Parenting expert Mia Redrick is an author, lecturer, radio personality, personal coach and mother of three young children. She is a leader in the push for the self-care of mothers, and shares her wisdom on how to raise children without sacrificing personal needs.

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7 Strategies for Making The Most Out Summer

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June 28, 6:50 PM

by Mia Redrick, Baltimore Parenting Examiner

Moms, are you enjoying the summer? What plans have you made for your family? This article is designed to give you some ideas of how to make this the best summer ever for your family.

Here are my seven strategies for making the most of S.U.M.M.E.R.. They are as follows:

Send out invitations to arrange play dates for the children and social get-togethers with family and friends. The summer provides terrific opportunities to catch up with long lost friends or family members. Take some time to create a list of people you want to see this summer. Invite them over for a cookout, a visit to the pool, or coordinate a joint family vacation.

Uncover easy and simple things to do at home with your family. Blow off the dust from your family board games and play them instead of storing them. Remember the sprinkler in the backyard? Turn on the sprinkler for the children and take out umbrellas to use as shields. Children love this type of water play. Look for easy ways to have fun at home. No gas or cash necessary.

Move every day. Take a walk through your neighborhood or visit a local park/playground. The American Heart Foundation recommends that we take a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. Look for easy ways to move together as a family. Have a family jump rope competition or volleyball match. Write down five ways to move together as a family. Encourage family fitness while having fun.

Make reading a part of every day. Visit the local library and have the children select three favorite books to read over a two-week period. Every day give your children time to read independently (including the picture readers) and also read a story to your children every day. Children who become fluent and strong readers usually do so as a result of others’ commitment to read to them. (Moms, while your children are reading, read for yourself.)

Eat well. The summer is a terrific time to modify diets to include all of the wonderful summer fruits and vegetables. Set a goal to eat a minimum of one fruit or vegetable at every meal. For example, at breakfast you might prepare a fruit salad with pineapple, strawberries, honeydew and blueberries with granola. At lunch you could serve raw broccoli, celery and carrot sticks with a light sandwich. With dinner, you could make a spinach, walnut and apple salad. It is really that simple.

Reorganize your home. Clean out those closets and purge the unnecessary. When decluttering, create bins for things to keep, things to donate and things to get rid of. Do you have a collection of toys that are unused? Give your children the opportunity to donate unused those items to a family shelter. Help reduce clutter in your living environment.

Live Fully,

Mia

www.findingdefinitions.com

Challenge! – My strategies for S.U.M.M.E.R. will aid you in having a meaningful, productive and healthy summer for all. Enjoy! And to get you started creating your own list of goals, I would like to invite you to claim your free access to my E-book “Eliminating Mommy Burn-Out”. Get free access at www.helpformomsreport.com.

Topics: Summer fun

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Avoid The Hidden Dangers of Halloween

Add a Comment

October 10, 1:37 PM

Today, I have provided you with a list of Halloween safety videos. It is important that we keep our children as safe as possible by minimizing some of the hidden dangers of Halloween. Vandalism Video 1. Vandalism is one... Read More
Topics: Halloween Safety

When Play Hurts

3 comments

October 9, 1:17 AM

My seven year old daughter has been complaining for the last couple of weeks that one of the girls that she plays with is mean to her. Each day, when she returns from school she has stated a series of unfortunate events including:1. Being... Read More
Topics: Bullying , The Blessing of A Skinned Knee

The Seven Best Potty Training Methods

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October 2, 12:10 AM

Potty training is a huge accomplishment and relief for all families. It is an opportunity for parents to save both time and money and for our children to feel independent and great about successfully accomplishing this necessary life skill. Here... Read More
Topics: potty training

PETA Proposes New Ice Cream - Breastmilk

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September 29, 11:07 AM

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) proposed that Ice Cream makers replace cow's milk in its products and use a mother's breastmilk instead, citing that it is a healthier alternative for humans. PETA wrote a letter to the founders... Read More

Why are mothers overwhelmed? Three common mistakes they make

1 comment

September 26, 11:47 AM

A client asked me recently, "What do you believe are the most common reasons that mothers are overwhelmed?" I thought about this great question and decided to share with you my response. I'm giving you my top three here. Enjoy!Mothers are overwhelmed... Read More
Topics: mom care , Mommy Burnout , Mom-Me

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Halloween Fun

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September 25, 1:38 PM

Halloween is less then 35 days away. This year, Halloween is on a Friday which means that the possiblities for Halloween parties are endless.I have to admit that I am not a crafty mom. I fake it well. This year my seven year... Read More
Topics: Halloween , halloween craft ideas

Family-friendly cafe with great prices and delicious food!

1 comment

September 22, 1:09 AM

On Sunday, I visited a wonderful restaurant for Sunday Brunch called Teavolve. Teavolve is located at 1401 Aliceanna Street in Fells Point. I found this cafe & lounge both family-friendly as well as a nice place to have... Read More
Topics: Teavolve , Family Friendly Restaurants

Does Your Family Need Help Getting Organized?

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September 8, 11:07 AM

I discovered a couple of wonderful organizing products for children and parents. I love them and I think you will also.If your children have ever walked around confused in the morning about what to wear to school then you will love this... Read More
Topics: Family organization

What is Mom Coaching?

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August 27, 1:14 PM

Last week my family was on vacation at a beautiful, private lake in Virginia. We, as a family, love the water; so, having the opportunity to go boating, fishing and swimming is always a family favorite. As a young girl my dad's family instilled... Read More
Topics: mia redrick , mom coaching , mom coach