Do your youngsters give gifts to their pets at Christmas? This was a tradition in my family, when I was growing up, which my daughter also enjoyed with her dog and cat. The grandchildren find something for whatever pets they have…a rabbit, two hamsters and a dog. The dog even has [...]
Do your youngsters give gifts to their pets at Christmas? This was a tradition in my family, when I was growing up, which my daughter also enjoyed with her dog and cat. The grandchildren find something for whatever pets they have…a rabbit, two hamsters and a dog. The dog even has [...]
Pearl Harbor Day – December 7
We remember those who fought for our freedoms in World War II, those who gave their lives, those who took several years from their lives, and those at home who carried on when family members were away. Because of their sacrifices our country remained [...]
Pearl Harbor Day – December 7
We remember those who fought for our freedoms in World War II, those who gave their lives, those who took several years from their lives, and those at home who carried on when family members were away. Because of their sacrifices our country remained [...]
“He’s always so upbeat. Such a happy kid,” one of my grandson’s high school teachers remarked to me.
This made me realize that we are building attitudes at home. It’s too easy to be grumpy at home, to air our gripes and disappointments rather than looking for the sunshine. In our [...]
“He’s always so upbeat. Such a happy kid,” one of my grandson’s high school teachers remarked to me.
This made me realize that we are building attitudes at home. It’s too easy to be grumpy at home, to air our gripes and disappointments rather than looking for the sunshine. In our [...]
Grandparents have wonderful holiday memories to share with grandchildren if the middle generation (the children) will encourage this rather than considering it simply, “Grandma’s ramblings.“ Even those with Alzheimer’s can contribute to the memory lore. Sometimes we might say, “especially those with Alzheimer’s”, because those memories become very vivid for them [...]
Grandparents have wonderful holiday memories to share with grandchildren if the middle generation (the children) will encourage this rather than considering it simply, “Grandma’s ramblings.“ Even those with Alzheimer’s can contribute to the memory lore. Sometimes we might say, “especially those with Alzheimer’s”, because those memories become very vivid for them [...]
Youngsters can be inconsiderate when it comes to one another’s names.
Names image: sxc.hu
If it’s an unusual name, they might make fun of it. If an an adult mispronounces it, they may laugh and hurt a tot’s feelings.
I heard one principal handle this very well when youngsters were [...]
Youngsters can be inconsiderate when it comes to one another’s names.
Names image: sxc.hu
If it’s an unusual name, they might make fun of it. If an an adult mispronounces it, they may laugh and hurt a tot’s feelings.
I heard one principal handle this very well when youngsters were [...]
With Christmas and other holidays coming up, creating memory projects could be a fun project for your youngsters. There are several ways they could do this.
Chrstmas ornaments image: sxc.hu
Keep a journal and record the various holidays activities that are occurring in the family and at school. Take pictures of [...]With Christmas and other holidays coming up, creating memory projects could be a fun project for your youngsters. There are several ways they could do this.
Chrstmas ornaments image: sxc.hu
Keep a journal and record the various holidays activities that are occurring in the family and at school. Take pictures of [...]
According to some statistics, the number of grandparents and relatives helping to raise kids has increased and is expected to increase.
Grandparents parenting image: sxc.hu
Many of these are doing it on their own when parents can’t or won’t. Some even are raising great grandchildren. This [...]
According to some statistics, the number of grandparents and relatives helping to raise kids has increased and is expected to increase.
Grandparents parenting image: sxc.hu
Many of these are doing it on their own when parents can’t or won’t. Some even are raising great grandchildren. This [...]
Each month I feature 5 of my Parenting posts that are favorites of my readers and/or mine.
November leaves image: sxc.hu
Here are 5 for November:
Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday
Repurposing With Your Youngsters
Each month I feature 5 of my Parenting posts that are favorites of my readers and/or mine.
November leaves image: sxc.hu
Here are 5 for November:
Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday
Repurposing With Your Youngsters
Over the next month, I shall be reminiscing about favorite Christmas books of my childhood, of my daughter’s and grandchildren’s.
I’ll also look for books out there that children today would like.
Let me know what your favorites are and whether you read them to your children. My daughter and son-in-law have [...]
Over the next month, I shall be reminiscing about favorite Christmas books of my childhood, of my daughter’s and grandchildren’s.
I’ll also look for books out there that children today would like.
Let me know what your favorites are and whether you read them to your children. My daughter and son-in-law have [...]
Cheating on tests via text messaging has become prevalent during this cell phone/iPhone age.
text messaging image: sxc.hu
Although teachers keep their eyes alert for cell phones (not allowed during school hours in most schools), they often find it difficult to keep up with all the latest texting technology.
In surveys of kids [...]
Cheating on tests via text messaging has become prevalent during this cell phone/iPhone age.
text messaging image: sxc.hu
Although teachers keep their eyes alert for cell phones (not allowed during school hours in most schools), they often find it difficult to keep up with all the latest texting technology.
In surveys of kids [...]
This year’s Thanksgiving surprise will remain in our memories for a long time.
We’d adjusted to the idea that our granddaughter, who attends college 500 miles away, wouldn’t be home for Thanksgiving. Imagine our surprise with her arrival Tuesday evening. She’d been able to arrange a ride with a classmate and his parents to their home [...]
This year’s Thanksgiving surprise will remain in our memories for a long time.
We’d adjusted to the idea that our granddaughter, who attends college 500 miles away, wouldn’t be home for Thanksgiving. Imagine our surprise with her arrival Tuesday evening. She’d been able to arrange a ride with a classmate and his parents to their home [...]
Youngsters in second grade, where I substitute taught today, were studying a Weather unit.
Rainbow image: sxc.hu
So I put together lessons that seemed to delight them. Am subbing there again tomorrow.
Perhaps I’ll have them write some weather related poetry. Kids, as well as adults, seem to enjoy my [...]
Youngsters in second grade, where I substitute taught today, were studying a Weather unit.
Rainbow image: sxc.hu
So I put together lessons that seemed to delight them. Am subbing there again tomorrow.
Perhaps I’ll have them write some weather related poetry. Kids, as well as adults, seem to enjoy my [...]
One friend mentioned she is compiling a journal of holidays.
Image: sxc.hu
Some are memories of former days and some are a record of current celebrations.
What are your memories of Thanksgiving? Encourage your children (young and older) to recall their Thanksgivings. I recall driving to my grandmother’s farm, 45 mile [...]
One friend mentioned she is compiling a journal of holidays.
Image: sxc.hu
Some are memories of former days and some are a record of current celebrations.
What are your memories of Thanksgiving? Encourage your children (young and older) to recall their Thanksgivings. I recall driving to my grandmother’s farm, 45 mile [...]
Recycling has become known as “repurposing” to many people. Finding another purpose for items you might otherwise throw out.
This can become a game with your youngsters. How can they use items around the house and from daily living in other ways once these are empty or [...]
Recycling has become known as “repurposing” to many people. Finding another purpose for items you might otherwise throw out.
This can become a game with your youngsters. How can they use items around the house and from daily living in other ways once these are empty or [...]
Are your children aware that a New Hampshire woman, Sarah Josepha Hale, was responsible for Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday?
Image: sxc.hu
Yes, the first Thanksgiving, from which this holiday of thankfulness originated, took place in Plymouth, MA.
However, it wasn’t celebrated nationally until Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor [...]
Are your children aware that a New Hampshire woman, Sarah Josepha Hale, was responsible for Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday?
Image: sxc.hu
Yes, the first Thanksgiving, from which this holiday of thankfulness originated, took place in Plymouth, MA.
However, it wasn’t celebrated nationally until Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor [...]
“I’m bored. There’s nothing to do,” so many kids exclaim when they don’t have access to electronics or parents restrict the hours they’re on computers, video games, wii, playstation and others.
family fun image: sxc.hu
We as parents and grandparents can do much top open up a non-electronic world [...]
“I’m bored. There’s nothing to do,” so many kids exclaim when they don’t have access to electronics or parents restrict the hours they’re on computers, video games, wii, playstation and others.
family fun image: sxc.hu
We as parents and grandparents can do much top open up a non-electronic world [...]
My niece recently told us about her two teen sons preparing supper.
Recipes & Memories Image: sxc.hu
The kitchen filled with smoke and the meal wasn’t gourmet by any means. However, as my daughter (her cousin) responded, “At least they tried! That was something.”
Perhaps the boys will give another try if [...]
My niece recently told us about her two teen sons preparing supper.
Recipes & Memories Image: sxc.hu
The kitchen filled with smoke and the meal wasn’t gourmet by any means. However, as my daughter (her cousin) responded, “At least they tried! That was something.”
Perhaps the boys will give another try if [...]
The old saying, “Smile and the whole world smiles with you,” does have some truth to it.
Image: sxc.hu
Do you ever notice how children respond to a smile? Even a baby who, you think, is too young to really notice people. Smile, and so often the child will [...]
The old saying, “Smile and the whole world smiles with you,” does have some truth to it.
Image: sxc.hu
Do you ever notice how children respond to a smile? Even a baby who, you think, is too young to really notice people. Smile, and so often the child will [...]
Today is Veterans Day in the U.S. Do our children know what it really means, in addition to a day off from school, parades and flags?
Image: sxc.hu
Do they realize that without the veterans’ service for our country, from the Revolutionary War forward, we might not be enjoying the [...]
Today is Veterans Day in the U.S. Do our children know what it really means, in addition to a day off from school, parades and flags?
Image: sxc.hu
Do they realize that without the veterans’ service for our country, from the Revolutionary War forward, we might not be enjoying the [...]
In response to my post, Do Families Become Closer in Tough Times?, Stephanie responded by sharing her family’s activities.
Image: sxc.hu
We love family hikes. We live near mountains right now, so heavy duty hiking is only a short drive, but even the neighborhood does well for [...]
In response to my post, Do Families Become Closer in Tough Times?, Stephanie responded by sharing her family’s activities.
Image: sxc.hu
We love family hikes. We live near mountains right now, so heavy duty hiking is only a short drive, but even the neighborhood does well for [...]
Today’s economic times have put stress on many families financially and emotionally. Does struggling and solving problems together bring families closer together?
Simple family pleasures image: sxc.hu
Are there activities they can do that don’t cost a great deal of money?
My husband and I grew up in homes where [...]
Today’s economic times have put stress on many families financially and emotionally. Does struggling and solving problems together bring families closer together?
Simple family pleasures image: sxc.hu
Are there activities they can do that don’t cost a great deal of money?
My husband and I grew up in homes where [...]
Do you know your grandchildren are watching you? That what you say and do set an example?
Just as they learn (good and bad) from parents, they also learn from grandparents. So it’s difficult to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
Image: sxc.hu
We also continue to [...]
Do you know your grandchildren are watching you? That what you say and do set an example?
Just as they learn (good and bad) from parents, they also learn from grandparents. So it’s difficult to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
Image: sxc.hu
We also continue to [...]
As more and more people (children and adults) use text messaging as a means of communication via their cell phones, will we find that correct spelling becomes obsolete?
Many young people use numbers and letters (4 instead of for, u for you) to speed up the process so they often don’t [...]
As more and more people (children and adults) use text messaging as a means of communication via their cell phones, will we find that correct spelling becomes obsolete?
Many young people use numbers and letters (4 instead of for, u for you) to speed up the process so they often don’t [...]
Do you have “small treasures” made by children and grandchildren that you’ve saved over the years? Do these take on special significance for you?
Pincushion Image: sxc.hu
I’ve saved a number of these and find the memories joyful. ONe is a pincushion my daughter made by herself and gave [...]
Do you have “small treasures” made by children and grandchildren that you’ve saved over the years? Do these take on special significance for you?
Pincushion Image: sxc.hu
I’ve saved a number of these and find the memories joyful. ONe is a pincushion my daughter made by herself and gave [...]
Making Christmas gifts with your children can be a fun family project and one that creates happy memories, too.
Image:sxc.hu
It’s not too early to start these projects so you’ll have plenty of time and won’t be rushed in December.
When my daughter was small, we were involved in many [...]
Making Christmas gifts with your children can be a fun family project and one that creates happy memories, too.
Image:sxc.hu
It’s not too early to start these projects so you’ll have plenty of time and won’t be rushed in December.
When my daughter was small, we were involved in many [...]
A friend described how his granddaughter was injured…in an auto accident because the faulty driver was texting on her cell phone.
Blackberry image: sxc.hu
His granddaughter and her brother, who was driving, had stopped in a line of traffic at a red light.
They were rear ended and the granddaughter was [...]
A friend described how his granddaughter was injured…in an auto accident because the faulty driver was texting on her cell phone.
Blackberry image: sxc.hu
His granddaughter and her brother, who was driving, had stopped in a line of traffic at a red light.
They were rear ended and the granddaughter was [...]
“You need to write your memories down, Mom,” my daughter said. “You’ve been researching family history, but you aren’t writing your memories down for us.”
Image: sxc.hu
(Perhaps I didn’t consider myself history!) Actually, I didn’t think of my life and my memoris as that important until my daughter [...]
“You need to write your memories down, Mom,” my daughter said. “You’ve been researching family history, but you aren’t writing your memories down for us.”
Image: sxc.hu
(Perhaps I didn’t consider myself history!) Actually, I didn’t think of my life and my memoris as that important until my daughter [...]
Each month I feature 5 of my favorite posts for the month. Here are the ones I’ve written at Blisstree’s Parenting section for October:
Image: sxc.hu
Each month I feature 5 of my favorite posts for the month. Here are the ones I’ve written at Blisstree’s Parenting section for October:
Image: sxc.hu
During my substitute teaching activities, I recently discovered two books that second graders enjoyed. The teacher had left these for me to read if I had time.
Image: sxc.hu
I selected The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen and Crow Call by Lois Lowry.
They liked the rhyming in The Scarecrow’s Dance. Also, [...]
During my substitute teaching activities, I recently discovered two books that second graders enjoyed. The teacher had left these for me to read if I had time.
Image: sxc.hu
I selected The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen and Crow Call by Lois Lowry.
They liked the rhyming in The Scarecrow’s Dance. Also, [...]
During the course of my substitute teaching, I’ve encountered situations where some students and their families don’t celebrate specific holidays or occasions that the majority do. Or they might have holidays that are new to the other students.
Image: sxc.hu
What do parents do?
Simply bring this to the attention [...]During the course of my substitute teaching, I’ve encountered situations where some students and their families don’t celebrate specific holidays or occasions that the majority do. Or they might have holidays that are new to the other students.
Image: sxc.hu
What do parents do?
Simply bring this to the attention [...]
As I listened to youngsters learning a new song about global warming and the greenhouse effect, I thought, “Propagandizing in high gear!”
Image: sxc.hu
It’s being forced on young minds with a catchy tune and repetitive chorus. Some of the lines of the song contained distorted or outdated information.
The chanting of [...]
As I listened to youngsters learning a new song about global warming and the greenhouse effect, I thought, “Propagandizing in high gear!”
Image: sxc.hu
It’s being forced on young minds with a catchy tune and repetitive chorus. Some of the lines of the song contained distorted or outdated information.
The chanting of [...]
With Halloween coming up, many children are involved in activities in preparation for this day.
Image: sxc.hu
I worked with a class of second graders who wrote a poem on a Halloween topic…witches, bats, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, etc.
Even though I teach poetry workshops for children and adults, this format was new [...]
With Halloween coming up, many children are involved in activities in preparation for this day.
Image: sxc.hu
I worked with a class of second graders who wrote a poem on a Halloween topic…witches, bats, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, etc.
Even though I teach poetry workshops for children and adults, this format was new [...]
Artist Georgia O’Keeffe, in a documentary I saw today, said she determined she wanted to be an artist when she was 8-years old.
Image: sxc.hu
She wasn’t taken seriously nor had much encouragement. But she stuck to her dream anyway.
What if she’d been encouraged to pursue her dream? She [...]
Artist Georgia O’Keeffe, in a documentary I saw today, said she determined she wanted to be an artist when she was 8-years old.
Image: sxc.hu
She wasn’t taken seriously nor had much encouragement. But she stuck to her dream anyway.
What if she’d been encouraged to pursue her dream? She [...]
Some of my memorable and colorful photos have centered around children and pumpkins in the fall.
Image: sxc.hu
Sometimes these involved Halloween costumes, perhaps midst colorful leaves. Other times the photos simply consisted of my daughter, grandchildren or nieces with pumpkins they carved or have ready to decorate.
My nieces sold [...]
Some of my memorable and colorful photos have centered around children and pumpkins in the fall.
Image: sxc.hu
Sometimes these involved Halloween costumes, perhaps midst colorful leaves. Other times the photos simply consisted of my daughter, grandchildren or nieces with pumpkins they carved or have ready to decorate.
My nieces sold [...]
When young people go off to college nowadays, there are so many ways to keep in touch – cell phone, text messaging, Facebook, instant messaging, e-mail and Skype (or a similar type of communication).
Image: sxc.hu
One of the enjoyable ways we keep in contact with our granddaughter is [...]
When young people go off to college nowadays, there are so many ways to keep in touch – cell phone, text messaging, Facebook, instant messaging, e-mail and Skype (or a similar type of communication).
Image: sxc.hu
One of the enjoyable ways we keep in contact with our granddaughter is [...]
Midst the controversy surrounding President Obama’s nationwide speech to school children, perhaps the discussion, even though heated at times, hasn’t been a negative experience. Perhaps this has held the President more accountable when he interacts with our young people. Was his speech changed due to the controversy? [...]
Midst the controversy surrounding President Obama’s nationwide speech to school children, perhaps the discussion, even though heated at times, hasn’t been a negative experience. Perhaps this has held the President more accountable when he interacts with our young people. Was his speech changed due to the controversy? [...]
One-room schools existed throughout America in its early days and still are in operation in a few rural areas. I attended one of these during my first four years of schooling and have fond memories of teachers and friends. I thought it fun to discuss these schools in conjunction with [...]
One-room schools existed throughout America in its early days and still are in operation in a few rural areas. I attended one of these during my first four years of schooling and have fond memories of teachers and friends. I thought it fun to discuss these schools in conjunction with [...]
On Tuesday, September 8, the first day of school for many students, President Obama plans to address the nation’s school children, piping his speech from the White House into all schools (that have the technical ability). This has raised a furor among many parents.
They are wondering [...]
On Tuesday, September 8, the first day of school for many students, President Obama plans to address the nation’s school children, piping his speech from the White House into all schools (that have the technical ability). This has raised a furor among many parents.
They are wondering [...]
Each month, I select a round-up of five of my Parenting posts here at Blisstree. I hope you’ve enjoyed all of them. Here are five that gained attention during August.
Image: sxc.hu
Parenting Parents on Less Social Security
Each month, I select a round-up of five of my Parenting posts here at Blisstree. I hope you’ve enjoyed all of them. Here are five that gained attention during August.
Image: sxc.hu
Parenting Parents on Less Social Security
For most students, it’s back to school, whether they’re attending classrooms or being home schooled. At our household, our granddaughter has entered college in another state and grandson entered high school. Big changes in their lives and ours.
Image: sxc.hu
In your home, there must be excited youngsters who [...]
For most students, it’s back to school, whether they’re attending classrooms or being home schooled. At our household, our granddaughter has entered college in another state and grandson entered high school. Big changes in their lives and ours.
Image: sxc.hu
In your home, there must be excited youngsters who [...]
My daughter, her husband and children have a great deal of enjoyment with geocaching as they explore new places (even locally) and often learn about history of the area. This would be an ideal activity for History Theme Week.
I’ve accompanied my family several times and have been [...]
My daughter, her husband and children have a great deal of enjoyment with geocaching as they explore new places (even locally) and often learn about history of the area. This would be an ideal activity for History Theme Week.
I’ve accompanied my family several times and have been [...]
According to reports, Social Security won’t increase and even could see a net decrease for 2010. This may affect grandparents and those parenting parents. Will this also affect those receiving Social Security for disabilities and as single parents?
Image: sxc.hu
This could be a challenge for [...]
According to reports, Social Security won’t increase and even could see a net decrease for 2010. This may affect grandparents and those parenting parents. Will this also affect those receiving Social Security for disabilities and as single parents?
Image: sxc.hu
This could be a challenge for [...]
A big change occurs in the home when your kids head off to college. Sometimes they live at home and attend a local institution. However, the majority move out of the home and attend college at a distance.
Image: sxc.hu
This happened with our daughter and now our granddaughter, [...]
A big change occurs in the home when your kids head off to college. Sometimes they live at home and attend a local institution. However, the majority move out of the home and attend college at a distance.
Image: sxc.hu
This happened with our daughter and now our granddaughter, [...]
Often a mother’s creativity is inspired by her children or some incident arising from parenting. It may be something the children did or said. Or it’s one of those, “Ah, ha!” moments, when they realize they can create something that will make parenting easier.
Image: sxc.hu
The mom who [...]
Nature and the out-of-doors comprise our theme this week. What can you and your youngsters do this week that’s related to nature (learning about it, preserving it and enjoying it)?
Image: sxc.hu
Take walks around your neighborhood and find natural objects you can learn about. Pick up trash as you [...]There seems to be concern that provisions in the proposed health care bills in Congress and promoted by President Obama will result in government /state control of our parenting and grandparenting. Are we ready for government agents to come into our home and “advise” us on our children and child [...]
Since I’ve dubbed this Picnic Theme Week for readers of my Blisstree Parenting posts, it’s an ideal time to mention kids cooking or family food preparation. Many picnic foods are fairly simple, so why not let the youngsters help or even do all the preparation?
Image: sxc.hu
Most kids beg [...]
When our daughter was young, we followed our trips on a United States map as we traveled. (There were no GPS maps at that time!) At home, we pinned the places we visited. It was fun to see all the states and areas we visited, hiked, camped, explored, and climbed [...]
When our daughter was young, we followed our trips on a United States map as we traveled. (There were no GPS maps at that time!) At home, we pinned the places we visited. It was fun to see all the states and areas we visited, hiked, camped, explored, and climbed [...]
Do any of your children select colors for their clothes that simply give you the willies? Do you select colors for them they simply hate and refuse to wear?
Image: sxc.hu
That’s because all of us have certain colors that look well on us, due to our skin tones, [...]
Do any of your children select colors for their clothes that simply give you the willies? Do you select colors for them they simply hate and refuse to wear?
Image: sxc.hu
That’s because all of us have certain colors that look well on us, due to our skin tones, [...]
As I wrote about our Travel Theme this week, I recalled some of the memorable trips my husband and I made with our daughter. Some were enjoyable and others weren’t so much fun. But they all made memories.
Image: sxc.hu
When Beth was 10 months old, [...]
As I wrote about our Travel Theme this week, I recalled some of the memorable trips my husband and I made with our daughter. Some were enjoyable and others weren’t so much fun. But they all made memories.
Image: sxc.hu
When Beth was 10 months old, [...]
This week our theme is Travel, and that can take on many aspects. You might travel locally, as we discussed in Week 1 of the Summer Theme Weeks. Or you may be undertaking a longer venture.
Image: sxc.hu
If your summer involves traveling, do you need activities to keep [...]
While we, as parents, take it for granted that we must make safety for our children a priority, we sometimes resent the changes to our homes when a parent comes to live with us. Perhaps they’re ill, have arthritis, have failing eyesight, are developing Alzheimer’s as my mom did, or [...]
While we, as parents, take it for granted that we must make safety for our children a priority, we sometimes resent the changes to our homes when a parent comes to live with us. Perhaps they’re ill, have arthritis, have failing eyesight, are developing Alzheimer’s as my mom did, or [...]
Throughout our lives, we’ll encounter different types of parenting that mark eras.
Image: sxc.hu
Our parents caring for us Caring for our children Involvement with our grandchildren Overseeing our parents’ care or needs Caring for other family members, of various ages, who have become our responsibility.Throughout all of these eras will come various [...]
