Teach Child to Tie Shoes

I am getting ready to help a child jump over another milestone. It's time to get my four-year-old started on learning to tie her shoes. About a week ago, she started wanting to tie her own shoes so that tells me it's time. There is this book that teaches a child how to tie shoes, with shoe laces and everything, that Santa is going to bring her so she can do it on her own. She's an independent little thing when she wants to be (only when she wants to be).

I'm hoping this will be easier than potty training went for her!

Jazz Up the Mom Look with Women's Sunglasses

What is one great tool to have on hand when you have to run out to do errands but haven't had the time to fix your face with make-up the way you used to (and how could you...new babies keep you busy)? Toss on a great pair of women's sunglasses to cover up the fact that you didn't get more than a few hours of sleep the night before. Change the stained shirt and nobody will know that you slept two hours, had been spit up on twice, didn't have time for make-up, and then leaked breastmilk at the first sound of your baby's cry.

This picture here is of mom to two, Jennifer Garner and her daughter, Violet, both out and about wearing their shades.

Danger to Kids: Huffing

If you have kids that are a bit older - upper elementary through high school - have you talked to them about the dangers of huffing yet? Kids take things they find around the home and get high from it. It's important to learn what they use, how they use it, to lock this stuff up, and have a good talk with your children about the dangers. See the video here.

Ready for baby shower invitations?

It's a few months away from the big day - your child's "birth" day - is your baby shower scheduled yet? Have the baby shower invitations been mailed out and RSVP's noted? This is the traditional baby shower.

However, many people are waiting until after the birth of the baby to throw a shower for the new mother. Having had several children, this seems like a really good idea actually. Holding a baby shower after the birth allows the attendees to know exactly what gender they are buying for. It also allows the new mom to figure out what she really needs and what becomes superfluous.

Whatever you decide, congratulations on the little one!

Keep Toddlers Busy for Cheap

If you little one is a fan of Nick Jr's shows (Dora the Explorer, Fresh Beat Band, Blue's Clues, Olivia, etc.), did you know you can print coloring sheets of their favorite characters to color? I do this with my four-year-old and have for about the past year. She loves to keep busy coloring and it doesn't cost anything more than a couple sheets of paper and a little printer ink.

Baby's First Hair Cut at Kids Franchise

Baby's first hair cut is always fun but bittersweet and it comes for moms or dads to hurdle over that milestone at different times. It really depends on how fast your child's hair grows (and when you're emotionally ready to let go of the baby locks).

Some babies and toddlers may not mind it and others may be afraid of what is happening. Taking them to a kids franchise hair salon with the bright, fun colors can help ease the fear for them. I'm afraid there isn't much you can do to ease your emotions over it - take lots of pictures and save that first chunk of hair cut loose from your little darling's head. Don't be surprised if curls get cut off and straight hair grows in its place. It happens.

Just don't schedule it during a time when they'd normally be napping or eating. You want to set up the situation for the best possible outcome (and least amount of tantrum opportunities).

Out of the Mouth of Little Ones

My four-year-old daughter just came up to me and asked:

"Mom, will it hurt when I have a baby and go to the dentist so they can get it out? Can I just let it fall out?"

Oh, if only childbirth was that easy, lol.

Folic Acid Cause Asthma?

A small study in Australia is looking at the possibility that folic acid may increase a child's risk of developing asthma if taken in late pregnancy (only late pregnancy, NOT prior to or early pregnancy where it is still thought to be useful in preventing neural tube defects). I sure hope that study is wrong for the thousands of women who were told by doctors to take it throughout pregnancy. Read more about it here.