Saturday, March 28, 2009

Crafting With Kids

It's allot of fun to craft with your children. There are so many craft ideas for kids. Here are a few free craft ideas: Collect items from around the house... small baby food containers, empty toilet rolls, egg cartons, twist ties, cardboard boxes, and old birthday cards are a few ideas. Put them in a box with some markers, glue, safety scissors, and card stock and let your child`s imagination start to flow. Another fun idea is scrapbooking.
It's a fun and fairly easy activity with kids. You could also make a craft box that include crayons, markers, glue, tape, wooden sticks, confetti from birthday cards, even balloons. Dollars stores are great ways to stock up on supplies. Allowing your children to create their own crafts gives them a great outlet for their imagination. Marvel their creation, and they will love you for it!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Positive Potty Training

Are you ready to potty train your toddler? That's great! But now, what do you do?
First of all xxplain to your toddler that going to the potty is something everyone does it. Get excited about it! Talk about the toilet as a place that big kids go. Let him try flushing himself. Tell him that they will be wearing underwear and not diapers.
Find educational and entertaining videos and books of their favorite characters using the potty. My little ones loved the Elmo uses the Potty dvd. Let them have a voice in the under garments you choose. Decide if you are going to go "cold turkey" on diapers, or use pull-ups or training pants. Stick to your decision so your toddler does not get confused. Decide whether or not you want to use rewards. For example: stickers, chocolate chips...
Figure a strategy how to use the potty when away from home. I use to put ours into the car with us. Praise your child for each successful trip , and comfort when accidents happen. Let them know it's okay to take time to get the hang of using the potty and encourage and praise each attempt they make. With consistency and praise they will soon be completely trained.