Red Cross Certified Baby Sitters Course

Great News!!!

It's Here!!!!   If you have a child between 11 and 15 who is either a big brother or sister or interested in making some mula baby sitting this summer, then this is a must take course.  During the short 7 hour course over two weekends participants can expect to learn how to care for children to infants, perform basic child-care skills, handle bedtime and discipline issues, care for common injuries and emergencies such as choking, burns, cuts and bee stings as well as communicate effectively with parents. 

Don't delay, click on the link below now for more info and to sign up.  Class space is limited!!!!
redcrossbabysittercourse.com


PS:   If you are on the fence here is another reason to sign up now.
SIGN UP TODAY AND SAVE $25.  

Baby Sittting Classes

Calling all locals to Garrison!!!
My colleague and I will be running a Red Cross Babysitting certification class late in June right here in Garrison NY.  As of now it looks like June 22nd.   If you or somebody you know is interested please pass on.  I will be posting more information on this soon.  The class is not only great and necessary to those who are interested in babysitting, but offers an abundance of information for those older siblings who may be expecting a new brother or sister or those responsible for siblings while parents enjoy some much needed alone time.

Look for more information soon.
Todd

Summer Camp

With a much needed rainy  then sunny day here in Garrison, Its that time of year to start thinking about summer camps and if your child is lucky enough to go to a sleep away camp see below for some great ideas on packing.

5 Ways to Save Space and Money Packing for Summer Camp

Summer camp can already be very expensive, so finding ways to reduce packing costs is important to many parents.  Fortunately there are many techniques that can make packing easier on your mind and wallet.  These tips may help you save space, money and time, while still allowing your kid to bring everything they need to have an amazing time at summer camp.

1.        Kids Robes

Towels are often one of the bulkiest things that kids need to bring to camp.  Kids robes  http://www.funkidspajamas.com/bath-robes.html) can be a great alternative to towels.  Not only can they be used to dry your child off, but they also will cover them up on trips back from the shower.  Another benefit of robes is that if your child needs to make a late night trip to the bathroom, they can just throw on the robe.  This way they won’t be fumbling around looking for clothes and waking up their cabin mates.  On nights where the temperature drops, the robes can also double as a blanket. To save even more space when packing, use the soft robe to wrap and protect any delicate objects you are bringing along. 

2.       Consider shipping their luggage

If your child is flying to summer camp or if you are driving them and running out of space in your car, shipping their luggage can give you more room and help you save money.  Bulk shipping rates may be more than the baggage fees at airlines, however shipping has many advantages.  For example, you have someone else lugging and tugging everything around for you with door to door delivery, and your baggage is less likely to get lost.

3.        Shop online

Shopping for summer camp supplies online can make comparing prices and getting the best deals easier, while also saving you the gas and time it would take to go to stores.  Since anything you buy online will need to be shipped, you may as well send it straight to camp.  This way you can save space in their duffel bags to pack more things they may need.  This works great for bulky items, like bedding sets, or things that are awkward to pack, like a fishing rod.

4.       Zip-off shorts

These may be some of the best summer camp clothes that exist.  Not only does each pair of zip-offs give your child two outfits, it also saves you from buying and packing an extra pair of shorts.  If your kid is going on a backpacking or camping trip where they cannot carry much, zip off shorts are a great way for them to keep comfortable without weighing themselves down.

5.       Consider upgrading to first class

If your child is flying to summer camp, chances are they will need to pay baggage fees.  If they have two or more bags, these fees can add up to huge amounts.  If your child is going to bring multiple bags, carefully check the airlines bag policies.  On many airlines, you can bring two bags for free by flying first class.  While buying a first class ticket may be expensive, upgrading from coach is sometimes very reasonably priced.  If the baggage fees are more than the upgrade, you may even be able to save money by having your child fly in style.

Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to get out and enjoy nature while making new friends.  Parents often enjoy it too because they get a little more freedom in their day and a chance to catch up on their work or personal lives.  Tips like these can help your kid gets what they need for camp, without breaking the bank.

 

Hope this offers a great start to preparing for camp.

Enjoy

Todd

 

Holiday Cheer / Last Minute Gifts

It's a wet nasty day here in the Hudson Valley, but that's not going to bring me down.  After a quick run in the rain, I'm ready to deliver for you.  Now that the holidays are here we often get busier than ever.  Running from school event to school event, The infamous work party to friends parties, to shopping and getting our nails, hair done to look our best for those we love. (ok, not me)  With all this madness, don't let the holidays pass you by without remembering the reason you decided to start a family.  Allow yourself to go back to the roots of your relationship.  Spending time with loved ones, visiting family and friends that you have not seen in awhile, partaking in special fun activities with your children to carrying on traditions or starting new ones. Whatever your cup of cheer is just do it with your family.  

As my oldest is now 11 it really hits home to how fast the years are flying by.  I have loved them all and hope you do as well.
Happy Holidays
Todd

PS:  Looking for that last minute gift to give to a loved one.  If so then don't miss out on giving the gift that will give back day after day.  And to think it will cost you less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  SO STOP READING and click below for your copy of Three Step Parenting. located on the right hand side of the page.  Only $2.99 during the time of giving.

http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/

Are you still reading, go now and enjoy your holidays that much more.

http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/

It's Friday!! Friday!!

Gotta get down on Friday!!

It's a beautiful Friday here in the Hudson Valley and after just finishing a feel great trail run, I'm ready to get down to business.

Today is all about not beating yourself up as a parent. 
For example:   You wake up and start preparing for the day.  You have outfits laid out, breakfast on the stove, your prompting your children to get ready, they are responding well  and then it happens.  Your youngest spills juice all over the breakfast table,  If that's not bad enough, the juice spills on 2 of your children ruining their outfit for the day.  Back to the closets to find new outfits, the bathroom to wash off the sticky and now you are running behind to get your children to school, you to work and your day is now beginning to feel like a rush.  At the worst times we all know that feeling all to well.
The moral of the story is sometimes you can do everything right and the end result is just not what you were expecting or hoping.   This type of scenario happens to parents all the time.  Don't beat yourself up over it.  Children are always learning and following examples of their parents, teachers etc.  By not sweating the small stuff your child will learn and pick up on that message as well.  Twenty years from now are you going to remember being late to drop them off at school that one time or is your boss going to remember you were 10 minutes late to work.  Probably not. 
Be patient and enjoy the time you have being a parent.  The end result will be much more rewarding to all parties involved.

To a beautiful weekend coming up.
Todd

Tips from Todd

It is a sunny Fall day here in New York and I'm ready to deliver some great advice. 

Do you often find yourself repeating commands at your children.  Do this!! Do that!! with no response at all.  Asking five times within 5 minutes.   If so try this Nifty little tip.  1. Make sure you have your child's full attention.  2.  Make eye contact. 3.  Verbalize your directions on what it is you need your child to do.   4. Set the kitchen timer or any timer available for 3 to 5 minutes.  5.  Do nothing until the timer goes off.

Children as well as adults often need a time period to process the information  delivered to them.  This technique will take the pressure off of you harping and put success or failure on your child.  Practice this when you have enough time to discuss what it is you are doing.  Never practice when you are already in a rush.  After 8 to 10 times of practice and delivering you will find success.

Todd

Good Morning

GOOD MORNING!!!
Finally, a great sun shiny day here in New York, With another action packed weekend with fun I will make this tip short and sweet. 

This may sound like an easy tip, but not always so. With that being said today's tip is to Wake Up With A Positive Attitude.

Greet each member of your family as they wake up with a smile, a hug and a GOOD MORNING Greeting!

This may not always be easy to do when your child comes in your room each morning at 6am, when you would much rather have a 6:30 wake up call!

I realized this the hard way as my very happy, eager to start his day son would constantly come in our room so happy to see his parents and was greeted by cranky, miserable parents. After much discussion between us we really felt awful about greeting (or lack of), our son this way - was this really how we wanted our son to feel first thing in the morning? We have compromised by allowing our son to come cuddle with us for a couple minutes before we head downstairs to start the day and we all feel much better about beginning the day!

Keep Smiling

Todd