Banning Words On The Playground

The principal of a school in Michigan didn't like what she was hearing on the playground, so she had students stay after class. She then read a list of curse words and phrases that she heard on the playground and will no longer tolerate. Four-letter words are obviously on the banned list, but she also won't let her students say 'stupid' or 'boring'.

I think that it's a good concept, but to put it into practice might be tough, especially if as parents we can't eliminate those words from our own vocabulary. And as much as I hate (there's another word that could be considered bad enough to ban) the words boring and stupid, there might actually be a proper time and context for them.

Holiday Tipping

I always get confused around the holidays about who I should tip and how much. Here's one list I found that might be helpful:

Holiday Tipping Etiquette suggestions:

Mail carrier: $10 - 20
Manicurist/pedicurist: $15 or more
Hairdresser: $15 or more
Garbage collector(s): $15 - 20 each
Baby sitter: two-to-three night's pay, plus maybe a gift
Maid: one week's pay
Apartment building superintendent: $20 - 100
Shampoo girl: $10
Massage therapist: $15 or more
Newspaper delivery boy: daily - $25, weekend: $10
Regular overnight delivery person: $10 - 30
Full-time nanny: one week's pay
Day care service: $25 - 70 plus a gift
Parking attendants: $10 - 20 each
Personal trainer: $60 -100 upon reaching your goal

Holiday Shopping Safety

Some reminders when shopping for the children this holiday season:

Choking is still the leading cause of death related to toys.

Be sure to inspect toys for small removable parts or balloons, especially with children under three years old.

Toys that are too loud can cause hearing loss with repeated exposure. Avoid buying toys that produce high decibel levels.

Look for toys that are age-appropriate, sturdy, and constructed without sharp edges.

Beware of long strings or cords that can strangle children.

Always read the warning labels before making a purchase.

If you purchase a bike, skateboard, or in-line skates, buy a safety helmet, too.

Toys sold online don't always include all the necessary safety warnings. You should not assume that a toy bought online without a warning label doesn't need one.

Revisiting Asbury Park

I never thought I'd have such a great time in Asbury Park! I haven't been there in years althoughI know it's been making a comeback in the past few years. Friday night was a revelation when I hosted an event at the Paramount Theatre for the Premiere Theatre Company's "Scrooge". Not only does the theatre look beautiful, but the Grande Arcade (which you enter through the theatre entrance) it's a great place to visit on the weekends, on your way to Cookman Ave to pick up some unique and original gifts for all those on your holiday list. The shopping is amazing. And the restaurants are fantastic! There must be at least 20 hip and delicious places to dine now.....with a great crowd hanging out at each one. So if you haven't been to Asbury in a while, try it again!

Vicks Vaporub To The Rescue

A listener sent this to me. It comes from a grandparent who swears by this remedy for a child or adult's bad cough: Put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Apparently even persistent coughs will stop for hours, and it is quite soothing for a sound sleep. Has anyone tried this? I doubt I could smear anything on the bottom of my kids' feet without them giggling and squirming and making a mess, but I might try it on myself!

Any other family remedies this brings to mind? Email me and share them!

Holiday Fun

If you're looking for some good, local holiday shows, The Premiere Theatre Company presents "Scrooge" tomorrow through December 2nd at the Paramount Theatre at the Asbury Park Grande Arcade. Call 732-774-STAR for tickets. The Algonquin Arts theatre in Manasquan presents the Dino Rock production "T-Rex's Holiday Surprise" as part of their kid's series of show on Sunday, Dec. 16th with two shows that day. Call 732-528-9211 for tickets.

Weighting On Technology

With all of our modern technology, I'm surprised I haven't come across a scale that you can program to suit your needs. For instance, I don't, at the moment, want to know how much I weigh. But I WOULD like to get on a scale daily or weekly and see how many pounds I've LOST without knowing my weight. But I'd like the scale to keep track of my weight so that when I'm ready I can refer to my weight history. Did I just give away a great idea or is this product already out there and available to the public at an affordable price?