Did you see the video posted by an angry dad after finding a disrespectful, expletive-laced letter from his 15-year-old daughter to her parents on her Facebook page? Apparently, she thought the message would make her look rebellious, edgy and cool for her friends, and that her folks wouldn’t ever see it. Unfortunately, she underestimated her father, who is an IT professional by trade. He found it on her laptop while upgrading its systems and adding over $100 worth of software to the machine. Needless to say, he didn’t find her appalling teen rant rebellious or cool, and after making a video reading the letter aloud, he put some bullets in her laptop on camera and posted the video on her Facebook wall.

Some might find this punishment to be a bit over the top, but seriously, if it were one of my sons, I don’t think my reaction would be too far off. Of course, we don’t have guns in my house, so I’m pretty sure it would look a lot like the printer scene from Officespace, but the sentiment would be the same.

I see too many posts from younger relatives that I find embarrassing and degrading, both to themselves and their parents. What upsets me most though, is that their parents know what they’re up to and don’t step in. That’s what I love the most about this guy’s video. There was absolutely no question where he stood on the matter. He referenced an earlier offense that left her grounded for months and that he’d warned her the consequences would be severe if he saw such nonsense again. And he totally followed through, for the world to see.

Severe? Absolutely. Warranted? Without question. Not only was her little note offensive and ungrateful, it left a big, ugly blemish on her character as well as her parents’. Kids have to know that what they’re saying online can carry heavy consequences, the least of which is losing a computer when they get caught.

I don’t feel sorry for the young lady who lost her laptop in a blaze of gunfire. Her dad did her a favor. Now she won’t be able to jeopardize her future by demeaning the people that care and provide for her in a public forum. And, I bet she’ll think twice before she decides to spout obscenities and air her grievances online for entertainment value again…as will her friends.

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I have been a gamer my entire life. I played on the Atari and the original Nintendo Entertainment System. For years, when people needed help with video games and playing video games, they came to me. This includes my eldest son, who just started playing them about a year ago.

When we first started playing, he would marvel at how I could run and jump through all these obstacles like it was nothing. I was the superhero that could do anything and he my trusty sidekick. As a writer, I spend a lot of time working. I don’t have the time to spend playing video games like I used to. If I can squeeze out an hour or two a week, then I consider myself lucky.

My son doesn’t have this constraint. When he comes home from school, given he has no homework or chores to do, then he can play video games until dinner time. It’s not a lot of time, but enough for him to get a lot done. The other day, I found that at the end of the afternoon, I had a little free time and sat down to play a little Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

When I went to choose my game, I realized that my son had not only gotten much farther than I did, but did so without my help. He didn’t need me to help him with the boss battles or to traverse the terrain. He did it all one his own. On one hand, I was very proud that my son was following in his old man’s footsteps. On the other hand, I was a little sad that he’s growing up and doesn’t need me to help with these kinds of things anymore.

I played my game for a while, and by the time I quit for the night, I still hadn’t caught up with my son. Odds are he’s going to beat the game before I do. Wow, it was only yesterday that he was just figuring out how to run the DVD player, and now he’s taking on the Sith with a light saber and a force push.

Pretty soon, he and I will be fighting over the same games. I will admit that I am anxious to get one of those one-on-one fighting games just to see whose kung fu is better. After all, I have years of couch potato marshal arts background.

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Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to NYC Real Estate, Hamptons Homes, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

Tucked away in Idaho’s Tetons is what some have come to consider one of the hidden family ski resort gems. With great snow and fewer crowded slopes, if you’re looking for quiet relaxation away from the trendier mountains, then Grand Targhee is where you want to be.

About an hour away from the more popular Jackson Hole, here the accommodations are a bit more muted, with less flair and jazz than the college crowd would be comfortable with. The dining and lodges are more rustic, but practical, and the hardier get-up often translates into much more affordable pricing. There are various slopes for family members who are at differing aptitudes, and lessons can be provided at incredibly reasonable fees. There are even slopes for the experts in your bunch, but something to keep the youngest ones busy with as well. No matter how you look at it, it offers something for every different level of skier your family may have to represent.

Although the class sizes are understandably small, there are child care programs available that can allow Moms and Dads to sneak away for a little romance on their own. If you wanted to make an entire day of it, you can cost-effectively enroll your little ones in ski instruction camp-like experiences that set aside the hours you need for one-on-one interaction.

Admittedly, if there is a staunch non-skier in your brood, Grand Targhee is a tougher sale. Fortunately, if you have someone who is willing or able to take the 45 mile jaunt to neighboring Jackson, WY, they will find shopping and entertainment venues in greater abundance. That said, if your ski-free family member enjoys being pampered, there is an on-site spa where they can easily while away the day, eliminate stress and take leisure time to a whole new level.

If you will be planning a long-term stay in the area, you’ll probably want to make it a point to travel together to uncover all that Jackson and Jackson Hole have to offer. If you prefer to avoid Jackson, however, you can plan to fly into Idaho Falls and take the longer (but often easier) route to cover the 80+ miles.

Regardless of how you orchestrate the details, Grand Targhee is a family-friendly and budget-considerate destination where everyone will enjoy making memories. Learn more about Grand Targhee and visiting the resort on their website.

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I love cooking for my family, but it’s a time consuming chore to start from scratch every night. So, I’ve learned that some things are better to make in large batches to intentionally have leftovers. It takes just the same amount of time to make some extra on the first night, and then I can refrigerate or freeze the surplus for another meal.

For example, I use a basic base for just about everything I make with ground beef. I start with really lean beef (90/10). It’s a little pricier, but it’s actually a better value because you’re not losing the bulk of it in unhealthy grease. Then I add a large, chopped green pepper and an onion. I use this base for sloppy joes, tacos, spaghetti and seriously, just about anything else that requires ground beef. So, when I’m cooking it, I’ll usually make two or three pounds and then store the portion I don’t need. Then I can just pull it out and skip the meat browning process all together. Can we say crock pot?

I also cook extra when I’m making certain meals, especially tacos. Taco meat is so flavorful and versatile. I always make at least a double batch, just so I can use the excess in other meals. My family’s three favorite leftover taco meat meals are:

1. Chili – I start by putting the leftover chili meat into the pot, and then simply add diced tomatoes, kidney and pinto beans, tomato sauce and water. Then I sprinkle in some of my favorite spices, like garlic, onion powder and cumin and leave it on to simmer. It’s a quick, hearty meal for lunch or dinner.

2. Spanish Rice - I cook up some instant white rice and then add the taco meat, tomatoes, tomato sauce and spices and booyah…deliciousness.

3. Taco Salad - I especially love the taco salad as a lunch idea. I can heat the meat up at home or pack a portion for my husband so he can take it with him when he’s working away from home. Then he can heat it up in a microwave and just tosses it onto the salad I send in a separate dish.

Making extras of my favorite versatile meats and bases always pays off in time saved the next time around. I spend less time over the stove and more time with my children. Everyone wins and the eats are always good!

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My boys may be young, but they still appreciate a good prank. At first, their surprises were of the peek-a-boo variety, but when they realized my reaction wasn’t as big as they’d like, their methods evolved. First it was popping up out of blankets. Then they started hiding around corners. After a while, jumping out of closets or toy boxes became the prank du jour.

Then they started to get wise to trickery. I always know something is coming when I hear low whispers in the toy room. The three plot together now. As much as I like to see them work as team on anything, I’d prefer it wasn’t getting a laugh at my expense. Especially since I know that while the pranks are pretty innocent now, when my tiny trio realizes just how much power they have when they work their naughty magic together, I’m afraid I’m going to have a three-headed Bam Margera monster on my hands and will have to sleep with one eye open for fear of what’s coming next.

But as it stands, their pranks are just silly and lack sophistication. Still, from time to time, they really get me. For example, yesterday I was in the bathroom tweezing my eyebrows when my youngest, Devin, walked in.

With a completely straight face he asks “Mommy, what did I find?”

I looked at his hand and saw something between his fingers, but couldn’t tell what it was. I bent down closer, but still…no clue. So, like a fool, I took it out of his tiny fingers. Lifting it up for a closer look, I quickly realized what I was holding just inches from my face was a crusty toddler booger. “Is this a booger, Devi?”

Roars of little boy laughter erupted from outside the door as Devin shouted, “Yeah!” and ran away laughing maniacally, the thunderous clomps of his older brothers feet following closely behind. I’d been had. Big time. And they were all in on it.

These little attacks are beginning to happen more and more often, which is funny, but frightening. If they’re this good at ganging up on me at two, four and six, what is my life going to look like when they’re 12, 14 and 16?

Do your kids prank you? Do they work together, or are their shenanigans solo efforts?

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Does your daughter want to have a luau party? It’s a nice theme in any season, because in the winter it’s a break from the cold, and in the summer…well…it’s just fun. There are a lot of options for entertainment and decorating when you have a Hawaiian luau themed party. From flamingos and limbo, to palm trees and coconut drinks, its a relaxing, fun theme to play with.

One of the best parts of a luau party is dressing up in fun Hawaiian-inspired clothing. For the gents it’s as simple as throwing on a loud button down and some shorts, but for the ladies, fun and flirty grass skirts are the way to go.

Little girls love the grass skirts because they’re cute and swishy, but they can be one of the most expensive parts of putting together a luau party. They’re usually sold individually, and if you’re footing the bill for even six little ladies, the price tag can be frightening. So, instead of buying the grass skirts, you could turn making them into an activity at the shindig.

What you need to make your own grass skirts:

• Brightly colored plastic tablecloths

• Double-sided tape and

• Self-adhesive Velcro squares

• Scissors

How to make your own grass skirts:

1. Measure the length of tablecloth you’ll need by wrapping it around the girl’s waist, allowing about six inches of overlap.

2. Cut the tablecloth at the measurement.

3. Fold the tablecloth in half (height wise).

4. Run a band of double-stick tape on the inside of the skirt about two inches from the fold.

5. Press the waistband together so the tape sticks on both sides.

6. Using the scissors, cut strips from the bottom of the skirt up to about an inch below the tape line.

7. Wrap the skirt around the little lady’s waist and place the Velcro squares on each side where they meet.

8. HULA!

What fun and creative party ideas have you done/seen in the past? Please share in the comments section below!

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Being home all day with my kids doesn’t allow me a Peg Bundy bonbon-snarfing, couch-sitting relaxation fest. It’s tough work and the hours are grueling. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being with my kids, watching them grow and giving them the best start I can. It’s a gift.

That being said, just like any other job, by midday, I start to lose steam. And, despite that fact that I have a comfy couch in the living room and a cozy queen-size in my boudoir, I can’t just plop down for a power nap whenever I want. I’m sure the kids would love the freebie, but if you think about how much naughtiness they can achieve in 60 seconds, the sheer terror of what could happen in 15 minutes is enough to give a mom nightmares. Not to mention, it’s just not a safe option.

So what’s an exhausted stay-at-home mom to do? Take a look at some of the tricks I’ve picked up over the last few years:

1. Take vitamins. Taking a multivitamin and asking your doctor about natural supplements that will help keep your energy up can make a huge difference. Not only are you doing your body solid, but you get the amp value, too.

2. Drink water. Water flushes your system of toxins that like to hang around and drag you down. Plus, being dehydrated can lead to headaches and fatigue.

3. Enjoy your java. Huge quantities of caffeine aren’t healthy, but if you feel like you need a cup for a pick-me-up, roll with it.

4. Dance. I’ve recently started making playlists of Zumba routines on YouTube. It’s free and just a quick, three-minute Zumba can waken the senses and keep you going. Plus, it’s killer fun.

5. Belly breaths. Stand straight and tall and inhale through your nose for a count of three and exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this 10 times. Give your body that sweet oxygen and mini-break it’s craving.

6. Sing it out. Everyone has a song that just makes them happy. One of my favorites is Blind Melon’s “No Rain.” I absolutely can’t hear that song without singing and bopping along. It’s a refreshing blast of energy to sing something that you enjoy.

A lot of people suffer from midday exhaustion, no matter where they work. If you find you’re in need of a little boost in the afternoon, try one of these tricks and then press on rejuvenated, mamas (or dads)!

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Kids rely heavily on TV for entertainment (mine included); whether they’re watching programs, playing video games or even doing interactive videos. Visual entertainment is fun, and has its merits, but there is a whole wide world of entertainment possibilities outside of the boob tube. Sometimes you just have to turn off the television and start looking for other stimulating activities to entertain the kiddies. It gives them the opportunity to learn and enjoy other awesome options, even if it is against their wills.

Turn on the radio as a jumping off point. They won’t have the visual aspect, but they’ll be able to hear and react to the music. Choose something fun and spunky and their little rumps will be shaking in no time.

Once they’re enjoying some tunes, set out a special basket filled with a variety of books that are appropriate for their ages and reading levels. Vary them from the silly to the educational. Read a couple with them and then let them explore the books for themselves. You’ll learn a lot about your kids by what books they are drawn to, as well. It’s pretty cool. Every day, rotate the books so there are different titles for the kiddies to choose from. It’ll keep them fresh and your kids eager to see what’s new each day.

Also, offer up a selection of puzzles, both jigsaw and brain-teaser varieties. Let them fiddle with them and only help if they ask…but not too much. Kids with natural curiosities can be very drawn to these forms of entertainment because they get to use their logic to piece things together. Pun intended.

Last, but not least, crafts and other hands-on activities are totally rad for keeping kids entertained and stimulating their creativity. It’s amazing how much fun and excitement can come out of some Play-Doh and art supplies. Kids love these things, especially the messy ones that involve glue or paint, because they’re completely free to use their imaginations..and get a little dirty with your blessing.

Walking away from the visual entertainment can be hard for kids, so we have to do our best to give them a fun reason to turn off the TV. If you keep changing things up and finding new ways to entertain them, they’ll start asking “What are we doing today?” rather than “What’s on TV?”

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Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means it’s a work day and school night. Bummer. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a special night anyway. The holiday is all about celebrating the love you have for your family, so turning Valentine’s evening into a special family night can be a ton of lovey-dovey fun.

Bake Ahead

If you like to bake special treats for Valentine’s Day, pick your favorite sweets and prepare them over the weekend. Then you can slip the special cupcakes, cookies or other goodies into lunches with a mushy note. Set aside something really special for dessert at dinner.

Get Homework Out of the Way

As soon as the munchkins get home from school, set them up with a little snack and have them polish off their homework so the rest of the evening can be yours to share.

Pretty Up the Dinner Table

Sometimes making a meal special just boils down to how the table is set. Cover your table in a special tablecloth, put some flowers in the center, sprinkle some confetti and light a couple of candles just before dinner. Write up a little love note for everyone in your family and leave it as a place card by each of their plates.

Serve Up Some Love

Whatever you choose for dinner, be it pizza or meatloaf, choose red sauces and make something heart-shaped. Mold your meatloaf into a heart and put ketchup on it. Simple, but effective.

Family time

Rather than going your separate ways after dinner, throw in some family movies or bust out a board game. The importance isn’t what you do, it’s who you do it with.

Keep Bedtime

If you have to change your routine a little to squeeze in a family night, that’s totally okay. But, keep your kids’ regularly scheduled bedtime. Not only will the get the rest they need, but you’ll get some precious alone time with your spouse to celebrate a little on your own.

Having Valentine’s Day fall on a weekday might not lend itself to going out for a fancy night on the town, but you can still have a really special day with your family. You may have to move your romantic dinner for two with the hubz to a different night, but that just means you get twice the sweetness out of the holiday.

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When your kids are sick, everything comes to a screeching halt. Everything you do is for them, and what can be set aside for later, like regular housework and other less urgent daily responsibilities, becomes secondary. You turn from the little things to the big things, from tracking when you can give them their next doses of medicine to cuddling up and giving them comfort. After they get better, it’s easy to fall back into the rhythm of everyday life, but before you get started, there are certain precautions you need to take to avoid reinfection or spreading of the illness.

Strip the bed. Wash all the bedding, including pillows, that your child has been using. Germs love to hide in fabric. Let the hot water and soap detergent in your washing machine send them an eviction notice.

Toss the toothbrush. Get rid of your child’s toothbrush. Replacing it costs a lot less than prescriptions and watching them suffer another bug. Also, if he used any lip balms or other personal care items that came in contact with his mouth, toss them as well.

Sterilize surfaces. It’s astonishing how many surfaces a child comes in contact with every day. Wipe down all the surfaces in his bedroom and then use a disinfectant spray or wipe to kill any lingering germs. Then move on to the other surfaces in the house. Don’t forget door handles, light switches and the phone. These are all high traffic surfaces in your home that everybody touches.

Wash lovies. Little kids love to cuddle fabric lovies, like baby blankets and stuffed animals. These all need to be washed along with the bedding.

Sterilize toys. Any toys in the toy room or his bedroom should be wiped down with a disinfectant.

Empty all the garbage bins. Even if the trash can only has a couple tissues in it, toss the bag, sterilize the can and replace the liner.

Watching your children suffer an illness is miserable, but having them recycle the germs and get sick again is even worse. If you give your house a disinfecting once over, you’ll be protecting your little one from getting sick again and keeping the rest of your family safe, too.

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