Your Turn to Speak

As Jack and Carly set out to find redemption, every turn’s going to be filled with drama. Will Jack return? Should Carly follow? Share your thoughts with other moms about everything As the World Turns.

©2009 Procter & Gamble Productions

Last Post: i have been watching this show since i was 5 years old with my mother and out of all the characters Carley and Jack are my faves!!!They always get back together!!!!

Keeping in Touch with Your Siblings-Thru Thick and Thin

In many families, moving away is a common part of growing up. How do you stay close with your siblings when you don’t live near them. How do you deal with siblings who leave you out or don’t visit when they’re in town. A Vocalpoint member wants to know what to do!

Last Post: Life is short, we need to make every effort to make the most of each day and the time with those we love. Near or far, we need to make a honest effort to stay in touch. Regardless of past happenings, hurt feelings, or what someone said or did.  In the big picture of things, it really doesn't matter. We're family , and when everything else is said and done who do we have.  Family.. love it, respect it, hold on to it.  Its worth every effort you need to make to hold it together. Connie

Share Your Pearls of Wisdom

We’ve all had people who’ve inspired us with their life experiences or advice. Honor them by sharing their story and their wisdom with the Vocalpoint community.

Hi Vocalpoint moms! This is Kim. While we’re looking forward to hearing the wisdom you have to share with us, I wanted to let you know that we have some wisdom to share with you as well. This message board was inspired by a book our friend, Roger Fishman, wrote called ‘What I Know.’ By meeting with 100 year olds and 10 year olds across the country, Roger compiled an enlightening and refreshing collection of wisdom from both ends of the life spectrum. To hear more about Roger’s story, click here. If you’d like to go out and record wisdom that you can share with others, here is some helpful advice.

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• BeBe said:

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  My grandmother has been gone for nearly 30 years, but I remember very clearly a saying she had about judging other people: Dont ever put yourself or anyone else in a position above Gods angels! Even angels make mistakes ... look at Lucifer! ... and carrying it a bit farther, she would add Lucifer was Gods favorite, which means even the Almighty on occasion has lapses in judgement!

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I Talk With My Kids. Do You?

How do you get your kid's to open up and talk to you?

Last Post: The easiest way i found to talk with my four year old daughter is face to face. and always honestly...of course if she dose not ask there are things i wont tell her till she dose. after all..i dont need her to be talking with her little four year old friends at school about sex. . I always think that being truthful to her and not treating her like a baby . Talking to her young is helping us build a relationship of talks to come..when she is ready i will be there.  And though i hope for it , we dont have to be best friends... but i want her to know she can trust me with her feelings.

Storage and Usage Tips When Buying in Bulk

Catching the sales and buying in bulk can save money as long as you don’t let items go to waste. What do you buy in bulk and how do you manage your inventory of bargains? Do you have special tips for storing and using your bulk items?

Last Post: Since my husband is a chef, he keeps inventory on the food and I take inventory on everything else in the house.  Our stockpile of food lasts us about a couple of months.  We use the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Kit (V3840).  It works wonders!

I’m Coming Back Home

Once, they were on their own, but now things have changed. Your child calls to let you know they need to move back home. What do you do? Do you charge rent? What if you’ve remodeled their room? How would you handle this situation?

Last Post: I think it may be easier and less stressful to trade adult children and let someone elses' kid move "back home" into the house.  My large but apparently not grown kids have reverted to toddlerhood, except that they drink.  Yikes.

Potty Training Time!

How do you tell when it is time to start potty training? What was your secret to help your child succeed?

Last Post: My intention was to have my son potty trained by the time he was 3 years old. Luckily he started showing interest in the potty around 2 yo, so we bought him the musical training potty and started having him use it at regular times during the day. To start not much happened, but when a sprinkle did come out, he got high-fives, hugs, and a lot of praise - all of which made him feel fantastic about himself. Then at daycare, to help the process along, I had him wear underpants rather than pull-ups, packed a few extra changes of clothes, and wha-la... he didn't like being damp so he started using the potty full-time. And yes, from what I've heard, boys do take longer to train than girls.... You'll do fine!

How do You Make Halloween “Fun?”

What are your plans for Halloween? Parties, decorations, treats, and costumes – how do you make it a special spooky day? Share your ghoulish ideas.

Last Post: We have decorated the house some, and the yard.  We "boo'd" the neighbors the other night too.  And my little guy has been wearing halloween themed shirts for the past week or so.  We're having a halloween party/lunch with his playgroup over to our house on Friday- and all the kids will wear their costumes.  Our trick or treat-ers are going to get balloons and candy (we got orange and black balloons and will use those party size helium tanks to inflate them on Sat).  And our street is having a block party.  We can't wait!

Best Kept Garden Tips

How do you know when to plant bulbs, trim shrubs or cut back flowers? What fall gardening tips do you have that everyone should know about?

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• Kathy said:

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  question...i received a banana plant and need to bring it in for the winter.  do i just put it in my furnace room til spring and do i need to water it all winter?  light, no light?

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Adding a New Hairy Member to the Family?

Whether you’re considering a first pet or thinking about getting another, the choice can be a difficult one. It can be especially hard if you’ve recently lost a pet. What should you consider when thinking about getting a pet?

Last Post: pets are definitely a joy but they are also a lot of work.  though I would not trade off the work load for anything as they contribute so much love into our lives I am thankful every day that I have such faithful and loving furry friends

Daytime Activities for Children and Their Parents

Playgroups for smaller children exist in many neighborhoods. What other types of groups have you found to be fun and enjoyable for you and your child? How did you learn about these groups?

Last Post: check out Meetup.com for all kinds of groups gathering locally near you... I found a terrific playgroup here!

Share Your Ideas on Opportunities For Others

Times are tough and members are asking for help finding opportunities to make money while at home. Do you have ideas? Please let us know, but keep in mind that this is not for recruiting – just looking for some guidance to help others make cash for their families.

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• Linda said:

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  I have worked from home for years and there are a lot of real jobs out there that are not scams.  There are phone and non-phone jobs.   Hirepoint.com was hiring customer service reps a few days ago.  The jobs go quickly so I dont know if they are still available.  Do not pay for any job!  I also do surveys, sweeps, coupons, and other things on line to make extra money.  If interested email me at Lindad4@cox.net
  

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Help Others That Experience Gluten Intolerance

Patricia from Ohio, wants ideas on managing gluten intolerance. Do you know of some tasty gluten-free foods and recipes? What other advice do you have that may help with this challenge?

Last Post: I have been gluten free for about 6 years, long before it was easy to recognize products in the stores.  The best advice i recieved was "quit trying to substitute!  Make new favorites!"  Access resources on the net.  also, ask restaraunts for GF menus, most of the better restaraunts have them.

Bargains for Back-to-School

Do you know where to shop for the best back-to-school deals? How do you find the bargains? Share your secrets here.

Last Post: check out consignment sales in the area.