Parenting on a Budget

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Marketing

By some estimates parents will spend as much as $300,000 raising one child, not including college costs.  While we all want what is best for our kids, that doesn’t necessarily translate into spending top dollar to get it for them.  In this age of frugality, the smarter parents know how to provide quality at bargain prices.  Here are a few ways caring parents have stretched their parenting dollars:

Thrifty shopping – We all grew up wearing hand-me-downs and we know children’s clothes have about a three to six month wear-span.  At some “high-end” thrift stores you can find lightly worn, sometimes brand new baby and children’s clothes.  The high end stores can be found on the edge of the more affluent neighborhoods.  Toys, which also have a short life-span, can be found in abundance at these stores as well.  Swap meets are also excellent shopping venues, and they’re fun.

Barter for child care – exchange services for volunteer time or donations to the provider.  Another option is ‘care’-pool with friends and neighbors and split the cost of local care-giver.

Play in the community – Many community schools and organizations offer organized activities year round.  While many do charge for their services, most will negotiate fees or provide financial assistance if needed.  Plan more stay-cations and less out-of-town vacations.

Prioritize fun – You can’t do it all, and neither should your kids.  Indoctrinate your kids early on that their needs to be a balance between home responsibilities and playtime. Establish a “fun” budget and stick with it.  Impulse spending on kids can account for as much as 20% of child rearing costs.

Article by: Approvals.com

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Successful Parenting Tips That Work

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Marketing

You will never know everything that it takes to be a perfect parent but you can always keep trying.  Parenting is often a “learn as you go” type of experience.  It provides on the job training and every day is something different.  This article can help you through one of those days.

Preventing tantrums

If your toddler is having a tantrum, one of the most effective ways to get them to calm down is to minimize other noise and activity.  Do not try to pick up your child; use a little table or chair and a blanket to make a small tent that he can go under.  Give him a familiar object and let him relax.

Priorities

Many parents have a hard time balancing their work life and home life responsibilities because they have not learned how to say no.   Take an honest look at your priorities. Make a list and learn to say no to those items that are low on the list, so that you do not have to give up precious time with your family.

Feeding

Make sure you start feeding your kid healthy food from a very young age if you want it to catch on.  You should start out with all-natural organic baby food products and then try to expand on healthy food from there.  Sure, some other things in moderation will be okay, but treats should be the exception and not the rule.

It is okay to go to the drive-thru if you are having a very hard day and it would make things more convenient for you, but do not make that a part of your regular routine.  You should use this as a treat for the children, instead of feeding them these foods regularly, because this habit can lead to child obesity.

As previously noted, you will never know all that you need to know as a parent.  But that doesn’t keep you from trying again, every day.  There is much to learn but a lot of it is fun. By taking advice from this article, you can add to your knowledge that will make it easier to make it through each day.

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Basic Parenting Advice For A Happier Household

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Marketing

There is a wide range of parenting advice available today from professionals such as psychologists and social workers to religious experts to any number of other individuals with some kind of parenting experience.  The tips below will help you choose the best style of parenting advice that will work for you by considering your own personality style and that of your child.

“I Told You So”

Try to avoid giving children “I told you so answers.”  Although in some specific cases this may be necessary there is generally a better way.  It is very important for children to understand why they should not do anything because this allows them to grow as a person and to learn how to make their own good decisions.

As kids grow they want to become more independent, they should know what rules they need to follow and what the repercussions of not following them will be when they exert that independence.  When there are clear guidelines set up ahead of time, everybody knows what is expected.  This way, nothing comes as a surprise, and nobody can use the “that’s not fair’ card.

Others Understand Your Philosophy

Make sure that other caregivers in your child’s life understand your philosophy and practices as a parent.  From spanking to junk food, opinions vary wildly, so do not assume that your child’s babysitter agrees with or understands your viewpoints.  Be clear about your expectations and wishes regarding discipline, food, and other aspects of your child’s care.

A great parenting tip is to hire a babysitter to look after your child when you’re at work. You don’t want to leave your child home alone, especially if they’re very young.  Hiring a babysitter can be a good way to keep your child safe and looked after.

Afford A Babysitter

Need a break from parenting but can’t afford a babysitter?  Give a play date a try.  A well set up play date will give your child some extra socialization and stimulation.  In addition, you’ll get to enjoy some adult time with the other parents who are present.

The above tips will hopefully help you make sense of all the parenting advice available today by allowing you to consider both the nature of yourself as a parent and the personality of the child before choosing a parenting approach.  Using the above tips will allow individuals to choose from the variety and quantity of information available that best suits their family’s needs.

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Kid Friendly Recipes: Apple Crisp a la Mode

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Marketing
Apple Crisp a la Mode

This is one of my favorite recipes!  It’s an easy and delicious dessert for your family and friends.

Ingredients
  • 6 apples (or 6 cups of apple slices)
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
  • Whipped cream or ice cream
Instructions
  1. Apple Crisp a la Mode - Step 1 To peel an apple safely, your child should hold the fruit in one hand, grip a vegetable peeler in the other, and push the peeler away from himself. 
  2. Heat oven to 375 degrees and lightly butter an 8 or 9-inch-square baking pan. Peel, core, and slice the apples and arrange them evenly in the prepared pan. 
  3. Apple Crisp a la Mode - Step 3 Place the oats, brown sugar, flour, spices, and salt in a sealable plastic bag, close, and shake until combined. Cut the softened butter into 1-inch pieces and add to the oat mixture. Close the bag again and knead or squeeze until the mixture holds together. 
  4. Instead of using a bowl to mix the crumb topping, use a sealable plastic bag. This will cut back on dirty dishes and let young bakers–even preschoolers–lend a hand. 

    Open the bag and crumble the topping evenly over the apples.  Bake the apple crisp for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the juices begin to bubble around the edges.  Cool slightly, then serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Serves 6.

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Parenting Advice: Playtime vs. Nap Time

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Marketing

One thing that you do not have a lot of when you become a parent is time.  This is why you need to start learning now about the best parenting techniques, before you have children.  Follow the advice in this article and you will be well on your way to enjoying your personal time.

Playtime

If you have two or more children in the house, enlist the help of older siblings to care for the younger ones.  Older siblings can help with playtime and can even monitor bath times (depending on their age).  If you have a teenager and a young child, you might also be able to benefit from lower cost babysitting and teach your older child some responsibility in the process.

Avoid using food as a reward for good behavior.  Offering treats to young children might get them into the habit of overeating sugary things, which can lead them to childhood obesity.  Food should not be used to influence behavior.  Instead, reward with verbal praise, extra playtime, or a small token like a sticker.

Nap Time

Make sure your pre-schooler still gets a nap everyday.  A child at that age still needs plenty of rest, in order to stay in a good mood.  You might encounter resistance from him or here during nap time, but if your young child does not take his nap, he will be very cranky by dinner time.

Stick to a flexible routine and schedule.  Try to plan meals at about the same time each day.  The same is true for nap time and bed time.  Children respond well to a routine. Their bodies physically adapt to it, and their time clock will, in time, automatically respond to it.

In summary, if you wish to get ahead of the game then learn all that you can about parenting now.  It is crucial that you ingest this knowledge now, before it is time to actually implement it.  When you have kids, there will be no time to sit down and open a guide book.

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Your Essential Financial Checklist for Starting a Family

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Marketing

The decision to go forward with your plans to start planning is a joyous one, but it can also lead to increased stress especially if your financial house has not been child-proofed.  There’s no reason why you need should get caught off guard or short of cash if you’ve taken you and your spouse through the essential financial checklist for new families:

  • What is the cost for baby-proofing everything? You need to take a complete inventory of the requirements needed for you house, your yard, your card to bring them up to baby standards.
  • What is the incremental increase in your budget? In addition to another mouth to feed your newborn will require a constant stream of supplies.  Expect an increase in your electric and water bill (you’ll be doing several extra loads of laundry a week). Can you afford a warehouse club membership?
  • Is your health coverage up to snuff? Obviously you will need to add your child to your policy, but have you reviewed it recently to determine if it has the right coverage?
  • What are your child care needs? If you’re both going to be working, the average child care costs can run as high as $800 a month, almost the size of a small mortgage.  Have you looked into alternatives such as employer daycare, nanny-sharing, reducing work hours?
  • Will you require parental leave from work? What does your employer provide in terms of time and paid leave?  Beyond that, what can you afford in time off?  Do you have a savings account to offset income loss?
  • Can Uncle Sam help? Have you looked into government assistance programs for new families?  What types of tax relief will you be eligible for (i.e. Dependent Care Tax Credit)?
  • Are your papers in order? You need a will that includes guardianship arrangements.  You need a life insurance plan that will fully cover your family’s needs.
  • Have you paid down your debt? It’s tough to cover the additional expenses of a new family while still paying costly interest charges.  Debt elimination should be a priority.
  • Do you have an emergency fund? Unless you have at least six months of living expenses saved in a liquid account you are inviting financial disaster.

Of course, there are many other considerations, but until you have address these critical issues, the others should be a priority.

Article by: Approvals.com
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Maternity Clothing Does & Don’ts

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Marketing

Have you found in your pregnancy that you have many questions and just can’t seem to find the answers?  If so, you’re not alone.  Many women struggle with finding the answers to some of their most basic questions during this special time.  In this article we will discuss some of the questions you might have, and offer some helpful tips as well.

When to Switch to Maternity Clothes

Switch into your maternity clothing as early as possible.  Most women want to put it off, but they don’t realize one important fact.  Maternity clothes are extremely comfortable. As your body goes through changes, it becomes more sensitive and your regular clothes will get more and more uncomfortable.  Make the switch and give your body a break.

To extend the life of your non-maternity pants, use a simple elastic hair tie looped through the button hole and over the button, zipping the pants only as far as you can. With a long shirt or an elastic maternity band to cover the top of your pants, no one can tell that they are technically unbuttoned.  This trick can help you buy some time and avoid buying too many maternity clothes.

Buying New Clothes

Don’t buy new clothes when you are trying to get pregnant or right after you find out you’re expecting.  These clothes will only get worn for a few weeks or months before you need to transition into maternity outfits.  Instead save your money for maternity clothes or spend it on size-less items like bags and scarves.

Pregnancy is full of unanswered questions.  Sometimes you just don’t know where to turn when you have them, yet answering them can feel more important than anything.  In this article we have discussed some of the most asked questions related to maternity does & don’ts, so we hope that it has eased some of your confusion.

For a look-see at our maturity wear, click here!

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I Have Kids, Now What? Helpful Advice On Parenting

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Marketing

Good parenting requires a well-equipped toolbox of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to obtain this knowledge and experience after the fact. In other words, we aren’t always equipped to make the best decisions as parents just because we are parents.  With dedication, however, this shortcoming can be addressed. This article will help you to make better decisions.

School Conferences

If your child is having difficulty with homework, one of the most important things to help them is to know the teacher and understand what they’re looking for.  Attend school conferences or set up your own conference with the teacher and ask them specifically what they look for in their assignments.

Off to Work

Another great parenting tip is to take your child to work with you one day.  By taking your child to work with you, they’ll get an appreciation of what you do everyday, and they’ll also get to know you a little better.  This can be a great way to bond with your child.

Breast Feeding

Let the baby nurse as long as he is still actively sucking with deep drawn motions.  If the baby starts to slow down, hold down on your breast for a few seconds to release more milk.  If he is still hungry, this will get him going again.  If he does not respond then try switching sides as he may have emptied that breast.

Socialization

When you’re out an about, make sure you introduce your child to anyone you meet.  This helps their self-esteem and gets them used to meeting new people.  If you don’t introduce your child, you make them feel invisible and ignored.  It’s important that your child feel loved and like they’re part of the family.

Learning to be a good parent can occur in a number of formats.  The best way to learn, of course, is through example.  The tips you have reviewed above reflect the experience of those that have already been down the path of parenting.  You now have the opportunity to benefit from their knowledge.

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Fitness Tips For The Mom-To-Be!

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Marketing

Pregnancy is one the most joyful experiences for any mother.  Pregnancy lets mothers bond with their child, while bringing new life into the world.  The journey through pregnancy is a long one, lasting nine months and physical fitness plays a vital part during this time.

Aerobic & Resistance Exercise

Work in a balanced exercise program consisting of mild aerobic exercise and resistance training during your pregnancy. For the aerobic exercise try walking, swimming or some low impact aerobic classes.  For resistance exercise, try a pregnancy pilates class or use resistance bands for stretches.  Try to keep your routine to 20 to 30 minutes no more than 4 times a week.

When you are pregnant, you need to learn as much as you can about what to expect and what things you can do to insure a healthy delivery.  Many women just look at the information that is provided to them by their doctors.  There is a lot of information that is available online and it’s typically very easy to find.

Avoid Injuries

During pregnancy, you are more prone to injuries so it is best to avoid unstable ground and rocky terrain.  Your body is readying itself for birth and is releasing a hormone in the body called relaxin.  This hormone helps to loosen your pelvis so the baby can pass through easily.  This makes your joints looser, and makes it easier for you to get hurt.

Live Healthier

Before you actually conceive your baby, act as if you are already pregnant.  Quit smoking, stop drinking, change your diet, get a new fitness routine and just live a healthier lifestyle.  It may take you six months to a year to get pregnant and practicing this new lifestyle beforehand is going to go a long way.

Get Plenty of Rest

Get as much sleep as possible.  When the baby arrives, it will be difficult for you to get the rest that you need, so it is important to find the time now to relax and de-stress. Extra sleep will also provide you with the energy that you need to stay active and maintain a baseline level of fitness leading up to your delivery.

If you want to maintain your weight or fitness level during pregnancy, then you should start working out months before you try to conceive.  If your body is already accustomed to the physical demands of your workout, then continuing that workout while pregnant is far less likely to stress your growing baby.

As stated before, pregnancy is a joyful experience for mothers, as it lets mothers and children bond before the baby is even born.  Pregnancy is a long journey, but with the information from this article, any mother can get through pregnancy and experience a healthier lifestyle to boot.

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Healthy Recipes for Your Kids: Yogurt Bran Muffins

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Marketing

You and your kids will enjoy indulging in this ultimate comfort food!  This recipe combines three of kids’ favourite things: muffins and yogurt—and deliciously sweet cinnamon with brown sugar!

Yogurt Bran Muffins
Get everyone off to a healthy start with these delicious muffins.
Prep time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Calories
180 Calories Per Serving
(Makes 12 Servings)
Food Item
QTY
Unit
Calories
flour
1 1/4
c
569
natural bran
1 1/4
c
157
brown sugar
3/4
cup unpacked
413
baking powder
1
Tbsp
7
baking soda
1
tsp
0
cinnamon
1/4
tsp
2
salt
1/4
tsp
0
dried apricots, chopped
1
cup, halves
313
low fat yogurt
1
cup (8 fl oz)
137
canola oil
1/4
c
482
egg
1
large
72
vanilla extract
1 1/2
tsp
19
Cooking Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 375°F.
  2. In bowl, combine flour, bran, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  3. Stir apricots into bowl.
  4. Whisk together yogurt, oil, egg, and vanilla.
  5. Stir into flour mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among greased muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full.
  7. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove muffins from cups while hot and transfer onto a rack to cool.

Healthy recipe courtesy of: Achieve-Life

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