Due to the rising cost of health care in our country, many parents or caregivers have opted out of getting health or dental coverage for their families – not by choice, but because they cannot afford health care while also providing other basic needs for their families. As you can imagine, the decision to not...
In just three years, my oldest son will be heading to college. While the immediacy of that huge milestone has only recently sunk in, thankfully saving for his college tuition is something we started years ago. Like most parents, you may need help deciding how to pay for your child’s college tuition. You may be...
It’s back to school time! Are you having a hard time feeding your children real and healthy after school snacks? It can be a challenge, no doubt. Let’s be honest, not even adults want to eat healthy all the time. I can certainly relate. If I’m not careful, the go to after school snack at...
Back to School is in full swing in the Jonesie household! This year, my youngest entered middle school, my daughter started 7th grade, and my oldest is now a sophomore in high school! I’ll admit I shed a tear or two (maybe 10) after the last drop off this morning. While I knew they were...
As a child I looked forward to summers. They were full of adventure day and night. No electronic devices or TV streaming apps. We had our bikes, board games, and each other to keep us entertained. Summer vacation today is not the same. Children today find themselves bored way too often, especially if there is no...
Helping kids to be good sports can be easy with these six tips. Win or lose, playing sports should be fun for kids. I have seen many kids break down and cry, yell, or storm off a field after losing a game or making a mistake on the field. It’s one thing to be disappointed...
I recently read the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively and discovered that one of my children’s love languages is quality time. With multiple children at home, it’s not always easy for parents to spend quality time with each child. Life is always moving fast and it seems like...
Here I go again, reading another self-help book. This time the book is Scream Free Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool. The book had me at keeping your cool. With a teen and pre-teens in the house, I often and praying to keep my cool. One of my goals for...
Some of my friends are debating on whether to have three children or stick to two. As a mom of three, I have a lot of good stories to share and some pros and cons to having more than one or two. I’m a big advocate on more than one but if “one and done”...
Teaching kids to save money is easy with some simple steps. Start them early and you’ll be sure to reinforce life long habits. Growing up, my parents always taught my brother and I to save our money. Saving money started first with collecting extra change and putting it in huge jar with our names on it....