Search Results for: blog have you considered becoming a room mom

When Your Passion Becomes Your Job

If anyone had told me even a year ago that my passion would become my job, I would have said you were nuts. While I would like to say that I had confidence in myself, I think I did only to a certain degree. I was a stay-at-home mom for all three of my children. In addition, I was a homeschooler for a period of five years. It wasn’t until my children entered kindergarten, 2nd grade and 5th grade that they began formal school. Before I had children I worked in an office. I started off as a secretary, which … Continue reading →

Why You Should Wash Your Kids’ New Clothes

My 5-year-old daughter is notorious for telling my mom not to get her new clothes as gifts. “Clothes don’t count, grandma,” she bluntly reminds my mom when asked what she wants for a special occasion. Well, apparently, our other relatives didn’t get the memo because my daughter received a boatload of new outfits for Christmas (along with a ton of other requested playthings). And when I say “boatload,” I’m not exaggerating. Seriously, my kid scored enough clothes to easily fill a regulation size double scull. Her pile of new apparel was so large it wouldn’t fit into her hamper or … Continue reading →

Does Your Boss Have Kids?

If so, do you find that the status of “parent” makes him or her more sympathetic when your daycare calls demanding that you pick up your puking, feverish child NOW… and NOW is 10 a.m.? How does your boss react when you consistently leave the office at 4:30 on the dot to pick up your children from their after school program while the rest of your colleagues remain at the office until 6 or 7 p.m.? Does your boss feel your pain as you struggle to juggle career and family or does he or she resent your late mornings and … Continue reading →

More Questions to Help Relate to Your Child

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One of my previous articles began discussing how many parents become frustrated with their children and how their children respond to school and teachers. Many parents comment on how they cannot understand their children and their actions. However I think that if they truly think about it hard enough they can relate to their child’s actions. Most parents have been through the same actions and behaviors as their children; however they have forgotten what it was like. I began offering some thoughts for parents to consider when they try to relate to their children about school issues. It may even … Continue reading →

How to Relate to Your Child about School Issues

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I have seen many parents frustrated about their child’s performance and attitude toward school. Many parents come to teachers, principals, and counselors and questions how to encourage or relate to their child about school issues. School is being soon and there is no doubt that many more parents will be facing this dilemma of how to get him or her to do well in school, enjoy school, or do homework. One of the best ways to parents to relate to their children about school issues is for parents to understand what their child is going through. While most children do … Continue reading →

Halloween Relays for Parties

Here are two fun relay races for Halloween parties. I’ve played both of these with many classes of elementary school children. They’d be fun for a family, too. Slime Relay is definitely an outdoor game. The slime is made of cornstarch, water, and a few drops of food green color. I would love to tint the slime a dark nasty green, but I don’t want to stain anyone’s clothes, either. To make the slime combine one cup of cornstarch to one half cup of water, and add a few drops of food color. The cornstarch slime should feel solid when … Continue reading →

Parent Volunteers

Most every Tuesday, I have a parent volunteer that comes to my class. On most Tuesdays, I have a basket of work for her to complete. Today, my heart stopped when I saw her walk into my class. In my absent-minded craziness, I had completely forgotten about her coming today. First, I apologized for not being prepared. Then I sent her to the other kindergarten teachers to ask if they needed help. She wondered on up the hall to other teachers after they said they did not have something for her to work on. I then remembered a couple of … Continue reading →

End of the School Year Party

My last job as room mom this year is to plan an end of the year party. The end of year party is actually one of the easiest to plan. We can almost for sure count on good weather. We plan on having the kids do some outside games like bubbles and the egg and spoon race. Relay races are easy to organize. Hopefully all the kids will remember to wear sunscreen that day. Just in case they don’t, we have a mother bringing some extra. The only other important supply is a few blankets for the kids to sit … Continue reading →

Teacher Appreciation Week: Hats off to Ms. Diaz

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I am going to cheat a little or maybe it isn’t cheating, but I asked Karri if she’d mind whether I posted my teacher appreciation letters here in Education this week and she was gracious enough to allow me the latitude. Today is May 8, 2007 and the theme for today at my daughter’s school for Teacher Appreciation is Letter Day from Parent. This is my letter to Erin Diaz, mother of three and my daughter’s Kindergarten teacher. Dear Erin I can’t tell you how lucky and blessed I feel that you were Cassidy’s teacher this year. From the first … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About the Mirror, the Crown and the Miracle

Aside from the experience as a whole, there will be some specific magical elements present in the delivery room. The Mirror – This item is often found in delivery rooms, inconspicuously set to the side and given little thought throughout most of labor. It will present itself to you at the most awkward moment, where you will most likely expect it the least and initially be slightly annoyed at its appearance. Its purpose will then become clear to you: It is merely a temporary talisman. You may use it simply for encouragement if you so choose, or you may use … Continue reading →