v 1 issue 6: The Look for Less

The Look for Less


Spending less doesn't have to mean getting less. Sometimes it means getting your kids fantastic high-style pieces, and still having enough money to get something for yourself...and here at Kids Trends Weekly, we think that is spending less to get more!

Cover by Laura Siebert

Get the Look for Less



Spending less doesn't have to mean getting less...so you decide whether to splurge or save!
1. Splurge on this fantastic D&G Quilted Jacket. Or, save on this equally adorable Gap version of the Quilted Jacket.
2. Splurge on this metro-cool Messenger Bag, available at Kitson's online boutique. Or, save and get the great quality of Hanna Andersson in this adorable Messenger Bag.
3. Splurge on the super star style of Morgan & Milo...their Skimmers are too cute! Or, have fun saving some money on these adorable Old Navy Skimmers! And psst, Old Navy is having a big sale until 9/20!
4. Camo is cool whether its J.Crew or Gap. So whether you splurge or save, your little guy will look great!

This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip: Found some annoying rust spots, but hesitant to use something harsh to remove it? A great natural and safe alternative (that actually works!) is table salt. Use a cloth or sponge to work it into the rust spot and you'll have your own 'rust-no-more'. And, you'll find that salt works great as a scouring agent as well.
Green Tip: If you are troubled by hard water (spots on your dishes? water spots on the sink?), we've got a solution, and there's no need to pay for expensive water softeners. Simply add some white vinegar, and you'll be amazed!
Financial Tip: Think having a mortgage is a bad thing, and can't wait for the day you pay off your house? We'll maybe you should think again! Financial experts remind you that as long as you are paying interest on a mortgage, the federal government is paying you at tax time.
Parenting Tip: Experts say that over-tiredness and hunger are the two leading reasons that children misbehave. So, before you wonder what you did wrong as a parent, consider your child's sleep patterns, and make an effort to sneak in a few more snacks, or some bigger meals!

Homework Helpers that Make the Grade

Our readers shared some of their ideas for making homework, well, less work! Here they are:
1. Have a space specifically set aside for homework. This will help with organization, get your child in the mindset of doing work, and establish a routine that experts agree is critical to good study habits.
2. Turn off the TV, the iPod, and the cell phone. Homework time will be more efficient and effective if your child is focused, and this requires limiting the distractions.
3. Provide your child with the tools that they need to do their homework well. This may be a computer, a dictionary, scrap paper, a calculator or the like. Emphasize the importance of using tools to make sure that homework is done thoroughly and done well. For instance, an english paper should not be turned in unless it has been checked for spelling errors. A history assignment should not be considerded read unless unknown vocabulary words have been looked up in the dictionary.
4. Set a time during which homework must be done. As mentioned earlier, having a routine is key. If your child has no set time, this will lead to negotiating or arguing over whether it is time to start homework; this should not be open to question, and won't be as long as there is an established time for homework.
5. Make sure that you are available during homework time to help your child. If you notice that your child is becoming frustrated, this is the time to offer your help. If the assignment is reasonably accomplished without your help, encourage your child to do it independently, as they will benefit from the feeling of independence and success.
6. Do not assume that because your child has said that their work is done, that it is in fact done. Show your interest in your child's work, and review their assignments and resulting work. It will keep you in tune with any difficulties they may be having, and it will show your child that you value their hard work.
7. If you notice that your child is spending an inordinate amount of time on homework, be proactive. Speak with your child's teacher and try to determine if there is simply too much work being given, if not enough is being accomplished in school, or if perhaps your child is having overall difficulty with the material.