My subscribers
About Cleverly Changing
Hi, I'm Elle Owner of CleverlyChanging. My blog seeks to encourage, empower, & inspire others to live cleverly, changing when necessary. Perfect parenting, doesn't exist, but informed and attentive parenting does. I desire to regularly share savings tips, wisdom, and experiences I gain from everyday life as a wife and mother of twins with others so we can empower each other to become better parents and better people in general.
Parent Archive
-
How to Help Your Kids Develop a Love For Science
Posted on April 23, 2013 | No CommentsScience is one of those subjects that kids love when they’re very young and then, as they grow older many kids tend to grow out of it. Hopefully, they may come back to it—but for the late elementary and middle school years, getting kids to appreciate and even love science again can be difficult. This is especially true if the child has already become convinced that he or she is bad at the subject (or those that relate to it, like math). So how can you help your kids come back to the fold, so to speak? Find Help Here’s... -
Do you still Dream Now That You’re a Mom? from Mom Blogger Heather Hopson
Posted on April 17, 2013 | No CommentsFor the first year of my daughter’s life, I put my dreams on hold. I paused pursuing my wants and desires and focused solely on my child. I told myself I was too busy to finish pre-pregnancy projects and didn’t have the time or the energy to run towards my goals. I yearned to sleep, not dream. But my dreams didn’t disappear. In fact, they grew bigger. I realized my daughter wasn’t a dream deferrer. She’s a dream fulfiller. She is my inspiration to achieve everything I hoped for before and after becoming a mom. Here are five things I’m... -
8 Ways Motherhood Changed Me
Posted on April 11, 2013 | No CommentsGuest Post Bio: Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she’s back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom for her new blog Diary of a First Time Mom (www.diaryofafirsttimemom.com) Heather is also a regular contributor for Kidville’s Voices from the Ville and Black and Married with Kids, where she pens a column called The Single Life. You can follow her journey through motherhood on Twitter @dearmomdiary. Motherhood changed me. Mostly for the better. I’m happier, healthier and more motivated than ever. You might be hesitant to change for your man, your... -
Free Audio of Greg Harris’ “Basic Homeschooling Workshop”
Posted on February 24, 2013 | No CommentsHave you ever had concerns about whether or not homeschooling might be right for your household? Do you have questions about whether or not, Homeschooling can be successful for children academically? Are you concerned about the socialization aspect of homeschooling your child/children? Do you need encouragement if you have already made the decision to home school your child/children? Are you not satisfied with the public and private schools in your area and feel that you children need more to help them to develop the way you would for them to? Does your child need more one-on-one attention to achieve academic... -
Should You Say “No” to All TV?
Posted on February 19, 2013 | No CommentsI am a stickler for educational activities. My two children were taught to read early so I would not have to rely on TV to babysit my kids when I need a few extra moments to do something around the house. Honestly, I wanted to band television altogether and I tried it for a while, but it wasn’t realistic for us. Now I allow them to watch TV in moderation. From my experience all television is not bad. Three times a week I allow my kids to watch a show. Although, I try to limit it to educational programming only,... -
7 Tips For Teaching Children Pool Safety
Posted on January 30, 2013 | 1 CommentI love my kids, and want them to have a lot of fun at our family swimming pool. But bless them, they sometimes just don’t pay attention to dear old Mom when it comes to the safety. They just want to go splash and play. So I’ve had to be creative at times to get my point across. I’d rather them think of me as a bit of a nag than experience an emergency room visit. Here are 7 tips that have worked well for me: Model the behavior. This one is not so much for me as my husband... -
Toys: Does Race Matter?
Posted on December 11, 2012 | 2 CommentsJingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way… the sound of “Jingle Bells always puts me in the mindset of being a child during the Christmas season. Now that I am a mom, with children of my own, I like to explore the same familiar tunes I once enjoyed. Together we search catalogs for toy interests and visit stores to find what types of toys they like most. Although, I allow my children to pick out their own toys, unlike some parents, I find that it gives me a keen opportunity to learn more about their personalities and personal interests.... -
Christmas is near & Walmart has some fantastic toy deals #WalmartGifts
Posted on December 6, 2012 | 10 CommentsBe sure to enter my $25 Walmart Gift Card giveaway at the bottom of this post. Presently, there are only two presents under our Christmas tree. We’ve never had a huge Christmas in the past so, I am actually ahead of the game this year. However, yesterday, I found myself writing a list for my girls. I jotted down toys that I would like them to have, here are some of my top items. Educational Video Games for their Wii: Smarty Pants Happy Feet Two (Wii) Hasbro Family Game Night 4: The Game Show (Wii) Inexpensive Kid Friendly Tablet VTech Brilliant... -
Health Moment Natural Green Soaps: Hekalu Product Review
Posted on October 24, 2012 | 1 CommentA couple of years ago when my children were first born, I made up in my mind that what I place on my body, was just as important as what I was putting inside my body. Since then, I have learned a lot about unnatural preservatives and foam causing toxins that are commonly in soaps, lotions, shampoo, detergent etc, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). In many ways these chemicals are entering people’s skin rapidly by being absorbed through their blood stream and may be causing health problems. What are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium... -
After Kids Dating can be a True Balancing Act
Posted on October 5, 2012 | No CommentsThis year one of my goals was to spend more time with my husband. Although, we met years ago and have grown up together, I feel like we are just now coming of age and really getting to know ourselves. I also realize that after having kids we need to make more conscious choices to keep our love fresh and continue to grow in love and unity. I say it all the time, “Marriage is difficult,” well at least it can be. I recently read an article in Women’s Day regarding infidelity within marriage that stated, “the key is prevention.... -
Did you know your child’s pet turtle could be illegal in the USA?
Posted on October 2, 2012 | 2 CommentsChances are you may have had a pet turtle when you were small, or at least knew a child who did. I have known several tiny turtle pet owners who were unaware of the deadly pet who was living under their roof with their children. So if you or someone you know has a small turtle living in one of their fish tanks, let them know, turtles can be harmful to their loved ones. It is surprising to learn that turtles have been illegal since 1975. According to the FDA’s website and last updated on August 30, 2012 the Center... -
Technology and our kids: How Plugged-in are they?
Posted on September 20, 2012 | No CommentsA couple of months ago I heard that the iPhone was the new rattle. Then the comment sounded absurd to me, but the hilarious part is that for many babies it’s true. The world has changed significantly since I was in high school, over 10 years ago. The internet was just starting to boom and many people were still aprehensive about it. In fact, it was very common for people not to have email addresses and most of my classmates and I did not own cellphones. My, I can’t believe I am saying this, “but times have changed.” One of... -
Review: Blue Marble Body Care Organic Lavendar & Oatmeal Soap
Posted on September 17, 2012 | No CommentsMy day typically starts at 4am, so by 9:00 pm I’m tired. However, I often still have a long to-do I need to complete. Therefore before bedtime, I take a bath to relax, write another to-do list for the next day and read so that I will sleep through the night. A couple of weeks ago I received the opportunity to try Blue Marble Body Care Botanical Soap Bar. The products are organic and safe from harmful toxins that many commercial soaps contain. The lavender and oatmeal bar became a soothing part of my night-time regiment. What I liked Most... -
Health Moment: Help Save a Life Donate your Bone Marrow
Posted on September 13, 2012 | 1 CommentSeptember is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. I am blessed and thankful that my daughter who is living with SCD continues to do well and thrive. She is such a joy to see everyday as she learns new lessons and encounters different challenges. Today, I learned that Robin Roberts the encouraging anchor woman for Good Morning America. Also known for being a beautiful, triumphant, survivor of breast cancer, recently announced her diagnosis with MDS, which is myelodysplastic syndrome. Robin is taking a leave of absence while she receives and recovers from having a bone marrow transplant. When I heard the news, I was... -
Manage Monday: Should you teach your child to go green?
Posted on September 10, 2012 | No CommentsAlthough the”Go Green” movement to conserve what is left of earth is popular and gaining steam. Being green is a way of life for me and my family. Living green just makes sense to me, if we claim to care about our families and our future, our actions will show that we are taking steps to help preserve the world around us . Thus, I believe learning to “Go Green” starts in the highchair. If we really want our children to enjoy a beautiful planet in the future, parents must teach their kids how to conserve and not waste. As... -
Mom Guilt: Where’s the Nearest Daycare?
Posted on August 20, 2012 | 2 CommentsMy kids are now 3 and I truly never felt more in love with two little people in my life, but at times I need a few moments when I can accomplish tasks without interruption. Recently, as I’ve tried to make sense of my present life and evaluate my future; I have considered sending my kids to daycare for a few hours every other day. I’m a work at home mom and the older my kids become the more I need to keep my eyes on them at all times. It is amazing what two little girls can get into when they... -
It Happened to Me – Public restrooms should be required in stores
Posted on August 14, 2012 | 6 CommentsHave you ever been in a store and needed to go to the restroom, but your request was denied? It’s Tax Free week in MD and is a great time to stack up on items kids need for school. Yesterday, I found myself looking for cheap necessities at a Dollar Tree. When we entered the store my girls quickly found found a toy to occupy them as I shopped for other items. A few minutes later an employee of the store who was restocking the shelves, turned to me and my kids and asked if I was going to buy... -
Back to School Tax Free Holidays for 2012
Posted on July 25, 2012 | 1 Comment2012′s Back to School Tax Free Holiday is almost upon us. This holiday allows consumers to buy various school related items without paying taxes on certain merchandise. The holiday last anywhere from two days to one week; however, not all states observe back to school tax free holidays. Even though this time is both fun and exciting, it can be very expensive too. Thus, many states have reserved these tax free days to help families save money for the upcoming school year. Below is a list of the states and the days that will be tax free in 2012. Every... -
Baby Blessings: Letting Babies bond with the Elderly
Posted on July 18, 2012 | 1 CommentTwo months ago, my friend gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Isabel is a loving mother and a great friend. She recently wrote a post called, “How to Bless by Baby” the post encourages parents to share their baby blessings with older people. The post really touched me because when I was younger I grew up with my elderly grandmother living in my home. I remember loving to be around her, she was my friend. She had the greatest since of humor, told the best stories, sang the prettiest songs, and recited the most exquisite poems. I am sure... -
June is National Safety Month
Posted on June 29, 2012 | No CommentsIs your family safe? Of course this is a general question, but an important one. We need to make sure our family is safe by ensuring our homes and environments are well equipped with the resources we need in case a problem arises. Safety Questions: Does your children know their phone number and address? Does your children know your first and last name? Have you installed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors? Do you know at least 2 ways to exit each room in your home? Do your children know that it is important to Stop, Drop, and Roll if...
