Tag Archives: parenting

How to teach responsibility : That can grow with your child

April 4, 2016 superexhausted

How to teach responsibility ?: I have been thinking alot about one of the prompts I was given to write about for my last Pley post “How do you teach young kids about responsibility?” My oldest is 15 yep, just turned it last month. I have to say everyday, I am more and more in love with who my son has become. Not only has he become responsible but a truly caring person. He looks at the world through empathetic eyes and views the world as his “responsibility.”

I know, a 15 year old who really cares about others, he does, which still takes me as by surprise even though he has always been this way. This weekend he helped a 12 year boy swim across a pool kicking for the 1st time after 4 years swimming practice. Rooting his “little buddy” on to win gold, it made my heart swell to watch them both grow. He has taken responsibility for his buddy success. I love when find out that he has stopping to see a neighbor on his way home from school without being asked to check that he is “all right”. He want to make sure his older friend is safe and healthy.

Today i was asked, How did your Son come to understand responsibility for enhancing others lives? I said I always stressed the importance of caring and understanding for others.

Some people have more, and some have less, some just are plan happy with the gifts they are given.

It started when he was little I would have him run soup to older neighbors, or have them work with me to give donation to a toy bank. I remember my little boy wanting to give all his saved money when a collection was not taken. He said he wanted to give because it was his responsibility to give to other kids that had less. He is still your typical teen never picking up his mess, regardless he is always amazing in my eyes.

Allowing kids to find balance and learn the world is a much bigger place then their block or street. Teaching there are others that are in your own world that can benefit from kindness. Children will learn it always comes back to you 2 fold. Just the basics be good and kind then responsibility will come.

How do you teach Responsibility?

This Post was sponsored by Pley- Pley is a monthly toy subscription based service that allows you to pick out the toy of your choosing. The toy of your choice gets shipped to you. When the child is finished you simply put the toy back in the packaging and ship it back postage paid. You are taking responsibility to not add to landfills and teach your child responsibility for a toy. It is a “Win Win” on the responsibility front. It is a rental toy dream because your kids get to play with all those expensive toys sets without the cost. That is also being responsible with your money. Check out Pley here.

Check out my other parenting posts:

16 Ways To Teach Kids to be Grateful

Don’t be Angry Mom

Parenting, sponsored posts

16 Ways To Teach Kids to be Grateful

February 29, 2016 superexhausted

16 Ways To Teach Kids to be Grateful: With 2 kids and a limited budget. I feel teaching expectation and gratitude has always been very important learning toys are not a requirements when we go to the store or anywhere. When my son was younger, I remember being in a large store (the one with a bullseye logo). We were shopping for clothes and toiletries. My son who was about 4 at the time started throwing a temper tantrum about getting a toy car. I was not sure what to do, I remembered a discussion with a mom who told me once she just left a store, leaving the cart in the isle to teach her child not to ask for toys.

On this day.. I decided enough was a enough, we were in the card isle, this little boy would not let up. I grabbed my daughter and walked away saying “We are leaving (full cart abandoned… sorry to who every cleaned it up) … he was so shocked he stopped crying. I think he thought we would go back, and we did not. We drove towards home and I did not say a word. When we pulled in the driveway, I turned around and informed him that going to store does not mean he will get a toy. That was the day I decided, I will not have a kid that expected toys for everything and would be grateful when he did receive .

How do you teach kids how to not beg for every single toy they see and to be grateful for what they have.

Toys are not a reward for everyday task.. For larger tasks/goals like working all summer to jump off diving board, great grades.
Create a list of toys and evaluate it and explain that one or 2 items not all items may be purchased.
It is ok to wait for a holiday gifts Christmas, Hanukkah , and Birthdays
Teach your kids one or 2 gifts are ok to get, it is not a contest.
Teach your child to appreciate toys and gifts, say “Thank you”and take your time
On holidays open each person gift one at a time, they gift giver took the time to locate and purchase the gift, not to mention spent money- gifts are not a given they should be appreciated.
Every Holiday or everyday is not a toy holiday or gift holiday (Easter, 4th of July, going to grandmas house) are not reasons for gifts, toys, money or Xbox games.
Set limits on value of toys (my son once wanted a $200 Lego set, that was not in our budget, he saved for it)
It is OK not to have what there friends have.
Life is not always about being equal or fair – Sometimes one person will get something and you will have to remind them of past gifts or toys they received (jealousy is not good, teach of the good they have)
Lower Expectations avoiding instant gratification complex
Lead by example: Do not always buy something for yourself, 1st time you see it, teach them window shopping and planning for goals. (chart or saving for item)
It is ok not to have the latest or greatest, and used is fine. Try a thrift store.
It is good to want it makes things special when you do receive them.
Souvenirs and Toy are not required when we go someplace the experience is enough. This is particular important when you child goes somewhere with other people. For us this is a big one. Being a blogger I get invited to many places. I love sharing some of these experience with others. I do however inform a parent and child that we will not be purchasing souvenir when we go. The experience is enough, and planing for a decorative souvenir cup for $12 each kid (a whopping $36 on plastic crap that will be throw away in a few weeks) will not happen. If the kid bring money for his souvenir then it makes my kids feel left out. Plus the kid who is focused on the souvenir and shopping is missing the actually experience. My kids are invited many places because they are grateful, always say thank you and don’t ask for stuff. (this is drilled in there heads) Trust me if you are teaching your kids they need to purchase or get something everywhere they go you are doing a disservice to them. Because I have heard the other parents and kids mention it, I know certain kids don’t get invited for this reason.
Teach your kids to verbalize what they liked about a day, experience, or being with family asks specific question on a ride home or at the table. Have them focus on playing with friends, or great food, what they liked about the stories of the days will help the to build resilience and find fulfillment.

Setting your kids up to live with less stuff allows your kids to experience more with there minds. The truth is you will not always be there supplying them with funds, teaching them the value of money and Life is not about acquiring stuff is a skill that will always benefit them to seek true happiness.

This Post is sponsored by Pley. Pley is a subscription based toy service. You pay a monthly fee starting as low as $9.99, the kids pick out the toys they are interested in. Then one of the toys is sent for the child to play with till they choose not too. You return the toy in the prepaid package and another is sent. They have amazing toys Legos, American Girl and more. I love this service because it teaches kids that time and patience and not in instant gratification. Pley is also a great service because they toys are cleaned and reused by another child. It teaches also that wanting is good and be grateful when the toys arrives. Rental toys create less clutter, less stuff, and time for more experiences.

LIfe, Parenting

Don’t be Angry Mom

January 30, 2016 superexhausted

Toys Toys Toys they are everywhere in my home. My daughters is 10 1/2 and her room is a field of toys and books. When you walk across you take the health of your feet into jeopardy. Her closet which leads to our storage space, I only get to every few months because of her toy clutter. I don’t think she understood that the clean up song in preschool and it can be sung at home. The biweekly ritual (struggle) of time to clean up your room little girl is my parenting fail. Which lead to The Purge.

Every few months I threaten “The Purge.”
It goes like this ..
Me: “Clean your room. “
Her: “I will after the show is over” after me asking 3-4 times then she mopes unwilling upstairs
2 hours later…
She is downstairs watching TV with a box of cereal sitting next to her
Me: “Is your room clean? “
Her: “Un-huh yup”
Me: “Do I need to double check? Is it my standard of clean? or yours? “
Her : “There might be a few things on the floor” she hustles upstairs again to avoid the wrath of Angry Mom
20 minutes later…
Me: I visit the room that organization forgot. The toy landmines went off boom BIG BOOM. Toys everywhere, under everything somehow it is worse??? That small sharp block pierce my big toe. (a curse word that rhymes with “it” might have been said)
The room is war zone and my top is blown “Angry” Mom comes for a visit
She running up to her room she “cleans” for another hour”

Apparently her definition of “Cleaning” is dancing around her room singing happily…I think she thinks she is Cinderella and the bluebirds are coming to help!

Yea No Bluebirds.. No little mice.. (because they would die of suffocation in that pig sty.. a slow and excruciating death.)

After another hour or 2 … I step in with the dreaded garbage bag and “The Purge” Begins.. some tears occur for the loss of her toys but then acceptance sets in (the beginning stages of grief.)

Toy Purge Rules:

Anything broken or missing parts
Anything that has come with food aka in cereal boxes or in a box food meal
Anything chewed
Anything dented
Any loose beads
Anything with marker, pen or crayon marks
Loose or ripped paper
We also purge any clothes shoes that do not fit.
Anything that you have not played with in the last 6 months
Back to basic rules everything has a place..
Clean and make sure floor is clean every night
If you room is not clean cant go out or have someone over.. (have to admit this is not a great rule for me because I do need her to go out especially in the summer)

The major purge timetable before Christmas, birthday, end of school and beginning of school.

It is tough raising kids maybe it is my penance because well I was a messy kid. My mother recalls my sister and I putting tape down the center of our shared room because my mess. I am sure my mother snickers every time she gets off the phone with me, when I am complain about my daughter being a hot mess.
I am just Super-exhausted from my daughter getting tired of toys and abandoning them to land of her forgotten toys. That is why I am so excited to learn about Pley.

You have not hear of Pley? It is service that you pay a monthly fee and the toys of your choice are sent to your kids. They play with them. Then you return them for new to you toys. Great right? No more forgotten toys, once the kids are done you send them back to Pley for a new toys. What I love about the service is Pley has the toys that are pricey so you can build them then so they get the experience and challenge of the build. They look at it for a few day you can get pictures of the experience. Then the kids move on and so do the toys out of your house.

The Pley toys are cleaned and shared. Reuse and recycle no toys going to “the purge” and landfills. Wonderful for the environment and your home.

Less mess
Avoid Angry Mom
Try Pley

LIfe, Parenting, Product Reviews

Verizon Gizmo Gadget Review and Video Review

November 13, 2015 superexhausted 40 Comments

Verizon Gizmo Gadget Review : I was recently at a Verizon event. During event they provided me a Gizmo Gadget for review. This week it has been fun getting to know how to use the Gizmo Gadget Watch Phone. The Gizmo is geared for kids who are not ready for a smart phone but still need to communicate with Parents, Caregivers, and Friends. The control of the phone is in the Caregiver’s (parents) hands, everything has to be set up in the Gizmo App downloaded from the iTunes or Goggle Play store. It also allows the parents to have access to child’s whereabouts and activity levels. I think of Gizmo Gadget as closed system determined by the Caregiver’s safety choices when setting up the phone/watch.

The Gizmo Gadget is the latest product offering to the Gizmo Line of kids phone watches. The pre-existing Gizmo Pal is geared toward a younger child because has less features. The Gizmo Gadget is for a older child preteen. The Gizmo line was created by LG for Verizon.

The purpose of the Gizmo Gadget is a Communication device: phone, predetermined text to caregiver, voice mails (send/receiving), a gps tracker, activity tracker, and to do list. The gizmo gadget does offer the ability to track jumping jacks, steps taken, compass, different watch faces, and some emoji’s to caregivers. Reporting status of child to caregivers. The watch can also be placed Quite Mode settings (up to 10 different times) by a caregiver can shut down at bedtime, school time. The Gizmo Gadget really does not have games.

Gizmo Gadget Review

Here is the break down of the Gizmo Gadget’s features we have found:

Gizmo Gadget Contacts Features:

The Gizmo Gadget watch/phone only has ablity to add 14 contact (3 caregivers and 11 others)
All contacts are entered by caregiver the child does not have the ablity to set up contacts.
The Gizmo Gadget itself identifies contacts by title (Mom,Dad, Aunt,Friend, Neighbor) not by name of contact for security reasons.
The Gizmo Gadget does not take phone calls from unknown numbers (meaning if the number is not in “contacts” it can’t be answer by child)

Gizmo Gadget Phone:

Phone calls can only be made to people on contact list
Phone messages can be left for anyone on contact list
The Gizmo has no way for the child to call someone not on the contact list (no keypad)
It rings they can pick it up or you can set the phone “Auto Answer” to pick up after automatic after 10 rings.
if you have 2 gizmos and they can call each other as long as they are set up as a contacts on each others phone (because both gizmos have phone numbers).

Gizmo Gadget Text Features:

The Gizmo comes with many preset/predetermined texted – the caregivers have the ablity to add a more texts
Predetermined texts only can be sent to caregivers (aka mom,dad,one other)
The Texts are set via the Gizmo App in caregivers phone not caregivers normal texting app (you do get a notification from app that a text was received from child)
No Texts outside of caregivers receiving or sending
Caregivers can write anything in a text to child characters are limited 30 characters- so longer texts are broken up
Child can leave a voice/record text message for the caregivers

Gizmo Gadget Voice Messages:

Child can leave voice mails for anyone in contact
Child can get voice mails from Caregivers

Gizmo Gadget Web access:

THE GIZMO HAS NONE

They cant get on the web with the Gizmo Gadget because it is only a phone partial texting device.
Again: No Web Access from Gizmo Gadget

Gizmo Gadget Camera:

THE GIZMO HAS IS NONE

No need to worry about picture or images being shared
Your child can’t take them since there is none

Gizmo Gadget GPS Tracking:

The Gizmo Gadget app a GPS tracker of you child, from the app on the parents phone you can see where the Gizmo is at all times
The Gizmo App on caregiver’s phone (GPS)will also via google maps be able to tell you what route to take get to child
The Gizmos has a compass feature on the child’s gizmo phone (no maps on kids phone)

Gizmo Gadget Activity tracking:

Step counter tracker
Jump-jack counter
Gizmo App reports to caregiver every night activity for the day how many steps they took over the day

Other Gizmo Gadget Features:

The phone does not state your child’s name on the device (this is for safety reasons)
Ability to set up a Quite Mode (up to 10 different time periods) for example when the child is in school, bedtime, homework, church time, activity time) The device will not make a sound (no ring or funny sounds) but the call will show up on the screen
Ability to turn off the Gizmo Gadget from the caregiver’s Gizmo App on phone.
Ability to track battery life of Gizmo Gadget from caregiver’s Gizmo app (if you had a kid with a dead phone you know this is important) According to Verizon it last 9 days
The app tells you everything your child does on the phone (from location to changing ring tone and more)

Gizmo Gadget Fun stuff:

Kids can use moving emojis when send messages to caregivers
Kids can play with different voices when recording voice message to text to caregivers
Funny sound maker
It has a compass
The watch screen / ring tone can be changed by child from gizmo watch phone (7 to choose from one of the faces is Analog) (other options are princess, tron, digital more)
ToDo list great for reminding kids of tasks (set up in caregivers Gizmo App)
The Gadget is offered in 2 colors Red and Blue you can purchase another band to swap out the watch they have other colors (teal, pink, red,blue)
Child can easily check in using a side swipe check in feature from gizmo
You can’t get Text through your phones text messages alerts (because it is a closed alert system)- only through the gizmo app. Be sure to allow “push /Notification” from the gizmo app on your phone.
To add the picture- click on the child Icon “circle” thing and a pop up will ask were you want to add the picture from your gallery or take a photo or choose an Icon. To add child’s name click on “child” and a pop up will allowing you to change child’s name.

I recommend the Gizmo Gadget for a kid ages 8-12 (up to end of 6th grade) as an entry level kid’s phone, prior to a smart phone.

Video Review of the Gizmo Gadget

The cost is $149 with a 2 year contract (dbl check) You can add a line to your account. (Also I think you can use it with a different provider but don’t quote/hold me on that dbl check because since Verizon is my cell phone provider not an issue for us as a family ).

Final Thoughts on the Gizmo Gadget is a great product for a parent who does not want to give there child full access to the adult products. (aka the web and ablity to call text anyone) I love this product for where my daughter is at in her development. For me, she should not have access to everything on the internet yet. I love the fact the Gizmo Gadget has the safe guards built in. I know that when she moves into middle school in 7th grade, I will need to get her a smarter phone at the right time for us as a family. The Verizon Gizmo Gadget has the perfect amount of “smart” for this point in her journey as a child.

Disclosure: I was provided a nice meal and a gift bag that included the Gizmo from Verizon for attending the event. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Parenting

A letter to my 13 year old

December 5, 2014 superexhausted 2 Comments

A letter to my 13 year old, (The one with the big feet, who sleeps alot, and eats all the food)

Really Kid, I did the Eighth Grade once and yes middle school was one of the worst times in my life (most people would agree with me on that one) .. It does not bring me great joy to sit here with you for 3-4 hours every night listening to you complain .. as we reviewing 8th grade Science, English, and Algebra u forgot .. It sucked the 1st time I did it 30 years ago (especially the Algebra.)

Trust me, I would much rather be sitting in front of the TV watching Scandal when it airs with a glass of wine. Rather then hearing all Olivia Pope spoilers the next day at work, because I missed the live finale, due to reviewing for a 8th grade test on the Bill of Rights.

So STOP fighting me and realize I am sitting here for YOUR benefit. I take no joy out of these many hours of trying to keep you on track and focused. Sometimes it is like herding cats try to get you to focus.

Also your middle school… is no different with Jocks and the better then everyone else kids, then any other middle school. Every kid in your school is scared, lonely, and feels misunderstood even the popular kids. I had the same drama when I was in middle school 30 years ago. Middle school kids are the same kids for the last 50 years (just different clothes) with all have the same problems just a different decade. They will continue to be the same type middle schoolers for the next 30 years

FYI I had the same basic number of friends that you have now and the same social standing…We just wore “those” weird 80’s clothes and had BIG hair.

News Flash: I have been to middle school and I would prefer never to do Middle School again.

When I encourage you to try new things (because I am “pushy”) it is because the more things you try in life.. the better life will be. Life is about experiences and connections to others. You might even like said “new thing”, But that would mean MOM was right. I know, I know nothing. (insert eye roll)

You are a Good Kid, my job as a parent is to parent.. I never want you to fail but know you will & that too is an experience, just once is ok, don’t want to make a habit of failing. So I will to guide you when you go off the rails and give you hugs every day whether you want them or not.

You are my child, my love, and my joy
Signed,
Your Difficult “I Don’t get it” Mother.

It is official I am now My Mother.. Ok Mom I get it

Parenting, Philadelphia

Great Free Place for kids in Philly : Fairmount Park Waterworks

September 18, 2014 superexhausted 8 Comments

Great Free Place for kids in Philly : Fairmount Park Waterworks: I have been living in Philadelphia for the past 11 years after returning after falling in love with Philadelphia during college. There is one special place in Philly that has always been near and dear too my heart the Philadelphia Fairmount Park Water Works. It is one of the prettiest place in the city located at the end of Kelly Drive and at behind the Art Museum. Here is a little about the Museum:

I recently learned that there is a interactive museum that is right in the middle of the waterworks which is free to all. The have interactive learning, teaching the responsibility to the environment, the work with the inner city schools to teach the importance of preserving the environment.

The Waterworks museum is run by the The Fairmount Water Works, the ideal location to learn more about the life in and around the river, was constructed in 1812 to pump water from the Schuylkill River. Almost from the day the waterwheels began turning, the graceful neoclassical buildings and beautiful grounds made the place an international tourist attraction renowned for melding nature and technology. Today, the Fairmount Water Works is the Delaware River Basin’s watershed education hub, offering visitors information about the impact of water on their daily lives and how they in turn impact their water supplies. Located off Kelly Drive in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park, the Fairmount Water Works features a variety of hands-on, highly interactive exhibits including a live view of the Fairmount Dam fishway and a flyover of the Schuylkill River watershed.

Tip Location: The Fairmount Park Waterworks which is the wonderful Park area located between the Art Museum and the Boat House row on the Schuylkill river. The water works are the Greek Inspired Building you can see from RT 76. For more information, visit http://www.fairmountwaterworks.org

Here is a video review of the museum:

FLOW FEST

September 21, 2014 1pm-dusk

As the Fairmount Water Works—one of Philadelphia’s first tourist attractions—approaches its 200^th birthday, it debuts the FLOW Festival. FLOW (For the Love Of Water) is an outdoor showcase of interactive, family-friendly exhibits and activities offering a glimpse into the future of this historic site. On September 21, visitors can “splash up a tune” using water and technology, create rhythms with dripping ice and steel drums, and enjoy a dramatic finale with a Schuylkill-inspired dance performance and a light show illuminating the Fairmount Water Works’ impressive neoclassical architecture. These are just a few of the many exciting activities that await guests during this “makers” festival.

“Anyone who loves the environment, who appreciates history, art and science, or just wants to have fun, will find something at our FLOW Fest,” said Karen Young, Director of Fairmount Water Works. “Through the creativity of local artists, attendees will discover the Water Works’ history and exciting future and the power and mystery of the Schuylkill River.”

From 1 p.m. to dusk, the Fairmount Water Works’ majestic grounds will be packed with all manner of interactive, family-friendly activities, including:

Splash Organ – Using the famous piano scene from the movie Big as inspiration, local artist Lee Tusman designed this installation, which uses a simple piece of technology to turn buckets of water into an instrument.
Swim the Fishway – With only fabric and wood, local artist Kathryn Sclavi will create a replica of the passageway below the Water Works that allows fish to swim upstream to hatch their eggs. Guests will create their own fish puppet and “swim” it through the display, simulating the fish’s journey.
Build a Water Drop – Guests will help create a giant wave sculpture made out of hundreds of interlocking “raindrop” discs.
River Net – An oversized fabric installation that depicts the power and essence of the Schuylkill River.
Grand Finale Light Show – The festival ends in dramatic fashion with a light show, accompanied by original music and footage, reflecting the poetry and power of the river.

For more information about the FLOW Festival, visit fairmountworks.com/event/flow-for-the-love-of-water

Disclosure: I attended a event to learn about the Waterworks, I was provided a gift bag with a water bottle. All the opinions are my own.

Be sure to check out my Post on other places in and around Philly :

RingRocks
Follow Sherry’s board Philadelphia Kid Places on Pinterest.

Parenting, Product Reviews, sponsored posts

Bathing your babies : #JOHNSONSBaby #PromiseToBaby

August 5, 2014 superexhausted

When my children were little one of my favorite things was the quite time after a bathing them. Where I was the center of there happy little world. My son who is now 13 and taller then me was always a joy. I would look at this blond hair big blue eyed boy who resembled noting of me. He was a wonderful combo of my husband and my father. Who knew I would be so luck to have such a happy little boy. He was born in February in Florida, he was early and had a Bilirubin count I remember the Dr. said bring him out into the sunshine.

Every few days, I would bath my blond hair blue-eyed boy or “BlondieBlue” as I called him in the sink, the smell of Johnson baby shampoo and body wash, still brings me back to those moments. I always placed a wash cloth warmed with suds and warm water on his chest to keep him happy. As I washed him, he giggled. Then wrapping him on a towel and taking him to his changing table for “massage time” which he love the feel of the Johnson moisturizer on his skin ans I rubbed the pink lotion on his feet his legs and arms. He was all smiles from he loving touch. I would put him on a diaper them bring him out on the patio and place him in his raised packing play. The reflection of the light off the pool and the warm breeze smelling of baby waffled through the 80 degree air. While I enjoyed a minute of new mommy quite and read a book. It was such a lovely peaceful moments in our lives.

We moved up to the Northeast goodbye to warm weather and bright sunshine.

Fast forward 4 years … 2 kids bath time routine changed..Yea can, you say assembly line… My daughter was the child who was bathed with us, because I could not figure out the juggle. My husband was the best option for bathing the baby because of his hair on his chest-No slippy wet baby. Bath time became a 3 ring circus. My son wanted to shower with my husband also. So I would stand in the bathroom as he washed my daughter (as I call her Peanut because she was so small) he would manage handling this baby who loved the shower water on her head. He would suds her up with Johnson, rinse and repeat. Then he would hand the Peanut off to me, I would then add my son age 4 into the shower his dad would scrub him clean with baby shampoo because “no more tears”… Mean while the bathroom would be all fogged up with steam and the smell of Johnson’s Baby shampoo in the air. I would be laying her on a towel on the floor wrapping up and drying off the Little Peanut girl as she giggled on the floor. Again even on the floor as I baby massage my new newborn with the pink lotion, I would listen to my husband and sons conversation about why Tomas was better then Percy. All before her headed off to work at 9am.

I am still tired thinking about those times in our lives. Very different moments but I can remember the smell and joy like it was yesterday.

I am glad I had the opportunity to recall these moment by doing this sponsored post for Johnson’s Baby, who I always felt safe with and continues to put the care and safety of our babies first:

JOHNSON’S^®Baby always listens to moms and although our products have always been safe, we took a stand and changed our formulas to give moms peace of mind.

As the new products hit shelves, we are launching a heartfelt campaign called “Your Promise is Our Promise” as a way to express our ongoing commitment to moms. Just as moms make promises to their children, JOHNSON’S^® Baby also makes promises so moms don’t have to worry about the products they use on their little ones.

To share this commitment, we’ve created an inspiring story through the “Our Promise” video, which can be viewed on YouTube, as an open letter to moms showing our scientists and their families coming together to build an origami stork mobile, symbolizing the delivery of our promise to always listen to moms.

#JOHNSONSBaby in addition to #PromiseToBaby and #partner.

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Parenting

How to Have your kids Giveback : Burlington Book Buddies Program

August 3, 2014 superexhausted

How to Have your kids Giveback : Burlington Book Buddies Program . Each week for the month of August I am going to feature a program where your kids can give to other kids in need. Last weeks post was a huge success? So I am asking to look at your kids books and share them with other kids. It is simple:

Did you know that one-in-four children in America grow up without learning how to read? That’s why Burlington, a national off-price retailer offering designer merchandise up to 65% off department store prices every day, has teamed up with K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, a national non-profit organization, and Sprout to launch the first-ever Burlington Book Buddies initiative – a new program designed to help provide children with the opportunity to discover the wonderful world of reading.

Together, from August 1 through Labor Day (September 1, 2014), the partners are inviting customers to donate gently-used or new children’s books at any of the 523 Burlington stores nationwide to benefit local children and their families. For every book donated, Burlington will match up to 55,000 new children’s books through K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers.

For more information and to find a list of participating Burlington stores visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.

About K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to provide new merchandise to families and people impacted by poverty and tragedy. Excess product, including apparel, accessories, shoes, home furnishings, toys, books, school supplies and other items, deliver hope and dignity to people in need through a network of community partners. To date, over $1 billion of donated products have been distributed, serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide. For more information, please visit www.DonateProduct.com.

Have the kids go through there books and decide which ones are great to share with other kids who don’t have so many books. So while you are out and Back to school shopping at Burlington donate your books! Teach the kids giving is important.

Crafting, Parenting

Back to School Service Project #Bagitforward

July 28, 2014 superexhausted 8 Comments

Do a Back to School Service Project with your kids #Bagitforward. This is a great time of year to get your Kids involved in a service school project. We did a the BagItForward project for Elmer’s Let’s Bond and Champion for Kids. We got the neighborhood and our local swim team to help donate.

We were asked to help Champion for kids and share with my readers a great Back to school service Project The Champion for kids #BagITForward. So 1st we decided where we were going to donate West Kensington Ministries in Norristown Square.

I wrote a letter to all the swim team parents telling them about the service project my daughter and I were working on. The parents team donated and neighborhood help donate the school supplies which included the following. Here is my Back_to_school_service_project Sample Letter to parents.

Ideas for supplies:

Folders
Pencils
Scissors
Rulers
Composition books
Crayons
Back Packs
Markers
Color pencils
Glue sticks

My daughter and I made bags for the kids using fabric from my vast collection of fabric. If you dont sew! you can buy bags or if your donations can afford it Back Packs are wonderful. (Check out my post later this week on how to make the bag great 1st sewing project!

We got the Kids together including my teenage son and assembled the bags.

Then the kids sat down and made a card for each kid receiving the bag. Welcoming them back to school. Lots of bright colors, flowers, trees, apples, and anything that make kids smile.

Some Ideas for the cards:

Welcome back to school
Have a great Year
You are a school Superstar!
Have fun Learning!

The kids loved this project because it was fun for them and they understood the need for the supplies for the kids. So when you are out shopping for your kids this back to school pick up a few items and donate them to . Your local school, preschool, church, teacher.. because there is always a child who wants to smile with new supplies the 1st day of school!

SHARE your story with championsforkids.org/share so that they can celebrate your participation and inspire others with creative ways to bond with children and provide the supplies they need to thrive! Please let Champion for kids know that you are ONE of Millions who helped us reach our goal of helping 20 million children by 2020!

LIfe, Parenting

The story I will tell my grandchildren someday: Clorox Moments #ickies sponsored

April 7, 2014 superexhausted 19 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Clorox

In the entire 13 years I have been a Mom there have been many Ickies Clorox moments. From my daughter removing her dirty diaper and hugging it saying she “loves” her diaper during the potty training. Or my son so not wanting to sleep on his own bed and screaming until he made himself sick all over his crib, which was a regular occurrence in our house. Apparently the puking was genetic because my mother in law informed me, my husband Jeff was a puker also.. now know as reflux. One of the most ickies stories that I will always remember and can’t wait to share with my sons children someday is..

My son was about a year. We were living in South Florida. It was winter, February to be exact, so the temperature was prefect 78 degrees no jacket needed. My husband and I were year in starting to get the hang of this parenting thing. My in-laws and their best friends were visiting from up north, they were snow birds. Only coming to Florida to escape the snow and see there precious 1st grandchild, our son.

When my in laws visited, we always enjoyed eating out. I was working, happy to have a night off from cooking. That night all 6 adults and 1 small child piled in to my inlaws mini van headed to a popular pasta chain. The restaurant as most in South Florida was very busy with all the winter transplants.

We waited the 40 excruciatingly long minutes to get a table. My mother in-law walked with my son to get his impatient toddlers energy out. My son was so excited to go out to eat with his Nana and PopPop, but was very tired of waiting.

When we finally, walked to the table located in the back or the restaurant, weaving through crowded waiting area, past the busy bar, through the servers station, up a ram and near the kitchen we finally arrived at our table. When we sat, I fed the impatient boy some bread stick pieces, and order his pasta. Which the server was kind enough to bring to our table quickly.

I never understood the reasoning behind feeding the kids before the adults. To me it always meant the adults had to hurry up and eat because the impatient kids never want to sit still till the parents finished meal. So parents never get to enjoyed the meal. It just never made any sense to me.. sounded like an idea of someone who did not have kids came up with.

So on this night, my son ate his pasta early and was squirming in is restaurant high chair. If you know keeping a 1 year old in a highchair after they are done eating is no easy feet. So my son begin to cry, and put up a fuss. We decided to break the seal and release him from the seat.

Yea .. not the brightest of moves, but the toys I brought were not cutting it.

My son, was then pass around the table to all 6 adults, as he refused to sit and want to run. Finally, ending up on my husband Jeffs lap, wining wiggling..then doing that full body rag doll thing that 1 years old do..when they want their way.

Then it happened… while sitting on Jeff’s lap…

My son threw up his entire meal of red tomato sauce, pasta, and many bread sticks on all over my husband’s pants, shirt, running down his arms, neck, and back. Just think that scene from “The Exorcist.”

Photo credit from Heather at home-ec101.com

Yea, Pasta Puke.. not a pretty sight.. you get the visual.

At this point in the story my husband Jeff will be know as “Pasta Puke Dad.”

“Pasta Puke Dad” retreated to the bathroom covered in pasta puke, from back or the restaurant near the kitchen, down the ramp, through the servers station, past busy bar, weaving through packed waiting area, to the bathroom located at the entrance of this popular pasta chain.

Now you would think at this point one of us 5 remaining adults, would think check on “Pasta Puke Dad” .. BUT NO we sat their fawning over my beautiful exorcist baby.

So about 5-10 minutes later “Pasta Puke Dad” walks SHIRTLESS weaved through crowded waiting area, past the busy bar, through the servers station, up the ramp, to our table located near kitchen.

Since he did not drive, “Pasta Puke Dad” had no keys, no phone, returned Shirtless.. To get a keys for the mini van.

Yea he was not happy and not thrilled with us..

“Pasta Puke Dad” then stormed with pasta puke shirt in hand and puke on his pants, from back of the restaurant near the kitchen , down the ramp, through the servers station, past the busy bar, weaving through crowded waiting area, and out the front door of the restaurant.

Needless to say it was a very Ickies moment and very much a Clorox moment.

Now when we talk about kids and gross things.. the story of Jeff always comes up.. someday it will be “Remember that time Jeff went shirtless through the Olive Garden.”

That night and many since I cant live without my Clorox laundry items.. It removed tomato sauce puke and many more over the years. Currently my Clorox moment are because with a 13 hello stinky socks and tees.. teen B.O. is the worst. Thanks Clorox.. my house is clean and free of the smells ickies of parenting.

What is your #Ickie moment? Clorox is there to help you though these Pasta Puke Dad moments. To me Clorrox was the only way to deal with this ickie moment of many in the 13 years of parenting #ickie Clorox Moments.

You could win The Clorox Ick Awards Twitter Event on April 9 from 6-10 p.m. ET, during which Clorox will be giving away $2,500 in prizes.

Want to Join In?

On Wednesady April 9th 6-10 pm Clorox is teaming up with famed Chicago improv troupe The Second City Communications for the Clorox Ick Awards on Wednesday, April 9 from 6-10 p.m. ET.
Want your #Ickie moment turned in to a skit? Second City Communications will be turning tweets into #ickies video skits throughout the awards show.
You can win big by voting on your favorite skit they will give out $2,500 in prizes.
Have a hilariously icky moment you want to nominate in advance? Share it using #ickies and “tune in” to the first hour to see if it is featured in the opening number with a surprise celebrity guest!
Don’t forget to visit http://bit.ly/1pAc9pq and sign up for Clorox’s email newsletter to learn more about how Clorox can help you laugh through the mess.

Follow @Clorox on Twitter and share their own “icky moment” using the hashtag #ickies to be entered to win.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Clorox.

Superexhausted

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