Nearly half of all U.S. kids will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, according to new research, and the recession is expected to increase that percentage even higher.  The estimate comes from an analysis of 30 years of national data and suggests that almost everyone knows a family who has received food stamps in the past or will so in the future, according to lead author Mark Rank.  Food stamps are a Department of Agriculture program for low-income families.  The study also shows that while 49 percent of all children overall were on food stamps at some point, almost 90 percent of black children and 37 percent of whites were.  The analysis did not include other ethnic gorups.  The findings make it even more important for community groups to continue local food drives, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.  If your family is fortunate enough to not need assistance, consider ways to teach philanthropy through family activities that promote giving and generosity!

I am an absolute planner, and it makes me feel so good to have teacher gifts and cheap classroom party exchange ideas purchased or made in advance.  I do as much for the upcoming holiday season as possible ahead of time so that I am less stressed and overall more joyful around the season.   Although last-minute things will invariably still pop up, I find that being a planner and having things purchased and checked off my list makes the unexpected emergencies much more manageable!

Constant turnover at daycare centers, safety concerns, and the preference for children to be cared for in their own home are a few of the many reasons many families are looking at an au pair arrangement for child care.  There are pros and cons to be considered, and the cost is certainly more than at a traditional daycare center, but the rewards can be worth it if the au pair and family hit it off well.  The hardest part is that you still have to say goodbye to an au pair between one and two years.