Best and Top Backpack Reviews : 2014-04-20

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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Why do so many kids/teens wear jansport brand backpacks?

Q. It's so popular and overused... Why?

Answer
Maybe because the majority of your local store providers have them in stock? Maybe because they are school item bestsellers? Maybe their main factory is located in your state/province? Maybe it's popular because it's affordable?

You should check backpack industry market facts, compare them with their competitors', compare their marketing plans, and then compare sales... if you want exact statistics and a real break down of why or if more kids seem to wear Jansport Brand.

Does anyone know any backpacks with good back and shoulder support?

julietcruz

I need a new backpack, I'm currently using the jansport big student backpack. I'm in college and I carry alot of books, but now it's starting to hurt my shoulders I stopped using it, I need a new backpack before school starts does anyone know any good ones? please provide link, also don't leave rude, nasty comments and if you don't know don't answer because you're just going to waste my time and yours. JUST MOVE ALONG. thank you so much!

Answer
Hi, I understand your problem. My kids experience the same problem. So far I've found two brands that offer the strap across the top between the shoulder straps which keeps the backpack high on your shoulders so that it distributes the weight better. I found some really nice ones at Kohl's by Tony Hawk (currently on sale). They don't have any good colors for women. Look at the Chico, Corktree, Hackberry & Shadblow styles. Zoom in on the top of the shoulder straps and you will see the extra strap across the top. That's what you want. Also, the High Sierra Loop Backpack has the same features. I've found them at JC Penney (also on sale). When you click on the JC Penney link below scroll down until you see the High Sierra Loop backpack. You don't want the High Sierra Fatboy model. It's the Loop model that you want. When the link comes up the Loop backpack is shown in pink. Just click on it and it will show you the other colors offered. You can even view the backpack from the back and get a good view of the strap across the shoulder straps. If there aren't any Kohl's or JC Penney's. Do a search on the internet. I think that Land's End might even carry a version of these packs. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Friday, April 25, 2014

North Face Backpacks?

Chris P

Im really interested in getting a Sure Shot backpack for school, but I dont want all the fuss getting in the way. So i was wondering, what and where is the hydration port? (NO, it is NOT the containers on the side for your water bottles). How does the audio port work? And how good is the stowability of the "stowable waistbelt"? (i dont wanna be one of those people with flaps dangling around town).....I really appreciate any answers especially those by north face pack owners and mostly by Sure Shot owners. THANKS :-)

Answer
Great pack. hydration port is at the top of the bag and is so you could put a camel back bladder in the bag. Audio port is like a bad joke it is a pocket to put your mp3 player in with a hole so you could string your earphones out. the waist belt gets stowed behind the lumbar support and should be comfortable and stylish. enjoy the bag but just take it out camping just once and you will see it shine. there are cheaper better bags but if the style and name are important North Face makes a great product.

North face backpack help?

Q. I have these requirements for a north face bag:
Chest strap, waist strap, and bungee cords in the back to hold my jacket etc.
Anyone know of a North Face bag that sounds like that?
(north face only, please)

Answer
I'm assuming you are wanting a "daypack". But, just in case I'm wrong, I have also included a link for camping backpacks at the bottom. The first pack I posted is nice, but the second pack is great!

http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Women-s-Ion-20-Pack_10115784____?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AvantLink-_-na-_-397_f17a71f9&ad_id=Avant&avad=397_f17a71f9
The North Face Women's Ion 20 Pack
$89.00

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=207&langId=-1&partNumber=APNK&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-Equipment%20
WOMEN'S SURGE BACKPACK
$115.00

Camping List?

Q. ok, im going camping at lake henshaw for camping and im staying friday to saturday what stuff do i bring i kno like 3 outfits, towel for showering, shoes, flip flopes, blankets,do you guys have anything else??

Answer
Backpack
topographic map(s)
compass
GPS
pack rain cover
gorp
knife
flashlight/headlamp (plus extra batteries)
matches/lighter
whistle
mirror
bug bite stick
moleskin
sunscreen
insect repellant
headnet
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
water filter
toilet paper
spade/shovel
saw/hatchet
2 1L Nalgene water bottles
100oz. camelback
first aid kit
backpacking stove
stove fuel
cooking gear & utensils
dehydrated meal packs (x+1 days)
candle lantern (w/ x+1 candles)
repair kits (pack, pad, stove, filter, etc.)
Zip-Loc bags for trash
clothing (pants, shirt, underwear, socks, fleece)
Rain gear

Camping gear list?

Q. I need a list of camping stuff for a teen girl, my mom is bringing the big stuff (tent, food...) We are going to be at the beach, I dont know the temperatures because it has been going form 60 to 90 overnight, we are going for 3 nights, there is showers, also can you put stuff for in the car (its a long ride), also, if you want to, you can put stuff to do with a dog for when we are there (were bringing a dog) that would be probably my main source of non-boringness, thanks for the help

Answer
For a 3-4 day camping trip (up the clothes if longer stay)
------------------------------...
3 pr of shorts
3 t-shirts or tank tops
1 pr of jeans
1 sweatshirt
1 jean jacket or other jacket
1 long sleeve shirt
2 swim suits (one will be wet - you'll want another dry one)
Rope to hang up "wet" clothes to dry
2 pr of socks
tenners
sandals or flip flops (zori's)
toothbrush toothpaste
soap to wash your face/body
sun screen lotion spf 15 & spf 30
Pillow-pillow case
Lighter (and matches)
newspaper (to help light the fire)
BUG SPRAY !!!
baseball cap or straw hat of some sort shield sun
sun glasses
(scissors, tweezers, nail file, ... tools for stuff)
band aides - bactine or some other disinfectant
WetOnes or some towelettes
A book or magazines to read if it is raining
Cards to play if it is raining
hairbrush - comb
pony tail binder & barettes & bobby pins
candy - snacks
small backpack if you go hiking
...... that's all I can think of

DOG:
frizzbee or ball or stick to throw for Dog to catch
leash - to walk the dog along the beach & not bother people

where online can i find expensive infant baby boy clothing?

B W

I am wanting to find a place to buy a bundle of clothing but for a great cost for my brother and sister in law who are expecting there first child.. if anyone can help it would be appreciated....

Answer
salvation army or good will store stuff is usually cheap and clean because infants grow so fast they do not have time to wear it out. Yard sales and flea markets too. tell you sister most insurances not give out free car seats. Also any of these places you can find baby essentials cheap too like changing table, crib high chair, swing, jolly jumper, baby backpack, and all she would need to buy at say walmart would be a crib mattress. they grow too fast too buy expensive and these places you will often find quality clothes from baby gap, old navy, carter, Oshkosh etc.

I need boy advice. rofl. anyone?

hahaha

anyways, there's this guy i really like. really really.
and i was wondering if he somewhat likes me back, maybe just as a friend.

but we were at this party in our theater room. i was standing by the back curtains. i see him sneak up behind the curtains, and he wraps the curtains around me and hugs me through the curtians. then leaves.

a few minutes later, i'm talking to a girl and he joins the conversation out of the blue and starts talking to me.

ok? with me so far?

today, he's standin with his back to a table and there is a small gap between him and the corner of the table. i try to get by, but he sorta bends forward with his backpack and pins me to the table while he is facing the opposite way?
can you picture it?

he bends over and blocks me from going by.
if i can remember i think he did it twice.

so, i have no idea why he's doing this.

also last year, he would sorta hang out at the rehearsals for my play that i was directing and he just stood there talking to me.

my teases and says he likes me, but i have no idea.
:)

any advice or anything would helllp
ehem.

My friend teases me*

is what i meant to say.

Answer
That's the most adorable thing I've ever heard.

I'm pretty sure he really likes you. Maybe you should take a step and ask him out to play mini-golf or something sometime?

Help with choosing a camera...?

Q. I'm very picky about printed photo quality. My first digital was a Panasonic Lumix back in 2002. The pictures were BEAUTIFUL! Very crisp. After it broke I went back to my SLR Canon EOS Rebel. Last year my husband bought me a Kodak Zsomething and I've never disliked a camera more! The pictures come out flat and cartoonish looking. Not crisp at all. I'm ready to get a new camera and I've looked at the Canon XTI and the Nikon D40x. I thought I really wanted one but I always end up using my cameras as point and shoot so it probably isn't worth all the money for me. I travel a lot and take a lot of landscape and architecture photos. I also take a lot of pictures of my family. I'm planning on taking a photography class this fall before I move back to Europe and can use my old Canon Rebel but I'd really like to get a Canon or Nikon that can go auto or manual but is easy and small enough for traveling in a purse or backpack. Any suggestions appreciated. $800 max. Thanks! :c)
Already having lenses to fit a Canon is not an issue. I only have the original Rebel EOS kit lenses. My main concern is a great digital camera that takes pictures that don't come out smeared and haloed and digital looking!
Thanks! :c)
Definitely digital. Which online service do you use for your film processing?
The Rebel that I have right now is not digital. Do you use the auto settings a lot for your pics? Auto setting pics come out nicely?

Answer
After answering questions here for about 8 months, I finally decided to get a Canon Powershot SD900. This is going to be my pocket camera to use when I don't want to carry one of my SLR's with me, but I still want really great image quality from the camera. It sounds like this might be what you are looking for, as you said you want to get something light enough to put in a purse or backpack. Please use caution in doing this, though, and keep the camera in a decent case. The WORST thing that can happen to a digital point and shoot is to turn it on and then prevent the lens from extending. This will ruin the camera and this is what will surely happen if you don't protect that on-off switch.

Anyhow, after months and months of reading reviews, the SD900 was my top choice. I found a review in Popular Photography the day after I ordered my Canon that suggests that maybe the Pentax Optio A20 would have been a better choice, but, I'm happy with my purchase. The Pentax does have shake reduction, so that's a plus, but I doubt this will be necessary in a camera that only zooms to an equivalent of 114 mm.

Go here to see the comparison article on 5 compact cameras with 1/1.8" sensors and see what you think. If you really don't want to read reviews, I am still happy that I am got the Canon SD900 and this would be my recommendation for anyone at this point, since it is what I chose for myself. I ordered from B&H Photo where the price is $330 (today) for the SD900. (Please note that this chart incorrectly states that the Pentax Optio A20 has a 1/2.5" sensor. That is incorrect. It has a 1/1.8" sensor.)

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3471/high-5-10mp-compacts.html Click on the name of each camera to read a detailed review.

After about one month of using the SD900, I was so happy with it that I bought one to give to my niece as an engagement present. I am that confident in the camera.

I also bought a 5-year Mack warranty for $50. If you are even a little paranoid or clutzy, I feel that it is money well-spent. These are somewhat delicate compared to SLR's.

Here is a comparison page with all five 10 MP cameras mentioned in the PopPhoto article. Click on "In-depth review" and "Read Owner Opinions" for each camera. Be sure to note that the reviews are many pages long so you don't stop after page one. Check the sample images, also. You can enlarge these to full size images if you click on the link below the picture. You will have to then put your cursor in the white space to the right of the picture and click once. After that, you can pass your cursor over the image and it will turn into a magnifier. Click it as a magnifier once and the image will go to full size and you can really examine the detail or look for artifacts like fringing or noise.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd900%2Ccasio_exz1000%2Coly_stylus1000%2Cpentax_optioa20%2Csamsung_nv10&show=all

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/sd900.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd900/
http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/canon-ixus-900-ti.cfm

Here is one photo I put on-line that I took with the SD900. Click on "All Sizes" and view this as large as possible and check out the birds. This was taken right after sunset and there were no enhancements in afterprocessing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409551806/

Here's another photo with no post-processing at all. It was taken at the full 111 mm (equiv) zoom. It was taken in the fully automatic mode with no help from me at all. The horizon is crooked because the camera was resting on the top of my car. I did not want to alter anything, because this is part of a 3-image series comparing optical zoom with cropping to digital zoom. You can look at the other pictures while you are there and see why optical zoom is all that matters.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/459603923/

Here's an SD900 photo with a moderate amount of post-processing, but not so much as to make it appear artificial. This was taken in macro mode from about 6 or 8 inches away.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/516855394/

Here is a comparison between 10 MP image from the SD900 and a 6 MP image from an SD700-IS, but you can use it as a sample image from the SD900.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/485855174/

Here is another sample that is not intended to show off the SD900 so much, but to comapare it for the sake of a discussion on sensor size. However, you can get an idea of the general quality of the image.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/476181751/

Since you said that you object to the "cartoonish" appearance of some digital images, I think you will like the SD900 in its default settings. It is actually a tiny bit on the soft side, but you can reset the sharpness if you don't want to tap [CTRL]+[F] in Photoshop to apply your preset unsharp mask settings.

SONY OR CANON CAMERA?

3847027477

i'm planning to buy a camera and i don't know what brand to buy
in your opinion, which brand is better?

please and thankyou!

Answer
Sony, Nikon and Canon all make good cameras. If you are going with an SLR, Sony's body has built in (IS) image stabilization, but if you want IS with Canon, you have to buy a lens that has IS. Therefore you end up paying more per lens. Canon has more lenses to choose from and has been in the business of making cameras longer...they know what they are doing. I have a Digital rebel SLR and now a Canon 50D and love both cameras. I would not consider trading them for anything other than a full frame SLR. Do research on lenses also. Digital SLR sensors are so good now that a kit or cheap lens is a handicap to a camera.

Read reviews... I recommend and would not buy a camera from anywhere other than B&H photo or Adorama. Read the reviews of the cameras at their websites and look at the negative reviews..not just the positive reviews. Do not buy a camera from anyone that is selling it cheaper than the above two sites...if you see a cheaper camera in magazines or online...it is too good to be true and you will be scammed.

Also consider what type of camera you want. A large SLR with a bag full of lenses=you will be carrying around a backpack if you want to take pictures. You can get a good quality small point in shoot that you can keep in a pocket or purse and always have with you.

EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera might be a good first choice if you are starting out with SLR's.

http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

question about kids backpack?

skyler

My son is gonna be starting kindergarten in a few months and he is a little scared so I wanted to go and get him a backpack and all the stuff with it for his b-day witch is in two he is motorcross so I am looking for a Kawaski backpack does anyone know any web-sites I can order this from. PLEASE HELP I really want to get him this for his b-day and get him excited to go to school

Answer
http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/Site/PCProductCatalog/PCCatalogTypes.asp?intCatalogId=1

This is the official kawasaki site with their gear. I think you are better off with a generic racing back pack you can find ones with the checkered flags or other racing type stuff at a more reasonable cost and size for a kindergartener .

Another idea is to get a plain backpack that fits him well (adult backpacks are unnecessary for a Kindergartener). Then find a patch or iron on that will make his special for him. If he is getting nervous about school this might better be an activity done together as a surprise birthday gift of this bag you take to school might only make him not want the bag or to go to school!

Where's the cheapest place to get kids backpacks that won't fall apart before the end of the school year?

Q. My son is starting Kindergarten this fall... Every backpack he likes feels cheap and like it won't last. I like these because they're nice quality and I can get a matching lunchbag... http://www.hannaandersson.com/Style.asp?from=SRCH&styleid=32505&simg=32505_S19&mwc=S19&styleRef=32505kb but I don't really want to spend that much and my son wants Spiderman or Star Wars anyway. You know anywhere to get a cheap one with a matching lunch bag that will last? Or a set SO cheap that it won't matter if it falls apart and I have to replace it?

Answer
We've had problems with every backpack we've gotten our kids, so unless we want to go for the $75-and-up variety, we decided to just "go with it".

Last summer, A.C.Moore had backpacks on sale for $5 each. Sure, they were cheaply made, and didn't look like they were made to last, but we bought 2 for each kid, with the intention of using both during the year. We hate to think of backpacks as "disposable", but if they're not going to make it through the year anyway, why spend the extra money?

With three school-aged kids, we spent $30, and only 2 of them didn't make it through the year, so we still have 4 to start off next year.

As they get older (the oldest is starting 6th grade this year), we'll get them better backpacks.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Where in Northern California can I go backpacking in the winter with my dog?

Chris W

I'm trying to find beautiful, solitary and strenuous/challenging backpacking in Northern California that allows dogs to be off-leash. I'm open to snowshoe or snow-free trips, preferably with mountains, lakes/rivers and beautiful views.

Answer
National Forest or Bureau of Land Management. Ask under "Camping" if you need more answers.

Backpacking between NYC-LA what to see?

Q. We are 2 danish tourists male age 20 looking for the adventure of a life time. We are traveling from NYC to toronto and then from there to LA. What is the must see things on the way? Both in NYC and on the route to LA? ANY suggestions are warmly welcomed.

We would like to see both, nature, culture, music, sports, pretty much anything USA/Canada has to offer.

Answer
In regards to nature you have:
Yosemite - Very large National Park with plenty of camping, fishing and backpacking. Yosemite is home to Half Dome a beautiful hike that's hard to get permits for though.

The Lost Coast in Northern California by Humboldt County - Beautiful untouched coastline for over 50 miles. You can backpack the coast and go inland to small mountains too.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park - Home to Mt Whitney the tallest mountain in the contiguous US and other 14-ers like Mt Langley. Great place to backpack and hike. The Palisades Glacier is nearby too if you want to check it out.

White Mountain Range - Across from Whitney is the White Mountain Range that has White Mountain another 14-er and the Great Bristlecone Pine Forest that is home to the oldest non-clonal organism on earth: Methusaleh.

Death Valley in California - The hottest place on Earth.

Palm Springs - Mt San Jacinto is here that stands around 11k feet. They have a tram that takes you from the bottom to the top. So depending on what time of the year you travel you can go from triple digit temperature to seeing snow on top in minutes.

Colorado - The rockies and plenty of beautiful places to camp and hike here. I'm not as familiar with them.

Utah & Zion National Park. I've never been want want to go some day. They have amazing sights and tons of different things to see.

BACKPACKING AND CAMPING?

Q. I WILL BE GOING ON A BACKPACKING TRIP WITH MY BROTHER IN JULY FOR 4-5 DAYS HIKING ABOUT 12-15 MILES AND LAST TIME WE WHEN I WAS VERY UNCONFORMABLE BECAUSE MY BACKPACK I WAS WODERING WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD BACKPACK? THANK YOU! =)

Answer
I've owned a number of backpacks but by far my favorite has been the Osprey Aether 85 Pack. This back combines comfort with maximum load capabilities. For me, it really has been the Rolls Royce of backpacks.

Here are a few other owner reviews I was able to find on this particular bag:

"I got this pack for a 75 mile backpacking trip in New Mexico (Philmont). I have taken it on a couple practice hikes and it is incredibly comfortable. I love how little it ways."

"I've had the last generation of this pack for about 4 years. It's been to about 10 countries, up Mt.Kilimanjaro, conquered the JMT, 4 day kayak trip, etc... This is THE best large extended trip pack on the market. Pay the extra $ and thank me later."

"I just went up Mt. Whitney with this pack and I really liked how comfortable it was and how well it fit. When I got to the top, my shoulders and upper body felt fine. The pockets and straps were conveniently placed. Balance was good and my back had good air circulation."

You should absolutely go in and try on a few different bags and find out what works best for you. However, I can tell you from personal experience...this one is a goodie!

Happy Trails!

Adventure summer camps....& reviews?

We're a te

I'm just checking out high schooler's summer adventure camps...
Anyone know of any they've heard of, or been in, and loved?
Also I'm looking for sites that have reviews from the teen's experiences.

(These camps being overnight, where you don't just stay in a cabin/hotel but you camp and hike and backpack and rock climb...)

Thanks for your help!

*Yes, I have googled, but I also would like somone else's opinions on what they think sounds like a good camp, or was great!*

Answer
Hello!

I don't know if you're familiar with Teen Tours, but that's what is sounds like you are talking about. This essentially allows students to travel with a backpack and a group of people their age through a certain part of the world. For instance, when I went, I saw the southwest area (CA, AZ, NV, UT). I used this website http://www.choicecamps.com/travel-programs to find my teen tour trip. You should check the website out, it's actually really helpful. You can narrow down the kind of trip you are looking for and search the area you want to be in. You can view pictures, watch dvds, and find our more information on the website.

I hope I helped and let me know if you have any more questions.

*Jessy*

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Working at a daycare/preschool so your child can attend?

Q. I have a very active and social 9 month old. I currently stay home with him but I really feel like he needs more. I have found a "School" that he could attend from 2-5 times a week from 830-230. They are in session like a regular school year and do their best to mimic a school. EX: 1 year olds have lunch boxes and backpack,, so cute! Anyway I have the opportunity to work there as well. However I would have to work the 5 days but he could go as many as he wanted and be with daddy at home the rest of the day and we would both be off durning the summers. My question is would I get tired of taking care of other kids and then my guy at night. Or would it just be a job.

The pay is not much but enough for extra spending and his school would be 1/2 off.

Good or bad idea

Oh yeah, his "school year" would begina in Sept. He would be 14 months by then.

Answer
I worked in a daycare and honestly whenever a teacher had their children at the school they worked in it always lead to trouble. And yes you will get tired at the end of the day and not have as much to give to your son (unless you are very energetic). It would probably be fun at first but you're not thinking about all the responsibilty that comes with helping to raise/teach other people's children. Good thought but I think I'd have to vote bad idea. Also most likely you will not get 100% free tuition just because you work there and most likely he will not be allowed to be in the class you teach in. It's great that your son is so super active, if you can afford it get him involved at a baby gym (I go to Gymboree) and programs at the YMCA or participate in free activies at your library or local Barnes and Noble, they both have free programs for young children. I mean if you need the money it does seem like a good opportunity but if you can get by without I think your son's first year will probably be the most magic and rewarding time for him (they learn so much the first year!) and you'll miss all your one on one time with him.

what all do you buy for your pre-k or kindergartener for school clothes?

kellyville

ok so my 4 yr old went to preschool last yr for 2 days a week turned out to be a waste of time btw i had to pay for it and he learned nothing seriously othing that he didnt already know :( anyways i bought his clothes last yr and cant remember what all i got for him i know i will need more this yr as he will be in pre k and going 5 days a week....heres a list of what i have and what else i am gonna get please add ur suggestions and what all u are buying for ur pre k or kindergartener thanks!

bought so far

jean shorts
red shorts
black adidas shorts
5 windsuits
5 white tshirts for wind suits
2 shorts out fits
2 printed t shirts
1 sleeveless shirt
10 pr socks
6 pr underwear
1 pr tennis shoes
1 pr gray shorts like khakis that im having to exchange lil turd sucked in his belly when we tried them on and i didnt know it!!

im going to get of course his supplies and backpack , another pair of tennis shoes and some jeans as soon as i find some that arent too big :(
and some more t shirts is there anything else i should get for now? what abt new sandals? im new to this so any suggestions would be appreciated verrry much also let me know what u bought for ur pre k / kindergartener thanks!!!
thanks so far everyone, were going to go here in alil bit and try to find him some more stuff, i have never in my life seen a lil boy get so excited abt clothes! he has tried on everything like 5 times!! lol
wow i didnt even think abt writing his name in the jackets good suggestion!!

Answer
My son is starting Kindergarten this fall and I love to shop! I'm in Wisconsin so he doesn't need any shorts because it will be cold here by September but if you're in a warmer area then I'd buy a few pairs with elastic waists so he doesn't have to worry about buttons, snaps and zippers. That's the main thing to focus on with school clothes- practicality! We don't want them to have to constantly ask the teacher for help when there are 20 kids in the class. I've actually already bought most of his clothes- I buy everything at the end of the season on clearance for the next year. So far he has...

8 pairs activewear pants & matching long-sleeved shirts from Gymboree, like these- http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp?productSizeSelected=0&pageClicked=0&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374305611191&bmUID=1217005425152 These are my favorite because they're cute, comfortable & easy for him to put on/take off.

4 pairs of athletic pants in different colors with 4 athletic tops to match from K-mart.

2 pairs of casual cargo/climber pants -like these http://www.landsend.com/pp/OpenBottomCargoClimberPants~146357_1188.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::VNO&CM_MERCH=IDX_00003__0000000328&origin=index

4 pairs of jeans
3 hooded sweatshirts
10 or so random long-sleeved shirts
4 sweaters
1 pair of tennis shoes

I still need to get him new socks and I'll probably buy about 10 pairs. I'm not buying new underwear because there's nothing wrong with his old ones and no one sees them anyway. I'm also not buying any new short sleeved t-shirts because the ones he's been wearing all summer look new still. I'll buy him one more pair of tennis shoes- with velcro instead of laces so he can do them himself. I still have to get a backpack too and if you buy one at Toys R Us for 12.99 or more you get a free lunch bag so I'm probably going there. I agree that you should label everything and even then you might lose things but it will help. I would skip the sandals because they aren't good for playing on the playground. A lot of schools will even specify that kids DON'T wear them. Good Luck! =]

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I hate Illinois! Would it be worthwhile for a serious nature lover to move from Illinois to Maryland?

Q. I live in Illinois, in the Chicago area, and I absolutely hate it! The reason I hate it there is basically nothing here for a serious nature-lover like myself. It is all nothing but endless ugly suburban sprawl surrounded by endless boring cornfields. You have to drive hundreds of miles from where we live just to find a decent place to take a hike or go backpacking. I want to move to to the west coast but my wife won't agree to that, either because it is too expensive or where it isn't too expensive it will be too hard for both of us to find job in our respective fields. Someone suggested to us that the Washington area might be a reasonable compromise. It is large enough to have plenty of jobs for us, the cost of living isn't terribly high, and also Maryland and Virginia aren't all cornfields. Or so she said. But when I look at maps of the area I am not sure it would be that much of an improvement.

Can anyone give me another opinion on this?

Answer
define 'nature lover'

while the Pax river area has a very nice preserve and there are a few hiking trails around here, I would NOT go do far as to say it is chock full of nature and outdoorsy stuff.

Pennsylvania is a couple fo hours away and the Poconos has camping/backpacking options.

the BWA triangle is just as urban as Chi-town. we just get slightly less snow each winter( not that you would think so this year)

maybe the Bay area/Ocean City if you are into the beach life.

But you really want the Coasts. Hampton Roads in Virginia is teeming with outdoor nature. On the Left side, you have Monterey and San Diego

Are there any bears or other wild animals in the Appalachian mountains?

Q. My college, Frostburg State University, is surrounded by these mountains. The college campus is touching the West Virginia and Maryland border. As far as I can see, there is green scenery and long hills. I was wondering if it's safe to go hiking on these mountains? The view from one of my halls is amazing; I just want to run out there. Please forgive me for my lack of knowledge.

My college is near the West Virginia and Maryland border.

Answer
Wild animals would include: SNAKES, frogs, toads, turtles, salamanders, all sorts of birds, raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels, voles, moles, mice, opposums, deer, and black bear. As long as you keep your distance from the skunks and avoid female bears with cubs it is quite safe. People hike the Appalachian Trail all the time. I have backpacked in that area myself and black bears have thoroughly checked out our packs. The key is DO NOT bring any food into the tent and store it hanging high off the ground suspended from ropes BETWEEN two trees so that the bears can not get to it. OR if you are camping leave the food IN the car with the windows ALL THE WAY UP. I would worry more about rattlesnakes than bears.

Any advice to my son going into middle school?

XxATLfan4l

Answer
Just make sure he KNOWS what is going on and what he is responsible for. He must also be highly organized and keep track of assignments and deadlines in an agenda (be sure that you check it every night).

Elementary schools tend to hand-hold kids, but once in middle school they are expected to be more independent. Just remember, in elementary school he had a few teachers and was in a class with maybe 25 - 30 kids. He will now have 7 classes/teachers a day who will each see about 150 students a day.

If he is absent, it is HIS responsibility to ask for the missed work...no one will hand it to him (or remind him) like when he was in elementary school.

If he is late to class without an excusable reason, this is cause for detention or a referral to the office (they don't play around in middle school).

Also, school lunches will be a little different. In elementary school, he maybe had a choice of 2 meals from the school menu. He will now have the option of eating french fries, pizza, and other junk food everyday if he chooses (most middle school cafeterias are like a mall food court - - - and people wonder why we have an obesity epidemic in this country!) ~ sorry to get on my soap box.

If your son is worried about being stuffed into a locker as is depicted on nearly every 'tween sitcom, there is no way that is possible. The lockers are so small, you can barely hang up a winter coat (don't buy a backpack with wheels either...it will never fit!). Have him practice using a combination lock at home so by the time school starts, he will be an old pro.

He will also have to get used to changing for gym class which he did not have to do previously (I think it is highly outdated, but I don't make the rules).

Finally, enjoy him for the next 2 years! Once he hits 8th grade, if he is like many boys that age, he will become possessed by hormones and do anything to get girls' attention. He will probably be highly annoying to you, but just know that it is a phase that will soon pass (even though it sometimes seems like an eternity).

He will do fine and within the first 2 weeks or so, he will really enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that he has.

Is my daughter materialistic or is this normal for tweens?

Q. My latest shopping experience with my eleven year old DD was... Not what I expected. So, we had planned a day for just us two to go shopping. As usual, I drove her to the mall and took her to our usually starting place, JC Penney. She said, "Mom, I don't really want to shop here..." So I shrugged my shoulders, said, "Alright, let's check out The Children's Place." I glanced at my daughter for a split second just to see her face look mortified. My DD said, "I don't want to go there either." I then replied, "Well why not!"
DD: Because I will get laughed at at school!
ME: Nonsense! What about Old Navy?
DD: That's social suicide, Mom
ME: Well, then where do you want to go, Paige?
DD: Um... Let's try abercrombie! Then we can go To Forever 21, which is close by. Then we'll go upstairs and go to Aeropostale, Delias, and PacSun!
ME: Aren't those a bit mature for you?
DD: NO MOM. COME ON.

She said that in quite an angry way. We had no problem shopping at JCP, TPC, and Old Navy before. Stepping into these "tween" stores were quite a new experience for me. There was dim lighting and ear-pounding music everywhere! All in all, for my daughter's back to school shopping, we purchased one pair of jeans, a cardigan, and a hoodie from abercrombie kids, a dress from Aeropostale, two tops and a barette from Forever 21, one pair of jeans, a cardigan, and a t-shirt from Hollister, and a camisole, a dress from Abercrombie and Fitch, a backpack from PacSun (roxy brand), earrings from Claire's, and two shirts and jeans from Delias. However, I was shocked at the total everything came up to. Is it normal for my daugter to want expensive clothes from these stores? Is she materialistic or are you moms of tween girls also experiencing this?

Answer
This is normal for her age!

I know that back when I was 11, everyone, was so into growing up, and changing. Especially me, I was tired of how I dressed, I wanted to dress a little grown up.

But keep your eyes on her, because, if you let her get clothes that seem too grown up, her attitude will be horrible (by that I mean, she will change everything about herself, and become the type you do not want).

She'll get over it by 12, I know I did! Keep her focused on her school's, and maybe if you put her in programs like... math programs, she won't have time to focus on clothes, that are too grown up for her age, and she'll focus more on school ;)

Abrecombe, and Forever 21 aren't bad stores though, they're just not for 11 year olds, they're for teens! You can let her shop there, but make sure you know what she's buying, and if you don't like it, give her your opinion on it :)

Good luck!

xoxo: irina :)

Any parenting advice please?

Q. I am 32 years old and 8 months pregnant with my first baby. I will be raising her on my own, and want to be the best mother I can be. I have read most of the books, researched a lot online, and still have many fears.

Any words of wisdom?

Answer
Congratulations! It seems you have done everything I have done when I had my son (now 5 y.o.) - books didn't help muchâ¦ only gave me the basic idea on things. I did talk to parents online, there are message boards you can participate in and get advice from other parents.

Not everything that worked for others will work for you so it's best to keep an open mind, listen to your instincts and remember to rest physically and emotionally. If you can get any help of your friends to watch the baby so you could sleep - that will help you. I am still sleep deprived, five years later :).

If you happen to feel depressed after the delivery - a little baby blues are a normal thing as your hormones change, but if you feel the "blues" don't go away and starting to develop into a depression (lasting lets' say more than a month) - you may want to see a doctor and get her advice. I did get depressed after my son was born and it's hard caring for a baby when you're not feeling like doing anything at all...

People will tell you many, MANY things. Some will push their opinion onto you and some will make suggestions. It's best to keep an open mind. The way I looked at it - if this is something that my doctor tells me and I agree with it - that's the road I am going to take. If someone tells you smth outrageous and claims it works - use common sense and your best judgement. If ever in doubt - talking to other parents or a doctor [or both] usually provides enough useful information for you to make an educated decision.

Watch your budget - being a single mom can get tough financially. If you're planning on sending your child to day care - this can get a little pricey. What I learned from it - visit different day care centers, talk to teachers and ask questions. Walk through multiple rooms and review. If anything you don't like - move on to another center. And in my experience with childcare - you get what you pay for... Same goes for private babysitters and nannies â but I personally chose against hiring a nanny for safety reasons. I heard too many stories of abuse so I trust day care centers more because there is more structure there. And the day care center will be held accountable for every bump your child gets while in their care - so you know they will make sure to follow all the rules.

There's going to be lots of trial and error situations. As they say "it will get hard before it gets better" and with newborns it's very true. But even if you catch yourself thinking: "this will never end, I'll be stuck to this baby forever with no time for me" - no, you won't be. It's true that you will be glued to this child for the first year most likely and it will be hard to find time for yourself... But it's only until the baby starts walking, talking and etc... As the times goes by you will be getting your personal time back.

I agree with someone who said this earlier â take lots of pictures!

Wishing you the best of luck!

Ok, and here is the list of things I could not live without. Links are for information only â I am in no way soliciting any particular products, this is just a list of things I had and found they did work (for me). Maybe you will find it helpful.

- Vibrating bouncer with ocean sounds
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Ocean-Wonders-Aquarium-Bouncer/dp/B000324Y7U

- Simethicone drops (Mylicon) which I added to my son's formula or gave by mouth (he had colic and these drops did majic to him)
http://www.medicinenet.com/simethicone_drops-oral/article.htm

-Tiny Love symphony-in-motion mobile
http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Symphony-Motion-Mobile/dp/B00067ELGG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1216408151&sr=1-2

- Enfamil formula (highly recommend if you choose to use formula).

- Gap backpack instead of a regular "diaper bag". I loved it - it looks great, not like a diaper bag, very roomy inside, convenient and the best thing - you throw it on your back, pick up the baby and off you go. Very easy.
(I tried to find a link but they don't sell them anymore...It used to be in "Diaper Bags" section on Gap website...)

- Dr. Brown baby bottles. They do work.
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Natural-Flow-Bottle/dp/B00005BYUR

- Baby Einsten videos â my son loved them all!
http://babyeinstein.com/en/

i want to buy a baby stroller,i dont know what to see ?suggest me, i got a newborn baby 3 months.?

hard_remix

Answer
First of all, Congratulations on your newborn!!!
These are the criteria on getting a stroller.
Ask yourself these,

1) Are you and your partner have an active lifestyle?
Do you intend to jog around with baby in tow?

2) Do you drive?

3) Is $$$$ an issue or do you have a fixed budget to invest on a good stroller?

I'm gonna suggest something extravagant and stylish yet conventional for a couple, you can check out this website

www.quinny.com

They have the most lightweight, flexible strollers in the market.
Check out how the stroller can be folded to a size of a backpack!
Price wise...Hmm depends if you are willing to fork out some dough. One thing for sure, strollers like those from quinny will make heads turn and more space in your care once it's folded.
Personally I have Quinny Buzz for my baby. I fell in love with it
when I was just 2 months pregnant and I told my husband that Quinny Buzz is The Ultimate Transporter...

If you travel often, get yourself a travel system like the ones they have from GRACO. Check out their website,
www.gracobaby.com

They have matching carseat, 5 point harness and they are lightweight. Plus they have this big basket to put your baby's diaper bag or other stuff you wish to put in. Remember,
always think of your partner when she does her shopping alone without you, make sure she can manage to open the stroller with one hand. Choose strollers that is "one hand hold" for easier handling and that your partner can manage to close or open the stroller on her own.

Remember this pointers

1) Baby is comfortable and safe.
2) Stroller is lightweight and manageable with simple yet useful functions
3) Easy to maneuver ( against the maddening crowd on weekends when you shop.)
4) Easy to store.(in the car boot, the storage room etc)
5) Invest on a stroller that grows with your child. Saves you $$ from getting another stroller when baby outgrows the old stroller.
6) Check out review site, www.strollersandprams.com for user reviews.

Happy Shopping and Good luck!

Any good wilderness camping sites in NJ or PA?

joe k

I live in the NJ/PA area and am in search of a new wilderness camping area. In south jersey, Wharton State Forest offers some of the only sites where you actually have to hike/canoe 1-3 miles to get to the campsite. This is a nice woodsy area but lacks a good swimming lake (great for woodsy day hikes while camping though). North of Trenton is Round Valley Reservoir - my favorite so far. A 3-5 mile hike or slightly shorter canoe and you almost feel completely alone with a whole lake to yourself.

I am in search of another campsite in the NJ/PA area that requires a hike (helps to weed out some of the "cheaters"... ie. little kids... and increases the "away from civilization" feeling) but also leaves you with a nice view or nice place to swim and feel alone for a couple of days/nights. Preferably, I would prefer to have a campsite that is not immediately next to another and is at least somewhat away from civilization.

Anything in the Eastern PA/NJ area?
Does anybody know of a good place along the Appalachian Trail in the PA/NJ area where a good 2-3 day camping trip can take place? Having a campfire is a major part of camping but I have heard that they are only allowed in certain areas on the AT. Ideally, I'd like to find an area within a 1-4 mile hike to leave the tent for a couple of nights where a fire can be built.

Answer
The only WILDERNESS areas in PA are in the Allegheny National Forest. There is also the Great Swamp NWR and Brigantine Wilderness, also managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

There are several Natural and Wild areas in the Delaware State Forest (PA) but most of them are off limits for camping. You can check the state bureau of forestry website for more info. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/index.aspx

There are plenty of good backpacking trails in Eastern PA, but none of them are in a Wilderness area. Better opportunities for remote camping and backpacking exist in the central part of the state. There is the Old Loggers Path and the Loyalsock Trail as well a World's End State Park. Most of the state parks and trails such as The Horseshoe Trail and Thunder Swamp can be very congested due to their closeness to the Philly/NJ border. In short, don't count on finding anything remote east of the Susquehanna River. Hickory Run, Promised Land, Beltzville, and Rickett's Glen State Parks are usually very crowded during peak camping season.

Similarly, the AT in Pennsylvania largely crosses state game lands (no camping at all), state forest lands (usually no fires), private lands, and easements given to the ATC/NPS by private individuals. Due to relocations and weather conditions, fire restrictions change often. The current AT Guidebook for PA will give fairly accurate info, but you could hike in 7 miles to a campsite or shelter only to find that the property owners or the state has posted a fire restriction. The section from PA-183 to Swatara Gap is fairly remote. I've hiked it several times and usually only run into a handful of other hikers. The only places I've ever found crowded are the areas inside the Delaware Water Gap and around the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, but I've hiked the entire state several times and can honestly say I've never had the feeling of remoteness. You can almost always see lights from towns and on quiet nights can hear cars and noise from down in the valleys.

If you want to find a good swimming hole check here:
http://www.swimmingholes.org
Some places listed there have camping areas.

Personally, I'd head up to the Adirondacks or Vermont. There are many more remote areas to camp and lots of great swimming holes. So save up a few more PTO or Vacation days and spend a few more hours in the car. It's worth it.

HELP Going to camp in 20 minutes! Quick easy questions?

Q. 1. Should I wear my volleyball shirt (one from my high school team that said bulldog volleyball)? Would that be like flashy to wear a volleyball shirt at camp? Should I wear something else?
2. Is it weird to use a backpack for a bag? I don't have a duffle :(
3. How do I make friends?

Answer
1) If it is an old jersey, I prob wouldn't wear that. If it is just a team logoed t-shirt, go for it. Bring multiple shirts incase you sweat through the first.

2) backpack is fine.

3) Focus on learning as much as you can at camp, but be willing to approach people and talk. Find a warm up buddy to start with. Then introduce yourself to whom ever you will be doing drills with.

At a camp, they might do a brief team building exercise such as name games, so think of your favorite ice cream and favorite color ahead of time!

Monday, April 21, 2014

The north face backpack?

Q. Which from the following north face backpacks will you choose?

- RECON
- BOREALIS, or
- HECKLER

The only thing that I care for is to have lots of pockets.
Thanks.

Answer
Recon is what girls usually buy in north face brand
Borealis is what campers usually use so it really is a useful one aside from it has many pockets.
Heckler is normally used in school here in our place.

best choice would be Borealis :>

high school girls what backpack should i get for school?

Abby

okay well i'm going to high school and i hear backpacks were dorky but i'm to allowed to get a tote because my mom thinks i'll 'pull my back out' or 'you won't be able to carry anything'. so what are some cute backpacks? and i'm just saying will people laugh at me when i carry a backpack to school? what backpacks have you seen in your school?

Answer
When I was in High School, North Face backpacks were really popular. It was an all girls school. I think they probably make them in cute colors now.
Dickies has realllly cute girlie backpacks with patterns and even Jansport has started to do he same.
The last two are affordable, North Face backpacks are AT LEAST $60.

where can i find a vintage backpack?

Q. i want it to look along the lines of this:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17460577&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Womens-_--_-Ecote+Classic+Canvas+Backpack
but not as expensive. Thanks :)

Answer
Here maybe some options for you:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWGJZK/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=b4d86be4-7834-4ea5-97f6-92ef83cb5d55&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A2&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0036WHCEQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0X2WS2ZQEV3XPRC83SH4
http://www.ebags.com/product/donna-sharp/backpack-ziptop-rosemary/152676?productid=10024597&sourceID=BIZRATE
http://www.amazon.com/Military-Inspired-Backpack-Stylish-Camping-Daypack/dp/B0036WHCEQ
http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Drab-Stonewashed-Heavyweight-Backpack/dp/B001D4CYKG/ref=pd_sbs_a_1

Where can i buy a cute backpack online at affordable price? ..Urgent please!?

Q. The question says it all,I am willing to spend upto $25,please suggest me where can i get a backpack (like in the link) online.. Thank you <3

http://data2.whicdn.com/images/79967672/large.jpg

Answer
Here are some at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Vintage-Rucksack-Schoolbag-Backpack/dp/B00EXGGK2E/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=rahy-20
http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Backpack-Schoolbag-Handbag-Bookbag/dp/B00EEZ82FW/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=rahy-20
http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Ladies-Backpack-Rucksack-College/dp/B00FF4DGUC/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=rahy-20

Sunday, April 20, 2014

What is your view on putting kids in harnesses and on a leash?

Q. The question pretty much speaks for itself. So what is your opinion on it, and give the reason.
Mike, every child is a flight risk. Try shopping with a 3 year old by yourself.
Mike just shut up. I asked about your view on putting the kids in a harness, not bias info that you claim as facts or a rant about how you feel about other parents using them. If you feel like you are in control of your kids 100% of the time you are naive. I don't give a damn if you agree with them or not, but keep non accurate facts and hate speech to yourself.

Answer
Before having kids I said "No way, that's horrible!!", now after having kids YES YES YES!!! My kids do not want to ride in a stroller, they want to be able to walk around like me and they don't want to hold hands. I would NEVER let them just walk along side me becuase there is no way you can keep your eye on them and where you're walking. No a-days with all the creeps and kidnappings going on I wouldn't risk it. Also my kids things backpacks are the coolest thing ever. They get to wear a backpack, and not hold my hand and I have super close to me and I'm still in control. It's a win win!

If any of you trust a 2 year old to know their own boundries you are a complete moran!!! Kids get constanly distracted and that's a lot of responibility to give a toddler and a HORRIBLE lack of intelligence on the parents part. So are you saying if the child doesn't listen and sneaks off and you don't notice (don't tell me it's not possible because you cannot have your eyes on more than one child at the exact time and it only takes ONE second) that it would be the childds fault because they weren't being responsible? I wouldn't use one at the park or grocery store but at a Fair or mall, YES YES YES. You are making your children easy targets by being so trusting in them. That's a personal call though, I'm doing what is best for MY family and we are all happy. I've got the happiest kids in the world and I have no worries when we go anywhere. It's people like you guys that are so trusting of toddlers and the rest of the world that wind up with missing kids. If you can handle your consequences than good for you. I can guarentee you will eat your words someday thought!

Again if you trust a 2 year old to walk beside you IDIOT! Sorry, but it's true. You cannot possibly be looking down at them at all times and be looking forward to walk, lets be honest. If you are comfortable with that good for you. I'm not, I'd rather not have someone snatch my children up! It takes ONE second for someone to grab your child and run and you're left standing there like the idiot you are. If they agree to hold your hand the entire time that's great. Mine don't. They are great kids and very adventurous, which is awesome! Clearly your children are insecure so maybe you should be concerned about that. Most 2 year olds want to run around and check things out.

@Cassy - I totally agree with not giving him his way. If he does that I will totally strap him in and let him cry it out, my problem is the stares/comments from people who don't have children. It's not really a problem for me because I know he's fine and just having a fit and I don't want to set a tone that he can "win" the battle and get his way. I got the backback/leash as a way to try and give him a taste of what it's like to walk and then I'm hoping I can teach him to stay close with it then I can work on it without. It's so hard for him to sit still and I try to do those certain activities without him anyways because I know he doens't want to sit still but sometimes I just can't. I either put the backpack on right when we get out of the car or I don't use it at all. I never let him walk, then use it as a threat or let him scream in the stroller/cart and then let him use the backpack. It's he wears it from the start and behaves or he goes in the stroller period. I just hate that some people don't get that kids throw fits! I am 5 feet tall and a tiny person so I look way younger than I am and people comment that I'm less qualified for being "young" which is not that case. I'm a fabalous mother and I'm not too young to have 2 kids. I guess my insecurites revolve around the way people view me rather than my parenting. But I will never let him have the final say even if I'm embarrased because I won't set that tone. I apprecaite your answer!

kids who are being bullied are doomed either way?

Q. Doesn't it seem like a child being bullied is doomed no matter what they do? My son is being bullied by another boy in class who calls him names and tells him he has no friends and is just plain mean to him. My son has told the teacher and then he is teased for telling and nothing happens anyway, they just tell the kid to stop. In health last week the kid told my son he has no friends. My son was upset and told the teacher and she playfully smacked the kid with the paper in her hand and laughed and said "noooo he has lots of friends"

My son has a learning disability and he has anxiety and this is the last thing he needs at school is some kid teasing him. I am confused as to what the right advice to him is, if he tells he is doomed and I don't want him to be a tattle tale for every little thing either, if he does nothing he is doomed.

I wrote to the teacher yesterday about this and asked her to move his seat since he sits right next to this kid and asked her to keep an eye out for teasing but I have not heard back yet. My son is in his first year of middle school which is 5th grade where I live. He is 11 years old.

I get mixed messages from friends, some say let him handle it he's in middle school now. Other's say I should call the parent of the kid or march over to the school and demand something be done. He hasn't done anything physical or threatened him in any way though, he is just really mean to him and calls him names, it's basically all emotional and my son was in tears yesterday telling me about the things this kid says to him.

What is the right thing to do that won't set my son up for more bullying?
so basically the advice here is I should stay out of it and tell him to just ignore it. That's a lot easier said than done when he already has confidence issues because of his learning disability and anxiety. I wouldn't do this and I know it would be wrong but I am so tempted to have my 8th grade son who is Mr. Confident and Mr. popular at school go have a little chat with this kid to defend his little brother. LOL

Answer
we tell our kids that the older they get the more stupid and mean people they will know... we tell them that ignoring the mean kids and walking the other way is the best way to fight them.

I wouldnt have asked to have his desk moved... i would have DEMANDED it and if it wasnt done, i would have walked right into that class room and moved it myself. The school has an OBLIGATION to keep your child safe and you need to really show them that you are not kidding when you say they need to keep a better eye on your kid

My husband had an employee once who attended the local highschool. This kid was 15, over weight, had mild aspergers, spoke with a lisp, wore dirty sweat pants, lived in the projects with his disabled single mom and was named Harold, really, he was a perfect target for pretty much everything and was bullied beyond belief. But he was the sweetest most hard working kid ever, a truly great guy.
One day he showed up at work in tears... Some other students had taken his backpack and all his books and threw them onto the highway next to the school. He was really upset cause it was like his third backpack that year and he couldnt afford a new one.
My husband gave him the money to buy a new bag and replace the books. Then he did something i vonsider amazing. Everyday he and two of his cooks would walk to the school and meet up with Harold. My husband is a pretty cool looking guy and so were his cooks. They would treat Harold like one of their own. They would sit and just chill with him, sometimes they would bring out the cook's pimped out car. They made Harold into the cool guy with the cool friends with the cool car. They never knew my husband was his boss. The other students started treating him differently, they started accepting him for who he was. The highschool's own "cool kids" took him in and finally Harold could feel like he belonged.
I think you should try the same with your older siblings. See if they can hang out with your son, pick him up after school, that kind of stuff...

Where is a good place to shop for backpacking and camping clothing/gear in Los Angeles?

lxl

Answer
shop the big names Like rei, dicks, sport chalet. Then go to walmart, big5 and sometimes gun shops or combo stores like Bass pro. Prices vary greatly so don't get taken for big bucks at an rei when you can get the same gear elsewhere for a lot less.

Southern California Weekend Backpacking?

Maddy D

I'm looking for a weekend hike, close to LA (3 hours or less away). Between 15 and 20 miles. If you know of anything let me know, and if you've hiked somewhere, tell me about it. Waterfalls are great, but not required. We've done both Mt Whitney (22 mi. in two and a half days) and the hot springs trail in Big Sur (20 mi. in two days). The hikers are a 46 year old female and her two daughters, 15 and 13, and possibly our 27 year old male cousin. (Cousin came to Big Sur, but not Whitney)

Let me know of anywhere you thing would be fun. Also, somewhere not too cold, like no snow. Our sleeping bags go down to 20 degrees i think)

Answer
Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Enjoy the beaches while backpacking in Venice Beach California.
other places are
Big Santa Anita Loop (Mt. Zion Loop) (Backpacking) (9.4 miles)
Chews Ridge - China Camp to Los Padres Dam via Pine Valley (Backpacking) (18.8 miles)
Cottonwood Lakes to Upper Rock Creek (Backpacking) (23.8 miles)
Courtright Reservoir to Rae Lake (Backpacking) (26 miles)
Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal via the High Sierra Trail (Backpacking) (68.5 miles)
Devils Canyon (Backpacking) (9.8 miles)
East Fork San Gabriel River (Backpacking) (14.5 miles)
Hockett Meadows & Little Kern River (Backpacking) (31.8 miles)
Horseshoe Meadow to Whitney Portal (Backpacking) (36 miles)
Horsethief Canyon (Backpacking) (3 miles)
Jennie Lakes Wilderness (Backpacking) (8.9 miles)
Lake Sabrina to Midnight Lake (Backpacking) (11.5 miles)
Lodgepole Campground to Deadman Canyon (Backpacking) (52 miles)
Mineral King to Little Five Lakes (Backpacking) (40.5 miles)
Noble Canyon Trail (Backpacking) (10 miles)
North Fork Big Pine Creek (Backpacking) (16 miles)
Onion Valley to Symmes Creek (Backpacking) (40.5 miles)
Onion Valley to Whitney Portal (Backpacking) (49.5 miles)
San Gorgonio Mountain (Backpacking) (15.6 miles)
San Jacinto Peak (Backpacking) (12 miles)
San Mateo Canyon (Backpacking) (7.4 miles)
South Lake to North Lake (Backpacking) (60.5 miles)
The Angeles Crest - Inspiration Point to Cloudburst Summit via the PCT (Backpacking) (27 miles)
The Great San Jacinto Traverse (Backpacking) (55.9 miles)
The San Bernardino Mountain Traverse (Backpacking) (21.6 miles)
may my source help you

Looking for points and advice for flying with children?

Wendi D

My family is flying from Maine to Orlando at the end of March. I am looking for advice, We are traveling with 4 children ages 2 1/2, 8, 9 and 11. Is there a cheap car seat that is FAA approved, do I have to check my stroller with baggage,I am going to need it in the airport, Do most toddlers cry during take off, how do I keep the kids happy I don't want the entire plane to be miserable because she cries. I have never flown, I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea how to check in, how do go through security. HELP. PS the planes have TVS to occupy the older kids
We are flying nonstop Jetblue and what is gate checking?

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.

First of all, relax. Ear problems are actually rare in children. It's a myth that they should suck on something during take-off and landing. Please don't wake anyone up unnecessarily!

If you are concerned about their ears, take them to the doctor's before leaving. I even do this now that they're older (mine are now 10, 8 and 6) because the oldest had a history of ear infections. He hasn't had one in ages but that's definitely not something you want to fly with! No amount of sucking helps that pain and it can damage the ears. Don't risk it. We did catch one once before flying. It's so easy for the doctor to check and so easy to clear up. Otherwise, if they're ears are healthy, they wont have any problems with the pressurization changes.

I used to fly with the cheapest seat out there; the Cosco Scenera. They're usually $40-50 and very light and easy to travel with. Most car seats sold in the U.S. are FAA approved.

You can use your stroller to transport your car seat in the airport or do what I did. I used to check or borrow a stroller at my destination. I would strap my car seat to a small foldable metal luggage cart and my toddler could ride in it when she was too tired to walk. It was a lot less to cart around that a stroller and served both purposes.

Make sure to bring the car seat on board and use it. Never check a car seat as luggage. They get lost and/or broken by the airlines all the time. Your child will be much more comfortable, settled and safer on board in his car seat.

The older kids should be fine. Make sure any electronical gadgets they bring are fully charged before leaving. Bring the rechargers just in case of a delay, etc. I'd also recommend something they like to read, like a comic book because electronic items can't be used on take-off and landing.

For the youngest, I found that simple worked best. Coloring things, pipe cleaners, play dough, pinwheels, chunky books with openable flaps, toys that hook into each other, etc. Mine would not have sat through a video so I didn't get a portable DVD player till later on (then it was great, even with the inflight movies). Bring at least one new toy and give it to him right as the plane pushes back from the gate and everyone has to be seated. Toddlers don't understand or like this so be prepared with the new present to give him at that moment...

No toys that make ANY noise. Toddlers play them over and over again and it will drive your fellow passengers nutty. Even a quiet noise is annoying and it's strange how well sound carries on airplanes. Passengers were bugged by noises 4 and 5 rows away...

Try to do online check-in if possible. Love on line check-in with kids! Be careful that you don't have any bags too heavy. Make sure they're all the same weight or check in one more if you have to (even if you have to pay, it will be cheaper than overweight charges).

Try to bring someone to help you if you are not flying with another adult. Have them park and come in with you to check-in.

Don't worry about security if you have another adult with you. I would recommend skipping a purse and just having a small one around your neck with the valuables. Then get yourself a large backpack to use as a diaper bag. That will be helpful in the parks too. I chuck the big stuff on first, then the bags and then I send the kids through first before I pass under the metal detector. Look for a "family lane" when you get in line.

Give yourself enough time and you'll be fine!

For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Have a great time in Florida!

Child sunburned at school?

Q. My daughter walked in a few minutes ago and I noticed what I thought was a rash on her face . Then I noticed it on her neck and quickly determined after peeling her shirt off it was a sunburn. This happened while she was at school. She is 5 years old and in Kindergarten. Here it is November and we are still dealing with sunburns. I thought they limit sun expose at school. She donât know how long she was outside she is only 5. Should I call the school and ask them to bring in the kids sooner . Would I be overstepping my bounds telling them what to do? They didnât even send home a note. Usually when you have a problem a note is sent home. I would think sunburn is a problem. I have put aloe vera on it. She isnât complaining of pain though.

Answer
She would have had to have been outside for a very long period of time to get a serious sunburn. Its not really a problem, especially if its only a first degree burn. It was not really necessary for them to send a note home. In fact, your daughter probably didn't even notice.I think that you would be overstepping your boundaries by asking them to shorten recess, on the other hand, including some sunscreen in your daughter's backpack in the morning would be a completely resonable solution.

Also, you dont need to put aloe on if there isn't any pain. All it does is relieve the burn, and if she can't feel it there is no use. All sunburns take 1-3 weeks to disappear.

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