Why Family Vacations Are Important!

   Whether you take a fantastic trip or stay at home and plan nearby outings everyday-- scheduling time for a family vacation or staycation is important.
    Vacations create quality time when you put away work and concentrate on the people you love. You relax, and because you get the chance to explore new places and see and do new things you may have never done before, you're also learning without all the stress and pressure that often accompanies more formal educational situations.
    More than that, vacation time lets your children know they are loved and supported. Breaking away from a normal routine can foster a sense of adventure and the togetherness creates bonds that daily rituals can often block. 
    But perhaps the best part of family vacations are the lasting memories you can keep and share your whole life long.

For some staycation ideas right here in the Orlando area and Central Florida go to: http://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/central-florida-staycations/Content?oid=2242876
http://educationpossible.com/family-staycation-central-florida-without-theme-parks/

For other vacation ideas try these websites:
http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Family_Vacations_in_the_USA/
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/51-mini-family-vacations
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Inspiration-g1-c0-World.html

Summer Reading Fun!!

   Summer vacation signals a time for rest and relaxation, but make sure reading is still on your kids' "to do" lists over the break. That's because reading is not only fundamental-- it's fun. Encouraging your kids to read opens their imaginations and keeps them learning all through their "off" time. Take a stay-cation to your local library to get a hands-on experience with books. With our tech-savvy kids it's also a good idea to download electronic books on their tablets for easy reading on the go.

For more information on making reading  part of your child's Summer fun go to:  http://readingfoundation.org/
http://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/

Selling The House Due To Divorce...

   Whether you have to or want to sell your house because of a pending divorce--  being prepared will get you the best price.  Some basics to know:
-Experts agree Spring and Summer are the best seasons to sell. Good weather brings out the buyers.
-Remember you have to pay off the mortgage, any lines of credit and brokers and closing fees as well as any capital gains taxes that apply-- before you make any profit to split. Despite these expenses don't over price.
-Hire an agent both parties trust. The agent can do the pricing and act as intermediary to avoid conflicts.
-Your house no doubt holds many pleasant memories but to be able to sell you have to look forward not back, or you may never be able to part with it.
-Have all pertinent information such as property taxes, home owner association fees, special features, new repairs, and neighborhood and area attributes at you finger tips to entice prospective buyers.
-Finally, keep personal affects to a minimum (i.e. family photos) then keep the house clean, uncluttered and inviting.

For more information about selling a house when divorcing try these helpful websites: http://divorceinfo.com/sellingyourhouse.htm
http://www.divorcenet.com/resources/divorce/marital-property-division/selling-house-when-you-divorce
http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-articles/debt-and-credit/mortgage/need-to-sell-your-house-in-divorce.aspx?artid=899

Pick a Perfect Summer Camp!

   It won't be too long before the kids are out of school-- and that constant "Mom I'm bored" moan drones on. Win that war before the first battle even begins! There are some super "Summer Camps" in Central Florida that offer everything from arts and crafts to fun and games and all kinds of sports -- even figure skating. Or how about Space Camp at the Kennedy Space Center? Aside from all the sun and fun, your kids learn socializing skills, and there's even a camp to help our four legged furry friends become more adoptable. Many at affordable prices. For a look at some of what's offered in our area check out these links:

http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/YouthRecreationPrograms.aspx#.VQCk92Ma44k
http://www.newspaper-marketplace.com/orlando-sentinel/special-section/summer-camp-guide
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/education/camp-ksc.aspx
http://camps.fit.edu/
http://www.rollins.edu/summer-camp/index.html
http://www.universityofdoglando.com/camp-doglando/

For a list of top rated Summer Camps across the country go to: http://www.campratingz.com/ShowMost.jsp

 

Stranger Danger!

    While it's important to allow our young children to discover the beauty, magic and wonder of this world, it's also crucial to teach them that dangers do exist-- especially when it comes to strangers.

     Super important-- define "stranger" for them. Obviously, strangers are people your children don't know but be sure to explain there are "good" and "bad" strangers. Tell them "good strangers" like police officers, firefighters, security guards, and teachers at school can always help if they get lost or find themselves in trouble. "Bad strangers" may talk nice but may try to trick them or take them away.

    To keep your kids safe make sure you know where they are at all times, that they know their name, address and your phone number, and that they have safe areas to play, safe streets to use, and safe places to run to if in trouble.

    Most of all teach your children to be assertive and trust their instincts. Let them know it's okay to disobey and run away from adults they don't know when they feel uncomfortable-- especially if approached by a stranger in a vehicle.

    For more information on how to protect your kids from Stranger Dangers go to : http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/strangers

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome!

     It's a global public health issue that's been getting more and more attention ever since it was given a name more than 40 years ago: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe of a variety of conditions that belong to a larger group of conditions known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). All of the disorders can occur in people whose mothers drank alcohol when they were pregnant. That's because the alcohol in the mother's blood passes to the baby through the umbilical  cord. Physical, mental, behavioral and learning problems can develop from the exchange.

   While fetal death can occur from drinking during pregnancy, most babies born with FAS experience some form of defect or disadvantage. Many may have smaller heads and brains. They may have abnormal facial features, have lower body weight and be short in stature when fully grown. Nervous system abnormalities can also occur with FAS. Other symptoms from the spectrum of disorders can include hyperactive behavior, poor memory, poor speech, hearing and vision problems, various learning disabilities, problems socializing and controlling emotions.  Physical conditions effecting the heart, kidneys or bones may also occur.

    There is no known cure for FASD but treatments including medicine and therapy can often be of benefit. In this country, alcohol related defects affect more babies every year than Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome combined. As many as 12,000 babies are born with FAS each year in the United States and another nearly 40,000 are born with other alcohol related disorders.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are the only causes of birth defects that you can prevent. You know the answer- and it's a simple one: Don't drink alcohol during pregnancy. If you're pregnant and having issues with alcohol you can get help. Go to http://www.nofas.org/expectant-mother/





   

 

Imaginary Friends!

    Has this ever happened to you? You’re going through your daily routine, your toddler playing nicely near-by-- when all of a sudden you catch a conversation taking place: your little Janie chatting non-stop with Sarah. Who is Sarah? More to the point- Where is Sarah?

    Well, she’s Janie’s new imaginary friend. Now, before you freak out there are a few things to realize. Number one, this is very common. About 65 percent of youngsters between the ages of 3 and 5 create invisible friends, and some even maintain these friendships through age 7. Secondly, it’s normal. Your child has the perfect playmate who does what they want, when they want them to, maybe even taking the blame when little Janie does something she’s not supposed to.

    And while it’s natural for parents to question the reason for the new friend: “Is Janie lonely?” “Does Janie have trouble playing with real kids?” -- In most cases there’s no need for alarm. Imaginary friends help children develop their own identities as they skirt the line between what’s real and what’s pretend, allowing them to imagine how another human might react to a given situation. They also help kids cope with fears, and can even teach responsibility as your child looks out for the well-being of their invisible friend. “Mommy be careful, you almost sat on Sarah.”

    However, if you notice the imaginary friend becomes too much a part of your little one’s life-- to the exclusion of real life playmates, or if the invisible friend stays around once your child has entered elementary school, you may want to consult a professional to see if there are any real issues.

    It’s even cool for you to interact with Janie’s friend, just don’t overdo it and let her always know Sarah is pretend. She’s also an amazing manifestation of your child’s imagination and creativity. So every once in a while, set an extra plate at the table and you may be surprised what you’ll learn from your little one and his/her new friend.