Household routines are important for most young children who need a certain amount of structure in their day. They know their limits and generally how to control their behavior. This can all be thrown out the window when the family takes a trip and routines are disrupted in unfamiliar surroundings. A company called Portable Parenting has come up with a couple of products to help maintain routines, whether at home or on the road.

First there's the Take Out Time Out Mat, a plastic mat that can be whipped out anywhere to help children regain control. Time out is used to turn negative behavior (hitting, biting, defiance, etc.) into a positive learning experience by removing the child from playtime and placing him on the mat for a short period of time.

This could be combined with Star Stash, a portable reward system of stars.

Stars can be earned for such activities as completing homework, potty training, using good manners, making good grades, eating new foods, cleaning your room or making the bed. A system can be developed with the parent to trade a certain number of stars for a movie rental, pizza night, trip to the zoo or new book or other treats. The product also helps children learn to count.

Each system costs $12.49, or $19.99 when purchased together. They're available at www.portableparenting.com. They come with directions on the best way to teach good behavior.

-- Virginia Linn