Migraines and Mommies
Posted by G.I. Jane
I remember like it was yesterday – head buried under my arms as I lay my head on my desk. It was third period government class and I wanted to curl up in a dark, silent room. Why was everyone so loud? Were the fluorescent tube lights especially bright that day? A pounding on the left side of my head was excruciating. It’s always the left side.
I’m no stranger to migraines. They are hereditary in my family and my poor mother knew one of her children was bound to get them. I was the luck of the draw…except, not so lucky at all. But aren’t migraines an “adult” illness? About 1 out of every 20 kids, or about 8 million children in the United States, gets migraines. I started getting them as a child, and I know how [...]
Backseat driver
Posted by G.I. Jane
Recently, I wrote a post about avoiding technology to promote communication in my family. I often correlate using technology to time spent at home, but in reality that’s not always the case. A friend recently sent me a survey from U.S. News & World Report, noting that many parents admit to being distracted while driving their kids. Possible distractions included: phone calls, texting, surfing the Web, grooming, eating, attending to their child, using a navigation system or map, and engaging with their vehicle’s entertainment system.
When I initially read the survey, I was judgmental. Aren’t most of these distractions against the law anyway? But as much as I hate to admit it, I’m guilty of partaking in most, if not all of these distractions.
Just the other day my daughter shouted from the backseat, “slow [...]
Thrift Store Shopping Tips for Families
Posted by Martha
I have a confession to make – I am a thrift store addict. I don’t want help to overcome this addiction. Actually, I’m recruiting others to this cause.
Some of my friends don’t understand my fascination with stopping at every thrift store I see. And I can’t comprehend their reluctance to buy stuff cheap. Quite simply, I can’t resist the thrill of the hunt, and the joy of discovering a bargain. For example, I’ve found Ralph Lauren sheets for $3, my sofa and loveseat for $100 and antiques for far less than eBay bids. I rarely have to buy clothes for my kids at retail prices, and I’ve built a great library of children’s books.
In addition to saving a ton of money, I support the idea of [...]
10 Family-Friendly Earth Day Activities
Posted by Auntie Em
Looking for ideas for celebrating this year’s Earth Day with your family? Here’s a list of 10 eco-friendly family activities compiled by the Kiddie Academy education team:
- Involve your children in finding ways to repurpose things you already own before you purchase new items.
- Ask your children to help you gather gently used items and donate them to charity organizations.
- Turn packaging items like cartons or plastic sleeves into new art projects – instead of sending them to a landfill.
- Sew an old pillowcase into a new tote bag; use it to replace plastic bags when you shop.
- Take a nature walk together and discuss what you see along the way – like streams or flowers.
- Walk – don’t drive – to the neighborhood playground.
- Shop at your local thrift stores with [...]
Lessons Learned on Tantrums
Posted by G.I. JaneAbout a year or so ago I posted about how my life was nothing but a series of pre-meditated actions and routines since I had a toddler. At the time, I was still calculating my moves, reflecting on my failures and above all else trying to determine why this was becoming second nature to me. And recently it hit me: tantrums.
In the last two years, I have been in mental and physical training for tantrums. I have learned to squash my fear of her meltdowns, to recognize I am the boss and will not be embarassed of her tantrum, and to repeat the mantra “her attitude is not a reflection of my ability to parent.”
Here are my lessons learned regarding tantrums:
1. Stay calm and in control of your actions. I like to pretend I’m a prisoner of warfare and am being interrogated for my knowledge on the latest mission. [...]
Pinterest in a box? Genius!
Posted by G.I. Jane
I won’t speak for every parent out there, but I think many moms (especially of young children) have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest. I have hundreds of thousands of ideas for everything from a complete ensemble for a getaway to Fiji to how to tile a bathroom to recipes for a five course meal and extravagant table settings for that meal.
However, I spend the majority of my spare time with Pinterest searching, evaluating and repinning. Wherein lies the rub. I don’t have time to do any of my pins! I’m too exhausted after a full day of work, taking care of my two year old (and husband for that matter), cooking, cleaning, tending to the miscellaneous items and searching all 400 of my pins to actually accomplish anything.
I came across this [...]
In the Bag
Posted by Martha
Before you hit the road this holiday season, consider packing a Kids’ Activity Bag. Yes, it’s one more thing for your list, but it will definitely be worth the effort.With a whopping four successful road trips under my belt, I feel like I’ve achieved a higher rank from these armed forces of motherhood. Activity bags are now my number one weapon against bored, seat-kicking, sister-hitting, whiny children. And they look positively cute! The best one by far was last summer’s trip to the grandparents. The long stretches of highway have resulted in a lengthy list of things no mommy soldier should be without.
At ease, moms.
Here are a few ideas for items to include in your Travel Activity Bag:
• Bubbles (with a reminder to blow them out the window)
• Ring Pops or [...]Trick-or- Treating Just Got Educational
Posted by Kiddie AcademyHalloween is getting a bad rap—we’ve assumed it’s all costumes and candy with a splash of historical reference. But we’ve just found a way to sneak a little education into trick-or-treating with counting candy! Who knew, right?!?
Check out this math activity that your child can do post trick-or-treating. And we don’t mean, “one for them, one for mom…”
Talking Politics…with Kids?
Posted by Kiddie AcademyIt’s an election year and talk of politics is everywhere. Though this subject can often be a sensitive one, it shouldn’t be off limits with your children. There are many positive ways to talk about an election or politics with your kids that may help reinfoce the importance of respect.
Check out our tips and ideas about teaching your children about this subject:
To Respectfully Disagree
Posted by MarthaConfession time: I’m a pusher. When the opportunity presents itself, I share my political views with my kids. I am all for their independent thinking and building their own opinions and values of the world. But something in me cannot just leave it up to chance. What if Chelsea Clinton had grown up to be a Republican congresswoman? What if one of the Bush twins were the newly elected chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee? Call me a control freak.
The good news is that when we have political banter at the dinner table, it doesn’t get very heated because my husband and I are on the same page. The kids are starting to take part in the discussion, at least for short bursts. But last night at dinner, an important question was brought up by my 7-year old. Why, he asked, did the president refer to his opponent as Mr. [...]
