Saturday, April 30, 2011

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 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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 

Friday, April 22, 2011

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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

Monday, April 11, 2011

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:


Sunday, April 3, 2011

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 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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

Monday, March 28, 2011

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

Monday, March 21, 2011

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

Thursday, March 17, 2011

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 

Monday, March 14, 2011

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

Thursday, March 10, 2011

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 

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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 

Friday, March 4, 2011

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

Sunday, February 27, 2011

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 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

"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 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

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 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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 

Friday, February 11, 2011

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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

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 

Saturday, February 5, 2011

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 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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 

Monday, January 24, 2011

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 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

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 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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? 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

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 

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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 

Saturday, January 8, 2011

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!)

Monday, January 3, 2011

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!)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

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 

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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 

Sunday, December 26, 2010

"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 

Friday, December 24, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

When Toddlers Are Ready To Color

Do you know that Crayola offers crayons which sit in holders "shaped for a child's first palm grasp?"  And do you know if Crayola knows that these "Ta Doodles" have other uses...such as spinning?  Yes, Jude showed me how, with just a flick of the wrist, these "Ta Doodles" can spin on the very same paper I wanted him to draw on.  One of these days, Jude will actually use these for their intended purpose, but for now he's loving his three, lean, mean spinning machines?
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How do your grandkids change-up the play with their toys?
Related Articles:
Crayola Beginnings Website
Teaching Toddlers To Color
Turn Your Photo Into A Coloring Page by Crayola ( I thought this was pretty neat.  Haven't tried it yet.  Sounds like you need to get a code from their coloring box, to do this.  Let me know if any of you try it.  I'd like to know how it works!)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Potty Training

Potty training time! A time for all good parents to come to the aid of their toddlers, by helping them understand when, where, why and how to go potty.  I think it's a safe bet to say, this is not what it's supposed to look like!  After Jude removed all that was in his way, he stepped right into the potty to see if he could fit...standing, of course.  Hmm, don't think that he's willing or able to do the deed, just yet!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. At what age did you begin potty training your little ones?
Related Articles:


Friday, December 17, 2010

Scholastic Holiday Book Giveaway

The Scholastic Holiday Book Giveaway Winner is:
Marci J
Great big thanks to everyone who entered to win six outstanding Scholastic books!
Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year,
Eileen

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

When should babies learn to use eating utensils?

e-How.com showed me the way!  A little late, but next time Jude eats over, I won't need the carpet cleaner.  You see, if you scroll down to rule number two, you will read as I did, "Consider lining the floor beneath your baby's highchair with a garbage bag or plastic shower curtain liner to catch food your little one will inevitably drop or throw."  Now why didn't I think of that  before offering this newbie-fork-user, pasta with lots of tomato sauce?  Next time around, the curtain comes out and down, and I'll be lined with the garbage bag!
Ready and waiting,
Bubbie
P.S.  What tricks have you used to help your kids or grandkids use eating utensils?
Related article: "How to Teach a Baby to Use a Fork"

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Cleaning Up Can Be Fun For Kids

Toy storage bins seem to have taken the place of the big, old toy chests.  When I first saw this, I thought it was a fantastic idea.  Categorizing toys into their own bins!  What could be better, or simpler?  Stuffed dolls in one, balls in another, etc., etc. Twelve opportunities for separation!  Wow!  And this probably would work out swell, as long as there are no toddlers within arms reach of the unit!  Once in contact, there must be this little voice in their heads that say, "Tear that sucker apart!  Dump it all!  Leave no bins unturned!" When all is said and done, there lies the opportunity to sing my favorite song, "It's Clean Up Time Again!"   
Ah kids, 'ya gotta' love 'em!
I know I do,
Bubbie
P.S.  How do you encourage your grandchildren to clean up after themselves?

Related Articles:
Making Clean-Up Fun For Kids
Clean-Up Songs

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Learning Through Imitation

"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery!"  Quoted from Charles Caleb Colton , and being practiced by Jude, the 20-month- old copycat .  This is where parenting really gets to be fun !  Not only do toddlers want to imitate you, but in turn, they want you to imitate them.  Good thing I'm only the grand mom, because at this point that boy can out bend me, out spin me, and yes, out dance me!  
Simon Says, "bye for now,"
Bubbie
P.S.  Share some fun copycat moments you've had with your grandchildren.
Related Articles:
Video/Games To Encourage Imitation 
Children Learn By Imitating Behavior Of Parents 
Quotes From Charles Caleb Colton 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Say "Yes" To Play

Discovering what your hands can do can be pretty funny, especially when you blow raspberries into your palms and feel the tickle!  Jude came up with this new game in the middle of "Open Shut Them !"  We were on "creep them, creep them, creep them, creep them, right up to your chin," when all of a sudden Jude thought I needed some comic relief.  He was so right!  Oh, and if you're tempted to try this yourself, the wetter the better!  (Just a little coaching tip from a toddler who knows!)
 :O)
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What fantastic discoveries  have you watched your grandchildren come up with?
Related Articles:
What Young Children Learn Through Play 
Words to Open Shut Them 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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?

Monday, December 6, 2010

Helping Children Learn To Share

Not another call for me!  Why isn't the phone ever for him?  And they're all crank calls!  No one ever answers!  This sharing thing is becoming a bit much.  He's even feeding me his half eaten pieces of dried cereal, whether I want them or not!  Last week he brought me his balls, books and blocks...all at once!  I'd like to say he shares with children  in the same way, but he's not there just yet. Today Bubbie, tomorrow the world!
Taking one day at a time,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What were the first signs of sharing from your kids and/or grandkids?

Related Articles:
Teaching Your Child To Share
Social Develpment/Toddlers

Sunday, December 5, 2010

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