Your Ultimate Toddler Years Bucket List

Your fun little toddler was once just a tiny baby yesterday. And that went by in the blink of an eye. Now that she’s bigger, don’t let these precious times slip away. Make the most of them before you blink and she’s asking you if she can borrow the keys to the car. Here’s a list of fun things you’ve just got to put on your must-do-today list before today is gone!

– Play hide and seek
– Build block towers and then knock them down like Godzilla
– Dress up like princesses, pirates and whatever else tickles your fancy
– Feed ducks at the lake
– Fly a kite
– Splash in puddles
–  Play in snow
– Build a sand castle
– Go fruit picking
– Take a walk in the forest
– Play “I Spy”
– Go for a swim
– Go to the petting zoo
– Visit a children’s museum
– Go to a toddler story time activity
– Visit your local library
– Make play dates with grandparents, cousins and friends
– Make shapes with Play Doh
– Finger paint
– Sing and dance
– Throw an impromptu dance party
– Bake cookies together
– Make a sticker book
– Blow and catch bubbles
– Play volleyball with balloons
– Make a couch fort
– Go out for ice cream
– Have a tea party
– See who can make the funniest face
– Visit the nearest zoo
– Watch birds
– Make up a song about your family
– Swing on the swings
– Slide down the slide
– Have a picnic
– Have a water balloon war
– Go out for pizza and cupcakes
– People watch and make up a story about people you see together
– Hula hoop
– Make a puppet show
– Go for a walk in the rain
– Jump in a pile of leaves
– Make a mud pie
– Have a swimming party for the dolls in the sink
– Go for a bike or trike ride
– Make hand print art by tracing or by dipping hands in paint and leaving impressions
– Stomp like dinosaurs and roar
– Write on the sidewalk with chalk
– Draw pictures and make cards for loved ones
– Host a small party for your child and friends
– Take a small trip somewhere fun with the family

Of course, there’s probably so many more that you can think of to add I’m sure. What do you think should be part of the ultimate toddler bucket list?

 

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How to Tell When it’s Time to Start Baby on Solids

Everyone knows that when their baby is born, that baby must be given either breast milk or formula. But what most people don’t know is when they should start baby on solids. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents wait until the age of 6 months before introducing solid foods in addition to these 8 signs of readiness.

1. Head control

In order for your baby to eat solid food, he needs to be able to keep his head upright. If he’s not able to do this yet, just wait a little longer until he is.

2. No more extrusion reflex

This is the reflex that helps your baby from choking. But in small babies, they will instinctively push everything out of their mouths with their tongue. When they are ready to start eating solids, they will instead start swallowing pureed foods.

3. Sitting upright

Your baby doesn’t have to be a master at sitting just yet but he needs to be able to sit upright enough with just a little support in order to swallow solids effectively.

4. Tasting everything

Has he begun putting everything he can put his hands on into his mouth? If so, that’s a good sign he’s ready to try eating solid foods.

5. Makes chewing motions

Your baby might sit on your lap while you eat and watch your spouse, and then make chewing motions with his mouth. Since the mouth and tongue develop at the same time as the digestive system, this is a good sign he’s getting ready to eat more than your breast milk.

6. Major weight gain

When your baby starts doubling in weight, this is a likely time for him to begin feasting on solids. Keep in mind, he’ll simply be trying little bits of things here and there. He is not ready for an eight-course dinner just yet but he is ready for some mashed sweet potatoes or avocado.

7. Increase in appetite

Babies are generally ready for solids when they still seem hungry even after eating breast milk or formula around 10 times a day.

8. Great interest in what you’re eating

Babies are curious by nature. So when they’re interested in something, you’ll notice them staring at it intently or trying to grab it. If you’re holding your baby during dinner and he tries to grab food off your plate or intercept your forkful of spaghetti as you try to eat it.

 

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6 Proven Ways to Handle Your Hyperactive Child

All children are filled with endless energy, but if your child is hyperactive, he may be even more so. Plus, hyperactive children have the distinction of lacking listening skills, taking instructions or following directions. Additionally, your child might exhibit behavioral problems and do poorly in school.

There’s no need to be forlorn, as there is much you can do to help your hyperactive child. Swallow a giant gulp of patience and give one of these ways a try.

1. Create order in your home

Although it might seem counter-intuitive, for hyperactive children there must be a clear pattern to follow at home or else they become anxious. Set rules for general functions in your household. This will help him understand what you expect of him and when you expect him to do it.

2. Simplify complex instructions

Make eye contact with your child when you explain things so he’ll focus on what you say. Simplify the tasks you explain to him and repeat them if necessary. If you feel he’s understood, ask him to repeat it back to you, but do so without getting impatient or angry.

3. Make positive reinforcements

Bribing can become habitual with other children but for hyperactive children, positive reinforcement in the form of small rewards, extra hugs and those sorts of things will help your child get through their tasks.

4. Create new outlets for venting

Your hyperactive child needs ways to release his energy. So be sure to take him outside to play. Running, walking and sports are all great outlets. If the weather is bad, make space in a room and let him run around there. You shouldn’t encourage hyperactivity but you do need him to get physical with releasing his energy from time to time.

5. Stay away from large gatherings

Don’t take this to mean you need to stay indoors and keep your child from every experience. What you need to do is work up to all these things, like going to the supermarket, going to church or an outing with family. Slow and steady wins the race.

6. Exercise discipline without getting physical

It is undeniably difficult to handle a child that is hyperactive and you will need to punish him from time to time. But you must stay calm and restrain yourself from physical punishments. You need to make your child understand the difference between good and bad and a great way to do that is to set up a time out room where your child can be sent to get himself together when he acts out of line. As soon as he apologizes and adjusts his behavior, let him out.

By doing these things, you will help relieve your child’s anxiety and steer him on the right path to channeling his hyperactivity in a positive way.

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Fun Battery-Free Toys for Your Wee Ones

My husband and I joke that the way to tell if someone hates you is if they get your child a noisy, battery-operated toy. Or toys with 1,000 little pieces (I’m looking at you, Shopkins!). But aside from the noise, battery-powered toys for little ones can always pose a bit of a danger should the battery become loose and fall out. This is especially true for those evil button batteries. There have been so many problems with children swallowing those that they are looking to outlaw them, and rightfully so.

Beyond battery dangers, experts agree that simple is best for development. Here are some suggestions for fun battery-free toys babies and toddlers can enjoy.

1. Organic wooden building blocks

In large enough shapes, they are safe for baby plus without paint, you don’t have to worry when your child inevitably starts munching on them. When your child is still small, you can entertain him by stacking up the blocks and then knocking them down. Eventually, he’ll start to get the concept of stacking them and building them. When he’s bigger, he will still enjoy them as he builds more intricate designs.

2. Stackable cups and rings

You know the kind. I even remember having these as a kid. The stackable rings are in bright colors and can double as donuts when you’re pretending to cook. The stackable cups can also pull double duty in the toy kitchen to serve as more serving ware. This is great for babies from 6 months on up.

3. Wooden pull toys

When your baby starts walking, a wooden pull toy is a great option because he can drag it along with him as he walks.

4. Baby dolls

There are special soft and darling baby dolls that are made for newborns. No buttons to worry about or any other small parts. But just like all stuffed animals and pillows, keep it out of the crib.

5. Soft play books and board books

Babies need all the sensory action they can get so find good books made of fabric that encourage touching. Board books are great too so they can enjoy looking at the pictures and you don’t have to worry that they will tear out the pages.

6. Farms, circuses, towns and more

There are a large variety of brands that make wonderful and adorable sets of toys made of woods or plastics that can help teach about the different things, people and places in our world. You can let your child play on his own and you can also sit with him and tell him about it.

Don’t forget when it comes to play time, if you don’t have carpeted floors in your play area, get a good and easy to clean mat that’s soft and perfect for playing on the floor.

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4 Things You Should Do Every Day with Your Toddler

Being home every day with your toddler can be hectic at times, but it’s also a blessing. Kids grow up way too fast. I know, because my oldest just graduated preschool. It seems like just yesterday that she was a tiny little baby I was holding in my arms. Now with my youngest that is getting ready to turn 2, I am treasuring every second. Because I know that when I blink, she’s going to be big just like her sister.

While it makes for an insane day at times to try to entertain her while I have to meet my work deadlines, I know that if I just show her some attention and do something with her for a little while, she’ll be happy and find something else to entertain herself with after that. Every day though, I make sure I do the following things with her because they’re important for her growth, and they make for special bonding moments. If you’re not doing these things, you should. This time is precious so use it wisely!

1. Reading

While I read both of my daughters stories before bedtime, I love to read to them any time of day. Children need us to read to them. It helps them develop vocabulary and learn about situations, relationships and so much more. My youngest can easily be soothed from a cranky mood if I just plop her on my lap and read her a story. Give your child the gift of a love for reading and you will be giving them a gift they can treasure forever.

2. Active play

When the weather is nice, I’ll take my toddler and her big sister too outside for a walk. We live near a lake and there are always birds around it. She loves birds so I take the time to tell her about the birds we see too. Other times, we go to the playground and have fun on the swings and slide. But when the weather is inclement, we’ll play together inside. She laughs and laughs when I take her hands and we do a circle dance. That laugh makes me so happy to be alive.

3. Imagination time

This is something I do with both kids. Sometimes, we have a fancy tea party with all the dolls. Other times, we bake 100 pies in their toy kitchen. We play with the doll house and give all the family members roles in the house. We even race cars on the floor. I let them both be who they are and let them pretend that anything they think of is possible. Because really, it is. Letting them dream and think up new ideas is so important. And while my youngest is just starting to get into this, my eldest  loves to use her imagination.

4. Art and chill

By default, I often hand the kids crayons and markers and a bunch of coloring books when I really need to get work done and can’t be interrupted constantly. But I find that when we do art together, it is even more special. Even if I just stay for a few minutes to color something, when I go off to do my thing, they seem more content and making them happy is my ultimate goal.

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Teaching Your Toddler the Art of Listening

Around the age of 2, children suddenly begin to realize they are their own person. And while that’s great in many respects, it can lead to a lot of conflict. You want them to express themselves yet you also want them getting toddler to listen , and thus, you must walk a fine line because if you become too restrictive, you’ll only make matters worse. Try to be more flexible and use these techniques to help bring about more desirable behavior.

Get close and look them in the eye
We’ve all done it – yelled from across the room to “stop that!” But rarely is it ever effective, is it? Instead, we yell and yell some more until there are tears and insanity. Not healthy for anyone. When your child starts running through the house, instead of shouting from afar, stop what you’re doing and go to them. Get up close and look them in the eye to have better success. In this way, when you request your child to do or not do something, he will know you mean business.

Allow for appropriate choices
So it’s time to go and you tell your child to put their shoes on now. But that might result in some more resistance. Instead, phrase it as a choice to give them the feeling that they have some control. “Do you want to wear your blue sneakers or your green ones?” This is so effective it will make you jump for joy.

Focus on positives while using simple terms
Toddlers are just beginning to learn how to follow simple directions and answer questions. You can get a better response out of your child if you say “Walk!” instead of “Don’t run!” Also, don’t just bark out 10 commands at once. Allow your child to process each request.

Always do what you say and say what you mean
All consequences – both positive and negative – should be known in advanced. So you can tell your child that first she must get dressed and then she can watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Or perhaps your child is doing something you don’t want them to do, like throwing a toy. If that’s the case, tell them that if they throw the toy again, you will take the toy away. Follow through on everything you say. If it’s a good behavior, make a huge big deal about how they are such a good listener and you will likely get more good behavior.

Keep calm and carry on
Resistant behavior is hard to deal with from a child of any age, but remember that responding to it appropriately will help turn things around. If you are mean and criticize constantly, it will only lead to worse behavior and emotional issues. Stay calm and remain consistent. In doing so, your child will exhibit more of the good behavior you wish to see.

 

 

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Soothing a Screaming Baby: 8 Tricks That Work!

So you’ve read everything there is to read about babies and now that you are finally holding yours in your arms after 9 months in the womb, you’re trying to figure out what makes him tick. New parents always have a difficult time trying to decode the screams and cries of their newborns. My husband and I had THE hardest time trying to figure out our first kid. By the second one though, we were old pros. And you will be too! Here are some tricks to try out when your baby screams and cries that should soothe him into sweet and blissful silence.

1. Gentle rocking

You can set your newborn on your lap while supporting his neck and gently jiggle and rock your legs. You can do this in your arms too but it might get tiring. If you have a rocking chair, sit in it with the baby too.

2. Vibrating chair

Those vibrating chairs are a huge help when you have a little one in the house. They can soothe baby to sleep in no time. Just beware when the battery runs out!

3. Swaddle blanket

Newborns and on up to 3 months will feel much more secure if they are wrapped tightly, or swaddled, in a blanket. They make special ones that keep your baby from unwrapping herself. In the womb, she’s all cozy and now it feels weird to her to have so much wiggle room. Help her make the transition by swaddling.

4. Wear baby in a carrier

Sometimes, your baby just wants to be close to you. But you might have sore arms from rocking or need to do something else at the same time. The baby carrier is one of the best things you can use, both inside and outside of your home.

5. Turn up the white noise

When my eldest was a newborn, I was home alone with her and couldn’t catch a break. I had to go to the bathroom and I put her down in her crib. She cried and cried so I turned on the hairdryer and let it run while I ran to pee. When I came back a minute later, she was sound asleep. Babies love white noise, from fans, vacuums, or hair dryers. You can use a CD with white noise or get a pricey white noise sound machine, but if you want my opinion, get it for free by downloading a free app to your phone or tablet.

6. Go outside

A change of scenery can be refreshing for anyone. Babies love the outdoors so pop her in the carrier and take a walk. You’ll both feel better.

7. Take a drive

The lulling motion from riding in the car will most definitely make a screaming, cranky baby drop right off into sleep.

8. Keep things comfortable

Babies hate being hot more so than being cold but keeping the temperature just right and dressing them appropriately is essential too.

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5 Drug-Free Baby Cough Remedies

Being sick is the worst. Until you have a baby. Then when your baby gets sick, THAT is the worst. It’s heartbreaking to hear that little cough and feel powerless to stop it. You can’t give medicines to small babies so how do you help your baby deal with a cough? Here are some very effective drug-free cough remedies you can safely use on your baby under one year of age.

1. Give more breast milk or fluids

Just as when you’re sick and the doctor tells you to drink plenty of fluids, the same is true for your baby. Drinking more fluids will help your baby clear out mucus from her nasal passages, which is what is likely causing the cough. The drippings irritate the throat and makes for an unhappy baby. If you’re breastfeeding, just breastfeed even more to help your little one feel better. If using formula, make sure your baby is getting more than usual to drink. Babies above 6 months can have water or juice too.

2. Elevate your baby’s head

Lying flat in the crib is only going to keep her head stuffed up. The fluids need to drain out so she can breathe well. Use a small pillow or even a rolled-up towel and put it UNDER your baby’s crib mattress. It will create a very slight angle which will safely elevate her head and enable her to breathe better.

3. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to the air. And that moisture makes it easier to breathe. Look for a humidifier that produces cool mist as opposed to one that makes steam because the cool mist ones are safer. Keep it clean or else you could wind up with a mold situation on your hands.

4. Make your own steam room

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can help unclog congestion and release your baby’s tight chest by using your own bathroom as a steam room. Simply turn your shower on nice and hot and let it run so the bathroom fills up with steam. Then bring your baby into the bathroom with you. Hold him in your arms and enjoy the soothing steam. Bring some books and toys too to keep him entertained.

5. Get Baby Vicks Vapor Rub

One of the best things you can do to soothe your little one is to get some vapor rub. They make a formula for babies which is completely safe. When your baby has a cough, simply massage the vapor rub onto his chest. Some moms swear by rubbing it onto the feet as well. You can also make a homemade version but talk to your doctor first because the recipes involve using essential oils, many of which can be harmful to babies if too much is used.

 

 

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Safe or Not: Should You Have Apple Cider Vinegar while Breastfeeding?

When you breastfeed your baby, you should always be careful about the foods you ingest. Whatever you eat and drink will be passed along to your baby through your milk so it’s important that what goes into you must be healthy and safe. That being said, many moms wonder about apple cider vinegar while breastfeeding. Here are some important things you should know about it first.

– Do not consume any unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Only use pasteurized organic apple cider vinegar from trusted sources. Unpasteurized can make you ill with intestinal issues which can lead to dehydration, harming your breast milk supply.

– Excessive consumption of apple cider vinegar can cause low mineral density and potassium levels for you and your baby so refrain from using too much of it.

– Concentrated apple cider vinegar is so strong that the acids in it can harm the tissues lining your mouth and throat. Always be sure to dilute it with water. A helpful ratio to keep in mind is 1:10.

– Don’t go overboard with it in cooking, particularly salad dressings. Add only what is appropriate.

– Be careful for the enamel on your teeth. If you drink diluted apple cider vinegar, rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.

When you take those precautions, you can enjoy the many benefits apple cider vinegar has for your health. For one, it lowers glucose levels and helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It also renders certain digestive enzymes inactive and results in a controlled sugar level.

Apple cider vinegar also restores the health of your heart and guards you against cardiovascular diseases. And stomach problems are easily quelled with apple cider vinegar because it contains pectin which soothes issues in the intestines.

Digestion and quick weight loss are other benefits of apple cider vinegar. Especially after child birth, taking a diluted amount of apple cider vinegar helps to greatly reduce belly fat. If you’re prone to bloating and indigestion after eating, apple cider vinegar can help improve your digestive problems.

So while there are indeed many benefits for you with apple cider vinegar, there are also many things you should watch out for to make sure your health as well as your baby’s health are in good standing. When you buy the right kind and dilute it properly, you can reap all the good rewards that come with it.

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7 Helpful Hints on How to Handle Your Highly Emotional Child

Being a parent is a constant challenge, but it’s even more so when your little one is overly sensitive and emotional over everything. Whether it’s because her sister picked up her favorite toy or you took the exact cookie she wanted from the big plate of cookies, something sets her off and makes her get all upset. Sure, it’s annoying, but this phase will pass, and it will do so more quickly if you try one of these tactics to help mellow her out.

1. Use eye contact
   Physically get down on her level and acknowledge her feelings, even if you think it’s the most ridiculous reason in the world for being upset. To her, it’s not, and it’s key you remember that. Stay calm and keep your voice gentle and even until she calms down.

2. Provide a supportive environment
   When your child gets upset and bursts into tears about a broken piece of toast, give her a hug and encourage her to let it out. To her, it’s a big deal and as she grows older, when she has REAL problems, she’ll feel comfortable coming to you to discuss them.

3. Validate the emotions your child has
   Before trying to distract or in some cases reprimand your child, make sure you truly validate her emotions. She needs to know that you understand her feelings to be ok. “I know it’s so fun to be at Grandma’s house and you don’t want to leave but it is time to go.

4. Stick to a routine
   As much as it is humanly possible, stick to a daily routine. This way, your child knows exactly what to expect and when.

5. Ease into changes
   For the times that you will be straying from the routine like going on a trip, talk about where you are going and what will happen when you get there. This will make the situation more familiar when the time comes.

6. Allow time to calm down
   Sometimes, it just takes a little time for your child to refocus and be calm again. If they’re really wound up, it might help to step away but gently remind them that you are right there if they need you and then let them calm down. Let them know you understand they’re upset and leave it at that. Once they have calmed down, you can talk to them about it.

7. Give big hugs
   Sometimes, all we need in this world to feel better is a big hug from someone who loves us. It helps us to feel secure and like everything will be okay again, and this is even more true for our children.

 

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5 Phrases that will Encourage Independence in Your Kids

It’s hard to think about, but one day, we won’t be around to help our children out. We need to give them the tools now so that they grow into strong and independent people who can do things for themselves. To grow into capable and confident adults, we need to encourage them. Here’s what you can say to your kids to help them achieve independence.

1. “Give it a try.”

Sometimes, kids get scared about trying something new because they aren’t already good at it. Encourage them to let go of that fear by explaining to them how to try it and showing them by example. Then turn them loose on it, but stay nearby for any questions. You want them to work through the difficulties to also discover that hard work pays off.

2. “Try as many times as it takes.”

Often, kids give up before they really try. But what they really need to know is that most things in life require lots of hard work. So let them know they might not get it the first time, but if they persist, they can make anything happen.

3. “Do it yourself.”

Don’t do everything for your children. When they ask you for things that they can take care of themselves, tell them to do it themselves. If you’re busy and your child asks you to get her a cup of water and she’s capable of doing it by herself, don’t cave in. Tell her to do it herself. Building this independence and attitude of capability are essential.

4. “What’s going to happen?”

When reading with your kids or watching Paw Patrol, ask them this question so that they aren’t just watching and listening. You want them actively engaging in the storyline. Get them thinking about the possibilities of the actions of characters, because when those things come up in real life, they’ll begin questioning what will happen from their actions.

5. “What do you think is a better choice?”

When children act up as they all do, ask them this question. Will screaming and carrying on lead you to get your way? Or should you calm down and do things the right way? Which one will lead you to the outcome you desire? While this won’t work on a toddler, bigger children will definitely let you into their mind with their reasoning, which will help clue you in more about the person that your child is.

Ultimately, that’s what you want out of this…to know your children better and to set them up as critical thinkers who can take a challenge and work it out. Even if they don’t win every time, they will learn that they will gain some knowledge and experience out of every situation and that will help them achieve the greatness you wish for them.

 

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Setting Your Child up for Success by Building a Strong Self-Esteem

Liking yourself and the person you are is what is known as self-esteem. For young children though, before they can see themselves as individuals, they see themselves through your eyes so it is important to help them learn to have a good sense of self and develop a strong self-esteem.

Showing your children love and that they are lovable is crucial from the start, but as they develop, you should keep in mind to broaden this understanding.

Here are ways you can build your child’s self-esteem so they grow into positive and happy little people:

– Tell your child you think he’s special and loved, and let him know he’s doing a good job.
– For younger children, allow them the chance to make small decisions, like whether to have an apple or banana for a snack. It gives them a sense of control which builds confidence.
– Help steer them in the right direction when interacting with others. Encourage sharing and praise a job well-done.
– When they begin comparing themselves with others, they want to be the best so give a more balanced response. A classmate might be great at math so to combat that dejected feeling, say something like, “Adrianna is great at math but you are a better writer.”
– Give your child the chance to feel pride in themselves and show them that they might not be the best at everything but they will be excellent and important in other areas too.
– Hug your children when they come home from school. They’ll feel like they were missed and thought of while they were in class.
– Ask your child about school when they get home and take an interest in their homework. Be sure to offer help if it’s needed. Don’t do his homework for him. Explain anything that needs clarifying and allow him to do it himself. Check it over too and when all is right, pile on the praise.
– Get your child involved in activities that he enjoys. If he loves sports, have him join a team. If he loves art or music, get him involved in those things too.
– And most importantly of all, teach your child about being a good winner as well as a good loser. We can’t win everything in life. We won’t get offered every job we apply for. We won’t get everything we want all the time and it’s important your child learns how to cope with this in a healthy and positive way. For example, it’s ok for your daughter to be disappointed she didn’t get the lead in the school play, but it’s not ok to bash whoever did and march down to the school and demand the drama teacher change the cast of characters.

Remember to always be actively involved in your child’s life. By making the time, even when you’re extremely busy, you send your child the message that he is important to you and he will feel strong and confident.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Making Healthy Homemade Baby Food

If your baby is 6 months old, tries to taste everything from hands to toes, sits up by himself and is fixated on your meal during dinner, chances are, he’s ready to begin his adventure into the world of solid foods. While he can’t have what you’re having yet, you still should start him off on the right foot by introducing him to solid foods.

Making your own baby food at home is the most pure and economical way to feed your baby solids. And you’ll know exactly what’s going into it if you make it yourself. It’s so easy too and takes very little time to whip up your baby’s food for the week.

You’ll need something to mash or puree the food up with. You can use a food processor, which is by far the fastest and easiest method or even a potato masher. If you’re willing to pay big bucks, there are even baby food makers that will do all of the work for you. Isn’t technology grand?

After you choose the tools for the job, you’ll need to purchase fresh produce. Organics are the best choice of course but not everyone can afford to spend so much on their weekly food budget. If that’s the case, focus on only buying organic when it comes to the dirtiest fruits and vegetables like apples, spinach and potatoes for example.

Anything you purchase fresh should be used within a day or to or else nitrates will form. The level of nitrates increases the longer produce is stored so your best bet is to buy your produce and then make your batches of baby food immediately. These things will be safe in the freezer. Speaking of which, you can use frozen fruits and veggies too when it comes to making baby food.

To prepare your baby’s first foods, you can bake, boil or steam them first. Some things need to be softened before you mash or puree them like apples. Skin, seeds and pits should all be removed before you begin pureeing. Foods like sweet potatoes are dense and could use a little adjustment with consistency. Add a little breast milk, formula or water to adjust it to a palatable texture.

Go ahead and add a little flavor to that food too. A little hit of garlic powder, basil, nutmeg or cinnamon will add a nice boost but don’t ever sweeten baby food with sugar. Never use honey or corn syrup, which can cause botulism and lead to death. Baby can have those things when he’s older.

An easy way to store your baby’s food is to pour it into ice trays. They are the perfect portion size. When they’re frozen, chuck them into a zipper bag and keep in the freezer until ready to heat and serve. As your baby tries more and more new things, he’ll soon be ready for chunks of food and exciting food combinations. Watch to see what he shies away from as well as what he can’t get enough of!

 

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8 Games Guaranteed to Keep Your Kids Busy

If your kids are anything like mine, they probably have a room full of toys to play with but complain they are bored. So you take them outside to play and that works great…until it rains. Then you’re back inside to endure more whining.

But fear not! Here is a list of fun indoor games that will keep your kids out of your hair for a while so you can get work done or even just put your feet up to relax!

1. Bubble Bash

Bubbles and bubble wands are a staple item if you have children. Pull them out and have your kids see how many bubbles they can smash and bash!

2. Balloon Tennis

Kids love balloons. Blow up a bunch of them and go one step further by taking some paper plates and turning them into rackets. Glue a Popsicle stick to the back of each plate and once those are dry, turn them over to your kids to play tennis with. It’s a great indoor sport that will keep them busy and keep them from breaking things. Win-win!

3. Amazing Streamer Maze

Got leftover streamers from your last birthday party? Good! Use them to make fun mazes in the hallway. The object is for your kids to move carefully through the maze without touching the streamers. It’s easy to customize for each age group and no matter the age, kids love pretending to be secret stealthy spies!

4. Paper Plate Ring Toss

Here’s another one utilizing paper plates! Cut out the center of some paper plates. Have the kids colors the resulting rings different colors while you make a post out of a cardboard paper towel roll and an uncut paper plate. Once it’s ready, have the kids throw the rings onto the post for endless fun!

5. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

Pool noodles are so much fun both in and out of the pool. On a rainy day, bring them inside and use them to create an ouch-less obstacle course!

6. Hide And Seek

No equipment required here. Send your kids off to look for one another in this tried and true tradition game.

7. Hallway Haunted House

It doesn’t need to be Halloween to have a spooky good time. Let your kids turn the hallway or the guest room into a scary haunted house. Give them some of the safer Halloween decorations and let them set it up. Be prepared to be scared when they invite you to check out their creation.

8. Moving Target

And finally, try out my old family favorite, which we once called “Hit the Brother.” Gather all the pairs of socks you can find and roll them into balls. Then have one child dance about and dodge the oncoming barrage of socks. This one’s better for bigger kids and best if you relegate it to a room with nothing breakable but it is so much fun!

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The Nasty Effects of Rejection in Childhood

And what you can do to avoid making your child feel that way!

It’s true that most parents don’t set out to deliberately make their children feel rejected. But it’s also just as true that parents need to pay attention to their behaviors when interacting with their children so that they feel loved and wanted.

When children feel rejected on a constant basis, it can tear them apart. The worst part of rejection in childhood though is that it keeps perpetuating at a constant rate. If your child thinks she has no worth, she will behave in such a way that will invite others to use her for her kindnesses. She’ll just want to be liked and loved and will do anything to get people to feel that way for her. While rejection is a normal part of things in life – we don’t get every job we apply for and not every person we will like will like us back – we want to avoid having our children build their identity around this perception because it will manifest itself into their personalities, causing them to always have a fear of being rejected.

If you play favorites with your children, play on your phone instead of being present during an activity with them or pay no attention to your child’s interests, you are causing your child to feel rejected. But you can turn that right around because all children want from us is to be loved. Nobody is perfect. You don’t have to always be singing children’s songs or make up words like “nutty fudge-kins” to yell when you’ve stubbed your toe. You just need to be there emotionally and provide love and praise.

Take an interest in your child when she tells you about something. The time we have with our children is a precious gift. Before long, they won’t talk to us in the car anymore as we shuttle them to and from school. They’ll just pop in their earbuds and roll their eyes at us. “Whatever, Mom.” Open the lines of communication now by actively listening to your child. We all have work to do but we also need to make time for our kids. When you put down your work for even just 15 minutes to chase your kids around the yard, they’ll be more likely to leave you in peace to finish your task after you’ve paid them some attention.

Check in with your child often about their feelings. Find out how school was that day. Find out how they feel and if they need your help with anything. Being there for them will alleviate the feeling of rejection and make them feel fulfilled and confident, which is exactly how all children in this world should always feel as they forge on toward their own adulthood.

 

 

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4 Options for a Drug-Free Labor

Sooner or later during your pregnancy, you’re going to have to think about how that baby is coming out of you and into the world. It’s scary and exciting all in one, but making your birth plan is essential. It doesn’t mean everything you plan out will happen to a T, but it will help to put into writing what you wish to happen should all go accordingly.

That being said, many women have decided to go for birthing their babies in the most natural ways possible. They want to abstain from using any kinds of drugs as they endure childbirth. If you’re one of these women, you’re in luck. There are a great many options you can choose to enjoy a labor that’s completely drug-free.

1. Water birth

Over the last decade, this type of birth has become so popular because of how gentle it is for both mother and child. The warm water is very soothing and helps to relax you and reduce your pain. Some women will choose to leave the tub for the delivery, while others stay in the tub and give birth while still in the water. Many hospitals provide this option, but if you’d prefer to give birth at home, you can buy or rent a tub to use in the comfort of your own home. If you’re considering a water birth, remember that your doctor will strongly recommend you don’t do it if your baby is in the breech position, you’re having multiples, you go into premature labor or if you have any pregnancy complications.

2. Home birth

Try the traditional method of birth. It’s how women gave birth long ago. Home births are handled by a midwife who will help you to feel comfortable during the process in your home. Unlike water births, you’ll feel every bit of pain. However it is similar to water births in that if you are more likely to have complications then you should plan to deliver at the hospital instead.

3. Hypnobirthing

In this type of delivery, you learn how to put yourself into a deep state of relaxation. It also serves as a natural anesthetic. Sign up for these classes to learn how to achieve a peaceful state while minimizing your pain.

4. Acupuncture

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used in China to keep pain away and promote good health. It balances your energy and if you choose acupuncture prior to giving birth, it will help your body become prepared for labor. Acupuncture will manage your pain, help you hold on to your energy, lower your blood pressure and reduce your anxiety so you can have a wonderful birthing experience.

Not everyone is comfortable with taking drugs during delivery and that’s okay. These are just several of the drug-free options available to you should you want to deliver the natural way.

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Snacking Tips for the Little Ones

Have you ever noticed that small children and older babies are such snacking machines? My little one is always asking for snacks…even after she’s just eaten something! But it’s important to fuel their little busy bodies with proper nutrition. It can also keep them from being grumpy. You’re just asking for it if you leave the house without a stash of snacks in your bag.

Not sure what’s the best way to handle snacking with your little one? Keep these snacking tips in mind to help you give your child the very best.

Balance is key
While the occasional serving of chips or cookies is nothing to worry about, making it a habit certainly is. Pick snacks that give a nice balance of the food groups, like fruits and cut up veggies for example. If you need something good on the go, portion out healthier options into zipper baggies to take along with you. Make your baked goods yourself and they will be healthier than those store-bought snack packs of mini-muffins.

Control portion size
If you give too many snacks to your child, don’t be surprised when she turns down lunch or dinner, even if it’s something she normally gobbles up. Would YOU be hungry for a meal if you just ate a banana, some cubes of cheese, and cookies with a glass of milk? Of course not! And your child’s stomach is much smaller than yours. If your child is still nursing or drinking formula, you can give her some of these things along with a healthy snack to help her feel satiated until the next meal.

Watch the clock
Snacks should ideally be served in the mid-point between meals. Every 2 to 3 hours is a good way to go about it. If your child keeps persisting for more snacks, try to distract her with something else.

Look for cues
Because every child is different, you can’t simply rely on clock-watching. You’ll need to pay attention to your child’s hunger cues. Sometimes our kids don’t want to eat because they’re just not hungry at that time. Don’t force food on them. They will eat when they are hungry.

Offer choices
When my youngest comes up and asks for a snack, I can ask her all day what she wants and she’ll just yell, “Snack!” Listing everything we have in the house is pointless. But if I give her a choice of 2 items when she comes up to me and asks for a snack, she seems thrilled to be getting a chance to choose. “Do you want an apple or some strawberries?” This gets a much better response and usually results in your child eating what she’s asked for instead of mashing it into your rugs.

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4 Ways to Knock Out Your Bad Parenting Skills

Nobody is a perfect parent. Not even that one mom in your kid’s class who always looks immaculate and unflustered with her small baby as she trots off in her skinny jeans while you catch sight of your reflection in the windows and see Cheetos in your hair while your baby screams bloody murder. She only LOOKS perfect. And to someone else, YOU look like you’ve got this mom-thing down too.

None of us do though. We fake it until we make it. But there are some things we’ve all got to stop doing in order to be the best we can be for our kids. Because we don’t need to be perfect and we don’t want to execute bad parenting but we do need to give it our all. Here’s how:

1. Stop screaming
I know it’s easier said than done, especially when you ask everyone nicely to please stop running. By the 10th time you’ve asked in a normal tone and no one has bothered to observer, it’s natural to lose it. But work harder to hold your tongue. Get up and go over to your children, look them in the eye and tell them to stop. Besides, that is even scarier than your yelling and will result in the positive behavior you’re looking for from your kids.

2. Stop being an outsider
As our kids get older, it’s only natural to try to give them some space, but too much space puts you on the outside of their life. You still need to be involved even as they get bigger. So baseball isn’t that exciting, but your child loves it so you better get to one of his games and show him you’re all in. Be involved and be present in your child’s life, even if the things they like are not what you like.

3. Stop forgetting what being young is like
Somewhere along the road to life, we forgot how to let go and have fun. Take a cue from your kids and instead of being angry that you’ve been caught in the rain without an umbrella and your mascara is running down your face, laugh and splash in the moment. Children worry about things too. Do my classmates like me? Will I get in trouble if I don’t make a good grade? Show them love as well as how to shake off the things that trouble our minds instead of constantly dwelling in it.

4. Stop making their decisions
While giving advice to your child is a good thing to do, making all the decisions for your child is not. When your child is young and wants to run around naked in the snow, you can put the kibosh on that one. When your child is a teen and wants to look at colleges that have the best basket-weaving programs, you need to let him make that choice. If we make all the decisions for our kids, they will never learn to think independently. We can’t hold their hand through a job interview or sit next to them every day at work. We must teach them how to do these things themselves.

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Baby-Safe Recipe: Delicious and Nutritious Cheesy Quinoa Veggie Biscuits

As your baby makes the transition from mush to bigger foods, it’s important to feed him with food that is wholesome and healthful with a variety of textures. These quinoa recipes for baby are just the thing to give your 9+ month old baby to get him more acquainted with big-people food.

Making food for babies is rather easy. Even when they start getting into bigger things like these. The key is to keep things simple and natural. Don’t add salt or other seasonings. Some herbs are okay, but should generally be cooked before serving to your child under a year of age. In this recipe, parsley is used. Eggs are too, so if your child has an egg allergy, you will want to substitute that out. For every egg you replace, you can use 1 tablespoon of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder mixed together.

Without further ado, here is what you’ll need to make these Veggie Quinoa Biscuits:
1 cup of shredded zucchini
2 cups of cooked quinoa
1 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
3 eggs (or egg substitution as discussed above)
1/4 cup of fresh parsley

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Once all the veggies are thoroughly coated, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet. You can adjust them to any size you wish. I chose to make smaller-size ones a little bit bigger than a quarter each, but you can make them bigger if you wish. Bake for 20 minutes. When they’re done, allow them to cool down to a warm temperature so your child won’t get burned by it.

Adults can eat these too but you may want to jazz them up with some other spices that babies and toddlers can’t have. A great way to do this is to make the biscuits for your baby small in size and make the ones for adults larger so you can distinguish between them. Once you’ve portioned out ones for your baby, add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and anything else you’d like to add in there. You can also serve with a dollop of sriracha for a bit of heat or dip them into low fat sour cream. Or make a dipping sauce with mayonnaise and pesto, or mayonnaise and sriracha. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

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The 6 Best Baby Items We’ve Ever Had

When you’re about to have your first baby, it’s such an exciting time. You and your husband probably sit and envision your life with the baby to look a lot like that expensive newborn photo shoot your friend paid too much for that keeps taunting you on your Facebook timeline. When reality hits though, you’re life is going to look quite the opposite of those perfectly-staged photos.

That’s why you need to realistically think about the things you need for your baby. You’ll find that half the stuff you get for your baby shower you really don’t need. So what should you be focusing on? Here are THE best baby items we’ve ever had, whether we purchased them ourselves or received them as a gift, these were the most useful and helpful items ever. Makes you wonder how generations before us ever handled their babies!

1. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier

When our first was on the way, we bought a Combi baby carrier. It worked out okay, but it wasn’t that comfortable for either of us when we wore it. Then we received a Baby Bjorn carrier and it made all the difference. It was easier to adjust and so much more comfortable. If you want to wear your baby, use this one.

2. Graco Pack n’ Play

We could not have dealt with our move from overseas without getting one of these. Before we found a place of our own, we were on the go between staying at my parents and in hotels until we moved into our apartment. The Pack n’ Play was our hero. It also came with a vibrating bassinet which soothed our second child right to sleep, even when we were in an unfamiliar place.

3. Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad

I still use these on my eldest’s toddler bed. When leaky diapers happen (and they will!) or your older child is still trying to master the art of going to bed without a night-time diaper on, these will keep your mattress safe and dry.

4. Medela Breast Pump

When I lived abroad, I taught English so I had to pump my milk on my breaks. A breast pump like this is a huge help in making sure you can extract your milk quickly with minimal discomfort for you. If you’re going to go back to work after baby and you want to breastfeed, you need this.

5. Microbial Diaper Bag

Forget fancy. When you’re out somewhere and have nowhere to throw a stinky, poop-filled diaper, you will be so happy to have a functional diaper bag. Many of them offer antimicrobial pockets, which are a must. My sister-in-law sent us an awesome one from Singapore though I can’t recall the brand. It was a very roomy bag with a section for parent items like phones, keys and wallets plus a section for all things baby and one last section for holding soiled diapers until you found a suitable method of disposal.

6. Carpet Cleaner

Ok, so this is one thing I didn’t buy when the kids were tiny babies. It was a more recent purchase after the stomach flu violated our household. So much carpet filled with so much barf. As soon as we were well again, we went and bought the Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner. We’ve gotten so much use out of it because kids are messy and so is life.

 

 

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How to get your Toddler tooth brushing right

One day, we’re cuddling a tiny toothless baby. The next day it seems, gleaming little bits of white are popping up to form a new smile. As more teeth fill up your child’s mouth, you’ll need to start taking care of them. If you want your child to take good care of his teeth, you’ll need to be the one to start the routine.

Most children though don’t like brushing, at least in the beginning. Here’s how you can teach your toddler to brush right and enjoy the act of keeping his smile healthy.

1. Give him controlled control

Your child might not like you chasing him around the house so you can attempt to brush his teeth, but he will most definitely begin to come around to it if you give him a small dose of control. Let him choose his toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. For example, at the store, grab 2 toothbrushes that are appropriate for his age and say, “Wow! What cool toothbrushes! Which one would you rather use, Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck?” By giving him control over something, he will feel like he has a say in this whole brushing thing which will make him enjoy it more.

2. Set a good example

If you want your child to brush right, you should set a good example. Monkey see, monkey do. Have fun with it too. Make a game of copy cat and have your child do as you do, or have a race to see who can brush every tooth the best. If you have any bigger children, you can get them in on helping to set a good brushing example too.

3. Lower your expectations

If you think your child is suddenly going to be a master brusher from the start, think again. The most important part of getting your child to brush on his own is getting him to form this important routine. By doing this, one day he won’t need you to come brush with him. He’ll start doing it on his own and doing it well.

4. Find a good dentist

Don’t take your child to your dentist. Find one that specializes in pediatric dentistry. The entire staff will be well-trained on how to work with young patients. They’re very gentle and friendly. Plus the dentist can be your best ally on helping your child learn to brush right.

5. Be full of praise and patience

As your child takes steps to brush and care for his teeth, be patient on his progress and be sure to offer heaps of praise as he improves his dental hygiene with each day.

 

 

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Calming Your Child aggressive behavior

No matter what age your child is, if you’ve found yourself faced with the same aggressive behavior by your child day after day, you’re going to have to take a good long look at yourself. I said “look,” not “blame.” Your response doesn’t make you a good or bad parent but you might need to look at whether or not what you’ve been doing to handle the situation has been effective or not.

How to handle aggression in children largely depends on how old your child is. If your child is young, in the preschool age group, this behavior is rather common. You’ll need to start making a change by being consistent. In fact, this is the key to unlocking this problem. We only complicate things by responding differently to aggression each time. So if your child keeps willfully hurting her little sister, you’ll need to assert yourself calmly each time and in the same way. We don’t hit. It’s not nice. You will need to take a timeout.

Small children will also need to be removed from certain situations when behavior is aggressive. So if your child begins flipping out at the supermarket over a package of cookies, you’ll have to tell her it’s not okay to make so much noise. “We can’t act like this at the store. We’re not buying the cookies and if you don’t stop screaming, we are going home.” Do not make idle threats. Follow through immediately or else this pattern will keep repeating.

Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense. So before heading out somewhere, especially for a new situation or one that is likely going to be boring for your child (think post office), talk to them in advance about where you are going and what you will do when you get there. Children that are bored are more prone to acting out. Let them know what you expect of them and that if aggressive behavior occurs, you’ll be leaving immediately.

Small children also need consistency among all regular adults in their lives, whether it’s your spouse or the grandparents. Make sure to communicate with everyone that spends time with your child too so that they use the same tactics you do.

If your child is a little older, like elementary-aged and being aggressive at school, you’ll need to keep a good line of communication with your child’s teachers and the school to monitor the behavior. Simple infractions like running down the hall, being tardy to class or chewing gum are all things the school should manage. You don’t need to give another punishment for those types of behaviors at home. However, when the behavior is verbally or physically abusive, you need to step in and help your child figure out how to solve her problems properly. The first time it happens, it should be discussed and you should ask your child what they think they should have done differently. You should also help them work through better ways to have handled the situation. If the problem is a recurring one, you need to discuss where your child’s skills were ineffective and hold them accountable. Again, consistency is a key component here and coupled with communication, can help calm aggressive behavior.

 

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