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We Like to Party
When planning your child’s next birthday party, think outside the box.
Close your eyes and make a wish. How does a one-of-a-kind birthday bash for your child sound? We’ve put together a list of fun party ideas that will make for a party your child will never forget.
Cowpokes young and young at heart can enjoy a day at the ranch. Family farms like River Run Farm (9300 S. 51st West Ave., Jenks, 918.227.2508) offer wonderful birthday party packages. The kids first receive a lesson on horse grooming, then get to don cowboy hats for pony rides. Saddle up! Unleash your child’s inner chef. Sage Culinary Cooking School (3746 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.933.5005) owner Catherine deCamp knows how to whip up a memorable party that’s both delicious and educational.
Your little princess can get all dolled up at My Little Dollhouse (3017 E. 91st St,Tulsa, 918.299.4386). Birthday parties here include hair, makeup and, of course, dress up. If you want a big surprise, you can arrange for a special visit from Cinderella. The look on your daughter’s face? Priceless. Do you have a girly-girl who adores tea parties with china, white napkins and fancy party dresses? The Polka Dot Place (2010 W. Houston, Broken Arrow, 918.258.0940) should be on your list. This new eatery offers private rooms for hosting baby doll teas, princess teas and “just like mommy” teas. What a sweet treat! Score big points with the sports fan in your life by booking a party with their favorite team. The Oklahoma City Thunder (405.208.HOOP) offers birthday packages that include a private room, tickets and a Thunder gift bag for the birthday boy or girl. You can also hit a homerun at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (405.218.1000). Group rates, which include discounted food and tickets, are available as you cheer on the Oklahoma City Redhawks. A birthday wish from Hornsby at Drillers Stadium (918.744.5901) will put a smile on your little leaguer’s face. In addition to rooting on the home team, the birthday child receives a Drillers baseball, a major league batting helmet and their name in lights on the Drillers video board. You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Just mention that your child’s party is a tour of Bluebell Ice Cream (8201 E. Highway 51, Broken Arrow, 918.258.5100) and see how many regrets you receive. Your guests will learn how the mouthwatering ice cream is made as well as get to sample some along the way. Here’s a hot idea! See if your local fire department offers guided tours of the station. The little firefighters love to meet their heroes in person and get a look inside the ladder trucks. Check with your local parks and recreation department for facility rentals. For a minimal fee, most parks will let you rent an outdoor pavilion. Fair warning: the waiting list for parks with splash pads can be pretty lengthy, so it’s a good idea to lock in your date early. Regardless of the location or theme, a birthday party is about celebrating a milestone. The ingredients for a memorable party are simple… fun, friends and family. Everything else, well that’s just icing on the cake.
Free Fun
In an economic crunch, every penny counts. Families can save by taking advantage of no-cost activities throughout the state.
If your entertainment budget is running on empty, have no fear. We set out to discover fun and free activities across the state. Our goal is to uncover some hidden gems and, hopefully, learn a little something along the way. Awarding-winning author and star of the Disney motion picture Cars, Michael Wallis, advocates hitting the open road to explore Route 66 with your family in tow. Wallis chronicles his journey in the best-selling book, Route 66: The Mother Road. One stop, Wallis says, has to be the Catoosa Blue Whale. The famous Blue Whale is perched just east of Tulsa on Route 66. Once a popular swimming location for locals and travelers, the whale is now a fun destination for picture taking and picnicking. Just off Route 66 in Foyil stands the world’s largest concrete totem pole at six stories high and 30 feet in circumference. The very colorful Totem Pole Park has a quiet, sloping lawn for plenty of room to run and picnic tables that invite visitors to sit for a spell. In El Reno, you can hop a free ride on Oklahoma’s only rail-based trolley. The trolley takes a tour from Heritage Park to the Canadian County Historical Museum. Before you pull back out onto Route 66, Wallis recommends devouring one of El Reno’s famous onion burgers. Oklahoma museums are first-class. The free educational programs and guides offered are as vast as the klahoma prairies. Gilcrease Museum of Art (1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa, 18.596.2700) offers free family art workshops on Saturdays. Philbrook Museum of Art (2727 S. Rockford Rd, Tulsa, 918.749.7941) offers free admission the second Saturday of the month with family art projects and condensed tours with Pierre the Puppet. The museum also recently launched the free “My Museum” program for budding artists. As an added bonus, the first time a child visits the museum, they will receive a free art tool kit. The first Monday of the month is an opportunity to take in sights at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, 405.325.4712). On March 25, celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Myriad Gardens (301 W. Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, 405.297.3995) with free admission into the gardens and lessons about rainforest conservation and ecology. Local libraries are wonderful resources for kids of all ages. Activities range from story time for infants to Guitar Hero for tweens. Check your local library for dates and pre-registration requirements.
Head back to nature with a trip to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (100 W. Main St #400, Pawhuska, 918.287.4803). Two self-guided hiking tours are offered year round, and from March to November knowledgeable docents staff the visitor center. You can also hike at Oxley Nature Center (6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, 918.669.6644) or participate in the Saturday Morning Bird Walk on the first Saturday of every month. Every Wednesday through Sunday visitors of Martin Nature Park can explore the 140 acres of pristine nature the area encompasses (5000 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, 405.755.0676).
Go Green with your kids
For many, adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle begins with baby steps, while others tackle the challenge with gusto. Whether you take on one or all nine ideas in 2009, have pride in knowing you are doing it for your kids, their health and for the good of the earth.
Pitch the plastic – Rather than buying and throwing away countless plastic water bottles, opt for the stainless steel option. The Sigg stainless steel bottle (mysigg.com) is a popular choice. And this will make you smile: SIGG donates one percent of all sales to environmental causes. Host an eco-friendly kids’ bash – From invitations to party favors, you can go green in style. For unique, affordable ideas, check out greenpartygoods.com. You will find biodegradable sugarcaneware plates, reusable goody bags and boxes and decorations that will make Martha Stewart proud. Who said green is not chic? Dress well – Save money and the planet’s resources by dressing your kids in secondhand clothes. Snatch up great deals at the very popular spring and summer Just Between Friends sale going on this month. The Tulsa sale is March 1-7 (tulsa.jbfsale.com) and the Oklahoma City sale runs March 23-28 (okc.jbfsale.com). In addition to clothes, sort through furniture, outside play equipment, nursery and maternity items, books and toys from thousands of consignors.
Buy local – Consider buying local produce rather than imported whenever you can. It’s generally more fresh due to the faster time from harvest to table, and it helps the environment by cutting down on the fuel used to transport products. You will also be putting money back into the community. Respect the great outdoors – Encourage wildlife and birds to visit your garden by installing birdbaths and feeders. Consider making a compost heap to recycle fruit and garden waste. This built-in science lesson teaches important ecological lessons, and kids love getting their hands dirty.
Ditch the ride – Reduce your carbon footprint and air pollution by walking, cycling and using public transportation whenever possible. Reuse it – When you go shopping, use an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag instead of a plastic bag. Not only are they fashionable, the colors are just too much fun. One place to pick up a reusable shopping bag is Whole Foods (1401 E. 41st St, Tulsa, 918.712.7555).
Freecycle – Rather than dumping your unwanted stuff in a landfill, give it away and get free things in return. This grassroots movement has grown to more than 4,600 groups with 6.2 million members. Oklahoma has 11 freecycle groups (freecycle.org).
Kids’ shopping – Each day new options are popping up for parents who are seeking ecologically friendly toys and clothing lines. Lundeby’s Eco Baby (3638 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.398.8575) offers a variety of non-toxic, ecologically friendly toys. Keedo (12082 N. May, Oklahoma City, 405.607.0887), Lil Dudes and Divas (1448 S. Bryant, Edmond, 405.330.8500) and Ribbons (3525 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.743.7599) each carry eco-friendly lines. After all, green is the new black.
Sweet dreams for everyone
Ahhh… sweet slumber. Unfortunately, those words sound like a foreign
language to many new parents. To increase the odds of catching your zzz’s and making sure your kids do the same, OMNI Medical Group pediatrician Brent Laughlin, MD offers this for advice.
Q: How much sleep should children receive each night?
A: Newborns need between 11-18 hours of sleep each day. Babies who are three to 11 months should get 9-12 hours of sleep each night, plus naps. One to three-year-olds need 12-14 hours of sleep, plus naps. Children between the ages of three and five need 11-13 hours per night while five to 12-year-olds need between 10 and 11 hours each day.
Q: When should an infant sleep through the night?
A: Most infants do not begin consistently sleeping through the night until about age six months.
Q:How can we help kids wind down at the end of the day?
A: Kids should avoid caffeine and should restrict exercise late in the day. Following a usual routine of pre-bedtime and bedtime activities helps, as does going to bed at the same time each night. Using the bed for sleep and not for playing or studying sets the right tone for sleeping. And, there should not be a television in the child’s room.
Q: Dr. Laughlin, you have said that a successful bedtime routine, such as the one outlined below, hinges on consistency.
What is a good guideline for parents?
A: 1. Have a light snack.
2. Take a bath.
3. Put on pajamas.
4. Brush teeth.
5. Read a story.
6. Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
7. Put your child to bed.
8. Say goodnight and leave.
Q: Why is a good night’s sleep so important for children?
A: Children need sleep for both physical and mental reasons. Rest is important for repairing tissues, replacing exhausted energy stores and allowing for growth. Brain chemicals are also replenished while asleep, and clearly children of all ages learn more efficiently when they are well rested.
All in all, Dr. Laughlin says our grandmothers were right; kids really do need their sleep. Making simple changes to bedtime routines, plus plenty of patience, can make for calmer nights.
Sleep Strategies
Teamwork. If you are co-parenting, it is important to discuss your strategy for getting your child to sleep beforehand and to work as a team. If you are beginning a nighttime program after having some difficulty with your child, explain your new expectations, if your child is old enough. Transitional object. Bedtime means separation, and that can be made easier with a transitional object, such as a doll, teddy bear, blanket, or the like. This kind of object can provide a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child. One last thing. Kids will always have that one last thing – kisses, hugs, a drink of water, using the bathroom. They can be quite inventive. Do your best to anticipate all this and get it done before getting in bed. And let your child know that once they are in bed, they have to stay in bed.
Source: children.webmd.com
Childcare 101
Choose childcare that best complements your lifestyle.
Just like the Boy Scouts, you want your babysitter or nanny to be prepared. If you subscribe to this motto, we imagine you will also want to add a dash of compassion, laughter and love. We’ve searched high and low for tips on finding the right fit for your family. Before taking a much-needed night out, do your homework. The American Red Cross advises parents to use babysitters who are trained in CPR, basic first aid and, ideally, have completed babysitter boot camp (americanredcross.org). However, you can leave the homework to the experts if you like. SeekingSitters (918.749.3588, 405.416.3588) completes background checks, references and employment checks to ensure easy, safe babysitting solutions. The Tulsa-based company has 23 franchises in nine states, and also serves Oklahoma City. For successful babysitting, SeekingSitters owner and mom of three Adrienne Kallweit offers this advice: Ease the anxiety – Tell your kids in advance they will have a babysitter. You can even have your child speak to the sitter on the phone in advance of their first meeting to calm the jitters. Keep information on hand – You should have instructions, contact information and emergency details written out. Set clear expectations – This is the most important factor for having a successful babysitting event. Once your sitter arrives, make sure your sitter knows what you expect, what you need from them and how to best provide it. Don’t linger around – If this is the first time using a particular sitter, it is fine to stick around for a little while to make sure everyone is comfortable. Lengthy good-byes are hard on the kids (and parents) and it turns what should be a fun event into a tense or tearful one.
Wrapping up – Follow up with your sitter for a full report on activities and bedtime. This will help you determine if the sitter is a good fit for next time.
If your childcare needs are long-term, one option is in-home childcare with your own Mary Poppins. Rather than hoping their dream nanny arrives via chimney, nanny-seekers turn to the Internet and sites such as NannyNetwork.com and gonannies.com. These sites provide nanny profiles, work experience and salary information. If the price tag for a full-time nanny is too hefty, you can investigate nanny sharing, where two families engage the services of a single nanny to care for their children. The families literally share the nanny. A nanny share is feasible when you and your neighbor have children approximately the same age, you have similar child rearing philosophies and would like your child care provider to complete light housekeeping and laundry duties (many nannies do). The downsides may include vacation scheduling, evolving parenting philosophies and liability insurance. Daycares and preschools are the perfect fit for many families. To learn how moms rate area daycares and preschools, visit the directory on 918moms.com. After all, to make your child care situation a positive one, you must be prepared.
The 24/7 Connection
Parenting is changing in the digital age.
The days of moms sitting around sipping coffee and flipping through their grandmother’s recipe books are a thing of the past. Parents once leaned over the back fence to share stories and ask for advice. Today, the back fence has been replaced with the Internet. With Blackberries, iPhones, PDAs and laptops, moms are never really out of contact. That 24/7 connection has fueled the desire to reach out to online communities that meet the needs of this new generation of parents. “Do you Facebook?” That’s a question many parents, even grandparents, now ask. The Facebook envelope now folds over across multiple generations. The benefits from this online community are vast; old friends reconnect, new friends come together and parents find an outlet. “Being a stay-at-home mom is fulfilling in countless ways, but let’s face it ... it’s not the most intellectually stimulating job around,” says 918moms.com user MomofFive. “And sometimes, it can be downright isolating.” Moms in the know are going on Craig’s List to find maternity wear, baby furniture, toys and even babysitters. “Do you tweet? Are you on Twitter?” If not, join the legions of parents who are tapped into what others are doing 24/7 in 140 characters or less. Twitter allows users to share thoughts and feelings instantaneously with friends and family and is much faster than e-mailing or writing. If you follow people on Twitter, you find out each time they head to the grocery store, change a diaper or get a promotion. Owner of Emerge Interactive and mom Diane White says moms are natural networkers. She actively uses Twitter for both personal and professional reasons. With almost 700 followers, White admits, “It’s comforting to see others facing the same challenges you face.” Moms are now handing out business cards at the playground – not with their company information, but with the web address to their blogs. Mom bloggers take on all shapes and sizes. The most common blog is the personal blog, which is essentially an online diary. Many parents create blogs to share their child’s milestones or dish about their lives as moms. Some great area parenting blogs include the 918 Coupon Queen, Going Green Mom, Late Blooming Mom, Baby on Board, Clear the Clutter Mom, 8 is Enough Mom and the Eco Goddess.
Follow a few mom groups on Twitter:
918 Coupon Queen
Stay at Home Moms
Soap Opera Moms
Moms that Write
Photographer Moms
For All the Sexy Moms
Yo Yo Sisterhood
Diet Rehab Moms
Nourshing Moms
Scrapbooking Moms
When planning your child’s next birthday party, think outside the box.
Close your eyes and make a wish. How does a one-of-a-kind birthday bash for your child sound? We’ve put together a list of fun party ideas that will make for a party your child will never forget.
Cowpokes young and young at heart can enjoy a day at the ranch. Family farms like River Run Farm (9300 S. 51st West Ave., Jenks, 918.227.2508) offer wonderful birthday party packages. The kids first receive a lesson on horse grooming, then get to don cowboy hats for pony rides. Saddle up! Unleash your child’s inner chef. Sage Culinary Cooking School (3746 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.933.5005) owner Catherine deCamp knows how to whip up a memorable party that’s both delicious and educational.
Your little princess can get all dolled up at My Little Dollhouse (3017 E. 91st St,Tulsa, 918.299.4386). Birthday parties here include hair, makeup and, of course, dress up. If you want a big surprise, you can arrange for a special visit from Cinderella. The look on your daughter’s face? Priceless. Do you have a girly-girl who adores tea parties with china, white napkins and fancy party dresses? The Polka Dot Place (2010 W. Houston, Broken Arrow, 918.258.0940) should be on your list. This new eatery offers private rooms for hosting baby doll teas, princess teas and “just like mommy” teas. What a sweet treat! Score big points with the sports fan in your life by booking a party with their favorite team. The Oklahoma City Thunder (405.208.HOOP) offers birthday packages that include a private room, tickets and a Thunder gift bag for the birthday boy or girl. You can also hit a homerun at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (405.218.1000). Group rates, which include discounted food and tickets, are available as you cheer on the Oklahoma City Redhawks. A birthday wish from Hornsby at Drillers Stadium (918.744.5901) will put a smile on your little leaguer’s face. In addition to rooting on the home team, the birthday child receives a Drillers baseball, a major league batting helmet and their name in lights on the Drillers video board. You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Just mention that your child’s party is a tour of Bluebell Ice Cream (8201 E. Highway 51, Broken Arrow, 918.258.5100) and see how many regrets you receive. Your guests will learn how the mouthwatering ice cream is made as well as get to sample some along the way. Here’s a hot idea! See if your local fire department offers guided tours of the station. The little firefighters love to meet their heroes in person and get a look inside the ladder trucks. Check with your local parks and recreation department for facility rentals. For a minimal fee, most parks will let you rent an outdoor pavilion. Fair warning: the waiting list for parks with splash pads can be pretty lengthy, so it’s a good idea to lock in your date early. Regardless of the location or theme, a birthday party is about celebrating a milestone. The ingredients for a memorable party are simple… fun, friends and family. Everything else, well that’s just icing on the cake.
Free Fun
In an economic crunch, every penny counts. Families can save by taking advantage of no-cost activities throughout the state.
If your entertainment budget is running on empty, have no fear. We set out to discover fun and free activities across the state. Our goal is to uncover some hidden gems and, hopefully, learn a little something along the way. Awarding-winning author and star of the Disney motion picture Cars, Michael Wallis, advocates hitting the open road to explore Route 66 with your family in tow. Wallis chronicles his journey in the best-selling book, Route 66: The Mother Road. One stop, Wallis says, has to be the Catoosa Blue Whale. The famous Blue Whale is perched just east of Tulsa on Route 66. Once a popular swimming location for locals and travelers, the whale is now a fun destination for picture taking and picnicking. Just off Route 66 in Foyil stands the world’s largest concrete totem pole at six stories high and 30 feet in circumference. The very colorful Totem Pole Park has a quiet, sloping lawn for plenty of room to run and picnic tables that invite visitors to sit for a spell. In El Reno, you can hop a free ride on Oklahoma’s only rail-based trolley. The trolley takes a tour from Heritage Park to the Canadian County Historical Museum. Before you pull back out onto Route 66, Wallis recommends devouring one of El Reno’s famous onion burgers. Oklahoma museums are first-class. The free educational programs and guides offered are as vast as the klahoma prairies. Gilcrease Museum of Art (1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd, Tulsa, 18.596.2700) offers free family art workshops on Saturdays. Philbrook Museum of Art (2727 S. Rockford Rd, Tulsa, 918.749.7941) offers free admission the second Saturday of the month with family art projects and condensed tours with Pierre the Puppet. The museum also recently launched the free “My Museum” program for budding artists. As an added bonus, the first time a child visits the museum, they will receive a free art tool kit. The first Monday of the month is an opportunity to take in sights at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, 405.325.4712). On March 25, celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Myriad Gardens (301 W. Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, 405.297.3995) with free admission into the gardens and lessons about rainforest conservation and ecology. Local libraries are wonderful resources for kids of all ages. Activities range from story time for infants to Guitar Hero for tweens. Check your local library for dates and pre-registration requirements.
Head back to nature with a trip to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (100 W. Main St #400, Pawhuska, 918.287.4803). Two self-guided hiking tours are offered year round, and from March to November knowledgeable docents staff the visitor center. You can also hike at Oxley Nature Center (6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, 918.669.6644) or participate in the Saturday Morning Bird Walk on the first Saturday of every month. Every Wednesday through Sunday visitors of Martin Nature Park can explore the 140 acres of pristine nature the area encompasses (5000 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, 405.755.0676).
Go Green with your kids
For many, adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle begins with baby steps, while others tackle the challenge with gusto. Whether you take on one or all nine ideas in 2009, have pride in knowing you are doing it for your kids, their health and for the good of the earth.
Pitch the plastic – Rather than buying and throwing away countless plastic water bottles, opt for the stainless steel option. The Sigg stainless steel bottle (mysigg.com) is a popular choice. And this will make you smile: SIGG donates one percent of all sales to environmental causes. Host an eco-friendly kids’ bash – From invitations to party favors, you can go green in style. For unique, affordable ideas, check out greenpartygoods.com. You will find biodegradable sugarcaneware plates, reusable goody bags and boxes and decorations that will make Martha Stewart proud. Who said green is not chic? Dress well – Save money and the planet’s resources by dressing your kids in secondhand clothes. Snatch up great deals at the very popular spring and summer Just Between Friends sale going on this month. The Tulsa sale is March 1-7 (tulsa.jbfsale.com) and the Oklahoma City sale runs March 23-28 (okc.jbfsale.com). In addition to clothes, sort through furniture, outside play equipment, nursery and maternity items, books and toys from thousands of consignors.
Buy local – Consider buying local produce rather than imported whenever you can. It’s generally more fresh due to the faster time from harvest to table, and it helps the environment by cutting down on the fuel used to transport products. You will also be putting money back into the community. Respect the great outdoors – Encourage wildlife and birds to visit your garden by installing birdbaths and feeders. Consider making a compost heap to recycle fruit and garden waste. This built-in science lesson teaches important ecological lessons, and kids love getting their hands dirty.
Ditch the ride – Reduce your carbon footprint and air pollution by walking, cycling and using public transportation whenever possible. Reuse it – When you go shopping, use an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag instead of a plastic bag. Not only are they fashionable, the colors are just too much fun. One place to pick up a reusable shopping bag is Whole Foods (1401 E. 41st St, Tulsa, 918.712.7555).
Freecycle – Rather than dumping your unwanted stuff in a landfill, give it away and get free things in return. This grassroots movement has grown to more than 4,600 groups with 6.2 million members. Oklahoma has 11 freecycle groups (freecycle.org).
Kids’ shopping – Each day new options are popping up for parents who are seeking ecologically friendly toys and clothing lines. Lundeby’s Eco Baby (3638 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.398.8575) offers a variety of non-toxic, ecologically friendly toys. Keedo (12082 N. May, Oklahoma City, 405.607.0887), Lil Dudes and Divas (1448 S. Bryant, Edmond, 405.330.8500) and Ribbons (3525 S. Peoria, Tulsa, 918.743.7599) each carry eco-friendly lines. After all, green is the new black.
Sweet dreams for everyone
Ahhh… sweet slumber. Unfortunately, those words sound like a foreign
language to many new parents. To increase the odds of catching your zzz’s and making sure your kids do the same, OMNI Medical Group pediatrician Brent Laughlin, MD offers this for advice. Q: How much sleep should children receive each night?
A: Newborns need between 11-18 hours of sleep each day. Babies who are three to 11 months should get 9-12 hours of sleep each night, plus naps. One to three-year-olds need 12-14 hours of sleep, plus naps. Children between the ages of three and five need 11-13 hours per night while five to 12-year-olds need between 10 and 11 hours each day.
Q: When should an infant sleep through the night?
A: Most infants do not begin consistently sleeping through the night until about age six months.
Q:How can we help kids wind down at the end of the day?
A: Kids should avoid caffeine and should restrict exercise late in the day. Following a usual routine of pre-bedtime and bedtime activities helps, as does going to bed at the same time each night. Using the bed for sleep and not for playing or studying sets the right tone for sleeping. And, there should not be a television in the child’s room.
Q: Dr. Laughlin, you have said that a successful bedtime routine, such as the one outlined below, hinges on consistency.
What is a good guideline for parents?
A: 1. Have a light snack.
2. Take a bath.
3. Put on pajamas.
4. Brush teeth.
5. Read a story.
6. Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
7. Put your child to bed.
8. Say goodnight and leave.
Q: Why is a good night’s sleep so important for children?
A: Children need sleep for both physical and mental reasons. Rest is important for repairing tissues, replacing exhausted energy stores and allowing for growth. Brain chemicals are also replenished while asleep, and clearly children of all ages learn more efficiently when they are well rested.
All in all, Dr. Laughlin says our grandmothers were right; kids really do need their sleep. Making simple changes to bedtime routines, plus plenty of patience, can make for calmer nights.
Sleep Strategies
Teamwork. If you are co-parenting, it is important to discuss your strategy for getting your child to sleep beforehand and to work as a team. If you are beginning a nighttime program after having some difficulty with your child, explain your new expectations, if your child is old enough. Transitional object. Bedtime means separation, and that can be made easier with a transitional object, such as a doll, teddy bear, blanket, or the like. This kind of object can provide a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child. One last thing. Kids will always have that one last thing – kisses, hugs, a drink of water, using the bathroom. They can be quite inventive. Do your best to anticipate all this and get it done before getting in bed. And let your child know that once they are in bed, they have to stay in bed.
Source: children.webmd.com
Childcare 101
Choose childcare that best complements your lifestyle.
Just like the Boy Scouts, you want your babysitter or nanny to be prepared. If you subscribe to this motto, we imagine you will also want to add a dash of compassion, laughter and love. We’ve searched high and low for tips on finding the right fit for your family. Before taking a much-needed night out, do your homework. The American Red Cross advises parents to use babysitters who are trained in CPR, basic first aid and, ideally, have completed babysitter boot camp (americanredcross.org). However, you can leave the homework to the experts if you like. SeekingSitters (918.749.3588, 405.416.3588) completes background checks, references and employment checks to ensure easy, safe babysitting solutions. The Tulsa-based company has 23 franchises in nine states, and also serves Oklahoma City. For successful babysitting, SeekingSitters owner and mom of three Adrienne Kallweit offers this advice: Ease the anxiety – Tell your kids in advance they will have a babysitter. You can even have your child speak to the sitter on the phone in advance of their first meeting to calm the jitters. Keep information on hand – You should have instructions, contact information and emergency details written out. Set clear expectations – This is the most important factor for having a successful babysitting event. Once your sitter arrives, make sure your sitter knows what you expect, what you need from them and how to best provide it. Don’t linger around – If this is the first time using a particular sitter, it is fine to stick around for a little while to make sure everyone is comfortable. Lengthy good-byes are hard on the kids (and parents) and it turns what should be a fun event into a tense or tearful one.
Wrapping up – Follow up with your sitter for a full report on activities and bedtime. This will help you determine if the sitter is a good fit for next time.
If your childcare needs are long-term, one option is in-home childcare with your own Mary Poppins. Rather than hoping their dream nanny arrives via chimney, nanny-seekers turn to the Internet and sites such as NannyNetwork.com and gonannies.com. These sites provide nanny profiles, work experience and salary information. If the price tag for a full-time nanny is too hefty, you can investigate nanny sharing, where two families engage the services of a single nanny to care for their children. The families literally share the nanny. A nanny share is feasible when you and your neighbor have children approximately the same age, you have similar child rearing philosophies and would like your child care provider to complete light housekeeping and laundry duties (many nannies do). The downsides may include vacation scheduling, evolving parenting philosophies and liability insurance. Daycares and preschools are the perfect fit for many families. To learn how moms rate area daycares and preschools, visit the directory on 918moms.com. After all, to make your child care situation a positive one, you must be prepared.
The 24/7 Connection
Parenting is changing in the digital age.
The days of moms sitting around sipping coffee and flipping through their grandmother’s recipe books are a thing of the past. Parents once leaned over the back fence to share stories and ask for advice. Today, the back fence has been replaced with the Internet. With Blackberries, iPhones, PDAs and laptops, moms are never really out of contact. That 24/7 connection has fueled the desire to reach out to online communities that meet the needs of this new generation of parents. “Do you Facebook?” That’s a question many parents, even grandparents, now ask. The Facebook envelope now folds over across multiple generations. The benefits from this online community are vast; old friends reconnect, new friends come together and parents find an outlet. “Being a stay-at-home mom is fulfilling in countless ways, but let’s face it ... it’s not the most intellectually stimulating job around,” says 918moms.com user MomofFive. “And sometimes, it can be downright isolating.” Moms in the know are going on Craig’s List to find maternity wear, baby furniture, toys and even babysitters. “Do you tweet? Are you on Twitter?” If not, join the legions of parents who are tapped into what others are doing 24/7 in 140 characters or less. Twitter allows users to share thoughts and feelings instantaneously with friends and family and is much faster than e-mailing or writing. If you follow people on Twitter, you find out each time they head to the grocery store, change a diaper or get a promotion. Owner of Emerge Interactive and mom Diane White says moms are natural networkers. She actively uses Twitter for both personal and professional reasons. With almost 700 followers, White admits, “It’s comforting to see others facing the same challenges you face.” Moms are now handing out business cards at the playground – not with their company information, but with the web address to their blogs. Mom bloggers take on all shapes and sizes. The most common blog is the personal blog, which is essentially an online diary. Many parents create blogs to share their child’s milestones or dish about their lives as moms. Some great area parenting blogs include the 918 Coupon Queen, Going Green Mom, Late Blooming Mom, Baby on Board, Clear the Clutter Mom, 8 is Enough Mom and the Eco Goddess.
Follow a few mom groups on Twitter:
918 Coupon Queen
Stay at Home Moms
Soap Opera Moms
Moms that Write
Photographer Moms
For All the Sexy Moms
Yo Yo Sisterhood
Diet Rehab Moms
Nourshing Moms
Scrapbooking Moms
