Q: My daughter is starting high school in the fall and has sadly outgrown the princess room of her youth. I would love to be able to buy her everything off of her dream decorating list, but things quickly add up and it just isn't in the budget. How can I help her feel older in her room without breaking the bank? A: Thanks for your question and the good news is that in life (and decorating), timing is everything. Summer is a great time to make updates and changes to your decor for one reason alone ... GARAGE SALES! You can find them every weekend in every subdivision. The key is to keep an …

Q: We'd like to take some kind of family vacation this summer, but we just don't have much money in our budget to work with. How can we manage a getaway without breaking the bank? A: Summer family vacations are some of my fondest childhood memories. Time away allows a family intimate time to bond in a way that's just not possible when you're at home with busy schedules, neighborhood kids at the door and a constant household "to-do" list at hand. While it may seem like there's "always next year" to take a vacation, the years when your children are young and available for family travel really …

Q: I miss seeing our friends, but the weekends are so busy, and it is too expensive to eat out! Any suggestions? A: My suggestion is brunch. It is an inexpensive meal and the time commitment is small. It can be as easy and simple as bagels, fruit and coffee. Our it can be a more substantial meal. Often friends will offer to bring something - take them up on it. There is no reason to do it all yourself. Set the table the night before, and most brunch foods can be made the night before and put in the oven that morning. A recipe you might want to try:  Puffed Pancake ( serves 4 - 6) 2 eggs 1/2 c…

Q: The end of school is almost near and I'm trying to figure out what to do with my kids this summer while I'm working part-time.  I've checked into sitters and camps, but I'm wondering if they could just stay home alone?   A: Thanks for asking a question that seems to be on many working parents' minds right now. After doing research on the topic, it appears that there are no steadfast guidelines that I can offer you regarding any type of legal rule. My best suggestion is for you to call your local police department to double-check your local ordinance regarding age and time limitations on …

Q - I know my kids should keep up on their academic "skills" this summer and I always plan on doing a little practice with them. But then the summer gets rolling and we never really get to it,  and they do not like the thought of having to read or practice math during their summer "break." How do we get it done this summer? A - I've tried many "tricks" over the years to keep our family "on task" throughout the summer with academic skills practice.  It's important to do some practice so the kids don't lose their skills, but don't forget that all the running,  jumping,  climbing,  swimming and …

Q:  I have four children and would like to spend one-on-one time with each of them. I am short on time and money. Any ideas? A:  One-on-one time is golden, but so hard to find. Here is an idea. I only have three children, but this is something I like to do. To make sure I get special time with each child, I assign each child a day once a week. On his or her day, that person gets to stay up 30 - 60 minutes past bedtime and hang out with Mom. Sometimes we play Uno, watch a special television program, play a Wii game together or just talk. It doesn't cost anything and the time commitment is …

Q: With kids today having the world at their fingertips, is the old reasoning for allowances the same?  I don't want to pay my kids to just do what is expected; I would like it to have a lesson involved.  Any suggestions? A: On allowances, and actually any type of monetary decision with kids, I strongly feel that it means more to them when they work for it.  If our kids  go into a store and can just buy anything at any time, the item will mean far less to them than if they had to truly earn the money for it. That being said I have a few suggestions that may fall in line with the "lesson" that…

Q: When is the right age to talk about sex with your child? Boy or girl difference? How do you make your child feel comfortable asking you questions so you can debunk false information? A: Although there are no steadfast rules given to us as parents on this topic, I have found that I tackle these discussions (yes plural as I feel that it should be ongoing) with my kids as I need  to do with any major issues in their lives.  Using real information, At an age appropriate levels, Paying close attention to their interest and comfort level. As for information handling of boys versus girls, 99% of …

Q: Help my son has made a new friend that I don't know very well, and I don't think I like him very much. What do I do?  A: It's hard when our children make new friends that we don't know very well. At first we make and plan all the play dates and have all the control. As they get older they make their own friends and then their own plans. First get to know this new friend.  What is it that you don't like about this friend? My advice is to ask your child what they like about their friend. But be careful, once they are on to you, or have an idea that you don't like their choice of friends they…

Q:  It's such a chore to get my child to read. The school requires a certain number of minutes a month, and I end up nagging the entire month about how much they have completed.  Help... How can I get them more interested in reading? A:  It's always a chore trying to get children to do something they don't want to do.  If your child is a new reader, it can often be overwhelming to start something new.  I have found breaking the page or paragragh into sections helpful and taking turns reading aloud. We use the word "popcorn" when we want the other to start reading.  I also have gone to the …