What used vehicle (around $10k) would you recommend for a family with 2 small children and a large dog?

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Stevie

Currently, we have a Chevy Equinox (which I love) and an older model Saturn. The Equinox, of course, is our family vehicle and my main mode of transportation since I have a shorter commute and transport our daughter around daily. My husband drives the Saturn and has a much longer commute. The Saturn isn't going to last much longer so we're trying to decide what to replace it with.

Unfortunately, a year ago, my husband got in 2 accidents within a month, totaling both our cars so our insurance rates are through the roof; therefore, we do not want 2 large car payments (meaning our current one for the Equinox and whatever we get to replace the Saturn). This is why we're searching for something that is no more than about $10k. I love our SUV - it's so convenient and family-friendly. My husband says we should just get another SUV, but I cringe whenever I have to fill up my gas tank and believe it or not, I care about the environment despite having an SUV! Originally, we were thinking a sedan, but even the larger ones (he totaled our Malibu) can still be a pain with infant strollers, car seats, diaper bags, beach stuff, and there's no place to put our 70lb German Shepherd mix. While we can usually plan ahead and use the SUV, there have been times where my husband has had to pick up my daughter in his car or take the dog somewhere and it's just not the greatest vehicle for it.

Because of this, I'm leaning towards getting a wagon. It just makes sense for us because we do plan on having another kid in the next few years as well. My problem is, well, most wagons are not attractive. The ones I've seen in our price range are A LOT of PT Cruisers (yuck!), and some Chevy HHRs (ugly but oddly don't mind it; husband hates it) and Dodge Calibers (neither of us mind it, but they're so cheapy inside). Occasionally, I have found a VW 4-door Rabbit with a surprisingly large trunk area or a Volvo wagon which I oddly like. I know the safety of Volvos and VWs are pretty high which is really appealing, and I've also heard their reliability is quite good, BUT they are very expensive to fix/maintain. Even the cheapest, most routine things can be super expensive with these cars.

So, I'm torn. Do we go for a Chevy or Dodge with arguably lower reliability and safety and plastic interior but it's cheaper to maintain/fix OR do we go with a Volvo or VW that's safer and better quality but if you do need to fix something, it costs a lot?

Any other suggestions we haven't considered? It's important to us that the used vehicle has no more than 70k miles on it as I know we can get nicer quality cars but only if we're willing to get one with higher mileage, which we're not.

Answer
Ford Escape. You can get a 4 cyl model with AWD for the snow (if applicable). They have pretty good reliability, fuel economy, and are surprisingly spacious considering the smallish exterior. Also, you can open the rear glass so your dog can have a good time observing the world.

How do I entertain a 15 month old all day?

Jo

I am a stay at home mom and need ideas on how to entertain my son all day now that his is so much more active and curious. He has all kinds of toys ranging from very simple blocks to complicated electronic toys. I play with him off and on during that day and give him alone play time while I'm cleaning. I want to start doing more educational activities with him but I don't know what to do. Is it to early to start doing educational activities other than reading to him? Also what are some fun activities we can do?

Answer
My daughters 18 months and the best thing I ever started doing was flipping her toys around.
I spent a couple days sorting every single toy she had, I made sure the pieces for certain toys were bagged and together with that toy.
Then I split things into "groups". For example she has a full kitchen set with cups, a play kitchen, a shopping cart etc...I packed all those things together.
She has some animals, a barn and a few trucks and cars I grouped
And she also has some dolls, play stroller, blankets, fake diapers, clothing etc..

I swap these groups of toys out once a week :), its amazing how she actually plays with those toys now that theere isnt hundreds to just pick up, throw and walk away from.
Then I spend some one on one time with her and teach her the animals, or have tea partys, we play grocery store etc..

Also dont take for granted the trips to the grocery store, tons of opportunity to learn about shapes, colors, how to say hello to little friends who walk by.

I also really recommend taking your son to some programs offered in your community. Look for open gyms for toddlers, library reading time, pre-school/toddler mommy and me meet ups, tots swimming lessons.
Social interaction is super important and social skills cant be taughter, rather they are "learnt" and the only way to learn the skill is to be exposed. Also kids tend to want to mimic other children, so finding a group with kids a little bit older then your son will model some new skills he might not have yet, or is working on right now.

Get out once a day, even if its just to check the mail, or walk down the street. Getting some fresh air (even if its raining) is so important to their health and burning off some pent up energy is a savour to you as well :).

My daugher LOVES to help me around the house, she's bring me a piece of two of laundry to put in the washer, she helps me sweep, she even puts the cutlery away out of the dishwasher, cleaning u her toys (I try to include her in these things and she loves the immediate praise).

Singing songs is SUCH a great way to learn. Take the classics (like twinkle twinkle little star) but sing your own words as your changing your son or giving him a bath (sing what your doing, the body parts etc..).

You really dont need to buy education toys- theres so much around you to get him involved. Google some home made playdoh recipes, get some paint and do art (finger paintings alot of fun and the textures are great), if you have corn starch add a bit of water to it and let him play (another great texture activity).

Be as verbal as you can in your everyday, the more you do it the more itll just come naturally...the more enthusiam you have to the tone of your voice, the more interest your son will be, its really the simpliest things like WOW we have 3 blocks here , look 1, 2, 3!!!!

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