Avoid The Mid-Winter Blues

It’s usually during the month of February when you start to feel those mid-winter blues; the kids start to go a little stir-crazy and you feel a case of cabin fever coming on fast. Well, I’m here to help you avoid the mid-winter blues and to embrace the remainder of winter – with your whole family.

Take a Vacation: Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about an expensive last-minute trip to Mexico (unless you want to go)! A simple road trip to a slightly warmer location and a stay in a hotel with a pool is all you likely need to feel rejuvenated enough to make it through the last month of winter. I suggest taking a weekend – or a long weekend if possible – and making a break for blue skies and sunshine. Your kids will enjoy frolicking in the pool and drinking smoothies while you relax under the sun.

Head to an Indoor Aquatic Center:  My kids and I have a blast at the local indoor aquatic center! It’s always warm inside the center, and swimming always reminds us of the upcoming spring and summer. Find an aquatic center that is child-friendly and includes features like: a shallow pool, a lazy river, water slides and more. Your kids will appreciate that the outing is kid-friendly and you’re guaranteed to smile and have fun splashing around by their sides as well.

Take Advantage of Winter Activities: Remind yourself that winter is nearing an end and take advantage of winter activities offered within your area. In most places, you can only sled, ski and ice skate for a few months of every year, so take advantage of the winter you’re having and get out there and play. There are lots of kid-friendly winter activities that adults enjoy, too.

Indoor Activities Are Fun: Yes, you’ve been indoors for far too long now (or so it would seem), but you’re likely stuck in a routine and have been enjoying lots of the same activities. Now is the time to branch out and try a new activity like: building an indoor fort, getting a craft kit and making something special, trying a science experiment at home, etc. Get creative and do something new indoors!

Beat those mid-winter blues with these mid-winter tips, ideas and activities.

Have fun and happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Traveling with Toddlers

As a seasoned traveler, I know how stressful it can be to fly with toddlers. Don’t get caught up in the stress this year, follow these tried and true tips for ensuring easy travel with your toddlers this winter and beyond.

 

Planning Ahead for Toddlers:

• Buy some books about flying in a plane, so that your child will understand the whole concept. You might also buy a toy plane that you can talk about with your toddler. Discuss the people who work on the plane, where you enter the plane, where you sit on a plane, etc. The goal here is to get children used to the idea of flying.
• Get a backpack or special travel bag that is just for the toddler, and,  beginning a few weeks in advance, discuss how the child can help pack their own bag, and talk about what items they’d like to bring with them to play with on the plane.
• Discuss with your child all the steps that come with flying on an airplane, such as: the ride to airport, checking bags, going through TSA, waiting to board, getting on the plane, looking out the window, etc, so they’ll know what to expect when you arrive at the airport on travel day.

 

Plan in 15 Minutes:

• Estimate the time and length of the trip from beginning to end and make plans in 15 min increments.  For instance, if you’re planning for a 5 hour flight you’ll know:
  • The first 30 minutes your toddlers will be excited, as they will have just boarded the plane; they’ll be looking out the window, watching the activity, seeing other planes, and watching luggage being loaded. Then you have the exciting take off to look forward to, too.
  • Once the plane passes through the clouds, the show is over for the child and it’ll be time to start to calculate how to entertain your toddler for the remaining 4.5 hours left in the flight.
  • You’ll want about 16 different 15-minute activities with some backups in mind, too that will keep your toddler entertained throughout a long flight. My suggestions include the following:
    • Start with a book – while they are still excited to fly.
    • Bring a favorite toy – doll or action figure.
    • Playdough is always a good item to have on-hand.
    • Scotch tape can actually be quite entertaining.
    • Don’t forget to factor in snack time – bring a good assortment.
    • You can add 15 minutes for a trip to the bathroom or a diaper change.
    • Get out of your seats (if the seatbelt sign is off) and walk around the plane.
    • Coloring book and crayons are definite staples.
    • Change seats with each other to get a fresh view of the surroundings.
    • Talk to the seat neighbors if they’re friendly.
    • Bring some toy-cars, or play items that allow for imaginary play.
    • Bring some magnetic blocks, or other creative building toys

 

What to Expect as the Parent:

• You might want your child to nap on the plane, but you need to be prepared because that won’t always happen.
• Parents should remain calm, and listen to the child’s excitements and fears.
• Make each activity last as long as possible. Take a diaper change, for example, walk slowly and explore on the way there and on the way back.
• Don’t rely on the airplane for a meal. Pack plenty of food for your child.
• Do not even think about yourself; consider yourself lucky if you get to glance at a magazine or close your eyes for a few seconds.
• Try to avoid taking out your computer, unless your child is napping.
• Always have a “Def Con 5” item at your fingertips. What I call the Def Con 5 item is a toy you can pull out when your child is reaching melt down mode, and you still have 30 minutes trapped inside a plane.
• I try to keep the i-Pad hidden as a last resort, and not as a first choice item. I’ve used the i-Pad as a reward or something to look forward to.

 

Consider Your Toddler’s Health:

• Upon takeoff and landing, children under 3 have trouble clearing their ear pressure. You can help by ensuring they over-exaggerate yawning, drink lots of water, or chew on some goldfish.
• If you’re able to, I suggest wiping down your airplane area with cleaning cloths. Wipe down the trays, arm rests, front and back of seats, window shades, etc. to protect your child from harmful germs.
• Have your toddler wash his or her hands after going through TSA.
• If the child is under 2, I recommend bringing a car seat that they’re already used to and comfortable in.
• If you are going to bring an i-Pad make sure you also pack a pair of headphones that are comfortable and easy for the child to use.

 

The bottom line is: the more relaxed and prepared you are, the easier it is for the child to learn to fly.  The more you fly, the more comfortable everyone will become.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

 

Celebrity Parents Attend Golden Globes

By: CelebrityBabyScoop

Call the ‘sitter – mom and dad have a big night out!

Some of our favorite celebrity parents – including Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso – hit the red carpet at the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sunday (January 12).

Let’s look through the best – and worst – dressed of the evening.

Looking lovely in multi colors, mom-of-one Sandra Bullock donned a Prabal Gurung dress, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Jimmy Choo shoes, and Raowulf clutch.

New parents Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum were every bit the stunning couple at the big event. Channing wore a Gucci black peak lapel one button Signoria tuxedo with a white evening shirt, black tie and a pair of black leather laceups. And Jenna got glam a Roberto Cavalli dress with Brian Atwood shoes, a Sam Lehr ring, and Irene Neuwirth earrings.

Cute in color, mom-of-three Reese Witherspoon wore a Calvin Klein Collection dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Parents of two boys, Naomi Watts and Liev Schrieber both wore Tom Ford outfits. Naomi accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes with a Bulgari bag and jewelry.

The event’s hilarious hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, got gorgeous for the big event. While walking the red carpet, mom-of-two Amy wore a Stella McCartney dress, Karla Welch for Jacob and Co cuff, Rauwolf clutch, and Jacob and Co earrings. And mom-of-two Tina sported a custom Carolina Herrera gown with Fred Leighton jewels.

One of the night’s big winners, mom-of-one Amy Adams went for color in a Valentino dress, Brian Atwood shoes, a Valentino clutch, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Another Golden Globe winner, Matthew McConaughey, walked the red carpet alongside his model wife Camila Alves. The parents–of-three both wore stunning outfits from Dolce & Gabbana.

Mom-of-three Julia Roberts wore a black and white Dolce & Gabbana dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, and a Harry Winston ring and earrings.

Click here to check out the gorgeous maternity style at the Golden Globes.

 

More Hollywood mom & baby news:

Billy Demong: Sochi Will Be My Fifth & Final Olympic Games

Kym Whitley: “My Parenting Style Is Ever-Evolving”

Shanola Hampton: “This Has Been A Super Easy Pregnancy”

Maternity Style At The Golden Globes

Celebrity Baby Scoop’s 6th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

 

CelebrityBabyScoop.com is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on CelebrityBabyScoop.com.

Routine Tips that Work

When you have children you know the importance of a good routine. Children thrive on routine and they’ll come to appreciate it greatly, but it’s not always easy to establish a routine at home. With seven children of my own, I have tried it all, and I have come to figure out tips that help build and establish a routine.

And without further adieu, here they are:

1.  Consistency – Write down your desired routine and complete it consistently, as a family, everyday for a week. The first week might be difficult, but don’t give up – be consistent. At the end of the week you’ll be able to make changes and modifications where necessary, and you’ll likely be surprised by how well your family has taken to the routine. After the first week it’s all downhill! Things to ensure are part of the routine include: a designated wake up time and bedtime, hygiene schedules, healthy meals, family time, play time, down time and school.
2. Communication – Talk about the routine everyday in order to make sure all family members are on the same page. Let your family add to the conversation in discussing what they like, what they don’t like, what works well, what doesn’t and why. Finding a routine that works for everyone is key to the success of your routine. So give every family member a chance to communicate in order to be sure everyone’s needs are being met by the routine you’ve created.
3. Organization – Be as organized as you can when it comes to your routine. Make sure homework is complete in the evenings, projects are ready for transport to the car before going to bed, everyone has what they need to leave the house, etc. We use a large family calendar wherein we write in big projects, happenings and the daily schedule of activities as well as a large white board where we write important reminders, so we don’t let anything fall through the cracks or ruin our routine.
4. Schedule – In our home, everyone looks at the calendar, discusses it, adds to it, and talks about their day, after school events, upcoming weekend events, family nights, and after school sports. Use a calendar and teach your children how to use it, too. If they know what the calendar means they’ll likely ask you to add their important events, activities and ideas to it. Don’t forget to allow time in the schedule for bumps in the road. Your routine might be bumpy every other day, and it’s important to plan time for those bumps in the schedule and make room for adjustments, too.

I know routines have the tendency to be rigid, but you can’t forget to have fun – be a family, be supportive, be funny, smile; life is short, enjoy the moments of chaos, and grow together.

Happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

Teaching Kids to Resist Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can start at a young age and often begins simply and seemingly harmless, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Parents need to work with their young children to teach them ways in which they can resist peer pressure.

With seven kids of my own, I’ve discovered several great ways to do just that.

Be Yourself: Children often succumb to peer pressure because they’re afraid to say no or to be themselves. We need to teach children that’s it’s perfectly okay to be different; we all don’t need to fit into one mold. When a child is comfortable in their own skin they’ll be more prepared to resist peer pressure. It’s not easy to teach a child that it’s okay to be different or to go against the grain, and it’s really a lesson that you’ll have to continue to teach as your child grows and encounters new difficulties and life experiences. Make sure your child knows you think the world of them and that you’re proud to be their parent; building them up will instill confidence, which will help them understand that they don’t need to change who they are to “fit-in” or “be cool”.

Reflect Often: Another important lesson parents need to teach children is to be reflective and to not make rash or rushed decisions. A reflective child will be less likely to be peer pressured into doing something risky or irresponsible, because they’ll take the time to weigh the pros and cons and seriously think about the best option or decision. Start young by discussing aloud with your child pros and cons of various and everyday activities, so they get into the habit of thinking things through. Instilling a sense of reflection can do wonders when it comes to helping children resist peer pressure.

Set a Good Example: I say it all the time, and I’ll say it again now: your kids are watching and learning from your every move. If you’re peer pressured into doing something you didn’t necessarily want to do they’ll be watching you and learning that it’s okay to succumb to peer pressure. Set a strong example, be a good role model and show your children that saying no in the face of peer pressure is perfectly acceptable.

Communicate: Solid communication between parent and child is extremely important. A relationship rich in communication will allow a parent to better understand their child. Furthermore, a child will likely be more open about any peer pressures they may be facing if they’re given the opportunity to express themselves freely and safely. The parent will then be able to step in and give their child techniques to resist peer pressure.

Teaching ways to resist peer pressure should begin at a young age. Start small and don’t give up.

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Handling Bullying

Unfortunately, bullying exists in your child’s world; but there are ways you can help. As a dad to 7 kids between the ages 9 months and 27 years old, I’ve learned the do’s and don’ts of handling schoolyard bullying.

 Do: Teach your child the best ways to handle a bullying situation. If your own child is being bullied, teach them that the best method is not to provoke a fight; but to simply and calmly (as hard as it might be) walk away and find the nearest adult (teacher or principal) who can help you. If your child is not the person being bullied but rather is witness to another child being bullied, they can help by alerting a teacher or principal and being a kind and empathetic friend to the child being bullied.

Don’t: As a dad, it’s hard not to want to fight a battle for your child (figuratively speaking); but do not overstep your boundaries. You could possibly make it worse for your child. If you’re a concerned parent, call the school and talk with a principal or teacher and tell them the severity of the bullying situation. They’ll take the necessary measure to better watch the bully and give out consequences based on future actions.

 Do: Talk! A lot! Talk to your child as much as possible about what’s going on at school, with their friends and their overall lives – you’ll be surprised by the things you’ll learn. Use the opportunity to build your child’s self-esteem as being a victim of bullying can often make a child feel puny. Discuss ways in which your child succeeds in school and at home and the things that make your child really happy. Be their rock. Build upon their strengths by giving them defense mechanisms like talking calmly, making jokes and more.

Don’t: Do nothing. Doing nothing does not work. And as a parent it’s your responsibility to do something to help your child in any situation. Be sure your moves are calculated, as your child will likely be watching and learning from your way of handling the situation.

Handling bullying can be hard, but there are ways in which parents should help by getting involved and teaching their children the best ways to handle situations. It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of bullying, and to handle each situation delicately and with dignity, as your child will be watching and learning from you.

Bottom line: teach your child to be a kind and empathetic human being who looks out for others and knows how to react and handle a bullying situation should they ever be caught in one.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

At Home Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Provided by Tracy Vega, Co-Founder of Simple Self Defense for Women®

It’s summer time and the kids are out of school.  They are thrilled & you are worried! What will they do?  Who will watch them?  As a parent so many things come to mind when you have children. Let us help you with some at home summer safety tips.

Some of these tips will seem like common sense to us; but sometimes the kids need a gentle reminder.

1. Does your child know their name? Can they spell it & communicate it correctly with others?

2. Do they know their home address with the city, state & Zip code? Ask them once in a while, so you feel comfortable.

3. Do you have a home phone number? Do the kids know what it is including the area code? They should also know your cell phone number & a back-up number (maybe work).

4. If you have caller ID at home instruct them to look at it before they answer the phone & only answer if it’s on the “allowed” list.

5. Have a conversation & set rules about who can be at the house when you are not home.

6. Make sure they understand how the different door locks work if you have a deadbolt or chain lock etc…

7. Do the kids know how to call 911? Do they know when to use it?

8. Are you in an area that gets severe weather? Have you gone over your personal safety plan with them? Maybe you have a safe room?

9. When is it ok to answer the door? It’s better for the kids to ignore the doorbell if they are home alone.

10. What do your kids think a “bad guy” looks like? What would you tell them? “Bad guys” can even be someone they know. A bad guy can be anyone, even a woman.

11. Do you have a new sitter watching the kids? Listen to what they are saying and follow-up on any negative comments.

12. Have a safe & wonderful summer!

For more information about Simple Self Defense for Women® and their workshops, key-note speaking and DVD’s. Please visit www.simpleselfdefenseforwomen.com

Remember, Safety Can Be Simple!