Moms to Moms on Stress
Aside from daily survival, I think the greatest stressors for children and parents is sibling fighting. For the younger ones I will change the focus b stopping what I’m doing to cuddle up and read a few books to them. They calm down and then resume playing. Older children are given 5 minutes to work out a solution on their own. If they are unsuccessful, I … Continue reading Moms to Moms on Stress
Rejection. It hurts. What can you do?
Fortunately, I haven’t had the rejection experience with craft fairs or bridal shows. I believe that’s because I have such a unique product. I create button bouquets: If I created, say, jewelry for a living, there would be so much more competition! At each show, thoughtful jurors want to create a unique experience for buyers with a wide array of beautiful handmade art in all its … Continue reading Rejection. It hurts. What can you do?
This Works for Me!
When disciplining children because they’ve said something hurtful or mistreated their siblings or friends–tell them the next two things they do or say must be something NICE towards that person. Run out of BUBBLEBATH? Try baby shampoo Another bathtime idea–let children ear bathing suits and blow bubbles in the bathtubs for DAYTIME BATH FUN. To sort various family activities on the calendar, us a DIFFERENT COLOR PEN for … Continue reading This Works for Me!
The Common Cold!
The “cold” is actually caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted in two ways: contact with infected hands or objects particles floating in the air How can you reduce the number and severity of colds? Keep your stress level down. Increased stress has been associated with increased colds and symptoms. Always was hands throughly and frequently with soap and warm water. (It is important … Continue reading The Common Cold!
Adolescence
Some people have stated that adolescence is like “the two’s” all over again. Well, just like two years olds, preteens and teenagers are seeking ways to become independent from their parents and through this new emotions and feelings emerge. The decisions our teens make during these few years have a direct effect on the rest of their life. So, as parents the best thing we can do … Continue reading Adolescence
This Works for Me: Teething
Freeze mini bagels for the teething baby to gnaw on. The coldness of the bagel feels good on their gums and it is soft enough that when melted they can eat it! (Jenn Rakowski) Put the pacifier in the freezer, so that it is cold when they want it. Your fingers Frozen bananas What did you do to help with teething babies? Continue reading This Works for Me: Teething
Kitchen Kapers
Having trouble with children eating vegetables? Try blending squash/zucchini/carrots in with spaghetti sauce (use less water, add veggies after browning meat). Another Vegetable idea for carrots is to cut them with a crinkle cutter–makes children think they were made especially for them! Add a little Spice to your coffee! Try adding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of cinnamon/nutmeg/vanilla directly into auto-drip coffee basket for some “spice-au-lait.” Save on gourmet coffee … Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
New Year’s Eve at Home
Some years it is great to sit back and relax at home with the children. Then you think to yourself, “What am I going to do until midnight?”. Well here is are some fun activities that you can do with the family. Play News Anchor: Set up the video camera and have each person give a report of what they did that year. Over the … Continue reading New Year’s Eve at Home
Kids Korner: Winter Crafts
Thanks to Kaboose.com for the fun winter crafts for children! Craft Stick Sled By: Amanda Formaro Difficulty: Average Age: 8 and up Make this fun replica of an old wooden sled. The starburst design and beautiful colors make this little sled an adorable winter activity. What you’ll need: 5 jumbo craft sticks 2 craft sticks 2 miniature craft sticks White craft glue Yarn Light blue and … Continue reading Kids Korner: Winter Crafts
Feast of the Seven Fishes
If you know my family, then you know that every Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, we have celebrated the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Growing up we never really got to all seven fishes, but now with my brother (the chef) we always have seven fishes! Bacala, anchovies and smelts are what my mom grew up with. Now we may have … Continue reading Feast of the Seven Fishes
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 