Oobleck, Grinches and fish red and blue...and how to get to Solla Sollew. Dr. Suess is more than an author. With his vast assortment of books that fit the need of almost any child, whether it is a child with articulation difficulties that needs to practice the /s/ sound, or children learning opposites, basic concepts, or about troubles that life brings, the collection of Dr. Suess books is what you need to teach your children while keeping them (and you) entertained.
Have some fun in Seussville at: seussville.com

Hungry caterpillars, busy spiders and brown bears are just some of the exciting characters that Eric Carle brings to life in his books which do more than just entertain. They are amazing for language development offering children the opportunity to learn sequencing, counting, colors, animal sounds, etc. In addition, the repetition of sentences provides the necessary reinforcement needed when young children are learning new things and allows them the opportunity to join in the story. You can find a list of his books and more at Eric Carle's website.

With a big push on literacy... even in young ones, you can help prepare your child at home by reading to your child every day and exposing them to books, starting at a young age. Children as early as 18 months have the ability to point to pictures of objects you name in books. From 2 1/2 to 3 years old, your child can talk about the pictures s/he sees, remember some of the story and retell it while looking at the pages and learn so much about so many different things thanks to their interest in books at this age.

So whether it's with a fox, or in a box, with a mouse, or in the house, on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, grab a book and read with your child! You may have more fun than you thought you would.

Filed under: children, literacy, reading

The weekend is finally here and you've called your babysitter and are looking forwards to a night out without the kids. Sure you have your cellphone with you in case the sitter needs to get in touch with you and you've written down some other information, but did you leave enough info for the person you have entrusted to care for your babies? Some things may be obvious to you but depending on the age of your sitter, these things may not be so obvious to them. And since most likely the person watching your children is on the younger side, the more information you give and have written down the better. Also, if there is any sort of emergency, you want to make sure your babysitter is fully equipped to answer any questions that may come her way because no matter how old you are, it's easy to forget information during a crisis. As you prepare for your sitter to arrive, here are some things to keep in mind...

Filed under: babysitting, children, emergency information

Has your child ever asked you for a puppy? They are so cute and cuddly that we all can understand why a child would want one. Having a dog can bring so much fun and joy into our lives but they also require a lot of time and patience amongst other things. Kids usually do not think about or may not understand just how much work it takes to own a dog, which can be just one of the many reasons why a parent says 'no' when a child asks to get a puppy. But what if you want to say 'yes', but circumstances are such that you are not able to? Well...being a volunteer with the program Puppies Behind Bars may just be a solution to your problem.

Puppies Behind Bars is an amazing program in which inmates in correctional facilities in the New York Tri State Area raise and train puppies. These puppies live in the cell with their raisers who are responsible for caring for and training them. The puppies then go out 2-3 weekends a month with volunteers referred to as "puppy sitters" who as the website describes:
"take the dogs into their homes in order to expose them to things they won't experience in prison. These can be as simple as hearing doorbells or the sounds of a coffee grinder, and as complex as learning how to ride in a car and walk down a crowded sidewalk."

The dogs are golden retrievers and labs whose ages range about 5 or 6 months to about 10 months old. The goal is to have them graduate and move on to further training as bomb sniffing dogs or service dogs. Since these dogs are on such a strict regime, they are house trained and are much better behaved than most puppies. They are not allowed to sit on furniture, eat 'human' food, or bark.

Since my roommate was a volunteer for this program, I was able to see first hand how the program works and enjoy spending time with the wonderful dogs. As someone who has never had a dog before, it was a great way not only to learn what it would be like to own a dog, but to get out of the house and do something different. I will admit it was hard at times to say goodbye, but it was fun being with so many different dogs of all sizes and personalities.

Here is how it works if you are a volunteer: You must commit for one year to the program. After a few days of training, the volunteers then begin taking the puppies for either an overnight stay once a month or 2 weekend days a month. You only need to take the dog for a few hours during the day. The program allows you to request specific dogs but there are times you may not be given that dog. The volunteer is responsible for picking up and dropping off the dog and the correctional facilities.

Depending on if you think your child would be able to deal with saying good-bye to the dogs after a few hours or even an overnight stay with them, this program is a great way to have all the excitement that comes with having a dog without having to own one, and at the same time your child will be learning things like responsibility for caring for another living being. And you will be giving back to an important program.

Learn more about the program by clicking here. Even if you don't think the program is for you, check out the site anyway and pass on the info.

Filed under: children, dogs, family, puppies

It is in most women's nature to nurture; however for men this nurturing side may not come as easily. Sometimes fathers are not sure what to do with their children, especially when they have a daughter. Sure with a son it's different because boys will be boys no matter what age, so it may be easier for a father to relate to a son. But what do you do with a daughter? Play toy soldiers? Maybe. Play with cars? Eh.. not so much. Chances are she's more interested in her dolls and girlie things. You don't have to play Barbies with your little girl, but it's important to engage in some sort of play with her.

Fathers play a very valuable and significant role in the lives of their children. Remember that sometimes it doesn't matter what you are doing with your daughter; she is simply happy to get attention from you and spend time with you. I used to play catch with my father and although he used to tell me I threw like a girl (and yes I happen to be a girl) I loved every minute of my time spent with him. He balanced out the things I learned from my mother. My father taught me how to measure twice and cut once when we built shelves together, how to spackle, use a power drill, and how to catch a grounder and fly ball. These activities were so enjoyable for me, because I was spending time with my father & getting to do things he does.

If you are not quite sure what to do with your daughter, here are some suggestions: You can go to the park, look at books, dance to music, cut & glue, have her help with dinner, watch a movie she likes, or even play toy soldiers. Chances are, because she's your little princess, she'll be perfectly happy just to be doing something...anything with you as long as she's getting your attention, love and affection. Remember, the relationship between a father and a daughter is very special! That's why she's "daddy's little girl".

Filed under: children, fathers, parenting

It's that time of year again. The time when we wait on long lines, fight crowds and we search and search for the perfect gift. When it comes to buying gifts for toddlers it may be easier than you think. Whether you are buying for your own children, a friend's child or your nieces and nephews sometimes less can really be more. Sounds a little crazy I know, but I've seen it for myself! Children who are 2, 3 and even 4 are fairly easy to please. Sometimes something as simple as stickers and a coloring book can keep them happy for hours. Other choices include: Playdoh, Mr. Potato Head accessories, pinwheels, trucks, cars and fun bathtime toys like bathtub paints or a basketball hoop for the tub can be the perfect gift.

 Many times these simple gifts are the ones that the kids love and use over and over. Also, keep in mind how many gifts these children are probably getting. They get presents from their own parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and other friends and family so they will already be overwhelmed by the amount of gifts that you really don't need to stress over the one you get. This is not to say you shouldn't put any thought into what s/he may like, but there is no need to spend hours in agony over what to buy. Think about the child's interests and buy one or two simple and fun items that s/he can enjoy using and voilà you are done! So whether you are shopping in the stores or online, keep simplicity in mind and you may be able to have some fun in picking out these things that may bring us back to our childhood days when life was so much easier. Happy Shopping!

Filed under: gift, holiday, shopping, toddlers