raisingkidswithlove

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

Category Archives: Growth and Development

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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“Sleep like a baby” Really?


Establishing a calming routine before bed is important! When I brought our oldest Corri home from the hospital, I thought I knew about the sleep patterns of infants.  After all, I had the degrees to prove that I was an “educated” Mom!  The truth is, nothing can prepare you for the lack of sleep that …

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Sleep…we all want it and need it!


Sleep…when you don’t have it that is when you realize how much you miss it, at least for adults!  I can remember those days when all 4 kids were small, and sleep was a precious commodity.   There were some mornings that I looked at the clock when I woke up and counted how many hours …

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Are the “Magic Words” still important?


Why is it that so often when you want your child to be on his or her best behavior…the most embarrassing things happen?  (Remind me to write about my son when he was 2 1/2 and dinner with our parish priest…long story)  Simply, because children are not born with manners…and the development of manners is …

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Tell the people you love, “You rock!”


Don’t just tell your kids they “rock”…tell them why! A little “blast from the past”….but a good message to remember….reposting this! I was getting ready to mail a card to my college aged kids the other day.  I try to send a “snail mail” card every couple of weeks.  I have a lot of contact …

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The pitter patter of feet and other bedtime challenges


Ahh there is nothing sweeter than the pitter patter of little toddler feet, unless it is two minutes after putting them in bed or you wake to that sound at 2:00 am!  Once toddlers figure out that they can get out of a bed, why not pay Mom and Dad a visit?  Going to bed …

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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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How much juice? None if under age 1!


Why would your child need a glass of juice?  The short answer that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives is almost never.  While a juice box of 100% juice for an older child isn’t the worst thing to have, it certainly isn’t the best choice.  The AAP recommends even stricter guidelines for juice in a …

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Baby Sign…How do you start?


Teach your child sign…help him express his feelings!  The “I love you” sign can be used as a special sign for many years to come! How do you start? 1.  Familiarize yourself with signs through books, websites or other sources.  There are many resources on the web…don’t try to learn all the signs, you will …

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Parenting tips…day three!


  Final tips….add your own to the list! 31.  Respect your child’s likes and dislikes Allow your child to develop their own passions, likes, and dislikes. Provide opportunity for your child to experience many things to discover passions, likes, and dislikes. Your child may not like the same things that you do, and that is …

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