5 Ways to Spend Better Time with Your Kid

As a parent, we always wish we had 48 hours in the day instead of 24! More quality time with our kids would be a treat for any family! I know for me, between work, housekeeping, homework, dance, swim, karate and soccer, I hardly have time to think…and I only have one 3 year old! I honestly don’t know how some parents with 2 or more kids do it, especially working full time! This thought is what has sparked some creativity in me! I’ve had to come up with creative ways to get things done while also incorporating my kids into the activities to allow for quality family time! I wanted to “spend better time” with my kids! Below are some issues many of my mom & dad friends complain they “don’t have time for”. Try them out and see how your day CAN include your entire to do list and your kiddos too!

1. I can’t exercise, I don’t have time! Your kids LOVE to be outside (usually) so, take them out on their bikes, roller blades or skateboards and keep up with them with a slow jog. Your kids are too young to ride a bike, put them in a jogging stroller and get to pushin’! Not only will you get a good workout jogging but the pushing will tone your arms! Too hot or too cold to go outside, pop in a workout video or go online to some of the many sites that offer free, short daily workouts! Do them while your little ones are napping or early in the morning when your family is still catchin’ zzzs!

2. I don’t have time to cook It’s true, when you get home at 6pm, there’s hardly time to shower, not to mention busting out the cookbook and apron and sweating it out in the kitchen. After all, dinner is supposed to be at 6-7pm not 6-7am! So, why not take an hour or two out of your weekend and make dinners for the week! Freeze them up in different containers, label them Monday – Friday and pop them in the freezer. When you get home from work, soccer practice, parent conference or just come home early in tired, pop it in and your home cooked meal is ready in 2-5 minutes!

3. I don’t have time for myself Many parents, mostly moms but some dads too, complain they never have time for themselves. They don’t have time to get nails done, get their hair cut or just treat themselves with a well deserved massage. Well, many spas and salons offer packages for mommy & me and daddy & me! Take your kids and turn it into a bonding activity! It will make your little ones feel extra special, especially if there are siblings involved and they can each have their own day.

4. I need alone time with my spouse but don’t have anyone to watch my kids Well, that’s a problem many of us have. Recently some friends and I have gotten together and developed a calendar. Two to four times a month we have one of the parents watch all of the kids for 3-4 hours. The rest of the parents go out for a parents’ night out! We take turns so we all get our night out and our kids get the fun with friends they love! Local indoor gyms and studios like My Gym also offer Parents Nights Out. You pay a fee, usually between $25-35 per child (with siblings at a discount rate) and they’ll watch your kids for 3-4 hours, feed them dinner and show them a good time!

5. I don’t even have time to clean the house Ok, so, few kids like to clean but, it’s all part of growing up. We all have to learn to take care of our possessions and take pride in our home. Starting early and teaching kids to help out is not a crime nor will it hurt your child’s upbringing. If you have toddlers, teach them where their toys go and to put them away (with help from you in the beginning). If you constantly clean up after them, that’s all they’ll know and you’ll end up doing the cleaning for many years to come. Elementary age kids can be given an incentive to help out. They can earn an allowance like a salary that we earn at work. Their room should be clean without compensation since it’s their own space (like our house is ours and we have to maintain it). If they help out maintaining the rest of the home by dusting, vacuuming or cleaning some windows, reward them in some way. Activities are usually a good option to money, like a day at the park or a trip to your local museum! You can also check out www.myjobchart.com. It’s an excellent online chore chart that teaches your kids to earn, save & spend and best of all it’s FREE!

So, you didn’t think it was doable but it is! You just have to make do with what you have and get creative to spend better time!

The Parent Center also writes for Playground Dad! Check out his blog & our article there!

5 Ways to Spend Better Time with Your Kids

Family Chores: Creative Ways to Get Them Done!

Not everyone's home is going to be spotless, but, with a little help from everyone in the household, it can be close!  Below are some tips from Parents Magazine to help you get your family and your home clean and organized!

1. The Chore Wheel:  Make up a wheel with each of the family chores written on it.  Spin the wheel weekly to rotate the jobs amongst each member each week.  Avoids boredom and spreads the work out evenly to keep it far.
2. Responsibility Chart:  Post a Responsibility Chart with daily chores on them.  Have your kids check off the ones that are complete and offer a treat at the end of the week if chores were checked off every day.
3. Ready, Set, Go!:  Make everything a race. From cleaning up their rooms to taking out the trash and washing dishes.  Makes it more fun and everything's done much faster :)
4. Make it Make Cents: Pay them! Teach them responsibility and how to budget their money at the same time. Pay them 10 cents a chore and encourage them to save the money up for a specific item they want.  They'll have a goal to reach and realize you have to work for what you want!
5. Last but not least, use My Job Chart (click on the link):  My Job Chart is the free, easy to use, online chore chart and reward system for organizing and motivating your kids to learn first hand how to Save, Share and Spend. Kids earn money then they can set it aside to save, give to charity, or buy rewards you set. An incredible website that offers parents and kids an invaluable tool!

10 Tips for EGG-cellent Egg Recipes for Kids

The incredible egg is a nutritional powersource for protein and other important minerals tha tfuel your child's brain and overall health.  Here are some ideas, outside of the same ol' fried and scrambled to get your kids eating eggs!

1. Make an egg pizza! Toast an English muffin, add a slice of tomato with slices of hard boiled egg on top and drizzle with your favorite cheese for a nutritious start to the day for breakfast!
2. Combine yolks with sauteed spinach and pieces of ham or turkey to make your own version of "green eggs and ham (or turkey) deviled eggs"
3. Add slices of eggs or just egg whites to sandwiches.  They're an egg-cellent addition to BLTs.
4. Mash yolks with pico de gallo for deviled eggs with some kick!
5. Make egg-salad wraps for a snack or lunch staple.
6. Sandwich a fried egg between a waffle split in half.
7. Finely chop eggs and toss into macaroni or potato salad.
8. Wrap scrambled eggs in a high fiber tortilla and top salsa and avocado.
9. Mix chopped egg into tuna salad.
10. Drizzle a little ketchup over a plain hard boiled egg & eat plain! Most kids love ketchup so much they'll eat anything with it :)

A HOT new Kids Product! Toy, Furniture, Educational & more!

      

BOBLES is an amazing new line of toys that double as furniture and tools to help your kids master motor skills!  Check out the different shapes, including a pig, elephant, fish, rock, snake and more!  They're made of toxin-free materials and they're soft to keep  your child accident free!  You can find them on Amazon and at abesmarket.com!  Check 'em out!

Here's an excerpt from the website:
bObles is children's furniture with a simple and creative design shaped in a way that makes you eager to use it. The name "Tumbling animals" covers exactly what you have to do with this piece of furniture - the children have to tumble and gain some bodily experience, which can serve as the foundation for further development. They appeal to something human inside us as they look like animals - but they can easily represent whatever the child wishes during the play. The material is firm but still soft and it is also user friendly as it is easy to clean - wipe over using a wet cloth.

Healthy Tips for Formula Feeders!

While breastfeeding is the most nutritious option for babies, it's not always an option for every mom for a variety of reasons.  Bottle feeding with formula is always an option and here are some tips to to make sure it's nutritious and safe! 

1. CLEANLINESS:  Wash yourhands well with soap and water before feeding.  Consider sterilizing new bottles and nipples before using them for the first time.  After that, washing in the dishwasher will due since the heat sterilizes on its own.
2. ONE AT A TIME:  Prepping a days worth of bottles is convenient but, to be on the safe side, avoid it.  Toss an leftovers and start with a fresh bottle the next time you feed.  Bacteria from baby's mouth can contaminate leftover formula.
3. WATER WORKS:  Only mix powder with plain tap or bottle water that's been boiled for a minute, then cooled.  Bottled water may also contain bacteria, depending on whether it's been opened and/or refilled. Boiling will remove anything harmful that may be in the bottle.
4. THE FINE PRINT:  Follow directions on the formula container carefully.  The powder and water must be measured correctly so your baby gets the nutrient he needs.

Excerpt from Parenting Magazine April 2012

Martial Arts for You & Your Kids!

There are tons of activities to choose from when you're looking to keep you kids active & entertained. One of my favorites and definitely one of the most beneficial is martial arts. Not only does it keep kids (and adults) fit but it also teaches discipline, dedication & determination with its belt ranking system. Kids WANT to work harder and harder because they want to achieve that next belt. Most importantly, it helps with the ever rising problem called "bullies"! Bullies seem to be getting worse and worse and even more brazen. Getting involved in martial arts will help your kids defend themselves, not only against bullies, but also against anyone wanting to cause them any harm.

Having said that, there are many choices today when it comes to martial art studios. They seem to be popping up everywhere. One problem.....they're expensive and some don't tailor their classes towards little ones.  So, do research in your area and take advantage of FREE classes. Most studios will offer a free introductory class to see where your child is, if he or she is ready for the class and if you like the class for your child.  I tried 4 different studios before I found the right fit for my daughter.  Make sure to check out your local community's parks and recreation programs too!  They're usually taught at the high end studios but at a portion of the price!

Veteran's Day Freebies for 2011: Tons of freebies for Vets & their families to enjoy!

Thank you to each and every one of the veterans out there that have fought for our freedom! Without you we would not have such an amazing country to raise our children in and provide them with the freedom and opportunities we have been afforded. Thank you also to the families of the veterans and all military personnel that endure months and years apart. Your selflessness and courage are unmeasurable. Below is a list of freebies to take advantage of on this day of thanks to all veterans. It's nowhere near enough for the sacrifice you have made but it's a way for many companies to express their gratitude. Enjoy and please share :)

Please note you will need to show your military IDs at all participating locations to receive the freebies. It's a good idea to also call ahead to be sure your location is participating. You can also click the links to each offer to see all the details.

FREE PARK ENTRY

Sea World, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place offer free admission to active duty military and up to 3 dependents once a year.

The National Parks Service will not charge entrance at more than 100 national parks this Friday through Sunday Nov. 11-13.

FREE HOTEL and B & B Stay

Through the group B & Bs for Vets nearly 500 bed and breakfasts are offering vets a free night tonight, Nov 11, 2011

FREE PILLOW

Sleep Number, the adjustable mattress chain, is offering a free cotton travel pillow to military personnel who visit their store on Friday. See link for locations.

FREE MEALS

Chili’s – Veterans and Active Duty Military Eat FREE 11am – 5pm (view menu choices here)

Outback Steakhouse – 4pm – 11pm Veterans and Active Military will receive a Free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage

Famous Dave's is offering a FREE meal to military personnel today, Nov. 11, 2011. Selection varies by state.

Subway is offering a free 6 inch sub to military personnel on Veteran's Day, Nov 11, 2011. Call your local location to ensure participation.

7-Eleven is offering a free small Slurpee drink on Friday November 11th, 2011 to all active, veteran and retired military members and their immediate families between 11am - 7pm.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse is offering a complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans with proof of ID.

McCormick & Schmidts is offering a special Veterans Appreciation Event with a complimentary entree Sunday, November 13th. Reservations are recommended and space is limited.

Applebee’s – All Veterans and Active Duty Military Enjoy a FREE Applebee’s Signature Entree

Golden Coral – Military Appreciation Monday, November 14th, 5pm – 9pm Free “Thank You” Dinner for all Veterans and Active Duty Military

Hooters – All Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive 10 FREE wings boneless or traditional all day Friday (drink purchase required)

Little Caesars Pizza – Veterans and active military members will receive FREE Crazy Bread with proof of military status at participating stores nationwide. (I’d call ahead to be sure your location is participating)

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one entree get one FREE

Sizzler Restaurants - Buy one get one free 6 oz steak entree with proof of military service.

Texas Road House – Veterans and active duty military can select one FREE Entree from this list plus a FREE beverage

Olive Garden – Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE entree from a select list

A Fun, Rainy Day Experiment!

Need something to do with your kiddos indoors on this rainy day? Try this easy Ice & Salt experiment I found on Surviving a Teacher's Salary blog. All you need is a frozen block of ice, salt and food coloring. Check it out at http://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/2011/10/awesome-ice-salt-art-experiment.html

Things a Husband & Wife MUST Agree On

Marriage is by no means one of the easiest things in life. In fact, since approximately 50% end in divorce, it seems to be one of the toughest! Being married 10 years this December, my husband and I have surely been through our trials and tribulations but we've made it nonetheless. Marriage counseling helps even if you're not necessarily going through turmoil and it also provides a couple with tools on keeping their marriage in tact. While searching for parenting tips online, I cam across Mark Merrill's site and the 11 Things a Husband and Wife Must Agree On. Most of these should be agreed upon before becoming husband and wife! Print them out and see how much of many of these you and your spouse agree on. Sitting down to talk about these could be the answer to some of your troubles!

Make a Scarf Out of an Old T-Shirt!

Saw this and thought it was an ingenious idea!! Who doesn’t have TONS of old t-shirts hiding in their closets and all over their house. Now, thanks to Money Saving Mom and Make It and Love It, you can put them to good use and have a new accessory too!! All you need is the following: an old t-shirt, thread, scissors and a sewing machine. You could sew by hand but the machine makes it much easier J Find t-shirts in different colors and make multi-colored scarves, scarves with different patterns and textures and more. I loved that I could make scarves of different lengths and widths! Great activity to do with your kids too!