It’s time – the children will stay with a sitter while you and your husband get out for a few hours together.  Now what?

Leave your sitter a list of contact numbers so they may reach you at any time.  This list should not just be your cell phone number, as they are known to not work when you need it the most.  Be sure to include the number or numbers of the places you plan to be.  Also, leave a number or two of a local person they may call if they cannot reach you, such as a relative or close friend.

(more…)

We’ve all experienced it, the “Are we there yet” syndrome.  Being trapped in a car with bored children strapped into car seats is not my idea of a fun filled weekend.  Is it yours?  I doubt that I would find anyone that truly enjoyed this situation.  My children were 3 and 6 when we moved within an hour of my mother, up until this we were travelling 6 hours to visit her – yes 6 hours one way with small children buckled into car seats.

(more…)

I enjoy making these recipes with my children.  The recipes are straightforward, easy enough for even young children to make with a little help from mom (or dad).

(more…)

Don’t let the remaining pieces end up in a landfill, instead use them to make the craft projects below.

(more…)

Believe me I do understand how hard it is to fit exercise into the busy and hectic schedule of any mom.  As mom’s, sometimes we need to think outside the box when it comes to exercise.  Is it a written rule somewhere that exercise has to be at the gym, or taking a run for an hour?  Check out some of these fun and child friendly exercise ideas that also will not break the bank.

(more…)

My children love to help in my vegetable garden.  They find every part of gardening fun.  Working the soil in the spring is especially appealing to my children.  Any excuse to get down and dirty makes them happy.  They enjoy helping plan where all the vegetables will be planted and setting up all the rows.  They even enjoy sprinkling the seeds.  They care for them all summer long, watering when needed, pulling weeds, and of course enjoying the vegetables as they become ripe.  Gardening is such a great educational family friendly topic, families should learn to embrace it and show children how they too can help feed their own families.

(more…)

As parents, we have all heard our children pester for a pet of their own. This can be a big decision and depending on the ages of the children, one that should not be entered into lightly.  Children will say most anything to receive a pet of their own, but what you need to realize is that children, even those with the best intentions, will need your help in caring for the pet of your choice.  So think carefully about how much time and money you have available to care for this pet, before making the decision as well.

(more…)