Published by admin on May 9, 2013
Born in 1874 in Thomasville, NC, TJ Stone traveled the world over and eventually came back to North Carolina to create what his mind envisioned as a wood carver – furniture for the elite of his day.
TJ Stone: Creator of Intricate Handcarved Furniture (Images) continued »
Published by admin on April 11, 2013
I was 7 years old when my parents divorced. Because of the hostilities 
between them, my sisters and I were separated from each other and we bounced from relative to relative staying in different homes until things settled down. They never really did. The change was a traumatic one and led to some instances of abuse. Perhaps your situation is not that severe or maybe it’s worse. I hope not the latter. Every home has different ideas about what a family is but there is a universal truth and that is that we are the parents that are responsible for our kids, not the other way around. Saying the wrong thing to your kids during this traumatic time (and after) can not only lead to some pretty dysfunctional ideas about family but about who our parents really are.
With that said, here are 5 things single parents should never say to their child: 5 Things Single Parents Should Never Say to their Child continued »
Published by admin on March 12, 2013
Now I am quite a good little girl, I don’t cry too much, 
as I love being happy, giggly and excitable. If I’m naughty and get told off, I don’t dwell on it too much, I just look for the next source of entertainment.
Now, entertainment doesn’t necessarily mean anything that costs money, I have taken it upon myself to make sure Mom and Dad also enjoy the simple pleasures of life (not that they didn’t before, I like to think I enhance the experience). There are several simple things that make me giggle uncontrollably or shake with excitement!
A Hazel Musing: Things That Make Me Giggle Uncontrollably or Shake With Excitement continued »
Published by admin on February 1, 2013
It is a known fact most kids hate the idea of going
to the dentist. Between the frightening tools next to the uncomfortable chair and the inability to talk for the entire time, it is typically not their idea of a good time. In fact, it’s not really anyone’s idea of a good time, but as adults, we learn it is an essential part of our health. Plus, we want our white shining teeth to stay in our mouths for as long as possible. And, obviously, we want our kids’ teeth to do the same.
To take the fear and dread of the dentist out of your child’s mind, there are a few strategies to helping he or she to realize the regular trip to the dentist really isn’t all that horrific of an experience, especially for their first trip to the dentist. Make the Dentist More Fun for Kids continued »
Published by admin on December 20, 2012
These days, it seems like superheroes are everywhere you look. From movies to books to video games to costumes, everywhere you turn there’s one superhero or another. Personally, we can’t blame anyone for being excited about it. Who doesn’t like to imagine what it would be like to fly through the air, walk through walls, or take down the bad guys? Whether your favorite superhero is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Thor or Spider-Man, it’s easy to throw a fantastic superhero party for you or for your kid. Below are some tips to help your guests feel truly super!
Published by admin on December 13, 2012
Christmas sure is a magical time and for those who
celebrate it; it is also a time full of traditions and expectations. Most parents want to make that Christmas magic happen for their kids, which often means they want that adorable picture of their child beaming on Santa’s knee. Once children understand that this jolly fellow in the red suit is bringing presents, the excitement builds. Everyone in the family is eager to visit Santa… but after waiting and waiting in the line, the magic turns into a meltdown for your little one, often resulting in a fear of Santa.
When you have a row of other parents behind you, Santa’s elves ahead looking impatient and the weight of your own expectations bearing down on you, your child’s fear of Santa seems like a big, embarrassing disaster.
Tips to Help Your Child Overcome the Fear of Santa continued »
Published by admin on December 11, 2012
It seems thrift is going to be with everyone for quite
some time, and if there’s a solid way to save a little cash these days, finding it is an absolute must. Nowhere is that more true than when you’re trying to throw a party like a baby shower and stay on budget. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can save a little cash and still create an amazing shower for that special person in your life.
The Venue: You can certainly rent out this location or that one, but the chances are good that you’ll have to shell out some extra cash to do that. Instead, it’s best to try to go with a free venue. Have it at your house or the mom-to-be’s place, if that’s possible. You could also ask her mom or a close family member. If that doesn’t work, you may want to look for a free room at the local community center or a nearby church. If you don’t have to pay for the place you’re going to hold the shower, you’re far more likely to have a little money to spend on decorations.
Published by admin on December 6, 2012
Birthday parties are always fun, but they can be a bit 
more exciting with the ideal theme. Choosing a great theme for your son can seem like a monumental task. After all, there are probably a multitude of things he’s interested in, and when you combine that with the ideas you like, you’re certain to have plenty on your hands to choose from. Here are a few you may want to consider.
1. Where the Wild Things Are: This is one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, and there are few little ones who wouldn’t love to have this as a birthday party theme. Create a forest on your table for a centerpiece, and go with cute sugar cookies that look like the monsters for your birthday favors for the kids to take home with them. You may even want to read the classic story as one of your activities.
Published by admin on December 4, 2012
For your entertainment tonight, we are featuring
a new show called, “Mom, He Kicked My Leg Under the Table,” followed by a re-showing of the classic, “This Food Stinks!” Enjoy, and watch out for flying food, spilled drinks, and whining children. Family dinners are wonderful ways to gather together, share details about your day, and relax. In theory. In practice, they are often chaotic, stressful, and loud. How can you have a drama-free dinner with children at the table? We’ll help you turn those theoretical dinners into everyday events!
Start young. Begin having family meals as soon as your child can eat. He can have his rice cereal and pureed carrots while you have your dinner. It doesn’t matter what you eat, but that you have a regular routine that he can get used to. It will be an expected part of the day, and hopefully one that is looked forward to by all.
Published by admin on November 29, 2012
You’re probably the kind of person who won’t demand that your family wear matching Christmas sweaters for the annual card. You’re probably against posing people in awkward contortions suitable for synchronized swimming, too. So far, so good.
But — How are you going to take a professional-looking photo for your holiday card if you don’t know “ISO speed” from an F-stop?
How to Take Holiday Photos That Won’t Embarrass Your Family continued »
Published by admin on November 7, 2012
Whether you’re a professional photographer or not, your kids have probably asked you many times to let them take pictures with your camera. You don’t want to say no, but that thing was expensive! Luckily, in the past few years companies have been producing kid-friendly cameras built for 3 year olds all the way up to pre-teens. This allows you to get a camera your kid will love, while letting them capture great moments of their own.
Published by admin on November 1, 2012
Children have birthdays every year and their interests
change even faster than that. As they grow up and their view of the world changes their passions evolve. It is up to a parent to nurture these passions and help guide their kids along the right track. Now parents all have different views of what the right track is for their growing kids, but one thing persists among them all, a birthday cake.
Published by admin on October 16, 2012
The impact on children of divorced/divorcing parents is 
devastating regardless of age; however, depending on age, the impact and ways of handling the fall-out can and should vary. Despite age, children suffer many stressors upon the divorce of their parents. Children cannot always comprehend how divorce will affect them and how their lives may change, which can cause them to feel off-balanced and frightened concerning their future.
Many times children will have less contact with one parent or the other, typically the father. They may have to split their time between two homes. Worse yet they may be forced to move from the comfort of their home due to financial difficulties that parents may encounter. This might even involve a change of schools, which is always stressful for kids even under the best of conditions. They may find themselves laden with more responsibility.
Impact of Divorce on Children’s Behavior Problems continued »
Published by admin on September 27, 2012
Children’s clothing is adorable, but it can sometimes be outrageously priced. Fortunately, frugal moms know how to save money when it comes to wardrobing their quickly growing little ones. Below are some valuable tips for money-conscious moms everywhere:
Save Sibling Clothing for Your Younger Children
This one is a no-brainer. If you already have a stack of gently used clothing, why get rid of it when it could be used again? Parents planning to have more children in the future should hold onto their kids’ old clothes. Use storage tubs to keep organized, labeling the gender and sizes of the contents on them.
Published by admin on September 25, 2012
Many children suck their thumbs; however, most children
stop sucking their thumbs by the age of four or five. Often, a child will suck their thumb if they are afraid, nervous or unsure of what is going on. However, if this habit goes on too long, it can lead to speech or dental problems. There are a few tips that will help you deal with this problem effectively such as encouragement, love and a few tricks of the trade. How to stop thumb sucking is not difficult but it does take time, effort and ingenuity.
For some children, thumb sucking that goes on a long time may mean that your child is having an emotional problem and may need to see a pediatrician. Most importantly, prolonged thumb sucking can lead to a dental problem such as the roof a child’s mouth protruding over the bottom teeth. This may require dental visits to correct the alignment of the teeth and that means braces. Some have found success by using a thumb guard.
Posts