Yesterday, I received a phone call from one of my kids friends. When I picked up the telephone, he said “Hi, who is this?” I politely responded with, “Well hello, who may I ask is calling? The young voice on the other end then proceeded to tell me who he was and and wanted to know if my son was home? This is very typical of kids today. However, it is not the correct way to make a phone call. Telephone etiquette is one skill you will use your entire life. Many times, a person’s first impression of you is based on how you speak to them over the telephone, so it is important to be courteous and polite on the telephone and to learn what is and is not appropriate when answering the phone. [Read more...]
May I ask who is calling?
May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Spring Cleaning…Really?
May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Today’s spring-cleaning is not the same today as in our mother and grandmothers’ day. Then the house was literally turned inside out with a schedule including, deep cleaning and polishing of all furniture, fresh wallpaper, painting, rug cleaning, fresh or new slipcovers, and more. If you do not recall all this fuss over winter’s ending, I am sure your elders have not too fond memories.
Yes. Spring does still conger up thoughts of opening the windows and freshening up the house. So go for it with these quick tips to help you “spring” into action. [Read more...]
7 Things Working Moms Can Do With Their Kids
May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The one thing working moms have in common is that they’re busy ladies with a lot on their plate. The second thing they have in common is that they feel guilty a lot of the time. One of the main sources of that guilt comes from the feeling that they don’t have time to spend quality moments with their children; “life is just a race” moms tell me.
A very important thing for working mothers to understand is that it doesn’t take much to satisfy their child’s need for attention, and if just a few things are put into place, they can be guaranteed that they are giving their child all they need to.
What are those things? [Read more...]
Poor Sport Parents
April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Springtime always seems to bring out a competitive nature out in all of us. Maybe it’s because the weather is getting warmer and our kids are fully immersed into spring sports. We all love to cheer on our kids and sometimes can’t help ourselves from cheering when someone on the opposing team misses the ball. Sometimes a line is crossed when you get a parent who goes overboard and constantly verbalizes their negative opinions. The question is, what can be done about parents who yell at refs, lecture coaches or taunt the opposing team? [Read more...]
Celebrate National Library Week at the Redondo Beach Library
April 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Celebrate National Library Week at the Redondo Beach Library (April 14-20), by checking-out library material for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate in a daily drawing at both the Redondo Beach Main Library and the Redondo Beach North Branch Library. Each day when you check-out library material ask for a drawing ticket. Every child who enters the WHY I LOVE MY LIBRARY contest gets a pencil and bookmark (while supplies last). If their drawing or essay is picked as a winner, they will win a prize. [Read more...]
10 Ways to Spring Clean Your Family’s Habits
April 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Spring reminds us of renewal and new life; perhaps even a fresh start. People find that this time of year brings them more energy, enthusiasm and motivation to throw away the old, unused, or meaningless and bring in the new and beneficial. When we look at families, the same thought process can apply. The following quotes are from parents who realized they had formed unhelpful habits and needed to start fresh again.
Waiting: Time Wasted VS Time Saved
April 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
1. Schedule doctor or clinic appointments for first thing in the morning or right after lunch.
Many times waiting is the result of patient tardiness or the doctor had n emergency. Which will set the entire schedule off for the day. When you arrive at the your appointment, ask if they are on time. You may be able to run a quick errand or come back when the time is better. It may mean making another appointment.
2. When scheduling an appointment for a haircut, manicure/pedicure, etc., ask what day &
time is least busy. These are events you do not want to rush and you may get better
service when there is less rushed. [Read more...]
KIDS, TECHNOLOGY AND MANNERS
March 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
As my family and I were driving home from a vacation, I couldn’t help but think about the evolution of family road trips. Not too long ago, kids and parents would all talk to each other during the long car rides. Now, they pile into the car with their cell phones, iPods, iPads in hand and the rest of the trip is spent preoccupied and not talking with the people sitting next to them. It’s a much quieter ride for sure, however, part of me is concerned what we are teaching our children. [Read more...]
Getting It Ready To Give Away…
March 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
One man’s excesses can be another man’s necessity.
1. Make a list of those to receive the items, including family members, friends, charities and others.
2. Gather 3 large receptacles to hold smaller items: large plastic trash bags, plastic bins/totes or clean trash cans. Small plastic bags will be good for small items.
Label the containers: Discard, Donate and Keep.
Try not to make other piles such as: “think about it later” or “not sure”. [Read more...]
10 FUN Things to Do With The Kids on Spring Break
March 4, 2013 By 1 Comment
Spring Break is here and the kids are off. Many parents begin to panic at how they will fill their child’s time. So, they source out a bunch of outings they can take their kids on. Ah…Now the only down time they’ll have to manage is from dinner till bedtime. “Keep them busy!” is everyone’s motto.
Does this scenario sound familiar? Although some outings are nice, I would like to recommend a different, more slow and meaningful way of passing the time of Spring Break. Notice the word “Break” It means that everyone should enjoy a break from normal jobs, duties, and work. It also means enjoying a different kind of relationship with mom or dad – a more relaxed and casual one. [Read more...]
