Mom Needs A Break! Tips, Ideas, Help….For Those Hard Working Moms!

Most travel agents will advice you to start planning your summer vacation six months in advance.  That may seem like a long time ahead for many, but it’s the best way to make sure you book an affordable family vacation that’s just right for you.  

Are you getting ready for summer?  Plan your vacation now by following these important tips. 

As you know, booking your reservations early can afford you the opportunity to save, save, save!  Whether you are booking flight reservations; hotel accommodations, packages, or a combination of all three – decide early where you’d like to go and don’t procrastinate. When travel agents were all the rage, all you had to do was call or stop by and the agent would take care of everything.  Today, with online reservations; making your own travel plans has become more popular.  Although there are still travel agents available, it seems planning your trip from the comfort of your own home has become the norm, rather than the exception. 

The first thing you need to do is to check the airlines. You can either call or you can go online and either use the many new travel sites now available or go straight to the preferred airlines’ website. To save some time, stop by a travel agent’s office and pick out some brochures that interest you! You will have to research complete packages, however, to determine which company offers the best rate. In addition, if you are traveling outside the country, you will need to have your passports and proof of identification. Also keep in mind, if you are traveling to areas which require vaccinations, make sure you check with your doctor ahead of time. 

Travel agents can also be a great source of information for a specific area or traveling advice.  Remember, it doesn’t cost anything to use the services of a travel agent; they obtain their commissions from the airline and hotels. 

In the event you are planning a summer vacation, and you are making all of the arrangements yourself, check the terms and conditions of the online consolidators and hotels, to ensure there are no hidden fees. When making air reservations, check different days of the week, as midweek travel is often cheaper. Also, when you are booking your airline reservations, find out what the penalties are for cancellations.  This holds true for the hotels or packages as well. Read all of the airport rules and regulations, and arrive at least three hours before flight time. Also, think about trip insurance; just in case. 

Wherever you decide to go; Disney World; Paris; London;

One of the benefits of summer is that you can volunteer your time to help kids of all ages enjoy their summer camp experience. If you are interested, then get ready for summer and volunteer at a summer camp for kids.  Here’s what you need to do. 

If you are sending your child to summer camp, and want to volunteer your time – talk to the camp counsellor and ask for an application. You can also check with your children’s teachers at their school. Many of the teachers volunteer their time at local summer camps, and are always in need of volunteers.  

Finding a camp is easy, there are a myriad of online sites who are asking for volunteers this summer. Check the summer camps in your area to determine which one is the best for you. There is a summer camp registry online, http://www.camppage.com/, in which you can not only check the summer camps within your state, but you will be able to email them as well. In addition, this site also provides the individual camp’s website, where you can apply for the type of camp you are looking for. Or you can utilize their Summer Camp Articles and Resources page at: http://www.camppage.com/summer-camp-resources.htm which includes links for employment as well. 

What is so wonderful about this particular site is that it gives you the type of camp, age range, and a little piece of information about the camp and its activities. You really can’t ask for better than that! Instead of scouring around trying to find a specific camp, this site will direct you to all of the camps within your state so that you can make an informed decision. In some cases, for example, this listing also let’s you know when the camp was established. 

Volunteering for summer camp, for whatever age group you choose, is a selfless act. The benefit in volunteering for summer camp is immeasurable.  Knowing that you took time out of your summer to show and kindness to others is invaluable to the camps and the kids.  Whether you choose girls, boys, co-ed or wilderness – you can be certain it is appreciated, since most of these camps need as many volunteers as possible.

Are you sending your kids to summer camp?  If so, there is a wonderful website which can take away hours of research in determining where to send your kids.  Get ready for summer, because here is the site to find the best summer camp for kids.  CampPage.com - http://www.camppage.com/ - is where you will find every single camp listed for any state you live in.  Moreover, it gives you a wonderful introduction to the camp’s features; how long it has been in existence; the ages of the kids; and you can even check girls, boys, and coed or wilderness camps to find the right one for your kids. Moreover, this site has the Summer Camp Associations and Directories page within the US and

You’ve taken your youngest child to the park; sit her in the sandbox, only to notice she begins to eat the sand.  Perhaps your child is playing in the backyard with the family dog, and starts kissing the dog on the mouth. When it comes to germs and kids, an irresistible attraction is imminent.  What can you do to avoid these two opposites from becoming attracted to each other?  * Teach your child to cover his or her mouth when coughing. 

* Have them wash their hands frequently, especially before and after dinner, after using the bathroom, or touching animals.

* Explain to them how they can pick up germs from virtually anywhere.

* Tell them not to put any objects in their mouth, such as toys or any foreign objects they may pick up.

* Stuffed animals collect dust; use caution when children play with them. 

* If your child tells you her friend has lice, be sure to check your child’s hair to determine if she has been infected.

* Place hand wipes in your child’s lunchbox, so she can wash her hands before and after lunch.

* Tell your child not to share lunch with classmates.

* Show your child that touching or putting flowers or plants in their mouths is particularly dangerous.

* Ensure that sheets and pillowcases are washed regularly.

* Vacuum and dust your child’s room at least once a week.

* Make sure your child is properly vaccinated against all diseases. Children have a wonderful curiosity; especially when presented with something new and shiny.  Whenever buying a toy or stuffed animal, read the label to determine if there are caustic or toxic chemicals.  While you can’t keep your child in a germ-free bubble, you can take certain precautions to ensure their attraction to germs are limited. 

Separation anxiety affects both children and adults in very different ways. While children experience fear they will never see mom again; mom develops an overwhelming feeling of guilt.  With pre-school becoming more prevalent today; there is bound to be conflict for both mom and child.  Let us, then, explore child separation anxiety, and tips to help mom cope with leaving baby in the later stages of infancy. 

It’s important for you, as a mom, to refrain from showing your own insecurities. If you keep a positive attitude, your child will feel calm and reassured. Ask your sister to come to your home to care for your infant frequently; this allows your baby to become familiar with another caretaker and feel safe.  As your baby grows into a toddler, use this same practice. You will soon find your child will readily accept visits from your sister; giving you sufficient time to run errands, and complete all of the tasks you have been neglecting.In addition, you will have piece of mind knowing a responsible family member taking care of your child. 

Keep in mind, a child may not always feel comfortable watching you leave the home. It is important to reassure the child you are returning. Don’t give a specific time; children tend to focus too much on the clock and worry.  Call your child often; letting him or her know where you are.  This may be considered over the top coddling; nonetheless, comforting your child also comforts the child within you. The conversation you have with the child is primarily for you. It is a way of acknowledging your feelings; a reassurance that everything is fine. 

Think of how you felt when you were a child.  What did your mom do or say to you to ease the pain of separation. Although times were different back; there may have been one or two occasions when she didn’t have a choice; having another baby, for example.  Recognizing the symptoms of your own anxiety can help you to avoid imprinting it onto your child.