Jo Brielyn

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Eight Personal Safety Tips Every Kid Should Learn It's our job to protect our children, but as they grow up we can't be with them 24/7. Here are eight personal safety tips every kid should know.

Five Tips for Talking to Kids About Bullying Adults must learn to talk openly and honestly with kids about bullying. To get you started, here are five tips for talking to kids about bullying.

• What Does Your Discipline Teach Your Kids?

  3/22/2012

  Discipline, at least effective positive discipline, should do more than simply make the child aware of the wrong-doing. It should also teach them a valuable lesson. Does yours?
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  Holiday Appetizer: Christmas Turkey and Roasted Red Pepper Flatbread Sandwich Bites

  11/22/2011

  Treat your friends and family to this Christmas colored sandwich appetizer they won't be able to resist and a flavor they'll never forget!
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  Help Your Family Bring Thanks Back to Thanksgiving

  11/1/2011

  Try these ideas to help your family remember to be thankful this holiday season and make Thanksgiving about much more than turkey, football, and pumpkin pie.
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  Diet choices that keep you looking and feeling younger

  10/3/2011

  I’m not as young as I look, not even close. So what’s the secret? The old adage “You are what you eat” contains a lot of truth. Here are some of my favorite foods that help fight aging from inside out.
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  Scarecrow Treat Bags for Your Family Harvest Celebration or Halloween Party

  9/30/2011

  This adorable paper bag scarecrow is one craft project you won’t want to miss. It's a fun craft for kids that also doubles as a treat bag for party guests at your harvest or Halloween celebration.
• After Hurricane Irene: Help for Upstate New York Flood Victims

  8/31/2011

  Find out how you can get help if you're a flood victim in Central NY or how you can offer your assistance to those who were.
• Central New York Residents Hit with Flooding and Devastation from Irene

  8/31/2011

  Floods from the aftermath of Hurricane Irene leave much of rural NY in dire situations.
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  Mohawks and Extreme Makeup Are Now Punishable Offenses, Say Florida Schools

  8/1/2011

  Are schools sending kids mixed signals by teaching about tolerance for others in one breath and then taking away their rights to harmlessly express themselves in the next?
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  What we wish our parents had told us about parenting

  7/25/2011

  What do you wish your mom or dad had told you before you had children of your own? Here's what some parents had to say about the topic.
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  It's Time for a Parenting Attitude Check

  7/11/2011

  Kids are constantly being nagged by their parents, teachers, and other adults to watch their attitudes. Sometimes the attitude adjustments need to come from the parents. It's time for an attitude check... for you not your child!
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  Firework Safety for the Whole Family

  6/23/2011

  The 4th of July is an excellent time to gather with friends, family and community to celebrate our nation's independence. Unfortunately, it also lends itself to numerous safety hazards for kids (and adults). Here are some tips to keep safe.
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  Six Signs that Your Active Child is Overstressed

  6/2/2011

  How do you know when all the activities are simply too much and are taking a toll on your child? Here are six signs that your kid's busy schedule is over-stressing him or her.
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  Beat Morning Madness and Get Kids Out the Door on Time with Less Stress

  5/2/2011

  If your house and family are anything like mine, at least 10 things go awry in the morning and threaten to make you late. Try these tips to curtail some of the morning rush and head out the door on time.
• Too Sexy for Their Age: It's Time for Parents to Draw the Lines

  4/20/2011

  Push-up bikinis, sexy jeans, shirts printed with suggestive sayings, and skimpy thongs fill the store racks... all for kids. Where do we draw the line?
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  Connecting as a family: Date night with your kids

  4/11/2011

  Relationships that matter are worth the effort they require. Not only does that apply to grown-up relationships, but also to the ones with our kids. That's how family date night started in our home.
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  Party Games for Your Little Girl's Princess Birthday

  4/1/2011

  Is the little princess in your life getting ready to celebrate a birthday? Try these unique games to liven up the party.
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  Team Building Games for Preteens and Teenagers

  4/1/2011

  Here are four of my favorite team building games for groups of tweens and teens.
• Four Fun Projects Kids Can Make with Corn Starch

  4/1/2011

  Kids love to create weird concoctions. What better way to spend a rainy day with your children or teach them a science or math lesson than to get messy in the kitchen? Here are four fun things we've created using cornstarch.
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  10 Discipline Tips to Foster Maturity in Your Tween

  3/31/2011

  Discipline takes on new meaning when kids reach their tween years. It becomes less about controlling behavior and more about guiding development. Here are 10 discipline tips I use to foster maturity in my tween.
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  7 simple ways to go green with kids

  3/25/2011

  Your kids are surrounded with talk about going green and saving the environment, but do they really know what it means or how to do it? These seven simple ways to go green with kids will help get you started.
• When Family Members Live Far Away

  3/21/2011

  Helping children build relationships and stay connected with loved ones who are far away is a challenge, but with a little creativity and a conscious effort, it possible and very worthwhile.
• Most Romantic Things to Do on a Beach Getaway

  3/15/2011

  Whether you travel somewhere exotic or stay closer to home, the beach is a prime spot to spend a romantic trip. Here are six things to do on your beach getaway to bring you closer and revitalize your relationship.
• Eight Personal Safety Tips Every Kid Should Learn

  3/14/2011

  It's our job to protect our children, but as they grow up we can't be with them 24/7. Here are eight personal safety tips every kid should know.

  Also published on:

  • Yahoo! Voices
• Tips for Conquering Homework Hassles

  3/14/2011

  Who wants to work all day, and then come home to do more work? School-age kids are required to do exactly that, so it's really no wonder they balk at homework. Here are a few tips for conquering homework hassles that I've learned along the way.

  Also published on:

  • Yahoo! Voices
• Looking in the Mirror: How to Help Your Daughter with Her Body Image

  3/2/2011

  You can't change how she sees herself, but you can help her learn to be comfortable with her own body. Here are five ways I help my daughter with her body image.

  Also published on:

  • Yahoo! Voices
• Five Fun Icebreaker Games for Tweens and Teens

  3/1/2011

  Icebreaker games work well for parties, youth activities, and classroom settings to help kids loosen up and get to know each other. Here are five of my favorites.
• Earth Day Recycling Crafts for Kids

  2/28/2011

  My children and I love to make projects from recycled items and materials found in nature. Here's how to make two of our Earth Day recycling crafts for kids: a We All Have a Hand in Being Green Tree and a Litter Bug.
• Her First Period: How to Talk with Your Preteen Girl About Menstruation

  2/28/2011

  When should you talk to your daughter about what to expect with her first period? How do you do it without scaring or embarrassing her? How do you approach the awkward subject of your preteen girl's first period and help her to be prepared?
• Tips for Disciplining 4- and 5-Year-Olds

  2/20/2011

  Since kids change as they mature, discipline strategies used to teach them must also change with them. Here a few practical tips for disciplining 4- and 5-year-olds.
• Social Behavior Milestones for 2- to 5-Year-Olds

  2/20/2011

  Is my 5-year-old's behavior normal? Do other 3-year-olds act this way? Parents of young children ask themselves these questions all the time. I know I did. These social behavior milestones for kids ages 2 to 5 will give a basic rundown of what to expect.
• Interactive Games to Teach Kids Social Skills

  2/20/2011

  Development of social skills is important to the growth of children. Parents, teachers and youth workers can help kids learn and develop social skills by using interactive games like these.
• Five Tips to Get Kids to Eat Healthy Foods

  2/17/2011

  Is mealtime often a struggle for you and your children? Do you have a difficult time getting them to eat healthy foods? Here are a five tips to help get kids to eat healthy foods and enjoy it, too.
• How to Help Your Toddler Get a Restful Sleep

  2/15/2011

  Kids need their sleep. So do their parents. Here are some tips to help your toddler get a restful sleep and sleep through the night.
• Tips for Bonding with Your Newborn Baby

  2/13/2011

  Love at first site is a beautiful notion, but it's not always a reality for parents and their infants. Here's the truth about how parents and babies bond with each other.
• When Your Infant Has a Fever

  2/13/2011

  Your baby is cranky, doesn't want to eat, and feels unusually warm to the touch. You suspect your infant has a fever. What should you do?
• Common Symptoms of Constipation in Infants

  2/13/2011

  Bowel patterns vary in infants much like they do in adults. This often makes it difficult to tell if your baby is constipated. Here are the common symptoms of constipation in infants and a few ways to help your baby have a bowel movement.
• Why My Preteen Will Not Have a Facebook Account

  2/10/2011

  My decision to keep my preteen daughter off Facebook is not one based purely on emotion, but one rooted in facts and personal experience. This is why my preteen will not have a Facebook account.
• When Your Toddler Refuses to Go to Bed

  2/9/2011

  Just when you think you are finally about to get some real sleep again, your child starts to balk at bedtime. What should you do when your toddler refuses to go to bed? Here are a few tips that worked for me.
• How to Make a Valentine Mailbox for Your Child's Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts

  2/9/2011

  This valentine mailbox - made entirely from construction paper and recycled materials - is a fun and functional Valentine's Day craft to make with children at home or at school.
• Dr. Seuss Activities for Kids

  2/3/2011

  Whether you're a teacher searching for new ideas to excite students about reading or a parent looking for fun ways to bond with your child, these Dr. Seuss activities for kids are sure to do the trick.
• What Yoga Has Taught Me About Parenting

  2/2/2011

  Not only is yoga excellent for the mind and body, the basic principles of the practice teach important lessons about life. Here's what I have learned from yoga that helps me be a better parent.
• Mittelschmerz or Painful Ovulation in Women

  2/1/2011

  Mittelschmerz sounds like a silly, made up name but for women who deal with painful ovulation, it isn't a laughing matter. I know, because I live with it.
• Communication-Building Activity for Parents and Children

  2/1/2011

  Try this quick communication building activity for parents and kids to help you practice talking and listening more effectively to each other.
• Is Turnoff Week the Right Choice for Your Family?

  1/27/2011

  Turnoff Week is a plan created by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness to help build healthier and happier children, families and individuals. Read the details to find out if it's right for your family.
• 10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Save You Time

  1/26/2011

  Get more done in less time with these 10 time-saving spring cleaning tips for busy moms.
• Two Veterans Reflect on Operation Desert Storm

  1/12/2011

  To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm, I spoke with military veterans Frank Molinario (U.S. Air Force) and Joseph Chapman (U.S. Army) about their reflections on the war.
• Best Four Stadium-Inspired Super Bowl Party Snacks

  1/11/2011

  Spice up your party by serving up fun twists on traditional football concession stand favorites with these four stadium-inspired Super Bowl party snacks.

  Also published on:

  • Yahoo! Voices
• Six Ways to Boost Your Child's Immunity

  1/5/2011

  You can help your child's body protect against illnesses now by making healthy lifestyle changes, including these six ways to boost your child's immunity.
• Eight Ideas for Fun in the Snow

  1/5/2011

  These eight ideas for fun in the snow will help you take advantage of the winter weather and give your kids some new ways to play in the snow.
• Family Goals for the New Year

  1/5/2011

  I don't make New Year's resolutions. Instead I create goals. This year, I am adjusting my focus to create goals for the benefit of my whole family in the New Year. Here is why.
• Cheap Date Ideas for Parents

  12/21/2010

  Little or no money often leads to no more date nights. It doesn't have to. Here are a few creative ideas for cheap, fun date ideas to get you started.
• Stories from Parents and Teachers: Teaching Kids About of Giving

  12/6/2010

  I spoke with over 75 parents, grandparents, youth workers, and educators to see what they had to say on the subject of teaching kids the true spirit of giving. Here's what some of them had to say.
• How to Handle Your Child's Public Meltdowns

  12/6/2010

  Riding the rollercoaster of kids' emotions, temper tantrums, and drama are nothing new to most parents. But how do you handle it when you're in public and the inevitable tantrum erupts? Try these tips.
• Six Confessions of a Parent Shopper

  12/3/2010

  Any parent who's ever shopped with a child knows part of the challenge of shopping with kids is dealing with the other shoppers, well intentioned or otherwise. Here are my six confessions to my fellow shoppers.
• Small Business Advice From the Catskill Mountains

  12/2/2010

  Three small business owners in the Catskill Mountain region share the advice they received that has helped make their businesses succeed every day in a small town with an even smaller economy.
• 6 Tips for Taking Beautiful Photos of Your Newborn

  12/1/2010

  Children grow up quickly, so cherish every day with them, and take photos to capture those precious moments. Here are six lessons I learned by trial and error with my own babies to help you take beautiful photos of your newborn.
• Kids and Respect

  11/2/2010

  During my work as a youth worker, I've been witness to countless parent-child interactions, both good and bad. Here is a frank discussion about a few things I've learned about kids and respect.
• Creative Ways to Get Kids to Do Chores

  11/1/2010

  Chore time for kids can often be a stressful time, but with a little creativity and flexibility parents can help turn chore time into less of a chore. After all, who says chores can't be fun?
• Five Tips for Talking to Kids About Bullying

  11/1/2010

  Adults must learn to talk openly and honestly with kids about bullying. To get you started, here are five tips for talking to kids about bullying.
• 5 Tips on Having More Dry Mornings

  10/10/2010

  Nightly bedwetting episodes can be trying on both children and their parents. Here are a few tips on how to help your child reduce bedwetting incidents and have more dry mornings.
• Recognizing the Risk Factors of Stroke

  9/3/2010

  The chances are pretty good that you or someone you know has been, or will be, affected by the disease. Recognizing the risk factors of stroke is the first step in protecting yourself and those you love.
• What to Do when Your Loved One is a Victim of Domestic Violence

  7/16/2010

  When you recognize warning signs that a loved one might be in an abusive situation, it is tough to know how to handle it. Here are some steps you can take to help if you know or suspect abuse.
• How to Protect Your Family from Ticks and Lyme Disease

  6/10/2009

  Here are some important facts on protecting your family from ticks and Lyme disease.
• How to Reduce Ticks in Your Yard Without Chemicals

  6/10/2009

  Here are some chemical free ways to reduce ticks in your yard and around your home.
• Play Classic Arcade Video Games in Rochester, NY

  6/10/2009

  Videotopia, an international touring arcade video games exhibit, is featured at Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY.
• Baby Checklist: Preparing for a New Baby

  5/8/2009

  This is a practical baby checklist of things expectant parents need to do ahead of time when preparing for a new baby. It is not a shopping list. Instead, it is a list of helpful baby preparation tips for the home, family and hospital.
• The 'Mad World' of Adam Lambert

  4/8/2009

  Adam Lambert mesmerizes American Idol fans and judges with a haunting rendition of the Tears for Fears hit, "Mad World."
• Good Friday Activities, Crafts and Games for Kids

  3/16/2009

  Good Friday presents an excellent opportunity for parents and church teachers to engage children in activities and games that focus on the true meaning of the Easter holiday...the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
• Free Fun and Educational Easter Printables for Kids

  2/27/2009

  Parents and teachers of children can find a wide variety of fun and educational Easter printables on these websites. Here are five of the best sites.
• A Humorous Sleepwalking Story

  1/30/2009

  A humorous, personal recount from the perspective of a sleepwalker.
• A Creative Mother's Approach to Dealing with Sibling Rivalry

  1/29/2009

  Instead of getting upset, I got creative and found my own playful approach to deal with sibling rivalry. It's a parenting experiment I affectionately dubbed as Codename: Operation Baby for the Day.
• 5 Tips to Add Romance in the Bedroom

  1/22/2009

  Is your bedroom lacking in the romance department? Adding romance in the bedroom doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. With the use of some creativity and these five decorating tips, you can bring back that feeling of love to your space.
• Irish Baby Names for Girls

  1/21/2009

  Are you expecting a child and searching for a name for your baby girl? These Irish names all have traditional roots yet still have unique and fairly modern sounds to them.
• Establishing a Bedtime Routine for a Baby

  1/20/2009

  An infant can sleep almost anywhere...except for in the crib you've prepared for her. While it may not happen after the first night or two, it is possible to help your infant learn how to fall asleep in his own bed. Here's how.
• Camping in the Catskills

  7/21/2008

  Escape to the serenity and fresh air of the Catskills! For an enjoyable camping experience in the Catskills, stay at one of these four excellent campgrounds.
• How Can I Protect My Sleepwalking Child?

  7/21/2008

  What should you do when your child sleepwalks? How can you protect him or her from getting hurt? Here are some actions you can take to care for your sleepwalking child.
• Kid-Friendly Outdoor Attractions in Upstate New York

  7/15/2008

  Does the thought of braving another noisy, overcrowded amusement park make you cringe? Instead, take your family on an adventure and experience the natural beauty and history of Upstate New York.
• Ten Ways to Maximize Space and Minimize Clutter in a Small Apartment

  6/21/2008

  In order to maximize living area and minimize the build-up of unsightly clutter in a small apartment, it's necessary to employ some creative organization methods.
• Coping with Pregnancy Symptoms Present in the First Week

  6/13/2008

  Pregnancy symptoms are different for every woman and for each pregnancy. Some women experience signs within the first week of conception, possibly before they even suspect they're pregnant.
• Boudreaux's Butt Paste Ends Diaper Rash and More

  6/11/2008

  The best product on the market for treating diaper rash, as well as other minor skin irritations, is Boudreaux's Butt Paste.
• The Best Time to Get Pregnant

  6/9/2008

  A woman has only two or three fertile days each month. Learning to understand your body and its monthly ovulation cycle will help you determine the best time to get pregnant.
• 5 Healthy, Power Foods Pregnant Women Should Eat

  5/27/2008

  Eating a well-balanced diet is essential to keeping your body healthy and strong. This is even more important during pregnancy, because you're now eating for you and your unborn baby.
• Fun Fourth of July Crafts for Kids

  5/27/2008

  These four Fourth of July crafts are designed with the enjoyment of children in mind but will also make excellent decorations for an Independence Day party.
• David Cook and David Archuleta Face Off in American Idol Finale

  5/18/2008

  David Cook and David Archuleta will take the American Idol stage one last time to fight it out for the title. Here's a closer look at the weaponry each performer brings to the American Idol stage for the final battle.
• American Idol Prediction: Who's Going Home Tonight?

  5/7/2008

  Who should stay and who should go? Here's this American Idol fan's prediction.
• After Innocent Rendition, Will David Cook Become the Next American Idol?

  4/9/2008

  This is a question burning in the minds of many American Idol fans. For me, the answer is simple.
• How to Make a Personalized Mother's Day Card

  4/7/2008

  Create this fun and personalized Mother's Day pop-up card from scraps of paper, yarn, and other materials.
• How to Make a Memorable Mother's Day Gift

  4/4/2008

  Serve up a heap of love for Mother's Day with this homemade serving tray made with your child's artwork.
• How to Throw a Western Cowboy Themed Birthday Party

  3/27/2008

  Regardless of age or gender, this outdoor western party theme will earn a big "Yee-Haw" from children and parents alike.
• Paint Colors and Themes to Create a Relaxing Master Bathroom

  3/23/2008

  The best product on the market to use for a master bathroom is a Sherwin-Williams paint called Duration. Here are six great color choices and coordinating themes for a master bathroom.
• Best Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors for a Nursery

  3/21/2008

  Here a six of the best Sherwin-Williams paint colors for a nursery and decorating theme ideas that coordinate with them.
• Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!, a Movie Review

  3/17/2008

  I had the opportunity to view Horton Hears a Who! with my children on the opening day. Read on for my opinion on Hollywood's latest effort to bring a Dr. Seuss classic children's story to the big screen.
• Test Your St. Patrick's Day Knowledge

  3/4/2008

  How much do your really know about Saint Patrick, leprechauns, and other trivia about this Irish holiday?
• Hosting a Wet and Wild Teen Birthday Party

  3/4/2008

  Help your teen celebrate his or her birthday "Spring Break" style with these suggestions for a beach party for teenagers.
• Product Review: Old Navy Jeans for Women

  3/4/2008

  My daunting quest for the perfect jeans ended happily...at Old Navy!
• Why I Love the Old Navy Maternity Line

  3/3/2008

  Thanks to the Old Navy maternity line, pregnancy doesn't have to mean sacrificing your fashion sense or dipping into your unborn child's college fund to pay for your maternity wardrobe.
• Top 10 Songs by Genesis

  2/25/2008

  With the group's variety of styles and songs, singling out the top ten songs by Genesis was not an easy task. After some careful consideration, here are my top ten songs by Genesis.
• Top Ten Dance Songs of the '50s

  2/22/2008

  Now it's time to throw on your poodle skirts and letter sweaters, grab your partner, and get ready to shake with these top 10 dance songs of the '50s.
• American Idol Eliminates Four Contestants

  2/21/2008

  After over 28 million votes from American fans, not one, not two, but four contestants were sent home from American Idol.
• Dancing with the Stars: Season Six Celebrities Announced

  2/19/2008

  The cast for season six of Dancing With the Stars is packed with talented award-winning actors and athletes. Read on to find out more about the celebrities and their partners for the competition.
• American Idol Contestants Rock Hollywood Week

  2/13/2008

  Hollywood Week for American Idol Season 7 brought many changes in the competition and showcased talent that promises to be the best yet!
• A Perfect Gift for Any Occasion...Candy Flowers

  2/9/2008

  Flowers and candy are popular gifts for Valentines' Day, an anniversary, Mother's Day, a birthday, and just about any other occasion. This craft project shows how to make a bouquet of candy flowers for your loved one.
• Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

  2/6/2008

  Help your kids make a unique Valentine's Day gift and recycle your old cardboard egg cartons and scrap materials at the same time.
• Healthy Snack Food Recipe Your Kids Will Love

  2/5/2008

  This trail mix includes ingredients that will fill your children with a healthy assortment of fruit, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. The secret to this healthy snack food recipe is that kids love the taste so much they forget it's good for them!
• Winter Weather Hits Upstate New York

  2/1/2008

  Upstate New York is hit hard by storm. Strong winds and an icy mix of hail and rain wreak havoc on roads and powerlines.
• How to Make Your Own Wedding Favors

  1/31/2008

  Don't waste your money and time on a meaningless favor that'll be left behind. Read on to find out how to make this unique wedding favor yourself.
• Ten Ways to Spoil Your Dog--Without Spending a Fortune

  1/29/2008

  Now, I'm not suggesting that you go to the extremes of many celebrity dog owners. Indulging your pet doesn't have to be expensive. Here are ten ways to spoil your dog without sending you to the poorhouse.
• Hershey's Ice Breakers Pacs Resemble Drugs

  1/29/2008

  Why all the fuss over candy? These breath mints, which are packaged in small pouches, look similar to illegal powdered drugs such as cocaine, crack, and heroine.
• Escape to Feathers' Creek Road

  1/29/2008

  Join me on Feathers' Creek Road as I revisit my childhood sanctuary.
• Throwing a Curious George Party

  1/18/2008

  Ideas to help you plan a Curious George party for the "little monkey" in your life.