Everything Parents Need to Know About Fidgets

There’s a new fad that is taking over classrooms of all age groups. Students are playing with toys called “fidgets” while they are in class. Parents need to know that there is a constructive purpose for using a fidget – at least, for some students. Fidgets are all the rage now, but the concept isn’t new. The fidgets that are popular right now are small toys that spin. CNN described them this way: A fidget spinner is considered to be a type of fidget toy; a low profile, handheld device that people can, well, fidget with without making a big … Continue reading

How Old is Too Old for Trick-or-Treating?

Trick-or-treating is a big part of Halloween. It is pretty obvious that this tradition was designed for children to participate in (often accompanied by their parents). Is there an “age limit” for trick-or-treating? At what age does a child become too old to go trick-or-treating? Ultimately, a parent needs to make that decision for themselves. Here are some things to consider when wondering if your child is too old to trick-or-treat this year. Check the local rules. Many cities or towns will issue specific rules regarding trick-or-treating. These rules usually consist of things like the hour that trick-or-treating can begin … Continue reading

5 Ways to Spend Less on Halloween

The cute costumes, the Martha Stewart decorations, the bags and bags of candy…the cost of it adds up. Just like the dark monster in the corner, you are afraid to take a good look at how much your are actually spending. Halloween has certainly become a big holiday. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent more than $8 billion last year celebrating. Eight billion! Seriously. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, brandish your own bag of tricks to spend less this Halloween. You’ll be able to make it a magical holiday and leave the bills … Continue reading

What is Your 11 Month Old Up To?

I am going to savor every moment of this last month. The last month before my baby officially turns into a one year old. I can’t take it. The time has gone by way too quickly. It always does. Today is his 11 month birthday and the best gift he could give me? He finally said Mama. Intentionally. You see, he has been saying “Dada” intentionally for a few months now. I have to admit that I’ve been more than a little jealous. My husband is fabulous and wonderful, and deserves the love too, but a Mom is always eager … Continue reading

“No Candy Halloween” Safer for Kids With Food Allergies

Halloween is supposed to be scary, but it isn’t supposed to be deadly. Kids who have food allergies are at risk of encountering an allergen in Halloween candy or in the treats at school parties. There is a trend this year to have a “No Candy Halloween” specifically to keep kids with food allergies safe. Food allergies are to be taken seriously. Kids that encounter even a tiny amount of a food that they are allergic to can have an allergic reaction that could consist of anything from hives, to digestion issues, to anaphylaxis. This makes Halloween candy very scary, … Continue reading

Disney Characters in North Korea

The kind of thing Disney’s after This is a story too bizarre not to report: on Monday July 9 Mickey Mouse, along with other Disney characters, appeared on North Korean television with the country’s new leader, Kim Jong-Un (son of Kim Jong-Il). No, Disney is not sending representatives to the isolationist country. These were images of Walt Disney Company characters used without permission. The use presents some interesting questions that reflect upon Disney’s own corporate policy. The New York Times’ Media Decoder explains. You see, Disney is very strict about unauthorized use of its properties. The company complained to Mexican … Continue reading

Some Days It’s Just Hard

I love being a mom. It truly is one of the greatest joys in my life. Watching my daughter grow into the person she will become and knowing I had something to do with that, makes my heart happy. That’s not to say it is the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I thought parenting was difficult when I was married but it’s much harder as a single mom. For me, the toughest thing is not having that sounding board to bounce ideas off and get advice from. We all want to do what’s best for our child but sometimes it’s … Continue reading

Help Falling Asleep

As I was helping my son fall asleep, I was thinking about the potential problems that I am created by actually helping him fall asleep. So many of the other moms of young boys that I know do no such thing as laying down in their son’s bed to help him fall asleep (I must be crazy). A small part of me wishes that I could get my son to just go to sleep on his own without being scared. Perhaps this is a behavior that I can teach my two year old, but as I lay next to my … Continue reading

A Reformed Mama Bear

Michele Cheplic recently wrote a blog in which she addresses the mama bear that can come out. She shared the story of her daughter getting bit by a younger boy and the feelings that stirred up in her. I could totally relate to her blog. In fact, that mama bear in me has sometimes been an embarrassment for my children. Take the time my now 18-year-old son was in the 5th grade. As a regular volunteer at his school, I happened to come onto the playground during their lunch/recess time when I witnessed another boy pushing him. Knowing my son … Continue reading

Married…..again?

It seems like before the ink is dry on your divorce decree everyone starts asking you if you think you will get married again. What? I’m not really thinking much beyond what I’m going to fix for dinner and how to get time off work to have the car fixed. Now you want me to think about getting married again? It’s almost painful to say that, married again. Each of us thought that first time was forever, there wouldn’t be any “again,” yet here we are, wondering what to do next. We all want to be loved, we need to … Continue reading