5 Reasons You Should Not Loan Friends Money

 

reasons you should not loan friends money

 

Would you lend a friend $5,000?  How about $3,000? Frankly, I don’t think it’s wise to lend family or friends money.  I’ve loaned friends money twice in the pass.  However, I was repaid.  But, it wasn’t thousands of dollars like this request.  To be exact, I helped a friend out of a bad marriage.  Another time I helped a friend get back on her feet after she put her mother in a nursing home. The second friend tried to make it a habit, however, I ended that.

Why am I leery this time? Could it be because it’s a male or the size of the request? To be honest, I have a hard time with a men asking women for money. Especially large sums of money. So maybe it’s both. When he asked me to lend him the money, I really wanted to ask if he saw a Bank of Rhonda sign in my front yard. What irritates me is this person lives in a 4,000 square foot house, drives a luxury vehicle, but he is unable to pay his bills.  Furthermore, did I mention he took a vacation overseas?

Do you know the quote: “I don’t loan money because it causes amnesia.”  – Unknown  Yes, I love it and here’s a few other reasons why you should not loan friends money.  This includes family too:

1.  It’s rare that family or friends will repay the money – Friends and relatives believe that they really don’t have to pay you back because of the friendship or the fact that you’re family.  When you consider reasons why you should not loan friends money, remember this one.

2.  Help people don’t enable them – Offer to help the person with their finances rather than loaning them money. It may not be want they want, but it could be what they need.

3.  Loaning money can jeopardize your relationship – One of the biggest reasons you should not loan friends money is because it ends relationships if the money is not repaid. Assess whether your relationship is more important than the money.

4.  If the priorities are wrong, it won’t be a priority to repay you –  If you need more reasons to not loan friends money, think logically.  If a person is not paying bills timely or not being financially responsibility, you won’t be a priority either.

5. Your finances could be harmed –  One of the biggest reasons to not loan friends money is financial harm. You could use that money for emergencies or to have a saving for future hardships.

Most people can’t afford to loose money.  So, assess your relationship and decide whether money is worth ending your friendship over.  Friendships end because money is not repaid.  As  result, our reasons you should not loan friends money should be considered.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #115

Welcome to Week 115 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re starting our Bunny Trail theme. We’re looking for spring and Easter crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, and recipes for baked goods and more.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

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 our linkup post 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 Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, 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 Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother — Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains — Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Debbie selected Pepperoni Pizza Scarf  from Sew Crafty Crochet

crochet ideas

 

Rhonda selected How to Make Frozen Elsa Doll Birthday Cake from Birds Party  

   

Frozen Party Ideas

 

Kim selected Treatment of Leprechauns from Engage Their Minds

St. Patricks's Day


The Post with the Most Clicks

   Authentic Irish Recipes from Marilyn’s Treats    

Irish Recipes

and

 

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Pot of Gold

Lucky Printable from My Busy Beehive

St Patrick's Day Printable

 Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next 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 and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Kid’s Driving Tips for Parents

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on kid’s driving tips for parents. Learning to drive is a key milestone in a child’s life.  Thanks to the demands of the modern world, it’s up there with learning how to walk and talk.  But unlike those early activities, the stakes are much higher.  Simply because of the inherent danger of driving around a 4000-pound piece of metal.  As a result, the first year of driving also brings stress for many parents.

 

 

kid's driving tips

 

 

 

Kid’s Driving Tips for Parents:

First, the statistics on driving accidents are concerning for parents.  Around a quarter of all accidents on the road involve people aged 22 and under.  So, underscoring the dangers of being a young driver is very important.  Most importantly, mom and dad must set boundaries.  Here’s some advice for surviving your kid’s first year of driving.

 

Buy Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is designed to cover all of your needs, including auto and home. The good thing about umbrella insurance is that it is fully comprehensive.  Normally, it’s also cheaper than buying insurance separately.  Teens are usually dangerous drivers because of their inexperience.  Umbrella Insurance is an excellent way to make sure that your family finances are protected in the event of an accident.  For example, Umbrella policies will cover damage your child caused to people or property.  This could possibly prevent the family from falling into bankruptcy.

 

 

teen driving tips

 

 

 

Establish Firm Boundaries

We all know that the way instructors teach and the way people actually drive are two different things.  As a result, parents must protect their kids.  Set clear boundaries for children.  Make clear that they must obey the rules of the road or there will be consequences.  Find resources like this one to brush up on your skills, free online resources for driving tests.  Discuss the possibly of them going to jail for breaking the law and the penalty of speeding tickets.  Also, ban talking on the phone or texting while they are driving.

 

Get Breakdown Coverage

Once your child has a car, they’ll be using it to go all over town and possibly the surrounding area.  There will be holidays, camping trips and even road trips, all thanks to their newfound freedom.  However, cars don’t care about how much fun your child may be having.  Cars can break down at the most inconvenient moments.  A broken down card that leaves your kid stranded is no fun.  So, it’s a good idea to make sure that they have breakdown coverage.  Paying directly for the recovery of a vehicle can cost hundreds of dollars.  So, make sure their car is covered.

Most breakdown services allow you to pay a monthly bill directly. Some car insurance businesses allow you to add on breakdown cover to your policy.  This often saves you money in the process.  We hope our kids driving tips was beneficial.

3 Tips To Packing A House With Kids

Having kids running around under your feet is trying at times.   But when you are trying to pack up your house for a move, stress can becomes a big problem!  First, set a date for the move.  This will give you a clear and concise idea of how much time you have to plan.  So, go ahead and plan for your move.  We have tips on packing a house with kids.   Additionally, this gives you time to plan for child care. 

 

Consider baby sitters and/or relatives to assist with the children while you pack.  This includes packing one house and unpacking the next one.  There is nothing that’s easy about packing a house.  Furthermore, when you chuck a few children into the mix the whole move can feel daunting.packing a house wth kids

Furthermore, not only do you have to think about packing everything correctly, you have to worry about whether you packed your toddler’s toys.  There are some tricks out that all parents should live by when packing your home for a move and you have children.  For example:

Time:  Give yourself plenty of time to plan, prepare, and pack.  You will need to prepare your children for the move.  Explain that you will be packing the house for the move.  Also tell them that moving van and  movers will be in the house assisting with the move.  Explain that they will be moving the furniture as well as packed boxes to the new house.  Give them time to come around to the move and new home.

Protection: Packing a house comes with dangerous materials.  Get the packing material out of reach of the children.  Because you will be so busy packing you may not notice the baby eating the bubble wrap – not a good start!  Also, sharp objects should always be kept out of the way.  Of course, towers of packed boxes can become a crushing hazard. Keep kids away and occupied.

 

Independence:  Allow independent kids to pack their own ‘first night’ box.  Furthermore, they can assist their younger brother and/or sister.  It is a great way to both keep them busy and make them feel like they have some input.  Set out some of the essentials for them such as their favourite toys, pyjamas and books for their individual boxes.  Show them that they can have some control over a situation that truly, they have no say in.

Last, there are many other tried and tested moving secrets from parents that can make a house move feel so much smoother.  The big day is approaching and being able to face things head eliminates stress.  It doesn’t have to be a hugely stressful experience if you don’t allow it.  Be mindful of your time, and your house packing will go off without a hitch.

We hope that you have found our tips on packing a house with kids helpful.

18 Easter Books for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Easter Books for Kids.  Our books are appropriate for various ages and are a great way to get kids excited about the Easter Bunny, dying eggs, jelly beans, Jesus, and more.

 

Here’s our list of Easter Books for Kids:  

 

easter books for kids Easter books for kids
easter books for kids

 

 

God Gave Us Easter – Our first Easter books for kids is Papa Bear uses an Easter egg, an uprooted tree, and evidence of new life in a pine cone to tell the Easter story.  He explains how Jesus was the root of Jesse who came to die and to rise again.  He explains that Jesus died for us so that we would have the chance to go to heaven.  Ages 3 – 7.

The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story –  The Bear cubs are candy-crazy this Easter! But Missus Ursula and some Sunday school students tell the cubs about Jesus’s resurrection and show them that salvation is much sweeter than candy!  Ages 4 – 7.

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Easter Egg Hunt – Grandpa Pig sets up and Easter egg hunt for Peppa Pig and her friends!  There’s Peppa, Rebecca Rabbit, and Freddy Fox.  They search for chocolate eggs and even see baby chicks hatching.  Ages 3 – 5.

Pinkalicious: Eggstraordinary Easter – Next, Pinkalicious wakes up on Easter morning.  She finds a note from the Easter Bunny that sends the Pinkerton family on an Easter scavenger hunt.  Ages  4 – 8.

Mater and the Easter Buggy  – Additionally, it’s Easter in Radiator Springs!  Mater can’t wait for the Easter Buggy to fill his tire with goodies.  But Lightning McQueen is worried that Mater’s Easter holiday will be ruined when Mater wakes up to find that his Easter tire is empty.

The Night Before Easter – “Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn, Not a creature was stirring out on the lawn.”  A twist on The Night Before Christmas.  Ages 4 – 8.

The Goose That Laid Golden Easter Eggs – The Wilkinson’s have a new goose. Amazingly, it quacks, clucks, moos and lays golden eggs.  The boys think the golden Easter eggs will be perfect for throwing at his sisters.

The Story of the Easter Bunny  –  So, the Easter Bunny comes each year with a basket of painted eggs and chocolates for the children. But not everybody knows where he comes from.   Here’s the story of the Easter Bunny.  Ages 4 – 8.

The Biggest Easter Basket Ever – Town mouse Clayton and country mouse Desmond team up to build the biggest Easter basket ever.  Ages 4 – 8.

The Easter Buggy (Disney/Pixar Cars) – This book features Easter with Mater, Lightning McQueen, and all of their friends from Cars!  Ages 3 – 7.

How to Catch the Easter Bunny –  Funny book on how to catch the Easter Bunny.  Ages 4 – 10.

Easter Bunny Caper – Will Zoey Flower be able to stay awake so she can catch the Easter Bunny?  She wants to prove that he is real once and for all.  Ages 4 – 8.

Minnie Easter Bonnet Parade – Furthermore, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the Bow-Tique gang plan an Easter parade so she can show off her most outrageous and spectacular bows.  Ages 3 – 6.

Marshmallow – Marshmallow the rabbit moves into Oliver the cat’s home.  Oliver is not very welcoming, but the bunny charm’s him into becoming his friend.  Ages 4 – 8.

Bunny Bus  – Join a troop of animal friends as they bounce along to the Easter Parade.  Ages 2 – 4.

Emma’s Easter  – Next, Emma’s is celebrating Easter with her family.  They go to church and hunt for Easter eggs and candy.  Additionally, the have a big meal with family.  Find out the different ways people celebrate Easter.

The Country Bunny – Last, The Country Bunny is the mother of twenty-one children.  However, she is awarded the position of Easter Bunny.  Find out how this busy mother manages.  It’s a great Easter book for kids.

Finally, I hope that you enjoyed our list of Easter books for kids.  Furthermore, I hope that you will purchase a few for your children or grandchildren.  Children get excited about holidays when we make them fun and we’re creative with decorations and foods.

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #114

linky party

Welcome to Week 114 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Pot of Gold theme. We’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, and recipes for baked goods and more.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

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 our linkup post 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 Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, 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 Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother — Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains — Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Debbie selected Irish Blessing from Across the Blvd. 

St Patrick Day crafts

 

 

Rhonda selected Yum Yum Chicken Thighs from Frugal In Florida 

   

easy recipes

 

 

Kim selected Lil Leprechaun Treats from Marilyn’s Treats

St Patrick Day food ideas


The Post with the Most Clicks

   Encouraging Our Child to be Critical Thinkers from Living in Mommywood   

critical thinking for children

and

 

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Pot of Gold

15 St. Patrick Day Sweets  from Marilyn’s Treats    

st patricks day sweets roundup

and

Shamrock Suncatcher from There’s Just One Mommy

st partrick day crafts

and

Musical Shamrocks from Grandma Ideas

St Patrick Day game ideas

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next 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 and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Kindergarten Activities: The Fairy Pack

 

 

kindergarten activities

 

Do you have a preschooler or kindergartener who loves fairies?  We have a fun kindergarten activities pack.  Your little girl will love it, I’m sure.  Our fairy pack includes a cutting page and count the butterflies. We also have a fairy land mushrooms addition page.  Other pages include:  follow the pixie dust, a coloring page, and spot the difference.   We’ve included a match the fairies page as well. 

Little girls love fairies.  There’s Tinkerbell, the tooth fairy, and now the educational fairy.  Our educational fairies are adorable.  They’re bright, magical and eager to help your preschooler or kindergartener.   Did you see them blow the fairy dust and wave their magic wands!

I believe basic skills are needed so our children can build a solid foundation.  As a result, I’m a huge advocate of early education.  Children learn when they can relate.  Our Kindergarten Activities will help early learners count.  Additionally, they will learn to write the numbers 1 – 20.  Furthermore, they encourage children to perform basic addition.

We also have a cutting exercise.  It will help early learners develop their fine motor skills.  Did I mention that my granddaughter loves her scissors.  She is ready to cut anything.  We’ve had the hair cutting talk, so hopefully she won’t go there.

Also, noteworthy are our spot the difference and matching exercises.  We encourage children to develop cognitive skills.  These exercises help children to compare objects.  They also encourage concentration and attention to detail.  These skills will prove beneficial in later life.  Concentration and detail are essential.

Finally, download the fairy kindergarten activities sheets here Be sure to subscribe so you can receive other fabulous printables.  You may also like Fall Kindergarten Activity Pack.   Also, check out the Kindergarten Super Hero and Sports Matching printables.  You can find the  Cupcake Matching printable here.  These printables are great for homeschooling or just helping your child sharpen skills.

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #113

 

linky party

 

Welcome to Week 113 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Pot of Gold theme. We’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, and recipes for baked goods and more.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

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 our linkup post 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 Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, 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 Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother — Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains — Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Debbie selected Salad in a Jar from Culinary Envy 

salad in a jar ideas

 

Rhonda selected Let’s Make Penguins – Snowy Day Craft from Plum Perfect and Me   

winter craft ideas

 Kim selected Golden Gate Park from Adventures in Weseland

Golden Gate Park


The Post with the Most Clicks

   Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion Salad from Marilyn’s Treats  

salad ideas

and

 

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Pot of Gold

St. Patrick’s Day Wreath from Across the Blvd.   

 

St. Patrick's Day crafts

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next 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 and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Creating a Family Garden When You Have Little Space

When you have a family, the garden is often one of the most important areas of the property.  After all, it offers a fantastic place for outdoor dining, relaxing, and entertaining.  Furthermore, it offers a place for the kids to play.  You don’t have to worry about your humble abode getting messy when they’re outside.  But all is not lost if you have a small garden.  Today we have gardening tips on how to create a family garden with little space

 

 

gardening ideas

 

 

Here are some ways for creating a family garden even when you don’t have acres of land:

 

basil varieties

                                                           Basil Large Leaf Albahabaca Vertical Garden

 

 

Grow plants vertically

We all love to grow plants in the garden. After all, they can look beautiful and bring some much-needed color to our yard.  If you do want to grow some flowers, you could always go vertical.   For example, you could grow them up a wall.  Additionally, you could get a vertical structure which you can lean against your wall or use a trellis.  Consider using containers to grow plants.  Growing vertical means you and your family still get to have fantastic plants without having to use a ton of space.  And it can make your garden look unique rather than the traditional flower borders around the yard!

 

 

garden furniture

 

 

Get furniture which stores away easily

When you have a small garden, it can make it tricky when it comes to your outdoor furniture.  Most families enjoy dining outside, but if space is limited that could be a problem.  However, there are some ways you can still have a good outdoor table and chairs without using a ton of space.  Get a Rattan Cube Set,  It comes as a compact cube for easy storage too.  It actually opens up to be enough seating for six people.  And when you are not using it for eating, it can actually convert to a coffee table with some comfy seats!  Another idea, skip the table and rely on just chairs.  Just put a blanket on the grass and have a lovely picnic!

 

Make the most of your corners

Make sure you are using the corners.  A lot of people skip this option, but if you have little space, you should make the most of them.  After all, they may be ideal for a small chair or for plant pots.  And you could even put a BBQ there for your outdoor cooking. Therefore, don’t leave them bare.  If possible, ensure you are making the most out of all the areas in your garden.

Finally, consider growing vegetables in containers.  After all, you may not have space for a greenhouse, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying fresh vegetables.  Furthermore, check out my tips on container gardening.  We hope that you have found our tips on creating a family garden useful.

 

You may also like:  Tips for Creating an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen via LawnStarter Pittsburgh

                   

21 Books for African American Boys

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on books for African American boys.  So, I’m excited and honored to tell readers that I will be incorporating more products and posts for African American children.  Reading is so important to all of our children’s education.  It has been proven that that children learn when they can relate.  For example, seeing images that look like yourself or someone you know is one the ways that help children learn.

 

 

 

books for African American boys books for African American boys books for African American Boys

 

 

Also, I’m a big advocate of reading and early education.  Unfortunately, there is a lack of products on the market for African American children.  As a result, Mother 2 Mother will be putting more effort into becoming a more diverse blog.  I’m excited, so lets get started with this great roundup of books for African American boys:

You Can Do It! – First, Linden is in the third grade and he’s having a bad day.  His brother gives him a hand, he get encouragement from his parents, and inspiration from God.  He soon learns that he can do anything with a little help and encouragement.  Ages 4 – 7.

Daddy Calls Me Man – This book includes 4 poems/short stories about the life of an African-American boy.  The poems are about family love, stories from the generations and symbols that have connected the generations.  Ages 2 – 5.

Let Them Play (True Story) – This is a true story.  This books tells the story of racial discrimination in 1955.  At that time only one black chapter existed in Charleston, SC.  The coaches selected a 14 member all star team.  They had dreams of playing the state tournament; however, all of the white teams withdrew rather than play them.  Great opportunity for your child to learn about racism in America.  Ages 7 – 9.

Brothers of the Knight – The infamous Debbie Allen is the author of this book.  Reverend Knight has twelve sons.  He can’t figure out how all of their sneakers are torn to shreds every morning.  The boys won’t tell because they know he won’t approve of their nightly dancing.  Their nanny finds out what they’re doing, but she keeps the secret.  Ages 4 – 8.

The Boy Who Became King – The story of Lebron James.  Ages K- 6.

Full, Full, Full of Love  – The story focuses on a little boy and his grandma.  Ages 2 – 5.

Swift Walker: A Space Adventure – Swift Walker speedy legs take him on a journey that’s out of this world.  Join him on his journey and learn about the planets and our solar system. Ages 4 and up.

Peter’s Chair – Next, Peter has a new baby sister. His parents paint his old cradle pink.  Than they paint his crib paint.  Now they want to paint his chair.  Will Peter disapprove?  Ages 3 – 7.

The Toothpaste Millionaire – Rufus Mayflower wants to save on toothpaste. Amazingly, he bets that he can make a gallon for the price of one tube.  As a matter of fact, Rufus develops a production plan with help from his good friend Kate MacKinstrey.  Amazingly, Rufus makes more than a gallon.  He makes a million!  The story contains math problems too.  Ages 10 – 12.

EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken – EllRay Jakes is tired of being bullied by Jared Matthews.  So, EllRay tries to defend himself.  However, he winds up in trouble.  His dad makes him a deal.  If he can stay out of trouble they will go to Disneyland.  Can Ellray stay out of trouble?  Ages 6 – 8.

Roberto Walks Home – Roberto is excited because his big brother Miguel is going to walk him home from school. However, Miguel forgets and plays basketball with his friends.  Roberto is hurt and angry, so decides to walk home alone.  How will Miguel make amends?  Ages 5 – 6.

Pet Show!  – Archie wants to enter a pet show, but his pet runs away.  How can he enter the pet show with no pet?  Fortunately, Archie thinks on his feet so he can win a prize.  What was his solution?  Ages 3 – 7.

The Trip –  Louie has to move to a new neighborhood and leave his friends behind.  So, he creates a scene out of a shoebox one day while playing alone.  It has a magical effect, calling his imagination back to old friends, old times.

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X –  Furthermore, Malcolm X was one of America’s most influential people.  This book was written by his daughter.  Ages 9 – 12.

The Freckled Speckled Rainbow Dog Salon  – Marvin and Malcolm Murphy work at their family’s dog salon after school.  It’s called The Fancy Schmancy Perfect Pet Salon.  One day Malcolm discovers that if he puts paint in the soap, it will change colors. Soon the bulldogs, schnauzers, pugs and poodles are all different colors.  What will they do?  Ages 4 – 9.

Hey, Charleston – Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins opened his orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. Soon he had hundreds of children; however, he had no way to support them.  Reverend Jenkins asked people in the town to donate instruments.  He worked to find teachers who would teach the children how to play.  His idea was a success.
The children learned how to play a style of music called rag.  They were asked to play in London and Paris. They earned enough money to keep the orphanage open.  It’s still open today.  The music is now known as Jazz. Ages 7 – 10.

Miami Gets It Straight – Miami Jackson can’t wait to be over.  His teacher will be leaving for Ghana and his enemy, Destinee Tate, is bothering him.  Also, Miami finds himself keeping secrets from his best friend.  Miami can’t wait for summer.  Ages 6 – 9 .  Miami Jackson is a series of books.

Skateboard Party – Additionally, Richard has been invited to a friend’s birthday party. But a note sent home by his teacher may change ruin his plans.  Why, because he didn’t do his homework.  He meant to, but he became distracted.  Will he be able to show off his Ollies or will he be grounded?  Ages 6 – 9.

The Buried Bones (Clubhouse Mysteries) – Ziggy and his friends Rico, Rashawn, and Jerome call themselves The Black Dinosaurs.  They build a clubhouse in Ziggy’s backyard.  While building the clubhouse, they find a box of bones.  Who could have buried a box of bones behind their clubhouse?  Ages 8 – 12.  Clubhouse Mysteries is a series of books.

STAT Home Court – Amar’e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He loves skateboarding in the park, he loves doing his homework, and helps with his dad’s landscaping company.  Additionally, Amar’e liked to play basketball.  A group of older kids start disrespecting him and his friends on the basketball court.  Amar’e decides to step and use his athletic skills and intelligence to save the day.  Most importantly, he realized that basketball was his true passion.  Based on a basketball great Amar’e Stoudemire life.

The Stories Julian Tells – Unfortunately, Julian is a fibber.  He is great at telling stories and getting people to believe him.  Especially his younger brother.  Unfortunately, some of Julian’s stories lead to trouble.  Ages 6 – 9.

Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World – Last, ten-year-old Justin is frustrated that his sisters and mother are always fussing at him. They make him feel stupid because he can’t clean his room or cook.  Fortunately, Justin’s grandfather invites him back to his ranch for the summer.  Can Justin catch a greased pig at the rodeo?  Furthermore, can Justin learn to bake biscuits?  Justin soon learns that he can do anything once he learns how.  Ages 8 – 12.

Finally, we hope that you will use our list of books for African American boys for your son, nephew, grandson or someone special who’s on your gift giving list.  Better yet, start a library for your child and add a new book monthly.  Also, check back for more activities for African American boys and teens as well as our preschool/kindergarten activities.  Also, you may also like 24 Books for African American Girls.