Caring Toddlers

I couldn't resist snapping this picture of Jude in "Prince Charming" mode. He was trying to persuade this lovely princess to put her glass slippers...I mean shoes... back on her feet, so she wouldn't get a splinter. Arden did just that, as Jude helped, and they played happily ever after that day!
Hugs, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How do your little ones show they care?
Related Article:
Teaching Your Child To Care

Toddlers Learning to Cope

How does one play in bark, without getting any bark in ones shoes? And once the bark gets in your shoes, should you sit in that same pile of bark while trying to get it out? According to Jude, the answers to both of these questions are simply ..."Shoes off!" No discussion, no waiting, just off with the shoes! After several "shoes off" episodes, and giving the play area a try without shoes, Jude decided it is better to have played at the playground with bark in your shoes, then not to have played at the playground at all!
Learning to cope,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share your grandkids frustrations, and how they figured it out by themselves!

Related Articles:
Helping Young Children Cope with Frustration
Helping Children Learn Self-Regulation

Sand Play Activities

Just 2 weeks ago I couldn't get Jude to like the sand.  He walked around it to get to the slide, and needed all particles that would kick up and stick to him, removed immediately.  Well, turns out that sand toys married the two.  Not only did Jude discover the fun of digging, but he also realized he could bring sand home via pant cuffs, socks and shoes!  Can't wait until the weather gets a bit warmer and we add water to the mix!
Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What sand toys do your kids/grandkids like best?


Related Article:
25 Fun Sand Play Activities 

Self-Care

We were both in agreement that we were going outside.  The debate was over who got to put on his shoes!  I thought it was reasonable to assume, that I would get the job.  After all, I did have the experience and referrals from my own three children, and I continue to do it for myself.  Jude's argument, which I picked up through his body language and sound effects, was strong, persistent and logical.  They truly were his feet, and his shoes !  His efforts were to be commended.  He was pretty darn patient, while letting me point out matching foot and shoe, and he knew to aim for the hole.  Fortunately, there were no laces to contend with!  I wish I could say that Jude miraculously slipped his shoes on, and we were off and running, but it didn't quite happen that way.  Before his frustration continued to build, I was able to distract him by breaking into the first stanza of "Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed," and whisked him away and down the stairs, with his shoes out-of-sight, and under my armpits. Once outside I slipped those suckers on his little feet while he was busy honking the horn on his car stroller.
Looks like he's pretty close to reaching another milestone ...next stop, SOCKS!
Best regards,
Bubbie
P.S. What milestones will you share in the lives of your kids and/or grandkids?
Related Articles and Products:
Pediped Footwear 
Words to "Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed" 
Toddler Milestone/Self-Care