mom2mom

I am pregnant and want to quit work when my baby is born. BUT with so much debt; I need my income just to make the monthly payments. What can I do?

2006-09-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

While it may be fun to spend money you don’t have, debt can quickly become a major burden. Hopefully, once you pay it off – you will keep that in mind whenever you want to dip into that credit again! Luckily, there are some things you can do now to help get you closer towards your goal of staying home with your baby.

You may be able to lower your payments by consolidating your debts with a second mortgage or a home equity loan. Basically, debt consolidation involves taking out a low-interest loan that will pay off all your current debts, leaving you with just the one loan to pay off. Be aware that these loans require you to offer your home as collateral, which means if you can't make the payments on time; your home could be forfeit. Also, the costs of consolidation loans can possibly include interest and “points,” with one point equal to one percent of the amount you borrow. However, consolidation loans may carry some tax advantages that are not available with other kinds of credit. If you’re thinking about hiring a credit counselor or financial planner to stabilize your financial situation, do some homework first. Find out what services a business provides and what it costs, and make absolutely sure to get everything in writing. When all else fails, personal bankruptcy is generally considered the debt management option of last resort. Be aware that the results are long lasting and far-reaching and not an ideal way to begin a family. A bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job.

We are going to Hawaii for our 20th Wedding anniversary – without the kids! We want to make this an extra special trip – any ideas?

2006-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

For such a special occasion – I recommend avoiding the plush all inclusive resort like places and instead find a classy luxury home instead. That way you receive royal treatment and can focus on enjoying time with each other.

I recently heard of Gebhart Properties (www.gebhartproperties.com), as they have just launched a new website featuring premiere Hawaii resort and ocean front vacation homes for rent on both the Big Island and Maui. Since Gebhart Properties owns and manages custom homes in some of the most exclusive resort locations in the Hawaiian Islands, you are sure to find something perfect for your trip. On their site you’ll find incomparable amenities in their outstanding Hawaii vacation homes. Luxurious and convenient features, spacious living areas, custom furnishings, and artwork not found in even the finest of hotels. For example, if you want a taste of Old Lahaina, you want to book a stay at their incredible 2BR/2BA corner-unit condo located on the third floor of the Mahana at Kaanapali Resort in Maui. This resort, the only property in Kaanapali that runs parallel to the ocean, is located a mere thirty feet back from the beach! That and much more is available at to see at their website. Gebhart Properties has selected and furnished their Hawaii vacation rentals to meet your every expectation and give you the luxury, convenience and comfort not found in most other vacation rentals or standard hotels. Browse their Hawaii vacation rentals at http://www.gebhartproperties.com/Resort/Hawaii.html and see for yourself why their Hawaii vacation homes are incomparable to others or call 1-800-545-5151.

Be sure to savor this special celebration together – Congratulations!!

I am obviously an older mom – as my daughter is about to be married. I have been put in charge of the wedding favors – any ideas??

2006-09-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

What fun!!! Not only do you have a daughter getting married, but you get to help make personalized wedding favors as mementos for all those involved. Although, it sounds fun, I am sure it also puts some extra pressure on you – the mom!

Here are some ideas I have found:

1. All About Almonds - There's a reason Jordan Almonds are the quintessential wedding favor: they're steeped in tradition. You can learn more about this favorable treat by reading all about Jordan Almonds, but how are your guests supposed to know about their significance? Be sure to attach a little card with a note explaining the almonds' meaning: Provide five Jordan Almonds sugared almonds for each guest to eat - to remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife -- Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

2. Special Seating Cards - Looking for something a bit more memorable than tented, paper place cards? Make your favors and your escort cards one in the same. From mini picture frames to Christmas ornaments, tag your favors with each guest's name and table number and place them on the escort table.

3. Pair Up - If you wish to give more expensive, high-end favors but need to find a way to skim the fat, give one gift per couple by placing the favor between their two dinner plates, and tagging it with the couple's names. For your single friends, stick with one gift per person.

4. Have a Heart - More couples are forgoing favors for charitable donations instead. But you want to make sure the charity is legit. Research your chosen charity to find out how they spend donations -- and make sure you receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find out more about many charities to support at IDoFoundation.org or JustGive.org.

5. When to Give - If favors aren't a part of your tabletop decor, pass them out to guests as they are leaving the reception. Put the favors in small shopping bags with pretty tissue paper and have a waiter hand one to each guest. In cold weather, the coatroom attendant may hand them a bag with their coats.

6. Clean Your Cans - Looking for a festive favor that'll never go out of style? Try homemade jams and jars filled with penny candy. But be sure to sterilize the containers before use. Detergent residue may cause unexpected flavors (yuck). First, wash the empty jars with hot water and detergent. Then, soak them for several hours in a solution containing 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water.

7. Match Don't Mix - Whatever your favors may be, pick packaging that matches your wedding colors -- and your table decor. Visit a neighborhood fabric store for ribbons to match your wedding-day palette (if you have one, bring along a swatch of your table linens) and personalize the gift with a monogrammed sticker or unique favor label.

My teenager hates her nose (and to be honest, it is rather distorted) – she really wants a nose job – what should I do?

2006-09-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

I would discuss this with an expert – as I am sure they see this sort of thing everyday. Take a visit to the Rhinoplasty Specialist at www.rhinoplastyspecialist.com. Although it is a Los Angeles rhinoplasty website it is available worldwide and owned by Dr. Paul S. Nassif, a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon, a world-renowned expert in revision rhinoplasty. Maybe you could view the site with you child and at least provide them with some accurate information about this type of procedure. Rhinoplasty Specialist caters to those looking to find useful information about rhinoplasty surgery, most especially to those planning to try out rhinoplasty surgery to enhance their facial appearance. In fact, the website dares to unveil the realities of rhinoplasty surgery fearlessly, with in-depth details and photo galleries to prove its point, no holds barred. One amazing feature of the website is its rhinoplasty tutorial page. Here readers can learn more about facial analysis, nasofacial relationships, and other technical and medical tidbits associated with rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty in Los Angeles also specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty to African American, Hispanic and Asian patients. As part of Rhinoplasty Specialist’s information campaign on cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills, those who are interested in rhinoplasty and plastic surgery can get loads of up-to-date information straight from Dr. Nassif through the website’s Media Page. This web page contains articles written by Dr. Nassif that have been published in famous plastic surgery journals and books. The Media Page also contains actual rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgery captured on video (maybe this alone would change your child’s mind – or not!). These videos were aired in Discovery Channel, ET, and other shows, so they should be relatively appropriate for a teenager. Patients who want to know more about Dr. Paul Nassif can check out his curriculum vitae in Rhinoplasty Specialist. Whether you decide to attempt this procedure or not, at least this site can give you an accurate perspective.

Where is a good place to find information on drugs for my family?

2006-08-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Great question! Even a drug as simple as acetaminophen can have side effects or cautions that you may not think of. Try Epocrates - which recently announced that clinicians and support staff – even the average web user - can now access an online version of its free and trusted mobile drug and formulary guide, used by more than 500,000 healthcare professionals. Epocrates Online (https://online.epocrates.com) provides clinicians with access to critical information about more than 3,300 drugs, including dosing, pricing, potential drug interactions and Medicare Part D formulary coverage from any computer with an Internet connection. Epocrates products are designed by practicing physicians to deliver the most clinically useful and relevant information that healthcare professionals need at the point of care. This enables clinicians to focus on their patients rather than having to reference multiple websites or search through medical texts for information. Many clinicians report that they rely on Epocrates products as their primary source for all clinical reference needs and save up to 30 minutes a day using the solutions. In addition to an extensive drug guide, the product includes formulary information for more than 130 health plans and hundreds of Medicare Part D formularies. Healthcare professionals or patients can easily obtain formulary status, drug coverage and alternative and generic drug options for their health plans with Epocrates Online. For more information about Epocrates the company, please visit www.epocrates.com.

Help – I just found out our whole family has to move to Orlando because of my husband’s job transfer! Any advice??

2006-08-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well – at least the kids should be excited because of all the theme parks! I am sure you are also wondering what else Orlando has to offer your family too. Well, Orlando’s settled history is not much more than 150 years old, but a lot has happened in that century and a half. Cattle farming was the primary way to make a living and there were Indian wars, cattle rustling, gun fights, gambling and other interesting pursuits. Then came the railroad and Central Florida’s fledgling Citrus Industry would rapidly expand with easy access to Northern markets. Of course we all know of Florida’s oranges – at least you can rest with the thought that everyone will get enough vitamin C! With the Citrus industry, Orlando changed dramatically. It gladly took on its roll of county seat and became the hub for commerce and business in Central Florida. By the mid-1920s Orlando was a bustling city and for the first time tourism became a major industry.

Now that you have the city’s background – what you have to look forward to after you settle in is that currently Orlando welcomes more visitors each year than the population of California - which makes Orlando the number one tourist destination in the world. The current population of Orlando is approximately 185,000 and the Metro-Orlando population is over 1,500,000. Orlando continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Florida as well as the United States. It’s no surprise that your husband has found a good job there, but beyond the employment opportunities, Orlando is a great environment to enjoy your leisure time and raise a family. The area offers a wide range of life styles for all ages. Take the time to explore the area to find the best environment for your individual family. From real estate in upscale gated neighborhoods; golf course communities; charming, old-fashioned towns, rural communities and areas with excellent schools – plus the urban lifestyle in downtown Orlando, there is something for everyone.

If you need a recommendation for an Orlando real estate agent consider Exclusive Buyer Agency Office - Buyers Broker of Florida as they only represent the best interest of the homebuyer, never the seller. As full time Buyer Agents they understand contracts, house values, options, negotiations, 1031's, creative thinking, and will do their absolute best to negotiate the most favorable terms only for you the buyer. They provide a friendly partner who knows what they are doing that you can always trust all the time.

Good luck on your new family adventure!

What advice do you have for a trip to Disney World?

2006-08-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

So you want to take a trip to Disney World with your family – an excellent idea! Before you go, consider making it a complete vacation by enjoying the whole Central Florida area and contemplate a vacation home Orlando style.

Orlando continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Florida as well as the United States. Beyond the theme park area, Orlando is a great environment to enjoy leisure time with your family. The Central Florida area - all 7 counties - offers a wide range of life styles for all ages. This includes opportunities to find a rental home in upscale gated neighborhoods; golf course communities; charming, old-fashioned towns, and rural communities. If you are looking for an urban lifestyle, downtown Orlando is a mixture of historic homes and luxury condominiums with great views of the city. You can enjoy vintage homes in the historic neighborhoods of Thorton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Lake Lawsona, Lake Cherokee, and Lake Copeland. Downtown is trendy with diversity of restaurants, retailers, discos, and bars all within walking distance. With close access to beautiful Lake Eola, you can enjoy festivals, outdoor concerts, or a gondola ride on the Lake. The sports complex, theater, and opera are all centrally located making your entertainment venues easily accessible. The focus on family living also spurred residential development on the edge of downtown called Baldwin Park, a traditional neighborhood with architecture reminiscent of the pre-1940's era.

Think of Florida and you will probably imagine theme parks and sunshine but there is so much more to this southern state. The Central Florida area truly offers something for everyone in the family - exciting theme parks, glorious white sandy beaches and a warm welcome from the year round sunshine. A 45 minute drive from the theme parks takes you to countryside with rolling hills and oak trees. Here you are in horse breeding country – a great opportunity if you have a daughter who loves horses. Travel south and take an airboat ride across the Everglades or take advantage of some of the best shopping opportunities in the USA. So, include the rest of Florida in your plans to visit Disney World and make a trip of a lifetime for the whole family.

Random Olympic History Fact

2006-08-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Nancy Burpee is an amazing swimmer who will not receive the chance to show her talents in an Olympic format due to a bizarre incident. The United States Paralympics team, that included Ms. Burpee, was selected at the United States Olympic trials. During these trials, Ms. Burpee set world records in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle. However, at the Paralympics trials, Ms. Burpee was disqualified by an Australian referee on a procedural technicality. After her disqualification, Ms. Burpee telephoned Kevin P. Simmons, a partner at Simmons, Jannace & Stagg, and asked the firm to intercede on her behalf to have the disqualification overturned. In addition, Ms. Burpee requested that the firm commence an action against the United States Olympic Committee requiring the committee to name her to the Olympic Team. The law firm of Simmons, Jannace & Stagg represented Nancy Burpee on a pro bono basis in her attempt to participate in the 2004 Paralympics Games. The firm commenced arbitration under the United States Olympic Committee Rules and live testimony was taken from swim referees in Canada and Australia. Simmons, Jannace & Stagg argued that the Australian referee showed bias against Ms. Burpee by making various comments indicating that he did not want Ms. Burpee competing against an Australian Paralympics swimmer. Simmons, Jannace & Stagg also demonstrated that the United States Paralympics swim trials were not held in accordance with the Paralympics rules. Despite these efforts, an independent arbitrator ruled against Ms. Burpee and declined to force the United States Olympic Committee to name her to the Paralympics Team. As a symbol of her commitment, Ms. Burpee has still continued her swim career and will compete in the World Championships in the upcoming year.

Now that is a great story to show your kids that even the best don’t always get all the breaks – but, they also don’t let it get them down!

An Interesting Development in Car Insurance

2006-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Overseas in Europe, NORWICH Union has launched a new type of policy known as Short Term Car Insurance. It is a temporary comprehensive cover, allowing users to choose insurance for up to 28 days. It covers users to drive a new car away from the dealer, a family member or friend to borrow someone else's car, or when traveling. It is my guess that US car insurance companies may soon follow suit on this type of service. Everyone has loaned a car out to a friend or family member for a short period of time and wouldn't you want to be covered if something happens, I surely would. If this type of service sounds interesting, you may want to check out CarInsurance.com. They provide auto insurance rate quotes for all 50 states and offer a convenient way to comparison shop for auto insurance. Shopping for car insurance is the only way to save money on car insurance. Their online car insurance quotes take just a few minutes and then they provide rates from companies that suit your needs. You can then finish online or our professional call center is available to help you purchase car insurance. In some states you will be directed to one of their trusted partners for a rate in your area.

My older child has already been told about the secret of Santa, but now he wants to know how the tradition originated… any ideas?

2006-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

How did the kindly Santa Claus become a roly-poly red-suited American symbol for merry holiday festivity and commercial activity? Well, it all started with the first Europeans to arrive in the New World who brought with them the concept of St. Nicholas. However, St. Nicholas had a difficult time during the 16th century Protestant Reformation which took a dim view of saints. Because the common people so loved St. Nicholas, he survived on the European continent as people continued to place nuts, apples, and sweets in shoes left beside beds, on windowsills, or before the hearth. After the American Revolution, New Yorkers remembered with pride the colony's nearly-forgotten Dutch roots. John Pintard, influential patriot and antiquarian, promoted St. Nicholas as patron saint of both society and city. On St. Nicholas Day in 1809, Washington Irving published the satirical fiction, Knickerbocker's History of New York, with numerous references to a jolly St. Nicholas character. This was not a saintly bishop, but rather an elfin Dutch burgher with a clay pipe. These delightful flights of imagination are the origin of the St. Nicholas legends: like that of St. Nicholas coming down chimneys to bring gifts. The New York Historical Society held its first St. Nicholas anniversary dinner on December 6, 1810 and the first American image of Nicholas was created for the occasion. Nicholas was shown in a gift-giving role with children's treats in stockings hanging at a fireplace. The jolly elf image received a particularly big boost in 1823, from a poem destined to become immensely popular, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," now better known as "The Night before Christmas."

When Christmas does roll around this year, consider honoring this tradition with a Christmas Gifts basket idea. As Santa Claus originated with the ritual of placing fruits and nuts by the hearth, why not send a gift basket as a symbol of this custom. A holiday gift basket set is the perfect gift for clients, colleagues, office parties, housewarmings or for any other occasion! Each and every gourmet Christmas basket is filled with the finest products offered in the gourmet industry. If you have a certain design in mind, they offer custom wrap for holiday gift baskets to fit any holiday or theme.

What are the key tricks to staying safe in the summer?

2006-07-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is the most dangerous time of the year for kids based on emergency room visits. By following some of these simple tips you can easily avoid most summertime risks.

1. Always use a correctly installed car or booster seat for you child.
2. Supervise all children near water including pools, spas, toilets, bathtubs
and buckets.
3. Be sure children wear a kid sized life jacket on all boating trips.
4. Have kids wear the proper helmet and protective gear when riding bikes,
scooters, skates and skateboards.
5. Never let children under the age of 10 play near or cross streets alone.
6. Check that all playgrounds have safe surfaces like mulch, gravel, rubber or
sand.

Lastly, as adults it is always important to learn First Aid and CPR for our whole family’s benefit.

What investment type gifts do you recommend for children?

2006-07-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Buying a specific treasure item for your children while they are young is not only a special gift, but a potential investment in their future. A fun and potentially profitable example is buying silver coins. Long ago our dollars were actually backed by real money, real silver and gold. At that time gas was only 25-cents a gallon and you could buy 4 gallons of gas for a dollar – imagine that with today’s prices! Translating the relationship back then into silver, the same amount of silver today still buys that four gallons of gas. While the dollar has been devalued, real money like gold and silver has held its value far better than our current currency. Most people feel that prices go up over time, but actually it is the value of the dollar that goes down. Some investment experts recommend a portfolio should contain tangible assets such as gold or silver. Silver coins are a fun investment particularly for children because they can actually relate to the concept. While stocks and bonds are only pieces of paper to a child, silver and gold are fancy metals. If you are unsure how to proceed with buying precious metals, a company like Monex can help. They have been in business since 1967 and have helped more than one hundred thousand people with this type of transactio

As a stay at home mom, I need some tricks to save money - any ideas?

2006-07-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

I know this may sound a little backwards, but if you are a good money manager consider using credit cards as a way to save money. Let me highlight being a good money manager though, as credit cards are also a great way to get in trouble. If you truly think that you can stay on top of your expenses with a credit card, then take the time to conduct a free credit card search that will inform you about the various terms and conditions of each individual credit card, along with its online application link at bizjournals.com.

A credit card is a great way to enhance your life and actually make money in the process. When used responsibly, credit cards help to purchase goods and services, and to pay for them on an affordable timeline. They also allow you to carry less cash, and to order out of catalogs or find deals online. Additionally, credit cards allow for emergency repairs, health care problems or any number of contingencies when access to savings or checking accounts is not possible. No matter whether you're traveling across town or across the country, it is usually easier and safer with a credit card as you are also protected against theft. Many major brands also now give you multiple advantages, like 0% intro rate, low APR, cash back rewards and other benefits. Use your credit card to manage your budget, protect your cash, delay your payments a couple of weeks and even earn you money in the process – if you play your cards right!

Do you have any quick thoughts about child discipline?

2006-07-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

When you are frantically angry at a young child, remembering the concepts in a book you read last week for discipline may be difficult. Therefore, here are ten quick tips to keep top of mind for those heated moments:

1. Be consistent.
2. Listen carefully.
3. Instantly stop any dangerous behavior.
4. Don’t ridicule or use sarcasm.
5. Avoid nagging.
6. Be firm.
7. Set realistic expectations clearly.
8. Redirect misbehavior.
9. Don’t accuse.
10. Reward good behavior.

Oh, and don't forget to take a deep breath!

What is the best art for preschoolers?

2006-07-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

For younger children, art is a process and not simply a product. The process of gluing, painting, coloring is allowing children to develop key skills they will use as they grow into school age.

Create an art center in your home. Ideally, it should be an area that the children can choose to go to freely. Give them a box with scissors, glue sticks, paper, markers, tape, etc. For younger children, you will need to monitor some of this activity for safety. Allow them to create freely and practice their skills; enjoy this process as much, if not more, than the products they create. Comment on how well they cut with the scissors or how interesting the colors they select look together, rather than asking “what are you making?”

This type of art process will help your children to learn to think creatively and without pressure, leading to independent thinkers down the road.

How do I get my children to eat more vegetables?

2006-07-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

The following are five fun ways to sneak more veggies into your child’s food.

1. Substitute vegetable juices or purees, like carrot juice, for part of the liquid in soups or sauces (even put it in the Mac and Cheese!).

2. Mix in vegetables into your ground meat recipes. Whether it is a burger or meatloaf, a cup of mild vegetables like zucchini will hardly be noticed.

3. Make Brownies! Yes, to a standard box of brownie mix you can add 1 ten ounce box of frozen chopped spinach – thawed, finely chopped and squeezed dry. Plus, add a four ounce jar of squash baby food and bake according to directions.

4. Use spaghetti squash instead of the pasta in your recipes.

5. Create a fun dish of confetti with brightly colored veggies like peas or bell peppers into cottage cheese or rice.

What are the best tools for anger managment?

2006-06-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Even the most patient parents have times when they are pushed to a wall. When you feel the tension begin to creep up your back, try these five healthy ways to relieve your anger.

1. Hit a pillow, bed or couch with your fist.

2. Tell someone your angry, even if it just your image in the mirror.

3. Move around, jump, dance or run.

4. Walk away to a safe place to get some space.

5. Get a hug and cry.

What is a fun kid activity that a parent can play with a child?

2006-06-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Pretend play is a great way for parents to have fun with their children. Make-believe games can work for a variety of ages and help children in their development of social and language skills. Make sure to get down on your child’s level, like sitting on the floor. Some great ideas to get you started are:

* Mimic your child’s natural tendency to pretend while playing. If they are sitting down to tea, join in and pretend to drink the tea too.

* Introduce new ideas by asking questions. “What should we do after we drink our tea?”

* Play with your child, but let them direct the flow. Back off if your ideas are not welcomed; remember this is your child’s drama, not yours.

* Collect a variety of dress up game materials to use like props in your play. Most items can easily be found around the house, or keep an eye out at yard sales.

Start a dress up box and fill it with various things to get those imagination juices flowing. Good examples are:

* Stuffed animals for a pet shop or zoo.
* Plastic food, play money, coupons, bags and cash register for a grocery store.
* Raincoats, boots, rubber hose, hats and wagon for a fire station.
* Books, index cards and rubber stamps for a library.
* Paper, pens, calculator, phone and envelops for an office.
* White shirts, clipboard, band-aids, scale and other items for a doctor’s office.

How do you make your own Bubble solution?

2006-06-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived… bringing more play time outdoors with the kids. What item seems to excite children of all ages… bubbles!! Blowing bubbles is an ideal lazy summer day activity. Why not also recruit your kids to help make some of their own special bubble mixture… the following are two simple recipes to try, don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients:

Bubbles
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons dish soap
1 tablespoon glycerin – helps to hold the bubbles together longer.

Combine in bubble container with top – you can even reuse old bubble bottles. Shake to mix well. For best results, let sit for a few hours before using.

Giant Bubbles
3 cups water
1 cup dish soap
¼ cup corn syrup

Combine in bowl and let sit for several hours. Pour into a flat pan and construct a giant bubble wand from a piece of wire. Enjoy.

Bubble Tips: Bubbles last longer and work better when used on a day of high humidity. Glycerin can be found at most supermarkets or pharmacies.

What advice do you have for a trip to Disney World?

2006-06-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

So you want to take a trip to Disney World with your family – an excellent idea! Before you go, consider making it a complete vacation by enjoying the whole Central Florida area and contemplate an Orlando vacation rental home.

Orlando continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Florida as well as the United States. Beyond the theme park area, Orlando is a great environment to enjoy leisure time with your family. The Central Florida area - all 7 counties - offers a wide range of life styles for all ages. This includes opportunities to find a rental home in upscale gated neighborhoods; golf course communities; charming, old-fashioned towns, and rural communities. If you are looking for an urban lifestyle, downtown Orlando is a mixture of historic homes and luxury condominiums with great views of the city. You can enjoy vintage homes in the historic neighborhoods of Thorton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Lake Lawsona, Lake Cherokee, and Lake Copeland. Downtown is trendy with diversity of restaurants, retailers, discos, and bars all within walking distance. With close access to beautiful Lake Eola, you can enjoy festivals, outdoor concerts, or a gondola ride on the Lake. The sports complex, theater, and opera are all centrally located making your entertainment venues easily accessible. The focus on family living also spurred residential development on the edge of downtown called Baldwin Park, a traditional neighborhood with architecture reminiscent of the pre-1940's era.

Think of Florida and you will probably imagine theme parks and sunshine but there is so much more to this southern state. The Central Florida area truly offers something for everyone in the family - exciting theme parks, glorious white sandy beaches and a warm welcome from the year round sunshine. A 45 minute drive from the theme parks takes you to countryside with rolling hills and oak trees. Here you are in horse breeding country – a great opportunity if you have a daughter who loves horses. Travel south and take an airboat ride across the Everglades or take advantage of some of the best shopping opportunities in the USA.

Do I Need to be Careful of Poisonous Plants?

2006-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Now that spring has set in and we are spending more time outside with our family, it is important to review the potential hazards hidden in our gardens. In general, you should always talk openly with your children about the risks of eating any plant, except the ones in the refrigerator. For those of us with vegetable gardens, this lesson is particularly important as kids quickly learn that some plants are okay to eat right out of the ground. The best rule of thumb is to teach children not to eat any plant unless an adult they trust has specifically told them it was okay. Some parts of vegetable plants can still be poisonous, even if you world normally eat the fruit.

The following list is of poisonous plants that are commonly found in most backyards. Some are only irritating to the skin and others have the potential to cause death. For many of these it is best to avoid them in your yard and call poison control immediately if your child comes in contact with them.

1. Arum – potentially fatal.
2. Boxwood – all parts are highly toxic.
3. Calla Lily – irritant – causes burning in mouth, skin and eyes on contact.
4. Autumn Crocus – extremely toxic.
5. Daffodil – fatal in very large quantities.
6. Daphne – fatal especially if the fruit is eaten.
7. Delphinium – potential to be fatal if eaten.
8. Fox Glove – entire plant is poisonous, even if you just drink water from the flower cups. It has the potential to cause cardiac arrest.
9. Golden Chain Tree – seedpods can be fatal if eaten by small child.
10. Hellebore – potentially fatal.
11. Holly – berries can cause stomach problems if eaten.
12. Horsechestnut – toxic, but not fatal.
13. Hydrangea – can cause stomach problems if eaten.
14. Iris – entire plant is poisonous.
15. English Ivy – can cause severe stomach distress.
16. Lily-of-the-Valley – potentially fatal.
17. Mistletoe – potential for stomach upset.
18. Mountain Laurel – potentially fatal.
19. Nightshade – potentially fatal.
20. Rhododendron and Azalea – highly toxic.
21. Wisteria – can cause stomach upset.
22. Yew – toxic.

Find the best Auto Insurance for your Family

2006-05-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

As parents we have to be particular careful with our family in the car. Especially as our kids grow and we are carpooling with their friends or even beginning to teach them to drive, safety skills and insurance quickly become a big issue!

As your needs change with the growth of your family, shop around for car insurance. When starting your car insurance rate comparison process, websites like www.carinsurance.com help make the process of discovering the best insurance at the best price, fast and easy. They provide auto insurance quotes for all 50 states and allow you to actually buy your insurance online. The site is easy to use and will save you both time and money.

An important notification from your friends at GEICO, advises auto owners, "A big part of our job at GEICO is providing safety measures to protect our consumers and prevent fraud. Now more than ever, we're spreading the word about what people can do to prevent their vehicles from being stolen...." Nancy Pierce recommended these steps to help reduce the chances your car will be targeted by auto theives:

1. Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when driving and in your garage.
2. Never leave your keys in the car for any reason.
3. Park in busy well-lit areas.
4. Avoid leaving valuables in your car.
5. Install an anti-theft system.
6. Watch for the “bump-and-rob” trick where thieves carjack your car after a minor accident. If you do get bumped and feel threatened, drive to a populated area before getting out of your car and call the police on your cell phone.
7. Keep your registration in your wallet and your car’s title at home.
8. Know where you are going and be aware of your surroundings.
9. If a carjacker has a gun – give them the car – as it can be replaced, but you cannot!
10. Etch your car’s VIN number on the windows

What is an extra special gift for a child?

2006-05-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Buying a specific treasure item for your children while they are young is not only a special gift, but a potential investment in their future. A fun and potentially profitable example is buying silver coins. Long ago our dollars were actually backed by real money, real silver and gold. At that time gas was only 25-cents a gallon and you could buy 4 gallons of gas for a dollar – imagine that with today’s prices! Translating the relationship back then into silver, the same amount of silver today still buys that four gallons of gas. While the dollar has been devalued, real money like gold and silver has held its value far better than our current currency. Most people feel that prices go up over time, but actually it is the value of the dollar that goes down. Some investment experts recommend a portfolio should contain tangible assets such as gold or silver. Buying silver coins are a fun investment particularly for children because they can actually relate to the concept. While stocks and bonds are only pieces of paper to a child, silver and gold are fancy metals. If you are unsure how to proceed with buying precious metals, a company like Monex can help. They have been in business since 1967 and have helped more than one hundred thousand people with this type of transaction.

Mother's Day Thoughts

2006-05-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Mother’s Day with these instant reminders of why it feels good to be a mom:

• The warm fuzzy head of a newborn snuggled in your arms.
• The excited giggle of your toddler as they play.
• Watching your naked baby waddle down the hall.
• The smell of your baby’s soft skin.
• Watching them walk off to their first day in kindergarten.
• The joy of when they make that first bike ride without training wheels.
• The songs they sing and make up as they go along.
• The silly things they say.
• The smiles and hugs at all the ages.
• Reading to your child all snuggled on the couch and later having them read to you.
• Hearing them sing in the shower.
• Watching their first performance.
• Overhearing the conversations with friends.
• Knowing that you have created the most amazing people on earth.

Happy Mother’s Day…. Enjoy!

Learning to Read

2006-05-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

One of the first steps in learning to read is teaching letters. Help your child begin these important steps toward early reading with the following fun child learning games.

1. Start singing the alphabet song to your baby. Before you know it they will be singing it back to you! While the song will not actually teach your child letters, it begins the process of recognizing their names.

2. Begin by teaching the first letter of their name. Young children are very self-centered and enjoy anything that belongs to them. As the first letter of their name could become their letter, utilize this to help them recognize the letter in other places and matching the sound.

3. Take this a step further by growing the first letter recognition into name recognition. Label everything with their name and point out the letters. This will surely be the first word they learn to read, and the most important one!

4. Begin to point out words and letters in the environment, along within books. Explain the STOP sign and the Exit sign, let them look for them with you. Help them learn to recognize their favorite places and the words associated with them.

5. Be sure to always show your child both lower and upper case letters to help them learn both versions right from the start.

6. Try a letter of the week. Make foods that start with that letter and look for the letter as your drive around town. Make a special sign for the letter of the week and hang it on the wall.

7. Create letters out of unusual mediums, like blocks, play dough or if your brave, even food.

Ultimately make learning to read fun and avoid testing or drilling your child. Think of the activities your child enjoys and incorporate learning to read within their own passions.

How Did Father's Day Begin?

2006-05-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

The origin of Father’s Day has an interesting story. While Mother’s Day has been around forever, Father’s Day actually began in the State of Washington by a woman named Sonora Dodd. She thought of the day while celebrating Mother’s Day in the year 1909. Her own father was named William Smart, who was a Civil War veteran. Mr. Smart was faced with the challenge of raising his family solo when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. On a rural farm in Washington State, he was a selfless single father of a newborn, plus the other five children. When Sonora became an adult, the impact of this sacrifice amazed her. A particularly loving and courageous man, his children held Mr. Smart in high esteem. In celebration of her father’s June birthday, Sonora organized a Father’s Day event on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. The craze caught on and has expanded into almost every American household.

Reward your own father with a special gift this year. Father’s are known for the goods they bring to the family, so a great gift idea is fathers day gift baskets of tasty foods. As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

How Do I Make Homemade Clay?

2006-04-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Make your own craft clay and save money while also teaching your children some basic chemistry. Craft clay is simple to make and amazing for children to see the transformation of three common ingredients turn into instant fun. Older children can help make the clay too, but younger ones should only watch - craft clay creation involves heating on the stove so adult supervision is required.

Craft Clay Recipe

2 cups Baking Soda
1 cup Cornstarch
1 1/2 cups Water
Optional: Food Coloring for variety

Cook all the ingredients in a larger saucepan on the stove. Stir over medium heat until the mixture becomes too thick. Remove from the stovetop, letting it cool enough to be handled comfortably. Knead until smooth on a large flat surface. Keep the dough wrapped in plastic until ready to use.

Have children create their objects and designs. Items made from the clay dry at room temperature within one to two days. Once they are completely dry, feel free to paint them with acrylic or poster paint.

My Child is Afraid of our Family Doctor; What Can I Do?

2006-04-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

At some point in all children’s lives, they will begin to fear a trip to the family doctor. The following are some tips to help mediate this difficult transition:

• Discuss all the worries ahead of time and work out a plan of action.
• Reassure that all the people who work at the doctor’s office have the child’s best interest in mind.
• Bring along fun activities, like favorite toys, books or crayons and paper to keep busy while waiting.
• Be completely honest and do not pretend something like a shot will not hurt. The reality is, that it does, and misleading them will only lead to distrust.
• Allow your child to express feelings and prepare yourself for some tears or tantrums.
• Have your questions written and prepared ahead of time to ensure the visit is quick and simple.
• Let the doctor and nurse know immediately that your child feels uncomfortable, as they will help with the situation.
• Read books about a child’s trip to the doctor and role-play, particularly letting the child pretend to be a doctor themselves to ease any anxiety about the physician’s role.

How Do we Know What Medicines are Safe for our Kids?

2006-04-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

With all the recent press regarding problems associated with approved drugs, like the vioxx lawsuits pulling the pain reliever from the market due to related deaths, many parents begin to panic when providing medicine to their own children. How can we trust the drugs we buy are safe? Even OTC options are under fire and still, after many FDA tests, prescription drugs are being recalled. Add in nursing moms and pregnancy, it becomes even more complicated.

As a parent, it is our role to protect our children. Whether we scrutinize the headache pills we take while nursing or question medication prescribed by our pediatrician, it is the adult’s responsibility to cover all the risks. In today’s drug filled world, doctors are thrown a world of options for treating ailments. Unfortunately, that can leave patients confused and potentially at risk. Before consuming or providing medicine for your family and yourself; take the following steps:

• Have the doctor print out the most recent drug write up from the company before filling the prescription and review the information with your doctor at the office.
• Research online information regarding the drug, whether prescription or over the counter.
• Talk to your pharmacist about all new drugs your family takes, whether prescription or not.
• Be careful of any herbs, as they are all technically drugs in other countries and should be treated as such.
• Always notify your doctor and pharmacist of other drugs you take, including OTC, vitamins and herbs.
• Read the literature that is provided with the medicine, before taking the first dose.
• Report any side effects immediately, particularly with young children.

Why Create a Parenting Blog?

2006-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I was notified by a fellow blogger that she had tagged my blog. She informed me that it was a method of spreading the word about who I was, and what I was attempting to accomplish regarding my blog. After a moment of consideration, I decided to continue the game by answering the questions she posted along with the tag. The process also created some reflection on why I am blogging, which is to essentially build a community of fellow parents with normal questions and concerns.

I was tagged by Aurelia of Real Life Solutions http://reallifesolutions.blogspot.com/ , so here is some information about me

Four Jobs I Have Had:

1) Retail Fashion Buyer
2) Inventory Control Manager
3) Marketing Associate
4) Freelance Writer

Four Movies I Can Watch Over And Over:

1) Lord of the Rings – All Three Movies
2) It’s a Wonderful Life
3) Crash
4) The Black Stallion

Four TV Shows I Love To Watch:

1) Survivor
2) Law & Order
3) CSI
4) Local News

Four Places I’ve Been On Vacation:

1) Jamaica
2) San Juan Islands
3) Disneyland
4) New York

Four Tunes That Play In My Head:

1) You are my Sunshine
2) I like to Move It
3) A…B…C…D…
4) Those are a few of my Favorite Things

Four Favorite Dishes:

1) MooShoo Pork
2) Pad Thai
3) Burrito with all the fixings
4) Marinated Flank Steak

Four Websites I Visit Daily:

1) WAHM.com
2) Google.com
3) LoveToKnow.com
4) Craigslist.com

Four Books I Really Love:

1) Watership Down
2) Blink
3) Anything by Micheal Crighten
4) Books on Parenting

Four Places I’d Rather Be:

1) At the Beach
2) Hiking in the Forest
3) At the park with the kids
4) Snuggled in bed

Four Bloggers I’m Tagging:

I discovered these blogs by searching for other blogs that supported similar efforts to mine at Mom2Mom – The Mom Connection. Hopefully, they will enjoy reading through my parenting material and pass on the tag!

1) http://munchskins.blogspot.com/ - Mom 2 Mom Blog by The Mom

2) http://advice-for-parenting.blogspot.com/ Parenting Advice by an assortment of Moms

3) http://expertmom.blogspot.com/ - Real Advice from a Real Mom

4)http://blogs.salon.com/0002504/ - This, That and the Mother Thing by Anita

How do you Handle a Child's Fear of the Dark?

2006-03-26T23:11:00.000-08:00

Childhood fears usually start around the age of six months with the beginning of stranger anxiety. Following this normal stage of development, children around a year experience a new fear: separation anxiety. Both of these two crucial stages of development are based on fears of the unknown and the desire to feel safe and secure. The fear of the dark is simply another stage of this development process. Older children have greater vocabulary to describe their fears, but their imagination is still untapped and overzealous.

Knowing this is a stage that will pass for most children will help parents to relax and take the time to patiently work through a fear of the dark. Even some adults still harbor this fear that is usually born within the realm of childhood. Having a relaxed patient parent to discuss fears with and resolve them, will help most children break out of the cycle, and not carry this fear into adulthood.

Start by acknowledging your child’s fear as real. Even though you know there are no monsters hiding in the dark, your child truly believes there are. To simply brush off fears as unrealistic shows disrespect and will not help your child work through the fear. Instead, reassure the child that everyone, including the parent, feels scared sometimes. Check in the closet, look under the bed, but try to avoid getting too caught up in the scenario. The idea is to calm the child and ease feelings of insecurity.

If the fear of the dark remains constant, think about the pre-bedtime routine. Avoid television and scary stories before bed. Ask probing questions to try and determine exactly why the dark is so fearful. Stay close by the room and check on the child often to reassure that you will keep him or her safe. Provide a comfort object to look over them or a nightlight. Even a flashlight in bed can provide a sense of control over the dark.

If the fear is extreme and hard for the child to explain, parents may want to involve their pediatrician. There may be underlying causes and a professional will give the appropriate guidance.

How Does a New Mom Find Time to Shop?

2006-03-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

As a new mom, it can be hard to find the time to do anything other than feed, burp and change a baby. Exhaustion is only one of the conflicts; with the demands of a newborn at your side the list is endless. What do you do when a friend has a special event coming up like a wedding? Maybe it is simpler than that; you just need another carton of milk from the local store. In this day and age, a new mom has more options than our mothers and grandmothers did before us. We have access to a large marketplace at the touch of a computer mouse, labeled the Web. With many markets offering grocery delivery service to numerous areas or bridesmaid gifts found on a variety of web stores, a new mom can feed, burp and shop all at the same time. To avoid unnecessary messes, you might want to leave the diaper changing until after you have shut down the computer!

How Do I Find Quality Parenting Advice?

2006-03-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

As parents we are always in need of support and guidance every once in awhile and for many that translates into everyday. Where is the best place to look for parenting advice? How does one gather parenting tips at those times of need? While many books and magazines cover a range of information, the best advice always comes from the most immediate source, other parents. The Mom Connection is designed to be one of your gathering places, as you should never stop after one piece of advice. As parents we know each child is an individual and each situation is unique. The only true way to find good parenting advice is to gather as many tips as possible, then use this information to form your own perspective.

I encourage you to start here, at Mom2Mom. Ask me any question or express a concern. Email me directly through the link at the side bar. I commit to responding to each question within a few days; providing my honest opinion and opening the forum for others to join in. Help us on this journey and comment on the other questions. Setting the stage for fellow families to gather their own information collection.

How Do You Handle Bullying?

2006-03-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

Bullying on the playground, classroom, and cafeteria has drawn national attention due to the connection to violence at various schools throughout our nation. Children as young as four have been observed engaged in bullying behaviors such as teasing and name-calling. The rewards are social power and the influence will continue throughout grade school and into high school. In our technological society, these bullies are even prowling the Internet highway.

In the past, teasing and social cruelty was portrayed as one of the numerous parts of childhood. But current research has shown that these interactions have lasting affects on the entire life of a child. Communication with your child is your first defense against bullying as a parent. At the youngest age, begin to have conversations practicing discussing issues at school.

If you discover or suspect your child is being bullied, find a quiet time to talk. Ask open-ended questions and share your own personal experiences. If your child shares an instance of bullying, ask them first what they want to do to remedy the situation. Respect his/her wishes, by either getting involved or simply helping your child to feel empowered to stop the negative interactions on his/her own. Role play scenarios and discuss preventive tactics. Find other ways to boast your child’s self-esteem through positive friendships or activities.

The other possible option is that you determine your child is the bully. What do you do now? Start by evaluating yourself and begin to make changes in your behavior. Be a positive role model and structure your discipline techniques to be less violent and calmer. Role play ideas for your child to calm down instead of becoming aggressive practicing assertive behavior instead. Encourage a bullying child to provide service to others, helping through community organizations. Just as with the victim, the bully will often need activities that encourage self-esteem instead of putting others down to feel confident and powerful.

Is Music Beneficial to my Child?

2006-02-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

Music for children is a crucial part of their development. Even a very young child appreciates the sounds and rhythm music brings. Singing and dancing simply makes you feel good and improves your mood. The same areas of a child’s brain that create language are stimulated when they are listening to music. Therefore, a connection between learning and music appears to surface. The advertisers have known this for years, as we all hum along to their catchy tunes.

Music is also exercise, both for the brain and the body. For kids of all ages, music helps test their coordination and balance. It also burns calories and is a resourceful way for a family to exercise together. Singing improves auditory awareness and the rhythm of language. Playing instruments encourages fine motor skills and develops the sequence of patterns.

Incorporate music into all aspects of your child’s life. Sing to them instead of talking. Dance to music while you do chores. Make up songs together. Have a family jamboree with any type of instrument you can create. Music can liven up a stressful situation or help an active child relax. Music is a great method for learning and bonding with your children.

What is Cradle Cap and How do you Treat it?

2006-02-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Cradle cap is a common condition affecting young children, particularly infants. It is a form of inflammatory skin disease that usually occurs on the scalp, but is also found around the eyes, nose and groin area. Most common in the first year of life, cradle cap can easily be identified by the appearance of thick yellow, greasy scales on the skin.

While the lesions appear unsightly, the condition is rarely troublesome for your baby and simple to treat. Start by scrubbing the area at each bath being sure to give the skin a good strong massage to help flake the dead skin off. After the bath, dry the area vigorously with a rough towel. If the condition is particularly persistent, apply pure vitamin E oil into the area and let sit 15 minutes before the bathing process. After shampooing, comb the scales off gently. While cleaning thoroughly is important, try not to irritate the skin as the surface may become infected.

If you notice the area becoming unusually red or warm, or producing a discharge, it is time for your pediatrician to be notified. If the case is particularly severe or lasts longer than a couple of months, contact your doctor for recommendations on specific medical shampoos or creams that might be necessary.

How do you prepare homemade baby food?

2006-02-12T21:41:00.000-08:00

Homemade baby food is a simple art with the added benefit of saving money. Along with completely ensuring those healthy foods enter your baby’s system. Through my research I identified my desire to feed my babies wholesome organic baby food. The prices of the small jars of branded natural baby foods scared me off… so I started the adventure toward making my own.

First I bought some fancy equipment like a small baby food chopper and bags for straining; but quickly discovered this was all completely unnecessary. All one needs to make homemade baby food are three key things… a pot, a blender and ice cube trays. When your baby is young and eating only simple individual foods begin by cooking in batches. Use peas as an example. Boil them in the smallest amount of water possible, ensuring that the water used intermingles into the food preserving any vitamins lost during the cooking process. Once cooked to the softest consistency, deposit the peas and water directly into the blender. Make a large batch to save you time down the road. Whirl the blender until the peas turn to complete mush. Then pour the mixture directly into an empty ice cube tray and place into the freezer. This will provide you with individual servings to remove and reheat later. Once the pea cubes are frozen solid, disconnect from the tray and place the individual frozen blocks into a zip lock bag. Mark on the outside of the bag what veggies are inside and the date you cooked them. Once you get going… you will find out quick it can be hard to decipher between peas, broccoli or any other green thing you might create. Frozen food should be consumed between 3-6 months after prepared, so the date will keep you on target.

As your baby diet becomes more adventuresome, simply set aside a portion of the dinners you normally prepare and create the same procedure. Blending and freezing, thus furnishing you options for lunches and dinners a different day. Through this method I created a complete baby food meal in a cube, including meat, rice and veggie mixed together. Simply remove the ingredients before adding the spices and seasonings the rest of the family requires. Therefore exposing a baby to foods the family currently enjoys and saving money in the process.

Homemade baby foods create the satisfaction of understanding the nutrition that your baby consumes, along with the money savings built-in.

Family Budget and Money Management

2006-02-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

The day that we become parents the whole issue of money management took on a new focus. Not only were we responsible for ourselves, we now had a child to take care of. This sense of responsibility changed not only how we felt about our family budget situation, but also how we discussed it as a couple. Whether both parents’ work or one stays home, children cost the family money. Usually it is money that was used for other things. How can families adjust to this new situation?

The most important piece in being a financially successful family is not actually how much income you have. It is the choices you make with your money and how you work together to make those choices. Finding a home finance system is crucial in this process. It must also be a system that works for each member of the family to be successful. Budgeting and managing your money is a very personal endeavor. While there are many resources to discover, each family must first analyze their individual situation. Learning from others is one step and fitting those solutions into your family’s lifestyle is the second.

Start by conducting a family budget meeting. Depending on your situation, this could be as simple as a quiet time to sit down as a couple or a large gathering of the whole household. The important thing is to be sure everyone is centered on finding a financial plan that will work for the family unit. Make sure to list out short and long-term goals. Try to be supportive of each family members' ideas and listen intensely to each other. Once the big picture is laid out, it will be easier to seek out advice from others to lay out a specific financial plan to meet your goals.

This is just the introduction to the commitment to finding success with money and finance as a family. Take this beginning to lead your family on to search out other information and resources to take it to the next step.

How Do You Introduce Solid Baby Food?

2006-01-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

Introducing a baby to solid foods is a slow process. For the child, their natural curiosity kicks in. For the parent there is the expected tendency to want complete control. This struggle will create conflict and parents will need to draw on all their patience.

The first step is selecting a baby cereal. Single grains are a best first choice as they are easier to digest. Rice is usually recommended initially as it is the least likely to produce an allergic reaction. After success with rice, the baby can move on to barley and oats.

After a child has mastered the softness of cereal and is easting 2-3 tablespoon a couple times a day, it is a good time to introduce vegetables. Try each new food, five days apart to check for allergies. Offer a large variety to expose a child to an assortment of tastes. Squash, sweet potato, peas, green beans, zucchini, avocado and store bought carrots are all great choices.

Wait until vegetables are well established before starting fruits. Most children have a natural sweet tooth and will tend to prefer only fruits if started first. Bananas is an excellent opening, both for texture and providing a slightly less sweet taste. Avoid citrus fruits and serve applesauce, peaches or pears instead.

Protein foods will come next, with great choices being yogurt, tofu, and meat. Avoid seafood and eggs until after 1 year old or check with your doctor.

Once a child has mastered the softer texture of these baby foods and is able to pick up small objects, they are ready for cereals like cheerios, breads, noodles, fruit slices, cheese chunks and other finger foods.

Remember to be flexible; the procedure above is only a guideline. Many children dislike cereal and love the vegetables or only eat the baby foods until they are one year old. Try to stick to a schedule, but keep in mind your child’s individuality.

Helpful Potty Training Tips!

2006-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

So you need some potty training advice… well lets take a tour. While it lasts, potty training can be one of the most demanding situations in parenting. Whether you have a boy or girl, it is your first child or fourth, the process is time consuming and stressful. For this help post, we will assume that your child is ready and so are the parents. The following help tips will provide a simple checklist for creating the best setting for successful potty training of your child.

• Find the best type of potty or toilet seat for your child. Second children will many times prefer the type that sits on top of the actual toilet to be like their older siblings. While the toddler or first born would prefer the small portable plastic potty. Invest in both styles, as the mobile potty is great for those first few weeks when the run to the bathroom can be a bit too long. Then they can transition into the seat on the real toilet for easier cleaning and maintenance.

• Start the potty training process as fun and casual as possible. Show a potty training video, you can check out many at the library. Have your child sit on their potty while they watch the video. Play games with the potty and avoid any pressure to perform. If brave, let your child play bottomless with the potty nearby or run around outside unclothed if the weather is nice.

• Keep your child in diapers until she or he are peeing and pooping more in the potty than the diaper during the day.

• Use real cotton training pants instead of disposables. If necessary buy some plastic covers for outings. The cotton training pants may seem messy at first, but the whole potty training process is over much quicker than with the disposables.

• Start a potty training chart. Give rewards such as stickers they can put right on the chart themselves. Hang the potty training chart in the bathroom. Let your child make the chart himself and give her ownership over the process.

The best method to quick successful potty training is to downplay the importance. Even if you have a looming deadline such as preschool enrollment, try to not let your child know. Avoid any battle, as this can quickly elevate to a power struggle. Let them take the lead and show you the way to dry days!

How to get your baby to sleep?

2006-01-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

As a parent of a young child, sleep is always a hot commodity. I remember when my daughter was only six months old and everyone wanted to know what I wanted for my birthday. My consistent answer was SLEEP. It was worth its weight in gold.

Trying to help your child sleep better so you can sleep is a never-ending struggle. Any parent who says their child falls asleep with no problems is in the minority. Most babies and some older children have trouble falling asleep. Unfortunately there is no magic solution, but that doesn’t mean we all have to suffer. The best advice is to research what works best for your family. Everyone has a child with a different temperament and different expectations of how sleep should happen. Try and work with the two conflicting demands to find a happy compromise, one that ensures everyone sleeps as that is the priority.

The best thing to remember is most sleep issues are temporary. Any story you hear of the 16 year old who still sleeps with their parents is completely exaggerated. Sleep is the most complicated in the early years as the young child is growing and has a different timetable for sleep than most adults. Therefore, find a solution that enables everyone to sleep well, without worrying about the future. The following are a list of possible ways to help a baby fall asleep. Find the one or a couple combined that you can live with and try it.

• Comfort your child until they fall asleep. Depending on the child, this can be time consuming or not. Some children just need a parent’s presence to fall asleep and once they are out… the parent is free to go back to their bed. Remember if you chose this method; make your comfort as simple as possible. Be there, but do not interact with your child in any way that keeps them awake. Rubbing their back, singing, holding hands are all soothing ways to comfort. Do not play or talk.

• Provide a soothing comfort object other than yourself. You can combine this with step one or try it alone. Lullabies, the recorded sound of your voice, a white noise like a fan, the sound of a heart beat or nature sounds are all options. If they have a favorite stuffed animal, blanket or toy… let them sleep with it. If the baby is young, give them the shirt you are wearing, as it smells like you. Make the room as dark as possible, but if there are some fears provide a small light.

• Sleep with your baby. Bring them into your bed, obviously checking all safety concerns. Or sleep with them in their room. Some parents I know place an extra bed or futon into their kids room. While I know there is controversy about the family bed concept, most parents I know have tried it for at least part of their child’s life. It can help everyone sleep in many cases.

• Make sure they are relaxed and comfortable before bed. You want them to have a full tummy, but not too full. Have gone potty or have a fresh diaper. Make sure they have a relaxing ritual before bed…rocking, reading books, and baths. Make sure they are warm enough, but not too warm. That the room is quiet… but not too quiet. Take a good look around the area the baby sleeps, is there any things that can distract from a good nights sleep? Change those things.

• Let them self soothe. While I don’t recommend ever letting a baby cry itself to sleep, some babies can find other ways to soothe themselves if given the chance. Let them play or look at books quietly, let them “fuss” for a little bit before you go to them. If they wake up in the middle of the night and are not screaming bloody murder. Wait a couple of minutes to see if they will fall back to sleep on their own. When you do have to go into the room to comfort them. Enter quietly and never turn on the light. Try not to even talk. Basically make yourself as boring as possible to induce sleep.

Hopefully one or all of these suggestions you can try. Remember to be patient as the art of sleeping completely independently is not normal for a young child. They have a biological survival need to be close to their parents day and night. Just like you have to parent them during the day, that responsibility does not disappear at night.

How do you deal with a tantrum?

2006-01-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

The terrible twos are certainly a myth. Tantrums can start as early as one year and last until a child is school age. Armed with this information, a parent can resist the battle to solve the tantrum problem. Tantrums are a normal progression in childhood, but they can be difficult for a family to understand.

Make no mistake; I never accept a tantrum in my children. I simply relax and ignore, not fighting or giving into the display of emotion. All children possess different personalities and therefore will handle stress individually. A parent’s reaction can certainly affect the frequency and power of a tantrum. As long as a child is in a safe environment, a tantrum must be ignored. Wait for a child to calm down, before you engage them in a discussion. Try to avoid serious explosions by keeping your child well fed and rested. If a child has trouble calming down, an appropriate reaction would be to hug or sooth the child through calm words or songs.

If you maintain a consistent approach to discipline and tantrum behavior, the intensity will definitely subside over time.

How do you cure a picky eater?

2006-01-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

A picky eater is not born, but created. Children are naturally interested in trying a variety of foods at a young age. Be sure to start early, feeding your 9-month – 18 month old a large assortment of toddler friendly foods. These months are crucial in developing your child’s tastes and setting a baseline for later. Once children enter the third year of life, they tend to be resistant to trying new foods. Some biologists theorize this is when mom would typically have her second child (without the help of birth control). Therefore, the older independent sibling would only choose food that was familiar in order to avoid poisonous berries and plants.

Of course we no longer have to worry about this today, but the instincts still survive. If your preschooler does start to fall into a picky eating pattern, there are modern ways to fight it. The first is to continue to supply your child a variety of food, even if they refuse to eat it. To avoid wasting groceries, simply serve small portions of the less desirable foods. Lighten up the picky eating phase and do not turn it into a battle. The preschool years are about testing their limits and independence; avoid making food a part of this struggle.

The second important rule is to remember that your child will not starve. Hold your ground. If they refuse to eat one meal, that’s okay. Don’t become a short order cook, unless you want to do that indefinitely. Patience is key and if you are already falling into these traps, there will be a harder road as your child learns to adjust to the new routine.

Start by creating a plan of how you would envision a child who eats normally. What do you expect? Then take that approach and with patience you will be able to guide them to a more reasonable diet.

Time Away

2005-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

As a mom we are caregivers to our children. In this role, it can be difficult to see that we might have needs of our own. The constant demands that our family has on us can wear us down without even realizing it. Whether you are a mom of a young baby who needs you 24 hours a day with no rest or the parent of a rebellious teenager, you can easily become emotionally and physically drained. You might even to begin to feel crazy or depressed. It will certainly affect your relationship with your children and the rest of your family. A simple solution rarely surfaces because you become so wrapped up in the situation at hand, it can be hard to step away from it. Many times the best way to become a better mom is to completely remove yourself from your family. Whether it be a walk around the block, a day at the spa or a weekend getaway, the important thing is to separate yourself completely. Believe me, when you return, nothing will be different except your attitude. In turn your change in perspective can be enough to help you regain control over the situation and become a better mom in the process.

A Piece of Advice for Myself

2005-12-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

In this hectic world of motherhood, we rarely take the time to reflect on what helps us to keep our sanity. The other day, I realized an important need for my children and myself to break free from our schedule. Getting away.... it may sound simple, but I don't often do it. Not just getting away for a relaxing bath, but truly escaping your everyday world. This realization occurred to me last weekend when I took the kids to visit my husband who was on a retreat in the forest. We spent the afternoon at a location we have only been to a couple times before. While being a religious retreat, it was also a magnificent place of natural beauty. We all enjoyed the crunch of ice under our feet while we walked through the grass. The crashing sound of the rushing river and the tranquility of the ice cycles dripping under the leaves. While lounging in the cabin the kids colored and enjoyed the quiet. I took in the smell of the old wood floor and smiled at the laughter from the kids’ enjoyment. We left there refreshed after only a couple of hours. What a wonderful start to our hectic holiday season! Take the time to find your own escape.

Let's Get Started

2005-12-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

It is my intention to recruit other moms to comment on my posts, leading to an advice column like format. Of course this is all new to me and I am also learning as we go along. I have spent the past seven years of my life learning and researching all the information out there on children and parenting. My pediatrician said it well when he commented on how much sympathy he had for parents these days with the wide realm of conflicting information there is out there on raising children. I also share his view, but there is both a benefit and a negative to the unlimited resources on parenting; it gives us as parents the opportunity to cater to our children's individual needs. Babies come into this world with their own unique personalities and situations. Therefore, the way we behave as parents will be different based on our children's needs. One has to evaluate the information presented and find the right fit. I know that for myself this is an exciting adventure. With each dilemma I have faced, I can sort through the increasing load of advice and research to find something that fits with my family. I would greatly enjoy being a part of this information chain. To help other Moms gather information to support them through their struggles is my ultimate goal.

Intro

2005-12-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

The Mom Connection - the place for support and guidance

In our hearts we all are like children, there is always room to learn. Therefore it is my intention to present a blog that can be a forum for advice and support. I call it mom2mom, where moms can write looking for guidance. Think of me as the Ann Landers of motherhood. I strive to be like a girlfriends guide column, but with a whole different set of opinions. I am a mom who knows the value in having a large support system in place as a parent. Give it a chance, ask a question... what will I say... remember it is only words, it is what you do with them that is up to you.