Those Loud 'Scary' Jets Overhead

My boy has always been really sensitive to sounds, and the jets overhead have literally freaked him out on a regular basis. To alleviate the fear of the jets, I told him about what the jets do, and how they keep us safe, and that they aren't there to scare us, or to hurt us. So I built up a real pride in him for what the jets are doing for our country, and I came up with a way for him to praise them, the pilots included, while the loud sounds continued. Now when a jet flies overhead, he shouts loudly, 'Good job guys!', and then he seems to not worry about the sounds as much. This also works with police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. The child gains a respect and appreciation for his community helpers, and what parent doesn't want to instill that in their kids?

Keep the Excitement of Christmas Presents While Keeping Their Hands Off

Putting presents under the tree early can easily excite the family about the upcoming Christmas morning, but can also be a little 'risk-ay' with curious and young kids abounding. Over the cabinets in your kitchen is a great place to display your family Christmas presents, while more easily stopping the kids from 'checking them out' too much. Every morning they'll see them with delight, and you won't have to remind the kids a thousand times to stay out. It also makes for great Christmas decoration. The 'too big' presents can still sit under the tree if you dare! And now you can more easily set up a Christmas train, nativity set, or whatever you'd like under your tree - just move it Christmas Eve!

No Lids on the Yogurt? Very Annoying! Try This...

They took the lids off of the yogurt cups over year ago. Now all you get is a thin aluminum cover. So, I planned and saved a few lids before they did away with them, because I don't ever eat the whole yogurt, and my kid never eats their whole yogurt either, and sometimes it's a nice option to take yogurt with you on the go, and a lid helps keep this task a little more tidy. So now that I've lost a few of those lids - by habit, or whatever, I need more! Well I'm surley not getting them from the grocery store am I?! Oh, but I am. A Pringles Chips lid makes a great seal on a lot of the varieties of yogurts. It's a clear lid too, so I can easily see how much is left in the container.

Avert Bathroom Handwashing Issues Early On

As soon as your child can start washing their hands, with or without your help, try expecting them to wash their hands after every diaper change, and after the more obvious potty attempts. The idea is to start them off as soon as possible on their personal hygiene habits.

The Unmistakable Christmas List

If you want it, you have to make it almost too clear, and easy!

Try browsing the stores with your camera phone ready. Take pics and add text of what you want and then send the messages to those who shop for you. A fairly good picture can be taken of the product, price tag, or info card.

Christmas Shopping with Kids Made Easier

Stop the whining about the toys the kids want now by taking a simple camera phone picture of your smiling child holding the toy that they want. Tell them you're "sending" the message to Santa right away. You should be able to move on with more ease. They can't possibly have the toy if it's already on Santa's list! This might work for at least the last few months of the year. Good luck!