Articles written by Annette Liike

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About me - Annette Liike

Annette is an at home mom who lives with her husband and sons in Michigan. Raising three boys keeps her busy. She enjoys writing, reading and learning with her children. Her middle son has Down syndrome and she is an advocate for inclusion. She has high expectations

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Home & Garden > Weeds & Pests True gardening stories: The worst pest experience: 3 of 66
When our family moved into our new home eight years ago I decided to plant perennial gardens throughout our yard. I had looked through dozens of gardening magazines and spent numerous hours planning and designing my new beds. I purchased my new plants from a master gardener who also gave me tons of advice to help them grow to... More..
Education > Teachers & Administrators How to ask a teacher for extra help: 3 of 39
If you have a younger child that is in need of additional help it is appropriate for the parent to ask the teacher for additional help for the child. An email to the teacher explaining what help is needed and a request in that email for a telephone call is usually all that is needed for the teacher to offer the help. Most tea... More..
Travel > Mexico Travel destinations: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: 1 of 9
Cabo San Lucas is a mysterious and romantic destination for all who visit. It is a place to enjoy sand, surf and sun. You can relax and enjoy a tropical drink while reading a book next to a beautiful blue green sea or enjoy a round of golf at one of the five championship courses. Cabos is becoming the golf capital of Mexico. ... More..
Education > Homework & Testing How to help your child with science: 2 of 14
Children have a natural interest in learning about everything they see. They are always asking questions such as Why is the Sky blue? Use these opportunities to do the research to find the answer. Make it fun to find the answer. With the internet as a resource it is very easy to find the answer to children's questions without... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Pregnancy Memorable mommy moments: My first pregnancy: 23 of 145
One of the things I remember most about my first pregnancy was that everyone who had ever had a baby felt the need to share some horrific incident from their labor with me. The stories ranged from 48 hours of hard labor to dangerous blood pressure levels to one hundred pound weight gain and everything in between. It seemed th... More..
Health & Fitness > Alcoholism Adult Children of Alcoholics: Long-term effects: 4 of 25
Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person drinking it leaves a mark on the entire family. Whether the children of the alcoholic become alcoholics themselves or co-dependents of other alcoholics there is no escaping the scars that abusing alcohol leaves. The alcoholic is selfish and abusive. The family are the ones that take o... More..
Relationships & Family > Coping with Divorce Starting over after divorcing: 15 of 86
I saw divorce as a wonderful opportunity to begin living. I was in a marriage that never really was a marriage. My ex-husband was abusive and addictive and I was the bondo that was holding the wreckage together. Both of us were better off after the divorce. I never had much in common with my ex-husband but we did have a child... More..
Education > College Search Does a prestigious college degree make your career?: 2 of 11
Getting that Ivy league education probably will not hurt your career aspirations but it certainly is not a necessity. There are many prominent individuals who dropped out of the top notch schools and went on to be very successful. Bill Gates is one of the first to come to mind. Graduating from Harvard or Yale may help you get... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > After School The benefits of extracurricular activities for young children: 2 of 10
Enrolling children in a few extracurricular activities can build self esteem and help develop social skills as well as help them to stay physically fit. There are so many activities available to young people. Whether it is learning and becoming involved in a particular sport, a foreign language or perhaps dance the choices ar... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Special Needs Tips for dealing with a Down syndrome child: 2 of 8
I am the mother of a child with Down syndrome and I would like to squelch the myth that having a child with Down syndrome is a huge responsibility and burden on the parents. Having a child with Down syndrome is different than having a child without but different does not mean difficult. There are medical conditions that can s... More..