Top 5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids How to Cook

July 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Do you ever have moments on the way home where you find yourself thinking (or
perhaps even saying out loud), “I wish that someone else could cook tonight.” And
then you think about the fact that your spouse will be home late (and really is better at
breakfast foods, anyway) and that the only time your kids step foot into the kitchen is to
eat (or get something to eat).

It’s for this reason alone, that if your children are of elementary school age, they are
definitely old enough to start learning the basics when it comes to cooking. Sure, they
may not be able to do any Thai food recipes any time soon, but with a bit of consistent
instruction and a lot of patience, some basic meals can be taught; meals that will be able
to give you at least a night off every once in a while.

If you’re looking for some great tips on how to teach your kids how to cook, here are
some really good ones that will have them begging to be in the kitchen for more reasons
other than rummaging through the fridge.

Get them excited about (preparing) food. Do you remember when
you first started teaching your kids how to eat? You tried different kinds until you figured
out which ones they liked and which ones they didn’t, right? When it comes to providing
your children with the motivation that they need to start cooking, it’s a good idea to follow
a similar formula. Ask them what kinds of food that they enjoy. If it’s Mexican, go with
some tacos. If it’s pizza, that’s pretty easy to make too. This brings us to the next point.

Start off easy. You don’t want to overwhelm them with lots of
reading and measuring, so start off with recipes that [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, food, kids

Teaching Children How to Be Polite

July 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

We’ve all had moments when we’ve encountered blatant rudeness. Someone will
bump into us without saying “Excuse me” or when we answer the house phone, the
person on the other end will demand to speak with someone without saying “Hello” or
introducing themselves.

These are just two examples of what it’s like to live in a world where some people
are simply not very polite. And yet, could you imagine how much nicer it would be if all
of us made it a point to exemplify good manners as a way of being courteous to those
around us?

When it comes to teaching your children how to be polite, this is just one of the
reasons why it’s imperative that you do. It’s not just a way of being respectful to others,
but it’s also an extension of having respect for yourself.
Although there are many things that you can teach a child when it comes to developing
good manners, here are five that are essential for everyone at every age.

Say “Please” and “Thank you”. It’s one of the most common
life etiquette tips, but it’s also one of the most effective. By teaching your child how to
say “Please” and “Thank you”, you are encouraging them to let people know that when
it comes to asking for something, they are willing to nicely do so; that yes, the old saying
is true: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” A “Please” and “Thank
you” puts people at ease, which makes communicating with them, especially when it
comes to something that you want, much easier.

Shake hands and make eye contact. There aren’t a ton of kids
who do either one of these days, but there are some huge benefits to both actions. For
one thing, when you are introduced to someone, it’s always polite to shake hands with
them and look them in the eye as a way of letting them know that you appreciate the
opportunity to meet their acquaintance. At the same time, you’re also teaching your child
how [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids

5 Reasons to Rent a Cabin for Your Next Family Winter Vacation

July 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

Summer is upon us, and much of the country is sweltering away in weather hitting
triple digits. There’s still plenty of time to find a beach or a pool and cool off while
daydreaming about your next winter vacation. Thoughts of ski villages, fresh snow and
hot chocolate by the fireplace seem strange right now, but at least your imagination
will keep cool! However, if you do have designs on taking a winter vacation with your
family, the time to plan is now. And if you’ve never experienced a winter trip to a cabin,
now’s your chance to book early and get yourself a great deal. Taking your family to a
picturesque cabin in the woods may not mean five-star dinners and in-room massages,
but there are tons of benefits to this relaxed yet truly enjoyable option. Here are five
reasons why you should rent a cabin for your next family winter vacation.

First off, taking a winter vacation in a cabin will give your family the chance to
experience true peace and quiet. You won’t find this at a resort, with hundreds of people
on each floor. You’ve got to get off the beaten path, and a cabin puts you right in the
middle of, well, nothing at all. For a stressed out family that could be just what the doctor
ordered. Instead of crowds and noise you’ll be surrounded by chirping birds and the
breeze rushing through tall trees. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want
[Read more…]

Filed Under: family, travel

Tips for Traveling with Children

July 12, 2012 by 7 Comments

We love to travel, and we do often. We have not stopped traveling simply because we have kids. While we of course take special care to accommodate our kids when traveling, we also believe that traveling with them has allowed them to gain better perspectives and more experiences even at their young ages.
Spring Break is fast approaching, and travel can be a tough time for all involved. Trying to get everything done, shopping, and packing- it’s easy to become overwhelmed. While many of us travel with small kids at some point this season, there are some ideas I’d like to share with you.

Plan ahead. Try to plan as much as you can- but be prepared to be flexible and make changes along the way.

Attempt to arrive ahead of schedule- this way, if things go amiss, you will have some “wiggle room”.

Bring laundry detergent, stain stick (for those “fun” accidents), and a laundry bag. If you are gone more then a few days, chances are good you will need them.

Take lots of photos- there is no such thing as too many. You won’t think it is enough later.

Make a packing list before you pack, this way you won’t forget things. Update it while you pack with things you decide to add. Then, check it before going home to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Take messy things [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel

Is Your Child Ready and Prepared to Be Home on His Own?

July 12, 2012 by 5 Comments

At some point, the conversation is going to come up. You and your partner have to
go out, and your child balks at being left with a babysitter. He just feels like he’s too old,
and wants to be trusted to take care of himself. It’s an incredible moment; just another
example of your baby starting to grow up. But how do you know if he’s ready for that? It
the child is mature, understands the rules, and is prepared for all contingencies, staying
home alone for the first time can be an important and rewarding moment in his life. He’ll
feel a new sense of self-confidence and independence, will understand he’s gaining
responsibility, and will truly know that you trust him. However, there are always going to
be risks. How will your child deal with challenges, or unexpected emergencies? There is
no set, legal age when children are allowed to stay home alone. It’s really based on their
maturity. So how can you tell if your child is ready and prepared to be home on his own?

In part, the decision may depend on the circumstances. Are you leaving for just an
hour or two, or is it all day? Will they be alone at night? Will they have to make their
own meals? There’s more to be concerned with at night, as kids will have less access to
assistance. But if you live in a safe neighborhood, your child understands clearly not to
open the door for strangers, and you’ve taken care of any potential hazards in the home,
you can probably rest easy.

You may also want to take the time to prepare your child with the skills necessary
to stay safe. Make sure they know who they should contact if an emergency arises,
and that they have all of your numbers. It may feel like overkill, but giving your child the
basics of first aid will only have you and him resting easier about the whole situation.
Another [Read more…]

Filed Under: family

Is It Better to Raise Your Kids in the City or the Suburbs?

July 6, 2012 by 4 Comments

That incredible day all hopeful moms wish and pray for has finally arrived. You
come home from your doctor’s office with the knowledge that you and your partner are
going to be parents. It’s an amazing feeling, full of all the hopes and dreams of who your
child will be, and what kind of life they will grow up to have. But one decision you will
make on their behalf can do a great deal to shape that future they will experience. And
that’s whether to raise your child in the city, or in the suburbs. As with many decisions
involving your kids, you’ll probably go over the pros and cons of each option for days,
and in the end you may never know for sure if you’re making the right decision. It may
just come down to a preference, and if you raise your child with love, respect, and a solid
set of rules, they will grow into amazing adults in either environment. But here are some
of the issues you should consider if you find yourself wondering whether you should
raise your kids in the city or the suburbs.

First of all, consider the neighborhood. In the suburbs, your child will have lawns to
play on, space to grow, and roads that could be empty for several hours of the day. The
suburbs are known for serenity and continuity. Each day is sure to be like the last, and
for the most part, there won’t be many surprises. In the city, every day is an adventure.
Your child will grow up playing in parks surrounded by buildings and busy streets, with
near constant activity. The suburbs are safe; the city is somewhat uncertain. If you have
an adventurous spirit, and want your children to experience the same, the city may be
your best option. But if you’re a homebody, and want your child to have consistency and
security, the suburbs are probably for you.

Next, consider the activities your kids will be able to take advantage of. The [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, home, kids

How to Get Your Family to Live on Less

July 5, 2012 by 8 Comments

We definitely live in a world where many individuals are consumed with excess. Although a lot of people are fortunate to have homes and cars, the media tells us that what we have is not enough. We should desire more, we should want bigger.

Yet, the other side of this story is that there are others who will tell you that there can be a lot of joy and contentment found in learning how to live on less; that you can “soar higher” when there is less baggage, so to speak.

If in the midst of all of the hustle, bustle and “extra” of your life, you’ve been considering downsizing a bit but you’re not sure what steps needs to be implemented, here are three ways to get your family to live on less while still enjoying all, if not more, of what life has to offer.

Encourage giving. We all have encountered someone who is less fortunate than we are. Sometimes, when we’re cleaning out our closets, it’s simply to make space for more things. Instead, how about encouraging your family to give to those in need just because it’s the right thing to do? If one of your teenagers has five coats, remind them that there are homeless children without any. Take them to a homeless shelter one weekend where they can give two of their coats away. Knowing that they have the ability to help someone else will prevent them from feeling like they lost something; only that they gained.

Do less technological entertaining. If we all were really honest with ourselves, we’d admit that a lot of the money that we spend is on things like cell phones, laptops, tablets and apps. Not only can these things be expensive to buy, but they also can hinder [Read more…]

Filed Under: family

Looking for NYC Travel Options? Check Out @TheBenjaminNYC Hotel

July 3, 2012 by 17 Comments

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the accommodations at The Benjamin Hotel in New York City.
They have a wonderful package going on right now called Lions and Tigers and Cereal, where families that book can experience a fun-filled family package including tickets to the Central Park Zoo, sunscreen and a Frisbee for some park fun, a few boxes of cereal delivered to the room the night before so it is ready for the kids, and room service breakfast the next day for mom and dad from Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s restaurant, located in the hotel.

The staff was friendly and helpful- which any mom will tell you is key when traveling with little ones. They even found me a new needle when mine broke and I NEEDED to fix Little Man’s owl- it had a hole- and it was just a major emergency, as you can imagine 🙂
The hotel was very clean and well organized. The refrigerator was well stocked, if pricey. The bathroom shower was clean enough to give the kids a bath in- which as you know I am VERY particular about.

You can also order up many pillows as you’d like from the 12-choice pillow menu. While that may sound odd- it was really a cute, interesting experience, and the kids had fun. Oh yes, and of course- a pillow fight.


After said pillow fight, the kids took a bath and got into their Winkzzz kid-sized robes, provided by the hotel. The staff delivered up some cookies and milk, as well as a plate of fruit for an evening snack, and then it was time to start winding down for bed. I thought that the milk and cookies (with a healthy option) was a nice touch, and very sweet for the kids. They really enjoyed it, and it felt more like home to them. Something familiar. As for bedtime routines- the hotel offers a wide variety of lending books to choose from- you choose the ones that appeal to your child(ren), and then they remove them the next day when you are finished with them. One less thing to pack, and it is fun for the kids to pick- like a portable library- how adorable is that?

The kids also liked snuggling with Winkzzz himself (well, ok- the stuffed version- an owl by Mary Meyers) while they read their books, were read to, and got ready for bed.
The next day, the [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, review, travel