From birthdays to family holidays, children will expect to receive something during these special moments of the year. The earlier you start planning, the better! What parent hasn't been caught between an upcoming birthday and a household bill? If you learned anything from this past holiday season it most likely was "Next year I need to do something different." Then before you know it, next year is already here!
I recently discovered just how fast time has flown with one older child in his late tweens (lol) and now another older child who will become a teenager this year--their development has been simply amazing! One child is 5' 4" and he's just 11. (Meanwhile, the five-year-old and the four-year-old, at times, seem to be regressing especially when they have their share of tantrums.)
One day, while shopping, a fellow mom in the toy aisle suggested I get a video game or gift card for my older children after I asked her son had he heard what all the kids have been wanting lately since I was going to surprise the older ones with a few toys. But his mom interrupted, "They just aren't into toys that age." My tween still seems to be into the imaginative play toys such as action figures like wrestler men and toy soldiers who come with play sets. However, the soon-to-be teen, well, I guess not so much. The mom and her son saved me some money that day.
Nearing the end of last year, I realized that mixed in with the gift card and popular video games I bought my children, should be some educational videos, spiritual teachings, and something to help with extracurricular activities. So I bought a little bit of everything I thought would appeal to their interests. I wanted my children to start the New Year off to a good start mentally, physically and spiritually.
In the past we have had fun times shopping together, but I decided that yet again, I will be doing something different this year. Rather than buy most of the children's gifts nearing the holiday season, I think it would be better to give them a gift or two each month--you know, spread out the gift-giving thoughout the year and give less gifts by the end of the year. This way it encourages them to keep doing their best throughout the year and not just because a birthday, Christmas or our traditional Happy New Year celebration is right around the corner (we don't gift exchange on Christmas.) Besides, I think starting the New Year off paying debt is really getting old (sigh.)
Nicholl McGuire
Are you shopping wisely this holiday season?
Don't believe the hype! After walking through major department stores this past weekend and surfing sites online (too numerous to count,) I learned one thing, that what I really wanted was over my budget. Don't fall for these stupid tricks any longer by retailers, always comparison shop. If you can get it online (or offline) cheaper without paying shipping, you got yourself a deal! Anything else, is bogus!
Must-Haves for Babies
I don't want my readers to miss this, especially if you or someone you know is pregnant. Visit my Squidoo page on this topic. When I had my baby, I was so happy to have these goodies for him. Must-Haves for Babies.
OMG! 35 Plus Having Another Baby? It's Not the End of the World or Is it?
If you haven't noticed by now, this blog is dedicated to those households that have a baby, a toddler, a tween, and a teen all living under one roof! I have four boys that were at one time in all of these groups (well a few still are.) Anyway, I am considered old in my "hood" for having such young children. Most of my friends have teens and adult sons and daughters.
Now some people will comment when you are an older mom or dad in such a situation as mine, "They could be your grandchildren...I know you were surprised when you found out you were pregnant...I don't know what I would have done...So you started late in life, huh? I'm glad mine are grown!" Enough already! I think. Does this sound like encouraging words to you?
I didn't anticipate being a mom in my twenties or thirties and I share my experiences in my book, When Mothers Cry.
There are those critics who act as if they are paying for your children when you have more than two. Don't walk down the street without the children's father pushing a stroller, there goes the looks from folks riding in cars or walking pass you and your family. Some smile, but some frown especially those who come from cultures that don't permit more than one child per family.
I have learned to recognize "the look" and I don't say anything, I just look straight ahead. My son noticed "the look" many times and asked me, "Why do people look at us so mean sometimes?"
It hurts when you or your family have done nothing wrong except exist and all a mean-spirited person can do is send out negative vibes! My oldest son is very perceptive. I talk to him about such people, and I tell him, "Don't be concerned, these people don't know you. We are going to have a good day. Besides, that man or woman is probably having a bad day." Sure, yeah right, one day we will revisit that topic except the next time we will talk about how some people have problems with one's skin color, but I digress. I do say to myself while making eye contact with some of these grumpy people, was the eye roll really necessary from a stranger or the mumble under one's breath, "...she got so many kids, all boys whew!?" The other day, someone asked me were two of my sons mine, then commented how we look alike, go figure!? Anyway...
So as I approach that age when the start of menopause begins, when the toddler becomes an elementary student, when the elementary student becomes a tween, and when the teen becomes a man, I will reassure myself, that the world isn't looking at me, they are just having a hard day.
Nicholl McGuire is the author of When Mothers Cry, Amazon.com
Now some people will comment when you are an older mom or dad in such a situation as mine, "They could be your grandchildren...I know you were surprised when you found out you were pregnant...I don't know what I would have done...So you started late in life, huh? I'm glad mine are grown!" Enough already! I think. Does this sound like encouraging words to you?
I didn't anticipate being a mom in my twenties or thirties and I share my experiences in my book, When Mothers Cry.
There are those critics who act as if they are paying for your children when you have more than two. Don't walk down the street without the children's father pushing a stroller, there goes the looks from folks riding in cars or walking pass you and your family. Some smile, but some frown especially those who come from cultures that don't permit more than one child per family.
I have learned to recognize "the look" and I don't say anything, I just look straight ahead. My son noticed "the look" many times and asked me, "Why do people look at us so mean sometimes?"
It hurts when you or your family have done nothing wrong except exist and all a mean-spirited person can do is send out negative vibes! My oldest son is very perceptive. I talk to him about such people, and I tell him, "Don't be concerned, these people don't know you. We are going to have a good day. Besides, that man or woman is probably having a bad day." Sure, yeah right, one day we will revisit that topic except the next time we will talk about how some people have problems with one's skin color, but I digress. I do say to myself while making eye contact with some of these grumpy people, was the eye roll really necessary from a stranger or the mumble under one's breath, "...she got so many kids, all boys whew!?" The other day, someone asked me were two of my sons mine, then commented how we look alike, go figure!? Anyway...
So as I approach that age when the start of menopause begins, when the toddler becomes an elementary student, when the elementary student becomes a tween, and when the teen becomes a man, I will reassure myself, that the world isn't looking at me, they are just having a hard day.
Nicholl McGuire is the author of When Mothers Cry, Amazon.com
6 Tips on Being Safe When Walking at Night
If you have older children, you may want to take the time to remind them about the following especially with summer fast-approaching...
Sometimes the dark night quickly falls upon us while visiting relatives or a neighbor. We may have walked over to his or her home and now we are left walking in the night. We have a choice to remain positive and brave or negative and scared while allowing everything we have heard in the media to permeate our ears. With a cautious mindset and positive outlook about walking alone at night, one should be less fearful about a possible attack.
One. Don't ignore your gut feelings.
Every human is built with “that feeling.” You know the one that tends to go in overdrive when you are about to make a decision that you shouldn't. It is an annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes scary feeling. You ought to listen to it if you experience it before walking alone at night. Stay where you are until the feeling passes, then set out on your trip.
Two. Prepare for your walk.
You can do this by carrying keys in your hand between your fingers, a heavy duty flashlight, pepper spray or anything else that makes you feel somewhat at ease. All of these things can be used to fight off an attacker. If you don't have any of these things, then while walking pick up a stick, large stone or something else that is somewhat heavy and carry it with you.
Three. Watch and listen for any peculiar noises.
Moving shadows, strange noises behind bushes, dark vehicles and houses, and tall objects should all be noticed when walking. Distance yourself from the area in question if you feel an individual or animal is behaving strangely. Don't go to the noise to investigate. Sometimes criminals use noises and what seems to be harmless things to lure people such as leaving a baby unattended, asking for help to solve a problem, and faking an injury which leads us to the next point.
Four. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
Unless a person is warning you of pending danger, there is no reason why a stranger should come up to you in the dark and converse with you. Immediately you should think, “This person doesn't know me, what does he/she want?” Pick up your pace and carry on any conversation while walking, never bothering to stop. This way the person will more likely leave you alone.
Five. Avoid the temptation to run from four-legged animals.
A human can't out-run a healthy, active four-legged animal; therefore, it is better to stand still if you have nothing to fight off an attack. Allow the animal to sniff you, but avoid making eye contact.
Six. Keep out of alley ways.
Although this is common sense, plenty of people walk in areas out of public view because they are short-cuts that lead to home. They are also a good place for criminals to hang-out for victims passing through with wallets and purses too.
You can stay safe when walking alone at night if you think through your path getting to your destination in advance. Don't set out walking if you have no idea where you are going. Whenever you can, do walk with someone. Try not to walk when you are intoxicated, because this will make you an easy target for a criminal to take advantage of you.
By Nicholl McGuire
Sometimes the dark night quickly falls upon us while visiting relatives or a neighbor. We may have walked over to his or her home and now we are left walking in the night. We have a choice to remain positive and brave or negative and scared while allowing everything we have heard in the media to permeate our ears. With a cautious mindset and positive outlook about walking alone at night, one should be less fearful about a possible attack.
One. Don't ignore your gut feelings.
Every human is built with “that feeling.” You know the one that tends to go in overdrive when you are about to make a decision that you shouldn't. It is an annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes scary feeling. You ought to listen to it if you experience it before walking alone at night. Stay where you are until the feeling passes, then set out on your trip.
Two. Prepare for your walk.
You can do this by carrying keys in your hand between your fingers, a heavy duty flashlight, pepper spray or anything else that makes you feel somewhat at ease. All of these things can be used to fight off an attacker. If you don't have any of these things, then while walking pick up a stick, large stone or something else that is somewhat heavy and carry it with you.
Three. Watch and listen for any peculiar noises.
Moving shadows, strange noises behind bushes, dark vehicles and houses, and tall objects should all be noticed when walking. Distance yourself from the area in question if you feel an individual or animal is behaving strangely. Don't go to the noise to investigate. Sometimes criminals use noises and what seems to be harmless things to lure people such as leaving a baby unattended, asking for help to solve a problem, and faking an injury which leads us to the next point.
Four. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
Unless a person is warning you of pending danger, there is no reason why a stranger should come up to you in the dark and converse with you. Immediately you should think, “This person doesn't know me, what does he/she want?” Pick up your pace and carry on any conversation while walking, never bothering to stop. This way the person will more likely leave you alone.
Five. Avoid the temptation to run from four-legged animals.
A human can't out-run a healthy, active four-legged animal; therefore, it is better to stand still if you have nothing to fight off an attack. Allow the animal to sniff you, but avoid making eye contact.
Six. Keep out of alley ways.
Although this is common sense, plenty of people walk in areas out of public view because they are short-cuts that lead to home. They are also a good place for criminals to hang-out for victims passing through with wallets and purses too.
You can stay safe when walking alone at night if you think through your path getting to your destination in advance. Don't set out walking if you have no idea where you are going. Whenever you can, do walk with someone. Try not to walk when you are intoxicated, because this will make you an easy target for a criminal to take advantage of you.
By Nicholl McGuire
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Custom Search