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a letter to my 3-year-old: your mealtime mannerisms

August 31, 2009 By 81 Comments

three year old a letter to my 3 year old: your mealtime mannerismsAt mealtime, you *always* ask to help me – no matter who is here or what you are doing. You’ll come running out to the kitchen and you’ll climb up into your Learning Tower (which is a great investment, by the way). You like to stir and pour and measure. Of course, you like to taste test too – which I usually let you do.

You also set the table all by yourself now. You put a blue kids placemat, a plastic plate and a spoon (you’re not a fan of forks) at your spot. Then, you carry the big, white ceramic plates over for me and your dad…with such care.

When we ask you if you want milk or water (or, sometimes, lemonade), you usually choose milk. We give you organic, whole milk. None of that 1%, 2%, or skim stuff. Every once in awhile, however, you choose lemonade (“with water in it” – we dilute our lemonade around here).

If we serve any of the following foods, you are bound to be excited: noodles, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheese, whipped cream, chocolate, fruit leathers, peanut butter balls, ice cream, broccoli, sandwiches, foods that are “kid-sized,” foods that are new, or foods that have fun shapes.

If we serve carrots, however, you usually take them off your plate and place them on my plate and say “for you…I give my carrots to you!” You say it so nicely, so excitedly. I (almost) buy into it.

You decided you were tired of your booster seat several months ago and, instead, opted to sit on your knees on the big chairs. Then, we were sent a green KABOOST Portable Chair Booster to review and you absolutely love it (and so do we). It boosts you up to just the right height so that you can reach your food and be a part of the conversation.

When we pray, you fold your hands and say “Dear God, thank you for this food and thank you that other kids not get hurt. Amen.” Your prayers are the sweetest. That said, I think you get confused when other people are asked to pray instead of you and sometimes you start praying loudly right when another person starts praying. We need to work on that.

My husband and I need to decide if we’re going to teach you to say “May I be excused from the table?” after each meal. Because we definitely haven’t taught you that yet. So, if people think you are unmannerly because you get up when you are done without asking permission, that is 100% our fault.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS POST:

Picture 52 150x95 a letter to my 3 year old: your mealtime mannerismsFabkins ($19.95/set of four) – “Everyday cloth napkins for kids” – are cloth napkins designed specifically with kids in mind. The napkins come in sets of four and are available in eight different themes – ballerina, beach bound, xtreme sports, etc. They are perfectly sized for kids laps and lunchboxes – and parents can easily swap out traditional napkins and paper towels for this greener and more creative alternative.

Picture 17 75x150 a letter to my 3 year old: your mealtime mannerismsKABOOST Portable Booster Chair ($37.95) – “Little kids sit like big kids” – is designed for kids between 20 months and 6 years. The KABOOST snaps on any 4-legged chair in seconds (really!) and can easily be moved from chair to chair. It’s also exceptionally easy to take on vacation, to friends’ houses, to grandma’s house, etc. Speaking of grandma’s house, grandparents are bound to love this handy, easy-to-use kitchen accessory because it’s easy to take on and off – and it blends nicely with a variety of home decors. In fact, the KABOOST comes in four different colors to ensure that it won’t be an eyesore in your home – green, chocolate, natural, and charcoal.

YOUR TURN: What foods do your kids like/dislike? Do you require that your kids ask to be excused from the table at the end of each meal?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a set of Fabkins napkins ($19.95) and a green KABOOST Portable Chair Booster ($37.95). To enter, leave a comment stating what Fabkins set you would choose AND answer one of the above “your turn” questions. The deadline for this contest is Wednesday, September 9th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #13 Jill J. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Food, Giveaways, product review, Travel With Kids Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

more kids books :: just for fun

August 31, 2009 By 140 Comments

A few last books to share with you (Did I mention we love books at our house?)…

big sister reading books more kids books :: just for fun little sister reading books more kids books :: just for fun

A BOOK TO MAKE YOUR CHILD LAUGH:

ticklemonster 2980 360 1 150x150 more kids books :: just for funTickle Monster by Josie Bissett, illustrated by Kevan J. Atteberry (Compendium, 2008, $16.95)

A furry pastel blue monster with a stripedy tail and horns on his head flies in from Planet Tickle to tickle your child’s adorable footsies, cute bony knees, and little tum-tums. My daughter starts giggling as soon as I reach for the book and the matching Tickle Monster Mitts (sold separately, $14.95). The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, the glossy pages are filled with brilliant colors, and the massive mitts are soft and so-so fun. My only critique is that the book uses two phrases that we don’t use in our house: “what the heck” and “holy moly.” We’re pretty particular about our language around here so we creatively “skip” those phrases in the book when we read it.

A BOOK FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS:

0310715083 150x125 more kids books :: just for funAlong Came You by Karona Drummond, illustrated by Estelle Corke (Zondervan, 2009, $15.99)

Author Karona Drummond shares a sweet story about a mama and her little girl. On each page, the dark-haired mama tells her daughter what life was like “before you” and “after you.” Essentially, the book’s premise is that life changes when a baby enters the world. It may be messier, sillier, crazier, and noisier…but it’s also better (much, much better). That is a great message. My only critique – and this is a minor one – is that the story doesn’t give any “hints” that there is a dad in the house – or other siblings. I realize that the point of the book is to showcase the love between a mother and her preschool daughter, but it struck me that all of the everyday scenes lacked other members of the family. Perhaps, though, that “lack” would make this an especially ideal pick for single moms.

A BOOK TO INSPIRE CONVERSATION:

978 1 933605 45 6.d 105x150 more kids books :: just for funCould You? Would You? by Trudy White (Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 2007, $12.95)

Simplistic, sketch-book-inspired illustrations and open-ended questions make this book a delight to share with a child. This ISN’T a “come-sit-on-my-lap-and-I’ll-read-you-a-bedtime-story” book. It’s more of a dreamer’s book. It’s the kind of book you might take out in the backyard with a big blanket to lay on, some jars of fresh-squeezed lemonade to drink, and not a care in the world. Then, you could sit there and look at the clouds and ponder: “What is the best thing about where you live?” OR “Where will people live in the future?” OR “Could you imagine waking up one morning as a baby again?” My almost-three-year-old loves those kind of questions – and I love hearing her answers.

YOUR TURN: What books have you been reading to/with your kids lately?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of each of the above titles: Tickle Monster (PLUS, the Tickle Monster Mitts!!!), Along Came You, and Could You? Would You? To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, September 8th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #77 susan. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

the magic of reading aloud

August 31, 2009 By 99 Comments

“You may have tangible wealth untold:
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be –
I had a mother who read to me.”
- Strickland Gillilan

13737348.JPG 99x150 the magic of reading aloudAmy of Usborne Books recently sent me The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. I am completely enamored. If I didn’t have a million things on my plate (Seriously. I have so many big projects on my plate this week that my husband actually told me, “Don’t worry about the house or the laundry or anything like that.”), I’m certain I would have read it all in one sitting.

The book essentially “explains how reading aloud awakens children’s imaginations and improves their language skills.” It also includes a listing of 1,000 books that are great for reading aloud by age/grade and theme.

Anyway, the small snippets that I have managed to inhale so far, have reminded me – inspired me – to be even more diligent about reading aloud.

If you’re looking for wonderful, captivating, interactive books to share with your kids, you need to check out Usborne. The books are educational, but not boring-educational. They’re educational the way books should be – colorful, engaging, fun. I recently spent some time looking through the catalog and I think I want all of them.

But if I had to narrow it down, I think I’d add these 6 books to my “Usborne wishlist”:

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Usborne Books make great gifts too because almost all of them have a “hands-on” component (stick stickers, lift flaps, touch textures, use magnets, cook recipes, etc.). Any kid is sure to be delighted by the wonder of learning with these books around the house.

Another cool thing about buying Usborne Books through this eShow is that you’re buying from another mom. Amy Meyer is the seller behind that particular site and she is the proud mama of two kids. She resides in the Twin Cities area and is passionate about literacy. She is also able to help get you started if YOU want to start an Usborne Books business of your own.

YOUR TURN: Check out the Usborne catalog. Which books spark your interest?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, plus $25 to spend on Usborne Books. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, September 8th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #25 Kerrie Mayans. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Books, Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

books that teach manners

August 30, 2009 By 129 Comments

kids who love books books that teach mannersMy girls love books.

They like to stack them and chew on them and look at the pictures. They like long books and short books, rhyming books and poetic books, silly books and serious books.

I bet we read 20 books or more on an average day.

Lately, my husband and I have noticed that our almost-3-year-old is like a little sponge, absorbing knowledge as fast as her little mind will allow. She asks intelligent questions. She ponders things. She memorizes books and enhances her vocabulary. She picks up on the subtle messages in text and in pictures.

For this reason, I want to be intentional about providing her with books that teach positive lessons. Nonsensical books are fun too, don’t get me wrong. But books that instruct are appreciated in a different way.

FOR EXAMPLE:

41289099.PNG 150x116 books that teach mannersMartha Doesn’t Say Sorry by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Bruce Whatley (Little Brown & Company, 2009)

This book ought to win a literary award. The text is captivating and so very fun to read a loud. The pictures are unbelievably adorable. The message is profound without being pushy. Martha – a rotund otter in a pink dress and matching headband – learns that it is important to say “I’m sorry” when she does something that is…”not so nice.” My almost-three-year often chooses this book and asks us to read it to her again and again. I, for one, am glad. It is superbly illustrated and written with care – and I am positive that my daughter is taking the message to heart. If you buy only one new book this year for a 1-5 year old in your life, this should be it.

index.php 148x150 books that teach mannersDigby Takes Charge by Caroline Jayne Church (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007)

Digby, a talented sheepdog, is brought to a farm to herd six sheep into a pen. “Easy-peasy!” he thinks. But the job turns out to be harder than expected. Those stubborn sheep will not be moved, despite Digby’s hair-brained and ridiculous attempts. He tries growling, shouting, driving a tractor and a tank, and flying a helicopter. In the end, however, only one thing will work. The sheep cooperate immediately when Digby uses the “magic word”…please.

My one hesitation with this book is that the word “please” is only described as a “way to get what we want.” I would have appreciated the tale more if the emphasis had been on courtesy, respect, and making others feel valued rather than on selfish motivations. That said, my daughter does enjoy reading it and laughs at the dog’s crazy antics throughout the text.

14597489.JPG 110x150 books that teach mannersThe Sneetches And Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1961)

This hardcover treasure features four stories. The Sneetches teaches tolerance – and emphasizes the fact that outward appearances are overrated. The Zax shares the importance of compromise. Too Many Daves is a short tale about individuality. What Was I Scared Of? talks about standing up to your fears (and perhaps realizing that your fears may be unwarranted). All of the rhyming tales are ridiculous and over-exaggerated, yet they still manage to be instructive in the midst of all of the silliness.

13707712 108x150 books that teach mannersOh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1990)

Oh, the Places You’ll Go is a classic Seuss story that is sure to give kids confidence to pursue their dreams. Although a bit on the longish side for preschoolers, the book has a fabulous message about choosing your destiny, picking yourself up after being derailed by obstacles, and finding success through entrepreneurship and innovation. Told in spectacular Seuss fashion, the book includes zany illustrations, made-up words, and kooky text. And will you enjoy it? “Yes! You will, indeed! (98 3/4 percent guaranteed!)“

Picture 15 150x77 books that teach mannersManners Always Matter book set (Publications International, 2005)

The Manners Always Matter book set features 10 miniature paperbacks: Let’s Be Friends, Be Patient, Let’s Share, Play Nice, I’m Sorry, Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, May I Help?, and Be Honest. The thin, tiny booklets all feature the same characters: Puppy, Hippo, Kitty, Mouse, and Mrs. Hen. The books are lacking creativity and are rather boring, but – surprisingly – my daughter really likes them. I think the “morals” are obnoxiously obvious – “As Hippo learned, being honest always works out for the best.” But my daughter doesn’t seem to mind. And, I am 98% sure she know says, “May I…?” when she asks questions as a direct result of these books. I am not complaining at all about that.

YOUR TURN: Do you use books to teach manners and morals?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of Digby Takes Charge ($14.99), The Sneetches And Other Stories ($14.95), Oh, the Places You’ll Go ($17.99), and Manners Always Matter set ($10.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, September 7th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #90 jessica c. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Books, Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

my 3-year-old, my friend

August 30, 2009 By 147 Comments

safety 1st new carseat 2 my 3 year old, my friendEvery single time we get in the car, my almost-three-year-old tells me that the straps are too tight. But, really, they’re just as they should be. She just doesn’t like being constrained. She’s a free spirit, after all. She likes to run and leap and let the wind blow through her hair.

So, I keep the straps safe and snug – and we get on our way. She is generally quiet in the car – thoughtful, observant. But sometimes she sings or asks questions. And she gets excited when we go under tunnels or on bendy roads.

The best thing about almost three-year-olds is that you can have full conversations with them.

She and I talk. We really talk. About what to eat for lunch and how to help others and why it’s important to brush our teeth.

Her intellect often astonishes me. She picks up on so much. She teaches me something new almost every single day. Truth be told, I like hanging out with her – in the car or otherwise.

She’s funny. She’s fearless. She’s my friend.

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pTRU1 6021163reg 150x150 my 3 year old, my friend* She is riding in Safety 1st’s new Air Protect car seat. The Air Protect™ technology shields children from side impact intrusion and immediately reduces crash forces at the most critical spot: around a child’s head.  At first, I wondered if my daughter would be bothered by those massive “wings” around her head, but she didn’t say a thing. In fact, she seems to much prefer this car seat to her old one.

My husband and I also prefer it because it is narrower than most other convertible seats on the market – a good thing when you’re trying to smoosh two car seats into the backseat of a Toyota Camry.

The Air Protect car seat works in both the rear-facing and forward-facing mode for 5 lb. babies all the way up to 50 lb. preschoolers. It retails for $249.99 and is available exclusively at Babies R Us & Toys R Us. The seat is comfortable, the colors are stylish, and – most importantly – the safety ratings are high. I recommend it.

logo eng 150x56 my 3 year old, my friendWIN IT! One winner will receive a Safety 1st car pack, which includes: a See Baby Soft Mirror, a Secure View Mirror, a Soft Solution Roller Shade, a “Baby on Board” window sign, and a $25 gas gift card. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, September 6th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #17 Sara. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Giveaways, product review, Travel With Kids Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Win a Custom Birthday Shirt

August 29, 2009 By 112 Comments

Celebrate your little one’s birthday with a fun, whimsical, and one-of-a-kind shirt from Olive & Ollie:

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Oh. Oh. Oh. Aren’t they oh-so-cute?

The birthday shirts are handmade by a mom of two from Cincinnati, Ohio and retail for between $20-$26.

If you choose to make a purchase, you will:

  1. get an adorable shirt that is “photo shoot ready.”
  2. be supporting a talented mom who makes her goods after her kids are tucked in for the night.

Sounds like a win-win situation. Don’t you think?

P.S. Olive & Ollie also sells custom birthday sets and the sweetest little peasant dresses.

iusa 50x50.6127943 Win a Custom Birthday ShirtWIN IT! One winner will receive a custom birthday shirt of his/her choice from Olive & Ollie. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, September 5th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #83 ReggieMann. Congratulations!

Filed Under: baby/toddler/kids clothing, Giveaways, Mom-Owned Business Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

You Are 3

August 28, 2009 By 26 Comments

Three years. Of fun. Of laughter. Of sweetness. Of squeals. Of sunshine.

three years old 2 You Are 3 three years old 3 You Are 3 three years old 4 You Are 3

You are my firstborn – the one who rocked our world, the one who changed us forever.

From day one, your daddy and I loved you with an overwhelming love that we didn’t know was possible. I remember the way it felt when you were placed on my chest. The wonder and majesty of that moment. Your daddy often says that THAT was the “real love at first sight” because he was enamored by you. As was I.

The nurses said you were beautiful. In fact, everyone who saw you said you were perfect and not in the that’s-what-you’re-supposed-to-say way. It was true. Your skin was flawless. Your eyes were a brilliant blue. Your button nose and rosepetal lips were exquisitely shaped. You were (and still are) piercingly beautiful.

Then, you grew. And grew. And GREW. And now you are active, spunky, fearless, fun, spirited, and sweet.

And just so I don’t forget (oh, I don’t ever want to forget…):

  • You like jumping on your bed. Off of your little table and onto the bed, laughing.
  • You like making peanut butter balls and going new places.
  • You like arts and crafts, school time, chocolate ice cream, “noodles,” and watching Pooh on your iPod.
  • When I say, “do you want to read two or three books at bedtime?” You say: “I want to read a lot of books.” So we do.
  • You can sing your ABCS and you do so often. Sometimes in public – very loudly.
  • You know all of your shapes, your colors (including gray and turquoise), your numbers (0-10), your birthday, and you can almost spell your name.
  • You pretend to read books, tracing the words from left to right with your fingers. You have several books memorized.
  • You say “please” and “thank you” and “I’m sorry” and “you’re the best mom in the whole world.” You are generally very well-mannered, but daddy says you need to work on not screaming in high-pitched tones.
  • You usually volunteer to pray at every meal. And you pray, “Dear God, Thank you for our food. And thank you that other kids not get hurt.” And sometimes you say, “Thank you for mommy and daddy and baby sister and [insert names of friends + family members].”
  • You don’t like to wear dresses (unless they don’t have buttons). You mostly like to wear t-shirts and shorts. Or nothing at all.
  • You can reach the light switches and door handles, dress yourself, put your shoes on the right feet, get yourself water out of the refrigerator, set the table, take out the trash, draw smiley faces, and do somersaults.
  • Your favorite color is dark green. No, not any green. Dark green, in particular.
  • You are the absolute best big sister. Really.

You are wonderful and you are full of wonder. We love you, sweet girl – and don’t you ever, ever forget it.

* Big Sister is wearing a custom birthday shirt from Olive & Ollie, an etsy shop.

Filed Under: About Me Tagged With: ,