January 31, 2013

What is a color activity or game I can play with my toddler to teach him the colors?

I have been working on colors with Smiley Man for about a month and a half now and he is slowly starting to make some connections when it comes to color. He is still young (21 months) and I don’t expect him to know all of his colors by the time the series ends. However, all of these color games and activities have been great.

Today’s game to teach colors is pretty easy. Several months ago, I did a busy bag exchange with several moms in my neighborhood. One of the bags that I got from the exchange was a Popsicle Stick Color Matching game. To make this game you will need just a few supplies.

• Felt in different colors (or cardstock in different colors)
• Popsicle sticks
• Hot glue gun (or sewing machine)

First, cut out two rectangles from each piece of felt (or cardstock) that you have chosen to use. I just have the 6 colors of the rainbow, but feel free to make as many different colors as you want. To know what size to cut the rectangles, you can just eyeball it. It’s not that hard. ;)

Once you have two rectangles cut from each color, hot glue around three sides of one rectangle. Leave the bottom edge (a short edge) open. That is where the popsicle stick will go. Now just put the other rectangle over the glue and let it dry. You can also use a sewing machine to sew the three sides closed, but if you don’t know how to sew, hot glue will work just fine, too.

Once you have glued all of your felt into “popsicles,” get your popsicle sticks ready. You will need one popsicle stick per color. For toddlers, color the end of each popsicle stick with the color of the popsicle it will match. I just used markers to do the coloring.

If you want, you can also write the name of the color on the other side. I wrote the name of the color with that color of marker.

For preschoolers, write the name of the color using a black marker.

How to teach your toddler the colors

Hold up a popsicle stick or have your child choose a popsicle stick. Ask them the color on the end or have them guess the color. Now have your toddler find the matching “popsicle.”

Now your child can insert the popsicle stick into the correct color of “popsicle.” Pretend licking of the popsicle must occur. That is always Smiley Man’s favorite part. Continue until all popsicles are matched. I should note that putting the popsicle stick into the popsicle is not always easy for Smiley Man. Sometimes he gets the angle just right and the popsicle stick goes in without trouble. Sometimes he can’t get the popsicle stick in and then he gets frustrated. If he is having a hard time and I can tell he is getting frustrated, I’ll just put the popsicle stick in for him and we’ll move on to the next color.

How to play with preschoolers

Set the popsicle sticks and “popsicles” in front of your preschooler. Have them choose a popsicle stick and read (or at least guess based on the beginning sound) the color on it. Once they have correctly read (or guessed) the color, have them put the correct color “popsicle” on the popsicle stick. Pretend licking of the popsicle must occur. :)

Both of my kids love this game (mostly because of the pretend licking), but it is great for teaching colors. It also uses fine motor skill when the popsicle stick is inserted into the popsicle. This is a great way to teach a child colors. If you’re still wondering how to teach a toddler colors, check out all of our other color games for toddlers.

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

January 30, 2013

How can I discipline my toddler and encourage good behavior? What are some good toddler discipline techniques?

Welcome to part 2 of Toddler Discipline! In case you missed it, click to read part 1.

Stay Calm

I’ll be honest, this one is my kryptonite. I know that if I can just stay calm and think things through, that I am very good at dealing with toddler behavior problems. However, once I lose my temper, that’s when I start yelling and giving consequences that are completely ineffective. (ex. Since you spilled that milk, you can never drink milk again for the rest of your life. Ever!) Okay, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration, but seriously, just stay calm. If you need to walk into another room and take a deep breath or a couple deep breaths, do it. It is much easier to discipline a toddler when you have a clear head.

Give Choices

Toddlers want to do things all by themselves. They love independence. There are so many choices in a toddler’s day that they don’t get to make (bedtime, what to eat for lunch, where they are going in the car, what time they can play, etc.). When you are doing something that your child doesn’t have a choice about (like bedtime) try giving them something they can choose. Like this, “Would you like to wear your socks to bed or your slippers?” Or, “Do you want to choose the book we read before you go to bed?” Toddlers want to be independent, so give them lots of choices throughout the day. It will help to mask all of the choices that you are making for them. ;)

Be Consistent

Whatever discipline method you choose (natural consequences, time outs, etc.) just be consistent! That also means that you get your spouse on board with you. Make sure your kids are hearing the same things from mom and from dad. If your spouse gives a consequence a little differently from you, be supportive of it in the moment. Later, (after the kids are in bed or you know they cannot hear you) talk to your spouse about the consequence and discuss how you might want to change it in the future. Be consistent with your method and be consistent between parents. Remember how I said kids love to test boundaries(see part 1)? If you are inconsistent and your kids get different results when they test a certain boundary, they will just keep breaking the rule (or testing the boundary) until they get consistent results.

Know Your Child’s Limits

When your child is too tired to think, they will not behave well. Try letting them take a nap before you give a consequence. If they are hungry, try feeding them. You know your child better than anyone. If you can tell his or her limit has been reached, then don’t expect perfect behavior. Usually the best thing to do is to let them take a nap, or feed them, or give them whatever they need. However, there are times when you can’t do that or when you have a good reason not to do that. A few years ago, we went to Disneyland as a family. My kids were getting way less sleep then they normally did, their meal times were off the schedule they were used to, and they were tired from being in the hot sun. I knew that if one little thing set them off, it would all go downhill from there. So, I did my best to keep them happy at all costs. They got a bit more sugar than usual and they got a bit more privileges than usual. But you know what, they had a blast. They were spoiled a bit in Disneyland because I did everything I could to keep them happy. However, once we got home, things went right back to normal and they didn’t expect the same kind of treatment at home as they got in Disneyland.

Check back on Friday for part 3 of Toddler Discipline with the final four ideas!

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

January 29, 2013

How can I discipline my toddler and encourage good behavior? What are some good toddler discipline techniques?

This post is dedicated to a wonderful toddler who sometimes gets a little bratty. Gasp, a bratty toddler, who could imagine? :) The toddler is not Smiley Man. I don’t think he has hit his terrible twos quite yet. The toddler is the daughter of a very good friend of mine. She is a major cutie, such a good big sister, and occasionally breaks some rules.

As many of my readers know, I majored in Elementary Education and I also teach preschool. I am very familiar with toddler discipline and normal toddler behavior. I know that correct discipline techniques can make the world of difference in your child. He or she will be well behaved and happier in general. That being said, I am in no way perfect. Just because I know the right parenting techniques for toddler behavior problems, doesn’t mean I always use them. I make mistakes, especially when I am frustrated or angry. Don’t try to be a perfect parent, just try each day to be a better one.

Toddler Discipline Tips

Structure

Toddlers thrive on structure and a regular routine. To some people, this means making a daily schedule and never going more than 15 minutes off schedule. To some people, this means doing a certain thing on certain days of the week (Monday go to the park, Tuesday go to the Library, Wednesday go to a friend’s, etc.)  If you like a tight schedule, then make one and keep it. If you like a loose schedule that is flexible, then make one and keep it. If you like a schedule that is somewhere in between, then make one and keep it. Whatever structure you have, just be sure to stick with it. Also, some toddlers may need more structure than others. When Little Bear was a toddler, he did much better with an exact schedule. Smiley Man doesn’t need a schedule as exact as Little Bear, so I have adjusted accordingly. Pay attention to the needs of your child. Here is a calendar I use with Little Bear. You are welcome to download and print it out for your toddler or preschooler!

Set Clear Boundaries

One of a toddler’s very favorite things to do is test boundaries. If you think their brain is not developed enough to test a boundary you have set or to be sneaky and ignore the boundary, then you are wrong. Toddlers are geniuses in that way. When Little Bear was 16 months old, he asked me for water because he knew I would move away from the cupboard that he wanted to get into. By the way, I was standing in front of this cupboard specifically so he could not get into it. Kids are very mischievous. When you set a boundary (ex. “please keep these toys in the living room”). They WILL test it. If you set a boundary, know that it will be tested and that you will need to follow through with a consequence.

Time Out

Time outs have always been pretty controversial, especially in the last few years. If you don’t want to use time outs, don’t use them. Follow your parental instincts. That being said, time outs are one of my preferred consequence for toddlers, but only if they are done right. Personally, I think the “terrible twos” is such a difficult stage because your child is old enough to break rules, but not old enough to understand logic.

If your child is playing with a knife, you absolutely must take the knife away. You cannot let your child play with the knife until he has cut himself. However, you can’t really explain to your child the consequence of playing with a knife either. You can say “danger,” but he is too young to know what a cut is. Using time outs correctly can help your child understand that a certain behavior or a certain object is off limits.

• How to correctly use Time Outs
  • When your child breaks a rule, get down on his level (be eye to eye with your toddler) and tell him what he did wrong.
  • Put your toddler in time out. I encourage having a specified time out spot. This can be a rug or a stool or even a specific corner in your house.
  • Do not make your child face the wall, or yell at your child, or try to make your child feel guilty in any way. Simply, tell your child what he did wrong and calmly explain that he must go to time out.
  • If your child resists, it is okay to pick him up put him in time out. Just don’t hurt him in any way.
  •  If your child leaves time out before he is supposed to, simply pick him up and say, “You are in time out because ____” and put him back in time out. You may have to repeat that process 4-5 times, but eventually he will stop leaving time out.
  • Have your child sit in time out one minute for each year he has lived. For example, if your toddler is 2 years old, he should be in time out for 2 minutes. If your child is 3, he should be in time out for 3 minutes. I do 1 ½ minutes once my child is 18 months, but you can still do 1 minute if you prefer.
  • When time out is over, go to your child and again tell him what he did wrong. Stay calm! Have your child say sorry and then give lots of hugs.

Natural Consequences

Natural consequences are my other preferred method of discipline for toddlers. Natural consequences are consequences that would naturally come about because of your toddler’s incorrect behavior. For example, if your child spills his milk on purpose, he gets no more milk. If your toddler rips his favorite book, he must throw the book in the garbage. If your child dumps cheerios all over the floor, he must help clean up the cheerios. Natural consequences are a great way to teach your child about certain behaviors. My kids have always known, if they spill something, they must clean it up. I suggest using natural consequences as often as possible and using time outs for all other consequences.

Sometimes it is NOT okay to use a natural consequence. For example, if your child keeps running out into the street, do NOT let them continue until they get hit by a car. Or, if your child is playing by a fire, do NOT let them get too close and get burned to learn that the fire is hot. Obviously, natural consequences do not work every time. Also, sometimes it is hard to think of a natural consequence. If it is too dangerous for a natural consequence or you cannot think of a natural consequence. I suggest using a time out.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of Toddler Discipline with four more ideas!

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

January 28, 2013

What are some inexpensive Valentine gift ideas for her, for him, and for kids?

Have you ever been one of those girls that said you didn’t want a Valentine’s Day gift and your significant other actually listened to you!?! I never have because the simple fact is, I like gifts and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Gifts are a really great way to express love and that is what Valentine’s Day is all about, right? I do like giving and receiving gifts, but I also don’t like feeling pressured to spend a fortune. Just because I want a gift on Valentine’s doesn’t mean I expect an expensive diamond necklace. In fact, one of my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts was the Disney movie, The Incredibles. My husband knew I really wanted that movie for our family so he took the opportunity of Valentine’s day to give it to me, and it was awesome!

So, how do you have an awesome gift-filled Valentine’s Day without spending a fortune? First, set a budget. I know that seems so un-romantic to give a cheap Valentine gift or to set a limit and I’m sure lots of people will disagree with it, but that is what my husband and I do every year. We are each allowed the same amount of money to spend on each other. I’m pretty sure we were only allowed $5 each for our first Valentine’s Day. We have increased that amount as we make more money, but we never set a budget that is more than we can afford. Even if you don’t have money to spend on Valentine’s Day you can always do a homemade gift which can often be much more memorable anyway.

The next best way to have a gift-filled V-day without breaking the bank is to have a long list of inexpensive Valentine’s gift ideas. Luckily for you, I have supplied just such a list below. The list has Valentine’s Day gifts for kids, handmade gift ideas, gifts for her, gifts for him, and even Valentine’s Day gifts for elementary school classes or just for your kids.

Valentine’s Gifts For Her:

• Felt Lip Balm Holder
• Lacy Votive Holder (homemade)
• Make homemade heart soap using this bathtub crayon recipe, a heart mold pan to pour the soap into, and some essential oil to make the soap scented.
• Buy rose petal soap in a heart shaped box
• Arrange rose petals in a heart shape on a table or bed
• Heart shaped bookmark
• Fancy gift bags filled with candy or other gifts
• Wooden roses
• “Remember I Love You” gift
• Nail Polish
• Nail art kit
• Bubble bath
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Earrings
• Ring
• Canvas bag decorated with paint or sharpies
• Heart measuring cups or spoons
• Glass nail file
• Candle
• Lotion
• Perfume samples
• Scarf
• Heart keychain

Valentine’s Gifts For Him:

• Felt Tissue Pouch (homemade)
• Candy bouquet
• “We love you to pieces” handmade Valentine’s gift
• Buy a candy bar pizza or just make a homemade one using mini candy bars
• “Hooked on You” gift
• Small photo album filled with pictures of the two of you
• Personalized photo mug
• Cufflinks
• Cell phone charger for car
• Coasters that match his hobby or interests
• Pocket Squares
• Paperweight
• Game for his cell phone or another kind of app he might like
• Universal remote
• Bathrobe
• Pocket Knife
• Stud finder or other Measurement tool
• “52 Reasons I Love You”

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Kids and Elementary School Classes:

• “Love Bug” Valentine
• Crayon Heart paper (write a Valentine message with a sharpie on the top)
• “Burst my Bubble” Valentine
• Valentine Rolo Pencils
• Printable butterfly Valentine’s and a few other printable Valentine’s
• Sticky Note Clipboards, write “Valentine, I’m “stuck” on you!” on the top
• Valentine Treat Pockets
• “Pop Quiz” printable Valentine
• Secret Valentine messages
• Handmade Calla Lily Bouquet
• “Thanks for sticking by my side” printable Valentine

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Anyone:

• Altoids or some other type of mint
• A bar of Toblerone or another gourmet chocolate
• An extra special homemade dinner
• Movie tickets
• DVD, here’s a great selection of DVDs that are $5 or less
• iTunes gift card
• Cute mugs and hot chocolate

If you still haven’t found just the right thing you can take a look at the list we made for Christmas with gift ideas under $30. We would love to hear your ideas and add to the list! Feel free to leave comments and link to any ideas you have! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

January 25, 2013

We are so excited for today’s post! Katie from Live Craft Eat is here to guest post and she has such a cute Valentine’s Day activity and decoration to share. I know you’ll love it!

Katie Heap is a full time mom and part time blogger at Live Craft Eat. She blogs about crafts, yummy food and much more. If she’s not blogging or being a Mom she’s probably watching Downton Abbey and eating Nutella ice cream late at night.

Even though it’s still January  I’ve had Valentine’s Day on my mind. Maybe because it gives me something other than the cold weather and snow to think about, or maybe it’s because I just love chocolate and flowers, but either way, I’ve been gathering ideas and thinking up my own things for what I can do to make this holiday fun for my kids.

Since my kids love matching games, I thought it would be fun to make a heart matching game for them. but not just different colored hearts…no, that would be too easy for them (but if your kids are really little then that would be perfect!). I used papers with different patterns and then cut out different-sized hearts just so they’d have to think about it a little bit more. You can make your own hearts, or use this printable here.

Once you have your templates cut out, trace out as many hearts as you can! If you don’t want to use them for a decoration, but would rather keep them year after year, consider using patterned cardstock or laminating them. And also be sure, no matter what paper/cardstock you use, that you trace the same size heart on the same paper twice. It is a matching game, after all!

Love me a pile of paper hearts.

Then let the matching begin! I quizzed them a few times at the beginning – giving them 2 different sizes of the same pattern and asking them if they matched and why or why not, etc.

After a couple of examples, they did a great job matching the right ones together!

Once we matched all the hearts, we used the matches to make a decoration to hang on our window. We cut 3 long lengths of string and taped one of each set of matches to them.

Then we took a glue stick and glued the other hearts to their matches.

Hang them at the top of a window! It really does make our house look Valentine-y. And yes, it was blindingly sunny when i took these pictures….

And a part of this that I love (we hung ours on a window that has TONS of sunlight coming through it all day long) is that it makes heart shadows all over my kitchen! And depending on the time of day, it makes a pathway of hearts that my kids like to play “hopscotch” on!

When daddy came home from work, my kids were so excited to tell him about the matching game they played and how they had put their matches on the window! It looks so pretty I may not take it down after Valentine’s Day….

Thanks Kirstylee and Cassidy for having me over today!

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me