Freeze mini bagels for the teething baby to gnaw on. The coldness of the bagel feels good on their gums and it is soft enough that when melted they can eat it! (Jenn Rakowski) Put the pacifier in the freezer, so that it is cold when they want it. Your fingers Frozen bananas What did you do to help with teething babies? Continue reading This Works for Me: Teething
Pre-package formula into small ziplock bags, so it is ready to go. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times. For babies, pre-package a serving of oatmeal into small ziplock bags. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times, that way you have something to feed your baby besides a bottle. … Continue reading This Works for Me: Feeding your infant
After sweeping the kitchen floor, take a wet paper towel to “Spot Mop“. When squeezing out the last drops of Chocolate syrup for a glass of milk, pour a little milk directly into the bottle, shake, then pour! When an angry child says “I don’t love you, Mom”, try replying, “That’s okay, because I love you enough for both of us.” To discourage whining, try … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Place a Flashlight instead of a candle inside of a carved pumpkin for safety. Delegate when there are several jobs to be done. Enlist the help of children by giving them a choice. For example: to the first child: Do you want to sweep the floor or would you rather water the plants? To the next child: Would you rather water the plants or vacuum the rug? … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Shopping with a Toddler: Before you go into the store, tell your child how to act, what behavior is and is not acceptable. They need lots of reminders and they are still learning what is appropriate in what place. Do not assume that after running around the playground this afternoon, your child will remember to be calm prepare them, this gives you an opportunity to say, “Remember, … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Sewing lace-up cards: Make your own easily by using the cover of a coloring book, back of a cereal box or a Christmas card that has something interesting to your child. Cut out the picture, punch holes around sides, add shoelace or yarn. Good examples would be Barbie coloring book or Batman cereal. Coloring Savvy: It’s so easy to “get involved” with our child as they color or draw … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Most of these ideas can be used even if you’re not homeschooling. As parents, we are our children’s primary educator. Learning takes place everywhere, anywhere. Look for opportunities to teach in everyday activities. If you’re getting a new rug, have your child help with measuring. Let your child follow a recipe. Talk about measurements using standard and metric. Have them design a house. What size … Continue reading This Works for Me: Tips for Teaching at Home
Fall is a great time to go outdoors and LOOK. Teach your children to notice things- patterns on the ground, the sun shining through the leaves, the many shades of leaves, various bark trees. A nature walk could include taking a book along to identify birds, trees, leaves, and bugs. Best medication for TEETHING TODDLERS crushed ice! Give child spoon and little dish of ice. Really … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Trade Skills with another mother. Swap lessons in cooking, arts and crafts, sewing, make-up. You teach her children and she’ll teach yours. Straws: Use “fun” straws, bendable or looped ones, to encourage kids to drink more fluids. Save popsicle sticks and make planes, crosses, photo frames. Use your imagination! Use baking soda to remove skid marks on floors, stove tops. Works great! Play CD’s during … Continue reading This Works for Me!
Need to BUY SHOES or slippers for children without them? Trace their foot and take it with you. Works with gloves too! NO TIME TO WRITE?- Have stamped postcard ready. Just jotting a quick “thinking of you” note goes a long way to bridge the gap between letters or phone calls. (Angela DiCicco) For the pre-reading group- Using large print, LABEL items in your home such … Continue reading This Works for Me!
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 