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Not gaining enough weight..
So I'm 33 weeks and 3 days pregnant with my first. I'm 5'4 and when I first got pregnant I wi...
September 2012
Did baby wear newborn mittens?
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Did baby wear newborn mittens?...
What Do You Do When You Don't Have a Million Things to Do?
Saturday, September 29, 2012 by Sara McTigue
This weekend, I’ll be rockin’ my brand new purple Chucks – scored on the Target clearance rack for $10.48. I love finding a sweet deal (as my children are well aware, since new purchases lead them to ask, “Was that on clearance?”). But I don’t want to have to do any extra work to find the deals (I’m no Thrifty Mom. I read her posts each week and feel inspired, but when it comes to coupon clipping or trying to menu plan for deals, it just doesn’t happen – I’m still trying, though!). When we’re doing our usual shopping run; getting dog food, coffee, yogurt, prescriptions, light bulbs, coloring books, and some of the hundreds of other things we may need in a week, hitting the clearance racks has become a habit. It’s a moment of shopping that I can enjoy – even with kids who aren’t the best shoppers. It’s not the way I used to shop, but things change, right?
Jennifer Garner on Girls vs Boys
Saturday, September 29, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
When Jennifer Garner had son Sam six months ago, she was not sure about how different it would be to raise a boy after experiencing raising her two daughters, Seraphina, 3½, and Violet, 6½. Probably the most marked difference she has seen, she told Ellen DeGeneres is, “I mean, [my daughters] didn’t pee in my eye.”
Really good, or rather unfortunate aim, is not the only thing she has observed since taking on raising a third child, “I don’t know if it’s because he’s a boy. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my third and I forget that I have him,” she shares. “You’re just dealing with two and then you think, ‘I swear I put a baby down somewhere.’ And you kind of walk through the house, ‘There you are!’ and he’s just happy as can be.”
Would you ever carry a baby for someone else?
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Would you ever carry a baby for someone else?...
Gender-neutral Term to Replace the Words for ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’
Friday, September 28, 2012 by Kim Shannon
According to a recent article, “In France, a proposed new law would remove the words for ‘mother’ and ‘father’ from the law books and replace them with the gender-neutral word for ‘parent.’”
This may coincide with Socialist President François Hollande’s desire to legalize gay marriage. The law, if approved, would legalize gay marriage, delete “gender-specific terms,” and “would also permit gay couples to adopt children in the same way straight couples can.”
“This draft is a ‘substantial’ change to the definition of marriage and parenthood,” and the country’s support for the proposed law is divided.
If President Obama wanted to take the words “mother” and “father” out of our law books, how would America react?
CVS ExtraCare Buck Rewards: I May Have Figured It Out!
Friday, September 28, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
This week I decided to start trying the CVS ExtraCare program. Again. For like the third or fourth time.
I’m going to be honest – I haven’t had much luck with it in the past.
I tried it for the first time after seeing Jenny from Southernsavers.com speak at a conference in town. Now, we currently live in a very small town that boasts two CVS stores – one near me, one across town. Obviously I shop the one near me, which I believe has the most foot traffic. And because we live in such a small town, and because Jenny spoke to a crowded room that must have included every single person that lives in this small town plus those that live in the outskirts, everyone got wind of the CVS ExtraCare bucks program and decided they, too, would try to save this way.
Friday, September 28, 2012 by Stef Daniel
This summer I sort of stalked/watched a friend of mine from high school slowly but surely fulfill her bucket list. She was constantly posting things on her Facebook page about being able to check yet another thing off of her 'list' of things she wanted to do in life.
The idea was amazing. She and her family bought a beach house. They went white water rafting. She rode a horse for the first time. She ran/walked in a marathon. She learned how to make meatloaf. Some of the things on her list were major accomplishments, while others were just those idle things that we all think about doing when we have the time, or the resources.
The term 'bucket list' is coined from the phrase 'kicking the bucket.' Most often, bucket lists are made by retirement age people and sadly, very few people every really complete their bucket list.
All of us are guilty of taking tomorrow for granted.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Start a Discussion in a Forum!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Start a discussion in any of our EverydayFamily forums! Either go to any specific section's Forums, or go to Home, Forums, and find any Forum that interests you! Click 'New Discussion' to begin chatting with our other wonderful members. Check out this instructional video for help with How to Use: Forums ...
Would you put your child on a kid leash?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Would you put your child on a kid leash?...
Positive Self-Image in an Image Obsessed World
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by Sara McTigue
As parents, we try to teach our children many things. Some of them are skills, like writing their names or tying their shoes. Some are common courtesy, like taking turns or listening to others. And, in all things, we try to instill positive self-image, so that they know that no matter what, they have worth. This can be a challenge, in a world where they way you look is subject to analysis and criticism from friends, family, and strangers alike.
This week, there have been several examples of women who have rejected the labels that society offers to women, choosing to embrace their own self-image. Their stories are a source of encouragement, an indication that maybe there is hope to move beyond the limits of appreciating women for their looks, and instead valuing them for their brains, their hearts, and their bravery.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Babies are wonderful! But, sometimes they're trouble...especially in the middle of the night! Here's how to get baby to sleep, so you can get there too....
5 Tips to Help You Put An End to Whining
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
I’ve always wondered why whining is instinctual to humans.
It’s like we’re all born knowing that if we bust out that high pitched voice, with the pleady eyes, and then drag out the word mooooooooom so that it sounds endless, you will eventually get what you want.
Never mind that whining is annoying.
Everyone agrees on this point. Moms, dads, teachers, everyone.
Yet it works!
Kids do it because they know you’ll do their evil bidding.
Are You Prepared for Financial Emergencies?
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
One of the scariest realizations of becoming a parent is this:
Our children depend on us for everything.
Not too much pressure, right?! (I type this with heart palpitations!)
Physical and emotional aspects aside, we also have to make sure we are prepared in case something should happen financially. We want to know we can afford to feed, clothe, and shelter our kids (and, hopefully, ourselves!) if a spouse loses a job or the car sputters to a stop for the very last time. And today, with jobs difficult to come by, that ‘financial stress’ can be even higher, particularly for those already living on just one income.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
It is a good day for a nap. Unfortunately, no one in my house seems to be taking one today. During infancy and toddlerhood, our daily lives seemed to revolve around naptime. It wasn't just about the health and wellness of my daughter; it was about my mental health as well. Naptime was wonderful. Quiet. It was a chance to empty the garbage, scoop the cat litter, and sometimes even have a cup of tea or take a nap myself.
Yes, I was the kind of mama who scheduled our day around naptime. I was the kind of mama who always planned our outings, always plotting for where and when the kiddo would catch a few Zzzs. A trip to the zoo? Two hours in the morning was perfect. Grocery store? Provided a great after nap outing. Lunch out with friends? Forget about it, at least with the kiddo in tow.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Take a Poll!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
You can become part of our fact-base. Keep your eyes peeled for the results in our Fun Facts throughout the site! Just enter a section relating to you and take the poll on the right. You can also check out the results and take a few more polls while you’re at it. Why not? It’s fun!...
What is the strangest thing someone said to you when you were pregnant?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
What is the strangest thing someone said to you when you were pregnant?...
Pasco Community Battles Young Boy’s Cancer Together
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by Kim Shannon
Nick LaBarbara is 13 years old. He likes video games, fishing, and creating movies with his 10-year-old sister. He plays soccer at his middle school, and he is fighting to beat cancer for the third time.
When Nick was 15 months old, his parents “noticed strange bruises on his body.” He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and endured two and a half years of chemotherapy, according to this article.
The Halloween Countdown: Choosing a Costume
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by Sara McTigue
Knock knock. Who’s there, you say? It’s Halloween. Or, if you believe the displays in the stores – Christmas – but I’m not going there yet. Since we’re mere days away from October (how exactly did this happen?) it’s time for me to start planning our costumes.
Big surprise that the lady with who blogs about the importance of dress up and imaginative play likes Halloween, right? Of course I don’t want to disappoint you – I love it. In truth, though, more than the candy or the trick-or-treating (and definitely more than the haunted houses – I sat down partway through one in high school and had to be carried out – this girl doesn’t do haunted houses!) I love planning for Halloween.
Winning Olympic Gold - While Pregnant?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
Kerri Walsh Jennings is one part of the beach volleyball duo that has won Olympic gold three summer games in a row. Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor played several grueling matches in their quest for gold this past summer. While we all watched these women sacrifice their bodies to get to the ball, what nobody realized was that Walsh Jennings had a secret: she was pregnant.
How Much Time Would You Spend Each Week to See Savings at the Grocery Store?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
I have been a couponer for a long time, and I always laugh a little when someone says couponing doesn’t require a lot of time.
Maybe I’m doing it all wrong, but for me, coupon clipping, menu planning and organizing all the websites that go with it DO take a while.
Sunday has become my coupon task day, and yesterday I spent about one and a half hours.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Comment on a Blog!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Our bloggers love to hear what you think - so please, tell them by typing into the comment box below their blog post and hitting submit. Click the Blogs button of your navigation bar and open up a blog that speaks to you. After you've given the blog a good read, scroll to the bottom and type your comments into the Comment field, then hit "Post...
Finish this sentence: My pregnancy was...
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Finish this sentence: My pregnancy was......
Won't Back Down the Movie: Thoughts from a Teacher Turned Mom
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
So I went to the movie premiere of Won’t Back Down in New York City this past weekend.
Red carpet. Fancy dresses. Freakin’ super stars.
The whole deal.
I actually towered menacingly over stood right next to Rosie Perez.
The Rosie-I-love-your-accent-you-little-hottie-Perez. Matter of fact, she nearly tripped right over my clod hoppers when I was standing there pretending not to stare at her and trying not to hyperventilate over the fact that, if I could just stand there and try to catch her eye, she might even smile at me (she did!).
I also laid eyes on Maggie Gyllenhaall and Viola Davis. All dressed up and looking fabulous for the event.
I know right!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by Stef Daniel
Moms worry. A lot. I tend to be a worry wart and have to constantly remind myself to calm down, take a breath, and not 'borrow trouble' by worrying about things that will likely never happen.
Looking back, it’s funny to think of some of the things that I worried about excessively - even shed tears over - that turned out to be fine in the end.
Today, I share my Top 10 worthless worries with you. And please, help the rest of us out by sharing some of the things that you have worried about that wasted your time.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Reply to Today's Community Chalkboard Question!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Getting to know our members better is truly important to us. One new way to do that is through your answers to the questions on our Community Chalkboard. We’ll ask new questions all the time, all you need to do is go to our Home page and click to type in an answer in the answer field. ...
How did you choose baby's name?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
How did you choose baby's name?...
Monday, September 24, 2012
True statement. Learn how the love of your life is developing week by week....
WARNING: Doctors Say Trampolines Too Dangerous for Children!
Monday, September 24, 2012 by Kim Shannon
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released an updated policy statement discouraging the use of a home trampoline, stating, “Trampolines can cause serious injuries to children.”
According to WebMD Health News, little children are 14 times more likely to get hurt then bigger children, with serious harm happening to the neck, or paralysis; and older children are attempting riskier moves, like somersaults and flips, which causes broken bones and bruising. Children are falling on the trampoline’s frame or flipping right off the trampoline.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Watch an EverydayFamilyTV Video!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Check out one of our new EverydayFamilyTV videos - we promise it'll be worth it! You can find them by selecting the EFTV icon within the navigation. We hope you're able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!...
Looking for Bargains While Shopping? Experts Say Don’t Shop When Rushed
Monday, September 24, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
This week I was in the mood for some shopping, which strikes about once every six weeks or so. Luckily I had two things working in my favor:
I had an entire day with nothing planned, and
my mom was here, which makes shopping fun.
My goal: Hit some clearance racks to see what I could find. I wanted to know if what I had read in a recent article was true: that if I had more time on my hands to shop, I’d be more likely to locate bargains.
How far along are you, or how old is baby today?
Monday, September 24, 2012
How far along are you, or how old is baby today?...
Monday, September 24, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
There are some things that we cannot control when it comes to our developing children. There are many things we can. Good nutrition is one thing we can control to positively impact our child's development. Oh yes, our kiddos have their own opinions about what they will or will not eat. However, as parents we can help define what those choices will be. Milk, whether breast milk or milk from a cow, has always been an easy choice when it comes to nutritious offerings provided to our tiny tots. Or is it?
How would you react if your child hit or kicked you?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
How would you react if your child hit or kicked you?...
Saturday, September 22, 2012 by Sara McTigue
I talked earlier this week about my kids dressing up. Of course, when they aren’t dressing up, they’re often undressed. Hanging around the house in t-shirts and undies is pretty standard weekend attire around these parts. I understand that for some families, waking up and getting fully dressed in the morning is par for the course. Don’t get me wrong – that totally makes sense. Then you wouldn’t have to run across the house when the doorbell rings at random, shouting “Don’t open the curtains yet! Let me get a bra!” However, that’s just not how we do.
So my kids are pretty comfortable in their skins. Sometimes a little more than I’d like, when they interrupt a conversation I’m having to announce “I’m going to go poop” or when I have to ask my son, once again, to get his hands off the goods. But at this point in their lives, there is no “eww” or “don’t look” or “I need some privacy” (believe me, I’m wishing they were a little more interested in privacy most days!). And that’s pretty cool.
Kristin Cavallari Says the Pain Was Worth It
Saturday, September 22, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
It is no secret that childbirth hurts – a lot – but if you ask most moms, they will tell you it was all worth the pain. Kristin Cavallari agrees. She recently told People that even though her pregnancy was relatively problem free, the pain of labor was something new.
The former reality star chose an epidural but says, “The pain was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was so painful but a different kind of pain — because I knew we were going to meet our son. It was worth every minute and I’ll do it again.” She went into labor the day before her due date and had to call fiancé, Jay Cutler home from the Chicago Bears training camp.
Does your partner help out a lot around the house?
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Does your partner help out a lot around the house?...
Gynecologists Say IUDs Better for Teens, Encouraging Teen Sex?
Friday, September 21, 2012 by Kim Shannon
Teenagers have always been interested in sex. Birth control made it slightly easier and safer for teens to explore this adult act; and the responsibility of remembering to take a daily pill or using a condom requires teens to keep some intellectual reasoning intact when those urges strike. Now however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is recommending IUDs or hormonal implants for teenage girls, because it’s a “long-lasting and more effective birth control that you don’t have to remember to use every time.”
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Share an EverydayFamily Blog to Facebook!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Don't you love being able to share something fun you've just read with your Facebook friends and family? Click the Facebook "Like" or "Share" button above or below the blog to do so! Check out this instructional video for help with How to Use: EverydayFamily Blogs ...
Would you consider banking baby's cord blood?
Friday, September 21, 2012
Would you consider banking baby's cord blood?...
Friday, September 21, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." At least that is how Joseph P. Kennedy's (father of President John F. Kennedy - now you can say you learned something new today!) famous quote goes.
I'm not so sure he was talking about parenthood though. When the going gets tough around here, I often want to go (to get coffee, go shopping, or to the spa!), but being a mama (or daddy) doesn't quite work like that. Sometimes, there is nowhere you can go (especially at 2am).
How do you cope when the going does get tough?
A Reason to Put Away the Pacifier?
Thursday, September 20, 2012 by Sara McTigue
There are plenty of reasons to use pacifiers. Babies are calmed by the sucking sensation. They have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS for formula-fed babies. They can sometimes buy you a moment of calm and quiet.
Of course, there are also plenty of reasons to avoid pacifier use. They can interfere with breastfeeding success. Use has been shown to increase the risk of ear infections. They’ve been linked to dental issues. And now, a new study suggests that over-dependence on pacifiers can negatively impact the emotional development of baby boys.
Eat Your Peas or So Help Me! Tips For Dealing with Picky Eaters
Thursday, September 20, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
One of the major complaints I hear from parents with regard to life as someone in charge of growing up a human correctly, aside from lack of sleep, loss of freedom, and the never ending noise of it all, is having to do with food.
The drama of how you are going to get food into your baby’s gut from the moment they enter the world (I mean, look at all of the debate over breast milk & formula) is universal.
And baffling!
Hey Baby, What's Wrong with My Left Boob?
Thursday, September 20, 2012 by Stef Daniel
Just the other day, I had my lovely annual appointment. It is always during this appointment that I realize the dreadful shape that my boobs are in. (All thanks to breastfeeding of course!) Prior to my visit to the gynecologist, the 'girls' stay all covered up - and with the exception of my family that loves to walk in on me when I am buck naked - no one else sees them.
In truth, this is a lovely change of pace from the way my world was just a few short years ago. Breastfeeding two children back to back, meant that everyone around me became desensitized to my boobs. I'd whip those suckers out at the dinner table if that's what it took, and at least while I was in my home - had absolutely no fears or insecurities about my breasts.
That was then. This is now.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Comment on an Article!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
We really want you to be able to share what you learn, think, and feel about the information on our site. Select an article from anywhere on the site that relates to you and use the commenting field at the bottom of the article. Type in what you'd like to say and select the "Post My Reply" button....
Which bottle worked best for baby?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Which bottle worked best for baby?...
The Best (and Worst!) Celebrity Baby Names [INFOGRAPHIC]
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Gone are the days when there were three Jennifers in a kindergarten class. These days, it’s more likely there will be three Jaydens (with an equal likelihood of the names belonging to male and female students), spelled three different ways (Jayden, Jaiden, Jaydyn?).
Thursday, September 20, 2012 by Lissa Coffey
“Let us watch well our beginnings, and results will manage themselves.” - Alexander Clark (1834-1879)
Good morning! Time for breakfast, often called the most important meal of the day.
Why? Because it breaks the overnight fasting period, replenishes your glucose supply and provides essential nutrients necessary to keep energy levels up all through the day.
Arrr, it's Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Arrr, it's Talk Like a Pirate Day! We all know swabbing the booty is every parent's favorite task. Track those newborn booty swabs with our diaper changing log! ...
Don't Get Dressed - Dress Up: 5 Benefits of Dress Up Play
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by Sara McTigue
In the morning my children stumble, bleary-eyed to the couch. They pile under blankets and insist, with their eyes still closed, that they are awake. They’ll happily watch some television or listen to music, content to slowly welcome the day.
However, as soon as I say to them, “Time to get dressed!” their eyes pop open. Their immediate response: “Where are we going?” The thing is, they know that if I’m asking them to put clothes on, we must be leaving the house. School, playdate, appointment – these are things that require getting dressed. If we’re staying home, they aren’t getting dressed – they are getting dressed up.
Disciplining Styles – Are You Wrong?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by Kim Shannon
Last week, a Stark County newspaper featured a mother who punished her children in a very public way. She contacted the local media and told them she was having her children “stand on a city street corner for five days, carrying signs stating they had been thieves. She also assigned her son 100 hours of community service and her daughter 50 hours of service.”
Jessica Alba Makes Sure Her Kids Give Back
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
While it is probably true that Jessica Alba’s kids want for very little, she does not want them to take their good fortune for granted. She has talked before about teaching her children humility and charity, but she also wants her daughters to give back.
Alba spoke to Self Magazine at the recent Women Doing Good Awards, “I talk to Honor about not wasting and recycling. I talk to her about having so many things and that there are children out there who don’t have what she has. So when she is done playing with something or outgrows something, it goes to a baby who doesn’t have it.”
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Update Your Status!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
We love hearing how you're feeling, what's going on with you and your family today, and whatever else you'd like to share! Your My Everyday status is the place for you to do just that - tell us and other members what's new. Go to your My Everyday / My Activity and start sharing in the "update your status..." field, then select "Updat...
Have you started saving for baby's future?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Have you started saving for baby's future?...
Car Seat Safety: Are You Part of the 20%?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by Sara McTigue
Sharp-eyed commenters on our Facebook page yesterday pointed out that the stock photo we posted of a child in a car seat showed the harness clip being used improperly. Glancing through the pages of stock photos archived under “child in car seat,” image after image displays children with loose straps, misplaced clips, and incorrect seat usage.
It is probably unsurprising that there are so many images reflecting incorrect usage when you consider the results of a new study released by the Highway Safety Traffic Adminstration.
Youth Sports: 5 Things You Should Know When You Sign Your Youngster Up
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
I am the mom to three very athletic Dudes.
Two play soccer and basketball. Two of them are on the swim team. Two of them are in gymnastics. And recently, things got really crazy, because my seven year old decided he wanted to play tackle football.
Yes, I freaked out completely.
And then I began a very focused tackle football smear campaign to get him to change his mind.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Share One of Our Recipes to Facebook!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Need some more ideas for your family's weekly meals? Check out our recipes! Find one that interests you and hit the Facebook "Like" button to share it out with your family and friends to tell them what will be cooking in your kitchen tonight! ...
Did you let yourself indulge during pregnancy?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Did you let yourself indulge during pregnancy?...
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
If you want to hear what you sound like, listen to your little one. I've been reminded of this lately, as my not-so-little one has been talking baby talk to me. It's driving me crazy. We are long past the days of "milky," "choo-choo," and "night-night." We are to the phase of milk, trains and nighttime and those are the words that I would like to hear come out of her mouth.
Where DID she get those baby talk words?
Making Homework Work for Your Family
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by Lissa Coffey
Right about now a lot of us parents are looking forward to summer vacation already! Why? Because we’re immersed in the homework hassles that come with a new grade level, a new teacher, and new expectations.
But it doesn’t have to be that difficult. The idea is to set up a routine that works for your family, and to stick with it.
The joys of having a two-year-old
Monday, September 17, 2012
Isn't that the truth?! Plus, 6 strategies for organizing clutter....
What Do You Think About Expensive Tech Toys for Kids?
Monday, September 17, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
Seems Toys 'R Us has a new technological toy for kids, and it comes in at $150. For that amount, kids can have a few apps and get online.
I’ve posted before about how I’ve hung back when it comes to technology and my kids. It’s not that I don’t want them to know how to play a computer game. I don’t think it’s bad if they spend half an hour every so often on the computer bursting balloons and accumulating points while moving to the next level. I played Atari when I was little; I get it. They won’t go brain dead, or un-learn their ability to read. They won’t forget how to go outside and make friends and ride a bike.
But if they have that toy and can use it whenever they want, carry it wherever they go, stare at it in the car and in their room and while they brush their teeth - that is what they will want to do.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Watch an EverydayFamilyTV Video!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Check out one of our new EverydayFamilyTV videos - we promise it'll be worth it! You can find them by selecting the EFTV icon within the navigation. We hope you're able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! ...
What one word best describes your parenting style?
Monday, September 17, 2012
What one word best describes your parenting style?...
Chicago Teachers Still on Strike!!
Monday, September 17, 2012 by Kim Shannon
The teachers strike in Chicago is entering its second week! Even though 350,000 students are kept out of school and working parents are left to find alternate plans for their children, the Chicago Teachers Union members are still saying they need more time.
According to this article, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has “told city attorneys to seek a court order forcing Chicago Teachers Union members back into the classroom.”
Stuck or Sure of My Style? What Does Your Hair Say About You?
Saturday, September 15, 2012 by Sara McTigue
Today I got to hit the salon to get my hair cut and colored. I’m a little spoiled when it comes to that, since my sister is a hairstylist – and a great one at that. Of course, I didn’t wait until she was fully licensed and gainfully employed to start using her as my stylist. Pretty much since she hit the start of her teen years, she’s been the one to do my hair.
Ben Affleck Not Interested in Staying Home
Saturday, September 15, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
While Ben Affleck loves being a dad to his three children, he is not interested in taking on the job of a stay-at-home parent. Affleck is the father to Violet, 6½, Seraphina, 3½, and Samuel, 6 months, with wife Jennifer Garner.
Even though he is not interested in being the primary parent for his three kids, he does want the work he does to mean something; "I don’t want to be a stay-at-home dad. Work is very important to me. I like to work. But I need my work to mean something to me in order for me to not be home with them.”
How long did you wait before venturing out in public with your little one?
Saturday, September 15, 2012
How long did you wait before venturing out in public with your little one?...
Friday, September 14, 2012
It's a true story! Bonus - some tips to help with out-of-control housework. Photo Credit: LisaW123, Flickr...
New Presidential Youth Fitness Program: Will Kids with High Body Fat Get Singled Out?
Friday, September 14, 2012 by Kim Shannon
A new physical education (PE) program is replacing the old presidential fitness test, which focused on a child’s athletic performance and abilities. However, will the new program actually benefit our children, or will it cause greater chance for vulnerability and segregation?
According to WebMD Health News, this new, modern program – one result of first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative – will focus on the children’s health.
Mommy Business Cards: Cute Idea or Waste of Money?
Friday, September 14, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
I was flipping through one of my magazines yesterday and happened to glance down at an ad in the back. I usually skip over these, but one of the ads caught my ad: Business Cards for Mom!
At first I rolled my eyes and shook my head and muttered something about, “Oh wow, what will they think of next?”
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Write in your My Everyday Blog!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Your My Everyday blog is the perfect place to unload about your pregnancy cravings, record precious moments, and save all of those new thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned that come with life as a parent. Check out this instructional video for help with How to Use: My Everyday ...
Do you and your little one(s) frequent your local library?
Friday, September 14, 2012
Do you and your little one(s) frequent your local library?...
Busted by the School Bus Driver
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Sara McTigue
Getting to school or work on time in the morning can be a challenging proposition. Between getting children packed up and dressed, car troubles, traffic troubles, and all the other possible sources of delay it’s sometimes a wonder that we can get anywhere on time.
One delay that many face in the daily commute is the slow-down caused by a school bus completing the daily pick-up routine. Getting “stuck” behind a bus can add minutes to your travel time, but for most drivers the necessity of safe passage for the occupants of the bus is enough to calm their impatience long enough for everyone to be safely and legally be on their way. But not Shena Hardin.
10 Things Parents Wish Kids Knew Already
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
I have been a mom for going on 11 years.
I know, totally hard to believe because I look soooo young.
But, it’s true, and the oldest Dude will be celebrating his 11th year of life courtesy of his awesome mama this November.
I’ve learned a bunch about being a mom from him and his brothers, here are some things I wish they would learn already too.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Reply to Today's Community Chalkboard Question!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Getting to know our members better is truly important to us. One new way to do that is through your answers to the questions on our Community Chalkboard. We’ll ask new questions all the time, all you need to do is go to our Home page and click to type in an answer in the answer field. ...
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Lissa Coffey
Whether you’re a parent with a child off to school for the first time, a high school student studying for the SATs, or a college student juggling school, work, and family; school success does not have to be a stressful undertaking. The idea is to work smarter, not harder, and here are some ways to do just that.
What meal dish is a favorite in your house?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
What meal dish is a favorite in your house?...
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Is 9 months long enough to be pregnant?
Certainly, I thought it was. By the end of pregnancy, my ankles had become "cankles," my weight had surpassed my husband's, and I was quite the "waddler." On top of that, sleeping was anything but comfortable and more than anything else, I was excited to meet my little girl!
WHY 9 months?
Surveillance Cameras Put in Bathrooms at British Schools
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 by Kim Shannon
In Britain, more than 200 high schools “have installed surveillance cameras in bathrooms or locker rooms,” according to an AP article.
This means that more than 100,000 cameras are currently surveying Britain’s teenagers on a daily basis.
Gwen Stefani's Biggest Accomplishment
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
One might think that Gwen Stefani would view her success in the music business or fashion industry as her biggest accomplishment. She has awards and experiences that many people only dream of, but those accolades are not the accomplishment she values the most. Instead, her marriage of 10 years is what she calls her biggest accomplishment.
13 Steps to Making a Big Purchase
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
I’m in need of a new vacuum. Thanks to “Doggy-Who-Sheds-a-Lot” my carpets resemble a reddish shade of shag from the seventies.
No matter what I use on the carpet, I can’t get the hair up. My vacuum, though not that old, was purchased pre-shedding dog. Let’s just say it doesn’t do much for the large amount of hair he loses each day (which is, it seems, enough to knit seven jackets in as many days). In order to get it all up, I would have to spend my time doing nothing but vacuuming. Which, of course, I can’t do.
But have you priced vacuums that work on dog hair lately?!
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Share an Article to Facebook!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Don't you love being able to share something great you've just learned with your Facebook friends and family? Click the Facebook "Like" button just below the article title to do so!...
At what age will you let your child go on their first sleepover?
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
At what age will you let your child go on their first sleepover? ...
A Little Crying Won't Hurt - So Rest Easy
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 by Sara McTigue
There are quite a few parenting issues that strike a dividing line between parents holding opposing experiences and ideas. Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, whether or not to circumcise, and the topic at hand – whether or not to allow your baby to cry it out as a means to get him to sleep.
I’d venture to guess that most parents don’t begin researching sleep training until around 4 am, when their sweet little angel is once again reaching top decibels despite the fact that mom and dad have to wake up in just a few hours. Desperation and exhaustion can often lead them to try things that they may have previously dismissed as unthinkable.
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Start a Discussion in a Forum!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Start a discussion in any of our EverydayFamily forums! Either go to any specific section's Forums, or go to Home, Forums, and find any Forum that interests you! Click 'New Discussion' to begin chatting with our other wonderful members. Check out this instructional video for help with How to Use: Forums ...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 by Amanda Rodriguez
I know, I know.
Another blog?
That’s what you’re thinking, right?
I feel you.
Who even has time to read another blog?
No one.
No one has time to read another mom blog about being the most amazing, super mom ever.
But, contrary to the title of this blog, that’s not really what this blog is going to be about.
Back to School with a New Kind of School Spirit
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 by Lissa Coffey
Home is our haven, a place where we have a strong sense of self and where we feel comfortable and safe. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could feel that way everywhere we go?
Our children spend so much of their day in the classroom that it is important that we contribute to a new kind of school spirit, one that nurtures and encourages students to succeed. The benefits to the students, teachers and the parents are clearly evident! Would your school get all “A’s”?
Do you have a favorite celeb mom?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Do you have a favorite celeb mom?...
Today's Everyday Sweepstakes Action: Take a Poll!
Monday, September 10, 2012
You can become part of our fact-base. Keep your eyes peeled for the results in our Fun Facts throughout the site! Just enter a section relating to you and take the poll on the right. You can also check out the results and take a few more polls while you’re at it. Why not? It’s fun!...
Adopting Daniel After 36 Trips to Guatemala: One Family’s Amazing Story
Monday, September 10, 2012 by Kim Shannon
Adopting Daniel shouldn’t have been this difficult; but due to a change in the Guatemalan law about five years ago, it was.
In June 2007, Ryan “Bubba” Hooker and his wife, Jess, were on a mission trip in Guatemala when they met Daniel, then 18 months old, and fell in love with him. This young boy was going to be their son. They began the process to adopt him right away, but an adoption scandal caused the Guatemalan government to declare “a moratorium on international adoptions.”
How Do You Eat Healthfully on a Budget?
Monday, September 10, 2012 by Kathy Murdock
So I told you in my last post that September is National Coupon Month *yay!*. A month that celebrates savings is always a good month, right? In the meantime, I’m trying to make some positive changes in the way I shop, so I can cut back on what I spend. But here’s my problem: I discovered yesterday that at least HALF of my weekly budget is spent on items that DON’T HAVE COUPONS! Or, shall I say, that rarely do.
We eat and drink the same things week after week after week. Aside from water, we drink orange juice and milk. We eat eggs for breakfast and fresh fruit and vegetables with most meals.
And guess what? These products RARELY have coupons.
Do you find yourself or your partner saying "no" a lot?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Do you find yourself or your partner saying "no" a lot?...
Monday, September 10, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Parenting isn't rocket science. But, it's not easy either.
Lately, I've been reminded of this. A lot.
Perhaps it is the hubby's new gig. Perhaps it is the fact that my little girl began kindergarten this fall. Add together two major life changes and sprinkle in a little stress of my full-time job, and the everyday worries of being a mama and this journey has started to feel as complicated as rocket science.
Monday, September 10, 2012 by Stef Daniel
Dear Teacher -
First, let me say just how much I appreciate the time and effort you put in to shaping the minds of our young people. I know that in a day and age when education is not valued by every family, it is not an easy job.
I also know that you spend a large amount of time (outside of school) preparing materials to make your lesson plans as interesting as possible, and that you spend a lot of your personal money on things you need for the classroom - especially with so many budget cuts.
The appreciation that I feel for a good teacher is one that cannot be described in words.
5 Cleaning and Organizing Tips for Messy Families (like mine!)
Sunday, September 09, 2012 by Sara McTigue
I’ve talked before about my messy home. I am by no means whatsoever a spectacular housekeeper. However, I have managed to stumble upon a few organizing and cleaning tricks that have made my life simpler – and less stressful – in great ways. Since I love y’all so very much, I’m going to share my favorites here today.
What does having it all mean to you?
Sunday, September 09, 2012
What does having it all mean to you?...
Jessica Simpson Struggling to Lose the Baby Weight
Saturday, September 08, 2012 by Heather Montgomery
Jessica Simpson freely admits that she ate whatever she wanted when pregnant with her daughter Maxwell. Even though she has inked a deal with Weight Watchers and has been working out as much as possible and following her eating plan, she still says the weight is certainly not falling off her body.
She says, “I let myself indulge in everything I wanted because it was the first time I was ever pregnant, and I wanted to enjoy it, I didn’t realize [the weight] didn’t all come off with the baby.” She is scheduled to reveal her post baby body on September 10th and will appear in Weight Watchers ads next week.
Will you get rid of baby's stuff or save it all?
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Will you get rid of baby's stuff or save it all?...
Saturday, September 08, 2012 by Stef Daniel
Last week, I drove through a neighborhood near my house to drop something off at a friend’s house. It is a beautiful neighborhood, with fancy houses, pools in most of the backyards and boats and four-wheelers sitting in every driveway. I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't want to trade my humble, ancient farmhouse for one of those fancy homes or to trade my Dodge minivan (paid off) for a souped-up Suburban.
But we, put simply, cannot afford it. It just isn’t in our financial cards.
Friday, September 07, 2012
What is your little one's name? Do you think Shakespeare was correct, or do you think a name speaks volumes?...
