Parenting Children

The official start of summer is here for us and I know how hard it is to keep kids entertained all summer long. I found that making a list on my calendar helped me pick a fun thing to do every day. Here are 45 cheap or better yet free, great ideas for summer fun for you and the kids:

Catch fireflies

Decorate t-shirts outside with paint or dye

Have a tea party outside

Make a birdhouse

Make your own ice pops

Bake a pie or cookies

Feed the ducks

Go swimming

Plant a garden or a herb garden

Play with water balloons

Play with water guns

Go on a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood

Play hide and go seek in the dark

Find a new playground

Have a picnic

Make S’mores

Learn how to knit and teach your kids, maybe even take a class

Visit the zoo

Visit a museum or children’s museum

Let your children play outside in the rain

Make a theme day, like a “red day” wear red eat only red foods (tomato, apples, strawberries, polish your nails red) or “dinosaur day” (read about dinosaurs, color dinosaur pictures, eat only veggies that day)

Write a letter to a grandparent or friend

Have a lemonade stand

Pick fruits or veggies at your local farms

Make an indoor sand or (Rice!) box
Find free movies in your town

Play hopscotch

Draw with sidewalk chalk

Make a tent indoors with blankets

Play with bubbles, have a biggest bubble contest

Race some bug you find on the ground

Join a reading club for grades 1-6

Have a “day of beauty” paint nails, have masks, give your kids a massage

Go to a free reading time

Buy a hammock and take a nap together

Play with a remote controlled RV or boat

Visit a day fair or carnival

Go for a hike

Can berries for the winter

Grab your sleeping bags and sleep on the floor together

Do some arts & crafts

Grow butterflies (My kids LOVE this!)

Visit a neighbor

Make a bubble pool in your backyard

Make ice cream

Check out free classes at Lowes or Home Depot

Make a trip to a board walk

Bowling!

Have movie day at home complete with popcorn and candy

What are your favorite family summer fun ideas?

summer fun, summer vacation, entertaining kids, free summer fun, cheap summer fun summer activities for kids, rainy day ideas, parenting, SAHM, moms, parenting children

I did sleep train my baby at 10 weeks old. We got the hang of it and did great. Now that he is thirteen months old we have to start all over again. He is dealing with extreme separation anxiety and is very clingy and hard to put to sleep. I don’t want to make the mistake of having him depend on us to fall asleep. I know too many parents that still have to rock, nurse or drive their children around in cars so they will fall asleep. But the question is “how do you sleep train a child?”

The goal is to have your child fall asleep by herself in her crib, but how you get to that point is up to you. You can start out by putting your child to bed and checking on them every once in awhile. Better yet, you can use your baby monitor to watch your baby. If your baby cries go in a reassure him that you are there, but don’t pick him up. Rub his back, comfort without holding and rocking him to sleep. Reassure them and leave again. I know it is hard and you just want the crying to stop, but I promise you are comforting and teaching them to soothe themselves at the same time. Within three to five nights, you’re bound to see a dramatic improvement in the bedtime routine.

OR you can go an alternative route: for three nights, you can sit next to the crib until your baby falls asleep, then three nights across the room, then in the doorway, and then in the hallway.

When you check on your baby, it’s better do it consistently, rather than waiting until they really start crying. If the baby cries in the night, respond to it. In two weeks you will have a baby that can fall asleep on their own.

infants, sleep training, bedtime, bedtime routines, parenting, kids, toddlers, putting baby to bed, bedtime, bedtime routine

I have had the chance to interview many mothers, grandmothers, dads and asked them what they think the most important tips for any parent. These are the top tips that they gave me:

-Say “I Love You” all the time, you will never spoil your child with too much love
-Be loving to your spouse in front of your children
-Disagree with your spouse in front of your child, it is okay to let them see you disagree, but let them see you make up also. This will teach them to men conflicts.
-Love your children the same but treat them individually, every child has weaknesses and strengths and needs to be parented with those in mind
-Kids not only need discipline but crave it and it shouldn’t be confused with punishment
-Give your child a variety of foods and keep trying them, it may take a dozen times before kids decide they like something
-Eat together. No matter how busy you are try and eat together at least once a day
-Discuss your day with your child, then ask them about their day
-Read to your children as often as you can
-Trust Your mom instincts, if you think something is wrong with your child you are probably correct
-Put your baby to sleep drowsy but not asleep, this will teach them to put themselves to sleep
-Remember the dishes will wait. Messy house can always be cleaned a child is only a child who wants you to play with them for a short while

Today is delurking day, show me some love and tell me what your favorite parenting tip that was given to you is.

parenting tips, how to be a great parent, parenting, parenting children, moms, dads, being a good dad, grandparents, best mom tips

We are all aware how expensive it can be to have children, especially these days. For some reason they keep needing new clothes and want to be fed 3-4 times a day! That is why keeping a food budget can be a great idea.
Here are some ideas on how to keep your grocery budget down while still feeding your family healthy foods. Of course, some of these ideas may have to be adapted for your larger, or smaller family.

Use coupons.

Shop flyers first. Maybe your grocery has great sales on the meat you need but Target or Walmart has great deals on the paper goods you have to buy. Making a separate trip may work in your favor if these stores are close to you.

Do not eat out. Or only eat out on special occasions. Make a pizza at home or find your favorite Chinese recipes online.

Buy in season produce and vegetables. You can always buy canned fruit, which can be rinsed of the sugary water it is packed in.

Drink water. Ditch sodas and sugary energy drinks.

Plan your weekly meals ahead of time. That way you know exactly what to get at the store and if you leave your kids at home you will be less likely to buy impulse purchases.

Try these two great web sites to help you plan meals for your family. How to feed yourself for $15 a week has some good ideas, as well as $45 emergency menu for 4-6 people who has great menu ideas as well as a shopping list for these sample menus.

Do you have any tips or tricks to keep your weekly food bill down?

families, parenting, moms, feeding your family, frugal tips, frugal moms family budgets, feeding your family on a budget

Getting baby to lie down, stay still and get her diaper changed can be a challenge, especially when she starts to crawl or walk. My twins acted like they are much too busy for a 1 minute change and now the baby won’t sty still either.
Here are some ideas to keep baby in place so you can do your business and change their business:

Put a sticker on the back of baby’s hand. By the time she can get the sticker off you are done with the diaper change. Works every time!

Buy a balloon. A $3.oo mylar balloon fastened to the end of the changing table will give your baby something to focus on or play with. Just never leave baby unattended with balloon, or let baby put it in his mouth.

Spoon. You can stash one in the diaper bag and one in the changing table. let baby play with the spoon and voila! you will be done in no time.

So tell me, how do you get baby to stay in one place long enough to change a diaper?

infants, toddlers, diaper changes, diapers, parenting, moms, parenting tips

I am traveling with my kids by car this weekend. I am going by myself and I have to say I am anxious and nervous. It reminded of me when we flew with our kids for the first time.
We first took our kids on a airplane when they were nine months old. Since then they have been on three other flights. I was always nervous about flying with them, how they would react, how they would deal with sitting for a three + hour flight. I have always been pleasantly surprised.

I had a plan. I would have bottles ready for them during takeoff and landing. I had baby tylenol ready to go in case someone was miserable. I put away some of their toys weeks before our flight so they would be all new to them when we got on the plane.

When they were a little older I worried they would want to get down and walk around, explore. They sure did but I redirected their attention to the new little toys I had bought at the dollar store before our trip like crayons, books, molding clay and toy cars. It worked. Snacks in your carry on or purse are like gold.
(more…)

Doorknobs, TV remotes, refrigerator handles and other commonly touched household surfaces are hotbeds of cold germs, which can survive on those surfaces for two days or longer, says a University of Virginia study.

The study included adults with cold symptoms who were asked to name 10 places in their homes they had touched in the preceding 18 hours. The researchers then went to the participants’ homes to hunt for cold germs, the Associated Press reported.

“We found that commonly touched areas … were positive (for cold germs) about 40 percent of the time,” said ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Birgit Winther.
So how can you keep your family healthy this cold and flu season? Wash your hands often! Washing your hands often is the best way to prevent a cold.

About 100 different viruses cause infections that lead to the common cold. Colds usually come on gradually, starting with a runny nose or a scratchy throat. Most kids do fine with a common cold but require a little more TLC. Remind them to wash their hands often, keep them hydrated (if they don’t want to drink, try ice pops, juice or soup) and use the nasal aspirator if necessary. Having a humidifier and/or a vaporizer in a child’s room is great for winter too.
If your child has a fever, Call the doctor.
(more…)

I have some tips and tricks for Halloween this year with your kids. We also want to keep kids safe this time of year especially those that are old enough to trick or treat alone so lets talk about saety also.

Don’t want to give out candy for Halloween? How about giving out juice boxes or kid sized waters? Try stickers or other craft items and if you have any leftovers, put them into your child’s craft box for a rainy day. The other thing I have seen lately, which I love, is the mini playdoh containers. Although the older kids may rather have candy!
(more…)

This year along with many moms, I am having trouble finding someone to watch my kids while I go out to vote. I feel that it is imperative that every woman makes informed and responsible choices for themselves and this country, but sometimes you need a helping hand. This year TodaysMama and Sittercity.com announced that as part of the MamaVote initiative, they will offer free and discounted babysitting on Election Day, November 4, 2008!

From October 27 to November 3, everyone who signs up for a membership at SitterCity.com with the promotional code MamaVote08 will be eligible for 50 percent off babysitting on Election Day. In addition, the first 50 individuals to register will receive free babysitting for two hours on Election Day. Perfect for single mothers or moms who want to vote but can’t find a babysitter.
TodaysMama joined with the League of Women Voters and Sittercity.com to launch MamaVote last year, a non-partisan, education and inspiration-based initiative that encourages mothers to get involved in the political process. By offering discounted, reliable babysitting, these organizations hope to get more women to the polls.

“Mothers make up one of the most powerful voting blocks in our nation,” said Rachael Herrscher, co-founder and CEO of TodaysMama. “We want to encourage all mothers to vote, and finding a babysitter can be a big road block. Mothers make up a huge part of America’s population and we need to get out and have our voices heard everyday, especially this election day.
For the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.

voting, sittercity, election, moms, parenting

We have exactly ten days before my children start their school careers. I am holding up well, so far. We have prepared them for kindergarten as best we can but they are so thirsty for knowledge, it even surprises me. The latest task we are undertaking is teaching them to read. They want to read in the worst way and I am trying to help them accomplish that goal by the end of this school year. Here are some tips for making a reading friendly environment in your home for your children (and you!):

-Visit book stores and your local library often and browse the book sections

-For reluctant readers get audio books from your library

-Use books without words to spark their imagination

-Ask your school or library for a suggested reading list for your child’s age

-Make flashcards for vocabulary and practice spelling words. We read and spell a lot in the car, pretty much everything we pass with letters on it, my kids ask what it says.

- Get magnetic letters for your refrigerator, then kids can practice spelling even short words with or without your help.

- Keep books in the house that they have an interest it. Make sure you have a well lit, comfy area in your house that kids can read or look at their books in.

- Let your children (ages 4 to watch reading rainbow or Between the Lion on PBS.

- Play word games like Scrabble Jr., Boggle Jr, or hangman

-Look for story time in your local book store, library or Pottery Barn Kids

- Make sure you read to your child every day, even if it is for a couple of minutes. Read yourself, parents who read the paper, books or anything will more likely to have readers for children! Monkey see monkey do!

What are your tips for teaching your children to read?

beginning readers, kindergarten, learning to read, kids, toddlers, preschoolers, parenting, parenting children, teaching kids to read

Did you know that most regular oral-hygiene products contain chemicals, artificial dyes, sweeteners or preservatives? I didn’t, but they are all listed on the labels of our oral hygiene products for our kids! I try to stay away from chemical laden foods and topical products but I was putting it in their mouths every day! I just never thought to look at the toothpaste label.
Here are some things you should look for in your toothpastes and mouthwashes:

Try not to buy toothpaste with anything artificial. That includes dyes, sweeteners and preservatives. They are in all the kid’s toothpaste that I looked at.
Try and buy things with essential oils like tea tree oil, and peppermint oil all promote good oral hygiene, along with vitamin C and vitamin E.
Use baking soda, it cleans and polishes your teeth with enough scouring action to help remove plaque. It is not abrasive so it is easy on your teeth.
Alcohol-based mouth rinses actually dries out your mouth, so stay away from those. If your mouth is dry, that can lead to bad breath.

Try Tom’s of Maine, Weleda, and Kiss My Face and check out preserve toothbrushes for the whole family!

Remember that parents should start brushing their children’s teeth as soon as they appear in their mouth. It is also a good idea to use a wash cloth to wipe a child’s gums before teeth even appear. Flossing should be started after two teeth touch each other to prevent cavaties between the teeth.

children’s teeth, parenting, toothpaste, healthy kids, brushing your kids teeth, children’s toothpaste

Herbs can be a great resource for woman who want to become pregnant, are pregnant or are nursing a baby. Of course western medications are great for some situations, like infertility, but don’t let that be the only thing you try. Do your research talk to you doctor and find out what is best for you. I want t discuss a few herbs and what they are good for in woman.

Infertility- tonic herbs can assist in building the reproductive system, such as raspberry leaf (do not take raspberry leaf when you are pregnant, unless under supervision of a doctor) and red clover and drink teas with nettle and alfalfa which both are very high in nutrition, including folic acid.

Pregnancy- Nettle leaves is nutritious with high iron, folic acid and calcium content. For morning sickness drink ginger tea or even ginger ale helped me. You can also take ginger capsules. Drink raspberry and mint tea.

Breastfeeding- Fenugreek is the herb most often recommended by lactation consultants and has been used for generations around the world to increase milk supply. It is what I take and I love it.
Blessed thistle and milk thistle are not only given to increase milk, but they are excellent liver support herbs. There is also a “mothers milk” tea that has both fenugreek and milk thistle in it.

Remember to buy herb products from a reputable company who uses high quality herbs. Make sure you check with your doctor if you are taking other medication along with herbs.

herbs during pregnancy, pregnancy, infertility, breastfeeding, building your milk supply, nursing, herbs, getting pregnant

I grew up 15 minutes outside of New York City, so we visited the city very often while I was growing up. We visited Rockefeller Center in the winter, took class trips to the museums and went to lots of Yankee games. Now we live about an hour from NYC and when we go home for visits my kids always ask to go and visit New York. I guess visiting Philadelphia (where we live outside of now) isn’t good enough for them.
If you are lucky enough to be taking a vacation to a city this summer, here are some great things to do, that don’t cost a lot of money in the big city with kids:

Take public transportation. To kids this is the greatest thing. Take an outing by train, bus or subway.
Go high. Usually the tallest building in a city has an observation deck. Take your child to the top and get a better look at the city, plus you will get great pictures. This is great at night too with all the twinkling lights.
Picnic. Enjoy the parks the city has to have a picnic from home. Better yet take the opportunity to try new restaurants or foods that your town doesn’t have.
Enjoy the show. Most cities have street performers. Stop and enjoy them with your child. If you can afford it bring them to an off broadway show. It is a great experience for adults as well as kids.

What tips do you have for visiting a city with kids?

summer vacation, visiting a city with kids, vacation ideas, kids, parenting

I always knew I was going to breastfeed this baby. When a breastfeeding mom asked me if I would breastfeed or bottle feed and I told them I would nurse, they would get so excited and tell me all the pros of breastfeeding. the one that was on everyone’s list was “It is so easy you can do it anywhere”. Indeed you can, but how? I am no a prude but I want to be discreet and comfortable at the same time.
Here are some ideas on how to nurse your baby in public.

Buy a . There are so many out there now and they come in great patterns and colors. They are inexpensive and are great to keep in the diaper bag or car. If you don’t want a cover try a breastfeeding bonnet for baby. It will keep baby’s little head out of the sun and cover your up as well.
Join a Nursing Support group. They have lactation consultants on hand to help you breastfeed properly and you can meet some other moms with little ones as well.
Get some great nursing wear. Nursing clothing has come a long way in the last few years. There are many great choices now and a few key pieces can go alone way.
Just do it. I was nervous the first time I nursed in public and I kept looking around making sure nobody was staring or nothing was showing. Silly, I know because I am just feeding a baby. Practice nursing in public. You are more aware of your nursing than anyone else.
Find a comfortable area (this has been my hardest task. You should be able to rent breastfeeding pillows when you are out!) and just go for it.
the more you do it, the more confident you will be and the easier it will be for you and the baby!

Do you have any tips for breastfeeding in public?

Now that my son is 10 weeks old, I am starting to sleep train him. Although he is still young, I believe it is never too late to start and I don’t want to make the mistake of having him depend on us to fall asleep. I know too many parents that still have to rock, nurse or drive their children around in cars so they will fall asleep. But the question is “how do you sleep train an infant?”

The goal is to have your child fall asleep by herself in her crib, but how you get to that point is up to you. You can start out by putting your child to bed and checking on them every once in awhile. Better yet, you can use your baby monitor to watch your baby. If your baby cries go in a reassure him that you are there, but don’t pick him up. Rub his back, comfort without holding and rocking him to sleep. Reassure them and leave again. I know it is hard and you just want the crying to stop, but I promise you are comforting and teaching them to soothe themselves at the same time. Within three to five nights, you’re bound to see a dramatic improvement in the bedtime routine.

OR you can go an alternative route: for three nights, you can sit next to the crib until your baby falls asleep, then three nights across the room, then in the doorway, and then in the hallway.

When you check on your baby, it’s better do it consistently, rather than waiting until they really start crying. If the baby cries in the night, respond to it. In two weeks you will have a baby that can fall asleep on their own.

[tags] infants, sleep training, bedtime, bedtime routines, parenting, kids,
toddlers, putting baby to bed [/tags]