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Outside Will Get You?

February 12, 2009 By 18 Comments

abby-in-leaves

As a child I can remember going out to play.  Yes it is true!  We would play in our yard or a friends yard.  We would even take a walk around the neighborhood.  We would do anything to get out of the house.  You know we would be kids!

What is going on with the world today that a child can no longer be a child?  Why is it that we do not feel that our children need outside time?  Why have we let the media taint how children grow up?  These are all things that I have become passionate about.  There really is no more risk for bad things then there used to be.  There are just as many bad people out there but lets get real.

  1. The bad guys do not out number the good guys.  I know that the news that we watch would make us think that the bad guys are all just waiting for us to open our doors and let our kids out.  The truth is that they are not!  I do not want you to misunderstand there are bad guys.  There are men and women who take and hurt children.  How many are there really though and why do you think that they want your child?  Statistics do show though that these men and women who abduct children often know the children!  So where is the danger?
  2. The kids are safer inside.  Oh here is an arguement!  You are right it is much better to have your kids cooped up in the house playing video games or watching TV then it is to open the door and tell them to go play.  I do not know the exact numbers here but I am pretty sure that the number of kids who die a little everyday from childhood obesity are much worse off then the kids who are out climbing trees.
  3. Kids will go with anyone.  I am sorry but I know that Abigail and Emma are smart.  I know that they would not talk to anyone or approach a car.   This is because I have taught them if there is stranger danger to say no then go and tell someone you trust.  They have street smarts and are a pair.  They use the buddy system daily.  They know what to do and I am never all that far away.  Not to mention I peek outside from time to time to see where they are, what they are doing and why!

Now I know that some of you will come back and have a lot to say and for you, all I can say is remember.  That is right, take a moment and remember when you were a kid.  You played outside until you heard your mom calling you for dinner.   I think that it would be fair to say that we are keeping our kids back by not affording them the same opportunity.  So if you need to call DSS go ahead but my kids will play outside without me… EVERY day!

Becca

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68 Days Until Christmas

October 19, 2008 By 4 Comments
SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 24: People shop for ...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Black Friday is a vital way to save money. If you plan it out right you can save a ton of money and be just about done with your shopping. Every year the female in-laws and I hit the the pavement at about 4am coffee in hand to get all of the best deals! Here is a step by step guide of how to make Black Friday the best one ever.

1. The first thing that I like to do to prepare for Black Friday Shopping is to check out the ads. Before I was an experienced Black Friday shopper I would wait until Thanksgiving night to look at the ads and then decide from there. Now that I am a little more experienced I know that there are many ads available before the holidays! Here is a small list of the best!

http://www.blackfriday.info/

http://www.black-friday.net/

http://bfads.net/

2. Compare the ads to your list that you had the kids make! I find that this is important because I can make smart money choices. If something is even $2 less somewhere else I would rather go there first.

3. Plan out your route. This is a very important step. I find that the mall is not the best place to start. While it is the place that the most stores are the deals are often not the best.

4. Look at how many hours the deals are good for. If one store only has early bird specials until noon but another is having them only until 10am go to the one who ends at 10am first.

Tips To Remember:

  • Electronics are limited in numbers in each store. Find the second or third best price and go there first. This will help to assure that you receive the deal you are looking for.
  • Deals and many others are offered at midnight online. Shop for some items online. Remember that you may have to pay shipping for these items.
  • Wake up EARLY and arrive at your first store about one hour before they open. I know in NY it can be cold to wait but it is worth it if you are there for something specific.
  • Many stores offer early bird specials on Saturday also. Make sure it is going to be worth the stop on Black Friday.

The most important thing to remember is to get into the mood. Have fun on Black Friday. Do not get nasty and ruin the spirit. Sing along with the music. Make it a special tradition for you and your family and friends.

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How To Win The Battle At Bedtime

August 7, 2008 By Leave a Comment

How To Win The Battle At Bedtime

Is everyday a battle at bedtime? I know in our house it is often the worst time of day! I want to pull out my hair and start screaming, but that does not work either. Killing them is not

an option, screaming doesn’t work and ignoring it makes it worse. So what is a frantic mother to do? Now that you know that you are not alone we can tackle the problem. Here are 10 quick tips to try tonight to make your night a smoother, happier one:

1. Put your kids to bed at the same time every night. No exceptions!

2. Have an established routine. We eat dinner, start the bath, read a book and sing one song to each of the girls. They know what is next and after a while they do not ask for more. Develop a routine that works for you. Perhaps a song or a family game. Something quite is best. I would not recommend TV or video games because these tend to stimulate kids and make bedtime more difficult.

3. If your child comes out of their room simply walk them back to bed and leave. Do not talk to them or interact with them. This will show them that you mean business and reduce the number of times that they come out.

4. Make sure that they have everything they need to be comfortable. This means their glass of water, the night light on, their special blankie and anything else they will get out of bed for. Assure that these things are done before entering into the room.

5. NEVER let them sleep in your bed! It breaks the routine and gives them excuses. It also means that you and your spouse can have a bed to yourselves!

6. Make a reward chart. We have a chart on Abigail and Emma’s doors. Every night they go to bed on time they get a sticker. After 30 stickers they can pick a prize.

7. Avoid beverages with caffeine after 6pm. These will not only keep your little one wired but will also give them a bladder excuse to get out of bed!

8. Give them a few warnings. If bed time is at 8 tell them at 7:45 that they have 15 more minutes. Then 10 more minutes and then 5 more minutes. This helps children who have trouble transitioning.

9. Exercise is something that makes kids tired at the end of the day! Run them until they cannot run anymore. Play a family game of outdoor fun a few hours before bed. Tag, volleyball, a family walk and bike riding are just a few ideas.

10. Do not linger. Leave your child’s room while they are still awake. That will help them to be able to calm themselves and learn to go to sleep without your help.

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