Hydrating Toddlers

The days are getting hotter and Jude is playing harder. Fortunately, Jude likes to take water breaks, so I've always got a cuppy filled with cool water waiting for him in his car-mobile.   Another favorite rehydrator of his are grapes and watermelon pieces at snack time! To protect this little guy during the summer months, I also keep him lathered in sunscreen and look for shady spots to play. The only issue is the old hat trick...if I could only get him to keep one on his head!  Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated! 
Happy summer months,
Bubbie and Jude




Related Articles:
How Much Water Should My Toddler Drink Everyday
Summer Fun and Fitness
How Much Water Should Your Child Be Drinking

Kids Helping Kids

Jude enjoyed being helped, as much as his friend enjoyed helping! The grown-ups all applauded and whooped it up, which caused the children to look for more ways to help one another. Modeling and encouraging kindness certainly pays off for everyone!
Respectfully yours,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What methods have you used to teach your grandkids and/or kids kindness and caring?
Related Article:
It's Always Cool To Be Kind

Seesaws and other Playground Fun

Not only is this playground seesaw a four-seater, but it's spring won't allow anyone to be dropped to the ground, like when I was a kidlet! What a great improvement!  It took us several tries as kids to figure out that you always wanted your turn with someone lighter than yourself.  I can still feel the "thud" when I would hit the ground unexpectedly, and my "supposed" friend would take off to play on something else...like the swings.  Well, that was Jude's next stop after the seesaw and then the slides, and then the climbing toy...and then, and then, this bubbie was ready for the sleeping toy!
Happy playing,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What's your grandchild's favorite playground toy?

Ordinary Household Items for Learning and Discovery

As long as there's a house full of stuff, you can never run out of fun for the kids! 
A few slightly damp sponges were all it took to keep this toddler amused and busy for quite some time.  Jude started out cleaning the surface of the table, and soon discovered the joy of wiping over and around walls, chairs and toys.  Good thing the dog wasn't around, or he would have gotten the "once over," too!  
Keeping it interesting,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any play suggestions using ordinary household items?
Related Article:
Ordinary Materials to Support Discovery and Learning

Dining Out With The Kids

Want some exercise in portion control and pushing the old heartbeat up a notch or two?  Just go out to eat with a toddler! In no time at all you'll be racing out of your favorite restaurant having finished only half your meal. This works every time! You might even get a little extra jogging in if your munchkin is slick enough to Houdini it out of the high chair, and go for their "meet and greet the diners" run.  So put on your sneakers, come semi-hungry and let the games begin!
Laughing all the way,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any great "eating out" restaurant tips with the little ones?
Related Article:
How To Get Kids To Behave In A Restaurant

Toddler Playgroups

Jude and I began going to the park months ago as a way of stretching our legs and enjoying the clean, fresh air.  We never expected to end up with a great playgroup!  On any given day we can have as few as 4 children and as many as 20!  Socializing consists of sharing healthy treats for snack time,  gathering the kids for circle games, and if time allows breaking out the bubbles and wands, blankets for coloring or big brushes for water painting. The kids play hard and are ready for lunch and a nap by the time we get them home, which makes for a very happy grown-up!

Keep 'em laughing,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Please share your (grandkids or kids) playgroup experiences!

Related Articles:

Benefits of Playgroups for Toddlers



Laughter Does a Body Good!

What's so funny?  All I said was, "Peek-a-boo!" while popping out from under a mound of pillows.  This game elicited squealing, giggling and some hardy laughs for more than 20 minutes!  
"Experts say a well-developed sense of humor can boost a person's immune system, contribute to a more optimistic outlook on life, and increase self-esteem."
Jude and I are finding lots of times to laugh, whether it's pushing him in his cardboard box around his room, playing with Jude's Jack-in-the box or giving him surprised looks when my hat falls off of my head.  
"What's more, research shows that a sense of humor is learned, not inherited. "
Well, we are having a great time learning how to have a sense of humor. Fortunately, his parents love to laugh and have always shared this with Jude, so I have no doubt that this little honey will end up with a considerably boosted immune system!
Keep 'em smiling,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What makes your grandkids laugh?
Related Article:
What's funny to a toddler? 

Learning The Alphabet

"Most children begin recognizing some letters between the ages of 2 and 3 and can identify most letters between 4 and 5. This means that you can start teaching your child the alphabet when he's around 2 — but don't expect full mastery for some time."

Jude's playing with magnetic letters has become a learning experience for me, too!  First he figured out they can stick, followed by the discovery that some letters match, and I believe he's now trying to figure out how to line them up to make patterns.  Learning the letters will come, there's just so many other things that this toddler needs to explore first!   

Best,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Have any good tips on teaching the ABC's?

Related Articles:
10 Ways To teach the Alphabet 
Suggestions for Learning the Alphabet 
Should I Teach the Alphabet before Kindergarden 

Educational Toys

The advertisement read, "This ingenious, fun-to-use phone lets children hear themselves talk…so kids can really focus on every sound they say! Perfect for exploring letter sounds, phoneme blending, sound manipulation and more, the molded plastic phone is sized just for kids, with a lightweight, easy-grip handle." Obviously I had to buy this right away for my grandson.  I couldn't wait to watch the surprised expression on his face as he'd hear himself talk.  What the copy on the package should have added was, "...and just in case your children prefer puzzles, expect them to try to fit every toy they have into the fun-to-use phone's openings and build from there!"  I must admit, I spent a lot of time listening to myself talk into this ingenious invention while Jude slept.  It will be fun and educational once he's ready!
Happy learning,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  I'd love to hear about some educational toys you've found worthwhile buying for the kids!  Thanks!
Related article:
Unique and Creative Toys for Kids 

Cardboard Boxes Stir The Imagination

It all started with an empty Pampers box.  Darn that last diaper!  I simply couldn't resist introducing Jude to "the empty box."  I knew it would be love at first site.  The first thing Jude did was to climb in for a ride.  As the designated driver, I had the honor of pulling this precious cargo from room to room while he repeatedly asked for more!  After I pooped out, Jude filled it with balls, and drove it around himself for a while.  We've got lots more to do with this great toy as we break her in!  Old favorites never die!
Here's to fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  How about sharing some of your great ideas for box play?
Related Article:
Fun With Cardboard Boxes 

Problem Solving

Going through a dog door is no easy task, as I learned watching Jude deal with the problem.  His first decision was to assess the height and width of the opening from the outside.  Once he convinced himself that he could fit, he proceeded to push his way in, with no hands, of course.  Looking back at his accomplishment gave him great satisfaction, and that I believe is why he had to try it ten more times!  Poor dog, had to wait his turn!
"Nothing can take the place of persistence." (Calvin Coolidge)
"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with my problems longer." (Albert Einstein)
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How do your grandchildren deal with their problems?
Related Article:
Problem Solving In Action 

Music Does A Body Good

"Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly):

• do better in reading and math when they start school
• are better able to focus and control their bodies
• play better with others and have higher self-esteem"

So glad to learn the stats because it makes Jude's playing a lot easier to listen to.  When he gets into his musical interludes now, it's  music to my ears!  (Although, I think the cats and dog would strongly disagree with me!)



Music does a body good,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have you any experiences to share regarding children and music?

Related Article:
Introducing Toddlers to Music 
Benefits of Music 

Easter Egg Hunt

When I was a teen we used to play, "How many kids can squish into a Volkswagon Beetle at one time?"  Today as a grandmom the game of the day was, "How many toddlers can we get to sit still long enough, to snap one picture?"  I'm proud to announce that it only took six adults, and many clicks on two cameras to come up with this miraculous shot! Not bad though, if you consider the amount of treats these sweeties just finished off during and after their Egg Hunt.  
Nap time for all!
Happy Easter,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have any cute pics of your cuties?  Send them in. Happy to show them off! (Send jpg's to shnoozleland@aol.com)
P.S.S. Any tips on picture taking (toddlers)?
Related Articles:
Plastic Easter Eggs and Ideas For Toddlers
Toddlers Easter Egg Party
15 Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers

Good Times With Toddlers

I've enjoyed watching Jude play with his maze for months, but he's now taken it to an exciting new level. Ladies and Gentleman, we now have sound!  (This must be what audiences felt like when "talkies" were introduced.)  He's stepped into the world of make-believe. As he moves the threaded, wooden pieces along the loop-d-loop wired paths, he changes his sounds as his adventures unfold in his imagination.
Can't wait to see and hear what tomorrow will bring!
Toddlers are too cute,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  How do you, or have you had fun with your toddler?
Related Article:
Good Times With Toddlers

Birthday Parties!

There's not a whole lot that can top a "bounce house" for a two year old's birthday party. (Not in Jude's mind, anyway.)  As long as you have a big enough back yard, or a park to set them up in...you are good to go!  These outdoor playgyms are incredibly fun for the kids, as well as the few brave adults pulled in by their apprehensive toddlers. Closest thing to this that I got to do as a kid was to bounce on the sofa or bed.  And we didn't have the encouragement of our parents standing by, cheering us on.  It was more like, "if I catch you jumping on that sofa one more time.........!"(you know the rest).  Ahh, the good "new" days!

Happy Birthday, Jude!

Love,

Bubbie

P.S. What have your grandkids most enjoyed doing for their birthday parties?

Related Articles:

Bounce House Party Games

7 Special Birthday Celebrations for Grandchildren

Wooden Puzzles

I think I love wooden puzzles as much as Jude does!  He can sit quietly with them for at least ten minutes now.  Not only do they help develop cognitive learning and fine motor skills, but they don't require batteries.  No batteries!  I can actually hear us talk during this play.  There's no repetitive noises!  I'm not running around trying to pull batteries out of another toy, just to replace it in the "no longer able to play" toy. Wooden puzzles are the best!  
Quiet play rules,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any suggestions for your favorite wooden puzzles for our little ones?


Related Article:
Guide On Choosing Toddler Puzzle 

Toddler Pretend Play Activities

I guess babies just wake up one day and decide they're into Pretend Play.  At least that's how it seemed to happen with Jude.  He now talks to his plush, drives his toy cars all over town on his carpeted bedroom floor, and feeds pieces of play dough to his plastic farm animals with slurping sound effects for my listening pleasure!  It's adorable!  Right now I'm in the watch and just-go-along with it stage. I'm sometimes allowed to sneak in a suggestion, but mostly I get to sit back and enjoy his imagination expanding and exploring the possibilities!
Loving every minute of it, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any suggestions on Pretend Play?
Related Article:
Toddler Pretend Play Activities

Safety Gates

They say, "practice makes perfect," and I believe Jude is practicing very hard to make his climbing skills perfect!
Watching him try to execute a clean gate-break makes me wonder how in the world my parents managed to get five kids through toddlerhood without the luxury of safety gates, cabinet locks, and socket plugs?  I'm guessing it was the family playpen!  The family playpen was a well-worn, wooden, hand-me-down, with a set of built-in counting beads. We'd spend hours in the "pen" snacking, playing and sleeping.  When neighbors came by for visits, they simply piled their kids in there too! 
Thank goodness for new inventions,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us the best baby, safety-featured gadget you've tried and liked, or anything else that strikes your fancy?

Related Articles:
Toddler Climbing/What To Expect
Baby Gates/Do's and Dont's

Flash Cards for Toddlers

Last time I played with Flashcards, we held them in our hands, then flipped them over for the answer.  Jude of course has a new and improved way!  Just stick them on your head one at a time for the information to slowly absorb through your skull and into your brain.  I think he's got something there.  Hey, I'm up to trying anything that makes life a little easier and a lot more fun!
Gotta love these kids,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  At what ages did you find flash cards to be most helpful for the kids?
Related Article:
Early Education Flashcards

Toddlers and Chores

Just the other day Jude and I were reaching into the garage for the sand toys, when Jude spotted the swifter leaning against the wall and insisted it come with us.  Here I am thinking we're about to embark on another fun day at the park, and Jude's thinking "wouldn't it be more fun to mop the floor!"  Since toddlers love to play with brooms, mops and dust pans, we negotiated a time out for tidying-up before we sunned-up!  
Always room for one more chore,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How have your grandkids/kids helped out around the house?


Related Article:
How To Let Your Child Help With Chores 

Children Working At Play

Maria Montessori, a doctor and pioneer educator, believes that "children have a drive for positive interactions with their environment." She states that, "Play meets a basic human instinct for exploration. It is a basic instinct of human beings to master their environments in order to feel safe and secure."  This hits home for me as I help Jude explore every inch of his environment.  He needs to turn everything upside down and backwards to understand all of it's capabilities, and then some!  Who would have thought toy bins can turn into stepping stones, jump-off blocks, stacking toys and lounging chairs.  And I'm sure he's got a few more tricks up his sleeves!
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How hard do your kids/grandkids work at play?

Related Article:
Creating Indoor Spaces for Toddlers

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 

Plush Are Great Learning Toys

"Research shows that those children who play with plush toys regularly are able to express themselves quite emphatically and are calmer during stressful situations." 
Since Jude has too many plush for me to count, according to this statement, I believe he's going to be the calmest kid on his block! Emphatic too, as Jude emphatically explains to his newest plush, Curious George, what the house rules are, and that Luvie, is never to be messed with!  Although Jude didn't use those exact words, I do believe he finished his little talk with, "I think we both understand each other now!" 
Hugs and Loves, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Who were some of your grandkids'/kids' favorite plush characters?
Related Article:
Plush Toys are Learning Toys 

Tumbling for Toddlers

Helping Jude do a tumblesault was easy.  Getting him to stop was the challenge! I couldn't blame him at all. Growing up with four siblings, we spent many hours at the end of the day, testing our acrobatic skills on the living room rug.  Back bends, hand stands, tumbles, and often rumbles would erupt competing for floor space and "now look at me" time.  It was a terrific form of indoor exercise...not to mention, we all slept great at night!
Keep 'em moving,
Bubbie and Jude

P.S.  Any good indoor exercises for kids, you might share?
Related Article: 
Tumbling Toddlers

Playground Swings

I remember loving the playground as a child.  Most of our  time was spent honing our swinging skills. After all, we had to be ready at a moments notice for the "highest swinger" and the "farthest jumper" competitions.  We also loved to twist the swing until it could not twist anymore, just to see how many times we could make it untwist, for dizziness sake! 
As I watch Jude loving his bucket swing, I have no doubt that he will be moving onto the "big kid" swing in no time, and discovering his own daring stunts. 
Can't wait,
Bubbie and Jude!
P.S. What do your grandbabies love to do at the playground?
Related Article:
Benefits of Playground Swings 

"Calming Down" Time

Soft comforts!  Who can't love this?  Petting a furry-purry cat with one hand, and hugging a silky-lovey with the other. Jude sure knows how to take a "play" break.  And I thought the answer was a box of chocolates and a good movie. Just snapping the picture soothed my soul. The best part of this moment was the chatter between the two. Although I couldn't understand a word either one said, it was clear that they did.
Take a break and enjoy,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any tips of your own, for helping the kids with down time?
Related Articles:
Calm-It-Down Tips 
Calm-Down Time 
The Power Of Petting A Cat 

A Sense of Balance

Hold it, hold it, hold it...and he did it! Yes! After only six tries, but two minutes of grueling persistence, Jude balances his lightweight, yellow ring on the top of his head for his record breaking time of...wait for it... five seconds! Let's hear it for Jude!  
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude


P.S. What balancing games have you found to be fun for your kids and grandkids?
Related Article:
Balance, Posture and Movement
Balancing Games 
How To Improve Your Child's Balance 
Balance For Preschoolers 

Fun With Stickers

Getting a sticker to stay stuck on your cheek isn't so hard, but try getting a sticker to stay stuck on your nose.  Now that's quite a different subject!  Jude worked on it for quite a while, and I think if we had a little more sticky on the back of the sticker, and not so much runny from the tip of Jude's nose, we would have had a much better chance at accomplishing this major goal in Jude's day.
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  How do your grandkids play with stickers?
Related article:
Removing Stickers From Places They Don't belong 
How To Make Your Own Stickers 

Discovering Facial Features

Once your little one figures out they have facial features, their next logical step is to discover who else has them!  I've found that stuffed animals are a terrific place to start.  Obviously, these darling, little critters were built to withstand the poking, prodding and pulling which a face has to endure through the early stages of discovery.  Thank goodness for small, plush favors!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
Leapfrog/Activity/Nose, Eyes, Mouth
Toddler Station/Body Parts Songs

Indoor Exercises For Kids

Watching Jude watch a video is inspiring.  All these years I could have been firming-up my abs, glutes and thighs while watching TV!  I didn't have to sit on the sofa, feet up, with my fingers playing rapid fire with my mouth and a bag of M & M's!  From now on I'm doing it Jude's way!  Stretched out with muscles tightened between the ottoman and sofa, while holding onto Jude's blankie.  That'll do it!  I'll keep you posted on my new physique, or aching back...whichever comes first!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Do you have any fun indoor exercises for the kids, that you'd like to share?
Related Articles:
How To Plan Indoor Exercises For The Kids 
How To Teach Preschool Fitness 

Toddlers and the "No" Word

No! No! No!  Of all the words that Jude can say, "no" seems to be on the tip of his tongue at all times.  And it sure does work around me.  I find myself standing at attention when he expresses his favorite word, anxious to find out what he is now cognizant of that he doesn't want, or doesn't want to do.  Usually it's in place of, "Stop shoving food into my mouth, I've had enough," or "That's not the video I want to watch, that's the one you want to watch!"  As long as it doesn't mean, "Enough with the hugs and kisses," I'm happy!
"No-no" for now,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
When All You Hear Is "No!" 
Toddlers Say "No" Because They Can 

When Toddlers Develop Their Sense of Smell

Ahh...the smell of Playdoh!  You just can't beat it, and I don't know anyone who can't recall it!  The first thing that I want to do when I see a container of the squishy stuff, is smell it.  Now that I get to play with it again with my grandson, we're both delighting in it's enticing aroma, especially since Jude is beginning to recognize different smells.  Next up...freshly baked, chocolate- chip cookies!  (Nestles, of course!)
Best,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Sensory Games 
Your Toddler's Sense of Smell 
What Does Purple Smell Like 

Magnetic Drawing Board and Pen

"Look Ma, no crayons or paper!" Now, I love a good mess as well as the next guy, but this magnetic drawing board is too sweet for words!  Jude can scribble away, then erase and start again, and it's terrific for hand-eye coordination!  Reminds me of playing with Wooly Willie, as a kid.  Willie also came with a pen which was used to move magnet dust around, for adding features, like hair, beard and a mustache. 


Here's to the good old days, and the good new days,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Let's here about your memories of favorite toys from the past, that may be similar to the toys being used by your grandchildren in the present!
Related Articles:
Wooly Willie 
Magnetic Drawing Toy 

Soap Crayons For Bathtub Fun

So, I had to open up the bathroom door to find out why Jude was trying to break in. He knew exactly what he wanted as he excitedly began yelling and pointing at the soap crayons on an upper ledge in the tub.  Handing him one green crayon was not good enough.  He needed all three with caps off in order to begin his masterpiece on his porcelain canvas.  Wow, was I impressed with his newly acquired drawing skills.  And when he was willing to move on to another activity, his art work wiped down easily with a damp cloth.  Next time I plan on water coloring with my friends, I'm inviting them all over to my bathroom for some real fun!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What form of art have you explored with your grandchildren?
Related Article:
How To Make Your Own Soap Crayons 

Playing With Play Dough

Play Dough is a great, calming, sensory activity which helps with hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and increases the attention span for children... and of course entertains this Grandmom to no end. I get to help squeeze, roll, and pat the dough before Jude pours the pieces from one container to the next.  I can't wait to graduate to snakes and braids.  In the meantime, I'd sure like to figure out an easier way to pick-up the dough from the rug.  Any Play-Dough Vacs out there?  Let me know if you've got any ideas! 
Open for suggestions, 
Bubbie
Related Articles:
Easy Play Dough Recipes 
Play Dough Ideas 

Exercising Toddlers

The crib is now officially the gym!  Jude has discovered a much better use for his mattress, other than sleeping or napping on it...he's talking, calisthenics.  That's right!  He can jump, swing, bend, twist and kick, all for the low price of zero dollars a month.  Where can you get a cheaper workout than that?  He'll even drop onto the mattress when tired for a bit of a cool down, with some stretching, and of course, lots of belly laughs.  He's having such a blast, I'm tempted to try it on my own bed, but I think I'd need the bars to get as much lift as he does.  Some kids just have all the fun!  
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How have your grandbabies taken to the crib?
Related Article:
How Much Exercise Do Toddlers Need? 

Playing With Wooden Blocks

Too tired to pick-up after yourself? Well, it can still be done!  Just plant yourself in a restful position, and if it's not too much of a stretch, gently toss your mess back into it's container. I should have taken some before pictures!  Jude had just spent over 30 minutes, sorting, building and knocking down his blocks.  Not too many toys can keep his attention that long!  Blocks are a great toy to have around for toddlers, especially since they've been linked to strengthening math and problem solving skills...just watch where you're walking after dark!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any of you saved your kids blocks to hand down to your grandchildren? Or any other treasures?
Related Articles:
Playing With Blocks 
Helping Toddlers Learn With Wooden Blocks 

Toddlers and Computers

At fifteen years old I took typing in my freshman year of high school.  The keys often stuck, and there was no such thing as "spell check," or  a "delete" button.  I used my fair share of white-out  and typewriter ribbon.  My best timing after an entire semester was 40 wpm. Times have certainly changed!  At 21 months old my grandson has been introduced to a computerized keyboard, which teaches him words, sounds, and letters.  If they made learning to type this much fun when I was a kid, I probably would have shown up for most of my classes!
Open to learning,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. At what ages did your grandchildren get onto the computer?
Related Article:
7 Stages of Computer Literacy For Toddlers

Keeping Kids Happy and Busy

What's in the box?  I don't really know if it matters, as long as it's filled with stuff that can be pulled out, lined up, stacked up and put back. 
My kids used to love to play with all the little loner toys that made their way into my junk drawer.  These play things were some of the lucky soles that might have been found under the sofa after their counter parts were tossed, left over from a kid's meal, or brought home from a party in a goodie bag.  And if I grabbed a few and stuck them in a bag or box, look out!  Their play value would hit the top of the chart.
Here's to some good old fashioned fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Have you found your grandkids to like the same type of play as your kids once did?  If so, tell us about it!


Related Article:
101 Ways To Keep Kids Busy 

Shape Sorters

Jude says, "if it doesn't fit, shove it in with your foot, or pound it in with a hammer!"  Not really!  Those are my words, not his.  I still haven't been able to break his record! I think he likes the fact that he can beat me!  Always giving himself a great big round of applause!  That's okay!  With a little more practice during his naps, I'll know my octagon from my hexagon.
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Which shape sorters do your little ones like best?


Related Articles:
Using Shape Sorters With Toddlers 
Teaching Toddlers to Sort Shapes 
Gator Sorter (Thought this was great!)

Tree Climbing

Jude found the most perfect tree for climbing, if you happen to be 20 months old!  Notice the small separation in the "V" of the tree trunk, which happens to be just the right size for a little toddler's foot, and with a little help from Bubbie, he's made the climb! Done!  Over!  The thrill is gone, and we then move on to bigger and better things, like making leaf piles, and jumping in!
Have fun in the great outdoors,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles and Video:
Leaping Into Leaf Piles/Urlesque/YouTube Video (Enjoy!  I did!)
Indoor Wall Climbing Tree (Clever idea for a child's room!)
Go Ape  (This looks like fun for the brave-at-heart!)

Learning With Blocks

Playing with blocks can help with language, spacial, math, and problem-solving skills, among other things.  The "other things" according to observing Jude are: throwing them across a room into an empty box, making noise by clapping them together, and balancing them on his foot while sitting down.  Best part about playing with blocks for me would be... no batteries required!
Keeping it simple,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Play and Learning With Blocks 
Blocks: Great Toys For All Ages 
Parenting Science: Toy Blocks 

Exercise With The Kids

Watching Jude throwing and chasing his ball was adorable, but once he started using his ball as a form of exercise, I decided he was trying to send me a subtle, "get up and move" message. So I turned on some Disney tunes and copied Jude's moves.  Must say, he gave me a great workout!  Hope he doesn't bring out the weights next time!
Moving right along,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Exercising With Your Toddler 
Incorporating Kids Into Your Exercise Routine 
Working Out With Babies And toddlers 

"All About Me"

There's never a time to feel alone when eating.  Just take it from a kid.  Grab your food, find the closest mirror, and delve into some good tastes and sweet conversation.  Make it what you want it to be.  Do as Jude does!  Savour each bite, and yuck it up!  Looks like fun, doesn't it?  I know I had a blast just watching this honey enjoying his own company.
Bon Appetite!,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
Why Possessiveness Is A Good Sign 
Toddlers Crafts/All About Me 
Mirrors 

Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers

My all-time favorite brush-your-teeth song has to be, "Brush Your Teeth" performed by Raffi!  Jude loves to watch it too, as he practices brushing his teeth. At this age brushing means sucking and chewing on the bristles until all of the flavored toothpaste is gone. I don't know about you, but I prefer rinsing and spitting!



Keeping them clean,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any tricks on getting the kids to brush their teeth?
Related Articles/Video
Brush Your Teeth by Raffi Video
Toddler Dental Care
Oral Care Products For Infants And Toddlers

Do One Nice Thing!

Thought I'd take a minute to talk about a wonderful Card Recycle Program.  Driving home from visiting my dad tonight, I was listening to 980 a.m. talk radio, and they were discussing "Do One Nice Thing's" website:
http://www.doonenicething.com/d1nt-ideas.php
On their list of "nice thing's to do", they suggest sending your used, all-occasion cards to St. Jude's Ranch.
At  St. Jude's Ranch for abused and neglected children, kids will redesign and sell your cards to raise funds. Click on link below for details:
http://www.stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

I've already started a pile of holiday cards myself!  As an added incentive to you, I'd like to offer an Original Shnoozles' Book, Audio Book and 3 bookmarks, to the first 30 people who write and tell me they'll donate some of their used all-occasion cards to this worthwhile cause.  I am not being paid or reimbursed in any way by anyone for doing this.  Just thought it was "a nice thing to do!"



Best holiday wishes,
Eileen

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!