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: