Practical Parenting

Library Story Time

2011-07-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

My kids love Summer. They're all about soaking up the sun and playing hard. I'm all for keeping them active, but I also want to give them opportunities to learn. We all know they say reading to your kids is the best way to teach them how to read so we make sure to read daily. I've also really come to love taking them to our local library. In the summer they do make-and-take crafts and a special outdoor story time where kids and their parents can sit and listen to fun stories, songs, and plays.

My kids love the crafts then eating our picnic lunch while we listen to story time.

Advice: Bring a blanket to save your spot under the canopy and a home-lunch and listen to stories and songs from around the world!

Happy July 4!

2011-07-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have safe, fun celebrations for Independence Day this year. Check out the Utah firework safety laws for what is allowed this year and tips for keeping your kids safe. Be sure to get out in the community, too--Utah county has a lot of events fun for the whole family!

2011 Utah firework laws and safety

America's Freedom Festival in Provo

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a great mother's day. I wanted to share my thoughts on mother's. As an early childhood Examiner with young children, I wrote Celebrating mothers of young children. I found a couple great poems about being a mom. Check it out! (:

Making the decision to breastfeed or formula feed

2011-04-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

I was able to write an article for a contest about a parenting experience very dear to me. It is now published on GoodBlogs. I really think how to feed your baby is such a personal experience.

Struggling with the Decision to Breastfeed or Formula Feed

Jake and the Neverland Pirates

2011-04-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

My 4-year-old son loves the new show on Disney Junior, Jake and the Neverland Pirates. As soon as the theme song comes on, he's up on his feet dancing! He likes to dress up as a pirate and act out the stories with the characters. I think it's one of the best shows since Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I don't know, I'm just not a big fan of some of the other shows on Disney right now. I'm hoping Jake and the Neverland Pirates will be around for a while! If you haven't seen the show yet, check out

New Jake and the Neverland Pirates Show on Disney Junior

Morning Sickness Remedies

2011-04-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you're pregnant or planning to be soon, this advice could be very helpful. . . I asked a group of moms to share their best morning sickness remedies and they had some great responses.

Moms tried and true morning sickness remedies
(Photo credit: Free Digital Photos)

Car Seat Safety

2011-02-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Car seat safety is a serious matter and ideally every parent should educate themselves as much as they can. Being aware of what car seat is best for your child's age and weight, taking car seat classes and replacing expired car seats are a few ways to help your child be safer in the car.

Have you read the new NHTSA child car seat recommendations? I really feel extending rear facing is so much safer and that's why my 18 month old is still turned back! (: Here are some of my other articles on car seat safety.

Photo Credit: Google

Keeping our Kids Safe at Home

2011-02-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

As parents we want the best of our kids and one of the most important things we can do is protect them and keep them safe at home.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

2011-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, it's a great time to review our kids dental habits. Many pediatricians now recommend that babies go to the dentist as soon as they have several teeth. Find tips for keeping your child's teeth healthy and strong in these articles.

February: National Children's Dental Health Month
American Associations recommend Fluoride supplements

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, a time where many focus on goals for the coming year. What are your resolutions and how do you plan to stick to them? Find Tips for Setting Realistic New Year's Resolutions

If your resolutions involve getting in shape (I know I want to lose the rest of my weight!), find helpful weight loss tips and general exercise and fitness tips.

Preschool Alphabet Assessment

2011-01-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

Teaching a child the alphabet early will give him a great start to the reading and writing skills he will use throughout life. This article will give you guidelines for administering a Preschool Alphabet Assessment with resources and tips for monitoring progress and fostering learning. Get resources for administering the Alphabet Assessment and tips for keeping track of ongoing progress. . . Read Full Article Here

Top 5 potty training books

2011-01-15T21:09:00.001-08:00

Do you have a child that needs some encouragement to go potty? Often reading books about potty training can help them become more familiar with the process and willing to try.

Top 5 potty training books

CPSC bans drop side cribs

2011-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

Is your crib current? Did you know the CPSC has banned all drop side cribs? Read more in this article about new crib standards. Make sure your little one is sleeping safely!

CPSC bans drop side cribs

More on sleep safety:
Proven ways to help prevent SIDS

Sleep safe with Halo SleepSack Wearable blankets

Educational Toys for Kids

2011-01-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm working on writing an educational toys series. So far I have written about alphabet and number toys.

Best toys for teaching alphabet concepts

Best toys for teaching number and math concepts

With Christmas less than two months away. . .

2010-11-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

have you started your shopping? The official Toys R Us Big Christmas book is out and stores are beginning to have sales and displays for the holidays. What's at the top of your Christmas list this year?

Holiday shopping: 2010's hottest toys
Xbox 360 Kinect is now for sale
Find additional gift ideas.

Tips for staying healthy this cold/ flu season

2010-11-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

With the colder months in Utah quickly approaching, it's time to start thinking about additional ways to keep the family healthy. Hopefully you already have some good habits, but in the winter-time you'll want to do even more. From extra handwashing and general healthy habits, there's a lot you can do to help avoid illness.

Staying healthy this cold/ flu season
How to stay healthy when your kids are sick
Top 3 places for germs and how to avoid getting sick

Weaning 101

2010-11-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote a series of articles on weaning babies. Whether it's binkies, bottles, breastfeeding, or even swaddling a parent needs to be sensitive and go about it in a way that will create the easiest transition for baby.

Weaning 101: Pacifiers
Weaning 101: Bottles
Weaning 101: Breastfeeding
Weaning 101: Swaddling

Halloween Safety

2010-09-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming soon and children are beginning to anticipate dressing up and going trick-or-treating. In the excitement of it all, kids are more prone to accidents. It's a good idea to help your kids some ways for keeping safe before going out. CLICK HERE to see Halloween safety tips.

Thanksgiving Point has fun Halloween events all October long. See more details here.

Similac Infant Formula Recalled

2010-09-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

If you buy Similac formula, you'll want to check out this recall. Abbot is voluntarily recalling certain Similac brand infant formula products that did not meet quality standards due to the possibility of beetle parts in the formula. Find out why that can be a problem and how to look up if your formula is affected by reading the full article HERE.

Teaching responsibility at a young age

2010-09-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Young children are inherently dependent on their parents to teach and guide them. At the same time, children are very smart and thrive on gaining a sense of independence. As a parent, you may recall the stage when your toddler started to insist on doing things on their own saying, "I can do it myself!" Well, with some help, there are a lot of ways you can help him do just that!. . .READ MORE

Color Me Mine Art Studio in Utah

2010-09-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Color Me Mine? The whole idea sounds like a lot of fun. Choosing an unpainted pottery-piece and painting it to create your own masterpiece. They have locations throughout Utah and are available for parties and events, too.

Learn more about Color Me Mine.

Staying healthy this winter

2010-09-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

With the colder months quickly approaching, it's time to start thinking about additional ways to keep the family healthy. When asking for "real moms'" advice in Cafe Mom (social networking site for moms), this is the resonse I got. . .

Tips for staying healthy this Cold/ Flu season

Kid Friendly Recipes

2010-09-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

When it comes to cooking meals and snacks your child will love, a great place to look is the Disney Family Fun site under the "Recipes" tab. Find recipes for all types of meals, snacks, drinks, and treats. There are fun holiday or seasonal recipes as well. Each comes with a picture and simple directions. Many are simple enough to allow your child to help out, too!

Effective Methods of Discipline

2010-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

As your baby grows and becomes a toddler, his need for guidance also increases. As a parent it's primarily your role to teach him how to behave. Learning discipline methods can help you be prepared to be consistent and effective in guiding your child.

Does a baby need discipline? Explore how to teach your child as they become more mobile.

Practical discipline methods: Age 2-5 gives advice from Pediatricians on discipline methods.