Say hello to our newest top toddler mom blog, Chelle. Please go visit her today and tell her we sent you. Take a few minutes and read her interview below.

1.)Please tell Us more about yourself

I am a stay at home mom to one amazing little girl. My husband has brought us down to California on a two year contract from Canada. My daughter and I are having a blast exploring California. When not on adventures, we are potty training, playing with Little People and play dough. Me personally, I have a degree in psychology and have a crush on creating designs and illustrations.

2)Tell us about your toddler

My daughter, Becca just turned two. She is an amazing swimming, loves the beach, Disneyland and Princesses. Becca has played with a doll once, however adores her fire trucks! We are very active, yet enjoy a good movie as long as it has animals in it!

3) What is the best thing about having a mom blog?

The best part of having a mom blog is the amazing advise and life experiences people share. Anytime I have come across a hurdle, my readers have had amazing tips and advise they share. It also keeps me intellectually stimulated after a long day of board books, Dora the Explorer and pretend food!

A local mom has created a new blog about nutrition for moms and their families. I think you should check it out if you are serious about leading a healthier lifestyle.

Her mission is to help families live and eat healthier. Some of her topics so far have been about snacking, motivation to eat healthier, and about her own health issues.

Go to NutritionForMoms.com today.

When Is The Right Time To Potty Train? by Susanne Myers

There isn’t a simple answer for this question. The truth is each child decides on his or her own when it is time to start peeing in the potty. There is however a general age range and somewhere during that time your child will be ready for potty training. We’ll talk about what the age range is and how you will be able to tell that your child is ready.

Most children will potty train when they are between 2 and 4. Girls tend to be ready a little sooner than boys. If there are older siblings in the house, your younger child will also get interested in using the potty sooner than a single child. I have seen children as young as 18 months, who could barely walk wanting to use the potty like their older sibling. These children were ready for potty training and were out of diapers in no time.

Your child will give you quite a few signals to let you know he or she is ready to give the potty a try. Pay attention to your child’s behavior and you will know if it is time to start the training.

A child that is ready for the potty will start showing interest in what mom, dad and older siblings are doing in the bathroom. Take some of the mystery out of the potty for your toddler, by allowing him to accompany you to the bathroom, or leave the door cracked. Curiosity will get the better of him and sooner or later he will take a peak. When he does, explain what you are doing in a simple, straightforward way.

Does your child start pulling on his clothing or ask to have a diaper change? Is he getting increasingly more uncomfortable running around in a wet or soiled diaper? This is another sure tell sign that it is time to start potty training.

If you think your child may be ready, give potty training a try. If you read your child’s signals wrong, he will let you know and you can just give it a little more time before trying again.

For more information about potty training, potty training tips and a free ecourse to help you potty train your child visit http://www.mypottytraining.com

Article Source: www.ladypens.com

The scorching hot summer days are upon us. During these hot summer days, it is best to keep your toddler inside during the peak hot hours of 10am-4pm. Since the kids are inside on a hot summer day it is now up to you to figure out some activities and ideas to keep your toddler occupied and distracted from wanting to go out. I have come up with a few fun ideas to beat the heat and keep your toddler entertained. These ideas are simple, cheap, and safe for your toddler but remember to always supervise your little ones.

Toddler Indoor Activity #1: Tape Play

Gather a bunch of different colors and types of tape and give them to your toddler to play with. See what your toddler can do with them and let your toddler explore how tape works.

Toddler Indoor Activity #2: Grocery Store Shopping

Set up toys and other childproof and safe household items for your toddler to use for the pretend grocery store. They can use a plastic cart, basket or bag to go shopping with. You can also save your old food containers and boxes for them to play with to make a more realistic and fun shopping experience for your toddler.

Toddler Indoor Activity #3: Cardboard Box Play

Look around for a large cardboard box. Once you get the box, cut some holes in it for windows and let your toddler use the box as a play house. Your child will have fun going in and out of the box.

Toddler Indoor Activity #4: Pudding Finger Painting

Fix up some colored pudding and let your toddler’s imagination run wild. Your toddler can paint and eat at the same time.

Toddler Indoor Activity #5: Indoor Camping Trip

Plan an indoor camping trip. Set up a real tent or make your own. Then let your toddler bring in a flashlight, some toys, and snacks for a fun indoor camping experience.


What are some indoor activities that you like to do with your toddler?

Say hello to our newest top toddler mom blog, CHEEKY LOTUS

Take a few minutes and read her interview then go on over to her site and tell her we sent you.


1)Please tell us more about yourself

I think it’s most important right off the bat to let you know that I’m in my pajamas right now.

Okay, now that I got that off my chest, here’s some background. After six years of business suits and designer shoes, I decided it would be “fun” (read: insane) to have both a baby and my own business. Simultaneously. I wouldn’t recommend such a joint venture again. Because they’re both, you know, hard.

As soon as I got pregnant, I started planning my exit from the corporate world. By the time I went into labor I had traded power lunches with attorneys for gift baskets with, uh, big shiny bows. Also, Manolos for Keds.

While the new gig actually replaced my former income, I spent two years struggling with severe postpartum depression and a colicky baby girl. Proceeding that mental darkness was – hooray! – loneliness. I had a difficult time finding other moms with which to connect and left more than one playgroup in tears. Okay, all of them.

I felt like I would forever be doing this mom thing alone with my freakish insecurities and self-doubts.

Then, I discovered blogging.


2)Tell us about your toddler

This will shock most of you, but my daughter Savannah is the brightest and most beautiful child on the planet. She’s at an age now where we’re tottering between toddlerhood and adolescent. (Aaaa! The A Word!). Through no fault of my own she has become a diva, demanding phone time, specific hairstyles, and multiple outfit changes throughout the day.

A huge shock about having a toddler is how opinionated they are about ….EVERYTHING. What to eat, wear, think, sing, play, discuss. She is on a constant quest to amaze us with her talents (hence the relentless: “Mommy watch! Watch mommy!).

I’m also blown away by the pride that swells inside me when I see her daily face her fears and do it anyway. Like when she timidly approaches a new group of kids (who I’m ready to pummel if they’re not nice to her) and includes herself.

The biggest shock about having a toddler is that she is teaching me as much as I teach her. She’s taught me to live a braver life.

While I see her flexing her adolescent wings every day, I can also still see that little baby. When she asks “Hold you?”, when she moans as she falls asleep, when she sucks her thumb and buries her face in her “meme”. I often kiss her where her thumb meets the corner of her lips and whisper that I don’t want her to grow up.

Yet, I know two things for sure: she will continue to grow away from me. And I will continue to always see that baby.

3) What is the best thing about having a mom blog?

Putting my thoughts as a mom out there on the Internet has been such a rewarding experience.

I am constantly amazed at how many like-minded moms are hiding away out there: Moms who feel like their lives and dreams don’t stop when they become mothers, but rather morph and take on a new shape that allows them to nurture both their family and their soul, enabling them to be the best women and moms that they can.

More importantly, moms who like more than a good poop story.

Blogging has made me a better mom and a better friend through not only reading other moms’ experiences, but seeing my own reflected back to me through their comments on my blog.

Bottom line: blogging is so much more than simply “journaling”. Blogging is connecting to other people; reminding you that you’re not alone. It's a hand reaching out...hopefully with a cocktail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Got a toddler mom blog? Want to be featured here for other parents to see? Drop us a comment and you could be chosen next...

Holy Fish Barnacles! (as my 5 year old would say), I just came across the coolest idea in clothing over at MommiesWithStyle and I just had to feature this reversible clothing line here.

Innies & Outies features reversible clothing for your child. We've all experienced our children being all dressed up then smear food or something else all over themselves out in public. With the reversable outfit, all you have to do to clean up the mess is turn the outfit inside out and you've got yourself a clean outfit instantly. Isn't this the coolest idea in kid's clothing?

Go on over and shop today.

When children reach the age of one they start to be more aware of their emotions. They know they want things but when they are not in control your toddler will start to throw temper tantrums. I don’t believe there is only one explanation for any of this because once your child hits their toddler stage so much development is going on. They have emotions and feelings but just cannot talk and express these feelings yet. They want to feel in control and what better way to let mommy know they are mad but by throwing a temper tantrum. Just know that this is normal to your child’s development.
I am writing this article right now as my 19 month old toddler is having a temper tantrum. It started over a bottle of Children’s Motrin. He wanted it and I didn’t want to give it to him….Do you blame me. He saw it while he was in the bathtub and even went as far as trying to drown himself. I took him out and he threw himself to the floor, screaming and crying. I went to make him dinner and he got mad and threw it all on the floor, still having the same tantrum from the medicine bottle. How in the world am I supposed to keep my sanity when my most of the time calm and sweet toddler is acting like this? I started looking things up on the web and found lots of advice online and even some expert advice on tantrums in 2 year olds and preschoolers. I did not find much on a one year old having temper tantrums. Here is a summary of what I collected on toddler temper tantrums.

• It is best to ignore your toddler while they are acting like this. Do not give into the situation or you will not be consistent. Yes. Consistent. Consistency is one of the biggest things you must learn to do while your child is young to efficiently discipline them.


• Comforting your toddler while they are having a tantrum may actually make the toddler’s temper tantrum worse. They are already mad and testing you. The best thing to do is ignore them if they are not getting their way. Reaction out of you is what they want. It may make you feel bad that they are so upset with you, but it will be for the best in the long run.


• Keep a close eye on your toddler. For example in my situation, my son will use objects to throw and throw himself down. Make sure there is not anything around your toddler during a temper tantrum that can harm them.


• Sometimes it is wise to remove the toddler out of the situation. If you are outside, move them in, or vice versa. If you are in public then you may want to take them back to the car.


• Always remember to STAY CALM during your child’s temper tantrum. Remember that this is part of their normal development and like everything else it will pass and your child will grow into a independent normal toddler!

Written by: Natasha Browning Owner of Mom Advice Central
Mommy Needs to Vent

I occassionally allow my toddler to have cheese pizza & nacho lunchables but I recently read up about how unhealthy lunchables really are and it was very surprising to me. Here is an article I just read about the 7 foods you should never feed to yourself or your family. Lunchables are on this list. Wow!

What I want to know is who buys lunchables? I know lunchables sell quite well so obviously alot of us are buying them. Do you let your toddler eat lunchables? What kind does your toddler eat? pizza? nachos? ham & cheese? other? Thoughts on this?

Congratulations to our 3rd Top Toddler Mom blog of the week, Eva Las Vegas

Read her interview below and be sure to check out her blog. Tell her we sent you.

1.) Please tell us more about yourself

I have 3 kids... Jake is 9, Jack is 8 and EvaJun is 2 and I am lucky enough (well, there are days when lucky could read "cursed") to stay at home with them. The last 10 years of my life have been devoted exclusively to the raising of my children, but, now that Eva is a little older, I am trying to sort out just what it is that I want for my own selfish self...

If anyone wants to offer me a book deal, I am really on board.

2.) Please tell us about your toddler

EvaJun. I could go on and on about what a gift she is, what a beauty she is, and how smart and funny she is... how she cannot for the life of her co-sleep and that she loves sushi... I could tell you that she laughs deep belly laughs at "Max and Ruby" and can spend hours in the pool without getting her face wet and how she has a fondness for any clothing with a skull on it...and it would all be true. Instead I will tell you that I think she is planning for world domination. But, don't worry world, at least our leader loves to dance to "Rock-A-Hula".

3.) What is the best thing about having a mom blog?

The very best thing about having a mom blog is the amazing network of women I have been able to "meet" and connect with. My life has become richer for the feedback and input I receive from people I do not know in my real life and, since very few people in my real life know about my blog, it is a safe place for me to vent, or rant or share concerns.

Also, comments help keep the voices in my head down.

**Got a toddler mom blog? Want to be featured here for other parents to see? Drop us a comment and you could be chosen next...

Hipchicksboutique.com is the latest place for hips moms & kids to shop.

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If you don't have a daughter then check out all of the other popular designer clothing lines hipchicksboutique.com has to offer. They are totally adorable & stylish.


You can save 15% off your order and get free shipping when you purchase from hipchicksboutique.com and let them know you heard of them through the oursmartbaby.com toddler blog during order placement.

Let’s Eat Outside – Great Kid-Friendly Picnic Ideas by Susanne Myers

Summer is finally here and with the kids home all day this is the perfect time for a picnic. Pack up some food, cool drinks and a blanket and head for the park, playground or even just the backyard. You can even entertain your little ones with a picnic on the kitchen or living room floor on a rainy day.

Of course you could just fix some PB&J sandwiches, pack a couple of juice boxes and call it a picnic, but there are so many other fun and delicious things you could prepare. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.

A New Twist for PB&J

Pack a few rice cakes, a small jar of peanut butter, some raisins and other dried fruit as well as some apples. When it’s time to eat, spread peanut butter on the rice cake and let your child decorate it with the dried and fresh fruit. Raisins become eyes, a slice of apple the mouth and a berry makes a great nose.

Crackers and Cheese

Buy some hard cheese, such as cheddar, slice it (or buy it pre-sliced from the deli), and cut shapes out with small cookie cutters. You can also use cookie cutters on thicker slices of ham, salami or bologna. Serve with an assortment of crackers, and fresh fruit, such as grapes or berries.

Deli Style Sandwiches

Get some sub rolls, a little mayo and mustard (the small packs you get at fast food places work great for a picnic), and a variety of deli style sandwich meat and cheeses. Top it all off with a few leaves of lettuce that you washed at home and brought in a plastic baggie. Let each family member create their own sub with their favorite meats and cheeses. A bag of chips completes the meal.

“Fried Chicken Strips” With Veggies n’ Dip

Use some crushed cornflakes to bread chicken breast strips and bake them in the oven until done. You can do this the night before the picnic and refrigerate the chicken strips – they are delicious cold. Cut up some veggies like peppers, celery, cucumber, broccoli and cauliflower and add some baby carrots. Bring a little ranch dressing to use as a dip and your picnic is complete.

Desserts

Fresh fruit of course always makes for a great portable dessert on a picnic. Some homemade or store-bought cookies are another great option. Bake a batch of brownies, cut them and bag them after they have cooled completely for a chocolaty treat.

Grab a cooler, fix some sandwiches and head out to the park, playground or even the backyard for a picnic. Don’t forget lots of water on warm days!

Want more family friendly recipes and crafts ideas? Visit
http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/info for a sample weekly menu plan
your entire family will love and http://www.kinderinfo.com for tons of
craft and activity ideas that are sure to keep your little ones
entertained.

Article Source: www.ladypens.com