Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area.  Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems It's one of life's enigmas; the winter holiday season, which is supposed to bring the greatest joy, sometimes causes more feelings of depression and anxiety. Relationships and marriages , says family therapist Rachel Sussman, often suffer holiday-related setbacks. Here's a look at holiday relationship issues, with some first-hand advice about ways to cope. Read more

When to Quit Multitasking and Take a Break

Back Pain: Therapeutic Tips and Techniques Sometime, we multitask, organize, schedule and just plain do too darn much. It's important to know when to slow down and practice a little self-care. You can't pour from an empty cup. One of the loudest biofeedback warning signals that you've overdone it is back pain. Back pain has got to be one of the most difficult pain to manage, too. Other bodily aches are more localized. You can elevate your feet or adjust your arms to alleviate pain in those areas. The back comprises about half of the body. When back pain sets in, it's all-encompassing.

I have an on-going relationship with back pain. There are several factors that contribute to my back pain. I was born with congenital hips and wore a brace for the first year of my life. I have scoliosis or curvature of the spine. I have a spina bifida or unformed disk in my lower back. I also have several slipped or herniated disks. I haven't seen a physician or caregiver for my back for about eight years now, and I believe that arthritis has begun to take hold in my neck and lower back. I don't want to spend the money to prove or disprove my theory. I'm also eerily OCD, Type A, etc. Here are ways that I've found to slow down, relax and heal. Read more

How to Use Internet Shopping Coupon Codes to Save Money

Online Shopping Guide: How to Use Coupons Online Shopping online makes financial sense. Shopping on the Internet saves time, energy and gas money. Some Internet shoppers may not know how to use coupons. Here is a guide to using coupons for online shopping to save money. Read More

Cheap Kids Party Organizer

Cheap Kids Party Organizer Need ideas for holiday activities for children? Here is the definitive guide! Compiled by a 25-year veteran teacher, it's loaded with timesavers, money shortcuts and energy saving ideas, you can host a party that everyone, even parents, will enjoy. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday parties. View more »

Git-er-Done Tips--Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Childcare, Homeschool, Work-at Home--for Moms

How to Do it All for Moms--Get the Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry and Kid-care Done All at Once (Sanely). A guide to help you successfully launder the clothing, clean the house, put in some time on your home business, get some errands or paperwork accomplished, put a tasty, nutritious meal on the table and nurture the children in a timely manner without losing your mind! Tips and how-2's from a homeschooler mama of four children (and many collected from friends and mentors along the way!) View more »