Parenting Blog

Book A Brighter Future with Macy’s and Reading Is Fundamental!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:23:00 GMT

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Macy’s has a great deal for parents that will not only save them some money, but enable them to contribute to a worthy cause! Through the Book A Brighter Future initiative, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and Macy's have teamed up to raise awareness of and support for children's literacy. How can you help? Through August 1, 2010, Macy's customers can give $3 to this cause and receive a coupon for $10 off one purchase of $50 or more at any Macy's store nationwide....(read more)

Vision and Eyeglasses for Children

Susan Heim on Parenting — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Guest post by Hillary Rubin When I was in elementary school, I told my parents I needed glasses. My dad thought it was because I wanted to look just like my older sister who had just gotten glasses . In reality, I actually needed glasses. My 3rd grade teacher confirmed for my parents that I was squinting a lot just to see the board. One eye exam later, I had new eyeglasses ... that looked just like my older sister’s frames. Children often have a hard time communicating their thoughts and feelings,...(read more)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Enter if You Dare! (Review and Giveaway)

Susan Heim on Parenting — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:18:00 GMT

Many people are fascinated by the unusual and bizarre things of this world, from two-headed lizards to sword-swallowing to tiny people! And Ripley’s Believe It or Not definitely leads the pack in uncovering and showcasing the strangest stories around the globe. One way in which they do this is through their annual “Yearbook of the Weird.” Each year, they put out a huge hardcover book with fascinating stories and photos that are guaranteed to shock and entertain. This year’s offering is no different....(read more)

Help Prevent Lice Outbreaks with Lice Shield Products

Susan Heim on Parenting — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:35:00 GMT

Lice! It’s a word that no parent wants to hear. If your kids are in school or go to camp, you’ve probably received a letter at one point announcing that someone was sent home with lice and to watch for signs of lice on your child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are between 6 million and 12 million head-lice infestations in the U.S. every year, mostly in kids between the ages of three and twelve. These little buggers can be extremely hard to get rid of, so prevention is key....(read more)

Promoting Good Brain Health by Minimizing Lead Exposure

Susan Heim on Parenting — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:18:00 GMT

Learning disabilities and ADHD are two of the most common and widely recognized lead effects. And both are outcomes that can easily be prevented. Guest post by Dr. Sandra Cottingham, co-author of LEAD BABIES School-aged children begin to rhyme words, learn the alphabet or notice when the words start with the same sound. These skills are early signs that the brain is functioning as it needs to and that all is well. When young learners struggle with these types of tasks, it is our first clue that the...(read more)

Avery Dennison Celebrates Teachers with a National Sweepstakes!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:46:00 GMT

School budgets are being cut across the country, and often that means a shortage of supplies for the classroom. The non-profit organization, World Vision, has found that teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money each school year on supplies for their students. Avery Dennison Office Products Company is launching a national sweepstakes to help ease this burden on teachers. From now until September 15, 2010, teachers can go to www.avery.com/teachersweeps every day and enter to win the following...(read more)

Products to Promote Healthy Sleep for Babies (and Snooze Wrap Giveaway)

Susan Heim on Parenting — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:35:00 GMT

Sleep! It’s the #1 issue I hear about from parents of infants. They want to know how to help their baby sleep better (and, consequently, help themselves get some sleep!), but in a way that’s safe and doesn’t put their child at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A company called sootheTIME has been working with pediatric specialists, along with First Candle and CJ Foundation, to help increase awareness and reduce the incidence of SIDS. One of the ways in which they are doing this is through...(read more)

Discover the Forest: Head Outdoors This Summer!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:55:00 GMT

For the past several summers, I’ve written about the USDA Forest Service’s initiative, Discover the Forest , because I think it’s so important to get kids out of the house and into the great outdoors. Now that the kids are out of school, this is a perfect time to head to a national forest, wildlife sanctuary or park. So, where do you start? Just go to www.DiscoverTheForest.org to find… • An excellent, easy-to-use “nature finder” tool where you can type in your zip code and find the nearest forest,...(read more)

My New Favorite Musical Group: Alpha Rev!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:28:00 GMT

Have you ever listened to a new CD and loved it instantly? That happened to me recently with Alpha Rev’s debut CD, New Morning . Check out this video of the title song. Wow! I was surprised to learn that Alpha Rev was actually formed in 2005, but they are just now releasing their first album. Their songs have been featured in various television series, including Melrose Place, NYC Prep , and Greek . The members of Alpha Rev include singer and lyricist Casey McPherson, Derek Dunivan (guitar), Tommy...(read more)

Hurry for Your Free Squiz Cards!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:52:00 GMT

I recently ran across an amazing deal on Twitter ! For a limited time, Squiz Cards is offering 50 Squiz Cards plus a dispenser for free! What are Squiz Cards? They’re like little calling cards or business cards that come in a waterproof dispenser, which you can attach to your keychain, belt loop, or bag. Just hand one to new acquaintances, and they now have a way of contacting you! There are THOUSANDS of templates to choose from, or you can even upload your own! You get to pick the font style, size...(read more)

The Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzle: It’s Both a Puzzle and an Art Project!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:04:00 GMT

My kids and I are huge puzzle fans. I’ve always loved doing jigsaw puzzles, and now my twins like them, too. When they’re getting a little crazy in the house, especially on a rainy day, I know that I can always settle them down with a fun puzzle or two. We recently put together a new puzzle that has a unique twist: you can draw on it with chalk! The Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzle, from the Lafayette Puzzle Factory, adds another layer to the fun of puzzling because not only do you get to put it together,...(read more)

Pop On Pals: A Whole New World of “Popabilities” for Toddlers

Susan Heim on Parenting — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:07:00 GMT

When children are between the ages of 2 and 4, their imagination really starts to kick in! This is a great time to begin to give them toys that will encourage their creativity. I have a suggestion: Pop On Pals ! These playsets and vehicles are designed with toddlers in mind. They are sized to fit toddlers’ little hands, help them develop fine motor skills, encourage imaginative play, and come with lights, sounds, and music to entertain them! I was sent the Pop On Pals Amusement Park playset for review....(read more)

Teddy Bears Personalized Giveaway and Discount!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:27:00 GMT

I recently wrote about the beautiful personalized teddy bear I got for my son, Austen, at Teddy Bears Personalized . You may recall that they have the most wonderful high-quality stuffed animals that can be personalized with a name or message. Here’s the one we received: It’s hard to believe, but it’s even more adorable in “person” than it is in the photo. Now the very generous people at Teddy Bears Personalized are offering you a discount, plus the opportunity to win your very own Funky Friend!...(read more)

Fix Droopy Drawers in a Snap with Dapper Snappers!

Susan Heim on Parenting — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMT

When I was a kid, I was a Skinny Minnie. I was called names like Skeleton and Bones because I was so thin. Kids used to say that I was going to blow away in the next strong wind. I ate well and was healthy, but I was just built small. Whenever we bought jeans, my mom would get out her sewing machine and sew big “darts” in the waistband of my pants or skirts so they wouldn’t fall down. I’m now the mother of four sons, and they’re all thin, too. My twins are now six, and I usually buy their jeans at...(read more)

Generation Cures: Kids Helping Kids + Zebrafish Book Giveaway

Susan Heim on Parenting — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:52:00 GMT

At my son’s high school, they are required to do community service as a requirement for graduation. I think this is such an excellent idea. It’s so important for kids to develop empathy for others and to realize that they really are capable of changing the world through their actions. Many students volunteer at hospitals or libraries. My son captained a team that participated in the Relay for Life to fight cancer. I wish that all children could experience the satisfaction of helping others. Another...(read more)