My daughter loves to cook, but my son thinks cooking means heating something up in a microwave. He likes instant food. Although my son has no interest in cooking, my daughters enjoy reading recipes and being creative in the kitchen.
Children eat too many snacks and fast foods, but when it comes down to it, child-friendly and great tasting food is easy to prepare. I believe that parents should try to take the time to cook with their kids. The time together can be educational and also can be a great way to spend time together. As Thanksgiving and other holidays approach, consider planning holiday meals with your family.
In addition to learning how to cook, children may enjoy dressing up for meals in fancy dresses or suits or in Easter dresses for toddlers. They may enjoy setting up a fancy table with pretty dishes and flowers.
How To Make Cooking Fun For Your Children:
Kids may enjoy reading child-friendly recipe books.
Baby Easter dresses and infant Easter dresses and dressing up in general might inspire you to think about fancy holiday meals. Plan special holiday meals with your children. Discuss the menu and shop for the meals with your kids.
Explain that cooking also involves cleaning up. Insist that your children not only help with cooking, but with the clean up.
Keep things simple. Some suggested easy to prepare kid-friendly dishes include grilled cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, pasta, macaroni and cheese, and sandwiches.
Teach your children the importance of balanced meals. Encourage your kids to eat vegetables and fruit by asking them to help cut and prepare veggies and fruit.
Stress cleanliness in the kitchen.
Kids may enjoy wearing an apron or a chef’s hat when you cook together. Dress your little ones in Easter dresses for babies and have them sit in a high chair and watch the fun.
Further Reading:
Cooking With Kids – From Food Network
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
November 06, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Easter Dresses, Girls, How to, Recipes, Recommended Reading Comments Off
Yesterday, as I was driving down the street with my kids, we saw a wonderful scene. Two little bunnies were playing together under a tree! It was such a charming sight. I remembered when I read books about Peter Rabbit to my children. They loved hearing about how naughty little Peter escaped from Mr. McGregor and gets to drink camomile tea after his mother puts him to bed.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was written by Beatrix Potter for a little boy in 1902. Potter’s classic has been read and enjoyed by children for more than one hundred years. That story should not be confused with “Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” an Easter television special based on a book about the Easter Bunny. Both books are associated with baby Easter dresses, Easter dresses for girls, bunnies, tea, eggs, flowers, plants, vegetables, candy, and cookies. Both books are also great learning tools.
Books about Easter and other holidays can be read over and over again since kids love reading and learning about bunnies, candy, Easter dresses, and decorations. The more books are read, the more success your child will have in school and in life.
How To Use Books to Increase Children’s Vocabulary:
Every time parents read books out loud to their children, there are opportunities to explain one to two unfamiliar concepts or words.
Stories from the past may use verbs, adjectives, and nouns that children have never heard. Take the time to discuss those words with your kids.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit talks a lot about gardening. Children who live in cities today may have never seen a garden. Words from that story and other stories will teach your children much about gardening, the outdoors, and about other concepts they may not be familiar with. Understanding new concepts will increase vocabulary.
Discuss verbs from books. For example, kids can dress up in girls Easter dresses and act out the verbs from a story.
Books also teach children about the past and about other countries. Kids can be exposed to different phrases and words from the past and from around the world.
British books also show that English is spoken in a slightly different way in different parts of the world. Children can learn that certain phrases mean the same thing.
Reading to children every night should be a priority for parents. Vocabulary will naturally increase if a child is exposed to books on a regular basis.
Further Reading:
Building Vocabulary with the Tale of Peter Rabbit
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
November 02, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Coats, Costumes and Dress Up, Dresses, Girls, How to, Jackets, Recommended Reading, Shoes, Sleepwear, Sweaters Comments Off
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.
October 29, 2012 | Activities, Baby Boys, Baby Girls, Boys, Costumes and Dress Up, Dresses, Girls, How to, Outfits, Recommended Reading, Sleepwear Comments Off
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.
October 27, 2012 | Activities, Baby Girls, Boys, Coats, Girls, How to, Jackets, Recommended Reading Comments Off
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.
October 25, 2012 | Activities, Baby Boys, Baby Girls, Boys, Girls, How to, Recommended Reading, Swimwear Comments Off
When my niece celebrated her first communion, her grandparents bought her a special doll that looked just like her. Her first communion dress was made of lace and she looked like a bride. Relatives flew in from all over the country. It was a very special day that will always be remembered.
A child’s first communion should be very beautiful and holy. Boys should dress in fine suits, and girls usually wear special first holy communion dresses and veils. A little girl will sometimes wear a very, very expensive first communion dress, but expensive clothing is not necessary. There are also several things first communion kids must know before the special day.
First Communion Tips and Facts:
Children should know that what they wear for their first communion should not be the focus of the day, but modest clothing is a must.
Sleeveless first holy communion dresses are not appropriate.
Children’s souls and hearts should “look as nice” as the first communion dress and veil or suit.
It’s okay for girls to wear the first holy communion dresses their mothers or older sisters wore when they were little girls.
Flower girls dresses from weddings are sometimes worn at first communion ceremonies.
Besides veils, fancy headbands and real or artificial wreaths of flowers are sometimes worn in girls’ hair.
Sometimes little boys wear complete white suits, but “normal suits” are acceptable. Some little boys add white bands tied in a bow around one arm when they wear suits that are not white.
White first communion garments symbolize purity.
Veils were once a traditional female head covering for girls and women, but are not a requirement.
Children generally take their first communion when they are about seven or eight years old.
A catechism class prepares children for their first communion and teaches them the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.
Children taking first communion should memorize the responses and prayers of a first communion mass.
Kids should also know how to make the Sign of the Cross.
Further Reading:
Top 10 Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 23, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Communion Dresses, Girls, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
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.
October 19, 2012 | Activities, Baby Girls, Boys, Dresses, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
My youngest daughter has become a master at braiding her hair. After she puts her hair in two french braids, she uses girls hair accessories to create various styles. One of her favorite new hair accessories for girls are spin pin corkscrews. With the corkscrew, she can put her hair into a bun or create a “Swiss look” without using bobby pins. She truly looks like she belongs in the alps with that hairdo.
I used to have very long hair, and I became quite accomplished at french braiding my own hair. Sometimes I wore a classic french braid; other times I put my hair in a dutch braid where the braid was on top. Braids are a great way to keep long hair free of tangles.
Hair Braiding Tips:
Wash your child’s hair before putting her hair in braids.
Wet or damp hair is much easier to braid than dry hair.
Make sure your child’s hair is free of tangles before attempting to braid your little girl’s hair.
In addition to hair being tangle free, hair should be smooth and combed out before beginning to braid hair.
Choose a braid style that is easy to do. Easy braid styles include simple straight braids, french braids, micro braids, loose sloppy type braids, and up-do braids.
Braiding already existing pigtails or a ponytail is easy.
Children’s heads and scalps are delicate, so be gentle as you braid your little girl’s hair.
Don’t leave your child’s hair in braids for more than two days. Hair can be damaged if left in braids too long.
Use hair accessories for girls to add a finishing touch to braided hair.
Further Reading:
Braided Styles For Kids
How to Make a French Braid: Step by Step Instructions
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 16, 2012 | Girls, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
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.
October 14, 2012 | Activities, Baby Boys, Baby Girls, Costumes and Dress Up, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
My children love doing arts and crafts projects. When they were little, almost every day I would pull out a crafts book and I would look for a fun and easy project that we could do together. My kids especially loved spring projects that included bunnies and flowers or creating drawings of themselves wearing Easter dresses for girls, but we discovered that there are craft projects dedicated to every season or holiday. Even though my girls wanted to draw pictures of little girls and tots in Easter dresses for infants or baby Easter dresses, I showed my kids that fall crafts and colors had wonderful possibilities too.
The month of October seems to be one of the best times for crafts since it’s getting colder and that means that children can’t play outside. Doing arts and crafts is a great way to get your kids away from the television and will also give children a chance to decorate the house and prepare for Halloween. Your family can collect leaves, decorate pumpkins, create October calendars, and/or paint with orange paint. Yes, the month of October is the time to think about black cats, ghosts, masks, and colorful orange and yellow baskets!
Easy To Do October Craft Projects:
Handprint bats can be made with black construction paper, googly eyes, brads, and glue. Children can decorate their bats with crayons and glitter glue.
Egg carton spiders can be made with egg cartons, washable poster paint, sponge brushes, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and black pipe cleaners. An adult will be needed to use a knife for this project.
Gauze ghosts can be created using recycled yogurt containers, white gauze, glue, and poster paint.
A countdown to Halloween tree can be constructed with brown poster board, green, orange, red, and yellow construction paper, markers, scissors, and tape. A similar type of project can be made in the spring so your kids can look forward to putting on their Easter dresses for girls and decorating eggs.
A “Thumb-kin” Patch can be created by using a child’s thumb. All that is needed is some orange paint, paper plates, blue and green construction paper, glue, scissors, and some markers.
Mr. Potato Head like pumpkins are fun to make. Just use Mr. Potato head pieces and put into a pumpkin instead of a potato. Small pumpkins work great for this sort of project.
Make a doll with a small pumpkin head. Dress the doll in in baby girl Easter dresses. Add some “hair” and decorate the pumpkin doll’s face with markers or paint.
Autumn leaves can be collected and made into beautiful collages.
A pumpkin or autumn leaf sun catcher can be made with yellow and orange tissue paper, contact paper, construction paper, and scissors.
Further Reading:
31 Days of October Crafts
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 12, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Costumes and Dress Up, Easter Dresses, Girls, How to, Outfits Comments Off
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