Cover Stories
July/Aug 2011 - The WEB World: Sites for Moms and Dads MineforNine.com is a ground-breaking online boutique that allows women to borrow designer maternity clothes at 75% off the retail price instead of investing a fortune in a whole new wardrobe! It’s an ever-evolving closet of maternity attire including dresses, suits, skirts, blouses, pants, coats, and more. Mine for Nine provides a way to sidestep all maternity dressing obstacles and experience a reasonable, enjoyable way to dress throughout a pregnancy. Let the Coastal Family team know if you rent anything from them and have a good OR a bad experience!* * * * *  AllergyEats.com is a new website helps families that have children or adults with allergies eat out and find a restaurant that will accommodate special food requirements. AllergyEats.com is the biggest and fastest growing source for finding allergy-friendly restaurants, according to the company. It’s a free, user-friendly website that provides peer-based feedback about how well (or poorly) restaurants accommodate the needs of food-allergic customers. The peer ratings and feedback allow food-allergic and gluten-intolerant diners to quickly and easily find restaurants that will accommodate their specific dietary requirements and avoid the ones that won’t. A number of restaurants in the Savannah area are listed, but parents need to register and rate their experiences…and add restaurants that are helpful to customers with allergies.* * * * * PortableParenting.com has created the Portable Parenting App which is like having a Parenting Coach at hand on your smartphone. It allows parents, caretakers and teachers to have an immediate consistent plan to peacefully manage child behavior with the ability to program up to 4 children. It was invented by a Mom and features her ‘Take-Out-Time-Out’ portable time out system that guides both the child and parent through voice and text prompts to ensure a positive learning experience. Go to www.portableparenting.com to learn about and download the app. * * * * *  NaturallySavvy.com – While this site is definitely recommending certain products, it also continues a great deal of valuable information for running a ‘green’ household and raising healthier kids. For example, there’s a recent article on how to ‘sneak’ nutrition into snacks. Foods affect mood, energy level, mental focus, immune system strength and more. From the breakfast cereal we pour into their bowl and what we pack in their lunchbox, to afterschool snacks and the family dinner, there are some key things to be aware of if you are a parent looking to take a more natural and organic approach. The site is run by Andrea Donsky, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Co-Founder of NaturallySavvy.com. * * * * *  UKnowKids.com provides a service for parents that gives them the ability to"monitor" what kids are doing on one piece of technology such as their PC or phone for a monthly charge. The goal is to help parents protect their kids against online predators, sexting, and cyberbullying while also supervising their children’s digital privacy and reputation. uKnowKids is the first service to do more than simply show parents the messages their kids are sending and receiving, according to the company.It was developed in response to a real-life Internet predator incident that occurred with a co-founder’s child. The young teen accepted a friend request on the Internet from someone he did not know: a friend of a friend. Unfortunately, this friend turned out to be a child predator that had previously targeted and victimized a number of other kids he had met online. Thankfully, the child’s father discovered the ploy and worked with the police to intervene before the child was physically harmed. Fifty-one percent of teens say they have given out personal information online to someone they don't know in the offline world, according to a 2010 Harris Interactive/McAfee survey. Read 0 Comments... >> |
July/Aug. 2011 - 8 Frugal Dating Tips for Parents By Andrea Woroch Editor’s Note: Summertime is the season for love – for our teenagers – but for parents, too! According to CF contributor Andrea Woroch, a consumer expert, in order to spark a romantic connection worthy of the sizzling heat, parents - whether single or married - need a night away from their kids. As exciting as that may sound, tight family finances make it difficult for moms and dads to get out of the house let alone have fun without the worry of their wallet on their mind. With a little savvy planning though, parents can create magical dates without blowing their budgets. Stop stressing about money by following these 8 frugal dating tips: 1. Battling Babysitting Costs Dependable babysitters are often expensive and can quickly hike up the total cost of a night on the town. Instead of hiring a teenager or nanny to watch the tots, consider swapping services with neighbors, co-workers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out. Otherwise, check SitterCity.com for vetted local babysitters who match your needs and budget. 2. Enjoy an At-Home Date If finding a babysitter in the last-minute is out of the question and budget, put the kids to bed early and create a romantic date-like experience at home. Set the mood with a candle lit dinner & dancing for two under the stars in your backyard. 3. Banish Booze Even if you find a dining deal, like an early-bird special, a couple drinks can greatly add to the bill. You might want to hit a restaurant that doesn't serve booze or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices. 4. Do-It-Yourself Creativity goes a long way so plan a picnic and pack bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and portable speakers with your date's favorite music uploaded to your iPod. 5. Dial Into Online Discounts Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals -- up to 50-percent off -- on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. If you're worried about appearing "cheap," redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom. Buy a gift card at a discount from sites such as GiftCardGranny.com. They will save you anywhere from 5 to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities. 6. Find Freebie Dates Not all dates are intended to include dinner and a movie. For a fun date idea that doesn't cost a dime, consider events and activities in your area that are free like hiking, biking or browsing a local flea market. Otherwise, many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date. 7. Seek Smart Advice from Your Phone Use your mobile phone to find local deals and date ideas. The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that are sure to impress. The app randomly selects a "thing to do" for your next evening on the town, some of which won't bust your budget. 8. Makeshift Movie Night Instead of shelling out $20 for movie tickets plus the cost of popcorn, soda and candy, consider hosting a movie night at home. You can pick up free DVDs from your local library or $1 rentals from Redbox. Recreate a theater like experience at home with fresh popcorn (extra butter per request) and your dates favorite candy. Then dim the lights and make sure to turn your cell phones off! The trick to a successful date is having fun and not stressing out. If you find a suitable date, chances are they will enjoy spending time with you whatever you do regardless of how much money you spend. Note: For more of her savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com. Read 0 Comments... >> July/Aug. 2011 - Grandparents Day and Beyond: How to Make the Relationship StrongBy Sharon Nolfi, M.A. 1. Nurturing the Relationship. Like all relationships worth having, those between children and their grandparents take time and attention. Do your part by providing plenty of opportunities for interaction, both in person and otherwise. Even if you are divorced, the value your child can obtain from a grandparent is worth putting aside any disputes you may have with former in-laws. 2. Setting Limits On Grandparents. Many grandparents will follow your parenting example and enforce your rules with the children. To the few who try to impose their own child rearing methods, explain that this undermines your authority and confuses the children. Ask for their cooperation, stressing how much you value their relationships with your child. 3. Distance Busters. Grandparents who live far away require more creativity to maintain strong contact. Besides visits, use telephone calls, email, regular mail, and Internet video communication to keep ties strong. The more consistent and frequent the distant contact, the easier it will be to make the most of in-person visits. 4. Memory Building. Your children will outlive your parents, so it’s important to build memories that can sustain your children in the future. Encourage activities that will result in concrete reminders of time spent together. For suggestions, see “Things To Do With Grandparents,” accompanying this article. 5. One-On-One vs. Family Time. Try to spend time together as an extended family, but balance it with one-on-one time between each grandchild and grandparent. 6. Parent / Grandparent Relations. Don’t allow your disputes with parents or in-laws to cloud your children’s relationships with their grandparents. Children size people up with amazing accuracy, and besides, grandparents may well treat a grandchild better than they treat you. 7. Understanding Grandparents’ Limitations. Help your children to understand that Grandma may tire more easily than they do, and that Grandpa may need assistance with walking or other basic skills. Don’t burden grandparents with child care beyond their physical or emotional limits. 8. Avoiding Jealousy. A child who develops an especially close relationship to a grandparent may seem, at times, to prefer that grandparent to her actual parents. Be assured that your child still loves you as much as ever, just as your love for one child is undiminished by the birth of another. 9. Dealing With Sickness and Death. Our time with elderly relatives is limited and often complicated by physical and/or mental declines. Explain illnesses, including dementia, emphasizing the need for continued contact, love and respect. Understand that children may mourn a death differently than adults. A child may suddenly develop behavior problems or become reclusive. Give children a chance to discuss sad feelings, and seek professional help in extreme situations. 10. Grandparents Who Have Passed. If your family’s grandparents have died, look for other seniors to “grandparent” your child. Older relatives, especially those without grandchildren of their own, may welcome the chance to develop a stronger relationship with your child. Consider programs offered by local retirement homes or libraries that match children with senior volunteers. Things To Do With Grandparents Read 0 Comments... >> |
July/Aug. 2011 - YMCA of Coastal Georgia Awarded Funds for Hispanic Families Afterschool ProgramsCF Staff Report The YMCA of Coastal Georgia was one five YMCA’s in Georgia that will receive the funds. The grant will be awarded over three years, administered by the YMCA of the USA. In 2007, the Foundation awarded $2.6 million for a pilot program, the Welcoming Hispanic Families into YMCA Early Childhood Education and Care outreach program for Hispanic communities at five Y program sites in Georgia, and to conduct national research and program development on early childhood education and care for Hispanic and Latino children. The learnings from these pilot studies indicated the need for additional supports for families and children throughout the state – beyond the age of five, and outside the walls of traditional center-based programs. Among the key findings: • Hispanic/Latino families often place a strong importance on family members supporting one another and have a cultural tendency to keep young children at home, rather than place them in a traditional child care setting. • Often, Hispanic/Latino families distinguish between the role of the parent (to provide moral upbringing) and the role of the teacher (to provide an academic education). As a result, some Hispanic/Latino parents are unaware that children are expected to have so many school-readiness skills upon entering kindergarten and first grade. • Newer immigrants are less likely to have a trusted person with whom to leave their children and are often limited in their choice of informal home-care providers. To address these findings, the Y will use this additional funding from The Goizueta Foundation to introduce two distinct yet interrelated program models designed to 1) serve even more young children, ages 5-8, in the Y's afterschool programs through an expanded Welcoming Hispanic Families program, and 2) extend support to family, friends and neighbors who serve as informal caregivers of young children ages birth to 5, by providing activities and resources that focus on early cognitive development. To align with the Atlanta-based Foundation's goal to support Georgia communities, the new program models will be rolled out at five Ys in Georgia, and eventually expanded to Ys across the country. YMCAs participating in the new program model include: Atlanta, Moultrie, Athens, Rome and Savannah. Read 0 Comments... >> July/Aug. 2011 - CEMA Urges Residents to be Pet PreparedCEMA also recommends when you prepare to leave with your pet, prepare a pet disaster kit. Here are some items that we recommend you pack: • Extra collars and tags, harnesses and leashes for all pets (including cats). • Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. • Muzzles may be needed to control agitated and aggressive animals – for dogs, these can be made from gauze rolls or panty hose. A muzzle or towel can be used for cats. A towel can be used to restrain your bird if it becomes agitated and aggressive during the confusion. • Your pet's usual pet food to avoid diet changes in stressful situations. A five to seven day supply is recommended. • Toys or blankets your pet will find familiar. • A manual can opener, if your pet eats canned food • A supply of stored drinking water. If you are evacuating, you will need only enough water to reach your evacuation destination. • Food and water bowls for each pet. • A litter box and extra kitty litter. • Paper towels, plastic bags and spray disinfectant for animal waste clean up. • Copies of your pet's medical and vaccination records. Boarding facilities may not accept your pets without proof of health. • If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian about keeping extra supplies of medication or a copy of the prescription for these medications in your kit. Mark your calendar to replace medications before they expire. • Include a recent photo of your pet. A photo of you with your pet is even better. • A secure pet crate which should be easily accessible and large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. Since animals may be sheltered in open facilities, make sure there is enough bedding to keep them warm. You should also label the crate with your pet's name, your name and where you can be reached. • Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers – they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster. • A first aid kit should include only materials that you know how to use. Remember that if your pet has a problem and you do not know exactly what it is, you should consult a veterinarian. Useful items for a first aid kit for pets include: • Bandaging materials to cover wounds • Animal antiseptic ointment first aid pet.jpg • Clippers • Latex gloves • Tweezers Read 0 Comments... >> |
