LilSugar

Would a Four-Day School Week Work For You?

babysugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:00:00 -0800

No more pencils, no more books! No more teachers' dirty looks! That's what kids in more than 100 school districts across 17 states are saying one day earlier now that their schools have moved to four-day school weeks. As the recession continues to grip school districts across the country, creating budget deficits that administrators can't fill fast enough, several districts are opting to educate students an extra hour or two each day over four days (schools take Friday or Monday off), thus cutting electricity, busing and maintenance costs, while maintaining teachers' salaries.

While educators debate the impact of such schedule shifts on tots' educations, working parents now have to scramble to find child care options for their lil ones on their day off from school. Some parents argue that the day off from school can be used to complete doctor's appointments and extracurricular activities. But moms who hold full-time jobs in addition to their duties at home not only have to find a responsible person or place to watch their child – they have to pay for it too.

Would a four-day school week work into your schedule?

Has the Tooth Fairy Increased Her Gifts in Your Home?

babysugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:00:05 -0800

Is the tooth fairy recession proof? A while back LilSugar readers told us about the wide range of monetary gifts the tooth fairy left their children. At the time, the mamas reported a $1 – $20 range depending on which tooth it was and how much they had in their wallets at the time.

It would stand to reason that when the economy slides, parents are less apt to shell out big bucks for a simple lost tooth, but according to a Minnesota-based dental insurance company that might not be the case. In the 2010 Tooth Fairy Poll, Delta Dental found that the national average jumped 13 percent in the past year to $2.13 per tooth. Though the index usually tracks alongside the Dow Jones Industrial Average, last year, the DJIA grew 23 percent, significantly more than the tooth one.

Have your dental gifts grown over the past year?

Tell Mommy: Where Does Most of Your Family Budget Go?

LilSugar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:00:20 -0800

Things may be looking up for the American economy, but families are still trying to cut back on excess spending. And there's a lot of cutting back to do. In 2008, the average American household made a little more than $63,000, and spent more than $50,000 of it, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's not surprising when you consider the cost of living - from mortgages, health care, food, entertainment, childcare, education, transportation to clothing your family.

Housing has long been the primary budget drainer for families, but what's the second item on the list?

Family Resolutions: Tips For Cutting Costs, Not Fun

LilSugar — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:30:39 -0800

Resolutions typically come in the form of self promises for weight loss, general health, a better work-life-balance, saving more money and being more organized. All tough goals when you are trying to keep up with feedings, sticky fingers and day-to-day life as a parent. Usher in the new year with productive goals that focus on the whole family. Check out some of my favorite family saving tips and resolution inspiration as you set your sights on a healthy, happy and green 2010!

Encourage the Kiddos to Make Resolutions - Whether their goal is to make a new friend or keep their room clean, let them take advantage of the fresh start.
13 New Uses For Old Household Items - Many a mom has bags or boxes full of old household items that seem useless and trash worthy. Before mommy throws everything away, check out Real Simple Family's suggestions on how to make old household items new again.
10 Simple Ways to Cut Everyday Costs - If you are starting a family you're probably worried about what you should and shouldn't splurge on, but families with one or more young children often have the toughest battle: how to cut back on the little expenses that add up big time. Here are some suggestions for near effortless ways to reduce your family's budget and be mindful of everyday costs.

For additional savings tips, read more.

Simple Ways to Waste Less and Save More - Tots are carefree so it's up to parents to incorporate food saving remedies into our family routines. While mama may be doing it to save a buck, it won't hurt that she's helping out the environment with these easy tips to reduce her brood's waste.
Have Your Baby, and Keep Your Budget Too - Hospital bills, wardrobes, and gear for baby can cost a small fortune but it doesn't have to! Check out these ten budgeting tips to ensure that your growing baby bump does not lead to a diminishing bank account.
Recession Proof Toys You Probably Have Around the House - Sometimes the answer to mama's prayers is a household item sitting right on the counter and in these tough economic times who has the cash to keep stocking up at the toy store? Check out the sundry items that can suit a tot's fancy and feel free to add to our list.
Five Economical Ways to Spend Time With Your Spouse - Once kids are in the mix, it can be difficult to squeeze in alone time with your spouse. In these tough economic times, the babysitting fund is often the first cut from the budget. Find time for your relationship by testing out one of these tricks with your partner.

Photo courtesy of Real Simple Family

What's Your Stroller Budget?

LilSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:00:38 -0800

Anyone who has ever shopped for baby will tell you: strollers aren't cheap. In fact, they are quite pricey. Most droolworthy designer strollers can't be pushed out of the shop for less than $1,500 to $2,000, and even less glitzy popular brands and models like the beloved Bugaboo Cameleon ($880 fully loaded) are spendy by most people's standards. And that's before you throw down for helpful stroller accessories and extras. What's your final budget when shopping for a carriage?

The Pros and Cons of Being a SAHM

LilSugar — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:30:12 -0800

When deciding to go back to work or stay at home with her child, an ambivalent mama has a tough decision to make. Both sides of the spectrum have their own pros and cons that need to be weighed before making the big decision. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of being a stay-at-home mom.

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Wrap It Up: Snowman Gift Tag and Ornament

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:00:11 -0800

Wee ones love helping to wrap presents, but if their small hands make maneuvering the big packages more of a hassle, set the kids up with a quick art project that will hold their interest. Made from the cotton makeup cloths you have in the cabinet, these frosty lil snowmen gift tags double as ornaments for the recipient's tree. For directions on how to make these simple creations with items found around the house and for step-by-step pictures, read more.

You will need:

Cotton makeup cloths
Glue
Markers
Scissors
Paper clips

Directions:

Take a cotton round and put a dot of glue on one edge and then secure another round to it. Do the same with that round until you have three in a row to form a snowman shape.
Use a pen or marker to write your gift tag info on one side of the snowman.
Flip the snowman over and decorate by adding coal eyes, a carrot nose, buttons, scarf and hat. Or whatever you prefer
Using a scissors snip a small hole in the top of the snowman's head.
Next take a paper clip and open it up a bit to resemble an ornament hook.
Slip the hook through the hole and your tag becomes an ornament.
Hook the ornament through the bow of your gift or tape the bow gently to the wrapping paper.

Lil's Favorite Ways to Wrap It Up

LilSugar — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:00:30 -0800

The economy may have families cutting back, but creativity comes free of charge! Instead of tossing rolls of pricey wrapping paper into your cart at the store, take the time to teach your tots how to make festive prints with their hands, fingers and even feet. The colorful gift wrap makes presents extra special and the activity can become a beloved holiday tradition. Check out our slideshow to see all the inventive ways lil is wrapping things up this season!

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Have Your Baby, and Keep Your Budget Too!

LilSugar — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:00:58 -0800

Hospital bills, wardrobes, and gear for baby can cost a small fortune but it doesn't have to! Check out these ten budgeting tips to ensure that your growing baby bump does not lead to a diminishing bank account.

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Would You Enlist Your Child's Talent to Pay the Bills?

babysugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

No doubt about it, some families have been faced with some tough times during our recession. The jobless rate keeps rising causing many children to claim homeless status or opt out of extracurricular activities. So what if their beauty or talent could earn the family a roof over their heads or pay for their schooling? It seems many moms and pops are turning to their tots to help foot the bill. Mothers who might not normally enter their babe into a modeling competition are taking head shots and driving to auditions with dreams of childhood stardom. While some criticize the parents for putting their babies to task, others say the actions are harmless and even beneficial. What say you?

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