Helping Your Children Develop Healthy Dental Habits

One of the most important things that a parent can do is to set their children up with good habits and a firm foundation of strong health. All parents know how important it is to make sure their kids have good, nutritious food, enough restful sleep, and regular checkups with a doctor. However, it is just as important for children to take care of their teeth. In fact, dental health affects all sorts of future health issues, making it especially crucial that your kids are in good shape.

First of all, make sure that you have a dentist that you trust and rely on. Your children should start seeing their dentist by one year of age. It also helps to have a dentist that is familiar with your kids in case of an emergency, especially during those busy and clumsy toddler years. Find a local dentist you can help you when you really need it. For example, if you need Charlotte emergency dentist, reach out to an established provider like Charlotte Dental Partners for your whole family.

Every day, practice a routine that takes care of your kids' teeth and sets them up for a lifetime of good dental habits. Choose a toothbrush that is the right size and shape for your child's mouth. Also, use dental floss or a hand-held, single-use floss holder that will fit your kids' smaller teeth. Let your kids feel like they are part of the process by allowing them to pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste. This way they will feel like they are part of the process and care more about the outcome.

Make brushing and flossing more fun by incorporating songs and stories. There are a number of kids' TV shows that talk about the importance of taking care of your teeth, so let your children's favorite characters help make brushing fun. Singing the same song every morning and night while brushing is good for two reasons. First, it makes the experience more fun. Second, it makes sure that your kids are brushing long enough to have a good effect. Pick a fun song that lasts about two minutes.

Taking care of your teeth is a crucial part of everyday hygiene. While teaching your kids the importance of taking care of their teeth, make sure you lead by example and take care of your own.  

Pin It

How to get your toddler to accept the new baby

The bun is in the oven..... again. You are expecting number 2 and will soon be a mother of 2. Will you have enough space in your heart to love another child? How can you get  your toddler to accept the new baby? These are questions that often race through the thoughts of a mother when she is expecting her second child.

Quite often, I get these question from mothers "Will I love my second child as much as my first child?" I always tell them that the more the merrier. The more children you have, the more chance you will have of receiving unconditional love, for that is the kind of love that children give. Unconditional love.

The more children you have, the more love you have to go around your house. Eventually they always come back to me and say "I never knew I had it in me to love another." It happens all the time. As a mother, you have the capacity to love as many children as you have.

However, what about your toddler? Will your toddler accept the new baby?

The key to acceptance is involvement. Involve your toddler every step of the way. Here are some ways you can involve your toddler in welcoming the new baby to your house.

• Bring your toddler along to doctor visits
• Show your toddler scans of the baby and explain to them where the head, hands etc are
• Let your toddler feel your bulging tummy and talk to baby
• Say "our" baby and "your" new brother or sister whenever referring to the baby
• If possible, bring toddler along to the hospital to take baby home

My toddler accepted her newborn baby brother with ease with her complete involvement every step of the way. We didn't have anyone to watch her while we were at hospital during the delivery, so we brought her along. She was there to see baby as soon as he was cleaned. She slept on a sleeping bag together with daddy in the hospital room while mummy was breastfeeding baby. All the nurses thought she was adorable, this little girl in pink who didn't mind sleeping on the sleeping bag. We had wanted a bigger room but it was unavailable so we had to make do with a sleeping bag and she thought it was rather fun to camp out. 

When we went home, our toddler went home along with us together with the newborn. We had our new extended family. Our toddler did not have to be separated from us during the process. She did not have to be taken care of by grandparents or aunts and wait anxiously at home for the newcomer to take over her position on the pedestal. She was part of it all. 

I can't repeat it often enough. The most important way to help your toddler accept the baby is to involve her every step of the way, whenever practical. Good luck and congratulations on your new extended family.

Pin It

Online games for Toddlers

Toddlers can play online games too. This post shows you some parent approved sites for toddlers to play games online.

Toddlers and Computers

Is a toddler too young to use a computer? I don't think so. Not with proper GUIDANCE. The keyword here is guidance. With proper parental guidance, toddlers can use, play, have fun and learn using the computer. They can also learn hand-eye coordination from online toddler games.

Here are a list of sites with suitable online toddler games my kids used to enjoy.

Online Toddler Educational games

Did you know that Fisher Price has a dedicated page for Online Toddler Educational Games.

Apart from Toddler Games you can find Infant Games and Preschool Games too.

Remember, for young children playing games online, it is advisable that parents and guardians sit and play with them. Your child can get the best benefit that way while having fun with you!

Up To Ten Games for Kids

The site lists the games for kids aged 6 to 10. However, I find some of the kids easy enough for younger children. Here is the index to the free kids games on Up To Ten Games Galore. There is a great number of games here and new games are added every month. The games are categorized according to labels such as "Coordination Games", "Racing Games", "Puzzles" and "Mixed Bag".


Everybody Loves Elmo!

My kids learned the alphabet playing around with Elmo's Keyboard-O-Rama. They also enjoyed Magical Numbers with Mumford the Magician, creating a beautiful garden while playing Snuffy's Magic Garden and dancing along with Zoe while playing Zoe's Dance Moves.

Besides these, there are many more toddler suitable games on Sesame Street which teaches a toddler all about numbers, shapes, familiar songs, potty training, feelings, health and safety and much more. Excellent site for toddlers. The games are organised alphabetically, according to subject matter as well as themes or favourite Sesame Street character for easy searching.


PBS Kids Character Games

PBS Kids has many wonderful characters which toddler loves. This link leads you to the Find It or Search box for PBS Kids. Children or parents can easily browse for kids favourite PBS Kids Characters by clicking on a picture of the character. You can choose from Angelina Ballerina, The Cat in the Hat (in association with Dr Seuss, Mr Roger's Neighbourhood, Make Way for Noddy, Jay Jay the Jet Plane and much more.

You can also search games by topics if you prefer. The icons are very easy for kids or parents to navigate about.

My kids' favourites are Barney and Friends and Clifford the Big Red Dog which I will give special attention to below.




Play Barney Games

Barney and Friends. My kids love them. They learned to pick up their toys and brush their teeth, learned to say their please and thank yous, as well as learned about their feelings and manners and many more with Barney the good old purple Dinosaur.

This link takes you to the Barney's Games Index however the site is not limited to games. Toddlers can also enjoy storytime, songs and color with Barney.

Barney fans will enjoy this: Barney: Learning Pack (Six-Disc Set)





Clifford the Big Red Dog

Emily Elizabeth loved Clifford, her Big Red Dog and so did my kids. Here is the index to all Clifford the Big Red Dog games. Of course you can also play with Cleo and T-Bone Games as well as other Clifford the Big Red Dog characters.

My kids particularly enjoyed Clifford's Kisses and Which Clifford.

Clifford's fans will enjoy Clifford's Really Big Movie


BBC - CBeeBies Character Games

I have mentioned this site for my Educational Sites for Children Lens which include many sites for older children. However, for younger children, I would certainly recommend these BBC Character online games.

1. Bob The Builder Games
2. Teletubbies Games
3. Number Jack's Games
4. Postman Pat Games
5. Pingu Games



Fungooms

Games for preschoolers, toddlers and babies

Yes, even babies will be attracted to this free online games for babies, toddlers and preschoolers site. This site is just nice for children just learning to use a computer mouse. They will get plenty of practise navigating the mouse around the colorful and attractive site with funny characters, simple games, music and stories.

It is simple, colorful and funny. Just right for babies, accompanied by adults. It is simple enough for a child to navigate on their own too.

I hope your toddler enjoys these games as mine did. Thank you for visiting.

Pin It

The Best Disney Love Songs

Disney Love Songs Are Romantic Especially The Duets. This Post Picks The Best Of Disney Love Songs For Your Enjoyment.

Disney Love Songs - You just have to love them!

If you like sentimental duets, broadway music and romantic ballads, then look no further than Disney. Yes, Disney! Disney churns out romantic love songs live a music machine. The following Disney music are those that I love, in no particular order because I love them all. I hope you enjoy them too.

I won't be giving technical details like who sang what song and who composed the songs in which year because this page is meant for my little ones to listen, watch and enjoy all the love songs from Disney.

Photo Credit: Disney's Greatest Love Songs

#1 - If You Can Dream featuring various Disney Princesses

Disney Princesses Love Song. Many Disney princesses are featured in this song. Clips of each different princess featured is included in the song. Cute. If you like to sing along, here are the lyrics for If You Can Dream (Disney Princesses).



#2. Part of Your World from the Little Mermaid

Ariel from the Little Mermaid singing about her longing to become human to love her Prince. Sing along with the lyrics from Part of Your World (Ariel)



#3 - A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella

Here is Cinderella singing about the Prince in her dreams. This song is sure to make all girls start dreaming about their own Prince. :) If you like to sing along, here are the lyrics for A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella



I Love Disney!

I Love Disney Classic. They are great for watching with the kids. I get to enjoy the music too.


#4 - Once Upon A Dream from Sleeping Beauty

This Disney love Ballad has got Sleeping Beauty singing and dancing with the woodland animals and later her Prince. Here is the lyrics for Once Upon A Dreamas performed by Emily Osment.



#5 - Beauty and the Beast

Sung by Mrs Potts, one of the enchanted teapots in the castle where the Beast lives, I prefer this version by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. Here are the lyrics for Beauty and The Beast.



#6 - Some day my prince will come from Snow White

Though I loved this love song from Snow White, I didn't like the original version sung by the Snow White in the cartoon, I definitely prefer this Barbara Streisand version. It is beautiful. Here are the lyrics for Some day my prince will come from Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.



Disney Duets are terrific!

There are many lovely romantic duets from Disney cartoons.


#7 - If I Never Knew You - Pochahontas


A beautiful romantic Disney Duet from the movie Pochahontas. I just love duets! I never thought that love would be so beautiful.... somehow it makes the whole world right..... Truly romantic. Disney Pochahontas If I never knew You lyrics is here.



#8 - A Whole New World from Aladdin

I can show you the world... now who doesn't know this wonderful love song from Aladdin? Yet another lovely duet from Disney. Did I say Disney is a Love Music Machine? Well, make that a Love Duet Music Machine. :) You can sing along with Aladdin and Jasmine by following the lyrics for A Whole New World



#9 - Can You Feel The Love Tonight from the Lion King

I remembered I cried very hard during this show and I cried all over again when watching it with my kids. :) Sung by Elton John, this Disney love song is very touching. Here are the lyrics for Elton John's Can You Feel The Love Tonight from the Lion King movie.



Disney is for the young and the old

I make it a point to buy old Disney dvds to watch with my kids. I think Disney makes great family movies.

#10 - Reflection from Mulan

This Disney love song is about self love the greatest love of all. You must learn to love yourself first before you can love others. If you like to sing along, here are thelyrics for Disney Mulan's Reflection as sung my Christina Aguilera



#11 - I Won't Say I'm In Love from Hercules

This Disney love song is sung by Meg from Hercules is catchy and fun and has got nice background vocals. Sing along with Meg and the Muses from Hercules by following the lyrics for I Won't Say I'm In Love.



Sing-A-Long with Disney Love Songs

It is fun to sing-a-long with Disney Love Songs

#12 - Colors of the Wind from Pochahontas


Yet another beautiful Disney Love Song from the movie Pochahontas, by Vanessa Williams. Such strong and lovely vocals. Here are the Pochahontas Colors of the Wind lyrics.



# 13 - Bella Notte from The Lady and The Tramp

This is so cute. The Lady and The Tramp dining under the stars and being serenaded with this beautiful love song. I want to dine like that too! Sing along with  Bella Notte Lyrics from The Lady and The Tramp.



Have a fairy tale wedding with Disney Romantic Music

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings



You can have a Fairy Tale wedding with these Romantic Wedding Music from Disney with unforgettable and beautiful instrumentals from Disney Classic Love Songs.

Happy Listening.

Pin It

Show Your Loved Ones How Much You Care With A Gift Basket

Are you looking for the right gift for your loved one? You can always surprise them with a gift basket full of treats. Gift baskets come in various themes to fit any occasion. Show your loved one how much you care by surprising them with an adorable or gourmet gift basket.

Healthy Family Meals Gift Basket: It is always fun to treat your whole family to something special, and they are sure to enjoy a basket full of tasty food. Your loved ones can find chili, veggie stew, pizza mix and chicken and pasta soup inside a reusable rustic pine container. It also includes sweet treats such as cookies, butterscotch candies and hot cocoa mix.

Chocolate Fondue and Champagne for Two: This is the perfect gift basket for planning a romantic evening with your significant other. It features chocolate mix, two mini bottles of champagne, porcelain ramekins and two fondue forks. The items come inside a beautiful petite picnic hamper with a satin ribbon.

Get Well Soon Gift Basket: When your loved one is feeling under the weather, you can lift their spirits with a colorful gift box full of comfort food and hot tea. The lemon drops, chicken and pasta soup and tea bags are sure to help them feel better. Put a smile on their face with buttery cookies, butterscotch candies and a seasonal beverage.

Thinking of You Gift Basket: You do not need a reason to send a gift basket to your special someone. Surprise them with a decorative box container full of chocolate cookies, buttercrunch popcorn, cheese spread and crackers. You can also select a seasonal beverage for the basket, such as a single brew coffee.

Thank You Gift Basket: Whether it is your parent or spouse, it never hurts to show appreciation for someone who has helped you in some way. Surprise them with this gift box full of gourmet food and treats. They are sure to enjoy the creamy cheese spread, Greek olive mix and water crackers. The chocolate pastry and licorice petites are sure to satisfy their sweet tooth.

All contents are made at the time of your order to ensure the gift is fresh and tasty, and you have the option to include a hand written message. A gift basket is a great way to let someone know they are on your mind.

Pin It

First Class Transportation in Chicago

At one time, limousine service was considered the transportation province of the super wealthy or reserved for weddings. But today, more businesses and individuals are utilizing the convenience, prestige and comfort provided by a limo service. And many of those inquiring about a premier Chicago limousine service discover the cost to be within their budget.

At one time a limo was a “stretched” or elongated Cadillac or Lincoln that could service four to five people. Though many limos are still designed in this fashion, luxury SUV are also customized into a limo. Because they are higher off the road, ingress and egress is easier and more comfortable. In addition, some of the SUV limos are radically lengthened and can accommodate 10 or more riders.

For corporate business, many companies are finding the advantages of retaining a limo service. First, having a car service on call 24/7 provides a great convenience to the company.  Whether it is for a corporate executive needing to attend an important meeting across town, a client needing to be picked up from the airport, a quality limo service can have a vehicle available on short notice.

When other potential expenses are added in, such as fuel, tolls and parking, the limo service becomes more affordable, because these costs are covered by the service. If a company considers its own vehicle, the costs of purchasing and maintaining the vehicle and the salary of a standby driver, the cost of a service is often more economical.

There is of course the prestige of being transported in first class accommodations. But when entertaining a client, the more important message being sent is that the company is treating the client as special and important to the company.

Outside of the corporate world, many are discovering the advantages of limo rental for a group night out, whether it is a man’s night or a girl’s night out. Usually a group of 5-10 people will pool their funds to rent a limo for an evening, to attend a sporting event or a concert. When the fees are divided between 5-10 people, the cost is much more affordable.

With a limo service, there is no need for several vehicles and the group can travel together, enjoying each other’s company without the worry of traffic or parking. If alcohol is involved in the event, the limo service provides a safety factor, eliminating the need for a designated driver or worrying that one of the group might be driving impaired.

Pin It