Is Chewing Gum Good for Your Teeth?

Is it Okay for Your Kids to Chew Gum?

Two Thumbs up for Trident Gum!

My kids love to chew gum, in fact, gum is a good bargaining chip in our house! As a health conscious mom and Dental Hygenist, it's important to me that it's sugar-free and good for their teeth. Trident Gum fits the bill on both counts. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Trident. The opinions and text are all mine.


The kids really enjoy all the amazing chewing gum flavors available - especially the fruit ones! And, I am so happy for it to meet my health requirements. So... Enjoy!

I also love, love, love that Trident supports the non-profit Smiles Across America which provides preventive dental care to underserved children. Their donation of 2.5 million dollars has helped more than 2 million children. That's a win in my book and even better - during the week of September 20, $.05 from every pack sold will be donated to help more kids (up to $250,000). Void in AL,MA, and SC.

Dental care is super important to our family, and chewing gum can actually be a great adjunct to seeing your dentist every six months along with brushing twice and day and flossing daily. Chewing Trident can actually help clean and protect your teeth and 4 out of 5 dentists recommend it to patients. There's a reason Trident was the first and is the leading sugar-free gum - cavity fighting has never tasted better!

Check out those Trident happy smiles!

What is your favorite flavor? We all have different favorites! My husband likes the blueberry and mine is one of the mints or cinnamon. My oldest loves anything orange, my middle two like strawberry, and my youngest will take whatever she can get her hands on! Have you tried the Trident Layers Gum? YUM! So many creative flavor combinations.

Have you tried this flavor?! So many others, too!

So, try a new flavor the week of September 20 and know that your purchase will help a child in need!

Recommended:

Follow Our Tooth Fairy Saga

Teeth Clip Art

The Night Before the Tooth Fairy*

Community Service Ideas for All Ages

Volunteer for Service Projects in the Community

Whether you are planning Community Service Ideas for teens, a church, adults, or a sorority or fraternity, we've got some community service projects that are good for all ages. Volunteering is good for the soul, and it is a resume builder. You never know when that thing you loved doing one summer will turn into a full-time career. Enjoy!

Community Service helped land first job.

Why get kids involved in community service? 

The benefits of getting them involved in community service include:

1. learning to network
2. self-esteem
3. building experience for their resume
4. gaining ways to stand out from the rest

Community service will help them land a job, because it shows that they are helping out in an area where they will be working. 

Community service is also a way that kids can earn scholarships.  It's a great way to help them stand out on college applications. Below are several ideas for getting your kids involved.

Packing Goody Bags for Shelter.

• Park Clean up- great for all ages -when you take them for a play date or to hang out start with a little clean up. 
• Collecting can food-also great for all ages, although they may not want to pull the wagon along. However, this is perfect use for a little red wagon if you have smaller children. The kids can put signs on the side and be a rolling advertisement as they go through the neighborhood. (Recommend that an adult accompany children for this project unless they are older and go in groups, ie:Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Youth Group).
• Face painting booth -age really depends on your child's ability- if you have an artist child that wants to help raise money for a project they can set up a booth at a community event or they can volunteer their talent. 
• Soles 4 Souls- all ages -check out the link to get involved with this organization. Luckily in our area the kids are able to donate at school and the Interact club handles the boxing up etc. 
• K Kids- check out your local Kiwanis chapter, they may already have a K Kids club set up at a school near you.  In the local club here the kids are as young as 1st grade and work with a Kiwanis sponsor on various initiatives. 
• Youth As Resources- this organization allows your family or group to help out the community through various ways. They have a day of caring that you can participate in or they provide grants to youth led programs.  Check out Youth As Resources in your area to see when the grant cycle begins(Note:not all areas offer grants). 
• Volunteer for Halloween- around Halloween time teens can help by being part of the Haunted House crew.  

Volunteer opportunities are everywhere- just ask the Easter Bunny.

• Volunteer for Easter Egg Hunts- yes it is way to early to think about Easter but someone needs to hide the eggs. Teens can help with the event and enjoy watching the kids take off after what they have hidden. Or they can be the mascot for the event.
• Have a Lemonade Stand-how is this community service? The money made can go towards any charity the the community. It also helps the children learn to be entrepreneurs. 
• Arrange for a caroling session at a Retirement Center- for all ages. The kids will love hearing the stories and seniors at the center love seeing the youth. 
• Clipping Coupons- did you know that you can send the military expired coupons and help them out? Not only does this option help the military but if you wanting to build motor skills in younger children this is a great way. To find out more about how to send expired coupons or ones that you are not able to use click on clipping coupons. 
• Sending cards to the military- click on link to learn more about sending words of encouragement to troops. 
• Making cards for retirement centers-all ages -you can do a variety of cards with messages in them or the kids can create plain cards for the seniors to give to each other. 
• Assemble boxes for the local shelter- local shelters always need everyday items. Contact your local shelter to see if they need toiletries or paper goods. Have the kids set up a box at school and then deliver when they have enough to fill.

• Gift Wrapping for the Holidays- Amazon offers shifts for teens and adults to come in and wrap presents and earn money for their charity or project. 

Recommended:

Kids Guide to Service Projects*

Make Cookies

When is Roald Dahl Day: Activities

When is Roald Dahl Day?

It's Roald Dahl Day! Sept. 13, 2015. How will you celebrate? This year, we did several activities including, a "The Witches" party. We've included a list of our favorite Roald Dahl books which are perfect for Elementary Students. Scroll down to see how you can win a free copy of your favorite Roald Dahl book and a fun printable crossword puzzle. Enjoy!

Have a "The Witches" Party to Celebrate Roald Dahl Day or Halloween!

We found The Witches movie on Amazon. The movie has some scary moments, but we won't give those away. Depending on the child, the whole concept of the story could be traumatic. The Witches are everywhere wearing human masks! How can you tell a witch? She'll have purple, glowing eyes, among other things!

The Witches is an award-winning story by Roald Dahl about a boy, his grandmother, and a hotel full of witches. 

"This is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches."  

Books by Roald Dahl include The Witches and James and the Giant Peach.

After we watched the movie, we visited the Roald Dahl website and chose some fun ideas for lessons. We made posters that explain how to spot a witch. Beware! They are everywhere.

We have a fun idea to make human masks!

• Copy a photo of someone in the classroom or house, paste it to tag board, and then decorate it with markers or colored pencils. When done, cut out, poke holes in the ears, tie an elastic string through each hole, and wear it!

• To make it more fun, also make a witch mask and wear it underneath your human mask. Tee Hee! Now, that's fun!

You'll want to make some spooky treats and creepy snacks for your party. We found these cute witch broom donuts at Giggles Galore.

Witch Broomstick Donuts! Find the How to at Giggles Galore.

We don't want to give the story away. You'll have to read it and watch the movie to understand why we made a mouse craft. We have lots of recyclables around the house, so we turned a styrofoam cup and a plastic grocery bag into a cute little mouse.

Make a mouse craft with recyclables.

To make the little mouse, paint a styrofoam cup your favorite color. Poke a pipecleaner in the bottom, curl it around a pencil to make a curly tail. Roll up a grocery bag, place it inside the cup, and then tape on foamy or construction paper eyes, nose, and ears. Eek! That was easy. Preschoolers will enjoy making this simple mouse craft.

Then, each kid chose a Roald Dahl book to read. We chose The BFE and Monster....

Roald Dahl Reading List

Charity
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Danny, the Champion of the World
Enormous Crocodile
Esio Trot
Fantastic Mr Fox
George's Marvellous Medicine
James and the Giant Peach
Matilda
Museum
Revolting Rhymes
Short stories
The BFG
The Twits
The Witches

Hop over and like and comment on our Facebook Page post about Roald Dahl, and you can win a "The Witches" Prize pack and a Roald Dahl book. Contest ends Sept. 20, 2015.

Recommended:

Halloween Crafts on Pinterest

Room on the Broom*

5 Printable Duty Calendar Charts for Children

Chore Chart Duty Calendar for Kids

Chores! No one likes to do them- especially Moms. When can your kids begin to help around the house? What's the best chore by age? Is a toddler too young to have chore duties? Find out what we think, and then pick your favorite free printable duty calendar or chore chart from the list below. Enjoy!

5 Printable Duty Calendar Charts for Children.

When our kids we're young they did everything early. Like, creepy early. With our first, we knew it was time to communicate with words, so we ordered one of those baby sign books.

The first time we practiced the sign for milk, his eyes squinted. He looked confused or astonished, so I kept making the sign and saying "milk". Suddenly, he shook his head, looked me straight in they eyes and said, "Milk"! I promptly closed my book, and that was that. He was 10 months old. At the age of 2, he taught himself to read, because he wanted to play a computer game that Daddy played.

Mommy had a demanding newborn to nurse. There wasn't time to sit at the computer and read every word to him. "Age of Mythology" had words running across the bottom, and the heroes said a few words here and there that corresponded with the text. So, be it.

His sister started walking at 7 months. She never crawled. Long story short, they were ready to do chores by 2 1/2 (or sooner).

We started with the dishwasher- they loaded the dishes (with my help). If you start early, it is fun for them. They don't see it as a chore, because they want to be 'BIG', and do whatever you do. If you start too late, it becomes something they never 'HAD' to do, and they see it as a 'CHORE'. So, pick your favorite list, and get started. Hope it isn't too late!

Free Printable Duty Calendar Chore Chart for Kids

Graphic Chore Chart

Chores or Duties by Age

Reward Chart for Kids

Printable Duty Calendar for Children


Recommended:

Baby Signs*

Things to Do with Preschoolers

Edible Glue Recipe

Things to Do in Indiana: The Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Things to do in Indiana with Kids: Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana offers many fun things to do with kids outdoors. Has your daughter ever dreamed of shooting a bow and arrow? Has she wanted to try her hand at mini-bikes or fishing? The last few years we have done these at The Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience. From visiting unique animals such as a large tortoise, trail mules and birds of prey, to baiting a hook and hiking the scenic trails, each visit has been one priceless experience after another. Enjoy!

Learn archery at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

Held Sept 19-20 at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park everyone from 4-100 will find something they enjoy! Activities of all types are available to try including this year’s Inaugural Harrison Hustle 5k held Sunday morning.

Learn to shoot.

Ride a Motorbike.

Practice fishing or learn to fish.

The friendly staff of the Division of Law Enforcement taught Baby Girl how to safely handle and shoot a rifle, while the Indiana Hunter Education Association gave her tips on how to hold and shoot a bow and arrow.  

There are many activities and things to do at
the Hoosier Outdoor Experience in Indiana.

Learn Beekeeping.

Baby Girl was able to don a beekeepers suit and learn how important bees are to us. She also learned how to make rope from the Boy Scouts! We both tried our hand at fishing with Mom catching the “whopper” of the day. 

Fishing is fun!

Sept. 19-20, 2015 at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park

Also new this year, are specialized classes sponsored by REI Inc. and Central Indiana Wilderness Club. Ultimate Camp Coffee sounds like a definite must attend for all parents. 

Girl Scouts attending can earn a special Hoosier Outdoor Experience patch by registering with GSCI. For more information go to www.in.gov/dnr #girlscouts #boyscouts #Ford #REI #outdoors #hiking #DNR

Recommended:


Archery for Kids*

Things to Do in Indy with Kids

Youth Archery Set*

Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips

Looking for a Fertility Chart, Calendar, or Calculator?

Are you dreaming of having a family? Excitedly wishing and hoping for a positive pregnancy test? When you make the big decision to start a family, it can be exciting, scary, and overwhelming. When is the best time to try? Are their tips to help you get Pregnant? What can you do to help the process? Scroll Down for a Fertility Calculator and a Printable Calendar Chart. Enjoy!

It was difficult for us. Once we made the decision, we were eager to have a little one join our family. It was not an easy journey for us and as our friends excitedly announced their pregnancies, we were thrilled for them, but anxious for it to be our turn. Maybe you are in the same boat or maybe you have just started trying.

Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips.

What if you knew there was an over the counter product that could aid you in your journey to natural conception? A product that was proven and safe.

Conceive Plus® Fertility Lubricant can help achieve pregnancy.

Conceive Plus® Fertility Products to help you get pregnant.

Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant is an excellent product for all couples trying to conceive. This trusted and side-effect free lubricant can work for you. If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally!

Conceive Plus® is a fertility friendly personal lubricant that is isotonic and has a controlled pH that is safe for sperm, embryos and the process of fertilization. 

Conceive Plus is different to other sperm friendly lubricants because it contains Calcium and Magnesium ions, these are essential for the process of fertilization and actually help increase the chances of getting pregnant, naturally. It is available in both convenient pre-filled applicators and also in a multi-use tube bottle. The pre-filled applicators can be used up to 15 minutes discreetly before then use the multi-use tube together with your partner.

Recommended by hospital, doctors and fertility clinics globally since 2008 Conceive Plus is FDA cleared and now available in the United States from just $14.90. There are several retailers who carry it.

Conceive Plus® has been available since 2008, and there are thousands of user reviews and success stories from couples trying to conceive. Visit their website to find out more. Follow them on: Twitter Facebook Pinterest

We love being parents and are so thankful for each of our kids. While our journey to parenthood wasn’t as easy as many of our friends, it was totally worth it. Wishing you the best on your journey to parenthood.

We found this helpful fertility calendar chart to help you on your journey. Hop over to TheBump.com for a free printable PDF.

Free printable fertility calendar
 chart to help you get pregnant.

Recommended:

Sensory Baby Play Ideas

What Every Woman Should Know About Fertility and Her Biological Clock*

Our favorite Baby Carrying Slings

Fertility Calendar: Know your body. Know your cycle.*

Afghanistan Country Study Lesson


If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally! Now available from selected online retailers from just $14.99. SASMAR Conceive Plus® sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.

Ideas for Care Package List for College Students

College Care Package Ideas

Are you looking for ideas for College Care Packages? We're sharing ideas for your care package list to make your shopping trip easier. Scroll down for a link to our free printable care package list for college. Enjoy!

College care package complete with Schick Supplies. 

My nephew has already moved into campus, so I wanted to send him a care package to spoil him. I wondered what to send and started looking at Pinterest for ideas. I wanted to think outside of the box and send items besides just food and treats.

Free Printable CARE PACKAGE list

Free Printable College CARE PACKAGE list.  Click link for printable doc.

Here is what he is getting for his first care package surprise box:

• Schick Hydro Power select Razor 
• Schick Hyrdo Sensitive Shave Gel
• Schick Hydro 5 Refills
• Package of noodles
• Box of microwave popcorn
• Flavoring for water
• Protein bars

I decided to include the shaving supplies because a starving college student may forego shaving his beard for food. I want to help him always look his best. Since he is starting out his freshman year at Purdue, he has so many new things to remember! He may not get around to all of the comforts of home. So, when I stocked up for my daughter, I thought it would be a perfect time to grab some for his college care package.

Shopping for care package and Schick Supplies.

These products are great for the whole family. Our family has some unique skin allergies, and the Schick Hydro Shave Gel is great for us. We have no issues with this shave gel. That is such a relief. Below, are the benefits of Schick Hydro Shave Gel. We love that Schick Hydro Shave Gel is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

Shick Selfie Sweepstakes

Anti-irritation formula soothes even sensitive skin

Infused with aloe and made with beard softening emollients

Forms a hydrating layer that helps soften, soothe, and protect your skin from the redness and irritation caused by shaving

Protects and soothes

Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested

I can't wait to ship this care package of to college. I know he will be excited to get a surprise care package from his favorite Aunt. :)

Recommended:

Essential Dorm Supply Checklist

Free Printable Care Package Tags

Prepackaged Care Package for College*


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Easy Mini Chicken Nugget Sliders Recipe

Make Easy Chicken Sliders with Nuggets

Looking for food your kids will eat? This is the easiest recipe for chicken sliders you will find anywhere, and your kids will eat it! It is almost magic. Scroll down for the easy secret recipe. Enjoy!

Easy Tyson Chicken Nugget Sliders.

First, we headed to Walmart to purchase Tyson Chicken Nuggets. 

As a part of the Project A+™ program, we wanted to present a simple solution that helps make your "Back to School" journey easier. These mini nugget sliders are great for an after-school snack or a quick dinner. They make a snack that is truly fun to eat! Best of all, when you purchase Tyson products, you can help your school!
Participation in the Tyson Project A+™ program is a simple way for your school to get extra cash for whatever it needs. Once your school is enrolled, an administrator or designated parent can collect labels and submit them to Tyson Foods (100 labels minimum). Upon verification, Tyson Foods will then send a check directly to the school within 4 to 6 weeks.

How to Make Mini Chicken Sliders

Prepare Tyson nuggets, either in the Oven or the Microwave. Take a hot dog bun, and slice it into 3 sections. Then, place a Tyson Nugget inside each "bun". We added a pickle and ketchup. 

Poof! Sesame Street's, Amazing Mumford, would present this with: "A-la Mini-Chicken Sandwiches!"

Chicken Nugget Sliders are fun to eat.

Sister is upset she missed the snack. He cleaned his plate! 

That's okay, we just threw a few in the microwave.

 

Make Easy Chicken Sliders with Nuggets.

Recommending Reading:

The Incredible Book Eating Boy*

What is the Name of that Cartoon Chicken?

The Monster Health Book: Feeling Great for Monsters and Kids!*



This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cognitive Craft Benefits for Children: Twig Log Cabin Ornament

Twig Ornament Highlights Benefits of Crafting with Children

Crafts aid in child development; it is proven to be true! There are cognitive benefits to crafting with your kids. So, get out your crayons, glue, pom poms, felt, and glitter, and get crafting. Scroll down for details on our fun craft activity for school-age children. Enjoy!

Make a twig log cabin ornament.

If you are a busy working mama don't worry- enroll your child in a local class, take them to a library program, or sign them up at a childcare program like ChildTime.

Many child care programs, often considered as only day care for preschoolers, offer before and after school care, homework help, and summer camp in addition to their preschool classes and care.

At ChildTime, fun and educational mornings and afternoons await your child. The My Best Self! program for school-age students focuses on goal-setting and reflection, and is complemented by homework support, team-building opportunities, and physical activity. The programs give children structure with a mix of independent and organized activities (including crafts), education, and recreational opportunities.

So, what are the cognitive benefits of Crafts?

Crafting can improve coordination between the right and left side of the brain, as well as, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

In small children, using crayons, scissors, and glue helps develop muscles in fingers and hands. Think small motor skills.

Adults can build bonds while interacting with children during craft time. The social interaction promotes language skills through face to face engagement. Older children need these bonds to feel a sense of security during all the changes they face in puberty. Learn more about emotional bonding.

As children age and want to spend more time with screens and less and less time creating with their hands, before and after school programs are a great way to encourage human interaction and continue to build skill for following directions and completing projects.

Want to bond and practice the cognitive benefits of crafts at home? You might like this fun craft activity!

Make a twig star and wrap it with your favorite color yarn for a fun, holiday ornament.

How to Make Twig Ornaments

You've probably seen the stars made out of Twigs on Pinterest. We thought we'd try that with the kids. This is not as easy as it looks! I would not try it with preschoolers. After playing around with the twigs, some wire, and wood glue, we came up with little log cabin twig ornaments!

Make fun twig ornaments after a nature hike with children.

This a great activity to bond with your kids of all ages. Preschoolers will especially enjoy the prep required to make them. We headed out for a nature hike. Find a small twig and challenge your children to find straight twigs the same diameter. Collect several in varying lengths. 

After your hike, lay out the twigs in the shape of a house.

Older kids can attach the twigs at each overlapping corner with some small wire, floral tape, or kite string.

Be sure to attach a loop at the top to hang as an ornament.

Next, lay more small twigs across the house so they look like the logs of a log cabin. Attach with wood glue or strong school glue.

Let dry for 10-15 minutes.

To Make a Twig Star:

If you are a skilled twig designer, you can make a star and wire it together at the overlapping corners as seen above. Once complete, cut yarn, and have children wrap the star in their favorite colors. We cut several 6" pieces of yarn and then glued then ends down so that it doesn't unravel.

Imagine all the crafts your kids can make at ChildTime!

Recommended:

Nature Circle Time Activities

Another Twig Craft for Children

Twig Pencils*

Stick Man*


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Learning Care Group. The opinions and text are all mine.