Tuesday's Tips & Tidbits: the Tooth Fairy

TOOTH FAIRY

A rite of passage in our culture

It's a big deal to lose that first tooth

Just ask any kindergarten teacher.

My son has his first two wiggly teeth: the bottom, front ones---like most kids. 

 

He's been coming home from school since the beginning of the school year telling me who lost their tooth, how, and that the kid got a prize from his teacher's special prize box for losing a tooth.

 

He's anxiously awaiting his own teeth falling out because 

IT'S SOOOOO COOL!!!!!!

When I was a little girl my mom would make us each a

Tooth Fairy Pillow. 

I didn't realize at the time how brilliant my mother was. 

This pillow had a little pocket in the front where we'd put our tooth. 

We'd place the pillow on our bed, and wake up the next morning to money in exchange for that tooth. 

 

My. brilliant .mother!!! 

 

*She didn't have to carefully dig under my pillow trying to find the tooth.

 

*She didn't have to worry about waking me up.

 

*She didn't have to worry about morning when the money she'd left had fallen down the side of the bed and a kid was crying because the Tooth Fairy stole their tooth and didn't leave any money.

 

My.brilliant.mother!!!!

So, I made my son a Tooth Fairy pillow this week. 
Preparation for the big night when he sells his teeth to that sneaky Tooth Fairy.

I should have asked "What color of pillow do you want?" 

Not "What kind of pillow do you want?" 

One word can really complicate life! 

He wanted a Mario Pillow. Of course! Why did I ask?!? I felt pretty intimidated at first, but it did turn out and was easier than I expected once I had an idea of how to do it. 

 

The sad part to this story: 
When I was almost done with his pillow, he looked me right in the eyes with a very serious thoughtful look and said, "Mom, the Tooth Fairy isn't real is He?"
My response, "Why would you think that?"
My son replied, "Heavenly Father didn't make fairies." A long pause while I tried to figure out what to say.  Then he added, "But I LOOOOOOVE my cool pillow.  And I'm still so excited to lose my teeth!  It'll be SOOOOOO COOL."

I'm sad he didn't even make it through one round of the Tooth Fairy while believing.  But I'm happy he's still excited. 

P.S.  The night before Easter he told me he knows it's me and Dad who hide the eggs, that the Easter Bunny isn't real.  It was still his most exciting Easter morning and he was crazy uber happy about searching out all the eggs. 

I've learned a good lesson from him I need to remember always: 

When the fairy tale is gone, reality is still a lot of fun!

 

******And, ONE MORE TIP******

No matter how much money your Tooth Fairy gives, give it in coins, not bills.  A kid feels a lot more rich with 4 quarters in his pocket than with one dollar bill in his pocket.  I Promise!

Tuesday's Tidbit: Crawling

When I was in college I remember reading an interesting study done somewhere about teenagers that had problems with math.  They had found out that many of those students who were struggling with math had never crawled as a baby.  They had skipped that step in development and had gone straight to walking.  They taught these teenagers to crawl, did crawling exercises in class, and their math skills improved significantly.   I don't remember the details of the study, but the idea obviously stuck with me and I became VERY excited as each of my children began to crawl.   (Especially my little girl because of all her special therapy that began when she was only 6 weeks old.  Another post for another day.)

Now, I'm not going to say that all non-crawlers will struggle with math.  Neither will I say that all who struggle with math weren't crawlers as a baby (I crawled and am  not good at math at all...I won't mention how many times I repeated math classes.)  But I will say that crawling is a very important part of development.  And Math isn't the only area it seems to affect.  There are many studies that show how it affects the brain development (coordination, memory, etc.), and there are many theories out there including the possiblity that it's a factor in ADHD.

So, basically, don't push walking when your baby is enjoying crawling-this is an important time for your baby's brain to be getting a work-out, but if your baby skips crawling, maybe when he/she is an older child you can think of fun crawling games later in life to get them moving on their hands and knees. 

* And here's a good article if you'd be interested in learning a little more: medcentral.org

Tuesday's Tidbit: Wooden Blocks

The BEST developmentally diverse toy for children is a classic:

WOODEN ALPHABET BLOCKS

Seriously!  They don't need batteries, or have plastic parts that break, and kids will be entertained for an eternity.  As you're getting ready for Christmas, I'd HIGHLY suggest putting this $15.99 (give or take a few dollars depending on the store) toy on your list.

You may think they're boring compared to a Leap Frog computer, or Buzz Lightyear talking action figure...but kids won't. 

So, what can you do with alphabet blocks?  Here area few ideas:

- Teach a child how to spell their name, recognize letters and numbers, do addition, or simple subtraction

- Identify the pictures of items on the blocks

- Build castles, homes, cars, anything and everything

- Learn colors

- An individual block can end up being Buzz Lightyear, Cinderella, the grandma next door, a dog, a flower, dinner food to use with the little kitchen they have...anything! 

What kinds of development are these good for?

- Pediatricians will ask you if your child can stack items, and how many high.  That's because it's a key milestone in fine motor skill development.  Wooden blocks are ideal for learning this skill.  At first stacking one on top of the other is good.  By the time your child is in pre-school...watch out for tall towers around your home!

- Imaginative play

- Spacial and Dimentional development...being able to recognize dimentions from different angles.  These are important skills for many jobs such as architecture, software design, and even in art classes.

-  The list is nearly countless as you play with your child in recognizing letters, numbers, etc.

As you're shopping for toys this Christmas pay attention to Classic Toys.  Not just the ones that are back for a 20 year anniversary edition, but the ones that never left.  They never left because they are the toys kids love, and the interest in them doesn't wear out after Christmas Day.  And interestingly, they are almost always great for development as well. 

Happy Shopping!

Tuesdays Tip & Tidbit: Reading...for YOU

Lately, I've been thinking about my own marvelous mother and what she did while I was growing up.  I remember her doing laundry, dishes, driving us all over, having us clean doorknobs and mow the lawn, crying with me when I messed up at a tryout that I'd work so hard to be ready for....but I also remember her always READING!!!  She took us to the library regulary (I even remember a time when we were at the libray, and I thought I was old enough to go in the elevator on my own, and I got stuck and cried for about a half hour...but that's another story for another day...)  I remember her love of books and though I never have enjoyed the same type of books that she enjoys, I use to read a lot!  However, since becoming a mom, I don't have time!  I never read!...I take that back...I've read five books since becoming a mother. (Not including scripture reading.)  The first was a manuscript a friend of mine wrote, so I began to read it as a favor...however, once I began, I devoured it and couldn't put it down.  Every time my son napped, I read.  Then I read two other non-novel type books that were easy to put down and pick up again months later because I wasn't having to remember a plot.  I also read two other books that a single friend of mine highly suggested, encouraged and prodded me to read.  I gave in but felt guilty starting to read a book.  I mean, I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO THAT NEVER GETS DONE ANYWAY!  How could I take time to sit and read?!!!  The interesting thing is that while I read each book, I felt more calm in general.  I was more patient with my son, sometimes he'd sit by me and "read" his own book or play with his cars, I was happy, somehow got the dishes washed faster so I could get back to reading, and when all the laundry wasn't done, our home didn't fall apart.  (Let's be honest, even when I'm not reading a book, it still didn't get done...so what's the difference anyway.)  

Now I know that everyone has different family dynamics, and maybe reading is something you've never enjoyed anyway.  But I'm still going to push reading as personal time for several reasons.  First, as you read, the world opens to you and you're not feeling like life is stagnant.  It can be a great way to relax, and rejuvenate.  Second, as your children see you read, their love and desire to read will grow (this is true...I really learned it in school and there are about two zillion studies done on it.  Your example of reading will help them in school!) 

So here are a few ideas of how to find that impossible reading time:
* If you have a baby, don't be afraid to take one nap time to read until you also fall asleep, or until the baby wakes up. 
* If you have older children, find a book that you might enjoy reading outloud to them as they listen.  (Did you have any favorites from when you were their age that you'd like to read again?) 
* You can have reading time while everyone else quietly reads or colors their own book. 
* If your children have movie time, why not take part of it for reading time for yourself. 
* Maybe after getting the kids to bed, read for a few minutes to settle down instead of rushing around cleaning up Cheerios and cracker crumbs. 
* I even recently heard of a mother who would tell her husband it was time to do laundry...and they both knew it meant she was going in the laundry room to calm down and spend some reading time. She had a chair and book in there ready for those needed times.
* Choose one book to read a month, or before a certain holiday...set a goal
* Have a book in the car that's ready for reading when you're waiting at the bus stop to pick your kids up...after all, half the time the bus is late anyway. 

Each family has it's own needs and is different.  Years will pass, kids will grow, and things will change.  There will be a time when you'll have hours of time to read...so don't wish away these busy times.  At the same time, remember balance....reading books constantly and neglecting your children isn't good.  But, it's also not good to never read.  Don't feel guilty to take a little time to read.  It's good for you.  And it's good for your children's development to see you reading.

Tuesday's Tip: Prints

Doctors, parents, teachers, & grandparents all like to do different projects...whether for practical safety purposes or for fun craft projects... that involve hand, finger, or foot prints.  Before the ink, remember lotion.  Even the most washable baby ink pads will usually leave some ink on the skin. 

If lotion was applied to the skin and rubbed in first, it helps the ink wash off MUCH EASIER!

Tuesday's Tidbit: Wanting to KICK Depression

Depression is a HUGE topic...I won't even pretend to be a know-all and solve the issue. 
    But, according to statistics, about 1/3 of you who read this will be tackling this issue at some point in your lives. 
    Some of you are dealing with it now. 
    Some of you are wondering if that's what's been wrong lately. 
    Some of you have dealt with it in the past...and that means an increased likelihood of it showing up again later (unfortunately). 
Hopefully that hasn't scared anyone, but it is a REAL issue and can suck all the joy out of motherhood.  And we all want to be happy as mothers.  The hardest part, is that if you're already dealing with depression, these things will seem out of reach and impossible.  Don't give up on yourself, and don't be afraid to talk with your husband, a trusted friend or family member, a doctor, or someone else you can trust.  They can help you.  You're not in it alone.  I PROMISE!!!
Here's a little info and a few natural remedies that may help:
- Did you know that serotonin is an essential brain chemical and needs to be replenished.  Having low levels of serotonin is very closely linked to depression.
- For most people, you need at least 6 hours of consecutive sleep to replenish your serotonin levels.  (no wonder so many new moms experience postpartum depression)
- Being out in the sun each day for 20-30 minutes can help raise serotonin levels
- Meditating, Praying, and simply relaxing has been shown to help raise serotonin levels.
- Flax seed.  It's great mixed into a smoothie and you'll think it's just the raspberry or strawberry seeds.  Can't even taste it.  Try it on a salad or in homemade bread.  It's kind of pricey, but goes a LONG way.
- Bananas
- Dark Chocolate (yes...a great excuse for buying it on a regular basis)
- Listening to soothing music

Like I said, this is only a dabble in a small amount of information.  These suggestions and ideas are not meant to override a doctor's prescription, or other methods for dealing with or avoiding depression.  Just a few helps from one mom who dealt with postpartum depression (yes, me) to my friends out there. 

Tuesday's Tip & Tidbit: Vocabulary

Here's the "Tidbit" part:
The average 1 year old has a vocabulary of around 100-200 words.  (Though it may be in their own language that only Mom and Dad understand....you still know that "bebe" means bread.)  Also, they understand about five times as many words as they can express themselves.

Here's the "Tip" part:
When you're speaking with your child, integrate new words.  This will help their vocabulary grow.  The more they hear, the quicker their vocabulary (their ability to both understand and say new words) will grow. 
For example: 
If you're at the zoo and your child sees a tiger and says, "Look, kitty."
Your response could be: 'That's a big cat, it's a tiger.  It is orange and has black stripes."

This works with any age group of kids...gradually expanding their vocabulary by using words in a way they can relate to, but that they aren't always familiar with.  If your child seems confused with the words you used, you can always restate the phrase in simpler words.  You'd be surprised how much they truly understand though! 

Tuesday's Tip: Infant Fingernails

Infant's fingernails are so fine and sharp we want to make sure to keep them 'clipped' so they don't scratch themselves too badly.  But it can be scary for some moms.  Here are a few tips to help:

• It can be hard to see where the end of the fingernail is past the skin.  Instead of using fingernail clippers for the first while, use a very fine fingernail file and gently file it down.  It's less scary. 
• After you can see where to clip, use baby nail clippers and not the same ones you use.  Yours are dull and worn down and won't clip their delicate nails as easily. 
• Another helpful thing, is if you can find a way to do it while your baby is sleeping.
• Baby fingernail clippers can also be found with lights (WOW!), and bigger handles that make it easier to have a firm steady hold while 'manicuring' those tiny nails.

Tuesday's Tidbit: Height

Did you know that for about 95% of kids,

their adult height will be double what their height was when they turned 2 years old. 

...If this is true my own son will only be 5'4 when he's an adult.  So, I'm hoping that he'll be the 5%  that doesn't follow this guide.  However, with the genes from me and my husband, it's completely possible. 

Tuesday's Tips: Remembering

Our kids do a lot of things that we don't want to forget.  How often during the day do you think, "I need to write that down!" or, "I can't wait to tell my husband, or mom, or sister about that one!"?  Then the end of the day comes and in our exhaustion we forget completely.  Sometimes we'll remember just enough to think that there was something we wanted to remember...but we still can't figure out what it was. 

Here are a couple ideas to help with REMEMBERING.....

• A couple of years ago a friend of mine gave me a suggestion:  Tape a blank piece of paper inside one of your kitchen cupboards.  Find a pen, tie a string around it, tape the other end of the string next to the paper inside the cupboard.  When your kid says or does something, you can write it down right there.  It may not be pretty, but it's hidden from visitors.  And honestly, a lot of time is spent in the kitchen...so you won't have to go far.  Plus, you don't have to find a pen...which sometimes takes a detective to locate when you're needing one.
• A calendar.   There are a billion ways to do this.  Anything from a Baby's 1st Year calendar with matching cute stickers for different firsts, to a homemade black&white print out from your computer.  It doesn't matter the kind of calendar....just remember to have it OUT in a regular place, like on the wall in your child's bedroom, in a playroom, or on your nightstand  and NOT HIDING...you don't have time to find it when those important and silly things happen.  Also, have a pen attached to where ever you have the calendar and keep the pen in this regular place.

Do any of you have other ideas of things you do?  I'd love to share them in another post!

Tuesday's Tips: Picky Eaters

courtesy of
teachinghighschoolpsychology.blogspot.com

As a mom it's frustrating when a child won't eat the food you've prepared for them.  Sometimes it can even become worrisome if they aren't eating enough, or aren't eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients they need.  The number of possible solutions are endless....and there will be more posts on this topic.  But here are a few to try if you're at the point of throwing your hands up in the air at every meal time. 

*Think of your child's personality.  The same things don't work with every child.
*Also remember to be positive.  If you're nagging, getting mad, punishing, etc. it actually backfires worse than you have any idea.  It becomes a power struggle and that doesn't work.  The child will push back harder and harder
*Sprinkles.  Many kids will eat anything with sprinkles on it.  Broccoli, green beans, peaches, pasta, chicken.....  It sounds gross, but is true.  Just remember, you don't have to have it on your own food. 
*Shapes.  Do you have cookie cutters in the shape of hearts, stars, etc.  Use them on sandwiches and other food.  You can also use a butter knife to cut a shape.  Just be careful and don't make it too elaborate.  You'd regret your child requesting a detailed ferris wheel ham sandwich every day.
*Dipping.  Some kids believe Ranch dressing or Ketchup make everything wonderful.  And I do mean EVERYTHING.  While you don't want your child to be drinking ketchup and ranch because they're not very healthy, there are a lot of foods that if dipping will help them want to eat it, the nutrients in the food will outweigh the unhealthiness of the dips.  You could also try yogurt, hummus, or other things your child may like.
*Other kids.  My son will always eat what he sees other children eat.  He seems to trust their tastebuds more than mine or my husband's.  Have a lunch group, or occasional meal with cousins or neighbors and let your child sit with the other kids.  Then dish up the same food the others are eating.  Not just what you know they already like. 
*Making food.  If a child helps make a food it can be more exciting to them.  They feel like they have ownership of the food and will often times love it.
*Counting.  "At least one bite" is a good standard rule.  If you are consistent with this, they'll know they can stop after one bite and you won't bother them anymore.  So, they'll do it without a tantrum. 
Best case scenario: they love it and will eat more. 
Worst case scenario: they tried something new and got a few nutrients. 
You could try another way of counting besides "at least one bite".  You may tell them ten bites of food on their plate...but they can choose which foods, or can even ask them how many bites they will take and then hold them to it (in positive encouraging ways...not punishments).  There are many ways to implement counting into eating.  And children who are learning to count seem to repond well. 
If your child doesn't want to eat everything, it's okay.  Forcing them to eat everything can add to multiple problems like not recognizing when they're full and can 'turn off' their ability to recognize when they're full...which leads to overeating in the future.  It can also become a power struggle-which three year olds are especially excellent at.

If none of these things help, don't give up hope.  If you are seriously concerned, talk with your pediatrician.

Tuesday's Tidbit: Handclapping

Did you know that handclapping games....(yes, those same ones we did with our friends on the playground in elementary school)...are SMART.  They actually help children develop and improve important skills.  The combination of rhythm, music, and specialized movements helps improve children's coordination, verbal memory, and handwriting skills.  If you'd like some great tutorials in remembering these songs with actions, or if you would like to learn some new ones, here's a great site filled with handclapping songs that you'll love. 

~Idea from Disney's Family Fun, Sept. 2010, 71