Jumperoo

My son has been using the Jumperoo since he's been 7 months old.  He loves it and it's great exercise. He loves holding objects and jumping while holding them.  The toy that makes the most noise wins!!!

Turkey crafts

Just about everyday in November,  I will feature a Thanksgiving or Christmas craft,  recipe or activity.  Please join the newsletter so you will always stay informed.  It is simple to join and you will be notified of new articles. 

Thanksgiving craft - Get an orange piece of construction paper and some brown paint.  Paint the palm of your child's hand.  Have them place it on the paper.  You have the body of the turkey and its feathers. Feel free to paint around it and decorate an entire scene.  Be as creative as possible. 

Turkey hand - Outline the child's hand on brown construction paper.  Use different color construction paper for each finger and have them write what they are thankful for on each feather. 

Pine cones turkey - Use a pine cone and put an outline of their hand in the pine cone. The pine cone is the body of the turkey and the hand are its feathers. Glue googly eyes on the turkey. 

Universal children's week

Children are remarkable human beings. They are completely innocent and are just trying to learn. October 1-7 is the universal children's week. 

How many times have you cringed hearing a parent yelling or even cursing at a little child? It's so hard to see people not realize what they have.  Children should be respected as human beings. Some treat their co workers better than their own children. 

During Universal Children's Week,  enjoy your children, respect them and most of all love them. Do something unexpected. If they are being bad, don't accept it but don't be as harsh as you might normally would. Ask them if they want to do a do over. Give them a chance to redeem themselves. 

Plan a surprise activity for or with your child. Praise your child for their strengths and kindness. Give them your undivided time and attention. Often that is all a child needs and craves.  

Whatever you do, keep it special and remember children are the best people ever! 

Domestic violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. It's a very essential topic because domestic violence happens all of the time but kept secret. As a society, we need to give people tools to handle the situation instead of being in silence. 

The first sign of domestic violence, the victim rarely leaves even though they should. They accept the apologies and believe it won't happen again. But, unfortunately, it usually always does and will continue happening. 

After the first occurrence ,violence gets worse and easier for the person to do. Excuses come, apologies are rationalized, and hearts break. It's just a whirlwind cycle.  The abuser won't stop unless they stop blaming others and only blame themselves. 

Domestic violence can be stopped. If you are the victim, decide you are better than the abuse. If you are the abuser, just stop. Leave and stop abusing. 

Living alone is far better than living in pain and sadness. You have the power within to say no to the violence. 

Morning routine

Remember the following as you send your child to school:

- organization at night makes smoother mornings

- love is so important before a long day away - remember to praise your child

- leave ten minutes of spare time in case of emergencies

- breakfast is essential to great days

- remember sweaters because even warm fall days have chilly mornings

- tell your child you love them and have a terrific day

Goodnight Moon for free - Iphone, Ipad

A child loves Goodnight Moon! Quickly go to the app store and download it for free for your iphone and ipad.

Time is a friend and enemy

Motherhood is a lifetime job. It has some of the best things in life and some of the worst. As my kids grow, I realize time is your friend and enemy. 

Bed time can be a glorious event. It gives you freedom and hopefully rest. The time between tantrums or boo boos are great. Also, the times when all is in harmony as it should. 

However, time doesn't stop. Our children keep growing and one day be independent. Please use your time wisely and know it is way too fast and not coming back.