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Love Language for Kids

LIFESTYLE, PARENTING

Understand your love language for kids . It can be the key to unlocking a deeper connection and happy, secure relationships. Let’s explore the fascinating world of children’s love languages, helping you understand your child’s needs. Discover the most effective ways to make them feel loved and valued.

Love Language for kids

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Inspired by the bestselling book “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman, this article explores the concept of love languages: how kids experience and crave affection. We’ll unveil the different ways children perceive love, helping you to see your little one’s needs. From words of affirmations to playful quality time, discover the key to unlocking a deeper connection and showering your child with love in a way that truly resonates with them.

1. Words of Affirmation

Children who have Words of Affirmation as their love language need to hear encouraging and positive things from their parents. Simple statements such as “I am so proud of you” or “You did a great job” can go a long way to show your child love. You can also write notes for your child and leave them on their desk or in their lunch bag, as a way of showing encouragement and support.

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Some words of affirmation inspiration:

“I love the drawing you made, tell me about it”

“That’s a great question”

“I believe in you, you should try it”

2. Quality Time

Children who have quality time love language want you to spend time with them, doing activities that they enjoy. Turn off your phone and spend quality time with your child playing board games, baking, or going for a nature walk. Make sure you are fully engaged with your child and showing that you are interested in what they are doing. You will see their heart full with love.

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Some ideas for quality time:

Make plans with your child – plan a trip or create weekly family menu

Cook together – how about try new recipes or make old fashioned chocolate chip cookies

Let your children pick a game they like

3. Physical Touch

Children who have this love language touch need physical affection such as hugs, holding hands, and high fives. They need to feel the warmth of their parent’s love through physical touch. Create time in the evening to cuddle under blanket, watch tv with them on your lap, and don’t forget daily kisses.

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Tips for this language

Never let go first of a hug because you don’t know how long your child needs

Show appreciation with touch and kiss

Good night kisses are the best!

4. Acts of Service

Children who have Acts of Service as their love language feel loved when their parents do things for them. Examples include helping with homework, cooking their favorite meal, or doing a chore they don’t like doing. These acts show them that you care about them and are willing to put time and effort into making their day better.

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Act of service Ideas

Fix their favorite toy

Visit charity with their old toys

Clean their room for them

5. Gifts

Children who appreciate receiving gifts are thrilled by the thought and effort that goes into picking out a special item just for them. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something meaningful. They appreciate the thought behind a gift because they know when you were away, you were thinking about them.

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Gift ideas for kids

In the store allow them randomly pick an item with a budget of few dollars

When you travel surprise them with a gift that you thought of them

Pick their favorite fruit in the store

Love language for kids:

It’s important to remember that every child is different and may have a combination of these love languages. As parents, we need to understand that every child has individual needs and preferences when it comes to showing love and affection. By learning about the different love languages, we can show our children that they are loved, appreciated, and valued.

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Spending quality time with family

FAMILY FUN, PARENTING

Spending quality time with family is essential for having a strong bond and closer relationship. It can help bring people together, strengthen the connection between family members, and create happy memories. Quality time with family can also be beneficial to overall mental health and wellbeing. Taking the time to spend time together can lift spirits, increase happiness levels, and even reduce stress.

Spending quality time with family

Volunteer

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As a parent, you have the opportunity to show your children the power of volunteering and create strong bonds with them. From soup kitchens to animal shelters, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in your community. Whether it’s through short-term projects or longer commitments, volunteering is a great way for families to connect while teaching important values. Spending quality time with family for a good cause.

Set goal together

When you and your family set a new goal together, it can be an incredibly powerful way to strengthen the bond between you. Working together towards a common purpose helps create a sense of unity, loyalty, and dedication that enhances the connection you already have. Plus, it’s also very rewarding to experience accomplishing something as a team and good quality time!

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Take a silly pictures together

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Gathering the entire family for a fun and silly photo session is an incredible opportunity to create enduring memories. Whether it’s around the dining table or in front of an iconic landmark, photography brings people together, allowing you to capture and share those precious moments. Get imaginative with poses and think outside the box when it comes to creating the perfect picture. Consider choosing a theme or a favorite movie to capture those extraordinary moments.

Play Theater

Set aside dedicated time with your kids to create a play. Get your costumes ready, choose a scene, write a script, or even try improvisation moments. Encourage your kids’ imagination to flow and cherish the special memories that will endure for a lifetime.

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Time for picnic

Going on a picnic is also a great way to enjoy the nice weather and quality time together. Head to your local park or beach and pack a meal with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Have some fun playing sports, flying kites, or just lounging around while talking and enjoying each other’s company in the sunshine.

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Cook meal together

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Another awesome way to have fun together is cooking a meal as a family. This can involve each person taking on specific tasks like chopping vegetables or assembling dishes according to recipes. You could even make it educational by teaching kids how to measure ingredients precisely and explain why certain spices are used.

Let children rule the day

Giving children a chance to take the lead can be an exciting experience for everyone. It allows them to think creatively, collaborate with one another, and make decisions that affect their environment. Allowing children to rule the day can also help teach them important social and problem-solving skills as they learn to work together.

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No matter what your family decides to do for fun, make sure that everyone’s needs are taken into account so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. Quality family time should be engaging and full of laughter! So take advantage of every opportunity you get to spend some extra special moments with your loved ones. Cheers to spending quality time with family!

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5 Best Strollers on Amazon 2024

PARENTING

Looking for the best strollers? Keep in mind some key features that will make your life easier as a new parent. Look for easy maneuverability, adjustability, weight, a comfy seat, and other features that might be important to you.

Consider your lifestyle or your motherhood. Do you need a stroller that is easily foldable for frequent car travel with family? Or are you a jogger wanting a stroller that can keep up with your active lifestyle?

What are the Best Strollers on Amazon 2024?

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller

This product is simply amazing! Offering a comprehensive set including stroller frame, reversible toddler seat, bassinet, infant seat and base, it provides a range of flexible options that never disappoint. And the convenience of having the infant seat clicking straight into the stroller frame cannot be overstated. All this for an unbeatable price!

Cruz V2 Stroller – Greyson

This stroller’s got all the bells and whistles! The storage space is fab, so pack all the toys and snacks. Your growing tot will love the piggyback/glider option and no bumps on the head! And, you can adjust the seat higher so they can explore the world while the stroller reclines nicely for nap times. Plus, it comes with two covers and a belly bar!

Chicco Bravo Primo Trio Travel System

This car seat/stroller combo is just great! Installing the car seat is a breeze, anyone could do it! Whether your car is new or old, just use hooks or a seat belt to secure the base. Then, click the car seat in place! It’s so easy to remove and snap onto the stroller. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one!

Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System

This stroller is so convenient to use, with an easily foldable and openable frame that’s perfect for a small car trunk. It’s also super sturdy yet lightweight, and stands up by itself. The car seat has received fantastic safety reviews, and it just clicks into the stroller without any fuss. The wheels glide smoothly, and when you’re done, it folds up really nicely. And the best part? This “mini” stroller isn’t bulky like some others!

Graco Verb Travel System

This stroller is a complete game-changer! Folding and unfolding with just one hand is unbelievably effortless. And even while folded, it’s easy to pick up and move around. This stroller glides like a dream and steering it is a breeze. It’s ideal for smooth, paved surfaces but more than capable of taking on the occasional rugged terrain. Plus, it’s built to last – so durable!

What questions to ask when buying a best strollers?

How durable is the stroller?

What is your lifestyle?

Does it fold with one hand?

Is it light weighted?

What size of the family we are planning?

What is the cost?

Where do you store your stroller?

What are safety features?

With these tips in mind, you can find the best stroller to meet your needs!

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What I wish I said to kids when they were younger

PARENTING

Now that I’m older, I often look back and wish I had told my kids certain things when they were younger. Whether it was about the importance of school, following their dreams, or being more responsible with their time. There are so many valuable lessons that could have been imparted.

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Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress of raising a family and forget to take those important moments to tell kids how much they mean to us. We may even be reluctant to push them too hard or put too much pressure on them.

If I could…

If I could go back in time, there are a few pieces of advice that I wish I said to kids when they were younger:

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Work hard now and be proud of your accomplishments

“Don’t let the present moment overshadow the incredible things you’re building! Work hard now, dig deep and push yourself further. The satisfaction of looking back on what you’ve achieved is a feeling unlike any other.”

“Remember, success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey paved with challenges and triumphs. Be proud of the small victories along the way – the extra hour you put in on a project, the skill you finally mastered, the goal you achieved. These moments accumulate, building a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Don’t be afraid to take risks

“I know things might seem tough right now, but remember all the amazing things you’ve accomplished already! You passed that test last week, and remember how proud you were when you finally mastered riding your bike? Every challenge you overcome, every late night you spend studying, adds another sparkly gem to your crown of achievements.”

“Don’t be afraid to take chances, even if you stumble a bit. Remember how you learned to walk? Lots of little falls before you took off running, right? Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow even stronger. So keep reaching for the stars, my love. Mommy believes in you, and the feeling of achieving something you set your mind to – that’s the sweetest reward of all!”

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Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it with all your heart

“You are capable of incredible things, and I want you to remember that. Remember the way your eyes lit up when you learned that new song on the piano? That’s passion, honey. It’s that spark that makes you want to learn, to create, to push yourself further.”

“Don’t be afraid to explore, to try new things, and to chase after what sets your soul on fire. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Now go out there and find your spark.”

Take responsibility for your actions

“It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes! But what matters most is how we learn from them. Taking responsibility for your actions is a big part of growing up.”

“When you take responsibility, you’re not just saying “sorry,” you’re showing that you understand what happened and why. It means thinking about what you could have done differently and learning from it. When you take responsibility, it shows everyone around you that you’re mature and capable of learning. People respect that and you’re working to be the best version you can be.”

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Stay positive, even when times get tough

“Being positive isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about knowing that even when things are hard, you can find a way through. It’s about having that little voice inside you whisper, “I can do this!”

“Sometimes, a positive attitude is all it takes to turn a bad day around. Maybe you can write down things you’re grateful for, or call a friend who always makes you laugh. Even a small smile can change your perspective. Keep that positive light shining, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!”

One thing is for certain: My kids are my world and I want nothing but the best for them! So no matter what age, I will always strive to be there for them. Guide them in the right direction, and help them reach their full potential. That way, they can go out into the world with confidence and take charge of their lives!

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Why kids should spend time outdoors

LIFESTYLE

Why kids should spend time outdoors

Remember building forts out of sticks, chasing butterflies, or digging for worms? While technology offers a world of entertainment, there’s a crucial ingredient missing from many childhoods today: time spent outdoors. In this article, we’ll explore the amazing benefits of time outdoors and why unplugging and stepping outside is essential for a child’s healthy development.

Trends in America

Bike

Kids today spend significant amounts of time on electronics, whether that is the tv, video games, computer, or other similar gadget. A survey done by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that kids today are 6x more likely to play a video game on any given day than they are to ride their bike.

Of course, all of this time spent indoors correlates with a decrease in physical activity. Childhood obesity rates continue to rise in the United States, especially post pandemic. American children are experiencing diabetes, obesity, stress, symptoms of depression, and other cognitive and emotional issues at ever increasing rates. And while many of these issues are complex, research continues to show that kids who spend time outdoors experience less of these problems.

Hiking boots

Kids benefit when they spend time outdoors

We know that children today are not making the same outdoor memories that their parents and grandparents did, and with disastrous side effects. All those little moments in the great outdoors offer some big benefits to kids. Let’s explore a bit about these benefits and recommit to getting our kids outdoors!

It’s good for their bodies!

Chances are, if your kid is outdoors, your kid is moving! Running, jumping, climbing, skipping, biking, crawling- there are so many opportunities to get moving when engaged in outside play. This movement is good for kids as they naturally develop their gross motor skills while interacting with the world around them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids aged 3-5 years old get at least three hours of physical activity per day.

Getting your kids outdoor every day increases the likelihood that you can meet this physical activity recommendation. Playing outside is a great way to build stronger bodies, learn new skills, and get needed exposure to the sun for Vitamin D! Plus, this study shows that a child who plays outdoors tends to sleep better! Sleep deprived parents everywhere grab your sneakers and hit the parks!

Soccer Ball

Football

It’s good for their minds!

Flying Disk

The physical benefits of getting kids outdoors are significant, but the benefits don’t stop there! Studies show that kids who spend time outdoors experience cognitive benefits as well. These kids tend to have better executive functioning skills and higher academic performance than their peers who spend less time outdoors. Our executive functioning skills are what help us to plan and prioritize, self-monitor, regulate emotions, multitask, and more!

Researchers believe that there is a link between the decreased amount of time children are spending outdoors and the drastic increase in learning and attention issues, as well as hyperactivity problems. Time outdoors helps kids with their ability to concentrate and pay attention for longer amounts of time.

It’s good for their well-being!

Have you ever noticed how a problem can feel lighter after spending time outdoors? Adults have long realized that time spent outdoors makes them happier people. It is the same with kids! Kids who spend time outside are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be happy! Studies show that kids who spend more time outdoors are less likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Flyer

Time in nature tends to spark creativity in children. When kids sped time outdoors their imaginations can run wild and their play can become anything! The exploration and adventures that a child can embark on when time outdoors can be a great confidence booster! Children need opportunities for independence.

When our children embark on adventures of their own making, take risks, persevere through challenges, and come out the other side, the resilience, pride, and sense of self they develop are truly priceless. When children are allowed to enjoy unstructured play outside they are building an inner sense of self-confidence that will last them their lifetime.

It’s good for their social life!

When kids are spending more time outdoors, they are more likely to be playing or interacting with other people. This increased social interaction offers them more opportunities to improve their social skills. Plus, when kids play outside it is often self-directed play, which not only allows them much-needed freedom and independence, it also gives them a chance to practice taking turns, problem solving with friends, and other important social skills.

Toss

It’s good for humankind!

When kids grow up appreciating nature, they are more likely to grow into adults who appreciate and care for this earth!

There are clearly many many benefits for our kids when they spend their time outdoors- so what are you waiting for?

Need some outdoor play ideas?

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Healthy breakfast for kids

BREAKFAST

Mornings are often busy. Parents are rushing to work and kids rushing to school, so serving a healthy breakfast option can be a struggle. But putting a little extra effort into your breakfast routine can make a huge difference for your child!

Healthy Cookbook

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a long night of sleep, choosing healthy foods to start the day off well can really impact a child’s energy level, concentration, mood, and other food choices later in the day.

While we may be tempted to settle for convenient breakfast options, remember that we are shaping our children’s long-term patterns around eating. We can probably all agree a healthy breakfast is important- but what exactly makes up a healthy breakfast?

“Breakfast foods”

Foods such as breakfast bars, granola bars, cereals, and toaster pastries are typically high in sugar and refined carbs and severely lacking in nutritional value. Marketing for these foods is often misleading.

Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast Bible

When I try to read nutrition labels I am easily overwhelmed. Sometimes it feels so impossible to feed our children…healthy food….three times a day. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. One way I have been able to cut down my stress is to try to mainly buy whole, real foods. I’ve crafted a good list of basic healthy breakfast item ingredients, and have actually enjoyed the challenge of finding a variety of ways to serve this nutritious food to my children.

So, let’s start with focusing on what ARE the important ingredients for a healthy breakfast for kids!

What constitutes a healthy breakfast?

My mom friends and I always joke that when our kids eat cereal for breakfast they are usually hungry (or should I say hangry) within the next hour! Why is that? Well, the extra sugar added in most cereals gives our children quick energy that is unfortunately quickly depleted.

So when we think about a healthy breakfast we want to think about what will nourish our child and give them energy for all the learning, growing, and moving they will do throughout the day. When planning for your child’s breakfast meals, think about protein, complex carbohydrates like whole grains, and healthy fats.

Oats

What’s in a healthy breakfast?

Protein

Proteins are important because they act as the building blocks for our bodies- they are a vital nutrient! Proteins are essential for our muscles, hair, skin, organs, as a source of energy for our bodies, and so much more! We need proteins to help our bodies grow, develop, restore, and repair. A child’s need for protein as part of a healthy diet is extra important as their bodies are growing and developing significantly as they mature.

If you aren’t sure how much protein your child should be consuming, the USDA has a helpful table with recommended daily serving sizes based off of age range, located here Protein Foods | MyPlate. The website includes a table showing ounce equivalents for foods such as nuts and seeds, beans, and eggs which is a helpful tool as you try to plan healthy meals.

Whole grains and other complex carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential for our bodies, and allow both our brain and body to function. Complex carbohydrates fuel our bodies for longer because they take longer to digest. The slow release of energy over time allows our body’s blood sugar levels to remain stable, which is important to manage hunger cravings and mood. Many foods that have complex carbs contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber as well!

Healthy Fats

In our diet-obsessed culture, “fats” get an ugly name. But the reality is that fats are an essential part of a healthy breakfast (or any meal!) for kids. Fats are needed for body and brain development, and are needed to help our constantly growing children to feel full.

Healthy Breakfast Building Blocks

Protein sources- breakfast edition

A great protein source for children is eggs. The great thing about eggs is how much variety they allow! There are so many different ways to prepare them, so you can be almost certain to find something your child will like!

Yogurt is a great healthy breakfast choice for kids and also high in protein. Be aware that Greek yogurt contains more protein than regular yogurt. I recommend plain unsweetened Greek yogurt, but if you choose something different do read the nutrition label carefully. Check the amount of protein (a good Greek yogurt can contain 15 to 20 grams of protein in an 8 ounce container). Also check sugar content, as some yogurt brands are notorious for adding a significant amount of sugar.

Whole grains and complex carbs sources- breakfast edition

Fruit and vegetables are both great additions for a healthy breakfast for our kids. I always feel great about my mom skills when my kids start the day off with vegetables and fruits as part of their breakfast!

Oatmeal is an excellent healthy breakfast choice for kids! Like eggs, oatmeal can be prepared in many different ways. You can easily add seeds, nuts, nut butters, fruit, and so much more to get added protein and healthy fats. Every child can find a combination that they enjoy eating!

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Top 5 Quick Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Egg in a hole on whole wheat bread (my 2 year old loves to help prepare this one).
Yogurt parfait topped with fruit, nuts, and chia
Oatmeal (try with nut spreads, nuts, seeds, pumpkin puree, apple chunks, etc)
Avocado toast with egg
Vegetable omelet

Top 5 Make ahead Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Overnight oats (my children love carrot cake overnight oats and I love getting in a whole serving of vegetables at breakfast time)
Oat bake
Whole grain waffles
Egg and veggie bake
Turkey and tomato whole wheat bagel sandwich

Eat on-the-go Breakfast ideas

Breakfast Burrito
Smoothie
Yogurt with cereal
Egg and veggie muffins
Energy Bites

Add Kid’s vitamins

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Potty Training 101

CHILD, PARENTING

Potty training is one of the biggest worries among new parents. So many questions arise about when to start and how to do it. Well-meaning grandparents, neighbors, and childcare workers all want to offer advice, but the fact is – you are the parent and only you will know when you and your child are ready.

When to Begin Potty Training

There is no magic age when potty training should begin, but most children begin to show interest at around two years old. Forcing the child to learn before they are ready will just lead to frustration for you and them.

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Is My Child Ready?

A considerable portion of successful potty training depends on the child understanding the process and following instructions.

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Begin using words such as potty or toilet, pee, poo or BM.
Your child should be able to walk to the potty by himself for a few minutes.
The child should be able to pull down a training pant or diaper,
The child should be able to use words to voice their toilet needs
The child follows simple commands (i.e. pick up the blocks and put them in the box)

If your child isn’t ready, don’t stress. Children mature at different rates. Just because the neighbor’s two-year-old is using the toilet and your 28-month-old is not, that does not reflect your success as a parent. Also, don’t let well-meaning grandparents or childcare workers push you into starting before your child is ready. You know your child best.

Signs to Look For

Every child is different and accomplishes tasks at different stages, but there are certain signs that your child may be ready for toilet training.

Pulling off a wet or dirty diaper
Staying dry for 2 hours or more
Hiding in a corner to pee or poop
Following others into the bathroom
Flushing the toilet
Waking up dry from a nap
Telling you after they went pee or poo in their diaper
Specific body movements or facial expressions (i.e. the pee-pee dance)

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Not all children display all these signs, but you should begin talking to your child about the potty if you notice any of these behaviours.

How to begin

Let your child go into the restroom with you and talk to them about what is going on. (ie. I am going potty because I felt like I needed to pee.) Explain the need to flush and wash hands.

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Let the child flush the toilet. Have them stand on a stool and wash their hands while you wash yours.

Take the child shopping for training diapers and a potty chair. Let them help pick it out. Make a big deal about it.

Visit the library or bookstore for books about potty training. Many children’s authors have written about popular characters going through toilet training.

Purchase or make a potty training chart and choose stickers in the shape of favorite cartoon characters.

Encourage the child to use his potty words when you are changing his diaper.

Let the child sit on the potty with their diaper on while you read a story, or they play with a favorite toy. This eliminates the scary newness before toilet training begins.

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Once your child has become comfortable with the potty, begin by having them sit on it immediately after waking up in the morning or before nap time. If your child uses the potty, offer praise and add a sticker to the chart. If not, simply reassure them that you’ll try again in a few minutes.

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Remind your child about the potty every thirty minutes or so. Make sure he sits on the potty at least once every hour.

Always use verbal praise, even if they only sits there for a minute and does not go. Silly songs, hugs, high fives, and crazy laughs are all types of praise children respond to.

Helpful Tips

If you are training a boy, start out with him sitting down to use the potty. He will be ready to stand and urinate after he has control of when he needs to go.

Some children get off to a great start, then suddenly decide they don’t want to use the potty anymore. That’s a regular occurrence. Try new reward system or purchase some big boy underwear. Remember that it should be fun for the child.

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Be patient!! Accidents will happen. Children will mess on the floor. Clothing will be soiled.

Try potty training when it is warm in the house so your child can run around in just a shirt and a training diaper.

Make sure clothing is a little loose and easy to remove. Now is not the time for those cute overalls or a fancy party dress.

Always have the child try to go when you are near a restroom. Always!

After two weeks of consistent potty use with no accidents, go shopping for big kid underwear. Make a big deal out of selecting the ones the child wants.

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Bolster Their Imagination with These 8 Indoor Play Games

CHILD, GAMES

Here are 8 indoor play ideas that you can try with almost any age. A few of them are classic games or activities you might have done as a kid yourself, but some are probably new. As you transform your home into a land of fun and imagination, they’ll practice their creativity and their motor skills.

Indoor play:

Freeze Dance

ECHO DOT for kids

You might have played this classic dance before! Play a song and stop the music every now and then. The kids must “freeze” in place whenever the music stops. You can have them freeze in silly poses or with funky faces.

Older kids might find this a little childish, and if so, you can put them in charge of music while you play with the younger ones. Play their favorite songs and together you can have a dance party!

Scavenger Hunt

Turn your house into a wonderland of hidden treasures. Choose something to hunt for, like a pattern, color or word around the house. Mark each item off on a list as they find them.

To add a little extra fun, you can have your kids pretend they’re a pirate, an adventurer or a princess stuck in a castle. You can even hide specific items around the house. Remind them of their favorite storybook with a secret letter or candy gold coins. Let theirs (and your!) imagination run wild!

Chocolate Coins

Yoga for Kids

Yoga for kids

You might think of yoga as something only adults can do, but yoga for kids is a great indoor play activity. It’s healthy for them to stretch, use their muscles, and practice calming breaths. You can find many great resources online, such as Yoga with Adrienne. Some online sites have yoga especially made with kids in mind.

Or you can do it on your own! Have them stretch out on a mat and practice some good poses, like downward dog or warrior. They’ll burn off some energy and hopefully feel relaxed and at ease.

Charades

Charades is fun for the entire family, no matter what age. There are many variations, but the classic way to play is to have one person go up front and pantomime a book, song, celebrity or activity. You can choose specific categories like sports or Disney.

The others must guess what the word is. First person to guess gets one point! For added fun, you can split players into teams and the first team to guess gets the point. Or you can set a timer and take turns. The possibilities for this indoor playtime are endless!

Charade for kids

Who Am I? Game

Headbanz

Similar to charades, this classic game can be played many ways. The most common way is to have each person write down a famous person on a post-it note. You can set a category like singers or Disney characters. For very small children who can’t yet read, you can also use pictures instead of names.

Then, have each person pass the post-it to the next player. Remember, it’s a secret! So they shouldn’t know what the post-it says. Then, each player will put the post-it on their forehead.

You’ll take turns. The first player will ask yes or no questions to figure out who they are, such as “Am I a boy?” or “Can they sing?” After they ask their question, it’s the next player’s turn. The first person to guess correctly wins!

Blanket Fort

Who doesn’t have good memories with a blanket fort? This is one of the most popular indoor play games and for good reason! Together, you can build a great space for reading, movie-watching or cuddling during your nap.

Choose an area with lots of space. You can build your fort around the couch, table or whatever you can find. To add some extra flair, you can make a theme, such as a pirate ship, spaceship or underwater cave. Add lights, pillows, snacks–and of course, blankets.

Blanket

Puppet Show

Puppets

Puppet shows might sound like a lot of work, but they don’t have to be! Use an old sock or wooden spoon and together you can decorate with paper, felt, googly-eyes and pipe-cleaners to create their very own little puppet. Again, you can choose a theme, like fairies, animals or spooky ghosts.

Then you can set up a puppet theater–two chairs and a blanket will do just fine! Put on a show for the family and let their imagination show on stage.

Mission Impossible Obstacle Course

Test your child’s spy skills by creating an obstacle course in your own hallway. For this indoor play activity, you’ll need crepe paper and tape.

Tape lines of crepe paper from one wall to the other. You can zig and zag them high and low.

Have you tried these indoor activities? Staying indoors doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, with these indoor play ideas, you can make memories that they’ll look fondly on when they’re older.

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11 Ways to Baby-Proof Your Home

BABY, CHILD, PARENTING

Crawling, climbing, and curious – that’s the name of the game for most babies! As your little explorer embarks on their journey of discovery, it’s natural to want to create a safe and secure environment for them to thrive. Here are 11 easy and effective ways to baby-proof your home, transforming it into a playful space while giving you peace of mind.

Mount furniture to the wall

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Babies don’t weigh much, but they can still flip a dresser over. Those of you who live in areas prone to earthquakes might already now know how securing furniture works.

You don’t need to go so far as nailing into your floor. Secure furniture is to use plastic or metal brackets that screw into the wall and make sure it won’t tip over.

Lock your cabinets

Medicine bottles, cleaning products, knife drawers–we definitely don’t want kids getting into these. Most products these days come with baby-proof lids but it’s still important to go the extra step and lock the cabinets too.

Some locks wrap around the doorknobs and are released with a button or slide. Another option is using magnetic locks. With these, you simply remove the magnet on the outside to open the door.

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Install window locks

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It’s great having the windows open on a warm door, isn’t it? Fresh air is good for everybody! Still, just like cabinet doors, you should install window locks so your child can’t climb through.

A good way to ensure your tot can’t escape is to use a window stoppers. Keep the window from opening more than a few inches.

Use stove knob covers

We’ve all had a moment of panic about whether we left the stove on. Worse would be if you never turned on the stove at all–but your baby did.

To ensure your baby can’t reach your stove knobs, I recommend using stove knob covers. These are plastic hinged covers. You can flip them up and turn the knob when you need them. Baby-proof your home and keep your baby safe.

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Hide electrical cords

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Babies love to grab at things, and cords are no exception. Whether they’re lamps, appliances, or holiday lights, the cords should be hidden and tucked away so they can’t pull on them. Cable management is good practice, anyway.

First, you want cords out of sight. Use outlet cover box to hide your power strips . Also, hide cables, use hooks or cable protectors that attach to the wall. You can also run cords behind furniture or tape them down along baseboards.

Install a fireplace screen

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If you have a fireplace then you’ll definitely want a fireplace screen. These can either be doors that are attached to the fireplace or gates that block off the whole area

Avoid freestanding screens because even a small child can knock these over and get access to the fireplace.

Keep the baby’s crib free of toys, pillows, and blankets

Be sure there’s nothing in the crib with your baby, especially if they’re less than a year old. Even if they’re older than a year, the CDC still recommends you don’t keep anything in bed with them. Yes, even that favorite toy. Use sleepy sacks for keeping your baby warm.

Toys, pillows, and blankies in the crib look cute, but they pose suffocation risks. Small objects, like tiny toys or necklaces, can be a choking hazard. Alone in their cribs is when babies are their most unsupervised, so you should take extra caution and baby-proof the crib.

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Check your smoke and carbon detector

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Functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important for everyone. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer, and fires can be disastrous.

Test that the detectors work by pressing the “test” button and waiting till you hear a couple of beeps. If the sound doesn’t go off or is faint, replace the batteries. If the device still doesn’t work, you might have a faulty device and need to replace it.

Use electrical outlet covers

Is there a worse combination than a baby next to an outlet? Small children can’t know the dangers of electrical outlets or cords just yet, so you have to block their access.

Use either plastic socket protectors that can be inserted into the outlet or adhere plastic outlet guards that can be opened and shut.

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Install baby gates for stairs, outdoor access

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I still remember the baby gates my own parents used to keep me from waddling off. Baby gates are great for blocking off stairs, pools, or any room you don’t want a baby in

These gates can be installed with screws, adhesive, or even tension. Some come with doors you can lock, while others are tall enough only an adult can step over.

Outdoor baby gates are especially important. You can use these for your backdoor. If you have a pool or hot tub, be sure there’s no way a child can get close enough to fall in.

Remove anything that can be in the child’s reach

My last tip to baby-proof is more of a general reminder than any gadget. You want to get into the habit of keeping things out of reach. One method is to get on the ground and look at your house from a baby’s perspective. What can you grab?

Some important things you might want to put away are tablecloths, houseplants, and sharp table corners or tools.

As always, it’s best to keep an eye on the baby and always know where they are. As they get better and better at crawling and climbing, you want to make sure your hot drinks are in your hands and not theirs.

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Take a deep breath

This list of tips might seem overwhelming at first. As a new parent, there’s so much to remember about baby-proof (ing) your home. However, if you follow these guidelines, you can feel much better knowing your baby will be safer at home.

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