How To Make Your Stairs Completely Baby Proof

If your child has started crawling, or maybe even walking recently, then the chances are that they have gone straight to the stairs and tried to climb them. It can be a terrifying you in the process. So, with this in mind, here are a few tips to help keep the stairs safe, secure and you relaxed.

Keep Them Away From Stairs (as often as possible)
Ok, starting an article about baby-proofing the staircase in your home with the oh-so-simple advice of ‘keep the baby away from the stairs’, seems more than a little unhelpful. However, this is actually a really very useful suggestion because, by keeping the baby away from the stairs, you are limiting their contact with them and therefore, keeping them safe.

Buy a baby gate (or two)
When babies become toddlers and get more mobile, one of the best ways to protect your baby is by getting a couple of gates to keep them away from the top and also, the bottom of the stairs. The baby gate that you buy will depend on your staircase and your needs; it can be as simple as choosing a wooden gate over a metal gate, or a gate that you can screw into the wall over one that you can screw into to the banister itself. Stores like Tesco stock a variety of different baby gates.

When purchasing a baby gate, be sure to think about your home first and what needs to be done to prepare.

• Research types of baby gates. If you have an open staircase, look for a 3-in-1 gate, which extends to create a protective playpen around the bottom of the stairs. Please note, pressure mounted baby gates are designed to be used for rooms on the same floor, but not for stairs. 
• Declutter everything, especially the stairs. Some people use their staircase as a place to store things, like books and clothes, but when you have small children in your home, this cannot be an option. When starting to declutter don’t just limit yourself to the stairs, but also the area around the stairs. 
• Rearrange furniture. Move furniture and other items that a toddler could climb on to bypass the stair gate and access the stairs, such as bookcases and chairs. Also, make sure that both the entrance and exit of the staircase is clear, so the kids don’t trip. 
• Don’t forget the railing! The banister can also cause problems, as young children can fall down the stairs if they don’t use it correctly. Look into buying a banister guard — a sheet of clear plastic or netting that covers up all the gaps in the banister — if you think this will be a problem. 
• Carpet the stairs.  Carpet is much easier for young children to work with and, if they should take a tumble coming down the stairs, it’ll be much softer than hardwood flooring. 

These few hints and tips should allow you to breathe a sigh of relief when your little one starts to crawl around the house. If you properly prepare your home and do your research about baby gates, you can keep your children safe from perhaps the biggest threat to their safety — the stairs.

Image by Dave Herholz used under the Creative Commons License.

Summer Fun Family Travel Guide 2014 Begins Soon #summertravelguide

Hi all! School will be out soon and the kiddos will be home all day, every day. I'm excited to have both my boys home, but I know after a week or so, we'll be going insane and looking for things to do. That's why I decided to put together a list of fun travel ideas for the entire family. I'm putting it all together now and we'll have some great reviews, giveaways and other travel features for our readers all summer long.

Our Summer Family Travel Guide will officially kick-off at the end of the month and I'm so excited to not only share our adventures with readers, but give you a chance to visit the same places and have some fun, too.

Stay tuned! Summer will be here before you know it!

Sponsors Still Needed
We are still seeking sponsors to add to our roster for the Summer Travel Guide. If you have a great summer activity idea you'd like to include or know someone who does, please email us at childrenteachingmama@gmail.com! We'll be closing the list in a week, so get those requests in soon.

The Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System: A Must-Have For Parents & $100 Babies 'R Us Gift Card

As first-time parents, we are unprepared for many things to come, but one thing I never expected was the need for a quality stroller and how much it would be used. I've admittedly spent too much money over the years on strollers and I've learned that you definitely get what you pay for. When Josiah was a baby, he went through three strollers! Some strollers just don't make the grade, but the worst waste of money is having to purchase a new stroller when the other is outgrown. If only I had known what I know now! The Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System is all you need for your baby all the way up to 40 pounds, so there is no need to purchase a new stroller every few months. We all know babies grow so quickly and, unlike clothing, strollers can be super expensive. Now you can save yourself from the daunting task of stroller shopping and also save money!

About the Bliss
This all-in-one stroller is an innovative system and the first of its kind. It is a stroller, pram and on-the-go carrycot. In addition, the system includes an infant car seat adapter that fits over 20 different car seats, so you can easily use for your travel system when on the go.

I absolutely love the pram feature of this stroller system. I can imagine my little baby napping comfortably as I walk go on a walk or even as I fold clothes at the house because the carrycot can be removed! The seat has 3 reclining positions and there is a removable padding on the seat, which makes it soft like a mattress and is the softest I've ever felt on a stroller.

As baby grows, the stroller changes, too. You can adjust the 5-point safety straps to different levels as the baby gets older. So, from birth all the way to 40 pounds, your child will be comfortably safe in the Bliss! In addition, there are front wheel locks, which are very useful when walking in hilly areas. Other features include an adjustable cup holder and a storage basket underneath the seat.

Our Review
On the 14th of September, my family had the opportunity to visit Disney World through Make A Wish Foundation. We'd never been on such a huge a family vacation and for entire week! A few days ahead of time, I made my lists and began to pack everything we needed. Luckily, we received the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System to review because we needed a sturdy stroller for the trip and knew it would come in handy, but we didn't realize just how much we would appreciate it!

Before leaving for our trip, my husband and I assembled the stroller in no time. Seriously, it was one of the easiest strollers we've had to put together. The instructions were straightforward and showed via photos how to transition the stroller to the different positions. Before we knew it, we were strapping in Liam and adjusting everything to fit him perfectly.

Our first stop was the airport and we decided to keep our stroller and check it at the gate. We immediately learned why it's important to have a good stroller when traveling. Since the stroller has extra room underneath for carrying items, we were able to keep our carry-on luggage there instead of hauling it down all the different halls and trams while trying to keep up with the kids at the same time. Considering we had to take off shoes and go through security with two kids, the stroller actually ended up being extremely helpful for lugging things. When entering the airplane, we easily folded the stroller and hopped on the plane. When we got to Orlando and off the plane, our stroller was waiting right outside for us, so the others who stored it under the plane also figured out how to close and open the stroller with ease.

We spent an entire week in Orlando, visiting 3 of the Disney Parks, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. The stroller fit perfectly in our trunk each day and was ready to use when we got there just by the touch of a button and a pull of the handle. The parks allowed the Bliss to double as Liam's wheelchair the entire time we were there. Let me just say, this was really a blessing because Liam would be unable to walk very long without having a stroller. Plus, with the wheelchair pass, we were able to push him right up to a ride, put him in and the stroller was there right when we got out. Not all strollers can double as a wheelchair at parks, but the employees inspected the stroller and were quite impressed with not only the features, but how sturdy it was. I cannot imagine carrying a small child or baby around such a big park for miles and miles. The Bliss was seriously an amazing stroller that made each day easy, fun and exciting for Liam.

A few of my favorite Contours Bliss Features:

1. Liam is on the bigger side of the spectrum for this stroller, weighing in around 34 pounds. Luckily, the 5-point harness has three points in which you can adjust the straps to fit around your child or baby's shoulders. I also feel like Liam is very secure in his stroller with this sturdy harness and think this makes it perfect for smaller children as well.

Strapping Liam in!

2. The stroller is very easy to fold and break down for storage. We could easily fold and place in our trunk. Plus, when parking at the Disney parks, we'd have to ride trams occasionally. There is a side handle so we could lift up the stroller and haul it just like a piece of luggage. It's not light-weight, but it's not extremely heavy or hard to lift either. I had no problem folding, lifting and placing the stroller each time we needed to.

3. Brakes are a must-have for strollers, especially when you live in the mountains like us. The first time I pulled the Bliss out of our trunk and placed it, in folded form, on the ground, the stroller shot down the hill and I went screaming and running after it like a crazy person. That's when I learned to always put the brakes on when not pushing, especially when Liam is in it!

4. I never knew how much I'd appreciate the extra storage underneath the Contours Bliss stroller system. There was more than enough room for a diaper bag, jackets, a purse, and more. In the airport, we were able to place two carry-ons, a pillow and 2 stuffed animals in it with room to spare!

Look at all the storage room!

5. A shade is great for babies, especially in the summertime when the sun is hot, hot, hot. We used this often when on our trip and Liam highly enjoyed the comfort of it. What I liked about it was the little window, which allowed me to peek through at him while pushing the stroller so I could continue pushing while checking on him instead of having to pull over and stop.

6. When outdoors I, more often than not, have a drink with me. This cup holder is not your typical holder. Some clip on loosely and other strollers have holders built into the top of the handles. This cup holder snaps securely into place, so I know it isn't moving. The cup holder is down on the side of the handles and is at a much better place for reaching it when needed.

The Contours Bliss is available in Wilshire Black (the one we reviewed) or Valencia Gold color options and has a suggested retail price of $399.99. It can be found in select retail and online stores. The Bliss is not your typical stroller and, as a well-built 4-in-1 system, you can expect it to last a very long time. From birth to preschool age, the Bliss is sure to provide everything your baby needs and more. I honestly cannot say enough about the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Baby Stroller System. This system will be put to good use for many years to come.

Liam wants to send a special thank you to Contours for this wonderful stroller! He had such a wonderful trip and it would not have been the same without the Bliss! 

Sleepy & relaxing on our last day of fun!

Wouldn't you love to own one of these beautiful strollers? Contours wants to help out our readers on the purchase of their very own Contours Bliss! So...

Are You Ready For A Giveaway?

Thanks to Contours Baby, One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive a $100 Babies 'R Us Gift Card! 

This giveaway is open to US readers, 18+ years of age and will end on Sunday, November 10th at 11:59pm. To enter, use the GiveawayTools form below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: A giveaway and Bliss stroller was provided from Contours for the writing of this post. No other compensation was provided and all opinions written are my own.

Send a Johnson's Baby Care Card To a Mama & Support Early Childhood Education

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Last week was Mother's Day and when my husband asked what I would like to do for the day, I told him I just wanted to spend the day outdoors as a family, so that is exactly what we did. We sat outside on the porch, watching the kids and reminiscing about becoming parents for the first time. The day I found out I was pregnant with my first son, Josiah, I sat in disbelief and happiness. I couldn't believe I was going to be a mom and was so excited, but there were also those nagging thoughts in the back of my head. I wondered if I would be a good mom or how I would be able to handle staying at home with the baby and I have to admit that there were some tough days as a new mom. Well, here I am almost 6 years later with two beautiful little boys and I couldn't be happier. However, there are days as a stay at home mom that are just plain hard. I'm sure all other moms can relate to those "bad mom days" where we just can't do anything right. I feel this way when Liam gets a boo boo from falling on the stairs or when Josiah has a hard time with his homework and I just can't seem to explain it correctly.

My sweet boy cuddling his teddy bear, Peanut Butter.

On days like this, I sure need some kind of reassurance to keep me going and to make me feel like everything is going to be okay. Just recently, I was talking to one of my friends about Liam's chemotherapy treatment and he said, "You know, you are so strong and such a great mom". He had no idea, of course, but that really made me feel great. Today, as I was working on the computer, Josiah came in, reached over and kissed me and said, "I love you, Mama". Even those small, sweet actions are all the reassurance I need to keep me smiling.

One of our favorite brands, Johnson's also knows just how important these types of reassurances are for moms, especially on those tough days that never end. Johnson's has made it easier than ever to share some encouraging words to a mom with the Johnson's Baby Care Cards. After clicking the link you just select a message, choose an image that you think best fits your message, and send it to a mom! This is such a creative way to let another mom know how much you care. Plus, you can send the card via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

The great thing about sending a Johnson's Baby Cares Card is that for ever card that is sent, shared or liked, Johnson's Baby will donate $1 to Save the Children (up to $150,000) to benefit early childhood education! So, not only can you really do something sweet for a mom, but you will also help benefit the education of children. If that isn't incentive enough to send a card, I don't know what is, so get over to the website and send a card (or three) to one of your friends or family members who could use some words of encouragement.

I shared my card with my best friend, Holly, who just became a new mom for the second time. She's staying home with her little one for the next 4 months and is such an awesome mom. She deserves something special and, since I don't get to see her or tell her often enough, I thought this would be a great way to say I love you!

What do your kids do for you to give you that extra reassurance you need each day? To whom will you send a card?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Biggest Investments For Families

There are many investments that we, as parents and adults, make as we grow older, but some of these have more of an impact on our lives than others. When I think of huge investments, I automatically think of buying our house and buying a new car. These are big ones, but there is another investment that is even bigger. What is it? Your own children! Yes, that's right! According to a report by USDA, it costs an estimated $295,000 to raise a kid from birth to the age of 17. That's a great deal of money and that isn't even factoring in the cost of a college education. I think my husband would pass out if he saw that total. The cost of raising a child seems never-ending, but you can ensure that your children have a better concept of the value of money by including them in family spending ideas and actions.

When I was growing up, I remember watching my parents sort out bills each month and knew we lived on a budget, but as far as how much money was spent and how money was saved, I was clueless. So, when it came time for me to move out and attend college, I had no idea my bills and rent would be so expensive and I certainly didn't know how to budget everything. I learned the hard way that teaching children about spending and money is a must to prepare them for their own futures.

How can we teach our children about money? Well, there are some great ways to include them in family money discussions according to Gregg Murset, owner of MyJobChart. Parents should never be afraid to discuss the costs the experience on a daily and monthly bases. For example, gas prices are so high these days, so this is something to talk about with kids because going to school and other after-school activities directly effects the amount of gas used. Take a look at the graphic above for more great ideas.

Do you engage your children in the discussion of money? Just by following some simple steps you can help them understand and grasp the concept of money much better. Plus, they will be more prepared when the time comes to move out one day. I sure wish my parents had included me in money discussions!

Important Steps To Creating A Bedtime Routine With Children

Before my son started preschool, we really didn't have a set schedule, which meant complete chaos in our home, especially around bedtime. However, Josiah is now in kindergarten and everything has completely changed. Now that we do have a set routine, I've noticed how much more we get out of our days. Every night I feel like we have accomplished quite a bit and this is very satisfying. What's more satisfying is having kids go to bed without struggle or reading ten books before they settle down. This used to be a nightly issue. I've come to find that a bedtime ritual is, indeed, the key to good sleep and happy kids ready to get up and go in the morning.

Here are my suggestions for establishing a daily routine preparing kids for bed:

The first part of our night always begins with bath time. It is a great way to begin the process of slowing down and relaxing muscles. You can also follow the bath time with a massage. I do this often with my youngest son who sometimes has growing pains and this seems to help him sleep much better.

About an hour before bedtime, encourage quite "me" play time, which means no running around, screaming or playing competitive games. This gives children a chance to slow down, relax and wind down from a long day. Once the hour is up, its time to begin your nighttime routine. My husband and I talked about our routine for the boys ahead of time so we were both on the same page. You should keep a routine that generally lasts around 15 minutes: putting toys away, brushing teeth, using the potty, etc. You may want to keep a chart kids can check off each night as they complete tasks. We have a chore chart the kids check off each day and they get $1 at the end of the week if they have every space filled. This just gives some extra incentive for them to follow the routine.

Once all of the chart items are complete, it's time to pick out a book and get into bed. I've found that the types of mattresses we have really make a difference in restful sleep, which is why we found adorable toddler mattresses that are not only comfortable, but also fun for the kids. We turn off all bright lights and just have on a lamp during this time. Our reading time is my favorite part of our nightly routine and is our special bonding time as a family.

After story time, I always give kisses and tuck the boys in, one by one. Then, I turn off the lamp and turn on their little night light. Of course, routines should be personalized to your own children's needs, but as long as you stick to the schedule, you should see a huge change in attitude and happiness. My boys were much more rested and ready to play in the morning, which just made getting up that much easier for all of us.

Do you have a nightly sleep routine? If so, how does it differ from ours? 

Making The Family Move As Stress-Free As Possible For Children

Moving home more than once is a fact of life for many of us, and whilst it can be a stressful time with its fair share of worries, there are things to do that can minimize the upheaval. Cutting ties with a much-loved district and heading off for pastures new may seem daunting, but it needn't be. A positive outlook, plenty of planning and organization and realistic expectations all help to make moving home a rewarding experience.

Involve the children

Families on the move successfully go the distance when all members of the team are kept in the loop - and that includes the children. Right from the outset, involve the children as much as possible in planning for the move; this will help dispel any anxieties about their new lives in a new place.  Also encourage the children in sorting through and packing up their belongings, and discuss what their new rooms may look like. Have fun planning together the new layout of their bedroom.

The more time youngsters have to get used to the idea of a new home, the easier they will find it to adapt and accept the change. Most children will be reluctant at first because the idea of leaving all that is familiar can be frightening. But there is an intrepid explorer inside all children and soon they will become curious about their new home. Be prepared with lots of answers to questions about all the fun things and great activities to be enjoyed at the new house!

Remain positive

Remember to put the best possible spin on the situation, without being misleading – keeping any doubts or misgivings about relocating hidden, as children pick up on these and will worry. Accentuate all the great reasons for moving home, such as being closer to other family members, making new friends, having a bigger bedroom or garden, being closer to the shops, playground, beach, etc.

There will be a million and one things to do in the run up to moving day. Involving the children in the planning and packing reinforces the reality of what is happening and helps them adjust to the situation in an involving, non-passive way. Transporting all the contents of a house or apartment is a huge job but significant savings can be achieved by doing things independently, organizing the hire of convenient shipping pods that offer a cost effective and simple way of self-moving belongings either right across the country or just into the next town.

Once safely installed in the new home children can explore and begin to enjoy their new environment. At first children may be a little clingy and it's important to be reassuring and there for them. Quickly establish routines at the new house, getting meal and bed times regular is important as this semblance of normality will be comforting.  Find local clubs for the sports or activities that children enjoy and take them along for a look, but don't expect too much enthusiasm at first, there may well be a little shyness to overcome.

Attitude is everything when moving home. Keeping things happy and upbeat, accentuating the positives and embracing the new - there is no reason why a change of location shouldn't be a fun adventure for all the family.

GoodNites Bed Mats Build Confidence For Kids

When I was a toddler, I took to potty training quite quickly, but still had accidents at  night. This occurred well into 6 years of age. Do you remember those dreams where you think you are going to the potty, but you are really still in bed sleeping, only you don't realize this until you are completely soaked? I remember those all too well. My five year-old also has some issues with bedwetting at night, but is completely fine during the day. The same goes for my 3 year old, actually.

The most important thing to remember when going through this with your child is to be patient and supportive. The more pressure you put on them, the harder it will be on them. Most children do outgrow bedwetting, as was the case with me, and I am confident the same will happen with Josiah and Liam. In fact, Liam's doctor reiterated to us today that we should let him take his time with potty training and not to stress about bedwetting, that we would readdress it if he is still having issues at six years of age and go from there.

My boys will always be my  babies, but they do NOT want to be called babies or to be associated with babies at all! This means Josiah prefers not to wear any type of nighttime protection that resembles a diaper. However, I don't want to spend each morning cleaning up sheets either. There is a way to keep both Josiah and myself happy and mess-free, thank goodness. GoodNites Bed Mats are the perfect solution. Josiah can still be a big boy, wearing his Angry Bird undies, and the bed mats are there just in case he has an accident. This has really empowered him with the confidence he needs at bedtime and, for that, I am so grateful.

What does Josiah think? The GoodNites Bed Mats are soft and fit down onto the bed sheets, so they stay put and do not hinder a good night of sleep! They are big enough to cover an area on the bed where the accident may occur, but is now overly large or covering the entire mattress. There are sticky tabs on the bottom to keep the mat in place, too, which I love! When I was a kid, I remember the rubber mattress covers that made all kinds of noises when you moved, so I was afraid the bed mats would do the same, but nope! They are unnoticeable, so the entire family can get a good night's rest and Mama does not have to clean up much the next morning. I just have to pull the sheet up and place in the garbage! It's simple.

I want Josiah to feel confident and comfortable, which is sometimes tough when bedwetting is involved. GoodNites Bed Mats have been so popular that over 50,000 American Shoppers voted for them as the 2013 Product of the Year in the Children's Product Category! So, we aren't the only ones who loves our bed mats. Considering they are easy to use both at home and on the go, are discrete and can give kiddos more confidence at bedtime, I can see why they are so liked. Click Here to read more about this award via Parade.

Plus, you can print out a $1.50 coupon for GoodNites Bed Mats by clicking here! 

Ready for a Giveaway? 

Thanks to GoodNites, One Lucky Reader Will Win The Confidence Booster Prize Package Below:

The Confidence Booster Kit includes some awesome gifts just for kids, including:

GoodNites Bed Mats, a color changing alarm clock, bedroom slippers, a projector lamp, removable star stickers for walls and some other fun room decorations. This kit is valued at $150!

The Benefits Of Insception Lifebank Cord Blood Service

Having a child is such a special moment in your life and one we have experienced twice. With our first, Josiah, he was born without issue, was happy, healthy and came home from the hospital shortly after delivery. Liam's birth, on the other hand, was a little more complicated. He was born 5 weeks early and his lungs were not fully developed. This caused a variety of issues and set the scene for what was to come in his life. Since then he has been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, brain tumors and may cause a variety of other issues in his future.

Of course, you never expect anything like this to happen to your own family. Before this, we'd never thought about banking cord blood, but now that Liam has gone through so much, this is definitely a consideration when having our next child. The viable stem cells found in cord blood can be used to treat 75 conditions and medical experts are working to find more ways cord blood can be used to help families like our own. 

Yes, banking cord blood can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Doing our research, we found that Insception Lifebank is offering a $100 off coupon for cord blood services for Canadian residents. The amazing thing about the cord blood service is that you can reserve your spot just by entering your baby's due date and your name. Then, when your baby is born you have 10 days to use the coupon and save the cord blood with Insception. 

If you are wondering about how this effects your baby, there is nothing to worry about. This is a noninvasive procedure, which in no way effects the birth or health of your baby. However, the cord blood is there if ever needed in the future. For example, cord blood has been used to treat a variety of issues, from autism and diabetes to spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. 

Of course, we hope nothing like this will ever be needed, but wouldn't you rather take this step now than wish you had later on? We never knew what we would go through with our little Liam and, with all of the new treatments using cord blood, we are positive this may be able to help his diagnosis in the future. 

Have you used a cord banking service or do you plan to after having your child?

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Coupons for this promotion are available to Canadian residents only. American registrations are welcome but unfortunately do not qualify for the coupons. 

Escape from Planet Earth $25 Visa GC & Prize Pack Giveaway

We are so excited to announce an awesome movie from The Weinstein Group being released on Friday, February 15th called Escape From Planet Earth! This animate film is great for the entire family and I know my boys will definitely want to go. 

About Escape from Planet Earth

The 3D animated family comedy catapults moviegoers to planet Baab where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population.  A master of daring rescues, Scorch pulls off astonishing feats with the quiet aid of his nerdy, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA.  When BASA’s no-nonsense chief Lena (Jessica Alba) informs the brothers of an SOS from a notoriously dangerous planet, Scorch rejects Gary’s warnings and bounds off for yet another exciting mission.  But when Scorch finds himself caught in a fiendish trap set by the evil Shanker (William Shatner) it’s up to scrawny, risk-averse Gary to do the real rescuing.  As the interplanetary stakes rise to new heights, Gary is left to save his brother, his planet, his beloved wife Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) and their adventure-hungry son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit).

Be sure to check out the Escape from Planet Earth website for some fun features, such as photos, videos, characters, games and more! Plus, you can download the FREE Escape from Planet Earth App for the kids. It is available for iOs and also available for Android. 

It's Giveaway Time!

To further celebrate the opening of this fun movie, we have a great giveaway for our readers! 

One Lucky Reader Will Win An Escape from Earth Prize Pack, which will include:

• $25 Visa Gift Card
• Escape from Planet Earth Tattoo Sheet
• Escape from Planet Earth Activity Book & Crayons
• Escape from Planet Earth Backpack Clip

What Children Need to Learn to Read CD and Book Review & Giveaway

Some days, I just don't know what to do to keep little miss A entertained. Flashcards only entertain her so long and we can only read so many books before she starts throwing them or running away. How do you entertain a 20-month old for more than a few minutes with one thing, while making sure they are learning? I'm having a hard time! Thank goodness for Learners Lane and the book, What Children Need to Learn to Read.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book. I surely did not think that I would love it, but I do! This book is full of ideas that have helped me find new ways to make learning fun for A. It lets you know some milestones to expect for children and also gives you tips on making car trips fun. 

We haven't made a trip out to the store in the snowy weather yet, so we've just been singing and doing nursery rhymes together. (If you're like me and a mom of 1, and you can't quite remember the nursery rhymes or fun songs for kids,  this book has quite a few in it.) One of the fun car trip ideas includes drawing with whipped cream, so we are trying that out on our trip today! The book suggests writing letters with fingers in the whipped cream. I can't wait to get into more of these activities and watch how her development changes.

How do you keep +your toddler entertained while educating them at the same time? Need some helpful tips and ideas? Then this is the book for you! You can purchase it on Amazon now for only $14.95 and it is eligible for free shipping.

Ready for a giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win The What Children Need to Learn to Read CD & Book! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Melissa & Doug Doorbell House Giveaway

Melissa & Doug is a favorite brand in our home. The kids love their toys, which are fun and educational. One of our favorites is the Trunki, which is a suitcase and a ride-on toy! My boys both have one and we use them on every single trip we take. For the holidays, we want to share with you another awesome toy from Melissa & Doug, the Doorbell House.

The Melissa & Doug Doorbell House is a wooden home with four different doors, electronic doorbell sounds and four unique locks with keys! Ring the doorbell, unlock your door and don't forget the four play people that are also included. You can pose them, let them play in the house and let your imagination soar. In addition, the house has a sturdy handle on top making it much easier for small hands to carry around everywhere. My son loves playhouses and pretend play, so I know he is going to love this Christmas gift. I just wrapped it this weekend and had to keep myself from giving it to him early.... mostly because I want to play with it, too.

Ready for a giveaway?

We are so excited to work with Melissa & Doug this holiday season and offer our readers a chance to win their very own Doorbell House ($29.99 rv)!

Time To Talk With Your Spouse About Child Identity Theft & How We Can Protect Our Children

 In October, we wrote about the very important issue of child identity theft for the first time and how this growing problem is effecting children around the globe. It is more important than ever for parents to educate themselves and know how to protect children. Identity theft is no joke, as I have gone through it myself, when someone stole my pin number when buying gas. Child identity theft is even worse because, in this case, children are the victims and, for this reason, the id theft can go undetected for quite a long time.

Over the months I have read horror stories of parents finding out about their children's stolen social security numbers and the painstaking journey to getting their name cleared and credit back on track. Once the crime is detected, it can take months, even years to clear up everything. In fact, many of the children I read about are still dealing with the aftereffects. This is why my husband and I sat down to talk about theft of kids' identities and what we can do to help prevent it for our own children.

My husband is a lawyer, so whenever we talk about something I always have to be prepared to make my point and provide a strong argument. He always plays devil's advocate, so I wanted to cover all the bases before speaking with him about child identity theft. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare and help make the talk go smoothly:

1. Do your research.  The internet is at your disposal. Read up on child identity theft and know the facts.Here is how I felt the first time I read about child identity theft. I'm sure you will, too.

2. Print out information for your spouse.  Include key points, statistics and any data you think is relevant and important to the issue. For example, about 75% of undocumented workers are able to gain employment by using stolen social security numbers, many of which are children's.

3. Let your spouse know how important it is to purchase child identity theft protection. ® kID Sure is the most comprehensive protection, researching thousands of data sources to make sure no identity theft has taken place. In addition, it further safeguards children from the threat of identity theft in ways that we, as parents, cannot. 

4. List ways you, as parents, can help prevent child id theft. Combating identity theft can be done, but you have to educate yourself on how.No parent should be helpless in this situation, so it is best for you and your spouse to know what you can do to help protect your children. Talk about ways you can educate your children about identity theft. Children should also know about identity theft, so take the time to research ways to help teach them ways to protect themselves.   Do you currently safeguard your children against child identity theft?

If not, now is the time to take action, educate yourself and do what you can to keep your children safe. In fact, you can claim a free Child Identity Theft Protection Kit to see how your child could be at risk at: http://ismykidatrisk.com We got our free kit already and suggest you do the same! Also, check out Identity Guard® kID Sure and consider enrolling for only $5 a month to receive protection against child identity theft.

This service and the book Bankrupt at Birth were provided to me for review at no charge. In addition I received monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

Learn to Manage Your Money from a Two-Year-Old

As parents we all want to teach our kids about life, this includes teaching them about managing their money. As parents we want the best for our kids, which includes having the best financial lives. Each and every day there may be something that our kids do that make us proud and hopefully, as parents, our children are also proud of us.  Parents spend their lives teaching their kids about life, love, money and manners; but what can we as parents learn from our kids?

Learn about money management from your kids:

Money is simple math.  The basic formula for being wealthy and always having money is to spend less money than you make.  Money management doesn’t have to be a complicated task, if you always make more money and spend less. This way you will always have a positive balance in your bank account.

I know that life can sometimes throw us a financial curveball and this is why it is so important to make a family budget and stick to it each month. It may be tempting to want to spend money, but sometimes we have to resist the urge to spend in order to save.

Always ask questions. Kids are curious creatures but that’s how they learn. The same thing can be said for adults and money management. If you aren’t sure where to start learning about money management, then ask questions. Your friends, family members and co-workers may have great money advice.  

If you aren’t open to discussing money with your close family and friends don’t worry, there are tons of helpful financial resources available to you for free. If you are looking to learn about money management, you can search online for personal finance blogs, you can sign up for an online budget tool (such as Mint.com), or you can visit your local bank branch.  Most financial institution websites have a resource page which is full of helpful information on banking products and services.

Kristina is a lifestyle and personal finance blogger on My Diary Entry who also contributes to QuickQuid - a UK cash advance lender. You can view her posts on QuickQuid and you can follow her on Twitter @TKBlogs.

Discussing Internet Safety With Children

One of the most important issues to talk about with your children is internet safety.  We at Children Teaching Mama take this subject very seriously. Take a look at the graphic below for some enlightening facts and statistics about internet crime as well as tips for parents.

Illustration source: Lexero Business Litigation Law Firm
Want to add this illustration to your site too? Get the code here.

Halloween Party For Your Children

So the saying goes, “trick or treat, penny or a sweet, give me something nice to eat”. Sound familiar? Halloween is on its way and you want your children and their friends to have a safe yet memorable day.

 If you’re feeling the pressure of hosting the party, fear not your survival guide is here!

Costume

Party masks are a great way for children to have some control over who they want to be for the night. It will also reduce conflict of who has spent the most money on their costume. Paper plates, felt tips and elastic bands should be enough for a DIY Halloween costume. 

Decorating

Make ghosts out of tissue paper and draw on eyes with black felt tip. Wrap string around the ghost’s head and hang it up on the curtain poles or wherever seems appropriate. 

Party Bags

• Children love treats and let’s face it so do adults so there’s only one thing for it, party bags.
• Depending on how many people have been invited you can decorate normal plastic bags.
• Cut out pieces of black card and shape them as bats if you want to save money on party bags. 
  
  

Tricks

• Avoid that sugar rush and make healthy snacks – for example you can use vegetables to make a skeleton.
• Rearrange the vegetables so that the head is a round plastic container filled with a dip (of your choice) then place lettuce leaves around it.  Put in two sliced olives for eyes and use celery and cucumbers as the body, baby carrots as arms and so on.
• Strawberries can make great monsters and all you have to do is decorate them with icing.
• Slice apples in half and put two together so they are shaped as mouths.
• Then with a knife cut the remaining parts of the apple into small pieces so they look like teeth.
• Oranges can be cut into mini pumpkins or if you want just draw on the orange peel.
• Cut out chunks of carrot and add cream cheese on the top, then for the final touch place half a black olive on top.

Treats

• Red and orange jelly.
• Place them in clear plastic disposable containers which will save you on washing up and the risk of broken plates.
• Decorate cupcakes using black and orange icing, the easiest design to decorate them with would be spiders.   
  
  

Games

Children can be difficult to keep entertained, as much as we would love for them to sit quietly reading a book and educating themselves. So what can you provide for them at a Halloween party? 

Monster Moves

Play some Michael Jackson thriller or whatever music you think will get the children moving and make them freeze with their favourite monster move. The scariest monster wins, it’s simple. 

Hide and Seek

It’s free, it fits and everyone knows how to play. Just make sure you store your most prized possessions somewhere safe and out of the way.  If there are enough children, how about putting them into groups so they can learn team building skills. 

Bursting Balloons

Depending on the colour scheme you choose, you could put treats into balloons and stick them on the wall. A great idea would be to have a number of orange balloons stuck to your wall.  Arrange the balloons so they are shaped as a pumpkin, and let the games begin!