You know Radio Flyer from their iconic red wagon, but that’s not all this brand has to offer. Radio Flyer makes wagons, ride-ons, scooters, bikes and trikes. And recently, Radio Flyer launched their new Build-A-Trike program that allows parents the opportunity to customize a tricycle at RadioFlyer.com. (Radio Flyer also has been offering customization on their wagons since 2011.)

With Build-A-Trike, you can create 1,500+ combinations to meet your child’s needs and preferences. On their website, you start out by choosing either a red or pink solid steel frame, then you add tires (classic or air), plus all the add-ons — from a mesh basket to a storage bucket and parent pouch to a classic bell.

Other customization options include safety features like a UV blocking canopy, a headrest and seatbelt, and even a wrap around tray with a sippy cup holder. With prices starting at $75 and going up to $215, you might think it’s a little expensive for a trike. But keep in mind that this tricycle grows with your child.

With four ways to ride, the Build-A-Trike offers “Grow-with-Me” features to accommodate kids ages 9 months to 5 years old. Each trike comes with a push handle, footrest and grow-with-me seat. As the child is ready to pedal by themselves, you can simply fold footrest back and remove the push bar, giving the child freedom to pedal and explore on their own. And because it’s from Radio Flyer, you know the quality is outstanding — it will last for years and you can pass it down through your family from kid to kid.

Recently, our family was thrilled with the opportunity to customize a Build-A-Trike of our own. With four preschool age kids, ride-along toys and trikes are a hot commodity in our household. My kids love everything about this Radio Flyer tricycle — from the basket to carry along a few toys to the personalized nameplate to the MP3 speaker case so they can rock out while they are riding.

Check out Radio Flyer’s Build-A-Trike program at RadioFlyer.com. With spring here, it’s time for the kids to get out and get moving. And with Radio Flyer, they’ll be cruising in style.

Ladies, we all love to shop. But there’s nothing better than buying something we love for ourselves or someone else and helping out a good cause–all at the same time. So, we’d like to introduce you to Nomi Network, an innovative non-profit organization that creates eco-friendly handbags, accessories, and organic t-shirts to ultimately employ survivors and women at risk of trafficking under the brand, Buy Her Bag Not Her Body®. 100% of the profits from product sales are directly invested back into training and education opportunities for women in Cambodia and India.

Nomi has developed partnerships with numerous local organizations that provide employment, shelter, medical care, and training opportunities for survivors. By making and selling products, these self-sustaining cooperatives are able to invest in a better future for these women and break cycles of poverty and exploitation.

With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and even Back-to-School just around the corner, you can find wallets, laptops/ipad accessories and t-shirts for that special someone in your life. The Slogan Zip Tote and Double Zip Savorn Bag are popular among mothers for their versatility and the Tech Accessories are universally appealing. Please visit the online shop for a full list of products.

Today’s debate topic

Is it okay to skip your child’s soccer games or do you need to be present to support him?

Lisa weighs in

I will start by saying that I got married when I was 36 and had my daughter at 37 so I’m more selfish than most moms out there. I had a nice, long stretch of being able to do what I wanted whenever I wanted to do it, and that need has carried over into motherhood. But I think it’s a good thing that I often want to put myself and my marriage first. So my stance on this topic is YES, it is okay to miss your child’s soccer games. And you can miss multiple games at that.

My dad traveled when I was a child and I don’t remember the times he wasn’t there, only the times he was. Because he made those days count. I believe that my daughter will remember the quality of our time together, not the quantity. If I need to miss a game for any reason–from being exhausted to wanting to get something done around the house, I will be honest with her (as I am with my bonus kids now) as to why I’m not going. She will know that I support her and her activities, but she will also know that I need to do things for myself too. And they don’t have to be “big event” type things. I can be getting a massage if that’s what I want. I want the children to see that I’m making myself and my marriage a priority. And that, in turn, those things will make us a healthier family, and make me a healthier mom.

Of course I’m not suggesting you miss every single game, but what I am advocating is that you don’t feel guilty when you do. (I know, I know, easier said than done). Because, honestly, are you so die-hard that you don’t ever feel like missing one? If you are, more power to ya! But I can’t tell you the number of parents I see texting on the sidelines or gabbing with their friends, often missing most of the action on the field anyway. So why not skip when you don’t feel like going and when you are there, be as fully present as possible?

Say it like you mean it

So, lay it on me. Am I totally selfish here? (It’s okay if you think I am. I get it, really I do!)

Last summer I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed with three kids at home and not a break in sight. I asked my friends what they did to recharge and unwind when they were on kid overload. I had a lot of really great suggestions, but the one that stood out to me was getting a weekend alone while Dad took the kids away.

Skip the guilt

We already had a campsite booked, so it seemed like a no-brainer — I would stay home while my husband took the girls camping. I was giddy with anticipation of having some much needed peace and quiet around my house.  I have to admit, however, that for a few  days before they left I was feeling a bit guilty. I was thinking that I should spend the weekend with them and make it a family trip, but my husband assured me there was nothing to feel guilty about and told me I needed the break.  He was right, of course. I don’t know why we moms lay these guilt trips on ourselves, but we should really stop.

A weekend alone

I spent a lovely summer weekend doing absolutely nothing. I slept in the middle of the bed, woke up when I wanted to and watched what I wanted to watch.  I read books and magazines that I normally don’t have time for and I got to eat whatever I wanted. I don’t mean junk food — I mean dinners I like to eat instead of catering to my kids’ very particular tastes. Being able to have the house all to myself for a couple days made it possible for me to truly recharge and rest. I wasn’t distracted by the children and could therefore focus on me. I also didn’t need to clean the house all weekend because after I cleaned on Friday, it actually stayed clean.

My husband and children had a fantastic weekend camping, so much so they plan to make it an annual tradition.

Today’s debate topic

Is it ever okay to read your daughter’s diary?

Trish weighs in

I don’t believe it is ever okay to read someone’s diary — even that of your own child. I have kept a journal since I have been able to write. A diary has always been a safe place for me to unload. I can write down all my secrets, fears, hopes and daily dramas. I imagine it is the same for any person. A young girl may even put things in her diary that are not true just to try out the idea — having a boyfriend or going to a party. Or she may write something that is true, but highly exaggerated. After all, when a person writes in a diary they aren’t expecting anyone else to ever read it.

If I thought my daughter was lying to me or involved with someone or something I didn’t approve of, I would try other ways to get to the truth. First, I would talk to her. If that didn’t work, I’d try her friends, teachers, coaches and other adults in her life. If after that, I still was concerned I might invade her privacy in a smaller way.  Checking her Facebook page, for example.

I would like to think that I will allow anyone of my daughters their privacy and personal space, regardless of the fears or curiosity I may have about what is going on in their lives. I’m sure as they get older and more independent, I will worry about time spent away from me and with their peers. But I’d like to think, like my mother with me, that I will be able to trust them and let them have their own lives.

Say it like you mean it!

So moms, are there circumstances when peeking at your daughter’s diary would be okay?

Today’s debate topic

Would you want your child to be tested for drugs at school?

Molly weighs in

At the beginning of the year, Huffington Post shared a news story about Rockhurst High School in Missouri requiring all students, come August, to submit 60 strands of their hair for mandatory drug testing. The Jesuit preparatory is a private school so they are allowed to do this. However, our country’s public schools are not allowed to mandate drug testing due to “unreasonable search and seizure” under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Public schools are, of course, allowed to randomly drug test their athletes and students who participate in competitive extracurricular activities. I understand the reason for this, as many athletes and students in competitive activities may turn to performance-enhancing drugs to get an edge on the competition or to impress college recruiters.

However, I don’t think that schools should be allowed to drug test all students at random nor do I feel that drug testing should be mandatory. To me it seems like an invasion of personal rights and a punishment for all when in most cases it’s probably only a few actually at fault.

I do think the school staff/admin should be allowed to drug test a student if there is reasonable suspicion that the student is doing drugs or has them on him/her during school and on campus. Each school should have a very explicit set of guidelines for what constitutes the “reasonable suspicion,” however. There should also be a clear plan for how the drug testing should be handled, how the parents should be notified and the punishment for the “crime.”

Say it like you mean it!

Moms, would you want your child to attend a school where drug testing is mandatory, random or not allowed at all?

Even though we are only a wee bit Irish, our family loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  Maybe it’s because  they are all girls that  my children enjoy any holiday that requires special attire.  The fact that wearing green is a requirement on St. Patrick’s Day makes the holiday extra fun for them.  They spend about a week planning the perfect green ensemble.  We usually start early in the month by treating ourselves to a shamrock shake at McDonald’s. My girls love this and start pleading to get one as soon as March 1 rolls around. I try to make them wait until the week before St. Patrick’s Day, then I allow them one more on the actual holiday.

Pin-spiration?

When I was growing up the extent of our St. Patrick’s day traditions was shamrock shakes and wearing green.  Now of course we have Pinterest to give us all sorts of crafty ideas for every occasion including St. Patrick’s Day. Because I myself am not the crafty sort (I pretty much loathe crafts), I’m going to steer clear of that, I don’t need to dwell on my weaknesses.   I’ll let the girls’ teachers come up with crafts for them.

Boot bounty

After we moved to the Pacific Northwest,  I learned about the practice of leaving your boots out for the  leprechauns to fill with goodies. Honestly, it sounded pretty gross to me. Who wants to eat candy or cookies out of your dirty rain boots? But, of course my girls thought it sounded like a lot of fun and  a great way to get treats, so we have added that our traditions. However with all the rain, dirt, mud, rocks and debris the girls get in their boots, I have opted for having the leprechauns leave the treats next to the boots, rather than inside them.

What fun things does your family like to do for St. Patrick’s Day?

On St. Patrick’s Day, revelers often head out in the evening for a night of green beer and serious indulgence. Despite the grownup activities that are so common on this holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is also a great holiday for families. Kids find tales of leprechauns and gold enchanting. If you have little ones, indulge in some magical fun and luck on St. Patrick’s Day.

Catch a leprechaun

On the day before St. Patrick’s Day, build a leprechaun trap with your kids. Anything goes here. You can create your own tradition, including coming up with what leprechauns like best. The easiest bait is gold or “shiny things.” Use tin foil to make little treasures or ask your kids to come up with a few of their favorite trinkets for the leprechaun to try to steal. Create an elaborate (or not) trap and use what the kids came up with as bait. Before your little ones wake up, scatter the bait and dismantle the trap a little. The leprechaun got away! Maybe next year…

Bury some treasure

Using crumbled Oreo cookies and chocolate pudding, make “dirt cups” for your kids to snack on this St. Patrick’s Day. Inside the tasty soil you’ve concocted, hide gold candy coins or Rolo candies. Just make sure your kids don’t eat them with the wrappers on!  You can also try using rainbow-colored gummies or yellow gummies as the treasure inside the dirt.

Taste a rainbow

To celebrate luck and the gold at the end of the rainbow, have your kids help you come up with foods that represent every color the rainbow. Cut fresh fruits and veggies and arrange them on a platter in a rainbow shape. Don’t forget delicious marshmallows for the clouds at each end of your tasty rainbow. Talk to your kids about nutrition and food groups as you all snack on the different fruits and vegetables.

Today’s debate topic

If you see your friend using a car seat improperly, do you say something or keep mum?

Monica weighs in

Ah, the car seat debate. And really, it isn’t much of a debate any more. The newest recommendation, if you follow it, will keep your kids rear facing until they are at least two years of age, and you are urged to keep them rear facing until they outgrow the limits of their particular car seat. Kids don’t mind being rear facing. For some reason, many adults do mind it, and turn their kids earlier than safety allows.

Car seat safety isn’t a parenting choice, like disposable diapers vs. cloth diapers. If you don’t follow car seat safety rules, your child can be severely injured or killed if you are in an accident — injuries that might not happen if he was restrained properly. Babies, toddlers and children have special needs while in a moving vehicle because of the size and shape of their bodies. It’s in Mom and Dad’s best interests if their child is securely restrained, the chest clip is at armpit height and she remain rear facing until at least two.

That being said, what if your friend told you she was going to turn her 13-month-old around? Or you saw her baby’s chest clip at her waist? Or her toddler was wearing a fluffy coat and she had to adjust the straps so she could fit? Or you noticed the seat didn’t seem to be sufficiently stabilized in her vehicle?

Would you say something?

Saying something to a parent whose child isn’t restrained properly is really important. But I also feel that you should try to keep your conversation light. Don’t accuse your friend of wrongdoing, don’t come across like a huge know-it-all. Just gently explain that recommendations have changed, or her baby will be safer if the chest clip is moved up, or say something like, “His seat looks a little unsteady. Can I help you tighten it?”

I also feel that you shouldn’t push it. It’s ultimately the parent who is responsible, but it’s a good friend who says something once to let them know that a little change needs to be made.

Say it like you mean it!

Would you say something to your friend about a car seat error, or do you just let it be?

After at least a year of contemplating canceling cable, we finally did about six months ago.

I have to confess, I watch a lot of TV — a lot. Too much really, which was part of my motivation for pulling the plug on cable. How many seasons of Real Housewives of Everywhere can I possibly watch? I knew that I would be better off without most of the garbage I watch filling my head and that my kids would be too. My husband and I don’t allow them to watch a ton of TV, but when we do they completely zone out.

Cable alternatives

So how have we adjusted as a family? Really well, actually because it turns out there are much less expensive alternatives. We now how Netflix live stream for $9 a month and Hulu for free. I was already an Amazon Prime member because who doesn’t need free shipping in December? With Amazon Prime comes tons of free programming, television series as well as movies.  All of the major networks put their programs on their websites the day after they air. So, other than pay channels, there isn’t much we miss out on.

New favorites

The unexpected benefit has been discovering shows we never watched before. I started watching Weeds, Breaking Bad and Alias. We’ve got the girls watching Alf, Star Trek and Garfield. Yes, they grumble when they miss a new episode of Dog with a Blog or Gravity Falls and their friends are talking about them at school, but over all they’ve adjusted really well. Also, there is the fact that they don’t see commercials any more. This has cut down considerably on the cries of, “Mom, will you get that for me!”

Family time

The benefit I was expecting is that we spend more time together. We play games together a lot more and we all spend more time reading. My girls don’t argue when I tell them it’s time to do their homework because I don’t have to pull them away from a TV show.  No one is pleading to stay up late to watch their favorite program and we are saving a lot of money by not having cable television.