Grayson's Fifth

Since this 22 month old grandson of mine loves to climb, keeping him off of the piano has become a losing battle. Pulling himself onto the center of the bench is now routine. Once situated, he then proceeds to entertain me with not one, but many versions of Grayson's 5th. Although he's practiced this piece many times, it seems that it has a way of banging itself out differently each time he plays. Fortunately, this pleases him so much that he has a tendency to play louder at each performance. (Maybe I should applaud less :)))) I'm just thankful that he can't reach the pedals yet!
"Learning piano at a young age offers many benefits. It builds confidence and develops creative expression, and studying a musical instrument increases spatial awareness and helps children score higher in reading and math tests than their non-musical counterparts.", so states Bump.com.

Techniques for Teaching 2-Year-Olds to Play Piano 

Having had music lessons as a child, I offered it to all of my kids when they were young. Two of the three still enjoy playing today.
Please share your experiences with playing music yourself at an early age, or your kids or grandkids. Always love hearing from you!
Signing off for now, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies

Imaginative Play

It never ceases to amaze me when children challenge the capabilities of their toys. As an adult, I see a toy simply as it was meant to be. In all the years I've enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, I never once thought to shove their parts into my body for play. But on this day, Jude did...and it was fine until Jude wanted Bubbie to be Mrs. Potato Head. Sorry, but the ears and nose just weren't my hole size! 
Imagination always in motion,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Got any funny stories about the kids for us?
Related Articles:
How Your Child Benefits From Play
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Hat Training for Babies

Hat training? Yep! That's what it's all about!  Start them young, as the article below cites! This method seems to be working on Katie!  At just 4 months old, she's loving her hats! 
It seems like there's this window of time to get them used to the feel, and if you miss it...it might be a challenge getting them to wear one, like I experienced with my kids. Not only are hats wonderful protection from the sun and weather, but they most definitely make great props for pictures!
Keeping warm in the coming months,
Bubbie and Katie, too!
P.S. Let's hear about your ideas for getting your grandkids/kids to stay in their hats?

Related Articles:

Teaching a Baby to Wear a Hat

How to Knit a Hat for Baby with Erica Knight/Video
Cute Baby and Toddler Hats (handmade)

Finger Foods

Watching Jude chow down on some cut-up peanut butter and jelly squares, put me in the mood for some easy-to-make finger food ideas. I found some great links below, but was stumped when I saw a picture of a Pikelet ??? (For anyone who also didn't know, it turns out that a Pikelet is a type of pancake found in Australia and New Zealand.) Now that I've been tempted by so many delicious recipes, I think I'll still go make myself a P & B sandwich for now.  (But I will try some of these great food combinations this week, especially the frozen yogurt on graham crackers sandwich...that should be a winner with a little one!)
Happy cooking,
Bubbie and Jude
Please share any quick and yummy recipes you've made for and/or with the kids!
Related Articles:
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Grocery Shopping with the Kidlets!

Taking the little ones shopping for groceries doesn't have to be a problem, especially if you follow the rules:
1. Shop at off-hours (2 a.m. to 5 a.m.)
2. Let children buy whatever they want.
3. Allow children to eat whatever they want as you shop.
All joking aside, here are a few tips that worked for me:
- Before shopping everyone was fed, went to the bathroom and already napped.
- I organized my shopping list clustering items on same aisles together (best I could).
- Tried to shop at less busy times.
- Had the kids help find items on grocery list.
- Brought or bought a healthy snack for kids to eat while paying, to avoid the candy temptation at check-out.
How about sharing some favorites that worked for you?
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
Grocery Shopping With Toddlers
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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

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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

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 

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:
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"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:
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Mirrors 

How And When To Teach Reading And Writing?

Texting?  He's barely talking!  Does this mean he's reading ?  And who's he writing to?  Could it be the cute red-head he played with on the slide today?  How did she get his number?  Wait a dog-gone minute here.  That's my phone, and stop pushing the buttons! You're about to call England again!  Whew!  Kids!  Can't leave them alone with your phone for a second!
Best to be watching them,
Bubbie
P.S.  When did your cuties show signs of interest in reading and writing?

Related Articles:
When and How Can I Teach My Child to Read?
How to Teach My Pre-Schooler to Write?

Shadow Puppets and Activities for Kids

"Find a shadow. Pick it up! All day long you'll have good luck!"
Hmm...I don't think so!  Although Jude did give it his best shot.  Funny thing about those shadows ,they just don't seem to stay still long enough to let you get a good hold on them!  A lot like a kid!  But when this kid gets a bit older, I'll bring out some sidewalk chalk, and we'll have some fun tracing each others shadows , as we strike a pose.  Can't wait!
Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Please share some of your sunny day explorations with your grandchildren!
Related Articles/Videos:
How to Make Shadow Puppets
Shadow Activities for Kids

Toddlers Explore Through Climbing

Watching and helping Jude figure out  how to sit, stand, walk and run have not been nearly as much fun as his latest challenge ...climbing!  This is pure joy!  He's having as much fun conquering those enticing obstacles, as I am observing and spotting him!  His favorite word now is up , which is coming in very handy since everything taller than him needs scaling!  The world according to Jude has become one big jungle gym!
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Which of your kid's, or grandkid's milestones have given you the most pleasure?
Related Articles:
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Toddlers and Dogs

Dogs and kids and balls!  A winning combination, with proper supervision at all times .  I'm amazed this beach ball is still intact.  Most of the balls Jude owns have Napoleon's personal signature on them...teeth marks.  Napoleon also enjoys Jude's plush dolls and squeak toys. It's the moving toys that are not on his "let's play" list...especially when Jude takes his shopping cart out for a spin.  At that point all bets are off, and you're taking your life in your hands to be resting comfortably, in a stretched-out position on the floor.  Fortunately, Napoleon has figured this out...and so have we!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude and Napoleon
P.S.  Do you have any favorite grandkids and pets stories to share ?
Related Articles/Video:
Toddlers and Dogs
Dog and Baby Having A Blast /YouTube Video (Too Funny!)

Precious Moments With The Kids

How's this for fun?  First you take 2 or 3 handfuls of wood chips and throw them into a bucket .  You then dump the wood chips that you tossed into the bucket, onto the ground, which is covered in wood chips, which you used in the first place to put into your bucket .  Easy!  Relaxing!  No math skills required!  I've tried it, and would highly recommend it!  As a matter of fact, when Jude discovered it for himself today, he was so fascinated by it's simplicity that he spent 10 minutes repeating the process, until boredom set in, and he moved onto bigger and better things...like finding stuff on the ground (moving or not) which you're not supposed to eat, let alone pick-up!
Another eventful day at the park!
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us your precious moments with your grandkids, and/or kids while playing at the park!
P.S.S. Thanks!
Related Products For Sale:
Store For Knowledge (Sand Toys)
Really Cute Tin Pails and Beach Buckets For Sale 

First Haircut

My grandson's first haircut did not happen while sitting at the bathroom sink, or in a barber's chair.  A salon designed just for kids  was chosen for his precious-ness!  Today haircuts are performed in trains, planes and automobiles...while watching DVD's or TV on flat screen monitors.  Some of these kids' boutiques offer birthday parties, costumes for dress-up, air-hockey, video games, karaoke and toys galore!
I want to go!  I say,"Grown-up salons should get with the program!"  How about some incentives for us, like: hot hors d'oeuvres, live music, and free round trip tickets to Hawaii!
When I was a kid, we'd get the old, "bowl cut!"  And yes, an actual bowl was used!  Our entertainment was watching our siblings having a fit because they knew they were next!  My kids were lucky!  They were introduced to the new and improved version of the "home haircut."  Each one got to sit on the vanity, with their feet in the sink, watching in the mirror, while mommy made funny faces to get them through her attempt at cutting their hair. Ah, the good ol' days! A time before we knew someone else could do the job better, faster, and with less band-aids!
Here's to looking good!
Bubbie
P.S.  Any haircut traditions in your family?
Related Article and Video:
Tori and Dean at Lollicut/YouTube Video
First Haircut Traditions

Peek-A-Boo

Where is Jude?  I can't find Jude anywhere!  Where did he go?

Why can't Bubbie disappear that easily? Jude, what's your secret?  I can't figure this out!  No matter how hard I try, everyone still finds me.  Don't they know I am invisible, unavailable...temporarily gone from the face of this earth?  I actually think they find me faster when I try to hide.  More urgent matters seem to erupt when I attempt this feat.  Something breaks, phones ring, dogs fight, even bridges collapse!  Well maybe not bridges...but there was the overflowing toilet that rushed it's way through my doors, floors, and ceilings!  Maybe I've got to work on closing my eyes tighter?  That's it!  It's the eyes!  There he is!  There's Jude!  I see him now!  Then we laugh, and play again.  
Imagine that!
Bubbie
P.S.  Would love to hear about one of your little one's all-time favorite games!


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Safe Blocks For Baby

Yes, this toy was personally tested by my grandson, just so you would feel comfortable buying a set of "B" blocks for your own little munchkins! I realize it was brave of him, but somebody had to do it! These soft blocks claim to be stackable, squeezable, chewable, squeakable, and I can't remember what else...and they are all of the above! Got tired of intercepting his hard, plastic toys, just before he bopped himself on the face or head with them. Too many ouchies, too often! And, no, I'm not getting paid for my endorsement, I'm just thrilled to have found a great toy, and wanted to share it with you. Discovered these blocks at Target when Jude was 5 months, and he played so well with them, that I upped the ante with their more extensive set the next month. These blocks will no doubt hold up for more little kidlits to come! Enjoy!
Best,
Bubbie
P.S. Which toy or book did you buy for your first born, which lasted and was enjoyed by his/her sibling (s)?
Related Products:
B Toys / Blocks