Should Taking Your Kids Out Of School For Family Vacation Be Illegal?

I was watching the Today Show the other day and one segment really surprised me. You can see it here. Apparently in some states it is "illegal" to take your kids out of school to go on a family vacation. Really?!?

If the kid misses a month of school maybe, but a week or less absolutely not.   As long as the parent knows that it is the family's responsibility to get caught back up to the class. 

The teacher would be copying all the handouts anyways. Honestly, how much time would it take to put them in a paper clip or folder for when the kid returns. 

What is your opinion on this?

Help Your Kids Ace Their Exams

Mid year exams are quickly approaching and I was searching for a way to help my daughter ace her very first exams.

Here are some sure fire ways to great on tests or exams that your children could benefit from also.

1. Use a Rhyme or Song
Make it fun and it's more likely to be remembered. Anyone remember "School House Rock"? Look at this video to learn the quadratic formula set to Pop Goes the Weasel.

2. Youtube.com
Search for videos on key topics you are studying.  Sometimes just hearing a difficult subject explained by someone else will help give you the Ah-ha moment.

3. Flashcards
Use index cards or an app on your smart phone.  Chegg Flashcards, Quizlet and StudyBlue are all good applications for your phone or tablet that will help you study from any location.

4. Breaks
Get up and leave your study area. Eat a healthy snack, get a drink (caffeine?!?), go for a walk, or just veg out in front of the television a few minutes. Stretch your legs or do a little yoga. Just give your brain and body a break.

5. Classical or Ambient Music
Some people benefit from having background noise. Soft music can help students feel less anxious about the task at hand.

6. Take Your Time
Plan ahead and don't cram all your studying into one night. Review for a short time each day will work much better.

7. A Good Night's Sleep & Healthy Breakfast
That is really important to get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast with some protein. Some whole wheat toast peanut or almond butter and a piece of fruit will help you feel full but won't upset a queasy stomach.

Dealing with First Day of School Jitters

Now is the time of year for schools across the country to start up for the fall. My kids started back to school this week.

Like many kids, my oldest always gets a bit nervous with new situations. The first day of school, field trips, and family vacations, are really stressful for her.

This year she started ninth grade. Her freshman year of high school. 

It's her 3rd day and she still had a bad case of nerves.  Here are a few things I've tried so far. 

Tour of the School

The Friday before school started we got her class schedule and took a self guided  tour of the school. We found each classroom and met a couple teachers.

Friends on Bus and In Class

Turns out she does have friends in a few classes, at lunch and on the bus. Great for Moral support.

Limited Upperclassmen in Classes

Not that this is controllable, but she doesn't have many upperclassmen in her classes despite being advanced classes.  That is at least a little less intimidating.

Foods/Drinks

We've tried saltine crackers, ginger ale and peppermint hard candy. She really doesn't want to eat for fear of being sick.

She's been this way her whole like and I have to admit she gets it honest. Both myself and her father were the same way.

What are some ways you've help settle your nerves or the nerves of your children?

Home Remedies for a Cold

My hubby and both my daughters have a cold. It's nothing serious, but because of his medical issues he can't take many of the over the counter medications. That is why I've had to research more natural remedies.

Here are a few home remedies I've found online that I hope will help.

I'm not a doctor so, please be sure to run any home remedies by your doctor prior to trying anything new. Try these at your own risk.

Cough
Start off with the old time favorite the hot toddy.  Basically you heat the juice from two lemons and 1/4 cup of honey just to boiling.  Remove from the heat and let it cool a bit then add a shot of whiskey or rum.  Mix a tablespoon into your tea or take it directly - a tablespoon at a time).  Obviously, leave out the alcohol for kids.

Mixing 1/2 teaspoon of honey and apple cider vinegar also works to ease coughing as well.

Vick's Vaporub
This one really works.  Slather on the Vick's onto the soles of your feet, cover with socks at bedtime. Then go to bed. It really does stop the coughing.

Running Nose
Herbal teas are said to help fight a runny nose. Here's a link to a really good one that I want to try out.


Chewing fresh ginger like candy or in tea.  Source

Neti pot - It uses saline to rinse the nasal passages. It really does work - though it takes a little bit to get used to.


Stuff Nose
Vick's Vapor rub on your chest.

Peppermint candies or gum - just like the vicks it's the menthol that unclogs the passages.

Spicy foods - just think back to all the times you ate spicy foods and your nose began to run.


Fever
A cool wash cloth on the forehead helps.

A cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath is also said to help. Source

Please feel free to share any of your favorite natural home remedies by leaving a comment below.

Police Presence in My Neighborhood

One of the girls that gets on the bus with my middle schoolers was followed home. Actually a man in a SUV followed her than got out and followed her.  Ultimately, he started to chase after her. Thank God she made it to her house and her parents called the police.

The way I found out was my daughter. She was called into her school's office to speak to a police officer.

Basically, the police officer wanted to know if my daughter saw the SUV or saw anything that day - which she didn't. They were hoping for any details that the other girl might not have remembered or noticed.

Surprisingly, there was even a police car parked right next to the bus stop each afternoon since to make sure the girl got home alright.

I'm not concerned for my kids safety though and here's why.

Back Story
My youngest was approached about 3 years ago. A man and woman in a pick up truck tried talking to her while she was playing in our back yard. Luckily, my husband was inside our shed. He was just out of the couple's view, but still could see our daughter and hear everything going on.

He came out of our shed and confronted the couple. Got their descriptions along with the description of their vehicle. We notified the police and that was the last we heard of it.

So...here's why I'm not concerned about my kids' safety. Well within reason that is.

My kids know not to talk to strangers. They've demonstrated it on multiple occasions.

They are supervised at the bus stop. My kids are never alone when they are outside our house. I take my youngest out to the bus stop every morning. My middle schoolers are able to go out by themselves, but I watch them from the window. Plus there are about 10 kids at that bus stop each day.

Another thing - my kids cannot go in our back yard by themselves. We have a somewhat busy road next to our home, so there are frequently cars riding by. While our back yard is completely fenced, they still always need a buddy.

When our kids are older, we will require them to call to let us know when they get to a friends house and when they are leaving. That way we know to keep an eye out for them. This rule will apply when we are unavailable to drive them and pick them up.

I know not every parent is able to watch over their kids 24/7 because of work, but when you are home make it a point to keep an eye on your kids. It's not a matter of trusting your kids - it's a matter of protecting them from people with scary motives.

What are some ways you keep your kids safe when they are outside the home?

Week of Thankfulness - Day 3

Today I want to say how thankful I am for my hubby, his job and lots and lots of patience.

My hubby decided shortly after we met that he wanted to learn a trade. He was already working for a private company as a plumber's apprentice, but he worked all hours of the day and night and had to carry a beeper on the weekends.  He took a big pay cut to start off in a local union's plumbing apprenticeship school. Little did we know that this one decision would make such a big financial difference in our lives.

Through his apprenticeship he earned small raises each year and when my daughter was born we decided I should stay home to raise her.  Finances have always been tight but we are okay with that. We appreciate everything we have been given.

My hubby and I are very thankful for his current employer. He has worked for many companies over the years, but really lucked out with his current one. They trained him to work in their drafting department when he could no longer work in the field because of medical issues.

I'm also extremely thankful for the lots and lots of patience I was given today.

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Well Wednesdays are our usual grocery shopping day and because Thanksgiving is tomorrow all the stores were extremely crowded. Like crazy crowded and I don't do well in crowds.

I'm used to shopping with a bunch of older folks and a few stay at home moms. Today it looked like the Black Friday ads on TV with lines and lines of people. Where did all these people come from???

Anyways, my kids who don't enjoy shopping at all were very good. Not a lot of complaining, bickering or arguing. I was thrilled to say the least.

What are you thankful for?

Week of Thankfulness - Day 2 Thankful for the Mess

Today I'm very thankful for my messy house.

Yep, I said that.

I'm thankful to have a sink full of dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and even rooms to clean up.

No, I didn't go crazy and yes I do work to keep it clean.

When I see a sink full of dirty dishes that means I had food to feed my family. Hopefully something nutritious, delicious and filling.

When there are piles of laundry to be washed I know I have a house full of people who need me. They don't just need my help cleaning their clothes, but they need me to teach them how to be an independent person when they grow up. 

So yes, I'm thankful for the messes my family makes, because it means that I have people who still need me, as their wife or mom.

I love that I'm needed because I know someday soon I won't be. That's the job of a parent - raise your children so they are happy, productive human beings that don't need you but hopefully still love and want you.

What are you thankful for today?

"It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings. "  ~  Ann Landers

Fun iPhone Apps for Moms with Kids

As a mom of three, my kids ask to play on my phone quite a bit. Whether we are in a restaurant waiting for our food or in the doctors office waiting to be called back, kids get bored.

Here are a couple really fun, kid-friendly games that moms can enjoy, too.

Mini Pets

My little wanna be vet loves playing this game. She enjoys caring for all the different animals.

Hay Day
My big girl had always wanted to play on Farmville on my Facebook account (way back when), but she found Hay Day and has enjoyed it ever since. It can even be downloaded onto the iPod Touch.

Addictive Voices
This one is kinda fun. You record a message and then press any of the faces to hear your message in a funny voice. My kids really the little duck and chick.

Doodoo Pad - Drawing Pad for Kids
A really neat drawing app that all my kids enjoy. My oldest draws cupcakes with mustaches, my boy draws little stick figure ninjas and my youngest draws pretty much anything.

Most, if not all, of these are fr*ee apps available on Apple's iTunes store.  Please share any family/kid friendly apps that your family enjoys.


* These are NOT affiliate links and I am  not compensated in any way for recommending these apps.  My kids and I just enjoy using these apps.

You Are Special

I was listening to a song on the radio that went "you may one of millions, but you are one in a million to me." 

It hit me a while back that so many people try to be famous or special to lots and lots of people. When they should focus on being special to those closest to them. 

Not everyone can be a famous celebrity, but you can be a celebrity to those around you. 

When I worked as a Recess Monitor I would have kids come up to me all the time to say Hi and give hugs. I felt like a celebrity.

Once I quit I felt a little sad. Then God showed me I need to take care of those immediately around me. They think I'm special and unreplaceable.

Be one in a million to those you love!

Kate Middleton's Post Baby Wardrobe

(photo: Michael Middleton)

Okay so I don't usually comment on pop culture stuff, but I had to send kudos to Kate Middleton for this latest "news".

Prince William and Kate Middleton posed with their new bundle of joy and Kate was wearing her maternity clothes.  A couple weeks after the baby was born.  Say it isn't so. LOL!

I applaud Kate Middleton because she didn't give in to the pressures of the media. I feel it makes her seem more relate able.  More like a normal mom and less like a celebrity who has fitness trainers, nannies, chefs, etc. (Though she may have all three).

This is only news because some newspapers and television outlets try to pressure celebrity moms  to feel as though they need to have their pre-baby bodies back within days after having their baby.  Plus they seem to negatively highlight any weight gain while pregnant. I feel as long as the mom and baby are healthy and their doctor isn't concerned - it's none of the public's business.

I've known many moms and very few has been able to slip right back into their pre-baby clothes. To me that's normal. Though I don't know a mom who wouldn't mind magically being thinner after giving birth.

Many moms stay physically active throughout their entire pregnancy, but still cannot fit into their pre-baby clothes. Your body can change shape after you've been pregnant. Hips can become wider, a small stomach where there wasn't one before, even a bigger or smaller bust.

I was always told it took 9 months for your body to get ready to have the baby and will probably take 9 months before it returns to "normal". That normal may or may not be the same as before.

I don't know about you, but my doctor said not to exercise my stomach muscles for week 4-6 after delivery. Normally your doctor can recommend some gentle exercises like walking or yoga to help you stay healthy, but I was told sit-ups, crunches, etc were off limits.

Remember every person is different and every pregnancy is different.

Must Have Supplies for Back To School

With all the stores having their Back to School sales I thought I would share my must have supplies for back to school. My family has used (and still does) all these products.

Source

Backpack/Bookbag
Choose one that is sturdy and will fit all their notebooks, binders and supplies. Make sure you know what type of backpacks your child's school allows. Some schools do not allow bags with wheels, some require them to be clear, while other schools only allow drawstring bags.

My kids' middle school only allow drawstring bags carried around the school and the one pictured above was the sturdiest one I've found. We've tried many different ones over the years and this hasn't ripped or tore after using it daily for 6 months (so far).  Plus, it was $7 at Walmart. 

Planner
If your child's school doesn't require one, I recommend you purchase a student planner. In it your child should record all his homework as it's assigned. Each night check their planner to insure all their homework and any projects are completed.  This is also a wonderful place to leave messages for their teacher and for them to respond back.

All my kids' schools require planner similar to the ones sold here. Ours are purchased directly from the school for $5 each.

Homework Folder
This works great for elementary schoolers, but it is used in higher grades as well. Basically, you designate one folder for all homework. That way your child only has to check one place for all their homework - not individual binders/folders.

I highly recommend using a 2 pocket poly folder like the one above. They last a whole lot longer than the paper ones that rip pretty quick with daily use. They even come in a variety of colors and only cost $1 or less.

Source

Pencils
This one is obvious - keeping a supply of pencils on hand. I try to make sure each of my kids has at least 3 pencils in their backpack each morning. There really is no excuse to lose 3 pencils.

I also want to suggest skipping the pretty designed pencils because they usually are harder to sharpen. After working with many teachers over the year most recommend using Dixon Ticonderoga brand pencils because they are easy to sharpen and good quality. I realize they do cost a bit more, but I've found them to be worth the cost.

These are obviously the basics and there are plenty more supplies that would help your child be even more prepared for school. These are the brands/products that have worked for our family for quite a while and I know they can help your family too.

Freebies on Friday - June 21, 2013

I've included a couple e-books today that I think you may enjoy. One that my son said we don't need I let you guess which (hint, hint...video games). Also included are a couple free samples.

Hope you had a great week! Have a nice weekend and see you on Monday!

e-Books

The 30 Day Organizational Course: How To Organize, Declutter, and Keep Your Home Spotless In Only 30 Days

HOW TO END YOUR CHILD'S VIDEO GAME ADDICTION - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Wake Up Successful - How to Increase Your Energy and Achieve Any Goal with a Morning Routine

Traveling With Kids: How to come home with a memory and not a migraine. DeClutter, simplify, and enjoy parenting while traveling. (Travel Well)



Samples

Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums Sample - These help support digestive health in kids 2-11 and is strawberry flavored. Might be a nice alternative for kids who don't like yogurt, but need some help in this area.

Schick Hydro Disposable Razor for Men or Women 

Lysol Touch of Foam Soap - This one is only available in certain areas. Just enter your zip code and see if you qualify.

Personalized Pen - If you have your own business or work for a direct sales company you can request a personalized pen with your name, business name and phone number. From National Pen.


* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Technological Difficulties

I want to apologize for my blog posts coming so late in the day lately.  See during the school year I had time to work on my posts on my daughter's laptop anytime I wanted. Now with all three kids home with me - we are all fighting for time online and buying another laptop/computer right now is not an option.

We are still a one income, one vehicle and one computer family and we're fine with that. It's still the first week of summer break for my kiddos, so we are still creating our own routine.

Thankfully, their grandmother is taking them to an amusement park tomorrow with some friends and I will have the whole day to hopefully write and schedule some posts. Many posts like my Weight Watchers ones will still need to be updated that day just like my Freebies on Friday posts.

So basically I'm asking you to please bare with me as we are trying to get our summer routine together.

Thanks so much for your understanding.

My Favorite Rainy Day Activities

It's raining off and on all day today, so I created a list of rainy day activities my kids could do because, of course, they're bored. LOL

Balloon volleyball
This one only requires a balloon (not helium) and something to be the net. We use a cushion or coffee table to be the net. I like this activity because it gets the kids up and moving.

Be a Star
Create your own movie. Lots of kids have their own iPod or DSi which allows them to record short videos, but most smart phones record videos as well.  The kids can dress up in costumes to put on a play or maybe show off their latest artwork, creations, or video game skills.

Arts and Crafts
My kids really like this Giant Rainbow Collage. We also have fun making stuff out of duct tape. Some of our faves are wallets, bags, covering notebooks, and pens/pencils. Another craft we have fun with on rainy days


Pitch a Tent
When it's been raining a couple days we like to set up a small tent in the living room and let the kids have an indoor "camp out".  They get out their sleeping bags, create a pretend campfire and eat marshmallows.

Cooking Up a Storm
When it's raining outside we bake up some cookies or a cake. Something fun and delicious. We get all messy and have a blast. Plus it makes the house smell good.

These are just a couple of my favorite rainy day activities that I do with my kids.

First Official Day of Summer

Today is my kids first official day of summer vacation and I've already experienced a complete meltdown, the "I'm Bored" complains, and the "Why can't I play on my iPod all day" questions. Really?!!

I'll admit it. This morning I let the kids sleep in (so I could sleep in, too).  I let them play their video games this morning while I got in the shower and all ready for the day.

However, I had lots to do today. Cleaning up after a weekend of messes, balance the checkbook, do the laundry, and lots of other normal household chores.  The kids wanted to sit around in their pjs all day playing video games.  Call me a mean old mom, but I don't want my kids to become couch potatoes all summer. I wanted to start the summer off right.

So for the first official day of summer vacation I had planned for them to play in the swimming pool, do one small workbook page (2-3 minutes of work tops), and maybe play some games.

They obviously had other plans.

Well after one major meltdown from my boy who didn't want to do any kind of work this summer and a temper tantrum from the cat after I cleaned his litter box. We managed to get onto my plan and with a low and behold they actually had fun. Shocker! (sarcastic)

I rounded up the family and laid down the plan so they know what to expect each day. A tiny bit of work in their workbooks (bridge from 3rd to 4th grade and 5th to 6th grade). Play in the pool or outside on the trampoline if it's nice. A craft or project of some sort and maybe a movie at night after dinner or sooner if it's rainy.

That left lots and lots of free time to play whatever they want and have some friends come over too. I'm hoping this isn't a sign of how the summer will turn out. Wish me luck!

So how is your summer going so far?

Tips for Traveling With Kids

http://www.IStockPhoto.com

Whether you are traveling by car, bus, train or plane, if you are traveling with kids, you will need these helpful tips to keep your kids content during the trip.

Games/Activities
First of all you need to keep them busy or occupied.

I've traveled by car with my three kids since they were born and there's one thing we absolutely can't live without.  It's a portable DVD player.  They are pretty inexpensive. You can find one on sale for $40.

I select a couple movies that are gender neutral such as Finding Nemo, Shrek, The Incredibles, and Monsters Inc. When you let the kids chose you run the risk of arguing because the movie is too girly, etc. Boys don't usually enjoy watching princess movies and vice versa.

In addition to watching movies each kid has a binder that includes various printable games, activities, coloring pages and a stash of crayons, pencils, etc.

Here are a couple of the ones I really like.
License Plate Game Printable
ABC Game Printable and I Spy Bingo Game Printable Plus lots of helpful tips.
DIY Magnetic Board Games
Printable Hidden Picture Puzzles
Coloring Page Printables

Snacks
For each kid create a box/bag full of serving-size snacks that they enjoy. Preferably non messy snacks they can eat by themselves. Some ideas include snack baggies full of gummies, trail mix, m&m's, goldfish, pretzels and raisins.  If you have little ones let them pick out one snack every couple hours.

Breaks
Kids get cranky when they are forced to sit for long periods of time. To avoid the crankiness - take lots of breaks so your kids can get out and stretch their legs.  If you are driving, find a rest stop and let your kids run around after using the restroom. Bring along a beach ball, Frisbee, jump rope, etc.

Let you kids know where you plan to stop ahead of time. Consider giving them a map to follow your route as you go. This will help stop some of the "Are we there yet?" and "How much longer?" questions.

Sleep
I remember when I was young my parents would leave our home in the evening, so my siblings and I would sleep most of the way. My parents would take turns sleeping and driving.  It helps to bring a small blanket and travel pillow for each child if you hope for them to sleep during the trip.

Fun with Flat Stanley

My niece in first grade is doing a project based on the book, Flat Stanley. Luckily, she choose to send us Flat Stanley to visit for a week or so.

In case you aren't familiar here's the brief description. Flat Stanley is a character in a book who gets squished flat and now gets to have all sorts of adventures because he can be mailed.

So like I said he came to visit us. He got to hang out with my youngest while she was doing crafts.

He also got to met our kitten, Gizmo. I don't think he had such a fun time with him. He got a couple bite marks on his little hand. He'll be okay though. The kitten liked to cuddle with him during one of his many naps.

Flat Stanley even got to go with us to our area's Family Fun Day at a local park. He did lots of crafts, rode ponies, saw farm animals and even got to see a state police helicopter close up. Maybe a little too close.

If you want to do this fun project with your kids. Visit FlatStanley.com for free printables under their Resources link.

* I was not compensated in any way for this blog post or for referring you to the link contained in the post.

Summer Vacation Planner - Part 2

In the last post I included the basics of how I start to plan out my kids' summer vacation. This post will go into more detail about what I actually put on the planner.

"I'm Bored!" How often have you heard that? I've heard my fair share, so each summer I try to plan some activities to keep their summer fun.

I also try to make sure they don't forget everything they just spent 9 months learning in school and I want them to stay physically active too.

Basically I try to plan out my kids' day just like the teachers do. I want to include Reading, Phys. Ed, Math, Science, Music and some social time too. However, I don't want my kids to feel like they are back in school, so I sneak all these subjects in their daily activities.

Here are some ways to incorporate learning into everyday life.

Reading
I'm a firm believer and lover of reading. I find kids enjoy reading when they like the story. You just need to find a book your child is interested in. Ex. trains, fairies, wizards, dogs, robots, Legos, Star Wars, etc.

Phys. Ed.
This one is easy. Running around a playground, jumping on a trampoline, swimming, playing catch are all great ways to exercise.

Math
A simple trip to the store is an easy lesson in math. Figuring tax and calculating change. Another way to sneak in a math lesson is cooking which involves measuring ingredients. There are also lots and lots of worksheets and games online.

Science
My kids love science and find any science project to be fun. There are tons of experiments on the sites listed below.

National Geographic.com
Scholastic.com
ScienceKids.co.nz

Music
This is easy too. Have the radio playing in the background. Try listening to a variety of music. Let the kids make their own music and record it (most phones have record notes features).

I also schedule regular play dates (get togethers) with their friends. The get togethers aren't fancy - just kids getting together and playing with their toys or video games, swimming, or playing outside.

Let me be clear. When I say I plan out stuff to do each day. I don't schedule/plan out every minute of the day.  I like to let my kids be kids and use their imagination.

My kids play a lot throughout the day. I usually do a project or something fun with them either right after breakfast or after lunch. A variety of music is on throughout the day while I'm working around the house and math is sprinkled in too. I do spend 15-20 minutes each day helping my youngest with her math, and at bedtime my kids are allowed to read before falling asleep.

I normally plan a trip to the library, a playground or some other outing once a week. Just to get out of the house. I find this helps cut down on the bickering and Mom like to be around other adults too. :)

So that is how I keep my kids busy over summer vacation. Feel free to share your family's summer plans.

Teacher Appreciation Day or End of Year Gift

If you have kids in elementary school than you've probably heard of Teacher Appreciation Day. My question is why celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day with a gift in May only to give another gift to thank them at the end of the school year?

Now don't get me wrong I really like my kids' teachers. Actually they've had some of the coolest ones ever, seriously! I truly appreciate all their hard work, but I seem to be buying gifts for them around every turn. If I said yes to every request I'd spend a fortune.

I've worked with teachers for a couple years and have been friends with a fair number over the years.  Many I've spoken with would love nothing more than a sincere thank you note from a parent every once in a while. They'd also really like the parent to volunteer and help out in the classroom every once in a while. See what the teacher experiences day in day out - then you will really appreciate them.

I'm sure most parents want to help your child's teacher improve their classroom, but can't always donate time or money. One teacher, who taught all three of my kids, put up a poster board with sticky notes for all to see during conference time. The poster board was full of sticky notes with anything she wants or needs for her classroom. That way if any parent wants to donate or help out at any time during the school year, they knew what she wants or needs. Everything from stickers, popsicle sticks, dry erase markers, even a camera for the classroom. Much of it was stuff many of us have laying around the house being unused.

The question though is why give a gift for both? Some parents/schools go overboard, in my opinion, asking parents to donate toward a teacher gift a couple times a year. While I don't give in to peer pressure, I do sometimes question which holiday to follow.

Do some parents actually give a gift to their child/children's teacher 2-3 times a year (Teacher Appreciation Day, End of the Year not to mention Christmas)?!! That's becomes a bit costly especially if you have more than one kid.


So I decided this school year that I wouldn't celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and give an End of the Year Gift. I give a donation to a class gift for one and a hand written note from my child and I for the other day.

Feel free to share how you show appreciation for your child's teacher.

8 Keys to Good Parenting

Most parents want the best for their children. In my life experiences and research I've found 8 key ingredients to good parenting.

Listen
After having 3 kids and working with hundreds more I've found most kids just want someone to listen to them.

Let them tell you about their favorite game, their adventures, dreams, or problems. Let them vent. The important thing is not to judge, just give them your undivided attention. Not while watching tv or reading or checking your phone. Drop everything and listen.

Ask Questions
After you've let your kids talk their hearts out ask them questions. Ask them "why they think something happened?", "what they really wanted to happen?", "who their favorite character is and why?"  Get them to elaborate and show you were really listening.

Say No
Learn to say "No". Kids need boundaries - nothing too strict, but just enough to keep them safe. You want them to make some mistakes on their own and you don't want to stifle their creativity.

For example, my kids have a bed time of 9 p.m. They know at that time they need to be in bed. However, if they can't fall asleep they can read quietly in bed till they become tired. It encourages my kids to read on their own and they know to respect everyone else by being quiet so they can sleep.

Say Yes
Whenever you can - say "Yes". Can a friend come over? Can I play a game on my computer? Can we go to a playground?

Even if you need to apply conditions to your answer such as "Yes we can go to the playground, but we need to wait for your father to get home.".  It's important for them to hear "yes" sometimes.


Teach/Share
Let your children help you. Teach them how to do what you are doing. If they want to help clean the dishes, show them how to do it carefully so nothing breaks.

Share some of your past with them. If your child is having trouble with math and you did as a child tell them so.  It can help just by knowing you went through the same things.

Have Adventures as a Family
Create memories as a family. Go on adventures together. It doesn't have to be expensive. A simple camping trip to your "exotic" back yard can create a bunch of fun memories.

We've made lots of memories by taking inexpensive trips to the beach and relatives out of state. They had fun playing with new friends and jumping the waves.

Disconnect
This is so important nowadays. Turn off the cell phone, iPod, Nintendo DS, and any other electronic device and just be together.

Read, watch a television show together or eat a meal. Just focus on being together with no distractions.

Get Involved
Listening to your child and asking questions could encourage you to get involved. Maybe your child needs your help that requires you to talk to his/her teacher.  It could be as simple as learning how to play the game their are interested in/obsessed with. Go to their extracurricular practices and actually get involved instead of reading a book or playing on your phone.

Know what's going on in your child's life. Listen, pay undivided attention and get involved. These are all important to good parenting.