Category: Parenting

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Over the Top Kid Birthday Parties

I went to a birthday party this past weekend that just seemed a bit over the top for a  5 year old.  It reminded me of the sweet sixteen birthday parties of celebrities that spend thousands of dollars for one day.  Don’t get me wrong, we had a great time at the party, but I don’t want my children to come to expect parties like this and think it is the norm.

I think it’s perfectly fine for a child to have a bounce house, or a clown, or a pony, or an entertainer, at his or her party, but when all of the above are present I think that’s completely overboard.  It’s a good idea to have some restraint when it comes to planning a party for a little kid.  I’m sure the child’s mom just wanted to shower her with anything and everything possible.

It just seems crazy to me and somewhat wasteful when the money that was used for all of the entertainment could have been put to soo much good to benefit other children.  I would rather instill in my child the values of hard work because I don’t want them to take what they do have for granted.

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Baby Fever Strikes

I keep seeing all of these adorable babies every where I go.  I think I’ve been hit with baby fever.  I just love looking at the cute smiling faces of the precious little beings. The smell of a newborn baby is intoxicating.  I just can’t seem to get enough of it.

I try to get my baby fix by going to the mall and baby stores.  Usually there are always a baby or two around that I can ogle at.  I always go to baby section and pick out the cutest little out fits.  Yesterday when I was in Walmart, I saw the sweetest child with his mommy.  They were picking out onesies.  I couldn’t help myself and had to say hi just to see the smile on the little guys face.  He was only three months old and had the fullest head of hair I’ve ever seen on a baby.

I have two children of my own but now I’m thinking I might want another one.  Maybe I’m crazy.  I’m not sure I really want to go through all of the no sleep and diapers again.  But really it is oh soo worth every minute of it to hold your child in your arms as you gaze down into their tiny eyes.

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Supplies for Adventures in Potty Training

Potty training is big milestone in every child’s life.  It can be harder than people think and take pounds of patience.  It’s important to make sure you start potty training when your child shows you signs that he/she is ready.  If you force it on him/her it probably won’t turn out like you expect. There are a a few things that you will need in order to be successful in your potty training adventure.

Potty training supplies:

1. Pull Up training  pants – feel free to get your favorite brand or even the local store brand. I’ve tried a few different brands and found that it really depends on the child.  Some brands have characters that children prefer over others.

2. Child size potty – I like the kind that is convertible.  We have one that turns into a step stool when the lid is closed.  It also plays music as a reward when anything is out into the potty.  Another great feature about the potty we have it that the seat that the child sits on can be used on a adult sized toilet as well so you don’t have to buy any additional inserts.

3. Child size potty seat insert – this is important if your child is really little.  A big adult toilet can be scary.  Kids can often be afraid of falling in when there is a lot of open space around them. A child sized seat will eliminate all of the extra room and prevent and accidents of falling.

4. Stickers – we have always used stickers in our home.  Our kids love to have stickers.  We tried temporary tattoos once too because they don’t peal off when you put them on a hand.

5. Incentive chart – When children can see their progress they get excited.  My girls like to count the stars or stickers they earn on their charts when they use the potty.  We always give 1 sticker for pee and 2 for poop.

6. Lots of dry clothes – accidents are inevitable.  It’s always a great idea to travel with a few extra sets of dry clothes with your kids during potty training time.

7. Patience – Remember your child will learn to use the potty.  It probably won’t happen over night.  Just keep encouraging your children and before you know it you will have your own potty training success story.

 

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Things I Never Thought I Would Say As A Mom

Becoming a parent really opens up the world to a vast array of things you’d never thought you would say in your life. What are some of the crazy things you’ve said since becoming a parent?  What are some of the silly things you’ve heard parents say? These are just a few things I’ve said as a mom that I never dreamed would come out of my mouth.

1. Tampon applicators are NOT toys.

2. Dog food is NOT for eating.

3. The dog is not a pony.

4. Get that out of your ear.

5. Don’t tickle mommy’s nipples.  They are for food not a toy.

6. Stop eating your sister’s lunch.  You just had your own.

7. We don’t lick the dog.

8. No, marshmallows are not a breakfast food.

9. I do not want to smell your socks. Please get them out of my face.

10. Put the dog poop down.

11. That’s my belly button. Stop digging in it, it hurts mommy.

12. Poop is not for finger painting.

13. Get out of the tub so I can clean up the poop.

14. I want a mini-van.

15. No mommy doesn’t wear diapers.

16. There’s a party in your tummy. So yummy so yummy.

17. Get your finger out of mommy’s nose.

18. Yogurt goes in your mouth, not in your hair.

19. No we don’t put shampoo on our tooth brushes.

20. Why are there bubbles all over the bathroom?