Candy Thieves And An #AIWTribe Challenge
Our Little Trick Or Treaters!
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween yesterday! This was the first year that all of our kids truly got into trick or treating!They were so excited to see all of the kids dressed up as different characters that they knew. Not to mention our neighborhood did such a good job! So many people were sitting in their driveways with little fires, handing out candy and goodies!I love seeing the neighborhood get so involved!What was your favorite house your favorite house you visited last night?
The two big kids were in heaven all night! They couldn't get to the next house quick enough!Baby Lucas was so excited to walk with his brothers to the first few houses! Then his big brothers started to leave him behind and he realized just how much work Trick or Treating was going to take.
The Morning After
The morning after Halloween is always interesting. My little candy thief, Levi always attempts to steal the Halloween candy. He usually succeeds! This year my husband and I decided to hide it so they couldn't find it. Putting it up high never works, so hiding it seemed perfect.Then we woke up at 5am to see all of our lights on...The little candy thief snuck downstairs looking for his Halloween spoils and found it!When I asked him why he would do it he said, "Mommy I thought you wanted me to have it. I'll give you one..."He tried to bribe me!Did any of you have any candy thieves this morning? I think it's becoming our little Halloween tradition!
#AIWTribe Challenge
Now that Halloween is over that means we're counting down the days until Thanksgiving!While we're all waiting for Turkey day I thought what better than an Instagram challenge! I love doing challenges with all of you so we can get to know each other better and share what's important to us!Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see the prompts each day!Also tag your pictures with #AIWTribe so we can find each other's pictures all month long!Don't forget to tell your friends!
Simple Pav Bhaji Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner recipe to try out this week? How about Pav Bhaji! It's a simple veggie dish with an Indian kick!
This post is sponsored by Shan Foods. As always all opinions are my own.
Big News!
If you follow me on Twitter, you probably saw my big announcement! I just signed on to work with Shan Foods all year! This means you will be seeing delicious recipes each month!
Now, I have a nit of nostalgia when it comes to Shan spices. When my husband and I first got married I had no idea how to make and Indian dish. My first experience was horrible! I spent an entire day shopping for spices and prepping to make chicken curry. Let's just say my husband was excited all day and the moment we sat down for dinner... you could just see it in his face.
He was trying not to laugh because he knew how hard I tried, but wow. It was even the wrong color! Instead of finding a traditional Indian recipe, I looked online for the simplest one I could find. I didn't even go to the Indian grocery store for spices! I went to our local grocery store. Needless to say I learned my lesson.
The biggest thing I learned through it all is the importance of good recipes and authentic spices. Whether you have made a ton of Indian dishes or you're a novice, Shan Foods is the perfect thing for you. They combine all their spices in a simple to use package. They even have a recipe on the back!
I wanted to show you just how easy it could be and I was looking for an excuse to try out a new recipe!
This has become one of my new favorite Indian dishes. It's called Pav Bhaji and wow. Think Indian sloppy joes with delicious veggies!
You create your delicious Pav Bhaji mixture and then put it in a buttery bun. This dish is famous where I live and people go crazy to find the best rolls or buns to serve with it!
This is the time to pull our grandmas famous roll recipe!
Simple Pav Bhaji Recipe
Ingredients:
4 Medium Potatoes1 Medium Tomato3/4 Cup Green Peas1 Onion Chopped1 Green Chili1 Cup Cauliflower1/2 Green Pepper Chopped1 Tsp Cumin Seeds1 Tbs Ginger Garlic Paste3 Tbs Shan Pav Bhaji Spice Mix (You can order this online or at your local Indian grocery store)3/4 Cup butter
Directions:
Roughly chop your potatoes and cauliflower. Add it to a large pot along with your peas and enough water to cover your vegetables. Cook until tender and then roughly mash. Set aside.In a bowl mash your green chili and ginger garlic paste until the chili becomes a paste. Set aside.In a pan heat your butter until melted. Then add in your cumin seeds. Cook them until they start to splatter or pop. Add in your ginger garlic paste mixture. Cook for two minutes then add your Shan Pav Bhaji Spice Mix.Add in your onions and green pepper. Saute them until your onions are translucent.Add your tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water. Cook your mixture until the tomatoes have been cooked well and the water has cooked down. You don't want a water mix, you just want the water to help cook the tomatoes completely.Mix in your roughly mashed veggies. Add salt to your taste.Voila! You're done! Now you just need to put it in a delicious butter bun and garnish with coriander, lime, and onions.
Save For Later
How To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
The holiday season has always been a busy time for families. Last year our family learned just how crazy it could get. Between the months of October and December we have 2 birthdays and 3 major holidays. It may not seem like too much, but keep in mind all five of these events require planning, some of them mean traveling, making elaborate meals, and parties.I feel like we're planning and hosting a part every other week!
10 Ways To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
This year my husband and I have decided to keep things simple. We want to let go of all the holiday stress and just enjoy it.
Give Group Gifts
When you're giving presents to different families, you can end up getting dozens of gifts for all the family members. Try to think bigger this year and give group gifts rather than all individual ones.
Don't Overextend Yourself
It's easy to overcommit to way too much over the holidays. You want everything to be perfect and take it all on yourself. Be sure to think about what your taking on. Is it possible with your schedule? Write it all out and decide on which tasks you can do yourself and what you can hand off to someone else.
Make A Holiday Budget
This is the perfect time to make a holiday budget. Think about any meals you may be hosting, if you have family planning to visit, presents, travel, etc. Make a realistic budget that you can try and stick to over the holidays.
Remember What It's All About
Sometimes we lose sight of what the holidays are about. We give in to the craziness and stress and forget. This year make sure you remember why you're doing it all.
Be Sure To Rest
The only way you will be able to get everything on your to do list accomplished is by taking care of yourself first. If you're only focusing on those around you and forget to rest you'll end up getting sick. Be your best this year by resting when you can.
Buy Presents Early
Plan out your gifts and purchase them early this year! If your kids are anything like mine, they already have their Christmas lists going. Take a look at the lists and buy something from it every pay check. This helps to spread it out and means you're not doing it all last minute!
Be Thankful
Take time every day to think about what you're thankful for this year. It's going to help you prioritize because you'll be thinking about what actually matters.
Take Time For Yourself
In addition to resting, take time for yourself this busy season. Find time to go out with a friend or go and get a delicious pumpkin spiced latte. Don't get so busy that you only think about those around you for the next few months.
Stay In The Moment
During the holidays a lot of us think about what's next. Instead of just focusing on the holiday at hand, we get lost in planning for the next one. Stay in the moment this year and relish in the holiday traditions, your kids, your family, and you'll be making memories that last.
Take A Deep Breath
At the end of the day, things will get crazy. Things may not go the way you planned, but it's ok. Take a deep breath and remember that no one is looking for a perfect holiday. They just want time with the people they love.
Incredibundles Is Just What You Need To Simplify The Holidays
Today I'm partnering with Incredibundles to make your holidays a little easier. They've done so much of the work for you and just want to help you find the best gifts for the littles ones in your life.Whether you're looking for a group gift for a family, a gift for a new dad in your life, or you're prepping for your holiday gifts early Incredibundles is for you!We got our first bundle last week and our kids loved it! We created our own and included age appropriate gifts for all of them! I love how many options they! They have year long subscriptions, one time bundles, essentials, and so much more!
What Does Incredibundles Offer?
First Time Daddy BundleOne Year Subscriptions (Books, Diapers, or Toys)Create Your Own BundlesLearn and Grow BundlesSleep BundlesBath Bundles
Incredibundles is giving away a free bundle! You can use this as a gift for the holidays, to spoil your kids early, or just something fun for a little one in your life! Be sure to enter in to win your own Incredibundle!
How To Keep My Culture Alive While Living Abroad
I'm very excited to join up with Lauren from English Wife Indian Life to share our stories. We're sharing how keep culture alive in our multicultural families. I share how we keep my husband's Indian culture alive in the US and she's sharing how she's keeping her English culture alive while living in India.
How To Keep My Culture Alive While Living Abroad
When I married an Indian, I remember thinking how lucky our children will be to belong to two extremely different cultures. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I spent hours researching baby names that would fall easily from both tongues. Then I started to worry, my own cultural identity has been questioned numerous times, from “you should be more Indian now you live in India” to “it seems you are not proud to be British anymore”.Will my child have a similar experience? Will my child feel British at all growing up in India?India is the country I have called home for three years. Since leaving England to start a new life with the man I love, I have been learning about Indian values and traditions. In fact, I made it my mission to learn as much as I possibly could so I could understand my new family and the world around me. There are so many amazing things I want my son to learn and enjoy from Indian culture, but what about his other culture?I thought about the ways I have managed to maintain my culture in India, what parts are so important to me that I couldn’t leave them behind when I took off from Heathrow. I don’t want to force either culture down his throat, but I do want to give him the opportunity to experience both sides of his heritage.
Enjoying a Full English Breakfast
The food we eat says a lot about who we are, our lifestyle and our heritage. In a couple of weeks, I going to start weaning my son, which has put the emotional aspect of food in the spotlight. I can’t predict what his tastes will be, but I would hate for him to have the same problem I have.I’m so attached to English food that I daydream about it! It has a huge sway on my emotional wellbeing when I am unable to indulge in cheese or bread. Finding quality cheese and bread in the city I live has been a struggle. I want my son to enjoy a variety of cuisines, give him as much choice as I can. I would hate to be visiting England and have to make something separate for him because he has the same emotional attachment to Indian food as I do to English food.
Celebrating Christmas, Easter and Pancake Day
Every Christmas morning I woke up with a stocking on the end of my bed, stuffed with small presents from Father Christmas. If we were living in the West, we would be surrounded by Christmas, but living in India, it’s my job to cultivate the spirit.I don’t want to lie to my child about Father Christmas, for starters we don’t even have a chimney, but I don’t want to lose one of the very few family traditions I have (especially when my husband’s family have hundreds). I still remember how disenchanted I felt with the entire world when I found out Father Christmas wasn’t real. It broke my heart. I’ve thought about this extensively (probably too much) and found a solution.There is a ten day Hindu festival celebrating the elephant God, Lord Ganesh. The tradition is that families bring a clay idol of Lord Ganesh into their home, bringing his spirit into the house, and enjoy their time with him. I thought of Father Christmas, and he is the symbol for the spirit of Christmas (jolly, giving etc.). I’m sure my children will understand it this way, and avoid the minor breakdown I had when I was about seven.
Please and Thank You
When I first moved to India, everyone laughed at me for saying “thank you”. Hysterical laughter that made me feel uncomfortable and insecure. Still, I continued to say thank you, it’s not only a habit. It’s a compulsion. It’s not that Indians are rude, concept of politeness is vastly different in India. I would say by Indian standards, I can be (unintentionally) very rude sometimes. I want to encourage my son to say please and thank you, avoiding the disapproving looks when we visit England.
Making the Most of Trips to Britain
We may not have as many traditions and festivals as India, but our little island has beauty, history and fun things to do. It dawned on me as I was flying to India, my son’s childhood will be drastically different from my own . There are so many things I remember with great fondness, and I want him to have the opportunity to experience them too. Therefore, I have promised myself that when we do visit England, we will not waste a moment.
Bring my Culture to India for my Son
When I started to write this post, I thought about the ways I have brought British culture to India and it made my stomach turn. Britain ruled India for almost 100 years before India achieved freedom in 1947. After all the bloodshed, enslavement and stolen wealth, the British retreated after the independence movement, known for its nonviolent philosophy. The actions of some of my ancestors in India were awful and inhumane. I feel ashamed when I read about the brutalities and injustice.That being said, I believe that people cannot be blamed for the actions of their ancestors, religion, nationality or race. It’s also important we don’t wipe away history from our consciousness, to learn from mistakes and treat everyone equally, regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality.In the end, that is what I hope most for my son (and any future children we are blessed with), that they are kind, open minded and respect all living things.
Be sure to follow Lauren on English Wife Indian Life
Multicultural Corner: Raising Global Citizens
My husband and I made the decision to homeschool our kids for so many different reasons. We both loved the idea of having flexibility to fit around my husband work schedule, the ability we would have to teach them the way they learned best, and the fact that we could choose their curriculum.Since we've started we've been able to do studies on butterflies, nature, and the ocean. I love seeing how excited my kids get when we start a new study. They want to soak everything in and they always have so many questions. My favorite part about homeschooling has been our discussions!We cozy up on the couch and talk about our study for the month. Often times it goes off on tangents where we daydream actually experiencing what we're learning about. Which of course leads to giggles and silly kids.I will always cherish these conversations with my kids. I do everything I can to teach my children that I'm there for them. I want them to know they can talk to me about anything. This is why there are no silly questions in our house. I'll be teaching the kids about butterflies and my three year old will ask me if he'll ever become a butterfly himself...I love it. I love their little questions.As a mother, it's my privilege to be able to teach them about the world and everything inside of it.[tweetthis display_mode="button_link"]As a mother it's my privilege to be able to teach them about the world and everything inside of it. #aiwtribe[/tweetthis]
Our Very Own Multicultural Corner
Last month, I sat down and tried to brainstorm different ideas on how I could get my kids excited about our diverse world. I want them not only to be raised as biracial children loving two cultures, but as global citizens who love the whole world.Then it came to me. Multicultural corner. Every month we're going to focus on a new multicultural resource. The goal of this is to get our kids excited about the world and to learn more about different cultures.Along with our multicultural resource we're going to do hands on activities, prepare delicious food, and share what we learn together.
Mixed Me
This book has been an amazing addition to our little library. It does a wonderful job of teaching kids the beauty in their biracial identity. There aren't many books out there that discuss multicultural families and Tay Diggs has taken his own experiences in teaching his son and has given us a great resource.Mixed Me walks us through the life of Mike. He is a little boy trying to figure out his biracial identity. Throughout the book he asks questions about his parents and himself. He wants to understand how he can be a blend of both of them when he looks so different.While my kids and I read this book I could see the excitement in their faces. My oldest son instantly felt a connection between the Mike and himself."Momma, he's like me!"
How You Can Join Multicultural Corner With Your Kids
Whether you're homeschooling your kids or you just want to create opportunities to encourage them to learn about the world around them, join us each month for multicultural corner! We will post new activities and ways for your family to join us!This month, we're starting off by talking about biracial identities. Pick up your own copy of Mixed Me from the library or get your own. We can't wait to hear the conversations it gets going with your family.
Get Featured!
Use the hashtag #AIWTribe when sharing your multicultural corner experiences and get featured!
Share Your Own Multicultural Corner Resources, Activities, and Recipes!
Leave one link and be sure to share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
Your Complete Guide To Diwali And A Few Must Haves
Diwali: The Festival Of Lights
Diwali is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in India. It's known as the Festival of Lights. This holiday is all about the victory of good over evil.There are five days of Diwali and in addition to different religious ceremonies, there are different things families do on each day.Day One: The first day of Diwali is spent cleaning your home and purchasing a lavish gold or silver item for your home. This is the prefect day to look through your home and purge anything you don't need. Think of it as your day of spring cleaning then you treat yourself with something nice.After your home is cleaned, you can decorate with rangolis! They are a beautiful design made in front of your home.Day Two: This is the day to exchange sweets with your friends and family. You used to have to stay home on this day and relax, but it's changed a bit over the years. You can also continue to make rangoli designs.Day Three: This is the day to light all of your diyas, lamps, and festive lights. Most families also attend their local churches and then go home and light fireworks to celebrate!Day Four: This is the day couples celebrate their love and give gifts to each other.Day Five: Day five is such a special day. Sisters invite their brothers to their home, make them a big meal, and pray for them.
Diwali Must Haves
Here are a few Diwali items you should be sure to pick up this year! My kids and I sat down and made a list of our favorites!
- Happy Diwali Cards
- Rangoli Stencils
- Sari Patchwork Throw Pillows
- Votive Candle Holders
- Lantern
- The Diwali Gift Book
- Diya Candle Holder
This post contains affiliate links which I do make a small commission on. I only recommend items my family truly loves and thinks you will too!
The Legacy My Husband Is Leaving For His Kids
The Legacy My Husband Is Leaving For His Kids
Today is my husband's birthday and we're spending it celebrating him and everything he is to our family. He woke up this morning to three anxious little boys and homemade birthday cards! My boys love their daddy to the moon and back and couldn't wait to wake him up with birthday wishes!Being a dad is hard work. You're always trying to figure out how to be exactly what your kids need. You want to make sure you're being a great example while also inspiring them to be world changers.It's a lot to carry on your shoulders.Through it all, my husband is leaving a legacy for his children. This legacy is going to teach them what it means to be young men, a dad, and a husband.
3 Lessons My Husband's Legacy Will Teach Our Children
How To Take Care Of Your Family
I talk a lot on the blog about my traveling husband. He's gone frequently throughout the year for work, but what you may not know is that it's hard. Part of the traveling is fun and exciting. He's been able to experience so much because of his job, but he also has to miss out on a lot.However, his kids know how hard he works for them. He even books his tickets so he gets back in the middle of the night so we all get to wake up with him in the morning.My husband is always taking care of us. He works hard to provide for us and always makes sure we're taken care of.
What It Means To Be Vulnerable
As a man and father, you want to teach your kids to be strong. My husband has taught his kids to be strong, but more importantly he's taught them how to be vulnerable.My husband has shown my kids what it means to be imperfect. They know they don't have to do anything to prove themselves to him. All he wants is for them to be real and honest with him.If they're feeling scared, he holds them.If they're feeling discouraged, he empowers them.He's done this by being vulnerable with them. He's the first one to let them know if he's feeling down discouraged. This not only brings them closer together as father and son but will help them as they grow into the men they're becoming.They'll bring this vulnerability into their friendships and even their future marriages.
How To Love Their Future Wife
My husband and I got married when we were really young. We've grown up together over the last seven years. Our marriage has been anything but perfect. We've had our struggles and out triumphs. Throughout it all, he's always loved me.My boys have been able to be blessed with parents that truly love each other. They've never had to worry if we're going to stay together because even while we're fighting, they know we love each other.My husband has shown my kids what it means to truly love their future wife. Love is a feeling and choice. My sons have seen my husband love me through every season without fail.They've seen him love me, even when I'm being crazy.They've seen him love me in the midst of scary times.I know they've seen it because it even affects how they love me, their mom.
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My husband has truly changed our family. He's loved us without fail every day, he's chosen to be vulnerable with us, he's always taken care of us, and he's the reason our kids will grow up to be amazing fathers.
Let's take a moment to celebrate the fathers in your life. Remind them how much they mean to you and what they've done for your family.
Spooky Ghost Garland
Our Spooky Halloween Decorations
Over the years, my kids have always been excited about Halloween, but this year has been completely different. My boys have been watching Halloween movies, begging for Halloween decorations, and counting down the days until they get to go trick or treating!We even decided to decorate our home for Halloween this year!When my boys first started asking me to make our home "spooky," I had no idea what to do. I was ready to buy all the decorations and just hang it all up! Then I noticed the price...Halloween decorations get expensive!I ended up going home and started racking my brain on simple and cheap ways I could decorate my house to be sure my kids had the spooky Halloween they had asked for!It ended up being way more fun coming up with fun decorations than it ever would have been to buy them all. Not to mention, my husband was much happier with the cost of homemade decorations!
Spooky Ghost Garland
This year, I am partnering up with Hefty to bring you simple Halloween decorations for your family!One of my kids favorite Halloween characters are cute and spooky ghosts. They are spooky enough without being scary and they are so simple to make!I decided to take it up a notch by turning our ghosts into a garland that we could hang up!There are so many ways you and your family can personalize your spooky ghost garland. You can draw faces on them, you find fun twine to use when hanging them up, or you wrap the garland in a tree outside!
Materials
Hefty Garbage BagsTwineScissorsPermanent Marker (If you'd like to draw faces)
Step One- Cutting
Ghost Body: Cut a strip from your Hefty garbage bag. You can make your strip as big or small as you'd like. Keep in mind this strip will be making your ghost. I made mine about 6 inches.
Cut your strips into large rectangles.Ghost Filling: Cut up the rest of your bag into small pieces to use as stuffing.
Step Two- Assembling
Grab a small bunch of your ghost filling and place it in the center of your rectangle.Gather up each side of your rectangle, keeping the stuffing in the middle. Then pinch your garbage bag, around the stuffing, and twist.Once your bag is twisted, lay it on your twine. Tie your twine right underneath your ghost's head and voila. Your first ghost!
Continue the process until your ghost garland is as long as you'd like!
Your Very Own Hefty Helper!
Hefty trash bags aren't only a must have for Halloween decorations, but they can stand up against anything! We use our Hefty trash bags every day!Our family needs our trash bags to stand up against toddlers dragging them out to the trash, strong odors, and a mom putting way too much trash inside. Regardless of your families needs, Hefty is here to help!They've even partnered with John Cena this year to show families just how strong their new Hefty Ultra Strong bags are!Have you ever experienced a torn trash bag and ended up with trash everywhere? I've had it happen too many times, but then we switched to Hefty. Now, I don't have to worry about tears or even smelling our trash!
Pick up your Heft trash bags today and don't forget to use this great coupon!
How Purging Toys Has Made My Kids Closer
Our Massive Purge!
I recently went through our home and did a massive purge. I've wanted to do one for a while, but continued to put it off. I'd get rid of a few things here or there, only to replace it with something else.Then I finally did it. I spent an entire weekend going through our clothes and toys. I ended up donating 10 bags to Goodwill.... I didn't even know we had accumulated so many things. Granted some of it was clothes the kids no longer fit into, but there were so many toys.Do you want to know the kicker?My kids haven't even noticed...I spent so much time trying to find toys that would help them to stay entertained, teach them important skills, and to play with their brothers that I went a little overboard.Our purge has been amazing. I spend half the time cleaning up after they're done playing and the most important thing is their imagination has exploded! Instead of dumping out all of their toys and playing with one for five minutes they grab a few and go outside!
We've been extremely blessed this year with a park in walking distance from our house. Right next to the park is a fun wooded "fort." My boys have been all about it!Now that we've gone through and donated a huge chunk of our toys, they've wanted to go to the park every day. As soon as we get there, they run to their fort. I tried following them in today but was rudely denied by a five-year-old Iron Man.
I still snuck in to snap pictures of them playing together! I love seeing how close they're getting.Having three little boys under six has been crazy at times, but I remind myself we did it for a reason. I wanted my kids close together because I wanted them to be best friends. Now, it's actually happening. They love spending time together.Yet another thing I've seen after getting rid of so many toys is that they play together more. Before, they'd all get their toys and play alone. Now, they find each other and play together!
Ok, we're almost there. This little one got kicked out of the fort for throwing dirt at his big brothers. This was his response when I asked if he was throwing things at them.He's got no shame.Try it for yourself and purge some of your kid's toys! You'll be amazed at the results!
Teaching My Multicultural Kids What's "Normal"
My Little Explorers
One of my favorites part of homeschool has been watching my kids explore. My little boys are curious about everything around them! If you look into their eyes, you can see they're always pondering something.Momma, why can't I marry you?Why can't we spend your grocery money on our toys? Aren't toys more important?Why doesn't everyone speak Telugu like daddy and me?I love hearing the questions their little minds come up with. While I may be assuming they're only thinking about the toy in their hand, they're actually processing life going on around them. They want to figure it all out.Sometimes, these questions are centered around what they want in the moment, like going toy shopping rather than grocery shopping. Other times, they're thinking about something much deeper. I'm always surprised to hear how deep their questions can become.Lately, my oldest son, Liam has been pondering the differences between him and those around him. As a biracial child, he's not new to the idea of being different than some of his friends, but he's starting to identify how they're different.
I Speak Normal
This week, we went to the store to pick up a few supplies. While we there, Liam overheard a few employees speaking in Spanish. He's fascinated with other languages because this is the first year he's had a personal desire to pick up more Telugu.He immediately started talking to me and asked if they were speaking Spanish. I said yes and he started to go off in his own version to show off for them, throwing in a few real Spanish words.He was so proud of himself. Then I became the mom that reminded him most of what he said was made up. Luckily, he just laughed and he started listing off all the Telugu words he knows.I love that he wants to explore languages, but I don't ever want him to come off as mocking someone else. I want him to know the difference between a made up language and a real language. Then he brought up one of his cousins who grew up in India.Momma, why doesn't he speak normal like me?Hun, there's not really a normal language. People across the world grow up speaking different languages and he grew up speaking Telugu. It's normal to him. Mom... Listen to me. See.. I'm speaking normal. It took some time to explain to him that normal is relative, but it got me thinking. I don't want to raise kids that think they're way is the only "normal" way. Right now, he's young and he's trying to process the world around him. I love that he's able to talk to me about everything he sees and wants to know more about.
Diversity Is Normal
I want my kids to grow up knowing diversity is what's normal. I want them to be able to look around and see the beauty in the differences between cultures.The more I can talk to my kids about the differences they see, the more normal it becomes. "Normal" is relative. It changes for everyone. However, one thing that should always be normal is a love for different cultures around the world.As my kids continue to question and figure out the world, I'm going to be right next to them. I want to help them as they figure it out.It's our role as parents to teach our kids the beauty of diversity. How can you do that? You do it by pointing out racial inequality, talking to your kids about what's going on the world, encouraging them to ask questions, and teaching them that all lives matter.Sometimes, I look at the news and for a moment, I wish I could hide it all from my kids. I don't want them to see how terrible people can be. I don't want them to know that some people are so hateful that they see their race as better than another.It's my job as their parent to talk to them about the hard things. I'd rather be the one to tell them, so I can also be the one to remind them all lives are important and diversity is what makes our world so beautiful.
Potty Training: Top Methods And Tips
Potty Training
The moment in parenthood, we all dread.Potty training means double the amount of dirty clothes, constantly keeping an eye on your child to make sure they don't pee everywhere, and frantically looking for bathrooms in public before you become "that" family...I love hearing from other parents to find out how they potty trained their children. Some parents use the same techniques all the way through and others do it different each time.I potty trained my oldest at 18 months, my middle child at 2 and a half, and my youngest... Well, I haven't gotten to it until now.I potty trained my oldest at a young age because he literally asked me to get him big boy underwear and to use the potty like daddy. By the time my second child started showing the signs that he was ready, I was pregnant with my third and tried to hold him off on the whole process. He had other plans.Now, my youngest is practically begging me to potty train him. You don't believe me? All week he has been coming up to me.. naked.. diaper in hand. Then he goes on to tell me he's poo (the word he uses for both deeds).It doesn't matter what type of outfit he's wearing. He manages to get it and his diaper off and proudly finds me to show off his accomplishment.
3 Potty Training Methods
The first step to potty training your child is to choose the method that fits your life and child best. Here are the top three methods around.
The Child Oriented Method:
This method is designed to let your child decide when they're ready. Watch for signs that they're ready to be potty trained.When you see the signs, you begin the potty training process. First start out with your child, fully clothed on the potty. Get them used to the potty without the pressure of using it. As they get more comfortable, have them sit on the potty while they're wearing a pull up. Then encourage them to sit on the potty without a pull up.As they get more comfortable with the potty, they will start to try using it when they're ready.The slow process is designed to encourage your child to take it all at their own pace. If they start to resist the process, this method suggests you take a break.While this method can provide a positive experience for your child, it also ends up taking much longer. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.
The Weekend Method:
This method has become increasingly popular over the years. When you see a few signs that your chid is ready to be potty trained, find a weekend that you can completely devote to the process. Clear your schedule and get ready.This method takes about three days to complete. It's much messier than the other two, but effective.The morning of day one, start pumping your child full of fluids. You want as many opportunities to practice as possible. Then strip your child naked. It's important to keep your child naked on the first day so they can feel what it's like to need to use the potty.Take them to the potty every thirty minutes and have them try. If you catch them in an accident, immediately take them over to the potty and have them sit down. Remind them to go to the potty if they feel like they have to go.Day two is a little different. Today your child can wear underwear. The routine is still the same. Pump them full of fluids and take them to the potty on a schedule.Day three is the last structured day of the method. By this time, your child knows they need to use the potty and has has plenty of experience with it. Today, your child can wear pants and be fully dressed. Day three is more of a maintenance day. Watch out for accidents and continue the routine.My husband and I used this method for our kids. It worked for our oldest two and will be the same method we use for our third. It's crucial to completely clear your weekend. It helps to make sure you're completely focused on the process and catch accidents before or during.
The Potty Party Method:
This method is also one of the quicker ones.Get your child a doll that "goes potty." Introduce the doll to your child and explain that the doll us becoming a big kid and only uses the potty now.Spend the morning teaching the doll how to go in the potty. Make sure you let your child help teach the doll so they can understand the concept as well. Let the doll have a few "accidents" and use it as an opportunity to talk about what happened.Before your child begins their potty training, find the biggest incentive possible and use it to encourage them to use the potty. Once your child successfully uses the potty, get all of their family and a few friends to come together and celebrate.This is their moment. The party is more of a commitment they're making. They now know how to use the potty and as a family, you're committing to the process. During the party, take a moment to gather all of their diapers and throw them away. Then they can put their underwear in their drawer.The potty party is a 1-2 day process, so you will still be doing a fair bit of maintenance afterwards. However, by throwing all of the diapers away, you're locked in!
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Our Fall Family Bucket List
Our Fall Family Bucket List
The leaves are changing, the weather is getting colder, you can finally start your morning with a hot cup pumpkin spice latte... Which can only mean one thing.It's Fall!My favorite time of the year and it's just beginning! It also means my husband is home more! His work travel schedule ramps up during the summer, but starts to slow down during the fall and winter months. My boys and I have loved having him home more!Our Fall started out a bit rocky, but now we're filling it with as many fall festivities as we can!
Our Fall Family Adventure
It's only a few short weeks into Fall and we're already loving it!I asked my kids what they wanted to do this Fall and they quickly made up their lists. I thought I'd have to help them decide what they wanted to add to their Fall bucket lists, but they sat down at the table and drew it up all day!I loved seeing them so excited about Fall because it's been my favorite season since I was their age. Here are a few of the items on their lists!
Learn A New Sport
Football season has begun and my kids are now obsessed with it! As soon as my husband gets home from a trip, he's greeted with three little boys and a football. It doesn't matter what time it is, they all beg to go outside and throw it around!This is the first time I've noticed the two big kids actually interested in how to play. They're asking where to put their fingers and how to throw better. I love seeing the smile on my husband's face as he teaches them. He's so proud of them and loves being able to teach them.
Go On An Early Morning Walk
Early morning walks have always been a favorite in our house. It all changes when the weather gets cooler. We all grab our nature journals, a hot cup of hot cocoa or coffee for momma, and go on our early morning adventure.We live in a quiet little neighborhood so it's perfect for all of our stops along the way. The boys look for special rocks, sticks, and leaves as I take as many pictures of them as I can. I love seeing their little friendships bloom and change as they get older.My youngest is getting to a point where he wants to be just like his big brothers. He watches every move they make and tries to copy it all.
Make A New Halloween Treat
With three kids and a traveling husband, homemade snacks aren't always a top priority. All of that changed this year when my kids were the ones begging to make them!These little monster treats were so easy to make and required very little work for momma. All you need is white chocolate, a little coconut oil, and pretzels. Mix up your chocolate and oil then dip your pretzels. Voila. So simple. Then hand them over to your kids and let them go crazy.
Fall Family Bucket List
Here's the rest of our Fall bucket list! We've marked a few off our list, but have so many more to go! Join us for your very own Fall adventure.
Let us see what you're crossing off your bucket list by posting it and tag us #AIWTribe!
How To Prepare For A Multicultural Family
How To Prepare For A Multicultural Family
While I was pregnant, I found myself daydreaming over my little baby. I wondered what he would look like, what type of personality he would have, and how my life was going to change forever.
As a mother expecting a multiracial baby there were a few other things that came to my mind as well. I started to wonder how I would raise a biracial child.
How would I be able to blend cultures in their life?
Would I be able to show them the best from both of their cultures?
Would it be possible to teach them about Indian culture as I was just learning myself?
I had to remind myself I had time to figure it all out. My baby wouldn't come out expecting me to have their whole life planned out. All my baby wanted was my love, cuddles, and kisses right away.
When people ask me how they can prepare for their own multicultural family I talk to them about three things that have helped my family tremendously.
Start Building A Foundation Of Communication
As I welcomed my newborn into my life, I quickly realized how important communication was in our family. Raising a biracial child means you're going to have to talk about everything from racial identity to what they want to be when they grow up.It's important to think about how you can create open lines of communication from the beginning. Obviously, you have a few years before these communication skills will mean anything to your little one, but the more you work on it now the more natural it will be as they get older.Often times, we think we have all the time in the world and end up waiting. Even as a toddler, your children need to know they can come to you with anything.Start building this foundation in your relationship as parents and then it will be natural to continue it with your children. Your child will look to their parents to figure out what good communication looks like and whether or not it will be important to them.
Establish A Family Identity
My husband and I started to develop a family identity as soon as we got together, but it changed when we had our baby.When you welcome a child into your family, your family identity starts to change again. Now, you and your partner aren't the only important things in your lives. Now, you have a beautiful little baby you have to consider in all decisions you make. It's important to think about your family identity early on.How will your family blend cultures?What values will your family pull from your culture?What traditions do you want to pass on to your child?As you think about these things, you will begin to develop a family identity. No two family identities look exactly the same and that's what's so beautiful about it. You have the freedom to make it what you want. As time goes on, you'll even notice things changing. Things that worked at the beginning may need to be different years from now.That's ok. Your family identity will change and mold into what you need at each season. The most important thing is to discuss your values, beliefs, culture, and traditions as time passes. Then you can hear what everyone needs in each season.
Bring Diversity Into Your Child's Life
As parents of a multiracial child, it's your job as a parent to teach them the beauty in diversity. Many children face a time in their life where they struggle over being different. They want to be like their friends and look like the people they love.It's your job to remind them diversity is beautiful. How can you do this? Show them how diverse the world is.While you're pregnant, be sure to think about diversity when you register for baby items. Look for books that show main characters of different ethnic backgrounds. Find baby dolls in an array of colors. As they grow up they should see diversity as the norm.It's important to be intentional in teaching your child about the world around them. The more they learn about the world around them, the more comfortable they'll be in their own identity.
Start Preparing Today
As you prepare for your multicultural family, think about how you can begin to think about all three of these things. They're going to help you as you prepare for your new baby and throughout their childhood.
Today, I'm joining up with four beautiful mommas to talk about multicultural motherhood!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Multiracial Babies/ De Su Mama
Will My Child Look Like Me? Thoughts from a Multicultural Mom /Raising Whasians
Books for the Multicultural Family / Are Those Your Kids
Raising Multiracial Babies: Expectations vs Reality / Baby Making Machine
Don't Miss The Next Multicultural Motherhood Link Up and Follow Me Today!
FX Better Things: Authentic Motherhood and A Giveaway!
When I was a little girl, I would dream about what it would be like to have kids. I've always loved kids. I went from babysitting all the kids in the neighborhood to working with children with autism. When I thought about having kids, I knew it would be amazing. I pictured my kids on special mommy dates, being told I'm the best mommy, and cuddling in my bed with them on Sunday mornings.Then I had three little boys and I realized what motherhood really is.
Motherhood is...
Staying up all night with a sick child. Stepping on Legos at 3 in the morning whispering every obscenity your mind comes up with. Getting spit up on repeatedly until you realize it's too much work to change your shirt and then you go around in spit up stained shirts for the next few months. Drinking cold coffee all day just to stay awake until nap time. Realizing you will never be caught up on laundry because your kids are little messy tornados. Knowing you love your new messy, chaotic, sleepless life. 
Motherhood is everything I imagined and everything I didn't. It's raw, real, and worth it.This is why I love the new Better Things show from FX. Most shows depict what we all thought motherhood would be like. Better Things shows what motherhood really is. The moments we pretend don't exist.Better Things is all about raw motherhood. They don't want to sugar coat it or make it into something it's not. It's hard, mothers everywhere are exhausted, and they love their kids more than anyone.
4 Times Better Things Showed Motherhood At It's Finest
"Get out of my room!"
There are so many times during the day where my husband finds me laying on my kid's bed. He looks at me dumfounded every time. Then he asks why I don't just hide out in our room. Probably because all three of my children congregate in their all day long!I'm constantly telling them to get out of my room, but I usually cave and go to theirs to be alone. Or the bathroom if we're going to be honest. The mother in this show, Sam tells her kids to get our of her room multiple times throughout the show! Do they listen? Of course not.
"Hide things from me! Please!"
The idea of our kids telling us everything is great. We raise them with the understanding that we're in their corner. We're here for them and they can trust us with anything. The moment it actually happens is another thing.During Better Things, Sam's daughter starts to tell her she wants to smoke pot and goes on to say she wants to tell her everything even when she wants to have sex. Sam's reaction, much like all moms, is perfect. She instantly freaks out and tells her daughter to hide things from her!The idea of an open and honest relationship with your children is beautiful, but the reality is exhausting!
"Mom. Can I ask you something?"
This is the question all moms fear. It's never good. It's never something as simple as we hope. The fact that they have to ask shows it's something they're worried for us to answer.Sam has three daughters in the show that all ask the scary question. Her face is priceless each time. She knows it's coming and waits...
"Keep your opinions to yourself."
This is one of my favorite scenes in the season premier. Sam is sitting on the mall bench with her daughter. She is losing it while Sam sits their looking at her phone. Next to her on the bench is an older woman staring and judging her relentlessly.As soon as Sam realizes what's happening she puts her phone down and stares back!"Do you want to go in and buy her the six dollar earrings she already has at home? Because that's why she's crying right now."No mother has gone without an incident like this. People tend to look in and have no idea what's going on. Instead of realizing they have no place to judge you, they judge away. I love that Sam completely calls her out on it! There are so many times I've wanted to do the same thing!!
What Are You Doing Thursdays at 10pm?
Put on your comfy sweat pants, grab a glass of wine or the whole bottle, and enjoy your new favorite show, Better Things! Take it up a notch and invite a few girlfriends over! This show is amazing and reminds you that you're killing it as a mother!
Better Things Swag Bag Giveaway!
Today, I'm partnering up with Better Things FX to give one of you the ultimate momma swag bag! You work hard every day and deserve this! This box is full of great goodies!To enter the contest, all you need to do is share a real and raw moment in motherhood that you've experienced. You can share it in the comments below!Don't forget to share the giveaway with other deserving mommas![tweetthis display_mode="box"]I just entered the #BetterThings giveaway! Enter to win your momma swag bag! #motherhood @almstindianwife [/tweetthis]The winner will receive...Ray Ban sunglasses, a Chipolo bluetooth keyring , a leather clutch , a hypoallergenic travel pillow, a lavander essential oils, a Better Things emergency bag, and a Better Things chapstick!Good luck mommas!
Don't Tell Me My Nightmare Is Normal
The Moment It All Changed
Ten months ago, my husband and I decided to take our kids to surprise my mother in law for her birthday. She lives about three hours from us and it sounded like the perfect weekend getaway. It was perfect timing too. Our youngest had been sick the week before, but he was going on two days without a fever.We loaded up the car, set the kids up with their iPads, and put a blanket on the baby. After a quick kiss for each of them and a trip to Starbucks, we were off. Our road trip went smoothly (or as smoothly as it can with two toddlers that need to pee every twenty minutes) and we were about ten minutes away.Then I heard Baby Luke. It was a cry, but a silent shriek. My stomach immediately started to turn because I knew that wasn't a normal sound he makes.I unbuckled and jumped into the back seat. I expected to see my baby had pinched a finger, but no. I'll never forget his face. He wasn't peacefully resting... He wasn't crying.... He was looking to one side and jerking his entire body.Baby?!Baby, look at momma. Baby, what's wrong?Can you look at momma?Please! Look at me! At this point, I know. Something is seriously wrong with my baby. I immediately tell my husband to pull over and call an ambulance.I started praying he was ok. I didn't know what was happening. I kept asking myself why he wouldn't look at me. Why wasn't he looking to me to help him? Why is he still jerking? Why won't it stop? Please, just stop. After we pull over, I immediately unbuckle him and that's when I notice his skin. He's burning up.My husband is the man that holds in all of his emotions in the moment to be strong for his family. He stands strong to help me stay strong. This is one of the only times I looked to him for reassurance and saw he was as scared as I was.I'll never forget how helpless I felt the moment I held my convulsing child, unsure of what was happening to him or if he would be ok.I faintly heard my husband in the background, telling them where we are. All I could do is stare at my baby. Then the convulsing stopped. Nothing happened. Silence. My husband and I stared at him waiting for him to look at us, reach out to us, need us. Nothing.Nothing.He didn't move. He looked off to the left, but wouldn't respond to anything.Just then an EMT put his hand on my shoulder and grabbed my baby. He went straight to the ambulance and laid him on a stretcher. He started asking my husband and I questions and checking my baby's vitals.It took about an hour for my baby to move and give me the most welcomed hug I've ever given my children. It was the scariest hour of my life.It turns out he wasn't over his virus. His fever had spiked while driving and it caused a febrile seizure. I'll never forget how the ER doctor explained the seizure to me.Normal.It's normal for some kids to have febrile seizures. Some kids are more prone to them, but they're normal. How was that normal? How can something so terrifying be normal?
Fast forward 9 months and one more febrile seizure later....
At this point, I knew what febrile seizures were. I understand my baby is prone to them and that he will most likely get them in the future. I feel prepared for another one.Baby Luke was sick again. He has been taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen back and forth, every three hours (as our neurologist directed) and my stomach starts to turn. He starts to have a look and I know he's about to have another seizure.I'm ready.It happens. His entire body starts to contort.Wait. This isn't supposed to happen. He's supposed to shake. What's happening? His eyes go to the side of his head, his arm goes above his head, and he's still.I yell for my brother in law to come downstairs. Then my worst nightmare comes true. He's on the phone and tells them Baby Luke's lips are blue.Oh God. I look down and he's right. His lips are dark blue. He's still not moving. My heart begins to sink.My baby. Please. Please be ok. For a moment, I didn't know if my child was alive. It was probably only a few seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. I didn't think he was breathing.After what felt like an eternity, his body relaxed. His lips turned pink and he started crying. Just then the EMTs and a Police Officer walked in my front door.
Fast-Forward Three Weeks And One MORE Seizure Later
At this point, Baby Luke has had four seizures. The neurologist and the ER doctors tell us the same thing. It's normal. The seizures aren't hurting his brain. It's a brain misfire that happens when he spikes a fever. There's nothing you can do to prevent them, not even fever medication.Baby Luke woke up with a low-grade fever. Due to his previous seizures, a fever for him is 99 degrees. I immediately gave him meds and scheduled a pediatrician appointment. We go and they tell us it's just a virus and to load him up on fluids.As soon as the appointment is over, I run to the store for Pedialyte. As soon as I leave the store and turn into an intersection, I look back and see my baby. He's seizing. I pull over immediately. I'm right in the middle of traffic, but it's as good as I can do because I need to get my baby on his side so he doesn't suffocate.I grab him and walk over to the grass. I start talking to him and let him know I'm there. While I'm waiting out the seizure, three moms pull over and ask if they can help. They call 911 and an ambulance and a Police Officer (the same Officer that came to my house before) arrive. After the seizure, we move over to the ambulance.After the seizure, we move over to the ambulance. They tell us we have to go to the ER because he still wasn't acting like himself. I had to follow behind them because I had our only vehicle with all of my kid's car seats.I speed the entire way to the hospital, run inside, lose a shoe, and ask where my baby is. When they lead me to him, he's naked. He had spiked another fever in the ambulance and went into another seizure. They're trying to cool him down.About an hour later, they try to put an IV in my baby. He starts crying. I look at him and my husband notices the look. He starts to seize again.The room fills with doctors, nurses, and they put an oxygen mask on him. My baby.I grab my husband's shirt and he holds me as tight as he can. Our baby.I hear a doctor mention intubating him and then they give him anti-seizure medication. His body finally starts to relax. I immediately go next to him and start rubbing his head. I looked at my baby and he looked so fragile. So little. So broken.I lost it. I started sobbing. I've never felt so helpless in my life. That was our seventh seizure and each time I have to stand there, watch my baby, and do nothing. There's nothing I can do to help him.
I'm his mom. I'm supposed to protect him. I'm supposed to fix it. I can't.
There are a few reasons I wanted to share this with all of you. Part of me needed to write and cry it all out. It's been such a hard year with Baby Luke. I hate hearing doctors tell us it's normal. This doesn't feel normal. It doesn't feel normal to watch my baby convulse, see his lips turn blue, and pray it stops. It's not normal. The other reason I shared my story is to tell every parent out there, you can't always fix it. You can't always fix your baby's problems. You can't always protect them from things that could hurt or scare them. What you can do is be there.I can't prevent my baby's seizures, but I can be there. I can hold his hand and tell him I'm right there. I can hug him, kiss him, and tell him how much I love him.To be honest... This is where I am in this journey. I don't know what I can do. The doctors say it's normal, but it's a nightmare. I'm trying to figure out what to do as I write this. It's a horrible feeling not knowing.The only comfort I have is knowing I can be there for my baby. I will always be there for him. It's the most I can offer and it's enough. He will always know how much I love him and I can take rest in that.
I will always be there for you Baby Luke.
How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
This is his ABC notebook after one of those moods this morning. He decided he wanted to add a bit more color to his butterfly's wing and accidentally colored outside of the lines. His unna told him he accidentally colored outside of the lines and he lost it. He broke his crayon, ripped his paper, and started to cry. It took me about twenty minutes to calm him down and help him try again.When he works hard and finally understand or completes the task at hand, he's beyond happy. It means so much to him when he succeeds. The problem is that he's easily discouraged because he has to work harder than his brother. He wants to be just like his unna (big brother) and doesn't understand why it doesn't happen in an instant for him.As a homeschool mom, I want to find the best way to teach him. I want to find a way to prevent him from getting discouraged, but it's hard. It's not as easy as I thought it would be, but we've found a few things that help.
How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
Listen
Take the time to find out why they're upset. It may be different than what you think. Ask them why they're sad or angry and just listen. Figure out exactly what it is so you can find out how you can help them. As you listen, they can see how much you care and may start to open up more.
Take A Deep Breath And Try Again
This has been the golden rule in our house. Whether your child is having a hard time telling you something or is upset overall, it's important to teach them coping skills. Then they can use the skill if they're with you or off with their friends. If you notice them starting to get discouraged, ask them to take a deep breath and try again. This allows them to cool off and start over. They'll be surprised how much starting over can help a situation.
Help Them To Succeed
It can be difficult for an easily discouraged child to accomplish big tasks. It can seem too big to complete and they may give up before they get close. Instead, set them up to succeed. Break the task down into simple and manageable tasks. Instead of putting all their laundry away, ask them to start off with their shirts, then their pants, and so on. The more the succeed, the more willing they will be to try in the future.
Let Them Know You Understand
It's easy for kids to think you won't understand and keep their thoughts and frustrations to themselves. Instead, let them know you do understand. After they open up and tell you something make sure you empathize. I can see how frustrating that is. That must make you mad. They need to know you're on their team and to know they're feelings matter.
Encourage ALL Progress
As a parent, you are your child's cheerleader. You are the one yelling and cheering them on over on the sidelines. They need this at home too. They need their successes to be celebrated no matter how big they may be. The more you encourage your child, the more they'll want to succeed. They like knowing they did a good job! Who doesn't!?Find out how you can encourage your child and try out a few of these. See which ones work for them and do it again and again. They need to know they can do it. Help them to know they can do anything they set their minds to.
AD Back To School Tips With Tyson!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BoostBackToSchool #CollectiveBias
Parents everywhere are waving their kids goodbye as they begin another year of school. Some watch as their kids walk away asking themselves where the time went and others race away from school, turning up the music excited for some alone time! It doesn't matter where you fit in, school is still back in session.
As you enter into another busy year, I'm sure you're looking for a few back to school tips that can save you time and money. Don't let another day pass you by without trying these tips! I'm sure your family will thank you.
Back To School Tips
Tip #1 Schedule Time To Sit Down For Breakfast As A Family
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but often gets rushed and maybe even forgotten as parents rush to get their kids ready for school. This year make a goal to sit down for breakfast as a family. This allows your kids to start off their day with a healthy breakfast and quality time with the people they care about most.Our family loves to begin our day with Jimmy Dean® Croissant Sausage Egg Cheese. They're already prepared which is perfect for the back to school season. They're ready to go in under thirty minutes and not to mention it's all real ingredients. None of that fake egg stuff! They're done and your kids are ready for school with a full belly and excitement for another day at school.
Tip #2 Spice Up Your Kid's Lunch
Our family is always looking for creative ways to blend cultures; whether it's Bollywood themed birthday parties or delicious fusion dishes. This year we've decided to make some simple back to school lunches with an Indian kick. One of our favorites so far has been turkey and potato stuffed parathas with cilantro chutney. It's quick, easy, and you can make it in under thirty minutes. You can send it to school with your children or prep it for a homeschool lunch.In this recipe, we used Hillshire Farm® Naturals Slow Roasted Turkey Lunch Meat. It's one of our favorites because I'm always on the hunt for natural ingredients for my kids that they actually like! They can't get enough of this stuff!
Stuffed Turkey and Potato Paratha Recipe
Chutney Recipe
Ingredients:1 bunch cilantro1 green chili2 tbs lemon juice1 tbs sugar2 tbs water1 tbs oil
Directions:Combine all ingredients in the blender until smooth.
Start Saving Your Time And Money Today With Meijer!
Head over to your local Meijer today to pick up your Hillshire Natural Slow Roasted Turkey and Jimmy Dean® Croissant Sausage Egg Cheese. Meijer makes your grocery trip simple and gets your kids excited to drop by!Don't forget to clip your $2 off Back To School coupon as well as meet your neighborhood friend, Sandy!
Share this coupon with your friends!
Surviving Sleepovers With GoodNites
Surviving A Sleepover: The Bedwetting Struggle
Sleepovers can be a monumental moment in a child's life. They look forward to and may even dream about their first sleepover at a friends house. It's a sign of them getting older, becoming brave, and doing something on their own.While day dreaming about their first sleepover, they may think about the movies they'll watch, get excited about staying up all night (even though they'll likely fall asleep much sooner than they think), and all the fun they're going to have. They're eagerly awaiting the moment a friend asks them to a sleepover and until then they're going to dream up the perfect sleepover.What about the child that fears being asked for their first sleepover?Instead of daydreaming they end up getting nightmares over what could happen. All they can think about is...What happens if I wet my bed during the sleepover? What will my friends think?Nighttime bedwetting is much more common than kids realize. It's not something they can be trained out of, rather their bodies need to mature. The brain is supposed to get triggered when an individual's bladder is full. In some cases, the brain doesn't get the message which results in them wetting the bed.This can make things like a sleepover terrifying. Children that struggle with bedwetting get scared to leave the house in fear of what can happen. Instead of missing out on sleepovers until the problem is resolvedInstead of missing out on sleepovers until the problem is resolved there are a few things you can do as a parent to make your child feel confident they'll survive their first sleepover.
What Parents Can Do Before A Sleepover
Positive Reinforcement
It can get frustrating cleaning your child's sheets every morning. However, the worst thing you can do is let your kids know how frustrated you are. Bedwetting is emotionally difficult for a child and they need to know their parents are in their corner. Instead, reinforce them when they do have a dry night. Let them know how proud you are.
Develop A Routine
Help your child to develop a nighttime routine that encourages them to use the bathroom before bed. By limiting fluids after dinner and having them empty their bladder, you decrease their chances of an accident.
Encourage Your Child
When a child struggles with bedwetting they can start to feel bad about themselves. Remind them that bedwetting isn't due to them not doing something well enough. Instead, it's their brain not getting the message from their bladder. As their bodies mature, their brain will learn to get the message. It just takes time.
Sleepover Survival Tips
Talk To Your Child
Before a sleepover, ask your child what they're worried about. It's important for them to be open and let you know their fears so you can develop a plan to put them at ease.
Make A Plan
The biggest fear for a child who struggles with bedwetting is what do I do if I wet the bed? Huggies GoodNites provide confidence for children. Pack a pair of GoodNites underwear in your child's bag. Before they go to bed, they can put them on. GoodNites underwear has an absorbent layer inside that will prevent them from soiling their bed. When they wake up the next morning, they can discreetly go to the bathroom and put the underwear in the garbage.
Talk To The Child's Parents
Before the sleepover, you can discuss your child's bedwetting with their friend's parents. Then they will be able to help the child if needed. It also provides an added layer of confidence for you child because they know they will have help if they need it.
Let Them Decide If They're Ready
At the end of the day, your child has to decide if they're ready for a sleepover. Don't push them if they aren't ready. They will let you know when they feel confident enough to take the step. In the meantime, go over your plan and do your best to help them solve any issues they may have with going to their first sleepover.
Where Can I Pick Up My Child's First Set Of GoodNites?
Huggies has always been a favorite in our house. From their natural care wipes to their GoodNites underwear, they have parents covered. They want to help parents make their lives easier and also provide natural resources for our kids.
Back To School Tips For Multicultural Families
Back To School Tips For Multicultural Families
Homeschool
Gather Multicultural Resources
While collecting your supplies for the year, be sure to keep an eye out for multicultural resources. Homeschooling provides a great opportunity to focus your curriculum on what you want to teach your kids. Look around online and at local stores for multicultural pretend play items or books featuring characters from different countries.
Teach Your Children About The World
It's easy for families to center their curriculum around the cultures they're blending in their family. However, it's important to remind your kids they're global citizens. This means they should be learning about cultures around the world. Take them to different countries throughout every lesson throughout the year.
Attend Multicultural Events In Your Community
Most towns have a number of multicultural events throughout the year. Go online and find out which ones your town offers and put them on your family calendar. These events are a great way to not only learn about different cultures but experience them. Our town just through a huge celebration for India's Independence Day.
Public Schools
Meet With Your Child's Teacher
Scheduling a time to meet with your child's teacher provides an opportunity to help them get to know your family. This is the opportunity to let them know if your child speaks another language, cultures your blending at home, and answer any questions they may have. It's a good idea to be on the same page with your child's teacher. They might even incorporate different activities or have fun ideas on how to bring in your child's culture to the classroom.
Propose A Multicultural Event
Integrate your child's culture into their classroom by volunteering to help through a special event or teach them about a tradition practiced in your home. Teachers love parent volunteers! Tell them a few ideas you have on how to teach the class about a different culture.
Dual Immersion Schools
Make Sure You Value Both Languages
Your children need to know their family values both languages they're learning. Be careful not to make one seem more important. This will encourage them to figure out why they value the languages they're learning. They need to value what they're learning to be willing to put in the hard work.
Don't Make Your Child Show Off Constantly
What is your first thought when you see how much your child is learning? You want to show them off to all your friends and family! Look what she can say! Don't turn your kids into a parrot. It can embarrass them and make them less willing to learn a new language.
Be Aware Of The Challenges
Being fully immersed into a new language can hard. Your kids may deal with struggles, but it's ok. It's a normal part of the process. If you're worried, ask for a meeting with your teacher. They can let you know how your child is doing and what you can do to encourage and help them through the challenges.
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Whether you're homeschooling, putting your kids in public school, or doing a dual immersion program remember you can always put a multicultural spin on their education. You are raising a global citizen. This means it's your responsibility to excited them about other cultures and blend your culture into daily lives.
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