LilSugar

Affordable Father's Day Affairs

babysugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:17 -0700

Most fathers I know use the same cop out every Father's Day, "I don't need anything. Just a card. Maybe some new socks or golf balls." While he may be telling the truth, there are some practical yet fun ways to celebrate dear old dad this year.

Instead of spending $58 on a box of Pro V1 balls, treat the old man to some of these price conscious goodies:

Take a hike! No, really, pack a picnic and head to the hills for a warm jaunt with Mr. Perfect. Pack sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and some special cookies for the afternoon activity.
Get the gang together for a fun softball tournament. Round up a crew of families and head to the local park for a day in the sun and rounding bases.
If daddy is a movie buff, check out a library's worth of his preferred titles - Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Caddy Shack, Blues Brothers, Animal House, or any 007 movies and set him up with popcorn, candy and a comfy chair without any disruptions.

To see more ideas on how to celebrate dad on a budget, read more.

Head to the beach for sand and surf. Building sand castles and burying papa from head to toe will make for a laughable afternoon.
Lots of pops like making something out of nothing. Dream up a project for the kids and the old man to do together - painting an old chair or constructing a swing set for the kids. The wee ones and daddy will be overjoyed with excitement when the finale is unveiled!
Order a coffee mug with a picture of the rascals on it for his office.
Let the king of the grill relax for the day. While most men tend to the barbecue, mom and the kids can fix up a feast for pop so he can kick back and enjoy a beer with his lil buds.

More than any of the above activities, dad is sure to love a homemade card sealed with a kiss and a bear hug.
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Ecomomics: Have You (or Your Spouse) Been Laid Off?

LilSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:00:36 -0800

Layoffs are a result of the current economy. After receiving pink slips, many moms and dads are spending more time at home than usual. For some parents, the down time is an opportunity to reconnect with their kids, for others it is sheer stress. Has your family been affected by the economy?

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Mommy Dearest: Footing the Bill For Friends?

LilSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 09:00:35 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Our six-year-old son loves to play with a little girl his age in our neighborhood. Since both of her parents work, the children usually hang out at our house and she regularly goes on outings with us.

She's a well behaved, lovely girl so my husband and I are happy to have her join in on our family fun.

But as time passes, we realize it's an additional expense to keep paying her way. Her parents always thank us, but never send her with any money. Is there an appropriate way to ask?

- Bank of Mom

To see Mommy Dearest's response, read more.

Bank of Mom,

I believe a guest is a guest and when my children invite friends on outings, I always treat. However, I also send cash with my kids whenever they go out with other people.

To avoid putting the girl's parents on the spot, perhaps you would just consider having the children play at your house or only take her to along to free places and then enjoy the more expensive jaunts on your own.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.
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Did You Take Advantage of Full Maternity Leave?

babysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Before an expectant working mama checks out to welcome another baby to the world, she usually has a good idea of how much time it will be before she settles back into her desk. In some countries, mothers take the entire first year of their babe's life to stay at home and get to know them. In the States, it's a bit different. While some women have the luxury of taking months off to recuperate from their life welcoming event, others have to jump right back into the game leaving little time for bonding and resting up. While finances, benefits, and childcare are usually the decision makers, many mums are eager to get back to the job for the adult companionship it provides.

So tell mommy, did you take full advantage of your maternity leave?

Elmo to Face Consequences of Economic Downturn

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:25 -0700

Even the businesses lining Sesame Street aren't immune from the effects of a sinking economy. To help kids better understand the recession, Sesame Street will air a one hour special next week called Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times. The show stars Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, as well as personal finance and parenting experts to discuss strategies for maintaining children's well-being during hardships. When his mother loses her job, Elmo is forced to work through his family's issues. Targeting two to eight-year-olds, the show also features real life families and their tips to surviving the obstacles they have overcome.

Mommy Dearest: Babysitter Leaving, but Offers Sister to Sit

LilSugar — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:00:24 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Our babysitter is a local college student and we really like her. Sadly, she is going to be studying abroad for her Fall semester this year. She told us that her younger sister, who is still in high school would be interested in sitting for us while she is gone. The sister is coming with our babysitter while she watches our daughter this weekend so we can meet the potential replacement and she can get to know our daughter. Should I pay the younger sister for her time?

I don't feel like it's fair for her to give up a few hours of her time without getting paid, but at the same time, it seems ridiculous to pay double our rate which would total $40 an hour for an extra person who isn't technically needed at the time. I've also thought about splitting the money somehow, but I am not sure if that would be appropriate.

- Figuring Out Finances For Sitters

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Figuring Out Finances For Sitters,

I agree that paying twice as much for two sitters to watch one child is ridiculous. I babysat for lots of families while going through high school and college and never charged anyone to go over and meet their kids. Employers don't pay job candidates to interview and I view this in the same vein. Considering this is somewhat of a working interview, perhaps you can offer the younger sister $20 as a nice gesture and pay your normal sitter in full.

- Mommy Dearest

Who Did You Consider First When Deciding on Another Child?

LilSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:00:56 -0700

Many women have a magic number - how many children they hope to have. Age, health, finances, and ambitions are just a few of the realities that can influence a couple's decision to either keep procreating or be content with the family they have. Some mothers know the benefits of giving their child siblings, but others prefer to focus their attention on one offspring. How did you come to (or will you make) your decision?

Would Economics Influence Your Decision to Raise Baby?

LilSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:00:00 -0700

One loving mother of three did something she never imagined - she put her fourth baby up for adoption. Struggling to make ends meet raising her teenagers as a single parent, Renee Siegfort, 36, did what she believed was in all of her children's best interest when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant again - she found a family to raise her infant, Joie. While the decision was heart wrenching, a recent report said that it is not uncommon as many moms are considering adoption due to the economy and the fact that raising children is so expensive. Some placement agencies are seeing anywhere from a 10 to 30 percent increase in inquiries. In the same article, a rep for the National Abortion Federation said their phones were ringing off the hook. Would finances influence your baby-raising decision?

Mommy Dearest: Friend Doesn't Pay Babysitter's Fee

babysugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

A friend and I occasionally use the same babysitter when we spend an afternoon together. Like many nanny share situations, we split the rate in half making it less expensive for us both. The sitter's rate to watch one child is $15 and $20 to watch two. The days and times are not set in stone, but my friend usually drops her child off at my house one or two afternoons a week so we can lunch or take an afternoon excursion. When she picks up her daughter, she sometimes gives me the money to give to the sitter, but often claims that she will "get me next time."

While I don't want to seem rude or stingy, I've been stuck paying her portion of the bill several times. Not wanting to ruffle any feathers, I haven't asked her to reimburse me. Is there a way I can do this tactfully while making it known that I don't want it to happen again?

- Seeking Fee Equality

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Seeking Fee Equality,

It seems your friend has put you in a pickle. What started out as a convenient and fun exercise of frugality has turned into a more expensive and stressful situation for you. Your friend, however, is making out like a bandit! To take the pressure off of you and bring the equality back to the table, try these tips.

Before heading back to the house, ask her if she needs to stop and get money for the sitter. You may also suggest your pal have a conversation with the caretaker about how the nanny prefers payment - daily, weekly, bi-weekly, etc. If she continues to falter at payment time, ask her to pick up your lunch tab or pay your portion of the care since she owes you one. She will get the hint that sticking the bill to you is not kosher. If she continues to skip out on the finances, I would propose she hire another nanny altogether.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

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Tell Mommy: Did You Bank Your Baby's Blood?

LilSugar — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:00:21 -0800

An expectant mommy is faced with a sleuth of important decisions, but none so important as deciding whether or not to bank her babe's cord blood - the blood that remains in your baby's umbilical cord after it has been cut.

Preserving your newborn's cord blood to potentially treat life-threatening diseases (such as cancer) is gaining momentum. However, the use of stem cells remains controversial, expensive (popular cord blood banks charge around $2000, with a $125 yearly storage fee), and there is no way to tell if your baby (or another family member) will ever have a need for it. Even during these tough financial times, many parents are opting to dish out the dough in hopes that it could be vital in the event of medical need. Others are deciding against it due to finances or other reasons. Have you banked your baby's cord blood, or will you in the future? Or did you already decide against it?

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