Jenna, one of our guest authors, offers some tips on moving across the country. Moving across the country can be an incredibly stressful time for a family. However, when it’s the best financial decision you can make, it’s a stress that you should be happy to take on your shoulders.…
At this time of the year many people who have children to buy for are looking for help choosing among the thousands of options. Since toys are the learning tools of children, it’s important to put some thought into choosing a toy instead of just picking the first thing you…
Children of all ages are fascinated with dinosaurs. Something about their gigantic size and the mystery surrounding their extinction has intrigued children – and adults – for generations. One way for parents to connect with their children is by being “in the know” about dinosaurs. Children appreciate their parents showing…
Mother Nature provides an abundance of materials for fall family fun! The following activities won’t take a lot of time or cost a lot of money, but they will provide a great opportunity for some one-on-one time with your child. Waxed Leaves You’ll want to supervise this activity closely, but…
Ready for another section of my Parent Handbook? We started with a description of how the Handbook is organized, then I shared the history of my child care program, our daily routine, and a family child care job description. Next is a description of our curriculum. As with all parts…
With Turkey Day just a couple of days away it’s time for me to start thinking about what we’re supposed to make. No, this isn’t procrastinating; waiting until Wednesday night to think about it would be procrastinating. Every year my whole family (parents, younger brothers and their families, and my…
Do you find yourself automatically saying “No” to your kids all of the time? It’s an easy habit for parents to fall into; often we start saying “No” to our children when they’re just babies “No-no, that’s not safe for you…” As they get older we continue to say “No”…
Elle has been in my life almost as long as Teacher has, since she and my “baby” brother Ike started dating shortly after Teacher and I were married. Over the years we’ve become more than friends; she’s the sister I never had. Ike and Elle moved their family to Wisconsin…
For many busy families mealtimes can be hectic and stressful. Parents have evening meetings to attend and children of all ages have after-school activities. Many teens have jobs, sports and other extracurricular activities. Elementary-age students have sports, music lessons, dance, and other activities. Even young children – preschool age to…
It’s all over the news; Americans are getting fatter and fatter, and so are our children. Today more than 15% of children are overweight; are are in the first generation of Americans who are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents. Overweight and obese children are at risk for…
