Back to School!

Yes, it's that time again! In the next few weeks, we will be sending our precious ones back to school. Don't get over whelmed, because that is very easy to do. Let's take this in little baby steps so that we won't feel the pressure with everything else we as mothers have to do. I will just share some of the things I do that helps me get threw this time of year. First, I start with pulling out last years clothes to see what fits and what doesn't. If you have multiple kids like myself, it may take you a couple of days. Once you know what you have, then you will know what you need to get. Make the list simple and don't shop for the whole year, because if you children are anything like mines, they grow like weeds.

Next, you want to start looking for sales for the best deals on school supplies. I start picking up supplies my kids need as they go on sale so that I don't have to sped a ton of money at once. If you haven't received the school supply list from your child's/children's school, check the schools website. More and more schools are posting the supply list their website online.

Last but not least...... Start getting organized so that it will be smooth sailing when school starts. I start having my children start going to bed earlier so that they start getting use to the new bedtime. Yes, there is a lot to do, but if you plan it out right, you will have a great start to your kids school year!
~Entrepremommy~

Trying to "Work" With Kids

I think that the best thing that has ever happened to me was having my children. They bring me so much joy and happiness. Because they are in my life, my drive has pushed me to do my very best and reach for the stars. Now, with all that being said...... One of the most challenging thing in my life is juggling my work schedule and my kids schedule. Even when I was still married it was still very challenging. My children spent most of their school days in a latchkey program before and after school. Summer time is sometime to hardest time to find sitters for your children. Here is what i have learned. I have learned to find out what was a priority to me and start from there. Because spending time with my kids was a priority, I learned to search for jobs and businesses that would allow me to have more flexibility with my schedule. I found great paying jobs that would let me make my own schedule and work outside of the office, also starting my own business (www.ardysslife.com/c.amour) that allowed me to work mostly from home. Now, I don't know about you,  I still am in need of child care while I work from home, but for way less hours in a day. Because I have 4 children i find it hard to concentrate on work when they are home. If you are in need for childcare for your children, my suggestion to you is not to hesitate in talking to their school administration and also local mothers to see what they are doing with their children. That has always worked for me. My children are in a great summer program this summer at their local school that is hosted by the city where I live. I would have never found out about it, if I didn't ask around to the other mothers in my area. My children LOVE the program and it was very inexpensive. You won't know, if you don't ask! ~ Entrepremommy~

A Scary Holiday

 

The holidays are right around the corner and should be a joyous and happy occasion to share with friends, family and loved ones. Unfortunately this is a time where domestic violence occurs most often. For some, this holiday season will be a scary and frightening time. As statistics show , women and children will experience one or more types of abuse. Domestic Violence dose not discriminate. It happens n every type of households in every religion, race, financial background, language and origin. We need to educate ourselves to the different types of abuse there are. It's not just the physical abuse that is a problem, there are many different types. the most common types of abuse that will be experienced around the holidays are  

•  neglect
•  physical abuse
•  sexual abuse
•  emotional abuse

Here are a few signs of an Abusive Relationship 

• Calling you offensive or derogatory names or insults your intelligence
• Humiliating you in front of other people
• Threatens you with physical violence, abandonment, or harm to others you love
• Threatens to harm them self if you leave the relationship or agree to their wishes
• Shows excessive jealousy around your friends and family
• Isolates you from friends, family, or your community
• Tries to control what you wear, eat, say, spend time with, spend money on, etc.
• Blames you for their actions
• Threatens to 'out' you as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans-gender person
• Threatens to infect you with an illness, like a sexually transmitted infection
• Withholds or threatens to withhold medication
• Hurts you physically in any way
• Pressures you into having any sexual contact against your will
• Becomes violent or controlling when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Is violent towards animals or people
• Steals money from you, or wont allow you access your own money
• Tries to stop you from working or making money
   

The more we know about domestic violence the better we are able to see the signs of abuse and maybe stop ourselves from getting into those types of relationships. We will also be able to see signs if someone we know and love is in an unhealthy relationship. We will be able to be there for them if they need our help.  I myself was in an abusive relationship and I'm very grateful to my family and friends for being there to support me when I myself needed the help. All I know is that I didn't have the strength to do it for myself,but I knew I had to do it for my children. I didn't want my daughter to think it was normal for a man to treat her the way I had been treated. I didn't want my son to become an abuser to women. What ever your reason is, just know that you desire not to live in fear.


 Canetha Amour  ~Entrepremommy~