Video Game Fitness. Having Fun with the Kids and Getting in Shape

wii fit

Using fitness video games to motivate parents and get fitness ideas to incorporate a daily workout routine.

The new year is the time to start making goals and many of us make a resolution surrounding fitness and getting healthy. Year after year we say, "I'm going to lose 20 pounds this year and start working out." Then reality sets in and we start to question how we're going to accomplish that goal.  If you are anything like me, and have little time, the excuses start. I don’t want to join a gym. It’s too cold outside to start running. I can't possibly wake up any earlier in the morning. I ... Continue Reading

Raising Responsible Children: 5 Common Causes of Irresponsible Behavior in Kids

responsible behavior

Parents can make the difference in responsible or irresponsible behavior in their kids. Read 5 common causes for your child acting out.

Winston Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” The benefits of responsible behavior will help your child throughout her life. From good grades to successful romantic relationships, responsibility can positively impact virtually every area of your child’s life. So what’s a parent to do with an irresponsible child? There are several common causes of irresponsible behavior among children. If your child frequently exhibits behavior that is more irresponsible than ... Continue Reading

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Developing Life Skills In The Family

Mother and son enjoying autumn in park

Self esteem, responsibility and communication skills can be taught to our children most effectively in a family setting.

Every parent wants their children to grow up into healthy, well adjusted, functioning adults.  This is not a result that can be left to chance.  There are many ways you can help your children to develop life skills through family interaction that will help them in school and when they leave home. Self esteem, responsibility and communication are three areas that can be fostered in a family setting. Self Esteem Self esteem is essential for a child to reach their full potential.  If ... Continue Reading

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Making Housecleaning Fun

kid cleaning

Cleaning house doesn’t have to be a chore, and with these great tips you can make cleaning a fun activity for you and your little ones.

Every parent can attest that having young children means more messes, and more clutter. The increase in housework can cause parents to stress about the chores, and they start to miss out on personal time or playtime with the kids. However, once your kids reach the age of mobility and following simple commands you really don’t have to forgo your hobbies or miss out on time with your little ones in the name of a neat house. Instead, a simple solution to having a clean house is getting them ... Continue Reading

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“Mommy, I’m Ugly!” — Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem (Part 2)

girl mirror

The second in a series of steps to take to build your child’s self-esteem.

… written by Ava Parnass and Jessica Marr.   Self-esteem, as you read in previous post , comes and goes — sometimes all of us feel good about ourselves and sometimes we don’t. Therefore, what we really need to teach our kids is resilience, so that they develop the skills to overcome their “Rabbit Hole” moments and reclaim their self-esteem. Here are the first 3 steps from the previous article to take when your child says the dreaded words, “I’m ugly”: Step 1: ... Continue Reading

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Create Your Family’s Holiday Tradition

christmas tree family

It’s never too late to create new holiday traditions for your family.

I adore the holidays; the sights, smells and the warm fuzzy feelings.  With the current economy, now is a great time to bring back the real reason for the holidays (which is not retail shopping). Our children's favourite things about the holidays are not the gifts ... no, really!  Their favourite things are the traditions we have made together as a family.  They talk about the foods, activities and yearly activities.  Here are a few ideas that might work for your family. Start the ... Continue Reading

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Blog of the Week: 3rd Culture Children

3rdculturechildren

The SocialMoms Blog of the Week is 3rd Culture Children – where Raquel shares her love of travel and parenting.

Congratulations to 3rd Culture Children: the SocialMoms Blog of the Week! As someone who has done very little travel in my lifetime, I'm always fascinated by travel blogs, and this is no exception. I love that Raquel is able to talk about parenting while sharing the aspects of their travels to a variety of countries across the globe. SM: What was your inspiration for starting 3rd Culture Children We are a traveling family, with the US Foreign Service.  I initially began the blog to ... Continue Reading

Tips for First Time Skiing

Happy family resting on ski resort.

Going skiing can be daunting – for both children and parents. Follow these trips for a great ski trip.

For both parents and children, going skiing for the first time can seem daunting. But the potential rewards are so great that most families who ski together can’t wait till their next trip to the mountain. Clothes The key to your ski clothes is to dress in layers. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so you want to be able to peel off or add on a layer. Wear one good pair of socks and bring a spare pair of socks for every member of the family. We swear by Smartwool ski socks ... Continue Reading

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How To Get Through The Holidays with a Happy Baby

Adorable Boy ready for Christmas

Steps for keeping your baby happy and comfortable so you can feel more relaxed throughout the holiday season.

You looked forward to your baby's first holiday season. It was to be a magical time of picture perfect festivities. However, your little bundle of joy is wailing and clings to you with a steel grip when anyone tries to hold him. How will you survive a holiday gathering without a happy baby? Breathe deeply and take comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  Others have experienced the same let down, exasperating experience.  Here's some pointers on how to handle your baby's crankiness ... Continue Reading

Finding Your Childs Talent and Activity

soccer kids

Learn the best steps for fostering your child’s favorite talent and activity.

Raising kids is hard work. And the only thing harder then raising kids, I think, is being a kid. Our children are bombarded with messages from the media, and their peers, about what they are supposed to like, how they are supposed to dress and what opinions they should have.  It is very important to teach our children a sense of "self" so they can not only form their own beliefs but feel secure enough in who they are to stick to them. In my personal experience, both in my childhood and ... Continue Reading

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