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Heart Shaped Days

By on January 15, 2013

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The holiday crash hit us a little hard this year.  After a very long buildup – a full month with Elfie, songs by the piano, Christmas coloring books, and baking galore…the week after was a little hard.

As much as the kids loved their toys and treats, they loved the togetherness most of all.  They loved the smell of the tree, the hanging of ornaments, and the family time spent by the fire.  They loved the us.

So when the faces looked a little sad and the missing of holiday togetherness hit its peak, Sean and I decided to take action.  We decided to make Valentine’s Day more than just one day.  We decided to eat red food, wear red clothing, and hide love notes throughout the house.  We decided that a Valentine treasure hunt might brighten a dreary day and heart decorations might just bring be in order.

I wrote more about Heart Shaped Days over on moonfrye – I hope you’ll stop by and join the fun!

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Moonfrye

Family Goals on Away We Grow

By on January 2, 2013

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Setting some personal resolutions for the new year?  You’re not alone.

But how about family goals?  Do you ever sit down as a family and set some goals that you can all work on together?  It’s nice to work toward common goals, and it helps everyone stay motivated.

I stopped by Away We Grow on Yahoo to share some tips with my sweet friend Diane.  Stop by and check it out!  Then gather your family around the table and set those goals for 2013!

Looking forward to another great year together, Practical friends!

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting

Three Good Choices

By on December 30, 2012
Ringing in the New Year with a hot vanilla sounds nice, doesn't it?

Ringing in the New Year with a hot vanilla sounds nice, doesn’t it? 

Tis the season for big, life-changing goals.

Some of you will set those goals, work on them every single day, and achieve them.  I applaud your efforts.  A goal achieved, no matter the size, is a very good thing.  It sparks confidence.  It reminds you that you can do it.  It boosts your self-esteem.  Yes, a goal achieved is life changing…

But many of you will get caught up in the busy.  You have the best intentions, believe me, I know, but parenting/working/relationship building/friendship building all require a lot of energy.  And let’s face it, dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt sprinkled on top are really good.  Much better than plain Greek yogurt and sugar snap peas.  And diet overhauls tend to lose steam over time because deprivation of your very favorites absolutely never ever works.

It’s all about moderation, my friends.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that makes the world a happy place.  Meet me in the middle, won’t you?

Here’s the thing:  We’ve all learned some hard lessons in the past few weeks.  I won’t revisit it.  I’ve said enough.  But I will say this: Our world lacks kindness at times.  There is a level of entitlement in this country that causes people to think that their rights are the single most important thing.  They have a right to this, they have a right to that.

Me, me, me….

As parents, what we need to do is focus our energy on raising a generation of people who care about one another.  We need to praise kindness and take a stand on bullying.  We need to pay close attention to our children so that we can troubleshoot along the way…no childhood is free from obstacle, after all.  And we need to stop the singular focus on the rights of the individual.

Divided we fall…and we are falling.  Hard.

Here’s where you come in.

Instead of talking to our kids about personal resolutions and things like reading more (isn’t that always a goal?), riding that bike, or conquering some fear that will really only be conquered when the time is right, will you please join me in focusing on one of the three good choices listed below?

Kindness

Acceptance of others

and/or…

Mutual respect

We need the little acts of kindness to shine through.  We need to use our manners, hold open the door, and help a friend when she falls.  We need to give compliments often and bite our tongues when our words aren’t necessary.

We need to celebrate our differences and learn from one another.  We need to sidestep that fear of different or the need to be the best and find the good in every individual.

And we need to respect one another.  We need to judge less and compliment more.  We need to ask when we don’t understand and give each other the gift of compassion.  We need to be honest and open.

It’s a simple New Year’s wish, this little goal of mine:  I want us to work together in 2013 to build a better generation of kind and compassionate children.  I want to focus on the positive and win the race by way of the high road.

I want to celebrate the good because I know the good is out there…

Won’t you join me?

Happy New Year, Practical friends.  Be safe.  Be merry.  And, please – pretty please, make good choices.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
1

Christmas Magic

By on December 21, 2012

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It’s not about the tree.

It’s not about the lights.

It’s not about the candy canes or caramel corn.

And it’s definitely not about the gifts.

It’s about the little things.  These special moments.  The wonder in their eyes.  Their hearts on their sleeves.  The love that seems to follow them everywhere.

These are the memories that last a lifetime.

These are the moments that stretch from here to there.

These are the traditions that will carry them straight through to forever.

Embrace every little thing this holiday season.

Hold them tight.

Begin new traditions.

Repeat those passed down to you.

And take it in…

THIS is Christmas Magic…

Happy Holidays from Practical Parenting!

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting

The Holiday Sleep Schedule

By on November 27, 2012

Tis the season…

 

For too many parties, too much sugar, endless to-do lists, and too many late nights.

 

I love the holidays.  I love the lights.  I love the music.  I love the gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.  And I love family games by the fire.  I really, really love that.

 

But the holiday season and exhausted kids seem to go hand in hand.  Between the shopping, partying, wrapping (and unwrapping), and constant flurry of activity that surrounds the holidays, kids tire easily.  The result?  Less fun than anticipated.

 

Adequate sleep is crucial for kids, no matter the season.  Kids who do not log enough shuteye are at risk for frequent colds and other illnesses, increased stress, decreased ability to concentrate, and poor eating habits.

 

What does that really mean for parents of young children?  It means frequent visits to the MD, temper tantrums, not so great reports from school, and food wars.  Are we having fun yet?

 

When life becomes hectic, it’s vital to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.  Kids need rest and downtime to stay healthy, happy, and playful.

 

And what would a holiday be without healthy, happy, and playful kids?

 

Stick to the schedule:  A consistent bedtime routine helps kids get to be on time and promotes healthy sleep habits.  Keep the schedule consistent, even when vacation begins.  It can take the body a few days to adjust to changes in schedule, and that adjustment period can be exhausting.  It’s best to maintain consistency.

 

Avoid “one night only”:  It always seems like a good idea to stay up later just this once because it’s a holiday and the kids are having fun.  One late night often results in two days of cranky kids.  While some kids will sleep off a late night, many do not.  If you bend the bedtime a little, try to stay within a ½ hour of the regular the time.

 

Factor in recovery time:  If you do allow for change during the holiday season, be prepared.  Adjustments in sleep schedules take time (there’s a reason daylight savings time is torture) and kids will feel lethargic and cranky and change their eating habits as they adjust.  Be sure to factor in plenty of downtime (quiet playtime) and encourage short naps to help them make the transition.  Allow at least three days to ease back into school schedule when the vacation comes to an end.  Kids require time and patience when sleep is interrupted.

 

Avoid overscheduling:  It’s always difficult to say no to a fun party, but overscheduling during the holidays almost always leads to stress and exhaustion.  Choose a couple of parties to attend, and learn to say no.  Setting limits on party attendance is a great lesson for kids to learn.  When you learn to avoid excess stress, you create a calm and enjoyable holiday season for your family.

 

Family time:  School vacations always seem like an opportunity to visit every museum and science center in the area.  It’s great to plan a couple of outings, but try to factor in plenty of quiet family activities at home.  Quality time spent together results in better communication, less stress overall, and happier kids.  Break out the hot cider and schedule family game night!

 

Model healthy sleep habits:  I’ve said it before, but it’s always worth repeating:  Your kids will do as you do, not as you say.  Be sure to stick to your own sleep schedule so that you can stay healthy and keep your own stress to a minimum.  A stressed out parent = stressed out kids.  Be sure to take care of you too.

 

Now get out there and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season!

 

 

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
3

Black Friday Shopping Tips for the Smart Mom

By on November 18, 2012

I have yet to even shop for the necessary items to create a tasty Thanksgiving, and yet the Black Friday deal alerts have already clogged my inbox and Facebook and Twitter feeds.

 

Wasn’t there a time when Black Friday was actually restricted to the Friday after Thanksgiving?

 

Not this year, my friends.  This year it’s ON.

 

I must admit, the people who live for Black Friday intrigue me.  Actually, I’m kind of in awe of them.  There seems to be some kind of family bonding behind it.  They meet well before the sun rises, coffee and bagels in hand.  They strategize.  They compare lists.  And when the doors open, they make a run for it.

 

My adrenaline is pumping just thinking about it.

 

But you won’t find me fighting the crowds this holiday season.  This mommy of two will be Black Friday shopping from the comfort of my couch.  I’m likely to have a steaming hot mug of Vanilla Sleepytime Tea in my hand and repeats of Friends running in the background.  And I’ll probably be winging it, sans list.  There’s something exciting about the unexpected find, after all…

 

But for the rest of you brave moms out there who might even bring your kids along for the ride…I thought some survival tips might be in order.

 

Here goes:

 

Don’t Do It:  You read the part about the deals clogging my inbox and social media feeds in advance, right?  Now is the time to rock your social media savvy and shop ONLINE!  Sure, some of the door buster deals require your actual presence at an actual store, and shipping charges apply when you shop online.  But shopping from your couch when the kids are asleep?  There is no better way to shop, if you ask me…

 

No?  You don’t believe me?  You just have to have every single in-store deal this season?  Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but read on…

 

Have a Plan:  Certainly you’ve had at least one grocery store trip that didn’t go as planned…every mom has.  Create a specific list and stick to it.  This is no time to shop every department.  This is a grab and go kind of situation!

 

Arrive on Time:  This year, many stores have rolling deals happening.  Don’t assume that all door buster deals require a 4am arrival time.  Call ahead to find out exactly when those tablets go on sale and plan accordingly.  Kids have a limited attention span when it comes to shopping.  Shop smart.

 

Bring Healthy Snacks:  Believe me, I understand the power of a lollipop.  But the last thing you need on the busiest day of the year is a sugar high in your shopping cart.  Also?  You don’t want a vomit-fest because you finally broke down and bought the butter soaked pretzel.  Pack your purse with several healthy snack options and plenty of water.  Lines will be long.  Refreshments will likely be necessary.

 

Bribery Wins:  I know; I know…you don’t need bribes to get your kid to behave.  Don’t get me started on that (I love bribes.  You know that, right?  Bribes are practical).  For today, bring the bribes.  A single Tic Tac can work wonders for cranky kids, and an inexpensive toy will get you everywhere.  If you are bringing your kids shopping on Black Friday, you are asking a lot of them.  Crowds, lines, and frustration are pretty much part of the deal.  A small reward goes a long way…

 

Make it a Game:  If they have to come along, why not involve them in the process?  Even toddlers can recognize numbers and colors on signs…let them search for the goods!  Kids love to feel needed.  Create a picture list of your target items and let your kids help search.  Trailing along behind mom isn’t much fun, but helping mom is a different story.  Make it fun.

 

Shop Superstores:  If you have to shop with your kids, try to avoid multiple stops at your local mall.  The beauty of superstores is the one stop shopping element…resist the urge to drag your kids from store to store when you can probably find multiple items in one store.  The online deals will continue throughout the season…Black Friday should be used for must-haves only.

 

Know When to Say When:  Kids can only be expected to hold it together for so long.  Exhaustion, hunger, and boredom are all known tantrum triggers.  Black Friday is not the day to push the limits.  Quit while you’re ahead and know that you’ve done the best you can do in stores.

 

Then put your kids to bed, brew your Vanilla Sleepytime Tea, and buy the rest online.  You’ll thank me for it…I swear.

 

Happy shopping, brave mamas!

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
3

Halloween Safety Tips

By on October 30, 2012

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays for kids.  Ok, maybe that’s not exactly true.

 

I could easily live without the added sugar, overstimulation, and constant parties…

 

But…I love the costumes.  I love the unicorns, princesses, super heroes, and tow trucks (yes, you read that right.  More on tow trucks later).  I love the cute little voices when I open the door and the smiling parents standing behind them.

 

I love (most of) Halloween.

 

But Halloween can actually be very dangerous.  More pedestrians (many of them children) are hit by cars on Halloween than on any other night of the year.

 

It’s dark, the kids are excited, and the added sugar can lead to impulsive decision-making.

 

It’s best to take precautions.

 

Watch them:  Kids crave independence and trick-or-treating without parents seems to be a coveted milestone among the elementary school crowd.  All children age 10 and under should be supervised by an adult.  Yes, that means walking door to door with them. The rest should have specific instructions (map a route and establish a firm curfew) and carry a cell phone.  That’s right:  Forget everything I’ve said about media overload for one night and fork over the Smart Phone.  It’s just smart.

 

Add light:  When darkness falls it can be very difficult for drivers to track the hundreds of kids repeatedly crossing the streets.  Glow sticks and glow necklaces are both fun and safe, while flashlights are a must.  Consider using reflective tape, particularly on the back of dark costumes (I would even go so far as to put a design on your kids…hearts or stars, anyone?)  Don’t assume that the streetlights will suffice.  One flashlight per person is always a good idea.

 

Walk, don’t run:  Running from house to house increases the excitement and increases the potential danger.  Forget about what others are doing.  Enforce a no running rule while trick-or-treating.  When in doubt, hold hands.  Yes, even with older kids…trust me.  That will stop the running!

 

Make a plan:  With all of the supervision, you shouldn’t need a safety plan.  But it’s always a good idea to have one.  Drive your trick-or-treating route earlier in the day to familiarize the kids with the route.  Establish a safe house (this should be someone you know very well) in case anyone gets separated from the group.  Keep it simple.  Stick to familiar houses on nearby streets.

 

Eat first:  Hunger leads to meltdowns and meltdowns lead to poor decision making.  Feed the kids a protein filled meal prior to trick-or-treating and make sure they drink plenty of water.  Halloween tends to be a loss as far as healthy eating goes…but a balanced dinner will go a long way toward keeping your kids calm and happy.

 

Quit early:  Kids will go and go and go.  Know when to say when.  Set a time limit and stick to it.  If the kids begin to tire early, take them home.  There’s no award for the largest bag of candy and they will have fun regardless.

 

Remember the routine:  There’s a good chance that you won’t make it home for bedtime on Halloween, but don’t stray too far from your normal routine.  The kids are already tired, sugared up, and over-stimulated…try to stay on track with your normal bedtime routine as much as possible.  This is particularly important for the 8 and under crowd.  Kids don’t know when to say when.  You do.  Just do it.

 

Get on those costumes and have a very happy and safe Halloween!

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
3

Safe 4th of July Fun for Kids

By on June 27, 2012

There is a lot to love about celebrating the 4th of July.  The weather is usually nice, the pools are open, and you can almost always find a fireworks display.

 

But the 4th of July can also include some risks…

 

Did you know that sparklers reach temperatures of 1000 degrees F and can light clothing on fire?  It’s true.  They might seem harmless from afar, but sparklers are not for children.

 

And yet, emergency rooms fill up year after with small children injured by sparklers and other fireworks.

 

It’s no big secret that young children are drawn to things that light up and sparkle.  But that doesn’t mean that those things have to involve fire…

 

Below are 5 safe alternatives to sparklers and fireworks for your kid friendly 4th of July celebration:

 

Light Up Spinning Ball Wand:  Disclaimer:  We use these all year long in our house!  Who says the 4th of July is the only day to celebrate our country?  These are great for nighttime celebrations.  The light up, they spin, and some of them might even flash.  What’s not to love?

 

Neon Glow Sticks/Necklaces/Bracelets: They glow and you can wear them?  Toddler/preschooler perfection!  You can pick these up just about anywhere these days…

 

Red, White, and Blue Silly String: Yes, I know that this stuff is nearly impossibly to clean.  But it’s very safe and super fun for little ones…and the rain will wash it away some day, right?

 

Glow in the Dark Bouncing Balls: What’s better than a ball that bounces super high?  One that glows in the dark, of course!  Ditch the traditional “ball pit” and fill a baby pool with these for a glowing nighttime celebration!

 

Flashlights: Never underestimate the power of a good, old fashion flashlight.  They are great for exploring dark closets; walking in the dark, pretend camping, and flashlight tag!  When they change colors?  Even better.

 

Keep it safe.  Keep it fun.  And have an amazing 4th of July!

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
7

Rainbow of Love

By on February 12, 2012

“All you need is love” – The Beatles

I love Valentine’s Day.  Maybe a little too much.  Not for the gifts, the chocolates, or the fine wines (although all of those are just fine with me)…I love it for the message it sends.  Even though it shouldn’t take a special day to tell your loved ones that they are loved, it certainly is nice to slow down and celebrate love for a day.  It’s nice to send a card, bake some cookies, and talk about the importance of love.

Because love is so very important.  Love really is all you need.

This year I wanted to do something different for the kids.  Yes, their cards are ready and some little gifts are wrapped.  But I wanted another little surprise for them.  Something that they will wake up to and appreciate for a moment before they find the red presents awaiting them at the kitchen table.

Something simple that conveys a big message.  Something that tells them exactly why they are loved so very much.  Something that shows them that we love them just for being them.

And so I started cutting hearts.  One for each color of the rainbow.  A rainbow of love, I thought, would show them that we love them for the individuals that they are.

I filled in the red first….

And then I filled in the rest of the hearts, one by one.  I thought about the little things we love:  Riley’s infectious smile, the sound of Liam’s laughter, Riley’s incredible imagination, Liam’s creativity…the list goes on.  It warmed my heart to write down each of these traits.  In fact I could have created many, many rainbows.

On Valentine’s Day they my kids wake up to rainbows of love taped to their bedroom doors.  Although they are loved every single second of every single day, on this day they will see that love written all over their doors.

I just can’t wait.

What Valentine’s Day surprises do you have planned for your little ones?

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting, Practical Projects
7

The Blogger #Cookieswap e-Book Has Arrived!

By on December 19, 2011

The big reveal is finally here…the Blogger Holiday #Cookieswap e-Book is here!  Once again, thank you so much to the 57 bloggers who signed up, swapped cookies, and spread some holiday cheer throughout the blogosphere.  This was an incredible event that far exceeded our expectations.  If you haven’t already done so, please stop by Ashley’s place to introduce yourself and thank her for all of the incredible work she put into this amazing recipe book.

Enjoy your cookies, try a new recipe, download this book, and share it with everyone you know!

Happy Holidays to you!

 

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Filed Under: Holiday Tips, Parenting
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