My friend Neka is pregnant with her first baby. I sent her the link to my blog so she could enter the giveaways that I have going on. I didn’t realize that unless you have someone tell you how to enter these, then you don’t know how, and it’s confusing!! I should have known that though, because I had to be showed how to enter them!
So here is the low down on how to enter giveaways and contests for items you want.
1. I would suggest setting up a Google account that is ONLY for Giveaways
a. It makes it easier for winning purposes, so it doesn’t get lost in the inbox.
b. Go to BlogSpot and make a blog account, even if u don’t blog, that’s your Google account!
2. Mandatory Enter= Something you need to do before the extra entry opportunity counts
a. If it says “go to the little tykes website and tell me something else you’d like” you would go to little tykes, find something else, then go back to the blog and comment “I would like…..” then you would write your email at the bottom of the comment and click submit.
3. Extra Entries: Extra Entries are additional comments that you can have to enter. Each comment is an entry. For example you comment that you follow via GFC and you do another comment saying you like me of facebook. That is two entries, two different comments.
4. GFC: GFC is Google Friend Connect. Most every blog has a GFC box somewhere on it. To make it simple, my GFC box is on the top Left of my sidebar. You just need to click follow, then you will be asked to login to you Google account (which doesn’t have to be Gmail, it can be yahoo, hotmail, or whatever) then you click follow publicly. And confirm. That’s it! You just got an additional entry.
5. Twitter: if you do not have a twitter account, it would be good to get one, because you can tweet everyday usually for an extra entry. Most blogs will have this, and to make it easier they will make a tweet for you to copy and paste. For example “enter to #win at blahblah for a @Ellaskitchen sample pack. Check out their #giveaway @BreenaElizabeth” the # symbol with a word is a tag. The @ symbol and a name is a person or company. In this case, it would send me an alert you tweeted, and Ella’s kitchen.
6. Facebook: Everyone and their brother, mother, and grandfather have a facebook. This includes companies. Instead of “friend requesting” you like the “like” button and then comment on their wall saying which blog sent you! It’s that simple!
7. Subscribe Via Email: This is usually provided by feed burner. You go to the box on the sidebar and that says subscribe by email, and enter your email. You will need to confirm with the email that gets sent to your inbox.
8. Button: A button is the blogs advertisement. When you are asked to “grab” the button and put it on your sidebar, you find the button which is usually on the sidebar of the blog, and underneath it will be a code in a box. Copy the code and paste it into your blog sidebar. (This only applies if you have a blog!)
9. Blogging: once again, only applies if you have a blog. You need to write a short post describing what you are entering with a link to the blog giveaway, and to the manufacturer or providers site.
That’s about it! If I forgot anything please let me know! And remember each thing is an extra entry. If there is something that looks like +2 that means you get 2 extra entries for completing the steps!
Sabreena!
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tommee Tippee Review and *Giveaway*
I had the great Pleasure of trying out a few things from Tommee Tippee:
- Explora Mat
- 9oz Bottle
- 2 Pacifiers
The Pacifiers:
I put both pacifiers on the high chair tray, and let Matthew choose which one he wanted. (Watch this Video it's cute!)
First it was the green one, then the blue one,and then Eventually he picked the green one. This was new for him since he for some reason likes the latex binkeys.
But after a few minutes, he finally thought 'Hey, this is great!' and now I can't get him to let it go.
It is designed better than the latex binkeys, because it is NOT shaped like a thumb!
The Bottle:
The Bottle is great! I Love that it is a 9oz Bottle.
Matthew was a ¾ formula, ¼ breastfed baby. With the amount he eats, I was unable to keep up.
Their bottle was great for the formula time because it truly is "closer to nature." The nipple is made to resemble the shape of the nipple on the breast.
It also has curves that his little hands can hold it well. (When he is not being Lazy, and wanting Mama to hold it that is!)
Explora Mat:
This is the Explora Mat that was sent.
I love the bright color, although I am a little nervous that Matthew will too (Jacob's Favorite Color is Green, so I think Matthews is too!)That being said, he'll try to get it off the tray.
PLUS THIS ONE MATCHES THE HIGHCHAIR! J
We haven't tried it yet because he still hasn't gotten the concept that the spoon goes in the bowl to get the food. He just thinks it appears there!
But, this is how it works…I tried it just for the purpose of reviewing it. I will really try it later with the baby.
It has suction on the bottom so you can keep it on the tray (or what surface you use)
It has suction so it will keep the bowl down.
You can pull on the bowl and it won't come off.
But, when you are ready to take it off, you just pull the tab at the back, and it releases the suction!
Buy it:
You can buy the Tommee Tippee Pacifiers at your local Babies R Us for $5.99. You could buy one Tommee Tippee Bottle at your local Babies R Us for $9.99. You can buy the explora mat at Babies R Us for $6.99
Tommee Tippee has generously offered one of my readers a 2 pack of their Pacifiers, and One 9oz Bottle!
Or you can WIN IT HERE!
Mandatory Entry: You need to go to the Tommee Tippee Website, and tell me one thing that you would like to have other than what is listed in this review.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR EMAIL AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL YOUR ENTRIES!
Extra Entries:
- Follow Via GFC (+2)
Like Me on Facebook Make sure you comment, and let me know which giveaway you entered!(yes, I know it's my old blog title, but facebook doesn't allow changes right now to titles) (+2)
- Like Tommee Tippee on Facebook and copy and Paste below onto their wall:
- Follow me on Twitter(+2)
- Tweet this Giveaway (may be done once daily, copy n paste below) Enter to #win from @BreenaElizabeth and @TommeeTippee at http://jakenmattsmom.blogspot.com ends 9/22 #giveaway
- Follow Tommee Tippee on Twitter
- Grab my New Button & put on your main page of your blog (it's in a blog post here)(+3)
- Blog about this giveaway linking here AND to Tommee Tippee(+4)
Subscribe to my blog by Email (+3)
Giveaway Ends at 11:59pm on September 22, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to winning notification email. If no response a new winner will be chosen.
I would like to thank the company for providing the products in review. No other compensation was provided. This is 100% my opinion
Monday, September 6, 2010
Bottombumpers Giveaway at Dirty Diaper Laundry!
Go and check out Dirty diaper Laundry. She is giving away an OS Bottombumpers side snapping diaper!
I would love to win this!
I loved their diapers, and it was actually the first one I bought, but where as my little man had a tall rise, it didnt fit him right, maybe this new one will!
Ends 9/20
I would love to win this!
I loved their diapers, and it was actually the first one I bought, but where as my little man had a tall rise, it didnt fit him right, maybe this new one will!
Ends 9/20
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Blog Name Change??
I have decided that I want to change the name of my blog. I am still in search of a new layout/design however. If anyone knows of any involving animals, please let me know. So, now without further ado....The new name of the blog is....
Lions and Tigers and Boys, OH MY!
Let me know what you think!
Lions and Tigers and Boys, OH MY!
Let me know what you think!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Ella's Kitchen Review & *Giveaway*!!
I had the extreme pleasure of being in contact with a wonderful woman named Erika over at Ella’s Kitchen.
About Ella’s Kitchen:
Paul Lindley started Ella's Kitchen because he passionately believed that Ella, along with her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better food and also to discover that healthy food can be fun, tasty and cool. They think it's important to always approach things from a child's point of view. So, they’ve taken simple, natural ingredients that ooze goodness and created foods, and packaging, that should really connect with kids - with flavors, colors, textures and even names that will appeal to all of their senses.
The Review!
They sent me Peaches & Bananas, Strawberries & Apples, Carrots Apples & Parsnips, Broccoli Pears & Peas, Apples & Bananas, Sweet Potatoes Pumpkin Apples & Blueberries, The Red one, and The Yellow one.
I love the baby food fruits; I’m not going to lie, and most of the time, barring the complete gross lookingness of the baby food, I try it before he does.
First we tried Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Apples & Blueberries:
He wasn’t sure what to think…
But he soon, didn’t want the spoon to stop going to his mouth! In the end he found it delicious!
Then we tried “The Yellow One” for dessert. It was Smoothie Fruit with bananas, mangoes, apricots, and apples. (I tried this one- I wish they were portioned bigger for “mom & me desserts! It was that yummy!)
Matthew thought it was yummy too!
You can find out more by going to the Ella’s Kitchen Website. This is where you can also find a local store to purchase them from!
The Giveaway!
OR you can WIN IT here!
Ella’s kitchen has offered one of my lucky readers a chance to win a Yummy 8 pack of their Stage 1 and Smoothie fruits!
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS IN YOUR COMMENT IF NOT ON YOUR GFC PROFILE!
MANDATORY ENTRY: Go to Ella’s Kitchen Website and tell me something you learned that was NOT in this review. (THIS MUST BE DONE FIRST FOR EXTRA ENTRIES TO COUNT)
EXTRA ENTRIES:
Leave a separate comment for each:
1.Follow me using Google Friend Connect.
2.Subscribe via Email (+3) Must finish confirmation steps
3.Like Me on Facebook (+2) must comment on facebook
4.Follow Me on Twitter (+2)
5.Like Ella's Kitchen on Facebook. Must leave them a comment saying I sent you
6.Follow Ella's Kitchen on Twitter.
7.Blog about this giveaway, and link it to this post and to Ella’s Kitchen Website. (+4)
8.Tweet about this Giveaway (you may copy and paste below) you may do this once daily. Please provide direct tweet link (can be done by clicking the timestamp)
RT @BreenaElizabeth Enter to Win @Ellaskitchen organic baby food at http://jakenmattsmom.blogspot.com Ends 9/18
Contest Ends at 11:59pm EST on September 18, 2010. Winner will be picked via Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond with address or a new winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: The Product above was sent to me for review by the company. No monetary compensation was provided. Opinions are 100% mine.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Follow Fridays! Here we Go! Week 2!
So, Here is my post dedicated to Follow Back Fridays!
Take a break, relax, look around. While your here enter my giveaway, or read about my upcoming event!
Thanks for stopping by! here are the Friday Follows I participate in:

To Make it easier on me to follow back Please Link here up below after you follow! :) Thanks! and TGIF!
Take a break, relax, look around. While your here enter my giveaway, or read about my upcoming event!
Thanks for stopping by! here are the Friday Follows I participate in:
To Make it easier on me to follow back Please Link here up below after you follow! :) Thanks! and TGIF!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
I was...
I was a Woman before I was a mother. I cared what my hair looked like, and I cared what I wore. I didn't change poopy diapers, and I didn't get spit up on. I'm trying to find that woman again and incorperate mom into this woman. I want to look good again. I want to be that Good looking woman who changes diapers, and gets spit up on, but does her hair nice, and wears cute outfits. I am a mother, I have two kids, But I'm just turned 21, and just because I have kids, doesn't mean that I can't have fun. I am a humanbeing too.
Is that too much to ask?
~Sabreena
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Bump 2 Baby event @ JLeigh Designz!! September 1st!
You absolutely HAVE to go check out J. Leigh Designz Blog. She has teamed up with Minnesota Mama to have a great baby even giveaway! I would love to win the Britax stroller! If you post the button before September 1st you get bonus entries!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Follow Fridays! Here we Go!
Well my goal today is to follow 100 blogs by follow fridays. I have linked up on a few. So Heres the Deal...!
If you are coming to me from a link up, comment below this post so i know where you came from, and so I can follow you back.
P.S. Enter my Giveaway!
Happy Friday! TGIF!
Lists I've linked with(will be updated through the day!)::
If you are coming to me from a link up, comment below this post so i know where you came from, and so I can follow you back.
P.S. Enter my Giveaway!
Happy Friday! TGIF!
Lists I've linked with(will be updated through the day!)::
Monday, August 23, 2010
Random Act of Kindness Monday!
I know I'm kinda late in the day today to post for monday, considering that there is only 2 hours and 18 minutes left to my Monday here in Massachusetts. But one of my random acts of kindness happened today, So, I am glad I waited to post.
RAOK #1:
I went to my little brother's football practice on Sunday, and it was a rainy crappy day. As you might know in New England, the temp can be 82 degrees one minute and then 59 degrees the next. Well Sunday afternoon it dropped to about 67 degrees and there was a mother there who was in a tee shirt and shorts, and you could obviously see that she was cold. I asked her if she had a sweatshirt, and she said no, she forgot to grab one because they were running late for practice tonight. I went to my car because I knew i had one in the trunk. I know it smelled bad, but it was my emergency sweatshirt, so I hadn't touched it in a few months, I am type of person who always carries something, because i am always cold! But, i gave it to her, and she was so happy, because with the wind it was freezing!


RAOK #2:
My 4 year old, Jacob, and the neighbor's daughter was playing on the slip n slide this past weekend. I took some awesome photos of them. I went to CVS to print some of them out, and I ended up making a collage of sorts. Anyways make a long story short, the machine I was on, just stopped working, so I jumped on the other one to start again, and a lady walked up and just stood behind me waiting her turn. I stopped working on mine, and closed it out even though I would have to open it again, and got up and offered her to use it first. She did, and then I went back to what I was doing.


Happy Monday Everyone! Please feel free to hop on over to VivoBello 's Blog to Join in the Monday Blog Hop!
view sourceprint?
1
RAOK #1:
I went to my little brother's football practice on Sunday, and it was a rainy crappy day. As you might know in New England, the temp can be 82 degrees one minute and then 59 degrees the next. Well Sunday afternoon it dropped to about 67 degrees and there was a mother there who was in a tee shirt and shorts, and you could obviously see that she was cold. I asked her if she had a sweatshirt, and she said no, she forgot to grab one because they were running late for practice tonight. I went to my car because I knew i had one in the trunk. I know it smelled bad, but it was my emergency sweatshirt, so I hadn't touched it in a few months, I am type of person who always carries something, because i am always cold! But, i gave it to her, and she was so happy, because with the wind it was freezing!
RAOK #2:
My 4 year old, Jacob, and the neighbor's daughter was playing on the slip n slide this past weekend. I took some awesome photos of them. I went to CVS to print some of them out, and I ended up making a collage of sorts. Anyways make a long story short, the machine I was on, just stopped working, so I jumped on the other one to start again, and a lady walked up and just stood behind me waiting her turn. I stopped working on mine, and closed it out even though I would have to open it again, and got up and offered her to use it first. She did, and then I went back to what I was doing.
Happy Monday Everyone! Please feel free to hop on over to VivoBello 's Blog to Join in the Monday Blog Hop!
view sourceprint?
1
Labels:
baby,
boys,
children,
kids,
Random acts of kindness
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Beautiful
Poopy diapers smell real bad,
But I don't want back the life I had,
Toys are everywhere on the floor,
you can't even open the back door,
Theres something sticky over there,
I'm glad i looked before I sat on that chair,
The dishes are piling up and stink,
I wish I could see the bottom of my sink,
The laundry fairy has gone on strike,
This my family does not like,
My car has crumbs all over the place,
The boys need to wash their face,
Even though my house is a mess,
and even though my car looks like its in distress,
This who scene that I have described,
Is beauty in itself in the beholders eyes.
I love my family.
By Sabreena Morgan
*The Point of this poem is no matter what your house looks like, or what your car looks like or* how much of a mess they both are, or how much anything smells whether it be dishes, laundry or poop, yes, it needs to be cleaned, but it will be there later, the memories you make with your *family will not. So, take the time, and truely find what is beautiful in your life.*
But I don't want back the life I had,
Toys are everywhere on the floor,
you can't even open the back door,
Theres something sticky over there,
I'm glad i looked before I sat on that chair,
The dishes are piling up and stink,
I wish I could see the bottom of my sink,
The laundry fairy has gone on strike,
This my family does not like,
My car has crumbs all over the place,
The boys need to wash their face,
Even though my house is a mess,
and even though my car looks like its in distress,
This who scene that I have described,
Is beauty in itself in the beholders eyes.
I love my family.
By Sabreena Morgan
*The Point of this poem is no matter what your house looks like, or what your car looks like or* how much of a mess they both are, or how much anything smells whether it be dishes, laundry or poop, yes, it needs to be cleaned, but it will be there later, the memories you make with your *family will not. So, take the time, and truely find what is beautiful in your life.*
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Win U*NEAKS SHOES & 2 Pairs of socks! ends 8/18
U*neaks is a change from regular sneakers. you can change the look everyday just by wearing different socks!
3 Princes and a Princess 2 is giving away a pair plus 2 pairs of socks!
Check it out
ends today 8/18 Good Luck!
3 Princes and a Princess 2 is giving away a pair plus 2 pairs of socks!
Check it out
ends today 8/18 Good Luck!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school
Well Mamas and Dads, It’s that time of year again! It involves a big yellow school bus, a desk, and homework! Most children dread going back to school after a long fun adventurous summer. However you may be surprised that most children actually can’t wait to go back to school! But, that’s their little secret. So, shhhhh! Don’t tell the kids us moms know!
Most children who are in kindergarten and first and second grade haven’t gotten to the “I don’t want to go” in their school career yet, it’s the older ones influencing the younger ones. Older siblings saying, “I don’t want to go” has a big impact on younger children. If you have this problem, you should try to sit down with your older child(ren) and explain to them they need to set a good example for their younger sibling. Sometimes if they know they’re a role model, it will make them feel good that someone looks up to them, and will do what they need and are supposed to do. This in turn will make your life easier at 6:00am. Some children don’t want to go because of bullies, others don’t want to go because they are bored, and then there are the new excuses that you can’t help laugh at!
Rules for School by: Alec Greven is a great start to a school year. Use this story as a bed time story, as a night time family reading, or just an anytime reading. It’s a very cute story.
RULE 1: You have to let go of summer.
This could pose a problem for a child that already doesn’t want to get up for school. Sleeping in, with your head under the pillow and under a nice cozy blanket could really make school mornings a nightmare.
TIP: Go into your child(ren)’s room with a nice and cheery voice, (even if you’re not very cheery in the morning), and say “good morning!” Then if your child(ren) is/are stubborn, and still don’t get up, take their blanket and pillow, and take it out of the room with you. This will take away that nice cozy feeling from sleeping all night. They will most likely need to use the bathroom, and thus, they have arisen!
Rule 3: You’re going to be nervous- Get over it!
Starting school could be a challenge to some children, not because the work is hard, not because they have to get up, but because they have butterflies in their tummies and are scared about their first day and what it will be like. Such as, for some examples, What if there is a new teacher? What if I don’t know anybody? What if I forget to wear underwear? What if my teacher is new, and I don’t know her and she is some scary outer space creature, that only assigns tons of homework that is impossible to complete, who forces us to wash her feet, and brush her hair that is made of snakes? You get the point! Children have some wild imaginations, at times and it’s good and encouraged in school. However, other times it can be worrisome, at other times it can be difficult, and sometimes, even scary what children’s imaginations can bring. But without an imagination, life would be simple, plain, and boring.
If you remember when you started school, maybe every year, maybe just when you started the new level like kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to sixth grade(middle school), or eighth grade to ninth grade (high school), you were nervous possibly about new people, maybe a new teacher, or perhaps more difficult or the amount of homework, less time to have fun with your friends, and much more. Just remember you were there once. Sometimes it helps to share your stories about being nervous, or scared with your children.
My nine year old little brother has PTSD, and he gets angry and has a temper tantrum when he is scared, and never actually comes out and says that he is scared, so it’s hard to figure out when he is actually mad, scared, or something else. I have been doing this since he started school; I call him the night before he goes to his first day, and I talk with him, and he is usually giving my mother a hard time. I ask him what’s wrong and he doesn’t say much at first, but I’ll start telling him a funny story about when I was in school.
I more often than not tell him about the time that I had started a new school after we moved to a new city when I was in elementary school. I was nervous about starting the second grade in a new school, in a new city, not to mention a new state. I was so scared when I arrived at the new school that I walked into the classroom, and ended up walking into the teachers desk, knocking off all her papers, and her huge glass apple that fell to the floor, and shattered into millions of pieces! The whole class laughed at me! I did make friends that first day though, and I couldn’t wait to go back day after day. I had embarrassed myself, and showed that I didn’t look where I was going, but I still made friends and had a great day, and in the end that is all that matters. Naturally my brother laughs, and then goes to get ready for bed.
Rule 4: Get your Mom on your side.
Sometimes, we moms are more excited about school than our kids are! We are so excited we try to make everything right for their first day. We pick out their clothes, we pack their lunches, we get them up much earlier than needed, we brush their hair, and we have them out at the bus stop 20 minutes before it arrives- Just in case… Let’s face it; this is for us, not for them. Let them be independent, and be free thinkers. Let them pick out their own clothes for the first day. Let them decide what they want for lunch and let them help you make it. Let them get up 30 minutes earlier just so they can get ready at their pace, and do something they want to do before they head off to that first day. Letting your child be stress free, and calm when they start their first day can make all the difference in the world. Not only will it make their morning go smoother, and make them less nervous, your morning will go a lot smoother too.
The author of the book Rules for School By Alec Greven is nine years old. He has been there done that when it comes to school, from first day nervousness, to last day excitement for summer. He is a phenomenal writer, and most important of all a kid himself! Since he is only nine years old, he is an author who can relate to his readers because he is their age, and the children enjoy his books because they know that someone their age wrote it, and it gives them inspiration that they too can do something great. There are more books by Alec Greven, How to Talk to Moms, and How to Talk to Girls. Those two books will get some great enjoyment by the children, and it will make you smile knowing that they are being inspired by the book’s author.
If you remember when you started school, maybe every year, maybe just when you started the new level like kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to sixth grade (middle school), or eighth grade to ninth grade (high school), you were nervous possibly about new people, maybe a new teacher, or perhaps more difficult or the amount of homework, less time to have fun with your friends, and much more. Just remember you were there once. Sometimes it helps to share your stories about being nervous, or scared with your children.
My nine year old little brother has PTSD, and he gets angry and has a temper tantrum when he is scared, and never actually comes out and says that he is scared, so it’s hard to figure out when he is actually mad, scared, or something else. I have been doing this since he started school; I call him the night before he goes to his first day, and I talk with him, and he is usually giving my mother a hard time. I ask him what’s wrong and he doesn’t say much at first, but I’ll start telling him a funny story about when I was in school.
I more often than not tell him about the time that I had started a new school after we moved to a new city when I was in elementary school. I was so scared to start the second grade in a new school, in a new city, not to mention a new state. I got so scared I that when I walked into the classroom, I walked into the teachers desk and knocked off all of her papers on her desk, and the whole class laughed at me. Naturally he laughs, and then goes to get ready for bed.
This helps him to think of something funny when he walks into that new classroom for the first time, and his teachers have told us that he is usually giggling as he is walking into the classroom, and doesn’t even walk near the teacher’s desk the whole first day, and if he does he is giggling the whole time!
This is just my example of something that will helped my little brother conquer the fear and nervousness of the first day. What are some ways that you help make the fear go away? Please feel free to share your ways in the comments!
1.Make sure their bed time is relaxing and calm, and that it is early enough that morning times are not a hassle, and so there is enough sleep.
2.Eat a healthy breakfast consisting of brain food
Below are some suggestions for a complete brain smart healthy breakfast::
granola cereal, yogurt, a sliced apple
scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice
veggie omelet, bran muffin, fruit with yogurt
whole-grain pancakes or waffles topped with berries and/or yogurt, milk
whole-wheat zucchini pancakes topped with fruit, milk
french toast topped with fruit, orange juice or milk
low-fat cheese melted on toast with a piece of fruit
low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain bagel, orange juice
peanut butter and banana slices on an english muffin, milk
3. Always go to school prepared. It might help to pick out your school outfit, pack your lunch, and organize your backpack the night before so there’s no rushing the next morning.
4. Make sure to tell them if they don’t understand something, to always ask someone, whether it is a teacher, a parent or a classmate, and if they still don’t understand, it’s okay to say so, and to ask for more help with it.
5. Tell them to always make sure they try their best at everything they do!
6. Smile & be happy!
Please feel free to list any other suggestions you may have in the comments section, I will put up a future blog post complied of other suggestions…
To us moms, or dads, there are two options after they are at their first day of school. Either you’re going to cry because your baby is growing up (which is what I will do when my oldest son first starts school) OR you’re going to go jump for joy you have some free time, well at least more than you did before school started!
If you are sad about them starting school, because they are growing up, take pictures on their first day. Make a scrap book about it, and make sure you are waiting with the camera on their return home, or the run out to your car to catch that moment when they had fun and learned so much, and are excited to tell you all about it. Keep a notebook handy because if you are making a scrapbook journaling in it will be key, so when they are 14 and starting high school, you can pull out that book and show them what they did, and why they were so excited to start school. Maybe they will remember it, maybe not, but you will.
Have a Great School Year Everyone!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms bloggingprogram to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For moreinformation on how you can participate, click here.
Most children who are in kindergarten and first and second grade haven’t gotten to the “I don’t want to go” in their school career yet, it’s the older ones influencing the younger ones. Older siblings saying, “I don’t want to go” has a big impact on younger children. If you have this problem, you should try to sit down with your older child(ren) and explain to them they need to set a good example for their younger sibling. Sometimes if they know they’re a role model, it will make them feel good that someone looks up to them, and will do what they need and are supposed to do. This in turn will make your life easier at 6:00am. Some children don’t want to go because of bullies, others don’t want to go because they are bored, and then there are the new excuses that you can’t help laugh at!
Rules for School by: Alec Greven is a great start to a school year. Use this story as a bed time story, as a night time family reading, or just an anytime reading. It’s a very cute story.
RULE 1: You have to let go of summer.
This could pose a problem for a child that already doesn’t want to get up for school. Sleeping in, with your head under the pillow and under a nice cozy blanket could really make school mornings a nightmare.
TIP: Go into your child(ren)’s room with a nice and cheery voice, (even if you’re not very cheery in the morning), and say “good morning!” Then if your child(ren) is/are stubborn, and still don’t get up, take their blanket and pillow, and take it out of the room with you. This will take away that nice cozy feeling from sleeping all night. They will most likely need to use the bathroom, and thus, they have arisen!
Rule 3: You’re going to be nervous- Get over it!
Starting school could be a challenge to some children, not because the work is hard, not because they have to get up, but because they have butterflies in their tummies and are scared about their first day and what it will be like. Such as, for some examples, What if there is a new teacher? What if I don’t know anybody? What if I forget to wear underwear? What if my teacher is new, and I don’t know her and she is some scary outer space creature, that only assigns tons of homework that is impossible to complete, who forces us to wash her feet, and brush her hair that is made of snakes? You get the point! Children have some wild imaginations, at times and it’s good and encouraged in school. However, other times it can be worrisome, at other times it can be difficult, and sometimes, even scary what children’s imaginations can bring. But without an imagination, life would be simple, plain, and boring.
If you remember when you started school, maybe every year, maybe just when you started the new level like kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to sixth grade(middle school), or eighth grade to ninth grade (high school), you were nervous possibly about new people, maybe a new teacher, or perhaps more difficult or the amount of homework, less time to have fun with your friends, and much more. Just remember you were there once. Sometimes it helps to share your stories about being nervous, or scared with your children.
My nine year old little brother has PTSD, and he gets angry and has a temper tantrum when he is scared, and never actually comes out and says that he is scared, so it’s hard to figure out when he is actually mad, scared, or something else. I have been doing this since he started school; I call him the night before he goes to his first day, and I talk with him, and he is usually giving my mother a hard time. I ask him what’s wrong and he doesn’t say much at first, but I’ll start telling him a funny story about when I was in school.
I more often than not tell him about the time that I had started a new school after we moved to a new city when I was in elementary school. I was nervous about starting the second grade in a new school, in a new city, not to mention a new state. I was so scared when I arrived at the new school that I walked into the classroom, and ended up walking into the teachers desk, knocking off all her papers, and her huge glass apple that fell to the floor, and shattered into millions of pieces! The whole class laughed at me! I did make friends that first day though, and I couldn’t wait to go back day after day. I had embarrassed myself, and showed that I didn’t look where I was going, but I still made friends and had a great day, and in the end that is all that matters. Naturally my brother laughs, and then goes to get ready for bed.
Rule 4: Get your Mom on your side.
Sometimes, we moms are more excited about school than our kids are! We are so excited we try to make everything right for their first day. We pick out their clothes, we pack their lunches, we get them up much earlier than needed, we brush their hair, and we have them out at the bus stop 20 minutes before it arrives- Just in case… Let’s face it; this is for us, not for them. Let them be independent, and be free thinkers. Let them pick out their own clothes for the first day. Let them decide what they want for lunch and let them help you make it. Let them get up 30 minutes earlier just so they can get ready at their pace, and do something they want to do before they head off to that first day. Letting your child be stress free, and calm when they start their first day can make all the difference in the world. Not only will it make their morning go smoother, and make them less nervous, your morning will go a lot smoother too.
The author of the book Rules for School By Alec Greven is nine years old. He has been there done that when it comes to school, from first day nervousness, to last day excitement for summer. He is a phenomenal writer, and most important of all a kid himself! Since he is only nine years old, he is an author who can relate to his readers because he is their age, and the children enjoy his books because they know that someone their age wrote it, and it gives them inspiration that they too can do something great. There are more books by Alec Greven, How to Talk to Moms, and How to Talk to Girls. Those two books will get some great enjoyment by the children, and it will make you smile knowing that they are being inspired by the book’s author.
If you remember when you started school, maybe every year, maybe just when you started the new level like kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to sixth grade (middle school), or eighth grade to ninth grade (high school), you were nervous possibly about new people, maybe a new teacher, or perhaps more difficult or the amount of homework, less time to have fun with your friends, and much more. Just remember you were there once. Sometimes it helps to share your stories about being nervous, or scared with your children.
My nine year old little brother has PTSD, and he gets angry and has a temper tantrum when he is scared, and never actually comes out and says that he is scared, so it’s hard to figure out when he is actually mad, scared, or something else. I have been doing this since he started school; I call him the night before he goes to his first day, and I talk with him, and he is usually giving my mother a hard time. I ask him what’s wrong and he doesn’t say much at first, but I’ll start telling him a funny story about when I was in school.
I more often than not tell him about the time that I had started a new school after we moved to a new city when I was in elementary school. I was so scared to start the second grade in a new school, in a new city, not to mention a new state. I got so scared I that when I walked into the classroom, I walked into the teachers desk and knocked off all of her papers on her desk, and the whole class laughed at me. Naturally he laughs, and then goes to get ready for bed.
This helps him to think of something funny when he walks into that new classroom for the first time, and his teachers have told us that he is usually giggling as he is walking into the classroom, and doesn’t even walk near the teacher’s desk the whole first day, and if he does he is giggling the whole time!
This is just my example of something that will helped my little brother conquer the fear and nervousness of the first day. What are some ways that you help make the fear go away? Please feel free to share your ways in the comments!
1.Make sure their bed time is relaxing and calm, and that it is early enough that morning times are not a hassle, and so there is enough sleep.
2.Eat a healthy breakfast consisting of brain food
Below are some suggestions for a complete brain smart healthy breakfast::
granola cereal, yogurt, a sliced apple
scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice
veggie omelet, bran muffin, fruit with yogurt
whole-grain pancakes or waffles topped with berries and/or yogurt, milk
whole-wheat zucchini pancakes topped with fruit, milk
french toast topped with fruit, orange juice or milk
low-fat cheese melted on toast with a piece of fruit
low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain bagel, orange juice
peanut butter and banana slices on an english muffin, milk
3. Always go to school prepared. It might help to pick out your school outfit, pack your lunch, and organize your backpack the night before so there’s no rushing the next morning.
4. Make sure to tell them if they don’t understand something, to always ask someone, whether it is a teacher, a parent or a classmate, and if they still don’t understand, it’s okay to say so, and to ask for more help with it.
5. Tell them to always make sure they try their best at everything they do!
6. Smile & be happy!
Please feel free to list any other suggestions you may have in the comments section, I will put up a future blog post complied of other suggestions…
To us moms, or dads, there are two options after they are at their first day of school. Either you’re going to cry because your baby is growing up (which is what I will do when my oldest son first starts school) OR you’re going to go jump for joy you have some free time, well at least more than you did before school started!
If you are sad about them starting school, because they are growing up, take pictures on their first day. Make a scrap book about it, and make sure you are waiting with the camera on their return home, or the run out to your car to catch that moment when they had fun and learned so much, and are excited to tell you all about it. Keep a notebook handy because if you are making a scrapbook journaling in it will be key, so when they are 14 and starting high school, you can pull out that book and show them what they did, and why they were so excited to start school. Maybe they will remember it, maybe not, but you will.
Have a Great School Year Everyone!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms bloggingprogram to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For moreinformation on how you can participate, click here.
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Update! I'm still alive and kicking!
Well, I am back on here after not being on for about a month. I suppose you have read my rants and raves...But, this time I am going to write about eh-good things.
I have so gotten lost in the Giveaways, and contests, and reviews, and BLAH!!! I can't keep up with any of them, and the ones that I do keep up with, I haven't won. But people do win, lol.
I tried today on Facebook to win one of the NEW BumGenius 4.0's. I love that they now have a snap closure instead of the hook and loop. My 5 month old can undo his Hook and Loop already! Can't wait until they release! Although, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who had issues with www.cottonbabies.com today with trying to just SEE them, not even pre order. Then I went to www.kellyscloset.com and was able to see them, and they look just great, and with their stay dry liner, they should be perfect! Can't wait, and Right now, Kellys Closet, ( @Diapershops <- Twitter and diapershops.com <-Facebook) is offering Free Shipping on your Preorder that has the 4.0 on it when it releases!
Speaking of Facebook...
Heres a Link where Famous Daves is giving away a Buy 1 get 1 free Meal coupon. Its for their first 100,000 fans. Max Value $15.00. They are only at 67,000ish so far so you have a pretty good chance of getting one So try it out, Just "like" them on Facebook! http://bit.ly/2uoIB9
On one more note before I sign off here because its 1 am...oops lol. I ranted about these people who have my son below. i have started a petition to bring him home...I think i did it right, please let me know if you cant access it. please sign it, and under the box where you can write please type :: A mothers love will never die, or be forgotten. Send this Boy home to his Parents.
When I get 100 signatures I will be doing a giveaway. And then again at 200, 300, 400, and at 500 will be the mother of all giveaways. I want my boy to come home. Please help!
Thank you...
Giveaway Friday's starting this week, stay tuned and check back often!
I have so gotten lost in the Giveaways, and contests, and reviews, and BLAH!!! I can't keep up with any of them, and the ones that I do keep up with, I haven't won. But people do win, lol.
I tried today on Facebook to win one of the NEW BumGenius 4.0's. I love that they now have a snap closure instead of the hook and loop. My 5 month old can undo his Hook and Loop already! Can't wait until they release! Although, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who had issues with www.cottonbabies.com today with trying to just SEE them, not even pre order. Then I went to www.kellyscloset.com and was able to see them, and they look just great, and with their stay dry liner, they should be perfect! Can't wait, and Right now, Kellys Closet, ( @Diapershops <- Twitter and diapershops.com <-Facebook) is offering Free Shipping on your Preorder that has the 4.0 on it when it releases!
Speaking of Facebook...
Heres a Link where Famous Daves is giving away a Buy 1 get 1 free Meal coupon. Its for their first 100,000 fans. Max Value $15.00. They are only at 67,000ish so far so you have a pretty good chance of getting one So try it out, Just "like" them on Facebook! http://bit.ly/2uoIB9
On one more note before I sign off here because its 1 am...oops lol. I ranted about these people who have my son below. i have started a petition to bring him home...I think i did it right, please let me know if you cant access it. please sign it, and under the box where you can write please type :: A mothers love will never die, or be forgotten. Send this Boy home to his Parents.
When I get 100 signatures I will be doing a giveaway. And then again at 200, 300, 400, and at 500 will be the mother of all giveaways. I want my boy to come home. Please help!
Thank you...
Giveaway Friday's starting this week, stay tuned and check back often!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
New! A Directory of Cloth Diaper Daycare Providers!
daycare.realdiaperindustry.org
Here You will find information on Daycare providers that use and supply cloth diapers, ones that are cloth diaper friendly, and more! Go on and check it out!
If I was not a SAHM, this would be a great resource for me, But, Since I Stay home, Here it is for you..
Have a Great Memorial Day!
Here You will find information on Daycare providers that use and supply cloth diapers, ones that are cloth diaper friendly, and more! Go on and check it out!
If I was not a SAHM, this would be a great resource for me, But, Since I Stay home, Here it is for you..
Have a Great Memorial Day!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Try...
Try to put yourself,
in someone elses shoes for a day.
All I'm asking for,
is a day.
Then maybe you will see,
How hard life could be,
if you,
were not you.
The insults,
and doubts that you have,
about others,
will slowly fade,
as you realize,
we are all like one another.
Next time,
think before you say,
you just don't know,
for someone else,
you could ruin their day.
after all,
you are that someone,
for that day,
as its your turn to,
walk in their shoes.
By Sabreena Morgan
in someone elses shoes for a day.
All I'm asking for,
is a day.
Then maybe you will see,
How hard life could be,
if you,
were not you.
The insults,
and doubts that you have,
about others,
will slowly fade,
as you realize,
we are all like one another.
Next time,
think before you say,
you just don't know,
for someone else,
you could ruin their day.
after all,
you are that someone,
for that day,
as its your turn to,
walk in their shoes.
By Sabreena Morgan
Friday, May 28, 2010
Contests and Giveaways!!
So, I've been looking around and here is one thing worth posting...I will post more later on...
1.
AIO Cloth Diaper Giveaway (2 winners) From Posh Baby Boutique Ends 6/02 at 1159PM est** **ME and REEKIE Booties Review and Giveaway Ends 6/09 at 1159PM est**
**Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Carseat Review and Giveaway Ends 6/14 at 1159PM est**
1.
AIO Cloth Diaper Giveaway (2 winners) From Posh Baby Boutique Ends 6/02 at 1159PM est** **ME and REEKIE Booties Review and Giveaway Ends 6/09 at 1159PM est**
**Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Carseat Review and Giveaway Ends 6/14 at 1159PM est**
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