Archives for June 2015

Printable Father’s Day Scrapbook Pages: Best Dad Award

June 14, 2015 by

father's day layouts

Father’s Day is around the corner. Let dad know that he’s the best by giving him the Best Dad Award with favorite pictures of him and the kids. 


We’ve already done the work, we’ve designed these Best Dad Award pages just for you.  We’ve awarded dad with an ice cold beer and a pretzel along with trophy frames for his favorite pictures.  These layouts simply require you to add your favorite photo and print. 


Now start searching for those favorite pictures and give dad a gift that he will always remember 

Filed Under: DIY, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Sunday’s Best – #24

June 14, 2015 by


Welcome to Week 24 of  Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  Our theme this week is It’s All About The Strawberry.  It’s the time of year to pick fresh strawberries from backyards and strawberry fields. If you’re like me, you will be looking for ways to use these these mouthwatering and healthy treats. We would love for you to share them on Sunday’s Best. It’s also the time of year to plant vegetables and flower gardens, open pools, fire up backyard grills, makeover outdoor spaces, and turn the kids loose in the back yard. 

We need  recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover and gardening tips, SEO and blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeovers, spring organization tips, and ideas for indoor flower arrangements.  

We would like to continue our Father’s Day posts this week and say Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads. We’re looking for stories about your dad, your husband and his relationship with your child or children, crafts, dad’s favorite dessert or dinner recipes, scrapbook ideas, cards and any other Father’s Day posts you would like to share. 

Blow the dust off your old posts and link those too. They’re great for inspiration. Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on my blog the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best featured blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts Pinned to the Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board.   


What’s New: We would like readers to select their favorite posts. Voting will start at noon every Friday until mid-night. We will be adding the post with the most votes from our readers to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers. Be sure to have your blog readers and social media followers head over to vote for your post on Fridays. 

In addition to the reader’s and hosts selections, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well. 

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts. 


                                                           Your Hosts Are:

            Rhonda – Mother 2 Mother                Kim U. – Pinterested Parent         Kim M. – Life In A House of Testosterone

  
Here’s the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:  

Mother 2 Mother: Please like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter,  Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or subscribe/join my blog on the right before you leave.   



The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.  


Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave. 


Mother 2 Mother Blog


Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger please let your readers and followers know. They may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. I appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now lets party! 



The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

Kim U. selected  No Bake Mini Key Lime Pies  from Spoonful of Flavor  





I selected DIY Tikie Torches –  from The Scrap Shoppe Blog 










Kim M. selected Fresh Peach Pretzel Dessert from Best of Long Island and Central Florida 

The Readers Selected: 




Strawberry Muffins from Gluten Free A-Z   

and



Condoms and Bananas from Living In Mommywood



The Favorite Theme Post 

It’s All About The Strawberries  

Chocolate Chocolate Waffles from All She Cooks 

and 

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day Gift Ideas by Ramblings of a Bad Domestic Goddess

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it could be selected this week. While you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love. 




Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Tips On How To Pack For Vacation

June 10, 2015 by
Some people think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  I agree, but so is packing for a vacation.  In the past, I tried to pack everything that I owned.  For some insane reason, I really thought I needed 2 – 3 outfits per day and 10 pair of shoes.  I remember when I used to carry a garment bag.   Seriously, I had bruises on my shoulders because the bag was so heavy.  You think I would have learned, but no I didn’t pack less.  I purchased new luggage and filled that to capacity too.  Today I have travel tips on how to pack for vacation.  Lets get started!  
how to pack for vacation

 

I had the nerve to look at people at the airport and wonder how they traveled with so little.  Now I realize that they were probably looking at me and wondering why I was dragging around my closet.  Want to know what turned me around?  When I traveled for business.  I usually drove myself to the airport for business trips.  Additionally, I was on per diem when I traveled.  As a result, my company would not pay for daily parking.  So, I was forced to park in the satellite parking lot.  When you park in satellite parking, you have to take a shuttle to the terminal to catch your flight.  I soon realized that the world isn’t full of gentlemen who jump up to assist you.  No sir, I was on my own getting everything in the car, out the car, on the shuttle, off the shuttle through the airport and back into my car.
I realized that it was unnecessary for me to take so much.  I realized that I had to learn how to pack for vacation and business trips like a pro.  Have you noticed that we’re the cause of the majority of our own problems? The light bulb finally came on and I accepted that I didn’t need half of what I packed. I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m glad I arrived.
Here’s a few of my packing tips and tricks on how to pack for vacation:
1.  Make a list with 4 columns –  One column is for what I have to take like medicines, phone charger, tickets, address for the hotel/resort and confirmation numbers.  Another column is for things that I would like to take like my laptop, Kindle, camera, additional batteries etc. The third column is for activities that I have planned and the fourth column is for clothing, shoes and accessories based on what I have planned.  If I’m on vacation, I check out sights that I would like to see prior to my trip so I can plan accordingly.
2.  Assess your luggage – Most airlines will allow 2 bags on the plane.  So, I will have my tote with my laptop and another carry on. The tip here is to place your small purse into your tote.  I use a cross body bag. It holds the essentials: money, hairbrush, keys, lipstick, a credit card, drivers licence and money.  I pack a larger bag in my suitcase if needed.  If you’re checking your bag, remember the weight limit so you don’t incur additional expense.
 
3. Decide on a color theme – I lay everything that I want to take based on the activities on my list. I cut everything down to half and place the excess back into my closet and drawers.  Mixing and matching pieces has become second nature for me.  Using the same shoes, but different accessories will give you the change you need with your outfits.  For example, I take a black skirt that I can wear with 2 different blouses.  I just use different accessories.
I also pack sundresses that I can wear casually or dress up with a necklace, scarf, and cute sandals or pumps. They’re light and don’t take up much space. Leggings are great too. You can wear them under a casual dress or skirt from the above group, pair with a shirt or wear with a tee to lounge around in for the day. Throw in a few pair of shorts and tees. You can pair these with sandals.

4. Pack toiletries in zip lock bags –  Pack body wash, hand wipes, toothbrushes, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, tanning lotion etc. in gallon zip lock bags. Take extra bags with you too. I always have one handy for my wet loofah after showering the  morning on my return trip. It’s never dry enough to just toss in the luggage.  Additionally, zip lock bags are great for your lotions and wipes on the beach or by the pool.

5.  Shoes –  I take a pair of black pumps to wear if I want to dress up, a pair of walking shoes for sight seeing, and a few pair of sandals or two that will go with my final selection of clothing.

6. Neutral hat  – When I’m heading to the beach or a tropical location, I always take a neutral hat that’s made specifically for travel. I can pack it and not worry about it losing its shape or getting damaged. Make sure that it will give you UV protection that you will need as well.

7. Pack neutral custom jewelry  –  Learning how to pack for vacation includes zip lock bags.  Using zip lock bags to pack my custom jewelry allows me to see what I have.  I place the zip lock bag in a cosmetic bag for extra protection. With the exception of my rings, I do not take my gold jewelry with me.  I also don’t remove my rings when I’m traveling.

8. Take 2 swimsuits and a plastic tote – How to pack for vacation includes a tote, which I place the tote on the bottom of my suitcase.  I use the plastic tote as my beach bag. I’ve been carrying the same plastic tote for years. It can withstand the sand and I can wash it off to repack on the return trip.

9.  Pack a wrap or blanket  – I always pack a wrap or light weight blanket in my carry on.  I don’t like to be cold on my flights, so I just fold it and place it back in the bag after I land.

10.  Roll your clothes –  Roll your clothes instead of folding them. It give you more room and less wrinkles. Rolling your items in tissue paper keeps down the wrinkles too.  If you don’t want to deal with tissue paper.  Get a travel spray bottle, and fill it with Downy Wrinkle Releaser.  This stuff is great.

11. Buy sturdy luggage  –  Purchase or use luggage that can endure your flight.  Make sure your address and cell phone number are on your luggage tag.  I also tie a piece of red ribbon on the handle of my luggage. The ribbon helps me to identify it on the carousal.

 

 

I hope these tips on how to pack for vacation will help you pack more efficiently too. They certainly have helped me to keep it simple when I travel now.

You may also like:  Traveling Solo As A Female

 

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Fresh Baby – Toddler Products Review

June 9, 2015 by

I was contacted by Fresh Baby to review their baby products.  Their focus is on healthy meals for toddlers.  Since I have 1 picky eater and 1 than will pretty much eat everything, I jumped at the chance to check out their site and products. 


Here’s my dilemma: My grandson is picky, no veggies and few fruits. My granddaughter who was born a 2 lb. 10 oz. preemie will eat you out of house and home with the exception of veggies. If it’s green, it’s mean in their eyes and they’re not allowing it to get close to their lips. My grandchildren also love snacks, especially my granddaughter. By 8:00 am she’s ready to start her journey through the snacks and meals of the day. Yummy in her stomach is how she describes the experience.  


I was anxiously awaiting my package from Fresh Baby, and finally the box arrived.  You know I’m like a kid at Christmas when I’m waiting for my review products. I was excited about the selection of products when I opened the box. Lets start with this plate. It’s perfect for my granddaughter.  Here’s why: 

  • The plate allows you how to control portions without guessing.  
  • The plate shows you what you should be serving.  
  • The plate is fun, of quality, and colorful.  
  • The plate can used to teach your toddler about food and what is good for them. Children learn by what they see as well as what they hear.   

I love that it is sectioned, my grandchildren do not like their food to touch, lol. My grandson does fine with his portions, it’s the vegetable side of the plate that is normally bare unless it’s corn. 





How adorable is this apron/mock! It was included in the box, and I love it for several reasons:

  • Toddlers can relate to those adorable little chefs at the top. 
  • It also helps teach children about fruits, veggies, dairy and meats. 
  • I love to put white on my 3 year old granddaughter. I know crazy, right. My daughter has a fit when it’s time for her to eat because of spills and drops. This covers her completely when she’s sitting down. Fresh Baby knows toddlers. 
  • It’s easy to wipe clean.  
  • It’s great for those little ones who like to help in the kitchen. 
  • Fits most kids 3 – 5. 
  • It can be folded and placed in a gallon plastic bag and carried in your purse for outings. 






Here’s another problem. How many cookbooks have you come across that was created with toddlers in mind?  Right, not many. As parents, we all know how difficult it is to come up with easy recipes that kids will eat. So Easy toddler food is a winner. The book is written by Cheryl Tallman, one of the founders of Fresh Baby. The book has quite a few recipes that my toddler would eat or I could modify for her. For example, a fresh banana and strawberry smoothie. My daughter does Beach Body, so my grandchildren are no strangers to smoothies. I need to get on board, bahaha!  There’s recipes for apple and chicken kabobs, deviled eggs, my grandchildren love these, home made pizza, great way to use my homemade tomato sauce and cinnamon apple slices. There’s a recipe for Pink Potatoes that’s at the top of my list now. It’s mashed potatoes that uses a combination of sweet and white potatoes that turn pink. What toddler wouldn’t love these.  


 




I have a story for you about my granddaughter and her appetite. One of her favorite places to eat is Golden Corral. She loves to eat mashed potatoes and mac and cheese there. At one outing she ate so much that the gentlemen sitting behind me stopped by our table on the way out and said, “She can really put it away”. My response was she will eat until the bottom falls out.  She was 2 at the time. Another time she wanted peanut butter crackers. She loves them. She wakes up in the middle of the night asking for them. I remember her eating so much one day that I was afraid to give her anything else. I thought she was going to get sick. Of course, she protested. My daughter came in to see what was happening and laughed so hard. She said mom she’s not going to get sick. Give them to her.  Her doctor has approved her eating as much as she wants, so we let her. She’s not overweight and apparently just burns it up. I stressed that healthy eating was a must for her.   


These tips from Fresh Baby on how much she should be eating was right on time. When I looked at the portions, I realized that she’s not overeating. I just have to make sure that she’s eating healthy meals and snacks and spread them throughout the day from the recommended food groups. 


I would highly recommend that you head over to Fresh Baby and check out their products. They also have a blog that you may want to check out and subscribe to.  I did. The blog offers a food database and clever ways to use their Fresh Baby products. Both sites are truly worth the trip. 

Filed Under: children's eating habits, healthy eating, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Blogging Tips From Pro Blogger – MomDot #BloggerInterviews

June 9, 2015 by









I’m here today with one
of blogging’s elite, Trisha Haas, from the blog MomDot, the MomDot Forum and Community. MomDot has been featured in Country Living,
Cosmopolitan, and Today’s Parent. I have personally seen Trisha on CNN as well.
She’s also been featured in the New York Times and Washington Post. Let’s begin
the interview…………….


1.    I would like readers to get to know you, so please tell them a little about
yourself and your blog, Mom Dot.

MomDot actually started back in
2008 as an extension of a boutique I owned. As I really got into blogging I
started interviewing other bloggers and really formed a personal bond with so
many other women. MomDot is two main parts- its my blog but it also hosts a
forum and an active Facebook group where I have a community- the community is
the heart of what we are.
2.   You’re
married with 2 adorable children. In addition you blog, manage your forum, and
speak at blogging conferences. What time management and organizational tools do
you use to accomplish your blogging goals?

Oh wow. I do not want to pretend I
am organized. I am not. A few years ago I partnered with Lynsey Jones from
PartyPlanDivas. She had a fantastic planner for Direct Sales consultants and we
worked together to do a very comprehensive Blogging Planner. I use a copy of
the desk blogging planner to stay organized and truthfully a lot of
backtracking. I barely have my gmail folders set up. The struggle is real.
3.    It’s
important that bloggers understand Branding. What advice can you give them on
creating and establishing their Brand?  


I am a non-niche gal. I wasn’t raised on a blogging
niche and that is something that primarily came later in the big wild world of
blogging. Bloggers now that start out can come out full force with a logo, a
matching social page and more- its all matchy and perfect. There is a lot of
truth to being recognized but at the end of the day, if you have great content
and a good logo, you can go pretty far. Don’t get so caught up in Branding or
the Brand that you forget what really matters- the content.

4.     One of the first things that I look at is a
blogger’s About Me Page. What advice can you give bloggers on creating a Page
that will stand out?

I use images actually on my About
Me page. I love using Canva.com which is a free service to make it look
beautiful. My best advice is to keep it updated. I once spent a year not
looking at mine and then realized my kids were totally different ages then my
page said. That is not a great idea when looking for sponsors. I also recommend
putting a call to action for your About Me page in your sidebar if you have
room. People love to see your pretty face- it seems more personal. I recently
had a nice one at the bottom of my posts but then realized that not everyone
reads that far down, so I am in the process of altering my pages to put it back
on the sidebar.

5.     What tips can you give readers on how to
market their blog?  

My number one tip is to join a
community of like minded bloggers. There are hoards of them out there and if you
find a good one you will deal with not support, sharing, trips, referrals- I
can only say I have gotten as far as I have because of those I surround myself
with.

6.  Engaging
followers on social media is important as well. How can bloggers create or join
a tribe? 

Blogging has changed so much the
past few years. It used to be that we hosted a contest and we got 20K entries-
in the comments. Now most conversation is on social media so its not something
you can ignore. That being said, do not get caught up in being EVERYWHERE at
once. Its stressful and trying to engage that much is exhausting. Figure out
where your audience is and be the best at THAT. If all else fails, hire a VA.
7.  I would like to focus on your Mom Dot Forum.
Can you tell readers how your forum could benefit new bloggers or not so new
bloggers who wish to grow their readers and social media platforms?  How can readers join the Mom Dot Community?

We have, and this is not a brag (ok a little
brag), one of the finest and most established blogging communities online. I do
not push numbers or recruit members. We simply add people via word of mouth and
solely work on maintaining those relationships. Being a part of a group with
50,000 people make you 1 of 50,000 but being part of something where everyone
knows YOU- that’s where the magic happens. MomDot is just that place. We focus
on monetization, community effort for PR, assist in getting bloggers work and
PR agents connected to bloggers, advertising and support of branded posts and
simply act as a sounding board for bloggers to meet up daily. While the forum
conversation has given away to our Facebook group over the years, our PR portion
is still thriving and our conversation has just altered to social media. If you
would like to join our impressive group of professional bloggers (new and
established is fine, we just ask everyone to be kind), you can do so by messaging
me personally at Trisha@momdot.com for an invite into our private space. 





When Trisha isn’t blogging on MomDot or overseeing her forum and community, she spends her time on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with her husband of 13 years and their 2 children. 




Filed Under: blog interviews, blogging, blogging resources, blogging tips, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #23

June 7, 2015 by


Welcome to Week 23 of  Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  Our theme this week is It’s All About The Strawberry.  It’s the time of year to pick fresh strawberries from backyards and strawberry fields. If you’re like me, you will be looking for ways to use these these mouthwatering and healthy treats. We would love for you to share them on Sunday’s Best. It’s also the time of year to plant vegetables and flower gardens, open pools, fire up backyard grills, makeover outdoor spaces, and turn the kids loose in the back yard. 

We need  recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover and gardening tips, SEO and blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeovers, spring organization tips, and ideas for indoor flower arrangements.  

We’re starting our Father’s Day posts this week and would like to say Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads. We’re looking for stories about your dad, your husband and his relationship with your child or children, crafts, dad’s favorite dessert or dinner recipes, scrapbook ideas, cards and any other Father’s Day posts you would like to share. 

Blow the dust off your old posts and link those too. They’re great for inspiration. Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on my blog the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best featured blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts Pinned to the Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board.   


What’s New: We would like readers to select their favorite posts. Voting will start at noon every Friday until mid-night. We will be adding the post with the most votes from our readers to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers. Be sure to have your blog readers and social media followers head over to vote for your post on Fridays. 

In addition to the reader’s and hosts selections, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well. 

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts. 


                                                           Your Hosts Are:

            Rhonda – Mother 2 Mother                Kim U. – Pinterested Parent         Kim M. – Life In A House of Testosterone

  
Here’s the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:  

Mother 2 Mother: Please like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter,  Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or subscribe/join my blog on the right before you leave.   



The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.  


Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave. 


Mother 2 Mother Blog


Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger please let your readers and followers know. They may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. I appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now lets party! 



The Sunday’s Best Posts are:


Kim U. selected  How To Make A Garden Clock  from Worthing Court 






I selected My Summer Patio!  from A Pretty Life 





Kim M. selected 4th of July Roundup from  The Jenny Evolution 

The Readers Selected: 




What It’s Really Like To Be A SAHM from The Money Mom  

and

The Favorite Theme Post 



It’s All About The Strawberries  

Sweet Strawberry Recipes from Ramblings of a Bad Domestic Goddess

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it could be selected this week. While you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love. 




Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Apparel N Bags – Port Authority Computer Backpack Review

June 2, 2015 by

 

I received an offer to review a product from Apparel N Bags, and readily accepted. I love their products. I’m going on vacation in a few weeks, and decided to check out the Port Authority Computer Backpack to review. I’ve learn to pack more efficiently while traveling, and this year I decided to take a backpack for my computer rather than my usual laptop tote.  I also want to use it to house my camera, water, and other items while I’m sight seeing, and I thought a backpack would be easier than carrying my purse and camera bag.

The box finally arrived.  Apparel N Bags didn’t disappoint. The backpack was larger than I expected and is a quality product. Although there where 6 colors to choose from, I decided to go with the black and grey.  I loved the color combination. I’ve decided to take my 13 inch laptop with me instead of the heavy and huge 17 inch that I normally drag around. I’m learning to pack lighter in more ways than one.

There’s more than enough room for the cords and the 13 inch computer.  I can fit the 17 inch computer in the sleeve, which is another bonus. The Port Authority Backpack has several other features that I like. The front compartment has several pockets that can be used for your cell phone, a small notebook, tickets for airport parking and your boarding pass. It also has several compartments for pens, highlighters and 2 pockets on the side for a water bottle or other drink.




I love the back of the backpack. The straps are ergonomic. They are adjustable and are nice and thick. I feel confident the backpack will be comfortable once I put it on. Another plus for this bag, it’s machine washable and you can tumble dry it. The best feature, the price of $23.98.  Awesome!

Apparel N Bags has a large selection of apparel, which includes Nike and Adidas golf shirts, Nike hats, business shirts and a host of other items.  The prices are unbelievably low. I suggest that you head over and check out this site for yourself. They have a great selection of bags in an array of colors. I highly recommend this backpack. It’s a great for a Christmas gift, but it’s also a perfect place to pick up a birthday gift or items just for you.

Note:  I received the backpack as compensation for the review for this post; however, my opinions are my own.

You may also like: Apparel N Bags – Ladies Laptop Tote Review



Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Inspirational Quote – Determine Your Worth

June 1, 2015 by

Filed Under: advice quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

9 Benefits of Preschool

June 1, 2015 by

Mine, mine!  Those words were etched into my brain at one point.  They’re the words of a toddler claiming everything that belongs to them.  That includes the neighbor and anyone else who has possessions that are visible. That was my grandson years ago. Sharing with other children was simply out of the question. We believed part of the problem was him being an only child and not having to share.  We knew that he would encounter problems if we didn’t expose him to other children and adults.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on the benefits of preschool.  

 

 

benefits of preschool

 

 

Did you know this?  The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) shows that children who attend Preschool for at least 1 year have stronger reading.  Furthermore, they have better vocabulary and math skills than those who don’t attend. We researched and checked out several schools in the area that we believed would benefit him the most.  They had stellar reputations.  Unfortunately, they had waiting lists.  Rather than sit around and twiddling our thumbs, we decided on a Preschool and took advantage of their child care facility.  The facility would transition him to Preschool once there was an opening.

Many parents don’t realize that there is a difference between Child Care and Preschool.  To eliminate any confusion here are some differences between Child Care and Preschool:

  1. Child Care facilities will take children at a young age.  Some places as young as 3 months when mom returns to work. Preschools normally don’t take children before ages 2 or 3.
  2. Child Care facilities will assist with potty training and weening from the pacifier. Children should be potty trained and off the pacifier before they enter preschool.
  3. Also, preschools normally have set hours and summers off like regular schools.
  4. Child Care facilities focus on playing, napping, happy and healthy. Preschools focus on education.
  5. Preschools have Parent and Teacher conferences as well as plays and recitals.

 

benefits of preschool

 

 

When we were making a decision as to whether we should place him in Preschool, we weighed the pros and cons. I honestly couldn’t find any cons, but I found plenty of benefits for Preschool:
  1. Your child will have an established bedtime and get into a routine of getting up in the morning at a specify time.
  2. Your child will be exposed to a group experience.
  3. There will be an established nap/rest period during the day.
  4. Preschool will teach children to share, compromise and respect other children.
  5. Additionally, your child will learn to be independent and learn confidence.
  6. Your child will understand the concept of homework.  To ensure your child learns their  shapes, colors, numbers, and the alphabet, home work will be given.
  7. Furthermore, your child will have experiences from field trips with his classmates.
  8. Your child will learn social skills and make new friends.
  9. Your child will be prepared for Kindergarten.

 

Studies have shown that Early Childhood Development is the foundation for a strong education. I recommend that you create a list of what you’re looking for in a Preschool and do your homework. Check out several facilities and make comparisons on the pros and cons. Make sure the building or facility is up to code, clean, has a safe playground, and has a stellar rating for early childhood education.

Last, my grandson completed 2 years of Preschool, ages 3-4, and excelled when he entered Kindergarten. He is now in the second grade and is an excellent student with strong academic skills. We hope that you will consider the benefits of preschool, and enroll your child as well.

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