Barefoot Books Review

I have been reading to Mason since we came home from the hospital.  I remember it so clearly.  Warm Spring days...sitting in Mason's room...baby and books on my lap, reading and reading and reading.  There is not a whole lot to do with wiggly newborns, so we read..ALOT!!!!  I can honestly and truly say that this has paid off in dividends.  Mason's bookcase in his room is filled, or I should say overfilled.  Every night we read several books as part of his bedtime routine, as it has always been.  Mason would have me reading all night long if he could.  And, I love to walk by his room and see him rummaging through the bookcase shelves, pulling out books that he will sit and look at the pictures or read aloud, making up his own story as he goes along.

Recently, I was contacted to check out some amazing books published from Barefoot Books.  With Mason's love of reading books, I had to check it out.  In each of Barefoot Books, it explains how they "celebrate art and story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, focusing on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm, for learning and respect for the world's diversity".  I am loving this so far!

First off, the site is amazing to use.  All of the books are clearly pictured, labeled as board book, CD, paperback, etc. and priced for ease of use.  There is a nice offering of multicultural books, as well.  What I really love is how you can click on just about any book and it will open up to provide a glimpse inside the book.  I hate nothing more than shopping online for books, finding one that look interesting, and not being able to take a look inside.  How are you supposed to know what the book is really offering? 

Here is a sampling of books that I reviewed:

Bear's Birthday: This book was one of Mason's favorites.  The story is adorable and the pictures are fun to look at.  Each page offers something different that Mason could count.  For example, he counted the pieces of birthday cake, presents, balloons.  He especially loved to count all the bears on each page.

Who's in the Farmyard?: Equally adorable, this peek-a-boo book will keep any child's interest.  It includes all kinds of animals found on the farm, in colorful and inviting scenes.  Mason loved imitating the animal sounds, while learning the proper names for adult animals and their babies.

Thesaurus Rex: This book will be a hit with any child who is a fan of dinosaurs.  In this book, you get to follow through the day with Thesaurus Rex from the start of the day to bedtime at night and everything in between.  It is the perfect book for reading at the end of the day with your child. 

The Shape Song Swingalong: We have fallen in love with Stevesongs, as seen on PBS Kids.  Mason happily dances along to his short songs that teach different concepts, such as colors.  The Shape Song Swingalong is one of Stevesongs that come alive in a book to which you can easily follow along.  Mason and I sat down and followed along with the CD, enjoying the colorful pictures that help to explain the song.  An extra added, awesome bonus with this CD is that you can pop it into your computer and watch an animated version of the song, you can learn the song with the lyrics, or you can "be your own star" and sing the song yourself with lyrics and without the vocals.  You simply can't go wrong with this selection.

Off We Go To Mexico!: I love multi-cultural books that introduce Mason to traditions and celebrations of other parts of the world.  In Off We Go To Mexico!, not only can you learn some history and facts of Mexico, you will also be introduced to first Spanish words and phrases on each page.  Again, the artwork is beautifully done and clearly shows the traditional clothing and aspects of the Mexican culture.

Up and Down the Andes: This is another great multi-cultural book that is "A Peruvian Festival Tale.  This story celebrates Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun, which celebrates the Sun God.  Again, there are factual historical aspects with a brief history of Peru presented in a way children will understand. 

I also reviewed the CD, Rock & Roll Playground.  This CD is perfect for the active child who loves to get up and dance.  Mason recognized songs like Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Oh, Susanna.  He also loved to listen to some new songs like, Jump Up, The Starfish Stomp, and Let's Shake.  Mason had a blast dancing and asking me to dance along with him.

If you are looking for some new books that are sure to please the youngest of readers, head on over to check out these amazing books for yourself.  While you are there, if you place an order, use the code WELCOME to receive an extra 20% off your order!  Awesome!


Thanks to Patricia Cogan for providing the items in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Homemade Goo

If your child is bored, here is a great boredom buster....Goo!  You probably have all if the ingredients in your pantry and this is something you and your toddler can make  - and  - play with together.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tarter
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 cup water
• food coloring (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and keep it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.  Dispose of it after a few days.


Find this and more ideas in Playskool's Toddler Busy Play Book.

Does Your Child Help With Chores?

My husband and I were JUST talking about this last week.  As kids, we both had to complete chores.  I had to do fun things like vacuum, dust and clean the bathrooms (YUCK!).  I had to complete chores every Saturday morning before I was allowed to go out and play for the day.  I had set chores and whether it took me a half an hour or 4 hours to complete them, I couldn't go out until they were done.  But, things are different today than when I grew up, and I know some kids today just don't complete chores, for whatever reason.

I know chores are not fun and sometimes it seems impossible to get it all done, but we all have to do them.  I think of it as an injustice if we do not teach our children to complete some chores around the house.  An injustice????  Yes, and here is why.  Most experts agree that chores are good for children.  In addition to our needs for physical and emotional safety, love and affection, and healthy amounts of control, we also all need to be needed. That's because we're pack animals by nature.  Children need to feel as though they're part of something.  They can't feel that way if they don't have chores and make contributions to the family.  In her book, Raising Compassionate, Courageous Children in a Violent World, Janice Cohn, PhD, cites studies showing that helping others not only promotes higher self-esteem, but increases academic and social skills while decreasing the risk for depression and anxiety disorders.

If you are still not convinced that chores really are good for kids, here are a few more reasons:

• Chores are one of the best ways to build a feeling of competence.
• Chores help children understand what needs to be done to run a household.
• Chores establish helpful habits and good attitudes about work.
• Chores teach real-world skills and valuable lessons about life, easing the transition into adulthood

We have Mason do some small chores around the house already.  He already puts his toys away, helps to clear the dishes from the dinner table, amongst other things.  But what chores should we have Mason complete on a daily basis?  What is appropriate for his age?   Is he too young for some chores?  Should we pay him an allowance?  I've been doing research on what the "experts" suggest, and here is what I found.

Many parents underestimate what their kids are able to do.  Think about this...your child can turn on your IPad, choose an app, buy a game, then play that game, but they can't set the table or start the dishwasher?  Huh?  Something is wrong with this picture.

Generally, young children around preschool age can handle one or two simple one-step or two-step jobs. Older children can manage more.  Realize the kids can begin to help with household chores at an early age.  Things as simple as putting clothes in or out of the dryer is a chore.  Helping to take their plate to the sink or dishwasher after meals is a chore.
 
Don't think children will do this without reminder or making messes either. Try to gently remind your children to do chores, but do have a backup plan if your child fails to follow through.  Using the "when/then" technique, such as, "When the pets are fed, then you may have your dinner" will probably work much better than nagging.  As with everything when it comes to children, consistency is key.  Be consistent in expected tasks and follow through with these expectations or your child will learn to start putting off the chore.

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking children should know how to complete a task.  Remember, this is how children learn - "the learning is in the doing" and by giving chores, you help to promote this.  And, don't expect perfection.  If you do, it will only make things harder on you and your child.  If you are a perfectionist, give your child a chore that you won't mind if it is not completed perfectly.  If you redo your child's chore, you are sending the signal that what your child just did was not good enough...and no one likes to feel that way.  Try demonstrating step by step how the chore should be completed.  Next, let your child help. And then have your child do the chore as you supervise. Once your child has it mastered, he's ready to go solo.

When you do give instructions for your child to complete a chore, be specific.  Saying something a simple as 'Clean your room' is vague and can be interpreted many different ways.  Instead, be specific in the exact tasks you want completed.  For example, say, "Put your clothes in the closet, books on the shelf, dishes in the kitchen, and toys in the toy box.'"

 Remember to praise your child!  And don't wait until the chore is complete.  Just like a race that you would cheer your child the whole time, use positive reinforcement as your child is completing the task.  This is especially important in younger children.

So, the real question is, what are actual chores that are age appropriate for my child?  How can you know what to expect of your child and at what age?  Start by simply having your child get the silverware to the table. The point is to begin with a chore that is accomplishable and where your child can get an immediate payoff, such as praise.  Below is a list of age appropriate chores for children.

Chores for children ages 2 to 3

• Put toys away.
• Fill pet's food dish.
• Put clothes in hamper.
• Wipe up spills.
• Dust.
• Pile books and magazines

Chores for children ages 4 to 5

• Any of the above chores, plus:
• Make own bed.
• Empty wastebaskets.
• Bring in mail or newspaper.
• Clear table.
• Pull weeds.
• Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs.
• Water flowers.
• Unload utensils from dishwasher.
• Wash plastic dishes at sink.
• Fix bowl of cereal

Chores for children ages 6 to 7

• Any of the above chores, plus:
• Sort laundry.
• Sweep floors.
• Set and clear table.
• Help make and pack lunch.
• Weed and rake leaves.
• Keep bedroom tidy.
• Pour own drinks.
• Answer telephone.

Chores for children ages 8 to 9

• Any of the above chores, plus:
• Load dishwasher.
• Put away groceries.
• Vacuum.
• Help make dinner.
• Make own snacks.
• Wash table after meals.
• Put away own laundry.
• Sew buttons.
• Make own breakfast.
• Peel vegetables.
• Cook simple foods, such as toast.
• Mop floor.
• Take pet for a walk.

Chores for children ages 10 and older.

• Any of the above chores, plus:
• Unload dishwasher.
• Fold laundry.
• Clean bathroom.
• Wash windows.
• Wash car.
• Cook simple meal with supervision.
• Iron clothes.
• Do laundry.
• Baby-sit younger siblings (with adult in the home).
• Mow lawn.
• Clean kitchen.
• Change bed.
• Make cookies or cake from a mix. 

So now that we have an idea of the importance of chores and what age appropriate chores are, do you give an allowance for chores?  Should your child get an allowance? Most parenting experts say "usually not." That's because the main purpose of an allowance is to teach kids how to handle money.

It's especially important to not tie allowance to chores for younger kids. That's because a younger child may be less motivated by money and simply choose to not do them. Once an older child has established a sense of responsibility, however, money can become a nice motivator for certain chores.  I agree with this statement.  Sometimes it is all about the motivation.

Bottom line, kids need to complete chores like they need structure and sleep.  Do what works for your family.  Start with one chore and go from there.  You might be surprised how readily your child accepts completing chores.

Summer Safety

I have recently been looking into swim lessons for Mason.  Although he is only 3 and we only have a kiddie pool, I know there are still some real dangers.  Younger children are especially vulnerable — they can drown in less than 2 inches (6 centimeters) of water.  Nearly 1,000 kids die each year by drowning.  And most drownings occur in home swimming pools.  It is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of 5 and 24.  That means that drowning kills more American children 1 to 4 years old than any cause except birth defects, according to a new federal report.

Drowning can also happen where you'd least expect it — the sink, the toilet bowl, fountains, buckets, inflatable pools, or small bodies of standing water around your home, such as ditches filled with rainwater. That's a really scary thought if you ask me.  And, many who survived near drownings suffered irreversible brain damage.

There are many precautions that parents can take to keep children safe this summer while still having fun with water.  According to experts, the first thing that should be done is blocking access to swimming pools, increasing vigilance and starting swimming lessons.

There's good research that swimming lessons for kids 1 to 4 can be lifesavers. Swim lessons at an early age can help to teach children the skills they need to manage themselves in the rare event that they end up in the water and survive long enough so parents can find them and get them out.

In many cases involving home pools, parents are unaware that their child has sneaked out of the house.  That's why you have to have barriers, something that will slow down your child's access to the water.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fences should meet these standards:

• Fences should stand at least 4 feet (130 centimeters) high with no foot or handrails for kids to climb on.
• The slats should be less than 4 inches (110 millimeters) apart so a child can't get through, or if chain link, should have no opening larger than 1¾ inches (50 millimeters).
• Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch should be out of kids' reach.

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• All caregivers should learn CPR.
• Never leave a toy in or around a pool.
• Never leave a child alone in or near a pool.
• Make sure an adult is always within arm's length.
• Children ages 1 to 4 years old should take swimming lessons. But remember that teaching children to swim does not guarantee their safety in the water.
• Teach children to never run, push or jump on others around water. Teach them never to swim alone.
• Keep a phone by the pool, along with rescue equipment, such as a life preserver and a shepherd's hook -- a long pole with a hook at the end.
• Pools should be surrounded by a fence at least 4-feet high. Pool gates should self-close and self-latch at a height unreachable by small children.
• If you have an inflatable or plastic pool, empty it after each use and turn it upside down.

It's important to teach your kids proper pool behavior, and to make sure that you take the right precautions, too. Let kids know that they should contact the lifeguard or an adult if there's an emergency.

Kids shouldn't run or push around the pool and should never dive in areas that are not marked for diving. If the weather turns bad (especially if there's lightning), they should get out of the pool immediately.

Above all, supervise your kids at all times. Don't assume that just because your child took swimming lessons or is using a flotation device such as an inner tube or inflatable raft that there's no drowning risk.

Spanish Chicken Skillet...It's What's For Dinner

I usually don't like spicy meals.  But, this chicken recipe from McCormick provides enough taste without being overly spicy.  I served it up with some rice and was good to go!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp. Thyme Leaves
• 1/4 tsp. Course Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts, cut into 6 serving sized pieces
• 1 large green or red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/2 inch thick wedges
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry cherry

Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt and all of the Spices except for the Red Pepper in a small bowl.  Sprinkle chicken with 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour.
2. Cook chicken in hot oil in large skillet on medium high heat 3 minutes per side or until browned.  Remove from skillet. 
3. Add bell pepper and onion.  Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in tomatoes, broth and remaining seasoned flour.  Bring to boil, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in Red Pepper to taste, if desired.
6. Return chicken to skillet.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is coked through.
7. Enjoy!

Giggle Gang Review and Giveaway (Closed)

Adorable!  This is the perfect word to describe Fisher Prices' new plush toys for the 6 months and up crowd, the Giggle Gang.  These super soft and texture friendly plush toys for babies will surely keep your little one entertained.  There are 6 Giggle Gang characters to choose from and each has its own unique giggle .  Each is perfectly rounded with with tags, arms, legs, hats, and/or hair to grab and pull.  The best feature is the sweet giggle that comes from the toy when it is squeezed or shook by your baby.  This will surely keep babies smiling all day long.  And, a happy baby means happy Mommies and Daddies!

Mason loved playing with the Giggle Gang with his sister, Amanda.  At 2 months, Amanda is still a little too young to actually "play" with these toys.  But, they did bring out smiles to her face when the toy was shown to her.  I can also sit and play with her, promoting her sensory skills while introducing her to the different colors, textures and sounds.  Also, once she gains a little more control of her hands, she will also be able to learn cause and effect from these cuties.

Giggle Gang plush toys retail for $12.99 each and batteries are included. 

Would you like to win a Giggle Gang plush of your own.  Fill out the form below for a chance to win.  The Giveaway will run from 5/23/12 at 9:00am until 5/30/12 at 9:00am.

Thank you to Fisher Price who provided the items above in order to facilitate this review and Giveaway.  All opinions are 100% mine.

A Quick Guide to Mulching

What did you do this last beautiful weekend?  In my neighborhood, it was perfect weather to work outside in the garden and add mulch and new flowers.  It's a big job when you do it by yourself, but luckily, my husband helped me get this big job done. 

I love how new mulch looks in a garden.  It looks so neat and manicured.  Mulch not only makes your garden look better, but it benefits the garden too.  Keep reading this article from Home Made Simple  for the benefits, types and how to properly use mulch.

Benefits of Mulching

Mulching to an optimum 3” depth helps prevent weeds to lighten your workload, plus it de-stresses plants, reducing their need to compete for nutrients and water.

1. Mulch insulates the soil, keeping warm ground warm and cool ground cool.

Tip: Mulch cool weather vegetables and annuals (like pansies), and they’ll produce abundantly into the warmer weather. Likewise, growth of warm weather plants can be extended into the early days of fall.

2. It conserves moisture, eliminating the need to water as often.
3. Not only does mulch keep soil nutrients from being washed away with the rain, it also can release nutrients into the soil if you use an organic material.
4. Mulch encourages the growth of earthworms. Workhorses in the garden, earthworms irrigate by loosening the soil, and their waste is high in nitrogen.
5. It prevents soil compaction by breaking the fall of water, therefore lessening the force of it on the soil.

Tip: Mulch does not increase soil fertility, so continue to fertilize as you have done in the past.

Types of Mulch

Compost: Crumbly, brown compost makes excellent mulch, especially last year’s fall leaves. Other suitable materials include straw, peat moss, coarse sawdust, rice hulls and pecan shells. Avoid grass and green clippings because they generate too much heat during decomposition, which will damage your plants.

Chopping Tip: Chop compost before adding to your garden to lessen compaction. Place it on a driveway and mow over it with a bagging mower. You can also run it through a chipper or shredder mulcher.

Commercial: Purchase bagged or bulk mulch from your local garden center. Bagged is easier to maneuver into the garden but it’s more expensive than bulk. However, you can purchase smaller quantities over a longer period of time and work at your own pace. The most common types of commercial mulches are:

1. Hardwood: Available in a variety of dyed colors, hardwood mulch is effective when applied at a 2-4” depth. Most will deteriorate and need to be reapplied annually.

2. Pine Bark: Made from the bark of pine trees, it can be incredibly coarse, or shredded. A coarser version is good for walkways because it lasts longer, but doesn’t give the well-manicured appearance of finer mulches.

3. Pine Straw: Dried needles of pine trees, pine straw is light and airy, but resistant to wind. If used for prolonged periods of time, it can acidify the soil, but is excellent, natural mulch that doesn’t break down quickly.

4. Cocoa shell: Just what its name implies, the mulch is cocoa bean shells. It has a wonderful chocolate aroma and makes beautiful mulch, but can be expensive. Pet owners should avoid it because it’s toxic to cats and dogs. It may not be readily available in all areas, but can be purchased online.

Tip: Some mulch comes with an additive designed to prevent seed sprouting, especially effective for keeping weeds at bay. But if you’re developing a self-seeding garden with plants such as Echinacea, these herbicides will prevent all seeds from sprouting—good or bad.

4 Tips for Mulching

1. Make sure your garden and yard is weed-free before applying mulch.
2. All plants benefit from mulch! Use it around annuals, perennials, vegetables, roses, shrubs and trees.
3. Mulch to a depth of 2-4", and avoid covering newly growing plants. Leave breathing room for tree trunks, especially for young trees, since mulch can soften the wood and cause the trunk to rot.
4. Refresh the mulch when it begins to deteriorate.