Take Your Kid Yard Sale-ing

By sarajean on 8/31/10 7:40am
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Though we took our child to one yard sale last year, she didn’t really remember it and was excited to go on a yard sale-ing adventure recently. We let her empty out her bank, which had about $20 in dimes, nickels, and quarters in it, and put it in two change purses for her to take with us. We set off for adventure, and we weren’t disappointed.

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10 Things to Do with Sand

By sarajean on 8/24/10 3:59am
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Just because summer is nearing its close doesn’t mean the sand and sun have to end, too. This year, my husband built us a fun sand and water play table with simple wood scraps and two rectangular buckets. Ideas for using this new toy are endless; here are just 10 of them.

10. Use Sand for Writing Practice

If your child is a kinesthetic learner—or just will be sure to have fun in the sand—wetting some sand and allowing him or her to draw in it with a stick is a great way to practice numbers, letters, and simple drawings. I know it’s a lot more fun than kindergarten-lined paper, that’s for sure.

9. If You Build It, They Will… Probably Tear It Down

But that’s okay! Building sculptures out of the sand is another great kinesthetic activity for both young and older children.

8. Engage in Pretend Play

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Parenting and Personal Identity

By sarajean on 7/31/10 6:13pm
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Months ago, I vehemently argued in favor of posting one’s photos of one’s children on Facebook when a childless friend postulated a question about it. Shouldn’t your FB page be about you, she asked, and not about your children? Though her question was not hostile, my answer definitely was—though I certainly didn't mean to be--and now I’m left analyzing why that was.

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Ban on BPA in Baby Products a Small Step Toward Human Health

By sarajean on 7/29/10 7:59am
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The banning of bisphenol A (BPA) in one single state is not a whole lot to celebrate. The optimist in me wants to say, “Yay! If California can do it, the rest of us can, too!” Unfortunately, I am feeling much more pragmatic today, and given the fact that California has routinely passed laws that support the environment, health, children’s issues, and plenty of other things I care about over the past couple of decades (at least) that my state still has yet to even give a damn about, I’m not going to hold my breath.

And the chemical is still being allowed to be manufactured. The ban, recently passed by the California House of Representatives, is part of the Toxic-Free Babies and Toddlers Act—which, as you might guess, means that the chemical is only being banned from materials meant for people ages three and under.

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Ghostbusting 101 for Parents

By sarajean on 7/15/10 9:22pm
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Little SaraJean (Okay, that’s not her name, but I don’t like to use her name in my articles!) has recently become very, very obsessed with ghosts. I think the main reason is because her dad has her hooked on Scooby Doo, which is full of creepy creatures—and even though they are unmasked at the end of each episode, their frightening images are still left in the minds of kiddos who watch them.

Recently at our art class, I overheard some mothers discussing how they couldn’t believe their children had nightmares. “What on earth could they have nightmares about?” demanded one mother, and another promptly agreed.

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10 Fun Family Reunion Themes

By sarajean on 6/30/10 8:23pm
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Many families host their annual reunions during the summer months, and for good reason. Without the snow and rain in many areas, travel is generally safer. It’s also usually better weather for outdoor activities, a favorite pastime during these events. Family reunions can be jazzed up with fun themes. Here are ten ideas you might want to use at your next family gathering.

10. The Beverly Hillbillies

If you live in the Midwest like me, much of your family may already seem like Ellie May or Jethro! And even if they don’t, it could still be fun to make everyone dress up like hillbillies, rednecks, or whatever phrase your family likes and see how far people go with it.

9. Costume Party

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10 Free Date Ideas

By sarajean on 6/30/10 4:15pm
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While summertime means longer days and hotter nights, it doesn’t necessarily bring with it more revenue. In fact, just as many seasonal workers—such as fruit and vegetable pickers and carpenters—find themselves without a job in the winter months, so too do many teachers and other school workers. The good news is that no matter your income, there are always free things you can do with your partner. The trick is finding a cheap or free babysitter (Grandma?). Here are ten fun and free summer date ideas.

10. Go Swimming

Find a free lake, beach, river, or other nearby area to swim at. If you have a pool at home, that’s all you need. Clothing is optional in that case!

9. Take a Walk in the Park

Try a park you haven’t been to yet. Walk along some trails, or meander through the shade trees.

8. Window Shop

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Fight Whining with Whining

By sarajean on 6/23/10 2:19pm
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Sometimes…your kids just drive you nuts.

I love my daughter with every ounce of my being. I want to be with her 24/7, and I actually cried when she used to go to preschool. I still do when her grandparents take her for an overnight once in a while. I know that many people think this is crazy, and maybe I’m weird. Maybe it was the whole experience with her in the hospital for the first three months of her life when she was a premature baby. Maybe I’m just a sentimental fool. Whatever reason, for 23 hours of the day (or, I suppose, 13 of the 14 hours she is awake) I simply feel as if I must be with her.

Then there is that 24th hour.

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All About Father's Day

By sarajean on 6/15/10 3:02am
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Many of us celebrate Father’s Day every June, but how many of us really know much about the holiday—other than the fact that it seems to make golf balls, toolkits, and fishing equipment go on sale? Here are some fun facts about Father’s Day.

Father’s Day was inspired by the creation of Mother’s Day. No surprise there!

More than 70% of Americans celebrate Father’s Day.

While half of all Father’s Day cards go to fathers, 20% are given by wives to their husbands. Perhaps this 20% is made up of families with very young children? (If so, kiddos can still give their dads a token of affection on Father’s Day. How about a handmade card, a painted rock, or even a simple handprint?)

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May is National Family Month

By sarajean on 5/21/10 2:40pm
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Should not every month be dubbed, if anything, Family Month? I get that the world is full of singles, loners, travelers, and wanderers; but even most of these people, self-proclaimed bachelors or not, have a family somewhere, someplace.

And if they don’t, they can make one without producing offspring and getting hitched. How many single people have their own tribe, their own group of close friends, or even a weekly book club group? All of these families—not just the standard nuclear ones—should be celebrated each and every month.

In honor of National Family Month, here are some activities you may want to do.

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