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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

August 23, 2010 By Colleen Stout 5 Comments

It’s  not Christmas, but it’s almost as good as Christmas for Mom. It’s back-to-school time. Now that the kids are once again inside the Hallowed Halls of Knowledge you can :

1. Go to the bathroom. Alone.

2. Stop eating your secret stash of chocolate in the laundry room.

3. Waste all morning on Facebook.

4. Organize your closets. Or not.

5. Actually get your heart rate up while working out, because you won’t have to stop every two minutes to get someone a cookie.

6. Have cake for lunch. (The reason why you need number five.)

7. Read a book. That doesn’t have pictures.

8. Make a phone call. Without having a three-way conversation.

9. Sit on the couch with a cup of coffee, and get reacquainted with the pleasant sound of silence.

10. (The only thing better than number 1.) Go grocery shopping without an entourage.

Back To School Tips

August 11, 2010 By Mom Spark 5 Comments

guest post by Emily
child19

Can you hear that sound? It’s the collective cheering of parents who know school is getting ready to start. The beginning of the school year can be a hectic time. As a former elementary school teacher, I know that all too well. I also know how stressful it can be to worry about the teacher that is going to be spending an awful lot of time with your child. Here are some tips to having a great relationship with your child’s teacher.

Don’t gossip. Going behind the teacher’s back to other teachers or parents will put everyone in an uncomfortable position. And most of the time, it will get back to the teacher, making it even harder for you to get your point across.

Do be open and honest with the teacher. If you have concerns, talk to the teacher one on one first. If a principal or counselor needs to be involved, request that you all meet together. Remember to stay positive and not be defensive.

Don’t bombard the teacher with 1,000 things on back to school night. There is no need to discuss personal matters or give the child’s medical history. Monopolizing the teacher will only make him or her more stressed.

Do give the teacher a head’s up on anything major going on in your child’s life ( ie: divorce, a death in the family, etc) with a quick phone call or stopping by before or after school. You would be surprised at how many parents don’t do this! [Read more...]