Tears, tantrums and joy

If you are like most of the population doing your housework is hardly the most exciting thing in the world.  We all are guilty of finding these chores boring and tedious.  I was like this too but have found a new way to perk me up and get myself going.  I bought myself a pedometer and watched the steps add up as I looked after my children and did the chores.  I began finding myself having much more energy and getting on with things I had put off for ages.  I now have not only lost weight but also feel much more in control of  my life.  My top tips for feel great are:

*Buy yourself a pedometer - measuring your steps encourages you to do more - start gradually and build it up if you do too much to begin with you may put yourself off

*Do jobs you have been putting off - you’ll be amazed how much better you feel.  I couldn’t believe how much things had got on top of me until I started to become more active and took control

*Get into a housework routine - I used to think this would be really boring and I would spend all my days cleaning - but actually the opposite is true.  If you get organized you will spend far less time thinking and doing domestic chores as you know exactly what needs to be done and when.

Follow these tips and you will be amazed with the increase in your energy and weight and best of all it won’t cost you a thing - think of your house as you new gym

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsand joy.com

I think it is fair to say that most of us are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch this year and are looking for new ways to entertain the family on a tighter budget.  I have so far this year had some brilliant family outings while watching the pennies:

*Get a copy of your local visitors guide.  You’ll be a amazed how many place you have never visited for years or maybe not at all. Set of for the day and visit somewhere new

*When it’s a nice day pack a pic-nic and head of somewhere - children love this and the cost is minimal

*Look at places near you and go there for an overnight stay - this saves on travel costs.  It also saves on long, tedious journeys and means you get more family time

*Go and visit friends who have children - playing in someone else’s garden is so much more fun for children

Remember children love spending time with you, playing with other children and seeing different things.  They get as much enjoyment out of a pic-nic in the park that an elaborate, expensive trip.  Spend time with them and have fun and they will too!!

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com

Reading and looking at books with your child is a brilliant habit to get into with your kids.  It is brilliant just to spend that quality time with them and you will be amazed how their imagination begins to take of.  I suppose the bedtime story is a traditional time to read to them but if this is not best for you find another time that suits you.  I used to read a bedtime story but I have recently tried to make it a bit earlier in the day.  I find that my son’s  imagination always gets a bit too fired up when I read him a story.  This of course means that you end up with a child who is wanting to act out all the stories in the book and is totally wide awake when they should be sleeping.  You may also find that you are very tired at nights and perhaps do not have the enthusiasm or take the time you would if you did this earlier on.  Find what works for you and try to get into a routine of doing this if possible.

Books on a budget:

.Try your local library - they are great resource as you can keep rotating the books so that your child and you don’t get bored

.Look in bookstores they very often have books they are selling of at bargain prices

.Second hand bookstores,charity shops and jumble sales are also a good way to pick up books at a bargain price

.Shop around the Internet as you will often find popular sites that you trust having sales on books.  This is  a good way for parents to shop as you can do it while they are asleep and get peace to think.

.What about your old books you had when you were a kid?  You may have them in a box somewhere or ask your parents if they have any of them stored away

.Let your friends and family know you are in the market for any children’s books their children have grown out of and watch them flood in - most parents are constantly trying to clear out things their children have grown out of to make room for new stuff.

The main thing is to have fun with your child and treasure every moment with them as they develop and grow

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com

The best tip I could ever give a new parent is not to fall into the extravagant birthday party syndrome.  Remember when you do this at an early age it is for you not for the child.  It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like your child is getting less than others or that you are not such a good parent as so and so because your party wasn’t  as big.  Of course we all know that is rubbish but I see parents fall into this trap all the time.

All children are different and obviously like different things so why not think about what your child will enjoy.  My advice would be for the first few years to have a small house party.  Invite close family and/or friends.  They can bring their children along and play in the house and the garden.  This takes the stress of you as it is people you are used with and find easy to talk to.

Think about what time the party is at? Who you are making the food for?  Some parties seem to be just for children others have a more adult base.  In the beginning there will be obviously be adults there with their children so make it clear  beforehand who the food is for.  When I do house parties I always take the adults into account especially if they are travelling a while to get to your house.

Now there are of course supermarket deals on party food which are sometimes quite good value and can save you a lot of work.  Stock up on paper plates and cups when you see them on special offer - usually after Christmas and Summer time.  If you find the idea of people in your house too stressful you can always check out you local hotel as they often have small rooms that they will give you quite cheaply.  They may also give you a good deal on food or let you take your own.  Village halls are also good venues for parties at a reasonable cost.  Make sure you arrive early though to put the heaters on as they can be quite chilly.  The main thing with a party is to make sure that your child and all the guest have a good time.  I think this is easier to do with a smaller number.  Your child will be at school soon enough and telling you what he wants to do and invite - save the stress and pennies now while you can!!

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com