Tag Archives: Reliability

When Should My Child Have His First Dental Visit?

Yesterday I spent the morning at the park with my youngest kids, another mom and her child. As I was trying to navigate pushing two swings on opposite sides of the swing set and avoid getting hit by all of the swings in the middle, my mom friend asked me a good question. “Do you think he is too young to see a dentist?” Her child was three-years old and hadn’t yet been to the dentist. There was an issue with his teeth that she was concerned about, but she wasn’t sure if he was too young to be seen … Continue reading →

Outgrown Sales Report

Do you like going to outgrown sales? Also called clothing turnabouts, they are a great way to provide clothes and toys for your children for very little money. Today I spent about $50 for three overlarge bags of clothing for my three children. Each item was between 50 cents and $2. If you have never been to an outgrown clothing sale, you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first. The largest ones have clothing and toys everywhere to sort through, although usually they are separated in different room. Clothing is usually placed by gender and size, and they all have … Continue reading →

Making Math and Science Fun for Kids

If you struggle to get your kids excited about science and math, then you might consider taking to the stars. Turn this spring break into a learning experience by traveling to the Kennedy Space Center, located just 45 minutes east of Orlando. While most families instantly think of Mickey, Shamu and Universal when visiting Florida, the Kennedy Space Center provides kids with out-of-this world fun that they won’t soon forget. You’re not promised views of a launch everyday, but there’s still plenty to see and do at the Kennedy Space Center. There are IMAX movies, including one narrated by Tom … Continue reading →

Parents Against Daylight Savings

I highly doubt that I am the founding member of the PADS club. However, I am one of the most outspoken. Parents Against Daylight Savings (PADS) doesn’t discriminate when it comes to membership. If you have a child, who refuses to go to sleep because “it’s STILL light out, Mommy!!!!,” then you have a friend in us. “Us” being myself and my core group of playgroup moms, all who have children ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years old… and all who are forced to deal with the barrage of bedtime complaints, moans and groans that are triggered … Continue reading →

Preparing for a Powerful Snowstorm 2

The snow is falling, and we are all gearing up for a snowstorm that may leave us without power and without an easy way to get out of our driveway. If you missed the first post, click here: Preparing for a Powerful Snowstorm. We do have a generator (which is also gassed up and ready to go), but we can’t attach it to everything. If we will be without power for more than a few hours, we will attach it to the heat, the well pump and water treatment system, the upright freezer and the refrigerator. This will have our … Continue reading →

Teaching Preschoolers about Money

In my opinion, it is never too early to start teaching your children about money. While you do want to shield your children from any stress or negative financial realities, at least while they are little, it is good to start teaching them the basics of managing money. Money is a huge part of our society, and it always amazes me how kids can no clue how much of the system works. For a young child the best way to teach about money, its uses as well as your own values concerning it is through example. If you go out … Continue reading →

How the Lady at Trader Joes Cost Me $13

Yes, Trader Joes can sometimes tempt me to spend more than I thought I would, but this story isn’t about that. Instead, the lady at Trader Joes cost me $13 for a different reason. Here is my story. We have been having a rough and busy few weeks, and the kids have definitely been affected. We’ve made trips to the hospital, trips to the doctor and trips out of state. We’ve had late dinner and bedtimes and our phone went out due to old wiring in our home. This afternoon, we headed over to Trader Joes grocery store to pick … Continue reading →

Was This Mom Too Harsh?

There’s a healthy debate going on in cyberspace right now regarding a California mom, who decided to put her own spin on her son’s DUI arrest. The incident started when the woman’s 16-year-old son decided to engage in some underage drinking at a friend’s house. Said teen, then decided to get behind the wheel of his mother’s car and drive home in the early morning hours, when he thought police wouldn’t be patrolling. Unbeknownst to the inebriated teen, 2 a.m. is when the majority of cops are on the lookout for reckless drivers. According to police reports, an officer saw … Continue reading →

Making Mardi Gras Fun for Kids

Mardi Gras doesn’t have to be all about booze and boobs. Forget about partying in New Orleans. Instead, stay home and have some good clean fun with your kids. Here are some simple craft projects to help celebrate the countdown to Lent: MARDI GRAS CROWNS Materials: Metallic Crowns (available at party stores, dollar stores and other discount retailers) Sequins and/or Gemstones Craft Glue Glitter Stapler Directions: Glue sequins or gemstones to crown. Add dabs of glue to various spots on crown. Sprinkle glitter on glue. Shake off excess glitter. Size crown and slide tab into the slot. Staple to hold … Continue reading →

Are You Guilty of Hyper-Parenting?

As if we needed yet another label to slap on parents who are actively involved in their children’s lives… Introducing… the Hyper-Parent. No cape involved, just a well-used minivan that has accrued thousand of miles from carting kids to football, gymnastics, ballet, swimming, tennis, art, soccer, hockey, karate, piano, and foreign language classes. A decade ago these types of parents were considered “pushy” for over scheduling their offspring. But these days they’re considered “hyper,” though the definitions of each are quite similar. The criticism is pretty much the same too. Rather than applaud these moms and dads for taking an … Continue reading →