The new contest is now posted and the draw will be at the end of May.
To enter St. John's Toddler contests all you have to do is become a follower and each month I will use the Random Number Generator to identify a winner.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Contest: The winner of the Kaboost is...
The new contest is now posted and the draw will be at the end of May.
To enter St. John's Toddler contests all you have to do is become a follower and each month I will use the Random Number Generator to identify a winner.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Local Moms Mother's Day Series and New Contest
There's lots going on at St. John's Toddler next month!
For the month of May I'll be celebrating local moms as part of a Mother's Day series. I am pretty excited about this project. For the past few weeks I have been soliciting answers to a series of questions about motherhood from a diverse group of local moms. All the moms have one thing in common, they are mothers of at least one child who is five or under. Besides that, as you will read over the course of the next month, they are very different.
Some women might be familiar to you, others may not. Some women looked at the humourous side of motherhood and some took a more serious approach to the questions. Some people wrote long answers and some short and sweet.
I think this series gives a nice snapshot in time of a group of St. John's moms. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.
Here are the questions I asked. I told people to take creative liberties and they only answered the questions they wanted. If you would like to participate, it isn't too late. Answer the questions and send them to me (see Contact page for email address.) The more the merrier!
1. Name:
2. Occupation
3. Your Age: (if you want to share?)
4. Number of children and ages. If you want to give their names you can. That’s up to you.
5. When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up?
6. What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
7. What is the best thing about being a mom?
8. When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
9. All new mothers get lots of parenting advice, sometimes more than they want! What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got ?
10. What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a mother?
11. What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
12. How do you keep a sense of balance in your life between being a mother and a person in your own right, or between your career and family (if you work outside the home)?
13. What do you do to ‘get away from it all’?
14. This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
We also have a new contest! The Travel Bug has donated a Little Life Backpack - to enter to win this cute and practical pack for your child, become a Follower of the blog and I will draw for a winner at the end of May.
For the month of May I'll be celebrating local moms as part of a Mother's Day series. I am pretty excited about this project. For the past few weeks I have been soliciting answers to a series of questions about motherhood from a diverse group of local moms. All the moms have one thing in common, they are mothers of at least one child who is five or under. Besides that, as you will read over the course of the next month, they are very different.
Some women might be familiar to you, others may not. Some women looked at the humourous side of motherhood and some took a more serious approach to the questions. Some people wrote long answers and some short and sweet.
I think this series gives a nice snapshot in time of a group of St. John's moms. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.
Here are the questions I asked. I told people to take creative liberties and they only answered the questions they wanted. If you would like to participate, it isn't too late. Answer the questions and send them to me (see Contact page for email address.) The more the merrier!
1. Name:
2. Occupation
3. Your Age: (if you want to share?)
4. Number of children and ages. If you want to give their names you can. That’s up to you.
5. When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up?
6. What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
7. What is the best thing about being a mom?
8. When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
9. All new mothers get lots of parenting advice, sometimes more than they want! What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got ?
10. What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a mother?
11. What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
12. How do you keep a sense of balance in your life between being a mother and a person in your own right, or between your career and family (if you work outside the home)?
13. What do you do to ‘get away from it all’?
14. This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
We also have a new contest! The Travel Bug has donated a Little Life Backpack - to enter to win this cute and practical pack for your child, become a Follower of the blog and I will draw for a winner at the end of May.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fee: Railway Coastal Museum
We went to the Railway Coastal Museum on a rainy day recently and were pleasantly surprised. We were happy to discover a top-notch museum behind the doors of the old Train Station. We always wondered what the museum was like and if it would be of interest to small children and toddlers. I had heard good things about the children's Birthday Parties they offer. We had a lovely visit, but it had potential to be a much better experience for small children with a little more attention to detail. Let me elaborate:
They have a great, big, detailed model train set, but when we got there it wasn’t turned on. Somebody eventually flicked a switch and one of the trains did start up after we arrived. There were several trains on the tracks, but only one was turned on. It was a little disappointing because it was the one on the inside track so the only way our child could see it was if we lifted him up and it was not the train that went through the most interesting parts of the model: the Newfoundland landscapes that illustrated the challenges and services of the Newfoundland railway. The model also had some damage which sort of spoiled the illusion.
There was a Thomas the Tank Engine Table to play with, which is a great hands-on idea to engage small children, but it was pushed against a wall so children couldn’t walk around it. This made it hard to ‘drive’ the engines around the track and when there was more than one child playing at the set they were constantly getting in each other's way because they couldn't walk around the set.
On the plus side, if your child is into Thomas there were some items in the gift store that I hadn’t seen elsewhere in town. However, the gift store is right in the middle of the museum and not in a separate room so of course our toddler became completely obsessed with the toys and trains on the toddler-height shelves and some items were breakable. It was tough to keep him focused on the displays because of this. The majority of the people in the museum that day seemed to be purchasing jewellery at the gift store and most of the staff were engaged with that, once we paid for our entry, no staff member approached us to provide any insight or information about the displays.
All that being said, the creativity of the museum designers was excellent. The interior cut-aways of the train with the life-size mannequins in their period costumes really did bring the trains and the era to life. If you didn’t have a toddler with you, you could take the time to look closely at all the panels and historic photographs. There was also an authentic REO Speedwagon on display, and if you think I am talking about the band, you need to get down there and see this display.
I think this review sounds overly negative, the whole experience really did make me wish we still had a Newfoundland railway system and for the most part the displays were engaging and well done. I guess my point is that though we were happily surprised by the quality of what we found in the museum and its displays, we were disappointed that the experience for small children didn’t live up to its potential.
I'd be interested to hear of other people's experiences and hear more about the birthdays. Do they ever get all the trains in the model going? That is something I would love to see.
It was $6 each for adults and free for our toddler.
They have a great, big, detailed model train set, but when we got there it wasn’t turned on. Somebody eventually flicked a switch and one of the trains did start up after we arrived. There were several trains on the tracks, but only one was turned on. It was a little disappointing because it was the one on the inside track so the only way our child could see it was if we lifted him up and it was not the train that went through the most interesting parts of the model: the Newfoundland landscapes that illustrated the challenges and services of the Newfoundland railway. The model also had some damage which sort of spoiled the illusion.
There was a Thomas the Tank Engine Table to play with, which is a great hands-on idea to engage small children, but it was pushed against a wall so children couldn’t walk around it. This made it hard to ‘drive’ the engines around the track and when there was more than one child playing at the set they were constantly getting in each other's way because they couldn't walk around the set.
On the plus side, if your child is into Thomas there were some items in the gift store that I hadn’t seen elsewhere in town. However, the gift store is right in the middle of the museum and not in a separate room so of course our toddler became completely obsessed with the toys and trains on the toddler-height shelves and some items were breakable. It was tough to keep him focused on the displays because of this. The majority of the people in the museum that day seemed to be purchasing jewellery at the gift store and most of the staff were engaged with that, once we paid for our entry, no staff member approached us to provide any insight or information about the displays.
All that being said, the creativity of the museum designers was excellent. The interior cut-aways of the train with the life-size mannequins in their period costumes really did bring the trains and the era to life. If you didn’t have a toddler with you, you could take the time to look closely at all the panels and historic photographs. There was also an authentic REO Speedwagon on display, and if you think I am talking about the band, you need to get down there and see this display.
I think this review sounds overly negative, the whole experience really did make me wish we still had a Newfoundland railway system and for the most part the displays were engaging and well done. I guess my point is that though we were happily surprised by the quality of what we found in the museum and its displays, we were disappointed that the experience for small children didn’t live up to its potential.
I'd be interested to hear of other people's experiences and hear more about the birthdays. Do they ever get all the trains in the model going? That is something I would love to see.
It was $6 each for adults and free for our toddler.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Web: Downtown Parents Association
Somebody told me about the Downtown Parents Association on the weekend. I don't know much about them except what I found on Facebook. If you have more information please send it along, I'd love to know more.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Parenting Book Club: Raising a Self Disciplined Child
Hey,
I am still plugging away at this book. There have been a couple of "ah ha!" moments, one of which is the obvious oldie but goodie - 'practice what you preach.' Your child will model your behaviour, so ask yourself is your response to challenges one you want them to emulate? Are you modeling good problem solving and conflict resolution skills?
Also, I wanted to mention that none of the anecdotal information is about toddlers, some of the children are preschoolers. So for me this book is a little foreshadowing and a little preemptive. Which is a good thing in my opinion, but if you are looking for an instructional book on parenting toddlers, this isn't it. This is more holisitic and thoughtful.
Some parts are annoying though, like the way they are constantly using the word 'we'.... I know it was written by two people, but the counseling they provided the families in the book must have been done jointly too because everything is 'we did this' and 'we felt that.' I am not sure why it irritates me, but it does. Also they use the word 'impressed' even when something is bad. For example: "We were impressed by his inability to recognize the true issue." That may be correct, but it seems weird to me.
Anybody got the book in hand yet?
I am still plugging away at this book. There have been a couple of "ah ha!" moments, one of which is the obvious oldie but goodie - 'practice what you preach.' Your child will model your behaviour, so ask yourself is your response to challenges one you want them to emulate? Are you modeling good problem solving and conflict resolution skills?
Also, I wanted to mention that none of the anecdotal information is about toddlers, some of the children are preschoolers. So for me this book is a little foreshadowing and a little preemptive. Which is a good thing in my opinion, but if you are looking for an instructional book on parenting toddlers, this isn't it. This is more holisitic and thoughtful.
Some parts are annoying though, like the way they are constantly using the word 'we'.... I know it was written by two people, but the counseling they provided the families in the book must have been done jointly too because everything is 'we did this' and 'we felt that.' I am not sure why it irritates me, but it does. Also they use the word 'impressed' even when something is bad. For example: "We were impressed by his inability to recognize the true issue." That may be correct, but it seems weird to me.
Anybody got the book in hand yet?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Education: Montessori Everywhere
Montessori seems to be all the rage in children's education in St. John's these days.
There is the The Montessori Learning Centre and they even have a Facebook Page.
There is Kings Bridge Montessori - which I wrote about before and got some useful feedback from readers about in the comments section.
As well, Early Achievers advertises a Montessori approach to teaching young children.
In case you aren't familiar with it, here's a good explanation of Montessori education. If your child is in one of these programs or you are involved in one of these schools I would love your comments and more information about the Montessori Method.
There is the The Montessori Learning Centre and they even have a Facebook Page.
There is Kings Bridge Montessori - which I wrote about before and got some useful feedback from readers about in the comments section.
As well, Early Achievers advertises a Montessori approach to teaching young children.
In case you aren't familiar with it, here's a good explanation of Montessori education. If your child is in one of these programs or you are involved in one of these schools I would love your comments and more information about the Montessori Method.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Services: Safe Cakes - Mother's Day Special
Safe Cakes sent me an email with some Mother's Day specials:
Mother's Day is Sunday May 9th, and fastly approaching. I am accepting pre-orders. Those placing an order before Friday April 30th will recieve our Mother's Day prices.
8" Single layer Cake - $11.00
8" double layer or 1/4 slab cake- $21.00
6 cupcakes - $9.00
12 cupcakes - $19.00
GF 8" Single Layer cake - $13.00
GF 8" Double layer or 1/4 slab cake - $23.00
6 GF Cupcakes - $11.00
12 GF Cupcakes - $21.00
All cakes will be decorated with a border, Spring flowers, and Happy Mothers Day message. Choice of Vanilla or Choc.
safecakes@yahoo.com
I would also like thank everyone for a very successful Easter.
Mother's Day is Sunday May 9th, and fastly approaching. I am accepting pre-orders. Those placing an order before Friday April 30th will recieve our Mother's Day prices.
8" Single layer Cake - $11.00
8" double layer or 1/4 slab cake- $21.00
6 cupcakes - $9.00
12 cupcakes - $19.00
GF 8" Single Layer cake - $13.00
GF 8" Double layer or 1/4 slab cake - $23.00
6 GF Cupcakes - $11.00
12 GF Cupcakes - $21.00
All cakes will be decorated with a border, Spring flowers, and Happy Mothers Day message. Choice of Vanilla or Choc.
safecakes@yahoo.com
I would also like thank everyone for a very successful Easter.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Food: Smorgasbord
Here are a few short items in the food category:
Success on the vegetable front, sort of.
I convinced my toddler to eat lettuce by letting him dip it in hummous which he loves. He mostly uses the lettuce (which he calls a leaf) as a vehicle for getting hummous to his mouth and more often than not he just licks the hummous off said leaf.
Success number two:
My toddler ate Amy’s Organic frozen pizza the spinach one, so in my book that counts as vegetables.
Free-range children
Belbin’s is carrying free–range whole chickens. They aren’t cheap, but I will buy them when I can. Somebody has to buy them to ensure they keep bringing them in. The only way to get the costs down is to increase consumer demand and create a more competitive market... So I am told anyway.
Know a good child-friendly recipe or a new grocery store item for toddlers that you find good? Send it along or post a comment.
Success on the vegetable front, sort of.
I convinced my toddler to eat lettuce by letting him dip it in hummous which he loves. He mostly uses the lettuce (which he calls a leaf) as a vehicle for getting hummous to his mouth and more often than not he just licks the hummous off said leaf.
Success number two:
My toddler ate Amy’s Organic frozen pizza the spinach one, so in my book that counts as vegetables.
Free-range children
Belbin’s is carrying free–range whole chickens. They aren’t cheap, but I will buy them when I can. Somebody has to buy them to ensure they keep bringing them in. The only way to get the costs down is to increase consumer demand and create a more competitive market... So I am told anyway.
Know a good child-friendly recipe or a new grocery store item for toddlers that you find good? Send it along or post a comment.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Fee: Soccer for toddlers and children under five
Here are a couple of under-five children's soccer links I found: City of St.John's Micro and Soccer Tots - Soccer tots also has a Facebook Page
If you know of other children's soccer programs, or any sports programs for children under five, please send me the information. I am especially interested in hockey links because I am having a really hard time finding out anything about getting toddler and preschool age children involved in hockey in this town. The web sites I have found are terrible.
Bulldog Fitness advertises a Tots and Soccer class on their schedule but I can't find a class description on the site or any information about registrations so you will have to call them.
If you know of other children's soccer programs, or any sports programs for children under five, please send me the information. I am especially interested in hockey links because I am having a really hard time finding out anything about getting toddler and preschool age children involved in hockey in this town. The web sites I have found are terrible.
Bulldog Fitness advertises a Tots and Soccer class on their schedule but I can't find a class description on the site or any information about registrations so you will have to call them.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Parenting Book Club: Week Two
I had a pretty busy week this week so I didn't get a lot of reading done, I also had emails from a couple of book club members who haven't got the books in hand yet (stuck in the mail).So I don't have a lot to say about the book this week, other than it has continued to present the idea that the way you discipline teaches your child, but is it teaching your child what you want to teach them? Up until now the book has focused on aggressive and rebellious behaviour for the most part, but the last part I read was about a whining child and how this behaviour only exists because it works. The parents had given in on this behaviour out of sheer exhaustion because the child was so persistent and so the child saw the behaviour as rewarding.
Another book I read a while back talked about the danger of giving in on things even once, because for children, if you gave in once, they will remember that one time forever. Like the people who continue to buy lottery tickets even though they only won $2 once, three years ago, and think every ticket might be the one that wins again, children similarly think: "...well it worked that one time, it might work again this time." Sort of like Russian Roulette, only with whining.
Of course it is unrealistic to think you will never give in, but the crux of the matter that is reiterated in Raising a Self Disciplined Child, is that if you gave in, understand that it will be that harder to curb the behaviour next time or help your child find another (less annoying) way to assert their will.
So that's all I have to say for this week. Hopefully next week I will have more time to read and you guys will have your books in hand....
Another book I read a while back talked about the danger of giving in on things even once, because for children, if you gave in once, they will remember that one time forever. Like the people who continue to buy lottery tickets even though they only won $2 once, three years ago, and think every ticket might be the one that wins again, children similarly think: "...well it worked that one time, it might work again this time." Sort of like Russian Roulette, only with whining.
Of course it is unrealistic to think you will never give in, but the crux of the matter that is reiterated in Raising a Self Disciplined Child, is that if you gave in, understand that it will be that harder to curb the behaviour next time or help your child find another (less annoying) way to assert their will.
So that's all I have to say for this week. Hopefully next week I will have more time to read and you guys will have your books in hand....
Friday, April 16, 2010
Product: New Children's Product Store
Word on the street is that Nikki Temple of Hempware fame has a new store for children's clothes, toys and other products with a socially and environmentally conscious approach. Watch this spot for more details.
UPDATED: The store is called Flower Child.
UPDATED: The store is called Flower Child.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Birthdays: Children's Parties at the YM/YWCA
Here's some children's birthday party information for the YM/YWCA facilities.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Parenting: CBC's Parenting Columnist
This parenting columnist on CBC has some great topics and interviews about parenting ideas, dilemmas and trends. If you don't have the time to listen to it on the local St. John's Morning Show I found these links to the parenting podcasts:
She covers issues related to children of all ages.
She covers issues related to children of all ages.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Contest: March Hare and the Winner is....
Since I have no way of knowing whether a blog Follower checks the website regularly, fell off the face of the earth, or lost their email password or simply decided to get off the grid, winners have one week to claim their prize before I redraw for another winner.
So Joseph, send me an email and I will arrange to get the Easter Bunny to you, a little late, for a very important date.... Congratulations!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Ideas: Wholistic Education Project Meeting UPDATED
I went to an elementary school a little like this when I was a child, so I am definitely intrigued.
This school now has a name: Four Winds Alternative School. There is a facebook group too!
Another information session has been scheduled....
Holistic Alternative School Co-op: Open House
If you are interested in:
• Alternative schooling methods for children
• Full-time Kindergarten programs
• Waldorf and Arts-based instruction
• After-school programs
• Smaller classes
Where: Dynamis Health Centre @ 95 Torbay Rd
When: Sunday, April 18th 12-4pm
I missed this, did anyone go? Does anyone know what happened? I'd love a report.
Wholistic Education Project Meeting
March 13 from 3pm-5pm
Dynamis Health Centre
95 Torbay Rd. (738-2722)
Contact: Lesley Breen, or Sheila Earle
Are you interested in creating or supporting/attending a school for a child that is wholistic?
Would you like to send your child to a school that “addresses the whole child and promotes the development of healthy, responsible, inquisitive, creative human beings” (R. Miller, Whole Child School)?
Would you like to learn more about Wholistic Education, Waldorf teaching methods and independent schooling?
If you are interested in meeting to discuss starting such a project, or are interested enough to learn more about it, please feel free to attend.
This school now has a name: Four Winds Alternative School. There is a facebook group too!
Another information session has been scheduled....
Holistic Alternative School Co-op: Open House
If you are interested in:
• Alternative schooling methods for children
• Full-time Kindergarten programs
• Waldorf and Arts-based instruction
• After-school programs
• Smaller classes
Where: Dynamis Health Centre @ 95 Torbay Rd
When: Sunday, April 18th 12-4pm
I missed this, did anyone go? Does anyone know what happened? I'd love a report.
Wholistic Education Project Meeting
March 13 from 3pm-5pm
Dynamis Health Centre
95 Torbay Rd. (738-2722)
Contact: Lesley Breen, or Sheila Earle
Are you interested in creating or supporting/attending a school for a child that is wholistic?
Would you like to send your child to a school that “addresses the whole child and promotes the development of healthy, responsible, inquisitive, creative human beings” (R. Miller, Whole Child School)?
Would you like to learn more about Wholistic Education, Waldorf teaching methods and independent schooling?
If you are interested in meeting to discuss starting such a project, or are interested enough to learn more about it, please feel free to attend.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Parenting Book Club: Week One
I started Raising a Self-Disciplined Child last week and having read several parenting books in the last year , I quickly recognized the book's formula: Lots of anecdotal examples of parents and their parenting dilemmas rounded out by the author's analysis, observations and alternatives. That is not a criticism, just an observation. It seems that the only way to talk about parenting styles is to give parenting examples. The examples seem realistic and plausible.
But so far, what has been of the greatest interest to me, and possibly the most useful, is the concept that discipline is about teaching, not about punishing. In my mind, prescriptive 'rules' for parenting can't and won't work. No one can possibly follow a step by step plan for parenting. Step by step plans about what to do and say and when to do and say them don't take into account the differences in children, parents, cultures and lifestyles and they don't give you any flexibility. They also don't encourage you to listen to your instincts or trust your own judgement. However a concept like thinking of discipline in the context of its meaning as it relates to teaching rather than punishing is a good foundation from which you can work and idea to keep coming back to as you find your way through parenthood.
I also found the questions on page 31 a good basis for discussion, either with yourself or your partner or other parents. I like these kinds of questions because they help you step back from the forest to see the trees. I like the big picture idea. Take every moment and day as it comes, but keep the vision of where you are going in mind. Asking yourself "What kind of person am I hoping to raise my child to be and how is what we are doing today helping to get us there?"
Anyway - those are my thoughts on the book so far. Anyone else have any thing to add? Agree? Disagree?
But so far, what has been of the greatest interest to me, and possibly the most useful, is the concept that discipline is about teaching, not about punishing. In my mind, prescriptive 'rules' for parenting can't and won't work. No one can possibly follow a step by step plan for parenting. Step by step plans about what to do and say and when to do and say them don't take into account the differences in children, parents, cultures and lifestyles and they don't give you any flexibility. They also don't encourage you to listen to your instincts or trust your own judgement. However a concept like thinking of discipline in the context of its meaning as it relates to teaching rather than punishing is a good foundation from which you can work and idea to keep coming back to as you find your way through parenthood.
I also found the questions on page 31 a good basis for discussion, either with yourself or your partner or other parents. I like these kinds of questions because they help you step back from the forest to see the trees. I like the big picture idea. Take every moment and day as it comes, but keep the vision of where you are going in mind. Asking yourself "What kind of person am I hoping to raise my child to be and how is what we are doing today helping to get us there?"
Anyway - those are my thoughts on the book so far. Anyone else have any thing to add? Agree? Disagree?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Activities: City of St. John's Children's Programs
The City of St. John's web site has a new e-tool for registering and discovering children's activities offered by their Parks and Recreation division. It looks like a great way to see what they are offering and how many spaces are available. They have a preschool program, day camps and other activities for kids listed.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Services: Help - any toddler summer camps?
Does anybody know if there are any camps for toddler -age children during the summer?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
March Hare Contest UPDATE
I still haven't heard from the winner of the Easter Bunny Contest so I am going to wait until Sunday, April 11th and then I am going to draw a new name from the virtual hat.
Thanks everyone,
Erika
Thanks everyone,
Erika
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Food: Toddler Nachos
We are trying to encourage our toddler to try new foods by having him sit with us each night for dinner. We used to wait until he was gone to bed before having a quiet meal together, and we will still do that on occasion, but we are instituting family meals as a regular part of the routine. The other night I was making nachos for my and my husband so I decided to try and invent some for our toddler. He likes cheese; he likes dipping stuff in other stuff. And the bonus, I can sneak veggies in under the cheese.
I had to come up with nachos for him that were not made with sharp and potentially choky corn chips. So I baked a soft shell flour tortilla with all the toppings on it in the oven until the cheese melted. I gave him his own little bowl of plain yogurt for dipping and we all sat down to eat.
Well he didn’t like them too much, but he kept asking to eat ours and really liked saying the word ‘nachos’ over and over and over again. We were able to let him try ours because as you know, some of the corn chips always end up getting soft under the weight of the veggies and warm melted cheese. But I would not call this a success. Back to the drawing board.
I had to come up with nachos for him that were not made with sharp and potentially choky corn chips. So I baked a soft shell flour tortilla with all the toppings on it in the oven until the cheese melted. I gave him his own little bowl of plain yogurt for dipping and we all sat down to eat.
Well he didn’t like them too much, but he kept asking to eat ours and really liked saying the word ‘nachos’ over and over and over again. We were able to let him try ours because as you know, some of the corn chips always end up getting soft under the weight of the veggies and warm melted cheese. But I would not call this a success. Back to the drawing board.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Fee: Early Achievers New Programs
These Early Achievers classes and workshops for little kids and toddlers sound like great programs. Has anyone had experience with them? I'd love to hear your thoughts. There are even more sessions listed on their web site so be sure to have a look.
Little Learners
Parent and child programs for children ages 12 mths - 23 mths or 2 years and up
Our Little Learners programs are designed to provide early stimulation through educational objectives, exclusively for children 12 - 23 months or 2 years old and up. Weekly activities focus on the individual child; promoting social, emotional, cognitive, verbal, creative, and fine motor development.
Little Leapers
Little Leapers is a fun, but more structured program developed for children turning three and who are toilet trained. This exciting program is for children who are eager to leap ahead into the wonderful world of learning! Our educators provide positive approaches to learning through a balance of structured hands on experiences.
Plus more like these:
Little Artist
ABC Time
Little Counters
Little Scientist
Music and Movement
Computer Time
Little Chefs
Miss Manners
Visit Early Achievers for details and schedules.
Little Learners
Parent and child programs for children ages 12 mths - 23 mths or 2 years and up
Our Little Learners programs are designed to provide early stimulation through educational objectives, exclusively for children 12 - 23 months or 2 years old and up. Weekly activities focus on the individual child; promoting social, emotional, cognitive, verbal, creative, and fine motor development.
Little Leapers
Little Leapers is a fun, but more structured program developed for children turning three and who are toilet trained. This exciting program is for children who are eager to leap ahead into the wonderful world of learning! Our educators provide positive approaches to learning through a balance of structured hands on experiences.
Plus more like these:
Little Artist
ABC Time
Little Counters
Little Scientist
Music and Movement
Computer Time
Little Chefs
Miss Manners
Visit Early Achievers for details and schedules.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Parenting Book Club: This month's selection
Since I didn't get any suggestions about books for the book club I am just picking one - and hopefully I won't be reading this alone and having 'discussions; with myself ;)
If you decide to read this parenting book with us, please let me know. All Book Club related comments and emails will be on St. John's Toddler every Sunday for the months of April and May. I figure two months is enough time?
The book is Raising a Self Disciplined Child by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein
If you decide to read this parenting book with us, please let me know. All Book Club related comments and emails will be on St. John's Toddler every Sunday for the months of April and May. I figure two months is enough time?
The book is Raising a Self Disciplined Child by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Birthday: Empire Theatres
This looks like a fun, though not inexpensive way to spend your child's birthday I have never attended a movie party with my child, if you have - submit a comment or send me a review.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Contest: Kaboost - A children's booster seat alternative
Our toddler is showing less and less interest in sitting in his high chair so I went looking for a booster seat to use with our dining set. I started at Coo Chi Coo because I find the products good and the advice even better. Michelle (the owner) was there and she recommended this great product called a Kaboost. It is like high heeled shoes for your chairs. Plus it has two heights so you can choose a civilized 2 inch or a stilletto heel, so to speak. Unlike high heels however this thing is incredibly safe and won't make your feet hurt! This small, portable and versatile product is easy to use. It slips on to the feet of just about any chair or stool and gives your kid the boost they need to eat at the grown-up table. The feet keep the stool or chair from sliding and it really creates a stable seat.
Michelle pointed out to me that this product has a longer lifespan than an in-chair booster because your child won't grow out of it as quickly and it also, as she put it, "isn't another big piece of plastic" cluttering up your house. The downside for younger toddlers is that it goes on the feet of the chair and therefore has no harness or straps to keep your kid from falling or climbing off the chair. For littler kids you could use it in combination with some of the other kinds of booster seats and accessories. The only other thing we found is that it works great with the kitchen island, but for our dining set it raises the chair so high our toddler can't fit his legs under the table. Our table is a small make designed for an apartment size space and it has a sort of 'apron' beneath the table surface so I think this is really a problem with our table and not with the product. So we are keeping our Kaboost and it will be especially useful when we go to nana's for Sunday dinners.
The Kaboost is around $55 bucks and should last you 2-3 years at least depending on your child's size and height.
Now for the exciting part, Michelle has offered a Kaboost as a prize for this month's St. John's Toddler Contest. All you have to do to enter is become a blog Follower. See the left hand column for details on how to become a Follower. All Followers are automatically entered in the prize draws. Here's an awesome video about the Kaboost. The prize will be drawn on March 31st, 2010.
Michelle pointed out to me that this product has a longer lifespan than an in-chair booster because your child won't grow out of it as quickly and it also, as she put it, "isn't another big piece of plastic" cluttering up your house. The downside for younger toddlers is that it goes on the feet of the chair and therefore has no harness or straps to keep your kid from falling or climbing off the chair. For littler kids you could use it in combination with some of the other kinds of booster seats and accessories. The only other thing we found is that it works great with the kitchen island, but for our dining set it raises the chair so high our toddler can't fit his legs under the table. Our table is a small make designed for an apartment size space and it has a sort of 'apron' beneath the table surface so I think this is really a problem with our table and not with the product. So we are keeping our Kaboost and it will be especially useful when we go to nana's for Sunday dinners.
The Kaboost is around $55 bucks and should last you 2-3 years at least depending on your child's size and height.
Now for the exciting part, Michelle has offered a Kaboost as a prize for this month's St. John's Toddler Contest. All you have to do to enter is become a blog Follower. See the left hand column for details on how to become a Follower. All Followers are automatically entered in the prize draws. Here's an awesome video about the Kaboost. The prize will be drawn on March 31st, 2010.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
FEE: Yoga 4 Kids Teacher Training
This looks like a cool idea for anyone who is qualified and interested. Maybe it will mean more kids yoga classes around town.
May 22 & 23, 2010
Learn how to develop and teach a children’s yoga class for kids aged 2 1/2 to 12. This is a 14 hour, 2 day workshop covering the development and teaching of a kids yoga class complete with movement ideas, songs, and chants. This workshop is beneficial for Yoga and Dance Instructors, Classroom Teachers, Phys. Ed. Teachers, Drama, Dance & Music Teachers, E.C.E Specialists and Movement Therapists, Yoga Alliance Qualified Course.
Date: Saturday May 22 & Sunday May 23, 2010
Times: Saturday 12:00-8:00pm & Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $365 + tax
Instructor: Sherry LeBlanc, Director of Yoga 4 Kids. Sherry specializes in teaching yoga to children & teens of all ages & abilities in public & private schools, daycares, yoga studios, dance studios & private clubs. She offers private yoga therapy sessions to infants and children with special needs and professional development workshops for adults that qualify as Yoga Alliance CEUs (Continuing Education Units). For more information please visit her website: Yoga 4 Kids
Registration Deadline: April 24, 2010 - limited space available so please register early.
May 22 & 23, 2010
Learn how to develop and teach a children’s yoga class for kids aged 2 1/2 to 12. This is a 14 hour, 2 day workshop covering the development and teaching of a kids yoga class complete with movement ideas, songs, and chants. This workshop is beneficial for Yoga and Dance Instructors, Classroom Teachers, Phys. Ed. Teachers, Drama, Dance & Music Teachers, E.C.E Specialists and Movement Therapists, Yoga Alliance Qualified Course.
Date: Saturday May 22 & Sunday May 23, 2010
Times: Saturday 12:00-8:00pm & Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $365 + tax
Instructor: Sherry LeBlanc, Director of Yoga 4 Kids. Sherry specializes in teaching yoga to children & teens of all ages & abilities in public & private schools, daycares, yoga studios, dance studios & private clubs. She offers private yoga therapy sessions to infants and children with special needs and professional development workshops for adults that qualify as Yoga Alliance CEUs (Continuing Education Units). For more information please visit her website: Yoga 4 Kids
Registration Deadline: April 24, 2010 - limited space available so please register early.
Contest: March Hare - Last Day to Enter!!
But in the meantime don't forget to become a Follower to be automatically entered in all prize draws.
You can win this lovely Bunny for your toddler just in time for Easter by becoming a Follower of St. John's Toddler. Just scroll down the right hand column until you get to the Followers section and go from there.
By becoming a Follower you will be automatically entered in every contest I run on the site, except for the ones that involve sending in a special submission like a recipe or something. More Followers will hopefully mean in better prizes for you and your child.
This Bunny was made by a company called Manuella and here is some more information about it and the designer.
Rules and Logisitics:
The Bunny prize will be drawn on Good Friday. Every St. John's Toddler Follower will be given a number and then I use a random number generator to draw the prize. I will announce the winner here on Good Friday. If you use an alias when you sign up as a Follower, let me know by email who you are so I can be sure to get the prize to the right person.
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