Tips | Techniques | Advice at Mommy Living the Life of Riley

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April
9
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 9th, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

SextingAccording to recent national surveys, approximately one out of five teenagers has sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves, and two out of five have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages.

Nearly half of all teenagers claim to have received such messages. Unfortunately, most parents do not know this activity is occurring, and worse yet, they do not know how to manage a sexting incident after the fact.

Today, uKnow.com, the leading provider of Parental Intelligence Systems including uKnowKids, is providing parents five tips to help prevent or manage a sexting incident.  According to Tim Woda, an Internet and child safety expert and co-founder of uKnow.com: "Sexting does not only affect the reputation of the person involved, it also comes with legal ramifications.

In fact, the same minor that sends photos of himself can become both a victim and a perpetrator of child pornography laws. Forwarding such messages to friends or mobile contacts can also come with serious ramifications.

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April
6
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 6th, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

Holiday Gift CardsGift cards have topped the list of most requested presents for five years running, but some recipients inevitably end up disappointed. Whether you have a collection of unwanted cards you're looking to unload or just haven't decided what you want to buy, use these tips to get the most from your holiday gift cards.

1. Review Details
Despite new federal regulations for gift cards resulting from the Credit CARD Act, retailers are finding their way around the rules. A recent article in Canadian Business points out bank-issued gift cards from MasterCard and VISA often include additional purchase fees on top of the balance of the card. Other cards included as a bonus with your purchase are actually treated more like coupons, with short expiration dates or product restrictions. Before you stick these away in your wallet, read up on the rules and regulations.

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April
5
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 5th, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

Teens in TroubleAdolescence is difficult in the best of times. It’s doubly stressful for kids today; they're experiencing the same worries and insecurities as adults in this troubled economy, and with far fewer coping skills. From families struggling with joblessness and foreclosure to increasing competition for college admissions to the normal fears associated with impending adulthood, they're particularly vulnerable.

"Teens who are overwhelmed by stress often are unable or unwilling to ask for help," says noted psychologist Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, author of When Your Teenager Becomes…The Stranger in Your House.

"But the longer they continue to flail and struggle emotionally, the greater the chance they'll develop more serious problems like clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, dependence on alcohol or drugs and, sadly, suicidal tendencies," Jantz says. "It’s up to parents and other adults to recognize when a teen is struggling and intervene."

So how do you know when typical teen characteristics, such as moodiness, have moved beyond "normal?" Jantz offers these tips:

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April
4
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 4th, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

Working OutStarting a new workout regimen but don’t know where to start or how to get motivated? Darren Capik, CEO of Watch It Now Entertainment (WIN), America’s premier fitness production house, has just the answers.

When setting a weight loss goal, or any goal for that matter, it is important to remember that the change does not happen overnight. Weight loss is a steady process and focusing on each achievement along the way is a rewarding part of the ultimate goal! Weight loss starts with tweaking your lifestyle and adding exercise into your regimen. Following are Darren’s tips to kick start your fitness journey:

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April
3
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 3rd, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

Christmas on a BudgetMoms and Dads, you have fewer than twelve days to wrap up that Christmas shopping. You can't afford that iPad 2 any more than twelve lords 'a leaping, but you don't want to disappoint Junior when he unwraps Santa's offerings. Just how much is this day going to cost you?

In 2009, Christmas gift shopping averaged nearly $700 per person, according to the National Retail Federation -- and numbers have only increased since then. In short, this holiday can send us into serious debt if we're not realistic with our budgets. We'd all like to be that person who thoughtfully buys gifts on sale throughout the year, but most of us are staring dumbly at our checking account a week and a half out wondering what to do.

Take comfort in knowing you're not alone. Get to work with these eight thrifty shopping (and swapping) tips and start a new Christmas tradition this year: staying in-budget.

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April
3
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on April 3rd, 2012    Filed in: Tips, Techniques, How-Tos & Advice

Spring Fruits and VeggiesFor many of us, spring means social gatherings, the start of baseball season and weekend road trips for families that are anxious to get out and about after a cold winter. Spring also signifies the start of a new season where makeovers and spring cleaning are all the rage.  In the spirit of fresh starts and new seasons, why not revamp your fridge for the Spring and pack it with the best produce for your family?

A great way to celebrate is with tips on the top fruits and veggies for spring from Meal Planning Expert and Produce for Kids POP (Parents on Produce) advisory board member, Brenda Thompson.

Please see below the Top 10 Fruits and Veggies of the Spring Season and why they are nutritional powerhouses.

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