Once you have a draft of the haiku done, read it aloud several times. Listen to how the haiku sounds. Make sure each line flows easily into one another and that the lines follow the 5-7-5 syllable count. The haiku should sound natural when read aloud. If you notice any awkward or choppy lines, adjust them so they sound smooth. Replace any words that are too long or complicated. Make sure the haiku sounds pleasant when reading aloud. Get feedback from others about the haiku. Ask friends, family members, and peers what they think of the haiku. Pose questions about whether the haiku embodies a moment in nature or a season. If you wrote a haiku about a particular subject or object, ask others if they think the haiku does a good job of exploring it. Place the haiku in the center of the page and center the lines so it forms a diamond shape. This is how haikus are traditionally formatted.  You can also add a short title at the top of the haiku, such as “Autumn” or “Dog.” Avoid long, wordy titles. Many haikus do not have titles. It is not absolutely necessary that you title your haiku poem.

Summary: Read the haiku out loud. Show the haiku to others. Center the haiku on the page when it’s done.


After an argument, go into a private place. Continue with your daily life but just refrain from talking to your mother. Keep it up. Do not cave in or let her win. Let her come to you. She will. When she finally gives in, welcome her with open arms. She'll be happy you're interacting with her again, and peace will reign.

Summary: Try the silent treatment.


It’s very common for young children to develop knock knees as the muscles in their legs develop. The condition typically first appears in children between the ages of 2 and 5, and most often goes away by the time the child is 7. While it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s doctor if they develop knock knees at this age, they likely won’t need any treatment. If your child develops knock knees before the age of 2, talk to their pediatrician. If your child’s knock knees haven’t resolved on their own by the time they’re 7, make an appointment with their pediatrician to find out if there’s an underlying issue. They will likely do a physical exam, and may also recommend other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood tests. You should also make an appointment with a doctor if your child develops knock knees after age 7 or if their knock knees are causing problems, such as pain, difficulty walking, or self-esteem issues. Common causes of knock knees in children include vitamin deficiencies (such as rickets) and knee injuries. If your child’s doctor is able to identify and treat an underlying cause for your child’s persistent knock knees, they may be able to treat the issue and help the problem correct itself. Depending on what’s causing the knock knees, your doctor may recommend medications or supplements for your child. If your child’s knock knees are causing pain or affecting the way they walk, physical therapy can be helpful. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a physical therapist who has experience working with children with knock knees. Physical therapy will be particularly important if your child needs surgical correction for their knock knees. Their therapist can recommend exercises to restore strength and range of motion after the surgery. If your child’s knock knees don’t correct themselves by the time they’re 7, orthotic devices can be very helpful. Your child’s pediatrician or physical therapist may recommend a special shoe or shoe insert to help correct your child’s gait. They might also prescribe a night brace—a leg brace that your child wears at night to help straighten and realign the knee. Ask your child’s doctor, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist to show you how to put your child’s shoes or braces on correctly. While surgery is not usually necessary to treat knock knees in kids, your doctor may recommend it if your child’s knock knees are severe or don’t respond to other treatments. The most common surgical treatment for children is called “guided growth surgery.” Ask your doctor if this procedure is right for your child.  Guided growth surgery is typically performed around the time of puberty (between the ages of 11 and 13 for most children). This procedure involves implanting a metal device on the inner side of the knee joint to correct the alignment of the knee as it grows. After knee surgery, your child may need to use a crutch or walker for several weeks. They can usually return to all their regular activities after 6 months.

Summary: Take a wait-and-see approach for children under 7. Ask a doctor to evaluate your child if the condition hasn’t improved by age 7. Treat any underlying conditions that might be causing the problem. Find a physical therapist to help your child work on strength and gait issues. Get special braces or shoes for your child if your doctor recommends them. Look into guided growth surgery if other approaches don’t work.


Even if you have a covered play area in your yard, never leave your small dog alone outside. Your dog may find a way out of its enclosure and wander out into full view of a bird of prey. Retractable leashes allow your dog to get too far away from you. Purchase a standard leash that is no more than 6 feet (1.8 m) long. And never let your dog off the leash while outside of your yard, even if you’ve never seen predators near your home. Be on the lookout for trees, both near your home and along your walk route, where birds of prey have nested. These nests may be up in the branches or inside tree cavities. Don’t allow your dog off its leash, even in your yard, if a bird of prey has nested nearby.  Wait until the eggs have hatched and the birds have left the nest before you let your dog off the leash outside. In the U.S., birds of prey are federally protected, so do not attempt to disturb or remove an active nest. A Raptor Shield is like a dog coat that you sling over your dog’s back and clip under its stomach. The canvas material makes it impossible for a bird’s talons to latch onto your dog’s skin and carry it away. Put this on your dog whenever it’s outside, particularly if it will be off leash.
Summary: Supervise your dog whenever it’s outside. Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash during walks. Keep your dog away from any trees with nests. Purchase a Raptor Shield for your dog to wear outside.