From the moment you bring your little one home from the hospital (and maybe even before), there will be no shortage of advice regarding her care. Your friends and family will offer unsolicited suggestions. Meanwhile, your book shelves will likely have at least a few baby and parenting books sitting on them. The question is, is the advice sound? Will the suggestions of others work as well with your infant as they seemingly did with their own?

The answer is maybe. Every baby is unique, and comes with his or her own temperament. Your little one will respond to some things, and not to others. During the first few months, when she is cranky or otherwise bothered, you’ll need to try different methods to comfort her. The following suggestions are merely a place to start. They may work; they may not. All are pragmatic, however, based on the experiences of moms and dads who went before you.

Don’t Be Afraid To Spoil Your Infant

A lot of new parents are hesitant to “spoil” their babies. They’ve heard or read that doing so may set the stage for behavior problems down the road. While this advice is true, it is less relevant (if it’s applicable at all) during the first few months. It is during this time that your infant needs to know you’re nearby. If she cries, pick her up and comfort her. If she is frightened, let her know she can count on you.

Turn The Monitor Off (Or At Least Down)

Baby monitors have become ubiquitous. Every mom and dad owns at least one set. With them, they are able to keep tabs on their infants’ well-being from another room in the home. But are the monitors always necessary? In truth, no. Yet most new parents keep them turned on and nearby in case a problem develops.

If your little one needs you, she will cry for you. You will hear her, even if she is in another room. On the other hand, if you and your partner are outside while your infant is sleeping indoors, a monitor will be valuable. Otherwise, set aside your concern, and turn the volume off.

Follow A Schedule, But Be Flexible

Babies tend to fall into a regular eating and sleeping schedule as they approach sixth months. Many moms and dads, however, try to implement a rigid schedule when their little ones are much younger. They feel doing so is necessary in order to smooth the transition later.

There’s no need to do this if your infant is resistant. During the first three months, let her choose her own schedule. Feed her when she’s hungry. Put her to sleep when she’s tired. Be flexible. By month six, she will follow a routine that is reasonably consistent.

Encourage Your Baby To Soothe Herself

A crying infant is almost too much for new parents to bear. Moms and dads understandably want to comfort their babies, and remove whatever is ailing them. But there is value in occasionally letting your little one soothe herself. In fact, many experts suggest this is an important lesson to teach infants because it helps them develop the tools they need to cope with stress.

There are many ways to approach this strategy. For example, you and your partner can let your little one cry for short periods that slowly lengthen over time. Or, you can gently pat her back when she cries rather than picking her up. You and your partner can also allow her to cry while making appearances every few minutes so she’ll know you’re nearby. Eventually, your baby will begin to cry for shorter periods as she learns to soothe herself.

Trust Your Instincts

Remember, nothing can take the place of your own instincts. The advice you learn from baby books and baby-focused websites will be valuable, but should only be considered a set of loose guidelines. The suggestions you receive from friends and family should be viewed from a similar perspective.

Try everything that seems reasonable. Keep what works, and discard what does not. You and your partner will make mistakes along the way. That is a given. But trust yourselves, and be willing to accept that some things can only be learned through experience.

About the Author: Find quality Maternity Clothes and Maternity Dresses from AppleSeedBoutique.com

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Even parents who already have kids are surprised by the changes a new baby brings into their lives. New moms and dads, in particular, often feel unprepared. Babies can dismantle the life you know, and then reconstruct it into something that is different, but better. Few parents experience the same conversion since each baby brings a varied set of challenges, joys, and surprises. Trying to predict them is futile.

In this article, we’ll describe some of the many changes your life will go through after giving birth to your little one. Some of the surprises below will happen immediately, beginning from the first day. Others slowly take form through the months and years of your child’s development.

You’ll Lose Control

If you’re accustomed to living life according to a defined set of rules, plan to set those rules aside. Most experienced moms and dads agree that babies have a unique way of upturning the lives of parents. In the process, you’ll make mistakes and lose control. It’s a normal part of being a new parent.

Losing control is not necessarily bad. In fact, releasing the reins and allowing yourself to enjoy raising your little one provides a wonderful opportunity to experience new joys. If you’re open to doing so, the transition will be much easier.

Your Relationships Will Change

Unless your friends are parents, they’ll likely be going through a different experience than you. While you’re caring for your little one, your friends may be spending evenings at restaurants, clubs, or doing myriad other activities. Because of this, some will slowly lose touch. They’ll drift away.

Initially, you might feel saddened by the loss of some friendships. It’s important to realize, however, that relationships are complex. You’ll discover that many of your friends will remain close while others who drifted will eventually return. Also, keep in mind that you’ll meet many new mothers who are going through the same experiences as you. Some of them will become lifelong friends.

You’ll Gain Strength For Future Challenges

Moms and dads who have raised their babies to toddlerdom look back at the past few years, and wonder how they managed to survive. The trials of pregnancy are physically draining. Childbirth not only takes a physical toll, but is also mentally and emotionally taxing. Then, the process of parenting an infant as she develops into a toddler can be one of the most challenging experiences many people will ever endure.

These experiences build strength. The lack of sleep, perpetual discomfort, and endless “to do” lists will help prepare you for any challenge that lies down the road. Experts often suggest that parenting, while profoundly gratifying, is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. As others parents, you may look back and wonder how you survived.

Time Will Become Fleeting

Prior to welcoming your baby into the world, you may have been able to sleep in, enjoy long baths, and read a book whenever the mood struck. Those days are gone (for now). Your infant will require more time and attention than you might imagine.

A lot of moms-to-be picture themselves whisking their babies off to the store, to friends’ houses, libraries, museums, and to the park. Naps during the day would be followed with playtime and reading, which in turn, would be followed by meals and more playtime. Things rarely work out this easily, however. Time becomes a precious commodity. It will seem to slip through your fingers as you race to get things done while responding to the needs of your baby. Times of calm may feel like the proverbial eye of the storm.

Being a new parent is challenging, even for moms and dads who have raised kids in the past. Your life will definitely change. Rather than resisting the transition, welcome it and enjoy the experience.

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I was intrigued when I saw the information on the Little Looster as I thought that would be a great item to help with the training process. The Little Looster is a stool that is horseshoe shaped and it curves around the bottom of the toilet. It is designed in a way that it almost hugs the toilet base. We have a standard round base toilet and an elongated bowl toilet, so I tried it on both of them. It works on the elongated bowl and is open enough to also fit well around the standard round bowl. With the size of our bathrooms, I did find it fit better in the bathroom with the standard shaped toilet but it was never in the way with either toilet. Since it is a curved design, the Little Looster can stay where it is without interfering with adults using the same toilet.

The Little Looster is designed to support and boost the child while training and will help them sit more comfortably as they get bigger. They will be able to touch without dangling their feet and their legs won’t fall asleep. They also won’t have a fear of falling into the toilet because they use their legs for support rather than having to grip onto the rim of the toilet. It was advertised that the Little Looster will eliminate the need for the toilet seat insert. My other child put my training child on the potty without a seat and found he was able to hold himself up pretty well considering he’s just learning. This made me happy that he was able to accomplish sitting without making a mess or falling in.

I think this product is a good alternative to the standard step as it appears to be taller than a standard step and since the pedestal portion goes all the way around the base of the toilet, kids can get a better chance of stepping up without falling.

We will definitely be using the Little Looster for a few more years and with its help, we hope to have our son trained quickly.

I definitely recommend this product for anyone with kids ready to potty train or who are unable to touch the floor when they are on the potty.

The Little Looster is plastic and is Made in the USA. The suggested retail price is $39.99 and can be bought at http://www.littlelooster.com.

The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

I immediately started browsing the girl clothing section to hopefully find something in my 6 year old’s size. Unfortunately, they don’t have a way to search by size so I had to look at items I liked to see what size they went up to. The sizes of the items I looked at are listed based on ages, not by size, so I was unsure if a 5-6 year size would fit my daughter who usually wears a size 7/8. After looking through a few shirts and dresses, I found that those items only went up to size 5-6 year.

So, I decided to move on to browse the boy clothing section since I was sure I could find something to fit a 2 year old. I found some cute Cotton Pajamas but because we live in Florida, I was afraid the long sleeves would be too warm for summer.

Then I started looking at the boys clothes. There was a small selection of shirts and outfits. One of the items I particularly liked was the Sea Monster Organic T-Shirt by Frugi. It was listed as organic cotton made with a process to make it soft but durable. And of course, anything that is durable for a boy is great for us moms! I wasn’t sure what to expect with the feel of the shirt, but when I received it, I was pleasantly surprised at how soft it really is. The fabric is nice and thick for a T-Shirt. The sea monster printed on it appears to be silk-screened, so I am not sure how long that will last but it almost looks like the shirt itself will last longer than the picture!

Another item I ordered was the BPA Free Eco Friendly Plates. I am very concerned about BPA in the plastic dishes we have for our kids but haven’t found anything that is safe if dropped. These plates (a set of 4) are made of a tempered glass like what’s used in car windshields. They are made to not shatter if dropped but hopefully we won’t experience what really does happen! They are smaller than a dinner plate (more like an appetizer plate) but they work pretty well for most meals. They are also dishwasher safe. Eden Home had the plates well wrapped with cardboard tape and bubble wrap so they transported well.

Finally, as I was browsing the store, I found the Organic Skincare for Kids. I am always looking for baby wash that made without all the chemicals we hear so much about these days. I chose the Little Twig Natural Baby Wash which is formulated with all organic and natural ingredients and is tested for irritation, sensitivity and allergens. They have an extra mild unscented version but I chose the Lavender, Lemon & Tea Tree scent. The scent is nice and not too flowery. The listing on the website didn’t list the size of the baby wash but when it arrived, I noticed it is 8.5 oz. It’s a pretty good value for an organic item.

All in all, I felt like Eden Home had a wide variety of products to choose from (although not too large of a selection within each category). Their ordering process was easy and I received confirmation emails during the process as well. The items shipped quickly and were packaged well to avoid breakage (and the kids enjoyed popping the bubble wrap!). I will definitely order from them again. I am looking at buying the Sandwich Wrappers for my daughter for school next year.

If you are looking for organic products yourself, sign up for their email list and you will get a coupon for 15% off your purchase. You can also enter to win an organic baby shower. Just go to their site and click on the link to sign up for their gift registry. Then you will have a chance to win a gift certificate or the grand prize of $1000 in products from Eden Home. Sign up by June 30, 2010.

The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

Would you like to raise children with successful characters? Does your crankiness get in the way? If so, you’re not alone; I’ve been cranky too. Look inside for 3 ways to help your kids want to succeed.

Today I’ll share the secret formula for raising respectful kids who want to succeed. You won’t have to feel cranky or guilty again. Instead you’ll create more success, more cooperation, and more respect in your home.

But first I’ll tell you about the power of positive influencing,a boy named Bobby, and a little girl named Carol.

Influencing is your reaction to your child’s behavior. Influencing happens every day, for better or for worse, without your even thinking about it.

Let’s say your Bobby walked the dog without being asked. You smile and say “Thank You.”

Character Tip – Positive Influencing Is the Secret Formula

Because Bobby saw your smile and heard your “Thank You,” he may be willing to walk the dog more often. Your positive comment about Bobby’s behavior influenced his willingness to walk the dog again.

Can you see how knowing about influencing with positive comments can increase your parenting skills?

Of course, influencing can go the other way. Being too cranky too often with negative comments can stop Bobby from wanting to please you, to feel angry, fearful, or lazy.

Character Tip – Catch Your Child Doing Well

1. Experience the power of influencing by commenting on good behavior.

2. Decide to do it.

3. Then do it often.

Character Tip – Create Positive Expectations

I remember teaching a little girl named Carol. She worked at the speed of light. There wasn’t another 3rd grader who could finish their work faster. When it was time to write a story, Carol wrote 3 sentences –

1. A beginning

2. A middle and an

3. End

I’d ask, “Carol, where’s the rest of it.” “That’s it,” she answered. Mid-year the class took a national reading test. Carol finished it first and with an average score. I knew she was brighter than that. How could I slow her down? How could I get her to do quality work?

The answer came to me from my husband, Jim, a psychology student at the time. Jim told me about some impressive research about teachers’ expectations. It revealed how teachers who expected students to achieve helped those students become successful.

Suddenly I could see it. I knew how to help Carol. I called her to my desk, “Carol, you’re a smart girl and you can do better. Let’s go over your reading test.”

P>By slowing her down, Carol got most of the answers correct. Throughout the rest of the year I’d tell her,

“Carol you’re a smart girl.”

“Carol, you took your time and did well.”

“Carol, I believe in you.”

At the end of the year Carol took a second national reading test. She received a perfect score.

Character Tip – Be honest with Your Praise

When I’ve shared Carol’s story with parents, some said, “I’m not going to go goo, goo, gah, gah, over every little thing my kids do. That’s not honest. That’s manipulation.” To that I say, “Don’t go goo-goo gah, gah over every little thing. You must be honest or your child won’t believe or respect you.

Parents, whether you’re positive, negative, or neutral, you’re always influencing your child. Isn’t it better to influence your child with compliments than to tear down your child’s desire to do well?

Conclusion for Building Character with the Secret Formula

Raise kids who want to succeed. Positive influencing is your secret formula. Catch your child doing well. Create positive expectations and give honest compliments. Use these character tips to create more success, more cooperation, and more respect in your child.

About the Author: Jean Tracy, MSS invites you to claim your free access to 80 Fun Activities to Share with Your Kids and her Free Parenting Newsletter Pick up 75 professionally crafted love notes from the Parent Affirmations Kit Give your children the love and respect they crave.

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Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=508148&ca=Parenting

There are many available choices from Transformers to Hannah Montana to Princesses and all the Super Heroes. Costume Express has a wide variety of child Halloween costumes and you can even find something for yourself there. I like also how they have all of the accessories to go with the costumes you pick. And they have a lot of size choices so your younger children can even have a costume like the big kids!

Order soon for the best choices!

Click here for Free Shipping on Halloween Costumes.

There’s hope and help for you yet. Here are 7 back-to-school lunch tips. Hey, I can’t come over and make your kids’ lunches for you, but these tips will surely make it much easier:

1. Make dinner do double-duty

You’re already in the kitchen preparing your family’s dinner, why not use that time to get a head-start on the next day’s brown bag lunches?

Make a double batch of meals that taste just as good “the morning after,” you know, like fried chicken. Or cook dishes that can be transformed into something “new”, such as pasta sauce that’s just as yummy as pizza topping (on ready-made crust of course).

To make meal planning easier, take a look at Dine Without Whine. It’s a monthly service for planning your family’s meals and grocery shopping.

2. Include lunches when meal planning

To do tip #1, you need to be more organized. This means including your kids’ lunches when planning your family dinners.

3. Let the kids participate

Lighten your load and teach your children some important life skills at the same time. Even small children can help prepare their lunches.

If morning is too stressful, then make this an after-dinner activity – which brings us to…

4. Make advance preparations

Do whatever you can do ahead of time. For example, cook in batches on the weekend, or put leftovers in packable containers the night before.

5. DIY fast food

Commercial packed lunches are attractive but unhealthy. But who says you can’t make your own? Buy your own colorful and attractive lunch boxes, such as a bento-style lunchbox.

Fill it up with a variety of healthy food. Think of mixing up foods with different textures and colors. And cut them up into small pieces so they’re easy and fast to eat.

6. Soup it Up

Soup makes a quick and healthy lunch. You can cook a large pot in the weekend and pack it in a thermos for a warm and satisfying lunch. Serve with whole wheat bread and some fresh fruit and you’ve got a complete meal!

7. Sprinkle in some fun

Sneak a little surprise into your child’s lunchbox once in a while. It could be a little chocolate treat, stickers, or a sweet note from you. Getting something unexpected makes lunch fun.

With planning and creativity, your children can have healthy, delicious lunches without too much work for you.

For meal planning help, go to Dine Without Whine. It makes meal planning a breeze, while helping you save time and money.

Then you’ll have time and energy for those school lunches.

If you’d like to order some Tupperware items, click on the link below for Cyndi Raskin. You can order directly from her site or if you are in the mid to north Pinellas area of Florida, contact her to schedule a party. You can get some great discounted products by hosting a party!