When most people hear the words "spring break", thoughts of college kids partying on the beach come to mind.  But the spring break isn't just for college students.  It's a great time for family vacations as well.

The spring break isn't just about going to the beach, either.  That is an option, but if the kids' spring break falls at the same time as the colleges', the beach will probably be quite crowded and hectic.  There are lots of other, less stressful options for families.  The following are a few ideas:

Amusement Parks

Spring break is a great time to hit the amusement parks.  It's not as hot as it is in the summer, and it probably won't be nearly as crowded.  Most amusement parks have fun activities for kids of all ages as well as adults, so it will be an experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Some amusement parks have different hours during the spring than in the summer, so be sure to check ahead of time.  You might also be able to find coupons that will save you money since it's not traditionally a busy time of year.

Going Camping

Taking a trip to the wilderness is a fun spring break activity.  While it may still be a bit too chilly at night to "rough it" in a tent, you could take a camper or RV.  Renting a cabin is also an option in many parks.

Planning activities in advance will help prevent boredom for the kids.  It's also nice to touch base with civilization a time or two during your trip.  Going out to eat or to a movie mid-week will provide a nice change of pace.

Historical Destinations

Taking a trip to an historical destination is an educational spring break option.  This could entail anything from a day trip to some nearby historical places to a week-long stay in city that is rich with history, such as Washington, D.C.

If you're planning a long trip, it's wise to make sure that the place where you're going has plenty of things to keep your family occupied.  If you're concerned about running out of things to do and see, consider visiting two or three different places.  The kids won't mind if you have to stop by an amusement park along the way.

Cruises

Cruises allow vacationers to visit several destinations on one trip, usually at an affordable price.  There are lots of kid-friendly cruise options for families on spring break.  Some cruise packages are geared toward families with children in specific age ranges, but there are also lots of cruises that offer something for everyone.

Most ships offer a variety of onboard and excursion activities.  Many also offer babysitting for younger children while Mom and Dad participate in adult activities.  Some of the newer ships offer family suites.

Spring break is a great time for family vacations.  But there's no rule saying that you have to go to the beach.  There are lots of other places that make great spring break destinations for families.
 

Self-esteem is important throughout life, but it is in childhood when its foundation is laid.  It's our job as parents to help our children build self-esteem.  We may do and say things that are bad for our kids' self-esteem without even realizing it, so it is important to make a conscious effort to help them develop and maintain a positive opinion about themselves.

Listening to Your Child

One thing that parents often overlook is the fact that children need us to listen to what they have to say.  When we don't, they feel unworthy of our attention.  And that can put a damper on their self-esteem.

Making it a point to listen fully to what your child has to say will let him know that you value his stories and opinions.  Sometimes we just don't have the time to listen at the very moment they want to talk, but it's important to let them know that it's not because we don't want to.  Set a time to sit down and talk if necessary, and stick with it.

When Your Child Misbehaves

When children are misbehaving, it is easy to forget about keeping their self-esteem intact.  But it is very important to make the distinction between bad behavior and a bad child.

By describing the specific behavior as bad rather than telling your child that he himself is bad, you can let him know that it is not him as a person that you disapprove of.  It is his actions.  Children who feel that their parents disapprove of them are not only more likely to develop low self-esteem, they also tend to misbehave more.

Give the Right Kinds of Compliments

Complementing your child when he does well is important, because it reinforces both self-esteem and good behavior.  But even complements can sometimes do damage.  Backhanded complements do nothing but cause hurt feelings.  Try to refrain from alluding to negative things your child has done when giving complements.  You can accomplish much more by keeping praise completely positive.

It's also important not to overdo the praise.  While it is great to recognize the good things your child does, it is possible to put too much pressure on him.  Being specific with your praise, such as telling your child you are proud of him for bringing his math grade up from a C to an A, accomplishes more than telling him that he is the smartest kid in the class or the world.

It is important to start building a child's self-esteem at a young age.  Doing so will encourage him to be the best that he can be and to resist peer pressure.  By listening to our children and keeping their self-esteem in mind at all times, we can raise them to be happy, confident people.
 

Parents of today's toddlers can choose from numerous products designed to help with potty training.  There are potty chairs, potty seats, potty books, and potty dolls.  There are sticker charts, flushable wipes, and even alarm watches that remind your child that it's time to go to the potty.

One of the most frequently used potty training aids is the pull-up.  It's a thin disposable diaper that is made like underwear so that the child can pull it off and on when it's time to use the potty.  Some have symbols on them that fade when wet, and some are made with tear-away sides in case of accidents.  But there is some debate as to their effectiveness.

The problem with pull-ups and diapers is that they absorb too well.  They pull moisture away from the child's skin, and that is a good thing for babies.  But toddlers who are potty training can benefit from the motivation that a wet diaper provides.

Advantages of Cloth Diapers

Moms who use cloth diapers have a bit of an advantage when it comes to potty training.  Cloth diapers allow the child to feel the wetness and discomfort caused by urination and bowel movements.  Most children find this quite unpleasant, and it provides a unique incentive to start using the potty.

Another good thing about cloth diapers when it comes to potty training is that they're cheaper than disposable pull-ups.  So if your toddler has a lot of accidents you will have to wash diapers more often, but that is cheaper than buying more pull-ups.

Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers

One problem with cloth diapers as opposed to pull-ups is that they are usually harder for the child to pull down on his own.  So during the learning stages, he may need more help than he would otherwise when going to the potty.

Another disadvantage of cloth diapers is evidenced when traveling.  If the child uses the diaper, you will have to find somewhere to store it until you get back home.  If you're not prepared, you could be in for a smelly car ride, especially if you're on a long trip.

Cloth Diapers May Make Potty Training Quicker

Although they can be less convenient than disposables, many moms are choosing to use cloth diapers.  Those who are attempting to potty train often find that their children learn quickly.  In fact, statistics show that toddlers who wear cloth diapers are fully trained six months before those who wear disposable diapers or pull-ups.

Cloth diapers are inexpensive and better for the environment than disposable diapers.  They also provide an advantage to moms who are attempting to potty train.  So even though cloth diapers are less convenient than disposables in some ways, using them may result in less time in diapers for your child.
 

Invitations are one of the many important decisions you will make about your wedding.  While you may have adored your sister's or friend's wedding invitations so much that you won't hear of any other kind, chances are you are looking at a lot of different choices.  Finding the perfect invitation, one that fits with your theme and says what you want, can be agonizing.

Fortunately, finding a great invitation and thank you card design is much easier than it once was.  Printers are offering more customization options than ever before.  There is also an increasing trend toward cards that are handmade, with a growing number of card makers to choose from.  And for those who pride themselves on their creativity, you can even make your own invitations in a number of ways.

Custom Printed Invitations

Many printers now offer the option of printing a completely original message on your invitations and thank you cards.  Instead of just adding the couple's and parents' names, you can write your own verse if you like.  They may also offer a selection of prewritten verses that you can use on any card.

Some printers will even include custom graphics or photos on your invitations.  This option is great if you want a truly unique card but like the idea of having it printed by a professional.  Your printer can give you the details of the formats and specifications of images that you may use.

Handmade Invitations

Handmade cards are very special, and often highly ornate.  There are great card makers out there who will craft your invitations with lots of love and attention to detail.  This service can be rather pricey, so it is a good idea to get an estimate before proceeding.

Handmade cards can incorporate pretty ribbon, lace, and a variety of other materials.  A good card maker can advise you as to which materials will work best.  It is important to remember that you will be mailing the invitations and thank you notes, so the cards will have to be flat enough for that.

Making Your Own Invitations

Computer programs can help you make all sorts of cards, including invitations and thank you notes.  With some card stock paper and a good printer, you can print very nice cards at home.  There are also high quality printing services that will print the cards that you design if you like.

If you have the time, you could make cards by hand as well.  It takes lots of patience and attention to detail, but a card made by you is a beautiful way to request guests' presence at your wedding.  You could also spruce up printed cards by hand if you like.

When it comes to wedding invitations and thank you notes, today's couples have more options than ever.  Whether you have a custom message printed on your cards or design them carefully by hand, you can have the invitations of your dreams.
 

Parents often dread potty training.  Teaching a child to use the toilet after he has gotten accustomed to using a diaper seems like a daunting task.  But many parents claim that elimination communication potty training, or EC for short, is less stressful and more effective than traditional methods.

What is Elimination Communication?

EC has been used in many cultures for centuries.  It is simply the practice of learning to recognize the signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, and taking him to the toilet when you see them.  It is generally started before six months of age, but some parents start later than that.

Each child has his own individual way of communicating that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.  It's up to the parents to pick up on these signs.  Some things to look for include passing gas, grunting, squirming, or a serious look on your child's face.  Your child may do some or all of these things, or he may give cues that are unique to him.

Once you've figured out the signs, you can start taking the child to the potty when you see them.  Parents often develop signs, either verbal or visual, that let the child know that they are in a place where it is acceptable to eliminate.  If he does, some praise will reinforce the behavior and make him more likely to continue with it.

To Diaper or Not to Diaper?

One reason that some parents choose the EC method is because it can reduce the need for diapers.  While you will probably need some backup in the early stages, the possibility of not having to buy diapers or fill up the landfills with them once the child starts using the toilet is quite appealing.  Some parents find that using cloth diapers enhances their children's success with elimination communication due to the fact that they can feel the results of elimination.

Some parents choose not to use diapers at all when practicing EC potty training.  Many of these parents claim that their children rarely have a bowel movement in their underpants.  It is often necessary, however, to use a diaper when on the road or away from home.

The Debate About EC

Some experts feel that elimination communication potty training is inappropriate due to the fact that it is started at such a young age.  They claim that because children under two years old do not have fully developed muscles, they cannot control their urination and bowel movements.  There are also psychologists who argue that early toilet training can cause problems later in life.

EC supporters claim that it is not damaging to the child because he is not pressured into going to the toilet on his own.  If done correctly, EC puts the caregiver in charge of getting the child to the toilet when he needs to go.  The child will realize what is going on and start going to the bathroom on his own when the time comes.

Elimination communication sounds unusual to some parents, but it is an easy concept to implement.  It has the potential to make potty training easier and less stressful, and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.  Once you've deciphered the signs that indicate your child needs to go to the bathroom, the hardest part is over.
 

With all that goes into planning a wedding, it can be difficult to remember everything.  But if you forget the wrong thing or don't plan sufficiently, things can go awry.  Important items could be forgotten, or improper timing could cause you to be late getting out of the reception hall, resulting in overtime charges.

Taking some precautions when planning your wedding could help you avoid missteps.  It can also reduce your stress levels leading up to the big day.  Here are five things you can do to help avoid wedding mistakes.

1.  Limit your guest list.  Much of your wedding planning will be based on the number of guests you invite.  If you keep adding on guests, you could drive your costs up.  It could also result in not having enough room for everyone at the ceremony or reception.

As a general rule, you can expect 80-85% of the people you invite to show up.  But it is important to take into consideration the fact that those who do come may bring unexpected guests.  So it's usually best to plan as though everyone will be there.

2.  Know all applicable rules and regulations.  Laws pertaining to marriage licenses, for example, vary from state to state, and possibly even from county to county.  They are only good for a specified time period, and some localities impose waiting periods before you can get them.  Checking up on all of the legalities ahead of time can help eliminate unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.

If you're having a church wedding, it's important to make sure you know what types of dress and music are acceptable.  There may also be specific requirements regarding the ceremony itself.  Your officiant can fill you in on all of these things.

3.  Make sure that all vendors know the details of your ceremony.  Obviously they'll need to know the day, time and location, but there may be other things they need to know as well.  It's not a bad idea to visit each vendor a week or so before the wedding to go over everything, just to make sure you're on the same page.  And it's also smart to bring along a list of vendor names and phone numbers on your wedding day, just in case problems should arise.

4.  Do all beauty treatments a couple of weeks in advance.  A dye job or tanning session gone wrong can put a major damper on your wedding day, especially if it's done a day or two before the ceremony.  Doing these things ahead of time gives you time to fix any problems that might arise (or lose the sunburn).

5.  Be prepared.  While you can't foresee the future, having backup plans and supplies to use if things go wrong could save the day.  If you're getting married outside, secure an indoor location in case the weather doesn't cooperate.  Putting someone in charge of bringing in an emergency kit with sewing supplies, toiletries, first aid supplies, and other things that members of the wedding party might need is also a good idea.
 

You've been trying to potty train your toddler, but he's just had another accident.  You try to remain calm, but this is the third time you've had to change his pants today.  It's all you can do to refrain from scolding him.

Does this sound all too familiar?  It can be difficult to remain upbeat when your child is having trouble with potty training.  But it is important to realize that your emotions can directly affect your child's success.

Negativity Breeds Self-Doubt

When you develop a negative attitude toward your child's potty training, it can easily rub off on your child.  If you scold him for having accidents or compare him to siblings who were easier to potty train, it can be a blow to his self-esteem.  And that could be detrimental to his success.

Your child may also believe that if you don't think he can do it, he may as well stop trying.  This will lead to more accidents, and if you respond with more negativity, it could make things even worse.  Remaining positive and playing up his successes, on the other hand, will give him the incentive to continue doing well.

Don't Get Angry

Getting angry with a child when he has an accident is the worst thing to do.  This will do nothing but make your child feel scared and anxious.  This could trigger more accidents, and will almost definitely cause a setback.

If you find yourself getting angry with your child due to potty training issues, take a deep breath and count to ten.  Remember that he is not doing it on purpose, and that it is a natural part of learning.  Then think of something positive to say, such as "You'll do better next time."

A Positive Attitude Facilitates Success

One of the most important things you can do to help your child with his potty training is to maintain a positive attitude.  Just as negativity from you will foster negativity in your child, a positive attitude on your part will enhance your child's self-confidence and willingness to keep trying.

If your child is having a hard time, it is that much more important to remain positive.  Providing rewards for a job well done will help reinforce the progress he makes.  If he's not making any progress at all, he may not have been ready to start potty training in the first place.  It could be in his best interest to postpone it for a month or two, then try again.

Keeping our emotions under control will help our children succeed at potty training.  Instead of getting upset and scolding a toddler who is having accidents or setbacks, encourage him to do his best and reward him when he does something right.  He may not be trained in a week, a month, or even a few months, but he will be less likely to make mistakes and more willing to keep at it.
 

Flowers are a beautiful part of a wedding ceremony.  They adorn the groom and his attendants, they travel down the aisle with the bride and bridesmaids, and they decorate the church and reception hall.  And if you believe in folklore, the lady who catches the bride's bouquet will be the next to marry.

Flowers are also associated with folklore in other ways.  In the Victorian era, men sent flowers with special meanings to women as a means of communication.  Back then, the meanings of flowers were common knowledge.  These days it's more acceptable for a man to just come out and tell a woman how he feels, and these meanings are not as well known.

Knowing the meanings of different flowers can help you choose the best ones for your wedding day.  Following are the traditional meanings of some of the more popular wedding flowers.

Roses

Roses are very popular flowers associated with romance, so it is fitting that they are often used in weddings.  Specific meanings vary by color.  Red roses are known as symbols of love, pink ones symbolize elegance and admiration, and white roses represent innocence and purity.  Yellow roses are associated with friendship and joy, orange roses represent enthusiasm and passion, and lavender roses symbolize love at first sight.

Daisies

Daisies are often used at informal weddings, but they may also make their way into more formal ceremonies.  These flowers represent innocence and beauty.  Gerbera daisies represent those things too, but they also stand for cheerfulness.  Daisies are available in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to incorporate them into any wedding color scheme.

Lilies

There are many varieties and colors of lilies.  In general, lilies stand for innocence and purity, but some specific varieties have their own special meanings.  Bold and beautiful stargazer lilies, for example, symbolize aspiration, and the pink ones have become known as a sign of prosperity.  The smaller Peruvian lilies represent friendship and devotion.

Tulips

Tulips are adored for their simple beauty and wide variety of colors.  The flowers generally represent perfect love, but some colors have additional meanings.  Red tulips, like red roses, stand for true love.  Purple tulips are symbolic of royalty, and yellow ones send a message of cheer.

Carnations

The carnation is one of the oldest flower varieties in the world, and it is very popular in wedding arrangements.  Carnations come in numerous colors and are symbolic of love.  The colors of carnations have meanings similar to those of roses of the same color.  Red stands for deep affection, white represents purity, and pink symbolizes gratitude.

Other Popular Wedding Flowers

There are several other flowers that are often used at weddings.  Irises are lovely flowers for a wedding, and they represent faith and hope.  Graceful and delicate orchids represent love, beauty and strength.  Sunflowers symbolize loyalty and happiness.

Selecting the perfect flowers for your wedding can be a tough decision, because there are so many beautiful flowers to choose from.  Learning the meanings behind the flowers can make that decision a little easier.
 

Potty training is a rewarding activity for you and your toddler, but it can also be frustrating.  Even if you do everything right and wait until your child has all of the signs of readiness before you start, problems can arise.  Your child could have the best of intentions but just not seem to "get it", or he could do well but then begin to regress.

When potty training doesn't go well, it is important to determine the cause of the problem.  It could be that it has brought forth a power struggle between you and your child.  Maybe, for one reason or another, your child wasn't quite ready to start training.  Or there could be a medical problem standing in the way.

What Medical Problems Could Cause Potty Training Difficulties?

One of the most obvious medical problems that could cause trouble during potty training is diarrhea.  It is difficult enough for an adult to maintain control when diarrhea strikes, so it stands to reason that it would be next to impossible for a toddler with diarrhea to make it to the potty.

Signs of diarrhea include loose stools and stomach cramps.  If it persists for more than a couple of days, your child may need to see a doctor.  He may need prescription medication, and he will probably need lots of fluids to keep him from getting dehydrated.

Constipation could also be the cause potty training problems.  If your child keeps insisting that he doesn't need to have a bowel movement even though he normally would have, constipation could be the culprit.  Also, if he feels like he is about to have a bowel movement but doesn't, it could deter him from going to the potty the next time he gets that feeling.  Then he could have an accident.

If your child has hard or infrequent stools, constipation is likely the problem.  It can often be remedied by adding more fluids and fiber to your child's diet.  If that doesn't work, his pediatrician can help.

A urinary tract infection could be the culprit if your child is having trouble with urinating in the toilet.  This type of infection is characterized by pain, difficulty urinating, and possibly a strong smell or a strange color to the urine.  Urinary tract infections must be treated with antibiotics.

All of these medical problems are generally easy to treat.  Once they have been cleared up, your child will probably have more success with potty training.  If he was having pain associated with these ailments, however, it could take a little more time before he is willing to try again.  If so, don't rush him.  He will be ready again eventually.
 

There are numerous expenses associated with a wedding.  But in most cases, the most expensive part is not the ceremony itself.  It is the reception.

Food, drinks, and decorations for the reception can really add up.  And entertainment can be quite expensive as well.  Live entertainment doesn't come cheap, and a good DJ can be pricey too.  Finding a good deal on wedding entertainment can be a huge help to your wedding budget.  Here are some ideas:

Get Help From Friends and Family

Is someone in your family in a band?  Do you have a friend who can serve as a DJ?  If so, you might be able to get entertainment for cheap, or possibly even free.  You could even make your own CD of the couple's favorite songs and have someone play it.  You may have to rent some sound equipment, but that will usually be cheaper than hiring a band or disc jockey.

If you or someone you know has a karaoke machine, you could invite your guests to participate in a karaoke contest.  This is always lots of fun.  Letting guests vote for the winner with their applause and providing some prizes makes it even more interesting.

If you don't have friends or family who can provide the entertainment themselves, they might have connections that you can benefit from.  It never hurts to ask around.  When you put the word out that you need entertainment but are on a budget, those closest to you may even come to you with suggestions.

Find Acts That Are Looking for Experience

Bands that aren't well established can be booked less expensively than well known acts.  Considering those who need gigs for the experience can save you money, and you might be surprised at how professional they are.

Bands that consist of high school or college students are often willing to play weddings at low rates.  Your local high school's jazz ensemble might even be available for little or nothing.  Contact the school's band director to see if that is an option.

Do Something Unexpected

You don't necessarily have to have music as entertainment at your reception.  If you can get a different type of entertainment less expensively, it is worth considering.  Doing something different will make your wedding more memorable.

Some ideas include jugglers, stand-up comedians, and games.  The key is to keep the entertainment consistent with your wedding's theme.  Casino and card games, for example, work nicely with a Vegas themed wedding.  Magicians can fit in with a number of themes, but are generally best suited to informal ceremonies.

When budget is a primary consideration, it is important to be flexible when it comes to your wedding entertainment.  It also pays to think outside the box.  You don't have to have the same kind of entertainment that your friend or sister had at her wedding.  Coming up with innovative entertainment for your wedding reception will set your wedding apart, and it could save you a lot of money.

For more ideas on how to plan an event on a tight budget, visit http://www.partyonthecheap.com