Posts Tagged ‘preschooler’

The deals at Robeez are crazy right now!  They are having a sale on some great shoes for baby and toddlers for up to 40% off.  

It’s a great time to stock up!  They are the premier baby and toddler shoe brand, providing soft-soled and flex-soled footwear that supports the healthy development of little feet. Always functional and fashionable, Robeez shoes are a favorite with parents and medical experts around the world. Their leather booties start for ages 0-6 and last sping the introduced the Tredz Collection. The Tredzs are innovative outdoor soft shoes combine the health benefits of flexible soft soles with the protection of water-resistant, non-slip soles. Available in sizes 12 to 24 months.

Robeez is having a HUGE sale right now with up to 40% off!! Check it out and stock up.

New Robeez Tredzl! - View the innovative new toddler footwear by Robeez.

Daytripping

As toddler or preschooler starts discovering the world around them planning day trips to fun and exciting places is a great way to help them discover their community and world around them. The start to a successful daytrip involves a little planning from mom and dad.

• Call ahead!  Either call the venue or check their website to double check hours and to make sure the venue is open to the public on the day that you are going.  Many places have online coupons for money off the price of admission.

• Pack it! Many venues do have healthier options for eating.  But, we suggest packing your own healthy snacks and drinks.  Use a mini cooler in the car, or a lunch bag with a cool pack to help your food stay cool.  This will also help keep the cost of your trip down.

• Distractions!  Bring you child’s favourite music in the car!  Have a sing-a-long to your little one’s favourite tunes.  For older children you can play “I Spy” or any other roadtrip game!

• Mapquest it!  Make sure you know where you are going.  We suggest getting driving directions from your door to the venue.  Also, take your cell phone and the number of the venue – just incase.

• First Aid!  Pack a mini-first aid kit for any bumps, scrapes and bites.  Include sunscreen and bug repellant.

• Spare Clothes! Bring a change of clothes for both you and your toddler.  You never know when you’ll need them.  While you are packing the spare clothes.  Bring an extra pair of comfy shoes for you.

• Have Fun!

Interrupting

Whether you’re on the phone, busy on your computer, or talking to another adult, it can be frustrating when your children constantly interrupt you. What’s surprising to learn is that they do it because they always get a response from you when they do! They’ve learned that you are willing to stop what you’re doing to answer them. Keep in mind that children are so focused on their own needs that they don’t realize that you have needs, too. They can learn how to pay more attention to other people’s needs as well as their own, which will help control these endless interruptions. 
Give lessons and examplesTeach your children how to determine if something warrants an interruption, as they may have a hard time deciphering when interruptions are justified.  Discuss examples of when it’s okay to interrupt, such as when someone is at the door, or if a sibling is hurt. 
Coach proper manners Teach your child how to wait for a pause in the conversation and to say, “Excuse me.” When she remembers to do this, respond positively. If the interruption is about something that should wait, politely inform your child of this.   
Don’t answer the question.Many parents admonish kids for interrupting, but in the same breath respond to the child’s interrupted request, which just reinforces the habit.  

Watch your mannersParents sometimes jump in so quickly to correct their child’s bad manners that they don’t realize that the way in which their correction is delivered is itself rude. Use your own good manners to model appropriate communication skills. Pause, look at your child, and say, “I’ll be with you in a minute.” 

Teach “The Squeeze” Tell your child that if she wants something when you are talking to another adult, she should gently squeeze your arm. You will then squeeze her hand to indicate that you know she is there and will be with her in a minute. At first, respond quickly so your child can see the success of this method. Over time you can wait longer, just give a gentle squeeze every few minutes to remind your child that you remember the request. 

Create a busy-boxPut together a box of activities or games that can only be used when you are on the telephone, working at your desk, or talking with an adult. Occasionally refill it with new things or rotate the contents. Be firm about putting them away when you are done. Your child will be look forward to your next conversation, which will be interruption free! 

Plan aheadBefore you make a phone call or have a visitor, let your child know what to expect. “I’m going to make a phone call. I’ll be a while, so let’s get your busy box ready to use while I’m on the phone.” 

Give praise when deserved Catching your child doing the right thing can be the best lesson of all. Praise your child for using good manners, for remembering to say “excuse me,” and for interrupting only for a valid reason. 

 Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Discipline Solution (McGraw-Hill 2007) by Elizabeth Pantley . 

from The No-Cry Discipline Solution (McGraw-Hill 2007) by Elizabeth Pantley  Parenting educator Elizabeth Pantley is president of Better Beginnings, Inc., a family resource and education company. Elizabeth frequently speaks to parents at schools, hospitals, and parent groups around the world. Her presentations are received with enthusiasm, and praised as realistic, warm and helpful.  She is a regular radio show guest and frequently quoted as a parenting expert in newspapers and magazines such as Parents, Parenting, American Baby, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and Redbook and on hundreds of parent-directed Web sites. She publishes a newsletter, Parent Tips, which is distributed in schools nationwide.