Helicopter Parenting is not Helpful

It is natural for parents to want the very best for their children. They make sure their kids have brushed their teeth, feed them healthy foods, and check to make sure that their homework is done. All of this is done because of love. That being said, there is a point where things become too much. It turns out that helicopter parenting can actually harm a child’s future prospects. What is a “helicopter parent”? Parents Magazine says that the term originated in 1969 in a book called Parents & Teenagers written by Dr. Haim Ginott. Some of the teens he … Continue reading

Make Your Own Snow Cone Syrup

Cut down on the cost and eliminate the high fructose corn syrup when you make your own snow cone syrup. It is easy and inexpensive. What are summer days without a snow cone? This classic summer treat can bring smiles to practically any child. I remember my childhood summers. One of my favorite “toys” was my snoopy snow cone machine. It took a lot of work to get enough shaved ice to make one small snow cone, but it was worth every moment. Because my parents weren’t interested in buying any of the snow cone syrups that were available, I … Continue reading

Avoiding the Brushing Battle

My daughter likes to fight. And by fight I mean win. The kid battles me at every turn:  bedtime, mealtime, chore time, and brush time. The simple act of brushing a few baby teeth has been a struggle since my child was a toddler.  Unfortunately, she still hasn’t outgrown her displeasure with brushing and flossing, but there’s hope for all of you parents dealing with the tumultuous twos and threes right now. To help your child embrace the hygienic task, which he will likely be doing daily for the rest of his life, consider the following: Shopping Trip:  Toddlers love … Continue reading

The Sugar Rush Cometh

It’s Halloween in spring; otherwise known as Easter. Only, instead of going door-to-door to collect sweet treats, kids run around like decapitated chickens hunting for plastic eggs filled with chocolate goodness under bushes, in trees and behind rocks. If parents are lucky, their children will actually make it back to the hunt’s home base with at least a few pieces of uneaten candy to show for their efforts.  The unlucky moms and dads are left to pluck their kids from wherever it is they decide to plant their tiny tushes mid-hunt and picnic from a basket bulging with marshmallow chicks, … Continue reading

Affordable Snow Day Fun

  With yet another wicked winter storm readying to slam into several states from New Mexico to Illinois, millions of parents are gearing up for a snow day.  For kids, having a day off from school is a dream come true, but for many moms and dads the unexpected break is a true nightmare, especially if said children turn restless and cabin fever strikes. To preserve your sanity as Old Man Winter blasts into your neck of the woods, consider the following fun and affordable projects and games designed to keep your kids busy and out of trouble: DIY Decorative … Continue reading

The Worst Genealogy Blog of the Year

Many genealogists take time out of their research to work on their very own, personal, genealogy blog. While some of these blogs are entertaining, informative, and inspirational, others are a chore to try and read. Here are some tips to keep your blog from being deemed “the worst genealogy blog of the year”. Anyone can make a blog. There are several websites that will let you sign up and instantly start creating a blog about whatever topic you like for free. This is both good and bad. It allows every genealogist who desires to make a family history blog the … Continue reading

Anger: It’s Not Worth It

I’ve been rather irritated with the world lately. It feels like there is never any justice. Bad people get away with things they shouldn’t. They constantly take advantage of others and get away with it. I’ve felt that way a lot with my ex lately. He walks all over me, and frankly I let him because I am so afraid of contention. I convince myself that one of these days I am going to stand up to him and say “no,” but when it comes down to it I usually give in anyways. Being taken advantage of isn’t very fun. … 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

Money Saving Ways to Prepare for Christmas Now!

Yes, the summer is still here, and temperatures may still be in the 90s or higher, but it is a perfect time to start making some preparations for Christmas right now. From gifts and decorations to food and entertainment, making the right moves now will be big savings during one of the toughest seasons for the budget. Stock up on the following items during the summer and fall, while you still can. Fresh Produce You’ll get the best prices on fresh produce right now, thanks to the bounty of late summer. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, corn and other fruit and vegetables … Continue reading

Get Healthy Now – Part 2

Still in need of some get healthy now tips? Here are a few more to kick-start you on your way to a better you: Eat more fruits and veggies! Every meal should contain at least one fruit and vegetable. We are supposed to have between 2 and 4 servings of fruit each day and between 3 and 5 servings of vegetables each day. Add up what you’ve had on any given day and it might frighten you (it has me!). Dry-brush your teeth. It may sound odd, but just 30 seconds of dry brushing your teeth (no toothpaste) can cut … Continue reading