I'm constantly looking for new ideas for my toddler. Everything from activities, tips, and food ideas. Please, please, please share any ideas you may have.
Best Bubbles EVER!
- At different activities around town, I've noticed the Gymboree Bubbles have been used. Finally I broke down and bought some.
It's hard to tell from the picture, but these bubbles fill our patio and yard because they don't pop as easily. That also makes for a very fun game of "popping the bubbles". Last night "A" probably spent an hour trying to find all the bubbles and popping them. In fact this morning when we got up, there were still unpopped bubbles on the ground.
I don't recommend you use these magnificent bubbles inside because they leave a soapy/gluey residue. But are these bubbles fun?? They are a winner in our household!
So my three year old loves playing with playdoh and it's horrible trying to keep my one year old away. If I let my 1 year old play with the play doh, most of it will be eaten. So I looked up edible play doh and found a great recipe. It tastes terrible, but won't hurt him if he eats it, and it smells good. It also allowed my boys to play together. And to my surprise, "AW", my one year old was entertained for 30 minutes! And "A", my three year old was entertained for 2 hours!! Of course I played with them so it wasn't free time for me, but it was fun.
Check out this blog for the recipe: http://www.dealiciousmom.com/edible-play-dough-10-yummy-recipes/
Too busy to make edible play-doh? I found some non-toxic/safe/natural ingredient play-doh on Amazon.
Check out this blog for the recipe: http://www.dealiciousmom.com/edible-play-dough-10-yummy-recipes/
Too busy to make edible play-doh? I found some non-toxic/safe/natural ingredient play-doh on Amazon.
Toddler Thank You Notes
I am a big pusher of sending out thank you notes when receiving gifts. I've been writing the notes from "A", but really feel like it's not personal enough. So I came up with this idea. (And yes, it can be a bit time consuming). I let "A" play with (or wear) his new gift and set a white board next to him with a note about how much he likes it. Then I print out the picture and stick it in an envelope! Whalah! A thank you note from "A"!!
Colored Magnet Fun!
The other day I pulled my magnets out of my old school stuff to see if "A" would enjoy them. I pulled out two magnetized baking pans I got from the dollar store and let him go crazy. Then I pulled out all of the colors except for blue and red, and first we grabbed all the blue magnets and placed them in the other pan, and then we grabbed the red magnets. We did this over and over. It was also good for making his little hands strong (fine motor).
Sippy Cups! ARGH!!!! Buying guide for parents
I have a love/hate relationship with "A's" sippy cups!!! I love the fact that he can walk around the house with his milk and it doesn't spill (that's the key word. . . spill), but I hate the fact that they LEAK!! I've tried so many types and been unsuccessful Ironically the sippy's that have actually worked for us are the 7 year old cups that my friend had saved when her daughter was a baby. And yes I cringe at the thought of them having BPA.
Here's the pros and cons of my sippy cup quest!
Nuby Gripper Sippy:
pros:
- They are contoured to make it easier for little hands to hold.
- Cheap
- The silicone spout is a good teether (bonus!!!).
- The silicone spout is soft on their mouths.
cons:
- They leak out of the spout! (I just bought a new set last week. . . I know stupid. . . and the suction was ridiculous). As soon as "A" tried to suck , the whole sippy part suctioned in. So my husband tried to make the air hole bigger, and well that made them leak. Needless to say, both of those cups went in the garbage!
- When you take the silicone spout out to wash, you have to rematch these ridiculous little notches. This sounds easy, but it's not. I don't know if it's my brain, but I fight and fight with them!
Here's the pros and cons of my sippy cup quest!
Nuby Gripper Sippy:
pros:
- They are contoured to make it easier for little hands to hold.
- Cheap
- The silicone spout is a good teether (bonus!!!).
- The silicone spout is soft on their mouths.
cons:
- They leak out of the spout! (I just bought a new set last week. . . I know stupid. . . and the suction was ridiculous). As soon as "A" tried to suck , the whole sippy part suctioned in. So my husband tried to make the air hole bigger, and well that made them leak. Needless to say, both of those cups went in the garbage!
- When you take the silicone spout out to wash, you have to rematch these ridiculous little notches. This sounds easy, but it's not. I don't know if it's my brain, but I fight and fight with them!
Munchkin Mighty Grip Straw: One of my fav's!
Pro's:
- Thick straw makes it easy for "A" to suck, and it works well for smoothies.
- Easy to clean.
Con's:
- Like other straw sippy's, when the liquid warms up (and expands), it starts flowing out of the straw. Which in turn makes a mess.
Pro's:
- Thick straw makes it easy for "A" to suck, and it works well for smoothies.
- Easy to clean.
Con's:
- Like other straw sippy's, when the liquid warms up (and expands), it starts flowing out of the straw. Which in turn makes a mess.
Playtex Coolster Tumbler:
Pro's:
- Keeps the liquid cold
- Stops most leaks (however, lately it's started leaking. grrr)
Con's:
- The silicone stopper inside the cup has to go in one way and it's incredibly hard to see the little arrow unless you're in good light.
Camelbak Kids:
Pro's:
- Rarely leaks (if put together correctly)
- Easy to disassemble for wash (and dishwasher safe)
- Has a bite valve which really helps with leaks ("A" figured out how to bite it
at 9 months)
Con's:
- Not insulated
- And. . . we found out the hard way that you shouldn't use it on a plane. (We opened it and it squirted water all over the passengers behind us!)
Pro's:
- Keeps the liquid cold
- Stops most leaks (however, lately it's started leaking. grrr)
Con's:
- The silicone stopper inside the cup has to go in one way and it's incredibly hard to see the little arrow unless you're in good light.
Camelbak Kids:
Pro's:
- Rarely leaks (if put together correctly)
- Easy to disassemble for wash (and dishwasher safe)
- Has a bite valve which really helps with leaks ("A" figured out how to bite it
at 9 months)
Con's:
- Not insulated
- And. . . we found out the hard way that you shouldn't use it on a plane. (We opened it and it squirted water all over the passengers behind us!)
Tommee Tippee Explora:
Cons:
- Super duper expensive!!
- We got the 2 pack and "A" couldn't suck hard enough to get any liquid. I followed the directions on how to put it together and no luck. The second cup in the package didn't work either!! Back to the store they went!!!
Cons:
- Super duper expensive!!
- We got the 2 pack and "A" couldn't suck hard enough to get any liquid. I followed the directions on how to put it together and no luck. The second cup in the package didn't work either!! Back to the store they went!!!
Playtex Insulator Twist and Click:
Pros:
- Insulated so the drink stays cooler longer
- Easy to suck
- Spillproof
Cons:
- Liquid comes out of the straw when it warms up, and makes a HUGE mess.
- Expensive
- 4 parts to wash.
(My friends have the spout versions of this cup and LOVE them)
Pros:
- Insulated so the drink stays cooler longer
- Easy to suck
- Spillproof
Cons:
- Liquid comes out of the straw when it warms up, and makes a HUGE mess.
- Expensive
- 4 parts to wash.
(My friends have the spout versions of this cup and LOVE them)
The Nuk Active Cup!!!
We just recently went on a vacation with our friends who also have a 20 month old. They were using this cup so I HAD to buy it. I absolutely love it!!
Pros:
- DOESN'T LEAK AT ALL!!!
- Soft silicone spout
- The silicone spout snaps back in easily after cleaning (no matching notches)
- Holds 10 oz.
- Update: This was used as a transition cup from the bottle for my second son and did it's job! He wasn't too upset about losing the bottle when he used this cup for milk.
Cons:
- Not insulated
- Sippy spout is easily bit through. :( (But you can buy replacement spouts on amazon).
We just recently went on a vacation with our friends who also have a 20 month old. They were using this cup so I HAD to buy it. I absolutely love it!!
Pros:
- DOESN'T LEAK AT ALL!!!
- Soft silicone spout
- The silicone spout snaps back in easily after cleaning (no matching notches)
- Holds 10 oz.
- Update: This was used as a transition cup from the bottle for my second son and did it's job! He wasn't too upset about losing the bottle when he used this cup for milk.
Cons:
- Not insulated
- Sippy spout is easily bit through. :( (But you can buy replacement spouts on amazon).
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Munchkin 2 Pack Insulated Sippy Cups (Hard Spout)
Pros:
Not too expensive (but not cheap)
Hard spout that can't be bit through
Easy to wash (spout can be washed with a nipple brush)
Doesn't leak at all!!!!!!
Easy for a newbie sippy user to drink out of
Cons:
Can't think of any! :)
Pros:
Not too expensive (but not cheap)
Hard spout that can't be bit through
Easy to wash (spout can be washed with a nipple brush)
Doesn't leak at all!!!!!!
Easy for a newbie sippy user to drink out of
Cons:
Can't think of any! :)
Good Cups for a Toddler/Preschooler Who Doesn't Really want a Sippy Anymore
Nalgene Grip N Gulp Water Bottle
We love this sippy because it really doesn't look like a sippy cup and looks more like a water bottle. My three year old uses this a lot at T-ball and feels more like a big kid.
Pros:
Doesn't leak at all
Leak stopper inside is big and easy to put in
Pretty durable
Hard spout
Cons:
Expensive
Can be hard for younger babies to suck on and get any liquid out (although my 1 year old has gotten the hang of it pretty quickly).
We love this sippy because it really doesn't look like a sippy cup and looks more like a water bottle. My three year old uses this a lot at T-ball and feels more like a big kid.
Pros:
Doesn't leak at all
Leak stopper inside is big and easy to put in
Pretty durable
Hard spout
Cons:
Expensive
Can be hard for younger babies to suck on and get any liquid out (although my 1 year old has gotten the hang of it pretty quickly).
Munchkin Miracle 360 Cup:
Pros:
Pretty leak proof
Easy to take apart and wash
More of a cup rather than a sippy
Cons:
Reviews on Amazon talked about mold growing under the rubber ring. We had a bit of that, but tweezers and washing solved that problem completely.
When thrown or dropped, drops of liquid will fly out of it.
Pros:
Pretty leak proof
Easy to take apart and wash
More of a cup rather than a sippy
Cons:
Reviews on Amazon talked about mold growing under the rubber ring. We had a bit of that, but tweezers and washing solved that problem completely.
When thrown or dropped, drops of liquid will fly out of it.
Toddler + Mealtime = FRUSTRATED mom!
So my toddler has turned into the pickiest eater. One bite he may love, and the next bite, he will spit out (and that's if I'm lucky enough for him to even put it in his mouth). I worry so much about him getting all the nutrients he needs to grow (even though the pediatrician has told me this is normal and is nothing to worry about). So I've ended up making him smoothies and he LOVES them. The best part is, I hide vegetables in the smoothies. I steam and puree these vegetables just like I did when he was starting solids. Then I freeze them so they can be the "ice" part of the smoothie. "A" gets so excited when I make them for him, he can hardly wait for me to blend them up. Here are a few recipes for our favorite smoothies.
1 banana
2-3 (frozen) cubes of pureed acorn squash
milk
A few spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt
2-3 strawberries (I usually use frozen strawberries)
1 small handful blueberries
1 small handful oats (you can also use flax seed if your pediatrician ok's it)
Honey (optional)
Then blend, blend, blend!
You can switch out any of the fruits and vegetables you see listed.
Another smoothie I tried this weekend turned out to also be a hit!
1 banana
1-2 large chunks fresh pineapple
3-4 chunks of cantaloupe
milk (you can try coconut milk or almond milk if you're not at risk for allergies)
A few spoonfuls yogurt
A few spoonfuls coconut
2-3 (frozen) cubes of steamed and pureed eggplant
1/2 cup applesauce
1 small handful oats (or flax seed if your pediatrician ok's it)
Then blend, blend, blend!
I always feel better at the end of the day knowing that "A" ate so many nutrients (even if this is basically the only thing he "ate" that day).
1 banana
2-3 (frozen) cubes of pureed acorn squash
milk
A few spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt
2-3 strawberries (I usually use frozen strawberries)
1 small handful blueberries
1 small handful oats (you can also use flax seed if your pediatrician ok's it)
Honey (optional)
Then blend, blend, blend!
You can switch out any of the fruits and vegetables you see listed.
Another smoothie I tried this weekend turned out to also be a hit!
1 banana
1-2 large chunks fresh pineapple
3-4 chunks of cantaloupe
milk (you can try coconut milk or almond milk if you're not at risk for allergies)
A few spoonfuls yogurt
A few spoonfuls coconut
2-3 (frozen) cubes of steamed and pureed eggplant
1/2 cup applesauce
1 small handful oats (or flax seed if your pediatrician ok's it)
Then blend, blend, blend!
I always feel better at the end of the day knowing that "A" ate so many nutrients (even if this is basically the only thing he "ate" that day).
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Young Toddler Activities
I've been trying to rack my brain with activities to do with my toddler. It's hard because he's only 14 months and is unable to do the activities a 2 year old can do. So here's a list of activities I (with a little help from my friends) have come up with:
2) Play with Jello in a ziploc bag: Let the Jello set in the bag instead of a bowl and let your child explore the (closed) bag by squeezing it, “writing” on it, and touching it. Just be sure the bag is securely closed.
3) Blow bubbles and have your child chase them and pop them.
3) Blow bubbles and have your child chase them and pop them.
6) Make an obstacle course with pillows and blankets.
7) Hide objects around the house and help your child find them (make it the same type of object so your child understands what they are looking for. For example: colored plastic easter eggs).
7) Hide objects around the house and help your child find them (make it the same type of object so your child understands what they are looking for. For example: colored plastic easter eggs).
10) Make and play with edible play-dough.
11) Fill up trays and bowls with water and let your child explore with them outside.
12) Using a paintbrush and bucket of water, “paint” the ground. (good for gross motor skills)
11) Fill up trays and bowls with water and let your child explore with them outside.
12) Using a paintbrush and bucket of water, “paint” the ground. (good for gross motor skills)
13) Paint with finger paint.
I found the washable Crayola Finger paints at Target for $5. You can cut the paper to the shape of the highchair tray, or don't use any paper and let them paint on the tray. It washes right off. 14) Color with toddler crayons and markers. These are also made by Crayola and are fantastic. They are easy for little hands to grip. |
15) Pour pudding onto a cookie sheet and let your child explore. The best part is they can eat this “paint”.
16) Pull out a muffin pan and let your child practice their eye hand coordination by putting objects such as balls in each of the holes. Practice counting the objects as your child puts them in and takes them out.
Thursday 6/7/12
Baby-proofing for a Toddler
I've had a request from my friend who is expecting to post about safety and baby-proofing. So here is a list of what worked and didn't work for my family. These are just suggestions, and you may find something else works for you. :)
1) Outlets: These have been very frustrating for me. "A" few days after I happily went around the house plugging in the little outlet covers, I found my son with one in his mouth. I thought, "hmmmm, I must have dropped one." Nope, he went around and pulled them out! Then he proceeded to try and plug in the vacuum. So that FAILED! My husband and I went to Lowes and found a couple options. The first one we found was the Safety First Press Plug Protectors and those were even easier for "A" to pull out! Needless to say they went back to Lowes. Then Adam tried the second option. . . . . . entire new outlets. We only did it with three outlets because they needed to be replaced anyway, but these new safety outlets are great! They have plastic on the inside that covers each hole until a plug is placed in it (and it is too hard for little hands to plug anything in). As for the rest of the outlets in the house, I'm just following my little man around replacing the covers. :(
1) Outlets: These have been very frustrating for me. "A" few days after I happily went around the house plugging in the little outlet covers, I found my son with one in his mouth. I thought, "hmmmm, I must have dropped one." Nope, he went around and pulled them out! Then he proceeded to try and plug in the vacuum. So that FAILED! My husband and I went to Lowes and found a couple options. The first one we found was the Safety First Press Plug Protectors and those were even easier for "A" to pull out! Needless to say they went back to Lowes. Then Adam tried the second option. . . . . . entire new outlets. We only did it with three outlets because they needed to be replaced anyway, but these new safety outlets are great! They have plastic on the inside that covers each hole until a plug is placed in it (and it is too hard for little hands to plug anything in). As for the rest of the outlets in the house, I'm just following my little man around replacing the covers. :(
Cupboard locks: We've only locked the cabinets under the sink and the bathroom drawers and cabinets. "A" gets so much joy getting into the tupperware cupboard, the pantry, and the plastic dishes, I didn't want to lock them up. But we ended up using the magnetic locks which work GREAT!!! They were pretty pricey, but worth it. You have to have the magnet handy, but they keep "A" out of those certain areas. The other clip locks are just "eh". They definitely deter him from getting in the cabinets and drawers, but with one strong tug, he has successfully opened the drawer/cupboard. Both options are hidden on the inside and work for cabinets that don't have handles.
Note: The magnetic locks come with adhesive in case you don't want to drill them in. They didn't work at all with the adhesive, but once we drilled them in, they worked like a charm!
Note: The magnetic locks come with adhesive in case you don't want to drill them in. They didn't work at all with the adhesive, but once we drilled them in, they worked like a charm!
Furniture Safety Straps: We've attached every big piece of furniture to the wall, which is very reassuring when I see Mr. Climber doing what he does best! Ugh! But I have found that the straps that come with the furniture and the cloth straps are so much easier to use than the plastic straps.
Oven safety: In addition to being a great climber, "A" is also a great 'hanger'. He likes to grab the oven door and hang from it. This little acrobatic act scares the pazooey out of any guests to our house, but I know he'll be ok, because we have an amazing oven lock (don't get me wrong, I stop him from hanging, but it doesn't panic me). It's the Safety First Oven Front Lock. This lock was so easy to install, easy for me to work around when baking, and has endured a lot of tugging on.
Range Knob Covers: I purchased two types of safety devises for my gas range knobs. But unfortunately, neither one worked. The knob covers didn't fit over my knobs and the little wedges weren't necessary. The problem we have is that "A" turns the gas up when the range is on. He isn't able to light the range because you have to push it in and turn to light it. So far, the only option is supervision.
Power Strip Cover: I love this product!!! I have it in "A's" room because we have the humidifier, air purifier, sound machine, and clock all plugged in. He can't even get to the power strip with this contraption. Completely worth the money!
I also have a little lock for the dishwasher when he figures out how to open that. But that's all I have done (so far). We'll see what he figures out next.
Friday 3/16/12
Kitchen Helpers
Recently I had the discussion with my friends about how to let your toddler help you in the kitchen. Here are some of the suggestions we came up with.
- If you don't have the fabulous stool (from my previous) post, you can set your child on the counter in front of you (make sure you have a wall behind him/her and that you don't leave your child unattended).
- Place a bowl of food next to them that they can eat. For example, if you're making cookies and don't want them to eat the dough, put a bowl of popcorn near them so they can eat that instead.
- If you don't have the fabulous stool (from my previous) post, you can set your child on the counter in front of you (make sure you have a wall behind him/her and that you don't leave your child unattended).
- Place a bowl of food next to them that they can eat. For example, if you're making cookies and don't want them to eat the dough, put a bowl of popcorn near them so they can eat that instead.
- Let your child "cook" with a bowl of water, dried oats, cereal (or whatever else you don't mind cleaning up later).
- Let your child use the kitchen utensils such as a spatula, measuring cups, or wooden spoons in their own bowl.
- Hold your child's hands in yours when you are using the hand mixer or stirring, so they are mixing and stirring too.
- Practice those important counting skills, by counting the chocolate chips, or count each time you stir.
- Build language skills by explaining everything you are doing. "Mommy is cracking the egg by tapping it on the bowl."
- Let your child use the kitchen utensils such as a spatula, measuring cups, or wooden spoons in their own bowl.
- Hold your child's hands in yours when you are using the hand mixer or stirring, so they are mixing and stirring too.
- Practice those important counting skills, by counting the chocolate chips, or count each time you stir.
- Build language skills by explaining everything you are doing. "Mommy is cracking the egg by tapping it on the bowl."
- Have your child help you as much as possible. If you're making cookies, have them help you roll the dough into balls (great for fine motor and strengthening their hands). *Be sure to wash their hands if raw eggs or meat are being used.
- The best part! Let your little one taste the final product!
- Also, don't forget to let them help you clean up. If your child can't reach the sink, get another bowl of soapy water and have them "wash" their dishes (the utensils they were using).
- The best part! Let your little one taste the final product!
- Also, don't forget to let them help you clean up. If your child can't reach the sink, get another bowl of soapy water and have them "wash" their dishes (the utensils they were using).
Wednesday 3/14/12
Creative Mommy and Handy Daddy
My good friend Gretchen wanted a "stool" for her toddler to stand on so he could "help" her in the kitchen. Well, with an engineer as a husband, she got an amazing stool (and a fine little helper in the kitchen). Now her little man can be completely involved in all of her cooking projects (and did I mention that she is a fantastic cook?).
3/5/12
Toddler Snack and Meal Ideas
I have a picky eater! I'm know (at least hope) I am not the only one so I thought I would list what foods I have been successful with. I'll be the first to admit that I am a bit ridiculous when it comes to organic and all natural food. So I spend a bit more money on organic.
I'll keep adding to the list as I figure out new and creative foods.
Note:
The fruits that we have been successful with are; kiwi, strawberries, grapes (sliced), cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, pears, apples, oranges.
Veggies: broccoli, carrots, squash (steamed), peas. A isn't a huge fan of veggie finger foods, but we'll work on it. I still get him to eat veggies by giving him the blended bags (Plum Organics or Happy Baby).
Snacks
- Cut up fruit (I put cut up apples in his snack cup and that works well)
- Rice Cakes (with peanut butter if ok'd by your pediatrician)
- String cheese or cheese cubes
- Veggie Sticks (you can get a huge bag from Costco)
- Pirate Booty
- Fig Bars
- Plum Organics or Happy Baby food in bags (so handy for on the go)
- Chex cereal
- Dried Apples (these can be hard to chew, so use your best judgement)
- Croutons (I know, sounds weird, but he LOVES them)
- zucchini (sauteed with parm sprinkled on top)
- Snap Peas
Breakfast
- cut up fruit (bananas are very popular in our house)
- muffins
- Cream of Wheat (we like the Cinnabon flavor and I add peanut butter)
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce pancakes
- French toast
- Scrambled Eggs (not something A will eat)
- Frozen waffles (with peanut butter or jam)
Lunch/Dinner
- Pasta with spaghetti sauce (I find the bigger the noodle, the less of a mess).
- Sweet potato fries
- Steamed veggies
- Cheese crisp or quesadilla (or just a plain tortilla if you're my little guy)
- Yogurt
- Chicken nuggets (we like the Safeway Organics brand)
- Scalloped potatoes (believe it or not, this is a favorite with my toddler)
- Macaroni and cheese (the old favorite)
- Pita bread with lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly
- Bagel and cream cheese (or apple butter)
- Grilled cheese
- Scrambled Eggs
- Crescent rolls with cheese (and ham if you want) baked in
A great website to get more toddler food ideas and recipes is Wholesome Toddler Foods.
I'll keep adding to the list as I figure out new and creative foods.
Note:
The fruits that we have been successful with are; kiwi, strawberries, grapes (sliced), cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, pears, apples, oranges.
Veggies: broccoli, carrots, squash (steamed), peas. A isn't a huge fan of veggie finger foods, but we'll work on it. I still get him to eat veggies by giving him the blended bags (Plum Organics or Happy Baby).
Snacks
- Cut up fruit (I put cut up apples in his snack cup and that works well)
- Rice Cakes (with peanut butter if ok'd by your pediatrician)
- String cheese or cheese cubes
- Veggie Sticks (you can get a huge bag from Costco)
- Pirate Booty
- Fig Bars
- Plum Organics or Happy Baby food in bags (so handy for on the go)
- Chex cereal
- Dried Apples (these can be hard to chew, so use your best judgement)
- Croutons (I know, sounds weird, but he LOVES them)
- zucchini (sauteed with parm sprinkled on top)
- Snap Peas
Breakfast
- cut up fruit (bananas are very popular in our house)
- muffins
- Cream of Wheat (we like the Cinnabon flavor and I add peanut butter)
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce pancakes
- French toast
- Scrambled Eggs (not something A will eat)
- Frozen waffles (with peanut butter or jam)
Lunch/Dinner
- Pasta with spaghetti sauce (I find the bigger the noodle, the less of a mess).
- Sweet potato fries
- Steamed veggies
- Cheese crisp or quesadilla (or just a plain tortilla if you're my little guy)
- Yogurt
- Chicken nuggets (we like the Safeway Organics brand)
- Scalloped potatoes (believe it or not, this is a favorite with my toddler)
- Macaroni and cheese (the old favorite)
- Pita bread with lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly
- Bagel and cream cheese (or apple butter)
- Grilled cheese
- Scrambled Eggs
- Crescent rolls with cheese (and ham if you want) baked in
A great website to get more toddler food ideas and recipes is Wholesome Toddler Foods.
2/19/12
Brilliant Idea for Crayon Storage!
I found this idea on Pinterest. Unfortunately the person who brilliantly came up with it couldn't be found. :( This is a great idea not just for traveling with crayons, but also for the house. Somebody deserves a gold star for this idea!
2/15/12
Fine Motor Activities
Getting little fingers strong is a huge part of teaching kindergarten. I think it doesn't hurt to start early. :) Here are some activities you can do with your toddler to strengthen their fine motor skills.
- Have your child hold thick crayons and color in a coloring book or on paper.
- Using salad tongs, have your child pick up large items such as animal crackers and then put them in a bowl. Once they have picked up all the animal crackers, they can have a tasty snack.
- Practice pinching things with their thumb and pointer finger, and then picking them up. For example, practice picking up light toys such as Duplos with their pinching fingers.
- Put pudding on a cookie sheet and let them draw pictures with their pointer finger. When they get a bit older, you can have your child practice writing their name or letters in the pudding.
- Either buy play dough, or make super yummy smelling play dough at home and make two balls. One for you, one for your child. Then practice squeezing it together. You can also practice counting by counting your squeezes. http://www.bestkidstowels.com/Playdough_recipes.html
- Give your child scrap construction paper or tag board. Have them use their pinching skills to pinch the paper with both hands and tear. See how many pieces they can make. Then count the pieces.
These are ideas from my "kindergarten brain". I found the rest of the activities from this website.
http://www.toddler-activities-at-home.com/toddler-fine-motor-activities.html
- Practice putting lids on plastic containers.
- Using an old spice container, have your child practice put small pieces of spaghetti through the holes. Please supervise your child so they don't choke on the dry spaghetti.
- Practice putting puzzles together. You can buy floor puzzles that have big pieces that may be easier.
- Lacing: You can buy lacing cards or make your own with a piece of cardboard. You can punch holes around the edges and tie a piece of yarn on one hole. Then take a piece of tape and tape the end of the yarn to make it into a point. Your child can practice putting the yarn in and out of the holes.
- Have your child hold thick crayons and color in a coloring book or on paper.
- Using salad tongs, have your child pick up large items such as animal crackers and then put them in a bowl. Once they have picked up all the animal crackers, they can have a tasty snack.
- Practice pinching things with their thumb and pointer finger, and then picking them up. For example, practice picking up light toys such as Duplos with their pinching fingers.
- Put pudding on a cookie sheet and let them draw pictures with their pointer finger. When they get a bit older, you can have your child practice writing their name or letters in the pudding.
- Either buy play dough, or make super yummy smelling play dough at home and make two balls. One for you, one for your child. Then practice squeezing it together. You can also practice counting by counting your squeezes. http://www.bestkidstowels.com/Playdough_recipes.html
- Give your child scrap construction paper or tag board. Have them use their pinching skills to pinch the paper with both hands and tear. See how many pieces they can make. Then count the pieces.
These are ideas from my "kindergarten brain". I found the rest of the activities from this website.
http://www.toddler-activities-at-home.com/toddler-fine-motor-activities.html
- Practice putting lids on plastic containers.
- Using an old spice container, have your child practice put small pieces of spaghetti through the holes. Please supervise your child so they don't choke on the dry spaghetti.
- Practice putting puzzles together. You can buy floor puzzles that have big pieces that may be easier.
- Lacing: You can buy lacing cards or make your own with a piece of cardboard. You can punch holes around the edges and tie a piece of yarn on one hole. Then take a piece of tape and tape the end of the yarn to make it into a point. Your child can practice putting the yarn in and out of the holes.
2/12/12
Brush My 9 Teeth? I Think Not!
Every night is a battle! I worry that my little guy's teeth need to be brushed, but he fights me. It's a fight to get the toothbrush in his mouth. I bought a toddler electric toothbrush which was recommended by a friend, and it actually helped....... for a few days. Then we were back to fighting. Then my husband took over (THANK GOODNESS). He let A brush daddy's teeth, then he let A brush his own teeth. BRILLIANT! As long as A brushes his own teeth, it goes well. It even looks like the teeth are being brushed and not just his tongue. We'll see what the dentist says next month!