Baby Manners Matter

For me teaching my daughter manners like please and thank you came so easily, it was just a breeze! As my daughter always ask me "Mommy can you get me something to drink please?" or "Can you turn on Tinker Bell please?" Whenever something is given to her she says thank you! I noticed that apart of her picking up these manners might be because I practice them myself around her. As with children they look to their parents as role models before anyone else. With some people it’s not as easy to get their children to have manners even if they are being polite and showing good manners themselves. So how about you? Is your child picking up good manners and how are you trying to enforce good behavioral manners in your home? Or is it a difficult process?

Healthy Snackin'

Whether you are a working, stay at home mom, or whatever may be the case eating healthy can be a bit of a challenge! We tend to just do things the easy way by getting something from the fast food restaurants, vending machines etc., but it doesn’t have to be that way. Or if your like me and you have a sweet tooth, your choice is most likely going to go in the wrong direction. However I have found ways to conquer my sweet tooth by either snacking on healthy cereal, strawberries, or different types of fruit. What are some of the ways you conquer your sweet tooth, or salty crave?

No Time

As mentioned in the previous post, due to our busy scheduling, or whatever the case may be, often times we just aren’t able to fit exercise into the daily routine like we should. I know this all to well as I have went slacking for the past two years. I just recently started to put exercise back into my daily schedule about a month ago. Finally I’m getting back on track and I’m loving it! As time goes by I will update you guys with my results! In the meantime here are some ways I’ve been getting my exercise in and I’d like to share them with you.

1.) Wake Up Extra Early
I get up extra early in the morning to do at least an hour of work out before my daughter gets up, and work begins! Yes getting up extra early is not something everyone likes to do, but you’ll get that hour or so in that you need to work out and it’s worth it!

2.) Getting Active with My Baby
Lately I’ve been getting extra active with my daughter like playing ball with her or jumping on the trampoline with her during the middle of the day or whenever. Basically I turn playtime into a little exercise routine, so we are both having fun while getting some exercise in.

3.) Spot Exercise
That’s right I try to do spot exercises before I go to bed now(something I got out of the habit of doing, but like I said I’m back on track). I usually do my sit-ups, arms, legs, etc. before bed time, and for me that works like a charm!

So now that I’ve shared with you some of the ways I try to get exercise in during my busy schedule. I would like to hear from some of you out there! What are some ways you try to get exercise in? Remember what works for you may not work for someone else.

Exercise

We all know that with our busy schedules now today daily exercise is usually put off on the back burner. Well today all of the topics will be about exercise in some shape, fashion, or form. So come on and join in on the discussions!

Mommy Grants

Did you know there are alot of grants available for the average mother? Ok so I'm always seeing or hearing this phrase all over the web and on television but seem to get absolutely no where! I recently came across this site called Scholarships 4 Moms. This site seemed to be pretty helpful and doesn't lead you to a dead end with no practical results. I was actually impressed. And not only is it for moms but for dads as well! To check out the site click here. I would love to hear your results and feedback!

Music For The Baby

Goodmorning! Today I decided to start off with the topic Music For The Baby. For this topic I will be joining in on the discussion very heavily, so let's get to it! As we all know music is very powerful and influential. As your baby develops from an infant on up you can't help but to notice your child find his or hers own rhythm. However the type of music your child should listen to has been spoken on a few times. Like some random studies show that Classical Music can help stimulate your child's brain in very positive way, however R&B and Rap music doesn't necessarily get the thumbs up for music that you should be playing for your baby. In my opinion I think that your child should be subjected to all types of music, but monitored. There are somethings that I personally believe a baby should not be listening as some music is too explicit, whether it's in a Rap, R&B, Pop, or Rock 'n' Roll song. I guess what I'm trying to get at is why is "R&B Music" looked on as not being good music for your baby to listen to. I don't get it because if you look at all of the commercials, and even alot of the cartoons, they are heavily influenced with rhythm and blues music but alot of the times is stamped with the label "Pop Music". So what is your take on this?

Critique My Skills

I'm sure almost every parent has had a point and time in their life where someone has critiqued them as a parent. Maybe in their eyes your not feeding, dressing, or nurturing your child to them in the right way. Whether it be physically or mentally. Have you ever had this happen, where no matter what, that someone just had something they needed to say whether it was family, friends, or whomever? And most of all how did you or how do you plan to handle it?

Tip 5: How To Manage With A Very Active Baby

Tip 5: Quality Time

I know as a parent you may feel like your spending a lot of time with your child already, but try spending that little extra special quality time with your baby! By doing so gives your little one a sense of care, maturity, peace, and much more. When you help your child do something that makes them have that feeling of being all grown up, like baking cupcakes together, letting them actually mix the batter, and have lots of say on what the design of the treats should look like. This gives them a little independency! So continue to shower your baby with as much hugs, kisses, love and time!

It's Still Time For A Gift From Sephora

Have you submitted your entry to the Sephora giveaway contest yet? If not there is still time! Just make sure to fill out the form on the homepage. Babiee Babiee' is offering a free gift from Sephoras! The gift includes a Sephoras Body Butter, Eye Pencil, and Blush! When entering don't forget to include your name and a valid email address.

Contest Rules: Participants may submit up to three times only. Gifts are not for re-sale. Must be 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. Winners will be notified by email. Please allow 1-2 weeks to receive gift once notified. Forms must be submitted by July 31, 2009. No exceptions will be made after that date.

Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs

Ok so let's talk movies. Today I am going to take my daughter to see Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs! I'm so excited as this will actually be the very first time I will take my daughter to the movies. So I'm actually looking for some advice from all of you out there. Have any of you already taken your little ones to see the movie? And does anyone have any really good tips on how to make this first experience fun and not scary? I will be responding to the answers and advice given to me about this post. Please keep in mind that my daughter is 2 years old. Thanks you guys! ;)

Taking Your Baby To Hollywood

Every parent has at least thought once or twice "My baby is so cute they need to be in a commercial." There are alot of beautiful babies in the world but only a few seem to make the cut. Forcing some parents to go to the extreme just to have their child in the spotlight. And once it hits that point I think a parent needs to regroup, refocus, and not pressure their kids. To me letting a kid actually be a kid is very important. I first began doing theater since I was four years old with my Auntie. We would travel to different states around the world to perform, and I can still remember those precious moments of just being a kid. My Mother and my Aunt did not push me to the point where I couldn't have a normal childhood. In a matter of fact they both encouraged me to have a normal childhood, which I am so grateful for now today! My question to you is have you ever thought about putting your child in commercials, etc. Or have you already done so, and what are your tactics, beliefs, etc. when it comes to this topic?

Jamiee's Story

"Hi my name is Jamiee and I have to say that I am becoming very addicted to your blog! Lol Anyway here’s my story. My daughter Alana is three years old and I am trying my best to get her to become fully potty trained. So far she has been getting the notion of “I have to go to the potty.” She goes but when we are in public she is terrified! I can’t even attempt to get her to go to the bathroom. No matter how much I try to calm her down it’s like No Way! Lol So I was just wondering if you or any of your readers had any advice on potty time outside of the home? Thanks!

Hello Jamiee! Thanks for the compliment of my site and for sending in a question! For starters it is very normal for children to be more comfortable in the home rather than in public. You didn’t state whether your daughter was comfortable using the big toilet at home either so I’ll start it off this way by saying try to get Alana use to the big toilet at home first before using the toilets elsewhere. If Alana is not use to using the big toilet don’t force her as that will only set her back and you obviously don’t want to do that. Alana will eventually start using the big toilet and it’ll come naturally to her.
However if Alana is already comfortable with using the big toilet at home then I would suggest you to buy a portable potty seat for when you leave the home to use on the big toilets out side of the home. Try singing songs, holding her while she is using the potty, and just try to make it as interesting as possible for her ok. I hope this helped and please feel free to write in anytime with a question, or even just to say hello!

Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions only and I am in no way fashion or form a professionally trained doctor/psychiatrist etc. If you choose to take my advice you are doing so on your own accord.

Religion Baby

Religion is a common battle that most parents have if they come from two different backgrounds. Most times either parent prefers their child to become apart of their religion. I did not have this problem as my daughter's father and I are both of the Christian faith. Even though my religion is Evangelist and her father's religion is of another we always had a common ground on that. I would like to know is this a frequent discussion in your household, is it a problem in your household, and how do you plan on solving it? For this topic I will actually be responding to comments so feel free to talk!

Healthy Baby

We all know that having a healthy baby is important. Daily exercise is a must even if your baby is one of the most active babies in the world. Doctors say that at least 15-30 minutes of exercise a day is a must. Along with the right amount of daily fruits and vegetables. I know how difficult it is to get children to eat healthy. So here are some things that I do that might help you as well. Like buying mixed vegetables and put just a little sugar on it. Another thing I usually do is mix fruits in her favorite foods. Like my daughter loves pancakes so I'll usually mix blueberries or strawberries in the batter before I cook it. I also usually give my daughter the Flintstones chewable or gummy vitamins daily. I also try to get her exercise in by playing her favorite songs and we dance to them, or have some outdoor fun and play ball or any type of high cardio activity with her. Those are just some of the things that I do. I would love to hear some of you guys stories and what you do so feel free to share what you do.

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Family Fun... (Different Places)

It's that time again for another Family Fun Place to go! And this time around the family vacation spot is none other than Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. Take a time travel way back into the 18th century. Were you will get to explore how life was during that time and era. I've only been to Colonial Williamsburg once, but I loved and enjoyed every minute of it! It's a really great place for the whole entire family to enjoy. It's basically a place to have fun while you learn. Another great thing about it is Bush Gardens is not too far and so that's kind of like two getaways at once! To get the best of this trip I would recommend that you stay there for at least three days or so. Believe me you'll enjoy every minute of it! To take a look at it click here and Have Fun!

Bilingual Baby

Did you know the best time to teach a child a new language is in his or hers first five years or so? At those ages they are way more receptive and a new language can easily become apart of their vocabulary. There are lots of ways and avenues to go about teaching your child new languages. It can also be great for you, as you will be learning a new language yourself! I would suggest you start with your google search engine to browse for programs that you can purchase to teach you a different language and start learning. Or you can go to comcast on demand (if available in your area) click on the kids section, then go to baby boost, then select the bilingual baby section. They offer so many languages from Dutch, to French, Spanish, and more. Best of all it's totally 100% FREE if you are already or become a comcast subscriber! Just go to Comcast On Demand.

Tip 4 For How To Manage WIth A Very Active Baby

Goodmorning to everyone out there! Today we are going to start things off with another tip!

Tip 4:

Rest When Your Child Does

Now I know you have heard this before so many times and it is so true. Resting when your child does gives you that little energy boost to help keep up with your child. Letting you feel a little refreshed and able to handle things a little bit better. So make sure you get that nap time in when your little one does. Remember it'll help out you and your child by doing so.

Finding Other Ways To Say NO!

Ok, so I know everyone comes to the point when they have to tell their little ones no, because you love them and are trying to protect them from hurting themselves in some shape or form. However there are other ways we can say no to our children. So let's get creative... All next week I will be coming up with creative ways to say no in different situations. I would so love to hear your creative ways as well! Just email them to me with your name, how many children you have, and their ages! It'll be fun, so let's get started. You can email me Here!

Emotional Rollercoaster

Emotions that babies have are overlooked in so many ways. Most of the time during custody situations, broken home families etc… Some parents claim to have the "best interest of the child", but is it really the best interest for the chlld or theirs?

Some parents,(who aren’t the primary caregiver)wants to have that special time with their child but is barely there for the child emotionally or physically. Which is where conflicts come into play. Especially when the out of play parent doesn’t like hearing the word NO from (the primary caregiver). Putting you, the other parent, and most of all the child in difficult compromising situations. Which bares heavily on the child emotionally! People easily forget that babies have just as much feelings and emotions as a any adult does. Especially since they don’t know exactly what is going on.

One thing I’ve learned is just because your baby is born and your supposed to grow up doesn’t mean that the parent, he or she plans to, or even will grow up. Like putting friends, partying, and yourself before the child has to cease! NO matter how old you are a change in your life, ways, and actions, is needed period. Remember when you stress the baby feels this and can become stressed. Especially from going back and forth between homes. My advice, parents please change your routine an adapt to your childs needs, feelings, and emotions. I would love to hear your feedback , so let’s chat!