My first reaction when I saw the headline come up on my Facebook feed was, "Here we go with an overly conservative opinion about the media." And honesty, if I would have read the article a few years back I probably would have thought it was a little overboard. But now I have kids. Kids around the same ages as this father's. And I get it. I totally get it!

Our kids come to us naïve, sweet and innocent, and we want to do all we can to protect that innocence as long as we can. Which we should. It is our job as parents to protect our children, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

So we come up with ways to be careful. We use Internet filters; we make sure we don't subscribe to cable channels that might show inappropriate movies or TV programs; we use parental blocks on our cable and Netflix subscriptions to be safe; and so on. It's not because we are being paranoid or prudish, it's because we're trying to keep them viewing age appropriate material. Trying to protect their young minds from images and ideas that are beyond their years and will only leave them confused and thinking about certain things much younger than they need to be.

But it makes it hard when companies try to find a way around that. They know that sex sells, and they don't care that they are showing these ads on channels and at times that kids will likely be watching. Their attitude seems to be, "If it brings more money in the end, it's not our problem." They leave it to us parents to sit down with our wide-eyed young children and try to explain something to them that's way beyond their years — which will probably only leave them more confused. If they happen to be the curious type, they will probably try to find ways they can find out more about it.

I know that we can't protect our children forever. I don't expect that. I fully understand that in a few short years my kids will be aware enough that this type of conversation will be needed. I just don't want to have to have that conversation much earlier than it should have to happen. I want my six-year-old boy to stay innocent as long as possible. I don't want to have to be left scrambling for the remote during a sports commercial break knowing that it's happened. He's seen that dang Carl's Jr. commercial.

It's the world we live in, but sometimes I wish it were a little simpler - that we could rewind about fifty years to a time when kids weren't bombarded with sexual images. To a time when if you wanted to see something promiscuous, you pretty much had to seek it out. To a time parents didn't have to feel on guard each time they watched a football game on TV with their family. I know it's unrealistic, but sometimes it's nice to wish.

And I don't think it's wrong for us parents to ask questions. So come on Carl's Jr., is it really necessary?

What can we do to make a difference? First off, don't support companies that use pornographic marketing tactics. Second, spread the word to your family and friends.

The post Why Carl’s Jr. is making it hard on us parents appeared first on FamilyToday.

Summer is coming to an end. If you're anything like me, this brings about mixed emotions. While I'm sad I won't have my kids home with me anymore, at the same time, I am breathing a sigh of relief knowing back to school means the return of routines and normalcy.

Many of us might feel a bit run down after a summer full of activities with our favorite kiddos, while juggling late nights and battling to keep them off electronics in between. After a long and busy summer, here are a few things that have worked for me to recharge my "mom battery" that might work for you, too.

1. Shoot for an earlier bedtime

As it begins getting dark earlier in the evening, we are given the natural opportunity to make this transition. Getting the kids to bed earlier gives you time to do something for yourself in the evening before you crash. Talk to your spouse without kid interruptions, read a book or watch a TV show that isn't animated. Having a little extra time at night to wind down does wonders to help us rejuvenate and be ready to happily face our favorite little people in the morning.

2. Watch baby videos of your children together

First of all, kids love seeing what they were like as babies. Plus, you get to use the videos you spent hours taking, transferred to your computer and backed up in multiple places. But mostly, I've noticed watching baby videos does two great things for me: First, it reminds me how my child was a sweet and adorable little baby (which never fails to leave me smiling). Second, it makes me remember how fast my child is growing up, and that I need to savor the moments because they go by so quickly.

3. Sneak a peek at your kids after they are asleep

A while back ago, my wise and spunky grandmother taught me a valuable lesson. (I was having a particularly trying day parenting my rambunctious young children.) She advised me to go back into my kid's rooms at night after they had fallen asleep and take a peek at them sleeping. She assured me this would make everything right again. And guess what? She was right! Just try it. Take a nice, prolonged look at your child sleeping, looking peaceful and angelic, and just see if it doesn't melt your heart a little bit.

4. Make some time for exercise, and make sure it's something you enjoy

I've always struggled with keeping up exercise routines, but I finally found a solution. It's not so much about the fitness side of it (although it's always nice to notice your waist trimming up and your muscles toned) as it is about de-stressing. There will probably be stages of motherhood where it is absolutely impossible to fit in exercise, let alone have the energy to take one extra step a day. But if you can manage it, exercise can be an amazing stress reliever and will actually leave you with more energy.

The key to exercise is finding something you enjoy. It doesn't have to be marathon training. If you can fit in just twenty minutes, 3-4 times a week you are doing great. I've found dance aerobics (fun) and yoga (relaxing and stress relieving) to be my personal favorites. Order some fitness DVDs online, and squeeze it in when you can.

5. Splurge for a night out, or even better, a weekend getaway

A night out sans kids can be the key to feeling part of the world again — just long enough to help us look forward to seeing our little people in the morning. Whether it's a night out with your spouse or friends, a little time away goes a long way. If you can manage to swing a weekend away, even better.

6. After your battery is recharged a little, take your kids on a short day activity by yourself

It's always fun to take the kids on an outing with another mom friend. You have someone to talk to, and the kids have other kids to entertain themselves with - it's a win-win. But every now and then, try taking your kids to the zoo, a museum, a dollar movie or the park by yourself. Surprisingly, without the distractions of conversations with other adults around, you'll find yourself enjoying your kids more than you might expect. Talk to them and notice their funny little observations; watch as they smile, laugh, and discover new things; take photos and just let yourself get caught up in the moment.

7. Keep a special little treat stash just for you

Hopefully you already have one of these. Keep a stash of goodies (that the kids don't know about), and every now and then give yourself five minutes of alone time to enjoy a little treat just for you. In fact, when you are done reading this article, go grab a bite of chocolate or a Diet Coke - whatever your treat of choice may be. You deserve it. If you don't have your own personal stash, then throw the kids in the car and run to the nearest gas station. And please, get a stash.

Being a mom is not an easy job, but I am convinced it's one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. Focus on the positive, try to incorporate any of the ideas above that might work for you, and carry on with what you're doing, because you are doing great.

What are some ways you've found that work to recharge your mom battery? Leave a comment and let us know. We could all use more ideas!

The post 7 ways to recharge your mom battery after a busy summer appeared first on FamilyToday.

Last Saturday was their final game. Following their games, it was very cute to see both children receive their Valuable Player trophies with such pride. As I watched my little ones walk back to the car, trophies and team pictures in hand, I thought I noticed a bit of newfound confidence in their steps. They were soccer players and had actually received an award for it. It was good for them to have the experience of playing on a team and feeling accomplishment from it, regardless of their skill. I chalked up our first go at soccer as a successful one.

Yes, the experience was a fun one. But of course, as in any experience, there are lessons to be learned along the way. Here are some valuable ones I learned this season which will most likely be the first of many soccer seasons to come:

1. Expect to spend more time in the 2x2 square foot port-a-potty with your 3-year-old player than actually watching their game.

2. No matter how many times you ask your children to use the restroom before leaving the house, and no matter how many times they actually do, they WILL express a need to "go"� promptly upon your arrival to the game. The following potty scramble will likely render your otherwise timely arrival as late.

MOVING ON"�.

3. Plan on spending the first half of the season coaxing your child to actually play in their game.

4. Once your child plays don't be surprised if the first and only goal they score the whole season is for the opposing team.

5. Cheer anyway.

6. There is much to be invested. Not only must you pay the sign-up fee and buy a team jersey, you also must buy shin guards, soccer cleats, team treats and team pictures. Don't worry. By the time it's over, you are only at roughly 25 bucks per half hour game (more if you count the two out of six games you missed due to being out of town and a sick day.)

7. Remember those newly purchased shin guards and cleats? They are a little tricky for young children to put on by themselves. And they always take longer to get on your child than you think. Plan on getting really good at squeezing and pulling your child's gear onto them in the back seat of the car as you rush to get to the game.

8. Don't be surprised if your child is more interested in getting a turn sitting in the foldout camping chairs you brought than getting a turn in their game.

9. Take lots of photos of your child running on the field because somehow those pictures make it look like they were really into it.

10. Make sure to take photos of the not-so-perfect moments, as well. Those will be the most fun to look back on.

The post What to expect as a first-time soccer mom appeared first on FamilyToday.