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Mommy Dearest

Moms deserve a special day all to themselves. Being a mom myself, I am probably biased, but… I believe that being a mother is the most difficult thing a woman can do & the accomplishment is something to be celebrated!

The origins of Mother’s Day have roots in the 1600s. Mothering Day as it was called in England, became an especially compassionate holiday toward the working class women. On the Sunday of Lent, servants and trade workers were allowed to travel back to their towns of origin to visit their families. Mothering Day also provided a one-day reprieve from the fasting and penance of Lent so that families across England could enjoy a sumptuous family feast—Mother was the guest of honor. Mothers were presented with cakes and flowers, as well as a visit from their beloved and distant children.

The modern day US celebration is very similar to the celebrations of the English so long ago. We shower our Mothers with flowers, greeting cards and gifts to thank them for their devotion and love. However, the Holiday is not specific to the United States and is celebrated all over the world in a number of different ways.

Argentina: During Día de la madre, young children gather their mothers together and read them poetry.
Japan: On haha no hi, families prepare traditional dishes that their mothers taught them to cook. The Japanese give their Mothers flowers (especially red carnations), scarves, handkerchiefs and handbags.

3. United Kingdom: The Mother’s day traditions include a gift of violet and the customary Simnel Cake, a glazed fruitcake inspired by a folk tale about a married couple, Simon and Nell. So the story goes, this pair could not decide bake or broil a cake. So in the end they did both. Thus Simnel Cake was born.

Finland: Mother’s Day is called aidipayiva and in the morning the family takes a walk, picks new flowers and makes a bouquet for their mother. A particular flower called the valkovuokko is favored. Mom is then presented with a decorated bouquet, while also being served breakfast in bed.
Sweden: Mother’s Day takes a charitable course; the Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children.

This year to celebrate our wonderful Mothers in a new and different way, perhaps we can adopt a few of the unique customs that are celebrated around the world. Read a poem to your mom, bake a cake, serve her breakfast in bed, or make a charitable donation in her name. Take it from someone who knows, she will appreciate the originality and thought that is put into making Mother’s Day such a special and wonderful day of celebration!

Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs. She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine. You can contact Lisa directly at: lisa@regionzkidz.com

Will Your Child Be Prepared for Careers That Don�t YET Exist?

"We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist,
Using technologies that haven’t been invented,
In order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet."

- Karl Fisch, Educator and author of "Did You Know"

When we grew up, the employment rate was fairly stable. Our greatest concern was having to compete against a few "local" job applicants to get a "good" job.

Our children, however, will face new challenges.

Government Fights Obesity in Schools

Government Fights Obesity In Schools

Millions of school meals offered across the country are set to become healthier as the Department of Agriculture (USDA) fights to curb the growing obesity epidemic. There are new standards and guidelines being set which should influence and affect millions of children countrywide. Despite the introduction of double the vegetables and fruit on offer, the USDA has not removed French fries from ANY school menu, even though it�s known these are amongst the most damaging foods available.

Study Skills Resolve 50% of Caseloads, According to School Psychologists

Our first home as young newlyweds was a small bungalow built in 1942. We purchased the house in the month of August, many months before we discovered the drafty windows. As the Michigan winter rushed in, it literally rushed right through our house. Day after day. Month after month. Winter after winter.

It took a few years, but we finally saved enough money to buy new windows... five-thousand dollars! The windows were installed one summer and we looked forward to FINALLY being warm as winter approached.

8 Wonderful Facts about Mother's Day

Mothers Day is one of the best known holidays. This is when children and husbands get together and spend the day making their mother feel like the most important person in the world. Because, after all, she is the one who nurtures and helps people to grow, and teaches a great deal of life lessons. Not to mention she deals with a large amount of craziness that comes from being a mother! However, in different parts of the world this holiday means different things, as you will learn while reading, along with other interesting facts.

Peak Nutrition Tips For Busy Families

Our world and lifestyles have changed a great deal over the past decade. Ask anyone what they think is different now compare to 10 years ago, and they will likely tell you they have less time, more stress and they are working harder than ever. Constantly feeling rushed or stressed is something that tends to creep up on you, until one day you suddenly realize that life is not quite the same as it used to be.

When we are busy or stressed, we tend to make poor nutritional choices, and that can actually make us feel even more stressed. Poor food choices can cause other health related problems as well which causes even more stress.

The following tips will help you create a healthier diet even if your time is limited and your stress is overwhelming.

What Is Diabetes Type 1.5?

October 18, 2010 marked a special day for the diabetes community. It was the first day of the first annual LADA Awareness Week. What is LADA? Often referred to as type 1.5 diabetes, LADA is an abbreviation for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. It is often misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed and there are many physicians unfamiliar with it altogether.

LADA (or type 1.5 diabetes) generally affects adults in the age range of 35-50. This person usually has some of the signs and symptoms found in type 1 diabetes, but because of their age, they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About 10% of the diabetic population has LADA, and it may be somewhat more common than type 1 diabetes. Among those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, up to 15-20% may have been misdiagnosed, and actually have LADA.

Here are some facts that distinguish LADA (type 1.5 diabetes) from type 2 diabetes:

Reading with Your Children: Developing Good Habits Early

It's the 21st century, and most children would much rather watch a few hours of Disney Channel or Nickelodeon than read a book. Plus, after a long day of school, some of those children's shows can be therapeutic. Let's be honest: most of us are guilty of letting our children sit in front of the television in order to snag a few extra minutes to ourselves as well. After all, it's unlikely that their concentration will be diverted from the newest episode of Hannah Montana or Sponge Bob Square Pants. This means more time for you to get some housework done without interruption.

Kids activity:G is for Green Gumball!

LETTER G THEME

G is for GUMBALL and GREEN.

This fun activity will have children making their own green paint and then taking part in Green Gumball painting!

What you will need:

* Blue & Yellow paint

* Plastic bowls

* Plastic spoons

* White construction paper

* Green Gumballs

* Painting Tray or a Shoebox lid

What you do:

Instruct the children to mix equal amounts of blue and yellow paint into a plastic bowl.

Jelly Bean Math-Learning Activity for Kids

PRESCHOOL THEME: MATH

Children will have a blast counting with Jelly Bean Math!

What you will need:

* Poster board

* Markers

* Jelly Beans