You may know from some of my recent posts that we just got back from another trip to Disney World. Shades of Green (a resort for military families on Disney property and fantastic!)  had a deal too good to pass up. A friend and I took our boys…4 in total…..on a 3 night trip and let me tell you, if you are planning a trip to Disney and don’t want to wait in line….go in January!

Monorail to Epcot...we only had 3 other people in with us.. a nearly empty train!

I have been to Disney with the boys nine times now and we have visited during all times of the year. By far, the least crowded we have seen the parks has been the first of the year. Granted, you won’t be soaking up sun by the pool or hitting either of the water parks, but you WILL get to ride your favorites more than once and you won’t have to listen to the kids whine in line about how long it is taking. For those two reasons alone, it is a wonderful time to make the trip.

I am asked often by other moms about planning a visit to Disney since we go so often. I love to share what I know and the time of year to visit is one of the first things I share. It is easier to get on rides, make dining reservations and there are usually great deals on lodging during these low attendance times too.  For most kids and parents, a Disney trip is a once in a lifetime or a once in a blue moon experience. Why not go when you can relax and enjoy it more. It is great family time and a perfect place to make memories together.

Have you been to Disney at a great time? Share your tips

What happens when your child says, “I’m sick”? Do you keep her home or send her off to school?

Following these steps can help you find out, decide and care for your child. First, ask yourself these three questions:

• Does your child have an illness that will make other children sick? Examples of this is are a bad cough, cold or vomiting.
• Will your child need constant care from a grown-up?
• Will the illness make it hard for your child to learn or play?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep your child at home. If you’re not sure, call your child’s doctor. Be sure to call the doctor if your child has an elevated temperature, taken with a mouth thermometer.

Decide if your older child can stay home alone, if need be. Ask yourself these questions: Read the rest of this entry »

Do you or your child suffer from the winter blues?  It is actually a seasonal affective disorder related to depression that occurs in the winter time due to shorter days, the cold and the stress of after holidays.  It is important to recognize the signs in yourself or your child and seek help if needed.  Also, remember if you the parent is suffering it can trickle down to your kids and impact them, so get help!  There are many fun ways we have found to beat the blues or the blahs!

Here are some indoor activities that can bring you together without making you lose your mind….

1.  Get crafty- get some projects done you have wanted to and involve your children, it’s a great time to teach life skills while getting projects done

2.  Write Letters- get those thank you cards written (hint to myself)

3. Play store- it teaches math, could organize your pantry and is fun!

4.  Play games and do puzzles, when’s the last time you took the time to play together in good old fashion fun

5.  Draw to Music, Dance to Music, Sing to Music

or…

Get out of the house and get busy….activity is good for beating the blues.  Jacksonville now has Jump N Jax, an indoor facility with bounce houses; go bowling; go for a walk; join a gym, enroll your child in gymnastics, dance or other activity.  Being cooped up in the house isn’t always ideal, especially when dealing with the blues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “People with SAD may crave comfort foods, including simple carbs such as pasta, breads, and sugar. With excess unhealthy calories and a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, fatigue often sets in. They may become depressed and irritable. Eventually, they are no longer able to maintain their regular lifestyle. They may withdrawal socially and no longer enjoy things that used to be fun. It’s as if a person’s batteries have just run down. For parents, SAD can obviously have a sharp impact on the ability to be an effective parent.

Children and adolescents can also suffer these symptoms. They may experience feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness. Children with depression struggle to concentrate on their schoolwork. Their grades may drop, worsening feelings of low self-esteem. Symptoms that last more than two weeks are cause for concern.”  Since there has been no known study on the effects of SAD in children or treatments, parents do need to be more mindful of their children’s behaviors.

How do you beat the blues during the winter months?  Do you think children suffer from the blues in winter?

Are you a mom of a middle schooler (or two)?  Onslow Memorial Hospital is recruiting women who would like to share their experiences raising children in middle school, and lead conversations about parenting with other women in the community.

The ideal author will be willing to share stories about their families and discuss their thoughts and feelings about how their children are growing, what it means to be a parent of growing children, struggles as a parent, the best things about raising children and the things our children do that make us all laugh, cry and sometimes cringe!

This is an exciting, paid opportunity and we’re looking for someone with passion, dedication and the skill set to keep a blog lively, timely and relevant to parents who will be following the blog. Previous blogging, journalism or PR experience is helpful but not necessary.

If you are interested in joining our team, please click here to apply today!

I am not sure if you have seen the video below already or not, but I wanted to share a dose of brotherly love. This video sums up a big issue here at our house perfectly…an issue I think I may just need to learn to live with.

Jake and Sam are 17 months apart in age (much like the brothers here). While they love each other and will tell you they are each others best friend…they bicker…A LOT! What really gets me is that they keep going back for more…..just like big brother here in this video clip.

I tell them to walk away or give each other some space if they start to go at it, but 2 minutes later they are back together and 5 minutes after that….another fight. I am not sure what it is about brothers, but this video lets me know I am not alone and they are not unique

Do you have boys who bicker? Do you think their age difference plays a role?