Archives for September 2013

Look Who’s Six – Happy Birthday

September 30, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Hard to believe my baby boy turned six this week-end. We spent the week-end celebrating his 6th birthday. Yep, the top picture is from three years ago. He is going up fast. I’m amazed how his likes have changed as well. No more Nick Jr. unless he’s watching cartoons with his baby sister. He’s turned to Disney where they have real people, as real as it gets on TV anyway. No more dinosaur figures, hot wheels or toy soldiers. He has iPad, X-Box and Kindle
Fire to play computer games and learning activities and a new four wheeler for outside fun. You can find either a football or basketball in his hands. We received a new bike for his birthday. One without training wheels at that.

His taste in clothes has changed as well. No more Elmo, Handy Manny, or Cars tees. He’s into Nike, Addias and Puma. He now wears boxers, Jordan tennis shoes and his favorite sports team hats. He’s playing flag football and basketball. Where does time go?

There was a part of me that was happy to be celebrating his 6th birthday, but a sadness too because I know it’s just a matter of time before his interest change even more. Thankfully he still loves to snuggle with Mawmaw and thinks girls are yucky! I have a few years left before he asks for the car keys and heads out on a date.

Filed Under: 6th birthday, birthdays, boys growing up, how to dress baby boys, how to dress boys, Uncategorized Tagged With: parenting boys, parenting skills, parenting tips, Parenting-Kids

Bad Parenting or Unfairly Treated?

September 20, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Kids behaving badly or family unfairly treated? This family believe they were unfairly treated because they were asked to leave Applebee’s as a result of their children misbehaving in the restaurant. According to the parents their children are active, they were acting like children. According to other patrons in the restaurant at the time, the children were literally running around the establishment and disturbing other customers. This was in fact why they were asked to leave.

As I look at this picture, I can believe they were running around disturbing customers. Look at the mom holding the child on the right. He’s about to take off in the picture. Reminds me of my trip to TJ Max the other night. There were two ladies there with a little boy and girl. I’m thinking mother and grandmother. The children ran through the store the entire time I was there and the grandmother yelled at them. They just laughed and ran until their heart was content. As I was checking out, the mother was at another register. She tells the clerk, “I have to go find my kid”. My thought, she’s going to hold up the line to go find her kid.

As I’m leaving the store, there’s a lady outside with 3 children. She seems to be overwhelmed. I’m looking at her and looking back at the lady in the store yelling at the children. The lady outside proceeds to tell me that the little boy had run out in the street. She grabbed him and took him back inside. She stated she didn’t know who he belonged to he just took off running once he got inside. She was clearly affected by the incident. I know that I was affected by them running throughout the store, and the grandmother yelling. So, I can see Applebee’s asking the parents to leave. I wished TJ Max had asked the 2 ladies and their children to leave. It definitely affected my shopping experience.

If the children were running through the restaurant, I have no sympathy for these parents. Parents control your kids, or stay home! There are other paying customers there who would like to enjoy their evening out, and not be distracted by your “active” children.

Do you sympathize with the parents or do you believe Applebee’s took the appropriate step? Please leave a comment.

Filed Under: Applebee's, children who misbehave, Uncategorized Tagged With: Parenting blogs, parenting boys, parenting skills, Parenting-Kids, parents who don't discipline their children, undisciplined children, unruly children

Dads Are Winning Custody of Their Children

September 18, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Are you going through a custody battle for your child or children? More dads are winning child custody these day. Yes, fathers are obtaining primary or joint physical custody. More fathers are becoming the primary care giver of their children because they are proving they are just as capable as women in raising their children. Today, I’m sharing a few tips on why dads are winning custody. Knowledge and being prepared for a custody battle will empower you to position yourself.

How and why are men achieving this position? Here’s several reasons:

- They are becoming more involved in their children’s upbringing. They are changing diapers, giving baths, reading books, and fixing meals. Mr. Mom has become a reality.

- They are educating themselves on how to win. Instead of convincing the judge that the mother is unfit, they spending their time convincing the judge that they are just as fit.

- Women are emotional. Men are proving they are more stable emotionally and they are using intelligence to win.

- More men are willing to spend the money on attorney fees preparing for the fight. They are taking the time to seek the best representation in court.

- Not only are they willing to pay the attorney’s fees, they are seeking child support from the mother in certain cases. If they receive joint custody, they are asking that the amount of child support be lowered or they not have to pay support since they are responsible for buying diapers, milk, cloths etc. when they have custody.

- Men are forming support groups and learning from other fathers who have won custody.

Men are proving they can provide a more stable environment because they have a bigger pay day. For example, they are willing to give up the two seat vehicle and bachelor pad. They are buying homes with backyards and SUVs to ensure they have room for the children and excursions. This thinking is leading to dads winning child custody.

The days of having to prove the mother unfit are over ladies. I know, I watched my brother win custody of his two sons. I have not only watched my brother win custody of his sons, his son just won full custody of his son. Men winning child custody is becoming more and more realistic.

After the separation from his wife, my nephew was ordered to pay child support. Additionally, he had the usual court order which states the visitation rights, and how much he was to pay in child support and when. He decided to obtained a new attorney and won joint custody and no child support the second time around. What was different the second time? His attorney focused on the fact that he had a better job and medical benefits. Furthermore, he owned a home and his son’s grandparents were within a mile to assist him with the baby’s care. Most importantly, they were available to provide child care and there was no better environment for the baby than his grandparents when he was working. The change occurred within a 3 month timeframe.

He decided to go back to court a few years later to obtain full custody. Because his son would be entering school full time; it would be impossible to split time between the two homes. Even though his ex had gotten remarried and had another son, he decided his son would have a more stable home with him. Most importantly, he wasn’t willing to miss time with his son. He obtained his lawyer’s assistance and geared up for another fight. This time he would be fighting for full custody. He won! He now has his son in his care 24 x 7. As a result, his ex has visitation rights.

Last, I’m proud to say that I’ve watched my son-in-law with my grandchildren. There is no doubt in my mind that he would not fight for joint custody of children. The thinking of young men these days is quite different from my generation. Most men in my generation did not seek custody, they were happy paying child support and having their freedom if there was a divorce.

In conclusion, it seems that if it’s impossible to keep your marriage together mothers may have to gear up for a fight. Because dads are winning child custody at an unprecedented rate.

Filed Under: Divorce, Empowerment Tagged With: child custody, co-parenting, parenting advice

Ideas for Cheap Halloween Costumes

September 18, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Looking for inexpensive ideas for Halloween or playtime costumes? Here’s a few ideas that you can start with:

Punk Rocker
Princess
Super Hero
Doctor
Ghost
Cowboy
Hippie
Farmer

Start with the children’s dress up clearance racks in your local stores or better yet head to the thrift store for items that you can convert or use as part of the costume. If all else fails, head to yours or your kids closet and see what can be converted. Buying Halloween costumes at the end of the season for next year’s use is a good idea too as well as from sales.

You can put a pair of bib overalls and an old plaid shirt together for your son’s Farmer costume. Can’t find a pair of bibs, what about a pair of jeans with a rope belt. If you have a old handkerchief around, hang it from his back pocket or an old pair of work gloves from the Dollar Store. Add a straw hat and a galvanized bucket to collect the treats and you’re good to go.

A Ghost is an easy one. Buy an old sheet from the thrift store and get to work on the eyes, mouth and nose.

Go for the mismatched, I don’t care what I’m wearing Punk Rocker look. You can head to your child’s closet for this one. Find a sweater, pair of leggings with a skirt, rip a few holes in an old pair of jeans, mix polka dots and stripes, whatever. Spike her hair in some manner, add some funky earrings and bracelets from a discount store and add tons of make-up, which she will love. Sneakers will work with this look or a pair of boots.

Know a Nurse or Nursing assistant? Seek out old scrubs or a lab coat. You may be able to find them at your local thrift store. If you can sew, cut down an old pair of scrubs to fit your child. Buy a toy doctor’s kit with a stethoscope and use the medical bag to gather treats. Print out a label to identify your little doctor. If your child decides to be a surgeon, don’t forget the shower caps to cover their head and shoes.

A Hippie is an easy one. Rip a pair of old jeans and insert fabric to create bell bottoms. Tie dye a tee-shirt with your child. Tie a bandana around his/her head. If it’s your daughter, create an afro or curly hair effect. Top off your costume with a poster protesting a cause or just make a colorful peace sign.

Use your imagination and be creative. The possibilities are endless. If you have ideas, please leave us a comment so we can share with other readers. We would love to hear from you.

Filed Under: children's costumes, children's homemade costumes, costume ideas, Halloween, Halloween costumes, homemade costume ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: Parenting-Kids

Little Mermaid BluRay & DVD Give Away

September 15, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

One of Disney’s most loved movies, The Little Mermaid, is coming to you on Blu-Ray and DVD October 1, 2013. Mother 2 Mother is giving away copy just in time for you to use during family time this fall and winter.

Ariel, the free spirit and courageous mermaid princess, will come to life in your living/family room. Watch as Ariel, a free-spirited mermaid princess, longs to be
part of the human world. After bravely striking a bargain with Ursula, a sneaky
sea witch, Ariel embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. With Flounder and
Sebastian at her side, Ariel will need all of her courage and determination to
make things right in both her worlds.

You can own this DVD by entering our give away. Here’s how: Leave a comment with the name of another Disney Princess. (Mandatory)

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment on another post – 5 entries

Follow me on Twitter – 5 entries

Tweet this give away. Give away can be tweeted daily – 5 entries

Follow Mother 2 Mother Blog – 5 entries (Left side of blog)

Follow my garden blog: A Diva’s Garden

This give away will end October 3, 2013 at mid-night. Entries are open to US and Canada residents 18 or older only. The sponsor will provide the winner with the Blu-Ray/DVD combo directly. Please ensure your email address is valid. If your email is not valid, I will select another winner for the give away.

Disclosure: I have been provided a copy of the Blu-Ray/DVD as compensation for this post. I have not been compensated in any other manner.