Tips for Mothers--Step-moms

Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.

STEP-MOMS

These situations are a challenge, but are more so the older the child. Younger children are more open to change, as they haven't experienced years of traditions and schedules. Here are some tips to help step-moms handle life with their new families.

• Discuss upcoming changes as much as possible beforehand so children can ask questions and be prepared. Don't surprise children with major changes.
• Be patient. Some children will accept you immediately. Others will be wary or angry. Accept what it is at the start, then slowly work to change their perception of you.
• Don't try to buy their affection. They will just demand more and more from you. as the months go by.
• Enlist the support of your spouse when disciplining the children.
• Do not go against the decisions of your spouse without discussing it first, unless you feel the child's personal safety is at risk.
• Always check with your spouse before promising the children anything. They may be playing you against each other.
• Check with the biological mother and step-father on important matters. Again, the children may be telling different stories to each set of parents.
• Your spouse has the final say with his children, so respect that, But also expect from him that he will listen to your opinion on all matters, especially in those where you differ.
• Accept that your spouse will sometimes side with his children instead of you. Time and experience will eventually work matters out. Be open and discuss these differences with your spouse.
• Don't expect your family to welcome them with open arms at their first meeting. Keep your step-children in the front of their minds, though, without being insistent or obtrusive.
• Never assume to replace their biological mother. Even if they had a poor relationship with her, let them .
• Love the children as if they were your own.

Organizing Toddlers

Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.

MOMS OF TODDLERS

• There are new places to 'babyproof' in your home, now that your little one is mobile and reaching higher. Get down to his/her eye level to see what dangers or temptations are present.
• They are off before you realize it! Keep a close eye on them at all times.
• Have alarms on doors to your patio if you have a pool. Or keep the door securely locked, even when you are home.
• All family members (adults, older siblings and grandparents) MUST cooperate with your safety rules and issues. One slip, and there could be serious consequences.
• Use furniture that is small and low, designed just for their size.
• Do not place any furniture under windows.
• Secure furniture to walls, just in case they decide to practice their climbing skills.
• They grow fast at this age. As you do laundry, rotate out their clothes, packing away (or donating) items they have outgrown. Anything seasonal this year will not fit them next year.
• Keep a hamper in their closet or bedroom. Teach them early to use it.
• Always have an extra set or two of clothes with you when you travel, no matter how short the trip.
• Keep them stimulated by rotating out their toys. Pack some away for a month or two, then bring them out and put others away. It will be like Christmas all year round.
• Donate toys that no longer hold their interest, no matter how much YOU like it.
• Enroll them in preschool for socialization, or arrange playdates with other moms of tots in the area.

May is for Mothers!

Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child every day brings new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.

FIRST-TIME MOMS

This is perhaps the most difficult of all stages, since these moms are brand new at this. They are facing the unexpected. They are being trusted with a new life, yet have no idea exactly what lies ahead.

Here are some tips for new moms:
• Other moms are great resources for you. Ask away!
• But... don't listen to everything everybody tells you. You can get conflicting or incorrect information. You are different, your circumstances are unique. Take what is useful and discard the rest.
• Your physician is your ultimate resource. They know more about you and your pregnancy than any of your friends.
• Read up and attend classes.
• Find a support group if you have any special needs such as multiple births or illness.
• Whatever your due date is, have the nursery done at least a month before that. You never know if that little one will come early.
• Don't buy every new gadget that's out there before the baby comes. Start with the basics and add as needed.
• Do not buy used equipment without checking for recalls. Is saving a few dollars worth your child's life?
• Cook several meals ahead of time and place them in your freezer. You won't have the time or energy to cook when you get home from the hospital.
• Discourage visitors your first few days home. You will need the time to bond with your child and get some well-needed rest.
• Start childproofing early. Babies surprise you with their progress!

There are too many topics to cover in one short blog entry. Check out the Gerber site for more information and advice from the pros.

It's Springtime--Time for New Beginnings!

It’s springtime. The snow is finally receding, and perhaps even gone for the season. You are hopeful for those long summer days and lazy evenings. But if you are a homeowner, spring also brings responsibilities. There are many chores that need to be done around the house to keep it in tip-top shape.

Appliances:

• Uncover your air conditioning unit. Have it serviced and checked. Change the air filter on the furnace if this is not part of the service.
• Defrost your freezers. Toss any old food.
• Clean your refrigerators, including the coils outside, and vacuuming underneath. Toss any old food.
• Clean out your dryer vent all the way to the outside. Make sure the vent is properly covered on the outside of the house. You want air flow, but need to keep critters out.
• Clean your oven/stove thoroughly. This includes lifting the top and moving the unit away from the wall to vacuum.
• Drain your water heater. Is the water rust-colored? This may indicate damage on the inside.
• Open your dishwasher and scrub the inside, including gaskets and drain. Remove any large food particles or debris that have accumulated. Then place a cup of vinegar on the top shelf and run the (empty) dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible to sanitize.
• Run vinegar through your coffee maker to sanitize it.
• Empty your toaster/toaster oven of crumbs and wash thoroughly.

Don't spend your summer making repairs on your home that could have been prevented with careful maintenance.

It's Spring! A Time for New Beginnings!

It’s springtime. The snow is finally receding, and perhaps even gone for the season. You are hopeful for those long summer days and lazy evenings. But if you are a homeowner, spring also brings responsibilities. There are many chores that need to be done around the house to keep it in tip-top shape.

We continue our April series with general home maintenance:

General home maintenance:
• Replace burnt out light bulbs.
• Launder winter clothing or take in for dry cleaning.
• Take fur coats to cleaners for summer storage.
• Clean leather boots and winter boots for storage.
• Go through hats/mittens and discard any mismatched items.
• Take wool sweaters in for cleaning. Launder washable sweaters.
• Pack away winter clothing and pull out spring/summer clothes.
• Have your carpets/floors cleaned.

Next week: Appliances

It's Springtime! A Time for New Beginnings!

It’s springtime. The snow is finally receding, and perhaps even gone for the season. You are hopeful for those long summer days and lazy evenings. But if you are a homeowner, spring also brings responsibilities. There are many chores that need to be done around the house to keep it in tip-top shape.

We continue our April series with the yard and garden:

• Clear garden beds of leaves, protective layers from the fall. Remove cones from roses/plants.
• Clean branches and other debris from your yard.
• Cut down plants that weren’t trimmed in the fall. Check gardening resources before trimming or digging up any plants so they aren’t damaged.
• Pull out your rain barrels and place them under your downspouts.
• Dethatch and aerate your lawn to encourage growth.
• Prepare vegetable beds for planting.
• Bring in your lawnmower for servicing.
• Re-seal your deck. Check for loose and warped boards. Repair as necessary.

Next week: General Home Maintenance

It's Springtime--A Time for New Begninnings!

It’s springtime. The snow is finally receding, and perhaps even gone for the season. You are hopeful for those long summer days and lazy evenings. But if you are a homeowner, spring also brings responsibilities. There are many chores that need to be done around the house to keep it in tip-top shape.

Let’s start outside the home:

• Clean out gutters from leaves. Keep them clean during the spring when seeds and buds start to fall. Consider investing in leaf guards for your gutters, especially if you have a lot of trees in your yard.
• Make sure downspouts are clear and free to drain.
• Check your roof and flashings for damage. Alternate freeze/thaw cycles over the winter can cause water to build up under shingles.
• Make an appointment to have your sprinkler system turned on for the year.
• Make an appointment to have your swimming pool cleaned and checked for damage.
• Power wash your siding, patio, deck, garage floor, etc.—anything that is dirty and dingy from the winter.
• Wash the winter grime from your windows.
• Check bicycles and sporting equipment. Does anything need replacement or repair?
• Check brick walkways/driveways and concrete sidewalks for cracks and bulging. Repair as needed.
• Have your asphalt drive seal-coated. A good company will also check for cracks/holes, etc. and repair as necessary.

Next week: Your yard and garden