INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Don't bring up your idea first thing in the morning or as soon as your mom get home from work. This will make her less likely to hear you out, since she won't be ready to talk. Instead, find a calm time during the day to bring up the subject. Politely ask her if she has some time to talk to you before stating your case. Approach your mother and say, "Hey mom! Do you have a few minutes to talk about having a sleepover? I really want to have one here and I have a few ideas." Your mom probably had sleepovers when she was your age. If you can get her to think back to her childhood, she may be more likely to give you what you want. Ask her questions about what she did at sleepovers when she was your age, and if she has any experience hosting sleepovers when she was a kid. Use your indoor voice and take a breath between each sentence to collect your thoughts. Staying calm while you're presenting will show your mother that you've thought through your ideas and care deeply about having a sleepover. If your mom is initially against it, don't worry. If you can show her that you're capable of having an adult conversation, she may change her mind. Don't throw a temper tantrum if the conversation doesn't go exactly the way you want it to. If your mother initially says no, wait a couple of days and then try asking her again. She may change their mind over the course of a few days, and asking her again may show them that you're serious. If you lose your cool, you're only going to reinforce your mother's belief that you aren't old enough to have a sleepover. If you feel yourself getting really angry, slow your breathing down and count from 1-10 in your head to reset yourself. Even if you didn't get what you want, thank your mom for hearing you out. If your mother wants to negotiate, be open to modifying your plans. A sleepover at your house will impact your parent too, since they'll have to prepare their home, coordinate with other parents, and monitor you and your friends, so be willing to accept that they may change your plans. Say, "Thank you for taking the time to listen to me" at the end of your presentation.

SUMMARY: Talk to your mother when she's in a good mood and not busy. Ask your mom about sleepovers that she had growing up. Share your ideas in a calm manner and keep your voice down. Keep cool if you don't get your way. Show gratitude and be willing to compromise.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Whether you're measuring out and administering over-the-counter liquid medication or prescription medication, it's important to first read any instruction that's provided. Prescription labels typically include direct instruction on how much to take and how often. Over-the-counter medication labels include a lot of important information, including what it's used for, how to use it, and what's in it. When measuring and administering over-the-counter medications, you can typically determine dosage by age or weight. Weight is much more accurate, so step on the scale to find out how much medication is needed. Some medications determine dosage based on age or time alone. If this is the case, simply take the recommended amount for your particular age and/or don't take another dose until the instructions specify that it's safe to do so. Many over-the-counter liquid medications come with a measuring device, which is nearly always better to use than other measuring tools. Don't measure your medication with household measuring devices, such as a standard liquid measuring cup, unless you've misplaced the device that came with the medication. Measuring with a household device may work just fine, but the one that came with your medicine is the safest bet because it was made specifically for administering it. Some types of measuring devices that may come with your medication include measuring cups, dosing spoons, droppers, and syringes. Similar to when you're measuring liquids for cooking or for science experiments, you'll need to be eye level in order to get an accurate measurement. If the medication comes with a measuring cup or any other measuring device with a flat bottom, set it on a flat surface and bend down when you pour the medication in. Otherwise, hold the device up at eye level when you pour.

SUMMARY: Read the medication's instructions and/or label carefully. Weigh the person taking the medication to get an accurate dosage. Use the measuring device that comes with the medication. Pour the medication in at eye level.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If the school dance calls for formal wear, opt for a dress, formal skirt and top, or dress pants and nice blouse. Choose a full-length gown for an extra-formal look, or a knee-length dress or skirt for something more semi-formal. If you're going to the dance with a date, coordinate with them first to see if part of their outfit can match yours. If you go with a boy, their shirt, tie, or vest/cumberbund could match your dress, top, or accessories. Pick a pair of heels or flats that are comfortable enough for dancing and being on your feet for several hours. Try matching your shoes to your dress or accessories, or pick gold or silver shoes to match the type of metal of your jewelry. Pay attention to dress code guidelines for shoes. There could be a restriction on the height of high heels. Choose accessories to complement your outfit. Pick a nice purse or clutch in the same color as your outfit or shoes, or in the same neutral silver or gold as your jewelry. Keep jewelry simple and classy by sticking to just a few pieces. If you wear big dangly earrings, stick to a simple necklace or bracelet. Or if you have an armful of bangles, choose a less flashy necklace and earrings. For a prom or other very formal dance, you can follow the tradition of wearing a corsage that complements your outfit and guy's boutonniere. You can tell your date what color to buy you, or you can just buy or make your own! Wear the corsage either on your wrist or pinned to the front of your dress near the shoulder. Accessories are a great way to follow the color or theme of a dance. Pick a bright red purse or pair of shoes for a Valentine's dance, stick a flower in your hair for a Spring dance, or buy a sparkly eye mask for a masquerade theme. If you want to, you can wear makeup to bring out the natural beauty of your face. Choose a concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone, and add a little blush or bronzer to your cheeks if you like. Sweep mascara onto your eyelashes and add eyeliner to your upper eyelids. If you go with bolder or darker eye makeup, stick to a light lip color or gloss, and vice versa. If you want to, get your hair styled at a salon in a traditionally formal updo. Or try curling, straightening, braiding, or another style that you or a friend can do to your hair. Add sparkly or colorful pins or clips for extra adornment. You can also go to a salon for a manicure and/or pedicure, paint your nails at home, or buy press-on nails.

SUMMARY:
Choose a dress, skirt, or dress pants. Pick out heels or flats. Add a purse and jewelry. Apply tasteful makeup if you wish. Get hair and nails done.