Home with the Kids Newsletter October 18, 2005

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Entertain Your Kids Without Spending a Fortune
What's happening on the discussion boards?
Guest Article - 4 Easy Steps to Cope With a Picky Eater.
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The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Now that was a fun weekend! We started out Friday by heading to a local apple orchard Ariel had seen on the evening news. Her immediate reaction had been "Can we do that?" so obviously it didn't take long to decide that picking apples there would be a great family activity. I've promised Ariel we'll make an apple pie sometime this week. Saturday we went to Legoland on some discounted tickets my sister was able to get for us. In all honesty, it was fun, but I am glad we didn't pay full price, because it wasnt THAT fun! Won't be going again anytime soon. Then Sunday was my sister-in-law's baby shower. She's having a baby and is due in early February.

Yes I'm tired. But it's a good tired.

This week isn't one of my quiet ones. Monday Gage had an appointment with one of his surgeons, just to check on how his recovery has gone. The doctor got stuck in surgery and ran a little late, but that's one of those things you have to accept can happen when you have an appointment with a surgeon. Today I'm helping out in Ariel's class. Wednesday Gage has an appointment with the other surgeon from his surgery. Yes, we do have to see both. Busy times, but wonderful.

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Feature Article

Entertain Your Kids Without Spending a Fortune

Children are easier to entertain than many people realize. These days, you almost expect to have to buy batteries for toys, then deal with the obnoxious sounds and flashing lights the toys produce. But then how often have you watched as the kids get just as much delight out of the cardboard box?

That just classic kid behavior, and the younger the child, the more likely you are to see it. My 3 year old daughter’s grandparents recently bought her a hobby horse after watching her run around their house pretending the yardstick is a horse. Guess what? She still prefers the yardstick and insists her grandpa ride the hobby horse they bought for her.

Even getting cleaned up can be a game. My daughter loves being offered a washrag to wipe her face after a meal, at which point she dashes off through the house, throws the washrag in one room and hides in another, laughing all the way. Yes, this could be frustrating, but sometimes it’s easier to look at it as she sees it – a game.

You’ve no doubt also seen those plastic playhouses that can sell for up to a couple hundred dollars. They look great and can be used indoors or out, but they are expensive! My husband used to work at Home Depot, so he brought home a large, double thickness cardboard box and made it into a playhouse more than a year ago. It still works wonderfully! Many stores will let you have their cardboard boxes just for asking – after all, they’re just going into the compactor.

Cardboard of all kinds can be used to make toys. Take the cardboard from a roll of paper towels, for example. It can be used to make binoculars, puppets, bugs or a rainstick. It’s a great way to encourage creativity. Boxes can be used to make a puppet theater.

It’s also easy to make goop or play dough at home, and you probably have the ingredients already! Goop only takes a half cup of corn starch to a quarter cup of water, and food coloring if you so choose. Very easy and loads of fun.

Play dough is easy too:

1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup hot water

Combine the dry ingredients, then slowly add the water, mixing as you go. Add food coloring if you like. Cook over medium heat until it becomes a lump. Allow to cool on wax paper, then knead. This should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator when not in use.

Try looking at these things from your child’s perspective. With most kids you will have a long time before they will care how much money you spent on their toys; they’ll be more interested in how much fun they can have. And this gives you the perfect opportunity to not only save money but show them that you don’t have to spend to have fun.

Stephanie Foster is the owner of Home with the Kids, a resource that knows that there's more to staying home with your family than just business. For more stay at home tips, visit the site at http://www.homewiththekids.com/ and subscribe to the free newsletter.

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Guest Article

4 Easy Steps to Cope With a Picky Eater.

Anyone who has spent a hopeful afternoon lovingly preparing hot dog ala octopus, or sandwich comme bunny knows this for sure; toddlers see right through to the bare bones of that hand-carved broccoli tree. So put down that carving kit, here are 4 easy steps that will improve your toddlers eating habits today.

You are not a personal chef
Yes, you love your child but that doesn’t mean you are obligated to make different meals for each member of the family. But you can compromise by including one side dish that you think your toddler will like. Praise her when she eats the dish - positive re-enforcement will go a long way.
Find something she likes and stick with it.
So your toddler only likes mac & cheese? Let him have it! Every day? Go ahead! Unlike adults most children like eating the same foods day in and day out. Take advantage of having one “safe” food and introduce new items with it. The point is to get him used to trying out new foods.
Timing is everything.
It’s only an hour until dinner and your toddler is hungry. Snacks are appropriate two hours before a meal, but if it’s any closer offer her something light and healthy like apples or carrots. She might be hungry enough to eat it! Don’t sabotage your efforts by giving in. Choose a dinnertime for your toddler and stick with it. Family dinners don’t have to be held every day, right now it’s more important to get your toddler on a schedule.
Sneak it in
Unrealistic expectations to the nutritional value of each meal can throw you into a tailspin. Sneak in the nutrition by mixing it with favorites. Add ranch dressing to veggies and make peanut butter jelly sandwiches on whole wheat instead of white. If you want to serve hot dogs, try an organic chicken or beef option.

Getting your child to eat balanced meals is a process full of trial and error. But remember that just by trying you are already on your way to a healthier and easier mealtime for you and your toddler.

Evy Hanson is the founder of BapaToys.com, a website that offers developmental toys for infants and toddlers. For more articles on child development and care, visit her site http://www.bapatoys.com and sign up for the monthly newsletter.

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