Sunday, March 25, 2012

Welcome to the World of Children's Birthday Parties


Just as taxes are an inevitable part of adulthood, birthday parties will become inevitable as your children become a certain age. For a few years, it will seem birthday party invites will roll in every month!
Do you ever wonder what is correct birthday party etiquette, such as how much you should spend on a gift, or if it is okay to bring little brother or sister to the party? How about whether or not you need to invite the whole class to your child's birthday party or if it is necessary to send a gift to a child whose birthday party you could not attend?
If you have asked yourself any of the above questions, I say stop what you are doing and read this article from LearnVest right now. It will answer all your questions and more! Great read!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Capture This!



I am always looking for fun photography ideas when it comes to taking pictures of my kids. (Now, if I could just remember to upload the photos off my camera....)

On the website Lil Sugar, Photographer Jennifer Little believes children's photography is "about emotions and capturing the full range of your child in unique but natural environments." She suggests taking your child's photograph in unexpected places such as an airport, a stadium, the dentist's office, the barbershop...even the bathroom!

Some of my favorite pictures of my kids are when they are doing every day, ordinary things. The posed shots never turn out well, in my opinion!

Tell me, what are some of your favorite places to take photos of your kids? What works best for you when you want to capture a moment ?!?! Share with us in the comments section.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Gotta Love a Homemade Valentine

Did you have a good Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is a divided holiday for so many. You either love it or hate it. I took an informal poll on February 14, and 75 percent of the people I asked (mostly parents, mind you) said they could do without the "Hallmark holiday." Interesting.

Well, whether you love Heart Day or if you can't wait to see February 14 come and go, you are sure to love this somewhat disturbing yet very sweet homemade Valentine I came across this week in the Huffington Post. Every time I read it, I get the giggles. Read it without laughing, I dare you! This is reason enough to love Valentine's Day in my opinion!


Tell me...did you get a good homemade Valentine from your little sweetie? If so, please share what it said in the comments section.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Sympathy Weight?



British researchers have found that the average dad-to-be gains 14 pounds during his spouses' pregnancy due to more frequent dinners out and additional snacks around the house. However, unlike the females, only 30 percent of the men dieted with the new moms to lose the weight after the baby’s arrival.


Just wondering...did your spouse or partner gain weight during your pregnancy? Sound off in the comments section.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Naps for Toddlers are Even More Important Than You Might Think!



Hey moms...listen up! A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder shows that toddlers between 2 and a half and 3 years old who miss only a single daily nap show more anxiety, less joy and interest and a poorer understanding of how to solve problems.


Check out what CU-Boulder Assistant Professor Monique LeBourgeois has to say about this new study here. It's a very interesting read! Do you agree? Sound off in the comments section.






Sunday, January 15, 2012

Cry It Out?


A recent blog entry on Psychology Today's website discusses the dangers of parents letting their babies "cry it out." The origin of the "cry it out" method began long ago in the 1800's, but it's a philosophy many parents still follow today. Dr. Narvaez, the author of the article, states that research has shown that babies left to cry alone in their cribs suffer from extreme distress and the practice creates long term effects, such as impaired growth and an inability to trust.

Yowza. Does this new school of thought change the way you view the "cry it out" method, or are you still a firm believer? Check out the article and let us know what you think!

Monday, January 2, 2012

New Year, New You!



When I think New Year's resolutions, I often think fitness goals. However, this year, I am trying to think of family and parenting goals to set for myself for 2012. Resolutions such as, "I will spend one-on-one time with my husband each week, sans kids" or "I resolve to fix more natural, organic and fresh meals for my family."

Do you ever make any New Year's resolutions that revolve around family life? If so, what are they? Share with us in the comments section below.

Here are a few sites that have some examples of family or parenting resolutions that may give you some good ideas! I encourage you to add some family resolutions to your list for 2012!

Fit Pregnancy- 26 Resolutions

Towson Patch- A Mother's New Year's Resolutions

New York Times- New Year's Resolutions to Parent By

Baby Zone- Practical New Year's Resolutions for Busy Parents
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