Parents seek ways to make kids eat vegetables
Susan Phillips' 4-year-old son Alex eats vegetables every day -- he just doesn't know it. Phillips purées his servings of green beans, spinach, sweet potatoes and squash and hides them in a peanut butter and brown sugar-sweetened porridge that she makes for him each morning.
Why the family dinner is good for parents.
Actually, the link between family dinner and idyllic child-rearing is a little more complicated than our collective bending of the knee might suggest. It may be that family dinner appears to shine because parents who eat with their kids also stuff them with other forms of enrichment. Or that the benefits come not from dinner per se but from the quality of the conversation that takes place at the table (and, in theory, could happen at any time of day). Are you talking as well as listening, answering queries ("What a good question!"), and telling stories that naturally lead to useful lessons and bits of information? For more on just how the benefits of the family dinner unfold, listen to this NPR piece.
Snoopy Tooth Brush Set
Would this make the kids more eager to brush their teeth? I think I remember this from when I was a kid.
Originally released in 1972, the classic Snoopy toothbrush caddy is back! This set includes toothbrush stand, Snoopy cordless power toothbrush handle, two toothbrushes and a coupon to save $1 off any Colgate kids toothpaste! Handle uses 2 AAA batteries, not included. 6.5”.
Link.
Baby golf set
This looks like fun and just might have to replace a trip to the golf course this summer. Boo hoo, we are not going home. This Baby golf set is great for playing in the garden, perfect for the next Tiger Woods. Golf caddy includes 3 golf clubs, ball, flag sun visor, all made from wood and fabric. Just not in the house!
5 Discipline Traps to Avoid
Making mistakes is part of being a parent, and discipline is an area where we slip up constantly. It's one of our most daunting tasks, and to do it well we have to make clear, sensible, big-picture decisions at exactly the same moment when we are angry, frustrated, or embarrassed. And that's just as hard as it sounds.
After 17 years of being a mom and a pediatrician, though, I've been able to learn a lot about discipline from my own experiences, and from other parents. While there are all sorts of possible blunders (like the time I forgot I'd left my daughter Natasha in time-out), here are five biggies that most of us are guilty of -- and ways to avoid these common mistakes:
Behind Rising Health-Care Costs
Rising costs could be seen as a sign of progress: The cheapest medical outcome, after all, is death. Major advances in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, pulmonary disorders, and a broad range of once-fatal diseases have prolonged life, but the longer the life, the higher the medical costs. "We're not realizing cost reductions as a result of increased longevity," says Michael Thompson, principal with PriceWaterhouse Coopers. Survive a heart attack, for example, and you raise your chances of living long enough to die of cancer or Alzheimer's disease, two of the most expensive diseases. Not to mention the cost of the drugs and follow-up care you'll need to avoid another heart attack.
iFrogz Tadpole iPod Case for Kids
We seldom allow our kids to watch TV, maybe 1 hour or so a week at most. With so much else to do it always seems like such a waste of time. But there are times, like a 12 hr flight across the pacific, where having easy access to their favourite bits of video could mean the difference between parental sanity or insanity. That sounds extreme and it is but TV has this sedating effect with children which makes it perfect for those times when there is little else to do but sit in your seat. Ipod video is a perfect device for this purpose but I don't think I would feel too comfortable allowing my 3 year unbridled access, especially after eating a peanut butter sandwich. That's where the iFrogz tadpole comes in. From their website: "Tadpole, by iFrogz quickly converts your iPod™ into a portable entertainment device for your child. A rugged case and clear protective screen cover offer unmatched protection and style. Comfort grip handles make viewing easy and fun! The tadpole case engulfs the whole iPod while leaving open areas for the click wheel, iPod view screen, and various buttons and accessory points. In addition to these design elements the Tadpole has added the comfort grip handles for kid friendly and iPod safe viewing. Just as with the entire product line of silicone iFrogz cases, the tadpole is made from 100% silicone that is coated to repel dust and lint."
It's available November 1st for about $25.00US. Via Xataka.
Posters as Art Elements
I've always been a fan of poster art and think they might just make an interesting alternative to the standard art you hang in your childs room. These posters are from Strawberry Luna, a screen printer and designer born and raised in Philadelphia. She has a range of posters which you can purchase with a range of prices around $20.00US.
Interactive Videos are Best
I have a confession to make - today my daughter and I are going to watch allot of tv. I've temporarily moved my "office" into the tv room and she is watching a series of Pooh Bear movies while I prepare for some upcoming meetings. I always feel a sense of guilt over resorting to TV to entertain her when I get busy like this - her mom is out all day as well. It happens very rarely but one time is too many.
New research indicates that parents should choose videos with high interactive content if they want their children to be educated as well as entertained by their time in front of the tube.
“By age 2, children have figured out that other people are a primary source of information about the world, and they use social cues such as facial expression and where a person looks or points to gather that information. As a result, they are more likely to learn from a person on video whom they perceive as a conversational partner,” psychologist Georgene Troseth of Vanderbilt University says. “In our study, if a video was not interactive, children were much more likely to dismiss the information being conveyed.”
“There is good evidence from other research that watching shows such as Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues in which characters speak directly into the camera and wait for responses can positively impact children’s mental and language development,” Troseth said. “Our new findings have implications for educational television aimed at toddlers, as well as for the use of video images in research with this age group.”
One side effect of her occaisional movie watching is that it fuels her imagination. She will be a Tiger all week I think.
Keep your childs BandAid on all day
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this. This is a Japanese video on YouTube demonstrating how to put on a BandAid so that it stays on all day long. It's in Japanese but the visuals are pretty easy to follow so you should be able to get the gist of it. The video clip included, after the jump.
Continue reading: Keep your childs BandAid on all day »
Plant-Me Pets
Now that the weather is warm, my daughter and I have been doing some planting in our garden. It's not a real garden as this is Asia and space is limited but it's what we have. I've been wanting to instill a bit of fun into the whole process now that the initial wonderment has worn off. I mentioned finding Nyokki plant pots a while back and they seem fun. It's a bit hard to get them shipped here so we make our own. Plant-Me Pets are another great idea. They're quirky creature sculptures made of natural latex rubber. The "eyes" are actual seeds (melon, tomato, and pumpkin seeds), and their "skin" is soft and pliable. You can squeeze their bodies and they'll squeak. Likely I can't import these here but they do look like allot of fun even if they weren't originally meant for kids (they look a little "evil"). $20.00US at Branch.
Canus Fruit Fragrance Goat's Milk Soap
If I bought these colorful, goat's milk soaps would I be spending bath time answering over and over why they don't actually write like the crayons downstairs? Shaped like crayons, they come in five juicy scents: cherry, orange, lemon, grape and apple. They should be gentle on your young child's skin but you should test any new soap on a small area first. A package of 5 soaps, four oz each, is $15.00US from giggle.
Retro Racing Car
I really love this car. If you add a pair of goggles and a helmut you have a true play racer. The look brings back memories of when I was a kid and we all had these cool racing toys. Quality toys that you could hand down to others. It has a shiny all-steel body, working steering wheel, honking horn, steel wheels and real rubber tires. I think my daughter would love to take this out to the track behind our house and play race car driver. The only problem I see are the fits that might erupt when my son is old enough and wants to ride it too. $89.00US at Land of Nod.
Kellogg's Tony the Tiger Breakfast Set
Though it has the look of something you might give to the kids (the coffee mug gives away the fact it's not) this Tony the Tiger Breakfast set is really meant for me. Their was a time that Frosted Flakes were my favourite start and/or end to my day. This looks like a great way to remember those careful high metabolism days of my youth. This retro styled set features a small plate, cereal bowl, and mug. All in earthenware and decorated with the original Frosted Flakes cereal box design. $29.00US. Via Uncrate.
Olivia the Pig Doll
Catriona loves these books so much that I just have to go out and buy this doll for her. Olivia, is the star of Ian Falconer's popular books, OLIVIA which we were introduced to by a friend. They are wonderfully illustrated stories that our daughter immediately was drawn to. I thought at first that the illustrations were a bit sullen but perhaps they are a good counterpoint to all the bright rainbow colors of other books. This doll is 10 inches tall and is fabricated from acrylic plush material. Available from Amazon
24hr Baby TV
I want my Baby TV. Maybe it's where we live and how we have arranged our house, or maybe we have latched on to at least one good value. But our children seldom watch TV and I never want to see that change. Not everyone agrees or people agree but make no effort to change.
In fact, BabyFirstTV, the first 24-hour channel with programming catering exclusively to children ages 6 months to 3 years old, premiered recently through DirectTV. Obviously there is a market for this kind of product - to those who have little time for this whole parenting thing - either by choice or by consequence.
TV is the great parenting replacer. The one time a week our daughter watches one of her favourite tapes she is all but unreachable. You could be talking to her, jumping up and down, or singing at the top of your lungs. She doesn't know you exist. Maybe that is what people are looking for.
""Using videos and television in this age range is basically an uncontrolled experiment on youngsters," said Dr. Donald Shifrin, the organization's spokesman."
"For many harried parents, though, keeping the TV turned off is all but impossible."
It's for every parent to decide. From ABC News.
Recycled Crayons
Martha Stewart has a great method of recycling old crayons thereby helping save the environment and creating a unique tool for making fun art. I've wanted to do something similar with soap for ages but the process for recycling soap is no where as easy and as satisfying as this. All it involves is chopping up the crayons, arranging them creatively in a cookie tin, baking them until they melt, and take them out of the tin when they cool. Fun. Check it out in greater detail on Martha Stewarts site.
Razor Pocket Mod Bistro Scooter
My daughter is absolutely dying to ride on a scooter. Since so many parents here let their children ride with them through some of the worst traffic on earth without a helmet we have begun slowly educating her to the dangers they provide. But she is only 2.5 so it isn't that hard. When she gets a little older (like 16) and we are living in a country with some safe areas to ride, this Razor Scooter might be a fun way for her to pass some time. Or me if I was lighter. This cool electric scooter gets over 10 miles of travel time on a single charge and speeds up to 15 mph. See more at Razor or purchase on Amazon
AllyZabba Blanket
Blankets seem to be one of those items you never have to buy - at least we haven't. They have been a popular and appreciated gift for both our children. If you can you will want to convince, wink, nudge, your family and friends to purchase this one for you. This blanket looks it might be the softest blanket you will ever receive. Perhaps get two - one for you and your baby to share. Why shoudl babies have all the fun? The AllyZabba baby blanket is silky polyester satin on one side, microfiber plush on the other. It comes in Coral, Kiwi, or Aqua, and each blanket has the same retro-dot pattern on the back. Machine washable. $59.95US from AllyZabba. Enter code "special10" during checkout and you can receive 10% off your entire order. Expires the end of May.
10 Tips for Making Time-outs Work
Parenting Ideas has an excellent article detailing some tips for making time-outs work. It's a technique we use with some success. I wrote about this in "Time-outs: How to make them work" back in March when I found a few articles supporting different points of view. It's surprisingly controversial.
In the off-chance you are unfamiliar, the wikipedia describes Time-outs as the following: "A time-out is an educational (mainly parenting) technique recommended by many pediatrists and developmental psychologists as an alternative to spanking and other traditional forms of discipline. In brief, the idea is to keep the child isolated for a limited period of time, intended to allow it to calm down, learn coping skills and discourage inappropriate behavior. It is also a time for parents to separate feelings of anger toward the child for their behavior and develop a plan for discipline"
10 Tips for Making Time-outs Work - Parenting Ideas
Parenting guru says best gift is kids who eat and sleep well
"Roses and breakfast in bed may be a classic Mother's Day gift, but parenting guru Ann Douglas says what moms really want is children who eat and sleep well.
Douglas says her new books - Sleep Solutions for your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler, and Mealtime Solutions for your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler - came about after interviews with "a gazillion" frustrated parents. One stressed-out woman asked Douglas to "please not write another book that is going to make parents feel guilty."
Eating and sleeping - those basic tenets of life that we parents always fret over. It always amazes me just how many children in Taiwan live on so little sleep. I can be out late at night and still see families out with their children. It seems that literally Taiwan is full of people who refuse (or cannot) to get a good nights sleep. The result in parents is what you might expect but the effect on children is more profound. You have a nation of children sleeping their time away in classrooms, short attention spans, and aggressive behaviour. I'm generalizing but it's not far from the truth.
Purchase Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler
Children's Bench and Toy Box
While most of the things we purchase are locally made I do like some of what IKEA produces, including this Children's bench cum storage box. The colour in this photo doesn't inspire but I have seen them in some green neon inspired greens and yellows. We store all our toys in these containers without worries of mold and mildew build-up. Something which is common here with wooden pieces. Approx. $10.00US from IKEA.
Baby Plane Spoon
I used to treat mealtime as a chance to play and learn; something which lately we have been trying to de-emphasize in an effort to get our daughter to focus. Maybe it's just the age but mealtime has become a struggle in getting our daughter to finish her food within a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes I think she would sit there all day if we gave her the chance. Perhaps we are being too "dry" and objects like this might just breathe some life (and speed) back into dinner. Comes in the typical boys and girls colours. $18.00US from Target. Via Babygadget.
Mini Me Bowls
I love the IKEA bowls we have. They are durable, microwave and dishwasher safe, and are colorful. I think these Mini Me's are better not just because of them being organic but because they look and feel better. Available in 8 colors, these bowls are coiled by hand, shaped and given a durable food-safe waterproof finish. Suitable for both hot and cold foods, they clean easily with warm soapy water or a damp cloth. They are not recommended for use in a microwave. $12.00US each.
Lana Organic Dragon Doll
If we aren't pretending we are beauty and the beast, Snow white, Cinderella, or Tea Cup we spend our time pretending to be tigers and dragons. This kind of imaginative play is quite fun and with a little help from our friend the Dragon I can take a break from having little tiger jump on my back. This cuddly animal is made from 100% organic cotton and filled with pure wool. Importantly he is quite washable - that way all the bits of playdoh, paint, and cookies won't make her, the Dragon, all yucky. $49.95US from bright october.
Intellicot
The Intellicot concept has received a great deal of exposure of late, most of which was surprisingly positive. Designed by four male designers who would appear to have never had children themselves, this cold monstrosity has all the features the modern parent, who wants to distance themselves from their babies, could desire. These features include:
Video monitoring so you don't actually have to be in the same room as your child; automatic rocking to eliminate that tiresome task of rocking your child to sleep - let the machine do it; the motorized raising system seems a useful way to alleviate back pain but I wonder if it would be better to simply exercise; and a safety window which eliminates "prison style bars" with a fish tank/science experiment approach (I'm sure babies don't have the concept of prison bars). Perhaps they need to go start over and integrate some of these features in a warm baby-centered design. The original sketch looked much better than the end result.
10 Fun Ways To Get Your Children to Eat Healthier
I don't think we have much of a problem with this yet. Catriona tends to like the right foods, isn't too fussy about meat, and can't stand "yucky bubbles" (soda). For the most part she is an active and healthy young girl. This in contrast to the couple we had lunch with who were bribing their daughter with chocolate so she would eat her french fries. An article on Interactive Dad gives us 10 Fun Ways To Get Your Children to Eat Healthier. Advice we could all listen to.
"Parents and caregivers have the responsibility to introduce healthy food choices to young children. Children learn from the meals you offer, the way you serve food, the way you shop, and the examples you set. They develop habits early that, once learned, can last a lifetime. So it’s never too early to make a change. It’s important to take every opportunity to promote a healthy active lifestyle."
Finding the Best and Worst Seats on an Airplane
The summer holiday season is fast approaching and many of us will be flying home with families in tow. In my experience Asian airlines are fairly accommodating to travelers with families but once you hit American and Canadian airspace all bets are off. LoveMySeat helps take the guess work out of choosing the carrier and seating that will give us the most comfort at the end of a long journey.
"Instantly locate the best and worst Rated airline seating locations on your flights with the air carriers such as Southwest, American, United and Delta. Access to color-coded seating charts, power locations, in-flight services and air travel resources."
LoveMySeat.com Consumer Guide to Airline Seating
Tike Tech Double Stroller
Now that I have two children of the age where they could both be in a stroller I have been looking seriously at some kind of double or tandem strollers. It's certainly easier than carrying one and pushing the other. For a moment I am going to imagine that I am not living in a city in Taiwan but somewhere that has wide sidewalks and long trails where a sporty stroller like this would be appropriate. The rigged frame and wide tires look perfect for taking your children out for a run. $299.00US by X-Tech Outdoors.
Frog Pod
Currently our bathroom remains in order for about 2 days a week, the rest of the week we have bath toys and supplies strewn all over the place. A house with a 2 year old and a messy dad can be like that. The thoughtfully designed Frog Pod looks like a fun way to add some order to the chaos. I'm especially fond of the fact that it's handle acts as scoop, allowing for a quick tidy up after a serious period of play in the tub. $29.99 from Baby Outfitters.
Breastfeeding Terms Intro.
I'm afraid I have only heard of one of these terms - do we make these words up for a purpose? Pretty fun I think. "If your wife is breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed, you will be barraged with new terminology. Not only should you know what they mean, you should be respectful of the implications they carry with them. For all you veteran Noodads, please add to this list so the newbies can be prepared." The Noodad Breastfeeding Dictionary.
Haba Roman Arch Blocks
I don't know who likes playing these toys more, my daughter or myself. Perhaps me. She is still a bit young to have the patience to sit and make large structures but it's a wonderful way to teach early and fine motor skills. I like these particular blocks as they give you the tools you need to build as complicated or as simple a structure as you like.The blocks are made of unfinished beech wood and will stand up to the test of time. This set is $35.99 at Oompa.
Jax Hamper
I think our daughter Catriona is at the perfect age to start keeping her belongings tidy and put away. Instead of just throwing off her clothes and having daddy come around to pick them up later - teaching her now the proper place to put her stinky socks might help avoid the disaster my room was when I was kid. The Jax Hamper made with organic cotton is a stylish and sustainable way to start this basic skill. It's available in 3 colours for $102.00US from Nest Products.
Nyokki Plant Pots
Catriona and I did some planting last week but somehow the bottom of a plastic coke bottle just doesn't seem as cute as these. "Nyokki means "grow, grow, and grow" and that's what a Nyokki does. An adorable cast of original characters, Nyokkis are hand-made in Japan from glazed ceramic, shaped like an egg with little fabric legs. Nyokki are easy to grow - seeds germinate and grass grows to full height in less than two weeks." $9.95US each from Sprout Home.
Wooden Stacking Rings
We have plastic stacking rings that light up and play sounds. It seemed like a good idea; the toy plays a success song when the task is completed and allows for some visual and auditory stimulus. Except it requires batteries and thus starts the great lifelong task of remembering to change batteries in a million different toys. Next time I am sticking with beautifully made wooden toys that offer much of the same in terms of play but without being a machine. $19.95US at piccolini.
Dombo Cup
With a name which references the famous big eared Disney character the Dombo Cup is wonderfully designed with "big ears" to help children who are just developing their coordination skills. We found similar products like this in the stores in our area but nothing as great as this. Nonbreakable and dishwasher-safe, not for the microwave. $15.00US at the MoMA store.
Sakura Pink Kimono Top
A beautiful kimono top in a colour and pattern which I am sure my daughter would love. She is into dresses at the moment, "so she can dance", but she might be coerced into wearing the coordinating pants as well. Made of 100% cotton, this kimono top by Lucky Wang comes packaged in a sushi box. $31.00US from Mod Mama. Via Swiss Miss.
Chocho Pull Along Toy
Living in a country where every toy seems to be built with toxic plastic that breaks in three days I have developed a renewed enthusiasm for toys 'made of wood. Meet Chocho a toy sure to inspire our children's imagination. Made of solid wood and handpainted with non-toxic paint, Chocho makes a perfect addition to our children's toy collection. Available from Bright October for $29.95US.
How to Run Errands with Kids at Your Side
I've never had much of a problem with this. In fact in this country bringing my daughter along is an asset to getting things done. There are times of course when some errands are best done with the kids at home but it's mostly a matter of adjusting or compensating. If I get groceries with my daughter it means I can't get as much or if I need to go downtown to a shop it means giving myself extra time. These suggestions from Modern Mom readers might give you some ideas if you find this difficult.
One of the suggestions: "... I park my toddlers on the carpeted floor with a mini-DVD player we bring with us. ". Don't kids get enough TV? How about teaching our kids to sit quietly and read? I know TV is a great tool for us because our daughter watches so little of it she becomes completely mesmerized by the whole experience when she does.
A stash of goody bags for portable entertainment
Great idea and very organized.
"About once a week, I prepare several "goody bags" for my 2.5-year-old daughter. Usually this is a ziploc or an envelope containing a sheet of paper, a few stickers, a crayon, maybe a page from a children's catalog. When I get free address labels from charities, I put those into the goody bags. I stash the goody bags in my diaper bag and dole them out whenever needed: at restaurants, in shopping carts, in the back of the car. It always keeps her happy for at least a few minutes."
Visit Parent Hacks
Bedtime battles: How to nip them in the bud
Here is something we have been going through and some good ideas for dealing with it from Parent Center.
"If you're like most parents, you're all too familiar with this scenario: You put your preschooler to bed at 8:30 at night, hugging and kissing her and wishing her sweet dreams. It's been a long day, but still the dinner dishes await, you have bills to pay, the dog needs to be walked and the cat fed, and you haven't had a spare moment to put your feet up. But instead of spending the rest of the evening catching up on your chores and clocking some precious time with your partner, you're in and out of your child's room, cajoling her to sleep. She finally nods off — about three hours after she first went to bed."
Calculate Your Sleep Debt
This might be a scary exercise for those with newborns who haven't quite started to align their sleep habits with us adults. I'm sure most are not getting near enough sleep. I know for sure that lack of sleep hurts my productivity tremendously and even decisions like what kind of candy of candy to by my becomes a chore. British Airways suggests that you can figure out if you're getting enough sleep and hurting your productivity by calculating your sleep debt.
"Less sleep = less productivity
Time zone changes, internal body clock disruptions and irregular food and exercise patterns can all result in a sleep debt. Making difficult decisions is not easy if you are sleepy, jet lagged and not at your peak.
Pay it back
Work out how much sleep you owe your body and find out how to recover if your sleep account is in the red."
Are you getting enough sleep? Via Lifehacker.
Nurseryworks Square changing station
I would love to buy furniture like this. This square changing table coordinates with a whole line of items from Nurseryworks and features a "modern modular aesthetic". Unfortunately it's a bit difficult to buy anything nice where I live now. The house I live in so ugly, ugly beyond repair, that nice furniture or art tends to get swallowed by it's surroundings. It's a pretty typical for homes built in Taiwan around the time of ours to be built to such poor standards. I chose it though for it's size, it's a luxury to have so much interior space in Asia. Available for $900US from Design Public.
Blabla Lulu Stuffed Toy
I would love to buy more toys like this, as it brings back memories of a time when people would actually make toys and clothes for children that would last for generations. I like the design of this stuffed doll - happy colours and face. It's certainly different than the LuLu character that I developed a number of years ago. You buy Lulu for $37.95US at bright october. There is allot of great stuff for kids at this online boutique so it's worth your while to spend some time browsing their catalogue.
First Aid Kit For Kids
I always try to remember to take one of our first aid kits with me whenever I go on a walk with my daughter. She tends to suffer more of the usual bumps and scrapes that most kids her age have. This little kit is designed to teach first aid to children ages 7 to 12 and while a good idea is a bit much for her. It's a good idea to teach kids early how to take care of themselves if they get and this kit includes a flash-card-style first aid manual with easy-to-read instructions to help. Available from REI for $9.95US.
