kids

  • Ah... the things kids say!

    Dh was amazing last night. No -- *THAT* isn't what I am talking about!

  • Tips on Getting Kids to Bed (and Keeping Them in Bed)

    What can you do to peacefully get your kids to go to bed at their scheduled bedtime?  And what can you do to help them stay tucked in bed?

  • A Nanny, a Dog and Kids!

    When there is anyone other then Mom or Dad supervising a baby in the home there is likely to be a change in dynamics for the dog. Dogs are sensitive to the changing of people coming and going. Some dogs, more then others.

    This is often reflected in articles of major dog bite incidents that hit the news. Many times it is not the parent who is the caretaker when the bite takes place. Some reason for this may be:

    1. The caretaker is less familiar with the dogs responses and signs indicating stress or agitation.
  • Parenting Kids & Dogs

    After having already had three children and a houseful of dogs and cats I pretty much thought I was prepared for our fourth baby, Kelsyann. I'm an experienced Mom right?!? This should be easy.

    Well boy was I wrong! From the beginning Kelsyann has been a needy baby. Nothing that worked with the others seemed to work for her. This has been interesting, frustrating and challenging at best!

  • Mother Muse: Dirt is Dirt in the Terrain of Parenthood

    The landscape of my life has changed. Of course my life has changed by becoming a mother, but quite literally, the view from my kitchen is much different now (a blossoming backyard with four monstrous tomato plants in the corner) from what it used to be (a cramped sidewalk and the neighboring building's brick exterior).

  • Mother Muse: Tales from a Wanna Be Band-mom

    Like most parents, I cannot help but indulge in the impulse of an occasional daydream: How will this child, whose nose I wipe without disgust, diapers I change with minimal complaint, and favorite books I read ad nauseum, turn out once he finally functions independently of me?

  • Show and Tell

    I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. One day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very out-going kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday."

  • Holiday Toy Safety Tips

    When it comes to purchasing toys and games for the Holiday season, well meaning parents and relatives go crazy. Keep the Holidays simple, fun and safe by following these guidelines. Share them with family and friends for a wonderful season.

  • Kids' Activity: Instant Oatmeal!

    Does your child love the single serving packages of instant oatmeal? He can cook them all by himself -- just measure the water and one package of oatmeal; then microwave. There is only one drawback. The price. Here's the solution! Make your own individual serving packages with your child. Let him choose his favorite varieties.

  • Kids' Activity: Icicle Sun-Catcher!

    Freezing and melting is a mystery to young children. Have your child watch the butter melting on warm toast. Draw attention to ice cubes disappearing in a glass of water. Watch ice cream turn into a liquid mess. Discuss the concept of some solid things melting in warmer temperatures.

  • Tips on Getting Kids to Bed (and Keeping Them in Bed)

    What can you do to peacefully get your kids to go to bed at their scheduled bedtime?  And what can you do to help them stay tucked in bed?

  • Ah... the things kids say!

    Dh was amazing last night. No -- *THAT* isn't what I am talking about!

  • Kids' Activity: Scavenger Hunt!

    Avast 'ye land lubbers! It's time to seek out the buried treasure! Children love to play pirates. You can add even more fun by dressing up -- bandannas, scarves, ruffles and dress up capes are perfect! Judge your child's skill level and then choose the version of play below.

  • Parenting Kids & Dogs

    After having already had three children and a houseful of dogs and cats I pretty much thought I was prepared for our fourth baby, Kelsyann. I'm an experienced Mom right?!? This should be easy.

    Well boy was I wrong! From the beginning Kelsyann has been a needy baby. Nothing that worked with the others seemed to work for her. This has been interesting, frustrating and challenging at best!

  • Show and Tell

    I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. One day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very out-going kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday."

  • A Nanny, a Dog and Kids!

    When there is anyone other then Mom or Dad supervising a baby in the home there is likely to be a change in dynamics for the dog. Dogs are sensitive to the changing of people coming and going. Some dogs, more then others.

    This is often reflected in articles of major dog bite incidents that hit the news. Many times it is not the parent who is the caretaker when the bite takes place. Some reason for this may be:

    1. The caretaker is less familiar with the dogs responses and signs indicating stress or agitation.
  • Mother Muse: Fully Exposed

    My joy for my babes has always been fairly transparent. Put my three-year-old in front of me in a shining moment of cuteness or kindness or cleverness and I'm begging, groveling even, for hugs and kisses.

  • Dogs: Best Known Breeds for Kids

    The most common mistake parents make when buying a family dog is choosing a dog that is cute or the right size rather than considering breed and temperament. Dogs should be solidly built - able to take roughhousing by children, patient and gentle in nature.

  • Mother Muse: Tales from a Wanna Be Band-mom

    Like most parents, I cannot help but indulge in the impulse of an occasional daydream: How will this child, whose nose I wipe without disgust, diapers I change with minimal complaint, and favorite books I read ad nauseum, turn out once he finally functions independently of me?

  • Mother Muse: Slipping Into Mom Jeans?

    A coup? A support group? This got me thinking about mom jeans and what they represent. What is it about mom jeans that make us laugh and cringe at the same time? How can a pair of pants inspire so many exclamation points?