Yes, They Do Know What's Going On

The other day, I went to the grocery store to grab some chicken and tortilla chips for dinner. I was in the chips aisle scanning all of the prices, looking for the best deal. Michaela asked me, "Mom, why do you only buy things on sale?" I was caught a little off guard. Doesn't she know? Especially with Adam as her Dad, she should know about deals. I took this opportunity to teach her budgeting and money management. I told her that Dad gets paid a certain amount of money, we look for the best deals so we can buy more things with that money. I went on to explain, "say you only had $1 and you wanted to buy some candy. This gum costs $1, but these candy bars are on sale for 2/$1. If you bought the sale candy, you would get more."


I think that during these tough times, kids are aware of their parents stress. They also notice that they aren't getting as many things that they used to. We used to eat out several times a week. But now I am super-shopping and making more meals at home. We rarely eat out anymore. Michaela has noticed this. She asks frequently if we can go out to a restaurant. I have to tell her it's not in the budget. These moments are perfect opportunities to teach about money and responsibility. I watched a story on 20/20 about those high school kids that made a video talking about how their parents financial stresses are impacting them. I didn't think I needed to worry about my kids. I thought they were too young to feel unstable, nervous or scared by this economy. But Michaela's recent comments tell a different story. She sees the changes in our spending habits. She's hearing, "we can't afford that" more than ever. My initial instinct is to shield my kids from any stress. I don't want them to worry about money. But experts say they need to be more involved in the family when it comes to finances. I found some articles that were helpful to me, maybe they will be for you too.

http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=185



http://aap.org/disasters/pdf/tips-parentsCaregivers.pdf

Did You Just Say, "Fractured Teeth"?

Evan had his first set of dental x-rays today and the dentist found something surprising when he took a look. Evan has 2 fractured baby teeth. The top front teeth. He asked if he's had any injuries to that area, to which I responded, "Daily." Mr. Dentist may be surprised to see the fractures, however, I am surprised that more bones aren't broken. How perfect is that? Evan has broken teeth and we didn't even know it! I've resigned myself to the fact that he will break a lot of bones. He is delightful combination of dare-devil and klutz which makes for more bruises and bumps than I can count. Mr. Dentist says there's no reason for concern. He's not feeling any pain and the teeth should be fine until they fall out like they're supposed to. Unless, they get knocked out before then. Which, for Evan, is highly likely.

Yes, I'm That Excited About Coupons

As a follow up to my previous post, the grocery game, I went grocery shopping yesterday and saved BIG! I prepared before I went, looking over ads and printing coupons, and I've now broken my own record. At Albertson's, I purchased $133.21 worth of groceries. After store coupons, online coupons and sales the final total was $67.09. I saved $66.12! That's 50% savings! I am so proud of myself! And I found out that Albertson's will take competitor coupons.
So I'm going to try my best to beat my own record, can you?

Is It Time To Buy A Shotgun Yet?

A couple of days ago, as I was routinely rifling through Michaela's backpack in search of homework, library books and solicitations from her teacher to bring cupcakes, I came across what looked to be a heart-shaped note for me. Michaela typically makes me notes at school during her free-time, so I assumed this was just another token of her thanks for being the best Mom in the world. However, when I turned the note over, I discovered that this note was not written by Michaela or intended for me. On the back was scrawled, "Frm Blake". Yes, the same Blake that professed his love for her to me in the lunch line. I haven't heard much about him since. I see him every week and he's a good kid, but love notes? In first grade? I shouldn't be surprised since Michaela is the cutest girl in first grade and a great personality to match. So today I opened her backpack to put her lunch in and what do I see? A fuzzy, red teddy bear holding a heart. I question Michaela about this, hoping that she hasn't become a thief in her spare time. She replies, "Blake gave that to me for a late Valentine's gift". Uh, excuse me? First graders are supposed to exchange crappy little store bought cards, not stuffed animals. This guy is serious. Don't get me wrong, I think it is absolutely adorable that this little guy bought Michaela a Valentine's Day gift. But I just am not ready for boyfriends. Boyfriends mean she's growing up. Boyfriends mean she'll get her heart broken. I'm not ready for her broken heart. Can't she just stay little and carefree?

The Grocery Game

"Financial Experts" have been flooding the morning shows with all their tips and tricks to save us money. The best I've come across so far is Coupon Mom. Recently I've instituted some of the tips on this website and they have worked. I've printed coupons and used them in conjunction with store deals and saved some money. However, I need to get better at the planning process. Currently, it's taking me a few hours to prepare for a shopping trip. But I believe with practice and routine I will end up saving some good money with minimal effort. The creator of Coupon Mom impressed me on OPRAH when she bought $127 worth of groceries for only $37.16. That's 71 percent savings! I'm not yet on that skill level, but I'm learning the game and hopefully will turn pro in no time. My best grocery bill at Albertson's was $132.37 but after coupons and store sales I paid $70.54. (47 percent savings) I challenge you to play the game and see if you can beat me...

2008: The Year in Photos

Are there pick-up lines for play dates?

So I was at Michaela's ballet class, watching Evan ham it up for the other parents, when I experienced something that I have only read about before. I was propositioned for a play date. Wikipedia says a play date is an arranged appointment for children to get together for a few hours to play. Don't get me wrong, my kids have had arranged play with friends, but with friends we already know. But this was a stranger. Somebody, who in my mind, thinks that my kids are so cool that she'd like to have her kids play with mine, in hopes that their coolness rubs off. Okay, so maybe that's not what she was thinking. Maybe she just wants to hang out with me. After all, I am quite a catch. I rush in to ballet class all hot and sweaty, 'cause I had to put holey tights on Michaela and put her tangly hair up in a bun, all while keeping Evan from tearing the place up. Then I proceed to play ringmaster to Evan, keeping him quiet (as if that is even possible) while keeping this tornado of energy confined to a 5x10 space with no toys. If we do bring toys, I then have to keep him from crashing the car/airplane/buzz lightyear/alien guy/monster truck into the wall/chair/other parent/sleeping baby. And I'm doing all this while watching the graceful Michaela Plié/Chassé/ Passé/Relevé/Sauté and smiling approvingly. This mom has a little boy the same age as Evan. He's so quiet, mild mannered and speaks with a normal level of volume. She has seen Evan in action for 3 weeks now. So she knows what she is in for. I am quite happy that we've been asked to play. Most of the time, when we're in public, I get the feeling other parents are looking at me like "OMG! Can't you control your kid?" Which isn't really true, right? They are probably just amused at his antics. Either way, Evan's antics have not scared away this mom. So we exchange numbers on little torn pieces of paper, but now I'm wondering what the rules are about calling for a play date. Are there rules like supposedly there are with dating? How many days do I wait to call? Who calls first? If she buys dinner do I have to sleep with her? Oh wait wrong rules. This is all new to me. I'm used to my kids playing with my friends' kids. If Evan does something embarrassing, hits or won't share, I just deal with it, without fear that they'll never call again. But this new situation has a risk of rejection. But I'll cross that bridge, if it comes. Until then I start thinking of the excuses I can make for Evan's behavior. Isn't that what parenting is all about?