Ten Dos and Don'ts for School DazeKids all over the nation are returning to school. Here are some things to anticipate, and some tips.
Games for Promoting Your Child's Motor DevelopmentIf a child is having fun while moving, that child is far more likely to want to keep moving. What he doesn't realize is that he's also practicing his movement skills! Following are activities that help promote the development of locomotor (traveling) skills:
Baby Modeling and Beauty PageantsThriftyFun does not run any pageants or hire any models so this page is just for informational purposes. Please do not post your child's photo and email address here for help. There is a lot of good advice on this page and more in the feedback. And remember, all babies are beautiful!
Teaching a Child to Be RespectfulHow do you teach a child to be respectful? Most importantly of all, by example. Helping them to realize that everyone is molded from a different pattern. And it IS okay to be different.
Tips For Making That First Day Of School TransitionChildren who are used to being home often have a stressful time adjusting to the transition of leaving Mom for school. This is a period of my life that I will never forget.
Parental Visitations - Easing a Child's StressMy oldest child was 9 years old before he began a relationship with his biological father. It could have been a very stressful situation for everyone involved, but from day one ground rules were laid out and a healthy relationship began.
Bringing Up Young Boys To Become Responsible Husbands And FathersI once heard it said that you will never really know how effective you were as a parent until your child grows up and has a family of their own. Teaching a young boy responsibility and good values make life not only easier for the parent, but for his wife and family later in life.
Living With DaughtersIt's a real eye opening experience! You have boys and realize there's not a lot that you can relate to as far as "Boy Stuff." And then comes the daughter. I'd like to offer a few tips to mothers about raising daughters and keeping a right mind.
Green Tips for Back to SchoolOther than the holiday season, back-to-school shopping offers consumers the largest opportunity to collectively vote with their dollars in support of environmentally and socially responsible products.
Summer Adventure: Farmers MarketsA farmers market is a fun and different way to shop! Bring the whole family for a morning of fun.
Neighborhood Kids Yard SaleIf you have kids, they probably have toys. A lot of toys. Heaps and piles of toys they've forgotten they had, or lost interest in, or just don't use anymore because they grew out of them.
The All-Important Summer VacationAs summer approaches prime time vacation season heralds its arrival as well. Enjoy the trip without the aching wallet with some planning.
Almost Free Boredom BustersIn June the kids aren't bored yet; the thrill of summer vacation is still upon them. However, August is another story. With movie prices at $6 or higher and gas soaring in its price per gallon, how can you keep the kids busy and your budget happy?
Overspending in September - Supplies for the Secondary SchoolsAs a middle and high school teacher I see gross overspending in September. Yes, the students cause most of it with desires for new wardrobes and expensive backpacks; however, most of it comes from well-intentioned parents who go overboard with supplies.
"Mom I Need A Job!": How Kids And Teens Can Earn Some CashHere is a list of things that you can do to earn some cash for that something special you always wanted. There are many things you can do that are better than setting up a lemonade stand in your front yard.
Jumpstarting Your Family's CreativityAs parents, we are always looking for fun ways to spend time with each other. Here are some great ideas that don't cost a lot of money, but are big on the fun factor and just might teach your children something. You may not believe that you are creative, but you might be surprised at how creative you can be.
Saving Money on DiapersTips and strategies for saving money on diapers. I buy diapers when they go on sale. This week I bought a pack of Pampers.
No-Cost and Low-Cost Family ActivitiesNo matter how we save money, every family needs fun things to do. Here are some suggestions on no cost/low cost things to do. In these times of rising fuel costs, you need to think about saving on your gasoline costs also.
Mamaw's Tried and True Baby Products ReviewsHaving two grandchildren, ages 2 and 6 months, has certainly taught me a lot about the newest products for babies. There are so much more to choose from than there were in my child raising days.
Saving Money on Preschool ActivitiesDaycare is an enormous expense, but preschool isn't any cheaper. We were lucky enough to have family members watch our son in his early years, but we soon learned that the transition from a family home to kindergarten would be a tough one.
How Teenagers Can Save MoneyFor the budget conscious teenager there are ways to save costs and still enjoy the perks of being a teenager. While limitations on frivolous activities are an obvious answer, there are ways to enjoy some of those frivolities while saving some pennies.
Summer Book Club and Book SwapAre you getting ready to have your first yard sale of the summer yet? Have your kids gone through all of their books to add to your sale? If you have got a lot of kids that hang out at your house, why not start a Summer Book Club and book swap.
Saving Money on Child CareDuring the summer months, child care costs can skyrocket for families with kids getting out of school. What are your tips for saving money on child care?
Essentials for BabyWith so many new mothers facing hard times these days and with all the new gadgets and gear out there, I thought I would give a basic list as to what is really needed for your new baby and what is just plain fluff that you probably won't use.
School Bus SafetyMore students are killed or injured getting on and off a school bus than while they're inside the bus. Make sure your students know how to get on and off the bus safely.
How Can Kids and Young Adults Make Money?We have been getting a lot of requests from young folks looking for ways to make money before school starts. Here are some Brainstormed ideas for them by the ThriftyFun community. What are your tips for what kids can do to make money? Post them below.
Recycling Last Year's School SuppliesIt's time to go back to school which means it's an expensive time for parents. Besides buying new clothes and school supplies, time is spent cleaning out last years' things to make way for the new. Try to use some of the old to make the new and save some money.
Do U Promise a College Education to Your Children?Whenever I hear the words 'college fund' I nervously change the subject. It's one of those things that I've put off until my mortgage is paid off. By that time my son will be ten ...
Saving Money On School ClothesSchool will be starting soon. What are your favorite tips for saving money on school clothes, shoes or uniforms? Post them here!
Saving Money on School Sports SuppliesDo you have any ideas for saving money on school sports supplies? Here are some tips from the ThriftyFun community. Many people with growing kids have a garage full of outgrown or little used sports equipment.
Calling All Grandmas! Be a Kindergarten VolunteerMaybe you don't get to see your grandchildren very often or it is just a long distance phone call once or twice a week. Now imagine your self sitting with a child that is struggling with their ABC's and you are helping them.
Saving Money on Baby FoodTips for Saving Money on Baby Food as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.
Enhance a Child's Learning Without a TutorTutors can cost $20 or more per hour, but often with younger students it's the mindset of learning that can add to their educational success. At home, try to piggy-back on what information is delivered in school.
School Lunches With PizzazzThe prices of school lunches, like most other things, are rising. Yet, parents need to question whether these lunches are providing their children with healthy lunch options and whether or not the lunches are worth the money.
Plan a Green NurseryAhh, you are expecting a new baby. Such a joy! Well by now you are well on your way to planning your nursery. Here are some ideas for keeping your nursery green, safe and healthy.
Green Baby Facts: Raising a Healthy Baby and Planet...When I was a mother to be, there was not a whole lot of choices out there for anything that was green. We had glass bottles and cloth diapers which are two big green choices but most mothers readily jumped on the Pampers bandwagon because they were easy and convenient.
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.
Tips For Choosing Eco-Friendly ToysYoung children have a natural tendency to explore new objects with all of their senses-especially their hands and mouths. That's why it's so important to make sure the toys we give them are green and healthy! Here are some tips for choosing eco-friendly toys.
Summertime Activities for Your ChildrenFrugal living is nothing new to us as I was raised in a family of 11 kids and many foster children. We may have struggled because money was tight, but we never seemed to lack for fun things to do and there was always something going on that held our attention.
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.
Summer Fun BoxSchool is almost out! A great surprise gift idea for elementary-aged children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews is a 'Summer of Fun' surprise package. Try to think of all the things you loved as a child.
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.
Collectibles For KidsKids love to start collections, but these collections can get too pricey. The latest collecting fad for kids hardly has the intention of keeping a parent's wallet full. However, there are many things that children can collect that aren't pricey but are fun.
School Supply Shopping TipsWhatever happened to my FREE public education? Honestly, between "renting" the required text book; the locker, sports fees and equipment; yearbooks.
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.
Keeping Outdoor Play Equipment Clean and...If you have children, one of the most essential (and often overlooked) spring yard chores is probably sitting right in your own back yard: cleaning and inspecting your children's outdoor play equipment.
Free FundraisersAs schools suffer through budget cuts, fundraisers become even more important. Yet everyone is cutting back, and purchasing wrapping paper, candy, or raffle tickets isn't in the budget.
Fiscally Responsible ParentingWhen your children receive cash gifts for the holidays or their birthdays, it's a parent's job to be fiscally responsible with it. You want your children to enjoy it, but you want them to learn how to manage their money at the same time.
Teaching Your Children About MoneyOne day while I played dress-up, I had decided that I needed to go to the "store", so wearing one of Mom's white tee shirts, a scarf, and my mom's tennis shoes, I grabbed her purse and proceeded to put my play food in a little basket.
Set A Routine for Your ToddlerThere is nothing more calming to a child then having a more or less constant routine. Here is what I used to have as a day's worth of learning and fun when my little ones were too young for school.
Being Organized for School MorningsThe first thing you need to do is eliminate the mad scramble of the morning rush. You need to be organized and be prepared ahead of time. I will give you some great tips to avoid the morning chaos.
Try Geocaching This SummerAs soon as I hear, "Hey, Gigi, let's go geocaching," from one of my grandkids, I'm ready to go.
Kid OlympicsSkip summer camp and bring the Olympics to your children this Summer! Plan several sports and wacky fun for a free week-long event of lasting memories.
