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parenting

The Best Ways to Help Your Picky Eater

May 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

Picky eating can make things difficult for a busy family – but being a finicky eater is a normal phase that more than half of all children experience at one time or another. Young children and toddlers often go through a period of picky eating as they develop their tastes and continue to try a large number of new foods.

Do you have some picky eaters? #kids #parenting

Your child’s food preferences may not align with your expectations and frustratingly, they can change wildly from one day to the next. These picky eater tips will help you get your child to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits that could last a lifetime.

Tips For Parents Of Picky Eaters

 

 

1. Eat Together

It can be tough to get your family to share a meal together, especially with distractions like phones, TV, and video games. But it’s also important to eat together, especially if your child is having trouble trying new foods and broadening his or her palate.

Eating as a family also lets your child know that they are expected to be flexible with their food preferences. Don’t become a short-order cook by making a separate meal any time your picky eater doesn’t like what’s on the menu.

Instead, try to put at least one thing they do like in each meal, and don’t force them to eat anything they’re not interested in. Children sometimes need to be exposed to a new food more than 10 times before they warm up to it.

For example, Yumble suggests that if you’ve decided to serve vegetarian foods to your kids one week, make sure you’re incorporating the new veggies into family favorites. Consider adding broccoli or carrots to mac and cheese, or serving a veggie-packed fried rice one night. Chances are your little one will be more open to trying something new when they’re familiar with the rest of the meal.

2. Don’t Pressure or Incentivize Them

Many parents try to get their children to try new and different foods, either by putting pressure on them to eat a certain amount or by offering them another food as a reward. It’s easy to see the logic behind these strategies, but they’re usually not as effective as they seem.

Trying to make your child eat a certain food can quickly turn mealtime into a hostile and combative environment, which is the opposite of the message you want to send. New foods should be presented as exciting and unique, not as a responsibility.

Similarly, bribing a child with the chance to eat a food they like after trying something new reinforces the idea that trying new foods is a difficult chore. It’s important to let them expand their appetites at their own pace and without too much external pressure either way.

3. Start Early

The habits we develop early in life are much easier to maintain than those we start later, and exposing your child to a range of healthy foods at a young age will make them more receptive to new foods as they continue to grow. Trying to introduce fruits and vegetables in later childhood will make this process even more difficult, as they will already have grown accustomed to a different diet.

You can help a younger child start eating healthier foods by modeling that behavior yourself and encouraging them to do the same. Children take after their parents in a variety of ways, and it’s much easier to convince them to try something new if they’ve seen you eating it before. For the same reason, it’s tough to get a child to eat healthy foods if their parents don’t follow the same habits.

A new picky eating phase can be confusing and difficult to approach, but this is a normal stage of growth that will usually go away over time as your child develops better eating habits. These tips will help you provide a supportive and fun environment for them to try new foods at their own pace.

Got some picky little eaters in your home? Expand their tastes with these #tips! #kids #food #parenting Click To Tweet

Have you discovered ways to get your picky eaters to try new things? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Enjoy!

I want to thank Rae of Yumble Kids for providing this guest post for our readers!   

 

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. ♥


Filed Under: Family Fun, kids, Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: parenting

How To Bring Order To The End Of The School Year

March 21, 2019 Leave a Comment

School is coming to a close for another year. The final weeks of a school year are typically full of an abundance important events. Concerts, recitals, graduation ceremonies, playoff games, sports banquets, field trips … the list goes on and on. It can be exhausting.

How to organize the end of the school year #familyfun #organizing

Nothing feels worse than rushing through life and not enjoying the scenery along the way. Wonderful people whom we love have great milestones taking place. Instead of truly enjoying each moment, we often hurry along just counting the moments till it is all over.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Bring calm to the chaos by planning these important weeks out on paper. Making a plan will make it seem so much more doable and will give you the assurance that all will go well.


Here is how:

How To Bring Order To The End Of the School Year

Get out 3 things: your personal planner, a family calendar and this year’s school calendar.

Pull out your children’s book bags, too. Why? Book bags hold little nuggets of valuable information stuffed inside. Check for newsletters or classroom flyers.


Start with the school calendar. Identify the important events, dates and times.

Awards Ceremonies

Class Trips

Concerts

Field Trips

Final Exams

Fund Raisers

Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation Rehearsals

Projects Due

Proms

Science Fairs

Sports Banquets

Sports Games

Teacher Appreciation Day/Week* (hint: first week in May!)


Put everything that pertains to your family on one family calendar. Now, add events generated by family and friends such as:

Baby Showers

Birthdays

Bridal Showers

Graduations

Picnics

Weddings


Your School Year Wrap-Up To-Do List

Finally, ask yourself “Is there anything I need to do for each event?” Is there special clothing that must be ready? Gifts to buy? Refreshments to be made? Invitations to send?

Think ahead. This is where a checklist comes in handy. In addition to your grocery list, a checklist will keep you on track with the finer details.

Tip #1: if you would like to give your children’s teachers a card or gift as a “thank you” for a great year, add that to your shopping list.

Remember to sign your kids up for summer activities before school comes to an end #tips

Tip #2:  the end of school is immediately followed by SUMMER! Do your children go to summer camp or summer programs? How about summer sports? Get them signed up before school is over! 


As school is coming to an end get a head start on all of the activities and events. Organize for it! #organizing #tips Click To Tweet

The most important thing to remember, as you travel through this event-laden season, is that you and your family are making memories together. Enjoy it all – and take pictures!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Family, Lifestyle, organizing, tips Tagged With: parenting, school

Taking Baby Out For The First Time

May 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

After the birth of their baby, parents are exhausted, especially the mothers. While, at the same time, the family is full of joy and happiness and can’t wait to move around and share that bliss. On the other hand, parents often worry whether they will do everything right the first time. Taking your newborn out can be challenging for new, inexperienced parents but it is nothing to be afraid of.

One of the best pieces of advice and most important one we can give you is not to panic. Here are some others which may help you feel relaxed and comfortable on your first day out as a family.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

1. Make sure that your baby is healthy

The very first thing you should do before taking your baby for a stroll is to ask your pediatrician for permission. The doctor will examine your child before discharging you from the hospital, so that would be a perfect time to ask everything that comes to mind.

They can give you valuable advice, especially when it comes to some issues regarding city pollution or fluid intake. If you take  a not fully healthy baby outside, their immune system can be compromised and you can make the matters worse. It is important to listen to the pediatrician and consult them whenever in doubt.

Enjoy an outing with your little one #babies

2. Pack the necessary things with you

Always have a bag with you with the necessities like diapers, extra clothes, and wipes. This baby diaper bag should include all the things that you need to keep your baby clean and well taken care of when outside. This bag will become your best friend, and you won’t go anywhere without it.

If you want to buy a super baby diaper bag, look for the ones that come with changing mat. This will save you a lot of trouble and eliminate one thing from the list of necessities to pack.


3. Prepare the baby for the first time out

Besides the diaper bag, there are other things to consider before taking your baby out. If the weather is warm, you should watch for mosquitoes. Using a net over stroller is a good idea. In addition, there are baby safe products you can use to repel  insects.

When it comes to sun, make sure that you put the highest protection lotion on your baby’s skin. Never go outside without it, even during certain sunny periods in the winter. Use an umbrella on your stroller or cloth for additional protection. Baby skin is very sensitive and still developing, so you have to make sure that they won’t get a sunburn.

Another important thing, keep your baby hydrated. Always carry a bottle of filtered water or herbal unsweetened tea with you and from time to time, give your baby a few sips. Use the wet wipes or cotton towel to wipe their mouth when they drool.

4. Dress your baby according to the weather

New parents tend to overdress or under-dress their baby. This is nothing unusual and actually a perfectly common thing. It is easy to dress them when it’s winter or summer since you expect severe weather conditions. However, when it comes to spring and autumn, you have to think ahead.

Unpredictable weather means you will have to pack a larger bag with things that will keep your baby dry if it starts raining suddenly, for example. If it’s cold outside, dress your baby in long sleeves and socks. Also, hat and mittens are mandatory, as well as a blanket, at least put on the side in case it really gets cold.

In summer, cotton or other natural materials are perfect for baby skin since they will prevent rashes. Make sure you dress them lightly and put a sunhat on baby’s head. Some strollers even have the sun and rain protection so use that, too. You should stay with the baby under a retractable awning for shade or just stay inside if the temperature is hot. Avoid parasols since they can create even more heat and do not protect from the UV radiation.


5. Don’t overdo it the first time

It’s important not to overdo it the first time when you take your baby out. Everyone is still adjusting to the new way of life and you should do it slowly. Baby will take in all the stimuli from the outside world and some may even make them cranky.

Spend a half an hour outside the first time, and then day by day start prolonging to longer periods. This type of adjustment will be good for mom and her baby and allow them to get used to going outside.

All in all

Simply put, take it slow and don’t pressure yourself. Allow your baby and you to get to know each other and find each other’s pace. Don’t be afraid to take your child out for a walk a few days after the birth, and listen to your doctor and pediatrician. After a few cautious outings, you will start being more and more comfortable and sure in yourself.

Guest post by Audrey Taylor. 

Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, full – time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Graduated from Queensford college, worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia, eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Traveled across the Europe. Her hobbies include: home decor, fashion, travel, music, old movies.

Hey seasoned parents, do you have any advice you can add to this about those momentous first-outings for new parents and their newborn babes? Please share them in the comments!

New baby? Here are some great tips on taking your little one out for the first time! #newborn #tips #parents Click To Tweet

Enjoy!


 

Filed Under: Babies, Babies & Toddlers, Family, tips Tagged With: babies, newborn, parenting

5 Reasons You Will Love Teaching Your Kids How To Cook

November 16, 2017 1 Comment

Create fond memories while you make great family meals. Teach your kids how to cook. This special time will be a favorite part of your week that is worth repeating again and again – I promise!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥


Five reasons why you will love teaching your kids to cook #kids #cooking

5 Fringe Benefits Of Teaching Your Kids How To Cook

As you explore the world of cooking together, you will discover there are fringe benefits. Teaching your kids to cook can lead to…

 

  1. Quality Communication – it is amazing what you will learn as you listen to your kids share at the kitchen counter. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better. Be a good listener and ready to laugh! Nothing is too trivial to chat about. Just let them talk.  
  2. Peace – i.e. a technology-free zone! Yes, you can finally get all those devices  TURNED OFF! Make a team agreement that you will turn off the phones, laptops, video games, etc. for this special time together. Everything can be recharging while you are cooking something spectacular in the kitchen. Have the power cords and docking station ready before you start.  Turn off the phones, plug them in, and get busy.
  3. Teachable Moments – cooking is educational. Teach your kids how to read the recipes. Show them how to prepare for cooking by pulling together the ingredients, bowls, pans, measuring cups, spoons and other tools.  Learning how to cook teaches children how to:
    1. Read accurately
    2. Pay attention to detail
    3. Use math skills for measuring and timing.
    4. Organize
    5. Take turns
    6. Follow through on projects from start to finish.
    7. Appreciate each others work.

 

Children love to  #kidsactivities #homeschooling

  1. Team Work – cooking together encourages cooperating with each other. Learning to work on a team is a great life-lesson. Let your kids make grocery lists, check for ingredients, plan menus, and help them learn how to implement their plan.The Pride of Accomplishment – Congratulations! You have made something delicious together. Consider putting a collection of the recipes together in a binder. Eventually, you can publish a family cookbook of your very own.

 

Create your own in-home curriculum for teaching your kids how to cook or buy one already set up for you! The cooking class curriculum from Kids Cook Real Food  is highly recommended and will cut your planning time way down!

Apron set for kids #cooking #kidsactivities #ad

Here is a list of fun tools:

  • Aprons
  • Chef Hats
  • Beginners Cookbook for Kids
  • Colorful mixing bowls
  • Special Binder (for making your own cookbook together)
  • Bright colored non-stick baking mats     
  • 35 Piece Child-Safe Cooking Kit for Kids   
  • Docking station for recharging your technology

 

5 reasons you will LOVE teaching your kids how to cook! #cooking #kids #recipes #food Click To Tweet

 

More fun than you can imagine - teach your kids how to cook! #familyfun

However you decide to put your cooking lessons together – just do it. You and your kids will value this precious family time together as you build lasting memories.

Enjoy!

 

 

 



 

Filed Under: Family, Family Fun, kids, Lifestyle Tagged With: cooking, homeschooling, Kidstir, parenting, tips

5 Things To Do For Your Child’s Teacher On The First Day Of School

August 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

Each school year begins with a clean slate – another opportunity to put the past behind and start out fresh. It is an exciting time for kids, parents and teachers! 

school, education, learnng, moms, teaching, ece

Yes, the school year is not just new for you and your children – it is new for your teacher, too. Having been a school administrator for many years and, currently, a preschool teacher, I can tell you that teachers are under a lot of pressure. Demands are high. Classroom help may be limited – if it exists at all – yet, they are still expected to get the job done with excellence and a smile. Partner with your child’s teacher to make this an awesome school year. They will appreciate the help!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Here are five simple ways to help your child’s teacher

1. Start each day off right – be on time! If your family is constantly cutting it close to the wire and just running through the door when the bell rings (or later) then the day is already starting off on the WRONG foot. Children need a few minutes to settle in, get acclimated and be ready to perform at their best when that bell does ring! Teachers maximize their classtime. Start time means really starting – students in their seats and ready to go. Help her out and get there early.

Tip – hungry, tired kids do not learn well. Make it a habit to see that your children get plenty of rest each night and eat a healthy non-sugary breakfast before they leave the house.

2. Read the paperwork! Schools send home communication prior to the first day of school. The classroom teacher may also have his/her own newsletter or FAQ sheet for families. Take the time to read it all and highlight (or take notes on) the important things to remember. If your school sends information electronically, keep on top of it.

family calendar

3. Keep a calendar! Write down the most important dates for the school year including first day of school, last day of school, open house, teacher conference days, holidays, special activities, sports, concerts, etc.

4. Homework! Believe it or not, there will be homework even in kindergarten. Your children need help getting into the homework routine. Create a time and place where they can do that homework every day. Many children do better if you are in the room. That doesn’t mean that you do the homework for them, but you are available to answer questions and be moral support. Teachers have a purpose in assigning work at home. Support that effort by encouraging your children to do it well and hand it in on time.

Tip – the homework location should also be a cell-free-zone. Electronics go off until homework is done. The earlier you enforce that policy the easier it will be to continue it throughout the year. Set a good example. Turn YOUR phone off, as well. Doing that will be a great help to your child. 

5. Volunteer! Not every parent is able to actually come in to aid in the classroom. If you can, your teacher will love it. Don’t feel bad, though,  if you cannot spend whole days. Consider offering other kinds of help. Talk to the teacher about his/her needs.


Suggestions: come to school and make copies on the copier, cut out pieces for projects, put up a bulletin board, clean the classroom at the end of the day, round up special materials he/she may need, laminate pieces, monitor quiet time so that he/she can take a break, write the classroom newsletter, chaperone a field trip.
5 things to do for your child's teacher on the first day of school #tips #school #parenting Click To Tweet

Can you think of ways to help your child’s teacher this year?  
Share them in the comments!

Enjoy!



Filed Under: kids, Lifestyle, school, tips Tagged With: parenting, school

8 Things You Should Tell Your Child’s Teacher

August 29, 2015 2 Comments

 

school, teacher, parenting, family trouble, sleepless, fear, anxiety
Life at home affects us all.  When it comes to our children, it can show up in the classroom. Teachers can only guess why a child is acting differently than the norm. A usually cheerful eager learner can become sullen, irritable, withdrawn or angry. As a teacher, I can say that it is so helpful when mom or dad gives me a little clue why things may be different.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Now, we are not talking dangerous conditions. If you have a situation that is becoming volatile, get help quickly. Go to a trusted family member, your pastor or even the police but do not gamble with your family’s safety.
In this instance, we are addressing are the normal circumstances of life that will pass but temporarily impact our kids.

The teacher may need to know about this:

1. Sleepless:  whatever the reason for a child not getting enough sleep, it can have an impact the following day at school. Teachers need to know!

2. Missed a meal: getting children to eat first thing in the morning can be a real challenge. Going to school hungry, though, will impact the day. Do your best to give them a healthy breakfast (not all sugar – include some kind of protein.) At the times that they have not eaten, let the teacher know. Be SURE to send an extra snack, if that is the case.

3. Getting Sick: parents can tell when their kids are coming down with something. I used to know when my son had an ear infection in the works before the doctor did. Teachers appreciate parental instincts and it helps to give them a clue that your child is feeling out of sorts.

4. Family Woes: financial stress, unemployment, sick family members, marital disagreements, broken down car…the list of possibilities goes on. It may not show in the child’s behavior but children certainly pick up on the vibes.

5. Loss: big changes like the death of a loved one or the family pet can have a significant impact. Moving from one house to another is another disruption, even if the move is a step up. Divorce, separation…there can be losses of many kinds.

6. Pain: headaches, bumps and bruises, allergic reactions, loose baby teeth.

7. Fear: anxiety over school itself. We’ve all heard of “test anxiety” but there are other kinds of apprehension, as well. When I was a little girl I had a bad experience in the cafeteria when I dropped a tray full of food. That did it for me. I was so fearful that I would never buy lunch again!

8. Peer Pressure: children can be very sensitive about who is nice to them, whether they feel acceptance or rejection…you know the drill. If there are some hurts there (especially if your child is very young) and they don’t seem to being going away, it may be something that should be discussed with the teacher.

Bottom Line: Whatever the deal is, do not hesitate to mention it to your child’s teacher. It will be appreciated and could make your child’s day at school a whole lot better.  

Help your child have a great day at school - 8 things you need to tell the teacher! #tips #parenting #school Click To Tweet

Stick and Stone
Children’s book about friendship.

Enjoy!

Photos from Freedigital Photos by stockphoto and Serg Betasius

 
 

Filed Under: kids, Lifestyle, Parenting, school Tagged With: family, parenting, school, teacher

Dr. Benjamin Carson – Great Role Model For Our Kids

May 4, 2015 Leave a Comment

Dr. Ben Carson; Dr. Benjamin Carson: Gifted Hands movie w Cuba Gooding Jr, Gifted Hands book, neurosurgery on babies

Years ago I read the biography of a most amazing man and his equally amazing mother. The book is called “Gifted Hands.“

 

The man: Dr. Benjamin Carson. He was the foremost pediatric neurosurgeon in America…maybe even the world! The first ever to successfully surgically separate twins born conjoined at the head, truly he has “gifted hands.”

 

Ben Carson’s story actually starts out with his mom. Unable to read herself, she was doggedly determined that her children would. What a lady! Seeing miserable grades coming home, and their lack of excitement about learning, she strategically challenged her boys to read, read, read.
“My favorite subject was recess. Fortunately for me, I had a mother who believed I was smart.” Ben Carson Click to Tweet
                             
Mrs. Carson, eventually, joined the ranks of the educated herself. But, her priority at first was her boys. Living as a single mom in the ghetto of Detroit, she took on two to three cleaning jobs at a time to support them. Her determination to see them succeed resulted in a love of learning in both of them. End result? One became a remarkable doctor, the other an accomplished business executive. Not bad, huh!

 

“There is no such thing as an average human being. 
If you have a normal brain, you are superior.”   Ben Carson Click to Tweet
                                                                                                                                        
Turn the clock ahead from the time I first read “Gifted Hands” to a time during the Bill Clinton administration. The surgeon general had been dismissed from her job and the president had to appoint a new one. Feeling the presence of God all over me, I wrote to him and suggested Dr. Carson. I didn’t hear back but that feeling stayed with me. It was like God was excited about something.

 

A lot of people say, “I can learn everything I need to know. I can watch this video or I can watch this DVD,” or what have you, but that’s like saying you can develop your muscles by watching somebody else lift weights.”  
                                                                    Ben Carson

 

Now, many years later, a much bigger need exists in our nation. We need more than another slick politician. We need more than a patriot. We need inspiration. I think we need Ben Carson. He just announced his candidacy to run for President of the United States in 2016. Wouldn’t it be something to have a president who is a great role model, as well? I call that an American dream.

What famous actor played Dr. Benjamin Carson in the MOVIE? 
Answer: Cuba Gooding Jr.   Click to Tweet 

 

                        
Movie Trailer: if you are reading this by email, please click on the title of this post and you can access the video.

   
 
So why is a “mommy blog” writing about Ben Carson? For our kids! It’s not easy to find true role models these days. So many would-be heroes are a disappointment. But Dr. Benjamin Carson is the real deal and a great example for children to emulate.  If you are looking for a great book to read for all ages – school age and above – get a copy of “Gifted Hands.”

 

Copies of the full version and the kids’ editions are available in your local public library … or you can buy them. However you do it, I do hope you will read it. As I said, we all could use a little inspiration. Get prepared to be amazed.


More about Ben Carson… 
Biography: Ben Carson

Interview with Ben Carson:  Academy of Achievement
Notable Biographies: Ben Carson


Gifted Hands, the movie starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

      

 
Note: this author is an Amazon affiliate. Anything purchased from Amazon through Ducks ‘n a Row will result in a small commission for me. In advance, “thank you!”  … Sinea 

Filed Under: Family, Lifestyle, Parenting Tagged With: Ben Carson, Gifted Hands, Kids, parenting, role model

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