"Crayon Stain Removal" Step by Step To Clean Fabrics, Furniture and Wallpaper

CRAYON REMOVAL

Fabrics:

Place the article of clothing with your childs beautiful art work between paper towels.
Press it with a warm iron.

Repeat this process with a new paper towel.

Then clean with dry-cleaning solvent.

Wallpaper:

Put a commercial spot remover on the surface.

Let it dry.

Then simply brush the crayon off.

Wood Furniture, Furniture Fabrics, Floors, Carpet:

Spray on shaving cream.

Then wipe off your childrens handy work with a paper towel.

More Stain Removal Tips

"Shopping For Childrens Holiday Gifts" Don't Stress Out When Buying Them Presents

Holiday toys should be just as safe as they are fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect present.

It really is better to give than to receive. The holidays are that one time of year when everyone seems to go the extra mile to get that perfect gift especially for all the little ones in their lives. You've got to admit that watching a child get that present they've been waiting for is more fun for you! But while you're in the middle of your gift-buying craze, here are a few safety tips that will keep mom and dad's mind at ease.

Okay, so I know what you're thinking, I don't have time to do a little homework! I just want something under the tree. Just a few minutes on the web can save you hours in the returns line. This kind of research is focused on safety. Many stores are not up to date with the latest safety information on toys. In fact, I recently read an article about a woman that purchased a toy that had been recalled that she purchased at a local toy store. You can avoid this by checking out www.cpsc.gov. This website announces all of the most current recalls and can help you shop smart.

Let's be honest, silence really is golden unless it’s the wonderful sound of kids laughing. Most people want to avoid toys that make a lot of noise; but did you know that there's actually a good reason to avoid them? Certain toys that make sounds are not regulated and are actually loud enough to cause hearing damage to young children. Kids tend to put their ear next the speakers on these toys, and that can simply be too close. A good rule of thumb: if it hurts your ears, leave it at the store.

We see so many labels on products that it becomes “white noise” and it’s easy to glance over a safety label or ignore it completely. But they’re there for a reason! Before you get in line or press the place order button, take a closer look at the age recommendation. Many people argue that their child is advanced and can handle the more sophisticated toys, but when dealing with a child's safety you are better safe than sorry. Small parts are a disaster in waiting and we all know that kids tend to place things in their mouth. Marbles, magnets, and other tiny pieces must be kept away from young children regardless of their intelligence level.

Last but not least is a comment on cleaning up. It’s Christmas morning, mom and dad have their coffee in hand and watch the kids open boxes like 49’ers going after a gold strike. Soon you're surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and empty boxes. Take a few minutes to clear the area, this won't just help your house looking nicer; it will help keep your kids safe. The fact that the toy is safe doesn't mean that the packaging is too. There are so many little plastic pieces and zip ties in that empty box that can be become a safety hazard in the wrong hands or swallowed by a family pet.

So now you have a list that you can check twice before your shopping adventure begins. Keeping these tips in mind and taking a little extra time before you hit the buy button will make the joy of the season cheerful and less stressful.

About the Author
Alycia Shapiro is a mom and a toy store owner. She has filled her store at http://www.sensoryedge.com with fabulous educational toys and kids furniture that have made SensoryEdge a popular destination for parents, teachers and therapists. If you're looking for a great gift,

"Happy Family Picnics" Things To Keep In Mind When planning A Picnic With Kids

Planning a picnic is an event that the whole family can join in on. Because you want the day to be successful, everyone's contributions are vital. If you have children, don’t forget to pack items for fun and in case of emergencies.

Let’s start with safety. No matter where you have the picnic, kids will be kids and accidents can always be a reality. Bring along a first aid kit for any bumps, scrapes, or bug bites. A first aid kit is also a good idea for the rest of the group.

If the picnic is later in the afternoon or early evening, flashlights are a must. They keep older children from getting lost and can be used by the younger ones to play a variety of games. Some extra light will keep you from forgetting any of your stuff when packing up to go home.

If you are near the woods or at the beach, bring sun and bug protection along. Everyone should protect themselves from sun damage no matter how old or young they are. Waterproof sun block won’t wash off even when kids sweat during play. Bug spray keeps mosquitoes away in the late evening. When possible, bring along sun visors or ball caps to keep the sun off of small faces. You can purchase inexpensive visors and caps at your local craft store and adorn them prior to you family picnics.

Sticky hands are a fact of life with children. To keep their hands clean between eating and play, purchase some moist towelettes. A box of cleansing wipes will work just as well to keep hands and fingernails free of dirt and germs when soap and water is hard to come by. Look at the box to ensure the wipes are gentle enough to be used on the face.

Remember blankets and toys. Kids always seem to want to sit in the grass and play. A waterproof blanket gives them a comfortable place to sit and play with their toys where you can watch them. Sitting directly in the grass can make the skin itchy. If you frequent an area where ticks are a problem, sitting in the grass is not a good idea.

Since children can get bored rather easy, bring an assortment of things for them to do. Kids who don’t want to run around may enjoy board games. You’d be surprised at how a game of Scrabble® or Monopoly® can pass the time. Older children can ride bikes or roller skate if you are in a park or an area with trails.

Children love to picnic. Good food and fun can occupy a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Packing a few choice supplies can keep your picnic a memorable family event.

"Childrens Good Manners" Tis The Season How To Say Thank You

It's almost Christmas and there will be lots of family visits and many presents will be given. This is a great time to teach your children about the importance of being polite and letting people know you are grateful. Children do not automatically have manners installed in them, they have to be taught this behavior and then manners need to be reinforced. I think most parents want their children to have good manners, but they just don't quite know how to go about passing them on to their children. One of the most important things children need to understand is that the best presents are kindness and consideration. Some of the best presents come from the heart, not in a package. Here are some ways to start with when teaching your children manners.

1. Always say "please" and "thank you." The best way for your children learn is by example. If you say please and thank you, your children will follow.



2. Greet visitors by looking up at their face and saying "Hello". Tell your children to always try to figure out what color a persons eyes are. This will ensure that they always make eye contact.



3. At the table, speak with an " inside voice. Always use a napkin and silverware when eating and ask to be excused before you leave the table.



4. Have your children help clean up after a family gathering. Clean up toys that were played with or clean dishes off the table after eating.



5. Help pick out present for family and friends. Teach them to take some time to think about what that person would really enjoy getting for a present.



6. When shopping, it is always nice to smile at a busy salesperson. You never know when you might make their day.



7. When you receive a gift, write a thank you note. If your child does not write yet, it's still great to have them color a picture or scribble a note.

Manners are not just something you do when we have holidays, but they must be practiced all year long. It is best to start young, but it is never to late to start teaching good manners. Your children might not catch on at first, but soon it will become a good habit. Be consistant and you will see results!

"Parent Your Children" 6 Ways to Terrific Parenting

Being a parent is the most difficult job you will ever face. Trial and error is inevitable when taking care of children. No child is the same and so they must be treated differently. There are many ways to be a terrific parent, here are just a few.

1. Play with your children! It doesn't matter what you play together, your child just wants to know they are important. Let them decide. This will help you learn more about your childs interests and concerns.
   
   
   
2. Take charge. As backwards as it seems, children like to have limits set for them. Children without limits don't feel secure and will generally act out in frustration and fear. Even adults in a new job, without direction can feel uneasy and fearful. You will find that children without limits will gravitate towards people who will give them structure, because they feel safe.
   
   
   
3. Eating a meal as a family. Statistics show that children who eat at the table with their families will eat healthier. It is also great for family relationships. It is a time to talk about your day. The happy and the sad. The best way to start conversation at the dinner table is to go around and have everyone tell what was the best or worst thing that happened to them today. You'll be amazed at what you learn about your children.
   
   
   
4. Let your children help. Give your children responsibility. When your child is old enough, let them help clean up their toys. Have them take their dish to the sink. This actually gives your child confidence, self-esteem and is great for their development. Start your child young and this will make your job as a parent a whole lot easier later on.
   
   
   
5. Read books together every day. Read to your baby daily. Even from the time they are just new born. Babies love to listen to their parents voice, even if they don't know what you are reading about. This will develop a love for reading books at a young age. Children who are read to will do better in school when they are older.
   
   
   
6. Say "I love you" every time you feel like it. Give hugs and kisses every time you have the chance. It is important for your child to know that you love them. This helps build self esteem and confidence also. You can never show your child that you love them too much. The more the better. Remember, they may not always be accepting of this kind of affection, so get in as much as you can while your children are young.

"Child Development" Baby to Gradeschooler and Why They Should Play

Children and playing go together. It is something that children do even when they are tiny babies. It is the way they learn and develop. Pretending is how they can experience things that they would not otherwise be able to do yet. It is not necessary for you to decide what your child will play, but it is important to be involved. Children could play peek-a-boo for hours. Most people don't realize that a simple game of peek-a-boo, helps children develop confidence and security. It helps them know that when you go away, you will be coming back.

When a toddler plays, he is very likely developing his motor skills with every thing he touches. At this age everything is a toy to them. Spoons, bowls, lids, pots and pans, nothing is safe. This is when they are just as excited to play with the box, as with what came in it. So when your toddler dumps out the kitchen drawer for the 100th time, remember he is developing motor skills, he needs to explore.

Preschoolers enjoy playing with others more. They want to use their imaginations with others, playing house, babies, trucks, etc. Their physical and motor skills allow them to do allot more.

School-age children enjoy organized play. Singing songs, playing games, sports, and projects are what keep their attention.

Why is this important to know? Playing is one of the most important jobs of a child. It is hard for adults to understand, but play helps children to develop into what they will be as an adult.

1. Play is just plain fun, giggling and laughing. Who doesn't want their child to be happy? When they are happy, you are happy!


2. Children develop their physical and motor skills by playing. This is how they move their bodies. It is learning reaction time to catch a ball and how to move when throwing a ball. They must learn to match what they see with what their body needs to do. Coordination and balance go along with this.


3. Cognitive learning is the intellectual development of a child. If you tell a child that 2+2=4, he is not likely to remember it or even understand why. But if you show a child that when you have 2 cars and I give you 2 more cars, then you have 4 cars, he will be able to relate to that and make the connection. When a child plays with blocks of different shapes, he can create different shapes when he puts them together. The child is developing concepts through play. Even as adults, sometimes we do not get things until we are physically shown.


4. Play develops socio-emotional learning. Children have to learn to deal with other people. How to treat others and how to react to disappointments in life. Basically they are learning how to act in a social setting. Playing with others requires sharing and being kind to others. When your child loses a ball game, they are helping to develop their emotional learning. When your toddler makes a new friend, she is learning social skills.


5. Play stimulates children to be creative. If your child can't imagine things, then it limits them. Imagination gives them confidence. It means they think they can do anything. Imagination is the best way for a child to express themselves. The more a child can use their creativity when they are young, the more comfortable they will be using it as an adult.


6. Language development increases with play. Toddlers will be able to communicate better the more they hear and use words. So sing songs and say rhymes with them. Say everything you are doing, out loud. I am going to put your socks on. We are making dinner. I am stirring the noodles. Whatever it may be. The more they here you talk, the better their language skills will be. If you play with words, they will be more likely to listen to you, because they are having fun.


7. Playing with your child is a great opportunity to get closer to your little one. Let your child pick the activity. It will let them be in control and allot of times express their feelings. When you watch a child play, it gives you an inlet to what kinds of things they are dealing with emotionally. Help them to do things on their own. When your child says he can't do something, don't just rush in and do it for them. Ask them questions, "What do you think you could do to get this done by yourself." Get them thinking and learning. This will help teach independent thinking. When they figure it out, make sure you praise them for their success.
   

Now that you see how important play is for children, encourage them in it. If you see them struggling in a certain area, then you can work with them by playing. Look at the great person you have become. Just imagine what your children will become if they play, play, play.

"Bathtime Tips For Babies and Toddlers" How To End The Bath On A Good Note

Bath time is usually an exciting time for babies and toddlers. I know my little girl comes running anytime she hears the faucet turn on in the bathroom. She is attempting to strip her clothes off, but does not quite know how yet. Most children love water. It's not something that they get to play with often other than at bath time. Splashing and exploring this mysterious substance is good for giggles and squeals. Mom and Dad usually get in on it whether they want to or not. Soon this fun will come to an end and this can cause sadness and even tantrums at times. Here are some ways to help your baby end this adventure in a positive way.

1. Always use a thermometer to test the water. Babies skin is more sensitive than ours is. There are actually toys that test the water for you and will tell you if the water is too hot. I would suggest getting one of these. Another way is to dip the inside of your forarm in the water. This part of your arm is more sensitive and you will be able to detect if the water will be too warm for your baby.
   
   
2. Wash your baby's hair and body when you first put them in the water. If you wait until your baby is tired of playing or the water has gone cold, then she is not happy and has started fuss. They are less cooperative at this point and do not want to get washed up.
   
   
3. When washing your baby's hair, don't be too careful. If she never gets water in her eyes, then she will most likely not like it when she is older. Bath time will become stressful for you and her. Exposing her to getting a little water in her eyes while she is young will get her use to it. Then when she is older, she won't have a fear of getting water in her eyes. Going to a swimming pool with a toddler is a whole lot more fun if your little boy doesn't mind getting splashed.
   
   
4. If your baby is anything like mine, she could stay in the bathtub all day long if I let her. What I've found is, if you drain the tub when it is time to get out, she will suddenly think it is okay to get out. It's either that she is getting cold or that it is just not very much fun to be in a bath tub without the water. It works great for me! It is also great for the safety of my child, because there is no danger of her coming back later and falling in a tub full of water and drowning. Which is a real danger for babies and toddlers. This way offers peace of mind.

These are things that have worked for me. I hope you try them and that they will help you have a more enjoyable bath time with your little one. My little girl and I also enjoy singing songs at bath time. If you think your voice sounds good in the shower, just wait until you hear it in the bathtub.

No Mamma "Keep your Sanity"

How To Master The Most Important Phase Of Your Child's Development In Days Not Weeks.....Even If The Stress And Frustation Has Brought You To Tears.
Click Here!

Child Discipline "Tips For Happy Toddlers"

1. Children love to explore. They want to touch everything and have no discretion. For young children, simple word phrase work best. "Yes touch" is what you might use for safe things and "no touch" for things that are off limits. Something can be touched, but they must be gentle, so "gentle touch" could be used for thing like babies or kittens. When children just can't help, but grab, maybe teach them to just use one finger. Although it is something we don't want our child to discover, "hot touch" will be another phrase that will be good to teach them.

2. When you discover your child is holding something that you do not want them to have, it is in our nature to snatch it out of their hands. Without realizing it, you have just taught them that if they want something, then the proper way to get it is to take it. The best way to handle the situation is to ask for the object or ask them if you may help them with it. You will most likely avoid a tantrum and you are showing them an example of how to be polite and respect others. Your child needs you to talk to them and model the behavior you expect.

3. When your child has pulled everything out of the cupboard for the 10th time today and you think you just can't take cleaning up one more mess, try to remember that this is part of her development. She must need to learn something from this. Instead of getting upset, maybe try playing with her for a minute. When your done, say lets play clean up. It doesn't matter how little they are, they love to help and if they think it's playing to clean, their won't be any crying and throwing themselves on the floor. You both win! You get the mess cleaned up and she gets positive attention. Keep in mind, she won't be little forever. This is a stage and you will get through it.

4. Distraction is sometimes the best thing to do to avoid a fight. When your toddler is pulling on the blinds, call their name to stop him long enough to get her attention and then quickly divert her to a safe alternative. Children at this age easily forget when distracted. However it is a more difficult task once the child has been engaged in exploring the object for very long, so try to dis way them before they get to it.

5. There are many things that your child will get excited about. Baby, kitty, puppy, banana, ball, etc. These are just a few things my daughter loves. When my daughter was heading for the video cabinet to search and destroy, I would say, "Amree, where is the ball?" She would stop dead in her tracks and start looking for a ball. This was a great way to avoid discipline and a temper tantrum. Every child is different, so you must customize this plan with your own words or phrases.

6. Setting limits is a balancing act. If you are too restricted then the child doesn't learn. If you have no limits on your child then, she doesn't learn. Children are much happier when they do have some boundaries. They need them. Of course when they are first learning what they are, you will have temper tantrums. Once your child understands what they are and know that you are going to be consistent with them, life will be less stressful for both of you. It will protect them from dangers, but allow them to explore within boundaries. It is important to teach your children about limits when they are young, so they will respect having limits placed on them when they are adults. This is something that never goes away.

Some times the best way to handle setting limits on a small child is to just shut the door to the room you do not want her in or to put up a gate to block a dangerous place. At least until they are old enough to understand this particular limit.

7. It is important to monitor your tone of voice when you discipline your child. Some times it is hard not to yell or raise your voice when you are upset, but if you frequently yell at your child, then they will start to become desensitised to it. Then when your toddler is running for the road and you yell for their attention, they will not respond to you. Raising your voice should only be used in an emergency situation.

Believe it or not, when your child is screaming and getting a little crazy, talking in a calm and in control voice will help them to calm down and listen. Discipline at this moment will only escalate the situation and your child will learn nothing. It took me till my third child to figure that one out. It's amazing!

8. Having routine and structured activities can make your toddler feel happier and safer. When you have activities for your child, it gives them less time to get in to trouble, because they are already busy with something else. Boredom is a license to seek and destroy. Even older children and some adults have this problem. So having activities planned can help your learn and develop new things and keep your house a little neater at the same time. Keeping your child busy is the best defense for discipline.

Routines are great for toddlers. Toddlers don't like surprises for the most part. It makes them feel unsafe. If they know what to expect, then they are happy. If we clean up after playing with toys every time, then your little one won't mind helping with that. If we take a nap after lunch, then she will know that is what to expect. Of course, if this is not something your toddler is use to, then you may have a fight on your hands at first, but give it a week and things will be so much easier on you and her.

Even though these things are targeted for toddler, some of them can be used for older children also. Remember that it's best to start young to develop and train your children to be responsible and well adjusted adults. Yes, I say adults, because what you do now will determine who they will be as a teenager and eventually as an adult. It's hard to think about this when you have your cute little baby or your rambunctious toddler. Wow! That's a big responsibility. I Hope this helps.

Toddler Car Seat Safety "Different Types and Installation Tips"

Your doctor will stress that your child should always ride in a safety car seat, but what's best for my child. Well all situation are different and not every car seat will work for every child. So here are some tips and facts about the different types of car seats that might help you in buying the best car seat. Once your child is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 pounds, she can ride forward facing in her car seat. Although, studies show that it is still safer for her to ride rear facing for as long as she can comfortably do so.

There are 5 types of car safety seats that can be used forward facing.

1. Convertible seats are ones that can be used rear facing or forward facing.


2. Forward facing toddler seats can only be used forward facing with a harness. These are for children who weigh up to 80 pound. You must check the specifications on each model, because some can only be used up to 40 pounds.


3. There are car seats that can be used forward facing or as a booster. These are called a combination forward facing/booster seat. These car seats can be used forward facing for children weighing up to 40 to 65 pounds, depending on the model. They can be used as a booster car seat without the harness for children weighing up to 80 to 100 pounds.


4. Some vehicles are made with forward facing car seats built right in. Read your vehicle owner's manual to find out the weight and height limits for your particular vehicle. They will vary.


5. Travel vests are a pretty new product on the market. They are a safe alternative for forward facing child car seats. Travel vests can be useful when you have a vehicle with only lap seat belts in the back seat. They are great to move from vehicle to vehicle, so you do not have to take your car seat in and out. Travel are used for large toddlers who can no longer fit in a traditional car safety seat or for children who just simply will not stay in their car seat. They can be used for children between 20 pounds all the way up to 168 pounds.

Installation tips for forward-facing seats

1. The car safety seat must be installed tightly in the car. The harness should fit snug against your child.


2. When rear facing, the shoulder straps must be in the slot at or below your child's shoulders. To switch a convertible seat to forward facing, you must move the shoulder straps to the slots at or above your child's shoulders.


3. With some car seats you may have to adjust the angle of the seat to recline.


4. Vehicles made after 2002 should come with the LATCH system. This is used to secure car safety seats. If you have this, it should be used. It keeps the car seat more secure than an ordinary seat belt. Check your owners manual for your vehicle to find out where your tether anchors are located in your car. Use your manual for you particular safety car seat to learn how to use this system with your car seat.

Always use your manual and your car seats specification when using and installing it. Remember, even though you think your little one is big enough to ride with just a seat belt, statistics show they are not. Even children from the age of 4 to 8 years should be in a booster seat. So keep your child safe and use a safety seat.

Keeping Toddlers Busy

Those toddlers are just full of energy! Some days it might seem impossible to keep up with them or keep them entertained. There are many fun activities to stimulate those little minds and maybe wear them out for a nap! Here are some ideas for activities for toddlers ages 18 months to three years:

Out and About Activities
• To keep those busy toddlers entertained in the car, as you are driving name things that you see and ask your toddler to point to them. For example, ask them “Where is the tree?” or “Where is the truck?”
• Waiting in the doctor’s office can be a challenge with a toddler. While you are waiting ask your child to walk over to the object you name.
• Before you set out on a car trip, choose a "Color of the Day." As you're driving in the car, shopping at the grocery store, or waiting at the doctor's office, help your toddler point to all the things she sees that match the color you've chosen. Help her identify those items.
• A fun and mess-free activity for toddlers to do while in the car or at the grocery store is sandpaper art. Cut various colors of yarn into different lengths. Show your toddler how the yarn sticks to the sandpaper. They can create a design, pull it off, and start over again.

Activities for the Outdoors
• What toddler doesn’t like playing in the mud? Fill a plate with thick mud and smooth into a flat, even surface. Have your child press his open hand into the mud and remove. Place the mud in the sun to dry. This won't last, but its fun to look at for a while.
• Let them dig for hidden treasure. Hide small objects in the sandbox for your toddler to find as they dig about. Use an old kitchen colander to sift through the sand to help find the treasure.
• If your toddler will stand still long enough, trace their shadow on a big sheet of newsprint or other paper. Let them finger-paint their shadow or color it with crayons or markers. You could also use pavement and sidewalk chalk for this activity.

Rainy Day Indoor Activities
• When you are stripping your beds, give your child the sheets from all the beds you're changing. They can use them to create houses, tents, forts, or anything else they can dream up. When playtime is over, help your child gather up the sheets and put them in the laundry basket, then take them to the laundry room together.
• Place chairs in a maze around the room. Let your child crawl among them or walk over them, or use them as a train for her stuffed animals.
• Have some fun bowling with your toddler. Line up three or four (or more) empty plastic soda bottles or unopened paper towel rolls. Show your toddler how to roll a large rubber ball to knock them over.

Top Three Mistakes Parents Make With Separation Anxiety

Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult tasks that people learn in life. Learning to handle separation is an emotionally difficult task that begins in infancy. Too often, parents and caregivers mishandle the child’s transition between them, and the child is left feeling scared and abandoned. “Maybe mommy isn’t ever coming back.” Failing to provide the necessary support that children need, to separate well, may have a negative effect on the child’s future relationships. The parent’s own feelings of anxiety and sadness, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, insensitivity to the child’s emotions, can have a profound effect on a child’s level of separation anxiety. If separating is handled with sensitivity, children develop confidence and independence and feel secure when left in the hands of a loving and competent caregiver.

Mistake #1-Ignore the child’s fears-Many parents think that ignoring a child’s anxiety, anger, stress and fear makes separating easier. Mom or dad might believe that springing the separation on the child and sneaking out, like ripping off a band-aid, won’t give the child time to get worked up, tearful and upset. Other parents may not be sensitive to the fact that separating is a big deal, “Why is he so upset, I am just running out for an hour.” Don’t tell the child his or her feelings are insignificant. Solution: Explain to the child calmly, clearly and briefly, what he or she should expect. Use the same ritual before each separation. For example: enter the room, hang the child’s coat, put the snack away, take out a loved toy, give a big hug and kiss, etc. Do not sneak out or use a distraction to duck out of the room. In new situations, parents should allot adequate time to hang around while the child becomes acclimated to his new surroundings. The parent should reassure the child that mommy/daddy is coming back soon and should expect the child to feel some distress. Separating is tough.

Mistake #2-Emphasize the fun and excitement of the activity-Disregarding that the child is feeling frightened, and instead focusing on how much fun she is going to have, does not ease separation fears. The child may be confused and not understand why she is being left and wondering if mommy or daddy will ever return. While upset the child is not able to focus on the fun things in store for her while mom is away. Solution: Short absences initially (30-90 minutes) are easier for children. Ensure that the child understands what is happening by using the same description of the situation before each separation. “Mommy is going to have her teeth cleaned, remember we passed the dentist’s office on the drive over here? I will be back shortly to pick you up and then we will go to the park and have our lunch. I know that you feel a little afraid because this is a new place to play and I am leaving. Miss Melanie is really kind and happy to play with you, I like her very much. I love you and I am coming back to pick you up as soon as my teeth are shiny.” Explaining what to expect gives the child a sense of control.

Mistake #3-Neglecting to give the reunion its proper consideration-“Grab your coat, let’s get in the car, we are late!”…is not a proper hello after being separated from a child. Having a conversation with the caregiver before acknowledging the child, is also a mistake. Solution: Handling the reunion between parent and child with sensitivity is just as important as the goodbye. The child is relieved that the parent has returned as promised. Develop a warm and loving routine used for returns. Positive relationship development relies on reuniting with joy and happiness. Using a special routine honors the loving bond between parent and child.

The Importance of Toddler Routines

Routines are very important for toddlers. Routines give structure to their day and help to reduce temper tantrums and crankiness that result from irregular sleeping and eating schedules. Daily routines are great for moms too, whether you stay at home or you work outside of the home. The effectiveness of a daily routine isn't so much what time you do something, but that you do something at the same time every day. Setting a time that works for your family allows flexibility for individual family schedules and needs.

Getting enough sleep is very important for young children. Many toddlers need up to 12 hours of sleep at night and at least a 2 hour nap every afternoon. The times that your toddlers sleep will be partly dependent on your family's schedule. Our boys are in bed by 7 p.m. every night, but that time wouldn't work as well for parents who don't get home until later in the evening. Just make sure your children have a regular bed time and a regular nap time. Their bodies adjust to these times and they anticipate those times to sleep every day, even if they don't act like they want to go to sleep. Lack of sleep makes them very cranky and irritable.

A regular eating schedule is also very important for toddlers. You know what I mean if you've ever been away from home at lunch time! Children's bodies also become accustomed to eating at certain times, even if we as parents don't always have our own eating schedules. Your toddler's mood will also improve if he or she eats at regular times. Don't forget to schedule times for snacks also. If you let them snack too much during the day they won't want to eat at meal time.

Whatever else you want to schedule into your toddler's day is up to you. I take my boys for a walk every morning, and they really look forward to this time every day. It is good exercise for me and they enjoy the fresh air.

Nighttime routines are also important for children of any age. Toddlers transition to bedtime much more easily when they know what to expect every night. A common bedtime routine is a bath and reading a story before bed. It is also a good time to occasionally sit down and watch one of your toddler's favorite videos with them.

I have found that having a basic schedule for the entire day makes my day go by more smoothly and I don't have to think much about what I'm doing to do during the day. That's really nice when you're chasing more than one toddler around the house. Regardless of how much time you spend at home with your children during the day, anyone can benefit from scheduling family activities. It also helps you to not forget to get anything done!

Here is my toddlers' daily schedule:
7:00 a.m. - wake up
7:30 a.m. - get up, get dressed, have breakfast
8:30 a.m. - go for a walk
9:00 a.m. - play
10:00 a.m. - morning snack
12:00 p.m. - lunch
1:00 p.m. - afternoon nap
3:30 p.m. - afternoon snack
5:00 p.m. - dinner
6:30 p.m. - bath, stories
7:00 p.m. - bed

I do most of my housework or grocery shopping in the evenings after the boys are in bed. During play times is when we occasionally go to the park or have grandma or grandpa come over to visit. There is just enough flexibility, while the boys also know what to expect every day. If you don't already have your toddlers into a daily routine, start slow. Regular eating times are the easiest for them to adjust to, new sleeping times may be harder. If you are changing your child's sleeping schedule vary their sleeping time by 10 minutes a day until they are sleeping at the desired time. Make sure your child is getting up at the same time every morning. This will help them adjust to set nap and bed times. Good luck! Setting a daily routine for you and your toddler just might save your sanity!

Toddler Pillow

A toddler pillow is a pillow that is just the right size for a child of two years or more. Prior to age two, use of a pillow of any type is considered dangerous and is not recommended. Babies should sleep without the possibility of snuggling their little heads under a pillow and potentially smothering. Toddler pillows are about half the size of a standard adult pillow and they have their own special pillow cases that are made to fit. A child of two to five or six years old simply can not sleep comfortably on a large standard adult pillow. Their necks and shoulders can not be comfortable because the pillow is too large and too thick. The toddler's special pillows allow your child's head, neck and shoulders to be supported just like yours but in a size proportional to the child's smaller body. Measurements for pillows for toddlers are usually 12 inches by 16 inches in size. Pillow cases for the toddler's special pillow come in a wide range of prints and colors to fit in with any bedding theme you may have in your child's room. When traveling, the pillow for your toddler will be great for carrying in the car for napping or for sleeping in hotels. Since hotel pillows are traditional thick and fluffy, your child will be much more comfy and sleep better with their own little pillow. There are even allergy-proof pillows in toddler sizes available if your child is allergic to pillow fill. You'll even find pillow covers that are toddler sized for additional allergy proofing. If your child doesn't have allergies, you can select down fill for their special little pillow, or you can select polyester fiber fill. Each will last pretty well, but you will pay a bit more for 100% down fill. Now that you know all about toddler pillows you'll probably want to have several on hand so you have enough for sleep overs.

Potty Training

Potty Training-A Simple 4 Step Formula for Initiating Toilet Training. “I’m so done with diapers!” groans a mother as she looks at the high price tag on the jumbo pack of diapers. “Is it time for my child to start potty training?” Potty training is a big milestone for children. But how do parents know when to start? Intuition, expectations, common sense and observation play key roles in initiating potty training.

Step #1-Create a Parent/Child Team Potty training is a combined effort between parent and child. Some parents may assume that they are in charge, while other parents place the child at the helm. In actuality, potty training is a partnership. Parents provide support, potty training tools, books, and dry clothing; children do the “going.” Grasping the concept that potty training is a team effort between parent and child, and not a command and control situation, is critical to success. Strict, impatient pursuit of the goal puts undo pressure on the child, resulting in stress, anxiety and in some cases delayed potty training.

Step#2-Starting early doesn’t ensure quick results In depth research on intensive potty training has proven that initiating the process early is in fact correlated to extended duration of potty training. Those parents who start training prematurely find that the potty training process lasts longer. Children must develop bladder and muscle control before they are able to control toileting. Parents may adhere to this rough timeline of readiness: 15-18 months the child senses that his or her clothes are wet; 18 months the child may urinate on the potty if placed on it; 2- 2 1/2 years the child might alert the parent that he has to go; and 3-4 years the child may have the ability to “hold it” and visit the bathroom alone.

Step#3-Determine readiness by child’s development When deciding to begin the potty training process, chronological age may not be the correct indicator for readiness. The parent should look for signs that the child is developmentally ready. This is especially true for babies who were born prematurely and children who are developmentally delayed. Some good signs of readiness are: child can sit and walk well, child can stay dry for 2 hours or more, child is interested in doing what big kids or grownups do, child is able to follow and execute simple instructions, and child seems to understand what the potty is for and uses words relating to using the toilet. Parents should assess the temperament of the child. Important questions to ask are: is the child able to focus, what is her attention span, does the child frustrate easily, is the child easily angered or discouraged. For most children potty training occurs between 2 and 3 years, with the majority of children potty trained by 4.

Step#4- Go on now, go! Today is the day! Parents should make sure that the child is in good health, and that the household is calm with no impending turmoil such as a move coming up, a new baby being brought home, or a parent going away on a trip. Dress the child in easy to remove clothing like sweat pants with an elastic waist. Snaps, buttons and zippers are difficult for little hands and time consuming to manipulate when the urge arises. To reduce the pressure on the child, allow him to stay in diapers during the early days of potty training. Gradually transition him into underwear for short amounts of time as his dry times become more and more extended. After a meal, nap, or when coming in from outdoors are good times to encourage the child to hop on the potty. Parents should be on the look out for indicators of when the child may have the urge to go. Accompany the child to the potty and stay with him. The visit to the bathroom should be short and sweet; five minutes is plenty of time. Offer reading material, or use a fun potty training tool or toy to make the five minutes engaging. Important: if the child wants to get off of the potty before five minutes, don’t force him to stay. Praise, praise, praise! Little milestones deserve lots of hugs and kisses. It is really something for a little tyke to hop on the potty by herself, pull up her own pants, or make it into the bathroom (even if only to be a little late.) Be kind, patient, sensitive and proud. Don’t scold the child for having accidents, ever.