Next Generation Parenting

Through Facebook, I was introduced to a parenting blog with great articles and resources. Next Generation Parenting. Founded by a husband and wife who have a baby on the way, the site is set to launch in early 2009. They're looking for bloggers to contribute to their site. Already, I'm impressed with the content that I've come across, from the article on Teaching Kids about Money to that of fingerprinting your child - the articles are relevant, interesting and include some fabulous contributors, all in one site.

Head on over to read articles categorized under education, teenagers, communication, child development, safety, special children, motherhood, entertainment and several others.

You can also join their Facebook group to be kept up to date on the latest articles and resources.

Divorce & Financial Decisions

Sunday's Business section of the San Diego Union-Tribune brought up a different point-of-view when dealing with a divorce. Financial separation is oftentimes more damaging than the emotional break-up for couples and author Linda Leitz shares her perspective in her new book, We Need to Talk: Money & Kids After Divorce.

She writes about financial responsibility and teaching children of divorce how to manage money but of course, leading by example, is the best way to educate. Leitz claims that the five stages of grief can apply to money matters as well as emotional ones:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

Of course, as with every relationship where one goes through a grieving period, when one stage isn't resolved in a healthy manner, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for that same individual to reach the final stage of acceptance.

There are specialists who help couples separate financially so that everyone is taken care of, especially the children of those involved. If you can work together to focus on the financial security of your loved ones, here's some suggestions for ways in which to help ease the task of splitting your net worth:

• Get information.
• Get tax and financial advice.
• Dump the house.
• Talk about college.
• Consider kick-out clauses.
• Mediate.

Many people stay together for the sake of the children, but even more couples stay together because they can't afford two mortgages or additional bills. Don't dismiss your financial health whether you're in a relationship or not. Your kids will thank you for it when they grow up to be responsible with their money after learning by example.

It Takes a (San Diego) Village

Redirecting Children's Behavior (RCB) of San Diego is proud to present

The First Annual "IT TAKES A VILLAGE" Conference

A 1-day convention for parents, teachers, coaches, grandparents, caregivers,
and anyone who interacts with children.

September 20, 2008
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

University of San Diego
Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110

Over a dozen parenting workshops will be held throughout this one-day event. Here are just a sample of courses offered:

• Consequences that Work
  
• Effective Parent-Child Communication
  
• Enjoying the Teen Years
  
• Flower Essence Therapy
  
• Power Struggles in the Classroom
  
• Handling Sibling Rivalry
  
• Kids and Money, Abundance and Scarcity
  
• Let’s Talk about Sex..the Birds and the Bees (Please help me prepare for this workshop by filling out this questionnaire!)
• New Tools and Techniques in Place of Praise
  
• Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom
  
• Redirecting for the Single Parent
  
• Couple's Communication
  
• Strategies for Parents in High-conflict Divorce
  
• Welcome to the Wonderful World of Sports
  
• Balancing Love with Discipline (English & Spanish)
  
• No I Won’t & You Can’t Make Me! (English & Spanish)
  

Keynote Speaker, Max Simon will join over a dozen Certified Parent Educators* from the San Diego RCB team to inspire peace!

Max Simon, a new school leader of consciousness, has toured the country with Deepak Chopra M.D. and his father, Dr. David Simon, teaching meditation and yoga to thousands of people.

Also presenting will be Emcee, Jeff Detrow from Star 94.1 (the Jeff‐N‐Jer Radio Show) and Susie Walton, founder of Indigo Village and recipient of the San Diego Parent Educator of the Year award. Susie will be presenting a special message about Indigo Children.

Register before September 13th for your early-bird discount!

*Educators are certified through the International Network for Children and Families (INCAF).

Financial Responsibility

In our culture, it's not polite to talk about money. While it's public information as to what the CEOs of major corporations are taking in on an annual basis, why is it such a taboo topic among us "regular" folks?

Now, I'm not going to proceed by telling you what I earn in a year but I do know this: with the price of gas going up and up and up, along with the cost of everything else, I'm afraid to see what the tuition costs will be like when my son gets to that point.

According to the College Cost Calculator, I'm on the right track. How about you?

fawn and forest

I would love to have another baby, just so I have an excuse to buy these beautifully designed products that I didn't know about the first time around. No, really. I would love to have another baby...eventually. Now, if or when that actually does happen, I'd have to actually find a way to afford these things. For now, I'll add them to my Baby's Registry list and think of ways to make some money in the meantime....donations anyone?

Seriously. Wouldn't you love to own these beautifully designed products for your little one?

tetra 2 | dresser + changing table


aerial crib toddler bed conversion kit


lullaboo changing table

henry IV high chair

playdate table + stools

mini bent ply stand

doodle drawer desk

(My son has this desk and we both adore it.
He colors or eats his snacks there, uses it to put together puzzles or watch TV.
It was definitely worth every penny.
And it was easy to put together, too.)


numbers poster


kids snack set | letter


organic dandelion jumper


animal puzzle

All products available through fawn & forest