Taking a winter vacation with your kids always seems like a great idea, but it can often leave you feeling like you need another vacation when you get home! With a little planning, you can take a vacation with your kids this winter and return feeling as if you actually got the break you needed. Just follow these three golden rules:

1. Stay At A Resort With a Kid’s Program.

Whether you are planning a ski vacation or fun on an island in the Caribbean, make your life simpler by booking rooms at a resort with a day program for kids. Many larger resorts and some hotels have activity programs for children, where they can do arts and crafts, outdoor activities, play music, even take lessons in skiing, surfing, or whatever sport the area has to offer.

Some of the programs are for a few hours a day, others are half-day programs, and some will keep your kids busy all day if you want. Even if you never use the program, it’s a good thing to have one on site. Parents need time to relax, and your kids will want a break from you too. While your kids have a ball, you can get a massage, read a book poolside, or whatever strikes your fancy. When your kids rejoin you, there will be much to talk about.

Make sure you inquire about the ages the children’s program covers, and call to reserve space in advance. If you have your heart set on a specific hotel that does not have a program for children, find out if they partner with other hotels that do have one, or if there are fun classes that might be appropriate for children.

2. Keep the Schedule Flexible.

If there is one time your family should be free of obligations and rushing about, it’s on vacation. Kids – and therefore parents – experience over-scheduling in the real world; they don’t need it on vacation.

Your family vacation does not have to mean you spend 100% of your time doing activities that involve the whole family. When kids get dragged to “must-see” historical sites, or daylong shopping adventures, tempers are sure to flare.

If you are traveling with more than one adult, split up and let kids do what they want to do. You and your partner, or other adult family members can take turns chaperoning the kids, while the others do “grown-up stuff”.

Instead of stuffing the day with sightseeing and other activities, sit down together at breakfast (or dinner the night before) and kick around various options for the day. You might set a time for meals, so that older kids and teenagers can roam about and still have a time to check in with the grown-ups.

3. Learn Something New Together.

Family vacations are a fantastic way to reconnect with your kids and do some serious bonding. One of the best ways to do this is to sign up to learn something new together. Whether it is a ropes course in Hawaii, learning to snowshoe in Vermont, or surfing lessons in Fiji, taking a class or going on a guided adventure is a sure way to foster togetherness.

Choose something everyone can do together, and keep it to a half-day or under time-wise. If you have very small children, you might consider getting a babysitter for them, so the older children can have some real fun with you. Remember to check reviews of various instructors and guides, and get referrals from your hotel or resort.

When you follow the three golden rules of vacations with kids, your family getaway will be one to remember – this time because you actually had fun!

Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill

By: Pat Brill

About the Author:

If you own a pet chances are you might be faced with the need for someone reliable to look after your pet.

Pet sitters care for your pet just a babysitter cares for your child while you are gone. Pet sitters do much more than just providing food and water. A good pet sitter will look after your pet as you would yourself. A pet sitter will provide exercise, some playtime, some attention and also be aware if your pet needs veterinary attention.

People with exotic or particularly high maintenance pets will benefit from the services of a pet sitter.

Pet sitters will allow for the most positive experience your pets can have while you are away. Pet sitters offer the added advantage of allowing your pets to stay in their own environment while you are away. Your pet will be less stressed than if they where in one of the more traditional options for pet’s whose owners are away.

Pet sitters provide one on one attention and the special care that your beloved pet will require in your absence.

Hiring a pet sitter will not only give you peace of mind but will also save you worrying about your pet while you are away. Your home is also a lot safer. You have someone who will pick up the mail, water the plants and check on the general welfare of the entire home.

It’s worth the extra expense for the added peace of mind.

CHOOSING A PET SITTER

If you are going to go to the trouble to pay someone to look after your pet and home while you are gone, you will want to spend some time choosing the best pet sitter for you and your pet.

Make sure you see some qualifications.

Also make sure to ask for references, and follow up. This is the best way to get some idea of how reliable your pet sitter is. Glowing references are the best way to gauge which is the best pet sitter for your home.

You can start with the phone book or an online search. You can ask your Veterinarian for a reference. The vet often knows who the best pet sitter in the area is.

It’s best to line up a few different options. Arrange interviews with them all. Check to see how they interact with your animal. Many pet owners know hat animals can be fussy too!

When interviewing your prospective pet sitter it’s useful to see if the sitter asks a variety of questions too. The pet sitter should be interested in any medical conditions your pet might have, likes, dislikes allergies etc. If your sitter does not ask these questions rather choose someone who is genuinely concerned about the well being of your pet.

When choosing a pet sitter you don’t want to take any chances. After all it’s not just your pet who is vulnerable it’s the entire contents of your home too!

You can things a bit easier for your pet sitter too. Buying extra pet food and treats, leaving clear instructions and taking your pet for his regular checkups will ensure that things go smoothly. If you have a pet that is fussy or has a medical condition make sure you leave clear instructions for the sitter as to how to handle the situation.

Also if you have a complicated alarm system or security system make sure to explain clearly to the sitter how to get in and out, and how to secure the property in your absence. Leave a copy of your keys with a trusted neighbor and explain that you will be away. You can never have too many people keeping their eyes open.

Now that you know your pet and home are being well looked after, you can have a relaxed holiday. All that’s left to do is enjoy your vacation!

By: Steve Allison

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For the debtor who is already at the end of his rope and trying to figure out how to get out of debt, the last thing he needs to worry about is whether the debt counselor he has chosen to help him is going to make his problems worse. He needs to be assured that he is not making a mistake by choosing debt counseling over bankruptcy or working out a settlement with the creditors.

The first thing one should do to gain some certainty that the debt counselor they are planning to choose is reputable is to check with the Better Business Bureau. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee since they only have on file information from people who have filed complaints, so if it’s a new company or one who has had no complaints filed against it, you really aren’t going to know. Nonetheless, this is the best tool you have, and you should utilize it to the greatest degree possible.

Another way to find out the reputation of a debt counseling service is through word of mouth. If the company is reputable, they will not mind providing you with information about other clients. Of course you want to be sure that they are not giving out false or unsolicited information. If they are really reputable, they will likely have something on their application allowing them to release information to other potential clients.

If it’s a local company, perhaps you even know people who have utilized their services. If they are not willing to give you references you can check, then you’re much better off to move forward to someone who is willing to cooperate with you. In most, though not all, cases, refusal to provide references means there is something they are trying to hide, and this is not the kind of person with whom you want to do business.

The Internet is a wonderful place to search for information on various subjects, and if there is a company of questionable reputation, there is more than likely a forum that has been set up to complain about this company. Strange as it may seem, people on the Internet actually set up websites, forums, and groups on Yahoo and MSN to do nothing more than complain about companies they feel have treated them unfairly.

Utilize all the tools that are at your disposal, and if it’s a local company, be sure you check with all of the local agencies including the Attorney General’s Office who would know of any illegal activity that has been reported. If you have come this far, you do not have the funds to be taken for a ride, so you want to be very careful to whom you give your money. It’s not going to help your situation if the person you choose doesn’t do the job they promise to do, and you can’t even collect damages in court if they ultimately close down their operation.

Choose a company who has been in business long enough to have a record of clientele, and choose one you feel is looking out for your best interests and not just wanting to take your money. Choose a debt counselor as carefully as you would choose a babysitter for your newborn baby.

By: Darnell Scott

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When you leave your kids with a babysitter do you genuinely enjoy your time away?

Maybe I should rephrase that question. When was the last time you actually took some time for your partner and yourself by utilizing the services of a paid babysitter whom you trusted and the kids loved?

Or…are you simply scared to leave your kids with a sitter? (That’s okay. It IS scary the first time.)

You already know that regular, quality time away from the responsibilities of parenting can help you be a better parent. But honestly, you’ll need peace of mind about your children’s care if you are going to truly refresh yourself while you’re away.

This is simpler than you think. You can use readily available tools to accomplish this with ease. The first tool you’ll want to take advantage of is a babysitter checklist.

A babysitter checklist can ensure peace of mind by helping you keep track of what’s most important. For example…

– Do you worry that your children won’t be properly cared for while you’re out for the evening? Then use your babysitter checklist to detail what activities, what foods and what schedule you want for your children during that time period. A bonus of this approach is that both babysitter and children will be kept busy while you’re away.

– Do you worry about safety issues while you’re gone for a few hours? Put those important numbers such as fire, emergency help, and poison control directly on your babysitter checklist. Always leave a phone number where you can personally be reached. If you have specific safety routines in your home, detail all such information on your checklist and go over it with your babysitter before leaving for the evening.

– Keep any requests on your checklist specific to avoid misinterpretation. Don’t say that movies are okay for the kids to watch…write down exactly which movies are acceptable to you. The same goes for TV programs and music choices, too. (If you need a simple and no-cost babysitter checklist for your own use, please see the author’s resource box at the end of this article.)

You will still need to find a babysitter you can trust. I have always found that a personal recommendation is best when it comes to finding a new sitter. Once you’ve located a new sitter, have a ‘test sit’ so everyone can get acquainted. You might want to consider hiring your new babysitter to care for your children while you are in another area of your home. Again, use your babysitter checklist to give as detailed instructions as you like, so that your new babysitter knows EXACTLY what is expected of him or her.

One more thing…pay your babysitter well. You are asking someone to care for your most precious treasures and, let’s face it, quality costs. If money is an issue for you then be creative with your time away and reduce your costs on that end as opposed to trying to cut your babysitter’s salary.

Coordinating and organizing your time away from your children can make such events very valuable for both you and your family. Take the time to find the right sitter and use a simple babysitter checklist to make everyone feel comfortable and secure.

By: Colleen Langenfeld

About the Author:

It is important to all parents and caregivers who have young children to be able to take a break away from the children and go out together. I can remember the first time we got a baby sitter for our little baby girl. We went somewhere close in case we needed to rush home. We weren’t needed, but the anticipation of all that could go wrong was with us. We have five daughters and the nice thing is it got easier with each child for us to leave and have a fun night out together without bringing the baby with us in our minds and exclusively in our conversations. We knew we had a babysitter who took good care of our children.

There are some things that can and must be done which will relieve your minds about leaving your children with others and will help them to be the best sitter possible for your child.

Always have an informational interview with the prospective sitter before hiring them. Even if you know their parents or other children they have cared for take time to get to know them yourself to see if they will be a good fit for your children. Find out the sitters age, interests, and experience and get references to check later. Share with them your expectations of what you look for in a baby sitter. (Only tending the children or also tidying up the house and in some cases doing the dishes after the children are in bed etc.).

After you have hired a new babysitter allow 30 minutes before you need to leave the house to take time to do the following:

*Tour your home
*Show her where everything is she’ll need during the time she is tending.
*Discuss your house rules and expectations. Let her know there are some things she is NEVER to do….
*Never allow strangers into the house. This means you never have repairmen or anyone else scheduled to come to your home when you aren’t there.
*Never tell a caller that you are the babysitter home alone with the children. They are to take a message and tell the person calling that you will return their call when you can.
*Never go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and CALL THE POLICE. Be sure that all the doors and windows are locked. (Doors and windows should be locked as soon as you leave).
·Show her what food she can and cannot eat.
·Tell her what foods the children can eat and where they can eat.
·Discuss your TV, computer and phone rules.
·If you allow your babysitter to have a visitor, discuss your expectations.
·Show her the children’s rooms and where she can find their clothing and toys.
·Discuss bed time and what she can do if she has problems with the child not wanting to go to bed.
*If you have a pool, you decide whether the children are allowed to swim while you are away. Unless the babysitter is trained in lifeguard skills, don’t allow swimming. Emphasize the critical importance of protecting the children from pool dangers.
·Show her where the basic first aid kit is kept.
·If your child is taking medicine, write the instructions and dosages on each child’s medication and instruct her on giving any medication. Discuss any of your child’s allergies and how to handle an allergy reaction.
·Demonstrate using the home alarm system and leave written instructions.
·Skip baths as there are two risks in the tub: drowning and burns from scalding water.
·Go over the house rules to avoid any confusion
·Prohibit smoking

Babysitters who do a good job tending your children need to be rewarded with good pay. Let them know when you hire them how much you pay.

Here is a baby sitter check list with some suggestions of the type of instructions to give; it can help you remember everything you want to tell the sitter and is a resource for her to refer to:

BABYSITTER’S CHECKLIST

GENERAL INFORMATION
* (Parent’s names):___________________
* Our home address:_________________
* Our home phone:# _________________
* (Mother’s name here)cell phone #:
* (Father’s name here) cell phone #:

IN AN EMERGENCY, IF WE CAN’T BE REACHED, CONTACT:
* (Name of friends): Friends/Home #_____________________
* (Her) Cell# __________________(His) Cell# _____________
* (Name of friends): Friends/Home# ____________________
* (Her) Cell #____________________(His) Cell #____________

FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION:
* (Name)(relationship to parents) Phone# _________________
* (Name) (relationship to parents) Phone #________________

EMERGENCY HELP NUMBERS:
* Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
* Police/Fire Dept: 911

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED:
* Consulting Nurse: _________________________________
* Insurance Company: _____________ / Group#: _________
* Childs Name: _________________/ ID# ______________
* Policy Holder’s Name: ______________________________
* Instructions: ___________________________________________
* Location of ER if need to go to the hospital :_(North side, west wing etc. If you have an adult sitting for you when you are out of town)___________________
* Address ____________________
* Phone #_____________________

We will be at:
Place: __________________________
Address: ________________________
Phone #: _______________________ (if applicable)

(Child’s name) Typical Routine: E.A.S.Y These are sample instructions if you are going to be gone overnight.

Morning:
Eat:
Activity:
Sleep:
You:
Afternoon:
Eat:
Activity:
Sleep:
You: You time…

Evening:
Eat: Eats dinner around 6p.m/6:30
Activity: Play
7p.m. Bath Time
Sleep: Between 7:30 & 8p.m. Story time (ABC book)
You: You time…

Activity Suggestions: (Tell what the child likes to do)
Driving Anywhere-

*Other Info:

In Case of Emergency:
Binki:
Bath Time:
Nap Time/Bed time:
Food Suggestions:
Breakfast: Menu and instructions such as:
Lunch: Menu and instructions if child feeds himself.
Snacks: List of foods
Dinner: Menu
Other:
Friends/TV/Internet/Doors/Phone:

Animals:
(Name of pet)

Marilyn is a professional organizer who works with women and seniors in clearing clutter and providing organizing tips. Clearing clutter helps those she works with to have less stress in their lives and feel more joy in living.

By: Marilyn Bohn

About the Author:

As a new parent, leaving your precious, little bundle with a babysitter can be a scary thought. It isn’t always feasible to leave the baby with a relative or a friend. You may need to find a trustworthy babysitter in your area so that you and your spouse can have some much needed alone time in order for you to reconnect as a couple.

Finding a babysitter you trust can be a tough venture. It is said that accidents are one of the leading causes of death for children who are older than 1 year old. Teenagers are the usual babysitter that one picks, so it is important that the babysitter you choose has all the skills they will need in case an unforeseen accident occurs.

Where to Look for a Babysitter

A great place to look for the ideal babysitter for your family is right in your own community. You can ask around at your place of business, see if anyone is available from your church or put up flyers in the local area high schools advertising for a trustworthy babysitter. You may want to speak to some of the teachers in the school and ask for any recommendations they may have. You can also look to some of your friends and neighbors and see if they have anyone they use that they trust implicitly. Some questions you may want to ask is how many children they have babysat at one time and if any type of accident or problems occurred while they were on duty.

A more modern updated way to look for a baby sitter is to use the internet. There are online sites available for searching for a babysitter in your area. Check the resources box below for more information.

See How the Babysitter Interacts with Your Children

Once you have a few likely prospects, the next step is to see how the sitter and your child get along. Invite the babysitter over and ask any pertinent questions you may have. This enables you to see if your parenting methods mesh with the sitter’s experience and gives you a chance to see how the sitter handles your baby or children.

Be sure that the babysitter you are considering hiring knows first aid and CPR, and ask questions about how the sitter will handle an emergency situation. A sitter who is experienced and trustworthy should be able to provide you with references and answer all your questions easily and with knowledge.

Make Your House Rules Clear

Have the babysitter arrive at least 1/2 hour before you are set to leave. This gives you both a chance to ask any questions and for you to tell the sitter the rules of the house. Be sure you arm the babysitter with all necessary phone numbers in case of an emergency. Make it clear whether the sitter is allowed to make phone calls and if they can have any guests.

It is always a good idea to call home during the evening. This gives you peace of mind that everything at home is running smoothly and gives you a heads up if there are any problems that have occurred. The sitter will be glad to hear from you and more than happy to reassure you that all is going well.

Ask Questions When You Get Home

Ask the sitter if there were any specific trouble areas. Sometimes a babysitter will think that bad behavior from a child is a reflection on them and be reluctant to tell you about it. Clear up any misunderstandings and explain that your child often engages in that type of behavior. For instance, your child may try to avoid going to bed whether there is a sitter there or not. This is something you can address with your child and reassure the sitter that the problem is not because of something they did or did not do.

By: Cindie Thomas

About the Author:

With the challenging economic environment these days, many seasoned executives find themselves struggling to get ready for a job search. If it’s been awhile since you started your current job, you may be surprised at what’s required to embark on finding a new job and maybe a new career.

(1) Get your own email address. Choose a system like gmail, which will (a) let nearly all of your “good” messages go through, (b) easily allow attachments, and (c) never send a “mailbox full” message.

Do not under any circumstance use your employer’s email account for any job search activities – not even to receive an ezine or communicate with a career coach. Your employer has a legal right to read this email. Why take a chance?

(2) Use a professional name, not “KoolKat,” “Smith Family,” or “SusanandBen.”

For only a few dollars, you can buy a private domain from godaddy.com. You don’t need a website. Won’t it be nice to put “tim@timtimmons.com” on your business card, instead of “tim1234@yahoo.com.”

You can forward your email to a gmail account for easy access.

(3) Get a separate phone line or dedicate one phone to your job search.

Employers will not get a favorable impression when your phone gets answered by a child, a babysitter or even a guest who just happened to be visiting your home. Create a professional outgoing message. Use voicemail for messages. Don’t lose an opportunity because someone forgot to take a message or pass one along to you.

(4) Avoid sharing your job search strategies with colleagues, especially if you are still working. Keep your game face and choose confidantes carefully.

Hiring a coach may seem expensive but it could save your family relationships, keep you from saying too much at your workplace and possibly get you onto a new payroll faster.

(5) Make your mental and physical health a priority. If at all possible, keep up health club memberships that you actually use. Exercise will help you reduce stress and appear confident. Find something to enjoy every day: a walk with the dog, play time with the kids, a book or movie, or a creative outlet. When you feel frustrated an deprived you risk coming across as negative during job interviews.

(6) Choose a specialist to guide you through financial decisions. It’s easy to panic and seek a second mortgage or dip into retirement accounts, when in fact these drastic steps may not be necessary.

(7) Keep your family informed. A surprising number of self-help and career change books seem to assume every reader is single with no dependencies or ties. In fact, most people have family, communities and even pets who will affect any career decision.

By: Cathy Goodwin

About the Author: