The Power of Music on Babies

The easiest thing I've ever done to encourage my little one's well being is play the right music.

There have been countless studies done on increased brain activity/development in young children who listen to music, particularly Classical. The findings tout high levels of spatial understanding, focused learning and reasoning abilities in little ones regularly exposed to pieces by brilliant composers like Motzart, Bach, Beethoven, etc.

But more than I care about the intellectual effects, I love seeing the influence positive music has on my children's moods and attitudes about life. The emotional benefits will make any mother's heart sing:

• Creative Expression - As children learn to sing songs they hear, they begin to make up their own lyrics which become a great outlet for self-expression. Listen to what your children are singing - it's a fun peek into what they're thinking and feeling.
• The Smile Factor - Have you ever encountered a song that immediately brings a smile to your face when you hear it? I've got a whole playlist designed to instantly cheer crabby dispositions and I'm always amazed at the magical effect these happy tunes have on the atmosphere in my home.
• The Calming Factor - The right music can also soothe and relax the roudiness out of wound-up kiddos. This can be particularly helpful in setting the mood for bedtime or easing tension between squabbling siblings.
• Teaching Tool - Music is a great way to deliver education in a fun and intuitive manner. Want your kiddos to learn the State Capitols or basic French? Sing it! You'll love how quickly they pick up new concepts when they're paired with a catchy tune.
• Appreciation For Diversity - Playing a wide variety of musical genres will foster an open mind in young children, as they learn to appreciate many different kinds of beauty.

All these benefits will come naturally as you fill your little one's days with positive music. Getting started couldn't be more simple:

1 - Borrow a variety of CD's from your local library and discover new family favorites!

2 - If you have music files on your computer, compose several playlists based on the mood you want to set for different times of the day: Playtime, Bedtime, Homework time, Arts & Crafts time, Morning, Evening, etc.

3 - Rely on music you've always loved - the more enthusiastic you are, the more involved your children will be with music interaction. Rediscover songs from your own childhood to pass on a sense of history and endearment through the music you play.

And don't forget to dance!

Harmony Booster Seat - GIVEAWAY!

Deciding when to switch from carseat to booster can be a complicated process - but finding a great booster seat doesn't have to be! Harmony Juvenile Products recently debuted their newest model, the LiteRider, which rocks an awesome safety rating, comfy design, light-weight portability - and all at the killer price of less than $15. Sweet!

I have to admit I was very curious when I first heard about the Harmony LiteRider: can it really be high quality at a low price? They were kind enough to send one over for us to try out and I was amazed! It is so light my 2 yr. old can carry it around, and sturdy enough that he can throw it around. :) As soon as my oldest boy, Jude (age 5 1/2) tried it out he begged to switch it with his current booster because he said it was "super cushy". We've been so pleased with the Harmony LiteRider that we've placed one each car - and a spare in Grandma's ride too! Now we don't have to juggle seats everytime she's kind enough to help with the school drive!

GIVEAWAY: Let Harmony Juvenile hook you up with a LiteRider too! To enter, do any of the following (each earns you an entry - that's up to 5 chances to win!):

-Place the SuperMom Central button on your blog
-Subscribe to SuperMom Central's Feed
- Become a Follower
- Blog about this giveaway and link to this post
- Twitter about this giveaway and link to this post

Leave me a comment for each separate entry please!

Good luck - one lucky winner will be chosen by random.org on Nov. 12, 2009.

Carseat vs. Booster: When To Switch and (more importantly) Why

Sometimes I think we ask ourselves the wrong questions as parents. Because we're convinced that following all the finite rules handed down to us will guarantee our children's safety, we miss the bigger picture and end up only doing only the bare minimum to protect our little ones.

The Carseat vs. Booster topic is a prime example. Did you know that each state has specific laws regulating how old, how tall and how heavy your kiddo should be before making the switch? Just because the seat you're purchasing claims that it is made for 30-100 lbs does not mean that you can safely switch your hefty 2 1/2 yr. old as soon as he hits the big 3-0. There are many other factors that go into the decision to graduate - some of them are even specific to your individual child!

Most states have a firm policy that children should not leave the protection of a carseat until they are at least 4 years old and 40 lbs. It can be easy to overlook those words "at least", but they're extremely important. That means that 4 years/40 lbs. is the earliest you should consider down-grading to the booster.

Some important issues to consider when thinking about making the switch:

• How wiggly is your child? Will they stay properly restrained by a basic lap/shoulder belt?
• How often are you driving for long periods? Longer rides mean more opportunities for children to get antsy and shift out of proper seat belt placement.
• Does you child often fall asleep in the car? Again, this can make the carseat a safer restraint option.
• How tall is your child as opposed to your lapbelt? No matter how heavy they are, the shoulder belt can be very dangerous if it's sitting too high on shorties (like mine!).
  

As anxious as you or your kiddo might be to ditch the cumbersome carseat, is it really worth the risks? I will NEVER forget the tears-and-mascara-streaked face of a mother interviewed on Oprah a few years back. She ignored safety recommendations for her child's carseat and lost her daughter as a result. When Oprah asked her why she had decided to come on the show, she looked straight at the camera (straight at me, is what it felt like) and stated that she never wanted another mother to feel the devastation she felt because of a carseat safety issue. She urged every parent watching to ALWAYS err on the side of caution when it comes to securing your little ones in the car.

Here are a few other safety tips when it comes to carseats AND boosters:

- Tall children over 4 can actually be unsafe in harness seats if they are sitting too high for the belts and headrest. Read the specifics of your carseat to know for sure.

- MAKE SURE to replace your carseat with a booster when the time does come to switch. A recent report states that 94% of parents go straight to shoulder/lap belt only when they ditch the carseat, with dangerous reprocussions. Average and even modestly tall children do not sit high enough on their own to properly position the shoulder belt until they are at least 8 yr. old (which is also the law in most states, by the way). The booster seats adds those extra needed inches to make sure the seatbelt can do it's job when your kiddo needs protection.

- All carseats have a safety expiration date! If you're using a hand-me-down or passing seats down from older children you will want to research your brand and model once a year to make sure that your seat is still up to safety codes.

- It only takes one compromise to put your child in danger, so be sure to hand off the carseat to friends/family anytime they drive your kiddo in their car. Even better, provide frequent drivers (like grandma) with their own carseats so you don't have to re-install each time. (If financially possible, that is).

- Remember that this has nothing to do with how safe of a driver you are. There are pleanty of dangerous drivers on the road who can hit you, even when parked.

I want to end by stressing how important it is that your kiddos are properly protected when they ride! I've tried to word this article very strongly because I, like the woman on Oprah, NEVER want to another mother to experience the heartbreak of losing a child because of compromised carseat safety.

PLEASE - do whatever it takes to make sure that your little ones are safe in the car. And when you do switch from carseat to booster, don't just meet the minimums - make sure that it is the safest decision for your precious kiddos!

Emma's Inspirations - Giveaway!

Every few months I read or hear about it: a baby left in a car, sweltering. It never ceases to catch my breath because so often this happens by mistake to busy, well-meaning parents just like myself. How heartbreaking!

While I think we'd all like to hope we're never too distracted to leave behind our most precious cargo, I also know I've made my fair share of parenting mistakes. Luckily, they've been little ones thus far. But I'm so grateful for the SuperMom behind Emma's Inspirations who took her near-tragedy and turned it into a safety tool for you and me.

These cute, simple window decals now serve as a constant reminder to me to double check the seats every time we get out of our van. This is especially important when we're roadtripping because traveling is extra stressful on any mom. Hopefully, this is one mistake and heartbreak my family will avoid.

GIVEAWAY: I'd love to help you place Emma's Inspirations on your car too! Just leave me a friendly comment on this post and I'll send one winner a set of decals. I know this may seem like a small thing, but it can have a HUGE impact!

Giveaway will end Nov. 9th, 2009 and winner will be chosen by random.org. Good luck!

Infant Safety For Moms On-The-Go

During every pregnancy, I go through a crazed Baby-Proofing phase where I attack my home with drawer latches galore. As visions of ER trips dance in my head, I cover every sharp corner and gate every staircase. And when the last outlet has been plugged I breathe a HUGE sigh of relief. Now if I could only figure out how to bubble-wrap my baby til she turns 18...

I admit, I'm a stickler for safety in the home. While I know bumps and bruises are going to happen no matter how hard I work to prevent them, I do consider it my job as a parent to provide my tiny ones a safe place to explore and play as they learn to navigate their little world.

But what about outside the home?

Babyproofing on-the-go can seem intimidating when Traveling with Tinys. Being mindful of infant safety while Out and About is very important, but not complicated. Here's a quick checklist to help you and your little travelers:

- When traveling in the car, ALWAYS do a mental check each time you're hopping in/out to make sure you've got everyone. You'd be surprised at how easy it can be to forget a sleeping little one during a busy roadtrip. I love the Emma's Inspirations decals we have on our van because they serve as a great visual reminder.

- Observe your hotel room from your baby's point of view: low to the ground. Keep an eye out for blinds/drapery pulls, electrical cords and large objects that could be pulled down on top of your infant.

- A roll of basic painters tape is invaluable! Cover outlets, secure balcony doors, seal off any drawers you don't want opened, and cushion sharp coffee table corners.

- Bring along a bath mat because most hotel tubs are super slick! Even better are these cute, removable no-slippies:

- Throw a Baby-Proofing Kit into your suitcase so that you can rest easy letting baby play anywhere you might end up. The door handle covers are particularly handy for keeping little ones out of hotel bathrooms.

- Pack brightly colored clothing to dress your little ones in so you can easily keep track of them in travel crowds. In winter months, get each child a bold, funky snow cap to draw attention to their cute little heads!

"Baby's Best Week" Kickoff - GIVEAWAY!

Yippee! "Baby's Best" Week is here again and I can't tell you how much fun we're going to have! I've been busily gathering up all the latest and greatest tips, ideas and products to help you give your teeny tinys the best start possible.

Just to give you a little taste of what to look forward to this week, here are some of the topics we'll be tackling:

- Infant Safety for Moms On-The-Go
- From Carseat to Booster: When is it Time To Switch?
- Why I Switched to Formula (a mom's diary)
- The Power of Music on Little Ones
- Top Tips for Taking Baby Out on the Town

As usual, each day will have an awesome GIVEAWAY as well! In fact, let's get things kicked off right now with the first of 6 awesome prizes you can win this week...

The Sprout Shell, by Chic Infant Carrier Covers

What Is It?
A stylish cloth cover made to fit perfectly over your infant carrier. Not only does it protect tiny ones from the elements, but it keeps them away from light and noise so they can sleep soundly.

Why Do I Love It?
Because it doubles as a nursing cover! Pop your head through the middle and you've got a light-weight shield between your little one's feeding time and the outside world. The stretchy band around the bottom keeps the cover securely in place. Plus, it comes in all sorts of hip patterns and prints!

How Can You Win It?
I've got a darling Sprout Shell in Mod Dot Pink to give away to one lucky reader! Leave a comment here with your very favorite baby advice!

Due to my recent illness, I've decided to extend the deadline for this giveaway to November 2nd

Fall Fun with a Haunting Halloween Twist!

I'm sitting in the park as I type this, enjoying the amazing Autumn sights, sounds and smells. I couldn't imagine a more perfect afternoon! I've been chasing my kiddos around the playground for the last hour and thought I'd take a quick break to pass along some of our favorite nature crafts for this spectacular, spooky time of year!

Ghost Leaves

A great way to put your afternoon walk nature-collection to good use. Paper hole punch the little face and you're done! These will be adorning our fridge throughout the fall. Tutorial here.

Acorn Pumpkins

Again, how fun to gather while enjoying the fall weather. Then give 'em a quick coat of orange acrylic paint and once they're dry you can get creative with all the fun jack-o-lantern faces! How adorable would these be on a kitchen centerpiece or entry way table? Tutorial here.

How cool to bring the outdoors into your home for a little Halloween fun!

Building and Bonding with Kobold Toys - GIVEAWAY!

One of the most rewarding things you can do as a parent is play with your little ones. Not only can it be a great source of joy and relaxation for you, but the loving interaction your children receive create lasting family bonds. It is also in the happy moments of play that you have unique opportunities to gently teach your little ones about kindness, generosity, empathy, imagination and the amazing potential for good they each posess.

With Christmas not far off, I encourage you to choose gifts for your kiddos that will foster the parent/child interaction in your home. At the beginning of November I will feature my Christmas Gift Guide, highlighting the best toys to bond your family and grow you children in many wonderful ways. I thought it would be fun to give you a little sneak-peak by introducing one of my favorite online toy shops, Kobold Toys.

Kobold is always my first stop when I'm looking for something new to delight and inspire my little ones. Their creatively designed toys appeal to the imagination of both children - and parents! Right now I've got my eye on their Archiquest block sets, which bring architectural masterpieces to the toyroom...

Just think of the imagination these beautiful block sets could turn loose!

If your little one is more of the artist type...

These color-and-craft airplanes by Calafant would be perfect for a fun family project!

And I'm sure any little princess would love creating her own special royal playmate...

GIVEAWAY: Want to build and bond with your children during playtime? Kobold Toys is generously giving away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky SuperMom Central reader! To enter this awesome contest you must do both of the following:

- Visit Kobold Toy's delightful site, have fun browsing around, then come back here and tell me your favorite toy!

- Subscribe to Kobold's blog, which provides awesome info and tips focused on Kobold's passion: Having Fun While Learning!

This giveaway will end on Oct. 21st, 2009 at 11:59 pm MST and winner will be chosen by random.org. Good luck!

Lightening the Sugar Load this Halloween Season

It's that sweet time of year! Depsite the delicious craft how-tos I posted yesterday and my lifelong love affair with candycorn, I do actually worry about the sugar hit to my kiddos little systems each Halloween season. Don't get me wrong - I'm no sugar hater! But after reading time and again about the effects of excess sugar, especially on children, I find myself with a desire to be extra conscious when it comes to super-sweet holidays.

If you're feeling the same, you might like these tips I've found for lightening the sugar-load in the upcoming weeks:

- For festive displays, choose sweeties that aren't well-liked in your home. For instance, there are no black-licorice or orange-flavor fans around here so I can spread a little spookiness with black and orange jellybeans and not worry about sneaky snackers.

- If you'd prefer to skip the candy-decor all together, you can still offer Fall-themed snacks! MyBlogSpark recently sent us a variety of Granola Nut Clusters to sample and my kiddos have been diggin' on them. Their faves have been the Roasted Almond and Honey Roasted Peanut flavors, I think because they have a hint of sweetness to them and a pleasing crunch! My husband was happy to claim the over flavors for himself as a healthy work snack.


- When neighbors bring by Halloween treats, re-gift them to your children's teachers, coaches, dance instructors, etc. to show a continued appreciation for all they do.

- After gathering their Halloween night loot, let each child pick 10-20 favorite treats and "donate" the rest to the family pot. Their chosen candies go into a ziploc they can choose from after healthy dinners - the excess can be used these fun ways:

• Have a family bake night and try out these recipes (which incorporate several candybars) Candy Bar Cookies (can Rachael's Favorite Recipes) , Candy Bar Popcorn, or any of these yummy Candy Bar Cakes --- then deliver them to loved ones or neighbors.
  
• Take them down to a cannery and have the chocolate bars sealed in large tin cans. They stay fresh for years and are great food storage or busting out your grocery budget gets too tight for treats.


• Place them in ziplocs and stick them in the freezer - dethaw at Christmas time and make Candy Bar Fudge to share at holiday parties.

Something to look forward to!

The Sweetest Crafts in Halloween Town!

I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to Halloween! I don't get into all the morbid skeletons, scary devils and dripping blood stuff - it kinda creeps me out. I'm more of a "smiling, dancing jack-o-lantern" kinda gal! So I've been hunting down the cutest October crafts to help our family get in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, without getting TOO spooky. :)

By the head witch herself...

... these silly Pumkin Candy Faces found on MarthaStewart.com would make a delicious afternoon project with the kiddos! Protect your Halloween goodies with treat-featured-creatures by securing candy eyes, nose and mouth on with ball pins.

Family Fun puts those beloved googly-eyes to good use...

...making spindly spiders that even I could come to love! These Spider Pops couldn't be more simple - just wrap 4 pipe cleaners around the base of a lollipop, bend the legs and glue on they eyes.

And from my kitchen to yours...

pic creds go to Jump Into Fall

...I love making Hershey kiss Witches Hats for fam & friends every year, complete with a snarky little note that says "Have a WITCHIN' Halloween"! (hee hee). These are an especially fun activity for tiny tots: Mom squirts a glob of orange frosting on the upside-down fudge stripe cookie and your little one gets to smush the Hershey kiss on top!

Creative "Mommy and Me" Dates - GIVEAWAY

Confession: When I found out I was pregnant for the third time in four years, I cried. Buckets. In fact, I cried harder than I had ever cried in my entire life. Not because I didn't want another baby - in fact, Brett and I have always hoped for a large family. But knowing that I would soon be mother to TWO babies and a toddler was so overwhelming to me, because I feared I simply wouldn't have enough time and energy for all of them. I knew I would have to find creative ways to give each of my little ones all the love and attention I wanted to.

And thus began the weekly tradition of "Mommy and Me" dates in our home, where I get a bit of one-on-one time with each kiddo. While I'm sure they enjoy it, let's be honest: they're really for me! I can't tell you how I love going out some place fun with little Jude or Gabs holding my hand. We talk about their favorite things, explore the world around us, and share a treat. We laugh. We play. We connect. It's heaven.

One-on-one time with your little ones is not only precious, it's important! It instills in them a sense of stability, trust, self-esteem, communication, etc. Better still, it helps you stay in tune with your kiddos needs, dreams, strengths and struggles. And on top of all that, it's just plain fun! Getting creative with your "Mommy and Me" dates can provide great teaching opportunities and sweet memories.

Here are some of our latest and greatest...

Anacapa Island Whale Watching Tour - Jude and I were treated to a day at sea, courtesy of Island Packers. We raced dolphins, learned about endangered birds and barked at the sea lions. Read the full story here.

Pumpkin Patch Picking - Gabby helped me select the perfect pumpkins for our porch! Then we got Pumpkin Hot Chocolate at a local coffee house.

Bake and Deliver - After trying out a new cookie recipe together, Jude and I packaged, decorated and delivered the treats to several elderly ladies in our neighborhood. Of course we saved a few for ourselves too!

Girls Pampering Night with Piggy Paints - Gabs and I couldn't wait to pretty-up our fingers and toes with the non-toxic, all-natural, pleasingly purple polish that Piggy Paints sent over! We sang songs while we waited for our nails to dry and even gave much-needed manicures to several of her dollies. Later on, as I watched her dunk cookies in milk, I was glad to know that her new fingernail polish was poison-free and safe - "Natural As Mud".

A few other ideas for creative Mommy-and-Me Nights:

- Visit an art museum together and ask your child what they see in the pieces - favorite colors, subjects, styles. Stop at Baskin Robbins for a treat and marvel at the rainbow of ice cream flavors. While enjoying your treat, pull out crayons and paper and draw your own Masterpieces. Frame them and put them on display in your home.

- Grab your flashlights and go on a scavenger hunt in the backyard after dark! For extra fun, bury a "treasure box" with a treat in it for you and your kiddo to dig up and enjoy.

- Practice a few of your child's favorite songs together, then visit a rest home and cheer up the residents together with your singing.


- Take a cooking class together and deliver the meal you make to someone you know who's sick or has just had a baby.

GIVEAWAY: Want to have a fun Girls Pampering Night like Gabby and I? I've got a $20 gift card to Piggy Paints for one lucky reader! To enter, share about your favorite "Mommy and Me" date you've done with your kiddos, you did as a child with your parents or would like to try in the future!

Monday Must-Haves:Tech Toys For Moms-On-The-Go

Do you ever get so caught up in all the "To Do's" of being a mom that you don't get to enjoy your job? Feel like you're running around doing so much for your kiddos that you don't get enough time to just play with them?

I definitely do!

That's why I was so excited to put together a segment for KSL's Studio 5 a few weeks ago called "Tech Toys For Moms On-The-Go". All the gadgets and gear I featured were designed to save you time, money, even SANITY! And all in hopes of giving you more time to do what you love the most - be with your family.

Spread a Little Sunshine with Kenny Loggins "All Join In"

Much as I love Fall, the chilly weather here in Utah often brings grey clouds as well. It's on gloomy days like yesterday that I know we need something extra cheery playing in the house to spread a little sunshine! Lately our favorite pick-me-up songs have been from Kenny Loggins' newest children's CD, "All Join In".

I was thrilled when One2One offered to send us a copy to review because I have absolutely adored Kenny's other children's albums - "Return to Pooh Corner" and "More Songs from Pooh Corner". Both are lovely compilations of well-known songs sung as lullabyes. I grew up listening to them and my kiddos will as well.

The day it arrived I quickly browsed the titles and was so pleased to see that Kenny had once again chosen fabulous So I excitedly popped "All Join In" in our car player . Five minutes later, I took it back out. Track 2, "All Together Now" was driving me insane! (sorry, Kenny) I'm sad to say that this particular Beattle's remake was just too intense and repetetive for our crazy car chaos. Because of my initial experience, a couple weeks went by before I gave the CD a second go, but I'm so glad that I did! Past Track 2 are many sweet, upbeat tunes that I have quickly fallen in love with. Both "Come Go With Me" and "The Puppy Song" are regularly begged for by my son and the delightful harmonizing voices on "Your Lollipop" never cease to get our entire family dancing!

Would you like to check out these toe-tapping tunes for yourself? One2One has set up a site where you can preview 4 of the songs from "All Join In" AND download them for free!

Click Here to Listen and Grab These Fun Songs For Your Fam

If you do get a chance to check them out, I'd love to hear what you thought!

Taking Little Ones to "Big Kid" Destinations

While it’s easy for parents of little ones to feel like theme parks and Grandma’s house are their only vacation options, I’m here to tell you that it’s simply untrue! Many families would be pleasantly surprised to learn that child-friendly activities, opportunities and amenities are available at even the most sophisticated locations. If you know what to look for, you and your kiddos can find fun and comfort at popular adult destinations like New York and Las Vegas.

New York City

Any sucessful NYC visit begins with choosing the right accomodations. Basing your family within walking distance of several child-friendly attractions will save major time, money and stress. The Buckingham Hotel is perched 2 blocks from Central Park, making it minutes from kiddo-favorites like the Natural History Museum, Hayden Planetarium FAO Schwartz, Central Park Zoo and even the Lincoln Center (which puts on a wide variety of arts performances for families).

Space can also be an issue when taking little ones to the Big Apple. Thankfully, hotels like The Omni Berkshire Place and Loews Regency provide ample room-size for rollaway beds (nominal fees) and cribs (free!). Both hotels also boast charming “welcome” programs for children: suitcases or backpacks stocked with puzzles, games, jumpropes, coloring books and even an Etch-A-Sketch. And both also offer a wide variety of kid-friendly food options – that is if your children don’t fill up on the in-room cookies and milk first!

Las Vegas

Think children aren’t welcome in Sin City? Check out the Mandalay Bay, where a wave pool, lazy river, shark aquarium and Disney’s “Lion King” musical are all right outside your hotel door. Should you get bored, a quick hop on the tram will take you directly to the Excalibur, by-passing the adult-content billboards, flyers and taxi-toppers out on the Strip. The Excalibur boasts a huge family-friendly arcade and an exciting jousting show! Plus they’re “adults only” pool keeps the serious partiers away from the waterslide and family area.

Ok, techincally this is at Legoland, but how fun does the Excalibur look? It's THAT fun!

We recently made The Excalibur our desert oasis on a roadtrip from California to Utah. Thanks to mid-week vacancies we paid less than $50 to stay and were upgraded to their remodeled rooms for free!

The kids were enchanted by the idea of sleeping in a castle, while I felt a bit spoiled by the enormous flat-screen TV, Ipod docking station and swanky interior decorating. Even the sparkling-clean bathroom was oversized and sleek.

After a good sleep, we were ready to play and The Excalibur did not disappoint. Our entire morning was spent at the pool enjoying the waterfalls and slippery slides. By midday we were hot and hungry, so we hit the buffet. All in all, it was a great little stay in Vegas, with all the flash, but none of the trash.

Knowing where to find kid-friendly amenities and activities made all the difference in our Vegas visit. Now, as I plan our trip to New York for next spring, I can’t wait to take advantage of all the fun family options available!

Ice Cube Trays Save the Day

There must've been a sale on ice cube trays in Oct. of 2002, because I got about 50 of them as wedding presents. I stuffed the extras in the back of our spare-room closet, thinking I could someday pass them on to some other lucky bride. But once I became a mom, I found myself digging them out and putting them to work in some pretty unusual ways! Here are four clever uses for ice cube trays that will simplify your life a bit:

1 - Food Made Fun

Remember the muffin-tin craze? While strolling the aisles of Ikea one day I decided to put a cheaper, cuter spin on the idea...

I'm not kidding you - my kids go nuts for ANYTHING served in these trays! On the left is a veggie tray, with a convenient dip spot in the center. Middle is the treat tray, perfect for favorite after-school snacks like fishies, raisins, marshmellows, etc. And on the right is a lunch tray, full of finger foods my toddlers love - cheese, turkey and apples. Because the slots are smaller than muffin tins they're great for small kiddos and don't require as much work. Sweet!

2 - Paint Pockets

We paint around here so often that I've resorted to buying our paints in big, economy-sized jars to save on money. But pouring it on to paper plates each day during painting time gets messy and feels so wasteful. So instead I get out the ice cube trays and pour a different color into each pocket. It keeps the colors separate and is so easy to wash out when you're done!

3 - Homemade Baby Food

photo creds to Earth Friendly Child

When Merrick was tiny, this was one of my favorite things to do! After every dinner I'd stick the leftovers in my food processor, blend them up and spoon them into ice cube trays. Once they'd been in the freezer for 24 hours I could pop one out whenever my baby was hungry, defrost in the microwave and I had homemade baby food ready to go! It's an totally rad way to avoid all the preservatives added to most jar baby food and use up leftovers at the same time. It's also cheaper than the store-bought!

4 - Hair-clip holder

In the process of trying to grow Gabby's bangs out I went a little clip-crazy. She now has a set of clips for every outfit so that I can fashionably push aside those long bangs whenever necessary. But keeping them all together was an enormous pain until I employed the ice cube trays! Now I keep two sets in each tray pocket and have glued the tray into a bathroom drawer (so that Gabs can't dump it out). It makes them easy to organize, access and even Gabby can put them away at night before tubby time.

(By the way, this works great for your own earrings too)

Hooray for ice cube trays!

Raising Friendly Kids

It was the seventh day of Kindergarten. My little Jude (an outsider whose parents had decided to drive him cross the valley to attend school because of a French Immersion program) was loving school, but had no friends. He wasn't shy - just hanging back, sizing up all the newness and figuring out where his place was in it all.

Each day after school we'd dunk cookies in milk and chat about how his day had gone. I would always ask him if he'd learned anyone's names or found a buddy - he would always answer no. So I'd gently encourage him to try introducing himself to a few of his classmates. Secretly, I wished so hard that he would get up the courage to talk to just one kid.

Instead, someone else's child did it for him. As we were walking up to the Kindergarten door on that 7th day a sweet looking little blond kid came running up to Jude and said "Hey dude! I'm glad you're here! It's gym day today!" At this point my son, my normally trepedatious little boy forgot that his awesome mom was standing there waiting for her traditional hug good-bye - he and his new friend took off excitedly for the school entrance, chattering away.

My heart soared! I wanted to hug the boy, and hug his mom, and hug his dad, and hug their parents! How grateful I was that they had all had a hand in this important moment for my child. How grateful I was to see that Jude might have a buddy in this Friendly Kid.

Because it seems like sometimes we, as parents, get so focused on raising Smart Kids or Talented Kids or Cute Kids or Good Kids that we forget one of the most crucial skills we can teach our children: How To Be A Friend. I've read up a bit on this topic and wanted to share what I've found and what I've tried that seems to work:

1 - Practice Makes Perfect: From the time your children can walk and talk, schedule playdates for them at least once a week so that they get plenty of opportunities to develop their social skills. It doesn't matter if they've got lots of siblings to interact with - making friends and getting along with new people is different; trickier.

2 - Give Props: If you see someone being friendly to your child (like that kid was to Jude) be sure to make a big deal of it to your child at a later time. Comments like "That was nice of him to come say hello - I bet that made you feel really good." and so forth help to reinforce good examples for your child to observe and follow.

3 - Be Gentle, But Be Straight: When your child exhibits behavior that is unsociable (like not sharing, for example), explain the real-world consequences of their actions - "If you don't share things with others, no one is going to want to play with you." Instead of fearing Time Outs and other arbitrary parental punishments, you want them to understand that behavior like that will naturally hinder their good time.

4 - Play Like A Kid: From time to time, interact with your child as other children would. It's easy for parents to let their children call all the shots during playtime because adults don't care who plays with what toy, and so on. But bossiness doesn't fly on the playground and a child who hasn't learned that is being done a great disservice.

5 - Lead By Example: Let your child hear you speaking highly of others and see you being friendly. When you bump into someone at the store, be warm and personable so that your child observes how to treat friends. Encourage thoughtfulness and empathy by including your children in doing services for families in the neighborhood.

What Other Techniques Have You Found That Help Raise A Friendly Child?

Family Fun at Chipotle - GIVEAWAY!

I love going out to dinner with my fam. But as the mom of 3 little ones, I admit that my expectations are quite high because I actually want to enjoy the experience! That means a kid-edible menu, healthy ingredients, chill atmosphere, speedy service and clean, comfortable place to relax. Tall order, right?

Not for Chipotle!

This family-friendly, eco-friendly and tastebud-friendly restaurant is the perfect spot for a fun evening out with great company. Last week the good people at Chipotle invited us in for a meal to try out their new Kids Menu and we couldn't resist bringing a whole crew along! Both the food and atmosphere appealed to everyone in our party. We settled all 10 of us at a stylish booth and excitedly began browsing the menu...



We headed up to the front and ordered, where the service was top-notch. It was fun to watch them make the burritos right before your eyes and let me tell you - this is no tiny taco! It's a very full plate of fresh, flavorful Mexican goodness, tailored to your specifications. As a slightly "selective" eater (aka Picky!) I loved all the delicious options and ability to make my meal just how I want it. With 4 meats (the Barbacoa was perfect for my mellow-mouth, while Brett enjoyed the spicy steak) 4 salsas, 3 side-choices and 6 burrito styles, everyone in our group got something different and unique!

"Chipotle"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Then it was time to order for the kiddos. The new menu they offer is truly fab - straight-forward and easy to navigate, but once again with plenty of options. Healthy options, let me add, because ALL the meat at Chipotle is "Naturally Raised" (free-range, vegetarian fed, hormone-free and humanely treated). Furthermore, much of their produce is organic, as is the Milk on the Kid's Menu.

This was the best part of the night for me because I realized that Chipotle is, plain and simple, a restaurant with a conscience.

I watched my children enjoying their meals and didn't worry about what sort of junk they were consuming. And because the food was so delicious, they happily ate up! The big hit of the night was the Taco Kit, which comes on a cute little tray and let's kids build their own burritos!

From beginning to end, I enjoyed our visit thoroughly - and that's saying alot for a high-expectations mom like me. Chipotle is definitely our new favorite spot for family meals!

GIVEAWAY:
Chipotle would like to invite your family over for dinner too! They've given me 5 "Dinner For Two" certificates to pass along to 5 lucky SuperMom Central readers. Who needs a night out? YOU ALL DO!

Deliciousness aside, the more I learn about Chipotle, the more I admire them. I'm excited to share their food and their philosophy with you! To win, simply visit their website and find the answer to this question:

What does F.W.I. stand for?

Email me the answer at supermomcom@yahoo.com and you're on your way to winning a delectable dinner for two! I am disabling comments on this post so that everyone doesn't see the answer and has to go find it on their own. :)

Contest will end Wed. Sept. 30th and winners chosen via random.org

Best Dressed Baby - Mommy Couture Designs Make Daddy-Pleasing Duds

After listening to way too many dads moan about puppies and teddy bears on their baby boys' clothing, I've come to consider Daddy-Approved Duds quite the find! So while Mommy Couture Designs offer plenty of styles that are sweet as can be, I'm particularly diggin' on these fun onesies that I know hubs will heart -

What dad doesn't dream of someday re-enacting scenes from Star Wars with their children? Ok, maybe that's just my guy.

How cute is this Office Baby top? Perfect for a little surprise visit to Daddy's work place!

Forget goo-goo, ga-ga - let your little one speak the computer language so many guys love with a "Newbie" tee! Mommy Couture Designs kindly sent this one over for my family to check out, and Brett went nuts for it! He's ready to put in a bulk order so he can give them to buddies and co-workers as baby gifts. I'd say that's definitely a Daddy stamp of approval!

With hip finds like these, Mommy Couture Designs is definitely going on my "Baby Shower Hits" list. Plus, they carry the eco-bonus of being made from organic cotton, which should get a green thumbs up from all parents!

Family-Friendly Hotels – The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference

Near and dear to any Traveling Mom's heart are the hotels that help our little ones feel welcome. After all the prep, packing and planning that goes into successfully getting a family from the front door to a destination, thoughtful features designed with kids in mind help both parent and child relax and enjoy the stay. As cribs and game consoles are quickly becoming standards for family-friendly accomodations, I'm excited to see many hotels really rolling out the red carpet for their tiniest guests, with some awesome amenities.

Water Parks and Playgrounds

Vegas is no longer exclusively for big kids! Any Las Vegas hotel worth it's salt has turned at least part of their pool area into a water park providing families an environment for all-day fun in the sun. On our recent Cali roadtrip we made the Excalibur our stop-over and spent the morning enjoying waterfalls and slipperly slides.

After using up so much energy, my kiddos were worn out and happy to relax in the car for the drive home. Sweet!

More and more, hotels are understanding that their youngest patrons are just as important as their paying parents, because contented children tend to have contended moms and dads. A handful of savvy resorts even boast playgrounds as well!

Kids Clubs

While I'm a strong believer that family travel should focus on family bonding, in-hotel Kids Clubs can provide unique experiences for all involved! Children can do crafts and games, learn about local culture and even try out science experiments while Mom and Dad doze by the pool (a very unique experience for busy parents). However, it's important to choose a program that is well-staffed and well-planned. Be sure to research Kid's Clubs you're interested in before dropping your little ones at the door.

Travel Toys and Treats

Many hotels are finding creative ways to welcome families - from cookies in the lobby to travel packs filled with stickers and games!

This is Luxury Family Travel at its finest because you know that resorts putting this much thought into hosting little ones will have primo basics - clean bathrooms, comfortable beds, speedy service, etc. When I heard that Loews Regency in New York City gives their young guests Etch-A-Sketches and jumpropes for use in nearby Central Park (among many other fun amenities), it shot to the top of my list for accomodations when our family visits next Fall!

We've all heard the phrase “If mama aint happy, aint nobody happy” but I've discovered it's quite the opposite – when my kids are cranky, so am I. Taking advantage of these little extras will make a big difference in your children's travel enjoyment, which in return will make a big difference in yours!

This is a TravelingMom dedicated post.

Family Fun Week - Thanksgiving Point (GIVEAWAY!)

Just because summer is fading into the distance, doesn't mean the party has to end! Cool autumn days are perfect for Family Fun - especially weekend Staycations that break you out of your routine, without breaking the bank. The great thing about having a family adventure close to home is you can focus your time/money on great activities instead of travel/accomodations.

A favorite respite of mine has always been Thanksgiving Point, whether I'm hangin' with the kiddos, enjoying extended fam, or catching a romantic night out with hubs. But more than anything else, it's the perfect place to spend the day as a family.

We like to start by visiting the animals over at at Farm Country. There are fuzzy little friends to say hello to and fun displays to interact with. We learn, play, and explore - then catch a pony ride or two!

After Farm Country, it's over to the Gardens, where we're enveloped in beauty and enchantment as far as the eye can see. While walkways are abundant, visitors are encouraged to leave the path and find their own way through the labrynth of flora. Meander past lilypads and lilacs, over bridges and under trelisses, and you might even find a Secret Garden!

Connected to the main Gardens is the Children's Discovery Garden, where more surprises await. Our entire family indulges childhood as we chase eachother through mazes and splash in shallow pools made by fountains coming out of Noah's Ark!

All this play usually wears us out and bit, so we stop for a cold treat at the Ice Cream Shop. Then it's on to the highlight of the day - The Museum Of Ancient Life (known by my two-year old as simply "DINOSAURRRRRRR!"). Here, the possibilities are endless...

From left to right, top to bottom, the details of our adventures:
Watching the Paleontologists hard at work, in the jaws of a prehistoric shark, digging for dinos, buddies on the trolley, the Supersaurus (who I'm sure had a SuperMom!), Two Towering T-Rex's, water and sand play, Jr. Paleo lab, and a fun souvenir.

To end our day, we usually fill our tummies with delicious soups and sandwiches at the Deli. And while it's all very tasty, Brett and I usually gaze wistfully at the entrance to Harvest, Thanksgiving Point's elegant fine dining. Recently I was invited to Thanksgiving Point's Mommy Blogger event, where I got to play the day away with Jude, inlcuding a really fun Children's Cooking Class!

At the end, they whisked the kiddos away, replaced them with our spouses and treated us to an exquisite meal at Harvest. The cuisine was simple and sophisticated, with a touch of creative flair - the perfect end to an absolutely lovely day. My mouth waters just thinking about it...

GIVEAWAY: Want to take your family and experience the fun at Thanksgiving Point? I've got 4 Family Four-Packs of tickets to giveaway - one set for each of the venues I've featured (Farm Country, Main Gardens, Childrens Discovery Gardens and The Museum of Ancient Life). To enter to win, visit Thanksgiving Point's website and tell me which venue you'd most like to visit!

No guarantees, but I'll do my best to line up winners with their venue choice. :) The contest will end on Sept. 22nd at 11:59 pm MST. Good luck!