5 Ways to Help You Child Improve Their Writing Skills

April 17, 2012 by 5 Comments

Learning to write is such a huge part of our children’s development. It helps them build confidence,
discover their creativity, and express themselves to the rest of the world. Wherever your children are in
their development, they could always use a helping hand and strong focus on improving their writing skills.
But like everything else with our kids, if it’s not fun, they’re simply not going to do it. And who can blame
them? They’ll have their whole adult lives to do things because they ‘have to’. Childhood is about play,
and even working to improve their writing skills should be as playful as possible. This isn’t about tests or
grades; it’s about giving them the tools to succeed in life. So here’s a look at five ways you can help you
child become a better writer that they’ll actually embrace.

Set up a chalkboard wall. While your child is learning to write, you’re going to want to set up opportunities
for them to experience writing as art. And one great way to do that is by creating a chalkboard wall in
their room. You could buy a chalkboard and set it on an easel or hang it from the wall, but you should try
painting a chalkboard on the wall itself. It’s cheap and easy, and there’s something about a chalkboard that
just encourages kids to write. At first they may use it to draw, but you can sit with them and suggest words
or stories they can connect with their images.
Bring writing wherever you go. You’ve got the chalkboard wall, but opportunities for writing don’t have
to stay in the bedroom and the classroom. Pick up art supplies that will let them practice their writing
wherever they are. Sidewalk chalk is fun and easy to use, and you’ll never have to worry about the mess it
makes. Bathtub paint is another fun options, so they can show you the new words they’ve learned during
bath time. And an etch-a-sketch [Read more…]

Filed Under: education, family, kids

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained While You’re Working

April 17, 2012 by 8 Comments

The stay at home mom is swiftly becoming a thing of the past. Sure, we always have some time to focus on
our family, but for many of us the work has to go on. There’s a lot to juggle when you work from a home
office. You’ve got to deliver results, or the arrangement won’t last. But it isn’t always easy for your kids
to understand that there are certain times you can’t give them the level of attention they want. So for their
satisfaction and your sanity, you’ve got to come up with ways to keep them entertained while you’re on the
job. Here’s a look at a few methods you can use to get your work in even while the little ones are around.

For the toddlers. Toddlers are tough, because you generally can’t leave them alone. But there are ways to
keep them entertained while you work. One interesting idea is to try a play exchange. I know, you might
think I’m crazy to suggest bringing a second toddler into the space when you have to work, but consider
it for a second. You may have to get them started, but more often than not they’ll spend the afternoon
entertaining each other. They can hang around nearby, but won’t need as much from you. And it’ll come
back to you twofold when the other parent takes both the kids off your hands for a while. That will
guarantee at least a day or two a week of complete quiet. If a play date doesn’t work for you, think about
giving your kid his own keyboard to play with. Toddlers are like little sponges, and if he sees you tapping
away on the keyboard, he’s going to want to do the same. Give them their own, and they’ll be more than
content. Or finally, pick up a big tub of nontoxic bubbles. Every once in a while, take a bubble break. You
can blow bubbles while still focusing on your work, and it will entertain your little toddler during those
moments when they just won’t leave your alone.

For preschoolers. Now they’re talking more, and they’re much more active. So your entertainment is going
to have to be a bit more interactive. Think about turning your lunch breaks into real events. You’ve got [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids

5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Immunity

April 17, 2012 by 5 Comments

When it comes to your kids, you obviously want to do everything to can to make sure that they are as
healthy and happy as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t make them live in a bubble until the age of 18,
which means they’re going to come in contact with all manner of germs, viruses, allergens, and other
substances that could cause them to suffer from immune reactions. But rather than simply treating
symptoms as they occur, you can try to boost their immunity in order to keep them healthier on the whole.
Here are a few options you may want to look into.

1. Daily vitamins. This is an easy one for most parents as there are so many daily supplements made
specifically for kids, with the proper levels of vitamins and nutrients they need to grow strong
and develop properly. You can talk to your doctor about which vitamins are best for your kids
(tests can determine if they have any particular deficiencies you should focus on). But in terms of
immunity, you’ll certainly want to ensure that they’re getting adequate levels of vitamin C. You
may want to discuss other immune boosters like zinc with your pediatrician before you give them
to kids since you’ll no doubt find that certain supplements (heavy metals, in particular) are not
recommended for children under a certain age.

2. Diet. A balanced diet that contains plenty of fresh foods and vital nutrients is essential for the
ongoing health of your kids, helping them to thrive and develop correctly. So leave the processed
foods on the shelves and shop the perimeter of the store (where the fresh options reside). You [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, health, kids

Road Trip Prep: 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

April 12, 2012 by 5 Comments

It’s getting to be that time of year again, when the warm air tempts animals of every stripe out of their
winter hibernation and into the spring sunshine. And with the end of the school semester looming, a new
fiscal year heralding finalized project schedules at work, and a tax return burning a hole in your savings
account, it’s time to start thinking about your annual family summer outing. But before you strap the
camping gear to the top of the car and head off for parts unknown, there are a few things you need to
consider (especially if you’re road tripping for the first time in an effort to save some money over air travel
this year).

1. Cost. You might think that taking a road trip will save you tons of money over other types of
travel, but before you move ahead on this assumption you need to sit down and tally up the actual
costs to make sure that you’re on the right track. Calculate the price for gas, lodgings, food, and
any other expenses between home and your destination (then double it to account for the return
trip). Compare it to the cost of airline travel just to make sure that you’re actually saving money if
that is your goal. And consider that it may be worth paying slightly for the speed and convenience
of air travel.

2. Logistics. Planning is everything when it comes to a road trip. Even though it is impossible to plan
for everything, you at least need options when it comes to rest stops, dining, and lodgings along
each leg of your journey. That could be as simple as plotting a route, circling towns on the map
that you will hit every [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, travel

Time Management Strategies for Overwhelmed Moms

April 11, 2012 by 14 Comments

Many moms receive the moniker of “Wonder Woman” because it seems like they can juggle a million
different tasks effortlessly. Of course, the truth is that you’re at your wits end. While you are more or
less getting by, you might start to find that the many tasks you take on in a day are not receiving your
full attention, leading to blunders that could be potentially disastrous. Yup, moms are definitely a busy,
multitasking lot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to manage your time more effectively, reducing
stress and making for a happier household (and a happier you). Here are a few tips to try at your leisure,
and most will produce more leisure time.

1. Learn to say no. For most moms, this is easier said than done. You may be able to say no to your
kids when they want to go out for ice cream, but it can be a bit more difficult to turn down your
sister when she asks you to sit for her kids (what’s the problem – can’t they just play with your
kids?) or your church group when they call on you to provide your famous brownies for the bake
sale. But when it comes to time management, saying no is an absolute imperative. You don’t have
to give excuses and you don’t have to feel guilty. Your family is your priority and they have to
come before other obligations. By the way, you are also a priority, and don’t forget it.

2. Embrace imperfection. When you were living single, you might have enjoyed a spotless home.
But now you have kids, so it’s time to accept that sometimes a job half done is good enough. Being
a perfectionist just doesn’t work when it comes to running a home that houses a family. So instead
of checking for water spots on the [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, home

Affordable Vacation Ideas for Large Families

April 4, 2012 by 10 Comments

There’s a reason most parents are so good at finding bargains; it’s because kids are expensive! And every
addition to the family demands that the breadwinners and bill-payers reexamine the budget and find
ways to cut back in order for a family to live within its means. In many cases, this could mean cutting out
unnecessary expenditures, and vacations are often the first thing to go. But a little R&R is definitely a
must for anyone who works hard, especially when you’ve virtually got two full-time jobs going on. Plus,
you want the kids to see new places and get comfortable with travel. However, in order to bring the whole
brood along you may have to cut some corners when it comes to planning your trip. So here are just a few
vacation ideas that are eminently affordable for the family on a budget.

1. Camping. You will shell out some cash initially for this type of trip, what with all the gear you’ll
need to outfit a large family (tents, sleeping bags, clothing, etc.). The good news is that you can
use your equipment over and over again so that the upfront costs become negligible over time.
Plus, you can go just about anywhere and avoid the cost of a hotel, which is a major savings for a
large family.

2. Day trips. Don’t have the money for a multi-day vacay? Don’t fret. Take a moment to consider all
of the many amazing trips that are within close range of your home. You could plan for several
weekends away each year instead of one major vacation, including days at the beach, hot springs,
nearby national parks, monuments, landmarks, and even roadside attractions. If you’ve run out of
fun ideas in your own hometown, just pop over to the next dot on the map and see what they have
to offer. Then be home in time to sleep in your own bed.

3. Visiting family. If you want to get way out of town you can easily dispel costs [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, travel

Everything You Need to Have Movie Night at Home

April 3, 2012 by 12 Comments

Your family loves nothing more than a night at the movies. But rising gas costs, escalated theater ticket
and concessions prices, and annoying audience members playing with their smartphones have made
going out to the movies a less than appealing experience. Well not to worry, you can recreate a night at the
movies at home, with even better results. You get to pick the movies and the screening times, and with the
incredible improvements in audio-visual technology, the viewing experience can be just as spectacular as
at your local theater. And with the added bonus of no sticky floors. Here’s a look at everything you’ll need
to have a family movie night from the comfort of your very own living room.

Pick the movies. If time is tight, you can certainly watch a single film and be satisfied. But a movie
marathon is a great idea if you can extend the experience. Think about going with a theme, like
all comedies or all love stories, or even watch a series of films in one sitting, like “The Lord of the
Rings”, “Twilight”, or the “Harry Potter” films. You can ask your friends and family to vote for what they
most want to see, or surprise them with a fully curated evening. Either way, a movie marathon will make
[Read more…]

Filed Under: family, movie

Budget Travel & High Flying with Kids

March 24, 2012 by 10 Comments
Happy travel with children is all about preparation, careful planning and control. Budget rent a car travel and planes are two of the best ways to master control even if you have three small kids and the adults are always outnumbered. The two worst options for traveling with children include travel bus tours and connecting intercontinental economy flights.
Why a Car Hire with Kids Makes Travel Sense
At first glance a car rental seems like parental suicide. My kids and me trapped in a car for several days rather than flying from Sydney to the Gold Coast. No thank you! However, renting a car gives a parent that all important and illusive quality: control! Hungry? Diaper change? Need to run around? Just pull off at any number of the roadside cafes and let your family join the Australian families on holiday. Small moments like these are the moments that make travel memories. There is nothing better than seeing your son running madly after a cute little Australian girl exactly his age at a caravan park.

Renting a car gives you and your family a chance to really spend hours and hours of uninterrupted time together. These days there is always something interrupting quality time in the car at home. Cell phones, in-car movies and game systems literally make people that travel together everyday into little digital islands. At first the togetherness of a car rental can be overwhelming but after the first few hours and teaching, “the ants go marching one-by-one,” to your children the together time takes on a special quality.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel