MOM Tip: 5 Family Password Protection Tips

 By: Morgan Slain

CEO Splashdata



#1 · Never click on a link inside any email you receive from Facebook, PayPal, a bank, or any other kind of financial institution, no matter how urgent the message seems or how authentic the email appears.



#2 · Use a secondary ³alias² email address for signing up to new services. Only use your primary email address for websites that you really trust.



#3 · Use secure passwords of 8 characters or more.



#4 · Don¹t use the same username/password combination on multiple sites or applications.



#5 · Having trouble remembering all your different secure passwords? Try using a secure password manager.

Stranger Danger

For me, as a mother and teacher, one of the things I tend to worry about is child abduction.  We see it on the news, in the papers, and can check our own neighborhoods with Watchdog-type websites.  Though we may not like to think about it happening, it is a reality, and it is important not only to be ever-vigilant, but also to teach our children how to respond to "Stranger Danger".



For example- a gut reaction of a child being picked up and taken against their will would be to cry and scream.  But how many of us would think that child was in danger?  No, we would assume, like most other children, that that child is having a tantrum and was told "No" to something.  We would assume, without questioning or thinking, that the adult with the child was his or her parent.  How then, can the child let us know they are in danger?

Teach your child what do say or do.  Not just once- repeatedly.  Don't scare them- it's a conversation, like the one you will have about illegal substances when they get older.  You will say it more then once to reinforce it's importance and to help them remember. 



What should they say and do?  Don't just cry or scream.  Specifically scream- "STRANGER DANGER", and "This is not my Mommy/Daddy!  I need help!"  You would respond to that, wouldn't you?  Studies have shown that people do respond to those words, and will help your child.

Also tell your child it is OK, in that situation, to hit, kick, bite- anything to be put down.



Teach your child to never go with a stranger, even if they offer a treat, say you sent them, or use trickery like "I lost my puppy- Can you help me find it?"  Tell your child to run away as fast as they can, and tell a trusted adult.



If lost or separated- stay in one place, and find an adult that can help you.  A police person or guard is great- but if that is not available, make a list of good choices!  Someone working at the store you are in, a lifeguard if you are at the beach, etc.  If all else fails?  Find a Mommy with multiple children.  She will be too busy to be causing any mischief on her own, and will empathize with your child and you.  She will make sure your child is taken someplace safe where you can be found and paged.



Remember what your child is wearing, in case of separation.  Make sure your child knows his/her and your first and last name so you can be paged.  I like to put identity bracelets on my children when we travel or have a busy attraction we are going to.  It shows their name, my name, and my cell number so I can be reached if we are separated.  If you are at a hotel, you can put the business card of the place you are staying into their pocket so that someone can be reached, and it will be known where to reach you. 



I try to talk about this regularly with my kids and my classroom, just in case.  I hope they will never need it, but if anything should happen, I want them to be able to be helped- and be found- as quickly as possible.  Be casual, speak frankly, and often.  Answer your child's questions, they will surely have some at first.  Be patient.  This will hopefully never be needed- but it's always best to be safe.



Have a wonderful, safe, happy and healthy summer!



Have Sippy Will Travel



Samantha is an adoptive and biological mother, writer, and teacher. A recent grad student, lover of books, travel, yoga, animals, children, and fun. Always on the lookout for adventure, we have sippy, and will travel

Free -You Can Do It Cards

Print out a set or two of these Free Encouraging You can do it cards with various sayings on them to write a note to a child, your husband, a co-worker or other friend who needs a few word of encouraging.  We all enjoy receiving notes of inspiration.  The Teacher's Lane created these and you can down load them for FREE by clicking here.

Safe Driving TIPS For Teens

One of the greatest fears for parents is an unexpected accident when their teenage child is behind the wheel. Each year, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest 100 days for teen drivers and their passengers, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). To minimize this risk, parents should learn the facts and teach their children how to drive safely. 

Sarah Robinson — engineer, Michelin test-track driver and one of the few female test drivers— teaches teens safe-driving skills. She also offers parents tips on maintaining a safe vehicle and how to effectively teach their young drivers about safety.

Sarah’s tips for teaching teen drivers

Situational awareness: To keep yourself out of danger, nothing is more effective than being aware of your surroundings.

Vision: Train your eyes to anticipate danger, focus as far ahead as you can see and use your peripheral vision to observe your immediate surroundings.

Stay focused: Distractions can result in fatal accidents. Parents should set rules limiting the number of passengers riding with a teenage driver. Using a cell phone, text messaging, changing the radio station or iPod tunes, or applying makeup should never be done while driving.

Speed and distance: Obey the speed limit, adjust your vehicle’s speed to match weather conditions and maintain a proper distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Defensive-driving class: Practice is the best defense against accidents. A third-party instructor often can influence teens more effectively than the limitations of the typical parent–teen dynamic. Instructors are trained to teach teens car-control skills so they can avoid or minimize accidents.

Seating position: Proper seating position maximizes your ability to control your vehicle. Sarah provides tips to ensure drivers are positioned with arms the proper distance from the steering wheel and legs from the brake and gas pedals.

Set mirrors properly: Side mirrors can help maximize the view of the road, rather than reflecting the side of the car.
                                                                                                      
Steering position: For optimal control, hands should be placed at the three-o’clock and nine-o’clock positions on the steering wheel.

Tire pressure: Parents should teach their teenage drivers to check the pressure of all four tires once a month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33,000 injuries and 700 deaths occur every year due to underinflated tires.

Safety equipment: Prepare the vehicle with the necessary safety equipment and an emergency kit. Cars equipped with stability-control systems, antilock-braking system and airbags help reduce accidents as well as the severity of injuries if an accident occurs.

Parents’ role: Parents can play a significant role in teaching their teenage drivers basic safety. First, they should be a good role model to their children when they are in the driver's seat. Next, they should establish safe-driving rules and enforce them. They also should enroll young drivers in defensive-driving courses. Finally, parents should explain the responsibilities and dangers of handling a 3,000-plus-pound vehicle.

Free Morning Routine Printable Art For Kids

Tired of repeating yourself every morning to your kids - "Go make yourbed, get dressed, pick up any dirty laundry, put away the clothes I puton your dresser last night, and come out ready to be happy and obedient."

Salinda from Personality Children's Clothes creates a FREE printable piece of art that gives your kids those daily morning reminders in a fun way.  Simply print it our and frame it  - place in in your kiddos bedrooms, bathrooms or kitchen counter and end the daily repeating of reminders.

Click here to get your FREE Morning Routine Printable Art For Kids

Raising Up A Reader

 One of the most fundamental academic competencies childrenare expected to master in early childhood is reading. In many ways, this iswhat sets the stage for more the more formal learning process and contributesgreatly to one's success in the classroom. However, while many children areable to master basic reading skills, it is not uncommon that this remains amechanical practice rather than one that is done for pleasure or for the loveof it. Many children read very little, in fact. While they may complete theirschool work (and may even do well many times), reading is all too often limitedto technical or school related tasks and not done outside of that context.

To be fair, in the last few years more teenagers and youngadolescents, and even tweeners, have been more akin to reading what with thepopularity of stories like the Twilight trilogy, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid andof course, the phenomenal Harry Potter series. It does help, too, that thesestories have a wide movie franchise behind it that does peak the interest ofmany readers. For younger readers, characters from popular television showssuch as Blues Clues and the like have also become quite abundant.

However, in the absence of such enticements, the question tobe asked is how do we get our kids to become interested in reading for fun andnot just because it is assigned by a teacher? Further, how can we encouragethem to read the types of stories we read as children ourselves? I do laudthose teachers who are able to make sure their students not only read butactually like the act of reading in itself, but as parents, we can also takepart in fostering a love for reading.

What I have come to recognize on a personal level that todevelop a skill or build up on something, there must be constant practice orexposure. This is definitely true for reading. Establishing a supportivereading environment is essential. With consistent and regular reading periodswith your child, such as during bedtime, can help them see that reading is apleasurable act. Over time, you can encourage your child to read along ratherthan just be read to.

Another way of cultivating a reading this readingenvironment is by taking trips to the local library. This is a wonderfulalternative to visits to the mall. Not only does it cost nothing, your child--- and even you --- have everything to gain!

It is also important to remember that building a love forreading should be a fine balance between challenge and comfort. What I meanwith this is that to encourage a child to read more, it should neither be toohard nor too easy. Making sure that the storybooks (or novels for older kids)are not just age-appropriate but also skill-appropriate is essential.

Lastly, tapping into your childs interests can make themwant to read further. For example, if your sons interest is on dinosaurs orairplanes, get him books on those topics or with those characters. Whether itis a fictional story or a facts and figures book, this will surely engage himin reading.

As an end note, I am a firm believe that teaching readingshould not be limited to the schools and as something to be delegated to theteachers. We, too, must take part in raising a reader. Oh…and let’s not forget:children do imitate what they see, so maybe we too should find more time toread! Happy reading!!!

Marina is SAHM and co-owner of retail special productswebsites like decorative wall clock,vanitymirrors, Limoges and lot more.

First Things First - Kurt and Brenda Warner

"Mom why are you reading about Kurt Warner" was the question that came out of my 9 years old sons mouth -  I had no idea he even knew who Kurt Warner was  I replied with "do you know who he is?".  His giggling response was
"Yes, he is the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals." He was correct and now I had the opportunity to explain to him why I was reading a book about a football player he obviously keeps up on.

I was in the process of reading First Things First by Kurt and Brenda Warner a book not about Kurts successful football career but about his success in putting family first - the day to day life of raising 7 kids and how family, faith, and giving to others— their family motto,  drives everything they do.   Kurt and Brenda write openly about their marriage, the values theyare working to instill in their kids, things they’ve done right,mistakes they’ve made, the importance of giving back, and the legacythey hope to leave behind along with the family rules they live by.

I have recently read several books about various families, their values and how they manage their families and homes - this book by far related to me in our family philosophy, the rules we attempt to instill in our own children, the mission of our family and the craziness of raising a large family.  From faith to family our goal has been to teach our kids the priority of God, Family and others and as one reads First Things First there is no doubt you will be inspired in your parenting journey as the Warners share real life ups and downs along their journey.

A Loose Screw

By: StephFink

www.encouragedinheart.org

It was one of those days,weeks…okay, months.

My hubby’s travel schedule wasinsanely high and my sons’ healths were extremely low.  Add in “life”, and this Momma wasbeginning to feel like I had more than a few loose screws.

For four straight weeks,somebody had something.  We almostmade it through the week without one of our kids being sick; the key word beingalmost.  On Thursday, the schoolrepresentative called to say that our oldest had a fever.  As I raced to collect my little bearcub, I noticed that the “check tire pressure“ light illuminated from my dashboard…and spirit.  

My tires weren’t the only thingthat felt a little deflated.  

I pumped my 102 degree honeywith some ibuprofen and proceeded to the gas station.  As I checked the air pressures of my tires, I found it, myloose screw, wedged into my minivan tire. It’s pathetic to admit that I had an LOL moment there, outside inpublic, about the whole loose screw thought.

Hello crazy lady filling hertire, laughing alone, like a mad scientist.

As I filled three of my fourdeflated tires, I realized that I was in the perfect position, knelt,moderately crazy and desperate. Every day I’m desperate for God, but it takes the loose screw days, toconfirm it.  Right then and therewas as good a time as any to talk with God.  I used the remainder of the time, to fill er’ up, both mytires and my spirit.  

I needed to fill up on God so Icould get through that month, which punctured and slowly deflated the air outof the tire of my life.  So withtwo sons inside the minivan and one loose screw Momma on the outside, I talkedto God.  God heard my cry for help(Psalm 34:15), cared (1 Peter 5:7), and it filled me with the fullness of God, notinsanity (Ephesians 3:19). 

Later that night, our otherson, had a bedtime meltdown of epic proportions.  He went into a tearful litany of how so many things were, “Notfair!”  He was just overtired andoh, how I could relate.  The onlydifference was that I was the responsible adult even thought I really, reallydidn’t want to be.  What my sonneeded was the same thing I needed just hours ago, to cry out, be cared for andfilled up.  Oh yeah, and his backscratched too.

So I turned off the lights, hoppedinto his bed and gave my son the same gift God gave me earlier, a present and engagedaudience for the next episode of, “As The World Is Not Fair”. 

“He makes us lie down in greenpastures”, (err, I mean in a stuffed animal-filled bed) to be refreshed andcomforted (Psalm 23).  

Somewhere between finding thatI indeed had a screw loose, and that my son had strep again, I also realized thatrunning on empty is one of the most dangerous places for a mother to be.  It’s more dangerous than a half offshoe sale, with cash and a coupon in hand…yeah, that dangerous. 

If you’re feeling like me, thatmaybe you just might have a screw loose too, I want to encourage you to checkyour pressure level, don’t keep runnin’ on empty.  Fill er’ up to enjoy, not just endure, whatever is causingthe temporary deflation.  Godcares, God comforts and God will fill er’ up…whether you have a screw loose ornot!

Preparing for Kindergarten: Allergy-Edition

One of the scariest things about having a child with food allergies is the thought of sending them off to school...without you. Up until this point, you have been the main person handling your child's food and making sure his environment is safe. It's what you do. It's encompasses your every thought. Now, what seems like all of a sudden, you are having to turn some of this control over to your child and his school environment. Will she be ready? Will she know what's okay to eat and not to eat? Will she feel peer pressure to partake in yummy snacks that someone else's parent brings or will she be able to show restraint? These are questions I asked myself before my daughter started Kindergarten last year. I was a bit nervous about how things would go for her because this is her first year of school. In order to make this a smooth transition and not a fearful one for my daughter, I knew there were some things I needed to do.

First, I found out who her teachers would be. I contacted them ahead of the school year and talked with them about her food allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts. One thing I needed to know was how often would there be special snacks {brought in by teachers or parents} and would I be able to know about them ahead of time. My daughter's teachers assured me that they would contact me ahead of time and give me a schedule of the snacks so that I could prepare my daughter a comparable snack on those same days. They also suggested that I bake a few cupcakes that they could keep in the freezer, along with sending in her own icing that they could pull out on days when snacks were brought in unannounced. This has been a great life-saver!  My daughter's class also has a snack every morning that is provided by the teachers, so I compiled a bunch of handy snacks for her so that she has some variety and can participate in the snacks everyday without me having to remember to send in a snack every single day.

Second, we discussed whether they needed to make the classroom peanut-free. This may be necessary for a lot of peanut-allergic kids because of the severity of the allergy, but my daughter's allergy isn't life-threatening so we opted not to do that. A lot of school do this automatically now anyway.
Lastly, I made a plan for the teachers of what to do 'Just in Case' of an allergic reaction. Thankfully, my daughter knows when a reaction is starting and she can tell us and/or the teacher. They have a chart in the classroom stating if 'X' happens, then do 'Y'. Emergency numbers are listed, as well as, Benadryl doses, and they keep her EpiPen in their desk.

Communication with your child's teacher and school nurse {if applicable} is the key! Make sure to communicate your wishes and keep that line of communication open so they can feel free to text you or call you with any food-related questions. Your child's safety is of utmost importance and you and your child's teachers should be have the same game plan.

Amy Mc Combie a mother of 3 girls, one of which has life-threatening food allergies. Her goal is to inform and encourage those who have food allergies or know people with food allergies by sharing her journey with the hope that they can learn from my mistakes and successes. You can read more about Amy's journey at  www.allergyfree.wordpress.com

The Cost of Character

By: Stephanie Fink

My two sons and I screeched toa halt and investigated the treasures at Target.  At this particular aisle we found an oasis of clearancedcandles. I’m a candle lover with keen olfactory senses, so inexpensive,delicious smelling candles are a cheap thrill! I lifted the sensibly pricedluminary hopefuls to my nose.   > Hummm…smells nice, but not a keeper.

Or so I thought.

Approximately 2.032 secondsafter I returned the votive candle pack, I heard glass crash.   What was that?  A quick analysis revealed that in onesweeping turn, my big-honkin’-momma-purse knocked them off the shelf and intonumerous shards below.  

I shooed my boys away from thejagged circle of destruction and rationalized…Well, they’re on clearance, Target won’t miss em’…this is just an accident,surely they won’t make me pay for them…who puts glass candles on corner aisleshelves…did anyone see this?

My boys stood statue still;their eyes the size of pizza pies. As I knelt down to pick up the sharp pieces I felt more than just thepower of their eyes upon me.  Thiswas not the moment to just get through. This was the moment to make it count.  One of those don’t-want-it-to-be-but-it- is-what-it-is learningmoments.  

How completely inconvenient.

I picked up the remains of mypride and candles and placed them gingerly into my red plastic picnic basket.  Instantaneously, my six year oldquestioned, “Why are you putting them in your basket Mommy? They’re broken.”

“I know, honey, but it was justan accident.  And accidents happenall the time.” Isn’t that what I tellthem when the inevitable milk spill occurs at every meal?

As we trudged toward the checkoutlane, I was irritated at having to spend money on something I knew I’d just be throwingout.  I hoped the cashier would somehowget me off the hook with some version of, “Oh don’t worry about this honey, youdon’t have to pay for these.” 

But that’s not whathappened. 

No, my middle aged cashier gaveme something much more valuable than cheap words for cheap candles, “Wow, boys,you have a very honest Mommy.” As the red scanner glowed to register my newcandles, my heart illuminated too. 

I could have cried right there.

I want to raise little boysthat will grow to be men of character. When their life appears to be cracked and in pieces, I want them to do thenext right thing; to build a life of good choices brick, by brick.  I realized then, that the “characterbricks” are cemented when they observe good (or bad) examples.

Former Oklahoma USrepresentative J.C. Watts said it best, “Character is doing the right thingwhen nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thingthat's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.”

I’m grateful now that I madethat moment “count”.  There havebeen far too many that I fast-forwarded through because I’d rather compete inanother round of spazz-nastics than the character balance beam.  Character always costs something.  Sometimes it costs energy, time andeven money. But that day, true to Target’s motto, I “expected more and paidless.” Our character lesson was just a tad over $3.   

Later that year, our then firstgrade son was peer-voted the first “Star Student” of his class.  The criteria was based on character,character that I believe was strengthened by glass shards that once surroundedaverage smelling candles.

Steph's writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Womanmagazine.  In her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPSgroup in the northern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship- Allowing God to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being aBright Light".

Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.

Date Your Kids - Summer Bucket List Of Fun

Plan a date with your kids and take each of  your children out on alunch or dinner date.
(this will take more then one day if you haveseveral children ).  Look at your calendar now and schedule your dates.

Click here to read "Why Date Your Kids?" simple steps for creating date nights.

The Sibling Hero or Taunter

Why do older siblings think it is their responsibility to antagonizetheir younger siblings?  This wasthe question I was asking myself after several days of hearing my oldestdaughter taunt and tease her two youngest brothers.  Yes, it was driving me crazy and I was tired of hearing themraising their voices telling her to stop and to leave them alone.  I knew down deep in her heart she wasjust playing with them and not intending to create ill feelings between thembut I also could see that her daily taunting and teasing was in no way makingher their hero.

I knew it was time for a mother daughter chat in which I wasprepared to hear her explain to me that she was just having fun and I did notneed to worry about her actions causing ill feelings.  Thus I began my chat with asking her to make one goal overthe next few days.  She looked atme puzzled thinking we are on vacation spending our days at the lake why wouldgoal setting be necessary now.  Iexplained that I the mom was going crazy hearing the taunting and teasing.  My desire was for  her to become their hero not theirtaunter.

After our short discussion of my asking her to make it agoal over the next few days to not taunt and tease but to serve and useencouraging words we parted ways to begin our day.  I wondered if she would take me up on this goal. Over thenext few days my wondering ceased as I saw my daughter choose to become theirhero by encouraging them in their accomplishments, by helping them when in need, byallowing them to choose their favorite movie to watch and the list goes on.

Sure there will still be times of taunting and teasing it iswhat older siblings do – however I believe they also want to be heir youngersiblings heroes so taking those few minutes to have a mother daughter chatasking my daughter if she wanted to be known as the hero sister or the tauntingsister has ceased the voice raising around here and a hero is in the makinginstead.

My parenting lesson of the week was to not lecture butapproach with concern, to not demand change but challenge it with a goal.

What parenting lesson have you learned this week?

Good Dental Health Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Although they’re young, babies and toddlers greatlybenefit from good dental health care. These simple tips can help you give yourchild a strong, healthy smile for years to come.

Set Up a Family Routine

Plaque is the sticky, yellow film that formson our teeth, and it needs to be brushed away every day to protect teeth fromdecay. Your baby might not have teeth yet, but you can help keep his or hergums healthy by gently wiping them with a soft cloth after feedings.

Once your baby develops teeth, transition toa small toothbrush and brush your baby’s teeth twice a day (once in the morningand once before bed). Gently brush each surface of the tooth in a circularmotion, and avoid toothpaste. As your baby grows into a toddler, continue tohelp during teeth brushing time, using songs or chants to put some fun into theprocess!

Talk with your dentist about the best time tobring your child in for his or her first appointment to the dentist, thenschedule regular appointments every six months for routine maintenance!

Discourage Bad Dental Habits

The bad news is that there are dental habitsthat are harmful to your child’s teeth. The good news is that these habits canbe broken. One in particular is thumb sucking or the use of pacifiers, which istypically how babies and toddlers find comfort. It might be easier to break thepacifier habit since it’s not attached to your child’s body as a thumb is, butthe important point is to encourage your child to stop the habit between theages of two and four years of age. Your dentist can also help you and your childbreak this bad dental habit.

Another bad habit for your child’s teeth isswallowing toothpaste. It’s generally not needed for babies or toddlers, partlybecause it tastes good so they want to swallow it. Fluoride may be prescribedby your doctor depending on where you live, which is crucial for your child’sdevelopment of healthy teeth. Swallowing toothpaste, however, can lead to whiteor brown spots on your child’s teeth from ingesting too much fluoride. Avoidtoothpaste altogether, or provide a brand made especially for your young child.

Healthy Food = Healthy Teeth

Plaque is the result of foods high in sugarand carbohydrates, and cutting down on these types of foods can help controlplaque. When the sugars mix with naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth,plaque is formed that eventually causes tooth decay. Help control plaque byproviding your young child with a variety of fruits and vegetables – crunchy,all-natural foods and those high in Vitamin C help remove plaque naturally. Addin whole grains and dairy products for a balanced diet and healthy teeth!

Another essential way to control plaque is totake your child to dentist appointments every six months. The routine exam andteeth cleaning will help keep your little one’s smile healthy and bright!

Kelly Wilson is a busy mom, former teacherand freelance writer. Visit Dr. Lance Heppler, http://www.dentaldesignsvancouver.com Dentist inVancouver, WA for more information about how to teach your kids totake care of their teeth regardless of age.

Family Travel Tips

By: Susan Heid

We are in the midst of the travel season - and if you are a mom trying to travel with little ones it can be extremely stressful.  Your blood pressure can start to rise as you think of long car rides and cross country flights with your kids.

Vacations should be a time of enjoyment, relaxation and memory making – but traveling with kids is one of the biggest stressors moms face and a stressed out mom can created memories for sure – but they are not the ‘fond’ memories you want your kids to remember!

Let me share a few tips that I have gathered over the years of traveling with my kids.  Not only have I flown with little ones and survived long car rides, I have nearly 20 years under my belt as a former flight attendant and know the best bets for air travel with kids.

Attitude is everything

If you expect some drama to unfold during your trip, then your mind will already be prepared for it.  When we envision these perfect trips where everyone cooperates all the time and occupies themselves for 8 hours we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.  Expect the unexpected problems go with the flow and try to keep positive – your example will certainly frame the outcome of any situation.  When you get stressed out because your flight is delayed 2 hours or your hotel reservation cannot be found you can bet your kids will sense that and run with that, only adding to the mix.  Remember everything will work out in the end and just try to remain calm.

Baby Wipes are Your Best Friend

Never, I mean never leave home without baby wipes!  Even if your kids are well out of diapers these are invaluable when traveling!  Cleaning up spills, dabbing spots on clothing, and wiping sticky fingers they are a life saver.  Finding ones that disinfect are even better – wiping airplane armrests, toilet seats, the table in the food court or even the felt tip marker from the tray table.

Easy Access to a Change of Clothes

For younger children it is always a good idea to keep a change of clothes in easy access.  Whether traveling by air or car, pack a change of clothes for your children that can be accessed without unloading the trunk of the car or waiting for your bags to arrive at baggage claim. 

 Activity Surprise Bags 

When my kids were younger I started a tradition of making little “snack/activity” bags for each of them.  I use a gallon size zip-loc bag and find snacks, word search books, and different little toys from the dollar store.  My kids really looked forward to getting these bags the morning of our travel to place in their carry-on backpacks.  They didn’t get to open them until we were on the plane, but they loved looking through the clear zip-loc plastic and searching to see what was inside.  If you are not the type of “do it yourself mom” there is a company called TravelKiddy that actually has these types of bags already put together for you! 

 Choose toys wisely

For airplane travel do not bring:  play-dough, coloring markers, toys with lots of small parts, or your portable DVD player WITHOUT personal headphones.  Do not subject the cleaning crew to pick off ground in play-dough out of seats or subject other passengers to listen to “Toy Story 3” when they would rather sleep.  Be careful choosing toys even for car travel, the cleaning crew who would have to clean play-dough off the floor would be you.

 Music & Audio Books
Depending on the age of your children you might be surprised at how engaged they will become when listening to their own music or perhaps an audio book.  You can find inexpensive MP3 players for little ones and download fun music for them to enjoy or an audio book, or get a cassette player with headsets at Wal-Mart for $5.00!  Find cassette storybooks and you are set.   Check your local library for cassette books and audio books.. 

 Earplanes
Have a screamer with ear pain in flight?  Spend $4 and pick up a pair of these. They are hollow screw type inserts that go in the ear when you get on the plane....each pair lasts for a round trip. They keep the ear open no popping or pain.

A sturdy nightlight

Whether you are staying in a strange hotel or with a relative, the environment will be different.  To ease your children’s apprehension in a strange environment, pack a small 7 watt nightlight to shed light and ease fears.  It will even help you when you have to get up in the middle of the night.
If you have flight plans in your future make sure you check out the TSA’s site giving you tips for traveling with kids.

By planning ahead and being prepared for the unexpected you can make traveling with your kids an enjoyable experience.

What is your best tip for traveling with your kids?

Susan Heid is the mom behind The Confident Mom where she loves inspiring Christian moms to make small changes managing their home and family life giving them more time, less stress and stronger family relationships! She enthusiastically wears the hat of mom, step-mom and foster mom to 4 awesome kids – ages 18, 14, 10 and 17 months; is married to her very own prince charming, loves coffee, cloudy days, and does think the bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle. http://www.theconfidentmom.com/

Teaching Kids to Solve Their Own Problems

Last week 24/7 MOMS Webcast  Show guest Liann Smith from Impact Parenting shared with us the importance of teaching our kids to handle their own problems.  She gave us simple steps to follow using the Love and Logic parenting philosophy.

You can learn about these steps to help your child solve their own problems on the Love and Logic website.  Click here to go to  Love and Logic website and begin helping your kids solve their problems.

Did you miss last weeks Webcast?  Watch it now by clicking the screen below

Video chat by Stickam.com

Real Friends Push

By: Stephanie Fink

Our oldest son, Jake, exited his school bus that sunny Friday afternoon, deflated and defeated. This was entirely different from his normal exit which typically included a big smile, hug and the challenge of a race home. 

I inquired, “What’s up bud?” Hesitantly, he told me that on his five minute bus ride home from school, his “friend” closed-fist punched him at least ten times as he was pretending to be a robot.

Jake asked his friend to stop hitting him but his friend continued.  I asked Jake why he didn’t move to another seat.  He was afraid that his bus driver would yell at him since they have assigned seats.  I feared the answer to my next question, “Well, how did that make you feel honey?”

His sad eyes spoke louder than his words, “Scared.”

I lifted Jake’s shirt and observed the numerous red marks on his milky-white core.  My insides were more explosive than a fourth of July sky.  Silently, I cried out to the Lord, “Father, why? Help!”

Confused and hurt Jake asked, “Why’d my friend hit me?” I embraced him tightly, “Honey, real friends don’t punch.” Jake balled up on my lap like a cat in a sun spot and cried. I felt powerless that I was not able to protect him there on that bus.

To add to the moment, my anchor of a husband was working overseas.  If there ever was I time that I needed to not just be the adult, but also act like one…it was now.  

Jake and I prayed and came up with a plan of action.  He agreed that after I talked to this boy’s parents, he was going to talk to his friend too.

I called the boy's mother and told her what happened and if after she talked with her son, if Jake could speak with him.  She agreed. When she called back, Jake courageously asked his friend, “Why did you punch me?  You made me feel sad.” The boy replied, “I didn’t hit you.”

Jake dropped the phone and went to cry.  Over the span of the weekend, the boy's parents called three more times, to tell me that their son didn’t budge and that he “didn’t hit Jake.”

Confused and hurt, Jake asked, “Why would my friend lie?” Embracing his little body, I whispered, “Honey, real friends don’t punch and real friends don’t lie. He is not a real friend.” Jake balled hysterically. 

Our Saturday morning devotion theme was this, to P-U-S-H.

P -ray
U-ntil
S-omething
H-appens

I asked our sons who they wanted to "p-u-s-h" for.  Without hesitation, Jake said this little boy, “that God would make him my friend.” I put on a poker face, knowing Jake was right, but I won’t lie, I wanted this little boy to pay for what he did to my son.

“What an awesome idea Jake.  Let’s pray right now.” So we lifted our heavy hearts and prayers to the most real friend I’ve ever known, Jesus.

During my Sunday morning private time, I can across this verse, “If someone strikes you, don’t hit back. Love your friend and love your enemies. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer.”

I shared Matthew 5:32-48, (Message) over breakfast and told him, "That’s what God told us to do - respond with prayer - and you did it! You are a great friend to God and this boy. Mom and Dad are so proud of you, and most importantly God IS proud of you son!"

Again, Jake decided right there and then to pray for this boy to, “make a thumbs up choice” and tell the truth.

Again, he p-u-s-h-ed and again, my heart pulled. 

Monday morning arrived.  Jake knew I was contacting school administration because being hit is not okay.  I learned three things that day: 1. the boy's father went in before school started.  2.  the boy not only admitted but apologized for punching Jake.  3.  that real friends don’t punch, they push. 

Jake’s bedtime prayer that night which was just like him; short and sweet, “God, thank you for answering my prayers.” With misted eyes, I said a hearty, “Amen!”

One year later, the very same boy that punched Jake, stood up for him when a lunchbox inadvertently hit Jake in the back of his head. This boy found told the teacher, and stood up for Jake, cause that’s what real friends, like God, do.  They show up for you when you have no words to speak. 

Navigating through life's pulls, pushes and punches are difficult. Impossible if it wasn't for God.  God used my elementary aged son to teach me that true friends don’t punch, no - they push.  They pray until something happens.


Steph's writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine.  In her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in the northern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship - Allowing God to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being a Bright Light".


Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.

Know Your Numbers

By: StephanieFink

I love being a mom…usually.  (How’s that for honesty?)

Watching my kids grow up is funand frustrating.  Exciting andexcruciating.  Awesome andawful.  Sacred and scary.  
The first day of each new schoolyear brings the familiar, “Ya gotta know your bus number.  Don’t forget it.  That’s how you’ll get back home,okay?”  I showed them the billboardthey had to wear around their neck that said their name and bus number.  They nodded as if they were listeningto me.  They made it home.

In a cruel twist of fate, daysafter my husband and I serenaded our boys with, “8-6-7-5-3-0-9” from the 1982hit song Jenny, we determined it wastime they learn their home phone number. I’ll let you take one guess as to what they said their home phone numberwas.

You guessed correctly,“8-6-7-5-3-0-9”. 
This charming phase lasted for oh,only about six months. 

I love being a mom, usually,

I stepped up on my soap box anddeclared, “Kids, this is serious. Ya gotta know your numbers. It’s not funny.  What if youget lost?  Ya gotta know yournumber!”

With a prayer and the help of theTwinkle, Twinkle Little Star ditty,my kids now know their home phone number.

I love being a mom, usually.

It only took, what felt like,forever for them to learn their address. But they did.  Then wemoved.  And, we’re still inprocess. 

I love being a mom, usually.

“Know your numbers” has been animportant theme pressed into my children. Two summers ago, I knew they needed some new numbers.  These new numbers would also help them,when they needed help finding their way. The new numbers were Bible verses. 

That summer we (and I do meanwe) memorized eight scriptures.  Westarted with the most important one, John 3:16, “For God so loved the worldthat he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall notperish but have eternal life.”  Wemoved onto other ones like, “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17

This past year, I’ve also startedto show them how, to not just know the numbers, but how to look them up in theBible.

Lysa TerKeurst wrote, “My goalshould never be to raise kids that make me look good.  My goal should be to raise kids who love God and spend theirlives making His goodness known in their corner of the world.”

In order to know God and makeGod known, my kids are going to need to know their numbers.  They’re going to need to know whatnumbers to call up when they’re scared or happy or lonely or sick or trying todeal with their parents.  I want mykids to be physically safe.  So Itaught them their home phone, the garage door key code and in time, they’llknow their home address again.  Ialso want my kids to be spiritually safe too.  And they’ll need to “know their numbers”. 

Have I mentioned lately that Ilove being a mom? 

What numbers do you want toteach your kids this summer?


Steph'swriting has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine.  Inher free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in thenorthern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship - AllowingGod to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being a BrightLight".
Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.

The YES Challenge

Doyou ever feel like all you do is tell your kids "NO" 

No you can't have another snack.

Noyou can't watch anymore TV.

Noyou can't stay up longer it’s a school night.

NoI can't read you another chapter in the book.

Noyou cant play first you have to do your homework.

Weeven often say no to them when they ask to help us clean.

NoNo No No No……

Ifyou are feeling as if you are the NO mom then this week I want to challenge youto be the YES mom to one of these ideas:

1. Who wants ice cream?  Or dessert?

2. Do you want me to readanother chapter before I turn out the lights?

3. Want to help me makedinner? Bake cookies? Make Jell-o?

4.  Tonight you can stay up 5 minutes longer

5. Can you help me fold thispile of clothes? Or dust the furniture

6. Do you want to play agame?

7. YES! try to say YES atleast once a day to your kids - YES!! Remember it doesn’t have to be anythingbig or what goes against your rules but see if there is an area you are alwayssaying NO to that a YES might just be what you kids needs to hear you say

"Mom- I'm only little once, soon I'll be all grown-up"

Emma and Savannah who are now 17

 When I hear my youngest say to me "Mom, I'm only little once and soon I'll be all grown up" my heart melts to his every request from tickling his back, making one more box of Jell-O together to even reading an extra chapter to him at bedtime.  After 5 kids you realize "the days are long but the years are short" So enjoy the little moments with your children even the moments of buckling a child into their car seat, carrying them up the stairs to bed, cutting up their food or giving them one more push on the swing soon they won't need or ask for your help.

As you travel the mom journey and enter each new stage of motherhood remind yourself this is only temporary take time to enjoy it you will miss the clutter of toys, the noise of laughter, the many begging requests even the finger prints on the walls.

Soon you will be asking yourself where did the years go how did my little one go from 2 to 22 - Mom it's true they are little only once and soon they will be all grown up so let your heart melt and read one more chapter tonight, make one more box of Jello-O and tickle that little person back just a little longer today.


Here is a great song to remind us to  "Let Them Be Little"  by Billy Dean

9 FREE Summer Reading Programs For Kids in 2011

 

#1 - Half Price Books

 
Half Price Books FREE reading program begins June 1, 2011 and runs until July 31, 2011.

Kids ages 14 and under who read 600 or more minutes during June and July can earn a $5 Half Price books shopping card

Simple Steps to Participate:
1. Get a Feed Your Brain reading log at your local Half Price Books. or
Click here to down load and print your weekly reading logs.

2. Set a goal to read each day for at least 15 minutes or more throughout June and July.

Grown-ups may read aloud for kids who are still learning.

3. Add up your minutes and have your parent or guardian initial at the end of each week.

4. Turn in your completed reading log at Half Price Books

July 25 – August 7 to receive your $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward!

Click here to find a Half Price Books location near you.

 

#2 Barnes and Noble Books

Imagination’s Destination FREE Summer Reading program

The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is here to help you

on your way, encouraging you to read books of your own choosing

and earn a FREE book, simply by following these three easy steps:

1. Read any eight books this summer and record them in this

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination

Journal. Be sure to let us know to whom you would

recommend each book, and why.

2. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store

between May 24th and September 6th, 2011.

3. Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list

featured on the back of the journal. Click here to get your free journal.

# 3 Chuck E. Cheese 

Kids Reading Reward Calendar

Looking for a fun way to reward your kids for their reading accomplishments? Download and print free reward calendars.

1.Download and print out the  Reading Rewards calendar

2. Mark the days off with a pen or sticker as your child accomplishes their goals

3. Bring it in completed to Chuck E. Cheese's and receive 10 free tokens as a reward

#4  Bookworm Wednesdays

Every Wednesday at 10:00 am beginning July 6th until August 10th. You kids can watch free movies in exchange for a book report during the summer.

A fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. BOOKWORM WEDNESDAYS entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Click here for more information.

 #5  Pottery Barn Kids - Summer reading Challenge

Kids of all ages are invited to join the Pottery Barn Kids story time  or to read at home independently. Be sure to stop in Pottery Barn Kids when your kids complete one of their recommending reading list for a FREE book. Click here for Book list sand completion certificates.
# 6 Sylvan Book Adventure

AFREE reading motivation program for children in grades K-8. Childrencreate their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, takemultiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points andprizes for their literary successes. Click here to read more about  Book Adventure

# 7 Scholastic Summer Challenge - Read

Scholastic has a free online reading club for children Scholastic Summer Challenge  Uses Online Games and Community to Get Kids Excited AboutReading. Children canlog on, read and WIN prizes.  Click here  for more information and to sign up.

# 8 Old Spaghetti Factory Summer Reading Program


Old Spaghetti Factory Rewards of Reading : Children who read five books are eligible for a free kid's meal. Click here for more details.

# 9 Library Reading Programs: Check with your local Library for their summer reading programs. check out www.summerreading.org for great resources.