Q. It seems to me that children aren’t playing with each other the way they used to. Sometimes, it looks to me like they hardly play with each other at all–they act out imaginary scripts, and they’re each in their own little worlds, next to each other. What can I do to get them really playing again?

I have to agree! Something important has happened gradually over the past 20 years to children’s play. The play in schoolyards and preschools has slid toward more scripted acting, and in many places has moved away from flexibility and from the inclusion of whoever wants to participate.  In spite of this trend, there are simple things parents can do to help their children retain their ability to play flexibly and cooperatively. Read the rest »

As our journey around the home is quickly coming to an end, we are going to face the challenge of organizing our bathrooms.  For this week we are going to focus on quickly purging our bathrooms of unneeded, unused, or expired items.  After purging, we will finish the week with a clean space. 

I always find it very helpful to set a timer when I am doing this type of project so I don’t find myself distracted.  Give yourself 5-10 minutes per cabinet.  During the time-block, only focus on the task at hand.  Don’t answer the phone, go to the bathroom, or get distracted by something (like trying out an eyeshadow shade you forgot you had).  If you need more time, simply set the timer again. Read the rest »

Nothing says summer like outdoor barbeques, parties, and picnics, but it doesn’t take much for Mother Nature to rain on your parade. Keep your guests partying all day and all night with these weatherproofing tips from the August issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray to keep your next outdoor bash dry, cool, and of course fun.

Scorching Saturday?:
• Set out a sprinkler near the party so the light mist will cool the air.
• Use colorful rubber bands around glasses to prevent accidents with slippery hands.
• Place glasses of water mixed with sugar syrup to deter bees, and leave bug repellent near the party entrance.

Rain, Rain Go Away!:
• Put a rug by the entrance and a shoe rack inside the door in case of a mad dash inside.
• Buy a canopy and tough it out outside during a light shower.
• Include a rain date on the invite just in case.

Worrisome Winds?:
• Keep decoration low, and avoid balloons which can tangle.
• Anchor napkins with festive paperweights such as a seashell or a small coconut.
• Have cover-ups handy for chilly guests.

Include some rain-, heat-, and windproof part accessories like steel mesh food covers to keep bugs out of dishes, or colorful paper hand fans to cool guests off.

Visit www.RachaelRayMag.com for other summer party tips, and be sure to grab this issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray for more great summer treats.

I recently spoke to Professional Organizer Lea Schneider author of “Growing Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide.” Following is our conversation:

Betsy: In regards to children, what are the benefits of becoming organized in the home, and what negative effects have you witnessed as a result of disorganization?

Lea: Being organized is a stress-reducer. Our stress from daily events, like not being able to get everyone out the door on time, to losing the homework handout in counter top clutter, to trying to locate the missing cell phone or get dinner on the table when no one has made it to the store, creates one cranky parent. When the house is disorganized and parents are cranky and exhausted as a result, I imagine it is harder for any child to be sweet, compliant and happy. Being organized can help home life run smoother. Read the rest »

Q. My daughter insists she wants to play with the two girls who live next door but she comes home every time highly emotional and upset. I watch them without her around and the older one is extremely mean to the younger one. I am not sure how to avoid this situation, or what to say to my daughter. I don’t understand why she wants to play with kids who are clearly mean and not willing to play reciprocally. She has reported that other kids at school don’t want to play with her. I think she might be bullying at school, having learned this behavior from the neighborhood kids.

A. Bullying is a highly contagious behavior that transmits immediately from child to child, like the flu. The behavior can start with an adult bullying, threatening, demeaning, or harshly excluding a child. Some parents do this as a matter of course: it is accepted in many families as rightful discipline. But disrespect and intimidation set a behavior example that children absorb in full. When a child has been treated badly, or has witnessed harshness, the behavior enters the child’s experience, but her mind can’t process it. Children simply do not understand meanness or harshness. It always hurts, even when they are not the direct target. Read the rest »