Parenting

10 Unique Places to Hide Your Kids’ Christmas Gifts

Posted on December 9, 2015

When the kids are little it usually isn’t all that difficult to keep their gifts a secret, but as they begin to get older and understand that Christmas entails receiving gifts, they tend to get a little more inquisitive and may start poking around trying to find out where you’re hiding the presents. If you think your kids are going to be poking around before Christmas in an attempt to locate their gifts, try these 10 different places for hiding them away from their prying eyes:

Trunk of the car – If the present isn’t going to be affected by heat or cold, keeping it in the trunk of your car is a great hiding spot because the kids rarely have a reason to be in the car without you being there too. Just don’t forget you stashed them there and send the kids to get something out of your trunk!
Empty suitcases – These are the best hiding places! Those suitcases sit there day in and day out and no one has any need to move them or look at them. You can hide quite a bit of small gifts in one of the larger suitcases, however, if you have an overly bulky item you may need to think of another spot for it.
Under bed storage boxes – Most kids don’t have any reason to go under mom and dad’s bed, and the under the bed storage boxes will hold a lot of stuff. If you have a typical bed, you won’t be able to store very big items underneath it, but Barbie dolls and video games fit well!
The neighbor’s garage – If you and your neighbor are friends, this is the ideal hiding place for big items. You can put your item in a corner and cover it with a blanket. This is especially great if their kids aren’t little anymore so they can tell their kids the present out there isn’t theirs.
A box in the attic – Attics offer a perfect hiding space as long as it doesn’t double as a play area for the kids. Also, be sure that you don’t store things up there that might be affected by extreme heat or cold. Big items work well in an attic as long as you are strong enough to get them up there. Cover them up with a blanket and you are good to go.
Behind your clothes in the closet – Keep the kids out of your closet this time of year! Hiding presents behind long dresses and suit bags is a smart place to stash them because at first glance, the closet looks the same, and only you will know where you stashed the secret items. You can even use this spot to hide stuff for your spouse since it’s not likely he will move all of your dresses and shoes looking for his gifts.
Your work place – If you pick up some gifts on your lunch hour don’t bring them home, just leave them under your desk at work. Or, if they are expensive, you can lock them in your desk or file cabinet. Make sure the cleaning crew can be trusted.
Storage box in the garage – Buy a few extra storage boxes that match the ones you have in the garage already and hide the gifts in there. Then, store the boxes behind normal storage boxes in case someone would happen to look in one. Add an X or something on the box so that you will know where you stashed the gifts; it’s not good to lose the gifts you went to such lengths to hide!
High shelf in the closet – Use a coat closet or a guest closet to hide gifts in a box up on a high shelf. Put some blankets or other storage items in front of it so it won’t stand out if one of the kids is playing hide-n-seek and decides to hide in that closet.
Linen closet – Most kids probably don’t venture into the linen closet very often, and if they do it’s probably just to grab a towel. Hide small items on the top shelf in the back and no one will be the wiser. Closets in the laundry room work well for this too, as the kids rarely would have any need to go into the laundry room, let alone the closet in there.

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Parenting

CURRICULUM BOOST: 5 Educational Gifts to Give Your Child for Christmas

Posted on December 9, 2015

During the Holiday season, parents often get carried away indulging their children’s wishes and desires for getting the latest video game

or hot toy. But if your budget allows it or if there are family members who will be also purchasing items for the kids, you may want to consider picking up

something for them that will enrich their education and schooling.

Here are 5 gift ideas to consider that could amplify or supplement every subject your child may be learning about in school:

1. Social Studies: A Globe – Having a globe in the home is an excellent way to teach your children that the world does not consist of the narrow confines of their town or block. After they receive their new globe, at least once a week, have them spin the globe, cover their eyes and point to a random location. Then head off to Google more about that location, its climate, topography, culture and traditions. It’s a great way to instill a

value and interest in travel and keep them focused on doing what they need to do to travel on their own to exotic locations some day.

2.Science: A Microscope – Getting a child an age-appropriate microscope is a great way for them to explore the basic molecular elements of various household items. They can use it to check out everything from a carpet fiber, to a dead beetle to their own eyelash. One of the fastest, if not the fastest, growing job sector is science, technology, engineering and math. Owning a microscope could enhance an interest in the science field, which will ultimately mean more job prospects for the future.

3.Physical Education: A Ball or Bike – One of the reason there is a childhood obesity epidemic in the United States and other regions of

the world is that in this digital age, children spend most of their spare time playing video games or watching TV indoors. Something like a bat and ball,

basketball or bike will give you as a parent and the kid an opportunity to get out and get moving. A gift that encourages physical activity could help combat or delay the onset of childhood obesity.

4. Math: A math App or annual subscription to an online math enrichment program – If you have an iPad, iPhone, Android phone or

desktop or Library access to a computer, you can find apps or other online programs that are tutorials and created to help children improve their math

skills. Many programs around now include fun games that help kids learn while enjoying their experience. If it’s not so much like school and similar to fun games they already play, you may get them hooked!

5. Reading: Books – It is said that each child should have a library consisting of 1,000 books in their bookshelves. These days, some parents are more likely to amass a large collection of DVDs and movies for their kids than books. However, reading teaches children about comprehension and helps them in reading composition later in life. Also, their vocabulary and grasp of terms and complex concepts improve the more they read. You can even get them those silly Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate comic books, but make sure you try to find a book series with chapters in it too.

Christmas, Hannukah, Ramadaan or whatever holiday celebrated in December can be educational and include gifts that will help better your child in school. And they can be loads of fun too!

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Parenting

How to Use the Holiday Season to Whip Your Kids’ Behavior Into Shape

Posted on December 8, 2015

‘Tis the season for whipping your children into shape!

The holiday and Christmas winter season has extreme value to parents who want to change some of their children’s bad habits and behaviors.

How?

In my home, my husband and I create a bulletin board with daily tasks that our three kids (ages 13, 10 and 7 1/2) need to do in the morning and evening like brush their teeth, do homework, pack their book bags in advance, remove all empty snack papers and juice boxes and backpbacks from the SUV after school, pick up after themselves, generally.

The kids are allowed up to 20 chances to mess up, with every 5 strikes (Xs) netting them one less Christmas gift.

We put this discipline plan into play two years ago and it totally worked on getting the kids to FINALLY do, regularly all the various things we’ve asked them to do each day to keep our day running smoothly and to keep the car and home junk-free.

I highly recommend it!

All you need is a chalkboard, a hand written chart or a whiteboard erected in the kitchen or family area where all can see and track their points.

This technique is even great for older kids who have since stopped believing in Santa Claus.

The key is to keep to the promise to withhold the gifts.

We do give children the opportunity to re-earn the points back by doing some extra chores or some other activity. And with that, you can get some housework done around the house too.

Try it! It might work and do report back to us if you get positive results! Good Luck!

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Parenting

New Jewish Holiday Traditions include Hanukkah Trees and Stockings, Menorah Trees

Posted on December 7, 2015

More and more Jewish families are adopting Christmas holiday traditions like putting up Hanukkah bushes and trees, and even Menorah trees in their homes.

With Christmas being such a major celebrated holiday and season in the United States, many parents of Jewish children have found a way to meld the festivities with their own religious practices.

Recently, we’ve noticed many Jewish families hanging Hannukah stockings, and integrating the traditional festival of lights with the customs of Christmas. After all, much of the traditions aren’t really related to Christianity and some elements of Christmas trace back to pagan practices.

A Pew Research survey released in 2013 found that 32% of Jews said they had a Christmas tree in their home the previous year.

It’s common especially in interfaith families among Jews married to non-Jews. The survey found that 71% said they put up a tree.

My mother is Roman Catholic and my father Muslim and more than anyone in the family, he looked forward to decorating the tree and exchanging presents. Over the years, it could easily be argued that the Christmas season has become secular to a certain extent.

That’s exactly what those who are critical say. The reason it’s easy for non-Christians to adopt Christmas traditions is because the holiday has become an excuse to get caught up with the consumerism that has taken over Christmas. It has become less about the birth of Jesus Christ and more about an excuse to go crazy in the mall.

Your thoughts? If you are Jewish, have you or would you consider putting up a Hannukah tree?

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10 Stylish yet Functional Diaper Bags for Dudes

Posted on December 6, 2015

Dads and dudes don’t want to carry around fruity, colorful and flowery diaper bags. During baby showers, some guests think of the papas to be and gift a diaper bag just for dads to carry around.

My husband loved the J-Cole Cross Body Messenger Sling across the chest bag we found because it was light and not too bulky and kept his hands free. Sadly, the bag is discontinued. These days more manufacturers are creating masculine bags for dads.

Here are 5 we spotted and like via our partners at ShopStyle Collective that are stylish and functional diaper bags for dads.

Diaper Dude ‘Texas Rangers’ Messenger Diaper Bag • Diaper Dude • $78

Storksak ‘Jamie’ Leather Diaper Bag • Storksak • $280

Ju-Ju-Be ‘BFF’ Diaper Bag • Ju-Ju-Be • $165

Storksak ‘Aubrey’ Diaper Bag • Storksak • $185

Diaper Dude ‘Messenger II’ Diaper Bag • Diaper Dude • $98

Quiksilver ‘Daddy’ Day Bag • Quiksilver • $60

TWELVElittle ‘Allure’ Nylon Backpack Diaper Bag • $245

Diaper Dude Convertible Diaper Bag • Diaper Dude • $110

Skip Hop ‘Forma’ Diaper Bag Backpack • Skip Hop • $70

Burberry Check Print Messenger Diaper Bag • Burberry • $1,195

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Fun Pregnancy Facts & Stats You Never Knew (INFOGRAPHIC)

Posted on December 5, 2015

It’s December! Are you ready to get pregnant? No, seriously.

Did you know the last month of the year is also the most popular month to become pregnant?

Want to learn more?

Prenatal diagnostics company Ariosa Diagnostics, maker of the Harmony Test, put together an infographic with more trivia: Pregnancy by the Numbers.

It includes facts and stats about pregnancy for expecting moms – everything from average weight gain and morning sickness, to epidurals and c-sections, the most popular times to give birth (hint: think nine months from now. )

Check it out:

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STUDY: Big-Bottom Women Give Birth to Smarter Kids

Posted on December 5, 2015

Great news for us big booty gals!

A study from the University of Oxford links an ample derrière to healthy and smart children due to the high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids (the good fatty acids) stored in the bum. These are the same fatty acids that are responsible for the normal development of the baby’s brain.

And this news isn’t necessarily new either. Back in 2007, Chicago Tribune noted research by scientists which stated that women with fat-bottoms are actually smarter than women with flat-bottoms. Again, for the same reason: heightened Omega 3 fatty acids storage in the booty improves the brain’s functionality and development.

These studies combine with evidence which shows that the fat content in a mother’s breast milk comes from the lower half of the body, which includes her thighs, buttocks, etc. Given that is where the Omega 3’s are stored, babies with big bottomed moms get a healthy dosage of Omega 3 in their diet.

Fab news, says this ample bum gal! ha!

10 Places to Celebrate Your Baby’s 1st Birthday Party

Posted on December 4, 2015

The first birthday is usually a big one for new parents. If there is one milestone that is celebrated in a big way, it’s the first birthday.

Here are 10 ideas of places where you should consider throwing your infant’s celebration.

1.Botanical Gardens – It’s never too early to instill a love of the outdoors in a child. Most cities have botanical gardens, and most of those gardens have a dedicated area for kids to play and explore. Contacting the botanical garden nearest you is the best way to figure out their policies and the logistics of staging a first birthday party in such a lush, magical place.

2. Crafts Studios – Your baby might only be a year old, but he can smear paint on a surface with the best of them. When he’s done and the party has wrapped up, you’ll have a keepsake to remind you of the occasion for years to come.

3. Indoor Playgrounds – Kids with birthdays in the winter months aren’t usually able to enjoy an outdoor celebration, unless they’re budding ice skaters or snowboarders. When your little one reaches her first birthday during wintertime, hauling her friends to an indoor playground can be a great way to encourage physical activity without risking frost bite.

4. Kid-Themed Restaurants – Every city has at least one kids-only eatery. Parents may not love the pizza and shouting, but these places are heaven for kids. Your little one may be too small to attack the arcade games with fervor, but she will probably still be entranced with the animatronic shows and costumed mascots wandering around.

5. Ice Cream Shoppes – Everyone loves ice cream. From the little ones in your entourage to the oldest member of the party, everyone is sure to be thrilled with an ice cream party. Some shoppes even encourage kids to get creative, building their own wild sundaes and choosing offbeat toppings.

6. Parks – Those pavilions at your local playground can usually be rented or even reserved free of charge for parties, depending on the municipal policies in your area. While older kids run and play to their heart’s content, adults and very young children can enjoy the shade and shelter of a pavilion before the cake is cut and presents are distributed.

7. Aquariums – The sights and sounds of an aquarium are entrancing for kids of all ages, even those who are just turning a year old. There may even be special programs offered by your local aquarium for birthday parties, so make sure that you contact the administrative office to find out what your options are.

8. Zoos – There’s no upper or lower age limit on loving the zoo. Most even have smaller petting zoo areas inside to encourage hands-on interaction with domesticated animals! A zoo birthday party is a great way to encourage curiosity about animals and natural sciences in your little guests, while providing plenty of celebratory fun.

9. Amusement Parks – The idea of strapping your one-year-old into a rollercoaster is probably repellent, but there’s more to most amusement parks than adrenaline-rush rides for thrill seekers and daredevils. Most amusement parks have an area of smaller, more sedate rides for infants, toddlers and small children. Booking a birthday party at an amusement park near you will allow your little guest of honor to cruise around on a slow-moving train or bob along in a tiny boat to celebrate his special day!

10. Home – Birthday parties can very quickly become prohibitively expensive, and they’ll only get more extravagant as your child gets older. When he’s still so small and not likely to remember his party, there’s nothing wrong with hosting a smaller celebration with a more intimate gathering of friends and loved ones. Hosting your child’s first birthday at home allows him to stay in a comfortable, familiar environment while everyone crows about how handsome he is and how much he’s grown.

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Parenting

10 Places to Celebrate Your Baby’s 1st Birthday