by Paula DuPre’ Pesmen
as told to Julie Weingarden Dubin

I loved working behind the scenes on the first three Harry Potter films. I learned a great deal about the industry as an associate producer and I learned even more about the fragility of life.

During my time working on the Harry Potter movies, I started a program with the movie’s director, Chris Columbus, to welcome sick children and their families to the sets. Children with life-threatening illnesses were given a day to escape their worries and pain and visit the world of Harry Potter. While spending time with those special families, I discovered how people wanted to help, but didn't know what to say or do, so they often didn't do anything.

When I first started talking to families who came to the sets, I mentioned that I bet there were many people wanting to help them. But that wasn’t the case. Surprisingly, most said that people weren’t calling or coming over. They felt alone and I realized that these families needed support.

A deeper meaning

I understand how desperate and alone people can feel at such a vulnerable time in their lives. I helped my husband, Curt, battle advanced colon cancer in 2001.

In 2005, it became clear what I needed to do. I quit my job as a producer and moved back home to Boulder, Colorado, to start There With Care, a nonprofit that connects people who want to help with those who need it. I wasn’t nervous about leaving a movie career behind. After going through my husband's battle with cancer and then spending time with so many families enduring critical illness, I couldn't imagine not being there for these families.

Holding families together

There With Care provides a broad range of services, allowing the program coordinators to shift services as the families' needs change. Whether it’s offering babysitting for the families’ other kids, cooking and delivering meals, shopping for necessities or giving rides to chemo appointments, There With Care is ready to step in and offer support. We reach families in Colorado and California, and have 500 volunteers. We serve on average 80 to 100 families each day.

My work with There With Care is rewarding and fulfilling. It’s truly a privilege to be a small part of the support for a family facing critical illness. What these families go through is going to happen — we can't change that, but we can break down their isolation. Our goal is to take just a few things off of their plate so they can focus on their children.

My inspiration

My children, Josh and Jesse, have brought me and my husband so much joy and laughter. We no longer look at just our lives, but we look at our family's lives and the future of our boys. Everything I do in regards to work has been inspired by my children.

I hope that my sons are learning compassion through There With Care and that it’s important to share what we have, because we all need to take care of each other.

Read more stories about real moms

Mom story: My son has Niemann-Pick disease
Mom story: I was pregnant with cancer
Mom story: I help the homeless rebuild their lives

Hi, My name is Lisa Steinke and I'm writing this article because I'm a nagging mother and wife.

30 days to a nag-free life

Because I really, really wanted to stop nagging my poor family, I did what any self-respecting woman would do: I decided to keep a journal and put it out there publicly so I wouldn't chicken out. So it's been 30 days. Was I able to curb my nagging ways?

Moms: Do you ever have one of those days when you rise above your body and see yourself the way you fear others might? In my case, it was not as much what I saw, but what I heard. As I clicked down a list of grievances I had with my husband — to my husband — I sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher but amped on multiple shots of espresso. Not good. And so that's where it began, my journey toward giving my inner nag a swift kick in the you-know-what.

Day one

I'd like to preface this journal entry with the words: It's only day one.

I've already nagged. One of the kids didn't remember to set the alarm clock again. Sigh. I tried to talk myself out of nagging about the importance of waking up for school on time. I tried to let it go, but I couldn't. I had to lecture. If her glossed-over eye balls were any indication of how well my speech went over, I would've had more success trying to convince her a cell phone free life is a better life.

Charlie Brown's teacher, 1. Lisa, 0.

Day two

I woke up this morning determined not to nag even if it meant gagging myself with a sweat sock. When my stepson came home from school, I didn't ask him if he remembered to wash his hands . I just crossed my own clean fingers that he had. Then he told me I'd put out the "best snack ever" and I was relieved I hadn't said a word.

Day five

I asked my husband if he'd called the furnace repairman. When he said no, I nagged him about it. In my defense, I was cold!

Day seven

It's amazing but I haven't nagged anyone in two days. Now's probably the time I should confess that my husband has also been traveling for two days, but still! Nag-free days are nag-free days even if I've spent most of that time with my toddler who doesn't listen to a single word I say.

Day 10

I've had a nagging relapse. In the span of 10 minutes, I nagged my husband about packing, checking us into our flight and dishes. I just irritated myself. That's got to be a good sign, right?

Day 11

In an I-want-to-nag-but-I'm-determined-not-to panic, I did an online search for answers about how to stop nagging. I came across an article I had researched and written entitled, Tired of ragging and nagging? and studied it until my eyes crossed.

Day 12

It's been almost two weeks and I'm not sure how much of an improvement I've made. I'm starting to worry that there is no hope. And one day my family may just revolt. No matter what happens today, I will not nag anyone in the family.

Update: Three hours later. I nagged the postman about where to leave packages just to get the nag out of my system.

Day 14

Had a terrible dream that my family tied me to a wooden stake and chanted nags at me until my eyes bled.

Woke up in a cold sweat and realized it's officially been two weeks. I decided it was time for a check-in with my husband. When I asked him if he thought I'd improved, he asked me to define improvement. Not a great sign, but I pressed on and asked him to evaluate me on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the nag from hell and a 1 being more laid back than someone on Xanax. He gave me a 9. I'll take it!

Day 17

It's been three days since I've nagged the kids or my husband about anything. The competitor in me wants to get a score better than a 9. Because right now, my 9 means I'm failing. And maybe on some level my husband knew that giving me a 9 would be the fire I needed under my nagging arse. I have to admit that it feels good to just let everyone be. I've noticed that I feel a lot less stress too. Maybe there is something to this nag-free life.

Day 21

The kids said something to me today, that they'd noticed I hadn't asked about the handwashing or the beds being made or even the alarm clock in a while. I've turned a corner, I told them. I trust you guys are going to get it done. They gave me a genuine thanks.

My husband and the kids - 1

Day 25

I couldn't take it. My husband forgot to get an important paper signed and I nagged him about listening. Why does everything I say go in one ear and out the other, I'd asked? His response: Do you seriously want me to answer that? That night's Twitter hashtag had I been tweeting? #NagEphiphany.

Day 28

They say it takes 28 days to break a habit. Is that what this nagging thing is/was? I found unmade beds and crumpled up dirty clothes right next to the dirty clothes hamper this morning and I wondered, is it possible to get people to do what you want without harping on them? I had to dig up that sweat sock but I didn't say a word about any of it to anyone — except you, Journal.

Day 30

I'm wondering if thinking nagging thoughts can be considered nagging. Because I think about nagging a lot. But have I? Nope. Not in five whole days. No one's been traveling and there were no sweat socks involved. And a funny thing happened. Family members have been remembering to do things on their own, gulp, without so much as a word from me. #NagSuccessStory

Will I never nag again? Have I suddenly become all-tolerant and laid back? No — not even close. But am I well on my way to becoming a person who doesn't sweat the small stuff? Who thinks before she nags? Yes. And that's good enough for me .

Read more about kids and listening

Teach your kids listening skills
7 Tips for teaching your child responsibility
Parenting Guru: Getting kids to listen

We have all heard of “middle child syndrome,” and maybe you have made note of the personality differences between the oldest and youngest in the family, but it turns out that there is more science behind birth order than you may have suspected.

First, middle or last:  How it matters

Have you ever considered how your birth order within your family has impacted your personality?

Psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman, author of The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are, says that your position in your family has tremendous impact on who you are, who you marry, and even what career you choose. Because the family dynamic changes with the addition of each new member, every child is essentially born into a different version of the same family. Your personality and behavior are determined by the unique interaction that takes place between parent and child and among siblings.

First born achievers

First born children enjoy a very special relationship with their parents. They get to receive undivided attention and every accomplishment is treated like a big deal. First time parents often try very hard to make sure that everything is perfect for their first born son or daughter. Because of this special dynamic, first born children tend to be perfectionists and over-achievers. Leman says, “first borns are our nation’s presidents, our mayors and our PTA presidents. If there is a position of authority, you can bet that it’s a first born personality.” 

The middle child

Whatever personality trait has been adopted by the first born child, the second child will become the opposite. “The first two kids in any family are night-and-day different,” Leman says. The middle child will often excel at something that the first born child is not as good at. For example, a first born may be very good in school, while the second child is gifted in athletics. Middle children often play the role of peacekeeper in the family, mediating between the older and younger siblings. The practice that middle children get negotiating their place in the family typically means they have strong social skills and get along well with others.

How to understand the mysterious middle child >>

The baby in the family

The youngest born in the family grows up with experienced, more laid back parents, which in turn makes them more laid back as individuals. Leman describes last born children as being the comedians of the family that are social, outgoing and engaging. They typically have fewer responsibilities and have more freedom to do things their own way, which makes the baby of the family free-spirited and creative.

How your line-up influences marriage and career

Your place in your family can have impact on what career suits you best. First born children seek out positions of high achievement. “Engineers, accountants, pilots and astronauts are all common first born careers,” Leman says. Middle children tend to fill entrepreneurial roles; Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Steve Forbes are all highly successful middle child entrepreneurs. The babies in the family make excellent performers and tend to be natural salespeople; they will seek out roles that involve engaging and interacting with people.

Certain birth order pairings form stronger marriages than others. According to Leman, the strongest pairing is one between a first born and the baby, while two strong first born personalities are not an ideal match.

Check out the top four things that will make your marriage work >>

Exceptions to the rule

Any time human nature is involved there are variables at play that can create exceptions to the rule. Leman says that child spacing can create more than one family within a family. For example, if there is a significant age gap between children, there can be two first born personalities within one family. A dividing line is created because of the large age gap that starts the birth order over again.

Gender can also play a role in disrupting the typical birth order pattern. The first son born in a family may be treated by the parents as a first born, even if he has older sisters.

Leman also points out that overbearing parents can cause a switch in birth order. If an overbearing parent is in the mix, the first born child can respond with a pendulum swing from over-achieving to under-achieving. Because the first and second child adopt opposite personality types, the second born child would likely take on the role of first born.

Understanding birth order can help us to better understand ourselves and the people we interact with. As parents, being aware of the ways that birth order influences our children's personalities can help us relate to our children and build stronger relationships with them.

More on parenting siblings

Sibling rivalry: The good, the bad and how to deal
Preparing for a new sibling's arrival
Should siblings share bedrooms?

What started as a simple way to share pictures from your iPhone has turned into a social network. Instagram has taken the web by storm, and not just amongst the soccer moms.

Photo sharing is huge hit with teen crowd

Tweens and teens are posting pics to Instagram like crazy, following their friends and making comments. Sure, it’s fun — but the newest social craze may invade your teen’s privacy more than Facebook.

If you haven’t heard about Instagram, either you don’t own a smartphone or you don’t have a teenager. The photo-sharing social site is the hottest thing online — even bigger than Facebook for many tweens and teens. With co-founders from Stanford who boast heavy social-media experience, this photo-sharing site is a force to be reckoned with in the social media world.

Why do teens love it?

Teenagers are all about the here and now — your social status is partially dictated by what you are doing now and who you are with. With the Instagram app, the moment you take a picture of what you are doing — chilling at the football game or hanging out at the mall — your followers are right there with you. You can tag friends in your pictures instantly and anyone who follows you can comment, making any experience that much more social. For many teens, Instagram is where it’s at — and Facebook status updates are so 2011.

With a smartphone in her pocket, what’s keeping your daughter from posting to Instagram every ten minutes? Nothing — and that’s why she loves it. Instant gratification and comments on photos from friends and admirers are all it takes to keep her interested.

Read more about online safety for tweens and teens >>

Privacy: Is it an issue?

Remember when your daughter first signed up for a Facebook account? Whether she was 11 years old or 15, you probably had concerns about the potential privacy violations with her new account. Now that she’s older and Facebook seems tame, grabbing an account on Instagram is probably not even on your radar. What are their privacy policies, anyway?

According to the Instagram company website, “Instagram does not knowingly collect or solicit any information from anyone under the age of 13 or knowingly allow such persons to register for the Service. The Service and its content are not directed at children under the age of 13. In the event that we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.” Much like the policies of Facebook, Instagram does not cater to those under the age of 13 — which does not keep them from opening accounts if they lie about their age.

Followers or friends?

On Instagram, people can follow you fairly easily. Unless you set your privacy settings super-private, any random Instagram user can follow your daughter simply because he likes her cute photos at the beach. Users can block followers if they seem creepy, but with a potential pool of thousands of followers will your child really do this? Simply being an adult user on Instagram and searching “beach” would bring up a wide range of pictures of tweens and teens that could then be followed on Instagram if their settings were not private.

By simply changing a few settings, your child will have to “approve” new followers. If you wanted to keep your Instagram account very private, you could — but few teens would do that. If you feel concerned about your teen’s privacy, you need to check out his Instagram account settings.

What to do if online bullies harass your child >>

Bottom line

Instagram is a huge hit — and not going away anytime soon. Back in the spring, Facebook purchased Instagram for a huge sum of money — some say because they realized that Instagram was the one site that could render Facebook a thing of the past. Talk to your tweens and teens again about internet privacy and that what they post is out there forever. Privacy issues such as posting where they are going and when are just as serious as Facebook — maybe more so, since images are always involved. Consider demanding privacy controls for younger tweens on Instagram, just to make sure they are using it safely.

Instagram is fun for the younger crowd and quite addictive for the older crowd. With a bit of knowledge and caution, it can stay fun and not become an invitation for creepy followers.

More internet safety

Digital parenting: How to keep kids safe online
Kids on the internet: Safety tips for parents
Are parental controls worth it?

Breakfast time tricky treats

When you have kiddos who are having morning Halloween celebrations at school, sending candy-corn laden treats just doesn't seem right... even for this sugar-obsessed holiday. Instead, try taking a sweet breakfast favorite, like these powdered sugar mini donuts into the land of Halloween with a little makeover. Look for the donuts in a box in the bakery section of your grocery store, then simply add in the eyes of a spooky ghost using chocolate chips or mini-chocolate chips, making the hole of the donut his "boo" shaped mouth. You may not earn bonus points from your child's teacher for bringing a messy treat to the class party, but you're sure to be on the most-popular mom list with the kids! Hint: Throw a pack of baby wipes in your purse to help with the clean-up.

Candy overload making your kids insane? Try some of these Creative ways to cut down on Halloween candy consumption >>

Crumb-free and allergy-safe

So many classrooms are hyper-aware of allergies and dietary restrictions — and for good reason — as many children have food allergies that can become a serious concern during situations like classroom holiday parties. These fun Halloween treats should bypass all of the potential concerns, as they are nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free. And, best of all, they're fun and easy to make and transport to school! Making these adorable Jell-O jack-o’-lantern cups is as easy as following the directions on the pack of Jell-O. First, draw the faces on the cups — it will be much easier to do it while they are empty — and be sure to use permanent marker. Next, whip up your Jell-O and pour it into the cups. It's best to let it set overnight, to make sure it is completely kid-friendly. Keep in mind that each 6-ounce box of Jell-O will fill approximately six jack-o’-lantern cups and don't forget spoons!

Hauntingly healthy

You're about to become that mom. The one who brings vegetables to the class party. Stop the eye-rolls of your kids in their tracks by making this fun pumpkin veggie platter, so at least their friends will ooh and ahh for a moment as they pass up your veggies for something sweet! Start with a large platter or a cookie sheet with a rim and fill it with a two-pound bag of baby carrots or full-sized carrots that you've cut into three-inch long pieces. Shape them into a pumpkin — you can use a foil border as a guide, if you'd like — and then add other veggies to create a stem, eyes and a toothy grin. You could also do the same with fruit, using cantaloupe as the body of the pumpkin.

Hydrate for Halloween

The only thing harder than getting your kids to eat something nutritious on Halloween is getting them to stay hydrated. Pull a little trick of your own at their classroom Halloween party with these fun mini water bottles that are transformed into pumpkins. Kids love drinking out of them and they are perfect for a busy party, as they can easily write their name on the outside of the pumpkin to avoid mix-ups. You can leave the original wrappers on the water bottles, covering them up with strips of orange paper that are approximately eight inches long and three inches high. Attach each strip with some double-sided tape — which should be in every mom's kit! — and then attach a small paper stem and leaf in the same way. You can step up the cuteness by adding a fun Halloween ribbon or some raffia that can easily be taken off by little hands.

More on Halloween parties

Homemade Halloween party decorations
Top 10 scary snacks for Halloween parties
Host a Halloween party with lots of tricks and treats!

Helping kids with homework is like spotting for a weightlifter at the gym. As the spotter, a parent's job is to encourage the lifter to complete as many repetitions as possible independently and intervene only when necessary.

Empowering your kid
to succeed

Contributed by Steve Reifman

When I do step in to help with homework, I provide the smallest amount of assistance required to keep the bar moving. Doing too much of the work denies the lifter a valuable growth opportunity while doing too little will result in frustration . The following tips will enable you to achieve the goal of empowering your child to become more independent with homework.

Develop a homework policy with your child

Completing homework should not require a nightly battle. Does your child need to start homework by a designated time? Does your child need to complete all homework before being allowed to play or watch television? The specific details of your plan are flexible. The key is consistency. Your child needs to understand the specific expectations of your plan and know that you will follow through.

Provide your child with a quiet study area

If possible, supply a desk and a spot to keep all necessary books and materials organized. With or without a desk, however, it is critical that your child have a consistent, well-lit place to study that is free from distractions. Providing such an atmosphere will not only enable your child to have an easier time studying, but also it will send a clear message that you think doing homework is an important priority.

Go over assignments together

Review the day’s assignments together before your child begins working. Kids can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of homework they have. Identifying the specific activities they are expected to finish provides an overview that can calm children down and help them see the big picture.

Make a plan of action

Determine the order in which the activities will be done. As part of the overview described in the previous step, ask your child to determine the order in which these assignments will be completed. Doing so gives your child a sense of control. Many kids like to start with the simplest or shortest activity to build confidence and facilitate a greater sense of progress.

Answer questions beforehand

Clarify all directions and answer questions in advance. I believe this recommendation to be the most important one on this list. Many kids who are still working toward becoming more independent tend to ask questions every time they encounter challenging material or are required to put forth serious mental energy. By having your child read aloud all directions to you and reviewing all parts of the assignments in a proactive way, you set your child up to be successful once he begins working.

Leave your child to work alone

Expect your child to work independently from beginning to end. Once an order has been established and all questions and directions have been addressed, leave your child to work alone. If necessary, walk into a different room to reinforce the point that you expect your child to proceed through the homework independently.

Intervene only when absolutely necessary

You and your child may have different definitions of “absolutely necessary,” and it may take some time and effort for you to convey this point to your child. If you find that your child is asking for help far too frequently, consider some type of “chip system.” If, for example, you provide your child with three chips, she can only ask for help that many times. Once the chips have been used that day, no more questions may be asked. When implementing this system, start with a larger number and seek to reduce it over time.

Go over all work at the end

After your child has finished the day’s activities, review everything to check for accuracy and neatness. This is a fantastic time to work on spelling and other writing skills. It is also the time to reinforce your high expectations and hold kids accountable for high standards of quality. Insisting that your child re-do a piece of work that does not meet these standards is not a punishment; it sends an important message and can serve as a valuable learning opportunity.

Steve Reifman is a national board certified elementary school teacher, author, and speaker based in Santa Monica, California. His books include Changing Kids’ Lives One Quote at a Time, Eight Essentials for Empowered Teaching and Learning, K-8, and his two new “Back to School” PDFs, The First 30 Days and The First 10 Minutes. Steve is the creator of the Chase Manning Mystery Series for kids 8-12. For Teaching Tips and other strategies on teaching the whole child, visit stevereifman.com. Follow Steve on Twitter @stevereifman and subscribe to his “Teaching Kids” YouTube channel.

More about homework

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Tracking your child's grades online
Don't correct your child's homework

Cleaning house is a necessary chore but it may be good for your health to invest in a cleaning service every now and then. Most busy moms will attest to the fact that a clean and organized home makes the daily strains of parenting a bit more bearable. Can a clean home bring a semblance of sanity to a seemingly crazy home front?

The clean factor

Parenting is a messy job. Moms are often in the midst of clutter, both literally and figuratively. Whether they’re wiping sticky fingers or sorting through the mental chaos, a sense of calm can be painfully evasive, which is why a professionally cleaned home can make a huge difference in a mom’s mental health. When Heather, a mom of three from Arizona, walks in the door after her house has been cleaned, her mood immediately improves. “I know in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a huge deal but when my house has been cleaned, I feel like the rest of my life is suddenly organized,” she says.

Read about 6 secrets of organized moms >>

Hire it out

It is the rare mom whom actually enjoys cleaning her own home, so many moms are willing to do what it takes to fit professional cleaning into their budgets. For some, the almost emotional reaction to a clean home is worth the cost. “While having a clean house is very important it is not important for me to be the one to clean it,” says Graciela Meibar, chief diversity officer for Mattel. “It’s not the best use of my time or gifts. A clean house gives way to a clear mind. It gives children a sense of security and order. It provides time and space — haven for the soul, in a world of chaos.”

Read about financial tips for stay-at-home moms >>

A useful luxury

There are some luxuries that are plain and simple splurges, like a nice car or a killer pair of shoes. A professionally cleaned home, on the other hand, can be a useful luxury. With the weight of cleaning off her shoulders, a busy mom can focus on other areas of her life and breathe a bit easier knowing that at least her home will be in order.

Read the super moms guide to time management >>

Creative clean

Clearly, budget can be a huge issue for many moms, but they are still deserving of quality mental health. Greg Nicklas, general manager of Maid Brigade in Portland, Oregon provides moms with the following tips to help them experience a professional-caliber clean without the price tag:

• Clutter is your No. 1 enemy. A cluttered home further stresses a person out and creates a thought of impossibility when it comes to the actual cleaning of the home.
• Make it a point to spend 20 minutes a morning or at night going through and moving laundry to the proper receptacles, bills to a basket and dishes tended to.
• Delegate — kids love to help out. Yes, they may not do a perfect job but running a vacuum is something even a 6-year-old typically finds entertaining.

Read more about reducing parenting stress

5 Ways to stress less about housework
Getting your family to help in the kitchen
How to de-stress your stressed mom life

Your son will be the coolest kid on the playground with this list of tough baby names for boys. Whether you are hunting for a name that is unique — or one that’s more of a classic name, we’ve got you covered!

Unique boy names with an edge

The following tough baby names with an edge are totally rock-star cool, yet are also fairly easy to spell and pronounce. As you may notice, looking for names with an “x” or “z” instantly gives them a more unique sound.

Boy names with tough meanings

You can also search for boy names by looking at their meanings. The following boy names mean “powerful" or "rough."

For more ideas, check out the following boy names that mean "strong:"

Check out more boy names with great meanings here >>

Rugged and cool baby names

The following boy names are rugged and cool, with a country twang you will love. We got some baby name inspiration from some famous country singers, including John Rich who named his two boys the cool western names of Cash and Colt.

Brad Paisley named his two boys William Huckleberry and Jasper Warren .

Southern belle Reese Witherspoon just named her newborn son after her home state — Tennessee James. She may call him Tennessee — or perhaps she will shorten it to TJ?

Check out more rugged baby names with a country twang:

More baby name ideas

Baby boy names with serious swagger
50 Edgy baby names for boys
All-American boy names

Heidi Klum

Every year Heidi Klum goes all out for Halloween and throws a huge Halloween bash in which she wears an elaborate costume. Case in point, check out her pictured bloody costume from last year, which was painted to look like she had no skin. Ewwww!

“One week until Halloween Here's a sneak peek at my crazy Cleopatra costume!” she tweeted, with a link to her in an elaborate gold gown.

"Today, you're getting a sneak peek at my ensemble before I debut the complete look to the world at my annual Halloween party at FINALE Nightclub in New York City," she wrote.

“Cleopatra comes 2 life! Bill Corso & Martin Izquierdo are amazing! Wait until #heidiklumhalloween night 2 c the final!” she later tweeted.

On her website, she talks more about her costume, writing, “The making of my costume is quite an elaborate process. It takes months of planning and a team of expert designers to put it all together. Costume designer Martin Izquierdo has been creating my costumes for me for years. He's amazing!”

No word yet on what her kids, Lou, Henry, Johan and Leni, will wear for Halloween this year — but we are sure they will be adorable!

Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth may be in the news for her recent dates after divorcing Twilight actor Peter Facinelli, but this single mom is focusing on her three kids.

“My soccer babes! Btw...Ladybugs remain undefeated!! ” she tweeted, with a link to a photo of her kissing her daughters.

"And Lola SCORES!!!” she later wrote. “You gotta give it up when a defender takes her shot!! #proudmama”

She later tweeted an adorable photo of her daughters Lola and Fiona in a tree with the caption, “A little tree climbing before school #monkeys #love.”

Tori Spelling

“We are the McDermotts, and we are pumpkin patch-aholics,” tweeted Tori Spelling, with a link to photos of Liam and Hattie surrounded by pumpkins.

Newborn Finn may have stayed at home or in his stroller for the pics, but where was Stella? “Stella was way too into the inflatable pumpkin slide to pose with pumpkins,” Tori wrote.

“I wonder what Hattie is thinking in this pic,” Tori later wrote, with a photo of Hattie sitting in her highchair covered with spaghetti. “1 thing I know is that Ive got a messy eater on my hands.”

Tamera Mowry

“Learning to enjoy the peace and quiet now before I deliever my lil angel,” tweeted Tamera Mowry, who is expecting her first child very soon with her husband Adam Housley.

“Thanks @peoplemag for making @adamhousley and I your top story today!” she later wrote, referring to the story where she opens up about her last few weeks of pregnancy.

“I can now say that I am down to the wire. I seriously feel like I have been pregnant forever. Almost 10 months to be exact! Thirty-nine weeks in and no baby yet,” she told People.

Leah Messer Calvert

Teen Mom 2 star Leah Calvert is expecting her third child, however it is her first with her husband Jeremy Calvert. She announced the news on the Teen Mom 2’s third season premiere. She has two daughters, Ali and Aleeah, with her ex-husband Corey Simms.

“THANKS SOOO MUCH EVERYONE! #PositiveTweets makes this momma soooo happy!!! @Calvert505 are in such a good place!" she tweeted after the news was made public.

“The path I choose for my life and that's right for me, isn't always the right path for everyone else!” she later wrote.

“TM2 Season 3 Trailer is crazyyyy! Looking back now, all the hard times we went through was worth it all in the end. Who all is excited??" Messer tweeted.

Check out more sweet, wild and wacky celebrity mom tweets here >>

Photos: WENN

Whether your initial costume idea just isn't going to work or procrastination got the better of you, Halloween is here, the neighborhood children are gathering for trick-or-treating in an hour and your child still doesn't have a costume. Don't panic. OK, maybe panic a little. Then get to work.

Throw open the closets

At this late moment, the perfect, finished costume of any sort just isn't going to happen. Apologize to your child if you have to, then demonstrate what it means to move on — and offer up some of your own attire as a measure of good will. Do you have an old bridesmaid dress that can be pinned into a princess ball gown for your daughter? Does your husband have an old sport coat and tie so your child can dress up like a Wall Street banker? Do you have some flowy skirts that can be construed as "hippie" with an extra scarf or two? Are there old ski boots in the back of your coat closet?

Check the dress-up chest

If your kids already have a dress-up chest, you may be in luck! There is likely a favorite dress-up item in there to use, or at least start with. Go there first and see what you can do. If the lion costume isn't quite the right fit anymore, deconstruct it to create a new lion costume from the hood, paws and tail. Dance recital costumes can easily be resurrected into Halloween costumes, as can flower girl dresses from the past. Have a pirate sword in your dress-up bin? Add a striped shirt, cut off the bottoms of some jeans that are nearly too short for him, draw a fake skull tattoo on his bicep and head out the door.

Raid the craft bins

Crafty moms, you are further ahead than you think! With some glue and cut-outs, you can turn old clothes into a "pile of leaves" or make a crown to go with that princess ball gown. You don't have to be precise in your crafting — it's going to be evening during the annual neighborhood candy crawl, right? Have some feathers and glitter? Make up a costume! Instead of lingering on trying to re-create an identifiable character, get your kids involved in the process and go wild, developing the costume from their wildest imagination.

Grab your makeup bag

Time to pat yourself on the back for not cleaning out your makeup bag last week. Your older mascara will do very nicely for creating a "beard" on your son and what princess or hippie getup is complete without a little blue eye shadow? Eyeliner makes very nice whiskers and a little red lipstick goes a long way for just about anything.

Simply because you were a little later getting the Halloween costumes together doesn't mean that Halloween is a disaster — not by any stretch! With just a few minutes and a willingness to put what you have on the option block , you and your child can create some fun last-minute costumes — and have lots of fun while doing it.

More on Halloween costumes

Classic movie character Halloween costumes for kids
How to make a Where's Waldo Halloween costume
Top 10 Halloween costumes of all time

Volunteering in a school classroom is not only helpful to the class teacher, but it has numerous other benefits, especially if you work directly with your child’s class. Some think that those who participate in the classroom have another goal in mind — hovering, or checking up on the classroom teacher to make sure that their child’s needs are being met. While some parents do wish to be able to keep an eagle eye on their kiddo’s day, most are truly there to help out.

Hearts of gold

Teachers appreciate volunteers more than you might know. “Oh without a doubt they have the hearts of gold and are doing it to help,” explained Katie, mother of two and a high school biology teacher.

Liz, mother of two, agreed. “When I volunteered, I was working with kids that needed extra help, so I didn't even interact with my daughter except when I got there and when I left. In my experience I haven't seen the hovering, but that's because I haven't seen many parent volunteers in the classroom.”

You get known

Parent volunteers can become well known to not only their child’s teacher, but the other classroom teachers and the rest of the staff as well. Having a presence in your child’s school also helps you to get to know and interact with your child’s friends. Being familiar to your child’s teacher, the school secretary, the principal and the rest of the staff can ease pick-up time and your comfort in the school can make it seem like you’re part of the group.

Inner workings

Having a presence in the school lets you in on your child’s daily routine as well as allowing you to witness how the school works. “Personally, I volunteer at my child's school for adult interaction, and because I want to be involved in my child's education,” explained Kelly, mom of two. “When you volunteer, you know more about the inner workings of the school... that has its advantages. When I volunteer at class parties, I do it to help out, but I also like being with my child.”

Benefits for your child

Your child may reap benefits of your continued presence as well. Jolene from California found that teachers were nicer to the kids whose parents volunteered. “It is not fair, but that did play into my desire to volunteer at the beginning because Kaden was a shy kid,” she told us. Other parents felt that kids whose parents volunteered at school tended to do better in school and were more socially accepted. “At least in my area, those whose parents are heavily involved are well liked, get the best classes and excel in school,” said Lisa, mom of three.

Volunteering in your child’s school benefits not only your child, but the teachers, staff and you as well. Being a hands-on part of your child’s education can be very rewarding. And what’s more important than that?

More on school

Moms make a difference in schools
Simple school day breakfasts
7 School-day snacks

Three months before conception

Visit your doctor

The healthier you are, the easier conceiving will be. Not only that, your body will better be able to handle pregnancy. So visit your doctor for a full physical to ensure your blood pressure levels are in check — even some basic bloodwork will come in handy to make sure that everything is functioning properly. If they're not, alter your lifestyle habits accordingly — your doctor can tell you what you need to do.

Go off birth control

Most doctors say it takes about three months for your body to return to a normal cycle — whereby you can track ovulation — after being on birth control. Once your cycle seems normal, you can then talk to your doctor about tracking ovulation with an ovulation test or charting your daily temps.

Stop drinking or smoking

Both of these vices will adversely affect your health, your baby's health and the likelihood that you'll be able to conceive. If you want a child, it's best to start the quitting process now so there's no chance you'll be doing either one once fertilization happens.

Two months before conception

Start a regular exercise regimen

If you don't already work out on a regular basis, now is the time to start. Not only will exercise help reduce the amount of cortisol in your body, it will also help you cope with any conception issues you may encounter. On top of that, it will help boost your muscle and cardiovascular strength — you'll need both to carry the extra weight of a baby.

Change your diet

Getting your daily dose of nutrients and vitamins is not only essential for your health, but it's super important for your baby's. Research says it takes 30 days for something to become habit, so if you need to alter your eating patterns — digging into more vegetables or going organic — now would be the time to change things up.

One month before conception

Start popping folic acid pills

Folic acid is essential if you're trying to get pregnant. Not only does it protect the female reproductive system, it will stave off neural tube defects . Talk to your doctor about how much folic acid you will need to take on a daily basis and get suggestions on the kind of multivitamin/folic acid pills you should purchase.

More conception tips and information

5 Ways to relieve the pressure of trying to conceive
5 Conception must-haves
4 Health changes to make before conceiving

Some babies are very motivated, while others are more oriented to talk or to develop fine motor skills. Others hate tummy time, and many long for it most of the day. There are loud and passionate babies and quiet observers. Regardless, help support each baby's individual development; they'll do things at different paces and show you what they want. There are four categories of infant development to keep in mind as your baby grows:

• Language
• Small motor development
• Large motor development
• Social

What can you do with your baby to help encourage his normal development?

Crawling on all fours

Usually after a baby can sit by himself, crawling begins. Again, each baby moves at a different pace and some might skip one step and go directly onto the next. Get on all fours and show Baby how to crawl — this might help entice him — and babies can learn by example. Don't feel bad — go ahead and entice him and put a couple toys out of reach. Sooner or later, Baby will start moving around to get to the toys and be more willing to test boundaries.

Treasure every moment of the special time, as once he gets going, he won't stop!

More about your baby's development

Months 1-3: Common milestones
Months 4-6: Common milestones
Months 7-9: Common milestones

Emulate the costume that Jane Pizem crafted for her baby, Rowen.

"I picked it because it was really easy to do and we had everything we needed," Jane said. "To make the wrist bands, I just cut off the tops of socks." Jane added a onesie, a baby hat and some leggings for this cute fitness instructor outfit.

See 4 easy no-sew DIY Halloween costumes for preschoolers >>

Need more inspiration?

Visit the blog ModernKiddo, which has an entire fashion show of DIY costumes. Lisa Storms' blog also has a plethora of DIY costume ideas starting with a simple hoodie; they've been a huge hit on Pinterest.

More on Halloween costumes

Celebrity inspired Halloween costumes
Ultimate Halloween costume guide
6 Halloween costumes for pregnant moms-to-be

Simple prep, timely patience are key

This Halloween, it will be easy to huff and puff about a child who just shoved her fist into your candy bowl and walked away without a “thank you.”

Instead, consider whether that child still might be learning fine motor skills or perhaps can’t speak yet.

Today, we know so much more about children, their development and some common challenges facing them, such as Sensory Processing Disorder or autism.

With education should come understanding and some modifications to “the way we’ve always done it.” Accommodating a child’s special needs doesn’t mean you’re spoiling the child. It means you’re showing compassion — and what better “treat” on Halloween than a little compassion toward a child?

Tips for parents

• Prepare! “We have to do a lot of priming weeks before we head out,” says Los Angeles mom Dawn Hentrich, whose son has autism. [We get ready by] wearing the costume around the house, practicing "trick-or-treat" as needed. He's ready this year but at the beginning of the month, he wouldn't even talk about Halloween.”
• If a child refuses to wear a scratchy costume — or any costume — let it go. The day should be about having fun, not about having the perfect costume.
• If your child is nonverbal, prompt him to sign thank you. If a homeowner sees you working with your child to teach manners, she is more likely to be understanding.
• If your child’s speech is difficult to understand, Kathryn Lariviere, executive director of the Down syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte , recommends having the child hand out cards that say, "Trick-or-Treat! My speech may not be clear right now, but I want you to know that I'm wishing you a very Happy Halloween!"

Tips for homeowners

• Don’t assume a child is rude because he snubs your candy bowl; he may have an allergy and knows better than to put his hand in with all those Snickers.
• Likewise, don’t assume an “old enough” child has no manners because he doesn’t say thank you; he may be not be talking yet .
• Make sure pathways are clear and well lit. Just because you don’t take the side path doesn’t mean an eager trick-or-treater won’t, so take an extra moment to put away rakes and hoses.
• If your home has steps leading to the door, consider setting up a candy bowl at sidewalk level with a sign inviting children who might not be able to navigate the stairs or may be in a wheelchair. Don’t want to miss the interaction? Set up camp on your patio, and greet children as they come up the walk.

No matter how much we plan, the only certainty is that kids will find a way to catch us off-guard. Take a breath, take a moment and go with it.

As mom Ellen Seidman writes, “Last year, both kids refused to dress up, Sabrina joining Max in a show of sibling solidarity... I let go. We would do Halloween our way, in T-shirts and sweatpants. That would be our tradition, as quirky as our family itself.”

Make your own tradition this year, one of acceptance and patience. This fresh perspective may mean the difference between a frightening, stressful holiday and one full of happy memories.

More on children with special needs

Have a sensory smart Halloween
Potty training a special needs child
Tips for visiting theme parks with kids on the autism spectrum

I no longer check the mail every day. In all honestly, I don't check it even every other day.

When a trip to the mailbox results in an armful of catalogs, credit card solicitations and every other form of junk mail, it hardly feels worth the walk.

So last week, when I went to empty what I was certain would be only junk mail, I was delighted to find mail. Real mail. For me.

My lovely friend Angela's handwriting stood out in the pile that I typically just toss in the recycling bin when I get back home.

And my heart skipped a beat. Long gone are the days when most of us actually expect something personal in the mail. We live in an age of immediate gratification and email feeds into that perfectly.

In my effort to return that feeling of joy, I try to send out a couple of note cards each month. It takes just a moment to write and send off a note that will help to brighten someone else's day.

These are my favorite note cards right now:

Send a thank you note to show your appreciation >>

Bold

PANTONE Notes Note Cards & Envelopes, available at Levenger

I love that these cards are simultaneously bold and simple. These easily recognizable color swatches come 20 to a box, with no color repeating itself. I love the way the grayscale pattern on the inside of the envelopes contrasts with the bold colors of the cards.

Price: $15 for 20 cards

A few minutes, a note card and some kind words can make all the difference in a friend's day when she goes to collect the mail.

More on friendship

Why all moms need good mom friends
How to make mom friends
Practicing Gratitude: Strength in numbers

DIY Halloween costumes are a fun and frugal way to give your child a unique Halloween get-up. Sure, you could spend a little cash for a store-bought one, but why would you when these easy homemade Halloween costume ideas for preschoolers require no-sewing and little work? Let them stand out in their special mom-made Halloween costume this year!

Little ladybug

What's cuter than a little ladybug? This fun DIY Halloween costume can work for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

You need:

• 1 sheet of red felt
• black fabric marker
• red ribbon
• elastic
• 1 roll each red and black tulle
• black shirt or bodysuit
• black leggings

Directions:

1. Cut the felt sheet into a shield shape. Use the black fabric marker to draw large circles on the shield. Cut four slits across the top of the felt, about 1/2-inch down. Thread ribbon through the slits
2. 1 brown belt
3. 1 pair brown leggings

Directions:

1. Have your child put on the polo shirt and place a mark at knee-length. Have him remove the shirt, then use scissors to cut the hem into jagged spikes. The knee-length mark should be the median of the spikes .
2. To wear: Have your child put on the polo and leggings. Use the belt to cinch the waist of the shirt. For best results, wear brown shoes.

Tiny Tinkerbell

Halloween costumes don't get any easier than this super simple, but totally cute, Tinkerbell costume. It's best for a toddler.

You need:

• 1 light green bodysuit
• 1 pair cream or white fitted leggings or tights
• 1 pair wings

Directions:

1. To wear: Dress your child with the green bodysuit over the leggings or tights. Put on the wings and go.

Easy peasy pirate

Pirates are so fun, and this easy homemade Halloween costume will cost a fraction of the amount of a premade one.

You need: 

• 1 maroon polo shirt, several sizes too big
• 1 pair white sweatpants
• black fabric paint
• 1 gold, brown or black silky rope . This should be able to tie around your child's waist
• pirate hat or bandana
• sword
• eye patch

Directions:

1. Cut a jagged edge on the hem of the polo shirt.
2. Use the fabric paint to draw vertical stripes on the sweatpants. Then, cut a jagged edge off the bottom of each leg.
3. To wear: Have your child put on the shirt and pants. Tie the silky rope around his waist. Embellish with a pirate hat or bandana, sword and an eye patch, if desired.

More Halloween costume ideas

16 easy Halloween costumes for babies
Daddy-baby Halloween costumes
8 DIY doggie Halloween costumes

In the 1800s, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said, “The world is always ready to receive talent with open arms. Very often it does not know what to do with genius.”

Fortunately, in 2011, visionary developmental pediatrician Cecelia McCarton, M.D. knew exactly what to do with genius: She and her incredible staff conceived and created the “Genius of Autism,” a one-night, SRO professionally-produced event to honor and showcase the innate genius of hand-selected, international singers, dancers, musicians, painters and animators. These performers — ages 7 to 36 — just happen to have autism.

The Genius of Autism

The second annual “Genius of Autism” event was held at the Edison Ballroom, New York City, Monday, October 22, 2012. To witness the majestic, untainted and pure performances of this year’s 14 honorees is, in the words of Victor Hugo, “to see the face of God.” To be a mere “mortal” amongst such genius is to feel humbled and unworthy, knowing you will never be an equal in their Pantheon of Genius. To paraphrase a line from the 1980s movie Airplane: “Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop taking Prozac.” The evening was that emotional.

Colin Brennan

You would need a heart of stone to be unmoved by the maturity and composure of 10-year-old Colin Brennan who feels autism gives him magic powers. Colin performed the song “Different” from the musical “Honk!” whose lyrics in part, declare, “… I’m just different. I’m just different from the rest… Different isn’t naughty. Different isn’t bad. So why should being different make me sad? They’re like peas from the same pod. No wonder they make fun of me; life’s harder when you’re odd… I didn’t choose to look this way. I didn’t want to be unique... I’m just different. But I have a sense of pride. My looks may well be funny, but I hurt the same inside. But different isn’t spiteful, different isn’t wrong. So why is it so hard to get along?... Different isn’t hateful. Different could be swell! Different is just… well… different.“

Talina Toscano

Talina Toscano wants to change the world one song at a time. And, she will. Talina soulfully sang Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” as an anthem to herself — and to her fellow honorees and the world at large:

“I am/we are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down.
I am/we are beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down. Oh no.
So don't you bring me/us down today.”

Amanda Lamunyon

Amanda Lamunyon diagnosed at age 8 with Asperger’s, is an award-winning autism activist. Just 17, Amanda is an accomplished singer, author, public speaker, painter and poet. One of Amanda’s poems entitled, “A Little Secret” is a look into the soul of someone who embraces and accepts her differences:

“Some say it is a disability.
But, I am a girl with dreams.
I will take what God has given me
Along with the challenge and use it
To fulfill the purpose God has for me.”

Stephen Wiltshire

Stephen Wiltshire, a London born and raised masterful artist, best communicates through drawings that “show a masterful perspective, a whimsical line and reveal a natural innate artistry.” Stephen’s particular expertise is accurate city representations. After a brief 20 minute Manhattan helicopter ride, Stephen began to sketch an accurate panorama of the city’s 305 square miles.

In 2006, Stephen was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for his contribution to the art world. In 2012 at the “Genius of Autism” awards, James was the “Inspiration Award Honoree.” You decide which award is more prestigious.

Ethan Walmark

The youngest honoree, Ethan Walmark, my 7-year-old piano/voice prodigy, was less awed by his formal induction into the Pantheon of Genius, and more interested in going home after his performance. While Ethan may not be able to grasp the gravitas of the “Genius of Autism” event, or feel indebted to Cece McCarton and The McCarton Foundation like his father and I do, it’s comforting to know that even a genius — like us mere mortals — needs sleep.

You can find a complete list of all 14 “Genius of Autism” honorees at http://mccartonfoundation.org/genius/genius-honorees.

More about autism

The passion of autism
Autism and average and schnooks, oh, my!
Autism: That's what friends are for

Photo courtesy of Annie Watt, Society-Photos.com/www.AnnieWatt.com

As much as we love summer, there is something about the cooler weather and the anticipation of the holidays that puts us in the festive spirit. If you are expecting an autumn baby, perhaps you should consider naming your baby girl or baby boy one of these fall-inspired baby names.

Starting with the obvious, the name Autumn is a pretty name for your baby girl. It is an English name that very appropriately means, “born in the fall; the fall season.”

If you are feeling brave, you can also consider the months of autumn as unique baby names, including September, October or November. If using them as a first name seems too unusual, consider using them as a middle name. The name October is the month that is given the most as a name, however the other months would make cool choices as well if you want a more unique name.

Nature names inspired by fall

For those nature-loving parents, perhaps one of these nature names inspired by autumn is right up your alley? Some of the names on this list are unique, while other names on this list are more classic names you may have forgotten about.

Names inspired by fall colors

Colorful baby names are a hot new baby name trend, thanks in part to celebrities such as Beyonce who named her daughter Blue Ivy and Alicia Silverstone who named her son Bear Blu. The color blue is not the only cool and colorful name, however! Check out these baby names inspired by all the gorgeous colors of fall:

Thanksgiving inspired names

We have also rounded up baby names inspired by the Thanksgiving holiday. The early American settlers — the pilgrims — had unique names perfect for your baby boy or baby girl:

Native American baby names are unique and have great meanings. Check out some of our top picks:

More baby name ideas

Famous October birthday baby names
Thanksgiving baby names
Miracle baby names

Why to take your kids to the polls

With the president being elected only every four years, there are limited opportunities for kids to learn first-hand about this important office.

And on Election Day this year is one of those times. Don't forget your kids when you head to the polls on November 6.

When I was a little girl, I loved Election Day. When I was really little, I would go to the polls with my grandparents and my grandfather would let me go into the voting booth with him. I remember the screech of the closing curtain and the feel of the levers that he'd let me pull, selecting his chosen candidates.

These days, it's my children who come to the polls with me. And while my town doesn't use the same voting machines I remember from my childhood, the experience is still very special for me to share.

Whether you choose to take kids to the polls because it's an educational opportunity — or because you have to for childcare needs — you can turn the experience into something that will stick with them for a lifetime.

Civic participation

Voting is an important part of the American democracy. But moreover, it's a key opportunity to allow our kids to see how politics work first-hand. "It's important to understand how the voting process works, how decisions are made and how kids can be involved, informed, and even influence decisions and discussion before they turn 18," says Erin Watson, the vice president of marketing and communications for Kaleidoscope Youth and Family Marketing, which specializes in cause and education programs for kids and families. "We believe that there are learning experiences in nearly every adult/child interaction, and particularly in the electoral process and voting."

Parents agree.

"I take my children to the polls any time I vote and can because it is an educational experience and teaches them the importance of being engaged and involved in the community. I am confident that it will provide them lifetime memories and encourage them to vote when they are old enough," says Daniel Rothner, founder and director of Areyvut, a nonprofit that empowers and enriches Jewish youth through enrichment programs.

Rothner points out the importance of this because there are so many people eligible to vote who aren't engaged in the process.

"As citizens, we have a say in how our government is run, and voting is that say. I want my kids to understand their responsibilities as citizens, and I want them to learn to think for themselves," says Jennifer Turner who writes at StudentsAtHome.

And there is also the choice factor. While some people will vote along party lines, every election is an opportunity to choose the best person for the elected position. Who really will make a better president?

"Our kids need to understand the reasons people run for political office, and they need to learn how to compare the candidates. My 6-year-old isn't too interested yet, but my daughter wants to understand the reasons why we choose a candidate — it's about more than TV ads or physical appearance. Going to the polls gives me a chance to teach my kids about politics and citizenship," says Turner.

Fun for kids

Beyond the learning experience, learning about elections — and even participating in mock elections and polls at school — can make the experience even more fun for kids. And, of course, the "I voted" stickers are always a hit with kids too.

More on kids and politics

Election 2012: What moms should know
Presidential debate: Romney 1, Big Bird 0
Teaching children about the presidential election