This is a great little Sports Car, by BRIO, with attractive, round, pop-out front eyes. Easy to use, the child merely needs to sit in the car and peddle to her heart?s content. The sports car has a steering column that lets the driver direct the car...more
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Times are tough and summer camp can be pretty pricey. If this is something you feel you need to cut out of the family budget this year, look on the bright side….you get to spend more time with the kids this summer! Check out this video from MSNC.com that gives us some alternatives to summer camp. It all basically involves getting more creative and thinking outside the box.
Great ideas! Can you suggest anymore summer fun ideas?
Shop for sports and outdoor toys at Smarter.com. You can pick a sport every week and host your own backyard family sports tournaments!
There are several women in my life who are expecting their very first little bundle of joy! Even though they haven’t fully experience all the trials, tribulations and happiness of being a mother, they are still mothers. While browsing around I found some cute ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for new mommies:
Give them a travel kit of Erbaorganics products which includes stretch mark oil, organic stretch mark cream, organic bath oil and organic foot and leg refresher.
If she doesn’t have one already, a digital camera is a really great gift for a new mommy. She can capture all the “first” moments and then upload them to her Facebook or MySpace page to share with friends and family. One that I’ve had my eye on for a while is the super thin new Sony DSC-G3 Cybershot at $499.99.
*Use coupon code 3A825 at check out at Crutchfield.com to get $20 your order of $100 or more.
These are just a feel material ideas. The best gifts are homemade or you can offer “one free day/one evening of babysitting.” Make a cute card or coupon using your saavy and creative computer skills! Your time is one of the best gifts!
Pregnant? Being a mom does not mean you have to start going around all frumpy and sloppy, having to throw your fashion sense out the window. You can be a hot mama dressed in any of these simple but stylish maternity dresses, whether you are out and about running errands or dolling up for a special event. Add your favorite colored shoes and accessories to these basic styles, you can transition flawlessly from daytime to evening wear.
As summer approaches, I look forward to wearing dresses in the last months of my pregnancy, however I do not want to spend too much on clothing that I will be wearing only for a few months, so versatility is key. I love that these allow for fitting a growing belly, allowing you to get the most out of your maternity wear. By adding your personal touch, the possibilities are endless with what you can do with a basic dress.
I recently stumbled upon this great blog where famous actors contribute to the posts called The Huffington Post. People such as Robert Redford, Jim Carrey, Sean Penn, Ron Howard and even Shrek (not sure how that is) have all given their two-cents on different issues relating to hot topics, such as the economy, global warming, finances, or health. Most recently, Jim Carrey sounded off in a blog defending his girlfriend, Jenny McCarthy’s, work on changing the vaccine that she (and many others) believe to cause autism.
As a new parent, what you don’t know CAN hurt youso here’s what you need to know (listen up new mother’s):
There are a total of 9 vaccine’s to be aware of which are recognized by the VRBPAC and ACIP (the two main advisory boards on vaccines). It just so happened that the pediatrician we went to referred me to several studies that showed a “higher increase” in the risk of children developing autism through the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine, also known as an MMR (which is taken in two stages throughout childhood). He said to me, openly and honestly, “although it does not affect every child, it’s up to you if you want to take the chance.” For a long time there were no widely issued scientific explanations or recognized links between the vaccine and the disease, only theories and probabilities. Thus we allowed our children to be administered the shot (especially since most preschool’s and kindergartens require it). Personally my kids did not contract anything from the dosage given when they were babies, I recall, however I was still intrigued by the possibility. What was the likelihood of someone’s children that I knew getting it? Turns out the likelihood was GREAT…
Last fall our niece was diagnosed with a rare form of autism. Having remembered hearing about Jenny McCarthy’s fight to rid the vaccine of harmful toxins and metals, which also have been linked to the cause of ADD & ADHD, I decided to buy her book and read it. It was absolutely heartbreaking, as you can imagine, to read about the studies that have shown the vaccines causing physically and mentally altering diseases, while the pharmaceutical industry continues to deny any sort of responsibility in an effort to make money and allow vulnerable mother’s to adhere to it.
Most recently CNN issued a statement by the “special vaccine court”, (which consists of the two agencies above and several BIG pharm companies, go figure), which said the vaccines do NOT cause the disease. That is when Jim Carrey sounded of on the judgment calling it irresponsible and ignorant of “mountains of scientific information and testimony” by other parents who immediately saw a reaction in their child after having been given the questionable vaccine.
Jim Carrey summed it up with a simple metaphor: Not everyone get’s cancer from smoking, but cigarettes DO cause cancer. After 100 years and many rulings in favor of tobacco companies we finally figured that out!
Many doctors & scientific scholars in the field of medicine will admit that it would be very difficult for kids to even catch, the measles, mumps, OR rubella. So, before you succumb to peer pressure, do your research and keep in mind that the MMR is NOT required but is only advised.
Today I will discuss some basic points of addressing behavior.
1. Make sure that your child is very clear of what behavior is expected of him or
her. As the situation arises, explain or state to your child how they are expected to behave. Thus, when they break a rule, they will be very clear on why they are in trouble and being punished. When the child is in trouble, explain why, or even better see if they know by asking them (if they are old enough to talk), if they know why they are in trouble. Then you will know as a parent, if you have been clear enough. (Although some kids just play dumb and pretend they don’t know…for the most part, if you have told them enough times, they should know).
In the same way, when your child is displaying acceptable behavior, make sure to praise him or her, showing excitement and approval, stating specifically why they are receiving the praise: “Wow, Susie, I like how nicely you are playing with your brother!”
2. Have consequences for good and bad behavior. This is nothing new, just good ol’ principles of reinforcement. A behavior will continue if it is reinforced. For example, child hits another child. Someone laughs at the child. He thinks it is acceptable behavior and will continue to hit the child. This child will learn that hitting is not acceptable, however, if he receives punishment as a consequence, instead, such as “time out” or removal of a desired item. In the same way, acceptable behavior, such as playing nicely, will continue if the parent makes sure to reinforce that behavior through praise or another desirable consequence.
3. Consistency is key! This easily stated, yet it can be the most difficult part of discipline. Even as a teacher, I struggle with this at times because I am not always perfect in following through with consequences. I know, however that it is so necessary in managing the behavior of my 24 students, so I really work hard to be as consistent as I can be. This can be especially hard when kids enter the “terrible twos” and begin to really test parents. However, it is crucial that during this time, parents do their best to be consistent of expectations and following through with consequences. Kids are very smart, much more than we usually give them credit for. In fact, they are smart enough to know when a parent will follow through with consequences or just throws empty threats. If you continuously just give empty threats, meaning you tell your child that they will be in trouble but never really do anything about it, your child will learn not to take you seriously and continue with their behavior.
Tune in next week for the third and final post of Parenting 101!
Not only does it serve as an area for kids to color, draw and do other activities, but it is also an entertaining place for them to race around their cars.
Little boys and girls always seem to be intrigued by cars and other vehicles. I have never met a child who does not pause in amazement as they hear a car speed by, or see a motorcycle zoom across the road. After the movie Cars came out, my little godson became obsessed with cars. I know he would absolutely love this fun and clever table set. Children can use their imagination as they race their cars round the wooden tabletop speedway, then zoom them down the yellow spiral track down the middle of the table. I can even imagine children moving their cars threw the tunnel-looking legs of the table and chairs. In the center of the table is a convenient storage area in which your little driver can park his or her favorite vehicles. This set is easy to clean, and is suitable for children ages 2-6.
Many people who are expecting a baby spend much of their time getting ready for the baby’s arrival. They select the décor of the nursery, think about the baby food, receive and purchase adorable baby clothes, strollers, walkers, swings and all of those cute, wonderful and useful baby items.
While these are important and necessary, one vital aspect of having a child is often neglected. This one thing will affect the child much more than what color and style of diaper bag the parent will have, yet usually receives little attention until the child is too old. What I speak of is discipline.
Rarely do I hear of expecting parents discuss how they will discipline their child, and yet this is an area in which can cause much conflict within the home. This is even an issue that should be discussed even before people decide to get married. I have witnessed couples who struggle and fight because they always had different philosophies of disciplining their children, but yet the issue never came up until they were already married and had one or two children.
For the record, I am not defining discipline here as the old-fashioned spanking with the belt or slapping your child type, but just good old teaching and guiding your child to behave appropriately.
While I will admit that I have not yet had to raise my own children, although I am expecting my first son in August, what I do have as far as experience with children in my background is 25 years of being the eldest of four children, 11 years of babysitting, 4 years of tutoring and working as a teacher’s aid, 3 years of working as a behavior therapist for children with autism, and 2 years as a first-grade teacher. I do not claim to be an expert, but my experience of observing and working with other families has given me quite a bit of insight in the area of discipline.
Unfortunately, children do not come with an owner’s manual, but it is with the help of others that we can overcome any uncertainties about this important part of parenting. In the first part of Parenting 101: Discipline, I will begin with two related, but important points:
1. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT be afraid to say “No.” If a child never learns to handle disappointment and being told “no” as a child, imagine how much harder it will be for your child to handle it when he or she is a teenager or an adult. Just think of MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. Those kids have never heard the word “no” from their parents, and now that they are older, will definitely not stand for it. Instead of the parents being viewed at the head of the household, these teenagers run the show. Think about it: How many parents gaze down at their sweet, precious newborn babies and hope he or she will turn out like this?
2. Your child is not going to die if he is crying because he is not getting his way. Let the child cry! If you give in, he won, and ultimately has lost respect for you as his authority. Sometimes there is nothing more annoying, and embarrassing to a parent, than hearing a child tantrum and cry in a public place, such as a grocery store. However, it is even more irritating to see a parent totally give in to their child while they are displaying such behavior just to shut them up. While giving in is the easier solution at the moment, it is actually saying to your child, “You get your way when you tantrum, cry, and act like a brat.” Therefore, the child will continue to act in that way when he or she really wants something. I have so much respect for those parents I see that have the strength to ignore the whining and crying and calmly continue on with their shopping. Usually that child stops because they see that they are getting no where. If it does not seem to stop the first time, with consistency from the parent, they will soon learn that acting that way is not getting them what they want.
Yes, it is true. Just when we thought, or hoped, this family was done in the baby-making department, the Duggar Family is expecting yet another addition to the family. Rest assured, this little one will not be child number 20 for Jim Bob and Michelle, but will be their first grandchild.
Many of us watched in disbelief and awe as the Duggar family quickly expanded before our eyes through the past few years. Now we get to see their eldest son, Joshua, and his wife Anna take on the child-rearing tradition. One question on my mind: Is he hoping to have the same kind of family in which he grew up? He was raised in a household where his parents believed in having as many children as God gives them. It would not be a surprise to me if he ends up with his own large Duggar clan one day.
One thing is for sure, that boy will make a great daddy! He must already have so much knowledge in raising children. As a new mommy, expecting my first child in August, I have learned so much just by watching the show. As crazy as Michelle and Jim Bob may appear to the average viewer for even having that many children, I have looked to their show as an additional resource for managing a household with children. I mean, if they can do it with 19 kids, I can surely handle one, and eventually the three more that my husband and I hope to have.
One thing I admire about that family is that they do not let having so many children get in the way of doing various outings with the children. Even with a little newborn, Michelle continues to appear calm and collected and prepared as she handles her little one on the outings. This assures me that if you are a mommy of a newborn, it doesn’t mean that you must remain confined to the house while the rest of the family gets to enjoy the world out there. During one show I watched the other day, Michelle contributed this ease to a helpful breast feeding item called My Brest Friend($34.95)
It straps around mommy, providing the baby with the perfect positioning for latching on and eating comfortably. Michelle was actually standing as she used this item to provide extra support since she was not in a place where she could easily sit down to feed the baby.
Of course, you would also need a good breast feeding shawl to keep you covered and able to feed your baby while on outings. One great product that I will be adding to my registry is this 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl by L’ovedbaby ($29.95). There are not clasps or ties to mess with. As a poncho-style faux suede poly shawl, you simply place it over your head and feed with comfort and confidence as it will not slip or come untied. It comes in a selection of beautiful colors, and it is so versatile! Not only is it a breast feeding shawl, but also can be used as a stroller or car seat canopy and a lightweight blanket for the baby. It comes with its own carrying pouch, which can also be used as a mini diaper bag for quick outings.
If you are a pet lover, but have babies/toddlers or even older kids, you may be wondering how to choose the right dog for your family as well. Since I recently purchased a dog myself, and have toddlers, I decided to share some good options with you:
Golden Retrievers are classic family dog’s because they are so well behaved. You may want to think about getting a bit older one if you have toddlers, so that they are already trained not to jump on, bite, or poop/pee in inconvenient places!
Remember “Lassie”? Well, Shetland Sheepdog’s are mini-Lassies, basically. Any variation of this type of dog, which is very much like a Collie, is a good family dog. Very sweet and loveable.
Siberian Husky’s are reliable, fun-loving, energetic dogs, suitable for older kids that can walk them and moreso RUN with them at the park, for instance! They regulate their own food intake, so you can get by with not having to continually check to see if their dish is empty.
If you have babies or toddlers, however, you may want to stay away from Pitbulls, Rotweillers, German Shepherd’s and Dalmations. These dogs are known to be impatient and can “turn” on you or are too aggressive for small children (by barking and biting, for example, and can be defensive). Other dogs that are considered nuisance dogs are Pomeranians, Chow Chows, and Chihuahah’s…although they are undoubtedly cute, they tend to bark and shed alot. They are considered high maintenance animals.
