Archive for the ‘Money & Material Things’ Category

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Capitalizing on teachable moments

Monday, March 17th, 2008

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A good reputation is more valuable than money.
– Publilius Syrus 100 BC Maxims

In the midst of our incredibly busy days, parents search for something called quality time. But time is time, and each week we are given exactly 10,080 minutes; no more, no less. Time is the great equalizer – it doesn’t matter how much or how little money you have.

How we spend that time is what matters. Interestingly, we often spend time in things we can document, quantify or measure, such as activities like sports, school, chores, and work. But what matters more are the things you can’t measure, such as the impact of teachable moments. We need to look at those opportunities as gifts and capitalize on them.

Thank you Former Governor Spitzer. Thank you for giving us the opportunity the explain to our children the difference between little and big mistakes. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to ask our children a simple but very important question,

“What do you think your reputation is worth?”

Since we are surrounded by popular culture, what used to be considered infamous is now immediately considered famous. We are in the parenting fight of our lives and need to find opportunities to reinforce our values despite the world’s perceptions of values imploding around us.

The young woman in the Spitzer case stands to make millions from the publicity. Again, discuss with your children what her reputation is really worth? A new show called Moment of Truth offers large money prizes for true answers. Unless you’ve lead a Mother Teresa-like existence, I would suggest not trading your reputation and family embarrassment for dollars.

Despite your best attempts, you can’t be around your children all the time, so the next best thing is to make sure they are thinking before they act. No doubt they will make mistakes, but have discussions that reinforce the values you want to instill so you can at least minimize that possibility. I know you think children sometimes don’t listen, but they do. After all, if we didn’t listen, how could you explain that when we grow up we all sound just like our mothers or fathers.

As you end your discussion, put this seed in your child’s head;

“Before you do something – think, would you be proud or embarrassed for us to learn about it?”

That will tell them all they need to know.

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Posted in College Age, Helping Families, Integrity, Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Parenting 101, Popular culture, School Age, Self Esteem, Teens | 6 Comments »

Limiting Marketing to Kids

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

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A few years ago I asked my nephew what he wanted for Christmas. He didn’t know. I asked him if he watched Saturday morning cartoons, because I remember when my kids were little that’s where they saw the toys they might like.

He told me there were no toy commercials, only food commercials. He was right. And the commercials bombarding our children promoted foods and beverages that were high in fat, sugar and salt.

Finally, consumer organizations world-wide will pitch a proposal to limit the amount of food marketing to kids. The group is calling for a ban of radio or television advertising of these foods between the hours of 6am and 9pm, and a ban on marketing the same kinds of unhealthy foods on social networks and other new media. Additionally, they are calling on a ban of promotion through toys and gifts and the use of celebrities and cartoon characters.

If you would like to hear about the new reality parents face, and actionable ideas, visit Parental Wisdom® and listen to our Park Bench® broadcast entitled Feeding Our Children to Death.

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Posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Helping Families, Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Parenting 101 | 2 Comments »

Birthday party gifts – keeping expenses down

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

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As with any kind of change, someone has to start. People who were previously following the crowd will now be happy to line up behind you. The problem is they just can’t be first.

Take the out of control spending on kids birthday gifts. If your child goes to two parties a month, you have to allow for that non-trivial expense in your monthly budget.

What if you stopped spending what is ‘expected’ and started spending what you could afford to spend. Taking it a step further, even if you could afford the $25 spend per gift, don’t do it. These children simply don’t need all these gifts, nor do they even appreciate all these gifts.

Simple is better so check this article about WHEN YOU JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO GET THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE for that special someone.

If the child likes to draw, get a blank sketchpad and some pencils or markers.
If they like taking pictures, then get them a book on photography and some nice photo quality paper.
If they to go the movies, then movie tickets with a few bags of candy tied with a ribbon will be just the ticket.

And for your own child’s party, you may want to bravely suggest – no gifts, and instead celebrate with friends.

Remind your child just how lucky he is to have friends.

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Posted in Friendship, Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Popular culture | 80 Comments »

There’s a reason for everything

Sunday, February 17th, 2008

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An outbreak of the flu is hardly good news, but there is a reason for everything. We find that we can clear our schedules, slow down and cuddle up. Why do we need to wait for the flu or a snowstorm to do something that makes so much sense?

Our generation of parents is so involved in our children’s lives that we have taken on the role of ‘Julie the Cruise Director.’

Let’s take a look at where that has gotten us:

• When they are very little, we register for mommy & me gym classes. Reality check, you can do that at home for no cost at all. Mommy, are you the one that needs the play date here?
• When they are toddlers, we’re registering them for soccer and pee-wee tee ball camps. Reality check again, this costs money and more importantly children actually get less time to play than if the parents played with their kids at the park or in the backyard. Also, the kids aren’t learning how to form their own teams.
• In grade school, we add music and tutoring to the sports schedule which leaves no time for play or family. The mini-van is well stocked with food and beverages as we have no time for dinner. And, by the way, no time for conversation since the mini-van has DVD’s playing in the head rests.
• We check our calendars to find free time for play dates that we’ve selected.
• High school comes around and by this time the kids are burned out by the politics of sports so they’ve stopped playing. Since they never started a game on their own, they don’t know how. Technology has taken the place of making real friends, again something they’ve never had to do.

Back to today’s lesson. Parents – do less and you’ll do more.

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Posted in Family, Healthy Lifestyle, Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Play | No Comments »

Too Many Toys

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

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Consideration for Potential Side Effects or Interactions While taking Weight loss pills

While these over-the-counter alternatives offer convenience, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

To summarize:

Compare different brands and formulations based on ingredients and dosage instructions.

Evaluate recommended usage duration for each alternative.

Highlight unique features or selling points of specific alternatives.

Discuss potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Try Alpilean weight loss pills

By considering these factors, you can find the best OTC phentermine alternative that suits your needs and supports your weight loss goals effectively. Remember to prioritize your health and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Cost and Savings Tips for Phentermine Alternatives

Finding affordable options for OTC phentermine alternatives is crucial, so let’s dive into some cost-saving tips without compromising quality or safety. Here’s what you need to know:

Overview of pricing variations among different OTC phentermine alternatives

Compare prices: Research various brands and compare their costs to find the lowest price.

Generic vs. brand-name: Consider generic alternatives, as they often offer similar benefits at a lower cost.

Online vs. in-store: Explore online retailers that may offer competitive prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores.

Tips for finding cost-effective options without compromising quality or safety

Read reviews: Look for feedback from other customers to ensure the product is effective and safe.

Consult healthcare professionals: Seek advice from doctors or pharmacists who can recommend reliable and affordable alternatives.

Utilize discounts and promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers, such as buy-one-get-one deals or discounts on bulk purchases.

Suggestions for utilizing discounts, promotions, or bulk purchase offers to save money

Check manufacturer websites: Many companies offer coupons or promotional codes on their websites.

Sign up for newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from health supplement companies to receive exclusive discounts and savings opportunities.

Join loyalty programs: Some retailers have loyalty programs that provide additional discounts or rewards points that can be redeemed later.

Exploring potential insurance coverage or reimbursement options

Contact your insurance provider: Inquire about any coverage options available for OTC phentermine alternatives.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs): Check if these accounts can be used towards purchasing these supplements.

Remember, while considering the cost-saving aspect, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative carefully. Prioritize your health needs alongside saving money when making a decision.

By following these tips, you can find affordable OTC phentermine alternatives that meet your requirements without breaking the bank. So start exploring and save money while working towards your health goals!

Coupons and Discounts for OTC Phentermine Alternatives

Looking to save money on your OTC phentermine alternatives? We’ve got you covered! Here are some great ways to find coupons, deals, and discount codes that can help you get the best prices on these prescription-free weight loss aids.

Where to Find Offers

There are a few websites and platforms you should check out. These sources often have exclusive discounts and promotions that can save you a bundle. Here’s where to look:

Online Retailers: Many online retailers offer special deals and discounts on OTC phentermine alternatives. Websites like XYZPharmacy or ABCSupplements often have ongoing promotions or limited-time offers.

Manufacturer Websites: Don’t forget to visit the official websites of the manufacturers themselves. They may have exclusive coupon codes or loyalty programs that can help you save.

Coupon Aggregator Sites: Websites like CouponCrazy or DealFinder gather all the latest coupons and discounts from various retailers in one place. Simply search for “OTC phentermine” or related keywords, and you’ll find a list of available offers.

Loyalty Programs and Rewards

Some manufacturers of OTC phentermine alternatives offer loyalty programs or rewards systems that can provide additional savings. By signing up for these programs, you can earn points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for future discounts or even free products.

Seasonal Sales Events

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events that may offer additional savings opportunities. During holidays like Black Friday or New Year’s, many retailers offer significant discounts on various products, including OTC phentermine alternatives. Take advantage of these events to stock up on your favorite products at discounted prices.

So don’t pay full price for your OTC phentermine alternatives when there are plenty of ways to save. Check out these sources for coupons, discounts, and loyalty programs, and make sure to take advantage of seasonal sales events. With a little effort, you can find great deals that won’t break the bank!

Exploring

The KISS principle (which stands for Keep It Simple, stupid) relates to just about every area of our life. Not surprisingly it begins when our children are little.

Visit the home of any family with little kids and you see toys, toys, and more toys. The overabundance of toys makes each toy less special, less noticed and less valued. I have often found that putting toys away for a while and rotating them offered a better chance for the kids to appreciate them more.

But, as often happens the problem that many of us experienced, was resolved a mom.

Lori Pope launched Baby Plays, a web-based company that rents toys, think of it as a Netflix for toys.

Customers pay $28.99 a month to get four toys a month for three months and $35.99 a month to get six toys a month for three months. Families willing to sign a yearlong contract can get six toys a month for $31.99.

Baby Plays’ inventory includes popular toys by brands such as VTech, LeapFrog and Playskool as well as more obscure European manufacturers. Pope keeps at least seven of each kind of toy in stock so she can fulfill almost every request. She plans to double her inventory over the next two months.

Pope mainly stocks sturdy, easy-to-clean toys with few parts or parts that are easily replaced. She searches Web sites and catalogs for popular toys that are appropriate for small children and meet all European and American safety standards.

Check out this website for more great options on toys for your kids. Guess the kids would really look forward to a visit from the UPS driver!

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Posted in Babies, Family, Family Friendly America, Money & Material Things, Play, Toddlers | 13 Comments »

Our Celebrity Crazed Culture

Sunday, January 6th, 2008

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The Wall St. Journal listed the most popular stories on the web. The most viewed was “Loyalty Points That Buy a Night With Travolta.”

For 124,000 Starwood Hotels & Resorts points, Michael and Georgia Soares might have spent six nights in Paris at Starwood’s Hotel Prince de Galles on the Champs-Elysees. Instead, the Southern California couple used their hotel points to spend one night with John Travolta and the cast of the movie “Hairspray” at the film’s New York premiere.

“We walked the red carpet and everything. It was cool,” says Mr. Soares, a 43-year-old father of four who owns a restaurant in Orange County with his wife. The Soares also attended the movie’s after-party, where they chatted with Mr. Travolta and snapped a few photos

While the hotels are thinking outside the box to provide new experiences that loyalty points can provide, I can’t help but wonder; what is the appeal of spending time with a celebrity?

Our culture treats celebrities as if they were royalty. Even if they were I couldn’t imagine trading in points to spend time with Prince Charles.

Isn’t it enough that we see celebrity photos in dozens of magazines on the checkout line, watch the intimate details of their life (or at least the ones they choose to share) on reality TV, while network and cable news shows lead off with celebrity stories as if the war in Iraq or potential recession was filler.

C’mon folks – let’s stop this feeding frenzy and live our own lives. I doubt that Travolta would trade in his points to meet with the Soares family.

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Posted in Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Popular culture | 3 Comments »

We Don’t Need Another Hero

Thursday, October 11th, 2007

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“People who cheat cannot get away with it.”

– Marion Jones in a 2004 interview

Yet another ‘hero’ falls from grace by her own admission as a drug cheat. Before last week, Jones has always vehemently denied taking performance-enhancing drugs and many were willing to believe her. After all, she was a high school star who appeared blessed with immense natural talent. After seven years, time has finally caught up with her.

She deserves an award all right, but not necessarily the Olympic medals; more like an Academy Award. A tearful Jones admitted to taking the anabolic steroid stanozolol, only after pleading guilty to a charge of lying to United States Government investigators.

Let’s hope the medals now go to their real winners, Jamaica’s Sandie Richards, Catherine Scott-Pomales, Deon Hemmings and Lorraine Graham-Fenton who performed so gallantly in the 4×400 metres final.

For the rest of us mere mortals, let’s introduce our children to the worthy heroes that live among us.

Posted in Integrity, Money & Material Things, Sports | 5 Comments »

Teachers’ Wish List

Sunday, September 9th, 2007

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I just visited Staples today, completely forgetting about the frenzy of back to school shoppers. Lines snaking down the aisles, parents holding baskets filled with notebooks, loose leaf paper, pencils, pens and other assorted paraphernalia that speaks to the promise of the start of a new school year.

But missing were the teachers who dutifully shopped early and mid August, no doubt spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of their own dollars on preparing classrooms for their students. The first three years, a teacher spends a lot of money building their libraries and supplies.

As you attend your school’s open house, look around at the eye catching laminated art and rest assured the teacher paid for it. Thinking ahead to Christmas, resist the urge to buy yet another apple anything, and consider some of the websites that help teachers with the expense of supplies and classroom decorations. Teachers can even create wish lists.

Check out these sites:

adoptaclassroom.org
classroomwishlist.org
www.donorschoose.org

Posted in Education, Money & Material Things, Philanthropy | 2 Comments »

Seeing the good news out of the bad news on toy recalls

Thursday, August 16th, 2007

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Bob Eckert, Chairman & CEO of Mattel, Inc. presents a video explanation on the product recall that has many parents concerned. I am happy that Mattel is proactive in this approach but there is something good that can come from this bad news; less toys.

Too many toys

Take a moment to look around your child’s playroom. How many toys does your child have? Too many? Cleaning out toys has a similar effect to a power outage. We gain a new perspective on communicating and connecting with the people we love. For our children, they get to see old toys in a new light.

Licensing

The toys that were part of the recall were licensed products; Barbie, Elmo, Big Bird, Batman, Doggie Day Care, Cars. Licensed products give our children the whole story rather than allowing them to create original stories themselves. If a child shows the slightest interest in a character, parents plan theme birthday parties, furnish bedrooms and buy school supplies around the licensed character. The child quickly looses interest, but the parent is too far invested.

Made in America

Made in America will mean something again in the world of toys although there aren’t many that fit into this category. Little Tykes is a brand that is made in the USA, but they could do better in promoting that. You can also review a made in USA link.

Children will get outside and play. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?

Posted in Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Play, Safety | 2 Comments »

The Real Secret

Tuesday, June 19th, 2007

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On February 8, 2007 Oprah Winfrey presented ‘The Secret’ on her show. Email responses were so overwhelming her website nearly crashed.

In case you haven’t heard about it, The Secret is a DVD based on the law of attraction which says like attracts like; we attract into our lives the things we want and create our own reality which is fueled by our thoughts.

That might explain why we have such problems with young people and destructive behaviors. We are focusing on, and giving too much attention to the wrong young people.

Their lives are filled with rehab, DUI, and drugs. Seek rehabilitation help in Abbeycare Group there are an EHD Registered Nurse will provide premier, confidential, and high-quality medical alcohol withdrawal treatment at home. We look for signs and symptoms of withdrawal and dispense medication for comfort and medical management. Their celebrity status gets them into clubs, creates media frenzy, and introduced words like paparazzi to our regular vocabulary. Does our interest in these stories cause legitimate news networks to run them as lead stories, or is it that we simply can’t escape the news about these women? I will mention their names just once; Paris, Lindsay and Britney, and that’s all I’ll say.

Instead, let’s turn our attention to some positive adolescents. Perhaps the real secret is as simple as focusing on, and talking about good influences. That is, if you want to see more of this behavior….

Mattie Stepanek was a young man who had every reason to be angry. He was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and had lost three older siblings to the same illness. He began writing poetry as a toddler and published five uplifting books with messages of hope before he died in 2004, shortly before his 14th birthday. Former President Jimmy Carter delivered a eulogy at Mattie’s funeral and said that although he has known kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, Mattie was the most extraordinary person he has ever known. I met Mattie when publishing a parenting newsletter for Toys “R” Us, and he wrote that how important it was to remember how to play after a storm.

In January 2006, Kari Janisse was a young woman busy working and planning a wedding. But she put herself second when she heard that a former high school teacher was very ill. In her senior year of high school, ‘Mr. B’ as she liked to call him taught a class that was supposed to be about communication. In reality the class of 22 learned a lot about life. The effect of that class had such a positive impact on her that when she heard her teacher was gravely ill, the student became the teacher. Every Tuesday evening for the year and a half he struggled with brain cancer, Kari would drive to Mr. B’s house after work and read to him. She started with Tuesdays with Morrie, and when done, went onto to The Five People You Meet in Heaven, both by Mitch Albom. He died before she could read For One More Day. As she told me, when people thought he was so lucky to have her constant dedication, her answer was simple, “No, I’m the lucky one to have this special time with him, to thank him for what he has done for me.”

Jason McElwain informally nicknamed J-Mac, is an autistic American teenager who graduated from Greece Athena High School, a suburb of Rochester, NY in 2006. You may have heard about his amazing feat of scoring twenty points in four minutes during a high school basketball game on February 16, 2006; the last home game of the 2005-2006 season for Greece Athena. Jason wasn’t supposed to play that game, and in fact Jason had never played any game, but the coach grateful for Jason’s constant support and encouragement for the team, told him he could suit up and sit on the bench. When the team was ahead, the coach signaled Jason to play. Everyone was thrilled for Jason’s incredible accomplishment, but I was also overwhelmed by the students in the stands. They didn’t know if Jason would actually get to play, but they were prepared waving his picture for every basket he scored. When he threw his last three-pointer with no time left on the clock the crowd went crazy. These were kids who totally supported this autistic boy. Too often we hear about bullying and teasing, but perhaps the support of his classmates is why Jason was able to accomplish the impossible.

Perhaps we all need to hear more about good kids. It also be might be why CBS is introducing a show in their fall lineup called Kid Nation – 40 kids, 40 days, no adults. The question is – can they build a better world than adults? One can only hope.

Posted in Daily Inspirational Call, Media & Marketing, Money & Material Things, Social Conscious | 7 Comments »

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