For many parents, keeping kids from wearing their Halloween costume to school every day is a struggle. Like Christmas, Halloween is an exciting holiday for children who can’t wait to don their princess dress or Batman costume (and sometimes don’t). A well-planned Halloween party can go a long way in keeping your kids occupied before Oct. 31. Since attention spans last about as long as Halloween candy stashes, here…
Among all the back-to-school essentials extracting money from parents’ pocketbooks, clothing and accessories are the most demanding. According to the National Retail Federation, 95 percent of surveyed parents will spend over $230 on apparel this year, plus another $114 on shoes. Since this budget doesn’t include supplies and other school essentials, consider these tips to save on your kids’ back-to-school threads. 1. Buy second-hand at local kids’ consignment…
When I was young, for several years I worked for a very popular retirement annuity company. I learned a lot about retirement at a very young age & common sense told me I should have started saving then but it wasn’t until I became a stay-at-home mom & parent that I realized I had to start taking things seriously & really get my act together. Because I haven’t worked a “real” job these…
The premature appearance of all-things Christmas may make you see red and feel green, but it’s actually a good reminder to start budgeting for this year’s holiday season. The National Retail Federation estimates the average consumer will spend nearly $750 on holiday-related purchases, up slightly from last year’s actual spending. This number doesn’t factor in the cost of holiday travel or the time away from your day job to connect…
While you may want to avoid talking politics in social settings, the same is not true at home. In fact, children are witnesses to our most honest opinions on most matters, including politics. As parents, you are responsible for introducing the idea of politics and debate to your children, and launching their personal journey toward being part of the democratic process. No small task. How can parents help their children to…
Valentine’s Day is often considered a holiday for women, as everything from television advertisements to department-store displays explode with red roses, pink hearts and other decidedly feminine touches. While this trend certainly bodes well for us ladies, it’s only fair to reciprocate our guys’ efforts with a gift they’ll appreciate. Since we don’t necessarily have much money to throw around these days, FreeShipping.org collected the top 10 guy-friendly coupons from…
According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated $1.8 billion will be spent on flowers this year for Valentine’s Day. That’s about 100 million roses — mostly red — sold and delivered in a three-day time period. It’s possible roses smell more like greenbacks for florists across the country. Before you part with your hard-earned cash this Feb. 14, keep the following tips in mind to save money when…
One of the great privileges we have as parents is giving to our children. Seeing the elated look on our children’s faces when they open a present gives us a rush. But an even bigger thrill comes when our children get that same rush watching others enjoy gifts, especially ones they gave. Maybe this is the Christmas your family decides that it truly is more rewarding to give than to get,…
. . . . . Fall Nature Walk Activity Fall is such a wonderful season that comes as such a relief to so many who have endured high temperatures that come along with the summer season. As we welcome the cooler weather, it is a time when many families are able to get outside for more extended periods of time and explore the nature and beauty that the season offers. One activity that…
Positive Discipline for Toddlers Babies are so cute and cuddly when they are born. You just cannot imagine your bundle of joy ever doing anything that would require discipline or punishment. He gets a little older and his personality starts to shine, everything he does is funny and amusing. He grows from baby to toddler and things begin to change. Toddlers are interesting little people and they are developing skills and testing…
