raisingkidswithlove

You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect parent!

Category Archives: Fun activities for kids

Will preschool help your child be academically successful?


Preparing your child for school success includes outings like this!  School readiness is not just about letters and numbers! It is that time of year when parents are beginning to look at preschools for next year.  Sometimes I feel that there is more pressure on parents to find “just the right preschool” than deciding on …

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“We always do that!” Why Family Tradition is Important!


Our “traditional” Christmas tree.  A little more “perfectly” decorated than years past….there are ornaments even on the bottom of the tree now!  If we are smart we listen to our children when they say “That is how we always do it!” or “That is what we always do!” even when we have only done it …

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Simple steps to prevent childhood obesity…we can do it!


We all have heard that childhood obesity is a major health issue in our country.  Children who are overweight will be more likely to be overweight adults and develop significant health issues.  We hear so much in the media about what to eat, what not to eat, how to cook, how much exercise we all …

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Packing tips for traveling with kids…having what you need but keeping it simple.


Vacation season is here! With kids, gone are the days when you can throw a few things in a suitcase and go!  There is a bit more to pack with kids…it seems like you will need everything!  Making a packing list will help.  I often would start a packing list several weeks in advance and …

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Cars and Planes….Entertaining Your Kids for Happy Travels!


So, you have your vacation booked, you are packed, and now you are thinking about how you will entertain your child in the car or on the plane!  Long trips are even longer when you have children who are fussy and bored!  We traveled to the beach each year by car, and took the occasional …

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Get a little dirty…it is time to garden!


  It is that time of year when I am doing a bit of grumbling about all the yard work, but also looking forward to getting my perennial beds cleared and blooming, my cut flower bed planted and preparing my vegetable garden for this summer’s crop of tomatoes, beans and of course sunflowers.  I definitely …

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Protecting your child from bug bites


Protection from ticks and mosquitoes is important for your child! Today is beautiful, and I hope most of you have your children outside at some point!  Children both love and NEED to be outdoors.  Outside activity is an important part of a healthy child’s life, and it helps children get good and tired too!  I …

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What should be in your child’s playroom?


The Holiday Season is here and the shopping has begun!  I was in Target this past weekend, the toy choices are overwhelming and expensive!  What are the best toys for your child?  Which toys will be fun and valuable for your child’s development? It is difficult to decide what toys are the best choice! I …

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How do you play with a toddler?


“I think of play as a toddler’s number one essential vitamin.  He needs large doses of it every day.  Play:  Thrills the senses.  Helps toddlers master movement.  Stretches the mind.  Stimulates language use.  Boosts friend-making skills.  Stimulates the immune system.  Builds self-confidence.  Improves nighttime sleeping.” Dr. Harvey Karp, MD  The Happiest Toddler on the Block                                                    …

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Infants need play time too!


You are your baby’s first toy!  Play time is important for infants too!  Infants play by moving, by looking (especially you and that funny face), by exploring with hands, feet, and mouth, and by interacting physically (a little tickle), emotionally, and verbally.  The time your baby spends playing with you is invaluable.  You don’t have …

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