Ask The Mom

OMG, is it really December 5th? Yeah, who needs therapy, raise their hand! *I’m raising both.*

Hope your holiday season isn’t as crazy as mine. If is is and you need advice, send me your problem/issue/question to resolve at themomjen[at]gmail[dot]com.

My kids have Christmas lists a mile long. We can’t afford it all, what can I do? I’ve been chatting with my kids to pick 3 items they really want from their lists. They also need to be reasonably priced. THEN, we’ll pick one item from each list to buy and give to a less fortunate child/family. Contact your local churches/women’s shelters/schools to find a family to support. If we can teach our kids about the importance of giving now, it can make such a huge difference!!

Our family just bought a puppy, and my youngest child has been sneezing ever since. I think she is allergic. My older daughter will be crushed if we have to give it away! Oh no. That is so hard. Is it possible to keep the dog outdoors only? Try that and see if you notice a difference in your daughters’ allergy. It’s possible the sneezing is purely coincidental, but give it a little more time.

If an allergy is certainly the case, ask close family or friends if they could take on the pet. Your oldest daughter can still play/interact/see the puppy, but it won’t so much affect your younger child. Even a neighbor could fit the bill. If not, you must be honest with you daughter that the health of your family comes first.

Do blog for money only, I see you have an ad bar. Ooh yucky, money is gross. LOL. No, I don’t blog just for the money flow, but I couldn’t pass it up. I was pleased when BlogHer allowed me an ad for my blog. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to get a few pennies doing what you enjoy, and BlogHer is an amazing community.

When will I be able to enter public with my child? He screams and tantrums at every store, restaurant, or outing I attend. He’s nearly 4 and so anti-social. That’s gotta be hard! Some children are very sensitive to their surroundings and can get easily overwhelmed by activity. When you need to go out, bring comfort objects for your child. If it’s a blanket, stuffed animal, or even a special juice cup, have them carry it with them to feel ‘safe.’ If you’re going to a restaurant, be prepared with a special treat or activity that can occupy his attention. Also before leaving the house, enlist him in a specific “job” for your trip. If you’re going grocery shopping, have him hold your list, or help find items at his level in the store. Give him a pen to check off the items from your list as you cart them. Prop him up by the checkout lane and have him help bag groceries. Good luck!

My best friend is a mom and wife. I’m not married and have no kids. What can I buy her for the holidays? If it were me? TIME!! By time I mean, make a couple of coupons for free babysitting, throw in two movie tickets, and send them on a night out. She will LOVE you for it!

How do you make PUKE smell go away? I usually wear a clothespin on my nose all day, but for real tried and true help I consulted this site….http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com/odor-removal/how-to-get-rid-of-vomit-smells/

On THAT note….I’m out. See ya next week!
Jen The Mom
Cheaper Than Therapy-Musings of a Mom of 3