Rachel Lister's Blog
Posted by Rachel Lister
With the economy struggling and everyone looking for ways to save money, many moms are taking a second look at using coupons. You can save hundreds of dollars every month by paying attention to sales and using coupons on items that you need. Savings.com puts everything you need in one place and is a great way to save money on purchases at many of your favorite companies like Sierra Trading Post, Amazon.com, and more. Saving money doesn't always mean that you need to do without things that you want, you just have to be smart about it. Saving money by using coupons is just like getting a raise. In the end, you have products you want and more money in your pocket.
Posted by Rachel Lister
After I had kids I thought that I could not enjoy my children and have a well decorated house with italian furniture. My house was overrun by plastic toys and tiny clothes. Now that I've gotten a little bit of experience under my belt, I've realized that I can have great contemporary furniture without sacrificing function. Modern furniture is actually very kid friendly. With it's sleek design kids don't feel overwhelmed and a minimalist style leaves plenty of floor space to play.
My home may never look like a model home but I definitely don't have to give up my own personal style. I like to try and teach my kids that a mom isn't just someone who feeds you and cares for you, but a real person with individual wants and needs.
Posted by Rachel Lister
My 2 1/2 year old is just starting to show some interest in using the potty. For several years, I ran a daycare and preschool from my home and during my time as a daycare provider I helped many parents potty train their toddlers. Potty training can be a very stressful experience for both parent and child, but if your toddler is attending daycare you have a great resource in your daycare provider. Most daycare providers have had experience potty training many children and are happy to offer advice and potty training tips when they are asked.
It is possible to potty train your toddler while he is attending daycare, but it is so important that you communicate with your daycare provider about when you want to start potty training and what methods you would like to use.
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Posted by Rachel Lister
When my oldest son was 15 months old he started showing interest in the potty. As a first time parent, I was thrilled. I had visions of my son being potty trained by the time he was 2 years old and being diaper free for a few months before my second child arrived. Despite his early start, my son was 3 1/2 before he was fully potty trained. The birth of a new baby and the death of a close family member stalled his early success.
The second time around I vowed to follow my toddlers lead. Now, at 2 1/2 my second son has finally started to show some interest in the potty. Things have been much more relaxed this time around without the pressure to potty train on a deadline. I still have hopes that he'll be potty trained before Christmas (that would be the ultimate gift for a mom), but I'm determined to be patient and let him take the lead.
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Posted by Rachel Lister
The idea of the terrible twos scared me to death with my first son, which is why I was so thrilled when his second birthday came and went without any change in his mellow personality. My second son, however, seemed to hit the "terrible twos" not long after he turned one and seems to have extended well into his second year. No two kids are alike and while some may struggle through toddlerhood, others will sail through without a problem.
As a mother, you know your child best and you can learn what types of activities and situations will set off a temper tantrum. Watch for triggers and try and avoid them as best you can but make sure that your toddler knows that throwing a tantrum is not an acceptable way to get what he wants.
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