ARTICLE: Working Mom - Setting Limits

If you are a Mom who works outside the house or if you have ever worked outside the house, you will agree that there always is a slight feeling of guilt of missing out of many of your children´s milestones. We sometimes don´t spend a lot of time with our children and therefore we feel that we must give in to all their wishes in the quick moments we can be with them during the week. However, we must keep in mind that our children need a mother, one who loves them, guides them and corrects them, even if this means that we have to leave for work in the morning leaving at home a very upset 5 year old who is not getting the toy-that-he-must-have-today until his birthday. Yes, it´s hard to be a working mother and still be firm at home, but your children will thank you in the future. Spend quality time with your children. If you only have a few hours or minutes with them each day, make the most of them. Bake cookies, play with play-doh, color together, read together, play their favorite board game, play with their favorite toys, talk about their day or about their likes and dislikes, tell each other jokes,etc. I am sure that in the long run, your will both find this much more rewarding than getting the greatest and latest toy that you will still need to "update" every couple of weeks.

DAILY RECIPE: "Mom, I don´t feel well" Soup

1 chicken breast
1 potato
2 carrots
2 zuchinnis
1/2 onion
1 garlic clove
salt, pepper

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, pepper, the onion and the garlic clove. Cover. When boiling, add the chicken breast. Meanwhile peel and chop potato, carrots and zuchinnis. Add to the soup and continue boiling for a total time of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check for seasoning. When done, take out the chicken breast and cut into bite size pieces. Return to soup. Serve warm with crackers and a lemon wedge.

STORYTIME: The Giant´s Magic Words -- Final Part

... The boy walked alone to the Giant´s house. When he got to the door, he stretched out his hand and knocked softly on the door. Soon, the Giant´s footsteps could be heard and the boy held his breath as he waited for him to answer the door. A loud creak from the hinges revealed the Giant who simply stared at the boy. With a loud, but kind voice, the boy asked, "Excuse me, good afternoon Mr. Giant, could you PLEASE share some of your milk, fruit and wheat? You see, our kingdom does not have food at all and we are all starving." The Giant smiled a bit and answered, "Ah! You just said one of the MAGIC WORDS. I would be glad to share my food with you. Come, follow me and help me put it all in boxes to carry back to your kingdom." The boy quickly replied, "THANK YOU!" The Giant stopped and turned around, "The other MAGIC WORD! You shall get more food, in fact your people can come here any time they want and pick out some food." The boy ran back to the kingdom and told the king the great news. From that day on they started a great friendship with the Giant, sharing food and good times. And never again did the townspeople, messengers or king forget to say the magic words: PLEASE and THANK YOU.

THE END

TIP OF THE DAY

Keep posterboard, markers, extra pencils, glue, glue sticks, colors, tape, yarn and other supplies in stock in your house. This way a last minute school project can be done without having to run out to buy supplies!