Holidays are an important and stress time for many families. The focus of the holidays is to celebrate but often we become so busy with preparations that we forget their true meaning. Meeting everyone’s needs during the holidays, as well as bringing to life the picture we’ve painted in our own minds, can over-stress our bodies. Our bodies can be over-stressed both physically (e.g. overeating, … Continue reading Stress and the Holidays
Give each child their own nativity set. It could be one they can play with or one that’s handmade. Let them keep it in their room. Teach children customs from another faith or country. serve smelts, spaghetti with anchovies, and shrimp on Christmas Eve as the Italians do. You could light a Hanukkah candles to remember where the Jewish and Christian faiths come from. Families from … Continue reading Holiday Ideas
A holiday party is in progress and a photo is being snapped. This is the scene as you watch through the frosted windowpane: A woman wears a black velvet dress cut to a “V” in back. Her hair is upswept and perfectly lacquered. Her nails are perfectly manicured and her smile shows perfect teeth. Her children, too, are dressed festively. The girl is dressed in red … Continue reading Peeking Through the Window
Pre-package formula into small ziplock bags, so it is ready to go. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times. For babies, pre-package a serving of oatmeal into small ziplock bags. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times, that way you have something to feed your baby besides a bottle. … Continue reading This Works for Me: Feeding your infant
Thanksgiving is a time to ponder and be grateful for blessing that have enriched our lives. It’s a time to realize that the little things really do count! A moment of silence on a hectic day Children arriving safely home from school Sleeping through the night with an infant in the house The health of your family A spouse who loves us and supports our … Continue reading 22 Little Reasons to Give Thanks
Don’t expect too much from yourself. The first holidays after a loss are especially difficult. It is normal to feel sad during the holidays when other families are all together. Many people advise going away for the holidays if there has been a recent death. A vacation trip works for some, while others want to be near emotional support. Ideally close friends or relatives should open up … Continue reading Surviving the Holidays when Grieving
After sweeping the kitchen floor, take a wet paper towel to “Spot Mop“. When squeezing out the last drops of Chocolate syrup for a glass of milk, pour a little milk directly into the bottle, shake, then pour! When an angry child says “I don’t love you, Mom”, try replying, “That’s okay, because I love you enough for both of us.” To discourage whining, try … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Save time when baking cookies by making cookie bars. Pour cookie batter in an 11×17 inch pan. Bake and Slice! Fall vegetables like squash can be substituted for pumpkin in recipes. This is a good tasting way for children to eat veggies! Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
Why put healthy foods in lunch boxes? The foods children eat affect their performance at school. Healthy foods increases resistance to infections Eating foods low in granulated sugars and saturates fats helps children concentrate better in school. Natural carbohydrates give them energy. Protein and calcium are needed for bone and muscle growth. To fulfill all of these requirements, make everything you put in your child’s … Continue reading Healthy Lunches and Snacks
Place a Flashlight instead of a candle inside of a carved pumpkin for safety. Delegate when there are several jobs to be done. Enlist the help of children by giving them a choice. For example: to the first child: Do you want to sweep the floor or would you rather water the plants? To the next child: Would you rather water the plants or vacuum the rug? … Continue reading This Works for Me!
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 