mom sectionmom section
Playtime for toddlers is an opportunity to become aware, observe and explore the world. Play is also a time for them to be close to parents, which they cherish. Apart from simply enjoying this time, a toddler develops his body and mind through play, making it an important part of his daily life. Playtime equips toddlers with several skills they need as they enter into the world of school and friends.
Childhood play is a time for exploration and developing social confidence through fantasy. For a young child, the benefits of playtime are numerous. In fact, playing is so important that the Nemours Childhood Health Foundation recommends at least 60 minutes of unstructured playtime each day.
A child's playtime is much more than just recreation. The benefits that a child gets from play span across the entire range of his health and well being. Different experts hold different opinions on the various developmental and health benefits offered by play, but the one consensus is that the activity of play itself is absolutely critical to the well-being of a child.
Stimulate your child's brain by taking time out to enjoy playtime activities together.This special time helps enhance your little one's development and also strengthens the bond between you and your child. Choose games that fit the age of your child and try other activities if your baby doesn't seem interested.
Exciting toys that promote thinking are an excellent gift idea for a baby's first birthday. If you are looking for something that will be treasured and still educational, a wide range of suitable brain development gifts are available. A young child's brain is constantly changing and growing new connections between nerve cells. Creative and imaginative toys often capture young children's attention, and these kinds of gifts can make the first birthday extra special.
For more than 100 years, children from all over the United States have received guidance, support and friendship from adult volunteers through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Girls ages 6 to 18 are paired with a trained volunteer who regularly spends time with her "Little" and serves as a positive role model for at least a year. For girls with behavioral problems, the program makes a huge difference; according to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, having a Big Sister means that a child is less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and more likely to perform well in…
Naming godparents is a Catholic tradition performed at a child's baptism ceremony. To make one or two people your child's legal godparents, you will have to do so under the rules of the church in your diocese and Catholic law. This law sets guidelines for the sacraments godparents must have taken, the minimum age the godparents can be and the oaths the godparents must take.
Documenting your baby's first months and years of life through creative portrait sittings will give you and your family keepsakes to cherish for a lifetime. Make sure portrait ideas -- either your own ideas or a photographer's -- are safe for your baby and will allow for the best pictures to be taken with the least amount of stress to your child. For best results, work around a child's normal sleeping and feeding schedule to ensure a happy baby full of smiles.
Sending a child to camp is a bittersweet experience for parents and campers. While most parents are happy to see their child learning and growing and experiencing new challenges, there's usually a bit of sadness at having to separate, even for a week. Send a letter to your camper to remind him that you're glad he's embarking on new adventures and tell him that he isn't forgotten while he's away.
College or high school graduation photos not only mark a milestone in a young person's life, but should reflect the development of that person as an individual. Although traditional cap and gown photos are a must, getting photos that really tell the graduate's story can capture the pivotal, academic years in a way that both the student and his family will cherish. Those pictures will also provide a priceless story of the graduate's younger years for key people she meets later on in life.
Playtime is an essential part of every child's day. Playtime is designated time set aside for children to just be children and have fun. Based on the child's age, time of day and number of children, the activities can vary. The most important thing is to provide safe activities to engage children so they can expel their energy and develop important phyical, social and educational skills.
Usually given by the father to the mother, a push present is a present that is given when the baby is born. The "push" refers to the action the mother makes when birthing the baby. Though, even if the mother goes through a c-section, she has certainly earned a present for carrying the little bundle of joy for nine months.
Watching your baby grow is an exciting parenting experience. Along with physical growth comes achievements such as talking, the ability to identify loved ones, and a complete change in diet for your little one. But the one thing that will always give away how quickly the time is going by is the physical growth. Keeping track of your baby's growth can be done in unique and fun ways though growth charts, or measurement sticks.
Baby fairs are a gathering place for new parents and individuals considering starting families. At the fairs, attendees can visit various booths that offer them helpful information, tips and ideas they can apply in their households. There are a variety of stations a baby fair can offer that will assist attendees.
You've been looking forward to prom since the start of high school; and now that the big night is nearing, it's time to ask your potential date to go with you. This question doesn't have to be posed in passing. Instead, wow your date-to-be with a one-of-a-kind way of asking "Will you go to prom with me?"
Setting up a baby betting pool is a way to get your friends and family involved with your pregnancy. The baby betting pool works like other betting pools, such as for sports game, but the participants are betting on the baby's actual birth date and possibly other information -- such as the sex, length, weight and time of birth.
In American folk tradition, kids gave apples to their teachers to show appreciation for a job well done. But over the years, most teachers collect enough apple-themed gifts to fill an orchard. Today, creative families offer a "thank you" by way of a scrapbook or photo montage, a pot-luck buffet, a gift hand-crafted by a child or even an awards ceremony. The National Parent Teacher Association designated the first full week of May each year as Teacher Appreciation Week, but some ideas will work any time of year.
New moms have many things on their minds, from taking care of a newborn to healing from child birth. A gift is a good way to show your appreciation to the new mom for bringing a baby into the world and taking care of him. With everyone paying attention to only the baby, remember to make the gift all about the mom; this will make her feel special and appreciated.
It may seem that the only way to teach your kids about fruits and veggies is to put it on their plates and tell them that they have to eat them before they get dessert or that it will make them strong. Along with making fruits and veggies readily available in the home, you can use themed activities and programs at home to make learning about, eating and even growing fruits and veggies exciting, delicious and educational for the entire family.
For those recently in the college scene, it is deceptively easy to pick out the perfect gift card for friends. But for those who haven't stepped foot on a college campus for a while, knowing what's hip with the college kids may be a little more difficult task, especially when making a gift card tree.
An artist named Sam Butcher established the Precious Moments company in the early 1970s. He began drawing the character as gifts for his family and friends, then moved on to other media. Precious Moments products feature light colors and child-friendly themes that make them an appropriate choice for baby-related gifts and decor. Besides online, Precious Moments items can be found in gift shops and greeting card stores.
Assist your toddler in designing and constructing a homemade gift to give his daddy for a special occasion or just for fun. He can make something useful or something meant to be a keepsake. Allow him to put his personal touch on a meaningful present for the important man in his life.
Saying "I love you" isn't the only way to make someone feel special. Writing a letter to someone to tell him that you are proud of him can be something he can dig out of a box and read whenever he has bad days. Teachers can express this sentiment to students who have had trouble in the past. Counselors can express pride to substance abuse recovery patients. Parents can show their children how much they care.
Lion and other animal face-painting is a often a favorite activity of children when attending fairs, carnivals and school events. Babies may also have their faces painted as lions if taken out for trick-or-treating with their older siblings or other events where face-painting is acceptable. Always make sure you are using hypoallergenic paint that will not irritate your baby's sensitive skin, and keep your baby's hands away from the face while the paint dries.
Whether you're babysitting a single child or a group of children, you can use a multitude of indoor and outdoor games and activities to keep your charges occupied. Consider the interests of the child or children -- such as sports, baking, art or beauty -- and use these interests as a guide to plan an afternoon or evening of entertainment.
Baby showers are not as popular In Japan as they are in the U.S. When the time comes for friends, family and coworkers to give gifts, they give them about two months after the birth of a child. The reason for this is to give mother and child time to recover and enough time to bond with the baby; it is considered polite. Ideas and inspiration for a Japanese baby gift could be inspired by Japanese culture, so a Japanese-themed gift should do the trick.
When it comes time for birthdays, special occasions and holidays, finding the best gifts for kids can seem like a difficult task. When trying to find the perfect gifts for the kids in your life it is important to take into consideration their likes and interests, and what other children their age enjoy doing too.
A first baby often arrives with a lot of fanfare, but the second child in the family often receives less attention. Traditionally, showers were only given for the first child in a family, but more recent trends indicate that showers and gifts are more often offered for each child born to a family. Even if a family has items still usable from their first child, select gifts especially for a second child and share in the joy of a new life.
There's no reason new moms should have all the fun. Moms who are expecting their second, third or even fourth baby would enjoy a little "sprinkle party," to celebrate their newly expected family member. Since the expectant mother probably doesn't need many baby items, the sprinkle need not be a full-blown baby shower, but more of a low-key celebration of a new life. Favors are a way to thank the guests for coming, and are usually the same as for baby showers.
After the candles are blown out and the birthday cake eaten, eager party goers circle around the birthday child who opens her gifts with delight. Opening presents is perhaps one of the most exciting and special parts of a child's birthday party, so choosing the perfect gift is important. Whether you have a large budget or only a few dollars to spend, there are a variety of gifts you can choose for the birthday child that are sure to excite.
When a new baby is born, gifts and cards or flowers are often sent to the new family to celebrate the newest addition. Creative ways to send a thank you to those who so generously gave you the gifts can be straightforward cards or unique personalized tokens symbolizing the birth of your new baby, along with a thank you for all the help and gifts.
Many kids enjoy celebrating holidays and birthdays of other people by giving gifts. However, kids often have limited finances and resources with which to purchase or make gifts. As a result, kids are frequently dependent upon their own creative imaginations to make gifts. Fortunately, kids have options in gift-giving for adult men in their lives who are celebrating birthdays, Father's Days or other special holidays.
A second baby changes everything, not least of all the center-of-the universe existence of your first child. While the older sibling may be excited for the new baby, jealousy can become an issue as friends and family shower the baby with gifts. Counter the resentment by presenting the big sibling with a gift from the baby, highlighting her new position in the family. Keep it simple and inexpensive, but make it special.
Magazine subscriptions are a great gift idea for the person who already has everything or someone you're not close to and unsure what exactly to get. Since magazines are set weekly or monthly, it's also the gift that keeps giving. Parenting magazines offer advice on everyday situations parents face and serve as a great way to help the parents in your life.
Raising twins can be overwhelming to parents; caring for the babies requires various necessities for mothers and fathers of multiples to function. When considering presents, choose ones that can make life easier, save time or give the couple a break from the ever-changing needs of caring for twin infants. A nursery for twins is often jam-packed with two of everything, so purchasing unnecessary items for the decor may cause additional stress for the new parents.
Your wife just had a baby. The late-night feedings, diaper changing and never-ending pile of laundry can take a toll on a new mom. Not only does she have to do all of this on little sleep, but also with no energy or time to take care of herself. Give her a gift that allows her some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Gifts of arts and crafts materials for young children can help to foster and develop motor skills as well as encourage creative pursuits and development. Mix a variety of objects and items together to create one-of-a-kind art package gifts. These are easy to personalize for each child's preference, tastes and needs. Having a mix of classic and modern craft items will give a good variety for the child to choose from.
Moving can be a traumatic experience for kids, especially when their move involves getting to know a new neighborhood, navigating a new school and making new friends. Time and patience are the best ways to help your child adjust to a big move, but a special moving away present can cushion the blow a bit.
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a life changing moment for new parents. No longer will mom and dad have the ability to do much at a moment's notice, sleep through the night or go anywhere without getting some sort of sticky, smelly, unidentifiable substance all over their clothes. New parents always welcome gifts from friends and family for their new bundles of joy. Choose a gift that is either personal or practical.
Siblings face a major adjustment when a new baby joins the family. A gift for the new big sister makes her feel special, especially at a time when her new sibling gets most of the attention. The age of the child plays a big role in the gift selection. Choose a gift to match her interests and age.
The best gifts are those that are thoughtful and exceed the expectations of the person you are trying to please. When buying a present for a baby, though, if you don't know what the parents want or need for the child, you may be unsure of what to buy. Clothes are a safe option, but if you want to find something the baby will respond to, buy a gift that encourages the child's development.
Preschool teachers work very hard throughout the year to provide your child with a safe and stimulating environment. The end of the school year is a special time for your child who has to say good-bye to their teacher. It is satisfying to be able to present their teacher with a gift to say "thank you" for a special year.
Becoming a big sister can be exciting, scary and jealousy-provoking all at once. The emotions your daughter experiences can depend on her age and personality. With all the clothes, gear and toys the new baby is getting, it is a good idea to get the big sister a few gifts to help her feel included in the preparations and celebrations.
A newborn baby presents a joyous occasion for celebration. Newborns vary in character and are alert, interactively involved in the world around them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies grow faster in their first year of life than during any other time. When choosing a personal gift for a baby, consider temperament as well as the developmental stages of infancy.
Teenage girls can be difficult to please. Because of their generally fickle nature, many parents lament having to select gifts for their 14 year olds. The next time present selection time arrives, consider some gifts that commonly prove popular with girls of this age to increase the likelihood that you select a successfully delighting gift for your hard-to-please youngster.
If you are attending a baby shower, surprise the newborn's parents with a gift that is both sweet and convenient. Traditional newborn gift items, such as clothing and toys, stand out when personalized with embroidery and monogrammed details. Boutique-quality pieces featuring stain-resistant fabrics and durable materials will last until the baby outgrows them.
Moving to a new home is stressful for anybody, but children in particular experience anxiety when having to adjust to a new living environment. You can give housewarming gifts to children that will lessen their anxiety about moving and help make their new home a positive change.
Becoming an older sibling when a baby is born can be both exciting and difficult. Perhaps the older sibling is looking at his new brother or sister as someone who he can play with or maybe he is looking at the baby as someone who is going to take away all of his parents' attention. Either way, if you are planning to get a new baby a gift, it is important to give gifts to any older siblings as well.
The birth of your child is one of the most important events of your life. Most likely, friends and family are waiting with baited breath to hear the exact details of the baby's arrival. Many people send out birth announcement cards, but those can be easily lost or tossed out. For a more memorable announcement, do something unique.
Babysitting requires a lot of responsibility because the babysitter is actually looking after a child's life. On the other hand, babysitting is the a fun job to do, because you get to spend hours with a child or children, doing activities and playing games. There are many fun activities babysitters can do when taking care of children to make the experience more rewarding for everyone.
A baby's first birthday is an important milestone in her young life. For loved ones and close family friends, choosing a gift for that baby girl's birthday can be difficult. You want to find a gift that will help her develop while still being appropriate for the next year of her life. You also want a gift that will make the parents' lives a little bit easier. There are plenty of great options for 1-year-old baby girls.
Because babies grow up so fast, parents often try to find ways to reclaim the fleeting days of babyhood and look back on how tiny their precious little ones once were. Handprints and footprints are very real reminders of exactly how small their babies used to be, making them common symbols of youth. There are lots of ways prints can be captured, displayed and even used to keep as a memory or give to someone special as a present.
Though nurseries are just as much for parents as they are for baby, it is important to keep in mind their function and focus on making them as stimulating and comfortable to baby as possible. By incorporating bold colors, visually interesting themes and practical elements, you can ensure a cozy place for baby to sleep, play and learn.
One of the fun and exciting parts of being an expectant parent is planning out the design for your baby's bedroom. You may already have a clear idea of exactly what you want and just need a few finishing touch ideas or you may be unsure where to begin. No matter what stage you are in, exploring different nursery theme ideas will help you design the perfect baby's room for you and your child.
When babies graduate from breast or bottle to solid foods, many parents turn to pre-packaged infant foods sold in grocery stores. This type of baby food is often expensive and may contain undesirable ingredients like food dyes and preservatives. Making your own baby food at home is economical and an ideal way to ensure that your baby is eating foods prepared with quality ingredients.
Expecting moms need a lot of attention and love. A baby shower gift doesn't always have to be for a baby, you can also bring something for the new mother. If you are going to do this, why not try to step away from all things baby and get a gift that focuses solely on the mother's comfort, relaxation and happiness?
Baby portraits help parents preserve memories of their baby's milestones. Whether professional, or taken at home, baby portraits can be a creative expression through props used, angles taken, and even the color selections of the photographs.
Use a theme to decorate your baby's bedroom, to make the space flow. All of the pieces should work together to create a harmonious room. Two peas in a pod is a popular theme for twins, although it can work for a single baby as well.
The first months of your child's life are full of milestones and memories. Baby keepsakes don't have to end up stuffed inside a storage box in your attic. Finding creative ways to store and display meaningful baby items will allow you to enjoy them now, and pass them down in the years to come.
You want to document your baby's cuteness, but coming up with original ideas to show off your little bundle of joy can be tricky. Pull back the curtains to let in some natural light, turn off the flash on your camera and make sure you have plenty of batteries. Plan your photo shoot after food and nap time to ensure the most smiles and then simply aim the camera at your baby. Something cute is bound to happen.
Welcoming a baby into the world is a joyous occasion. Many people hold baby showers when a woman is pregnant and/or parties afterwards to welcome the baby into the house. During this time people often give gifts for the baby and the new parents. You can make any baby gift even more special by handcrafting it. An item made with love will be welcomed as a cherished keepsake for years to come.
The art of scrapbooking is the latest trend in commemorating the grand (and not-so-grand) moments of life. Whether it’s recording the joys of a wedding, a birthday party, a memorable vacation or perhaps the most popular of all—celebrating the life of a child—collecting and displaying your photos in a creative way will guarantee years of enjoyment. When it comes to babies, photos and memorabilia pile up and scrapbooking is a great way to organize and manage these fleeting memories.
Decorating a baby’s room takes time and planning. A mural is an alternative to plain painted or wallpapered walls. Murals can be painted by a hired painter, a talented family member or friend, or they can be purchased. With murals, the sky is the limit on what the theme of the baby’s room can be.
A jungle theme is perfect for a baby's room or nursery as it's fun, full of life and something that can grow with them as become older. Jungle rooms are usually designed for boys, however, a baby girl can have a jungle room as well with a few alterations in color selection, such as choosing pastels instead of brighter or darker tones.
Chances are your busy college student isn't thinking too much about Valentine's Day. Even so, parents everywhere will be thinking about their scholarly sweethearts. Give your child a gift for Valentine's Day that he can use and enjoy. Whether she is near or far, a present from home will always be a welcome sight. Choose a gift idea for your college student beyond the stuffed traditional stuffed teddy and a box of chocolate.
One of the joys of delivering your new little bundle of joy is sharing the news with your family and friends. This is typically done with birth announcement cards, however there is no specific formula you must follow. You can be as creative or as direct as you wish when sharing the arrival of your baby.
An upcoming birth is an exciting occasion in the lives of expecting parents. Families and friends can share in this joy by giving the parents gifts that will benefit them and the new baby. Gifts can range from sentimental to practical and can fit into various cost categories. You might want to give a gift that doesn't cost any money. Consider the parents' individuals needs and tastes, and tailor your gift to suit them and the new baby.
Baby bouquets are often used for baby showers. You can make these bouquets from actual baby items so the mom-to-be can use them in caring for her infant. However, these bouquets can also be purely decorative. Either way baby bouquets are perfect for centerpieces or gifts for the mother-to-be.
Personalization is key when photographing babies. It's important to document the arrival of the latest addition to the family, and new pictures are just the start as the baby grows up fast and develops hobbies and other interests. Stay open to new ideas and look for interesting backgrounds for unique and special pictures.
Becoming a godparent can be an honor and responsibility. Some new parents formally give godparents legal custody of their child, while for others, the title signifies a religious bond rather than a legal one. Whatever the case may be, thank the godparents of your new baby with a special gift.
Many homemade baby shower gifts ideas become gifts that are passed from one generation to the next. Taking the time to make something shows you care. Making a homemade gift also allows you to start a unique theme that you can carry through the years as the baby grows. Personal gifts allow you to share a special part of yourself with baby and family.
With just a few design choices, you can create a baby bedroom that's stylish, organized and easy to keep clean. Here are some ideas for walls, floors, storage and furniture.
Being prepared with baby photography ideas going into a photo shoot will help you get the best pictures out of your little one. Because young children will only tolerate posing and smiling for so long, it is best to have a list of locations, looks and ideas ready so your photographer (be it a friend or professional) can get down to business and keep your baby engaged and interested during the photo shoot.
Whether you've been trying for a long time or whether it's a big surprise, announcing your pregnancy is an exciting moment. Many families want to do something creative to announce this to their family and friends. One way to do this is to give a gift that will communicate the news.
Baby announcements let people know the basic details of your new baby, such as weight, height, birth date and location and the baby's name. You can communicate this information to friends and family traditionally or creatively.
Gifts for fathers-to-be are increasing in popularity because men are taking a more active role during a child's infancy. Baby showers used to be exclusively for women but these days the prospective father and his friends may also be invited.
The look of nurseries is changing. Themes for baby rooms are no longer confined to ducks, teddy bears, Mother Goose and Disney. Contemporary furniture is different and so are color selections. Parents-to-be can use their own creativity to decorate the nursery. If you don't feel especially creative, you can follow one of the popular modern themes currently available. The possibilities are endless.
When an expectant parent doesn't know the gender of the baby or doesn't want to decorate a nursery based on gender, there are numerous ways to create a neutral baby room that will suit either a boy or a girl. By choosing a color and theme that aren't specifically for either gender, the nursery will look right for either.
