Having Poison Control Information in Your Home?What can my baby have if he drinks a chemical product in my house? What antidote should I keep right in my house?
Making a Growth Chart for Your KidsThis is a page to making a growth chart for your kids. A growth chart is a fun way for you and your kids to look back at how their growth has progressed.
Saving Money on School UniformsThis is a page about saving money on school uniforms. Uniforms make getting your kids ready for school easier, but they can be quite pricey. There are options out there that can ease the financial burden on parents when it comes to buying uniforms.
Saving Money on School SuppliesThis is a page about saving money on school supplies. Every year, the list of school supplies seems to get longer. There are ways to minimize the expense of school supplies while still getting everything your child needs.
Teaching Kids to CookThis is a page about teaching kids to cook. Basic cooking skills are essential for every child to learn. Not only can they make their own meals and snacks, they can also help with meals for the entire family.
Teaching a Teen to DriveThis is a page on teaching your teen to drive. When it comes time to teach your teen to drive, it can be very nerve wracking. Knowing the steps to teaching someone to drive can make the whole experience go smoothly.
Displaying Children's ArtworkThis is a page about displaying children's artwork. Children often bring home artwork and craft projects from school, camps, and daycare. It can be a challenge for parents to know how to show off and store their precious creations.
Teaching Children Good Manners?This is a page about teaching children good manners. Ill-mannered children can make everything from life at home to running errands very difficult. Teaching them good manners will not only make you happy, they will be happier too.
Saving Money for CollegeThis is a page about saving money for college. College is continually getting more expensive. Students are graduating with massive loans to be paid back. If parents plan early they can help alleviate some of the burden on their children.
Saving Money on Baby ClothesThis is a page about saving money on baby clothes. With spit ups and spills, babies can wear a lot of clothing throughout the day. You want to have plenty of clothing for your baby, but they do grow out of clothing fast.
Getting Children to Read for FunThis page is about ways to encourage children to read for fun. Being a strong reader helps kids do better in school. Making sure that reading, is a fun activity not something only associated with homework, is very important.
Use Coffee Filter to Hold SnacksCoffee filters are much cheaper than paper cups or bowls, and they're environmentally friendly. They can be used for small snacks like dry cereal, goldfish crackers, and pretzels.
Photo: Brotherly LoveMy grandson Cayden helping his little brother out. Now that's what brothers are for!
Homemade Slip 'N SlideShe spread a tarp out on the lawn, squirted it all over with Dawn dish soap to make it slick, then sprayed it down with water to make it good and wet. The kids were having blast running and sliding on this soapy tarp.
Donate Leftover School SuppliesDo your children come home the last day of school with overflowing backpacks from cleaning out their lockers, cubbies, desks, etc? I like to donate the extra supplies to a local shelter that helps families with children.
Infant and Toddler Remedies for Colds and Coughs?What kind of syrup for cold and cough is good for babies 1 to 3 years old?
Keeping Kids Occupied at DoctorWhen going to the doctor with my now 2 and 4 year olds, I've many times found myself with 2 wild kids, a long wait, and nothing for them to do. I finally realized I could simply use what I had on hand.
Teach Children That Abuse Is Not A Sign Of LoveI am sure you will be able to picture this scene quite easily: Little Anna is playing with her friends during recess at school. Little Billy runs up to her and pushes her, and runs off laughing.
Frugal ToysWhen my three children were younger and money was tight, we would find ways to add to their toys without purchasing items. One of the things the girls loved was a silver tray and tumblers just the right size for Barbie. The silver tray was the top of a Nestle's Quik box.
Should Parents Stay Out of Conflicts Between Their Grown Children?What do you do when your married children talk bad about their eldest sister? Do you entertain it, take sides, or say you'll work it out and stay out of it? I am very frustrated.
Baby Bottle Formula TipsI have found that the lids from the small 4 oz. juice bottles (like Gerber brand) fits the regular size baby bottles. You can use the juice lid and shake the bottle, then put on the nipple.
Entering Toddlers in Beauty Pageants?How much does is cost to get started with beauty pageants for a 16 month old?
How Can I Help My Child Swallow Big Pills?Does anyone have advice on how to help children swallow big pills?
Spoonful of Syrup Makes the Medicine Go DownWhen my daughter was little, the taste of liquid prescriptions would immediately make her vomit, particularly antibiotics. A friend from work suggested that I give her a half spoonful of chocolate syrup before and after the medicine.
Celebrate Baby's Six Month BirthdayOur family celebrates a baby's 6-month birthday, one of my traditions that I started. We just have a small party with inexpensive gifts (hand held toy, t-shirt, or any small gift). I used to bake a cupcake just for the little one and they get to tear it to pieces.
What Can I Use as a Bed for a Visiting Infant?My niece is coming to visit me for a few months and she has a newborn baby (1 month old). What can we use for a bed or should I just buy a bassinet?
Soothing a Child's Cough?My infant granddaughter has a hacking cough. I have heard that Karo syrup works well, but I do not know how much to give, any suggestions?
Photo: Message to MumI felt like the luckiest mum in the world, when I came home from visiting a friend to find this message! My 2 boys made it out of their Magnetics for me while I was away!
Keeping Baby's Legs in the Crib?I am having problems keep my baby's legs in the crib, what can we do?
Child Stopped Using the Toilet to Poop After Painful Experience?My son had a poop that hurt his bottom from holding it too long. Now he won't go at all and has messes in his pants, has a sour stomach, and resorted to even dragging his bottom on the floor like a dog! We had no problems until just recently and he was doing fine. He's 5.
Ideas for Making an Activity Birthday Card for a Two Year Old?I am looking for ideas for an activity birthday card for a 2 year old. I make my own cards and would like to make the card with some kind of activities in it that my 2 year old grandson would be able to understand. Thanks for any input.
Plan Craft Activities Instead of Christmas GiftsOur children are grown and most have children of their own. Due to locations, the kids don't see their nieces and nephews often enough to know what sizes they wear or what new fad they are crazy about, so buying gifts for them is somewhat difficult.
Advice for Disciplining a 10 Year Old?I have a grandson (10) I am raising and I am having trouble with him not minding when I say no. He is a great kid, but I guess I have given in so much because I felt sorry his parents left him. Now it is so hard to correct him. Please help.
Books For ParentsTwo wonderful books I found at the library regarding kids. One book is on how to talk to kids so they can learn.
Pet Supply Magazines for KidsI ordered this catalog of pet supplies. The pictures are so precious and so adorable and they have catalogs for each kind of pet type that a person might have.
Give Each Child Their Own ColorI have four kids in my house. To make things easier, each kid has their own color (green, blue, red, pink/yellow). we have three boys and a girl. Most things come in green, blue, red, and yellow like plates, bowls, cups, tooth brushes, etc.
A Calendar for Each ChildI have 4 kids and each one has their own schedule that I need to keep track of. I print out a calender for each month for each kid. Each calender is color coded so it is easy to read the minute you/child looks at it.
Bath Tub Toy HolderTurkey season is approaching! This year, save that net that comes encasing your holiday bird, wash and sterilize it; then run an old piece of twine or rope through it a few inches down from the open top to make a bath toy net to dry your kid's things in.
Chore Jar for Kids to Earn Extra MoneyI have two children who love toys, just like any other child. We have given them an allowance since the age of 4, for which they have to earn by performing chores. With this money, they are allowed to purchase a new or used item once a month.
Take Photos of GradesI am going to take a picture of every good grade that my little 9 year old makes this year. I will wait til the end of the week and then photograph them. At the end of the year, I will put them in an album with pictures of her throughout the school year.
Give Child's Artwork as a GiftThis year for Christmas, I am planning to send my mother several pieces of artwork my children have created during the school year. First off, I have too many to count, and secondly, my mother will cherish and keep them safe!
Save Soap Scraps for ChildrenI have always saved soap scraps and wondered what to do with them. So when I had my son, I figured that because all children love to try to wash themselves in the bath, these little soap slivers are the right size for their hands. It works out great!
Difficulties Getting Teen Up and Ready for School?My 14 year old son is a bear in the morning. I tell him to wake up early so he can get his stuff done and out the door for school. Instead he wakes up late everyday and argues with me about his hair (wants me to help fix it) and everything else.
Use Child's Parroting Phase For MemorizationWhen my daughter was little, she went through a phase where she would try to annoy me by parroting everything I said. I used that to help her learn things I wanted her to know, like our phone number and address.
Baby Won't Drink Formula?I am breastfeeding my 9 month old and was not planning on weening until after 12 months of age. The problem is, I am 16 weeks pregnant and either the taste of my breast milk has changed and/or I am not producing enough milk anymore.
Concerns For Daughter Who Recently Has Been Depressed?My daughter has always hated summer and wears tank tops to block out the heat. All of a sudden she's been acting depressed. This is unusual because she's always happy. And now she wears long sleeves. I'm concerned that she's cutting herself. What's going on?
Choosing Toys and Other Gifts for a 3 Year Old?My sons 3rd birthday is coming up soon. I have a basic idea on some things to do like having homemade cake, decorations, and a birthday card with a personalized poem/saying by me. I am just stuck with what toys and gifts to get for him.
Link: Finish Your Food CardsI just came across this site and I love this guy's sense of humor, and the clever creations he's posted so far! This particular link is to help you with picky eating children by way of printable cards, but I am sure you'll also like his other idea, too.
Room Mother Seeking Ideas for 5th Grade Activities?I have been elected the room mom of my son's 5th grade class. I usually volunteer, but have never actually had the room mom title. It is a wonderful class with great involved parents and his teacher is one of my very best friends.
Helping Children Who Are Afraid of Animals?My son, 2 and my daughter who will be 4 in Nov., are afraid of all animals, especially those on 4 legs. We had an outdoor cat when my daughter was 2 and my son was around 4/6 months. Then we moved and had to get rid of it.
Hang Children's Art on a ClotheslineWhen our boys where young, we would run a length of cord down the hall for each boy. They then painted clothespins (clip type), and when they brought home a creation they would clip it to their line.
Uncle Wiggles Waiting Room KitI know from raising five kids that some of the hardest times for me were when we were in waiting rooms. One daughter tried to tear the leaves off the waiting room plants while her sister tried to eat them.
Helping a Child With Back to School Anxiety?My niece is starting 7th grade and she is worried? Any tips on how to survive and fit in? Although she is a very popular girl at school she can't stop worrying.
Chores for Grade School Age Children?I have an 8 year old daughter who wants to earn extra money. What kinds of "jobs" could she do to get extra money?
Family Movie NightIt will soon be time to get one of our "Jaws" movies out and get out the squirt guns, beach blankets, some sea shells, and towels. When the shark comes on, the kids squirt one another, When someone says the word "shark" on the movie, the kids do a Da Da! - Da Da! - Da DA! - the theme of Jaws.
Dishpan SandboxNow that is is getting so hot and also rainy here, I am going to buy a dishpan at the dollar store and some play sand at Walmart and give it as a present to the little ones who come over to play.
Finding a Fun Less Stressful Job While Pregnant?I'm a mum of an almost 2 year old, and I'm 10 weeks pregnant. I work in childcare, but now that I'm going to be a mum of 2, I really don't want to work in childcare anymore.
Free Summer Museum Admission For Military FamiliesHundreds of museums across the nation, in all 50 states, are offering free admission to military members and their families. These are large museums like San Diego's Balboa Park. The free admission covers the military member, spouse, and children.
Make Washcloth Mitten to Keep Shampoo Out of EyesMy littlest granddaughter (4) likes to have a washcloth for her eyes when she showers during the hair washing time. I took some washcloths, folded them in half, and stitched two sides shut.
Use Ladies Shirts as Girls DressesThis is a photo of my 2 granddaughters wearing their new "dresses". They both wear size 4 clothes. Their dresses are actually ladies shirts, size small, that I got brand new off the clearance rack in WalMart for $1 each!
Free Summer Kids Movies At Regal CinemasRegal is doing their free kids movies again this summer. Here in Oregon, they are showing movies at 10 AM on both Tuesday and Wednesday. They are second run movies, I'm taking my boys to Planet 51 tomorrow.
4 Year Old Won't Behave?I have a 4yr old son who will not mind or listen to me or his sister at all. He knows he will get in trouble, but just doesn't seem to care. It is getting to where everyday is a struggle with him. Please does anyone out there know anything I can do?
Frugal, Fun Kids GroupsOnce upon a time a parent could walk a child to a sports field and sign him up for a season of baseball without costing a penny. Like the days of $0.50 hot dogs at ballparks, it's no more. Youth sports programs today can cost parents $100 per child.
How Do Infants Develop a Fever After Receiving Polio Vaccine?My little baby is just 4 months old. Recently the doctor gave her polio drops for better health. Then she got a fever of 102 degrees. I just visited doctor today once again and she got treated. Thanks to God she is 50% OK. regarding her health.
Check For Free Community Summer MoviesMany local communities are hosting Movie In The Park nights this summer. Check your local paper or the community's website for time and date listings. Be sure to take a blanket/ lawn chairs and pillows for the little ones in case they get tired.
Math Fun: Multiplying By NineFor the early stages of learning math, this is pretty interesting. The sum of any number multiplied by 9 will equal 9.
Children's Fancy Dinner PartyEvery summer when my children were home and wondering what to do, they would plan a family "restaurant dinner" night. They had to come up with the menu, cook the food, set up a fancy table, and even make menus.
Is It Safe for a Baby to Sleep on Its Side?I would like to ask if my baby who is 6 months old should sleep on his side. Is there any problem if he sleeps on his side?
4 Year Old That Cries a Lot?My 4 year old stepson has started crying when he is told he can't have something or is told to do something. He even does it after he has had his nap. His father, mother, and myself do not know what to do about this. Any help would be appreciated.
Two Year Old Likes to Get Finger Tangled in Hair?I have a daughter who will be 2 in April. She has curly hair, a little past her shoulders. She likes to twirl her finger in her hair. The problem is sometimes she gets her finger caught in her hair, cutting off circulation.
Taste Of Home Kids Coloring CookbookI just came across this link at Taste of Home and it would be such a wonderful project for children and parents to work on together! Not only would there be a cookbook colored by the child to cherish but it's a wonderful way to teach children to cook.
Outdoor Clothes Drying for Baby EntertainmentDrying your laundry on an outdoors line is not only economical - putting a baby underneath a line of billowing coloured clothes is the best way of keeping them quiet, fascinated and occupied. It works every time.
Ask Your Kids "Are We There Yet?"Out of sheer frustration of going on long trips, I once decided to beat my daughter to the punch and asked her 10 minutes into the trip, "Honey, are we there yet?" She got SO flustered and short-wired that she didn't ask me that question for the rest of the trip!
Using Cloth Diapers With Rubber Pants?Has anyone used prefold diapers with the pull on rubber pants? If so how did that combination work for you? Did you use the rubber pants?
Helping a Teen Choose a Balanced Diet?The problem: My 12 year old sister does not eat anything. I could honestly list for you what she eats in a few short seconds: cereal (her main sustenance), crackers, toast, waffles, popcorn, yogurt, granola bars, french fries, junk food like chips, and deserts. That's it.
Toddlers Fight With Each Other a Lot?My four year old and my two year old fight a lot, what do I do? I need some help.
Attach Child's Picture to GiftWe have young grandchildren who live out of state so to make their Christmas gifts seem even more special, we attach a picture of each child to their gift.
Have Bathing Children "Paint" With Soap Let your small children clean the tub! when they are taking their bath at night, they love to play with something in the tub, give them the little tiny sponge paintbrushes, and let them (paint) clean the tiles on the tub with the colored soap bubbles you buy at Walmart!
Questionnaire to Get to Know Kids BetterHere is an idea for youngsters you care about but aren't readily accessible. I printed this out a couple times and gave it to my kids with a diary for each of them. This gives you a way to know more about these young people; things to do, gifts to give.
School Supply Savings at Dollar TreeDoes your kids go back to school? Or are they homed schooled? It doesn't matter! You can easily get your kids the supplies that they need. Don't spend your money all at Walmart. If you go to Dollar Tree you could save $25.99!
A Dollar a Year for BirthdaysOn each birthday, instead of sending a package, they enclose with the birthday card a check in the amount of $1 for each year of the recipient's age.
Halloween: Home Party for Sick KidsYears ago at Halloween I had two children who were not feeling well, so I did a rush job of planning a "party". We lived in a large, two story house, so here is what I did.
Granddaughters, Grandmothers, Crayons and Staying in the LinesWhile sitting down with our granddaughter, Shayla, with a box of crayons (not the baby ones), a coloring book about going to the apple farm, I told her "to color within the lines". I let her pick the page, the color of crayon, and off she went.
Buy Teachers' Gifts NowIt might be fall, but now is the time to purchase your child's teacher gifts. Teachers always appreciate tokens of student appreciation, especially those that are hand-picked by their students.
Packing Kids For Multi Day TripsWhen my son (early teens) went away on a church mission trip, I was worried that he would wear mismatched clothes or wear the same pair of socks for several days. You know how young boys are.
Share Your Children's InterestsAs my children were growing up, I often read the books and watched the programs they enjoyed. Then I could discuss what they'd watched or read from a more knowledgeable position. This was a great way to keep our mother-child bond strong.
Securing a Child's Swing to Deck?How do I secure a child's swing to my wooden decking? It moves around when in use.
Brass Band Instrument TipI have tips about brass wind band instruments for the young student.
Plan Your Back to School PurchasesYour children might want new clothes, backpacks, and etc. but you can't afford all of it. Start out planning what you will get, starting with your kids supplies.
Finding Help With Parenting Issues
?Were can I find other people to talk to or is there a message board? Can you help me with this?
Amend Favorite Storybooks for ChildrenI love my grandson, Maddox. He was born 5 days before I turned 60, and suddenly I had another reason for living. He will be two soon
School Supplies for Low Income Children?How do you get help buying School Supplies for low income children. My daughter could use this money to pay bills instead of buying school supplies, as she lost her job.
Be Good the First Week of SchoolIn the first week of school, don't act bad. You will really be considered the "bad kid" and teachers won't be nice to you during the school year because they know how you act.
Young Girl's Hair Styles?My 8 year old daughter has never had long hair. It's a short type cut, just about middle of the ear, and is cute. I would like to see her grow long hair just once.
Cover Toy Decals With Packing TapeAfter cleaning kids toys or dragging them in after they were caught out in the rain, I have found that the cute little decals on most of the really well built toys (even the ones intended for outside use) quickly become cracked, discolored, and peeling off.
Very Young Kids Can Write BooksI was totally surprised when my granddaughter, who is 6, showed me a stack of six books she'd written. She came up with the idea herself to write and illustrate her own series of books. She uses only computer paper, colored pens and a paperclip to hold each book together.
Balancing Life's Demands?I am a young stay at home mom. I moved in with my fiance, got married, then pregnant all with in a year. Don't get me wrong I love my husband and my baby girl to death and wouldn't trade them for the world, but some days (more than others) I feel constantly overwhelmed and unhappy.
Beware Of Alcohol Poisoning from Use of Hand SanitizersThis tip is regarding the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers. Be very, very careful if using this near children. If a child uses this on their hands and then licks their hands they can get very sick and, in some cases, alcohol poisoning
Treating Hyperhidrosis in Children?What is the youngest age you can get hyperhidrosis surgery? My daughter is 10, but her hands and feet has been sweating since she was a baby.
Helping Improve a Child's Concentration on Studies?I have two kids studying in 8th and 6th standard respectively. My elder son has no interest in studies, due to lack of concentration. He has no sincerity. I have taken them in UCMASS studies through abacus, but the level of concentration has not increased.
Cleaning a Child's Ears with Peroxide?My son has tubes in his ears. Should I use peroxide to clean them and if I do what's the side effects?
Baby BoomingWhen the time is right and your hearts are ready, a baby is a blessing. That doesn't mean that it's the wrong choice to plan ahead financially for that day of arrival. If a baby is in your future thoughts, save some money now.
Garbanzo Beans for Baby Finger FoodAs the mother of a teenager, an 11-month old, and the owner of a home medical transcription service, I stay pretty busy, and I'm always looking for shortcuts. One thing I do to save some time (and mess) is give the baby finger foods for some of her meals.
Keep a Wet Washcloth for Emergency CleaningInstead of wasting all the baby wipes, cleaning messy faces and sticky fingers. I wet a washcloth, fold it and put it in a zip-lock bag. Carry one in your purse, diaper bag, car, wherever.
Buy Notebook Paper on SaleWhen notebook paper comes on sale, buy enough for the entire school year. Why pay $2.00 later for the same pack of paper that will cost you $.50 during the big school supply sales in August?
Tips for Kids at Summertime Here are some things kids can do over summer. Plan ahead and stick to a schedule. Make flower beds, rock beds or hanging gardens. Make pet rocks.
Create a "Clean Up" CDCreate a "cleanup CD". Have the family help get all the cleaning done while the CD is playing. Then when the music is done, you'll have a clean house.
Getting Teen to Help at Home?I have a teen who won't think ahead and do things. He only does what needs to be done if I tell him what to do, or leave a list. How do I get him to do more? He has a excuse for everything. He is disrespectful as well, very bad back talking. Help.
Mixing Cough Syrup with Milk?Will cough syrup still have an effect if you mix it with Stawberry milk or Chocolate milk?
Form a Mommy GroupForm a "mommy " group. Invite all your friends, co-workers, church groups, or school mates. Take turns having play dates at each other homes.
Set Up a Kid Friendly Guest RoomWe have an 11 year old coming for the weekend soon with her grandfather. They will be staying in a hotel but the weatherman says it'll be raining and storming all weekend so she won't be able to go outside and play with my dogs like I had planned for her.
Create Schedules For Summer VacationIf you have school age kids and are home with them full time or part time this summer, creating a daily and weekly schedule will help to keep the kids busy and on task and will make things a little less stressful for mom.
Disposable Diaper TipsAs a mother of two and one due in a few days, I've used many diapers. Huggies seem to work the best. However they are one of the most expensive brands.
How Much Should an 11 Year Old Weigh?How much should an 11 year old girl weigh?
How Much Should an 8 Year Old Weigh?How much should an 8 year old weigh?
Kids Removing Their Own Diapers?My kids (two year old twins) always take off their diapers and throw their poop all over. Even when I give them a nap they take off the diapers and mess up all their sheets.
Child Sucking Thumb?My 5 year old granddaughter needs to stop sucking her thumb before starting kindergarten in the fall. It is causing dental and speech problems. Mom and I are out of ideas. Any ideas will be appreciated.
Baby is Not Crawling?My son is 9 months old today, and he is still not crawling. It worries me. He has three older brothers (ages 1, 2, and 4) and none of them took this long.
Check Under Furniture When BabyproofingBefore my first baby starting crawling, I thought to myself "I better check and double-check everything." I ran my hand UNDER the entire body of the couch and ran across a furniture staple that had worked itself loose and was plunging downward like a dagger.
Use a Timer for Kids Time Out Buy a $1 store timer and magnet it to the fridge for when your kids need a time out or a little time in the corner. My daughter sets it to 5 minutes, and if her 6 year old acts up, she'll sometimes get 5 more minutes.
