You are here: Home / Archives for KimmieJ

About KimmieJ

Married, new mom, full time teacher and part-time writer, embracing motherhood with both hands! KimmieJ

Protecting Your Child’s Identity

February 22, 2012 | Written By: | Leave a Comment

As I was getting ready for work this morning an interesting news clip on the television caught my attention. The news report spoke about the increased number of reports coming in from the IRS about children’s identity theft (especially in babies). The report also shared that parents usually don’t know of any problems until tax season…when the IRS return is rejected!

Whether its tax season or not it’s our job as parent to KNOW what is the best ways to protect our child’s identity.

How to prevent identify theft of your child?

  1. Do not share your child’s social security number with anyone! I know many times family members want to contribute to college savings plans like 529’s or pre-paid state college plans. If you’re going to release this information to family members, make sure it’s kept very safe.
  2. When you get your child’s social security card in the mail, keep it somewhere safe
  3. Watch your back…if you’re on your cell phone with a financial institution be very careful who is around
  4. Read every piece of your mail. If you start to receive mail with your child’s name on it from collection agencies or for bills or phone calls for your child. These are a few red flags.

To prevent identity theft; it’s recommended to check your child’s credit every few years. Unfortunately, if your child is under the age of 13 you CAN NOT get this information online. You have to request this information in writing via certified mail with a return request receipt. Your letter needs to include identification of yourself to prove you are the parent/legal guardian of the child you’re requesting the information. A copy of driver’s license is sufficient. For your own person records keep track of the date you requested and sent the certified letter. You have to contact each credit bureau-Experian, Equifax and TransUnion individually.

What to expect in return? Hopefully…NOTHING!!! The credit bureaus usually do not have information on children less than 13 years of age. This is exactly what you want to hear; that they don’t have record of your child on file.
Requesting Information from Credit Bureau:
Experian, visit their website and fill out form to request documentation.

Send request to:
Experian
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion has a form online to fill out for request
Equifax no form necessary.

Equifax Minor Child Department
P.O. Box 105139
Atlanta, Georgia 30348

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , ,

Bringing out the Mad Scientist in Your Child

February 21, 2012 | Written By: | Leave a Comment

As parents we have the power to steer our children’s minds in the direction of being closed or open minded to new things.  We are their first foundation to view the world. They pick up our expressions and feeling s of excitement from us.  They can also feel and read our negative energy levels. What can be more rewarding than watching your child’s face light up when you do a really cool science experiment?

Science Fair season is here! Science and technology is all around us. Just look in your purse and pull out your iPhone.  AH ha! You found the invention from a computer genius Steve Jobs as he went after his dreams. Exposing our children to inspirational people and minds helps to motivate them to achieve more.

How do I get my child to think like a scientist? Talk to your child and keep scientific terms and vocabulary repetitious. Sharpen up your skills and pull out that old high school Science 101 textbook and refresh yourself on key vocabulary terms. They may seem like really big words for your toddler, but remember they are little sponges and you’ll be amazed in time what they’ve learned.

Now how can you encourage science in your children?

  1. Look at the world as an open canvas.  No matter the age of your child point out and talk with them about what you see. “Look, at the ice in the glass. Watch how it melts with the warm temperature.” You want to stimulate your child’s mind.  Real world example: Summer will be here before we know it.  Everyone loves a nice popsicle on a hot summer day. This is a great “real world” example of ice melting (change of state in matter from solid to liquid).
  2. If your child has a question….answer it. As you continue to answer your child’s questions, you will spark their interests.
  3. Even the most difficult questions always need answers…. Just Google it!  Google is an amazing resource.
  4. Do hands on experiments. Real World example: Consider your Easter eggs….it a mixture of vinegar and food coloring.
  5. Explore your own backyard! Collect leaf samples and try to figure out what it’s name is!
  6. Visit a local science museum, planetarium
  7. Visit a local zoo….discuss habitats, and animal classifications

Before you know it your child’s world is immersed with Science.

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , ,

Baby Sleep Training Methods

January 25, 2012 | Written By: | 2 Comments

Need Some Sleep?  Let’s just say…I don’t know since about the beginning of the last trimester of pregnancy, you haven’t slept well. Don’t you love it when people walk up to you at 35 weeks pregnant and they ask “How are you feeling?” The first thing that runs through your head is “Like crap thanks!” My best friend told me “once you get pregnant you’ll never sleep well again, oh for about the next 18 years.” Now that I’m a mother, I believe every word of her statement. Ok, so we had the huge Prego- body pillow that made sleeping somewhat enjoyable, but that was not enough.

Now your newborn is home and life as you know it is all of out wack. Trying to get your new baby into a routine with feeding and sleeping at times can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips to get you some much needed zzzzzzz’s. There is a light at the end of the tunnel…beginning at 3 months!

Have you considered Sleep Training your Baby?

This is a routine of helping your baby getting to sleep and most importantly stay asleep. During the first three months your newborn needs to eat every few hours. To keep yourself from sleep deprivation, sleep when your baby is asleep.

Before you decided to start sleep training consult with your pediatrician. Every baby is unique some may need a bit more time than others. Sleep training usually begins as the night feedings decrease. This will allow your baby to sleep a nice span of 8-12 hours.

Idea #1 Cry it out (aka the Ferber Method)

Placing your baby in the crib awake and letting them fall asleep on their own. Your baby will cry, comfort your baby, but DO NOT pick up your baby. Ferber believes that “in order for babies to fall asleep on their own and sleep through the night babies have to learn to soothe themselves.”

Idea#2 No Tears (William Sears author of The Baby Sleep Book)

Provides a sleep training method with a gradual approach; if the baby cries parent will comfort immediately. “Be prepared for one style of nighttime parenting to work at one stage of an infant’s life yet need a change as he enters another stage.”

Idea #3 Don’t Control Bed Time (Tracy Hogg, author Secrets of the Baby Whisperer)

Babies are looking to their parents to be the leaders and to teach them. A good nightly routine of consistency is important. “Sleep problems are common because so many parents don’t realize that they, not their babies, must control bedtime.”

As stated before every baby is unique especially if this is your second or third. More importantly each of us as mothers are different. We have unique personalities like our babies. I recommend that you at least check out these ideas. You may use some aspects of one and not the other. However, I will stress the earlier you start a routine the better it will be for YOU mom!

Babies and children love routines, make it fun and a time for family bonding. For example: have fun with bath time, play with ducky, water toys and books. After lotion and put on those favorite pajamas, bottle feeding, and then read a bedtime story. Don’t be so quick to give up, just be patient. You will see in a few short weeks as your baby matures, they look and enjoy the new routine you have for them…Nighty, night.

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , ,

Passing on the love of Reading

January 20, 2012 | Written By: | 2 Comments

Ready for Reading
One of the most important parts of your baby’s development is their interest in Reading. It’s a skill that connects us with the world on so many levels. Think about….if you didn’t know how to read, you couldn’t write thank you notes, text message or send emails. Ah, now I got your attention.

Incorporate reading into your baby’s daily routine. I truly enjoy the bonding time of sharing a bedtime story with my baby. I am sending a strong message to him that reading is fun, relaxing and enjoyable.

In the beginning, babies just enjoy looking at colors and pictures. Next, they will develop an interest of the rhyming words. Finally, they’ll develop a love for books.

Here are some ideas to help encourage interest in Reading:

  • Select books that are age appropriate: hardcover, bold colors, realistic pictures.
  • Rhyming to help increase vocabulary
  • Three-dimensional books with textures and peek-a-boo flaps
  • Keep books accessible at all times
  • Bath time get waterproof books
  • Go to the library often
  • Share your favorite story book character with your child
  • Go to your local Scholastic Warehouse sale: twice a year you’ll find amazing deals. http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/

With all this said, the number one most important rule about reading is GETTING INTO CHARACTER! Babies and children love to hear the change of the inflection in your voice. For example if the story is about a silly old lady…Make an old granny voice while reading. Your child will feel your enthusiasm and react accordingly. Toddlers will develop a response of a smile or giggle. While the older children will respond with “Oh that’s just silly mom!”  By making the connections in your child’s imagination will only foster a love for reading. How can you not want to read more?

The benefits of reading are countless. I could go on for days throwing statistics at you, but I won’t. However, I will say this Kindergarten readiness! Mom’s that have or had kindergarteners know what I’m talking about. Your child’s success rate in school is all linked to Reading. The facts are the facts children that are successful in school are good readers.  They have developed a love and interest for reading. They have actively involved parents or other family members reading to them. They have lots of exposure to print. I they will be prepared to name their ABC’s.

I promise you, if you incorporate a minimum of just reading one story a day; you’d be amazed with the outcome.  It only takes a few minutes a day for a life time of results.

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Bargaining or Bribery Where do you Draw the Line with your Children

January 18, 2012 | Written By: | Leave a Comment

Picky eaters, stubborn kids….you name it parents truly have the stories to share about their little ones. As we all venture down this parental journey, it’s important that we don’t loose sight on the “big picture.” It does not matter if you’re married, divorced, single parent or just the baby sitter sometimes we find ourselves in a pickle. The pickle I’m referring to is not the one we eat, it’s the situation between BARGAIN or BRIBE!

We all love our children, but at times when we’re rattled it’s hard to think clearly and we just “give in” to their unrealistic wants or needs. For many women it can be trips to the grocery store or the mall. Children just know how and when to push our buttons. It’s like this timer goes off inside their little bodies. “Ok, fine you can have candy only if you sit still in the shopping cart.” The universal question is should parents bribe children to behave? The first thing we need to realize it there is a very distinct line between bargain and bribe.

Here are a few examples of bribes…

  • “Wow! You ate your broccoli! Now mommy will give you the new toy.”
  • “I’ll let you have cake for dinner if you promise to brush your teeth twice and use mouth wash.”
  • Mommy has a doctor’s appointment…“If you can sit quietly in the waiting room, I’ll get you McDonalds for lunch.”
  • “If you get a good grade on your math test we will go get ice cream after school”

Now here’s how you can turn these bribes into bargains…

  • “Wow! You ate your broccoli! Here’s a new pencil for school.”
  • ‘Thanks you for being well behaved at the doctor’s office. I was thinking of having a “Mommy and Me” picnic lunch today when we get home.”
  • “You finished all your homework early! Lets go for a bike ride.”

A bribe sets expectations to an unreasonable level and possible diversion of your routine. The negative part of bribery is that you don’t want your child to only focus on “what their going to get.” You don’t want your child to always think that they will be getting something tangible for good behavior. It’s all about them understanding that being good makes mommy and daddy very proud. Give your child a hug or a big smile after they do what you want.

A bargain expands on something you already do. Yes, a bribe is much easier because you give in to your child. However, it can take longer to transition your child to this type of new reality. Just be patient and stick with the bargain system. In just a few weeks your child will master one thing.

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Speech Milestones My Child is not talking yet?

November 15, 2011 | Written By: | Leave a Comment

Why Some Children Are Slow to Talk?

As mothers it seems like there is always something to worry about…. Ok, so maybe I should rephrase this; there is always something that we need to be on the lookout for. One of the most important is your child’s speech and language skills. A child’s first communication skill is their cry. As mothers we learned very quickly the difference between the “I need you cry,” the “I’m unhappy cry,” the “change my diaper cry,” and the “I’m hungry cry.” As they grow the communication of cry evolves into speech and language skills. It’s amazing to watch this first hand as children interact with the world around them.

As mothers it’s important for us to keep our children in social environments to promote speech and language skills. The slightest delay in language development could result in a negative outcome for your child. The slightest delay can have results of frustration, low self-esteem and lower social skills. The level of frustration can cause your child to regress and not want to speak in fear of doing something wrong.

As parents we need to encourage our children to play and socialize with people and children. The constant interaction of various age groups is good stimulation for your child. When your child is engaged in play with children of the same interest; they learn to communicate with them. This is an example of active social interactions.

During play children are exposed to words; the only way for your child to develop language properly is to use words regularly. It’s recommended to talk with your child at all times. Tell them what you’re doing. Start your morning routine off right with a “good morning.” The more repetition with speech patterns; the faster your child will see the pattern and pick up the language.

One common mistake is we forget the processing level of children. It takes them time to collect their thoughts and answer a question….don’t rush them. Children tend to be overwhelmed with too many words, too fast. Give them time to give you a response.

Many times children are not expected to respond to answers. This is very common for children in homes with older siblings or large families; they can be “sheltered from speech.” With this in mind it’s NOT recommended for parents to speak for their child. This will have a negative effect on their language development. The child will then realize that mom or their brother/sister will do the talking for them.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , , ,

Learning with Candy fun creative ways to teach

November 12, 2011 | Written By: | 1 Comment

Well, much to my surprise the holiday season is already in full swing…. Ah what? Yes, this afternoon I walked into a girls’ clothing store shopping for my niece’s birthday present and heard Christmas music. Ah!!!! It’s only November 12th and I still have bags of Halloween trick-or-treat candy around the house. The only thought that keeps running through my mind is “Wow-za I can’t believe we collected this much candy.”

Now I need a plan because; I don’t want the kids to eat it all. What is the quickest way to get rid of all this candy without the kids thinking that I don’t want them to have it? Ah ha! I need to create fun learning candy activities! The following is a list of at home ideas that are educationally sound and will help with the depletion of your candy supply.

Math: First, pour all your candy on the table and sort by kind of candy. Next, graph how many pieces you have of each kind. Last, with the graph data you can use Math terms (greater than >, less than < and equal to =, most, least)

Addition and subtraction activities: bag of Skittles+ bag of M&M’s=? Math vocabulary: sum, difference, addends, in all, altogether

Kit Kat bars: great activity for teaching your child to count by 2’s. Open the wrapper and use the two wafers to start counting 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…depending on the number collected you could eliminate pretty quickly.

Snickers miniatures: represent the shape of a cube (great geometry lesson) you can combine with Milky Way miniatures and play a game checkers.

Twizzlers: use to represent the science tool (measuring tape) since it bends. How many Twizzlers round is my waist? Yep, this one will take some time and a little creativity.

Twix bars: use to represent the science tool a (ruler). How many Twix bars long is my desk? How many Twix bars long is my pencil?

I’ve also included a list of “fun with candy or snack books” that you can check out from your local library or school Media Center.

Fraction skills: The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Fractions Book by Jerry Pallotta Use one large Hershey Milk Chocolate bar (represents 1 whole) and break into pieces as you read-along. You and your child will explore learn all about fractions.

Counting skills: The M&M Brand Counting Book by Barbara McGrath

Math Riddles: Skittles Riddles Math by Barbara McGrath. Sit down open a bag and laugh with learning Math.

Art activities: teacher your little one the colors of the rainbow (Roy G Biv) using M&M’s or Skittles candies. Also you can design a school flag with your favorite collegiate team.

Bags of popcorn: The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola is a great family story.

Hershey Kisses: A Book of Kisses by: Laura Rader. Even though this book is not about the candy; it’s nice to have Hershey Kisses to snack on while reading with your child.

If all else fails, in order to promote good dental health. I’ve heard of local dentist offices paying money to children for turning in their bags of candy.

Happy Learning!!!

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Separation Anxiety How to Deal with it

November 10, 2011 | Written By: | Leave a Comment

As your child’s first birthday rapidly approaches you tend to notice not only physical changes,  but more importantly his/her personality. The things you used to do in the past like (use the restroom while in their swing, or change the load of laundry while they sit in the play saucer) becomes quite trouble-some.  Your child’s new reaction to such events is now crying out or screaming.  These are the beginning signs of separation anxiety. Please DO NOT become alarmed! This is all a part of your child’s emotional development.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is very common for your child to have stages of clinginess and then independence.  This has often been referred to as “the first adolescent” because it represents your child’s emotional struggle with growing up and leaving you. Research states that the peak for separation anxiety is between 10-18 months. You will see it fade out by the end of the second year.

Helpful tips to get you and your child through this emotional period:

  • Reassurance, reassurance
  • Communicate with your child; let your child know you are going and that “you will be back.”
  • Try your best and find a compassionate caregiver. For first time mothers this can be a very heart breaking transition period. So, by having a knowledgeable and sensitive caregiver can make this transition process easy on you both
  • Spend time with your child at their daycare center or babysitters house. This will make for an easy transition.  Talk with your employer; maybe you can go in a few hours late one week, just to give you the opportunity to spend time with your child at their daycare.

To be fair every child is different. Some children may do well with just a big hug and kiss and others may have full blown dramatic outbursts. However, please remember try not to get frustrated and think this is something that you’re doing wrong. This is all NORMAL  and like my mother-in-law always says to me “this too shall pass.”

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , ,

Baby Proofing your home from Household Poisons

October 26, 2011 | Written By: | 1 Comment

The time has come when it’s time for me to start thinking about BABY-PROOFING my house with safety latches and locks.  My little one is getting the point were moving and grooving is a part of everyday life.  We’re not crawling just yet, but as each day passes the rolling and knee scooting is getting more defined.

As I begin to baby-proof my home I need to realize it’s not just about avoiding the ka-boom and big ouch from a fall off the couch. It’s also about making sure that my home is safe from poisonous materials.  I’ve been talking with family, friends and doing my own research. This truly is not a one night project. I really need to write down a plan of attack.

All of us with babies know that everything goes in their mouth! Statistics reveal that accidental poisonings occur in 1 million children under the age of 6 per year. To avoid becoming a statistic you need to go through your home and lock up any/all toxic materials. I hope this article helps you to identify those substances that are poisonous and how you need to react if your baby comes into contact.

Identifying poisonous substances:

I suggest make a map of your home. Plan to tackle one room a day/night. You’re going to want to write down anything you think might be toxic. Look everywhere, drawers, closets, and cabinets. Put these items in one location OUT OF YOUR CHILD’S REACH! If you find something that you’re not sure about call the American Association of Poison Control Center hot line at 800-222-1222.

How can I keep my child safe?

Tips#1 NEVER refer to medicine as candy. It’s recommended to not associate the two. We want to instill in our children that they don’t eat or drink anything without first asking mom or dad.  This way you can monitor the situation.

Tip #2 Try to buy household products that are less toxic (example non-chlorine bleach)

Tip#3 Installation of carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms. (These can be purchased at your local home improvement store.)

Tip #4 Keep the Poison Control Center phone number on your refrigerator for you and the baby sitter and on speed-dial on your phone. This way in case you go into a panic situation you already have a plan in place.

I also found this helpful list of hazardous substances and want to share it with you.

  • Prescription drugs
  • Personal cosmetics, mouthwash, baby oil, nail products
  • Cough and cold medicine
  • Cleaning products, toilet bowl cleaner, bleach, dish detergent
  • Prescription drugs
  • Pain relievers
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Household plants, especially philodendron and holly berries
  • Fruit seeds
  • Windshield washer fluid, paint thinner, kerosene, lighter fluids, antifreeze
  • Alcohol

So, you can see there is a lot to prepare. Although it seems overwhelming right now I will be able to rest easier knowing that my house is safe. Now the big question…. Do I go with latches or locks? Happy baby-proofing! If you don’t know where to start we suggest One Step Ahead and we have One Step Ahead Coupons that will save you money or get you free shipping.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , ,

Pumpkin Patch Memories

October 25, 2011 | Written By: | 1 Comment

Ah, fall is in the air.  What better way to welcome the arrival of the cooler weather than enjoying one of fall’s fun filled family festivities – going to the pumpkin patch!

This past weekend we took our little one for the first time to the local pumpkin patch. The thrill and excitement has been building in our house all week long. Much to our surprise; we were amazed at the turnout. The cars, vans and suvs lined the road both northbound and southbound for miles!! It’s so funny, because when the kids are this young it’s all about us the parents having a good time. We like to think that they’re truly enjoying themselves as much as we do.

We joined in with the hundreds of people all lined up for our pictures with the scarecrow, pumpkins and hay bale. It was so much fun to walk in the pumpkin patch and select our “perfect pumpkin.”  We saw all sorts of pumpkins!

Now, I’m not a pumpkin patch connoisseur, but this was a pretty amazing place with something for everyone in the family from young to old.  They had bounce houses, corn maze, haunted house, tracker rides, petting zoo, DJ, car wash, face painting, flea market vendors, and food vendors with two of my favorite’s homemade ice cream and apple cider. The ambiance of a true fall festival and pumpkin patch all in one!

This truly got my family and friends in the mood for fall.  Its times like this when it’s nice to sit back from my fast paced life and reflect on how the little things in life mean the most.  This past weekend, for me was spending quality time with those I love the most and truly making memories that will last a life time.

Filed Under: Family Life Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Older Posts

To the Top