As a parent raising a toddler, my fondest memory is of when my son first heard the “Clean Up” song (you know the one by Barney that goes “clean up clean up everybody everywhere, clean up clean up everybody do your share”) it was like he was brainwashed the moment he heard it.  Once I started singing this very simple song to him, he would immediately start putting his toys away…with no fuss.  Geez, perhaps they have a song like that for adults.  As I need motivation to do laundry, cooking, you name it…ok,ok I digress.

But now that my son is getting older and perhaps wiser to my parental trickery, the song is getting played out and I’ve noticed that my little boy is no longer immune to the songs of Barney and Friends.

So, I’ve asked my seasoned parent friends, what has worked for them when asking their kids to help out around the house and here’s what they have to say:

  • Pump Up The Volume: Blasting fun music to get everyone revved up is key. Some favorites: “The Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “You’re The Best Around” by Joe Esposito (Karate Kid theme).  If you have a good time, packing away toys and folding laundry can seem fun.
  • Sock Matching Match. Put all the family’s clean socks that came from the laundry and let your kids race to see who can match them up the fastest. Afterwards they can be folded together as they match and any ones that have no match can be given away. They can use the unmatched socks as dusting mitts.
  • Create Kid Friendly Storage: Place removable picture labels on drawers and bins to help kids learn where everything goes. Have your child either draw or cut out of magazines pictures of specific items (blocks, puzzles, games) that go into each one. Under the picture, write the name of the item (great word recognition for pre-readers).
  • Make It A Game: Set the kitchen timer for 10 minutes and challenge your preschooler to “Beat the Clock.”
  • Reward: Keep a chart in the kitchen or other prominent place in the house. As soon as your preschooler finishes his task, give him a sticker to put on the chart. And don’t forget hugs and kisses, that always work!

Do you struggle with getting your kids to help out around the house? Or do you have some great tips to share? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

If you are a new parent or a parent who needs reminding on how the infamous “Clean Up” song goes, then check out the video after the jump…

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We East Coasters were definetly shaken up by yesterday’s earthquake (5.9 magnitude). The earthquake centered around the Virginia area, but it was still felt in Washington D.C., New York, Boston and even as far north as Connecticut.

With some schools already in session, the evacuation plan took effect, which made some kids scared and unsure about what was going on.  Geez, who could blame then.  So with my toddler attending nursery school this September, it leaves me to wonder…how do you explain to your kid’s about natural disasters? and how do you keep them safe and calm if they are not with you?

With all these thoughts in my mind, I went online and came across The FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Association) website.  I was glad to learn that they had some great advice and recommendations on how to plan & prepare for an earthquake, hurricane or tornado:

* Stay calm: Guess this is easier said that done, but remember, our kids look to us for comfort and support, so keep this in mind, besides you’ll lose total creditability if you act scared.  FEMA recommends taking cover under a sturdy table or piece of furniture.

* If your child wasn’t with you during the quake: Once they come home from school, talk to your kids about what they might have felt or heard from their peers, ask them if they have any questions, and go over what the family should do if a quake happens again. Comfort them and continue to tell them that everything is okay.

* Educate: Teach your kids how and when to call 9-1-1 or fire department.

As always, no matter what disaster may occur in or outside of your home, continue to watch your child’s behavior for any signs of anxiety or changes.

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Today’s guest post is from Teresa, she is a writer and blogger for LookLoveSend.com and is also a professional mom to her two kids.

Teresa shares with us the secrets behind hosting a holiday party. These tips can be used for corporate events, weddings and even birthday parties.

Tips for hosting a posh holiday party

We all look forward to the holidays, but that’s usually because we are quick to forget exactly how stressful they can be – especially if you are hosting any kind of party to celebrate the occasion. Whether you are planning and preparing for just a couple guests or the entire neighborhood, it can be exhausting to organize an event that everyone will enjoy. There are, however, a few tips that you can use to make everything go a little smoother.

1. Build a Team – Do you know people who are outgoing and enjoy being around others? They will make the perfect team for these events. You can use them to brainstorm fun ideas, help put together the invitations, and make sure everyone at the party is having a good time. There are usually a lot of people who are willing to help – you just have to be willing to delegate.

2. Go Somewhere – If you regularly hold backyard BBQs for the summer holidays or have your work parties in the office at the end of the year, you should consider going someplace new. Some businesses may rent an events center for the evening, but private parties can be held almost anywhere, from campsites and country inns to beaches and ice skating rinks.

3. Consider Your Guests – If you are hosting a company party during the day, you probably don’t have to worry about activities for young kids. However, if the party is later in the evening or if you are having an event for the families in the neighborhood, you need to make sure that you have the right refreshments and activities for everyone who might show up. View Post

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Today is FASHIONABLE FRIDAYS and I am pleased to bring to you my new bloggy friend, Angela, over at About A Mom.  She has some great fashion tips and tricks that gives the illusion of looking skinny.

Angela is co-author of the blog About A Mom. She is passionate about being a mom and enjoys sharing her experiences with other mothers. Angela enjoys writing about parenting, homemaking and frugal living.

The Illusion Of Skinny

Are you still carrying a few extra pounds of baby weight that you just can’t seem to lose? Or are you like me and simply eat too much ice cream? If the diet is not going so well or you just need a quick fix, here are some fashion tips you can use to get the illusion of skinny.

  • Wear clothes that fit you. Just because you can squeeze into something doesn’t mean it fits! Wearing clothing that is too tight just brings more attention to the fact that you could lose a few pounds.
  • Match your separates. Matching your pants or skirt, stockings and shoes can make you look 5 pounds lighter. Matching in all black will save you a few more pounds. If you want to mix it up a bit, wear some colorful shoes.
  • Wear some heels. Glamour magazine recommends wearing a gorgeous pair of heels. They recommend nude heels with dresses to elongate your legs, towering metallic heels with jeans to create a lean line and scoop-front heels with everything if possible. I know this may not be practical for every day but it can help you make the best of a special occasion outfit.
  • Show off the Girls. Lower necklines visually narrow your upper body, thus giving the illusion of skinny. If you are not comfortable with this, highlighting your decolletage by wearing a blouse with a jeweled or decorative neckline will do the trick.
  • Add a Belt. Wear a skinny belt and cinch it at your waistline over dresses, flowy tops or a thin cardigan to achieve an hourglass shape.
  • Slim your face. Pulling your hair up and away from your shoulders will give your face a slimmer look.
  • Low Riders. If you have a troublesome waistline, try jeans or pants that sit low on your hips. This trick will help slenderize your trouble spot. Pants that have a waist that hits just below your navel will make your midriff look longer and slimmer.
  • Avoid over sized clothing. Excess fabric only makes you look bulkier. Over sized clothing doesn’t help camouflage anything.
  • Say NO to Pleats. Wearing pleat-fronted pants will balloon your middle. If you have a belly bulge, relaxed fit, elastic waist pants will help. Otherwise, flat front and side-zip pants will do.
  • If all else fails. If all else fails, there is always Spanx!

I hope these fashion tips make it a bit easier for you to get the illusion of skinny.

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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sJh22SMcY4[/youtube]

No more mom jeans! Kimora gives a quick lesson on picking jeans that will flatter all figures.

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