Parenting Children

I don’t know any parents or grandparents that are not concerned about toy safety this holiday season. It is on all of our minds and with over 80% of our toys being made in China, I can see why. You have to be careful of small parts, age requirements, lead paint and now GHB in our toys? During the month of December I will be reviewing and bring your ideas for kids this holiday season that are safe for both kids and babies.
Today I have ideas for the girls on your list.

My daughter loves watching me get ready for the day. She is fascinated with everything on my vanity and loves everything girly. Why not this wooden makeup playset for the little diva on your list? Made in Germany, this set includes a comb, 1 spray, 1 mirror, 1 lipstick, 1 roll-on deodorant, 1 hair dryer and 6 hair-curlers.

Little girls would love these Mary Jane rain boots. Perfect for slush, rain or a sunny day, these are adorable and affordable at $27.00.

A pram for your little one will be her best gift. It has rubber wheels, removable blue flowered fluffy cushions, blanket and a adjustable handle to grow with your child. This is pricey at $144.00 but can be a family heirloom.

I also recommend books for older girls, games for school age children and there is always stories on cds for kids.

Coming soon, safe gifts for boys this season!

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I think the best and worst part of parenting is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Everyone has their own ideas about what is best for their family or their children. I love that parenting should be a community thing, advice from other mothers I have met, aunts, family members and my own mother, have been invaluable. Here are some tips I have for other mothers on parenting:

Make time to create a photo album. You will not experience these memories again, so take the time, even 15 minutes per week to make a photo album or scrapbook.

Show your Kids you are in love. Kiss your partner, tell him you love him in front of your kids. Let them see your love. I wouldn’t shelter kids from all disagreements you may have either, let them see how you can argue and but let them see you make up too.

Never let hitting be ok. Hitting, biting and aggression can be normal in toddlers. Never let him hit you and make sure they always know it is not ok to hurt someone else.

Watch what you say. Even the youngest children can pick up bad word from you and you never know when or where they will repeat them!

Make sleep easier for both of you. Put your child to bed awake as soon as possible,. That teaches your child to self soothe and is important if you don’t want to rock your child to sleep until they are 6. Also try letting them sleep in different places, this will help you if you ever want to leave the house overnight.

Trust your instincts. Whether it is with picking a day care provider, letting your kids ride the bus or go for her first sleep over, trust what you feel is best. You are the one who knows your child best. If you feel strange about leaving your child with someone, don’t leave them, even if you feel silly for being overprotective.

What are your best parenting tips or parenting ideals you live by?

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The Lamaze method is the most popular birthing method to date. It started in the 1950s, became popular in the 1970s and is the oldest and most popular technique since then. Lamaze is known for its rhythmic breathing techniques to take the concentration off the actual labor pains and through concentration, the mother would be relaxed and the labor would be easier for them. These days Lamaze has expanded past breathing techniques. It now teaches various simple coping strategies for Moms.

Pain management without any drug intervention is what makes Lamaze so popular with woman who want to have a natural birth experience. It also brings the husband or “coach” and expectant mom closer together because they have the opportunity to bond during the classes together.
If you want to take Lamaze classes, you usually take classes for up to six weeks early in your third trimester. I have heard of some classes being offered here in New Jersey that take place all in one weekend.

I knew I was having a C-section early on in my pregnancy so I never had to think about birthing plans. Does Lamaze work? I don’t know, I assume it would depend on the woman, her pain tolerance and birthing expectations.
Did you use the Lamaze birthing technique? Did it work for you?

If you are interested in learning more about Lamaze or to find classes in your area, call Lamaze International at (800) 368-4404 or visit the web site.

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Congratulations to Anne and Rachel, our two winners from our Rockabye Baby Lullaby CD giveaway!
I will be contacting you shortly for your addresses!

Check back for more giveaways coming soon!

What kids aren’t fascinated by some of life’s little pleasures. I learned this early on when my children were obsessed with stickers. They still are actually, just not as much. They first became introduced to stickers when my mom would send them in holiday cards. Then they were offered some in doctors office and Whole Foods grocery store. Next they noticed them in stores by the checkout. They were enthralled. They wore them all over their clothing and all over their body. Many found their way stuck into the inside of my dryer.
When they went to school they received them as a reward for learning a new skill or for good behavior. That is when the stickers came off their body and onto ours. My husband and I needed to be adorned with them daily as well.

My kids also love cardboard boxes. I remember my Dad bringing home a large box for my sister and I. He cut out little windows and a door and it was our own clubhouse. We even have pictures of my sister napping in the box. Recently we bought the kids new car seats and they played with the boxes they came in for two days straight. They pretended to be dogs, kids with a house and Dora and Diego with a hideaway.

So do you need to buy expensive plastic toys for your kids? I know most of us will but we should remember not to throw out the box it came in. After that toys gets boring it will be the box that will hold his attention!

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All babies crawl, walk and talk at a different age. There is no exact age for any developmental delays in kids. You may be concerned if your child is consistently behind other children hitting these marks. It is important to keep in mind that for each milestone, there is a range of ages during which a child will normally meet it. If at any point your baby seems to be losing skills, talk to your doctor. If you are worried about your child’s developmental delays, contact your pediatrician who may send you to a developmental specialist.
Here is a guideline for some milestones you can look for in your child:

By 3 months: Your baby should begin to develop a smile, and will smile at the sound of your voice, watch faces intently, and make noises.
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Lets talk about decorating for the holidays with some easy decorations that you can do with your kids. Everyone loves garland, and you can make different garlands for your tree or home easily. If you have older kids they can do this with little to no supervision.

Everyone knows about making easy garland with red or green construction paper or fabric. You just cut strips of colored paper or fabric, loop them and staple or glue the ends together to make a paper chain. Try this with different colored papers for parties.

If you want something different to do with this idea, how about making it with candy dots? cut same size strips of dots and then tape them together. They will make the tree colorful and edible!

I remember making popcorn garland for my friend’s Christmas tree when I was a teenager. It took forever and I had many holes in my finger when I was done. What about using mini marshmallows and/or cranberries instead? It will look great and much easier for little hands to thread. If your child is too little to use a needle, you thread each piece and let the kids push it down the string!

You can always make a beaded garland. Use old beads from around your house or broken items, or buy some cheap ones at the craft store. Again, thread them into to fishing twine or thread and have the kids string them on. This would look great by twinkling lights or candles.

Do you have any holiday craft ideas that you do with your kids? Feel free to share them in the comments.

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My kids are just starting to get interested in computer games so when Mom Central asked me if I wanted to review Jumpstart World 1st grade, I jumped at the chance. Although my kids are not in first grade yet, I thought this would be an interesting game for them to play and a challenge for them. We are familiar with other Jumpstart game software and my kids really enjoyed them.

Jumpstart World is educational software for first graders that allows children to play family friendly games while learning. The first grade edition is no different, you get to run, jump and swim around a 3D land. Kids can personalize their world and play over 40 games and missions while learning or improving 20 skills. Parents can get progress report emails on their child’s status. The student progress reports are easy to understand and keep up with.

You can just let your kids play with this software on their own since it is safe ( they are no on the internet), but I found if I didn’t at least keep up with what they were doing some games or missions were missed. The graphics and colors were great. I think that after my kids mastered all the games they wouldn’t play with this that often, but then we would have to move on to a new Jumpstart World!

I think this is a great gift for this holiday season that is under $20.00 for all first graders. If your kindergartener was up to a challenge they would like this game as well.

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When I came across The Dangerous Book for Boys I loved it but I wondered what happened to the girl’s book? Well Andi Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz have taken care of that, they wrote The Daring Book for Girls a companion book of sorts to the Dangerous Book for Boys.

When I first received this book I was taken by how nice looking it was, with a old fashion feel and look to it. It was gorgeous. As I read the book I became more in love, and the memories of my own childhood flooded back. Memories that maybe would have been lost, came right back to me and I wanted to share them with my daughter. Things every child of any age or adult should know how to do, like how to make a tree swing, the names of women inventors and how to build a campfire fill the pages. It is 278 pages filled with interesting facts, how tos and fun.

This book is not just for the tomboy, it has girly things to learn like how to press flowers and what games to play at a slumber party. It comes along with practical uses for the future like how to negotiate a salary and how to change a tire. I really wish I had this book when I was younger but I am glad my daughter has it so she and my son can have old fashioned, everyday fun.

With the holidays right around the corner, I think I just found my new go to item for all the girls on my list!

< em>Remember, today is the last day to enter my contest for one of two Christmas lullabye cds!

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Not surprising, more toys and baby recalls came down today.
Boppy Covers:
About 38,000 Boppy pillow slipcovers imported by The Boppy Company of Golden, Colo. The zipper pull on the slipcovers can break and pose a choking hazard to young children. In addition, paint on the zippers may contain excess levels of lead. The slipcovers were sold nationwide at discount department stores from July 2006 through September 2007. Call the The Boppy Company (888-713-3916) for a free replacement.
Pacifiers:
About 8,000 flashing pacifiers or 2-in-1 flashing pacifiers with whistle necklaces. The nipple of the pacifiers can detach from the base and pose a choking hazard to young children. The pacifiers were sold nationwide in June 2007 for about $5 per dozen. Consumers should throw away the pacifiers or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact Sailing (U.S.) at 800-643-6134.
Bracelets:
About 43,000 Sparkle City charm bracelets and tack pin sets that contain high levels of lead. The charm bracelets and tack pin sets were distributed by Buy-Rite Designs Inc. and sold at Big Lots stores nationwide from August 2005 through April 2007 for about $1. For more information, contact Buy-Rite at 888-777-7952.

There was also a Graco snugride car seat recall the other day. You can read about it here. You can see other recent toy and baby gear recalls in my archives or on www.reviewingbabygear.com.

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I always loved Thanksgiving as a child. I loved the food, I love the smells that were wafting through my house from the moment I woke up. I love going to my high school football games, helping my mother in the kitchen and the Macy’s parade. The parade would be on our television every year, until the football games came on. This year is the first year that I think my kids will really enjoy the parade on TV. It did not held their interest too long last year.
I am looking forward to watching it with them and one day taking them to see it in person. Growing up so close to New York City it is a shame I have never seen the parade in person either.

Here is the lineup for the parade so you and your kids can watch out for your favorites this year:

Balloons:
Abby Cadabby *New
Dora the Explorer
Flying Snoopy
Mr. Potato Head
Jojo’s Circus
Energizer Bunny
Kermit the Frog
Ronald McDonald
Pikachu
Scooby Do
Shrek *New
Hello Kitty *New

There will also be great floats from Sesame Street, Barbie the Island Princess, Care bears, Snoopy’s dog house and many more.
Some of the performances this year are going to be by Bindi Irwin, Barbie Island Princess, the Rockettes, the Muppets, Ashley Tisdale, The Big Apple Circus and more.

Do you watch the parade with your kids, or are you too busy traveling or cooking? What are your favorite parts of Thanksgiving?

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It is coming up on that holiday season and with so many toy and baby gear recalls I am really at a loss when it comes to gifts for my kids. Of course everything on their list is made in China and I am sure will come up as poisonous to kids in a couple of months. This season I am looking to buy more arts and crafts stuff for my kids and the one thing I will never complain about buying them: books. I love books and have since I was a child, I hope I am passing that down to my children. here are three books I reviewed that is perfect this holiday season:

Olive the Other Reindeer Deluxe Edition (ages 4-8 $13.99) This tenth anniversary edition of Olive and her big reindeer dreams is my new favorite Christmas book. It is beautifully illustrated with lift the flaps, scratch and sniff and pop ups. It is so lovely and my children and I have read it at least 3 times a day since we received it!

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition (ages 9-12 $9.99) Help a tween out with this book! It offers kid friendly step by step instructions on things like how to ace a spelling test without spell check, how to survive a school dance and how to survive being grounded. This book made me laugh and I wish I had this when I was a tween. This is my new go to book for my nieces and nephews!

Squiggles, A Really Giant Coloring Book (all ages $12.89) This was on my wish list for awhile before I actually received it. I originally wanted it for me but ended up giving it to my kids (I’ll have to get another for myself). Fun illustrations that are not finished allow the artist to finish the picture using their imagination. Color, paint or draw the colors won’t bleed through these thick pages. Keep the book and you have a keepsake of your child’s (or your) artwork forever. If you like this book (you will!) they have others to chose from.

What books do you like for kids this holiday season?

Don’t forget to enter my contest for a Christmas cd!

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We have heard that girls are going through puberty earlier because of the hormones in our food supply and because of environmental factors. In a survey of more than 17,000 American girls ages 7 and 8, 15% of Caucasian girls and 48% of African-American girls were experiencing breast development, pubic hair or both. And the median age for menstruation was age 12.
Now there is new research that says some girls may go through puberty earlier because of a stressful home life. In a study released today, researchers at the University of Arizona and the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed families of 227 preschool children through middle school. They were watching for the first sign of puberty.

They found that young girls with families who were more supportive during these years tended to hit puberty later than the girls with less supportive family environments. Children who grow up in environments that are dangerous and unpredictable tend to grow up faster,” he said. “In the world in which humans evolved, danger and uncertainty meant a shorter lifespan, and going into puberty earlier in this context increased chances of surviving, reproducing and passing on your genes” said Ellis a professor at in the Division of Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

This is alarming on so many levels. There have been instances I have read about where a five year old girl has started menstruating. Girls who start puberty early are at higher risk for breast cancer, teenage pregnancy and depression.
We all know how stress can effect adults, weight loss or gain, problems sleeping etc, it is reasonable to think that stress can physically hurt young children as well. What do you think of this new reasearch?

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Thanksgiving is next week? Wow, that snuck up on me. If Thanksgiving is next week that means Christmas is right around the corner. With Christmas decorations, music and commercials going up right after Halloween, Thanksgiving gets lost and that is a shame because it is a great holiday and you and your kids can make crafts for your home or for gifts for your guests. Here are some ideas for things to do at home for thanksgiving.

This site has a ton of Thanksgiving print outs for kids of all ages.

Make this thankful turkey craft.

Kids love to help in the kitchen, what about making these popcorn balls ahead of time with your kids. They get to make dessert and you get to have an afternoon of fun with your kids.
Caramel Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups unpopped popcorn
1/4 cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions

1. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Place popped corn in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). Stir in vanilla.
3. Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat. Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Remember to enter the contest to win one of two Christmas cds. This contests ends tomorrow night!

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