How to Save Money on Potty Training Next to diapering, potty training can be a big expense. You have the training pants to buy, undies that will inevitably get ruined in the process along with clothes and of course you have the potty or potty eat itself. Here are some ways to make your wallet happy about the process even if you find yourself pretty frustrated. Do it as early as possible, but don’t force your child if they are not ready. It is common sense math that tells us that potty training earlier will cut down on how many more diapers you will have to use, but forcing your child or making it unpleasant can backfire on you. Start by introducing the potty and leaving it in an area that is easily accessible to your little one. Let their natural curiosity take over. It will when they … [Read more...]
Easy Ways to Teach Math to your Preschooler
Easy Ways to Teach Math to your Preschooler Math is an important skill the every kid needs to eventually learn. Although your child will learn different math concepts and skills in school, if your preschooler is ready, why wait? Teaching your preschooler math can be easy, especially if you go about it the right way. If both you and your preschooler are ready to embark on a mathematical learning adventure, here are a few tips you will need to know. Use Manipulatives Manipulatives are an easy way to help teach math to your preschooler, especially if your preschooler is a tactile learner. A manipulative is anything your child can hold and manipulate in his or her hands. Education stores carry a huge selection of different manipulatives you can use to teach specific math skills, … [Read more...]
Keeping Your Child Reading Over the Summer
Keeping Your Child Reading Over the Summer Summer is here, which can only mean one thing: school is out! Students all over are excited for a few weeks of sleeping in and free days with absolutely NO HOMEWORK. Although summer is meant to be a fun season children can use to rest and recuperate from a long year of learning, it shouldn’t be a time where children refuse to learn. Summer can still be fun with a little learning thrown in and a great way to do that is keep your child reading this summer. Not sure how to do that? Here are a few ways you can keep your child interested in books without taking away their summer freedom. Summer Reading Program A great way to keep your child reading over the summer is to enroll in a summer reading program. Local libraries and some schools have … [Read more...]
Easy Strawberry S’mores
Easy Strawberry S'mores Now that bonfire & BBQ season is FINALLY here, it's time to start breaking out the s'mores supplies!! I think that S'mores is one of the very first things that come to mind when I think about summer fun! I love to change things up and get creative with my desserts, and figured why stop with cakes and cupcakes? These Strawberry S'mores are not only delish, but they are unique and fun too! I can't even think of a more classic dessert combination than chocolates and strawberries! This s'mores treat was a huge hit at my house for the kids and the adults! I used the new Peeps Minis, available year round, to make these Strawberry S'mores. When you toast these little Peeps over a fire, not only do they get all warm and gooey, but the outside is coated in sugar … [Read more...]
Skills that Will Help Your Kindergartener Transition into 1st Grade
Skills that Will Help Your Kindergartener Transition into 1st Grade Congratulations, your child has just graduated from kindergarten. Although kindergarten is now over, 1st grade is right around the corner. There are some major differences between these two grades, and it’s important that your child has the skills necessary to transition into the 1st grade. Take some time this summer to help prepare your child for the next phase in his or her school career. Independence Although all schools are different, many kindergarten classrooms have the additional help of an aide. As your child transitions into 1st grade, however, you will notice that this additional person is missing. A sense of independence is needed in order to succeed in this classroom setting. As the … [Read more...]
How to Save Money on Cloth Diapering
How to Save Money on Cloth Diapering Cloth diapering is an excellent way to save money, but it does require an investment. There are many ways to save money on cloth diapering supplies and needs and here are some of those ways. Don’t buy your diapers all at once. This is one of the biggest errors many new parents to cloth diapering make. There are so many types of cloth diapers out there as well as brands and people who make them handmade that you never know what kind will work best for you, your baby and your lifestyle until you are there. Instead, buy a few of each brand and style until you find the perfect fit. This way, you won’t be stuck with a bunch of diapers you can’t or won’t use. Skip special detergents. There are plenty of special detergents out there for cloth diapering … [Read more...]
7 Reasons to Consider Cloth Diapering
7 Reasons to Consider Cloth Diapering Cloth diapering is seeing a pickup in popularity in recent years. It used to be that nearly every baby was cloth diapered but there was a huge drop in this practice when disposable diapers come about as they were sold for convenience and less “mess”. It is not surprising that they took off, but the impact of them on the environment as well as our pocketbooks has been huge! If you are not sure what route you want to go and are still deciding, here are some reasons you should take cloth diapering into serious consideration. It is better for the environment. There is some debate as to whether it is better because of the increase use of water resources due to all the washing, but in the end, any parent that cloth diapers is saving thousands of pounds … [Read more...]
How to Get Started with Cloth Diapering
How to Get Started with Cloth Diapering Many people go the cloth diaper route when it comes to their babies and toddlers. Disposables had their boom with the 80’s and 90’s and now more and more people are choosing the cloth diaper path as a way to be more earth friendly and cost effective. If you are considering cloth diapering, here are some tips to get you started and help you make the best decision for your baby. Get enough of them. You will probably need at least 25-30 diapers to start with as young babies need changes up to a dozen times a day. You will also need a diaper pail to place them in between washings. Some parents get a spray nozzle hooked up to their toilet that allows them to spray off solid waste into the toilet and makes cleanup a breeze. Before investing in a … [Read more...]
How to Create a Fabulous & Frugal Baby Nursery
Any parent out there knows the joy and excitement of creating a baby nursery. It can get expensive to do so, but if you know how to shop frugally, you can create a nursery of your dreams on a shoestring. Here are some tips for doing just that. Check on Amazon and other online retailers. You can often find odds and ends for your baby nursery for a much lower cost. If you have Amazon Prime, you even get free shipping! Look at baby discount stores. Burlington Coat Factory has a “Baby Depot” at some of their locations that sell clothes, cribs, nursery décor and changing tables. These are high-end pieces that you would find at Macy’s and store like it for a fraction of the cost. Don’t turn down the thrift store. You can often find some great things at second-hand stores! The only … [Read more...]
Chocolate Chip Muffin In a Jar
Chocolate Chip Muffin In a Jar Everyone seems to be loving these recipes in a jar lately. You can get small jars and they are perfect for single servings and are already in something to store them in. I love chocolate chip muffins, o here they are in a jar! I bought a bag of powder from my local small dry food grocery store-Labeled muffin mix, basically the four, baking soda, etc in the bag already mixed. You Need 1 1/2 cup of muffin mix (OR 1 1/2 cups of four and 1 tea spoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt) 1/3 cup of sugar 1/3 cup of shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 cup of milk 1 cup of chocolate chips. Start by adding in the muffin mix into your bowl. Then add in your sugar. Crack your egg into the bowl and mix a little. Now you want to … [Read more...]