Family Archives - Shakadoo

“No Spend” Activity Ideas

14404820065_d5d8052503_z Reserving a week (or weekend) of “no spending” is a great way to save lots of money for a goal. You do not spend any money except for bills, groceries, and gas. It may seem boring, but there are tons of things you can do for free. In fact, your kids don’t even need to know that you are on a “no spend” weekend. Check out this awesome list of free activity ideas for kids by Chonce at My Debt Epiphany:

-Have a yard sale

-Watch movies, or play video games

-Take a walk or go for a jog

-Visit a local historical location

-Organize a scavenger hunt

-Head to the library

http://www.mydebtepiphany.com/75-free-activities-to-do-during-the-weekend/

Photo Credit: Pabak Sarkar https://www.flickr.com/photos/pabak/

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Stop Whining Kids Today

by Kathy T.

Like with most annoying things that kids do, the “whiny” stage is just that: a phase. Kids go through all kinds of phases as they learn what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t: biting, hitting, screaming, tantrums, and, yes, whining. Just because they’re currently trying your every nerve doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job as a parent, and it doesn’t mean they’re a bad kid. They simply need to be taught that the behavior is wrong. Check out this article by Mom Junction for how to deal whiny kids and how to put a stop to it:

-Do not give into whining requests- it teaches your child that whining is the best way to get what she wants

-Calmly repeat that you will not talk/listen to requests while she is whining.

-Be a good role model- make sure that you and people in your home do not argue or speak in harsh tones.

-Promote good sleep habits to avoid irritability

Photo Credit: Meesh

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When Is The Best Time To Have Another Child?

by Kathy T.

My sister and I are five years apart. So, besides elementary school, we were never at the same school together. I resented this when I was younger, because I had to experience everything first and had no idea what to expect. Now, though, I’m glad I was so much older. I feel like it has made me more responsible, and able to adapt to new situations better. Plus, I feel like my sister and I are very different and individual people, yet we are still best friends. My boyfriend and his brother are only 2 years apart, and their relationship is a little different. They experienced things at almost the same time, so they’re more similar in personality. I have another friend who is almost 20 years younger than his sister- and they aren’t very close. So, does that mean that having kids closer together in age is better? Well, not necessarily. Read this post by Hilary at Pulling Curls:

Far spaced children:

-more individual time for each child.

-older kids can help with younger ones

-less comparison between siblings

Close spaced children:

-easier to room together (my sister and I shared a room together…once. It did not go well).

-get it “done”- if your kids are close together, you won’t be in the PTA for 12 years.

-easier to do activities, similar interests. They will be friends when they are younger.

-you have more energy when you are younger.

Photo Credit: Mood Board

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Things You Don’t Actually Need To Have A Baby

by Kathy T.

As a teenager, all you hear is how expensive it is to have a baby. Over the course of a child’s life, til he’s 18years old, it costs about a million bucks to keep him happy and alive. Of course, that’s what people say. And it makes sense- kids are expensive, not to mention time-consuming. The cost alone is enough to deter teens and young adults from having unplanned pregnancies, especially since most of us had our teen/college years right in the middle of the recession. Many millenials are now scared of having kids, since we can barely afford to take care of ourselves. But, if it has always been your dream to start a family, I’m here to let you know it isn’t impossible to have kids on a budget. If you make your kids your priority, you can have them! And with some careful budgeting and logic, you won’t drive yourself to the poor house. Check out this post by Kristina at Cents and Order for things you DON’T need to have a baby:

-Bassinet- Most babies grow out of them within a few months. Save your $100.

-Crib bedding- all you need is a fitted sheet.

-Fancy clothes- babies grow SUPER fast, and will only be able to wear that cute dress for a few weeks. Save your money and buy practical onesies and sleepers.

-Shoes- you don’t need these at all until your baby walks. If it’s cold out, put on some booties.

-Tons of toys- chances are, your baby won’t have interest in these til he’s about 1.

Photo Credit: Tiare Scott

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Ways To Surprise Your Spouse

by Kathy T.

What kids see is what they think is normal. If you demonstrate healthy, loving relationships- that is what your child will have. It may gross your child out, but never be afraid to kiss your spouse in front of them! It shows kids how to be affectionate, and show love. That’s why it’s important to always find ways to keep the spark in your marriage. Surprise your spouse with a romantic gesture every once in a while- they will love it, and your kids will see it. Check out these ideas by Thrifty Frugal Mom: (Bonus- they’re all free/ super cheap, but your partner will appreciate all of them)

-Buy their favorite candy, leave it with a love note where they will find it.

-Do one of their household chores for them.

-Give a massage/footrub

-Wake up early, surprise them with coffee and breakfast

-Leave them love notes or send them cute texts

-Be affectionate! Hold hands, snuggle, and kiss.

Photo Credit: Kevin Dooley

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What To Do When Waiting For Adopted Kids

by Kathy T.

All parents will do anything for their kids. Some parents have to go the extra mile and fight a hard battle before they can even be together. Some moms spend nine months carrying their kids, then have to go through labor and delivery. Other moms (and dads) have to go through months (or even years) of dealing with an adoption agency, filling out paperwork, and making sure everything is perfect before they get their placement. Either way, the wait can be agonizing. Are you in the middle of the adoption process? Unsure what to do as the paperwork is being processed? You’re not alone. Read this post by Kelli Moore at Lots Moore Love for ideas while you wait:

-Prepare the room- get your nursery ready, or paint the walls an appropriate color for a teenager. Add chairs to your kitchen table if you don’t have enough room!

-Get out of debt- to prepare your finances for the added member of the family

-Fundraise- fundraising is going to be a great way to alleviate some of the burden those costs make on your family.

-Take some “pregnancy” photos! Check out Pinterest- there are plenty of ideas for photos for expectant adoptive moms.

Photo Credit: Meg Wills

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Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free: The Ultimate List

by Kathy T.

Most people know that raising kids is a costly endeavor. However, if you know where to look, there are actually lots of ways to save on everything for your children. I know that people with large families rarely go out to eat, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are tons of restaurants where kids eat free (or close to it) on certain days. Check out this post by Julie at Julie’s Freebies for the complete guide on restaurant freebies* for kids.:

-Denny’s – Select nights from 4pm to 10pm children can eat for free from the Denny’s Kids Menu.

-Golden Corral – Kids 10 and under eat for free on Mondays at Golden Corral from 5-9pm.

-IHOP – Kids 12 and under can eat for free at IHOP every day from 4pm to 8pm.

-Captain D’s – On Tuesdays and Thursdays Kids can eat for free at Captain D’s

-Chick-fil-A – Kids can eat a free kids meal at Chil-fil-A on Tuesdays for Family Fun Night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

-Qdoba Mexican Grill – Kids can eat for free at Qdoba on Wednesday or Sundays.

This is only a tiny fraction of the restaurants on the full list! Be sure to give it a look.

*Most of these vary by location. Be sure to call ahead at your local establishment to check before you go!

Photo Credit: WoodleyWonderWorks

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Helping Your Child Out Of Her Shell

by Kathy T.

In the debate of “nature vs. nurture” when it comes to human personalities, I’m firmly on the side of nature. Yes, environment plays a big part in who you are as well, but I believe that you’re just born a certain way. Either you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between. You have natural talents- you may be a great singer, but can’t draw or paint at all. You’re either tightly wound up, or super relaxed and carefree. You really can’t learn to be another way- it’s just who you are. That being said, I’m always looking for ways to improve myself- I try to make myself be more outgoing, assertive, and adventurous, since I’m naturally pretty introverted. If you have a withdrawn child, you may be looking for ways to help get them out of their shell. There’s nothing wrong with being shy, but being afraid of new experiences will make you miss out on life! That’s why I love this post by Jess at Bring the Kids. Here are some of her tips on how to help your child become more adventurous:

-Lead the way- Kids are going to want to do what you do. If you hike, swim, kayak, and ski, the kids will follow!

-Repetition- Go on adventures with your children often.

-Not pushing- Never make a child do something they’re not comfortable with. Forcing it will just make them refuse to try anything.

-Praise accomplishments- Praise him for being brave, for trying something new, for being safe, etc.

Photo Credit: pbkwee

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Keeping Your Shak Safe While You’re On Break

by Kathy T.

Spring Break is coming up for the kiddos! For some of you, it may be extremely close. How fun! Lots of families go on vacation for Spring Break, and you might be one of them. But, before you pack up to go camping, to a theme park, or road trip, make sure to lock up! Almost all burglaries happen when the house is empty, so it’s important to create the illusion that it is occupied. Check out this post by Protect Your Home for tips on keeping your house safe while you’re out:

-Get a house or pet sitter

-Ask a neighbor to pick up your mail

-Program the lights

-Lock all windows and doors, remove hidden/emergency key

-Keep specifics off social media- wait until you return to post pictures

-Install a home security system

Photo Credit: Matthias Ripp

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How Does Your Child Express Love?

by Kathy T.

A few months ago, I first learned about love languages. Now, I usually don’t go in for hokey, new-age, self-help foolishness like this. But, I saw it all over Pinterest and decided to check it out. I took the quiz, and was pretty impressed by the results. My primary love language is “words of affirmation” followed by “quality time.” Yep! Pretty dead on. I don’t think I’m very insecure, but hearing “I love you,” or that I look nice, or really anything romantic makes me feel loved- more so than anything else, and I wasn’t really getting that in my relationship. Then, I made my boyfriend take the quiz (to lots of eyerolls from him), and found out that his top “language” was also quality time- but his lowest was “words of affirmation”. Well. That explained a lot. Since then, we’ve both put in work to add in more of each other’s “love languages,” and I feel like our relationship has really improved.

On the site, you can also take the quiz with your children. If you have a different love language than your child, you might need to work extra hard to make sure they feel loved and appreciated. Check out this post by Angela at Together With Family for more:

The love languages are: touch, words, quality time, gifts, and service.

I encourage you today to look out for your children’s love language. Once you do, make sure you keep it in mind when you are parenting that child! I bet if you do, you will see that relationship grow, this is especially great to do with a child you are struggling with! It will make such a difference.

Photo Credit: KaramSingh

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