Toddler Games - How to Make a "Shape Sorting" Treasure Box

One of the best activities you can offer your toddler or preschooler is the opportunity to sort items into categories. Sorting encourages analytical thinking, and creativity, and is a basic math skill. All you need is some items to sort, a box to hold them, and a muffin tin to get started.

A shape sorting treasure box can be used by your toddler while other kids are working on homework, or while you are doing another activity. Keep the box out of reach, and only take it out when it is time to do a sorting activity, so the items are interesting to examine and sort. Add to the box as you find new items.

Supplies:

• Big box or canister to hold treasures: Pick a box that is large enough to hold about 100 smallish items. A plastic bin with a lid will work, or you can use a cardboard box. You can let your child "decorate" a plain box with stickers, crayons, or markers, if you would like.

• Treasures to sort: Accumulate about 100 small items. If you child is very young, or prone to putting things in his mouth, make sure the items are not choking hazards. Whenever you find a small item that you are not sure what to do with, add it to the box. Choose a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, using the list below as a starting point. Think about the ways your child can sort the items, and choose accordingly. The greater the variety, the more fun the project will be.

• Items for sorting:
- Plastic mini animals
- Blocks
- Old keys
- Rocks
- Shells
- Small toys
- Leaves
- Dry beans (do not use if your child will eat them)
- Wrapped candy
- Leftover game pieces
- Dominoes
- Dice
- Playing card
- Beanbags
- Crayons
- Play food
- Kitchen items

• Muffin tin for sorting: An inexpensive muffin tin works for sorting small items. If your items are larger, use a set of inexpensive plastic bowls instead.

How to Use a Sorting Box:

Place your muffin tin or bowls on the table, and give your child the box. Pick the way you would like the items sorted, and take them out one by one, and sort them into categories. You may need to do the activity together a time or two, but most kids will pick it up pretty quickly. Begin with the easiest sorting-sorting items by color, and move on to more complex or intuitive things, like texture, use, or size.

Some suggested ways to sort items:
Sort by:
• Color
• Shape
• Size
• Living/Non living things
• Texture
• Hard/Soft
• Metal/plastic/fabric
• How items are used
• Beginning sounds

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com which features a fantastic selection of outdoor toys including ride-on toys and battery ride on toys. The company is located in Sunny Florida and may be reached 877-950-7665.

Free Toddler Activities You Can Do at Home

Toddlers love to try new things, but it is often difficult for parents to come up with ideas for activities to entertain them at home and they end up getting stuck in a rut, doing the same old activities with their children on a regular basis. Below are a few ideas to spark your imagination.

Make a rain stick

Most people will have wrapping paper in their house at some point and there is an easy and fun craft activity you can do with the empty tube, baking paper, rice and a couple of elastic bands - making a rain stick! An empty kitchen roll can be used to make a mini version.

First of all, let your toddler decorate the tube. This can be done by painting it, sticking things on it or even covering it in old wrapping paper. Next you will need to cut out two circles from the baking paper which are slightly wider than the end of the tube. Fix one of these circles to the end of the tube by securing it with an elastic band.

The next step is to add the 'rain'. You can use rice, small pasta shapes, little shells or any other objects which could be used to make a satisfying rain sound. Once you have poured a handful of rice (or alternative) into the tube you need to seal the other end with the second baking paper circle and elastic band. The rain stick is finished - to work it tip it slowly backwards and forwards.

Pebble pets

For this activity you will need some paint, PVA glue and a pebble - technically this activity is not free as you will need to buy the paint, but I have included this activity in the article as most homes with young children already have poster paint and it is cheap.

The pebble needs to be fairly large and round. The simplest design is a ladybird, but your toddler can paint whatever takes their imagination. Mix a little PVA glue with red poster paint and completely cover the pebble. This will then need to be left for a couple of hours. Once it is completely dry your child can use black poster paint to add spots and a face. If your toddler is young or impatient you may wish to paint the initial layer without them and then give them it to decorate, so they are not frustrated while waiting for it to dry.

Instead of black poster paint you could instead use a black marker pen, if you have one, and googly eyes can add a fun touch.

Play dough

This can be made for free using ingredients found in most homes. Combine 1 cup of plain flour with half a cup of salt and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a saucepan. Mix it together over a low heat while gradually adding 1 cup of water. Remove from the heat once it has combined into a sticky ball. Leave it to dry for a couple of hours before allowing your toddler to play with it.

Blowing bubbles

Toddlers love bubbles and this activity is good for them too. In learning to hold the bubble wand correctly and blow bubbles they are learning about coordination and following simple instructions. It can also be a good physical activity if you blow the bubbles while your child jumps around trying to pop them.

You don't need to go out and purchase bubble solution and a wand as they are very easy to make using items found around the home. Bubble solution can be made by mixing one cup of water with 4 tablespoons of washing up liquid (liquid detergent). Glycerine (2 tablespoons) can be added to make longer lasting bubbles but it is not a necessity. A simple bubble wand can be constructed by cutting the centre out of a plastic pot lid and attaching it to a straw with tape.

Treasure box

Putting together a treasure box doesn't take long and need not cost you a penny. It is great for imaginative play, as I'm sure many parents have noticed that their child is often more interested in playing with every day household objects than their toys.

You will need a box or bag to store the objects in, for example a shoe box or empty and washed ice cream tub. Look for objects around the home which are child safe and which you do not mind your toddler playing with. Ideas include an unused make-up brush, a whisk, a wooden spoon, an empty toilet roll, unwanted jewellery and old mobile phone (battery taken out).You can also look outside for inspiration such as pine cones and feathers. Simple objects can keep a toddler entertained for many happy hours!

There are many sites devoted to toddler activities and these can be used to inspire you. Once you start trying new things with your toddler you will find that ideas for further activities start flowing much more easily.

Leanne writes for a living. Some of her more recent articles have been on the subject of baby products, such as buying a moses basket stand or moses basket and stand.

Tips to Protect ourselves and our families during flu season

"While the threat of H1N1 shouldn't be blown out of proportion, it is important to realize the flu affects everyone differently. While most cases are mild, H1N1 can and has caused severe complications, hospitalization and even death. Given this knowledge, we want to do all we can to protect ourselves and our families as flu season approaches," ...Courtesy of ARAcontent

Check out this very informative article about how you can protect yourself and your family from H1N1 this flu season:
Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus this flu season

Tips to ensure your tot's 'TV diet' is healthy and fun

(ARA) - Figuring out how much and what television is right for your child isn’t too different from looking at what to feed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents think of managing their children's television watching as they would their diet, because the amount of television has an impact on children's health, just like how much and what they eat does.

Children who watched educational television improved in reading-related skills such as phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary acquisition, according to a study by the Annenberg School for Communication Children's Media Lab at the University of Pennsylvania.

Children love to learn and pick up new facts, ask questions and generally want to know how things work. When possible, they eagerly seek answers for themselves by making observations, gathering data, identifying patterns, and forming generalizations – much like professional scientists do. This is why the right television show has proven to be beneficial.

The AAP (www.aap.org) suggests parents take advantage of the high-quality television that is available to their children. Here are some things to do before letting your kids plop down on the couch in front of the television:

* Preview shows

Parenting magazines and Web sites, such as PBSKids.org, often have previews of upcoming children's television shows. Find these and you can find high-quality programming for children.

* Talk to teachers

Preschool teachers that see your child in educational settings during the week can give guidance on types of programming that can help your child learn better. Educational programming can help children learn history, phonetics, language, science and how to use their imaginations.

* Use shows to nurture interests

Capturing and holding the attention of younger children can be challenging in the best of times, so television shows can be great tools to help reinforce important educational and social skills. Finding a television show that matches children’s interests can help them build upon their love of a particular activity or hobby.

One new show that will be attracting the attention of kids and parents alike is "Dinosaur Train," created by The Jim Henson Company and airing on PBS Kids starting on Labor Day. The show features Buddy, a preschool-age Tyrannosaurus Rex. Children can join Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family on a voyage through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson will help bring the show’s natural history and science elements to life in live-action segments. To learn more about the show, visit http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/, where you will also find online games, activities and resources to help build off the shows' themes.

Buddy and his friends encourage kids to be inquisitive by comparing and contrasting dinosaurs, making a hypothesis and searching for the possible answers to questions like “Why do some dinosaurs walk on two legs while others walk on four?,” “Why do some dinosaurs have horns?” and “Why can some dinosaurs fly?”

In addition to finding the right shows to watch, the AAP suggests parents read reviews of the shows their children want to watch, as well as watching the shows and discussing them with their children – which can lead to long-lasting benefits.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Saying 'happy birthday' with a little creativity

(ARA) - Parents can spend a small fortune to celebrate their little one’s big day, but taking a more original -- and less costly -- approach can result in even more success.

Just ask the trend experts at American Greetings who research celebrations happening year-round. What they have found is that a great idea -- and a little creativity -- go a long way.

The most important step for any successful party is having a fun concept to build off of, says Julie Post-Smith, director of specialties at American Greetings, who leads the gift presentation trend team.

“The key to any great party is a having a great theme, and we have found countless ways to accent any idea with a few simple touches,” she says. “Once you have developed a theme, you can use your creativity to decorate any space, put together the perfect menu and come up with fun activities.”

To help parents who might be looking for an idea to use, Post-Smith and her team have the following suggestions:

* Go under the sea for ideas: All kids love adventure, so why not take your party under the sea? Fill your ceiling with royal blue and sea green balloons to create the atmosphere. From there you can enhance the concept with goldfish-filled centerpieces, accenting each place setting with a piece of coral and using nautical-themed gift bags for favors (be sure to include offbeat ideas such as salt water taffy and beach gear to play up your theme.) One fun activity for your party is a safe twist on the popular game of pinata. Fill empty balloons with candy, blow them up and have kids try to pop these faux bubbles to win treats.

* Be sporty: There is no better idea for a high-energy, athletic child than a sports party. Pick their favorite game and create a whole day around it. One idea is a baseball-themed get together. Make simple T-shirts for all the kids, coordinate them into teams and organize a wiffle ball game. After the last run has scored, create an ice cream sundae diamond with different crunchy, fruit, sweet and warm toppings at each “base.”

* Embrace your sweet tooth: If you are struggling for ideas, pick a more general concept that will allow you to incorporate simple touches. A great example of this is a candy-themed party, which is sure to offer a sweet and colorful platform for the fun. Accent your table with a vase filled with candy and use large lollipops as a colorful alternative to flowers. Give the guests a taste of your childhood by helping them to make candy necklaces.

* Get colorful: For younger celebrants the simplest themes can result in the most fun. If your little girl is in love with everything pink, use it as your main element. Have all guests dress in the color and deck out your home in pink decor. You might not be able to find a disposable pink tablecloth so use pink wrapping paper instead; it's more festive than the regular throwaway version, and just as convenient. To continue the simple idea, serve pink punch, and of course, be sure to ice her cake in the appropriate shade of frosting.

* Plan a spa day: Older girls will love getting to pamper each other with manicures and pedicures. Turn your living room into a spa with relaxing chairs, music and refreshments. Keep the theme going with small favor baskets filled with fun beauty items. You can even use convenient gift boxes and bags shaped just like purses to give them a fashionable touch.

* Ensure a Wii bit of fun: The Wii has become a staple for many youngsters, so why not embrace it? Create a tournament for the kids to compete in, complete with a large bracket you post on the wall. With sports games the most popular, have nutritious snacks and drinks on hand to keep their energy up. For those not playing, give them the chance to bet on the winner with chocolate coins. Give the ultimate winner -- and the top handicapper -- a special gift at the end of the day.

No matter what theme you go with, Post-Smith says that focusing on what makes your guest of honor happy is always the best advice.

“If you come up with an idea that they love, everything else will definitely fall into place,” she says. “Just have fun with it and so will they.”

For more tips and to find where you can buy everything needed for any birthday party, visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Why Do Toddlers Hold Their Breath?

When children hold their breath, it is a scary thing for parents to deal with. Sometimes they stop breathing until they pass out, which can send parents into a panic. Why do kids do such a troubling thing?

In the case of babies and toddlers, it's rarely a voluntary thing. Kids this young don't just come up with the idea of intentionally holding their breath to get attention, or to get what they want. While breath holding frequently accompanies tantrums, it's not something they do on purpose.

Involuntary breath holding is usually a direct result of intense crying. The child begins to cry, and at some point, she fails to inhale. This is just as scary to her as it is to the parents, if not more so. If she holds her breath long enough, she passes out.

The good news is that she will start breathing again as soon as she's out. Her body's involuntary breathing mechanisms take over, and she comes to soon after. In this type of episode, there is no permanent damage.

Still, the first time it happens, it can be extremely worrisome. And there are certain health problems that can cause similar episodes. So if you are concerned, it's a good idea to talk to your child's pediatrician.

How to Handle a Breath Holding Episode

Properly handling a breath holding episode is very important. If you make a big fuss, your child is more likely to have such episodes in the future. She sees that throwing a tantrum and holding her breath get her what she wants, so she might decide to do it intentionally.

Startling your child by clapping or shouting can, in some cases, cause her to start breathing. And some parents find that placing a cold washcloth over their children's faces will cause them to start breathing again. If you have one handy, there's no harm in trying. But if you have to go after one, you'll probably find that your child is breathing again by the time you return.

One of the most important things to do when facing a breath holding attack is to make sure the child doesn't get hurt. Put her on the floor if possible, so that if she passes out she won't fall. Remove any objects that pose a danger of injury as well.

Breath holding in children is rarely dangerous. They can't hold their breath long enough to cause brain damage, because they will pass out and resume breathing long before that is a concern. If you find that your child is holding your breath, do your best to remain calm. If you don't encourage the behavior, it is less likely to become a common occurrence, and your child will grow out of it before long.

Time-saving tips for new moms on-the-go

(ARA) - Between naps, feedings and diaper changes -- new moms rarely have a moment free. Pulling it all together doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Making some simple changes in your daily routine can mean extra time for enjoying your new baby.

“I always tell my friends that the key to spending more time with their new baby is to simplify their day,” says Victoria Pericon, editor of SavvyMommy.com and mother of three. “Try to combine errands into fewer trips and reduce the number of activities you're involved in. That way, you can spend more time with your loved ones and make more time for yourself.”

Pericon shares some of her favorite time-saving tips that are sure to help new moms protect the precious time they have with their new baby:

* Get organized: Caring for a new baby and keeping up with household and family activities is a challenge. The easiest way to stay on track with managing household chores and outside activities is to make a schedule. Buy a large wall calendar to organize your family’s play dates, practices, weekly errands and social events so everyone has a clear picture of what the week holds. Color code activities by family member.

* Go digital: Cutting and pasting your baby photos into an album is a thing of the past. Not only is this time-consuming but it's also costly. Why not create your baby book online instead of doing it all yourself? Photo sharing sites such as Shutterfly.com let you customize your baby book according to your own preferences. Also, you can share pictures of your new little one with friends and family in no time flat.

* Simplify feeding: Breast milk is the ideal nutrition as it provides all the nutrients a young infant needs, and it also helps build the baby's immunity. For moms who choose to feed with formula, it's important to choose one that provides both nutrition and convenience. Similac Advance EarlyShield has important immunity building-blocks similar to those found in breast milk. Great for saving mom time, Similac Advance EarlyShield comes in Similac SimplePac powder packages -- with design features that offer a simplified approach to feeding time -- and 8-fluid-ounce Similac Ready Right Now reclosable plastic bottles which require no mixing or measuring.

* Streamline sleepy time: Sleep is an all-too-precious commodity for new parents. Set a bedtime routine that lulls baby to sleep faster, so you can share a few precious minutes unwinding with your partner or a cup of tea. While good, old-fashioned rocking, reading books and singing lullabies makes bedtime rituals a bonding time, sleep-inducing crib toys, like the Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother, can trigger baby's time-for-sleep reflex by lulling baby with gentle moving water and soft music.

* Get healthy: Finding time to get back into shape can be tricky for any new mom.

One quick way is to check out your local gym -- many offer child care services for their members. Get out of the house for an hour or two and start getting back into shape while knowing that your child is in good hands and close by. You’ll get much needed “me” time and feel better.

Try these small, yet effective time-savers and have more time to spend with your new baby or with yourself. For more information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fun outdoor activities that will motivate your kids

(ARA) - These days it's not uncommon for children to spend more time in front of the TV and computer than they do playing outside. When the weather is nice, this leaves many parents a bit perplexed.

Keeping kids physically active is an important part of a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. So how do you get your kids excited about going outside? Here are some ideas sure to get you and your kids fired up about outdoor fun.

1. The many benefits of a garden
Involving kids in planting and nurturing a garden is a good way to get them outside and teach them responsibility at the same time. Start by researching appropriate planting times and plants that will grow in the hardiness zone where you live. If it's too late in the season for planting in your area, consider taking the kids to a local farm that allows you to pick your own fruits, berries or vegetables.

After you're done, take the fun one step further by picking a healthy recipe you can all make together. Fruits are great for all-natural frozen popsicles, salads and bakery items like muffins. Veggies can be easily used in pasta recipes or as side items.

2. A simple walk has never been more fun
A family walk is not only quality time spent together, but it gets muscles moving. Enjoy your community and take a walk to your favorite park, playground or beach. If you have little ones, use a wagon like the Radio Flyer Pack 'N Go Canopy Wagon. It's a great alternative to strollers with a 360 degree view and tots enjoy the fun ride. Plus this wagon features a canopy to protect riders from the sun's harmful rays and a storage bag that can keep water and other supplies cool.

Make an afternoon of it and pack a picnic lunch. Don't forget to keep it healthy -- make sandwiches ahead of time, pack fruits, snacks and other favorites along with water and juice boxes so everyone stays hydrated as they play.

3. Plan a nature treasure hunt
It's no secret that kids love games. A game of tag or soccer is always fun, but how about planning a unique activity to get them excited about being outdoors? Consider planning a scavenger hunt that incorporates items from nature.

Plan ahead and create a list of things that you could find in your area. Include some easy-to-find items and others that are more difficult to locate. To make it more educational, add photos to items on the list they might not recognize so they can learn as they hunt. For example, add a photo of different kinds of leaves, flowers, rocks or feathers and have the kids seek them out.

4. Organize a group scoot
A great alternative to bikes is the scooter, and kids are taking notice. First, make sure your child has a safe scooter to ride on. The Radio Flyer EZ-Rider is the first and only scooter made specifically for intermediate-level riders, designed to help children master balance while allowing them to keep a steady pace. The extra-wide wheels, low deck and rear foot brake ensure safety. Always remember a helmet is a smart idea no matter what type of scooter your child rides.

Once your young rider is ready, get a group of their friends together and go on a group scooter adventure. Choose a specific name for your group and ride through the neighborhood or park. Don't be surprised if it becomes a weekly activity.

Today's kids might need a little encouragement, but once you get them involved in some exciting and new outdoor activities, they'll be asking to play outside more often rather than sitting in front of the computer or television. To learn more about fun outdoor activities, visit http://www.radioflyer.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Homemade Blocks

Many years ago, I worked at a church child care center. The money was always tight for supplies, toys etc., so we had to use our imaginations to come up with ways to make homemade versions of toddler toys.

One fun idea a gal had was to make blocks from empty tissue boxes (rectangle shaped.) We covered them with colorful contact paper and had the same size block as the expensive verions found in catalogs.

Another idea for making toddler blocks is to use empty milk cartons (paper kind.) You'll need an even number of milk cartons. Take your first milk carton and draw a line around the middle of the carton. Cut on the line and then do the same with another carton. Take the open cubes you just made and put one inside another. I've used duct tape to secure it soundly. You can also cover these cute blocks with colorful contact paper.

Ask your family and friends to buy paper cartons rather than jugs for you for a few weeks so you can collect a bunch of cartons to make this fun toddler activity.

Why is it so Important to Raise Healthy and Fit Kids

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If these statistics don't make you stop in your tracks and think about the things that we are feeding our kids, I don’t know what will.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 percent of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese -- a number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were considered at risk of becoming overweight. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. ("Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002"; Oct. 6, 2004)

Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. (United States Department of Health and Human Services)

Those numbers are staggering but in a way not really surprising. Look at all the fast food joints, junk-food, soda pop, etc that is stocked in super markets, gas stations, etc. Even schools provide access to junk, at least the ones in this area do. Back to the fast food for a minute, and actually it’s not just fast food chains it’s restaurants too, have you seen the size of their meals? They provide enough food in one serving for two people!

So what do all these statistics have to do with our children? Well it’s up to us to teach them good eating habits and exercise. The old saying children learn what they live is so true. It’s not a bad thing that we have to be role models for our children in all areas including healthy eating and exercising. It just might force us to get healthy as well! Make this a family affair. Take walks together, ride bikes, etc. At the grocery store let the kids help you pick out fruits and veggies! And you can get more ideas and information by picking up your copy of Mom’s Talk eBooks Guide to Raising Healthy and Fit Kids.