How To Select The Right Shoes For Your Children

How To Select The Right Shoes For Your Children by Sintilia Miecevole


It is pretty usual for children to go around in footies or in socks during their first months. At that age, shoes are merely a 'decoration' item because newborns or young babies never walk so they don't need any kind of support for their body and feet. Nevertheless, the minute kids begin to walk, generally quite a few months before or after they turn one, you must know what types of shoes your kid is going to wear. You may need to buy several pairs of new shoes for toddlers and preschoolers quite regularly, so you will probably begin to ask yourself lots of questions regarding your child's shoes.

Picking the right shoes for your kid is not easy. If you are about to buy shoes, you must ask 3 particular questions before buying. They are the following:

1. How does it fit? 2. How is it made? 3. Is the shoe appropriate for your kid's age?

Let's analyze every single question a bit more thoroughly.

1. How does it fit? - When you ask this, you must take into account the length, width and depth of the shoe and check this carefully once the shoe is fitting your child's foot. If you pick a shoe that is ill fitting, you may harm your child's feet. Your kid can have ingrown toenails, calluses and bunions. Also, try checking your child's 'growth spurts' because when kids grow, their feet grow too. It is advisable to buy new shoes for your child every 3 to 4 months, because it will keep the fit suitable for their feet. Bear in mind that shoes really needn't to be "broken in". When a shoe is not comfortable from the start, it means that is definitely not the right shoe for your kid.

2. How is it made? - Four distinctive parts form every shoe: upper part, insole, outer sole and heel. Children are usually quite active, so it is advisable that the upper part of the shoe is made of a strong but breathable material such as canvas or leather. (Try avoiding shoes that are made of plastic, especially at young ages!). Try picking a shoe which insole is made from an absorbent material. It is not actually necessary to have padded insoles or special arch support insoles at this age. The outer sole has to give flexibility, traction and cushioning to the shoe, but it shouldn't be bulky or sticky when your kid walks. Bulky, sticky outer soles can lead to unnecessary injury by making your child clumsy. Also, heels aren't really necessary at this age at all! Try picking shoes with flat soles; it will make it much easier for your kid to walk.

3. Is the shoe appropriate for your kid's age? - A pre-walking kid doesn't actually need shoes. Their feet just need footies and warm socks; they can even walk barefoot indoors. If you have a toddler and he is just learning to walk, he should wear shoes that have a smooth sole and a high top. Also, it must be made from materials that are light and breathable. These kinds of shoes stay on better and help avoiding falls. If you have a school-age kid, there is a great assortment of suitable shoes, such as tennis shoes, sandals and even hiking boots. If you have an older child, you just have to follow the first two questions and pick the best shoes for your kid.


About the Author
With many years in the footwear industry, Sintilia Miecevole learned just how much people love shoes! A vast source of information is now available on her new site http://www.rexshoes.com complete with everything from shoes, runners, boots and sandals to shoe stores. Be sure to visit http://www.rexshoes.com to find your footwear.

Musical Hands Mat

Musical Hands Mat

Very cute idea, and something that won't be easily be grown out of. Features eight brightly colored, tactile stimulating handprints that act as piano keys as well as flashing lights and other sounds.

This portable mat is also a piano! This mat features eight brightly-colored, tactile stimulating handprints that act as piano keys. Press each handprint and a different note is sounded either in piano, bell, dog, chick, or cat sounds. Press the demo button to hear a complete tune or the light button to play songs by following the flashing lights above the keys. Little ones are sure to have fun while they refine their musical ear and motor skills. The Musical Hands Mat helps develop coordination and teaches cause-effect principles. The mat is 45" long and 11 3/4" wide and does not include the required two AA batteries. The mat should be spot cleaned.

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Helping Children Learn About Thankfulness and Sharing at Holiday Time

Helping Children Learn About Thankfulness and Sharing at Holiday Time by Sherry Frewerd


With the recent natural disasters that have struck our country and the world, now, more than ever, we as parents need to make teaching our children to be grateful, sharing people a priority. How do we help our young children learn about thankfulness and the importance of sharing with others? Naturally, the holiday season sets the perfect stage for such important life lessons.

To a toddler or preschool age child, the concept of thankfulness is extremely abstract. That does not mean that we cannot establish traditions and build healthy sharing habits within our families, starting with our little kids.

Daily, children are bombarded with media and advertisements for more and more 'stuff.' My young son is now on a forced sabbatical from Wal-Mart due to over exposure to 'Tigger'. We can't even enter the parking lot with him in the car without the chorus of 'I want a new Tigger...' to start full force. For his own good, and for the sake of my sanity, he's staying home with Daddy until after the holidays. Hopefully his condition will improve by then.

My son's issue comes from being two years old, that will change with age. But, if left untreated, and if I fail to take advantage of every 'teachable moment', he very well may grow up to be an ungrateful brat. Sounds harsh, but the kids from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' aren't all that far from reality.

So, how do we create more 'Charlies' and fewer 'Violets'? Here are some simple yet fun and inexpensive activities that toddlers and preschoolers love. Their pride in accomplishment will show on their faces.

Holiday Sharing Activities for Little Kids:

1. Make thank you cards for the 'heroes' in your community. Firefighters, mail carriers, police officers etc. Let the kids hand deliver if possible.

2. Make homemade bird feeders or sprinkle birdseed outside weekly for the birds.

3. Offer to help gather fallen leaves from the lawn of senior citizen neighbors. Make a fun time of it. Little kids love to jump in the leaves and you can teach them about autumn too!

4. Create cards and art projects to take to a local nursing home. My son and I visit often, and he loves to sit on the couch with a special friend named 'Darlene.' They enjoy each other's company, and he is learning patience and gets to practice 'inside voice.'

5. Work with your kids on making a 'Helping Coupon Book' or a simple picture book with different things that they can do to help around the house. Each page can be a 'coupon' for a little job like putting toys away, helping put clothes in or take out of the dryer, etc.

These small suggestions are merely a starting point for activities and special times that we can do with our children now, while they're young, to instill qualities of community and helpfulness. The burden is on today's parents to set the example. Let's create a world of thoughtful, thankful adults.


About the Author
About the author: Sherry Frewerd publishes 'Family Play and Learn' a website devoted to toddlers and preschool age children. You'll find fun and learning activities, along with, articles for parents on various early childhood issues. Family Play and Learn - http://familyplayandlearn.com

Fire Station Ride On

Fire Station Ride On


Fire Station Ride On

I love these toys, they are so much fun for little ones not quite big enough for even a small bike. My daughter had one similar to this, except in a different style. It held up good enough for as much as it was used.

From the Manufacturer
This colorful activity center on wheels has over 10 play features. The light up characters buttons on the steering wheel play fun sound effects and have talking phrases. The Dash and front area of the vehicle feature such activities as button-activated pop ups, sound effects, songs and characters that play talking phrases or sound effects. Children can also us as a walker to help improve body coordination. 3 styles available - Fireman, Alphabet fun and Fairy tale land. Multi-functional ride-on features foot-to-floor and walker functions with electronic talking panel. Electronic talking panel teaches children to identify objects and people. Recomended for ages 1 1/2 - 3 years of age.

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How to Potty Train Your Child

How to Potty Train Your Child by Grant Carroll


It's a milestone in your child's life...learning how to use the potty. Many parents find both a joy and sorrow in this stage that is a rite of passage for their child from being a baby to being a big boy or girl. For parents trying to toilet train, it can test your patience. However, using the potty is complex for small children, so mom and dad shouldn't panic if baby doesn't potty train right away. The best way to approach potty training is to take it one step at a time and to be patient.

The first step is to get both you and your toddler ready. Observe little one for the "about to go" signals such as squatting, retreating to a quiet area or verbalization. Other signals that show a parent a toddler is ready are: verbal communication of things like hunger, child understands simple sentences, doesn't like being soiled, stays dry longer. One way you can help your baby from birth for this time is to change all dirty diapers quickly. This way, they never have a chance to be used to the soiled feeling. Once your sure your toddler is ready, prepare yourself by getting the proper equipment. This includes but is not limited to: potty training chair, training pants, training diapers, other potty training aids. You must also prepare to be patient...don't expect miracles overnight.

Once you're both ready, start by teaching the essentials. First, teach them where to go. A good way to get your toddler involved is to let him or her pick their own potty chair. This ensures that they will be comfortable with potty training on the chair. Next, you want to make sure you're teaching the correct vocabulary. It's best to use words like "penis" and "vagina" to prevent confusion in later life. However, it's okay to use words like "pee-pee" and "poo-poo" rather than "urination" and "defecation". The main challenge consists of teaching them the connection between feeling the urge and going and after going, telling mommy or daddy. You could do this by waiting for them to show the telltale signs of eliminating and taking them straight to the potty training chair. TV's "Dr. Phil" suggests illustrating with a doll that uses the bathroom. Having this visual aid can help a great deal. Once they begin to make progress, move them from diapers to training pants. Above all, be patient and relax. Some day you'll look back on this time and miss it.


About the Author
Grant Carroll proud father and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedbabies.com with Baby Clothes and Toddler Clothing.Also visit Little Pampered Pets where you can find Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters

Sharing Books With Children

Sharing Books With Children by Sherry Frewerd


One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.

Sharing books and reading with my children is as natural as giving them baths and making their breakfast. It's just something I do everyday, and it's one of the most pleasurable moments of my day. I love to hold my two year old in my lap while we snuggle up and look through his ever growing library of books. His favorite books change weekly as his interests broaden. Books open up the world to him and his imagination is bubbling over with new ideas every day.

More than just telling a story, books help children better understand their own ideas and feelings and often calm an upset toddler when nothing else will work. They see and hear about other kids like them and others from around the world who are different. We've all seen little kids acting out the stories they hear. As a child I spent many afternoons pretending to be the characters from my favorite books. Just recently my son was playing 'Dr.Dan. The Bandage Man', a current favorite Little Golden Book.

Although reading with children is so very rewarding for both adult and child, little kids need time to look at books alone. This allows them the opportunity to look at the pictures and develop the habit of 'reading' even though they can't yet read. In my Family Child Care, I have different 'libraries' available in different rooms in my home. The kids have labeled these areas 'libraries' themselves, and will often rotate the books from room to room and act out 'going to the library' daily. Imagine my surprise when I first witnessed a three year old taking the younger kids 'to the library.'

Because books are a very user-friendly activity and require no prep or cleanup other than returning them to the 'library', parents can and should use any opportunity to share books with their young children. Long car or plane trips, waiting rooms, in shopping carts, you name it, you can hand a child a book and make just about any transition or otherwise boring activity exciting. Books and reading can be both a group or individual activity, and many children who are normally shy in a group setting will sit in the reading circle and share story-time while making new friends.

By sharing books with your young child, you are planting a precious memory that will last a lifetime for both parent and child. They in turn will continue the tradition with their own children and remember those special times. A world of experiences and ideas are waiting for you to introduce to them.




About the Author
About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a Proud Work At Home Mother of 3 musical children. A Family Child Care Provider for 10 years, she also publishes several websites, specifically Family Play and Learn: Play and Learning Resources for Parents and Family Child Care Providers.

Little Mommy Baby Gift Set

Little Mommy Baby Gift Set


Little Mommy: Deluxe Gift Set with Baby Doll, Tricycle, Carrier, and Bouncer Seat

WOW! If you are looking for a great set to get a little girl in need of a new doll, this set is worth looking twice at. I was first amazed by the price of all the items that came with it, and really had to think if I wanted to get this for my daughter for Christmas. The only problem we have - my daughter has too many babies. One more wouldn't be that good of an idea. Although if she didn't already have so many dolls, this is definately something I'd be putting on the wish list!

From the Manufacture:
Girls will love playing mommy with this sweet baby doll and accessories! Girls can take their Little Mommy doll on her first bike ride with this tricycle inspired by a real Fisher-Price tricycle. The doll's hands fit in the molded handlebars and her feet rest near the front wheels while her 'mommy' pushes her along with the push handle. Girls can also entertain their Little Mommy doll by bouncing her in the bouncy seat and playing with the toy bar with plastic hook-on animals! Then she can rock baby to sleep in the carrier that's 2-in-1 fun. The Little Mommy Baby's Deluxe Dream Giftset provides hours of endless nurturing play!

Highly Recomended!

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