Tuesday, December 13, 2011

First Puzzles for Toddlers


Physical Benefits

At a young age, puzzles help children to develop fine motor skills, which in everyday terms means the ability to make small (or fine) movements. The picking up, grasping or pincing of pieces helps to develop fine muscle control, which in turn helps your child when it comes to writing-ready time. 
What about large motor skills? What? You've never seen a jigsaw puzzle being built with intermittent handstands? Guess you've never met Jude!  This boy cracks me up!
Keep them laughing,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any good puzzles for kids that you'd like to share with us?
Related Articles:
Puzzles and Logic Toys
Which Jigsaw Puzzles are Best for Toddlers

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Home Made Toys for Kids

Jude has plenty of toys, books and art supplies to play with, but on this particular day, he was bored. We were both looking around for something different to do when I spotted an empty box of Weight Watchers Carrot Cupcakes. That was it! We found our new favorite toy! A few stickers sealed the open end of the box, and a pencil took care of the punched holes. We can proudly say that we have the best darn "crayon-holder-dumper," this side of the Mississippi!  I made-up the crayon holder part, and Jude discovered that right after he fills the holes with crayons, it's fun to dump them out and start all over again. What can I say? It was a team effort!
Best always,
Bubbie and Jude
Please share some of your homemade toys for the kids!
Related Articles:
7 Home Made Toys for Baby
Easy Home Made Toys for Toddler

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Toddlers and Babies

Watching my two grandchildren get along in play today was wonderful! Jude got to show off his "look what I can do" skills, while Katie cheered him on with her cooing and kicking! Having two years between them helped a lot...no sharing issues! It was nice to see Jude's gentle and kind attitude towards the baby.  Hoping he feels the same when his new baby brother arrives in 2012!
Happy babysitting,
Bubbie, Jude and Katie, too!
P.S. Any helpful hints on preparing children for a new baby in the home?
Related Article:
Avoiding Sibling Rivalry when Bringing a New Baby Home
How to Help Your Child Accept a New Baby