The Chore Game
I recently returned to work after several years of domesticity.
Surprisingly, my husband has been trying to help around the house,
but we have been playing a little game when it comes to chores.
Rather, I have been playing a game. He seems oblivious, as he does
with anything that has to do with household chores. Read more
Wordless Wednesday - Spices
Perhaps the spices of youth?
Who is Cheryl Moeller?
Who is Cheryl Moeller and why is she Wanted in Most States? (She is wanted to
make moms laugh!)
Cheryl Moeller is a seasoned mother and an outrageous stand up comic who will
make you laugh until it comes out your nose. She uses her over-the-counter-top
humor to bring hope and encouragement to moms trying to cope with the
everydayness of life. She believes parents can experience new energy and
vitality in enjoying clean and honest humor, a view echoed by the ancient writer
of Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at
the days to come.”
Read more
Face Painting Business
A whole package of information for anyone interested or who has ever thought of starting a face painting business.
Here’s what you get: Read more
Is Your Crib Bed Safe?
99% of all crib mattresses sold in
By Dr. M. Kureshi
On
The purpose of this law is to reduce the risk of fire injury…however, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that many of these FRC’s are questionable at best, and potentially toxic at worst. The most common chemicals being used in all new mattresses (including crib mattresses) are Boric Acid (the active ingredient in roach killer) Antimony (similar to arsenic – a known poison), and Silicon (a respiratory irritant).
This new law has upset many Americans, especially new parents who are considering a crib mattress for their newborn.
And with good reason. This is because the governments own research (conducted by the CPSC) proves that these chemicals leech to the surface of the mattress every night, and are absorbed into the skin and lungs of adults and infants.
According to the CPSC risk assessment, they state that EVERY night, the average person (and infant) will absorb the following chemicals:
.802 mg Antimony (similar to arsenic – a known poison)
.081 mg Boric Acid (the active ingredient in Roach Killer)
.073 mg DBDPO (also known as DECA, a suspected carcinogen)
However, the CPSC stands by its controversial decision and says, this is level of chemical absorption is safe and poses no known health risks.
However, they excluded children under five years of age from their risk assessment by assuming all these children will be protected by a vinyl sheet over their mattresses, due to bedwetting problem. Their assumption is that this vinyl covering will protect them from the FRC’s in their mattress.
However, antimony has been proven by European researchers to leech through vinyl covers, and has been found in high concentrations in infants livers, who have succumbed to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Fearing a possible link, these same researchers looked at all cases of SIDS in their country and were able to statistically link this to the high levels of antimony in the crib mattresses. In fact, high levels of antimony were found in the livers of dissected human infants killed by SIDS.
For this reason,
Even
In fact, a well known chemist and scientific researcher, Dr. Jim Sprott, has written a very compelling book, “The Cot Death Cover-Up?” which makes a strong argument for the direct relationship between mattress toxins and cot death (SIDS). He provides irrefutable evidence that has resulted in a nationwide policy change in
Many American medical doctors, researchers, and scientists are upset that the CPSC
did not consider this important European research into account before enacting this new flame proof law. They strongly believe that the evidence proves that this will increase the levels of SIDS in
It’s already a sad fact that over 3000 infants are claimed by SIDS every year…just in the
However, there is one saving grace for parents opposed to this new law. Under the new law, it is possible for anyone to claim an exemption, by choosing not to sleep on a chemically treated mattress. This requires a doctor’s prescription. These prescription mattresses do not contain any FRC’s of any kind. Thousands of Americans have already opted to sleep on this type of non-treated mattress, by obtaining a prescription from their doctor. The risk of a fatal mattress fire, according to the CPSC, is 1 in 1.11 million, which is a risk that many Americans are okay with.
At this time, there is only mattress manufacturer in
It is highly unlikely the CPSC will repeal this controversial law anytime soon, so for now, all new parents should properly educate themselves on this very important issue prior to purchasing a chemically treated crib mattress. Their baby’s very life could depend on it.
About the Author:
Dr. Kureshi is a chiropractor, and is in private practice in
Easy Face Painting eBook
The Easy Face Painting Book is an eGuide designed to help parents do professional face painting for just about any type of event you can think of or even just for a rainy day in with the kids.
Super easy to read, understand and use. The way it shows the pictures step-by-step really makes me want to go out and find as many kids as I can to paint something on. Read more
Snobby Mommy by Sahara Hill
We recently received an email from one of our readers giving kudos to this particular book and we wanted to share it will all of you as well. Here is what our reader Sandy had to say about it; Read more
Happy New Year Stranger
Her visit during the holidays took me completely by surprise. My husband, trying to help preserve the last remnants of my sanity, took the kids to visit his parents where the eight of them would carefully and patiently (ha ha) help to decorate their Christmas tree. Not able to recognize the sound of peaceful stillness, my body started to twitch a bit each time I tried to snuggle up on the empty couch with my book. That’s when my unexpected guest arrived, precisely as I was flipping pages and nodding off simultaneously.
I invited her into my home and she smiled as her cashmere sweater gently brushed against the fresh pine wreath that hung on my front door. “Ahhh, smells great in here…………did you just bake a pie,” she asks? “Be careful on that terrazzo tile, I’ve just washed and waxed,” I caution. “Tell me, how do you keep your entry way so pristine looking and so darn organized–I mean, I could just live right here in this room?” she gushed.
Before I can answer, she’s wandered straight into my living room and is stroking my extra plump chenille pillows. Her eyes dart straight to my mantle where I’ve artfully displayed several paintings–the soft glow of candlelight framing them perfectly. Next, she looks me over from head to toe and gleefully gives me a tight squeeze. We used to be inseparable, but haven’t seen one another in nearly 15 years right about the time I became a mother.
With so much to catch up on we head straight to the kitchen where I debate between offering her a mug of hot steaming tea or pouring us each a large glass of Merlot. The Merlot wins hands down, so we pull up a stool to my sleek, clean island that has nothing but a delightfully decorated miniature Christmas tree on it and we then toast our reunion.
“You still look the same,” she smiled. “Oh stop! We both know I’ve put on a few pounds during the past decade and surely you’ve noticed a few more laugh lines on this here face of mine,” I replied. “But you on the other hand are timeless. Your smile is still as carefree as ever and it’s obvious that you’ve kept up with your exercise routine all these years,” I sing back. With our pleasantries now exchanged, she slowly enjoys the fine wine we are sharing and asks, “Remember how we would sit on the beach and plan our futures—our careers, who we would marry, how many kids we would have, what our dream homes would look like,” she asked? I sigh and nod. “However did we become such strangers so quickly? “ asks my long-lost friend.
I sit and just stare at her. Her presence is very calming and I wonder, too, where she has disappeared to for all these years and what has prompted her return right before the New Year?
I begin to look back on the past 15 years and smile and say nothing–instead I direct her to the family portrait we have hanging outside our Living Room taken nearly three year’s ago before our eighth child was born. Even though I’ve kept a long-distance relationship with her over time, I thought she’d like to see with her lovely brown eyes what I spend most of my time doing—raising a family. The handsome guy in that portrait is my husband of 20 years, and no, not the guy I thought I’d marry when we would sit on the beach and throw Cheetos to the seagulls and discuss such dreamy matters. I met him on my 21st birthday when he had his teeth cleaned in the dental practice I worked in for 15 years, another change in course from the career I had planned for myself in the hot summer sun—that of a school teacher. Funny enough, with eight kids (my plans called for three!) I guess I got my own classroom after all.
She gives me a swift elbow to the ribs and begins to laugh. As she does I look over at my kitchen island and realize I can barely see the top of it because it’s piled high with family stuff and the box of that fine vino we were drinking is right in the center. I sense she wants to ask me something else but she’s now poking around by the mantle and straightening my collection of broken nutcrackers that are hiding the crookedly framed school photos that desperately need to be updated. And why are those plump chenille pillows now looking a bit frayed and tired? The prodding continues until my neck jerks upright and I see my 5-year old staring at me and yelling, “Mom, we’re home!”
I search the room for my friend but she’s gone again. Instead, my husband has returned with our brood and they are all anxious to tell me about their visit to Grandma’s. My book has since dropped to the floor and somehow made it’s way down the stairs into that stunning entryway of mine that is laden with shoes, mismatched socks and even somebody’s toothbrush. I am now completely awake in my dream house—the home I share with my family, and realize that I will never see that girl again, the person I was before I had kids, but I am not sad. A part of me will still always be her no matter where I’m at in life, and I can think of no better time than the start of a new year to reminisce on my leisurely past but to stay focused on the here and now with great anticipation of all the new experiences my friend and I will reflect on in another 15 years.
About the Author:
“It Just So Happens”is written by Cheryl L. Butler, the patient mother of eight children under the ages of 14. A freelance writer, when not sorting the laundry she writes for several magazines in Southern Rhode Island and Massachussets and is published in anthology series such as Chicken Soup For The Pre-School Mother’s Soul , Chicken Soup For The Chocolate Lover’s Soul, and The Misadventures of Mom and Disasters of Dad. She lives in Saunderstown, RI with her go-with-the flow husband, Brian, and their fun-loving brood of five boys and three girls.
Contact her at CB091987@AOL.COM
Cruise Control
If the Good Lord had wanted us to eat sensibly this time of year, he wouldn’t have invented the cruise ship. It must have been divine compulsion that drove my family and a couple thousand of our closest friends to set sail recently on an after-Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. It’s not that we wanted to sail around the sea for a few days eating everything in sight. We certainly didn’t choose to arrive home after our gluttonous voyage weighing about the same, in tonnage, as the boat we came in on. So we must have been on a mission from God.
The human psyche is a funny thing. Despite having inhaled enough calories during the holidays to keep Paris Hilton alive into the next millennium, when presented with limitless amounts of food on board ship, we fell to eating as if we were famine victims. We ate and we ate. And when we were bloated and seemingly unable to cram in one more bite, we ate some more.
Naturally, we needed drinks to wash down all that “free” food. Fortunately, there were always smiling attendants nearby to bring us round after round of beverages that were definitely not free. Then we poured more money into the cruise line coffers by visiting the casino and the onboard shopping mall, and by that time, we’d worked up enough of an appetite to devour platefuls of food at the midnight buffet.
The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we stuffed our bodies into bathing suits and rolled on to the deck, where we sunned our globular flesh, careful not to fall overboard lest we be mistaken for well-fed sea lions. After a few hours, just when we were beginning to feel hunger pangs, the ship’s staff roused us for a hairy chest contest.
When you are cruising with thousands of your closest friends, you are bound to discover that quite a few of these friends are sporting furry chests, many of which are accompanied by bald heads and very round bellies. An astonishing number of these, er, hunks took the stage for the contest, every hair bristling with excitement.
That’s when the cruise director began to look for the “lucky” woman who would be required to select the best bushy chest. Luck was certainly not a lady to me that day. I never win anything – not the lottery, not a makeover, not even at bingo. But, sure enough, I “won” the right to judge the shaggy strivers before me. Each man was encouraged to strut his stuff, wriggling and jiggling his chest and various other body parts for my enjoyment. It was almost enough to ruin my appetite. But I managed to select a winner, and then my family and I headed back to the buffet.
That night, we donned formal wear, leaving the zippers open, and went to meet the captain, a dashing and slender man who gazed upon us the way I imagine Captain Ahab must have looked at his prey, the great white whale in Moby Dick. Then – surprise, surprise – we sat down to a sumptuous dinner and shortly thereafter, we had pictures taken to commemorate our nautical adventure. When we visited the ship’s portrait gallery to order reprints of a picture of my husband and I, the young man who waited on us referred more than once to the picture of “you and your son.” Each time, I corrected him, speaking between clenched teeth and glaring at my highly amused husband – who, I must point out, is six months OLDER than I am.
My spouse foolishly took to calling me “Mom” for the rest of the cruise. Now that we are home, he’s sleeping on the couch, not only because I’m mad at him but because, for some reason, I need a larger portion of the bed.
© Jackie Papandrew 2008
Wordless Wednesday - Red Door
Hmm, what’s behind the red door?
Forgiveness
Many years ago I was a day care provider. The amazing thing about children is that they can be fighting one minute and then best friends the next. They don’t hold grudges and forgiveness comes from the heart. The Bible teaches that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and forgave those who nailed him to the cross. Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
In today’s society many people have not forgiven people for things that may have happened many years ago. They hold on to the bitterness, hurt and anger-which eventually will lead to emotional and health problems. Forgiveness is the answer and letting go of the past. Yesterday is gone-nothing can be changed. Tomorrow has not arrived - so we must deal with today and focus on the positive. Stop and look at the life of Stephen-he was being stoned and asked the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. Acts 7:59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Then, he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them, When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Today, you may not have someone physically throwing stones at you-but perhaps they are stoning you with words. Words cut and hurt. So, how do you deal with words and learning to forgive others? The first step is to give these problems to the Lord and to allow the Lord to take care of them. This is accomplished by praying to the Lord and focusing on doing things that glorify the Lord and help others. Sometimes, it may help to write a letter to the person who has hurt you or whom you have hurt. This gives you a chance to reflect on what you are saying and make any changes in the letter that may be needed before you mail it. Many times people do not realize they have hurt you. Reading the Bible and memorizing scripture is also a great way to focus on the positive. For example: Psalms 91 is a comforting scripture to read and memorize.
Finally, remember that God has a plan. Trials and temptations are part of life on this earth. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Lord will give you peace in your heart and the strength to walk through these trials-if you will trust and obey the Lord.
The Importance of Keeping a Positive Relationship with Your Ex
Regrettably, the figures for divorce are high. If you are divorced, or separated the children are always affected in some way. It is, therefore, important to try to keep an optimistic relationship with your ex partner and this way your child will not be influenced by bad attitudes between the two of you.
Here are some tips to help you through this difficult period of your life
You must never use your children as pawns to fight your battles. Try to keep your relationship as positive as you can when going through the divorce procedure. If you and your ex have joint custody of your children, you should never talk badly of each other. Don’t ask the child questions about your ex. This will only make the child feel either disloyal to you or the other parent. You may well have had time to address what is going on, but the child is still trying to work it all out and may even need reassurance that the break up is not his or her fault. When they have had time to consider the situation they will realize that your ex has not actually left them, but just cannot live with you any longer. .Keep an open line of communication with your ex as this is very important during joint custody hearings. The interests of your children must come first at all times.
Don’t whine and moan in front of your children, even to friends. The children are likely to have lots of questions to ask and will expect answers from you, so you must be prepared to supply them with the appropriate details. Tell them that they are loved by both their parents and that what has happened is no fault of theirs. You may notice a change in their behavior. This is just their way of coping with what is going on. Give them time, and let them reflect. When they need and are ready to talk to you, they will.
Furthermore, you also deserve a break, so make sure you give yourself one. You are experiencing a great deal of stress and feeling guilty will not help either you or your children. Take each day as it comes, and although it is hard, it is necessary to try to relax a little. You have to stay strong in order to take care of the children and be there for them when they need you. Your child is likely to talk to other children in the same or a similar situation and this is healthy behavior especially if they feel they cannot talk to you at first.
Divorces can be chaotic, but you can have some control over the situation if you try to remain positive. Remember your attitude directly affects your children and they are the most important part of your life.
Fisher Price Royal Step Potty
This is a training potty that sings to your child when used. It has the ability to be used as a step stool for those hard to reach places like the sink. It includes a removable bucket for easy clean up and the seat can be used on the large toilet as your child’s ability grows.
Training a toddler to use the potty can be a very trying time for both child and parent. A training potty that will entice your toddler and is also versatile is a welcome help. The Royal Step Potty is right up that alley. Read more
How to Stop the Toys Overtaking The House
Now the holidays have passed, you can hardly turn around without falling over at least one new toy sprawled out on the floor. The following tips are to help you stop the toys from taking over and return you home to some kind of order.
Tupperware offer a great selection of different sized plastic containers to put all the toys in. They are easily movable as they are on wheels and come in a selection of colors to match up with the décor. If the child’s bedroom is small and space is an issue, there is a hanging variety which you can suspend from the walls making life so much easier.
Assemble all the toys and you will discover there are quite a few old, unwanted and forgotten ones. These, after seeking permission from your child, or maybe just taking the decision yourself if you feel its necessary, can be passed on to charities who are always grateful for such items for under privileged children. Your children will probably be happy to know that another child is going to enjoy their old toys. If they are reluctant to give up their old toys, perhaps explaining that they are likely to get more toys next year, if they create the space for them. .
Take time to check out the different containers available and when you go to buy them, make sure your children are with you. They can then be involved in choosing the colours or styles. Including the children in this way will make them eager to get back home and pack all their toys away neat and tidy, and you will get your home back too!
Breastfeeding Tips for Moms of Multiple Births
Multiple births can be a joy but they can also create problems, especially if you are feeding the babies yourself. But don’t despair! There are ways to make this easier for you, if you follow the helpful tips below.
Mums of multiples, who have already mastered feeding, and other baby experts recommend the purchase of a good nursing pump. The pump not only encourages the production of milk, but it lets you to save as much milk as you need to feed your babies. There is an electric double pump on the market which allows you to express from both breasts at the same time. You can even feed one baby whilst using the breast pump on the other side. This maintains your milk levels for the nursing baby and allows you to save milk from the pump for later. If you feel that these pumps are a little expensive, there is an alternative to buying one as they are available on a rental basis from medical supply companies.
You could also ask friends or family members for advice about feeding your babies. They are sure to have lots of help to offer you with your new day to day routine.
Twins can be breastfed simultaneously. There is no right or wrong way to do it as long as the babies are fed. It really is down to you and what you feel most comfortable with.
It is important when you are feeding your baby yourself, that you find quiet and relaxing areas in your home to do so, ensuring you are not disturbed. You need to keep healthy and try to reduce your stress levels whilst breastfeeding, so make sure you get enough rest in between feeds and engage in a proper diet with plenty of fluids.
The experts say that newborn babies should be breastfed anything from eight to fourteen times within each twenty four hour period. They also suggest a simulation of the baby’s feeding routine, so you will produce more milk. Pumping times vary from one woman to another, but should continue whilst you have a natural flow.
When you are surrounded by people who are happy to help you with your babies, you have nothing to worry about. Remember to try not to do it all alone. You will only tire yourself out and the whole thing will become complicated. Take it steady and all will be fine.
My First LeapPad Learning System
My First LeapPad Learning System, from the family of LeapPad products, is a wonderful learning tool for any preschooler. With letters, numbers, words, learning games and an easy to use system your child will be learning right from the start.
Many of us with toddlers in our life worry about them and their learning ability. Children’s learning abilities have grown so much over the years and what is expected of them at an early age has changed since we were children. This learning system can help parents be sure their child is ahead of the game when it’s time to start school.
It has bright colors and fascinating attachments that draw children in from the very start and keep them interested throughout their learning experience. It’s hard sometimes to find things that will captivate your toddler. Their attention span is very short and after a few minutes it’s time to move on. With LeapPad they WANT to come back for more.
The various cartridges and books have easy to follow and popular characters children already know and love. The system is easy for small hands to carry and maneuver. Each system comes with the basic book, but there are a lot of other interactive games, sing-a-longs and word plays you can buy separately.
Kids love to play games and sing songs. While doing this they can learn without even knowing it. For them it’s just playing, but for us it is the security of knowing they are learning at the same time.
With large numbers, letters and words your child will never be bored. They will enjoy seeing that there are four apples in the bucket. Before you know it your child will be counting everything in the house. They will be able to associate items with letters and be able to spell small words without really trying.
This learning pad will captivate your child and build their imagination. They won’t want to put it down and you won’t want them too. With LeapPad you can rest assured they are playing with something that is safe and fun while teaching him or her all the fundamentals they need.
Where to buy:
My First LeapPad
Getting Toddler Twins to Sleep
Bedtime difficulties are extremely common during the toddler years, especially with twins. Parents hoping their sleep issues will be over once their twins leave the early baby years are often in for a big surprise, especially when toddler twins learn to climb out of their cribs or toddler beds. Here are some strategies to try to get your toddler twins on a sleeping schedule:
1. Make sure they get lots of physical activity during the day so they’re worn out at night. I can always tell when my twins haven’t had any outdoor playtime because they’re much less likely to sleep at night.
2. If they’re still napping during the day, it may be time to start cutting back on the amount of sleep they get during the day. Some kids do give up their naps at this age. They’ll be a lot more ready for bed if they haven’t been over-rested during the day.
3. Twins feed off each other’s energy. You might need to separate them just to get them to sleep. If they must share a bedroom, perhaps you can lay one of them down on a sleeping bag in the master bedroom, and then transfer him/her to bed once he or she is asleep. Being alone might bore them enough to put them to sleep.
4. Let them “read” by themselves in their beds. They think they’re “getting away” with not having to go to sleep, and yet looking at books might make them sleepy.
5. If they pester you with requests for drinks or the bathroom, make a rule that there’s only one potty break and one drink break after bedtime, and be tough. Don’t let them whine and convince you that they just MUST get up again! Tell them ahead of time that they’re only allowed one time up. When they yell, “Mom, I need another drink,” don’t ignore them because they’ll just yell more. Say instead, “You already had your break. Good night!” Let them know you’re acknowledging them, but not giving in.
6. You might need to make their bedtime later. Some kids are just natural “night owls.” I know some parents who are able to get their kids in bed by 7:30 or 8:00, but mine have always done better with a 9:00 bedtime.
7. Make sure they have very little soda, caffeine and sugar, especially after dinner. Allow them a small glass of milk at night as milk has natural sleep-inducing qualities (but not so much that it makes them wet themselves at night).
8. Make sure they have a comfort object to sleep with, such as a special blanket or stuffed toy. Try to reserve it only for bedtime so they look forward to being able to cuddle with it at night.
9. Make sure the room is dark enough at night. If the moon shines in their room, get blinds. However, you might still need a nightlight for them if they get scared. My twins know that no “monsters” will come around when the blue light (their nightlight) is on in their room.
10. If they’re afraid to fall asleep because of nightmares, teach them that they’ll have happy dreams if they think of something they like before they go to sleep. Coach them to think about playing in the park or going to the zoo at bedtime.
11. Follow the same “winding-down” routine every night. Make sure they have a warm bath, soft pajamas, and cuddling during story time. Teach them how to watch the clock, and when the “big hand reaches the top,” it’s time to go to bed. They’ll have fun telling YOU when it’s time for bed.
Of course, these methods aren’t necessarily going to work the first night, but if you continue to follow them, you’ll soon be able to notice a difference. Remember to be consistent and firm, and your bedtime difficulties will be resolved.
How to Make Your Bedroom Romantic and Inviting
Does your bedroom ooze romance and sensuality? Probably not! It’s more likely to be untidy and overflowing with unnecessary bits and pieces that you really should put elsewhere. This situation does not make for a good love life but alas, help is at hand.
If your bedroom does nothing to set the mood for romance, you could follow these simple tips to change your bedroom into a passionate and inviting place to be.
First of all, lose the TV and then pull the plug on the bedroom telephone. Do away with anything which may take yours or your partner’s attention away from each other. Tidy up and put everything in its place. Now that you’ve cleared the room of unwelcome distractions, take a trip to the store and buy some new silky satin sheets or a throwover and before you leave pick up some soft pillows and some scented candles. For food, try some scrumptious chocolates, or if you prefer, strawberries and whipped cream. Oh, and don’t forget to buy some rose petals to scatter over the bed and floor areas.
Okay, so the room is ready, you now just have to add the finishing touches to set the mood. Prepare your chocolate fondue for later on in the evening. Pop the candles around the room and turn back the sheets. Scatter the rose petals on the pillows and floor surrounding the bed. Dim the lights and place a bottle of wine next to the bed. Now all you need is your favorite seductive nightwear laid out ready to wear.
Take a minute to stand back and admire your efforts. Is this bedroom romantic and inviting? Is it guaranteed to put your husband in the mood, no matter what frame of mind he comes home from work in?
These tips are, of course, just suggestions. You are free to use your own imagination, but remember to eliminate any forms of distraction, in order to create the right mood. It is worth making the effort, as one night spent in this lovely room may be the making of your love life.
The Benefits of Reading to Your Children
Can you remember the very first book you ever read or had read to you? Most people can, and this is due to the fact that words are extremely powerful. Princesses in search of their knights in shining armor, visions of distant lands, and ghostly castles, are all images brought to mind by words. As a child, books provide the window through which life and experiences are seen, where points of view are formed, and where fantasies are dreamed about along with reality. There are, in fact, so many benefits of reading books to your children, if you were not so busy reading them, you would probably have time to write one!
There is absolutely nothing more meaningful than reading to your children. The tone of your voice soothes the infant child, creating serenity, and studies have proven that your unborn baby will be inclined to achieve a higher level of appreciation and knowledge if you read to him or her whilst carrying. Can you think of a more amazing gift to give to your child?
Reading is essential to our fundamental perception of life; it is the foundation allowing our children to move forward and make a valuable contribution to society. Reading a book can take them to unknown places; help them to discover the universe; or turn into a specific character and partake in related escapades. Children learn about practically everything by reading and this begins when you introduce the child to books. The first story you read to them can open up a whole new world, and usually leads to an all-time desire for reading and discovery. What an excellent contribution you are able to make to put your infant on a road paved with everlasting awe and imagination.
Although it is never too soon to begin reading to your children, if you have not yet started, there is no need to worry, you can start now. The local library is a great source for books, so why not get a few on loan, and read to your youngster every bedtime. This is a sure way to give your child an advantage when he or she first goes to school.
The number of children who read is much lower than it should be, and we, as parents can raise today’s level by introducing books to our children and opening up the many advantages of the world of words.
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
The Linksys Wireless-G Router allows you to connect four computers into one box for easy access to your DSL or cable high speed Internet. It also allows you to connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to your network giving you more options than ever before. Read more
Johnson’s No More Tangles Spray Detangler
Johnson’s No More Tangles Spray Detangler is a spray in hair detangler. It can be used on wet or dry hair to help remove tangles, making brushing your child’s hair easy. It leaves your child’s hair soft and easy to manage all day long.
Johnson is a trusted name that has been delivering some of the best children’s products for years. This detangler is no exception.
Ever experienced this with your young daughter? You just washed her hair and it time to brush it out. She starts thrashing around putting her hands over her head and crying no, no, no. Not a pretty thing to experience, especially if her hair is long, thick and curly.
Too many times, I ended up in tears right along with my daughter just trying to brush or comb her hair. With this spray detangler this scene can be a thing of the past. Your child will want to brush their hair over and over again.
The detangler can be used on wet or dry hair. I spray it right on the tangles with a couple of short spurts. By doing this the detangler gets all the way into the tangle. I also massage the spray into my daughter’s hair. Then there is no chance that the middle of a tangle is left out.
To keep from hurting my daughter while combing, I’ve found it’s best to start from the bottom and work up when combing her hair. Using slow mall strokes until the tangle is completely gone. If the tangle is really resistant, I just spray another little bit on it and try again. Very seldom do I need to re-spray however.
Once all the tangles are out, my daughter’s hair is smooth, soft and easy to manage. It takes less time and there are no more outburst or as Johnson’s is famous for saying “No More Tears.”
Where To Buy: Johnson & Johnson No More Tangles Spray Detangler - 10 Oz
The Easy Learning PC System
This PC System is a perfect learning toy for toddlers. It was made with the toddler in mind. The child can interact with animals and play activities that will help them develop motor skills. They are very educational and need no real parental assistance to play. The system includes the keyboard and software.
This system is perfect for a young child. It was made to fit their needs and their understanding. There is no reading involved and the child can set their own pace of learning.
The way the keyboard is made and set up th child has total control. It is very bright and colorful making children want to play with every part of it. With the keyboard children can interact with the story at their own pace. The keys on the keyboard include character keys, a pause button, musical keys, color keys, weather and time keys and a spin roller.
It comes with beginning software suitable for ages 1 to 3. The First Steps software will introduce you child to a whole new world. As they grow and progress in their learning there is different software parents can buy to encourage their child to continue the learning experience. Each software has different levels and as the child learns they can move onto the next level. This helps to build your child’s confidence along the way as well as their learning ability and level.
This system is very easy to set up too. Just plug the keyboard into a USB port on your home computer. Your computer will recognize the system and it will be up in running in no time once you’ve installed the software. Once it’s installed, simply place the CD inside the CD drive each time the child plays.
For parents looking for both a fun and eductional toy for thier children, the Easy Learning PC System is perfect. The child will have a blast and parents are assured learning is taking place at the same time.
Where To Buy:
PC Learning System
Fisher-Price Smart Cycle
This is the ultimate learning toy for toddlers. Included in this system is a stationary bike, learning center and arcade system all in one. It includes an adventure game cartridge that gives your child the chance to drive, learn and play all at one time.
Fisher-Price has done it again. This system is an all-in-one system that hooks right up to the TV giving toddlers hours of fun and learning excitement.
With things like Math Mountain, Letter Creek, Alphabet Valley and Shape Lake children will be headed for a learning experience like no other. This arcade game teaches children letters, numbers, problem solving, counting, shapes, matching and the list goes on and on.
They can also race with the Smart Cycle. Whether they race against the clock or with another player they are bound to have hours of fun and laughs along with some exercise too. How can parents beat that with a video game?
With the pedals and steering your child can go at a pace that is right for them. If they don’t want to ride the bike so to speak there is a joystick they can use to continue on their tour of learning. Plus there are a lot of age appropriate levels so children are always challenged and never bored.
It comes with a learning cartridge, but other software is available for parents to purchase separately. This leaves endless possibilities for a child’s learning and playing experience.
Why not bring the arcade home and add a bit of physical exercise too? Be careful though, I found myself wanting to play right along with my son!
Where to Buy: Fisher-Price Smart Cycle
Turn up the Romance on Valentine’s Day
A Romance Quiz
Are the following statements true or false?
1. Romance is primarily for the unmarried.
2. Romance lasts only during courtship.
3. Romance requires great expense and effort.
4. Only women need romance in a relationship.
5. Romance should lead to sex.
6. Romance isn’t a spiritual concept.
7. Romance grows weaker with age.
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Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This book is a wonderful bedtime read for any child. It is filled with goodnight wishes from a rabbit to everything and everyone he can think of including the moon. All intended to keep him from going to sleep. It’s filled with reoccurring animals and objects that will keep your child looking and interested until their eyes go shut into a peaceful dream world all their own. Read more
Too Tired for Technology
As a mother of preschoolers, I fell behind the curve when it comes to technology. While other women were sporting Blackberries, Palm Pilots, and Blue Tooths dangling in their ears, all I could manage was a small spiral notebook from the dollar aisle in Walgreens. However, just to stay in the game I decided to refer to it as my Papyrus Pilot. My Bic ballpoint pen is my Cylinder Inkjet 5000.
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DNA Test
Every Christmas eve our family gets together and exchanges gifts.
I was talking to my nephew and his wife (who is pregnant) and told my 2 year old son William that Sarah had a baby growing in her tummy.
William immediately turned to my nephew and asked him, is it yours! To which my nephew replied, I don’t know…maybe we need a dna test!
Teresa Atkins
Holyoke MA
Witty Mom Electronic Dog Repeller
This electronic dog repeller will keep the dogs in the neighborhood quiet and the neighborhood happy. It is an ultrasonic wave generator that settles a dog down and stops the barking with just a push of a button
I have a baby who is a very light sleeper. I live in a neighborhood that is filled with dogs. Unfortunately dogs love to bark keeping my baby awake for hours on end. Not anymore. With this electronic dog repeller my baby gets a good nights sleep and so do I. Read more
“Top Ten” Questions I have about Laundry
All of us have questions about our laundry. Women used to have their questions answered by their moms, grandmas and neighbors over the backyard fence as they hung their clothes up on the clothesline. I am a stay at home mom of 6 with mountains of laundry to do. These are some of my unanswered questions about laundry. Read more
Eastsport Athletic Sling Trapezoid with MP3 Player Holder
This backpack is designed so that you can carry your CD player or MP3 player and be able to listen to your music while walking, riding or just treking around. It has a single strap for easy carrying over one arm and has many compartment areas for carrying books, notepads and other items. Read more
