Use Positive Talk with your Kids

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Wes and I have been taking a parenting class from Growing Families International and it’s been the best thing we’ve done for our family. One of the encouraging things I learned was to focus on the positive words instead of the negative and it’s really been helping. Here’s what I mean. Instead of saying:                                      Try: “Don’t spill your cereal.”                                                    “See how careful you can be with your cereal.” “Don’t get out of bed.”                                                       “Obey mommy and stay in bed.” “Don’t {Read More}

Toddler Tasks

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Ever heard of the Montessori way to train your toddler?  A friend of mine takes her son to a Montessori school and has noticed huge improvements in him “taking ownership” around the house.  Here are some tips she said I can share with you! The whole goal of all these little ideas is to make a home in which your toddler can be independent and feel pride in what they are doing. We are all so busy, but taking the {Read More}

Car Seat Info!!

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Knowing the best way to install a car seat, when to turn your child around, what kind of seat they need for their height/weight can be overwhelming! So when I came across this article in Parenting Magazine on Car Seat Mistakes you might be Making I wanted to share it here! Click on the link for more detailed info, but below is the quick list! Mistake #1: Picking the wrong seat for your child’s age, height, or weight Mistake #2: {Read More}

Is it REALLY that big of a deal if your kids see that you workout?

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Is it REALLY that big of a deal if your kids see that you workout? ABSOLUTELY!!! If you haven’t noticed already your kids take a much bigger clue from what you do than what you say. We all know that your “actions speak louder than words.” I started teaching a stroller fit class at our local YMCA when Ellie was just a few months old. We continued that class until she was 3 years old! Now she participates in the {Read More}

Teaching your Toddler the ABC’s and their sounds!

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Helping your toddler learn his/her ABC’s and their sounds are instrumental in their beginning to read stages. I’ve done a ton of things with Ellie. ABC books, flashcards, games, puzzles, electronic toys like Alphabet Pal, Apple Alphabet, Alphabet magnets for the frig, etc. Those are all great and that’s how she learned to say her alphabet. However, what made the BIGGEST impact on her recognizing each letter, upper and lower case and being able to repeat their sounds were the {Read More}