Can't Get Your Kid to Floss

Kids don't enjoy flossing and I don't really enjoy having to floss a 6 year olds teeth every night. The win-win would to have a fun flossing solution that my kids enjoy to do themselves -- one that I don't have to do every night. I got a sample of the new DenTek Fun Flossers and tried them out. Check it out:



Guess what? This kids floss actually works -- it is fun to use (fruit flavor, cool colors) and easy to use (big grip handle). This way my kids will actually want to floss their own teeth. Sure I will still give them a "grown up" flossing every few days just to make sure its done right, but these Fun Flossers let them be a big kid and develop healthy habits from the start. I think we have a winner here. Try it out for yourself.

Another School Year and Fundraising Begins

Who exactly is all this fund raising at school for? I mean, it seems every week there is a new fund raising thing going on. From books to candles to chocolates, who benefits from all this? The school? How much money does the school need? I mean, I pay $2400 a year in taxes each year only for school fees (my total bill is over $3800). Does the school need more and more?

Don't Lose Your Memories

No, I'm not talking about the affects of aging... I'm speaking of the unthinkable -- losing your photos and videos stored on your computer. Look, if you don't have a DVD or online backup of your digital life, then you are just inviting heartbreak. One virus or a hardware failure and you will lose all your precious digital photos and videos. Be smart and get those important files backed up today and next month and so on.

Just Say No to Big Diaper Bags

Look here -- you should be hauling around 10 diapers, ever! When my kids were in diapers I only ever carried 3 diapers at a time. That, a pack of wipes and a change of clothes. You should be set in virtually any circumstance. I mean, how long are you going to be out, away from the car or house/hotel? When traveling with a baby you should never be more than 3 diapers away from home.

New Schools

Chances are that if you live in a growing community, you know of some new schools opening up. Whether your kids get rezoned there or not, these new schools are really cool. My daughter just started a new school this year and it is great. Everything is brand new -- from the classroom furniture to the posters on the wall, its all brand spanking new and fresh. What a joy to be able to attend a brand new school.

Too Young for Dating?

No I don't mean teenagers -- I mean play dates for little kids. Play dates are a great way to get young kids better at playing together and making friends. My almost 3 year old had his first play date today at our home. The other kid's mother stayed and the two kids played nicely (if not independently) together. Its a great first step to building social skills and friendships.

Flooring for Kids

What is the best type of flooring for having in a house with kids? No its not porcelain tile, wood or marble (duh). It could be linoleum, but in my book that's a close second. No, the best flooring to have in a house with kids is.... carpet! Sure it can get messy and stained but its soft to land on and easy to tear up and replace in the future.

The School Routine is ON!

Yes, school is not even a month old and my kids have already gotten into the groove regarding routine. They wake up on time, get ready on time, and get to school on time. After school they get their homework done and are ready for bed by 8:30pm. Such a bedtime would have been unheard of during the summer but now its a reality again!

Never Too Soon to Prep

College is coming fast whether your kids are in 9th grade or 12th grade! Once they hit high school its never too soon to start preparing for college entrance exams and standardized tests. Sign them up for GMAT prep or SAT prep courses and have them take the test early and often. The best score counts and every time your kid takes the test, they get more comfortable with it! Think about it -- a lot if riding on these test scores.

Bus or Car?

How does your child get to school in the morning? Do you drive them to the door or do they ride the school bus? Other options include them driving themselves (older kids, duh), taking public transportation or walking to school. I'd like to see the results of this informal poll. Just leave a comment and let me know how your kid gets to school.

I Hope They Take Careof the kids

With all this talk in Washington DC about health care and health insurance reform, there is one area which I hope they get right and that's kids health care. All children deserve to be healthy and to have medical care for them. Its sorta like Medicare supplement insurance for kids -- universal health care for all kids under 18 years old. I need to read up on whats in these proposed bills and see if the kids are taken care of.

1st Week Almost Over

The first week of school is almost over and I think I am going to survive. Sure the kids back at school means a break for me, but it also means having to wake up early in the morning to get them ready and to the bus on time. Then in the afternoon, it means picking them up and getting them to do their homework before dinner. Its a schedule to get used to!