Montco Moms Turn to Facebook to Consign

Local mothers exchange childhood toys, clothing and accessories using social media.

Moms have to do it all. From getting the kids to soccer practice, to scheduling every doctor, dentist and eye appointment, from school homework to dance recitals, it just never ends. Moms over the years have developed some unique ways of organizing it all. Thankfully, with tools like smartphones, Google calendars, and alarmed reminders, there are multiple tricks of the trade these days. Some mothers in Montgomery County have found a way to even use social media to their advantage, too. With Facebook, some 502 moms have found a way to consign online. It can be difficult to get around to all the sales, find clothes and toys on a budget and make the family dollar stretch, but with Montgomery County Kids Online Yard Sale, the sale is always in…

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Op-Ed: Exciting to See Growth in 'Parental Alienation' Support

April is Parental Alienation Awareness Month In Pennsylvania.

By Daniel Holmes and Jill Egizii It is extremely exciting to see the growth in the parental alienation arena in the last year, both here in Pennsylvania, and across the country. Alienated parents see the need for guidance, resources and support for others having to endure the loss of a relationship with a child. Rather than waiting for help to land in their laps, many of the affected parents and grandparents have been stepping forward to coordinate support through regional advocacy. One area of concern for alienated parents and grandparents is the lack of awareness that exists in our community regarding parental alienation. Parental alienation has been defined as a conflicted family dynamic in which a child is drawn into siding with one …

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Scholasticity

Writing Your Own Obituary

Help your kids consider their future.

I offer a few extra credit assignments in my undergraduate Introduction to Psychology class, including one that prompts the student to write his or her own obituary. Students react in a variety of ways to this one – horrified, amused, bemused – but it’s a great way to think about your life before it’s too late. (Think Scrooge). I urge the students to be creative and fabricate their tale as well, including their future accomplishments - a bucket list of sorts but without the pressure of imminent death - and to think about those left behind. I want them to get perspective and think about how others will remember them. One of our pastors recently related the story of Alfred Nobel: Alfred Nobel became famous and successful as a chemist. He …

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Scholasticity

Planning Adventures on a Budget

A little research and planning can save you money on your next family adventure, but be sure to read the fine print.

We finally made it to the Franklin Institute to see the Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs and it was awesome. I just love museums and I love to attend them with my kids and their friends. I still like to learn new stuff.  Parents need to stay engaged and open to new experiences. Lots of places like aquariums have cool things to do like wading in and feeding stingrays, or actually touching jellyfish and sea cucumbers. At the Franklin, we went to the roof to check out a sunspot through a giant telescope and learned that sunspots are actually storms on the surface of the sun. Just amazing! Times being what they are, everyone is crunched for money and a family membership to the Franklin costs $120. This includes two parents and up to four children. …

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Scholasticity

Our Kids Need Definition

As parents, we need to help our children master skills beyond those in the virtual world.

When my daughter arrived from China I knew that self esteem was going to be an issue. She was abandoned by the people who brought her into the world - a really tough situation - so the psychologist in me summoned the advice from all the great theorists. I knew I had to help her define herself.  First, I took her into our family and we all worked to love her unconditionally.  Then I took her to church to learn about Jesus because of our belief system. I gave it to her.  Then I began with her deficits. She didn’t speak until she was 4 years of age; she never crawled so her speech was delayed. That is what happens when you don’t develop in the correct order. I took her to a “Mommy and Me” gym class. She loved it and today she is a team …

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PennDOT Suggests School Bus Safety Tips

Parents and students are reminded to practice school bus safety, while drivers are asked to be alert and follow traffic laws.

Along with pens, pencils and new backpacks, school bus safety is another back-to-school must-have for the 2011-2012 school year. PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E. offered tips to help keep children safe on and off the bus. “Children can be distracted by the excitement of returning to school and reuniting with their classmates,” Schoch said. “Parents and students need to talk about being safe while traveling to and from school.” Parents should discuss the following safety tips with children returning to school: If your child walks to school, he or she should avoid using cell phones or wearing headphones, which can be distracting when walking near traffic. If walking in low light or dark conditions, children should wear bright-colored …

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Summer in the City

Children's Museum Encourages Learning Through Play

At the Please Touch Museum, children can explore interactive exhibits for a day of fun and learning.

Hatboro and Horsham offer plenty of summer fun, but sometimes the lure of Philadelphia beckons—and our Summer in the City feature can help guide you to the fun. If you feel like venturing out a little farther from home, check here for a weekly suggestion of something fun or interesting to do in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether it's a restaurant to try, a festival to attend or special museum exhibits, we'll feature something different every Thursday. This weekend take the children, grand-kids or nieces or nephews to the Please Touch Museum for a day of hands-on fun. The museum's focus is to help youngsters learn through play. Six interactive exhibit zones, including Roadside Attractions, Rainforest Rhythm, City Capers and more, allow …

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Zoo On Wheels Drives into Hatboro

Kids of all ages enjoyed seeing a ferret, box turtle, a snake and more during a program offered by the Philadelphia Zoo at Union Library of Hatboro Wednesday.

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