Celebrity News & Style for Black Women » parenting

The Baby Gets More Attention Than Me

Renee Jones — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:30:49 +0000

With all the joys that come with being new parents, it’s hard to balance your attention between the new baby and your relationship at times. I remember when I had my daughter my husband couldn’t help but feel somewhat jealous of the attention I paid to her instead of him. I was somewhat taken aback by this but I also can see his side too, I guess.

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When a new baby comes into the picture there is little room left to pay attention to anything else. When the baby is awake it’s all about feeding the baby, changing the baby, playing with the baby etc. When the baby is sleep it’s all about getting rest so you are ready when the baby wakes up.

Personally, I was extremely tired most of the time and if I did have a moment to myself, it was spent sleeping. The good news this does not last forever. Once I establish a solid routine for my daughter would sleep, nap, and eat; I then was able to find more time to devote to our relationship. It was definitely an adjustment for everyone but once we figured it out, we were right back on track. My husband just had to suck it up for the interim–oh poor baby! It’s all a balancing act and that will never change.

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Simple Advice On How To Handle The Hard Times

Renee Jones — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:00:45 +0000

Every family hits a bump in the road. Whether it is financial, medical or personal, adversity is always going to be a part of life. The current state of the economy has brought a lot of heartache to a lot of families across the country.

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Many great professionals are losing their jobs, forced into foreclosure, medical bills are piling up and divorce remains high. These times are really rough and some can’t see or don’t believe there is any light at the end of the tunnel. This is totally understandable and I see how one would lose faith. How does one remain hopeful? My answer to this is simple:

I am a true believer that God does not give us anything that we can’t handle, but I am also a strong believer that He gives us the tools, but we have to know how to use them. It is important to remember that what doesn’t break, you makes you stronger. The stronger you are the more confident and strategic you will become. We have to continue to move forward and go against adversity, because at the end of the day, you want to at least say you did everything you could do. You didn’t quit! As tough as it may be, there is always something better right around the corner!

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3 Steps To Planning A Successful Family Reunion

Renee Jones — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:30:29 +0000

Everyone has cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, etc. that they have not seen in awhile, I know I do. I started to think how nice it would be to have a family reunion. Sometimes it’s not always the easiest task to get all the family together, but it is so necessary.

My family has attempted a family reunion a couple of times but we are still working on tactics. Our family lives in all different parts of the world so it’s not always easy picking a neutral location for everyone, let alone a date. I began to think of the necessary steps it would take to plan a successful family reunion. This is what I came up with.

Step 1: Elect a Family Planning Committee: Sometimes when planning large events, it gets complicated when everyone has there hand in the pot. Each individual family should elect a main representative to serve on the committee. This way, every family is represented.

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Step 2: Conduct A Survey: Surveys are always an easy way to gauge people’s interest. You can ask questions about places they want to travel, best time of the year to travel, budget, etc. A great free tool to use is Survey Monkey or Google Documents. Once data is collected, a member of the committee can report back to the rest of the members for a general consensus.

Step 3: Execute Plan and Follow Through: Once data is collected, the committee can start drafting a plan that will consist of the family reunion location, date, time, venue, etc. Then each member of the committee will have a different responsibility to ensure that every item of the plan is executed properly. In addition, like with any other event, it is important that everyone follows through with their assigned tasks to ensure that the event is a success.

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Snack Time For Toddlers Made Easy

Renee Jones — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:12:49 +0000

1. Granola Bars – These are super healthy and kids love them. My daughter probably eats two a day. Hint: Purchase the chocolate chip ones. Kids love chocolate and they won’t even know they’re eating healthy!

2. Baby Carrots - Carrots are rich in antioxidants and minerals. I get the little baby ones as they are easier for kids to eat.

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3. Cheerios - I don’t know one child that doesn’t like Cheerios. I like Cheerios the best in lieu of the other sugary cereals. They’re a great source of calcium and fiber.

4. Organic Fruity Chews - These are a great alternative to your traditional fruit rollups. Look for ones that have no sugar and all fruit.

5. Buddy Fruit - Thank goodness for the company that makes buddy fruits. My daughter can’t get enough of them. They basically are pureed fruit packets that you can get in different flavors. Great and easy way to pack in the Vitamin C.

6. Goldfish - It seems like goldfish has been around forever. I remember eating them as a kid. I just put a few in a plastic baggie, throw them in my purse and I’m ready for that “I’m hungry” request.

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How To Reach Potty Training Success

Renee Jones — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:51 +0000

I remember the first time I attempted to teach my daughter how to use the potty. For some reason, I thought that if I just switched her from diapers to underwear that should be automatically know how to use the potty. Ha! What was I thinking? She ended up going everywhere but the potty!

Potty training isn’t easy. As a new parent, you are going to be clueless as to how to teach this very important skill to your child. Your children depend on you to teach them how to do everything and I would be doing my daughter a major disservice if I didn’t teach her how to use the potty.

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I wasn’t sure of the right steps, so what I decided to do is turn to my trusted series of books. I have discussed Babywise before but they also have a book called Pottywise. In a nutshell, this book laid out necessary steps that I should take to yield potty-training success. It’s all about reward.

Every time my daughter used the potty correctly, I would reward her with M&M’s. First, we used the potty training seat then moved to the regular toilet seat. There were definite times where we didn’t make it to the potty in time and we had many accidents!

After a couple of weeks though we finally reached potty training success. No more diapers! It wasn’t has hard as what I thought. Just like with everything in parenting. It’s new to you and it’s new to your child. But you will make it through together. I definitely recommend the book! Good Luck.

Helpful Tips About Caring For Your Child’s Teeth

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Helpful Tips About Caring For Your Child’s Teeth

Renee Jones — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:57 +0000

When I was preparing for the arrival of my daughter, I read all types of books. However, one subject that I thought was lacking in most of these books was how to care for your child’s teeth. I was told by her pediatrician that as long as her teeth came in within the first year that I had nothing to worry about.

However, I wasn’t given much guidance after this stage. Now that she is getting older, I am unsure of what steps to take to properly care for her teeth. I decided to do some research online and I also started the search for great pediatric dentist in the area. Here are a few tips I found helpful.

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Toothpaste – For younger children, make sure the toothpaste you use does not have fluoride in it as it can be harmful to their teeth. If you do use toothpaste that has fluoride in it, just use a small amount.
Dentist Visit – It is recommend by the American Pediatric Academy that a child’s first visit to the dentist should be around their third birthday.
Proper Diet & Routine – It’s always important to have a healthy diet as what you eat can affect the healthiness of your teeth. Try to keep your kids away from sugar. In addition, practice flossing and brushing with them. It’s important they develop a routine to ensure strong and healthy teeth.

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Can Facebook Be Used To Punish Your Kids?

Renee Jones — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:24 +0000

I recently read an article in the Huffington Post about a parent who punished her child by posting a picture of her on Facebook with a red X over her mouth because she mouthed off. They captioned the photo saying that she is no longer able to post on Facebook. This is totally ridiculous!

My daughter is only three years old, but I still have an opinion on this matter. Why as a parent would you even use Facebook as a source of punishment? The first thing I would do is take every source of technological device away from my child. I would not be worried about humiliating or punishing her on Facebook. As a parent, we have to do better than this. What is the world turning into that we have to use social media to punish our children?

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I understand that this is a new age and technology is a big part of how we interact with one another, but how would using such tactics help the situation. Is your child going to stop disrespecting you because you used Facebook to punish them, I would probably guess not! There has to be a better way to adapt our parenting skills to these new times. Let’s try harder!

What do you think about punishing your kids publicly on Facebook?

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Kids Are Not Things To Be Molded, They’re People To Be Unfolded

Renee Jones — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:06 +0000

My mother just sent me a recent article on Purpose Driven.com about how we as parents should embrace our children’s uniqueness. This is so true. I think as parents we always want our children to be exactly like us and we fail to realize that our job isn’t to make them like us, but our job is to teach and support them as they discover who they are.

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“Kids are not things to be molded; they’re people to be unfolded.” Your goal in life should not be to mold your kids in your image. Your goal in life should be to help them discover who God made them to be” – purposedriven.com It’s nice to be reminded of this as I think as parents we get so wrapped up in making sure that our children are smart and successful that we tend to ignore they also need guidance and support as they grow and mature.

It’s not always easy being unique, especially now a days with more and more bullying in schools. It’s easier for children to conform instead of standing out from the crowd. Uniqueness should be celebrated and encouraged. It’s is our job to talk to our children about embracing their uniqueness. Help them understand that they don’t have to be like you or they don’t have to be like their friends. It’s okay to be exactly who they want to be!

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What You Should Know Before Your Child Gets Vaccinated

Renee Jones — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:56 +0000

Vaccinations cause debates amongst many parents. Some parents are totally against them and some are totally for it. The main concern for parents are the side effects that may occur after certain vaccines are administered. Some even talk that certain vaccines may lead to Autism; however this has not been proven. Check out this report from the CDC on this issue.

My stance on this issue is very simple. I have full trust in my pediatrician and his recommendations for my child. My daughter’s pediatrician has been there from the very first day my daughter was born. He is a well respected phenomenal pediatrician. When it came time for my daughter to get her first shots he informed me of all the risks but also informed me of all the benefits. The ultimate decision was still up to my husband and I.

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Ultimately we chose to go with the doctor’s recommendations and administer the shots. Some may totally disagree but as parents we have the right to choose. The American Academy of Pediatrics provide an enouroums amount of resources on educating the public about the importance of immunizations. I say, educate yourself first before you make a decision. My daughter has taken about eight shots since she’s been born and she is a perfectly healthy little girl.

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I Got 99 Problems, But My Child Ain’t One

Renee Jones — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:47 +0000

I was recently talking to a few parents about their children and behavior. Some are really having difficulty with how their children behave. I started Googling child behavior and I came across a checklist called the Child Behavior Checklist.

“The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a widely-used method of identifying problem behavior in children. It is a component in the Achenbach System of Emperically Based Assessment developed by Thomas M. Achenbach. Problems are identified by a respondent who knows the child well–usually a parent or teacher. There are two versions of the checklist. The preschool checklist (CBCL/1½-5) is intended for use with children aged 18 months to five years. The school-age version (CBCL/6-18) is for children aged six to 18 years.” I am not sure if this test would be helpful but it could be a start.

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I think all children go through different stages. Some have The Terrible Two’s. Some have The Terrible Three’s. Some have terrible teen and even adult years! All children are different. But as parents it is our responsibility to be there every step of the way. Parenting is a hard job. There is no written description of responsibilities. We have to find a way to connect to them on their level, otherwise they may end upon a destructive path.

Every stage of their lives is different but at the same time the same principles still exists. Love, care and understanding are the keys to connecting with our children. So when I say I got 99 problems, but my child ain’t one–I mean that I am striving to be that parent that loves, cares and understands my child through all stages of their development so that they remain on the right path. I am dedicated to helping them through whatever may come their way because their lively hood depends on it.

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What To Tell Your Kids About The ‘N’ Word

HelloBeautifulStaff — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:00:05 +0000

In an ideal world your child would come to you asking about profanity and words they may have heard at school, but the reality is they probably already know many of the socially constructed meanings of those words.

This can be particularly challenging as a parent as you attempt to grapple for control over how your child interprets or uses particular phrases.

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As a black mother or caregiver, the infamous ‘N’ word is probably the biggest vocabulary-related dilemma you’ll come across. So how do you deal with it?

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A good idea is to never show your child any extreme reaction when they ask you or you hear the ‘N’ word used by them or around them. Instead attempt to sit your child down and, calmly, walk them through the history of that word, recommending that they too keep they’re calm if they hear it used.

The ‘N’ word tends to be used against young black children in school as a way of provoking a strong reaction and causing conflict. Many parents talk of how schools overlook the issue or don’t believe a child’s complaint that they were bullied using the ‘N’ word.

Empowering your child with calmness and intelligence is by far the best medicine for a bully and your child’s concentration at school.

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Now if you’re extremely against the ‘N’ word, irrespective if you have children or not, check out an interesting site called Abolish The ‘N’ Word, belonging to a group aimed at eliminating its use in American society. They recommend you consider some of the following tips:

1. Make a personal commitment to stop using the “N” word.

2. Download the contract. Read it. Sign it. Hang it up in a place where you can see it. Other people will see your contract and support your efforts.

3. Remember your elders and the sacrifices they made for you.

4. Expand your vocabulary and find an alternate word to use

5. Only purchase the radio versions of songs.

6. Write to the record labels requesting that they stop publishing songs using the “N” word.

7. Write to individual artist requesting they stop using the “N” word in their work.

8. Start a writing campaign at your school to both artist and record companies requesting they stop using the “N” word.

Click here to read the full list.

They also have a little contract which you can print out and sign as a resolution for yourself. Click here to see that.

In the meantime, we wish you GOOD LUCK! with this trying dilemma as a parent and as a black women in general. It can be resolved with proactive parenting and strong intelligent, communication.

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Vacationing Without The Kids Can Be Fun Too

Renee Jones — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:13:58 +0000

As parents, when the summertime comes around, the first thing we think about is where we are going to take the kids. This summer, you should start thinking about where you will go without the kids for a change.

Call up the grandparents or a close friend and pick a date that works for both of your schedules, then off you go! Here some great resources that can aid in helping you find the perfect destination. Here’s to rekindling and reconnecting!

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1. Tripadvisor – Tripadvisor is a one stop shop to finding great locations and reviews.

2. Sniqueaway.com – Snique Away is a membership-only club that anyone can sign up for. It has great deals on hotels all over the world.

3. Livingsocial Escapes – Living Social is also a membership-only site that anyone can sign up, but they have all different types of deals on adventures that you and your partner can do together–from scuba diving to wine tasting.

4. Delta Vacations – If you are looking to go on a week long trip, Delta Vacations has some great deals to choose from. They assign you a personal vacation specialist to work with. It’s super easy to book.

5. Five Star Alliance – Five Star Alliance is a great resource to search and book the top hotels in the world-from resorts to villas to skyline hotels. It’s ultimate website if you are looking to splurge.

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Super Healthy Chicken Nugget Recipe

HelloBeautifulStaff — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:00:06 +0000

What kid doesn’t love chicken nuggets? McDonald’s isn’t the only authority for those yummy, crispy bite-size delights. You can always make your own! This is a great recipe for your kids. It’s super easy and super healthy. They will love it.

For more great recipes, feel free to visit my website.

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Ingredients

1lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
4 tbs fresh grated Parmesan cheese
kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
2 tbs of fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
non-stick spray

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey

Method

1lb of chicken breasts should equal 4 individual skinless breasts
Cut each breast into about 10 nugget sized pieces. Add to a bowl.
Add olive to the breasts and mix well making sure all chicken is coated
Season with salt and pepper and mix again.
Add the bread crumbs and mix well making sure chicken pieces are coated
Place chicken nuggets on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
Roast in preheated 450 degree oven for 20 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Serve.

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4 Things About Planning A Themed Party That Moms Need To Know

Renee Jones — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:15:37 +0000

Themed parties are so much fun. From cartoon characters to hay rides! The possibilities are truly endless. Here are some steps to follow to help you plan the perfect themed party.

1. Choose a theme – There are so many different themes to chose from. Depending on how old your child is will depict what theme you go with. It’s always a good rule of thumb to choose a theme that corresponds with their interests. Rather that be princesses, sports, music, etc. Talk to your child about what type a party they want to have and begin the planning from there.

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2. Research Venue - Once you choose a theme, now it’s time to find a venue and choose your vendors. I always try to look for venues that are blank canvases for a themed party, like a park or a banquet hall. But there are plenty of party places that make it easy to plan your party. Like sports centers, play houses, etc. Depending on your child’s age will depict what type of venue you choose.

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3. Vendors - Once you choose the venue then it’s time to find vendors. Your vendors will be your food, entertainment, theme designers, rental companies etc. Depending on how big your event will be, it is always a good idea to hire an event planner as they know who the best vendors to use. In addition, they are great resources to help you carry out your event. If it is a smaller event, then the best way to find local vendors is to start a google search and start reading reviews. Websites like yelp.com or bizbash.com are great places to start. If you put the research in you will find the perfect location.

4. Personalize - When it comes to themed parties you must take personalizing to the next level. From custom cupcake toppers to themed food. Here are two great websites that I use whenever planning a themed party. Trust me, both of these sites are full of great ideas that are easy to implement. Etsy.com or Hostess With The Mostess.

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3 Tips For Finding Proper Childcare

Renee Jones — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:47:37 +0000

Are you the new kid on the block when it comes to finding the right daycare for your child? This is a very hard decision to make for new parents.

Honestly before I provide some great resources to help you in this process I have to vent about my frustration about American policies on maternity leave. Here is a recent excerpt from Catalyst.org about family leave:

” The United States is one of the few industrialized nations that does not provide paid family leave for new parents. Some parents can take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which guarantees eligible employees at companies with more than 50 employees 12 weeks of unpaid, job-guaranteed leave for the birth of a child or care of a newborn, adoption of a child, to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or to take medical leave for a serious health condition. Although some individual companies offer a paid maternity leave benefit, many parents end up using a combination of short-term disability, sick leave, vacation, personal days, and unpaid family leave. “

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12 weeks?! This is ridiculous! How in the world are parents supposed to leave their new born child after 12 weeks? Parents and most mothers have to do this everyday. It’s just not right, but unfortunately some of us don’t have a choice.

So when we are faced with this daunting decision, what do we look for or what options do we even have? Here are three great resources that I think can help with this very important decision.

1. The National Association for the Education of Young Children – This organization has an accredited childcare program tool where you can look up accredited child care programs that best fit your needs.

2. The National Association of Family Child Care – This organization also keeps an updated list of accredited programs child care provides and many other resources to help you find great child care.

3. Babycenter – This is a great website that has great trusted information about everything baby, toddler and child. Just type what you are looking for in their search engine and you will find what you’re looking for. They have great resources like interview sheets for child care providers and also many other helpful guidelines.

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3 Tips For Planning Your Child’s Graduation Party

Renee Jones — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:17 +0000

It’s that time of year again. Your pride and joy is graduating! Gearing up for this special event is overwhelming and joyful at the same time. Here are some great party planning tips to ensure your event is successfully executed.

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1. Guest list – Before you start making any decisions on venue, theme, etc., you need to decide who you will be inviting. Will you just be inviting your family and close friends? Will your child’s classmates be invited? I suggest that you sit down with your guest of honor and ask them who they want to invite then add to the list from there. Here is a great website for invitations– Minted.

2. Venue – The choice of venue is really important. If you have the capability to hold the event at your own home. I say this is the best choice because most venues are going to charge you a fee to host your party. If you don’t have the option of hosting the party at your own home then I would suggest choosing a venue that is preferably outside such as a rooftop or a park that has gazebos for rent. Don’t forget to have a back up plan just in case of rain. Also here is a great website to find venues in your area–www.eventective.com .

3. Theme – A few suggestions I have for choosing a theme is make sure the theme speaks true your guest of honor’s likes. Ask them if they want to have a formal event or something more casual. Let’s not forget who the party is for. I love the idea of building a theme around the future plans of the graduate. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it. Here is a great site for theme inspiration–Hostess With The Mostess.

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3 Ways To Choose The Right Summer Camp For Your Kids

Renee Jones — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:30:56 +0000

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summer plans for the kids. Summer camps are great places where your kids can have lots of fun and develop new interests. Here are few things to think about when choosing the right camp.

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1. Type – There are so many different types of camps–from language immersion to arts and theater to adventure, etc. Talk to your children about their interests and go from there. Choose a camp that you both can agree on. If your children are small, go for a camp that ecompasses all different activities. This way they can be exposed to a number of different experiences.

2. Length – The length of camp you choose will depend on the child’s age. There are camp programs that last half a day or full days. Also some camps are sleep away camps but these are definitely for older children.

3. Location – The location of the camp is very important because as the parent you will be dropping them off and picking them up each day so it probably would be in your best interest to choose a camp close by. Also if there was an emergency, it is always nice to be close by.

Once you have chosen a few camps that you are interested in, the next step is to get more information. Find out what the fees involved, what the camp to counselor ratio is, what training each counselor has received if any and also request a site visit to view the property grounds. Once you have done your due diligence then your ready to select your camp.

Here is a great resource to find camps in your area, The American Camp Association. Also don’t forget to check local magazines as they are great resources for finding camps in your area.

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How To Teach Your Kids While Grocery Shopping

Renee Jones — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:00:50 +0000

There are plenty of ways to make grocery shopping educational for your kids. I find myself in the grocery store at least two times a week and of course with my daughter in toe. It’s not always easy shopping with her because of course she wants everything under the sun but what I have been doing lately is turning our shopping time into learning time.

The grocery story is a great place to teach your children their shapes, colors, reading, math and the list goes on. The age of your children will determine what activities you do with them. With my daughter, I started asking her to tell me colors of certain products. I also give her our shopping list so that she can start recognizing and associating words with different items.

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If your child is older, you can have them spell and write down the names of products or you can have them start comparing price to quantity. The activities are really endless. The point is that you can turn the dreadful trip to the grocery store to an enjoyable educational trip. Have fun and be creative, your children will thank you later.

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Fun Ways To Keep Your Kid’s Mind Working Through The Summer

Renee Jones — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:00:06 +0000

It’s a normal reaction to worry about the lack of school during the summer months for your child. Here are some fun and cool activities that can keep their little minds pumping.

1. Visit Museums/ Historical Sites - Museums and Historical sites are always easy ways to sneak in a little learning during the summer. Take a family trip to a new museum or visit an historical site while making that family trip.

2. Visit your local bookstore – Your local bookstore is filled with information and fun things for your child to learn. Go on a Saturday and just hang out. Let them pick out books they are interested and pick a stop to sit down in the store and read. Also check your local bookstore for events.

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3. Start a Journal – Have your child start a journal about their summer. This is a great way to work to help them improve their writing skills.

4. Conduct fun science experiments – There are so many resources our there online and in the store for kids to learn about science. Experiments are great ways to incorporate fun and learning. PBS.Kids.org is one of my favorites.

What are some of the things you like to do with your kids over the summer? Sound off in the comments below!

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How To Get Your Child To Sleep In Their Own Bed

Renee Jones — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:30:32 +0000

My daughter has always been a good sleeper. She slept in a bedside crib when she was an infant, then I moved her to her crib, then we turned her crib into a toddler bed. All things were looking good but recently, she had been finding her way to our bed in the middle of the night. Where did I go wrong?

Unfortunately, I think no matter how good of a sleeper your child is it’s inevitable that they most likely will find their way to your bed and want to stay there! Well, I am nipping this in the bud right now because that is just not going down!

I decided to go back to the basics as when she was a baby. Sometimes I used to sleep on her floor just so she would know I was right next to her. Guess what, that worked! After a week or two she didn’t cry when I put her down to sleep. So maybe this tactic will work again.

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The past few weeks she has been waking up and instead of letting her get in our bed, I take her back to her room, put her back in her bed and tell her that I am going to sleep on the floor next to her. She agrees and she falls back to sleep maybe after 10 minutes or so. I find my way back to my bed and she sleeps the rest of the night.

I have been doing this for maybe a week now and this weekend she didn’t wake up once! I think my tactic worked as long I keep the faith and stay consistent, victory will be mine and I will get a good night’s rest. If not, it’s daddy’s turn!

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It’s Time For A Digital Detox

Renee Jones — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:30:58 +0000

I think I have developed a love-hate relationship with technology. From televisions, video games, cell phones, social networks, tablets and all the rest. I think it’s time for a digital detox. I started to think about how technology falls in with my family, how it affects my daughter and how we can achieve digital balance. I think it’s important that technology serves us and not the other way around.

Not many know this, but the week of April 30 – May 6 has been designated Screen-Free Week or Digital Detox Week. “ Screen-Free Week (formerly Digital Detox Week) is an annual event where children, families, schools and communities are encouraged to turn off screens and ‘turn on life.’ Instead of relying on television programming for entertainment, participants read, daydream, explore, enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends.”

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“In 2010, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) became the home of Screen-Free Week at the request of the Board of the Center for SCREEN-TIME Awareness (CSTA), which ran the initiative since 1994 (first as TV-Free America). CCFC launched a new website and developed a new Organizer’s Kit, fact sheets, and other materials for Screen-Free Week 2011 and beyond. The Screen-Free Week Organizer’s Kit is available as a free download” here. Over 100 million people have taken part in the turnoff, with millions participating each year.

I think I am going to participate this year. It might be a little difficult, but I am taking the steps to make some changes. Turning off the television is going to be the easy part, but I also want to turn off the computer from time to time. It might not totally disconnect because I do have to work but what I am going to do is designate quite times, maybe just 30 minutes a day. I am not going to look at the computer or even allow my daughter to use her iPad (yes she has an iPad! ugh!). I think it’s a good thing to pause technology every now and then. Let’s see how it goes.

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Moms, Get Sleep Or Your Health Pays The Price!

Renee Jones — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:55 +0000

“Women in their prime caregiving years, ages 30-60, clock an average of only 6 hours and 41 minutes of sleep per weeknight. Moms who work full-time report spending under 6 house in bed during the week. But a busy schedule doesn’t diminish our need for sleep, says Dr. Sridar Chalaka, M.D. When we repeatedly shortchange our sleep, our bodies pay the price.” – Broward Family Life

The article goes on to say that it’s not that moms don’t know they need sleep, it’s just that they are truly very busy with work, managing the household and everything in between. I have said this before, but it is so important that we take some time out for ourselves and remember that we need rest too.

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It’s not only important to be productive each and every day, but it is also important for our health. A lot of people don’t know that sleep deprivation can trigger many different health problems, such as weight gain, heart disease and high blood pressure. No one wants to become ill because they aren’t getting enough sleep. Therefore, take care of yourself and get that needed sleep you need. Not tomorrow, today! Well, tonight!

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Choosing Godparents Helps In Your Child’s Upbringing & Development

Renee Jones — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:52 +0000

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I was moved to write about godparents because I am extremely happy with who my husband and I chose as godparents for our daughter. As parents, you always want the best for your children and I think choosing the right godparents is not always an easy undertaking.

Nowadays, the role of a godparent has somewhat evolved. Of course, the main role of godparents is to ensure that the child establishes and maintains a religious education, but I also think the relationship implicit in this role involves taking a greater, more encompassing interest in the child’s life.

I found the definition of “godparent” provided by Wikipedia. “Traditionally, godparents were informally responsible for ensuring the child’s religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should he/she be orphaned. Today, the word godparent might not have explicitly religious overtones. The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child’s upbringing and personal development.”

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The key phrase here is “interest in the child’s upbringing and personal development.” It could not be more important to me that my child’s godparents take a real interest in her life. My daughter raves about her “God-Mommy and God-Daddy” all the time, and I am overjoyed with how much love she has for them and how much love they have for her. My advice to parents is to think long and hard about who you elect to fulfill this role. Godparents should be extensions of yourselves and they should be people who can be seen as genuinely interested in the well-being of the child and the child’s parents for a period spanning their lives.

I had to share a picture that I just love of my daughter, her godmother and me! Priceless!

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How To Celebrate Earth Day With Your Kids

Renee Jones — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:15:59 +0000

Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd! The best way to celebrate earth day is to get out and enjoy the earth! Earth Day is about being environmentally conscious and not wasting the earth’s resources. Here are a few activities that you can do with your kids to celebrate Earth Day.

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1. Plant a garden – Children love to get their hands dirty while learning at the same time. Take a trip to your local Home Depot and get all the supplies you need to plant a garden. Have your child pick out the seeds or flowers that they want to plant. Once you get all the supplies needed, head home and start planting. Talk to your children about the importance of planting gardens and how it affects the earth.

2. Earth Scavenger Hunt - Come up with a list of items for your children to find in nature. Then have them draw pictures of what they found, and then finish by talking about the things that they found.

3. Spring Clean the Green Way - This is a great activity that your kids will love, and parents too! The spring is a perfect time to try new green cleaning products. Your child can help you with the windows while you clean the floors. Turn on some good music, and start cleaning!

Take a look at this website for other great activities in your area, Earth Day Network.

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Setting Routines For Your Child Aids In Their Development

Renee Jones — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:00:01 +0000

Implementing structure and routine into a child’s life is essential. The very first time I implemented a routine for my daughter was when she was about six months. I was looking for guidelines on how to teach her how to sleep through the night.

I wrote about Babywise a while ago–this book provided guidelines for me to follow that entailed implementing a very specific routine to teach my daughter how to sleep. It was so successful that I maintained the routine and I also incorporated other activities such as playtime, reading time, dinner time, etc. I must say, it not only put some structure into my daughter’s daily activities, but I noticed how her behavior would change for the better when she knew what to expect.

I also read an article on Livestrong.com that talked about the importance of structure and routine for children. “Structure and routine–including set schedules–play a role in your children’s emotional, cognitive and social development, according the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Being able to predict what’s going to happen next provides a sense of security and comfort in young children. This can help cut down on behavior problems, such as tantrums. Furthermore, allowing your children a mix of planned and individual activities and reasonable choices can result in what the academy calls a “high rate of child engagement.”

This is a very dynamic statement and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it is very true. I never really had a problem with tantrums with my daughter and she never really had separation anxiety when I would take her to certain classes or summer camp. She has always been somewhat calm and collected. I am a true believer that implementing a routine early attributed to her positive development and I think that it is something that parents should consider for their children.

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3 Great Spring Activities To Do With Your Children

Renee Jones — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:30:34 +0000

The spring time is a great season to get outside and spend some fun quality time with your kids. Here are three great places that I think everyone in the family would enjoy.

1. County Fairs – It’s that time again. County Fairs are coming to your town. From the rides to the games to the good food. Who doesn’t love a county fair?

2. Farmer’s Markets – Some might be surprised but farmer’s markets are really fun! From produce picking, petting zoos, storytimes etc. Just look up local farmer’s markets in your areas and they should be able to tell you when they are having special events etc. Great fun for the whole family!

3. Nature Walks – The springtime is a great time to do nature walks. Anytime you can get out and enjoy the fresh air and take a walk through blooming flowers and trees is a good day in my book. You will be surprised how much energy you will have after your excursion. Oh don’t forget the bug repellent!

Enjoy, and happy Spring time!

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Why Arts & Culture Are Important To Your Child’s Education

Renee Jones — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:30:20 +0000

It is no surprise that there is a strong connection between the arts and academic achievement. However, with so many cutbacks in our school systems and the pressures of raising test scores, art is always the first to go. This is so frustrating to me.

Although my daughter is not enrolled in school yet, it is still daunting for me to hear that our school systems have to cut such important programming. An article written by Edutopia talks why art education is so crucial. “Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork. Strong arts programming in schools helps close a gap that has left many children behind–from Mozart for babies to tutus for toddlers to family trips to the museum–the children of affluent, aspiring parents generally get exposed to the arts whether or not public schools provide them. Low-income children, often, do not.”

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“Arts education enables those children from a financially challenged background to have a more level playing field with children who have had those enrichment experiences,” says Eric Cooper, president and founder of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education.

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After reading this article, I wondered how many children out there, especially those living in low-income areas, do not have access to enriching art programs. It’s totally unacceptable to me. As parents, I think we need to take matters in our hands. If our schools aren’t providing what they need, then we need to find other resources for our children to gain access to ensure that they are exposed to the arts. It is absolutely crucial to their development. I make a point to always incorporate art in my daughter’s daily activities. Rather we paint, play with clay, dance, sing etc. I see it firsthand how art has had a positive influence on her development. Secondly, we need to also put pressure on our school systems as we are in trusting our children’s well-being in their hands. Silence is no longer an option.

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The Importance of Healthy Eating For Our Children

Renee Jones — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:45:37 +0000

It’s no surprise that fruit, vegetables, grains and protein foods are essential in a child’s diet, but with the ever expanding McDonald franchises and a like, it seems that we are falling victim to convenience and feeding our children food that is awful for their health.

Child Obesity is a real problem in this country. ” Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese” – Let’s Move Organization. Our first lady, Michelle Obama launched an initiative called ” Let’s Move” It is dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity. They provided helpful information to parents to educate them about healthy eating as well as supporting environments that support healthy choices.

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I must admit that I fall victim and find myself in the drive thru sometimes, but I am making a conscious effort not to do this anymore. It is too important. Healthy eating starts when they’re young and we as parents are their only example of how to make healthy choices.

There is a great resource that I use as a guideline which was also implemented by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. It’s called Choose My Plate. It is a revision of the old food pyramid and provides guidelines for healthy eating. Check out this great article on Choose My Plate. Try this recipe for Chicken Nuggets. Your kids will love it! And guess what? It’s healthy!

It’s time we all make a stance and work towards ending child obesity. Our future depends on it.

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Teaching Your Kids How To Share Is Essential

Renee Jones — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:30:16 +0000

Teaching our kids how to share is not always an easy task. Trust me, I am still figuring it out. There is definitely more than one way to teach your child how to share, but one thing I am certain of is that everyone learns from experience and children are no different.

My daughter absorbs everything and what I try to do whenever a situation arises where she has to share; I remind her that it is important for her to share. Now the question–is does she understand what I mean? I think she does!

The more and more I reiterate that she needs to share, the more and more she understands. Of course there are those times when she just doesn’t want to listen but I see those times as challenges for me to change up how I approach her. Like I said, we all learn from experience. As long as we continue to teach our children right from wrong, they will eventually learn and act accordingly. After all, sharing is caring!

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10 Must Have Items For Newborns

Renee Jones — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:30:20 +0000

Having your first child can be super scary, especially when you have to make one and a million choices on what to buy for your new bundle of joy. I remember that I purchased so many things and then actually never used any of them.

Diapers are a given, but here are many other items that I know you will definitely find useful. Also this book–Baby Bargins–is a great guide in helping you choose the right brands. The ones below are my favorites!

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1. Bobby Pillow - This is great for nursing and Tummy Time.

2. Bjorn- My husband loves this product. It’s great if you don’t want to bring push a bulky stroller around you can just carry your baby in the Bjorn (baby sling).

3. Bibs - You can never have enough bibs.

4. Onesies - I didn’t listen when people told me to get a lot of onesies. It’s true. Get all sizes and get lots of them!

5. Bouncy Chair - These chairs are the best. They keep your little one occupied and happy! Added bonus you can actually get some work done around the house or actually take a shower. Just sit them right in front of you and you are all set. Veteran’s moms, don’t act like you didn’t do the same thing :)

6. Bedside Crib - This is a great way to have your baby right next to and not put their safety in danger. It is advised by medical professionals not to have your baby sleep with you. I suggest you follow the guidelines. I still have mine for the next baby.

7. First Aid Kit/ Creams - It’s always important to have a first aid kit around. Especially the thermometer.

8. Bottle Bag Cooler - No matter if you are breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, it’s still important to keep milk cold. The bottle bag coolers are easy and convenient. Make sure you choose the right size to fit the type of bottles you have.

9. Baby Wash /Baby Lotion - Baby wash and lotion are essential for new born babies. I am partial to Johnson & Johnson but you can use any brand you like.

10. Play Gym - This is a great tool to help your new bundles of joy to get acclimated to his/her new surroundings.

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