Today’s 30 Minute Challenge is to create a Chore/family responsibility plan to begin teaching your kids to be active in helping you around the house:

Step 1 – Create a list - of age appropriate chores that you would like your kids to begin helping you with . . Click here for our list of chore ideas.

Step 2 -Tracking System- choose a system that works for your family. You can create and print your own on the computer or purchase one. There are a variety of ways and ideas from check off lists, wall charts, online chore charting systems etc.

Step 3 - Family Meeting - Schedule a time to sit down with your kids and implement your new chore/family responsibility system.  Get children involved in the process by allowing them to help choose Go over the chore charts or check off lists so they understand their responsibilities.

Step 4-Teach The How To’s
- Have supplies available and at their reach.
- Model-show how to and don’t forget your attitude with your work load.
- Practice -Do it together-literally side by side training

End result – Chores teach kids responsibility and that they are part of a family community its not about what system you use, if you pay or don’t pay it is about YOUR family and what works for you to bring a little less stress to your home each day.

SafetyWeb (www.safetyweb.com) has some great suggestions on how parents can do help keep kids safe.

*Plain and simple, communicate – Thanks to mobile devices, reaching out to your kids is easier than ever, most anytime or anywhere.  For working parents in particular, the ability to check in with your kids when you can’t be face to face is key to keep track of their activities but also to keep the lines of communication open if any issues arise.  An ongoing discussion of how they are using technology is a key step to help keep them safe in cyberspace.

*Establish guidelines -- Clearly explain when they can or cannot use the Internet.  Limiting the length of time that your children can be online  will encourage them to seek out the information instead of just aimlessly surfing the Internet.

* “Block and Talk” – Parental blocks and filters are a must to help keep kids away from inappropriate content but also take the extra step to discuss what websites are appropriate and what kinds of websites to stay clear of on the Internet.  Monitoring tools are very important but will be most effective when coupled with parental supervision.

*Keeping Information Private –  Here at SafetyWeb (www.safetyweb.com) we mention this often, but it can’t be said enough times, that kids need to be aware of what not to share on social networking sites.  Phone numbers, addresses and other similar personal information should never be shared on Facebook or other sites where the general public can gain view it.

*Computers Need Protecting Too -- Educate kids on how to also keep their computers safe in addition to themselves.  Free downloads of music, videos and games are often a temptation to take advantage however these sites can be a lurking ground for cybercriminals.   It is recommended to instruct your kids to get your permission before downloading any content form the Internet.

The bottom line is these guidelines should be applied year round however with most kids having more free time on their hands in the summer months it is a critical time to make sure they are in place and being implemented.

Does warm weather mean bikes and scooters littering your yard, porch and garage floor?  End the litter with your very own family bike rack made from PVC pipes.  Hostess with the motzes not only created her own bike rack but shares step by step how to instructions so that we can all end the bike and scooter litter in our yards and garages.  Click here for your step by step instructions.

Celebrate Summer and the last day of school by creating a fun and simple  classmate favor with this free “Have a ball this Summer” bag topper from Dixie Delights.   The toppers are sized to fit a bag with a 4” opening.  Click here to print out your free toppers and get ready to see a class full of smiles.

Example: Here is an example of an assignment:        Guylian Chocolate
Description:

Would you like to earn a $5 Guylian Belgian Chocolate coupon PLUS a $5 payment?

Next time you visit Wal-Mart, Wegman’s, Stop n’ Shop, Fairway or Zabar’s:

1. Locate a Guylian Belgian Chocolate product
2. Read the messaging on the product
3. Take and upload a photo of the product
4. Use the “Description” text box on the upload screen to share your thoughts on the product

Once all four steps are complete you will have earned the $5 payment — and we will contact you for your mailing address to forward you your $5 Guylian coupon. This coupon can be used on any Guylian product…free chocolate and free money for just a few minutes of your time!

Instructions:

To be eligible for the $5 Guylian coupon and the $5 payment — you need to complete all four steps in the assignment description and respond in a timely manner to our request for your mailing address.

Click here for more information on Stringfly

Goldfish crackers are always a crowd favorite! Check out the flavors you know and love or discover our delicious new additions. Visit us on our Facebook, Twitter, and our website to create those fun and special moments between you and your kid. We can’t wait to see those smiles!

Click here to visit Goldfish’s website.

Click here to Like Goldfish on Facebook.

Click here to Follow Goldfish on Twitter.

….to create conversation
Q: On your travels, what’s the most amazing sight you’ve ever seen?

Riddle:
Q: What do you call a fly with no wings?

A:A walk!

Are you always looking for something new to try for your kids Birthday Parties or Events?  We have searched and searched and found some fabulous cupcake recipes that will just amaze you!  These recipes might look like they were made by magic… the impossible.  But I think you will be pleasantly surprised that they CAN be done.  And always remember…  the first few are your practice ones.  :)   Yum, Yum!

YES…  these are ALL cupcakes!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

If you know how to make cake pops then you will be a wiz at these!  Click HERE for instructions.

Slushee Cup Cakes

Go to the head of the class with this new twist on the traditional poke cake. Two cupcakes are “poked” and splashed with fruity slushee syrup, then topped with colorful flavored frosting and glittery sugar. You’ll give them an A!

Click HERE for instructions

Bucket’s o’ Popcorn Cupcakes

Grab your favorite movie and pop up some fun with these popcorn cupcakes.  Click HERE for this popp’n recipe!

Snow Cone Cupcakes

These snow cones won’t melt. Nope. They’re not icy… but they are frosted.   Click HERE for the full instructions.

Hi Hat Cupcakes (or what I like to call.. Dipped Cone Cupcakes)

Mmmmm….  harden chocolate on frosting.  What could be better then that!!!  Click HERE for instructions.

Cotton Candy Cupcakes

The special thing about these cupcakes (besides having Cotton Candy on top) is that they are EGG FREE!  Click HERE for instructions.

Gumball Cupcakes

What kid wouldn’t like this… M&M’s and it looks like a gum ball machine!  Click HERE for the instructions.

Hamburger Cupcakes

These are perfect for Birthdays, Father’s Day or any event!  They look so real… yet they are a CUPCAKE!  Click HERE for instructions.

BBQ Cupcakes

These are still one of my favorite.  You will be surprised how easy these are made!  Click HERE for instructions.

Princess Cupcakes

Every girl is a princess on her birthday. These birthday cupcakes proudly display the tall hat and flowing ribbons of a fairy-tale princess.  Click HERE for instructions.

Corn-on-the-Cob Cupcakes

Very cute, sugary and look like the real thing!  Click HERE for the full instructions.

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Cupcakes in Flower Pots

Perfect for a Girls party, Garden club, Bridal/Baby shower!  For instructions click HERE.

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Cupcake Lollipops

These are just full of delightful cuteness!  Click HERE for full instructions.

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Cone Cupcakes

Another version from the first one but this one you bake the cake right into he cone!  Click HERE for directions.

Get ready for a fun filled Summer by listing  out the things you would like to do , see and go this Summer with your kids by using these FREE printables from Believing Boldly.  There are Three Printables available to choose from

Click here for #1

Click here for #2 and #3