May 24, 2013

Really rewarding Summer Reading Programs 2013

summer reading programs

 

 

It’s not a hard to get my family to read.   There are books on the tablets, the Kindle and even the cell phone  The girls frequently ask for books from the library and even from book sales.   It seems like no matter who you are in our household that there is most likely a book in your hand or within reach.  But during the hot Houston summer months it sometimes gets a little more difficult to encourage reading because there are so many other things that the kids (okay and even yes mom and dad) want to do.   To avoid summer brain drain I try to find really rewarding (in more ways than one!) summer reading programs.

American Girl:  This  summer reading program that starts May 1st and runs through Sept 3rd. Look for free downloads and in store events.   The site says “Reading Challenge coming soon” so it’s important to visit to stay up to date on this one.  I’m hoping for some in store coupons – hope springs eternal!

Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge - May 16-August 26th, this reading program isn’t just for the kids but for the whole family!  Families are invited invited to read each book with them at their FREE weekly story time. Kids will receive a prize after they finish reading all the books on their list! Contact your local store for more details.

Texas readers – be sure to check out the Baylor Alumni Association summer reading program developed especially for reading levels 4 yrs old to adult!  No excuses for not finding a good book to read from this list.  The Baylor Alumni Association has worked in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development to bring these popular programs to the service area since 1997.

Related content:  10 tips to encourage your child to read Continue Reading …

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April 15, 2013

10 Tips to make moving with children easier

I know when every time we have moved (and it hasn’t been that many) I thought I was going to lose my mind.  My husband was already across the country working at his job and I was back at “home” trying to sell one house, pick another online, handle being a single parent with two children under the age of 2 and third child in elementary, run my own business and did I mention get ready for the move?  The last thing I needed to happen, was exactly what happened because we didn’t trust our move to experts.

Mr. AtoZ tried to locate a moving company we could afford and that would move us when we wanted to move.   We thought we found one but it took hours of online searches and telephone calls.  We filled out forms over and over again.  And, the day of the big pack us up and move they didn’t show up.  Now, I have to handle the children and the packing.   I never want to do that again.   Not only is working with a moving company hard work, and moving your children to a new home, but finding the right moving company is obviously the biggest challenge.

Cue Unpakt.com, a price comparison site for moving services, where you can find reputable moving companies in several cities including Houston, compare prices and reviews, and book online. Instantly!

Receive 5% instant cash back on your next move! Enter promo code: SPRING5 on Unpakt.com when booking and save. Must book by 6/30/13.

If only I knew then what I know now about moving with children.   Unpakt.com not only helps with the process of finding a mover but it also offers up helpful advice like this list of 10 tips to make the move with children a whole lot easier.

1.       Contact the new school prior to moving – Make sure all paperwork for your child, such as immunization forms, have been completed and provided to the school. Additionally, consider asking for a tour of the school with the child’s new teacher to help your child get acclimated.

2.       Change your address before you move – It will take some time for all of your mail to be sent to your new address. Making the change ahead of time will ensure you receive your mail after you move.

3       Book your move early – Hiring a moving company will make your move quicker and more efficient. For help, consider Unpakt to help you make the transition. You can worry about the children and let your movers worry about the rest.

 4.       Subscribe to/pick up the town paper – Local papers carry great information about recreational activities for children as well as family events in town. Pick out some fun things to do and sign up for to get your child excited about moving to a new town. This will also allow them to meet other children in the neighborhood.

 5.       Don’t pack important papers and documents into random boxes – Keep documents such as birth certificates, closing papers, credit card information, etc. on hand so you can easily access them at all times, particularly if any documents must be provided to your child’s school district for enrollment.

 6.       Pack up your child’s favorite belongings in one box ­– Keep this box with you for your child to open as soon as you move in. This will help to create a familiar place for your child in the new home.

 7.       Pick up some fun stickers and let the kids label their boxes – Involving your children in fun ways will help them associate moving with fun. Additionally, when the boxes head to the new house, they will be able to get excited about finding the ones that belong to them.

 8.       Pack with your child in mind – Moving takes time so be sure to pack at least two days worth of necessary items you will need for your children in a separate box, eliminating the hassle of digging through numerous boxes to find specific items.

 9.       Keep the kids away from the moving site – With all of the commotion on moving day, it can be dangerous for your children to be running around in the middle of it all. To keep your children safe and to help you focus on your move, set up a play date with other children in the neighborhood or hire a babysitter / ask a family member or close friend to take your children to their favorite places in town, like the park, a toy store, a do-it-yourself or studio and the movies.

 10.       Unpack your child’s room first – Moving is exhausting for everyone, but organizing your child’s belongings first will help to keep them calm while you unpack the remainder of the house.

What advice do you have for making a move with children easier?

 

 

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March 19, 2013

Textbook and book rentals save money on your child’s education

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Creative Commons license flikr ancient history

We’ve got one in college now and one headed to college in the fall.  We have two elementary school aged children and it seems that the number of things we have to purchase for them every year, no matter what their age grows.  Sure, it starts off easy with fundraisers and school pictures.  Then we slide into popcorn sales and teacher treat days and holidays.  There are school supplies and classroom supplies (I was just yesterday told that my daughter needs another math notebook).   Last, but not least and quite often the most expensive for the older children are textbooks and books.   For example one was asked to read a certain piece of fiction, which of course we had to go buy.  Will they ever read it again?  Probably not.  They will do the report and the book will gather dust on their desk or bookshelf.   But I’ve learned about a way to rent textbooks and it can not only save our family money but also be good for the environment.

Campus Book Rentals.com is one place I’ve learned about in our quest to save money on textbooks.   They offer a wide selection of books in a variety of topics and for a wide range of ages.   Most of the books are geared towards the college crowd, but many a high school parent will be happy they didn’t have to buy Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” when they could just rent it for a few weeks.   Here’s a few of the benefits of using Campus Book Rentals:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices Continue Reading …

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March 8, 2013

7 kid friendly ways to reuse your gallon milk jug

Most of us drink milk and simply go and throw them into the recycle bin or the trash can. But a blogger buddy over at Coupons and Freebies in TX came up with some really fun, unique and interesting ways to bring our boys and girls to the yard with milk jugs.

These fun and simple ideas to help you reuse your milk jugs can all be done with our without the kids.  It’s just more likely they will water the plants if they make their own watering can.  Before you do any of these make sure you clean the milk jug out very good and let it dry out.

- Watering cans (kid friendly)

To make a watering can all you need to do is get a hammer, a nail and a piece of wood. You will place the lid upside down cap down and simple hammer with the nail 4-8 holes into the lid. Also you can use a knife like I did if you want a slower drip. Afterwards you place water in the milk jug and seal the top on and you are done and can go use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Self-Watering Jug (kid friendly)

 

You can either cut the bottom off of the jug just take the lid off or make this. Also you may or may not want to make a small hose size hole on the bottom (fat) part of the jug for you can fill easier it is up to you. Then what you do make hole in the ground near a plant that takes and needs water all the time and place the jug in the ground and then cover up the spot and add water to either the whole you made on the bottom or add water before you place in the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Bird Feeder House (kid friendly) Continue Reading …

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February 26, 2013

The power of the ‘PIN’ code on your television

television remote control

No matter how many crafts, games or other fun activities you may plan it can be hard to fight the allure of the television.  After several weeks of reminding the children to do their chores, to pick up after themselves and to stop watching so much television I had an idea.  Why not use the pin code?  Thinking it over, I couldn’t see a “downside” and so the pin code was set on many of their favorite channels, like Disney and Nickelodeon.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  There are plenty of shows on television that I don’t mind the girls watching.  I also have nothing against Nickelodeon or Disney, and often enjoy a show or two with the girls, but what I did object to was sneaking up in the morning to turn the television on first thing, attempting to do homework while watching television and being too busy watching it to pick up their toys and complete other chores and tasks like brushing teeth before bedtime.

It’s been two weeks now that I’ve discovered the power of the pin code and I plan to continue to weild the mighty remote control selectively.

Here’s a few things I’ve noticed:

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February 22, 2013

Parenting place: In the news hot saucing, deadbeat dad, depression and death

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I admit, I make my share of parenting mistakes.  I sometimes question my own judgment and parenting decisions and yes, even anguish over did I do the right things, say the right thing  or act the right way.   Don’t all parents?   Well, maybe not all as this week’s round up in the news doesn’t have a whole lot of good news about parenting to share.

To hot sauce or not to hot sauce, that is the question

Is hot sauce the new “I’ll wash your mouth out with soap?”  It is for some parents, like “Survivor” and former child star from ‘The Facts of Life” Lisa Whelchel is an advocate for hotsaucing,  talking about using hot sauce as a method of discipline in her book “Creative Correction: Extraordinary Ideas for Everyday Discipline.”   However, this Utah mom allegedly took hot saucing one step further, pouring it into her child’s eyes as a method of discipline.   According to the ABC News report “This is not discipline that any child should have to go through,” West Valley Police Sgt. Jason Hauer said. “It’s definitely abuse.”  However grandma says that it’s part of an on-going custody disagreement and an effort to discredit this parent. Investigators can find no sign of a custody battle.

Would you hot sauce? 

Xanax ‘helps me be a better mom’  

From this CNN article,  Depression and anxiety live everywhere. One in every 10 Americans reports being depressed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the U.S.”

“Depression…can have serious biological, psychological, behavioral, and social consequences, especially on children who rely on a parent for caregiving, support, and nurturance,” according to “Depression in Parents, Parenting and Children,” published in 2009 by the National Research Council.

One mom admits to using anti-depressants, only to decide to stop and try to find other ways of controlling her depression.  Her new drug of choice has been five minutes in the laundry room.  (I know I have taken a time out on more than one occassion).  I admire these parents that were able to share so openly their desire and techniques for dealing with depression.  It take a lot of courage, because parenting skills and your coping mechanisms easily come under attack.

Related content:  Seven stress management tips for parents

What helps you be a better mom or dad?

 

No. 1 deadbeat parent pleads guilty to owing $1.2 million Continue Reading …

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February 20, 2013

Family and faith: Lenten activities for the family

lenten activities

It can be hard to keep up with all the important aspect of Lent.  Families get busy and while we start of with the best of intentions at the beginning of Lent, we may be, by the end losing “faith” in our ability to participate in  reconciliation, abstinence, and charity.  Lent is 40 days long, and these 15 activities to do together as a family will not only make the time fly by but will strengthen your family and family bonds.

  • Begin with a jar with friends and family’s names.  Pull a name each day and say a prayer.
  • Cook together.  Here’s a recipe for Cheesy Rotini Pasta or Garden Primavera Pasta.  (If it has pasta I’m pretty sure my children will eat it.)
  • Create an offering jar.  Each day change goes into the jar and each Sunday one of the children takes a turn placing it in the offering.
  • Leave the Bible on the coffee table, or other highly noticeable spot to remember to do Lenten readings. Let each family take a turn each day.
  • Turn it off. One evening declare it a electronic free night.  See what your family can find to do without the distractions of television, iPads, PC’s, mp3 players and cell phones.
  • Choose one extra service during Lent to perform, some ideas include extra offerings on Sunday mass, working in a soup kitchen, leaving an extra special tip when dining out, or cutting the grass for an elderly neighbor.

Continue reading Faith and families: Lenten activities

 

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February 14, 2013

Teacher talk: Pencil shavings, guns in schools, heroes and Facebook

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Trying something a little new today and we maybe will keep it as a series.   Let’s talk teachers.   I believe that there are a lot more good than bad (and hopefully I was one of the good ones) and that unfortunately there is far too much talk about the bad ones and not enough celebration of the good ones.  So today I decided to find out what the search “teacher” would bring me on Google with the search for just one week.  Here’s my five stories of interest: (you have to read the last one it is a true teaching hero!)

San Diego teacher arrested for bringing loaded gun to school

Apparently this San Diego school teacher has been bringing a gun to class for quite some time.  His students were aware of it stating that he told the class  “’I just have it for protection reasons in case something happened at the school,’” Astin recalled the teacher telling the class. “And we’re like ‘Oh, [okay]‘, and he’s like ‘Yeah’, and it was just pretty much, we knew about it.”

However the administration doesn’t agree and in response to more request from parents of students at the school state “I understand that you may want more information but due to the fact that this is an active investigation, we are not at liberty to release any additional information or details,” Rizzo wrote in the school’s statement. ”Our focus is to continue to ensure that our students are safe, the learning process goes on as usual, and we work with the proper authorities.”

He has been placed on administrative leave.  So what do you think?  Hero or villian? 

Teacher poses as girl on Facebook to lure boys to post pictures

In this story out of Irvine, CA, a 30 year old male teacher, Zachary Reeder has been arrested under suspicion of “lewd conduct with a child, possession and distribution of child pornography, and child annoyance.”  Allegedly this teacher pretended to be a teenage girl on Facebook and encouraged teenage boys to send sexually explicit photos to him.

Teacher suspended for pretending to shoot first-graders during simulation

Fox News reports that  a band director was substitute teaching a first-grade physical education class using a game of “hide and seek” to teach the children a simulated drill and to talk to the children about the Newtown school shooting.  The school says that “There are things that you can and can’t do, and it shows, if nothing else, that you just can’t do security off the cuff. You have to train and prepare for it.”

As a substitute teacher I usually found that lesson plans were available to me and I hesitated to change them too much, I thought it’s her class and her lesson.   What do you think?

Teacher suspended after pouring pencil shavings in students mouth

This one hits closer to home, right here in Texas.  Reportedly in Jan. 2013,  a student was sitting with his head tilted back and his mouth open with a teacher poured pencil shavings in his mouth.  He reported to the nurse and went home.  The parent is calling for the teacher to be fired, while the school disagrees and says that it took appropriate action in the form of a suspension.  The teacher has apologized to the student.

What do you think is a suspension approporiate action or should this teacher be fired? 

And, last but not least Deputy And Teacher Praised For Talking Down Alabama Gunman At School

Student calls her gym teacher “a hero for stepping in front of the gunman and telling everyone to get out of the room before calling police.” She   “jumped in between the gunman and the students and said, ’911 locker room!’ ” on her radio to alert school officials.

I would love to hear your thoughts on any of these stories – as well as any experience you would like to share.


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February 11, 2013

Valentine’s Day: Great gift bags!

valentines bags

 

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and if your children are like mine we have two needs for cute bags.  First, they make great gift bags for the teacher’s gifts for Valentine’s Day and they also are perfect for holding all those sweet treats and cards from the Valentine’s Day party at school or home.    I usually try to put a few treats in there for the teachers and then some gifts and the girls handmade cards.

Here’s how to make your own Valentine’s Day Gift Bags  

You will need:

1 white bag with handles (dollar store has them in a 3 pk for $1.00)

Assorted colored papers (we used some scrapbook papers)

Different styles scissors (nice to have but not essential

Glue (glue dots or a glue gun would be helpful but not essential)

Pink or red pipe cleaners (optional)

Googly eyes

And a great imagination.

With these youngest daughter decided to do a “Butterfly Heart” since butterflies are some of her favorite things.  Cut out a heart, circles, another heart or then again any shape for the mouth, and some wings.  We liked layering to give it more texture and depth (some of these papers were textured.

To assemble.   Continue Reading …

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February 7, 2013

Over 50 Fabulous Valentine’s Day gift ideas, recipes, crafts and DIY greeting cards for kids

valentines4It is going to be a busy couple of weeks in our house. Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite holidays and the girls just LOVE (no pun intended) to make something for everyone they know. That’s why we need so many ideas to choose from!

Some portions of this list have been previously published on my Examiner.com Family column. . .

DIY Greeting Cards

These DIY Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards and Instructions are easy enough even the children can do them. Make greeting cards for grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins, not to mention classmates and teachers.

Kids can practice their handwriting skills with these greeting cards that feature glittery red heart stickers.

These easy to do it yourself Valentine’s Day Cards feature pastel colored hearts that kids will love creating. Share a secret messagewith these Valentine’s Day cards easily with paper and paints. Who will you surprise?

Crafts and Decor

Go green with these cute Valentine’s Day Hearts and Paper Bowls and these fun and easy Valentine’s Day crafts for kids using recyclable materials.

Cuddle up with your preschooler for some story time every night with these best Valentine’s Day Books.

Find out how to make your own Valentine’s Day Wreath, Friendship Necklaces, and turn your tissue paper pink.

Moms Madhouse offers up 42 Valentine’s Day crafts, cards, and gift ideas to choose from. Which one will you do?

Decorate your mantle with these beautiful Valentine’s Day decorations that the whole family can help create.

Get those scissors out and some red, white and pink paper for the basis of this holiday mantel decoration.

I love this Clothesline Valentine’s Sign - and I have everything I need except I frame.  Wonder what the dollar store has, of course there is always Hobby Lobby!

Recipes, Snacks and Gifts Continue Reading …

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