The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time, but it’s also an expensive time. Buying all the lunch gear, clothing, school supplies and backpacks your kids need for the new school year can really add up quickly. On average, families spend around $510 per child on school shopping. That’s a lot, especially if you have multiple children to buy for.
Hey, Mama.
You might want to sit down for this. Take a couple of deep breaths. Relax. You’re going to hear that a lot over the next little while, actually.
There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and unsolicited parenting advice.
Our boys are movie lovers. They must get it from their Dad because I’ve said on more than one occasion “Life is too short, and movies are too long!” Don’t get me wrong, I do watch movies. Sometimes it’s nice to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and popcorn and get lost in a really good story. I just don’t love movies as much as most people. Admittedly, I haven’t seen a lot of the most popular movies, like Stand By Me and Top Gun. Friends of mine were recently appalled by this!
It’s all good to have the little kiddos in day camp for the summer, and the teenagers all have jobs (or they SHOULD!) but I always find that summer time is awkward for the tweens (I’m talking the 8 to 12 crowd). Many of them feel too old for day camp, but they’re still too young to work (legally, anyway!)
It’s no doubt that our children become our world and we want the best-of-the-best for them. But what happens when the best happens to be just mediocre? Many times our expectations will fall short, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make adjustments to course correct. My daughter is 3-going-on-13 (I mean, about to turn 4) and we have switched her preschool 3 times already. I’ve learned a lot in my search for the perfect preschool, so take a lesson out of my book. These are the top things to consider when picking a great preschool for your little one.
Has your child been selected (or is thinking of trying out) for a “rep” team? Also called “travel” or “club” teams, these programs offer a more competitive experience than a local “house league.”
Is your baby up all day? Up all night? Is “napping” a word that left your vocabulary ages ago? Is “sleeping through the night” just a phrase you think someone made up to drive new parents crazy? Here are nine signs you need a little help with your little one’s sleep habits!
I came across this image on a few Facebook mom groups recently. A new mom wrote this set of rules for anyone visiting her newborn in the hospital and it went viral. The public reaction to it seems to be generally similar: Good for her for defining her boundaries and setting expectations.
My reaction, however, was not as warm and fuzzy as that of other mamas. Why? Well, frankly the letter made me react like this:
I’m a big believer in thank you gifts at the end of the school year. And not just because I used to be a teacher. I’ve given gifts of appreciation to coaches, babysitters, and swimming instructors, too.