited you when you were a kid.
For young children, toys that they can manipulate will entertain them while they develop essential dexterity skills. Slinky toys, pull toys, spinning tops, and toy vehicles like trains, tractors and cars stimulate those neurons as they learn how things work. Dolls, puppets, and stuffed animals, like the ever-popular Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, the Lamb Chop puppet that was a favorite in the fifties and sixties, and all kinds of bears, give kids something to cuddle while they practice their communication skills on their little friends.
For older children, board games are a great way to connect with friends and family. "Chutes and Ladders" is an engaging, unpredictable game that inspires lots of laughter as players progress through the ladders, and then suddenly end up at the bottom of the board as they unexpectedly encounter a chute. Another vintage game still played today, "Clue" challenges children's (and adults') logical prowess as they try to figure out "whodunit."
Don't forget to introduce your children or grandchildren to the books you enjoyed as a child.
"Heidi," "Treasure Island," the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder - the reason you remember them is that they're classics, well written and as exciting for today's generation of young people as they were when you were growing up. Children love to be read to, so consider these wonderful classics as a chance to snuggle up with the kids or grandkids as you read to them. Don't forget to reminisce about your childhood while you're interacting with them, reading, playing games, or watching them play; this times are a great opportunity to begin to pass along the family stories that are so much a part of daily life.
Unplugging your children or grandchildren from the TV, the DVD player, and the Game Boy will be doing them a big favor. Getting them involved with toys, games and books that will stimulate their minds and their hearts will pay off for them for years to come..
The Many Benefits of Loft Bunk Beds
A loft bunk bed is technically defined as a bunk bed in which the top of the mattress is more than three feet from the floor. As such, virtually all bunk beds are actually loft bunk beds under this definition.
In use, however, loft bunk beds often have simply one twin bed on top with nothing underneath. In addition, they are typically more self-contained in that they include many other features and/or furniture items that typically reside in a bedroom. For instance, loft bunk beds can include both a desk and drawers underneath the twin bed on top.
Loft bunk beds, like other bunks, save space and add a creative element to a bedroom. Choices of ladders typically exist, from straight-up ladders to angled ladders.
The angled ladders are generally safer, but take up more floor space.
In addition to loft bunk beds, futon bunk beds are convenient because they have the dual functionality of serving as a couch. As such, futon bunk beds represent...
Ladders > The Many Benefits of Loft Bunk Beds
Library Ladders
Libraries contain huge stock of books, periodicals and information that needs to be accessed by a great number of its members. To be able to reach items efficiently, a library ladder is a must. Library ladder help retrieve books, periodicals and magazines that would otherwise be out of reach.
Traditionally, library ladders were straight, portable ladders that could be kept and moved anywhere. Simple hook ladders were also an option for better grip.
Even stepladders were common in libraries. But nowadays, special rolling track library ladders are available. Rolling track library ladders have a steel rod installed above the library racks. The grab bars at the top of the rung are inserted into steel rods. Thus, the ladder moves along the rod and the shelves without toppling over.
At the bottom of the ladder, wheels are fixed to move the ladder from one place to another smoothly. Double track rolling library ladders are available for very narrow aisles. They have...
Library Ladders
Ladders > Library Ladders
Bunk Bed Basics
Bunk beds are a great way to fit two beds into a smaller space, or to maximize the floor space of a shared room. There are now bunk beds available with storage drawers, roll out mattresses and even some that double as desks and workstations. All the additional amenities that bunk beds now offer are certainly something to be considered, but nothing is more important when purchasing a bunk bed than safety. Know what to look for and you will get a great looking bunk bed that serves its purpose. There are certain things an educated consumer should know to look out for, and it also goes without saying that not all bunk beds are created equal.
There are several manufacturers of bunk beds who make quality furniture pieces, and armed with a little knowledge, you can purchase the right bed for your children.
All bunk beds should have rails for the top bunk. Without question, the number one cause of bunk bed related injuries stems from children falling out of the top bunk....
Ladders > Bunk Bed Basics
The risk from working at Heights
In 2004/ 2005 53 people died in the UK and nearly 3,800 were seriously injured as a result of a result of a workplace fall. Falls are the most common cause of death at work.
If you work at height for any task then your employer has a duty under the Working at Height regulations which places a duty of care on employers to protect their employees safety at all times who may be at risk of personal injury from a fall from height.
Latest projects launched by the Health and Safety Executive highlight the risk to the health of workers who conduct duties whilst at height but do insist that this does not mean a ban on the use of ladders as previously reported in the media.
The working at height regulations do not outright the ban in the use of stepladders but place emphasis to employers that they must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks connected with the working duties. This also entails finding reasonable alternatives if possible...
Ladders > The risk from working at Heights
Step Ladders
Stepladders are ladders with wide steps that are specifically designed to provide foot comfort while climbing or standing. Stepladders are mostly used for painting, repairs, industrial work and household jobs. They come in an A-shape model with either one side having steps or both sides having steps. They are made from steel, wood, aluminum or fiberglass. The steps are lined with corrugated rubber or have slip-resistant texture.
Generally, the depth of steps ranges from 3 inches to 10 inches.
If the steps fold up, it becomes compact to store the ladder. The foot of the ladder should have slip-resistant molded footpads or rubber cups for better grip.
Usually step ladders range from 18 inches to 20 feet height. Stepladders can carry up to 375 lbs of weight, depending on the model.
Some stepladders have a high railing for support at the top and wheels for rolling at the bottom.
A few have an adjustable height of about one foot that can be incremented...
Step Ladders
Ladders > Step Ladders
Library Ladders
Libraries contain huge stock of books, periodicals and information that needs to be accessed by a great number of its members. To be able to reach items efficiently, a library ladder is a must. Library ladder help retrieve books, periodicals and magazines that would otherwise be out of reach.
Traditionally, library ladders were straight, portable ladders that could be kept and moved anywhere. Simple hook ladders were also an option for better grip.
Even stepladders were common in libraries. But nowadays, special rolling track library ladders are available. Rolling track library ladders have a steel rod installed above the library racks. The grab bars at the top of the rung are inserted into steel rods. Thus, the ladder moves along the rod and the shelves without toppling over.
At the bottom of the ladder, wheels are fixed to move the ladder from one place to another smoothly. Double track rolling library ladders are available for very narrow aisles. They have...
Library Ladders
Ladders > Library Ladders
Ladders
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