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A few months ago, I saw two children sitting on a bench in their cute kids clothes reading actual books! They weren’t looking at iPads, iPods, Kindles, or other electronic devices; those two kids were reading books with pages and paper. I was amazed. Seeing children reading actual books they can hold and feel is rare.

Today’s technology does encourage children to read, but still, it is sometimes difficult for parents to get their kids to read. There are all sorts of creative ways to encourage reading. For example, it might be fun to have your little ones dress up in little girls clothes and pretend they are characters in a story. Bedtime stories can become a family tradition.

How to Make Reading Fun:

Read to your children every day.

Encourage daily reading no matter how old your child is.

When your child is able to read on his or her own, have your child read aloud to you or take turns reading paragraphs or chapters in books.

Look for books with subjects and stories that interest your child.

Act out stories. For example, your little one will enjoy dressing up in baby clothes for girls, toddler girls clothes, or girls clothing 7-16 and pretending she is a character from a favorite book from the American Girl series.

Every child should have his or her own library card. Visit the library at least twice a month and check out lots of books.

Make sure there are comfortable areas in your house with adequate light where your children can read.

Have your family listen to books, dramas, and stories on CD in your car.

Discuss stories and books with your children.

Further Reading:

Tips for Encouraging Kids to Read

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

My son used to be frightened of rain. His fear was real and serious. He woke up every morning and asked everyone in our family if we thought it might rain. Conversations with total strangers centered around the weather forecast. I didn’t know what to do about his fear or where the fear came from. I suspected it happened when he was in a severe thunderstorm with me and my husband and his baby sister dressed in her newborn dresses when he was a tot.

One day, all of a sudden, my son’s fear of rain was gone. He even insisted we go outside and sing the song “Singing in the Rain!” Our entire family was delighted! He put on rain boots and his sisters put on dresses for girls and raincoats and hats. We danced in the rain as a family! Although my son overcame the fear of rain without assistance, many children who are scared of rain may need some help in order to overcome that fear.

How to Help Kids Overcome the Fear of Rain:

Tell your child you understand his or her fear of rain.

Hold and hug your child during a rainstorm.

Play music while it is raining. That will distract your little one.

Watch movies or read stories that teach children about rain.

Do something happy such as dressing up in special occasion dresses for girls that will help your child think about something other than rain during a rainstorm.

Studying about rain can be a family science project.

Kids love wearing rain boots, rain coats, hats, and using umbrellas. Dress your little ones up in special rain clothes and kids dresses and let them look forward to playing in the rain.

Understand that overcoming the fear of rain may take time.

Check the weather forecast in advance and plan activities around a predicted rainstorm.

If your child’s fear of rain does not go away in time, consult your doctor for advice.

Further Reading:

Helping your child to cope with the fear of thunder – From Baby Center India

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

I love to swim. I wanted to share my love of the water with my children as early as possible, so, I took my kids into the pool when they were babies. The children enjoyed wearing their toddler swimsuits and girls swimwear and boys and girls swimsuits almost as much as they enjoyed being in the water. My main concern, of course, was safety.

My son took many swimming lessons when he was little, but I did wonder if the lessons had done any good. Then, one day, he fell into the deep end of a pool fully clothed. In shock, my little four year old swam on his own to the edge of the pool and pulled himself out! I realized that he didn’t need to be wearing toddler swimwear or any type of bathing suit in the water and that those swimming lessons paid off and were worth every penny.

Swimming Safety Tips Parents of Young Children:

Parents can enroll children in swimming lessons when they are toddlers or in preschool.

Infant and toddler swimming lesson programs are a good way to teach very young children to enjoy being in the water.

Parents are taught safety tips during toddler and infant swimming classes.

Adults must always supervise children anytime they are in or near a swimming pool.

Toddler swimwear and baby girl swimwear is not expensive and is usually available for purchase year-round.

Drowning prevention skills should be taught to children of all ages.

Even if your children use floats, water wings, or life vests in the pool, parents need to be an arm’s length away from young children at all times.

Swim diapers will prevent “accidents” should always be worn by babies and tots when they are in the pool and will keep pools clean and sanitary.

Further Reading:

ABC’s of Pool Safety

Pool Safety Tips for Parents

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

When my son was in Kindergarten, just before bedtime, he’d sit next to his baby sister’s cradle and sing to her. I treasure the memory of Joel singing “I Love You” to baby Annabelle who smiled at him in her baby Valentines day outfits and Valentines dresses for girls. Most parents of young children know the words to the song by heart. The words of that song certainly teach about love:

I love you
You love me
We’re a happy family
With a great big hug
And a kiss from me to you
Won’t you say you love me too!

Singing that song showed that my son may have proved the theory that loving seems to come naturally for children, but parents can still take the time to teach their children about love. Kisses, hugs, sharing, Valentine dresses for girls, and hearts can be shared year-round.

Ways to Teach Your Children to Love:

Tell your children you love them every day.

Also, on a daily basis, teach your children about unselfishness.

Talk about love any time your family is together.

Remember that children learn by example. Parents need to do kind things in front of their children.

Sharing teaches love. Encourage your children to play and share toys with their friends and siblings.

Dressing up in a Valentines day girls dress or in girls Valentine outfits will certainly make a child want to pass hugs and kisses around.

Reach out to others as a family. Prepare gift baskets to give to the elderly or to those in need.

Give away cards, flowers, Valentines, or chocolate kisses any day of the year.

Further Reading:

How To Teach Your Children to Show Love and Compassion Towards Others

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

I take my camera wherever I go. If I ever forget my camera, my phone is also capable of capturing quick photos and videos. My children complain sometimes that I use my camera too much, but I know that years from now, that they will be delighted to see photos of what they looked like when they were little dressed in their cute baby clothes for girls or boys or newborn girl clothes. I think all of us will enjoy remembering holidays and lazy summer days.

The parents of today are fortunate since professional photos or fancy cameras are no longer needed to capture special memories or moments. When my kids were babies, I was limited to the 12, 24, or 36 photos that were included in a roll of film. Now, I can point and shoot to my heart’s content. It’s so much fun to capture thousands of my children’s smiles!

Baby Photo Tips:

Take your camera everywhere. Today’s digital cameras are small and can easily be stored inside your pocket, purse, or inside of a diaper bag.

In addition to taking the camera everywhere, make sure you have extra camera batteries and a memory card packed in your camera case.

Take a lot of photos of your baby. Today’s digital camera technology means that parents can take thousands of photos of their kids. Newborn baby girl clothes, costumes, cute smiles, and other happy moments can be shown off in various ways.

Take most of your baby photos before noon. Babies tend to be happy and cheerful in the mornings. Get your baby girls clothes boutique ready the night before if you plan to turn the morning into a baby photo shoot.

Get close to your baby when you capture photos. Don’t stand up or take photos from a distance. Closeups of your little one will be treasured for years to come.

Take photos from different angles. Baby faces and cute baby clothes for girls and boys will look different from various points of view.

Don’t forget to include photos of parents and other family members in your photos. Years from now, your family will love seeing what you all once looked like.

Think of creative poses that vary from usual and traditional. For example, place your baby next to some watermelons, flowers, blankets, or stuffed animals. Use different types backgrounds in your photos.

Lighting is important. Natural light right after the sun rises is best.

Create a photo blog or photo album that shows off your favorite photos of your family.

Don’t stress. Have fun with your baby and your camera!

Further Reading:

What Not To Do When Photographing Babies

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

When I was a new mother, it seemed like I was ‘showered” with baby gifts. Every time I opened my mailbox, a present arrived. I loved it. I received so many nice things including cute baby clothes for girls and boys, cute girl clothes, and newborn girl clothes.

My closest friend in the world’s daughter had a baby boy over six months ago. Last week, I realized that I had not yet purchased a gift for baby Ivan. It hit me that little Ivan may be a toddler before I get around to buying him a gift! This got me thinking about baby gift etiquette. Should baby gifts be given before or after a baby is born? Have I “blown it” by not sending a gift to my friend’s daughter?

Baby Gift Etiquette and Buying Tips:

Before a baby is born, check to see if the parents have registered at specific stores. New parents may not really know what a baby may need, but at least you may have some clue of what they’d like their little one to have or wear.

The clothing girls wear may be more fun to buy than clothing for boys, but don’t go wild with the cute girl clothes since babies grow very quickly.

If you already know the baby’s sex, buy blue baby boy clothes and pink newborn baby girl clothes.

Give from your heart. Do not feel obligated to give an expensive baby gift or expensive boys or girls clothing, or worry about the price of the gift you give. Pay what you believe you can afford for newborn baby girl clothes, baby boy clothes, and cute girl clothes or other baby gifts.

New parents may be too tired to shop, so giving a gift card or gift certificate may not be a good idea. An alternative idea may be an online shopping gift certificate.

If you forget to send a gift when the baby is young, rest assured that a baby’s family will appreciate boy clothing or cute girl clothes or any kind of gift later. If you end up giving a gift to a family when the baby is a toddler or even a pre-schooler, know that gifts will be appreciated anytime.

Practical baby gifts such as diapers, baby food, wipes, or formula make fine presents.

Some people give presents to the parents instead of the baby since new parents may need and deserve some pampering.

A card or note telling new parents how excited you are about their new addition is appropriate. A gift can always be given at a later date.

Include gift receipts with your gifts just in case parents wish to exchange your item when they receive duplicate presents.

Further Reading:

Before You Buy A Baby Shower Gift – From About.com Baby Products

Baby Clothes Buying Tips

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

My family owns two beautiful wooden dollhouses. I know some people just build dollhouses and decorate them, but my family’s dollhouses are meant for touching, interaction, and learning. My children and I have spent hours and hours dressing the dolls in various outfits including dresses for Christmas, and we’ve also enjoyed moving tiny dollhouse furniture around the house.

Inside one of our dollhouses, is a living room, kitchen, nursery, bedroom, music room and attic. A family of five lives in that house. The little girls who live in the house are dressed in a beautiful little girls Christmas dresses and Bonnie Jean Christmas dresses. The babies are dressed in Christmas dresses for infants. The children sleep in a room with bunk beds and blue curtains, and play in a nursery filled with little wooden toys. The grandparents live in our other dollhouse. The grandparents’ dollhouse has a furry carpet, grand piano, dining area, a rocking chair, a window seat, and a spiraling staircase. The parents and grandparents are also dressed up in dresses for Christmas. The kitchen even has food in it and there’s a broom available to sweep after the baby and children make a mess, and dogs and cats also live in both dollhouses.

Before You Consider Buying a Dollhouse:

Consider purchasing a fully finished and furnished wooden dollhouse. Expect to pay a high price for such an item, but realize that your family will have years and years of fun with a dollhouse that is ready to play with and enjoy.

If your budget can’t handle an expensive wooden dollhouse, inexpensive fully furnished dollhouses will provide your children with hours and hours of fun.

Wooden dollhouse kits can be built together and decorated as a family project.

Dollhouse furniture and dolls can be purchased at craft stores or online.

Carpet, wallpaper, and curtains will give a wooden dollhouse a nice touch.

Once your dollhouse is fully furnished, allow your children to play with the dollhouse as much as possible.

If you plan to buy a Victorian type dollhouse, read stories from the past to your children. Allow your children to act out the stories so they can eventually teach the stories to their dollhouse family.

Do not buy an expensive wooden doll house with small parts for very young children.

Expect that some of the items in your family’s dollhouse will break since children can be rough on tiny things. It may be a good idea to wait until your youngest child is at least 7 or 8 years old before purchasing an expensive dollhouse that contains fragile items.

Further Reading:

Let’s Build a Dollhouse

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

During a certain period of my life, it seemed like at least once a month, I was invited to a baby shower. I admit it was hard to come up with a different gift each month since all my friends knew one another. I didn’t always buy a baby item. Sometimes, I gave the mother-to-be a birthday dress, pajamas, 1st birthday dress, or toddler outfit.

It’s easier to shop for baby shower gifts if the parents of the baby-to-be take the time to register at a few stores and also with a few of the major on-line stores. If a family does not register, there are always some standard gifts that will appreciated. Also, keep in mind that birthday dresses and bigger clothes may not be used right away, but will definitely be enjoyed in time.

Suggested Baby Shower Gifts:

Diapers of all sizes make great gifts and will be much appreciated by parents-to-be.

Put together an assortment of essential baby products such as baby shampoo, diapers, nail cutters, pacifiers, bibs, travel wipes, toys and rattles.

Some parents will appreciate toddler clothes, shoes, and 1st birthday dresses.

Baby blankets, sleepers, shirts, onesies, socks and baby hats are fun and easy baby gifts.

A mother-to-be may appreciate a diaper bag fully loaded with essentials. The diaper bag could include baby powder, baby lotion, baby wipes or wash cloths, a baby first aid kit, burp paps, and hand sanitizer.

Baby hairbrushes, baby bath toys, and baby soap will always be used and are inexpensive and fun shower gifts.

Hooded towels come in all sorts of sizes and will be used over and over again.

If you know the mother is not going to breast feed her baby, formula and baby bottles also make great gifts.

If your budget allows, larger and more expensive presents such as a Diaper Genie, baby swing, umbrella stroller, high chair, or a gift certificate will always be welcome.

Stuffed animals, children’s books, and children’s DVDs will be used much in the toddler and pre-school years, so giving items for later use may be a very good idea.

Further Reading:

Baby Clothes Buying Tips

Baby Shower 101

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

It seems like only yesterday that I was at a baby shower that was held in my honor for my first baby-to-be. Actually, I had two part-time jobs at the time, so I was given two work-related baby showers. In addition, my husband’s office hosted a co-ed baby shower in our honor. We were given so many wonderful things including a high chair and a baby swing!

I remember all the pretty pink newborn girl clothes and cute baby clothes for girls I received. Unfortunately, after the baby was born, pink had to be traded for blue, since “she” ended up being a “he.” The ultrasound was wrong…

A bunch of my friends and relatives have either recently had babies or a baby may be on the way. This means that I need to go shopping for newborn baby girl clothes, pacifiers, bibs, baby blankets, sleepers, rattles, and bath toys. I wonder if they might just perhaps settle for something practical like wipes and diapers?

Tips for Buying Clothes for Babies:

Buy big. This means to choose at least one size ahead of the baby’s actual age. Babies grow so fast.

Look for clothes for all seasons. For example,  if a baby is born in the summer, the baby’s parents will appreciate having some winter clothes ready for the colder months of the year.

It might be tempting to buy designer newborn girl clothes, but a baby won’t know the difference.  Practical and inexpensive clothes will do just fine.

Look for sale items.  Avoid paying the highest price for certain baby clothes.  You may be able to find the same item on sale from alternative sources.

Used baby clothes may be a great idea.  Some babies only wear an outfit once, so gently used cute baby clothes for girls or boys may be a great idea.

Clothes appropriate for either a boy or girl come in useful, especially for parents-to-be that don’t yet know a baby’s sex.

Never say no when someone wants to give you clothes for your baby.  You might feel overwhelmed with “stuff,” but every item may come in handy at some point.

For a very special occasion, consider borrowing a designer or high-priced outfit.

Great deals on baby items and newborn baby girl clothes can be found online on eBay or at SophiasStyle.com!

Further Reading:

Top Tips for Buying Baby Clothes – From Reader’s Digest

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

When I was a little girl, I went to see a ballet performance for the first time with my school. It was a performance of Cinderella. I remember all the little girls in my school dressed up in pretty dresses and christening gowns to attend the show. I was so excited when I saw a little girl about my age on pointe. She did a beautiful pirouette and kept doing what looked like spinning over and over on one foot at the tip of her toes. What I saw was beautiful! When I got home, I told my father about the little girl. In delight, I told him about the lovely pirouette.

As the years have passed, I have continued to love and appreciate ballet. I have also tried to pass the appreciation of ballet and dance on to my family, but every time I take my husband to a ballet or opera, he falls asleep. For awhile, I would tap him on the shoulder and wake him up, but finally, I gave up when, during “The Magic Flute,” I shook him awake when there was a loud drum noise and he responded with a sudden shout of “Is it over yet?”.

Although I’ve taught my children (and husband) to appreciate ballet and the live theater, they just don’t enjoy going to the ballet as much as I do. It’s hard for kids (and some adults) to sit through what some people call “art,” but what my girls do like about going to the ballet is dressing up. They love wearing pretty dresses to a show. I’ve also seen very little children wearing girls christening gowns and baptism gowns to such events.

How To Take Young Children to the Ballet or the Theatre:

Read stories about ballerinas.

Be aware that children below the age of eight may not be able to sit through an entire ballet performance.

Full-length story ballets may not be ideal for very young children to attend.

Allow your child to watch ballet performances in the comfort of your home on DVD before attending a live performance. If your child loves what he or she see on a television screen, seeing a live show could be a delight.

Enroll you little one in ballet or dance classes. A child may be inspired to appreciate ballet more after seeing professional dancers in action.

Ask for seats near an aisle in case a quick exit is needed.

Don’t bring a toddler or infant to a long two hour ballet performance unless you plan to sit near the back and exit if the child makes even a little noise.

Explain to your child in advance that sitting quietly and sitting still is expected at the performance.

Remember that exposing your children to ballet and the arts is one the greatest gifts you can give to them.

Further Reading:

Start Your Child in Dance

Ballet for Figure Skaters

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.