The New Parents Guide Blog » Helpful Web Sites

Rip Tide

Barb — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:00:27 +0000

Before you head to the beach, make sure you’re aware of the risks of rip currents–and impress their dangers upon your kids. June 2 through 8 is National Rip Current Awareness Week. These strong underwater currents, which can be present on any beach that has breaking waves, can pull even strong swimmers underwater.

The National Weather Service has put together an excellent page about rip currents, designed just for kids. They can learn about the science behind these hazardous conditions as well as some important swim-safety tips.

Parents can bookmark this Beach Hazards website–a great resource to check before you set out for the shore.

Heading to the beach? Don’t forget a nice big beach blanket for everyone to sit on.

image source

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Rock Me Like a Hurricane

Barb — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:00:13 +0000

May is Hurricane Preparedness Month. While the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1, the Pacific hurricane season is already underway. Are you ready for whatever extreme weather hits your area?

The National Hurricane Center offers a Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide. It’s FREE to download.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers a Tornado Preparedness Guide.

No matter what kind of weather your location is prone to get, it’s good to be prepared with a 72-hour emergency kit. See the rest of our Disaster Supply Items as well!

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We Remember

Barb — Mon, 27 May 2013 12:43:23 +0000

Today is Memorial Day!

If you’re celebrating the day in any way, whether it’s a family get-together, time spent with friends, an afternoon parade, a fireworks display or a trip to a theme park, do take a few moments to remember (and share with your kids) the reason for this day off.

Our freedom to celebrate didn’t come without a price.

This article from Military.com explains some simple ways you can help your children learn the meaning behind Memorial Day.

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Easy Care

Barb — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:00:24 +0000

Today is Child Care Providers’ Day, and tomorrow is National Babysitter’s Day, so we wanted to share this cool FREE resource that will make preparing for your Saturday-night date a little easier: a printable Babysitter Notes form.

This form covers everything from emergency phone numbers to bedtime.

It’s FREE from Laura Wittmann, the author of Clutter Rehab and the Organizing Junkie blog. (Got kids? Got stuff that needs organizing? Follow this blog!)

Read our Tips on Choosing a Day Care Center–they’re parent-tested. And we’ve got some cool Gift Ideas for Daycare Providers!

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A Wealth of Resources

Barb — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:00:10 +0000

May 5 through 11 is Children’s Mental Health Week, and we’ve found an excellent resource for parents whose children are struggling with mental-health or learning issues. The Child Mind Institute is a resource bank of videos, articles and encouragement for parents of children with these unique needs.

On this website you’ll find a symptom checker, developmental milestone list, and even a helpful glossary of common diagnostic terms.

If you’re worried that your toddler or older child is having some difficulties, this site is an excellent starting point. If your child already has a diagnosis, you’ll find many helpful resources here.

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Smile for the Camera

Barb — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:53 +0000

Your baby changes so quickly–you’ll want to have lots of pictures to remember every age and stage. Candid shots are great, of course, but major milestones are great occasions for a more formal photo.

I’ve run into enough people who’ve had bad experiences at various photo studios to know that it’s a good idea to ask around for recommendations before setting up a photo session. Jenny at Southern Savers recently wrote about how to choose between a portrait studio and an independent photographer. Her post is full of excellent advice and even offers price points for comparison purposes.

Taking your own baby photos? Check out our page of photo services for great deals on prints and enlargements!

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Chipping Away

Barb — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:00:45 +0000

It’s National Potato Chip Day! Did you know that even if you or your kids must follow a gluten-free diet, you may still be able to enjoy potato chips? Check the ingredients before snacking, of course, but many varieties of plain potato chips and even some flavored varieties do not contain gluten.

Many snack-food manufacturers offer detailed information about gluten and other allergens in their products. It was easy to find information for these snack manufacturers:

Frito-Lay

Herr’s

Snyders of Hanover/Lance

Utz

Want to learn more about gluten-free diets?

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Weather Watchers

Barb — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:00:07 +0000

This week has been proof to folks across the country that “March” is not necessarily synonymous with “spring.” Maybe that’s why March 3 through 9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

We’re all about weather in this house; as I’ve mentioned before, my husband majored in meteorology in college. The older two kids grew up with the Weather Channel as the soundtrack to many stormy days. You’d find out what was going on in your area once every 10 minutes.

But now the Weather Channel is more about “weather-tainment,” with shows about storm chasers and lifeguards and Reef Wranglers (whatever they are.) Our family has turned, instead, to the internet to keep current with the weather. One of our favorite resources is Weatherboy.com.

Besides the spiffy logo, Weatherboy features no-nonsense information. You can view radar and satellite, check the temperature, and find out if it’s going to rain–or snow–or some of both (as it did in my neighborhood earlier this week.) There’s even a Weatherboy facebook page for those in the mid-Atlantic region.

If you’re expecting bad weather, make sure you’ve got your favorite weather website bookmarked, and get your emergency supplies in order!

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One of a Kind

Barb — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:00:46 +0000

March 5 is Unique Names Day! When choosing names for your baby, do you go for the traditional or for the out-of-the-ordinary? It’s fun to think about–and it’s probably the first thing most parents-to-be think about when they find out they’re expecting.

Since we have a crazy last name that looks more like a set of Scrabble tiles gone horribly wrong, we kept our kids’ names fairly simple (and short). Not everyone has to live with such limitations.

If you’re just getting started on thinking about baby names, we’ve outlined 10 things to consider when choosing a name for your baby.

We’ve also got a huge list of Baby Names and their Meanings. And don’t miss our feature on Popular Baby Names! Where does your choice stack up?

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Be Your Own Chef

Barb — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:39 +0000

Because today is National Personal Chef’s Day, I wanted to share a website that’s full of resources for busy parents who want to eat delicious, healthy, home-cooked food, but don’t have the time every day to prepare complicated meals.

At Once a Month Mom, you’ll find recipes and menu plans designed to help you plan–and cook–for a week, two weeks, or a month at a time. This process really streamlines cooking, helps you stay within a budget, and is adaptable to families of any size.

Once a Month Mom is not a one-size-fits-all menu plan. In fact, there are 8 menus to choose from, including Whole Foods, Paleo, Baby Food, Vegetarian, Mini Menu, Gluten/Dairy Free, Diet and Traditional.

I like this site because the “make-ahead meals” are not all casseroles based on cream-of-something soup. And you don’t have to commit to a single menu–switch it up at different times of year depending on your needs.

Many of the site’s features are free, but you’ll need to purchase a membership to use the site archives as well as the printing and quantity-adjustment features. Site members also get access to OAMM‘s ebook series. Memberships can be purchased monthly for $8 or annually for $72. All menus dated prior to January 2012 are FREE, so it’s an opportunity to try before you buy.

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