Family Friendly Products

Tuesday: Products

2012-01-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Game Manufacturers,

Firstly, I want to thank you for creating an incredibly vast array of board games that can teach my children a whole lot of skills.

Now onto what I really want to say: I know you might be selling a whole lot of computer games and the likes, but I am going to be one of those impossible parents who’ll tell you to keep making board games. There’s nothing like sitting around the table or cozy up on the floor playing a family game.

Below are some of the greatest board games that focus on language development, spelling and helps the child find ways to use words creatively. I chose not to review any games I don’t have, simply because I like to write about what I know. So, if you have any of your favorite games, please post below because I’d like to hear what works for you.

Alphabet matching game

Manufacturer’s age recommendation: 3+

My recommendation: 3-5 (unless the child needs further practice after age 5, it’s time for new challenges—move on)

This doesn’t need much explanation or warning (oh yes, my husband warns of the cards that get strewn about and how annoying they are to pick up) It’s a basic – easy to play –fun way to familiarize the child with the alphabet or review what he/she is learning.

http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Journey-Match-Alphabet-Memory/dp/B003BEDE5A/ref=sr_1_12?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327470420&sr=1-12

$11.45

Smart Mouth

Manufacturer’s age recommendation: 8+

My recommendation: You can start as early as 6.

All the child needs is to be more-or-less familiar with some sounds. (d/t b/p c/k might be typical letters the child may still mix up at this age) The objective is to call out a word that begins and ends with the letters the little thingamajig spits out. If playing with a young child, I recommend taking it slow, not putting the child under pressure for time —take it slow and steady.

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-5530-ThinkFun-Smart/dp/B00005MP02/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469824&sr=1-1

$16.24

You’ve Been Sentenced

Manufacturer’s age recommendation: 8+

My recommendation: 10+

I’m not so sure an 8 year old can really do this. When I taught middle school, I introduced this game into my ELA class. The kids went wild over it and giggled all the way through it. I’ve also played this with adult friends in the office; what I find amazing is how versatile the game is, and how adaptable is to just about any age group so long as they understand what makes up a sentence. The game in a nut shell: Each player gets a set of cards and you need to try and create a sentence that is grammatically correct using as many words from your pile as you can. Then, you share the sentence you formed and begin to laugh because while grammatically they’re ok, the bulk of what they say makes no sense. Sometimes it’s just so funny that I’ve not been to be able to get through reading the sentence aloud.

http://www.amazon.com/McNeill-Designs-5511848-Youve-Sentenced/dp/B000EVLZ9U/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469743&sr=1-1

$19.68

Banana Grams

Manufacturer’s age recommendation: 8+

My recommendation: 10+

Why the magic number 8? I don’t see any games for 9+ or 10+ I wonder who thought of 8… Rest assured, I wasn’t that person!

Banana Grams are on my personally-most-hated-game list, because I lose to my sister-in-law every time! But hey—I’ve got to hand it to the makers of this game: the packaging is wonderfully compact, and it’s a fun game for adolescents, teens, and adults. Hmmm maybe we can all get along?

http://www.amazon.com/Bananagrams-BAN001/dp/1932188126/ref=sr_1_24?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469930&sr=1-24

$14.95

What’s a favorite board game in your house? Is it your favorite or your child’s? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

(The missing) Monday: Meals

2012-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

I’m guilty as charged. Yes, I skipped a day of blog entering. I know I have all the excuses up my sleeve: I’m working on a special supplement for our publication, and the deadline is Thursday; two co-workers are out with the flu leaving the rest of us even more exhausted. All said and done, I skipped, and that’s a big no no.

This leads me to the next great question: What do I serve my family for dinner, when I don’t have the strength to lift a pot – let alone cook, and my eyes are so tired I can barely read the ingredients list in my cook book!

And so I gave it tem minutes, not more. “It” meaning dinner. I realized I better put together dinner in that time frame, or I will be eating – and serving – grass to my family. I set my timer, and the game was on. I emptied a bag of pasta to cook in one pot, (2 min.) and warmed up in a sauce pan a mixture of some tomato sauce, fresh parsley (chopped), mozzarella cheese, spiced with some garlic and a touch of oregano. (3 min.)

With five minutes left, I threw together a large salad. Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and fresh cilantro worked hand in hand to form a great tasting jumble. (Thank heavens for pre-chopped lettuce…)

I was down to 60 seconds. I rummaged through the fridge, and found a tub of Hummus. (Google it if you don’t know what it is…) I laid it out nicely on a serving bowl, added some whole wheat crackers on the side, and presto! We had dinner ready!

Of course the kids snubbed the sauce, and wanted plain old ketchup. (I’m thinking of suing Heinz…) I was about to lecture at length about “having worked hours to prepare supper” and how they “don’t appreciate all the time that goes into it,” but just then the timer buzzed, reminding me all too well – it was only ten minutes.

10-minute pasta dinner:

1 bag pasta (preferably ziti – but if you are cooking 10 minute dinners who can be picky)

1 can tomato sauce

Parsley (not a necessity)

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (if you like it cheesy – move this up to 2)

garlic powder

oregano

While pasta is cooking, heat the tomato sauce in the sauce-pan, add the parsley. (Not too much of those leaves…) When the sauce is hot add the cheese, spices, and stir. Lower flame. (Get busy with the salad now…) Keep on giving an occasional stir here and there.

Thursday: Toddlers to Teens- Teachable Moments

2012-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

Blogging for a week already! If I did it for a week, I think I could do it for two. You know, this is a huge milestone for me. I can rarely do anything for two days straight (I told you not to ask about my tooth brushing!) let alone a week.

Often, I leap into something, and only then do I realize just how hard it is; how I really can’t do it. Then, just when I think I’m going to snap…I reason it’s not all that hard and I can do it! (Or I realize I really can’t, but I don’t quit, and continue doing what I really can't do for no sane reason other than I hate making a fool of myself.)

But today’s blog post is not supposed to be about me, it’s supposed to be about the kids.

And they’re all about me :)

In my previous life, I was a fifth grade teacher. A good fifth grade teacher. I also had a fantastic principal who taught me much of what I know about educating children and it was she who introduced me to the concept of a ‘teachable moment’.

I was performing a science experiment and it all went wrong. I was getting increasingly frustrated and just then, my principal walked in! I was ready for a disapproving glance or something, but she surprised me big time. Walking over to my desk, she took in all my hard work which had ended in dismal failure and spoke to the class: “Girls, that’s what life’s about. You work hard, you try and you build. And every once in a while it all goes wrong. Will you be like your teacher and keep trying or will you quit? How about you journal and tell the class what you’d do and why.” And she left the room murmuring to me, ‘Couldn’t resist a teachable moment’. Later, I thanked her profusely and she explained that there are moments or situations that make the children ripe to learn a certain concept or lesson. "If it’s not on the schedule" she exclaimed, "then go off topic and utilize that moment, because it’ll have the greatest impact."

Teachable moments come up many times at home, but oftentimes we don’t have the time, energy or focus to capitalize on the moment.

And now for the parenting prompt of the week….

What was one life lesson your parent taught you that you’ll never forget? Was it about the moment, the message, or the circumstance? Share your thoughts below.

NOTE: On the post prior to this one, we have a chart made for you available for FREE DOWNLOAD so that you can encourage your kids to join our white teeth campaign. Take a picture of their teeth(try to zoom into their teeth-- the rest of the face doesn't matter now) today, and again when they're done with the chart. Email the pictures to me: slieberface@gmail.com On Feb. 16th, 2012 we'll choose the winner. May the whitest teeth win..... A BRAND NEW BOARD GAME (winner will choose from a list of games) Get your friends to join too! Have them print the chart and get the kids on board.

2012-01-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Download this chart free for your use - make teeth brushing something FUN!
Just double click it and it should open- print - and let the fun begin!

Wednesday: Challenges

2012-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

Challenges force us to come up with creative solutions -- or else! I'd love to hear about your challenges and see what we as a group can do to tackle them. Do you have a particular chore you abhor? (so much so that you ignore...) Is there a favorite food you'd love to make but have never found a recipe that works? Is there something your child is doing that is driving you up the wall yet you haven't found another way? Well, Wednesdays are for you! Submit your challenge either in the comments section or directly via email: slieberface@gmail.com

If there's one thing I HATE HATE HATE it's made up letters to the editor, or fake "Dear Abby" kind of stuff. Did I say I hate that? Well, you won't find that here. Your challenge. My challenge. Any challenge written on this blog will be true and submitted for this purpose.

So first time round I thought I'd do my own. After all, who's going to give me a challenge 4 days into this blog but I was wrong. I forgot my friends IRL (in real life) who are so awesome. Bambi, my pseudonymous, best friend issued the following challenge:

My daughter, age 8, brushes her teeth I'd say every other day. I've tried bribing her, making charts, yelling (yes, real moms do that once in a while!), reminding her, but it's all helped only short term. Yes, she'll get serious about it for a week, two weeks if I'm lucky, and then we're back to square one. Why is she doing this and how can I get her to brush every single morning and evening?

My Response:

Well, well, well! This one hits really close to home. Below are things that have worked for me. I'll share them and you'll have to tell us if they work for you too.

• Firstly, does your child know why she's brushing her teeth?I know this may sound ridiculous, but many kids equate teeth brushing with one of the million and one other things we ask them to do 'because I said so'. This might be a great time to sit down with your child and tell them about the beauty of having shiny white teeth and about the germs that eat at them. I love when other people can do the lecturing for me. I found two books that convey the message 'you better brush your teeth or else' without having to say so.

http://www.judaicapress.com/Uri-s-Dream-Educating-Children-for-Dental-Health.html

My kids have this one. It even comes with an audio CD which they've heard too many times for me to count. Written by a pediatric dentist, you bet he has an agenda! But since that's exactly what I want I'm happy to host the book in my children's library. $16.95 for book and CD

http://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Gets-Her-Smile-Back/dp/0882823140/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326937654&sr=1-2

This book is one I recall reading to a first grade class I was substituting. While I don't recall exactly what the content was like, it did have cute pictures and a good message about oral hygiene. Price: $8.95

• Next, make sure you have fun toothbrushes. This is obviously a chore she dislikes (don't we all?) and she's not at the stage where she'll do it "just because." So make it fun! Get toothbrushes in her favorite colors, with her favorite character, or one of those annoying ones that make a whole lot of noise. There's a rule in my house: toothbrushes may only be touched during the time you brush your teeth. I made that rule because they love their toothbrushes so much that they wanted to play with them all day!

• Lastly, there's got to be a set time. My 6 year old, Pinky, can get forgetful about things like this, so I built it into the schedule. After breakfast ever morning and after PJ's every night we do the tooth brushing ritual. In the beginning I used my favorite friend (more on that a different time), the timer, to show her just how quick it takes. The first week I had to be there every time or it didn't happen, but over the next 2-3 weeks my presence was needed less and less. The truth: I still have to nag sometimes but for the most part -- it's far more pleasant than it ever was. And more consistent too.

OK now it's your turn: Do your kids consistently brush your teeth? How have you motivated and enforced this? Leave your comments below.

Like what you've read? Hit the like button below.

Tuesday: Products

2012-01-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am doing what Moms do best, working through a headache. Admittedly, I was planning to start out by reviewing products that were geared towards our children, but I’m so run-down and feeling lousy that all I could think was: I want a feel-good product for me!

During the winter, I tend to suffer from rather horrible sinus headaches and colds; I find a hot soak in the tub takes the edge off that pain. But what’s a good soak without some fun scrubs, Dead Sea salt or herbal drops?

These are some things that can turn an ordinary tub soak into a spa-like experience—for under $30!

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Sea-Spa-Products-Scrub--32/dp/B001ACOT2M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1326850071&sr=8-7

This is my favorite product! I let it dissolve and find my toes really get soft and relaxed. It’s now on sale and you can get two of these for $26.50 which is a really great deal!

http://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Avery-Bath-Body Lavender/dp/B005Q1DBQS/ref=sr_1_21?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1326850824&sr=1-21

Did you know that lavender plays a huge role in stress relief? Many natural practitioners use lavender to ease tension headaches, and other physical aches and pains. And the packaging on this is so nice — I think I’m going to get this for myself one of these days even just to look at!

Want to win one of these great products? Comment below on what you do to relax and chill at the end of a long day.

Monday: Meals

2012-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

When I think of a family meal, I think dinner which doesn't really make any sense because we're all home for breakfast too. But since I still want you to think I'm perfect, I refuse to discuss breakfast in my first meal post.

Ahhh dinner.

I think we are heavily influenced for the better or the worse, by the kind of structure our meals had growing up. I was an only child and dinner was definitely a family affair. My parents ate dinner at 7:30 or so and we all ate together. Meals weren't anything extravagant but always included a whole-grain carb, vegetables and a carb. Sometimes, we even had dessert.

I recall visiting my friend's home one day way back in the sixth grade and she invited me to come eat dinner with her. It was the two of us and my friend's little brother. In her home, the kids ate dinner as they came home and the parents had their own private time later. I thought that was so weird.

Well, now I'm officially the 'weird' one.

My personal dinner time is so random.

Dinner is always ready when my kids come home and usually they're ready to eat at 5. That's when the marathon of trying to satisfy all parties begins. My older ones want me to feed them (How come you only feed the baby?! Me thinks: Ummm because he's a baby) and my baby wants to do everything by himsel spilling the water and whatever else is in his way. There must be a rule somewhere that never shall two children living under one roof like the same foods on the same nights because my kids follow that rule to the T. Oh and then there's always the portion-control police calling for me ("Mommy she has so many mushrooms in her rice and I only have 5-- I counted!")

Did I hear someone say I should be eating dinner with them? That's not going to work for another decade or so.

In the interim, I very cheerfully get the award of the most patient waitress and in my book that's gotta be for something.

What I served for dinner tonight (confession time!)

Shift #1: (4:30pm baby age 15 months, twins aged 3.5)

I had leftover chicken, vegetable soup which they positively devoured along with a slice of whole wheat Fiber One Bread (only 2 of them ate that!) They gobbled it up.

Shift #2: 5:30
Big girl insisted she wants grilled cheese which was a good thing because I really wanted that last portion of chicken soup. I ate it during the lull between shifts. Big girl comes in as I'm licking my plate clean and says, "Mommy you ate my portion?" I give up!

We worked that out and she ate her grill cheese sandwich along with a small salad (my kids all love salad-- it's in the genes- go ahead be jealous!)

Shift #3 8pm
Husband got his favorite take-out chicken sandwich for himself tonight.

Did you say I do this again tomorrow?

So what'd you have for your family's dinner tonight? Share your wisdom in the comments section below.

Official Launch!

2012-01-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

I'm here to get started!

You know what the problem with asking advice is? No two people can ever seem to agree. It wasn't all that different when it came to this blog.

I'm a creative soul and like to do things in a fun-spirited, creative sort of way. Rules and I were never friends and my kids taught me everything I know about being scheduled.(more on that a different time) But if there's one thing I hate it's blogs that start and stop sort of like NYC traffic. So if you're here this is my commitment to you: I will do my utmost to update every day before midnight (barring extenuating Mommy circumstances!) And here's what you can expect:

Mondays: Meal planning, recipes and table talk (and yes, the first Monday post is below)
I don't know about you but my kids have changes made to their taste-buds weekly. They loved mac and cheese last week and Sunday nobody touched it. They all went to bed without dinner claiming they weren't hungry and I nearly cried. So Mondays I'll talk about what works for me and I hope to have some of you guest blog about what works for you. How do you do dinner? When and how do you eat? More on that later.

Tuesdays: Putting those Products to test
Trust me, this won't reading like those boring and drab product reviews. Nothing in my life is boring and drab so this should be a fun read. And hey-- you may find something you really like. Eventually, this'll be where you'll get a chance to win some great gifts so stay tuned.

Wednesdays: Challenge Me!
Challenge Me! I'd love to hear your family's #1 challenge. This doesn't have to be something dramatic (though who doesn't love some drama?) but can be one of those annoying little itches that you can't figure out how to get out of your life. I don't promise to have all the answers but I do promise to try.

Thursdays: From Toddlers to Teens: Teachable Moments
Parenting is my passion and something I feel is a true learning experience. Once a week I'll take you on my parenting journey and let you in on all those dumb mistakes I made and more importantly, how I continue to dust myself off and keep at it......cuz I do love my kids!

Weekends: Shop is closed for family :)

Weekends I'll be taking a leave of absence to spend time with those who matter most...my family.

Now that you have the schedule down pat, go ahead and read!

Family Friendly Products

2012-01-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

Family friendly products. Well, I think the name says it all!

Let me introduce myself. I am a busy mom of 4 living a fast-paced gotta-work-gotta-cook-gotta care for the kids life. In real life, I work part time and though I love to shop, I don't have much time for it!

On this blog, I hope to share awesome products that piqued my interest or struck me as funny. I hope you will no longer have to sift through hundreds, if not thousands of sites to find the item you need or... want. I will gear most of my products towards families with children though and while not all the items will be for children, all will be child-friendly. And of course, you'll need to forgive me if I share some fun Mom stories from time to time. You know that comes with the territory don't you?

I welcome your feedback. Please comment below as to what sort of products you'd like to see. Do you want to see only affordable products or do you enjoy peeking at those ridiculous things you know you could never own? Do you like seeing cool technological advances or do you prefer good ol' classics?

Have fun!