The ugly truth about greeting cards

Every year, there are 2.65 billion holiday cards sold in the U.S. That’s enough to fill a football stadium field 10 stories high! 

Look for cards that contain recycled content or are actually recycled materials.  You can make your own cards out of scrap paper found around the house. 

Or, you could use old cards as name tags for presents or for colorful artwork to decorate your house.  Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

From: musc.edu.

School bus safety

School-bus accidents actually are surprisingly rare. When they do happen, they’re often in the first two months of the school year, when kids are anxious or excited, and less likely to be cautious when getting on or off the bus.

Riding the bus is 12 times safer than walking, biking, or riding in a car to school.

From: Parenting

Reading and comprehending tip

Point to things in picture books and name them. As your children learn to talk, ask them to "point and say.

From: RIF.org

Scheduled reading time

Set aside at least one regularly scheduled time each day for reading. Make it a part of your toddler’s routine.

Also take toddlers to the library or bookstore for story hour.

From: RIF.org

Homework helper?

Help your child manage his homework, don’t do it for him. From: YourParentingsSolutions.com

Daycare fees

While daycare center rates are important, check for hidden fees which will add up during the year. Being late to pick up your toddler will incur some hefty overage charges!
From: YeahBaby.com

Toddler Language Skills

Help your child’s language skills by speaking to her in complete sentences and in ‘adult’ language. Help her to use the correct words and phrases.
From: CDC: Child Development

Art Supply Tip

Establish a place for art supplies early on, that is both easily accessible and neat.
From: YourParentingsSolutions.com

Learing to hold a pencil.

To help develop a writing grasp, have your child color with broken crayons (if your child is still putting inappropriate things in his mouth, adult supervision is required to prevent choking).
From: YeahBaby.com

Learning with your toddler

Bring your child to places where he or she can learn- The zoo, museums, parks and child classes.
From: YeahBaby.com