Search Results for: blog do you know who is babysitting your children

Kids Can Barter Too

“You mean I can trade chocolate cake for Lego Friends?” my daughter asked following our conversation about the benefits of bartering. “If you can find a Lego-loving chocoholic who’s willing to part with some of her sets, then you’re in business.” Little did I know that my response would turn my 8-year-old into the next Kyle MacDonald. Cash is tight for my third grader, but the kid makes up for her empty wallet by coming up with some solid bartering bargain chips. Or, in her case, cake. Bartering is not just for adults; rather, kids can get in on the … Continue reading →

Free Websites that Teach Your Kids about Money

Teaching kids about money, where it comes from, how to make it grow and how to use it responsibly is one of those things that many of us mean to get around to doing, but don’t often seem to complete. In fact, money lessons should never really come to an end. As society, the economy and technology changes, it is important for us all to keep up, and pass on the skills, knowledge and advice to our children. Fortunately, we don’t have to do this alone. There are a few really good websites out there that will help us teach … Continue reading →

Finding A Babysitter

Getting a babysitter for the evening when you are a single mom is almost like getting a little vacation. It’s wonderful if you have family that can care for your child, but sometimes you have to get a babysitter, and that can be scary. Most teenage girls baby-sit at one time or another and the majority of them are really good with the kids. They are close enough in age to remember what is was like to be smaller. When you are looking for a teenage sitter, word of mouth is the best way to find a really good one. … Continue reading →

Sunny Days

Spring break and the living is easy. If your family’s ideal vacation includes bright sunshine, miles of powder-soft sand, cobalt blue water and gorgeous views, then consider the following amazing seasonal escapes: TAMPA This Florida favorite is a prime place to have fun in the sun. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is home to endless miles of breathtaking beaches, stunning natural areas and a host of kid-friendly attractions, including the Florida Aquarium. The watery wonderland boasts more than 20,000 plants and sea creatures housed in high-tech fresh and saltwater environments. It also houses dozens of interactive exhibits, including … Continue reading →

Traditional Spring Break

Sun, surf and half-naked college coeds are quintessential elements of spring break. However, if you are traveling solo or have a gaggle of little ones to entertain, you might not want to share sand with a bunch of drunken college kids. If you are looking for spring break destinations that don’t attract the “Girls Gone Wild” crowd, consider the following: Bermuda: The picturesque island is located roughly 650 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Known for its luxurious pink sand beaches, the popular vacation destination offers families a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its … Continue reading →

Who Gets Custody

Do you know what the custody laws are in your state? I didn’t know when I got divorced. My attorney drew up everything and I signed it. Fortunately he was on my side and the custody was in my best interests. I didn’t give the laws much thought but read recently that here in Utah they are trying to have a statement added to our divorce statute saying that the court may not discriminate against a parent based on age, race, color, national origin, religious preference or gender. Really? In 2012 we are having to add this to our law? … Continue reading →

I Was An Entrepreneur and I Did Not Even Know It

Today, I realized that I had been preparing myself for life as an entrepreneur long before I had even heard of the word. I was reading this blog post by my co – blogger Richele McFarlin about businesses that kids can start, and I realized that I had started babysitting for neighbors as soon as I was old enough to take a babysitting class. Sure, I had other jobs during high school and even during college, but I always had at least a few babysitting clients. When I started out as a babysitter, I was simply watching the neighbor’s children … Continue reading →

What is a Homemaker Worth?

Do you ever feel taken for granted and undervalued as a homemaker? For many of us homemaker is our second full time job, after we do whatever it is we do all day to pay the bill, we come home and work a whole lot more. When I was younger my grandmother used to say, “A man works from sun to sun but a woman’s work is never done.” In my marriage that was true, my ex husband did very little around the house, and it’s even more true now that I’m divorced. It’s hard to place a value on … Continue reading →

Children Who Are at Risk of Being Abused

This week I watched a horrifying story on Dr. Phil about a mother who remarried and whose three girls endured years of sexual abuse by their stepfather. It was just absolutely gut-wrenching to hear what these girls endured. While I felt for the mom, a part of me couldn’t grasp how 8 years of this could go by and she had absolutely no clue. In fact, at one point Dr. Phil asked her if looking back now, could she see signs and she still says no. I certainly don’t want to point any fingers at her but what I am … Continue reading →

Helping Kids Earn Money

With Christmas looming, my 7-year-old daughter’s gift wish list seems to grow by the day. She’s been combing through toy catalogs since October and has dog-eared so many pages I’m afraid that Santa won’t be able to deliver all the goods. In fact, I know Santa won’t be bringing half of the things on her mile-long list. Without blowing her belief in the big guy, I have been gently reminding her that if (more like, when) Santa doesn’t grant all of her wishes, she still has the opportunity to get them by paying for them herself. Currently, she earns a … Continue reading →