School Lunch Recipes?My kids are starting to take their lunches instead of buying them. In an effort to save money, they are taking lunch 3 times a week. Any ideas for the "main dish"? They are already tired of sandwiches.
Entertaining a 5 Year Old?I need some ideas to keep a 5 year old boy occupied on a long vacation trip. He doesn't really like to color, etc. and has a pretty short attention span.
Best Time to Buy Back to School Clothes?This is my daughter's second year of school. She will be in the first grade. Is it less expensive to buy her clothes now or after school starts? She already has one new outfit to wear for the first day.
- Jennifer
Extra Back to School Expenses for High School?My son is heading for high school this year. We are on a very tight budget and have other children. What added expenses should I expect during the first weeks of school?
Keeping Little Ones Occupied?We are going to my grandmother's for Thanksgiving and I have two small children, 2 and 4. Does anyone have any ideas of how to keep them occupied in a home filled with nic nacks so they won't hurt themselves or destroy anything?
Back to School... Head Lice!Is there an economical way to rid children of head lice. My family is infested with the critters and after 2-1/2 mos of Rid, Nix and other home remedies, we cannot seem to clear them.
Looking for Inexpensive, Safe Childcare?We need extra money so I am going to need to go back to work. I found a job that will likely have me working similar hours as my husband. Anyone have some childcare tips? Its looking quite expensive at the moment.
Thanks
Tammy in SC
Cleaning a Tub For a Baby With Sensitive Skin?I have a 9 month old with very sensitive skin. I need to clean/disinfect her bathtub. Does anyone have any suggestions that don't involve harsh chemicals? Thanks!
Jacqui
Consignment Shops In Virginia and New Hampshire?I was looking for consignment shops or 2nd hand thrift shops that buys children's clothes. Good ones, used just once or twice. I have so many that it's hard just giving it away.
Anyone know any, here in Virginia and also in Nashua, New Hamsphire area?
Thanks,
Rads from VA
Help for Bed Wetting?I have a son who just turned 5 year old who still wets the bed almost every night. We currently put him in Pull-ups, but he often makes so much pee that it even leaks out of the diaper onto his clothes, sheets, blanket, etc.
Inexpensive Ideas For Entertaining Toddlers?I recently became a stay-at-home mom of a 2 1/2-year old and a 5-month old. I'm looking for inexpensive things to do with them, especially things my 2-year-old can do with other kids.
We've already done things like a color and shape search at the store, but it's getting too cold to go to the park.
Camilla
Tips for a Mom Expecting Twins?My niece "But I only wanted two kids" is expecting twins. She also has a two year old. Does anyone have any information where she can find a web site or a group for helpful tips about preparing/anticipating for twins?
Tooth Fairy Tip?Tips to make visits from the tooth fairy special. Post your ideas.
Baby Modeling?I have been very interested in getting my 18 month old son into baby modeling, But I don't know where to start?
Baby Safe Cupboard Ideas?I'm interested in suggestions for securing a lazy susan type cupboard. Our toddler is starting to show an interest in opening the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and we are concerned about him pinching his fingers in the lazy susan. Has anyone found a resolution to this issue?
When Should Little Girls Start Shaving?What age do you think is appropriate for little girls to shave their legs? My mom wanted me to wait until I was about 14 or 15 to shave, that was pretty embarrassing, but I was a compliant child.
Cloth Training Pants?I am trying to make training pants for my son. I was thinking of using my old gerber cloth diapers for absorption and I am not sure what to use for a cover. Also I want to make sure the 'pattern' is correct. So if anyone has experience or and ideas about making cloth training pants I would greatly appreciate you sharing it with me.
When is right time to have children?I am a 27 year old woman. I teach and I am married, almost 3 years now. I am curious is there a certain age you should start trying to have a family?
Budget and Finance for Teens?Tips to help teens learn about budgetting and finance. Post your ideas.
Getting Started With Homeschooling?If anyone can help me with info on how to get started on home schooling I would appreciate it. I just received guardianship of my 16 year old niece and her Mom and I would love to have her home schooled. Her mom lives in Vegas and I live in Michigan,so I need info on how to get it started.
Trying to have baby?I am currently trying to have a baby. Just wondering if there is anyone else that is trying and would like to email support and such.
Laptop Bag and Backpack Reviews?I'm going back to school and need some ideas on a good bag to get.
Also, is it a good idea to get a laptop backpack instead of carrying a laptop bag around? I'm just worried that it will damage my laptop.
Cheap Indoor Fun for Wintertime?I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for cheap inside fun in the winter. I have a 2 year-old son. So I'm looking for things to do with him, as well as things we can do as a family. I know it's still summer, but I'm trying to hatch a good plan now, before the snow flies!
Work or Family? What's More Important?I need some serious guidance please. My husband and I both have great jobs. I am a Kinder teacher in an awesome district in my state. We are thinking seriously of starting a family but have a dilemma. We do not have any family nearby, all our close family is about 4 hours away. We miss them terribly and are not sure we want to start a family without them around.
Was Getting Married, Now I'm Expecting?I was planning for a wedding in March. But now found out we're having a baby due in April. I really think we should get married right away before the baby is born, but my fiance wants to wait since I'm on Medicade. What do you think is the best thing to do? Should we wait?
Preparing a Child for New Sibling?My husband and I will be welcoming our second child in October. Our son will be 23 months at that time. I've been a stay at home mom since he was born so he hasn't spent very much time without me. Does anyone have any tips on making this transition easier on him?
Safe Quiz Sites For Kids?My 10 year old daughter loves spelling and math quiz websites. But I am very strict about what she looks at. There are some very weird 'kid sites' out there. Can anyone please advise me of a site that is educational and 'safe'.
Free Baby Samples?I am wanting to know if anyone knows some sites that offer free baby samples to try since I will be called grandmaw soon. This will be my first grandchild and I am all excited.
Bakeless Bake Sale Ideas?Bakeless bake sales are the new big thing at my daughter's high school. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Morning Sickness Remedies?Does anyone have a remedy for morning sickness? The kind of morning sickness I have thinks the morning is from 2am until about 8pm.
Babysitters Rules vs. Grandma's Rights?I am in a predicament that I really need advice on. I babysit my 6 month old Granddaughter and her brother (age 6) who is home-schooled. I don't agree with the home schooling situation but he is my grandson by marriage and therefore I try to keep my opinion to myself.
Guideline for Raising Children Plaque?When my first child was born nearly 30 years ago, I was given a plaque. On it was a guideline for raising children. Something like "Children become what they learn. Example: A child raised with criticism learns to become critical. A child raised love learns to become loving..."
Helping My Daughter End Her First Relationship?My daughter just got her heart broken by her first love, she is ready to go on with her life and he keeps giving her the guilt trip. He didnt have time for her, now all of a sudden he does. She wants to end it but doesn't want to hurt him, it's her first love!
Sore Cracked Nipples from Breastfeeding?Just wondering if using vaseline petroleum jelly is ok to use on cracked sore nipples when breastfeeding?
Can't Get Rid of Lice?My sister and niece have lice. My sister has taken her daughter to the Doctor. He told them to get Rid. They couldn't find it at the drugstore but they did find Nix. They used it and did everything they were told and It didn't work.
How to Avoid Eating Nuts?I was just told by my Pediatrician that my 3 year old son is allergic to peanuts, peanut butter and to avoid all tree nuts. I know that starting in January, all food and candy companies have to list all 8 allergy ingredients on their packaging.
VarTech Phone Card for My Kids?I am trying to locate a phone card that my kids use to have when in school. It is by VarTech, who are still in business. This card ONLY allowed them to dial a specific code that rang our home number. This way I did not have any excuses of a cell phone out of range, or out of minutes, etc.
Teaching a Toddler to Behave in the Bath?I'm a grandmother of a 18 month old boy. I just taught him how to lay down in the bath tub, on his back, and "swim". Big mistake! Now he won't sit up in the tub to be washed and he splashes all over the place. Even Mom has to change her clothes after bath time.
Wetting the Bed?My son is about to be 7 and has wet the bed on average of about 3 times a week all of his life. We have tried EVERYTHING. The only thing we haven't yet tried is prescription meds. That would be my last resort. I don't know anything about them and was wondering if any parents here have any experience with them?
Baby Cries All Night?I have a 10.5 month old baby boy, who doesn't sleep through the night, not even close. My husband and I can't handle him crying. It's so sad. He is my 4th child and my husbands first child.
Helping Grown Sons Be Responsible for Holidays?Does anyone have ideas about how to help grown sons with families of their own to be responsive to holidays, birthdays, and communication in general? I am single and I do most of the calling, traveling, and visiting.
Urine Smell on Toddler's Clothing After Being Washed?My 2 year old son occasionally urinates through his diaper and the urine gets on his onesie and pajamas. What I've begun to notice is that even though I wash these items, the urine smell remains. Is there anything I can add to the wash load to help with the smell. I've tried Oxiclean but that hasn't worked.
Can Food Coloring Be Harmful?My daughter has discovered using food coloring to color her oatmeal and milk to make it more enjoyable for her to eat. My question is this, does anyone know if too much food coloring is harmful, or unhealthy to children? She likes to use it everyday, and it is now the only way I can get her to drink milk and eat oatmeal.
Reactive Attachment Disorder Advice?Does anyone here know anything about (R.A.D) Reactive Attachment Disorder and how to handle it in an 18 month old toddler?
Bedwetting Help?My son is now 7 and we are having a hard time with the bed wetting. I will take his drinks away at 6 PM and wake him up to let him go to the restroom but he still happens wets his bed. He has been prescribed medicine and it isn't working either.
Decorating and Childproofing a Nursery?My husband and I recently found out that we are expecting. What can we do to decorate the white walls and make it seem more like a nursery? Also, any other childproofing, toy/supplies buying, or the like tips would be greatly appreciated.
Cleaning a Crib Mattress?My DD has a toddler bed with a crib size mattress, the kind with plastic sealed around it, and the mattress has some small tears in it. When she wet to bed some of it seeped into the mattress and now her whole room smells.
10 Month Old Won't Hold His Own Bottle?My son is 10 months old and still will not hold his bottle on his own or a cup. He does everything else any 10 month old does. I'm a new mother so I don't know when they start doing this. Does anyone know?
Keeping Track of a Toddler at Disney World?We are going to Disney World in three weeks, and I am wondering if anybody has some suggestions on how to keep track of a wandering toddler. My son is 2 1/2 and is as fast as a rocket and inquisitive. (He just escaped out my front door - what a scare!). I have heard about wearing bright shirts.
Sweaty Palms and Feet?My 12-year-old has a problem with sweaty palms and feet. This has been a problem since she was a baby. At 12 she is embarrassed by the problem. She constantly has to wipe her hands while writing, drawing, using the computer, etc.
Summer Fun On a Budget?Now that Summer is here, I'm finding it hard to think of new creative ideas to fill the days on a dime. I want to know what creative ways you fill the days with without spending a alot of money! Any ideas?
Traveling With a Newborn?I was also wondering about travel tips for newborns. I know that we will have to stop a lot more often but we want to visit with family over Christmas and give everyone a chance to see the baby. The down side is they all live 9 hrs away.
Fun Things to Do With an Infant?Can anyone tell me "fun" things to do with an infant? I know peekaboo but I don't know where to find the "fingerplays" or anything like that. There's also got to be more that you can do with them before they start to walk or even crawl. How young is too young to give them a piece of paper and crayon and let them have fun with that (closely suppervised of course)?
Daughter-In-Law Won't Accept Used Items?I need a little advice here. I have a daughter-in-law who is due with our first grandchild. She grew up more fortunate than our children. I bought several things in really good shape at a garage sale but was told by her that she only wants new stuff, she doesn't want anything used by someone else. How do i handle a situation like this?
Making Birth Announcements?We are expecting our second child in a month and we are trying to think of a creative way to involve our 2 1/2 year old son in the birth announcement process. We would appreciate any ideas.
Encouraging Children to Not Wear Shoes?Do any of you allow or even encourage your children not to wear shoes. For the last year my seven year old daughter has only worn shoes to school and the rest of the time she is barefoot.
Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather?I need suggestions for a 8 month old child visiting hot California! There's no air conditioning in house we are staying in and no shade outside. He gets so overheated. Any tips will be appreciated. Nap time is especially difficult for the poor little one.
Sharpening a Pencil?Why is it that I can't seem to sharpen a pencil without the lead falling out as it gets pointed? I have to sharpen a few inches off a pencil until the lead does not break.
Quick Lunch Ideas?We live close to the High school in our town. Since some of my daughter's friends have the same lunch period, they want to come to our house and have lunch. I work, so am not at home. I need ideas for "quick" lunches for them.
Can I Save Money Making My Own Baby Food?I am thinking about making baby food for our second child so at the store today I checked out the frozen fruit choices. I was amazed that 2 pounds of peaches were $4. Am I missing something?
Cloth Diaper Advice?I am thinking of using cloth diapers for our second child. I really am overwhemled when I go online and look at choices. There are velco options, liners, make your own, some to wash and other parts to throw away... etc. so I don't know where to start.
10 Year Old Wets the Bed?My 10 year old daughter has wet the bed for years. Nothing is medically wrong. I have found this is common, so she wears Goodnights to bed, but in the AM she'll lay in bed, wide awake and wet her pull-up until it runs out onto the bed.
Help With a Disobedient 4 Year Old?I have a 4 year old daughter and she has no respect for me or my partner at all. She disregards everything we say to her, never obey's us and she's always back-chatting and pulling faces behind my back. If she doesn't get her own way she screams and cries.
My 5 Month Old Fights Going To Sleep?My 5 month old daughter fights going to sleep. She also cries for what seems to me no reason. I feed her, change her, rock her, give her kisses and hugs and still she cries. Can anyone help with these two problems.
How do I know if my baby has colic?How do I know if my baby has colic? That is one of the suggestions of one of the postings about my 5 month old fighting sleep.
What Should I Bring For My New Baby?My husband and I are having our first daughter within the next couple of weeks and we are close enough that we will be able to visit with my family for lunch then his for dinner and it'll be less than a mile home.
Picky Eaters?My 3 year old son with autism won't eat anything but McDonald's fries, pancakes, and PB & J sandwiches. I have tried every trick in the book.
My Daughter Is Starting To Date?My daughter is starting to date. Do you know how I can help with this milestone in life?
Daughter Dating an Older Guy?Daughter Dating an Older Guy. My daughter told me yesterday that she has been dating, a 16 year old boy who is gothic and skips school, for months now.
Biting Nails?How can I stop my 5 year old son from biting his nails? He doesn't even realize that he's doing it, until I tell him to stop. He has bitten one so bad, that it was bleeding.
Is 12 Old Enough to Go Places Alone?Do you think a child is too young to start going to the movies alone or anywhere alone at age 12 and a half in 7th grade? Should I wait till she gets older?
When can you give a baby water?When can you give a baby water?
My Daughter Likes an Older Boy?My Daughter Likes an Older Boy. My daughter is 13, but very developed body-wise. We can discuss sex and boys very easily. She has strong moral values, and said she wants to be a virgin until marriage. Recently she told me there's a boy she likes at school.
Curfews for College Age Children?I set a curfew of 3:30am on the weekends, and 12:00 on week nights for my 20 year old son who is attending community college but living with us. He thinks this is unfair.
Choosing a Stroller?Choosing a Stroller. I am pregnant and I am trying get a jump start in choosing a stroller and carseat. Any advice?
Clingy Toddler?Clingy Toddler. My sister has a 17 month old son who just HANGS off her constantly. I know it's normal for kids that age to have seperation anxiety, but this is beyond that.
Teaching Toddlers?Teaching Toddlers. I am a mother of a 21 month old boy and feel we need more structured learning, his language and other skills seem behind his peers. Any tips for teaching or websites, etc.
Free Stuff for Babies?Free Stuff for Babies. I am about to be a new mom and i need to know if it is any where I can get free things for my baby?
Preserving Children's Artwork?What do I do with all of my children's school artwork? I don't want to just throw them out in the trash! I do hang them for a while on the kitchen cupboards, or fridge, etc.
Foster Care Advice?Do any of you have experience with foster care? I would like to hear about it. We are considering doing foster care.
Cloth Diapers or Disposable Diapers?My daughter is about to have her first child and I am looking for information on the cost comparison between Cloth and Disposable Diapers.
Teens and Thongs?My teen thinks she is going to die if I don't let her where thongs to school. She is 13 and apparently they make fun of anyone who doesn't wear thongs in gym class. They call normal underwear "Granny's Panties"?
ADHD Worse on the Same Days Every Week?My 8-year old has ADHD. Wednesdays and Thursdays of EVERY week he is just impossible to deal with. However, he maintains the same schedule every single day and everything is always fine every other day. It's just those 2 days out of the week.
Saving Too Many School Papers?My 6 year old DD thinks she needs to keep every scrap of paper that the school sends home. How can I get her to realize that this is way too much to keep and help her minimize her paper stack?
My Child Keeps Getting Head Lice?When a child gets head lice often, what can I do?
15 Year Wants to Sleep at Her Boyfriend's House?Should you allow a 15 year old to sleep over her boyfriend's house? Her boyfriend is moving around an hour away and his friendly, trustworthy parents are willing to drive if daughter is allowed to sleepover. Also, they are constantly being watched and she sleeps in the boyfriend's sister's room at night and there is no privacy for the couple whatsoever.
Bad Smelling Baby Clothing?How do I get bad smells out of baby clothing?
Buying a Bathing Suit for a Pre-Teen?I am raising my grand daughter and this season she is into Jr. sizes. I have looked and looked and CANNOT find a decent bathing suit in her size! I know it is early in the season, however, none of the places I have looked even showed a one-piece suit and all the two pieces are too skimpy for an 11 year old.
Preparing for a Baby?I have found myself to be VERY unexpectedly pregnant at age 38. My husband and I have two sons, ages 16 and 10. I work but have no benefits and my husband is on Social Security Disability.
Keeping Preteens Entertained In Summer?What can my grandson do to beat boredom this summer? He is 11 and is driving me crazy! I keep him in the daytime while his parents work. I won't let him play on the computer and he's tired of his Playstation games.
14 Month Old Crying for No Reason?My 14 month old daughter is crying for no reason (or so it seems). I have tried everything, rocking, singing, playing. She does this after her nap and she has eaten and had something to drink.
Cheap Child Care?I am having a very hard time finding cheap child care. The day care people here ask way too much money and think we are being selfish by saying it's too much.
Problems Getting Pregnant?I am trying to get pregnant and having a really hard time. I do not have a menstrual cycle like a normal woman. Looking for people out there that have gotten pregnant after having the same issues as me.
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?My daughter is now a senior in high school. She has a 4.0 plus average (honors, AP classes) and has a 75% tuition scholarship so far and will be probably be able to attend the closest university for free if she continues to apply for scholarships.
California Beauty Pageants?Where can I find beauty pageants in California for my two year old son?
Preserving Friendship when Kids Don't Get Along?How do I tell a dear friend that my child does not want to be friends with her child, and not ruin the friendship?
Getting Kids To Help With Chores?I have 4 daughters, 11, 7, and twins that are 5. I am ashamed to say they have been quite "spoiled" when it comes to helping out with chores around the house up until now.
10 Year Old With A "Fresh" Mouth?I have a 10 year old daughter who is starting to have a fresh mouth. I have tried punishing her and taking away privileges but nothing seems to be working. My babysitter is starting to complain. I am afraid I might lose her. What should I do?
Freezing Baby Food In Ice Cube Trays?My son is just now starting to eat baby food. I am making my own but unsure how I should freeze it. I have been placing it in freezer bags but have noticed that other mothers have mentioned they put them in ice cube trays.
Looking For Good youth Sports Program?I am looking for a good sports program for my 2 sons ages 12 & 15 in GA. They like basketball and football respectively. Because I work, one son has had to quit his HS football team due to missed practices. Evening or weekend programs would be wonderful. Thank you.
How Old Should a Girl Be To Go Places On Her Own?My mom is smothering me and I feel like I can't grow up because I am the last baby. I would really like some freedom. How can I ask for freedom? She has already turned me down more than once. All my friends parents are allowing them more freedom, but my parents just don't understand. I need to grow up, I am 13 and in 8th grade please tell me your opinions. Thanks
Babysitting Advice For 13 Year Old?My daughter (13 years old) is babysitting for the first time this Sat. for our next door neighbor. I have given her the usual "do's & don't's", i.e. play games with the child, don't spend your time talking to your friends on the phone, and of course the safety issues.
