Month: September 2012

Decline in Colorado household income slowing, census shows

Household income continued a steady retreat in Colorado in 2011 but, for the first time, showed signs that an economic recovery is making progress, according to newly released census data. The median household income in the state was $55,387 in 2011, continuing an annual slide that began in 2007, when income peaked at $59,898 before the recession took hold. But in a sign that a gradual recovery is underway, the year-to-year dip was less than $400 between 2010 and 2011 — a big improvement over the year before, when it fell more than $2,000.

How to Make a Recycled T-Shirt Bag

It is estimated that with the standards in which we are currently living, our yearly consumption is regenerated by our planet in one year and six months. This “overshoot” is a threat to the well-being of humanity and the health and sustainability of our planet.

I’m No Dance Mom…Enrichment Activities – When Do You Push and When Do You Stand Back?

From a young age, my daughters have always been involved in extra-curricular activities. I’ve never pushed them or chosen for them, rather given them choices and opportunities to pick. They played sports for as long or as short as they wanted, with an emphasis on learning the game and having fun over winning. Yes, I’m that parent. I know a wide variety of parents who push their children into specific sports and make them continue on, even when the kids lose interest. Or keep them in an activity or discipline to build a certain skill or talent. I’m not necessarily talking Dance Moms, just those parents who keep their kids going in an activity throughout their childhood…with or without a specific end goal. Some children burn out in this situation while others thrive. ...

The Blind Leading the Blind: How Did YOU Survive Toddler Tantrums?

Two parents. Two educated, intelligent, common-sense-having parents. In a matter of minutes they are transformed from knowing a thing or two about life and encompassing the ability to problem solve, into two bumbling fools without a clue about how to handle the antics of a toddler. My husband and I recently suffered the worst tantrum to date. I’m starting to wonder when we will have a peaceful dinner again. We put our son’s dinner in front of him which consisted of a turkey hot dog, some cheese, and some rice with black beans and peas. All things that he has eaten and loved in the past. The hot dog and cheese are always the first things to go. Once they are gone he does his sign for “more” and “please” even though he still has a plate of food in front of him. ...

Events: Fall Fest, Touch a Truck, Nemo & More!

Boulder’s Fall Fest. Now in its 25th year, Downtown Boulder’s FREE Fall Fest has become one of Boulder’s most beloved community celebrations. This 3-day autumn festival September 21-23, 2012 features food, brews and music with the added excitement of a Children’s Carnival and more than 30 artisan booths. Friday: 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m., Pearl Street Mall, 1420 Pearl Street, Boulder. http://www.boulderdowntown.com/events/fall-festival Hop, Skip & a Jump Start. Lace up! On September 23, the Children’s Museum of Denver will hold Hop, Skip & a Jump Start–the perfect race for every member of the family. With a stroller-friendly 5K, an Infant Crawl, Toddler Trot, Kid Course, and a day of activities and healthy snacks, it’s the perfect way to teach a he...

Denver Deal: Smithsonian Museum Day, Ace Hardware, Krispy Kreme and more

Halloween is over a month away, but my daughter is mooning over what she wants to be this year. It started in May when she informed me that she was going to me Marilyn Monroe for Halloween this year. May? I thought she was crazy (last weekend she told me that we need to put up the Christmas Tree – so perhaps she has a future in the retail business). But, I am finding out that there are several area Halloween and Fall Festival events that are open already! Anderson Farms Fall Festival starts this weekend (Sept 22) and Denver Botanic Garden’s at Chatfield  opened last weekend (I am taking the kids and some of their friends to the Maze and Pumpkin Festival)! I will be honest, I hope they get lost (at least for a while) so I can enjoy a bag of kettle corn to myself. Smithsonian Mus...

Don’t miss Children’s Hospital Colorado’s presidential debate party for teens!

The first presidential debate of 2012 will take place right here in Denver—at the University of Denver—on Wednesday, Oct. 3. To celebrate the occasion, Children’s Hospital Colorado will host a presidential debate watch party—designed specially for teens! The evening will also include games before and during the debate, along with plenty of food and refreshments. Specific details are included below. Who: Teens and their parents, teachers, mentors, etc. Teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Volunteer Opportunities: End-of-summer BBQ at Montbello Manor & Rake Up Colorado!

Want another great chance to volunteer as a family? Join Volunteers of America for one last BBQ before the end of the summer at Montbello Manor. The Volunteers of America Montbello Manor is an 80 unit affordable housing complex for limited income seniors. Help them give these seniors a special afternoon of great food, great company, and great fun! When: Saturday, October 6th, 2012, 3:00pm – 5:00pm Where: Volunteers of America Montbello Manor, 4355 Carson Street, Denver, Colorado. Who: You and your family…children of all ages are welcome! What:

New book, “The Thriving Child,” helps parents feed kids with allergies

The Thriving Child: Parenting Successfully Through Allergies, Asthma and Other Common Challenges, by Erica Reid (Center Street). The first time Erica Reid covered her son’s aching ear with a steamed white onion, her music mogul husband, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, worried more about her health than the boy’s. “He was giving me the cuckoo look, like it was vodoo or something,” she said, laughing. But the ache went away and stayed away. She continued to experiment with homeopathic treatments

7 Ways to Make Your House a Home, Not a Hazard

As a mom, you’ve likely become an expert on taking care of your kids when you’re out on the town. Strollers, car seats, sunscreen, band-aids, and cat-like instincts. A powerful combination. But, what precautions do you take to keep your children safe at home? Every year, nearly 100,000 kids are taken to the hospital due to injuries related to stairs. And that’s just the tip of the home-hazard iceberg. From electrical wires to garage doors to insects in mattresses, a big house can be a dangerous place for little ones. Keep your kids healthy and safe by paying extra attention to these dangers around your house. Here are seven quick steps you can take to keep your child safe at home:

Should I bribe my kids for good behavior?

Sometimes your little one may need a little something extra in order to behave as he or she should. It’s important, however, to encourage desired behaviors without leading to incentive abuse. What are incentives? According to Barton Schmitt, MD, at Children’s Hospital Colorado, incentives are rewards that are given for desired behaviors. “Incentives are especially helpful for overcoming resistance when children are locked in a power struggle with their parents,” said Dr. Schmitt. “Rewards provide a child with a reason to end the battle and move on.” How do I use incentives? Four factors make incentives more powerful:

Sign of Economic Recovery: Tooth Fairy Increases Payouts

Signs of economic recovery are on the horizon. According to a survey conducted by Visa and released last Tuesday, the average amount placed under the pillow in 2012 is $3.00, a 15% increase from the 2011 tooth fairy fiscal reporting figure of $2.60 per tooth. And much more than the average amount my kids find under their pillows. Gosh, when I was a kid (here we go again, say my kids rolling their eye) all I got was a penny under my pillow. OK, that’s not true. I usually found $0.50 for the standard tooth with a molar yielding a crisp dollar bill. One. Dollar. The tooth fairy has been generous to my kids (in my estimation) with