Real Life Solutions

Families all over the country look forward to summertime because it means time in the family pool.  Pools are great when the weather turns warm, but they can also be a safety hazard.  If you have a pool, you’ll want to be aware of swimming pool safety for toddlers.

Toddlers and young children aren’t always able to see hidden dangers like a pool that beckons them with fun.  They don’t realize how quickly they can slip and fall in, especially if no one is around.  As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are safe when playing in the pool with us, but also when no one is in the pool.

The best way to ensure that your child is not the victim of an accidental drowning is to know where they are at all times. Supervision is your first and best defense, not only to keep children from drowning but also to help keep them from other accidents and injuries.

If you’re having a pool party, select one person to do nothing more than watching any children that are young.  You may even want to pay a responsible teenager to keep your youngest family members safe.  Set up a smaller pool for them to play in, especially if there are a number of people attending.

Other than supervision, the next best way to prevent an accidental drowning in your swimming pool is to put a fence with a locked gate around the pool.  Not only will this keep your child from making their way to the pool, it will also keep neighborhood kids from gaining access.

Having a fenced-in pool is a great idea; however, if the gate is left open on a regular basis the benefit of having it fenced does no good.  Make it a rule that the pool gate be closed at all times.  Doing so will make the possibility of injury much smaller.

Teach your toddler to swim, or have your child take swimming lessons.  This will give them some basic knowledge, although you still want to keep them under supervision.  Even though they are learning how to swim, they should wear swim floaters to keep them buoyant and keep them from drowning.

Be sure to learn infant and child cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  No one wants to have to give CPR to a child, but it’s one of those cases where it’s better to know something and not need it, than to need it and not know it.  Knowing CPR and first aid is important anyhow, so this is a good reason to learn it.

Summertime water fun is almost upon us.  Swimming pool safety for toddlers is nothing to be lax about.  Take the above steps to keep your children from being a statistic and keep the fun in summer.
 

What a restful weekend!  Last wee (last Tuesday to be exact) my husband had a mild stroke and was admitted into the hospital.  He spent 2 days there as they preformed test after test.  The end result is that he was released on Thursday and needs to follow up with a Cardiologist.  We rested most of the weekend and I didn’t do much work but was able to do a few things.

Since we spent the weekend relaxing at home, I got to spend some AWESOME time with the family. We played board games on the bed, I cooked a nice dinner on Sunday and we watched a few movies.

Here we are on Monday and its time to get back to the “Real World”  As always, the 1st step I take in organizing my week is to carve  some time out to get cozy with my BlackBerry on Sunday evenings and review the upcoming week and add in my appointments as needed.  I’m an lean mean organizing machine and I find that if I take a look at EACH day of the upcoming week and make sure to move items around so that they aren’t all piled up on one day — it makes my week much more manageable.  Also, the fact that I love to outsource (both at home and within my online businesses) makes it great.

On my list of things to accomplish this week are:

1. Monday – Re-connect with my awesome VA and be sure that we are on the same page.  She emails me each Friday with her list of things that she has completed and I always use Mondays to reconnect with her and check my list – and be sure that she has room for me (smile).   
2. Parenting My Teen  is back form hiatus and I am in the process of securing another awesome guest for next weeks show.  Today I have a few potential guests to contact.  
3. Tuesdays – My Free Coaching Consultation days.  I decided to put aside a few hours on and dedicate them to potential clients. 
4. Tuesday - Hit the grocery store (I love to grocery shop)  and I shop every OR every other Tuesday.  I created my meal plan yesterday  and I already have all the fixins for this week but I make a weekly Tuesday trip to the grocery store using the coupons and ideas I get out of the Sunday paper.
5. Wednesday - I’ve declared Wednesdays to be my content and guest blog days.  I will spent time adding content to my Real Life Solutions site and posting to all of the awesome guest blogs that I belong to. 
6. Friday – Add emails to my auto responder, brainstorm ideas for my awesome affiliates

Daily:

1. Dont go to be bed mad or with a dirty kitchen
2. Wipe the bathroom sinks down with a Clorox Wipe before leaving out of the house each morning
3. Smile, Meditate and Pray

Every  Monday & Thursday

1. Get Isaac off to Tae Kwon Do

I wanted to share this great online resource with you called My Out of Control Teen: http://www.parentingmyteen.com/Out-of-Control.HTML

Don’t let the title fool you. Your teen doesn’t need to be totally out of control for you to reap the benefits of this great program because it is great for any parent of strong-willed children.

This program is an online parent support (OPS) system that includes the following:

• My Out-Of-Control Teen eBook (which contains 150 proven techniques to use with your strong-willed teen)
• Full access to Bonus eBooks Site
• Live audio recordings you can listen to online
• Power Point Presentations and Videos you can viewonline
• Full access to OPS Website

Best of all, it is at a great low price and comes with a no hassle money-back guarantee. Visit My Out Of Control Teen today and try it free!

Talking to teens takes special skills. It isn’t like it was when parents were teens. That is a classic line that teens use on their parents, unfortunately, it is true. Teens today live in a world surrounded by modern technology, drugs that weren’t even thought of in their parent’s generation and the pressure to accomplish and do everything. Talking to the teen of this generation may be more complicated, but it is a skill well worth learning. 

Realize that there are times when your teen wants to talk to you. Unbelievable, but yes this may happen. If you know your child, you may spot the signs. Teens are all different so there is no one way to spot a teen that is looking for your adult conversation. Pay attention to your teen’s actions moods and listen to their words. Your teen may just need someone to listen. This accomplishes several things.  It helps your teen get whatever it is off their mind. It also helps get things out in the open. Listen to what your teen isn’t saying as well as what they are. Look at their body language. Really looking and listening to them is helpful.

Listening is a big thing to your teen. While it may seem a small part in the communication puzzle, it is a big part of gaining that teen’s trust. If they know you are willing to listen to them, they may be more willing to come to you again in the future. Listening without interrupting or putting in your opinion shows them what they have to say is valuable to you, that they are indeed valuable to them. One of the best ways to communicate with your teen is to start young. Start talking, really talking, to your children when they are young. Establishing a relationship with a child who knows you are there to talk to them, listen to them and share with them, will help the relationship when they are a teen.Though children and their outlook will change when they become teens, if you have established a good relationship with your child the more willing they are going to be to open up to you. It is establishing a habit of talking, instead of talking at them. Many teens struggle with self-esteem issues. Knowing that they can go to you, an adult, and that you will listen to them, will help. Communicate with your teen on an adult level. They are in that between stage. They are not yet an adult, but they are learning how to be. Show them that they can communicate with you and perhaps others on an adult level. Don’t talk to them as you would when they were a child.

Spending time with your teen is a good way to open the lines of communication. Spend time in activities that they enjoy and ones that you enjoy.

Family activities are great for getting a teen involved, but remember that they may need one-on-one time. Time where they can spend with a parent doing something. Non-pressure time. Time spent where they can be just who they are and not be pressured to talk or even think of things that are important or on their mind. Just spending time with your teen, building a bond with them.  Find an activity you both can do together. It could be something as simple as a round of putt putt golf or maybe more of a sport to be learned, such as rock climbing. It could be taking them to a movie they have wanted to see.

Show the teen you value your time with them and that you are willing to learn new skills and enjoy things with them. Sometimes you must impose rules and guidelines for a teen. But if possible work through solutions and options with your teen. Let them come up with ideas for their problems. Talk through the pros and cons. Listen to their thoughts and ideas.

Walk them through the process of coming up with viable solutions to the problems they are coming into contact with. Teaching them responsible ways to communicate and work through issues is a life skill they will need. Helping them through this process, instead of finding solutions for them, gives them the confidence that they need. It also shows them that you
respect their thoughts and ideas. It will open a conversation with them, and hopefully show them you are open in the future to other conversations.

Find out about your child’s activities. Take an interest in what they do. That doesn’t mean you need to go out and be a football coach or listen to grunge music. If you can talk about the latest and greatest with your child this may open another road to communication. Learning to talk about what is relevant to them is like learning to speak their language. Different interest come with their own jargon and terms. These can seem as foreign to adults as speaking Klingon. Learning their interest may give you vital clues to what your child is saying. Different teens respond to different communication styles and activities. If one method doesn’t work, be flexible enough to adjust your approach and try a new tactic. Each teen is different, even in the same family. An approach with your 17 year old, may not work with your 14 year old. Approach each as an individual. They have different interest and styles. They have different friends and vastly different communication styles.However you have to approach your teen, open the lines of communication. Use whatever means that work for you and your teen. Be flexible and tailor your communication to the needs of your teen. That is what it is all about, learning to talk the talk of your teen. 

Brought To You By Understanding Your Teen

Are you one of the many moms that feel guilty for doing things for yourself? 

I’ve heard quite few moms refer to ‘Mommy Guilt’ as the third stage of childbirth. First, you deliver the baby. Then, you deliver the placenta. Then, the Mommy Guilt is delivered to you!   Mom’s I am here to tell you that you do not nor should you feel guilty for taking time out for you and the things that you like to do.

I wrote an article that I wanted to share with you – it was written to help you kick the guilt feelings to the curb and learn to really enjoy doing things for yourself and by yourself.  Visit http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/mommy-guilt.html to grab some helpful tips.

As always, I love hearing from you so be sure to e-mail your thoughts to me.

Here’s to more fun & less guilt!

Your guide on your Journey to Joy http://www.reallifecoaching.net/journeytojoy.shtml

It’s time to plan for your annual summer family vacation. For those of us with school-age kids, June, July and August offer the chance to have a longer, more leisurely family holiday.

Sometimes it’s important to just get away from it all.  Traveling to another city or another country can give you a new perspective, give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the freedom and ambience and being catered to for a change is always a plus. A summer family vacation might be just what everyone needs to reenergize. 

No one can say this winter hasn’t been the worst on record.  Maybe you’ve been indoors so long you need a respite – a change of scenery – like warm weather. Well taking a family vacation not only rejuvenates, but allows the family to breathe, take in sites, engage in activities you’ve never been part of before, and commiserate with people from another city or culture.  All too often we think that having a few weeks off enables us to take out the list of things to do around the home that have been left undone.  But staying home can be the worst thing.  Even though you’re on vacation, and you say you are going to relax and enjoy it, inevitably you wind up implementing new tasks or trying to finish old ones.  That’s not a vacation. 

No doubt after being cooped up all winter long, someone has pushed your proverbial button or hit on your last nerve. You’ve perhaps become a bit agitated or stressed out.  Let’s face it, if you are a working mom, or tend to small children at home – you need a break.  Heck, the entire family needs a break.  To keep everyone happy and sane, the best course of action is a summer family vacation.  To go somewhere where people wait on and pamper you.  Somewhere you don’t have to worry about phone calls, preparing dinner, running around town completing all the errands you have on your list.

Think of it! You and your hubby can relax on a beach looking out at the blue-green ocean while  your kids are having a great time building sandcastles.  You can have breakfast served in bed every morning, enjoy wonderful dinners at different restaurants, engage in a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family, and meet new people and discover new cultures.  Now that’s a vacation. 

Disney World Savings Guide – See How Easily You Can Have A Disney World Vacation For A Fraction Of What Others Pay

Some of the most fun times are the times that are spent doing spontaneous things.  This weekend the family packed up and drove to Delaware to spend 3 days at a beach house.  Here is a picture that hubby took of my 17yo and I (after I was mistaken for her older sister).  I asked hubby to take a picture quick so that I can pull it out when I am feeling old and grumpy about myself… LOL

Here is a pic of my two I’s (Isreal & Isaac)

Handsome Hubby (AKA the Fish of the family) He ended up swiming WAYYY out there into the blue waters

Entertaining your children when school is out for the summer can become quite expensive, especially if you enroll them in pricey summer camps for a large portion of the time. However, many parents feel that the alternative is to have their children sulking on the couch while moaning about how bored they are, especially if friends are all attending camps. Actually, there are plenty of ways to have cheap summer fun with your kids. Why not try a few of these budget friendly ideas? Your local YMCA is a family oriented place with plenty of great activities. Your children can go swimming, take a variety of classes and even attend day camps for a very reasonable price. Most YMCA’s have family memberships, which makes the classes more affordable for families with several children. If you don’t have a YMCA close by, check with your local parks and recreation department to see if they are offering events for children and families during the summer months. Many times, they offer low cost art, sports and even cooking classes for kids.

Another great way for your kids to have fun this summer is to set up events in your own backyard. Have them put together a circus. After they’ve practiced the event and have the ring set up, friends and family can make up an audience to view the final result. Don’t forget to add some games and serve some refreshments that match the theme, such as popcorn and corndogs. If your children don’t like the circus, suggest that they put on a play, hold a pet show or set up a fair.

If your children like collecting things, they can make a natural history museum in a spare corner of the house. Then, you can take field trips to local places so that they can create their museum exhibits. Take them on nature hikes so that they can make rubbings of tree bark and leaves. Let them take photos of local wildlife and flowers, but be sure that you don‘t actually take home any wildflowers, since these plants may be endangered. Go to the beach and collect interesting shells and bits of sea glass or visit the areas where your local rock hounds hang out. If you have prolific gardens or you can get permission for them to pick some flowers in someone else’s garden, your children can also press flowers and mount them as part of the display.

If your children are budding entrepreneurs, they may have more fun making money. Why not try a good old-fashioned lemonade stand? Just be sure your town or city doesn’t have any ordinances that would prohibit it before the kids set up. If they need to clean out their closets and toy chests, suggest that they combine the lemonade stand with a yard sale.

Finally, don’t forget about gardening. Growing their own produce can be fun for kids, especially when they discover a two foot long zucchini hiding in the garden bed.

Most children fall behind in reading and math during the summer break.  That’s why when the new school year begins, teachers have to spend the first two months bringing the children “back up to speed” with reviews. 

To help your child keep up with mathematics, try bringing them into the kitchen for the summer.  Invite friends over in varying numbers so your children will have to determine how to extend recipes.  If your recipe feeds four, how much meat would you need to double the recipe, triple it, or quadruple it?  Your children probably won’t complain about having to do math if they have something to look forward to.

Even with gas prices the way they are these days, some families are still planning to drive for vacation.  Ask the children to help determine how far you’ll be able to travel when you fill the gas tank and how much it’ll cost.  You might find that your child can help you find a shorter route that will save you money.

You’re never too young to learn how to handle money.  If you have a yard sale this summer, ask them to make change, as well as allowing them to place some of their own items to sell.  This will help them learn the value of money, and how to keep track of it by helping divvy it up at the end of the sale.

Play games with them.  Scrabble and Boggle are great games to help your child’s spelling while they’re out of school, and they’ll have fun in the process.  Yahtzee and Monopoly are good games for math.  Of course, if you’re children are younger, you may have to play games like Chutes and Ladders or a simpler game.

Go to the library as a family and pick out some books that everyone will enjoy.  Then each night, instead of turning on the TV, have family reading hour.  You may find that your children enjoy having to use their imaginations to see the story that they don’t complain so much when they’re told to turn the TV off.

Get them involved in geocaching.  Geocaching is an activity that the entire family can enjoy together.  You get directions to a secret cache of items that you must find.  Most of the time, these items are hidden in forests or someplace not easily accessible.  Not only will you have to learn about reading maps and a compass, it’ll be a great opportunity for your family to enjoy the outdoors together.

If you look around, there are plenty of great places to pick up some summer learning.  Think outside of the schoolroom and you may find that the best places are right in your own home or very nearby.

Recommended Resource: 

Kids Activity Calendar Weekly Activities, Crafts and Games all about the Alphabet For Your Preschooler.  Each week you will receive coloring sheets and worksheets in your email along with craft and activity suggestions and even a snack list that incorporates the letter of the week. What a fun way for your little ones to learn the alphabet and much more.

Reading Solutions for Kids – Resource which aids in teaching children to read.

Zoobooks - Turn a youngster’s love of animals into a love of reading!