Friday, November 25, 2011
Whether you stay local, or go over the river and through the woods, there are plenty of activities that will delight your family and build happy memories that last a lifetime.
So…you’ve put away the leftovers, have the tablecloth pre-treated and soaking to get the cranberry stains out of grandmom’s tablecloth. What’s next for you and the family for the long holiday weekend? Here are some regional activities that are sure to become family favorites: Local Fun Over the River Through the woods
Thursday, September 15, 2011
With the changing season comes a change in children's clothes and organization.
Who doesn’t love this start of the cool fall days, and the fall wardrobe that comes with it? The trouble is, it means it’s time to update everyone’s closets and somehow keep it all organized. It can feel overwhelming trying to know where to begin, so before I start to tackle the closets, I have a plan, and I set reasonable expectations for what I think I can accomplish in the time I have. If at all possible, I try to do it when kids are occupied to minimize the chaos. For me, the planning starts well before the change of season. As I get new clothes for each of our family members, I keep them stored in labeled bins so that everything is together by name, size and season, and I make sure it’s easily accessible. As I take the summer …
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tips for helping your child navigate the decision to jump on the bandwagon (literally).
As school gets under way, there are so many things to be thinking about – the loads of paperwork that come home, getting into the homework routine, packing lunches, managing fall sports schedules... Should you have a child who is at the point where he or she can begin to play an instrument in school, go ahead and add that to the ever-growing list. Research has shown that music helps many facets of a child’s brain development. We are fortunate to have such great music programs in our area districts with incredible teachers. The programs into which our children have the chance to immerse themselves can provide later opportunities to be involved in things like pit orchestras, jazz band, marching knights, and beyond. Choosing the right …
Friday, August 26, 2011
How healthy do you make your children's snacks?
With school just about to start, moms everywhere are thinking about what to do about lunches for the upcoming year. This year, let’s be smart about what we pack for our kids. It is a lot easier to be green than ever before. Before you know it, the green decisions you make can help influence what you are packing, as well. Let’s start with a good reusable lunch bag. There are plenty of options at many of the local supermarkets and department stores, and even more available to you online. There are bags and boxes that can be sturdy with compartments and thermal linings. When you are purchasing, make sure the bag is durable and suits your needs. Have your children help pick out bags that they like in their favorite color, or with their …
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Summer's out for school
It’s almost here and some of you are surely counting down the days. It’s just about that time for the kids to go back to school! As parents, we all experience mixed emotions this time of year: the sadness that comes with a summer’s end, the excitement to get the kids back in school and back on a regimented schedule, and the anticipation of what kind of year it will be for your child. Some parents I know are more overjoyed than anything at the idea of getting the kids back in school in the fall. However you feel, try to make it as positive experience every year for yourself and for your child. Be aware of your child’s feelings and understand that most children are more anxious than excited to enter into a brand new year with a new …
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Here are a few of our Moms Council president's favorite spots for kids' meals
Dining out with kids can be fun – and inexpensive – if you go to the right places. Nearly every night of the week, there is a local restaurant that offers a special “kids night” where kids eat free or at a discount. Here are my top local picks: Sundays at Bones Grille - Kids eat free with adult entrée purchase 1650 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale Mondays at Molly Maguires - Kids eat free all day with adult entrée purchase 329 West Main Street, Lansdale Mondays & Tuesdays at American Star Diner - Kids eat free with adult entrée purchase from 3-9 pm 1200 Welsh Road, North Wales Tuesdays at Applebees – Kids meals start at $2.99 and free face painting from 6-8 pm 2333 West Main Street, Lansdale Tuesdays at Red Robin – Kids get a free sundae …
Friday, July 29, 2011
Beth Fox, of our Moms Council, offers some tips and advice in getting creative for your child's birthday party.
The birthday party for your child is just as important to them as a birthday bash would be for you. So, why not make it the best it can be, albeit without hitting the wallet too hard. Indoor venues offer some great options. Bowling is always an easy and popular choice. For more active fare, you can reserve time at Little Gym in Hatfield or Pump It Up in Chalfont. Pump It Up is an inflatable party zone. Some moms in the MOMS Club have great experiences even renting out firehouses for parties. A firehouse can host a party with a fire theme: Children can see the fire trucks, tour the firehouse and even meet the firefighters, who they see as local heroes. It is also very affordable to rent out space in a banquet room at a firehouse. If a …
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Setting rules with your children when it comes to swimming and pools can prevent accidents later.
Ask many kids what their favorite summer activities are, and swimming is sure to be mentioned among their top picks. While swimming is an excellent way to cool off, burn energy and have fun, it can also be a danger to young swimmers. How can we, as moms (and dads, too), thwart danger? As with many safety issues we encounter, using the tools of clear communication, education, parent/caregiver proximity and common sense are vital to instilling safety in our children. Here are some steps to take to make pool and water play time safe: 1. Introduce water at an early age. Starting in the bathtub is a great way to introduce water. Sing “If You're Happy and You Know It,” and substitute "clap your hands" with "wet your face," "wet your hair" and so…
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Vacationing with friends and family can deal with the issue of children sharing toys
To share or not to share? Vacationing with friends and family can be a lot of fun: your children get to spend some time with their cousins and/or dearest friends while the adults are able to relax and possibly even finish a conversation. However, all this closeness brings about a new issue . . . sharing toys. On a regular basis my children fight over toys and sharing space with other children has brought this issue to the forefront of my mind once again. I usually let my children figure it out on their own unless they start to get physical with each other. They are siblings and need to learn to solve conflicts on their own because I will not always be there and they need to learn how to solve conflicts in an appropriate way. If they …
Friday, July 1, 2011
When you celebrate Independence Day, make sure you do it safely.
Fourth of July celebrations undoubtedly include fun, but make sure to also include a review of safety rules you and your kids must follow. What may seem like common sense can quickly be forgotten in the excitement of the festivities. First and foremost, you are the adult and must be in charge. Fireworks are not toys and are not intended for use by children of any age in any circumstance. Fireworks are dangerous and cause a wide range of injuries every year. Talk through all of the safety precautions you are taking as to instill them in your children early on. Older kids, especially, like to take risks. Even during times you are not around to protect them, you want them to remember how to be safe around fireworks. If you are setting off…
Kristen Carey
8:08 am on Saturday, September 3, 2011
I was very musical as a child and studied piano for many years. I also played multiple band instruments as a child because my parents allowed me the creative freedom to try different ones. I loved being proficient in multiple instruments and to this day think that having to start over with an unfamiliar instrument and technique several times expanded my musical horizons. I never really quit any … more ›