Lucas

I don't normally ask for prayers (as an agnostic) but I am in a very difficult situation and need all the help I can get. Please send prayers, good thoughts, whatever you have that someone close to us will be open minded enough to be willing to change the current path we are all on and patient enough to wait for that to happen. Thank you!

Give him one of these books, seriously. My grandparents have all loved filling them out (and they are 50% off right now). http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/story-of-a-lifetime-7551449?q=my+life+story+book+gift&sk=&ref=REDorganicgglunkwn&prid=rbseogu&viewpos=1&trackingpgroup=productsearch

A little bit morbid but the "story of a lifetime" books are pretty neat. They sell them at Red Envelope. He could spend some time recording everything to hand down to you and the rest of the family.

We just went to our local carpet store and chose what we wanted then had it bound in the exact size we needed.

As a spin off of my cruise newbie thread... Any suggestions for easy, relaxing vacations that would be low stress for the parents and fun for the kids? All inclusive resorts, great island hotels? etc We are in the mid atlantic and want to do a trip for the kids big christmas gift this year. We were thinking about trying a cruise but looking at the prices for 6 of us (4 kids) we might do better to go on a land based vacation...caribbean, bahamas, mexico, south america, etc. Just think relaxing for us and fun for the kids. Thanks!

I have never been on a cruise. This year we simply can't figure out what to get the kids for christmas and are thinking about trying one out as their big gift. Where should I look for the best prices? What do I need to know? Are they good with younger kids (8-10)? What would be some good itineraries from the east coast? Help!

I am in a very similar situation (down to the narcissistic military ex). If he wants to talk to the kids he needs to call them and initiate that. He is the adult and their relationship is not my responsibility. I do have the kids call him on special occasions (holidays, birthdays, etc). I have told him he is to call no more than once per day and is to be kind and pleasant to the kids, not trying to control or manipulate them when he does. If he follows that rule I will encourage (but not force) them to answer and talk to him. I also expect that phone calls will be kept to reasonable times (not during dinner or after 8 when they are getting ready for bed). I have told him, and the kids know, that they are welcome to call or text their father any time they want. At this point they don't seem interested in initiating contact with him.

I would add a read receipt program (streak works well). Then you would know for sure if she wasn't getting them or was getting them but didn't want to acknowledge them.

a small guidebook or best of travel book so she can discover new places postcards with pictures from the city she can mail to friends ticket to a museum or attraction she might want to visit Does she have a good umbrella and small, foldable tote bags for walking around the city?

By far the wooden play kitchen. We spent hours putting it together that christmas eve but the look on her face was worth it. At 10 she still plays with it sometimes and her 8 year old sister got just as much use out of it.

Electric blanket

I just found this: http://kidstir.com/join/ It looks like a great option to give kids some autonomy in the kitchen (plus they get mail, mine love mail).

In our state homebound is used for students who can't be in school for medical reasons but it is also used for students who are suspended long term do to misconduct. I personally know one student who was assigned to homebound services following repeated suspensions for sexually inappropriate behavior. The school district is required to provide an education but has decided it can not be in the presence of other students due to his behaviors.

In the US I wouldn't allow it before 7th grade. I think my child (especially my oldest) would certainly be capable before then but our culture frowns on it and I would be worried about the repercussions from interference by nosy people. I have no interest in causing a CPS investigation because of how unpredictable our system can be. eta: I would let a 10+ year old who showed responsibility use public transit in europe or parts of asia.

I would go with Calico Critters. We started buying them when the oldest was 3 (set aside the tiny accessories) and are still buying them every year now that the girls are 8 and 10. They have been heavily played with. We also have a plan toys dollhouse which they liked for a bit as toddlers but never really loved I loved it though).

There are quite a few good books for younger teen girls about friends. Maybe a guide from a company like American Girl would help send G the message about expected behavior.

In a heartbeat with little kids. Probably not with teens. I would wait to get them settled into college (assuming said island was close enough that they could visit on breaks.

We have the same issue and I have the same solution. A quarterly trip out for the day for them and a quarterly emptying of the bedrooms for me. They are always happy and amazed when they return.

I require my kids to participate in a sport. I have one that prefers team sports and one that prefers individual. Swim team and tennis have both been well received. I figure it is my job to ensure that they are active and healthy growing up and have the skills to continue to be so.

Absolutely, and it must be waterproof. We have them on every bed in the house, especially the master since sick kids always want to crawl into bed with us. I have always purchased ours from Macys. I think they are the charter club brand (they are not hot and plastic feeling like some can be....more of a thick felt).

Our schools book fairs are about 50/50 decent books and junk ($5 cellphone shaped marker sets, $3 makeup shaped erasers, etc.). The books are more expensive than Amazon because they are full price but I am willing to support the school/library so I suck that up. I generally give my kids $20 each and let them pick out a couple of real books...no toys or trinkets. Our local college education department holds a book fair for teaching students and that one has some great choices at great prices.

I have the same ravioli form as the pp. It is a pain to make ravioli but worth it.

If you absolutely love it I would go for it. I bought one from Pottery Barn 10 years ago and we have used it every year. It was only the cost of 2 years worth of lego calendars. If you are not 100% in love with this one keep looking. I have actually seen some gorgeous, high quality wood ones at Target this year.

My suggestion would be to find a good nanny who would want to come cook with her for a couple of hours every week or two. I found a great retired grandmother on care.com to babysit for my kids occasionally and the bonus was her love of cooking with the kids. I would come home to homemade chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting, lasagna, etc. I paid $10 an hour and made sure we had ingredients on hand, plus it was on my schedule and I got a break when I needed one as a bonus.