Springtime

1. Foot Volleyball. This may sound dicey, but it is actually quite tame when you use a balloon.  Tie a piece of yarn across a 10-foot playing area, about 1 foot above the floor. Divide the players into 2 teams and have them set up crab style (face-up, leaning on their hands and feet) in their socks on each side of the string.  Toss a coin to determine which team will serve first, then have 1 player on that team launch the balloon into the air for a teammate to kick over the string to their opponents.
2. Sock Boccie. If you can deal with bare feet, this one is a lot of fun.  Have each player remove a sock, ball it up, and label it with tape if it looks the same as another.  Set a hat or bowl as a target on one side of a room and mark a tossing line on the other (the farther away from the target, the better).  Players then take turns standing at the line on one foot trying to toss their sock into the target. Whoever succeeds (or, if no one gets it in, whoever gets closest) gets 1 point.
3. Egg Race. Don’t put those plastic Easter eggs away just yet.  This game gives you all the fun of a traditional egg race with none of the mess.   Set up an obstacle course.  Separate the players into two or more teams and divide the eggs equally between them. (Tip: You can use fewer eggs for younger players or increase the challenge by using more eggs for older racers.)  Have the teams line up with the first kid in each group holding the team’s eggs in their arms.  On ”Go”, the egg holders must navigate the course, then return to start and pass their eggs to the next player in line. If a runner drops any eggs along the way, she must stop and pick them up.  The first team whose runners have all completed the course wins.
4. Tag Team Art. This game encourages creativity and teamwork. Each player sits at the table with her own color marker and a piece of paper.  On ”Go,” players have 30 seconds to begin a drawing.  When the time is up, everyone moves clockwise to the next paper, gives it a quarter turn, and has 30 seconds to continue the drawing.  Play continues in this manner, with the paper being given a quarter turn by each new artist, until everyone has added to each drawing.
5. Pantyhose Polo. Feeling silly is party of the fun in this game of awkward skill.  Cut a pair of pantyhose up the middle and drop an orange into the toe of each leg. Stick 2 lengths of tape to the floor about 15 feet apart for the start and finish lines, then place 2 more oranges behind the start line. Tie the panty hose legs around 2 players’ waists so that the oranges hang about a half inch off the floor. Without using their hands, players must swing the pantyhose orange to knock their floor orange over the finish line.  The first one to do it wins.

NUK

1. The Genius pacifier. This is the next generation of natural orthodontic pacifiers.  It is made from extra thin silicone for maximum softness and flexibility.  Integrated soft channels on the nipple reduce pressure on the jaws and teeth.  And it is available in 3 sizes, making it the first and only silicone pacifier available for babies 18 months and older.  My very finicky 6 month old will only take the Soothie pacifier that we got at the hospital.  This is the first “traditional” pacifier that I could get him to use.  It is a lot less bulky than the soothie, so he doesn’t constantly knock it out of his mouth.
2. The Healthy Start training tooth brush set. The 3 piece package comes with 2 brushes and a ring.  The cleaning trainer brush gently massages gums and and mouth to sooth teething discomfort and pain.  The brushing trainer is your baby’s first tooth brush to use to clean and care for new teeth.  The protective ring can go under the head of the brush to limit how far baby can push the brush into their mouth or it can go on the base of the brush to be used as a stand.  The whole set is made of gentle but firm rubber that makes it perfect for teething babies.  My son has had one heck of a time with his teeth coming in so far.  There has been a lot of fussing and crying.  But as soon as I give him the trainer brush, he quiets down and happily gnaws away.
3. Teeth EZ. This is a pack of coolable teething rings that have no liquid filling.  They are ergonomically designed to ensure that all areas of the jaw are reached and soothed.  The three rings range from soft to firm to comfort during all stages of teething.  the soft ring lightly massages gums while the firm ring gives a more intense massage.
4. Soft Bite feeding spoon. This innovative spoon is made from ultra soft silicone.  Its flexible tip is more comfortable in your baby’s mouth, making it the perfect transition from sucking down milk to eating baby food.  I love these spoons because my son has a tendency to grab his utensils out of my hand and try to feed himself.  Being that he is only 6 months old, he misses his mouth a lot.  Because the tips are made of a bendy, rubbery material I don’t have to worry about him poking his eye out.
5. EZ Cup. This handy sippy features ergonomically shaped, anti-slip handles and a soft non-spill silicone spout.  It fits nicely into my son’s hands.  He hasn’t quite got the idea of drinking from a cup down yet, but he sure loves to hold this thing!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups baby lettuce greens or torn mixed lettuce greens
• 1 cup diced English cucumber
• 2 pears, cored and cubed
• 1/2 cup soft goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup candied walnuts, coarsely chopped

• 2 Tbl balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp minced shallot
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• salt, to taste
• ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare vinaigrette.  In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and shallot.  Add the oil in a stream, whisking until well blended.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Toss lettuce, cucumber and pear in a large salad bowl.  Sprinkle goat cheese and walnuts over the salad.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.

Courtney Watkins has been tooted as the Mary Poppins of the new millennium.  And that is something that I would definitely agree with.  The Web site oozes whimsy and creativity.  And the webisodes are heavy on patronizing silliness, which is great for kids.  But this show is supposed to be for moms.  There is no denying that Watkins is full of great ideas.  I couldn’t find a single project on there that my kids wouldn’t love to do.  It is my new favorite site to find boredom busters for them.  But will I be signing up for the webisode email reminders?  Probably not.  They are fun to watch with the kids, but now how I like to unwind.  I see enough of that gooey, super sweet dribble on Noggin’ all day long.  And don’t get me wrong, it is great for the kids.  But when the kids are sleeping or away, I like to be a grown up again.

The Final verdict: visit the Web site and watch webisodes for childrens’ entertainment and great kid related ideas.

Materials:

Directions:

1. Fill two glasses with 2/3 cup of water each.  Have your child pour half a vial of food coloring into each glass and mix.  Let them choose two colors so there’s a different shade in each glass.
2. Place a flower in each glass.  Trim the stem of the flower so that it  doesn’t droop over the glass.  This also helps the flower absorb the colored water.
3. Have your child to observe the flower with a magnifying glass.  Within an hour, the veins of the stem will become colored by the food dye.  The longer the flower is in the dyed water, the more color it will absorb.

1. Remember that kids are people too.  So often we don’t give our kids the same respect that we would give any other person.  If you had a boss that was always pointing and yelling at you, chances are you wouldn’t stay with that company for long.  There is a difference between adults and children.  Which is why adults have more options and decisions than kids do.  But kids still deserve to be treated with love and dignity.
2. Ask nicely.  Human beings are programmed to resist being bossed around.  When parents come at their kids, rather than to them, they activate their child’s rebellion switch.  Instead of engaging in these kinds of power struggles, try asking instead of telling.  When a child feels like their view matters they’re far more likely to be receptive to their parent’s input or direction.  It is like when you call your bank to dispute a charge.  If you start off yelling demands at the representative, they are going to get defensive and try to make things harder for you.  But if you come to them with your problem and ask for their help to solve it, they are more likely to try their best to make things work in your favor.
3. Focus on enforcement.  When you first start off, you cannot expect your children to hop right to your commands.  Kids have learned that they don’t have to cooperate right away.  Most of us start off asking our kids to do something nicely, and if they don’t listen we ask a second time using a louder and firmer tone of voice and then we escalate to threats.  And they know that a lot of those threats are empty ones.  When you tell your kids to turn off the TV, make sure it happens.  Don’t walk away and hope the kids will do as they’re told.  Stay with them until it’s done.  Turn off the television yourself if needed.  Don’t yell, don’t threaten, just do it.  Also be sure to have a consistent discipline routine in place so that your kids know what to expect.  Something like, if they willfully ignore you then they automatically lose privileges.  Be sure that the consequences are appropriate and follow through with them.  If your kids get away with bad behavior even once it will set precedence and they will push you to see if they can get away with it again.
4. Say thanks.  Like most people, your kids will probably be more apt to help out if they feel appreciated.  And saying please and thank you sets a good example for them to learn from.
5. Make it fun.  Your kids take their cue from you.  If you make bedtime sound like a dreadful occasion, then they are going to dread it.  But if you make it something that they look forward to, complete with stories and snuggles, then it is going to go a little easier for both of you.

1. Wear sunscreen everyday. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds on a gloomy day.  That is why it is important to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside.  Not just during the summer, in the sun or on trips to the beach.  Apply lotion about 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or after you get wet.
2. Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. These are the peak UV radiation hours when the sun is the hottest and can do the most damage.
3. Make sure your covered. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts and pants.  Buy your kids those UV proof wet suits.  And take cover under a tree or umbrella.  Also, don’t forget your eyes.  Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.  They will protect your retinas and the all important, wrinkle-susceptible area around the eyes.  You daughter will thank you when she is 40.

1. aden +anais swaddling blanketsNow swaddling blankets may not sound all that inspired, but that is because you are probably thinking of those tiny receiving blankets from the hospital.  These blankets are huge, 47in x47in to be exact.  That is nearly 16 square feet of blanket that will take babies well into their toddling years.  They are made of soft, breathable muslin cotton and come in super cute designs.  They already have a huge celebrity following and I can totally see why.  I can’t put my finger on it, but whenever I use these blankets they make me feel hip and trendy.  Even when my hair is messy and I am in sweats.  You get four blankets in a pack for $44.  Now you see what all of the fuss is about.  You can round out you gift bag with aden +anais co-founder’s book Swaddle Love. It goes into detail about the importance and benefits of swaddling.  It is a great way to get an expectant mother excited about using her new blankets.  And it equips new moms with tools to bond with an inconsolable baby.
2. My Breast Friend nursing pillowSure moms can use their Boppy as a nursing pillow.  But this pillow offers a lot more.  It was specifically designed with breastfeeding comfort in mind.  First off, it buckles around your waist so that it, and your baby, stays securely in place if you have to move around.  This is crucial in the early days of feeding when latching on can be difficult for babies.  Second, it helps your baby lay correctly.  It has a firm flat cushion and little bumps on it that help to position the baby, making it easier to latch on.  The bumps also hold a baby’s head up just enough to aid in digestion while still allowing them to lay comfortably.  Third, it helps mom maintain good posture, which any mom will tell you is hard to do when you are nursing all day long.  It has a built-in back rest to help you hold your body straight and it has arm and elbow rests to eliminate stress on your arms and shoulders.  Last, but certainly not least, is the adjustable and silent-release strap.  It adjusts to fit waist up to 44 inches and unlatches without waking your baby.  This allows mom to nurse her baby to sleep and transfer them without waking them up.
3. Smartipants cloth diapersThese diapers are among the best of cloth diapers.  They fit babies from 7-35 lbs, so they work from birth through potty training.   Because their liners are sewn in, they won’t leak.  And they have a sleeve inside to hold absorbent inserts.  There is no need to separate inserts from the diapers when you wash them.  The inserts come out on their own in the wash.  You can get a 3 pack for $40 or 24 for $300.  This may sound expensive, but it is actually a great deal for cloth diapers.  Especially ones that will carry a child through diaperhood.   Although a full set may be pricey for the casual shower gift, it is a great idea for someone you are very close to like a daughter, sister or best friend.
4. DaddyScrubsThis is a little somethin’ for the fellas.  Yes, they are expecting a baby too.  And although they may not get excited about booties and bibs, they still want to be part of the action.  DaddyScrubs are medical scrubs that proudly read “I’m the Daddy” on the back.  They are meant to be worn to the hospital for delivery so that Dad can fit in with the rest of the crowd.  But because they are so comfy, they are great to wear as PJ’s after the baby arrives as well.  This is a great gift to help new dads feel involved with the baby growing inside that belly.
5. Danzo diaper bagThis is for when you really love an expectant mommy.  Danzo bags are manufactured in the same factory as Kate spade bags, so you know that they are well made.  They are also just as gorgeous.  But their genius is in their pockets, all 10+ of them.  Each bag is literally lined down the sides with pockets and there are more hidden pockets on the outside of the bag.  each inside pocket has velcro tabs where you can stick one of the 13 labels that come with the bag.  There are labels for things like diapers, wipes, toys, clothes, etc.  Each bag zips down on each side so that you don’t have to stick your arm in there and root around for things.  It opens up flat and allows you to see everything.  You also get  a handy nylon changing pad.  The only downside is the price tag.  These bags weigh in at about $300 a pop.  They are worth every penny in my opinion, though. But that is why I said you have to really love that mom-to-be, because for that kind of coin you could buy yourself a new Louie.

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 red onion, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
2. In a large bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, paprika, onion and salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.
3. For best results, cover and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to allow the flavors to combine.

Give:

• Unwanted clothes
• Toys to charity
• Mom or dad a hug
• Spare time to someone who needs it
• Canned food – there are lots of places that can always use canned foods.  You can even collect pet food and donate it to the local animal shelter.  (Make sure that they only collect from people that they know).

Clean:

• Their room
• Their pets
• The dishes
• The environment

Organize a clean up campaign.  Is there anywhere in your local area that could do with a really good clean up?  They can discuss it at school or youth club and see if they can set up a group to tackle the mucky problem!

Help keep the places where you play tidy – even something as simple as picking up a can, a chip packet or any other rubbish you find at the local park and putting it in the bin will help to keep your area clean.

Be the family recycler – find out what sort of stuff can be recycled, then explain it to the rest of the family.  Make sure they’re not throwing away stuff in the garbage that could be easily recycled.  Look in your white pages or local phone directory for the number of your local council and have them speak to someone about recycling.

Care:

• For their friends
• For their environment
• For their school
• For their future

Get involved with a community event.  They can help to sort stuff at a garage sale, or even blow up balloons for a local party.  They can check the notice boards in your local library or look in the local newspaper for details of local events.   Give them a call and see if they need help.

Sponsor a guide dog puppy.

Make a bird’s nest box to put up in your garden or school grounds.

Write letters to world and community leaders – like the President or the Mayor of your area about things that concern them.  (Remind them to include their name and address so they can get a response)

Fix:

• Up the park
• Things around the house
• A broken bike or toy and give it to someone who doesn’t have one.

Offer to help out in a neighbor’s garden or backyard.

There are probably lots of things that need fixing around your house.  Tell them what they can safely tackle to help out.  Kids can also ask good neighbors, family, and grandparents if there is anything they can fix around their house.

If they have something that they don’t use anymore that needs fixing, like a bike, toys etc, why not make the repairs and take them down to a local playgroup, children’s ward or local hospital.  Look in your local telephone directory for the telephone numbers.

Share

• Their toys
• Their ideas
• Their jokes
• Their books
• Their time

Help their friends after school in subjects they’re good at.

Start a newspaper or comic with friends.  Kids can ask if they can leave copies of it for people to read at the local library.

Take their old comics and magazines to your local doctor’s or dental surgery.  That way, kids waiting to see the doctor or dentist will have something interesting to read!

Collect stuff for the local charity shop – find out what charity shops are in your area and what sort of things they like to sell.  There could be stuff like that in your house or garage that your family doesn’t need anymore.

Look in your local telephone directory for names of charity shops.  Kids can call or pop in and ask them what things they like to sell and arrange a collection at school or in your neighborhood.

Let your kid raid your house for toys they don’t use.  They can donate the box to the children’s ward of your local hospital.  Make sure that the toys are in good condition.

Visit

• Their friends
• Their grandparents
• A national park
• A sick person

Give the gift of their company to someone who is lonely.  Is there someone at school who doesn’t have any friends, or someone who’s just moved to your neighborhood?  Your child could make their day by spending time with them – and make a new friend in the process!

Kids can get together with some friends and organize a visit to a nursing home.  They can play music, bake some cakes or spend some time chatting and playing board games.

Kids can offer to read to people who find it difficult or can’t – like kids in hospital or someone who is blind.  Call your local hospital to see if there are any older people or children who would like to be read to.  You could also contact Residential and Retirement homes or Nursing homes.   These numbers can be found in your local telephone directory.

Do:

• A first aid course
• An errand
• The gardening
• A favor for a friend

Find ways of saving water.

Offer to wash, groom and walk a neighbor’s dog.

Take pictures or create drawings of things that they would like to change in your community or things that are important to them and send them to your Mayor.  Show them that their voice counts.  They can also ask your local library or school to display them.

Kids can learn basic first aid – and make sure their home has an up-to-date first aid kit.

Offer to clear leaves or snow from a neighbor’s path. You can reward them with a hot chocolate.

Collect spare clothes, sheets and blankets for the homeless.

Rules:

1. Your child must be within the age range on the day of entry.
2. You may upload one album for each eligible child.  An album can contain up to six photos.
3. Photos must be recent.  They must be taken within one month of entry for children under one year of age, and within three months of entry for children over one year of age.
4. Photos must be taken by entrant, non-professional, unpublished and may not have won any prize or award.
5. Photos must be .jpeg or .bmp image formats and cannot exceed 3 MB
6. Judging will be based on overall appearance of the child as shown in the photo(s), personality of child as expressed through the photo(s), and quality of photo(s).

Materials:

• Egg shells broken into small pieces
• Several food coloring colors
• White vinegar
• Paper towels
• Construction paper or card stock
• Craft glue
• Clear spray lacquer

Directions:

1. Prepare egg dye by adding a few drops of food coloring to a small amount of hot water.  Add a drop of vinegar to the water to help set the color.  Dye eggshells by immersing them in the colored water.  Leave the shells in the dye for varying lengths of time to create different shades of color.  Remove shells from dyes and spread them out on paper towels to dry. You can skip this step if you already have brightly colored Easter egg shells.
2. Gather the different colors into separate containers.  Arrange a basic mosaic pattern on your paper.  When you are satisfied with the way it looks, glue the shells in place.
3. For better preservation, use a clear spray lacquer to coat the entire mosaic.

You may want to start with some educational material.  There are many Easter books and videos you can use as a starting point for sharing Easter faith with your children. Preview the books and videos first to make sure they age-appropriate and line up with your beliefs.  After going over this new information your children may have some tough questions like “Why did Jesus have to die?” and “Why didn’t God help him?” Answer as best as you can.  Admit that you don’t understand it all yourself, but explain as best you can.  When my five year old and I first read a children’s book about the resurrection, his eyes got as wide as saucers when we got to the part about the cross.  He had been learning about Jesus in Sunday school and asked me, “Jesus died!??”.   He seemed a little upset and shaken, but once we got to the resurrection he was happy and at peace with the whole thing.

Keep your focus on joy and the positive points of the story.  They don’t need to know it all by kindergarten.  Just enough to help them convey respect and observance for  the holiday and understand your family’s faith.

1. Pick A Basket. There are baskets of all shapes and sizes on the market.  You can find different character or vehicle themes.  Pick one that fits your child’s preferences.  If you want a traditional basket, get one in your child’s favorite color or use grass that is their favorite color.
2. Get Some Spring Favorites. I always looked forward to getting bubbles and a kite in my basket.  I still remember spending beautiful spring days blowing those bubbles and flying my kite.  Be sure to include some fun items to play with outside.  Also try sidewalk chalk, Nerf balls and lawn games.
3. Start A Tradition. Help your child start a collection.  Pick something that your child loves like story books, comic books, baseball caps or figurines and give them a special one each year in their basket.
4. Don’t Forget The Goodies. Go ahead and pile on the jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, but don’t be afraid to throw in a few nontraditional treats as well.  If your son’s favorite candy is Twizzlers, buy him extra big pack.
5. Mark Each Basket With Care. When your family is dying Easter eggs, have each member make a special egg with their name on it.  Use that egg to label their basket on Easter morning.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 orange
• 3/4 cup golden raisins
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
• 1 lemon
• 2 1/2 cups carrots, finely grated
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

For the icing:

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup full-fat cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8-inch-square or 9-inch round pan.
2. Grate the zest of the orange and set aside.  Squeeze the orange juice into a bowl and add the golden raisins to the juice.  Set aside.
3. Using a handheld mixer, whisk the eggs and sugar with the orange zest for five minutes until pale and full of air.  Add the grated carrot and beat to incorporate.
4. Slowly add in the spices, salt, ground almonds, baking soda and flour, then quickly mix until all the ingredients are combined.
5. Using a spatula, mix in the raisins and walnuts, along with any orange juice left in the bowl, until they are evenly distributed.
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake and removed comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven.  Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, and then remove from the pan. Chill in refrigerator for an hour once cooled.
8. To make the icing: In a large bowl, beat the first cup of sugar with the cream cheese, using a wooden spoon.  Once you reach a paste, add the remaining sugar along with the lemon juice and zest.  Beat vigorously to combine.  Refrigerate at least a half hour.  Ice all over the top of the cold cake.
9. Serve and enjoy.

Daily

• Walk your kids to and/or home from school.
• Discuss your day.
• Work on homework together.
• Practice sports, instruments or other skills together.
• Make dinner together.
• Eat dinner together.
• Pack lunch together
• Read together each night.

Weekly

• Go out to brunch or make Sunday morning breakfast together.
• Go to church together.
• Have a family movie or game night every Friday or Saturday.
• Celebrate the end of the week with pizza every Friday.
• Have an elaborate family dinner every Sunday.
• Kick off the beginning of the week with a special dinner each Monday.
• Schedule a family bike ride each week.
• Make Saturday family chore day.  When you work together it will get done faster and you can all do something fun afterwards.

Monthly

• Host a potluck for family and friends.  Or take turn hosting with other families.  You can do themes like Italian, Mexican, Thai, etc.  Let the host family choose the theme.
• Have an art auction.  Most parents collect their fair share of art pieces from among their kids each month.  Invite family members over to bid on items they would like to scrapbook or hang on their walls.  Do bids in increments of 5-10 cents.  This helps you manage your treasured collection without tossing anything.  And it gives your kids a sense of pride that everyone is vying for their creations.
• Have a Daddy day where Dad and the kids go out and do something fun together.  This is an especially great idea for stay-at-home moms.  It give dads and kids some time to develop their own bond while giving mom a well deserved day off.
• Go out to eat once a month as a family.  You can take turns picking the restaurant.
• Have a date night. Rotate each month where two people get to go out for a special night.  Mom and Dad can go out together for dancing.  Mom and son can go bowling.  Dad and daughter can go to the movies.  Dad and son can go to a ball game.  Mom and daughter can have a spa day.  Kids can go to a fun center together.  This allows everyone to develop one on one ties and gives each person a special day to look forward to.
• Take a day trip.  Whether you like going to the same place or want to keep trying something new, make a point of going somewhere as a family one Saturday or Sunday a month.  Try museums, zoos, plays, festivals, fairs, the beach, hiking or theme parks.

Annual

• Kick off the start of each season.  Race boats in the spring, barbecue in the summer, pick apples in the fall and go sledding in the winter.
• Go on an a family camping trip.
• Take a road trip.
• Go to the pumpkin patch.
• Cut down a Christmas tree together.
• Celebrate daylight savings time.  When we spring forward, give everyone a free pass from normal chores.  When we fall back, do an extra fun activity for an hour.
• Celebrate all aspects of your life together.  Acknowledging the first day of school, your pet’s birthday, the anniversary of owning your house, new jobs, promotions, big school achievements, etc are all ways to help your kids enjoy and appreciate the little things in life.

1. Nurture Your Child’s Self Esteem. Kids start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Your tone of voice, your body language, and your every expression are all absorbed by your kids.  Your words and actions as a parent affect their developing self-esteem more than anything else.  Try to catch your kids behaving well and acknowledge them for it.  Praising accomplishments, however small, will make them feel proud.  And letting your kids do things independently will make them feel capable and strong.  By contrast, belittling comments or comparing a child unfavorably with another will make kids feel worthless.  Avoid making loaded statements or using words as weapons.
2. Make Time for Your Kids. It’s often difficult for parents and kids to make time for each other.  But there is probably nothing kids would like more.  Get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning so you can eat breakfast with your child, or leave the dishes in the sink and take a walk after dinner.  Kids who aren’t getting the attention they want from their parents often act out or misbehave because they’re sure to be noticed that way.  Adolescents seem to need less undivided attention from their parents than younger children.  Because there are fewer windows of opportunity for parents and teens to get together, parents should do their best to be available when their teen does express a desire to talk or participate in family activities.  Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen communicates caring and lets you get to know more about your child and his or her friends in important ways.
3. Make Communication a Priority. You can’t expect kids to do everything simply because you “say so.”  They want and deserve explanations as much as adults do.  If we don’t take time to explain, kids will begin to wonder about our values and motives.  Parents who reason with their kids allow them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental way.   Make your expectations clear.  If there is a problem, describe it, express your feelings, and invite your child to work on a solution with you.  Be sure to include consequences.  Make suggestions and offer choices.  Be open to your child’s suggestions as well.  Kids who participate in decisions are more motivated to carry them out.
4. Be Flexible and Willing to Adjust Your Parenting Style. If you catch yourself feeling let down by your child’s behavior, it may be because you have unrealistic expectations.  Parents who think in “shoulds” (like, “My baby should be walking by now”) may find it helpful to read up on the matter or to talk to other parents or their pediatrician.  A child’s environment has an impact on their behavior, so you may be able to modify that behavior by changing the environment.  If you find yourself constantly saying “no” to your 2-year-old, look for ways to restructure your surroundings so that fewer things are off-limits.  This will cause less frustration for both of you.  As your child changes, you’ll gradually have to change your parenting style. Chances are, what works with your child now won’t work as well in a year or two.
5. Show That Your Love Is Unconditional. A critical part of being a parent is correcting and guiding your kids.  But how you express your corrective guidance makes all the difference in how a child receives it.  When you have to confront your child, avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault-finding, which undermine self-esteem and can lead to resentment.  Instead, try to nurture and encourage, even in discipline.  Make sure they know that although you want and expect better next time, your love is there no matter what.
6. Be Aware of Your Own Needs and Limitations as a Parent. Like it or not, we are all imperfect parents.  We have strengths and weaknesses as a family leader.  Recognize your abilities and commit to work on your weaknesses.  Try to have realistic expectations for yourself, your spouse, and your kids.  No one is perfect.  Try to make parenting a manageable job.  Focus on the areas that need the most attention rather than trying to do everything all at once.  Admit it when you’re burned out.  Take time out from parenting to do things that you enjoy.
7. Set Limits and Be Consistent With Your Discipline. The goal of discipline should be to help kids choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control.  They may test the limits you establish for them, but they need those limits to grow into responsible adults.  Establishing house rules helps kids understand your expectations and develop self-control.   A common mistake parents make is failure to follow through with the consequences.  You can’t discipline kids for disobeying one day and ignore it the next.  Being consistent teaches what you expect.

Camel released No. 9 cigarettes in 2007.  Magazine ads for the cigarette line feature a pink and black backdrop with pretty little roses drawn on it along with the words light and luscious. The ads ran in magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Glamour. Reps for the cigarette company claim that ads were catering to an adult demographic, noting that 85% of the magazines’ readers are over 18.  But the ad layout and promotional giveaways–which included berry-flavored lip balm, cellphone jewelry, purses and wristbands–from the No. 9 line speak for themselves.   A study of 1,036 adolescents published online this month in Pediatrics shows that the ads did indeed spark the interest of girls age 12-16.  In 2008, 22% of teenage girls listed Camel as their favorite cigarette ad.  That’s twice the number who listed Camel as their favorite in four earlier interviews taken for the study.  There was no major change in boys’ preferences.  Overall, nearly half of girls could name a favorite cigarette ad, suggesting that ads are still reaching children, despite the marketing ban.

Experts say that being able to remember a tobacco ad shows that kids are taking an interest in cigarettes.  The same Pediatrics study shows that non-smoking teens who can name a favorite ad are 50% more likely to begin smoking than other kids.  The American Cancer Society says that ads don’t need to include cartoon characters to appeal to young people.  In fact, ads that depict smoking as fashionable and grown-up actually make it more attractive to teens.  About 80% of smokers take up the habit before age 18.

1. Go day trippin’. Day trips are some of the most fun that you can have with your kids.  For a small admission fee you get to laugh learn and explore together.  Try museums, gardens, science centers, zoos and even farmers’ markets.  We try to invite friends to come along with us since everyone is usually home for spring break.  Our school district has all but cut out field trips at school, so some of us moms like to organize our own during spring break.
2. Take a mini vacation. Spring break used to be a popular time for families to go on vacation, but these days most families’ finances do not allow a big getaway.  Instead take a short 2-3 day overnight road trip.  Think of a city or attraction that you have always wanted to check out, but never have.  Aim to drive no more than 4-5 hours each way.  Show your kids the  brochure or Web site that showcases all that the area has to offer and let them get in on the planning too.
3. Host a sleepover. Yes, it is not a lot of fun for you.  But it is boatloads of fun for them and with all of those school nights they hardly ever get to do it.  Plus after you make your famous french toast, you may just get labeled the coolest mom around.
4. Get active. Keep kids on their school night sleeping schedule by wearing them out during the day.  Go on a hike, go paddle boating or hit up the mini golf/batting cages fun zone.  Or try teaching them a new sport such as tennis, golf or softball.
5. Work from home. Who says you have to go out to have fun?  Make crafts, try science experiments and run and play in your own backyard.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup browned lean ground beef
• 1 cup taco sauce, divided in two ½-c. portions
• 1 can re-fried beans
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded or chopped lettuce
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 4 oz. triangular blue corn or multi-colored tortilla chips
• sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef, strain and rinse under hot water, and return to pan.
2. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce to ground beef, mix, and set aside.
3. On plate, create tail-shaped taco salads layering re-fried beans, tomatoes, then cheese, then ground beef, and lettuce.  Sprinkle green peppers over the top to give your dragon a green tail.
4. Place triangle chips standing up in row on top to look like points on the dragon tail (may need to break chips into smaller pieces to fit in toddler-size portions).
5. Garnish with sour cream and remaining taco sauce, if desired.

When we were kids, I always had someone to play with even if we fought over what to play and who got which toy.  My brother and I used to make a deal that if I played GI Joes with him that he would play Barbies with me.  I was never lonely.  If I got into a fight with my friends, I always had a brother or sister’s shoulder to lean on and talk to about it.  And since we spent all of that time together while we were growing up, we have lots of inside jokes and stories to reminisce about now.  I try to explain them to other people like my husband, but it is usually one of those things where you just had to be there.

I was a sophomore in high school the first time I remember being really grateful for my big brother.  There was a girl who was a year older than me that kept trying to pick fights and bully me.  My brother was a popular senior.  When I told him what was going on, he spent his lunches with me and my friends for two weeks “escorting” us around campus until the whole thing blew over.  For those two weeks I felt so safe and secure.  Every time that girl saw him, she went scurrying the other way.  It wasn’t the first time he had stood up for me, but it was the first that I had noticed enough to realize how great he was.  Now, when I am scared about something, he is the first person I call.  There are not a lot of bullies anymore but when life starts to stress me out, he is always there to calm my fears and I like to think that I do the same for him too.

Both of my brothers played football in high school and one went on to play in college.  My sister and I were at every game we could go to, cheering them on.  I remember several times that I nearly lost my voice yelling for them.  Those games were a metaphor for our whole lives.  Whether it is a play that my brother is in (now that he is an actor) or an emergency like when my son broke his leg, we are all there to support and encourage each other.   There is no one in this world that I am as genuinely happy for, and constantly rooting for, then those three people (except for maybe the rest of my immediate family).

Now I like to watch my three kids play (and sometimes even fight) with each other.  And although they may not realize it right now, I know that they are forming a bond that they will have for the rest of their lives.  And I can’t think of a better gift that we could have given them.

1. Make Laundry Part Of Your Routine. Throw a load in whenever you happen to walk past the washer.  Switch it to the dryer the next time you are in the area.  And then fold it all when you get a chance to sit down and watch your favorite Tivo-ed TV show.
2. Divide And Conquer. Delegate your loads to different days of the week.  You can follow a schedule similar to linens and towels on Monday, dark clothes on Tuesday, and lights on Friday.  Or you can wash a different person’s clothes each day.  A nice bonus to scheduling what to wash when is that you don’t have to think about laundry on the other days of the week.
3. Make It A Family Chore. I know that your five year-old can’t work the washer, but he can sort colors from whites.  Buy sectioned hampers for each bedroom in the house and have everyone divide their clothes accordingly.  Slightly older kids (of reading age) can take their laundry prep chores a step further.   Post a friendly list of reminders on their hamper such as turn clothes right side out, check your pockets and leave stained items out so that I can pre-treat them.
4. Choose The Right Setting. For the washer, consider using shorter cycles.  The light setting is significantly quicker and is optimal for clothes that have been worn just once or twice and aren’t stained.  For the dryer, wash a load, immediately toss it in the dryer, and repeat.  Once the machine is warmed up, subsequent loads will dry faster.  Start with lightweight clothing and end with heavier items, like towels, which won’t be damaged by the heat that builds up in a hot dryer drum.  Also, don’t over- or underload the dryer.  Try to fill it up about halfway for maximum efficiency.
5. Fold It Right The First Time. When folding clothes, consider the space where you’ll be putting them.  If your drawers are long, fold clothes into rectangles to take advantage of that.  If they’re short, fold clothes in squares so they don’t get scrunched up.  Take this into consideration for your linens and towels and the shelf space you have for them as well.

Ingredients:

• About 3 pounds corned beef brisket
• 1  7-oz. pkg. mixed dried fruit
• 1/2  cup dried cranberries
• 2  Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca
• 1/2  cup orange juice
• 1/2  cup water
• 1  Tbsp. mild-flavored molasses
• 1/4  tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8  tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Trim the fat from your meat.  If necessary, cut meat to fit into a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker.  Place meat in the cooker.  You can toss the seasoning packet if it comes with one.
2. Cut any large pieces of mixed dried fruit into quarters.  Sprinkle mixed dried fruit, dried cranberries, and tapioca over meat in cooker.  In a small bowl, combine orange juice, water, molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Pour over the mixture in the cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Remove meat from cooker.  Thinly slice the corned beef across the grain.  Arrange meat slices on a serving platter.  Spoon fruit mixture over meat.  Makes 6 servings.

1. Let kids help. Decide what you are going to put in their lunch.  For example one fruit, one veggie, one treat and a drink.  Fill a bowl with different fruits, one with different veggies, etc.  Then when you have to pack lunches let your kids pick which fruit, which veggie, etc that they want.  This ensures that they will eat their choice and it will make lunch packing go faster with all of the extra hands.
2. Make a chart. Make columns on a dry erase board for each food group.  Have kids fill in their favorites for each group.  Then make a deal that you can pack their lunch with anything that is on that board and they will eat it.  You may even discover some ideas from your kids that you might not have thought of yourself.
3. Make a theme. Bust a rut by packing lunches with a theme.  You can pack all things that are all round, square, green, orange, etc.  Or you can pack a cowboy lunch with BBQ fare or a circus lunch complete with kettle corn.
4. Get Crafty. Stick Con-Tact paper on the inside lid of a lunch box and, voila!, you have an instant dry erase board.  You can write messages, jokes or interesting facts for them to read to fellow classmates.  You can even include a dry erase marker and draw up a game of tic-tac-toe or hang-man for them to play.
5. Give Sandwiches A Face Lift. If your child has a habit of ignoring your sandwiches, try this quick fix.  Pull out your cookie cutters and cut their sandwich into fun shapes, making them instantly more appetizing to little peepers.

1. Wear green. No, that small stripe in your shirt doesn’t count!  You need enough green for you to see a few feet away, maybe even something with some clovers on it.
2. Take a journey in you kitchen. Eat like the Irish all day long.  Start with a “full Irish breakfast”.  Items on this menu include bacon, sausage, fried eggs, black pudding, white pudding, fried tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms and potatoes, brown soda bread and a strong Irish breakfast tea.  Or keep it simple with steel cut oatmeal.  For lunch try a traditional Irish stew.  For dinner you can prepare the very popular corned beef and cabbage.  And perhaps some potato pie for dessert.
3. Play some music. Ireland has a long history with music, and many incredible styles have emerged.  Celtic, folk and traditional Irish songs might just get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.  And they are super fun to dance to.
4. Get crafty. Common themes for St. Patty’s projects include rainbows, shamrocks and leprechauns.
5. Host a treasure hunt. Fill a pot or chest with kiddie treasure like candy, toys and games.  Hide it in a secure place.  Then leave trails and clues for kids to find it.  Once they hunt it down, they can all split the booty.