Prevention, Resources

The 3 Types Of Play Your Child Should Have Everyday

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According to Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer and The Happiest Toddler on the Block: How to Eliminate Tantrums and Raise a Patient, Respectful, and Cooperative One- to Four-Year-Old all children should have 3 types of play every single day.

  • Creative play with paint/colors/arts and crafts
  • Reading or being read to
  • Outdoor play

So on those days where you feel like a terrible mother, or simply have no idea what else to do with your children, just do one of these things!

I find myself always trying to plan the perfect activity, attend group classes and make sure my toddler is not getting bored, when the reality is that simpler is probably better.  He’d rather go outside and stare at bugs or run his fingers through the sand than go to a scheduled class of any kind ANY day of the week.  And believe me- I’ve tried all of the classes from baby massage and developmental movements to music and dance.

The last time I shelled out $36 for a drop-in art class I vowed it would be my last.  I tried for 18 months to get him to take part in a class, when getting some construction paper and finger paints out at home is all he really needs.   Of course, if your child likes these things, then by all means take part!  But I am speaking as much to myself as to other moms who have children with the same personality type…analyze your child and discover his or her unique “bent.” Don’t feel pressured to sign up for lessons or playgroups or force your child into activities you (I) think he should enjoy, when all he really wants to do is play outside.  I’ve learned my lesson.

The Ant Detective...doesn't matter what else is going on- I must stop to look at BUGS!
Prevention

UPDATE: Traveling With Toddler

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Just thought you’d like to know how the 8 hour flight went with the new trick I learned…it couldn’t have gone better!  He was an absolute prince.  He only slept about 2 hours ( I knew the 3 hour nap was too much to ask for) but while he was awake he was very excited to open his new gifts one by one, and played with each for quite a long time.

I felt a little awkward when the guy in the seat next to me said, “another present?” as I pulled out his 3rd one..I hadn’t thought about how this might look to others.  In that moment this feeling washed over me that I was really spoiling my child.  But that only lasted for about 1 second as I saw the joy on his face and remembered my mantras of not worrying what others think about the way I parent, and especially not explaining myself or making excuses for my child.  So I just smiled and said to him, “Hey- as long as he’s happy the rest of us will be too!” Little did he know that I had 5 more in my bag that we didn’t need!  I’ll be saving those for our next flight.

Products, Recommendations

Pineapple Mania

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I know we don’t want tons of kitchen gadgets cluttering up our kitchen, but if it’s something that will help up us actually eat more fruits and veggies, I’m all for it. And that’s why I have to recommend another magical fruit cutter!

I’m in Hawaii, and I’ve discovered The Pineapple Slicer

Have you always wondered how to cut a pineapple? Try this gadget- it’s great because you can leave the shell of the pineapple intact and put the cut fruit back in it, then use it as a centerpiece!