Welcome to Not-So-Ultimate Mommy—a real-life parenting blog for the perfectly imperfect. From fun kids’ activities to honest takes on motherhood, this space is all about finding joy, creativity, and sanity in the chaos. Whether you're crafting with toddlers or navigating parenting curveballs, you’re not alone—and you’re doing great (even when it doesn’t feel like it).
College is a fun and unique experience for many students. The sense of freedom that comes with leaving home for the first time is incomparable, and most students looked forward to that moment for many years. Then, quite suddenly, you have to return home either for college break or at the end of your college education. Moving back into your parents’ house can be a bit of a shock. Most students will need an adjustment period after returning from college.
College and home are very different. At college, you basically took care of yourself, set your own rules, and had to be responsible for your own actions. When you did some foolish and irresponsible, such as partying all night before an important exam, you generally had to suffer the consequences. However, even after such consequences, you had to decide not to party right before an exam. Outside of classwork and following the relaxed rules of your dorm, no one was enforcing any real rules for you, and they didn’t make demands on your time.
At home, even if you still take care of yourself, the rules are bound to change. It’s not your house, so you don’t get to make all the rules. It’s your parents’ house, and so you have to abide by their rules. And your parents will likely have very definite ideas about what you should and should not do.
Your parents may forget that you’ve been away and living on your own for some time. They might revert to treating you like a child. If this happens, don’t immediately panic. Remember that they are your parents, they love you, and they’re only trying to do what’s best for you. Evaluate the situation, and calmly discuss it with them.
One of the biggest causes of conflict for a student returning home from college is the notion of a curfew. Instead of screaming at your parents about how mature you are, approach the situation calmly. Remind them that you’ve been on your own for months, and you’ve always been responsible enough to come in at a reasonable hour (even if you haven’t been). Try to come to a compromise. Perhaps let them know exactly when you will be in, and if you’re going to be late, remember to call.
If you’re not going to come home at all, your parents should know. They probably don’t need to know all your business, but try not to leave them sitting at home worrying about you and what might have happened. If you’re going out, have the courtesy to let them know when you’ll be back, and especially if you’ll be coming back at all. It’s unbelievably rude to not come home for dinner when they’re expecting you.
When at college, perhaps you had overnight guests. Maybe your roommate didn’t mind, or maybe you didn’t have a roommate. At home, you have more than a roommate, you have parents. Be courteous, and don’t have anyone stay overnight unless your parents give their permission well beforehand. And if you suddenly decide you want to have a party, either clear it with your parents before inviting a single person, or host it somewhere else.
Avoid creating resentment in your own home. You’re not a guest, so don’t act like one. Pick up after yourself, do your own laundry, and don’t expect your parents to cook for you. This doesn’t mean you can’t participate in family meals, but don’t laze around on the couch all day and expect them to look after you. Your mother shouldn’t have to make you lunch every afternoon, especially when she has other things to do. Relieve the burden you might be placing on your parents and look after yourself. Perhaps even offer to help them out as well.
As an adult, it can be difficult to readjust to living with your parents. Talk to them if you have a problem, and let them know that they can talk to you. Stay calm, and remember that you’re trying to be a fully fledged adult, not a child. Act like an adult, and your parents will be more likely to treat you as such.
Christmas trees are a traditional symbol of the holidays. Many people have visions of a large evergreen, liberally decorated with lights, garland, and festive ornaments. Presents are strewn under the tree, the family is gathered nearby. However, for those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers, this vision can be difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce.
Those with smaller spaces, and especially those who live in apartments, are often concerned with size when it comes to purchasing a Christmas tree, either real or artificial. Fortunately, trees of all kinds now come in a variety of sizes to suit all spaces. Having a Christmas tree is no longer dependent upon having the space for one, since you can purchase a tree small enough to fit on a tabletop.
For those apartment dwellers who still want a full-sized tree, you’ll have to be aware of your space. Choose the location for your tree, and measure. Measure the height of your room. Measure the height of your tree stand and tree topper. Take the height of your room, subtract the tree stand and topper, then subtract a further two inches. This is the maximum height of any tree your space can support.
Measure the circumference of the space you’ve chosen. If there’s only three feet of space, then purchasing a tree that’s four feet wide will only cause frustration. Once you have this measurement, consider how you will get your tree into your apartment. For those with elevators or small stairwells, this may be a major concern. You might have the space for a huge tree in your apartment, but if you can’t get it in, you’ll be disappointed. Again, use your tape measure to make sure.
When you finally go out to purchase your tree, make sure you bring that same tape measure with you. If purchasing a real tree, choose a pine or fir tree. These trees drop their needles with less frequency, which will help with cleanup, and you won’t leave as much of a mess in the hallway when transporting your tree. Measure your tree accurately before purchasing. Do not rely on the sales person’s guess. If you have to, ask the attendants to cut a larger tree down to size for you.
You might prefer an artificial tree, or perhaps your apartment doesn’t allow for real trees. In this case, you’ll still need your tape measure. The measurements on a box are sometimes not quite accurate. Look for stores that have displays, and measure those display trees. And just in case, ask about the return policy. An artificial tree can look just as real, and if you want it to smell real, add a few drops of pine essential oil to a cup of water and gently mist of over the artificial tree. The scent will waft through your apartment and last through the holidays.
When you finally settle on a tree and get it home, decorate it with care and add presents at its base for a more festive atmosphere. Invite your friends and family over to see your new tree, and remember to enjoy the holidays.
Christmas brings with it many things. Carolers touring the neighborhood. Cookies baking in every kitchen. And the annual tradition of setting up the Christmas tree. For many families, an artificial tree is the tree of choice.
Everyone wants a beautiful tree that at least appears to be real. But all trees, real and artificial, carry some potential danger, and not all artificial trees are created equal. Before setting up your artificial tree, consider your family, and take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your children can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Safety begins with the purchase of your tree. There are dozens of artificial trees on the market today. They come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, and selecting one can be difficult. Before even considering which tree to purchase, read the box and all specifications carefully. Look for the words ‘fire retardant’ or ‘fire resistant’. If these words do not appear anywhere on the box or on the enclosed leaflet, then the tree is unsafe. Don’t assume that because a tree is for sale that it’s safe.
If you have small children or curious pets, you’ll want to look for a tree that does not contain PVCs. These chemicals, also known as polyvinyl chlorides, can be a source of lead, and children and pets like to chew. Err on the side of caution and purchase a tree that does not contain these dangerous chemicals.
Once you get your tree home, you’ll want to make sure that once set up, it’s stable and safe. Consider securing your tree to the wall so that it does not fall over and harm someone or damage your furniture, especially if you have young children who will be grabbing at the tree, or cats who will insist on climbing it. Your tree can be secured using eye hooks and either galvanized wire or heavy fishing line. These items can be found at your local hardware store. When securing your tree, be sure to avoid any lights or decorations that may already be on your tree.
Artificial trees are made of plastic, no matter how real they look. Plastic can be melted or burned quite easily, so you must take care with the placement of your tree. Do not put your tree near any heat source. This includes radiators, heating vents, wood stoves, ovens, portable heaters, or fireplaces.
No matter how safe you think your tree is, all trees are a fire hazard. Reduce this hazard by carefully checking each and every string of lights for frayed wires or any other signs of wear. If a string of lights looks at all damaged, invest a little money and buy new, preferably LED lights, since they don’t get as hot. It is also important to use lights rated for indoor use. Outdoor lights get too hot and can cause a fire.
When plugging in the lights and other items on your tree, do not overload your electrical sockets, as this could lead to a fire. Be aware of exactly how many light strings you have on one circuit. Check each extension cord to make sure they’re all in good condition, and rated for indoor use. If you have to, reduce the number of lights on your tree.
When adding decorations, consider who will be around your tree. If there will be many children in your home over the holiday season, you might want to forego the breakable ornaments and invest in plastic ones. Children and pets don’t always understand that they shouldn’t touch, so don’t expect them to leave the tree alone. Also make sure the ornaments are free of small pieces that a child could choke on.
By taking these steps to ensure the safety of you and your family, you will be able to enjoy your artificial tree in peace this holiday season.
Holiday parties can be a great way to relax and have fun with friends and family. However, planning a holiday party can be a little intimidating. Probably the most difficult decision to make when planning a party is the guest list. Who to invite and who not to invite can be stressful. But if you take a moment to consider both your party and its guest list, the process can be made simpler.
Before you can even think of a guest list, you have to know your space. If you intend to host the party in your living room, and you only have room for ten people, then that limits your guest list considerably. If, on the other hand, you’d like to rent a hall for a hundred people, your list of guests expands quite a bit.
The next step is to decide what kind of party you’ll be having. Are you having a sit-down dinner or a buffet, or perhaps cocktails? Is your party primarily for friends, family, colleagues, or a mixture of all three? What kind of entertainment will you be planning? Will you include children in your party? These questions will all slightly alter your guest list. For example, if the party is primarily for your colleagues, then you might not want to include children, and you probably won’t invite your sister. You can mix your groups, of course, but you have to do this carefully. A party full of family and friends can be wonderful, but don’t invite only one friend in a sea of family members. It will just make everyone uncomfortable. You have to achieve some kind of balance, or limit yourself to only one group.
Children are an important issue when it comes to planning a party. Babies, in particular, require some attention to detail. They may be tiny, but they come with stuff. Expect that a parent bringing their little one might have a playpen or carrier for the baby to rest in. If you invite any breastfeeding mothers, you might want to have a space, perhaps in a spare bedroom, where they can retreat, if they need to.
If your party is child friendly, and you have a maximum number of people you can invite, remember to count each attending child as a guest. This is especially important if you’re in a rented space, as you’ll have to abide by fire codes, and fire codes do count children as people. Even parents, however, are entitled to have a child-free party. Sitters can be found, after all.
Try to keep it simple, and remember that the point of a holiday party is to have fun with people you enjoy being around. Be creative, invite those people who mean the most to you, and remember, it’s a holiday party. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just fun.
Any holiday table can be enhanced by the use of personalized place settings. Even some very simple ideas can make your holiday table unique, while at the same time letting everyone know where to sit. Get creative, and maybe use something that your guests can take home with them to spruce up their own décor.
Frosted pinecones, found at most craft shops, make wonderful place settings. Simply take a gold or silver pen and write your guests names on the pinecones. If you want to turn these pinecones into ornaments, simply add a ribbon so that it may be hung on a tree. Make sure you write clearly and neatly, so there’s no confusion when it comes time to sit down for dinner.
If you have a box of plastic or glass ornaments laying around that you’re not using, turn these into a personalized place setting. Using coordinating pens designed for writing on glass or plastic, gently scrawl the names of your guests onto each ornament. Now each guest has a personalized ornament to hang on their own tree when they get home.
If you’re any good at origami, or know someone who is, try making paper reindeer, trees, Santas, or even gift boxes. Use a felt pen to write the names. Your guests will appreciate these unique crafts, and will certainly want to take them home at the end of the evening.
If you’d rather send your guests home with chocolates, cookies, or other treats, purchase some small gift boxes. Write the guests names on the boxes, and stuff each box with any goodie you’d like. You might also consider Christmas crackers, personalized with the name of each guest.
For the craftier holiday host, try personalizing the table itself. You could write names on glasses or dinnerware, but make sure you use food safe paints. If you don’t want to re-use your tablecloth, you could even get some fabric paint and put the names of your guests directly onto the tablecloth.
A more difficult, but very unique idea is to use actual food as personalized place settings. Try preparing an appetizer that requires a sauce, and use that sauce to write the names of your guests. Or offer a salad, and use dressing instead.
There are countless ways to use personalized place settings to make your table beautiful and unique. This is a chance to exercise your creativity in planning your holiday party. It usually only takes a few extra minutes, and your guests will certainly appreciate the effort.
Holiday parties are great fun and a tradition for many people. They can be a time to gather together with friends and family, and simply enjoy the holidays. The best holiday parties are those that leave the guests with a fond memory, and one way to do this is with fun and creative party favors. Try sending your guests home with any of these suggestions, and they’ll remember your party for years.
Mini Stockings: You can purchase these at most craft shops around the holidays. Fill them with chocolates, cookies, candy canes, or any treat you can imagine. You could also fill them with tea bags or candles. These little items are inexpensive, attractive, and festive, and will add ambiance to your party.
Baking: Bake up a few batches of your favorite holiday cookies or other treats and package them in festive bags. Attach the recipes used to make these cookies, if you can. Guests will appreciate being able to recreate these treats at home. You might want to avoid peanut products when baking, in case of allergies.
Engraved Glasses: If you want to spend a little more money, and are serving wine or champagne at your party, consider purchasing wine glasses or champagne flutes and having them engraved with each guest’s name. You might even want to add the date and occasion. These will last forever (or until they’re broken), and will give your guests something to remember you by in years to come.
Hot Chocolate: Most people will appreciate a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Pick out some unique holiday mugs and place packets of hot chocolate inside. Wrap the mugs in cellophane, tie them up with brightly-colored ribbon, and give your guests a warm party favor to enjoy when they get home.
Picture Frames: Frames are a useful favor for most guests. Try to find the kind that can be either hung on the wall or placed on a desk or mantle for added versatility. If you can, find holiday-themed picture frames, or decorate them yourself. Try adding the names of your guests for a personal touch.
Personalized Ornaments: This is a quick and easy way to make beautiful party favors that your guests will use when they get home. Simply purchase a set of plain holiday ornaments, either glass or plastic, and personalize with the name of each guest. You can even invest a little more money and get the kind that open up. These will allow you to hide a special treat or present inside. Consider replacing the standard wire hangers with pretty ribbon, perhaps with the date and occasion of your party. Your guests can immediately put this on their tree, and they’ll remember you every year when they decorate for the holidays.
These are only some ideas for creative party favors. There are many other things that can be used as holiday favors, such as holiday CDs or a small vase with festive flowers. Check your local holiday or craft stores for more ideas to make your party memorable.. Try sending your guests home with any of these suggestions, and they’ll remember your party for years.
Scent is a powerful thing. The right scent stirs the memory, relaxes the body, and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The holidays are a perfect time to use scents and aromas to create a festive feeling. The following suggestions can help turn your home into a holiday retreat.
Baking: One way to infuse your home with holiday scent is to bake some holiday treats. Try chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, apple or pumpkin pie, or even some fresh baked bread. If you don’t bake, you can purchase premade cookie or bread dough, or even oven-ready pies. Throw them in the oven and you’ll soon have holiday scents wafting through your home.
Candles: Not only does the glow of a candle offer a cozy atmosphere, but if you choose a scented candle, it can add a festive aroma to your space. There are hundreds of candle scents to choose from, but try picking something appropriate for the season. There are candles that smell like peppermint, baking cookies, pumpkin, apple, pine, and many others. All of these would work for the holidays.
Pine Tree: Your holiday tree, if it’s real, will already be giving off a distinctive pine scent. If you have an artificial tree (or artificial wreaths around your home), you can still enjoy this same aroma. Purchase a small bottle of pine essential oil and add a few drops to a cup of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and liberally spray your artificial tree. Essential oils can also be sprayed onto fabrics in various areas of the home, but be careful of delicate fabrics, as essential oils can stain.
Room Fresheners: All manner of plug-in air fresheners are available on the market today. These can be purchased in many holiday scents, and produce decent aromas throughout your home.
Potpourri: Any craft or holiday store will likely carry holiday-scented potpourri. This can be located in strategic areas of your home, and tends to be a more subtle way of creating ambiance in your house. For a stronger scent, invest in an electric potpourri burner.
Oil Warmers: Burners can be purchased which accommodate scented oil in the top well, and a tealight candle underneath. The tealight warms the oil and the scent spreads quickly through your home. These scents are often quite strong, so use the oil sparingly.
Room Sprays: Commercial room sprays are available at your local grocery store, among other places. These are good for a quick burst of scent, and are available in many holiday varieties.
Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments: These are made with highly fragrant dough. Mix one cup cinnamon, one cup applesauce, and one tablespoon white glue. Roll out on wax paper, cut into holiday shapes, remembering to add a hole so you will be able to hang them, and let dry for twenty-four hours. Hang the resulting ornaments on your tree or anywhere you want scent. The scent may last as long as two years.
There are many other ways to bring festive scents into your home, including pomanders, fresh flowers, or burning wood in your fireplace. You could also try simmering some spices on the stove. Use your favorite aromas to bring the holidays into your home, and you will experience the season on a whole new level.
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs anyone will ever have. It can be frustrating, disheartening, and sometimes even depressing. It may occasionally seem as if discipline has no effect, and you may wonder why you should even try. However, discipline remains a vitally important part of raising a child. Appropriate discipline teaches a child boundaries, instills a sense of right and wrong, and makes a child feel safe. And consistent discipline enables a child to accurately predict the consequences of their actions. All of this is essential to the mental and emotional development of your child.
However, disciplining any child is not easy. There are many mistakes that parents can and do make on a regular basis. These costly mistakes cause confusion, frustration, and may result in hurt feelings. The easiest way of avoiding the most common discipline mistakes is to simply be aware of them in the first place.
Don’t Lose Your Temper
Everyone gets angry. It’s just a fact of life. But displaying anger while you’re trying to discipline your child will inevitably lead to sending mixed messages and may even make your child fear you. Acting out of anger is the same as losing control, so it is important that you keep calm when disciplining your child. This means no yelling or screaming at your children.
If you know you’re about to lose control of your temper, take a break. Both you and your child might benefit from a timeout. Tell your child you both need five minutes to calm down, then come back and address the issue. An older child will understand this.
Follow Through
Empty threats will come back to haunt you. If you have a rule with a specific consequence, always enforce that rule and follow through with the consequences if that rule is broken. If you don’t, your child will soon learn that rules are flexible and you don’t always mean what you say. This will lead to an unruly child who always pushes the boundaries because she knows she can get away with it.
Mean What You Say and Don’t Back Down
If your child has asked for that cookie three times and the answer has been ‘no’ then the answer needs to remain ‘no’. Don’t give in to persistent pleas or whines for that cookie. If you do, your child will learn that all she has to do is keep asking and you’ll eventually give in. This will teach your child that ‘no’ actually means ‘not right now, but keep it up and I’ll give in just to get you to stop asking.’ Don’t put yourself in that situation.
No Emotional Blackmail
Don’t try to make your child feel guilty about breaking the rules by playing on her emotions. You’re not a victim of your child, so don’t play that role. Enforce discipline clearly and firmly without resulting to emotionally blackmailing your child.
Don’t Break Your Own Rules
The old adage “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t work with children. You are your child’s most influential role model, so follow your own rules. If you have told your child not to sneak cookies before dinner, then you’d better not be sneaking any either. They’ll catch you, and they’ll assume that the rules don’t apply anymore.
Don’t Change the Rules
A child is easily confused, so make sure the same rules apply each and every day. If you do have to change a particular rule, have a family meeting about it first. Don’t expect your children to follow unspoken rules either. If it’s not spelled out, it’s not a rule to a child. Make your expectations clear and keep those expectations consistent.
Resist the Temptation to Bribe Your Child
It’s often temping to give your child a little treat for behaving, but doing this on a consistent basis creates an expectation of more of the same. Eventually, your child will behave only when you have a reward in your hand. Enforce the rules without resorting to bribery and your child will learn to motivate themselves to follow existing rules. This will, in the long run, lead to a child who behaves most of the time.
Be a Parental Unit
Unless you’re a single parent, you probably aren’t disciplining your child alone. Get together with your partner and come up with a set of rules you can both agree to and enforce as a unit. If you can, plan how you will react to certain situations and stick to the plan. If you encounter a situation that needs discipline, discuss it with your partner first, if at all possible. Just don’t do this in front of your child or she might learn to play one against the other, and that’s never a good situation to encourage.
Don’t Delay
Children have a very short attention span. If your child breaks a vase at 9am and you don’t get around to disciplining her until 4pm, too much time has passed. Deal with situations as immediately as possible. If more than five or ten minutes have passed, you’ve probably missed the opportunity to effectively discipline your child. Younger children have even shorter attention spans, so get to it quickly.
Lectures Aren’t Necessary
Discipline shouldn’t take all afternoon. Be clear and concise when enforcing discipline to avoid confusing your child. Remember that the younger the child, the shorter the attention span. Get it over with while your child is still paying attention if you want to be an effective parent.
Disciplining your child isn’t an easy thing to do. But if you speak to her clearly and concisely and show her that her actions have consequences, she will soon learn to obey the rules. Be open, caring, and a good role model and you can avoid some of the more common disciplining mistakes and create a stronger, healthier relationship with your child.
From the moment you realize you’re pregnant, you start thinking about your baby. You’re anxious to learn all you can about your newborn and how he or she will develop. You buy all the books, visit all the websites, and talk to everyone who will listen to you.
Then you bring your child home from the hospital and you start to watch and wonder. You’re never such what’s “normal” for your baby. As your child grows physically, mentally, and emotionally, he or she will begin to develop new skills and abilities. Your baby will smile, recognize you and other family members, and even start to talk. But when is all this supposed to happen?
A baby’s development falls on a spectrum. It’s important not to panic if your baby isn’t crawling by seven months. Children develop at their own pace and most children will eventually catch up. If your baby is on the far end of the spectrum and you’re worried, speak to your pediatrician. A qualified doctor can usually assess your child for developmental delays. However, most children will develop all of the following skills.
0 – 6 Weeks
Newborns don’t do much. They’re too busy adapting to their new environment. It’s hard going from a warm, safe, dark womb to the bright and cold surroundings of the outside world. Your baby will squirm as he or she learns about the body they can now move freely. Your child may also grimace or smile, but this is usually due to gas.
Babies in this age bracket tend to respond on instinct. Most of what they do is based on survival. The mouthing reflex, for example, is an instinct designed to allow the baby to feed, as is the ability to latch onto a nipple. These responses are based upon certain stimuli, but they are not cognitive abilities. A baby’s cognitive abilities will begin developing at around the 4-6 week mark.
6 – 8 Weeks
Babies in this age range start to look around and focus on many different things in their environment. Motor reflexes begin to develop, though they are still slow and very awkward. Babies at this stage are not very steady, but they do attempt to move their heads around.
At around 6 weeks, babies begin to truly smile. Your child may greet you with a smile when you enter a room, and may attempt to turn towards the sound of your voice. Though his or her social circle is still limited to parents and perhaps other very close relatives (such as a sibling in the same household), the baby is beginning to develop socially.
2 – 3 Months
By this time, the strength of a baby begins to grow exponentially. Your baby may start to rock back and forth in an apparent attempt to roll over, and may even begin supporting himself on his hands if you place him on his stomach on a firm surface. Generally by 3 months babies learn to roll over onto their backs, but don’t be surprised if your baby then finds himself stuck. Babies at this stage do not have the strength to roll themselves back onto their stomachs.
Socially, your baby will begin to recognize other people. Your child may start responding to a beloved aunt or grandparent, and may even giggle when “Grandpa” comes to play. Your baby’s social circle is starting to widen, and he’s beginning to realize there’s a wider world than simply his parents.
3 – 4 Months
By this stage, most babies have learned to control their neck muscles enough to support their own heads. This means that your own baby will be able to look wherever he wants. And he’ll usually want to look at whatever is the brightest or fastest moving object in the room. This is a good age to invest in a mat with activity bars dangling overhead, and your baby will finally show an interest in these types of things.
Your child is also learning some basic motor coordination. He’ll learn to control the movement of his hands and feet, and may appear to be attempting to crawl (though actual crawling will not occur just yet).
Children at this age are also learning how to play, and the basics of cause and effect. By about 3 months, a baby understands that if he shakes a rattle, it makes a sound. He’ll also start to realize that you’ll pick up anything he drops. This may become a game to him, as he tosses various toys and expects you to pick them up.
4 – 6 Months
This is a very exciting stage for a baby. Most children have greater control of their hands and necks, and begin to truly roll around, back to front and front to back. Many babies even learn that they can roll to get around, their very first attempt at mobility.
Children also begin to have ‘conversations’ at this age. They will coo or gurgle at you, expecting a response. While this conversation doesn’t make sense quite yet, it is your baby’s first attempt at communicating with you through language.
Socially, children of this age love to play games. Peek-a-boo is especially popular, as is This Little Piggy. He’ll also begin to make associations regarding his own body, so this is a good age to begin teaching certain parts of the body, such as feet, hands, and nose. Don’t expect him to catch on immediately, but he’ll get it eventually.
7 – 11 Months
For many babies, this is the stage where truly mobility is gained. Crawling or scooting begins, usually followed by pull himself up using furniture. But the end of this stage, most babies have learned to walk while holding onto furniture. Some may walk independently.
Independence first begins to develop in the second half of a baby’s first year. He might choose to look at a cloth or board book without your help, and may become frustrated if you do attempt to render aid. This is a phase where it’s important to respect his independence as he begins exploring his world.
Most children begin talking at this phase. They’ll use simply words associated with familiar items, such as ‘ball’, ‘Mum’, ‘cat’, and other easy words. To encourage this, use words to communicate with him, putting everything he wants into words. Don’t expect full sentences to come out of your child just yet. Linking words to items is progress enough.
12+ Months
Infancy is generally considered to end around the 12-month mark. After this, children are generally referred to as toddlers. A baby will begin walking right around now, and may develop a resentment of all those baby gates you’ve carefully placed around the house. He’ll also start using more words, and may even join two or three words together. They may not make sense, but it’s a start.
This is an age of frustration on the part of your child. Expect him to be annoyed when something doesn’t go his way. This is a normal and healthy part of development. Expect him to challenge you as he passes his first birthday. This is his way of learning what the rules of his world are, so be consistent.
The first year of a baby’s life is truly amazing. Your child will go from a tiny infant barely capable of moving to a toddler dashing through your kitchen. Spend this first year engaging your child, and remember that most of his brain’s development will happen during this year. Don’t waste this precious time with your baby at he learns who he is and his place in the world.
Of all the things a new parent has to cope with, a colicky baby is one of the most distressing. Your baby is uncomfortable, irritable, and inconsolable. You are exhausted, frustrated, and perhaps you even doubt that this condition will ever come to an end. Try to remember that having a baby with colic doesn't make you a bad parent, and that all babies do eventually grow out of colic.
Before attempting to deal with colic, it is important to understand what colic is. While experts still do not know exactly what causes colic, or how to cure it, the most popular theory is that some babies get colic for a few weeks while their digestive system matures. Babies with colic may have painful and frequent stomachaches due to allergies or intolerances to substances in their formula or breast milk.
Colic might also be caused by a nervous system that is still maturing and has not yet settled, a buildup of gas in the intestinal tract, or even smoking around a baby. There are some theories to suggest that a mother who smokes while pregnant will have a baby more vulnerable to colic. The fact remains that no one really understands colic or what causes it. All the new parent can do, if their baby develops colic, is attempt to cope with some simply yet effective strategies.
Feeding Strategies
The way you feed your child can have an effect on how disruptive colic can be, both to you and your baby. Try to keep the baby upright while he or she eats to keep the formula or breast milk moving smoothly into his or her tummy. A child who is hunched over while eating is more likely to trap air in air or her belly. And remember to burp your baby often during feeding to excel any air that is in the belly. You should consider stopping every few minutes to burp the baby, not simply wait until the feeding is over. in this way you might reduce the likelihood of colic.
If you use a bottle, look for one designed to reduce air intake. Try to find one that is curved with an internal vent or liner that helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the liquid. These vents will also keep the nipple from collapsing. If you suspect that colic may be due to an intolerance of breast milk of the formula you've chosen, discuss an alternative with your pediatrician.
Comforting
Colic makes babies very uncomfortable. Try to soothe your baby by rubbing his or her stomach. Also try putting your baby on his or her stomach and rubbing the back in slow soothing circles. This might help release excess gas. You could also try a warm bath, though this only works for some babies. If all else fails, just hold and maybe rock your baby. He or she will be comforted just by your presence. This may not stop the crying, but it will offer some level of emotional comfort to your baby. In cases where nothing can be done to alleviate the pain of colic, comforting may be the only option.
Remedies for Colic
Several natural and over-the-counter remedies are available that might help a colicky baby. Some parents try weak teas such as fennel, peppermint, dill, anise, or chamomile to treat colic. Most pharmacies carry items such as gripe water or anti-gas drops that may also give your baby some relief, but make sure you’re purchasing products specifically designed for babies. Before you administer any of these things, be sure to discuss the situation with your baby’s doctor. Your pediatrician will know what is safe for your child and what remedies might be effective.
Swaddling
When a baby is the womb, he or she feels warm and save. The ancient technique of swaddling can reproduce this feeling and give your baby some measure of comfort. Try swaddling you baby during feeding or immediately before putting him or her down to sleep. Research shows that babies who are swaddled are more likely to sleep soundly, despite being colicky. If your baby responds well to swaddling and it seems to be helping with colic, consider investing in a swaddling bunting bag.
Take Care of Yourself
Having a colicky baby can be frustrating and upsetting. Sometimes it helps to sit down and have a good cry. This may not solve the problem, but it might make you feel better. You might also want to take some time for yourself. Ensure that your baby is safe with another competent adult, go where you cannot hear your child crying, and take a few minutes to de-stress. Having even a few minutes to yourself will help lower your own frustration levels.
Remember that it’s not personal and your baby doesn’t hate you. Having a baby with colic doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or that he or she blames you for the colic; babies do not yet understand the concept of blame. And when you’re comforting your baby, you are helping, even if he or she is still crying. Try holding, rocking, and whispering to calm your child, even if it’s not working. There is something to be said for simply being there for your baby.
Having a colicky baby is enough to drive a sane parent mad. You can’t do it alone, so don’t try. Enlist the aid of family and friends to care for your child and never be afraid to ask for help. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or local crisis center if your frustration is building and you simply cannot cope. Your baby will eventually outgrow colic. You just have to be patient and nurturing.
For a beautiful and unique look at language and rhyme, try introducing your children to the literary classics of Dr. Seuss. The colorful illustrations will capture the imagination of any child, and no child should grow up without being exposed to these witty puns. One of the best ways to share Dr. Seuss with your children is to enroll in the Dr. Seuss Book Club.
Books are often quite expensive, and they don’t seem to be coming down in price. However, Early Moments, one of the best children’s book clubs in the world, makes acquiring quality Dr. Seuss books affordable and fun. Depending on the time of year and the current promotion being offered, you can receive up to 90 percent off the retail price of some books, with a commitment to buy a prescribed number of other Dr. Seuss books. If you find yourself unsatisfied with your purchases, you can have your entire payment refunded through the 100 percent unconditional money back guarantee.
The Dr. Seuss Book Club boasts some of the highest quality hardcover books that can be found. They are durable and will stand the test of time. And each month you will receive new titles for your Dr. Seuss library, all hand-picked by educational experts, delivered right to your door. These truly are some of the best books for children, both in terms of their binding and paper and their content.
These books will teach your children life skills such as letter recognition, reading, matching, rhyming, counting, and so much more. And not only will you receive books featuring characters created by Dr. Seuss, you’ll find a selection of books featuring popular characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, the Berenstein Bears, Arthur, and many more.
Joining the Dr. Seuss & His Friends Book Club is simple. When you sign up for the club, you’ll receive five hardcover books, plus an exclusive Dr. Seuss tote bag, for the low price of $4.99. You’ll also have the option of purchasing two more bonus books for only $4.99 for both. The only commitment you have to make is to purchase at least two club shipments (excluding the initial shipment with the tote bag).
Each month following your initial purchase, you will receive a shipment of three books at a price of only $20.94 for all three. If you are unsatisfied with any particular shipment, simply send it back with no obligation to buy. You will continue to receive monthly shipments, unless you follow the cancellation instructions included with each shipment.
There are many benefits to joining the Dr. Seuss & His Friends Book Club. This unique book club was designed to help parents build an entire library of entertaining books for your children to enjoy. You can learn to recapture your own childhood as you explore Dr. Seuss through the eyes of your children, and you’ll reconnect with them through a shared love of language.
The cadence and rhyme associated with Dr. Seuss is perfect for soothing young children. Reading the tales out loud while holding your younger children can help you to create a calming, nurturing and pleasant environment. And these books bring so much joy that it’s easy incorporate reading into your children’s day. It will become something they anticipate and enjoy.
The magic of Dr. Seuss is something that no child should miss. The Dr. Seuss Book Club is more than worth the money. However, it is important to remember that offers change from time to time, so take advantage of the best offer you can find.
Snowball fights are a common sight in winter and can be great fun. Children (or even adults) dash to and fro, attempting to evade snowballs thrown by an opponent, while at the same time hoping to get in a few good shots of their own. Snowball fights are fun and exciting, and for some, they’re all about competition. If you are interested in truly winning a snowball fight, you’ll have to learn to strategize and take your opponents by surprise.
Before you even start thinking about strategy, you need to consider your equipment. Running shoes and your new hoodie just won't do. You need something that will keep you warm and dry, but still allow you to move quickly and quietly. This means that your old bulky snowsuit won't work either. Choose lightweight, but waterproof, mitts and boots. Your jacket should be light, so dress in layers. This way, you can discard a layer if you get too hot. You'll need snow pants of course, but go for the lighter version, perhaps the type with vents to help keep you cool if you're moving a lot. Choose a hat that will protect you from wild snowballs, such as one with ear flaps, and you should wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf. This way, you won't strangle yourself on a tree as you dodge flying snow-missiles.
You'll also need the correct ammunition. Powdery snow usually just falls apart when you try to make a snowball, but it can be handy for flinging into an opponent's eyes while you try to escape after finding yourself in enemy territory. Look for slightly damp powdery snow that can be easily molded. If you're near a driveway or roadside, look for slush. You can usually mix it with powdery snow to come up with a wonderful snowball that has great distance and accuracy. For even greater distance, find an old tennis or badminton racquet to hit your snowballs with. You'll be surprised at how far they'll fly. Now that you have your equipment, you'll need a strategy.
If you simply stand in the middle of the yard and throw snowballs, you’re bound to get hit a few times, probably in the face, and you’ll likely even lose the game. If you want to win a snowball fight, you’ll have to make the best use of available cover. Natural barriers such as trees and snow banks work well, or you can hide behind a deck, pile of firewood, or even behind a garbage can. To increase your own protection during a snowball fight, look for something that you can move with you. The lids of garbage cans work well, but anything that can act as a shield will do.
No cover? Create some. If you know that you’re likely to have a snowball fight in your front yard, get to work creating some clever places to hide. Pack snow into a ‘fort’ to provide protection. To strengthen this fort, pour water on top. The water will freeze, creating a barrier that is strong enough to withstand most attacks. If you have the time, you might want to stash some ready-made snowballs in your fort, in case of an emergency.
If you’re using teams for your snowball fight, make the best use of your teammates. Work together and plan together. Get an opponent singled out and split up, attacking from multiple angles. When attacking from different angles, it’s important that you do not completely surround the enemy. Your own teammates could get caught in the crossfire. If the rules of your game state that you’re eliminated as soon as you’re hit with a snowball, you could find yourself eliminating your own teammates.
If you have a large enough team, have some of your teammates wait at a designated location, hiding behind trees or snow banks. When things look bad for your team, make a show of retreating. Try to get the other team to follow you right into the heart of your ‘reinforcements.’ While this is a little sneaky and doesn’t guarantee a win, at least you’ll have done something creative.
Don’t retreat without a plan. If you team constantly flees, you’ll find that you’re soon cornered into one area of the playing field. At this point, you’ll be surrounded and probably be forced to surrender. Hold your ground, if at all possible. If you must run, have a plan in place before you and your teammates just start scattering.
If you’re running out of snowballs faster that you can make them, have a teammate or two leave the fight and focus solely on making snowballs for the entire team. This will speed things up and give anyone with a really good arm more opportunities to take out an unsuspecting opponent.
If you find yourself without a snowball when encountering an opponent, kick up some snow into your opponent’s face and run. Take cover and make yourself a few snowballs quickly, because your opponent is likely annoyed at you by now. He or she will probably be intent on shoving a snowball down your throat, so be prepared.
Don’t waste your snowballs. This means that you should avoid throwing them without a clear target. Before you throw a single snowball, find an opponent, get him or her in your sights, and then throw when you have the perfect opportunity. If this means that you have to wait before firing, then wait. Better to have waited a few seconds and hit your mark than fire immediately and miss.
Don’t be afraid to sneak up on people from behind. Hit-and-run is a perfectly acceptable tactic when engaging in a snowball fight. Just make sure you get out of there quickly, or you might become the target of the entire opposing team. Take shelter behind your own teammates, and if no one actually saw you attack from behind, deny, deny, deny.
Get your teammates to cover you will you try to get to higher ground. A deck, woodpile, play structure, or even high snow hill can work. If you have higher ground, you have a better chance of seeing who’s coming at you. If at all possible, have each teammate take a high position. This should help you to win the snowball fight.
When you see a snowball flying towards you, try to catch it in your own hands and fling it back at your attacker. Use soft hands to cup the snowball to help it maintain its integrity. Be careful when employing this strategy, because if the snowball explodes on your hands, it likely counts as a hit, and you might be eliminated from the game.
If you want to win a snowball fight, you’ll have to be quick. Make your snowballs quickly, attack quickly, and move quickly. If you stay in one place too long, you’ll likely have the other team descend upon you. Change positions frequently, and try not to let the other team discover exactly where you are, at least for a few exchanges.
A truly organized snowball fight will have rules. Make sure everyone understands the rules before you start playing. Remember to be specific when creating these rules. If you say you can’t throw a snowball at someone’s face, then you can’t really get to angry when someone throws a snowball at the back of you head. You should have been more specific and said no throwing snowballs at the HEAD. Know what’s acceptable and what’s not, and you’ll all have a more exciting game.
Above all, be safe. Dress warmly in waterproof clothing, don’t throw rocks or ice, and be gentle with younger children. If you follow these rules and are creative with your strategies, then you’ll soon find yourself enjoying a snowball fight that you likely have a very good chance of winning.
Snow days happen. They simply cannot be avoided in many areas, and you may find yourself completely snowed in at one point or another during the long and cold winter months. Movies are often a natural way to entertain yourself, but it’s not always easy to select the right movie. Your choices will mostly be determined by who you’re snowed in with and how many children of varying ages you have running around. So pop some popcorn, grab a warm blanket, and settle in for the day.
Romantic Movies
If you’re snowed in either your partner, you might be in a romantic mood. While there are many options available, there are certain movies that just seem more romantic and suited to a snow day than others. “Casablanca” is a classic, and well worth the time, even if you’re by yourself for the day. What it with your partner, with the snow falling down outside, and you’re sure to have a romantic evening.
Other options include “Singing in the Rain,” purely for the music, as the story itself is just a little flat. You could also go for something lighter, such as “Ever After,” which is a cute little version of the Cinderella fable, but without the magic. “The Princess Bride” is an enchanting little fantasy that’s good for all audiences.
Other good romances to watch when you’re snowed in with your partner include “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” “Tristan and Isolde,” or perhaps the story of Queen Victoria’s romance with Prince Albert in “Young Victoria.” All of these would satisfy the need for romance while trapped by the weather.
Family Movies
Inevitably, many families end up snowed in, either because the roads are truly impassable, or simply because the local school division has cancelled classes. In this case, it’s time to hunt down the more family-oriented movies. If you have children who love trains, “The Polar Express” is a wonderful choice, with upbeat music and a cute little story. The classic animated feature “Fern Gully” is also a good idea, especially if you want a movie completely devoid of snow. It has the added bonus on a variety of positive messages for your children to absorb.
“Alvin and the Chipmunks” is good for a few laughs and might even make you forget that it’s snowing outside. Other good choices include “Arthur and the Invisibles” or really any Disney animated movie, such as “The Lion King” or “Bambi.” For the older children you love fantasy, try one of “The Chronicles of Narnia” movies, or any movie in the “Harry Potter” series.
Action or Adventure Movies
There are so many movies in this category that it’s almost impossible to choose just a few to mention. However, if you’re snowed in all alone and want something fast-paced and exciting, These movies come in all genres, so you’ll have to choose based on what you like, and what you have in your movie cabinet.
Some suggestions in this category include most movies with Steven Seagal or Harrison Ford (“Under Siege” or “Air Force One” both come to mind). You could also watch “The Bourne Identity” or another of the Bourne films, or “Independence Day.” Beware of these movies if your children are under thirteen. Discretion is advised for most of these movies.
If you’re looking for a little more fantasy with your action, consider the “Jurassic Park” series, any “Star Trek” movie, or any of the “X-Men” movies. Any of these will keep you entertained and occupied during the long, dark snow day ahead.
Dramatic Movies
This is another category just exploding with possibly movies, and most of these movies cross over into other genres. You could try “Schindler’s List,” which is both disturbing and fascinating but generally not suited for young children. A true tear-jerker, it can easily fill part of your day, if it’s a movie that interests you. “I Am Legend” is another interesting pick for a cold winter’s day.
“Legends of the Fall” is a journey into the dark secrets of love and betrayal, but also emphasizes the bonds of family. It’s exciting, romantic, and sad all at the same time and is sure to satisfy many audiences. Of course, if you simply want a movie that reminds you things can always get worse than being snowed in, try “The Day After Tomorrow.” This is the movie my own children pick when we can't get out of the driveway.
There are hundreds of movies to choose from, and narrowing it down is no easy task. Try making your own list of movies you can watch during a long day at home and keep in handy. And remember, if you are really in doubt and want to spend the entire day immersed in a movie, take yourself off to Middle Earth for the day and play the extended version of “The Lord of the Rings.” All three films. That should last until your street is plowed.
Snow days are an almost inevitable part of any winter. At some point during the season, you’ll see a winter wonderland outside, and hear the declaration on the radio — it’s a snow day. This may not always seem like a bad thing, but if you’re a parent of teenagers, finding ways to occupy your older children might present a challenge. This is especially true during a snow day, when boredom sets in even faster than normal. Fortunately, there are many fun and creative ways to entertain your teens during the long snow days.
If your teens haven’t touched board games in a while, it’s time to bring them out. Look through your closets and cupboards for classics such as Monopoly, Clue, or maybe even Myst. There are also some modern board games that are particularly suited to curious teenagers, such as Dragonology or perhaps even the DVD-board game Atmosfear. When you’re shopping between snow days, keep your eyes open for new and exciting board games to fill long snow days and evenings that you may face.
While you're out shopping, purchase those model kits that sometimes go on sale. They make a wonderful activity on a cold winter day. Purchase a variety to entertain all your teenagers. Look for model cars, trains, and airplanes, but also keep your eye out for model buildings. The budding architect in your family will really enjoy the opportunity to construct a scale model.
Try to get your teens to write a story. This may seem difficult, but if you have budding authors in your household, it may be worth the effort to get them to all sit down and commit thoughts to paper. Let each teenager write whatever they like, whether it’s a short story, flash fiction, or maybe even the very beginnings of a novel. If you have a teen who has difficulty finding ideas, help them out by giving them some basic plot points, but let them do the real writing.
If the weather permits, get your teenagers outside. Try to encourage them to do something fun. They’re certainly not too old to build a snow fort or throw a few snowballs back and forth. You might even be able to convince them to build a snowman, or even make a few snow angels in the front yard. Teenagers do enjoy the chance to let loose and have a good time, but they do sometimes need a little encouragement.
If the roads aren’t closed, consider heading out with your teens. Skating and sledding are wonderful ways to pass the time, even for older children. Depending on your teenagers and their own interests, you might want to head to the local park and either try skiing or snow shoeing. If you don’t have the equipment, look for places that will rent it to you for the day.
Start a scrapbook. Teens and older children often enjoy the opportunity to exercise their creative abilities, so pull out the paper, photos, and scrapbooks and get started. Maybe even take a few moments to capture the snow day itself on camera. If you don’t have all the supplies and can’t run to the craft store, just focus on organizing the photos you want to use. Make a promise to each other to put the scrapbook together as soon as possible.
If you really can't think of anything to do, engage your teenagers in a game of charades. Your teenagers might groan a bit at first, but give it a chance anyway. Within just a few moments you might find your children laughing and enjoying themselves, despite their best intentions.
Get your teens together and plan the ultimate snow day dinner. Act mainly as supervisor and have them do the majority of the preparation. Let them guide the dinner, all the way from menu selection to presentation of the meal. Girls as well as boys can participate in this activity. Consider making this an all-day event and baking breads and muffins, perhaps enough to last the entire week. This is a great bonding activity, and if you choose to make a cake, your teenagers can have a lot of fun decorating it.
Make some music. If you or your teenagers play any instruments, take turns playing for each other. You could even all play together. If no one plays an instrument, everyone can choose their favorite songs from their iPod, a CD, or from the radio. Take turns dancing to each song, getting as creative and as silly as you like. Teens might enjoy the opportunity to express themselves through dance without friends around to watch.
Make it a movie day. Have your teens select their favorite movies and play them, one by one. Between movies, ask your teens to analyze different aspects of each movie. Perhaps ask them about plot, theme, or character development. If they’re in high school, they may have been discussing these things in one of their classes, so they may have some detailed insights into each movie.
A snow day doesn’t have to mean boredom. There are so many ways to entertain your teenagers when they’re stuck at home. Try to get them engaged in the normal activities around the house, and then add something that’s not quite so normal. Have fun, get creative, and make some memories before your teens grow up.
It is easier to overspend today that it has ever been, especially when you have children. With the advent of credit cards, lines of credit, car loans, home equity loans, and all those “buy now, pay later” offers, there are just so many ways to go into debt. It may seem that the solution is to stop overspending, but unless you examine the causes of overspending and understand how to solve these common problems, that is unlikely to happen.
Credit Cards and Monthly Payments
Credit cards are one of the leading causes of overspending, simply because anyone can get a credit card. Even if you have poor credit or declared bankruptcy recently, you might still find yourself eligible for thousands of dollars worth of credit cards. And they’re so easy to use. Hand them over to the store clerk and worry about paying for them later. Before you know it, you’ve charged hundreds or thousands of dollars to your credit card, and you have no way to pay it all back.
If you always pay your credit card bills in full, every month, then credit cards might work for you. However, if you’re like most people, you carry a balance. And that balance continues to grow each month as you continue to use your card. The interest alone might be enough to sink your personal finances. The only way to deal with this problem is to get rid of them. Cut up every credit card, come up with a plan to pay off the bills, and never use a card again.
Of course, then you’re still left facing those monthly payments. Examine your monthly payments carefully. Is your minimum payment higher than the interest being charged? In many cases, it won’t be. If you minimum payment is lower than the interest charges every month, that credit card can never be paid off. It will only continue to grow. Pay more than the minimum, and never use the card again. This way, you won’t be able to overspend using a credit card, and your debt will cease to grow.
Peer Pressure and Keeping Up With Friends
Going out with friends can really be hard on your wallet. Movies, dinners, and clubs are certainly not cheap. And yet you don’t want to beg off and be left out. However, you may simply not be able to afford to go out all the time, and if your friends have more money than you do (or are simply willing to spend more than you are), this can lead to some socially awkward situations.
This is one of the hardest causes to isolate and correct. It’s hard not to go out with your friends, to spend the money they’re spending. However, if you really want to curb your overspending, you may have to. Try suggesting that your friends come over for a night of movies and board games, or video games, or whatever it is that you and your friends like to do. Have everyone bring a snack and you’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save.
Of course, sometimes it’s not about what your friends want to do. Sometimes you simply want to keep up, whether it’s with your friends, a family member, or even a coworker. Purchasing items simply because you need to ‘keep up’ will get you nowhere except further in debt. If you truly intend to curb your overspending, you’ll have to learn how to be satisfied with what you have.
Sales and Impulse Buys
Everyone loves a good deal. However, a deal is only a deal if you were going to buy it anyway. It’s so easy to justify a purchase simply because it was on sale. But remember, if you never intended to by it, then you overspent.
This same rule applies to impulse buying. Products are packaged as to encourage a buy, but if you have to be encouraged to buy it, then you really didn’t need it in the first place. Before purchasing something that wasn’t on your ‘need it’ list, go home and think about it for a week. If you still decide to buy it, at least it wasn’t an impulse buy.
Emotional Causes of Overspending
Sometimes overspending has nothing to do with access to credit or peer pressure. Sometimes overspending is the result of allowing your emotions to decide when it comes to purchasing. If you buy things because it makes you feel good or to fill an emotional void in your life, then you have fallen victim to this very powerful cause of overspending.
This is an extremely difficult habit to break. If you truly believe that buying that handbag will make you feel better, help you fit in, or cure your own boredom, then you probably won’t stop. You’ll spend until you are so far in debt that you simply cannot get out.
It’s important to realize that while overspending may feel good in the moment, eventually it will catch up with you. When that credit card bill arrives, you won’t feel very good about how much you owe. Avoid the emotional impact of not being able to pay all your bills and reevaluate the reasons why you overspend.
Giving Your Children Everything
Most parents want what’s best for their children. And often this translates into buying whatever they want whenever they want it. The intention may be good, but it’s important to realize that if you can’t afford to buy it for yourself, you probably can’t afford to buy it for your children either. Overspending on your children sets a bad example, so do everyone a favor and curb the impulse to spend.
There are so many reasons to overspend. You might be greedy, or maybe you really don’t realize you can’t afford it. Whatever the reason, and however much society seems to encourage overspending, it’s important to realize that overspending will eventually lead only to one place — overwhelming debt.
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