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Homemade Baby Wipes – Disposable and Reusable

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Since we talked about diapers last week, I thought it only made sense to discuss the other part of that equation – the baby wipes. I do not know about you, but I used baby wipes for everything when my kids were still in diapers. And even after the diaper phase was over, I kept them on hand.

In addition to cleaning up my baby’s bottom, I would wipe down any messes on the changing station, wipe their messy faces from food or crafts and anything that was sticky. They were life savers.

Even as teenagers, I can still find uses for baby wipes. (They much prefer a baby wipe to my licking my finger to wipe off their faces. Don’t tell me I’m the only one who does that!)

Check the Ingredients

But let’s face it, just like the materials used in the various diapers can be hazardous to your baby’s skin, so can the ingredients in the publicly marketed baby wipes. Especially if you child has any allergies or skin sensitivities.

baby ready for diaper change

I high recommend you check the ingredients in your chosen wipe against the European Cosmetics Database for safety and warnings. I prefer the European database but the US industry also has a database as well as organizations like Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that strive to help regulate and protect the public from hazardous chemicals being included in personal care products.

Make Your Own

There is the alternative of making your own baby wipes. And I have found it to be far more economical and super easy to do. There are lots of recipes for them out there. Many include essential oils and all natural ingredients.

Here is a list of some of my favorites:

  • Wellness Mama offers some details on the chemicals in popular brands and an all natural recipe for baby wipes.
  • DIY Natural encourages making reusable wipes from old flannel shirts or even baby wipes.
  • Earth Mama Organics includes a video to make following her directions super easy.

 

 

The Cost, Quality and Convenience of Diapers

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Let’s talk about diapers. Every parent must consider the Cost, Quality and Convenience of Diapers.

The Cost

Diapering your child from birth through potty training can be expensive. No matter where you purchase them, what brand you use, the cost adds up.

There are ways to save though. You can:

  • Buy in bulk at your local warehouse store. (Sam’s Club carries a wide variety of options for all price points.)
  • Purchase from online retailers.
  • Use coupons at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Diapers and Wipe at Sams Club

The Quality

While cost is a big factor, using a quality diaper may trump cost is this one instance. Purchasing the diaper that works best for you and your little one can be dependent on several factors:

  • Your child’s skin. Sensitive skin and different skin types react differently to materials and our bodies’ waste. A little trial and error is required, but I found that a diaper that worked for one of my children, worked for the next as far as material goes.
  • The fit. Let’s face it, all bodies are shaped differently, even infants. And without the right diaper fit, you can be in for some exploding messes. If you think models require outfit changes, try an infant with a poorly fitting diaper.

Convenience

You would be remiss if you don’t consider all the options. In addition to the modern disposable diaper, you also have the option to use cloth diapers. And they have come a long way in the last few years. In addition, to being made of natural materials, you can add a layer of protection with a lined plastic cover.

But if convenience is important to you, you can not beat a disposable diaper. And with all the options to shop with free shipping, they can be delivered to your door within a couple of days. Just don’t forget to order them…midnight runs out for diapers are not something any parent wants to experience.

 

Entertaining Children on a Budget

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My youngest two children are now 13 and 14. When they were newborns, I always bemoaned the fact that they didn’t come with a manual.

And now that I look back, I think I could write a novel on “advice I wished I had listened too.” And why!

One of the most expensive failures was my desire for my children to have the latest and greatest, the most colorful, the most entertaining toys. Christmas and birthdays were insane!

Here are my top 10 tips for entertaining your children. These are not only important for your budget, but also for raising well-balanced (read, less spoiled children.)

Infants

1. They don’t need it. Don’t buy the toys or the fancy dressings for their rooms. They can’t focus on them. Instead, read to them, sing to them, dance with them. Seriously, clothe them, feed them and spend time with them. Nothing else necessary.

Toddler and Preschoolers

2. Wrap the box. Let them play with the box. No toys necessary. No bells or whistles. They will climb in it, scribble on it, even drum on it. Let their imagination go wild.

empty box

3. Play peak a boo, play hide and seek, roll the ball and even toss the ball into the box. Chase them, tickle them and let them learn to climb on the couch and up the stairs. Supervise them but let them start to branch out a bit.

4. Continue to read to them, sing to them and dance with them. While the picture books are great, you can read anything still. They will listen. They love to hear the sound of your voice, they will improve their language skills and there is nothing more bonding than sitting next to you or in your lap and knowing that they are the focus of your attention (even if you are reading your lawn mower’s manual or your textbook for school.)

Elementary

5. This is when the “gimmees” will start. They will see a toy on a playdate or on an advertisement. It’s not to early to talk about costs. It’s not to early to let them earn money and save. It is not to early to teach them to wait. And it’s important that they learn to hear and respect “No.” 9 out of 10 times when you are ready to go purchase, they will have already changed their mind.

6. It’s time to start listening to them read. And even if they can’t read, encourage them to tell you a story. Use their imagination. Let them put on a play for you, let them dress up in your clothes, in your shoes. Put on your imagination hat and play along with them. This time will pass so fast.

Upper Elementary and Middle

7. Not only are they reading now, but they are writing. Read it. Encourage them to express themselves. Tell them to add pictures, write a novel. As a homeschool mom, I was taught to find one correction I would make and point it out. Don’t make a list. Just focus on one thing at a time…and also read it, laugh about it and ask for more.

8. Teach them about electronics. Be firm with the boundaries but empower them to find their own answers. Choose some educational experiences and games. Balance screen time with face time. You can’t keep them from it, so make sure they are prepared for it.

9. While the latest gadget is always in demand at this age, it’s the experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. Give gifts of experience rather than stuff: art lessons, rock climbing, ice skating and bowling. Take their friends, play with them. Challenge them to try something new.

Young Adult

10. Your reading time might turn into documentaries or classic movies now. Your writing time may be replaced by study time. Electronics may have taken over their lives by now. But nothing will ever, ever replace a one-on-one face to face conversation with your child. Make time for it, even demand it. I promise you, you will not regret it and your child will not forget it.

Raising kids can be expensive. But the cost of “stuff” is not necessary to raise healthy, happy children. No toy in the world can replace the lessons learned from the time and attention of a parent. And no, it’s not too late, start today. Make a date! Grab a book. Call their name.

 

Four Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Succeed at School

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With school beginning across the country within the next month, the back to school ads and excitement are rampant. And I find that most kids and parents are ready for the return of a regular schedule after the fun and crazy of the summer. Although, many will lament the loss of sleep due to early wake times, missing their pool time and general tiredness for the first couple of days or weeks.

Whether your child is starting their first day of kindergarten or their last year as a senior, there are things that we as parents can do to help them succeed.

back to school

Four Ways to Help Your Child Succeed

Feed your children at home.

Studies are very clear, children who eat home cooked meals are less likely to be overweight, have better mental health and are generally happier. And if money is a concern, cooking homemade meals is significantly cheaper than eating out all the time – just ask your wallet! Wynne at Health offers healthy recipes, suggestions for meal planning services and more to make it easier and save you time!

Set boundaries. 

As easy as it is to check in with them when they get home, feed them dinner and then let them loose, it is important that you set boundaries for their down time. Limit their screen time. Encourage outside time. Give them responsibilities. On average, a child has 5 hours of free time between the time they arrive home and bed time. While some of that will be taken with activities, dinner and homework, help teach them to manage their time wisely by giving them responsibilities and set expectations. Remember, bright screens can adversely affect sleep, no matter their age, help them make wise and healthy choices.

Talk to your children.

Let’s face it, this can be one of the hardest things to do, especially when your child gets into those teenage years where they know everything and you know nothing. But there are lots of resources to guide us as parents in being effective communicators specifically with our children:

Spend time with your child.

Between work and school and activities and life. The school year is when you have the least quality time with your child. And no, sitting at the table with your phone out or watching a TV show together does not quality as quality time. Schedule a one-on-one date at least once a month with each of your children. Block it out, talk about the special time, make it a priority. Put your phone away, tell everyone else you will be back and take your child out alone. Just he/her and you. It doesn’t have to cost money. Just your time and attention. Make it count by:

  • Look at your child. Make eye contact, let them know that you are present and right there with them.
  • Listen. Whatever they want to talk about, just listen. Don’t advise, don’t offer your two cents, just listen.
  • Share. Tell them about what is going on your life. The parent child relationship is not a one way street. Be open with them (in an age appropriate manner.)
  • Tell them how much you value you them. Praise the good you see.

Our children are our first priority. Whether that means working several jobs to support them or staying home to raise them, the requirements are the same, they need YOU, not your money, not more stuff. They need your time and attention.

Have you come up with any unique ways to spend time with your children during the busy school year? What about traditions that they will remember for the rest of their lives?

 

Four Ways to Deal with Unwanted Behavior

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Whether you are facing back to school shopping or the holiday season, we have all heard a child with the “give mes.” I have found that the best way to deal with unwanted behavior is the same way we should deal with other negative behavior.

Not only will these behavior adjustments help save your wallet, but also your sanity.

  1. Catch them doing good.
    I don’t know a person alive who doesn’t thrive under positive attention. Rather than focusing on the things your child does that drive you crazy, catch them doing good, and praise them. Give them the attention they seek then.
    It is awfully hard to ignore the trials, but it proven that just that will cause those types of behaviors to lose their value and eventually cease.
  2. Expose them to reality – those with limited resources and living in poverty.
    There are many ways you can expose your child in an age appropriate manner to those less fortunate. In addition to seeing the homeless on the street and beggars at the side of the road, you can talk about the differences they see at birthday parties and when visiting friends and family.
    Talk to them about the impoverished holding signs at the side of the intersection. Drive through those “other” neighborhoods.homeless man
  3. Learn to Say No (and stick with it.)
    Do not start the precedent of backing away from your “No.” When you say it, mean it. Stick to it, even if it is as tough for your as it is for your child.
    Believe me, your child will quickly learn where your soft spots are and how to change your mind. This does not mean there is no room for compromise. But it does mean, your child must learn that “No means No!” And the earlier they learn it, the better.
  4. Make giving a tradition.
    In addition to giving your time and volunteering to serve others, you can model giving all year long. Whether it’s writing a check, or buying gifts for an Angel Tree child, teach your child to give.
    I have always encouraged my children to give of themselves. I even built it into our school curriculum when I was homeschooling. My daughter has volunteered at the local animal shelter since she was old enough to go with me.
    My eldest son has voluntarily cut neighbors yards who couldn’t take care of themselves. And my youngest son visits shut ins with his great-grandmother, and then he started visiting and calling them on his own as well.

lawnmower

 

 

 

Why Your Child should Get a Job

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At the beginning of the summer, I challenged my two youngest children, then ages 12 & 13 to make some money this summer. Then life happened and our lazy, boring summer grew quite busy and my plans flew out the window.

Now before you jump down my throat, there are lots of odd jobs a 12 & 13 year old can do to make some spending money. Cut grass, babysit and help with random chores around the house and so on. That is what I had in mind.

And while my 12 year old son did do odd jobs for his grandparents during his month long visit, it wasn’t quite what I had in mind.

I Can’t Get a Job because…

As we sat down this week to discuss the upcoming school year, I again charged my 13 & 14 year olds to get a job.

Now Hiring sign

My 13 year old son immediately chirps up that he is not old enough to get a job. And he is right. Legally, you cannot work until you are 14 and that’s with a special permit.

Then my 14 year old says, what about my sports? She has practice every school day until 5:30pm and games a couple nights a week. I reminded her that her Saturdays are completely free and the perfect time for a high school student to work.

Why Children should Work Part Time

Now I’m now asking my young teenagers to get a job to pay any bills. Although they have been challenged with paying for their summer camp next year if they choose to attend.

There are numerous studies that indicate a child working part time hours excel in numerous areas:

You can join the debate and cast your vote here.

Even if they Don’t Actually Get a Job

My 13 year old has already locked in some neighbors for mowing their lawn for the rest of the season. And I’m confident that if he does a good job, they will call him when the leaves start falling or they need help with other manual labor.

He’s already excited about the money he knows he can early over the next couple of months with just a couple hours of work each week.

My 14 year old has not begun her job search yet. She’s waiting to get through the first week of school before hitting the streets.

And even if neither of them actually makes any money, they will have both learning some valuable lessons:

  • How to apply for a job. Filling out applications can be a beast. And knowing what information you need on those applications is a lesson they will use forever.
  • How to handle rejection. We all face it. Learning to hear “No” and not take it personally is an important lesson.
  • How to be assertive. Just getting out and asking for work or for an application takes some character. Not everyone is outgoing, it takes some courage.
  • How to search for a job. While most professionals do their searching online. There is still some value to getting out and “pouding the pavement.” Going door to door can teach lots of lessons, including knowing you do not want to have to search for jobs all the time. There is value in keeping a job.

There are several things you can do as a parent to prepare your child for the job search.

When They do Earn their Own Money

When they do earn their own money, they will learn several additional lesson.

First and foremost, they will learn the value of money. Every parent wants their child to value the hard work they put in to provide for them. Working for minimum wage, and seeing part of their pay go to taxes and social security is just a small dose of reality.

They will also see just how far their money can go, or not go in many cases. They quickly learn to be grateful for what mom and dad provide when they try to reproduce it on their own.

Second, hello money management! As they have more “wants” they learn how to save their money. And saving their money means they must do without sometimes.

Finally, the beginning of independence. Making their own money, managing their own money are the first steps to true adult independence.

There are many more reasons a teenager should work, you can find another list here.

Doing it under the watching eye and guiding hand of responsible parents gives them a leg up on the rest of the world. The key is that we as parents must let them fall at times too. If we correct every mistake and save them when they get in a bind, are they really learning?

Related Articles

Teaching Kids Math: Middle School

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I am so, so grateful that we are coming to the end of our middle school years. Finally!  The hormonal changes, body changes and introduction of some semblance of adult responsibilities can wreak havoc in your home. And I had two going through it at the same time!

Needless to say, despite the teenage angst and random outbursts of “feelings”, education is still at the top of the priority list. What they do in middle school sets them up for high school, which as we all know is when it counts.

Tackling Middle School Math

Children typically enter middle school with the basic math concepts in tact. They know addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They are familiar with fractions and decimals, and even know how to apply them in some real world situation such as cooking and shopping.

Middle school math is where they start putting it all together. Algebraic concepts are introduced. Word problems become more complex. They have to start weeding out the needed data from the extraneous information that is not needed.

middle school math

It can be hard, especially if math is not their super power! While many researchers now admit that the theory of Left Brain vs Right Brain is an over-generalized assessment, there are certainly some merits to understanding the way your child thinks and processes information. This is especially true when tackling middle school math!

Find Out How Your Child Learns

I highly recommend you educate yourself on how your child learns. While you probably have a pretty good idea after 12 or so years with them, it doesn’t hurt to get some additional feedback. Ask their teachers. Visit the school counselor. Do some research online.

There are several online resources and quizzes that can guide you:

The bottom line is the best way you can support your child in middle school, math or otherwise, is to understand them. And help them understand themselves.

Once they understand why and how they work, they can begin to work to their strengths, ask for what they need (and be able to explain why) and establish more self control. All of which are crucial for their future success.

Supporting their Math Skills

While most kids will continue with the preset public school curriculum and end up mastering the advanced math with some effort. There are certainly circumstances and times when us as parents need to help out.

There are several ways we can do that:

  • Help them with their homework. Even if it’s beyond you, there are free resources to help out. Look at Khan Academy, ask Google or check out a book from the library.
  • Purchase a full set of curriculum. Math U See has upper level math sets just like they have Preschool and Elementary math options.
  • If your child is all about independence and loves online classes, check out ALEKS.com. It is a mastery based curriculum that goes all the way through college and professional levels, and it lets parents monitor what their child is doing. This is my absolute favorite math option for upper level math!

You can support your child through middle school math. I’m not saying it will be easy. In fact, just getting through middle school may take everything you’ve got. But I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And with your support, your child will come out confident and ready for what is next…high school!

Saving Money on School Supplies

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One of the expenses you don’t always think about as you consider the cost of raising kids are school supplies. And for 13+ years (depending on if you child attends a preschool program,) you are responsible for an assortment of the supplies used in the classroom. These seemingly small costs can add up quickly.

Because we have always homeschooled, I’ve had a bit of sticker shock this year when I saw all that was required for the different grades.

Saving Money on School Supplies

There are several ways to save money when buying school supplies.

  • Tricia wrote about Tax Free Shopping Days states offer at the beginning of the school year. And many stores offer additional discounts on those same days.
  • If you have more than one child, buying in bulk may be the way to go! I know our local Sams Club has a whole section of back to school supplies.
  • Buy used. No I’m not suggesting you send your child to school with the nubs of used pencils or markers that barely write. But seriously, rip out the used pages from the spiral binders. Let them paint or color their 3-ring binder and re-use it. Ask around for a family that no longer needs those expensive scientific calculators.
  • Family Dollar stores are currently (as of 7/21/18) offering 70% off school supplies.family dollar store ad from website

There are lots of options for saving money on your child’s school supply needs. But what about saving your sanity?

Save Time and Your Mind

We’ve all been to the grocery store and heard a child (of all ages) with the “Gimmees!” Give me this, give me that. I need this, I must have that.

Now picture that on the school supply shopping aisle, time fifty. All the new and shiny school supplies. Bright colors, different “cool”  things this year.

Not to mention, depending on when you shop, the lack of organization, misplaced items, out of stock items.

It can be overwhelming to even the most experience parent. I’ve got to words for you: SHOP ONLINE!

  • Walmart.com has a fantastic website and app that allows you to shop from the comfort of your home, your car or while you are out to eat. Then you just walk in and pick up your order! And, hey, you can take care of that week’s grocery shopping at the same time. They even offer free shipping with orders of a certain amount.
  • Amazon.com offers anything you could imagine, free shipping if you are a Prime Member. While I adore Amazon, I do recommend shopping around, their prices are not always the most competitive. You are paying a premium for convenience at times.

Make It Last

About the time my kids got to middle school age, I started making better financial decisions. (Yes, I know I’m a slow starter.) But it was then that I learned to invest in quality over fashion when it comes to some of our school stuff.

I learned that spending a little extra of name brand items for certain supplies was worth it. Believe me, not all crayon brands are created alike.

Backpacks

But one of my biggest long term savings was investing in good quality backpacks. Thankfully, they had all outgrown the desire to have the latest cartoon character on their backpack. Instead, we focused on protection for their electronics, brand reputation and cost.

I even bought myself one, and as I sit writing this in the local coffee shop, it sits beside me. Each child had specific wants and I made sure all the needs were met.

And I’m happy to say that here we are 4 or so years later, and they are all still using the same backpack. Those $60 investments paid off.

What tips and tricks have you found for purchasing school supplies? Are you an online shopper or do you brave the crazy school supply aisle? Does your child go with you or are you a solitary shopper?

 

What is the Cost to Raise a Child?

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The cost to raise a child seems to rise every year. According to this article published on USAToday.com in February, it costs $233,610 to raise a child.

How Many Years will You have to Work

According to US Government Census data, the median household income in the United States if around $57,000 annually. That means every penny earned for 4 years must go towards raising 1 child. And what if you have 2 or 3?

If it takes 18 years to “raise a child” (yes, we know it can take far longer than that, don’t we?) and you have 3 children, you will be working for 12 years just to raise them. That gives you 6 years to take care of everything else…retirement, emergencies, house, car and so on.

That’s a bit daunting, isn’t it?

And what if you don’t fall in the that “median,” which most people don’t. The majority of households are below that, even far below that.

Where there is a Will, there is a Way

When I considered adopting my twins a few years back, the cost alone was the biggest deterrent. Adoption became an option when they were 14 years old.

twins at niagra falls

Twins on a visit to Niagra Falls in 2016

All I could think about was the cost of teenage boy’s driving. Cars, insurance, INSURANCE!

In the end, my heart won and I just determined I would figure it out. And I have.

They are now on the cusp of 20. They have helped pay their phone bills, their insurance bills, their car usage and maintenance costs.

One of them totaled a car, and one of them bought a “new to him” car that died pretty quickly. But we have worked it out.

It wasn’t always easy. And there were certainly arguments, and “phone blackouts” to prove a point, but they are both well educated on money and debt.

Sea Cadet will finish his EMT program at the local community college debt free. And as of yet, has not gotten a credit car; although, he is an authorized user on my single card for emergencies.

My Point

Don’t let the numbers scare you. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. That’s kind of the point of this site, isn’t it?!

There are plenty of ways to cut back. Bartering has made a HUGE difference in our lives. We have barted for activity fees. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.

I always tell my kids, the worst someone can say is “No.” So what? Just ask. You may get what you want. And even if you don’t, you won’t be left wondering “what if?”

I’m looking forward to sharing more way that we have made it work. That we have cut back on the “expense of raising a child.”

Teaching Kids Math: Preschool and Early Elementary

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Before you can teach your child about money, they must know some basic math. And even the most advanced mathematician can be intimidated when it comes to teaching kids math.

We’ve all seen a parent ask a child how old they are, and some random number of fingers show up. Or heard a child count and skip half the numbers. It’s so cute.

As a homeschool and foster/adoptive parent to older kids, I have had to teach math from a variety of stages and in a variety of methods. No one method works for every child.

Starting Young

Math for my two biological children started very young and in two places: the kitchen and the grocery store!

Kids made cupcakes

Baking cupcakes is where they learned fractions. Circa March, 2008

In the Kitchen

Every parent knows that your child wants to be where you are. Instead of banging on pots and pans or pulling everything out of the cabinets, I invited my children to do what I did.

They measured and stirred, chopped (with a butter knife at this age) and poured. It was messy. There were lots of “oops” moments. But my kids understood the concept of fractions before they could count to one hundred.

And they loved decorating and delivering their baked goods to neighbors and family.

In the Grocery Store

We were blessed with a FANTASTIC Kroger near us when my children were small. The staff quickly became accustomed to our weekly “math” lessons/grocery shopping trips.

Because I worked from home and had flexible hours, we went during their least busy times. And the kids quickly became confident and independent in their tasks. (Safety was always considered, but the staff were great and quickly understood what we were doing and supported that.)

We started with shapes and colors. They couldn’t read at this age (think 2 and 3) but on any given aisle I would assign them each to find a certain shape or color. This exercise not only gave me a chance to grab what I needed unencumbered by “can I have” or whines, but kept them active and engaged.

As we got started, I would show them an example and discuss characteristics…

  • A square has 4 equal sides while a rectangle has two sides that are equal and then another two sides are equal, but not all four.
  • Or a circle is flat while a cylinder has a circle on the top and a circle on the base, like this Pringles container.

Elementary Age Math

Because I knew I would homeschool, I never considered school standards or the order I taught things. We really followed a Montessori method and most learning was child led.

If they expressed an interest we went with it. There were no experiences that I couldn’t and didn’t make a lesson out of.

As they got more advanced, those grocery descriptions became more advanced and their tasks got more complex. By the time they were in early elementary, they would each have a small measuring tape and have to find items with a certain perimeter or tell me the area or volume of a box. Geometry at it’s finest.

Introducing Math Curriculum

Even in elementary children are more apt to learn by play and movement, but I understand the need ingrained in us from our own education to use worksheets and curriculum.

One math curriculum that understands and does a good job of meeting both needs is Math-U-See. They offer a mastery based, student paced curriculum that encourages, even demand the use of manipulatives even through their upper level classes.

Math-U-See manipulatives

Math-U-See Integer Block Kit – Manipulatives

And don’t worry if the thought of teaching your child math intimidates you, they offer a full video curriculum as well!

Teaching your young child math can be so much fun! More play than teaching really. And it can take you anywhere and does not require any special skills, tools or forethought most of the time.

Ask your child what the volume is of the drink they are drinking, show them how to read the label. Then turn that into a science lesson by talking about the path it will follow…at elementary age that’s super simple. You can even add a health lesson by talking about the affects of whatever they are drinking on their teeth or general health.

In the end, your child will learn more from you through these short engagements then in any classroom. So put down your phone, turn off the TV and lets do a scavenger hunt for “blue” things! Have fun!