Parents’ Checklist for Back to School

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Back to school time can be just as tough on parents as it is on kids. I created a “Back to Campus Shopping Checklist” for GetButtonedUp.com and just about now grade school students are getting supply lists sent to them. But what about a checklist for parents? For that I turned to my mother-in-law, Irene Berman. She shares my love of lists and stationary.

She has taught public school for over 30 years in New York and Chicago. This past June she retired and I’ve never seen anyone so upset to leave a job. She really loves finding creative ways to teach kids things for the first time. It’s an amazing trait – I could never do it.

Here’s her Back to School Checklist for Parents:

  1. Take advantage of back to school clothes sales in July and August.
  2. Organize closets to help kids get ready faster in the morning.
  3. Get back to a school time bed routine. You might want to practice with an alarm clock.
  4. Try to get your child’s supply list and shop during sales because Halloween items come out soon.
  5. Update your calendar with school holidays and events.
  6. Check your immunization and medical records to make sure they are up to date.
  7. Make your sure you have emergency phone numbers and contacts for the school to reach.
  8. Create an IN/OUT box for school notice and forms.
  9. Get your home ready by organizing a quiet place for your child do do his homework.
  10. Create a homework box-with all supplies needed for homework…NO EXCUSES!!!! Also, if your kids are a little younger and need a helping hand with a certain area of learning, you could visit somewhere like Little Thinkers Center to get them back into learning!

Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in Carry-On Luggage

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I Listen to this. The government says that airlines collected $3.4 BILLION in baggage fees in 2010! $3.4 Billion! How many of you contributed to that ridiculous number? Jay and I definitely have – we even did on our short trip to Miami. Don’t judge us.

It’s just so difficult to pack smart especially with the 3.0 oz. liquid rule. How will I bring my sunscreen? I slather on tons of it because covering health news has made me paranoid about looking old and getting cancer.

Anyway — back to the baggage fees… It IS possible to travel for two-weeks – in Europe with only carry-on luggage. I know it’s possible because my good friend and fellow Hofstra University alum – has done it! It’s true! And she’s sharing all her secrets so we can all save money and time. Take notes… Read more

Checklist for Keeping Your Child Safe

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Child safety is on every parent’s mind these days. The Casey Anthony case and the story of the Brooklyn boy who went missing and was found brutally murdered have parents hugging their children a little tighter at night.

Protecting children is a huge worry for a large number of parents, but it is important to remember that there are even dangers in your own home. For example, did you know that in the USA approximately 1 in 3 homes with children have guns? If you have a gun at home, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is aware of some essential rules and safety requirements surrounding firearms. To learn more about teaching your child basic gun safety, you might want to read this article.

Dangers in the home to one side, would you know what to do if your child disappeared? I come from a family of police officers — so when I was a kid knowing what to do in an emergency was second nature to us. But for those of you without a cop for a father…here’s a little insight from another former police officer and author, Carole Moore.

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Their Child

by Carole Moore

It’s almost impossible to understate the role time plays when a child goes missing. Could you instantly provide police with everything they need to look for your child if he or she disappeared? If you’re like most people, the answer is no.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that in an average year about 800,000 children are reported missing. The good news is that the vast majority of them turn up alive and safe. Your best strategy is to be prepared, even if the odds are on your side.

Here’s what experts say you should have at a minimum to be prepared for the unthinkable: Read more

Must-Have Pregnancy Clothing List

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It must be pregnancy season or something — I know a whole bunch of ladies having babies lately!  Some women use this time as an excuse to “let it all hang out.” Well, my friends – it is not. You should take pride in your look at every point in your life. I know that this can be hard, as sometimes things happen that you have no control over so you don’t always want to wear your best.

Maternity clothes can be expensive but there are tricks for stretching your existing wardrobe and cost-effective ways to add to it. Marisa Moss, founder of MineForNine.com, gave me these secrets to share with all of you.

Save yourself a lot of time and stress by “editing” your closet ASAP in your first trimester.

1. Neatly fold and store all the pants without any stretch

2. Put all the dresses you already have to “suck-in” to wear in the back of the closet

3. Hide all your tailored tops Read more

List of Healthy No-Cook Lunches

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I take my lunch to work on most days for two reasons:

1. It’s cheaper

2. It’s healthier

Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a sandwich or salad — sometimes I’m bored with whatever I’ve brought for lunch. So in an effort to spice up my options and be less stressed I reached out to nutritionist Patricia Bannan, author of “Eat Right When Time is Tight” for some inspiration.

21 Healthy and Delicious No-Cook Lunches

By

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

No time to cook? Whether you’re brown bagging it, busy at home or dining out, try one of these healthy lunch ideas from my new book “Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes.” Nutritious and delicious, they all have 400 calories or less and provide protein and fiber for sustained energy.

BROWN BAG IT

Here are seven lunch options to brown bag and carry with you:

• Tuna hummus dip. Mix together 1/2 cup of canned, drained water-packed albacore tuna with 2 tablespoons of hummus and a splash of lemon juice; eat with slices of celery or cucumber or a few baked pita chips.

• Italian bean salad. Toss 1 can of drained white beans with 1 teaspoon each of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and add fresh herbs (e.g, parsley, basil and/or oregano) to taste. Read more