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Excited For Your Children to Return to School This Week?

lilsugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:00:12 -0800

Today many mamas are celebrating their tot's return to the classroom, as some parents are anxious to get back into a routine after all the holiday hoopla.Did you do a dance of joy as you saw your lil one off to school?Source

Excited For Your Children to Return to School This Week?

Yes — I can't wait for them, and me, to get back on schedule!

No — I will miss the lazy days of vacation.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Allow Your Kid to Go on Playdate If You Don't Know the Parent?

lilsugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

These days mamas are known for being overprotective, which made way for the term, "helicopter mom" but when it comes to your children playing at their friends' houses, do you allow your youngsters to go over if you don't know the parents?Source

Allow Your Kid to Go on Playdate If You Don't Know the Parent?

Yes — I trust my child's judgment in friends.

No — My kid isn't stepping into a stranger's house.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Mom Tried to Have "Rudolph" Banned From School Performance

lilsugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

The kindergartens of North Carolina's Murrayville Elementary practiced a rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in music class to prep for a PTA holiday performance until one mother objected to what she thought were religious overtones in it. The woman felt the words "Santa" and "Christmas" in the lyrics should not be taught in public school and petitioned that the song be removed from the program. The school board ruled that it was an appropriate tune and allowed the children to perform it. What's your opinion?

Did You Choose Your Home Based on the Schools?

lilsugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The debate over public versus private school can be a heated one that has even worked its way up to the presidential level. Last week, I told you about the beginning of my quest to find the perfect school for my daughter and that got me thinking. Did you choose your home based on the school system your child will attend?Source

Did You Choose Your Home Based on the Schools?

Yes — I chose my neighborhood because I wanted my tot to attend a certain school.

No — Schools were not a deciding factor in selecting our home.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

The Kindergarten Chronicles: Why School Is So Scary

lilsugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:45 -0800

The first day of school is a cinch, it's the process of getting there that's a hassle. I remember being excited about my own entree to kindergarten — slipping into my plaid uniform and putting on my brand new backpack hoping for homework. I was five-years-old and now twenty-six years later, I will relive that moment with my daughter in a matter of months. Currently in Pre-K, she's on her way to grammar school. While my lil darling enjoys making noodle necklaces, learns to perfect the angle of her letters and memorizes our street address, I hurry from school tour to open house, trying to find the pulse of an academic establishment that will educate her for the next nine years. I did this mad dash for preschool a few years back, but it was so much simpler. To see why,

To Pledge or Not to Pledge

lilsugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:00:42 -0800

The Pledge of Allegiance has been routinely said in classrooms since the 1800s. Many youngsters mumble it out of habit, but students at Woodbury Elementary in Vermont are well aware of the words they are stating. The school has banned the practice of the pledge in the classroom so students who wish to partake in the morning routine do so in the gym and then return to their studies.

This arrangement has some parents up in arms, as they don't feel their offspring should have to say "one nation under God" in a private setting. What do you think — is this a practical solution for families on both sides of the issue?

Merrells Are Made For Lil Men on the Move

lilsugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:35 -0800

Vans are my son's shoe of choice — he slides them on and is on his way. But, the stylish slip-ons popular with aspiring wee skaters aren't appropriate for certain occasions. For fancy affairs, I invested in a pair of shiny black Kenneth Cole lace-ups, but because weddings, holidays and funerals are so few and far between, he outgrows them quickly.

Then I came across a more casual shoe that is restaurant and playground friendly — Merrells. The classic mocs with rubber soles provide great traction for my tot who's always ready to party. The suede and leather uppers complement most casual outfits and the price tag ($25 - $30) won't break the bank as his feet continue to grow.

Lil Tip: Baking Soda in Place of Toothpaste

lilsugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

My daughter hates the taste of most toothpaste. She says even the mild, children's versions are "too spicy." In an effort to appease her and get her pearly whites clean, I turned the task into a lil science experiment and added a bit of baking soda to a splash of water and had her mix the slightly salty paste. Then, she dipped her toothbrush in it and went to work before spitting it down the sink. The results were clean teeth, a happy preschooler and an easy transition to a more natural brand of toothpaste.

Kidoodles: Free Paper Play House Downloads

lilsugar — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:00:26 -0800

There's something magical about sitting down with your children during weekend arts and crafts time. It's the perfect opportunity for stories, creativity and inevitably, a whole lot of mess.

These adorable paper houses and store fronts will help you deliver the same soothing creative time without any of the paint or pencil marks. The paper projects can be downloaded for free from Paperm. The site is Japanese, but just click the designs you like and select the colorful PDF link. You'll need clear tape and scissors to assemble the little structures.

Mommy's Lil Helper: Kikkerland Maps

babysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:04 -0800

Do you know the capitals of all 50 states? I'm guessing the chances are slim. You may have at one time and will again when your tot reaches third grade and must know them by heart.

Help him along with these magical Kikkerland US Placemats ($13). If you want to keep them for longer than one meal, laminate them and keep them for future dinners, craft projects, or family geography lessons.

A tad outdated, the maps are from 1895 so you'll be missing four of the 50 states. Can you guess which ones they are?