Children Learn What They Live

I have referred to this poetic saying several times when raising our own children. I found it to be a good reminder before I reacted to situations or issues that came up that I felt I wasn't prepared for. Love your children where they're at and embrace them for who they are.

If a child lives with criticism,

You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be a Perfect Parent

I’ve been reading a lot of articles, blog comments and Facebook messages from parents that seem to be struggling when caring for little ones. It seems there is more pressure placed on parents these days. Parents get messages from various sources like; go green . . . eat organic . . . is your house childproofed enough . . . protect from germs . . . no TV or screen time . . . eat healthy . . . no fast foods . . . sign them up for sports . . . stranger danger . . . is your child getting bullied . . . save money for college . . . place them in the best schools. The list is endless. No wonder parents are stressed. They can easily be overwhelmed with trying to be perfect.

Gratitude: How children develop the attitude of gratitude

We, as parents, can start inspiring the idea of gratitude even in our children’s first years. Be the reflection and model of what you’d like to see your children model in their future years. We can plant seeds along the way as they are growing and developing. By practicing gratitude with our own children and people around us, your children will see what the “attitude of gratitude” looks like and feels like.

You can model what it looks like by: 

Reading to Infants One-on-One

Overwhelmed with the numerous educational toys for infants? Relax and know that all your little one needs is your comfy lap, your voice, and a fun little book to share.

Trust Your Instincts. Experts say

Black Spider Craft for Halloween

A couple of years ago, my child care toddlers made spiders with paint and a paper plate. It was fun, simple, and easy. See the end result pictured. I hole-punched the plates and sent home some string for the kids to add the web at home. Since Halloween is coming up, I wanted to share this craft with parents who are looking for something easy and fun to do together with their little one(s).

Here are the supplies needed:

Life Lessons to Share

I found this blog under the name of Momista Beginnings. I was so impressed with an article the author, Misty from Southern California wrote which came in two parts. The articles are titled "Life Lessons To You, From Mom". Here is the link to the article part 1 http://momistabeginnings.com/life-lessons-to-you-from-mom-part-1/ and here is the link to the article part 2 http://momistabeginnings.com/life-lessons-to-you-from-mom-part-2/

These life lessons are so valuable that I must share. Here is the list:

Language Development Activities for Toddlers and Preschool Age

Toddlers at the age of one to about 18 months old, pickup on repeating what they hear from their environment, playmates, from being read to and the like. As toddlers grow and show interest in expanding their limited vocabulary at around 18 months or older, adults and teachers could help expand this interest with fun activities.

Music Appreciation and Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Toddlers & Preschoolers love to listen to music while playing. Quoted from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Children are natural musicians, and exposure to music during the early years enhances the learning process by promoting language development, creativity, coordination, and social interaction.

Caregivers can play an important role in incorporating music and movement into a child’s life.”

Fine Motor Activities for Toddlers: Store Bought

Toddlers are always looking for something to play with, whether it means getting into the “no-nos” or playing with toys in the toy box or playroom. As parents, I’m sure you are always thinking of something for your little one to do as well as an activity that challenges his development while he is growing and learn each day.

I wrote an article, “Homemade Fine Motor Activities for Toddlers” over a year ago, which was full of fun and educational ideas you could make at home. This article includes even more fine motor activities that are fun, educational and relatively inexpensive. 

Kudos to "The Better Mom"

I was browsing around the Internet and found this awesome blog titled The Better Mom growing better together at www.thebettermom.com

Ruth, along with 26 other contributors, write articles in this blog regularly. I thought to introduce my readers to this blog because it's full of inspirational articles to give Mom's a boost and some hope with topics like anxiety & weary Mom's with bible verses that relates to Motherhood issues.
Like these articles: When Someone You Love is Making Poor Choices , Overcoming Fear with Authentic Faith , Where Interruptions Find Their Welcome With Weary Moms

Here is a little tidbit about the blog written by Ruth,

Naps: Weaning from the Morning Nap to One Nap a Day

Have you noticed a change in how long your little one naps during the day? Usually around ten months to sometime after one year, little ones start showing signs of not needing to nap as often as the earlier months.

Some signs to observe while deciding when your little one is ready to wean that morning nap are:

White Noise Machine? What’s All the Hype?

“White noise machines” have become popular among young parents with little ones. If you are a new parent, you are more than likely aware of this. If you are a grandparent or child care provider, this might be new to you. Through my child care program, parents are educating me on a new method of helping their little ones lullaby to sleep.

Happy Mother's Day!

 Wishing all Mother’s and Grandmother’s a well-deserved Happy Mother’s Day. Cherish this magical day as you celebrate with your family and relatives.

Here is a little poem to share . . .

Coloring with Crayons for Toddlers or Younger

Do you ever wonder what the appropriate age is to introduce your little one to coloring with crayons?

Depending on the interest of your little one, some might show interest as early as 10 months.

Large Motor/Gross Motor Activities for Toddlers

Is your toddler showing signs of boredom? Does your toddler consistently get into the “no-no” areas of the house? Toddlers are naturally curious about their world while absorbing new cause and effect knowledge from play. Here is a list of fun activities to help strengthen your toddler’s large/gross motor development and inspire his natural curiosity.

Routines for Toddlers and Infants? Are they important?

Yes, routines are important for this age group.

Should my routine for my toddler or infant match my child care routine? Not necessarily. In fact, it would be almost impossible to match your little one’s child care routine to your home routine.

 

If you think about it, in comparing child care verses your home, there are a few differences. Some of those differences are: 

Potty Training? Is Your Toddler Ready? Part 3 of 3

Is Everyone Ready? Potty Training in 10 Days

If everyone involved is ready for potty training, make sure you have supplies ready. Here is a list of supplies to have:

Potty Training? Is Your Toddler Ready? Part 2 of 3

Indications of When Your Toddler is Ready & Potty Training Expectations



Is your toddler ready? Read the list below to help make that decision:

•   he remains dry for longer periods of time

•   he tells you he is wet or needs the diaper changed

•   he can pull clothes down and up

•   he shows strong interest

•   he has good language development as he will need to tell you if he needs to go

Indications that you the parent(s) and child care provider are ready:

•   You had an opportunity to introduce

Potty Training? Is Your Toddler Ready? Part 1 of 3

In my child care program, I encourage parents to introduce potty training at home when their toddler is around the age of two. To get started, before your toddler’s 2^nd birthday, the parents could purchase a port-a-potty to explore. Find one that has an attachment from the potty seat onto a toilet (like pictured).

What do I mean by exploring?

Infant Play Yard or Infant Area Suggestions

You might ask why is it necessary to setup an infant play yard? Your infant could benefit greatly when given an opportunity to explore with “tummy time”. As your little one is exploring, this area could be created as a safe spot for your infant to roam without the risk of injury or harm. This area can be setup in the living room or common area. Of course once your little one grows and is crawling, he/she will need more space like a childproofed playroom.

Why is tummy time so important? What does an infant area look like?

Infant & Toddler Developmental Milestones

Sometimes, parents or grandparents wonder if their infant or toddler is developing at a normal pace.

To find guidelines for your child’s development or milestones on a month to month basis, I suggest

Valentine’s Day Crafts or Art Projects

Valentine’s Day is coming up real soon, just next month! I know crazy, right? I thought it would be fun to share some Valentine crafts which are easy to do with toddlers, preschoolers and older kids as well.

Handprints on Heart:

Supplies: pink or red or white construction paper, paint for handprint (any color), marker, glue, heart stickers, other textured paper to add like; clear wrapping paper (cellophane), tissue paper, ribbon

Crafts and Art Projects with Toddlers & Preschoolers

Feeling overwhelmed with the idea of putting together crafts or art projects for toddlers or preschool age group? Read below as I share some tips on how to minimize the mess and maximize the fun and creativity with your little one. Crafts and/or art projects can be even more fun with a playmate or sibling.

First of all, the importance of art activities with toddler/preschool age is