If you had the opportunity to purchase a new clothes washing machine, what type would you buy and why?

My washing machine broke and there are so many new choices with longs lists of pros and cons I need help deciding.  Name brand? Front load? Top loading? Steam? Pls help. Thx.

I am usually estatic about this forum and teaching my dd as much as I can, but today I am just depressed.  Over the summer we took a break from a lot of the teaching because we did a lot of travelling and had many visitors.  Summer is almost over and I am trying to get back into a routine.  I am overwhelmed with everything I need to do to get reorganized and saddened that my dd isn't as interested in it as she was before the summer.  Today, it all just seems too much, is it really worth it?  I know it is, but I sure could use a few words of encouragement to jumpstart my motivation!

I think I saw a discussion on this, but now I can not locate it.  My dd has lost interest in LM quantities so I am thinking of skipping ahead days to the equations and/or numeral cirriculum.  Does anyone know on which days these items begin?  Thx.

Tanikit - What are reading eggs?  I use starfall but I have never heard of reading eggs.  Thx.

Thanks for the advice nhockaday, any idea what age I could start trying to explain this to her?  I tried the other day, but it was clearly over her head.

I was going to do some more research on it, but so far haven't found the time.  Anyone know of any good net articles on this topic?

My dd likes to rub anything she can find between her legs.  She especially likes shopping carts and her carseat.  It started when she was a year old and I thought she would outgrow it, but she is now 19 months old and I see no end in sight.  What do I do?  What shouldn't I do?

I love this forum!  Just when I was about to give up all hope on early potty learning with my dd, you post this website.  Thank you very much, I feel less alone in my struggles.

Try reading "Unconditional Parenting" by Alfie Kohn.  Actually, try reading anything by Alfie Kohn.  Here is the amazon link to his books.
http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1245552491/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=alfie%20kohn&rh=n%3A%211000%2Ci%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Aalfie%20kohn&page=1

Alfie Kohn will make you think of rewards and punishments in a completely different light.  His ideas will challenge you to reach a new level of parenting.  The ideas are not easy to impliment, but they are worth trying.

I would like to see more kids books with words/sentences on both pages and then you have to flip the page to see any pictures.  The words/sentences should be big, clear, bold font (similiar to LR but maybe not as big).  The pages with words on them should be clean; basic one colour background no pictures or other distractions.  The children can then focus on reading, without any visual clues which might encourage them to guess and not read.  Then, they can flip the page and enjoy looking at the related picture.

I have found a few books that are called 'Sturdy Paper' books.  The paper is similiar to a glossy cardstock; thicker than paper, but not as thick as a board book.  It is a nice compromise and dd can manage them easily without tearing them.

I also feel uncoordinated trying to point to the words while holding dd and the book.  I prefer books that are not too big and heavy for me to hold up with one hand.

Does this forum have a spellchecker?  If so, where?  If not, can we please have one.  English is my first language, but typing isn't!

With your experience, do you think that showing each DVD for only 3 weeks (as opposed to the 2 months recommended) would be too much? Thanks, Kizudo

No I don't think just 3 weeks is too much, I think you should do what is working for your child.  My YBCR viewing schedule is also closer to 3 weeks

I started the YBCR when dd was between 15 and 16 months old, she is now just over 18 months.  So, we have been using YBCR for just over 3 months. She only watches a video once a day, and usually not on weekends.  But still, after 3 weeks of the starter video she was acting bored, so I moved on to video 1.  Video 1 lasted 4 weeks before she was acting bored.  I moved onto Video 2.  I tried to mix it up and sometimes show the starter or video 1 (Dr. Titzer recommends that), but she will barely look at the screen anymore.  After 4 weeks at Video 2 I moved onto Video 3.  I have been doing Video 3 for over a week now, and she is already starting to act bored.  The YBCR videos are supposed to last 7 months, but I can see that I will barely make 5 months. However, on the PLUS side, I am aware that she can read a least a dozen words and that # seems to increase every few days.  So, in the end, YBCR is just another learning tool and I am not worried that I am not following their schedule.

For about a month dd LOVED the YBCR books, she couldn't get enough of them.  We would read all 5 books over and over and over all day and night.  I could bet we were reading each book about 5 or 6 times a day.  Of course, now, she will barely look at them (I am almost thankful). 

I am also still using my own homemade Doman flashcards every few days.  I also use the YBCR flashcards every few days as well.  I find that if I alternate them and take a break every few days she is more interested in them.  I just keep mixing it up and keep her guessing what might be next and that seems to hold her attention better than a consistent program.

Of course, I had been using LR.  Now with the new cirriculum I am using LR twice a day, and dd is really interested in that.  She begs to sit at the computer now.

I do worry that my lack of consistency on any one program is delaying or learning, or making it more difficult for her to learn.

I don't feel worthy to reply, I only have one!  On the positive side if you do purchase LR at least the program will be used for 2 or 3 or more kids!

What about having some of the older kids teach the younger kids?  Making flashcards and showing them?  Or using a blackboard or whiteboard and writing the words during meatime?

At least with many sibblings they will learn how to share!

Momtomany, you sound very on top things, and you will get ontop of the teaching  as well.  Remember that Glen Doman said that teaching is one game you will win to some extent, no matter how poorly you play.

[THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!]

....THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!.... Eric F

I want to defend KL and everyone else at Brillkids.  First let me say that I am in no way affiliated with them.  I'm just a lucky Mom who thankfully stumbled upon this website.  When I first discovered the website and saw the prices I was amazed at how inexpensive it was, especially since you get 2 keys.  Even at the new prices, I feel that LR and LM are both reasonably priced, I was expecting them to be a LOT more.  I was (and still am) impressed with the points system, and how it is used to ensure excellent forum content, and also how it can be used to save on educational products.  I do not know any other forum that does so much, and asks for no money in return.

I LOVE the new LR.  The organization of the content is wonderful.  I hope that everyone at Brillkids is proud of their accomplishment.

It is difficult, and I was never successful.  I just could not cope with letting my baby cry for more than 3 minutes.  I just felt it was natural to comfort my crying baby, so I did.  In the end I co-slept with my baby until she was almost a year and then we transitioned her into her own mattress in her own room.  Overall it seemed to work for us.  I hope that you find what works best for your baby.

Excellent advice so far on the airplane ride.  Do not forget about the line-ups for security and check-in and the wait in the airport.  Try to save the toys/books for the actual flight.  During the aiport wait amuse you child by looking in the stores and wandering around the airport.  Usually you can find a kids corner with games and toys to help pass the time.  I found my dd enjoyed running up and down the corridor, which was perfect, she was tired when we boarded the plane.