Remember when you couldn’t get your kid to stop talking? You would ask them about their day, and you would get a full rundown about how they woke up, everything they ate, and each and every conversation they had with their friends. Now, getting a full sentence out of my teen is like pulling teeth.

Things have changed, but the good news is that building a solid connection with your teenager is absolutely possible. In this article, we’re talking about practical tips that will help you break the ice and get your teenager to open up to you like old times.

Effective Communication with Teens

1. Keep it Casual

Sometimes, it is easier just to keep it light in the beginning. By keeping it casual, you can help them feel more comfortable about opening up about the bigger stuff later. Ask them about their favorite music, who they are following on YouTube, what Netflix shows they’ve been watching. Even asking about what they want for dinner will keep the lines of communication open.

2. Respect Their Space

Privacy is a big deal for teenagers. Knock before entering their room, and resist the urge to read their diary. By giving them space, you’re showing that you respect their independence. This may seem counterintuitive if you are trying to open the lines of communication, but respecting their space shows that you respect them as a person as well.

3. Sneak in a Little Silliness

Break the ice with a dash of humor. Share a funny meme or tell them about your own teenage mishaps. Try searching for memes of their favorite video games or hobbies. Share a YouTube video of a comedian they might like. Laughter has an uncanny way of making conversations flow.

4. High Fives for Honesty

When they do share something, even if it’s not what you expected, high-five them for their honesty. Whether it’s their dreams, fears, or even a crush, showing non-judgmental support keeps the channels open.

5. Story Time with a Twist

Relive your teen years with stories about your escapades. Like that time you got caught sneaking out? They’ll see you as a real person, not just someone who sets the rules.

6. Make “Date Nights” a Thing

Life gets busy, but so do their lives. Create special moments, like a movie night or a cooking adventure. Trust me, they’ll be more willing to chat while cooking up a storm.

7. Embrace the Digital Age

Texting isn’t just for emojis—it’s a secret tool for heartfelt chats. Drop them a message, like “How’s your day going?” or “Wanna chat about that new episode?”

8. The Power of “What If”

Swap yes-or-no questions for “what if” inquiries. “What if you could travel anywhere right now?” These open-ended questions make room for longer, more meaningful talks.

9. Patience is Your Superpower

Let’s face it, sometimes they’ll clam up. But don’t give up! Keep trying and let them know you’re there when they’re ready. Persistence pays off, trust me.

10. Let Them Make the Call

Involving them in family decisions shows you value their opinions. Whether it’s the next vacation spot or the weekend plans, their input matters.

Communicating with Teens Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

There you have it, fellow parents—our top ten strategies for melting away the teenage communication barrier. By taking a friendly approach, sharing laughs, and respecting their space, you’re setting the stage for open and genuine conversations. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race, so be patient. Your efforts to connect with your teenager will pay off in the form of deeper understanding and a stronger bond that will last a lifetime.

The post 10 Tips for Effective Communication with Teenagers appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Did you know that there over 75 million pet dogs in the United States (more than in any other country)?

If you’re considering joining those numbers, you’re probably pretty excited about the prospect of adding a furry member to your family.

Dogs and children can be best buddies, but it’s important to do some research and take certain steps to make sure that everyone will get along before you bring your pup home.

Read on for some tips that will help ensure your kids and your furkids learn how to live harmoniously!

Choose the Right Breed So That Dogs And Children Can Co-exist

Some breeds of dogs are simply more kid-friendly than others.

Gentle giants such as Newfoundlands and mastiffs are a great choice for households with wee ones, as are bull terriers, boxers, and beagles.

Of course, labs and golden retrievers are famously sweet and loving towards kids.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that small dogs are a good fit for families with smaller people.

Toy breeds can be aggressive; Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese can attack overly rambunctious children.

Guard dogs like Akitas and Rottweilers are protective of their owners, which might seem like a good quality in a family pet, but sometimes that protectiveness can backfire.

When children are noisy, even if they’re laughing, such dogs can misinterpret the situation as a dangerous one and become defensive or aggressive.

It’s important to learn about different breeds’ temperaments, rather than simply choosing a dog you think is cute.

Of course, the best choice of all is often a rescue dog. Trust the employees at the shelter, who have interacted with the dog and have an idea of how it behaves around children and cats.

Spend some time with the pooch you’ve picked out before committing to adoption.

Puppy or Older Dog?

Puppies are a lot of fun but can be a lot of work and worry.

Between housebreaking, crate training, and teaching an excitable, active pup how to behave, puppy care can feel like a full-time job.

Many families opt to adopt adult dogs simply because it’s easier for everyone. There’s enough to worry about when introducing dogs and children, without dealing with puppy messes, chewed shoes, and other issues.

Sharing the Care of a Dog

It can be hard for children to understand exactly how much responsibility is necessary to take care of a dog, so talk to your kids about what pet ownership entails.

Of course, you’ll also need to set your expectations for the amount of help that younger kids will actually provide.

If a child can follow instructions and put away his or her toys when asked, she can likely help feed and walk the dog.

Draw up a chart with daily dog-related chores, and set a schedule to determine which family member will complete these tasks and when.

Supervise both dogs and children carefully until you are confident that they know how to play safely together, and that the kids are responsible enough to treat the dog properly.

Less-frequent, but still important, aspects of dog care include regular vet checkups, flea and tick treatments, and grooming. Learn more about how to care for your dog’s health and well-being.

Model Respect and Affection

Younger toddlers can sometimes treat a family pet more like a toy — pulling its tail, trying to dress it up, or otherwise treating it in a way that the dog doesn’t enjoy.

Teach your kids they must afford this living creature the same respect as a sister or brother.

Explain to them that although your dog seems soft and cuddly, it’s not a stuffed animal. It can feel pain, get scared or angry, and may even act unpredictably.

Over time, the dog will learn that your toddler doesn’t mean harm, and may come to tolerate being draped in superhero capes or crowned with tiaras!

In the meantime, close supervision is your best defense against a dog who might bite or bark at an overly curious or incautious child.

Set Boundaries

Dogs are inquisitive and social, and will often want to be with their humans no matter what.

Decide ahead of time if your dog will be allowed on the sofa, chairs, and beds. All family members will have to abide by those restrictions, in order to prevent behavioral problems down the line.

The same goes for begging.

Don’t allow the kids to sneak snacks (or their unwanted Brussels sprouts!) to the dog at mealtime or any other time. Although occasional human-food treats are fine for dogs, don’t feed them at the dinner table or in response to begging.

Provide a Safe Space

If you choose to crate train your dog, the crate should be off-limits to children. Otherwise, set up a safe space where your pet can retreat if it’s feeling overwhelmed.

A cozy dog bed in the corner of a living room, or even an area in the laundry room or basement that the dog can make its own, will work nicely. Teach children that when the dog has gone off to its safe space, they should leave it alone.

Similarly, you may want to restrict the dog from entering your child’s bedroom or playroom. That makes it possible for your child, too, to have a safe place where she can go to play quietly, enjoy a book, or just relax.

Plan For Fun!

In addition to daily walks, your dog will probably need — and enjoy! — trips to the dog park or other wide-open spaces where they can run, romp, and play. These outings are wonderful for the whole family!

It’s a good idea to counter all the rules and “don’ts” of dog ownership with recreation and plain old fun.

So grab a frisbee or a couple of tennis balls and head out for some exercise in the fresh air. Throwing a ball for the dog to fetch will help young children learn hand-eye coordination and motor skills, too.

Bonus: getting out for an hour or two will tire out both dogs and children!

What’s Your Experience with Dogs and Children?

As your dog and children get to know each other, it’s almost guaranteed that they will develop a lifelong bond.

Caring for a pet will teach your child responsibility, compassion, love, and many more valuable lessons. Soon, you may find that they are inseparable!

Do you have any tips for introducing dogs into a family? Are you considering adopting a new pet?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Dogs and Kids: How to Make Sure They Get Along appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Most toddlers can hear just fine, but you wouldn’t know it from the way they act! It’s tough to get their attention, but it’s important that they understand when it’s time to listen to you.

As a parent, it can be difficult to get your toddler to pay attention and listen, but it’s essential for their growth and development.

With a few simple tricks and some patience, you can help your little one learn to listen when it matters.

Tips to Get Your Toddler to Pay Attention and Listen Up!

1. Establish a Catchphrase

Find a word or sound that means “Listen Up!” and use it every time you want your child to focus on what you’re saying. Make sure to set a good example when you use it, and watch out – your child might start using it on you too!

2. Make Eye Contact

When you need your child to listen, get physically down on their level and make eye contact. Hold their chin gently and use your catchphrase from above to grab their attention. Over time, they’ll begin to associate your catchphrase with listening and start paying attention.

3. Focus on the Positives

Instead of just using a lot of “No’s,” try to make listening a positive experience for your child. Start using your catchphrase to praise them for good behavior, such as eating all of their dinner or putting away their toys.

4. Eliminate Distractions

Turn off the TV and step away from toys to help your child focus. When you’re out and about, try to find a quiet spot to get your child’s attention that is free from distractions.

5. Whisper, Don’t Shout

If your child isn’t listening, it can be tempting to raise your voice, but try speaking in a quieter tone instead. This will spark their curiosity, and they’ll come to investigate. Speaking in a softer voice also sets a good example for quiet behavior.

6. Try Yoga Breathing

This simple breathing exercise is a great way to get your child’s attention and help them focus at the same time. Lead them in a deep breathing exercise where they lift their hands over their head as they inhale and lower them as they exhale. This will get their attention and calm them down, making them more receptive to listening.

7. Be Patient

This goes for your child as well yourself! Remember, listening is a vital skill that takes time and patience to develop. Set a good example by being patient with your child and teaching them to be a better listener.

Getting Your Toddler to Listen isn’t Impossible

Teaching your toddler to listen can be a frustrating task, but it’s well worth the effort. By establishing a catchphrase, making eye contact, focusing on the positives, eliminating distractions, whispering instead of shouting, trying yoga breathing, and being patient, you can help your little one develop their listening skills and set them up for success in the future.

Practice with the day-to-day stuff so that in an emergency, your child will have the skills to pay attention when it really counts.

Looking for things to do with your toddler? Check out our list of our favorite books for 2 year olds!

The post 7 Simple Tips To Get Toddlers To Pay Attention appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Every child is unique, and each family functions differently. In spite of that, there are certain rules of child safety which transcend every culture, religion, age, philosophy, diet, lifestyle and political persuasion.

We have put together a few suggestions for newbie and not-so-newbie parents to help keep their children safe.

Common Sense Child Safety Tips

Child Safety Rule #1: If it’s there, they will take it.

This rule applies to any age. If you leave your cell phone within reach, your toddler will take it and likely stick it in their mouth. A child under three years will mistakenly (and randomly) dial 911 at least once. Emergency services start charging you after the third instance of toddler-crank calling. A teen will also be happy to temporarily abscond with your cell phone, if only to change your ringer to a Justin Bieber song. Keep your cell phone on your person at all times. In a pocket is best.

Child Safety Rule #2: If it’s important, they will damage it.

This rule is closely related to the above rule. If you leave an important document, project or book out, your child will damage it in some way. Your co-worker’s book you borrowed will acquire lovely crayon design inside, and your contracts will end up scrunched or torn. An important project will have food or drink smeared on it. Essential documents or books should be kept in a locked filing cabinet.

Child Safety Rule #3: If it’s there, they will climb it.

This rule generally applies to children who do not have any fear of injury: toddlers, sugar-fueled kids recently returned from a grandparent’s visit, hyper children just dropped off after a visit with an irresponsible aunt. Bookcases become ladders, stairs become slides or ladders and curtains become rope-climbing practice. Anchor bookcases to the wall with L-brackets and keep a close eye on your little climber. Install wall-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways. If they are particularly hyper, take them out to the park to let off steam. Then they can run themselves into an exhausted frenzy and fall asleep as soon as they hit the pillow.

Child Safety Rule #4: If they can get into it, they will.

This is one for the younger children. If there is a cabinet, cupboard, closet or room they can get into, they will. If you do not install a child safety latch on the toilet, you will find them playing in the water (or worse). If there is no child lock on the fridge, you will find the contents on the floor. If none of the drawers or cupboards in the kitchen have latches, you will find all the labels peeled off the canned goods. If there is no lock on the multimedia cabinet, you will find cereal in your electronics. If there is no wall-mounted safety gate barring entry to your office or workshop, well you know what will happen.

Child Safety Rule #5: If it’s going around, they will catch it.

This is another rule that applies to any age. Children are only as hygienic as you teach them and young children are only as clean as you keep them. Kids at daycare centers, playgroups, kinder gyms, playgrounds and any other gathering place will share their bugs. It is simply inevitable. Teaching your children to wash their hands a lot throughout the day will set a good foundation as they get older. Washing hands often is the secret to stopping viruses before they take hold. But they will still get sick at least occasionally.

Child Safety Rule #6: Children are vulnerable.

Ok, this is a big one. Infants and young children are physically, very vulnerable. Their bodies cannot control their core temperature and therefore you need to keep a close eye on it during extreme weather. On hot days keep them out of the direct sun, in cool clothing, well hydrated with water, slathered in sunscreen and not overly active. Place your hand on the back of the child’s neck to do frequent body temperature tests. If it feels hot, cool the child down immediately by giving a quick sponge bath, removing clothing or taking them to a cool locale.

In cold weather a good rule of thumb is to always apply one additional layer of clothing to the child than what you are wearing. If you are wearing three layers, the child should be wearing four. That applies to feet and hands as well. Double or triple the layers of socks on the feet, even adding a pair to the hands under a set of mittens is a good idea. Always cover the child’s head with a warm hat.

Children are mentally vulnerable as well. They learn everything through their environment. Begin teaching traffic safety at an early age so it becomes easy and normal as they get older. Teach the child the importance of staying safe and in a group on outings. Kids do not always realize the inherent danger of bodies of water like a full bathtub, pond, pool, stream, river, ocean etc. Teach them water safety like the buddy system (but incorporate an adult buddy as the rule), a life-jacket rule, and never leave a child in a bathtub unattended.

Just Use Common Sense

Nothing is more important than the safety of a child, and no thing you ever have in your possession will ever be as valuable as a child. Keep these common sense rules of thumb in mind to help keep your child safe.

The post Child Safety for Dummies appeared first on Wild Edisons.

The mind of the young child is frequently likened to very soft, adaptable clay: Impressible and responsive. All through infancy and early childhood years, there are countless sensory paths just waiting to get formed. These will impact how well a child interacts with and functions in the world. The toddler age is known as a important period for child development. Variety is of the utmost importance, because different types of toddler activities will stimulate different centers of the brain.

Ingenuity

The innovative process has a vital role in child development. Engaging in unstructured artistic toddler activities educates your child how to come up with new concepts and perspectives, and enables her to cultivate her feeling of self and find out her unique personal aesthetic tendencies. Imaginative pursuits can also be excellent for growth of the fine motor control and concentration. You can stimulate your toddler by providing tools. Nearly anything enables you to create something, from colors, finger paint and construction paper to sticks, plant seeds and beads. You can also make a game of trying to find patterns and forms in things like tiles, grain, clouds and shadows.

Thinking

One of the very first opportunities for teaching your toddler thinking capabilities is when they begin to eat by themselves. Meals in many different shapes, colors and sizes could be amazing resources for this specific purpose. You might find your toddler organizing their food items by logical classification: by size, color, type, or shape. Which means that your little one’s brain is learning to identify differences and similarities.

A lot of parents have been frustrated by the limitless flow of whats, whys and hows coming from their toddler. However, this is possibly among the best chances to teach reasoning abilities. Try to answer their questions honestly and to the very best of your ability. If you do not have the answer, let them know. Admitting that you don’t know something demonstrates to your toddler that nobody is infallible.

Language

The capability to communicate is necessary so as to perform among people, and the sooner your child learns, the better a start she will have. Some effective toddler activities include reading to your child, speaking with her and have her participate in name games in which you have her repeat the names of various things. Whenever your little one responds correctly, reward her with praise.

Exploration

Youngsters are usually curious and like to explore. Inside the house, in the park, or in your back yard, encourage your child to search in, under and around things. They will certainly identify countless things that captivate them. If you enjoy to grow plants, let your toddler assist you. Such activities improve their appreciation of the environment, and make them learn that the world is a huge, diverse place.

The post The Significance of Toddler Activities for Child Development appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Childproof the Back Door and Window
This last trip, I put my toddler’s car seat behind the front passenger seat instead of in the middle. It made it easier to hand him things and keep an eye on him. If your toddler will be next to a door, be sure to check your owner’s manual to figure out how to prevent him or her from opening the door or window while you are driving.

Pack Plenty of Snacks
On a long car ride with a toddler, snacks are more than just food. They are entertainment. Pack interesting snacks and plenty of them. For great healthy toddler snacks for traveling, read: The Best Healthy Toddler Traveling Snacks

Have More than One Sippy Cup at the Ready
At home, your toddler may only drink one cup of juice or milk in an hour or two, but prepare two cups at least before you leave and any time you stop. Toddlers are notorious for “accidentally” dropping cups in the car and the last thing you want is a toddler screaming for juice when you are on the highway. I just used an insulated lunch bag to keep them fresh.

Keep the Essentials in the Front Seat
This really goes without saying, but think about what you will need quick and easy access to when you are driving. Your cell phone, sippy cups, snacks, little toys, etc.

Pack a Riding Toy
If you have the room, consider packing a riding toy. This was a life saver on a 10 hour drive I took recently. Every time we stopped, I found a safe place and let my toddler ride his little heart out. He had more fun than if he was just running and was completely tuckered out when we got back in the car.

Play with the Balance on your Radio
Most car stereos have the option to make the music louder either in the front or the back. When my toddler is sleeping, I listen to books on tape with the balance set so that it is louder in the front. When he is awake and listening to toddler music, I change the balance to the back so that I can think.

Try to Avoid Traveling with a Dog
I have a great dog who travels very well, but traveling with a dog is a totally different experience when you have a toddler and no adult help. If you have help, one person can take care of the dog’s needs while one person takes care of the toddler’s needs. If you are alone, you have to do it all. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it can be. I had to leave my dog in the car to take my toddler to the bathroom (a 15 minute adventure). Even with the windows cracked and the moon-roof open, I was given the third degree every time. I am not sure what folks expected me to do, but next time my best buddy is going to stay home.

Plan for a Much Longer Trip
On my last adventure, I ended up stopping about every hour and a half for 45 minutes to an hour. (I was traveling with a toddler and a dog.) My 7 hour trip ended up taking 10 hours. Maybe you will get lucky and your toddler will sleep for much of the trip (mine did not), but just be prepared to make a lot more stops than normal.

The post Long Car Trips, Alone with a Toddler: Some Tips appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Toys go through a lot. They’re thrown in the dirt, slid along the floor, coughed on, sneezed on, dropped into food, and are sometimes neglected in the “washing” department. It’s no wonder that 80% of toys that kids cuddle and play with have harmful bacteria on them.

Not only do people usually forget to wash their kids’ toys, but they often don’t know how to clean toys in the first place. Is soap and water enough? Or do you need to break out bleach and sanitizer to get the job done?

We’re going to take you through exactly how to wash and disinfect toys to keep you and your kids safe from dangerous germs.

When to Clean and Sanitize Toys

Your kids are constantly playing with their toys. This means they are constantly getting dirty, dropped on the floor, touched my animals, sneezed on, etc. You should be sure to clean and sanitize toy regularly, ideally as often as possible.

But you should be especially sure to clean toys after your child has been sick. Sick kids can transfer germs, bacteria, and viruses to the surfaces or their toys, which can easily make other people who come in contact with the toys sick.

How to Clean Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals and toys made with cloth or other soft materials hold onto germs and bacteria the easiest of all types of toys. In fact, there are more germs on a child’s stuffed animal than there are on the floor.

The plush material of these toys are absorbent, which allows them to easily absorb and retain germs, dirt, and more. The good news is that there are a few different ways you can clean these types of toys.

The easiest way to clean plush toys is to throw them into the washing machine. The hot water and detergent will kill off bacteria and germs to make it clean and good as new.

However, be careful before you throw in your child’s beloved stuffed animal friend into the wash. Washing machines are known to accidentally mangle or destroy stuffed animals, which would almost definitely result in a meltdown.

Check the tag for proper cleaning directions to avoid a potential disaster.

Keeping Plastic Toys Clean

Many kids’ toys are made of plastic like the plastic trucks from Mytoys Bruder or almost anything from Fisher Price.

These toys go everywhere with kids: outside, through the mud, on the dog hair and dirt covered living room floor, and right into their mouths. To avoid spreading all the germs on these toys, you’ll have to both clean and sanitize them.

Cleaning Plastic Toys

Depending on the type of toy, you can put them in the dishwasher for a quick and easy cleaning method. As with the washing machine and plush toys, make sure the toy is dishwasher safe before using this method. Some toys could melt in the hot water, and toys with electronic parts or batteries are definitely not OK to put in the dishwasher.

If you can’t throw them in the dishwasher, you’ll need to wash them by hand. Washing toys with hot water and soap is great for getting dirt, grime, and debris off of toys. While this will get rid of some germs, it won’t kill off everything.

Sanitizing Plastic Toys

Soap and water will clean the toys, but it’s not the best method to disinfect toys. One simple way to sanitize is to put equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spritzing the toys with the mixture. While it doesn’t smell the best, it will kill off dangerous germs and is safe if touched or ingested accidentally.

For a more intense toy sanitizing method, you can use bleach. Combine 1 tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water. You can then soak the toys in this solution to destroy any germs on them.

Keep in mind that toys with electronic elements or batteries need to be carefully washed by hand and not soaked in liquid.

Cleaning Wood/Metal Toys

These types of toys, like blocks or toy cars, are often in contact with the floor as well as your child’s hands and mouth.

These toys are usually pretty easy to clean and disinfect. Simply take a damp cloth with some soap and wipe down any dirt or grime. You can also spray them with the vinegar spray or wipe with a sanitizing wipe.

They can then be left to air dry.

How to Clean Outdoor Toys

Bikes, sand pails, swing sets and other toys for fun outdoor activities aren’t immune to germs. In fact, they’re exposed to a whole new subset of dangerous contaminants from insects, animals, E. Coli, mold, and more.

While they won’t be as clean as some other toys, since they’re usually always outside and exposed to the elements, you can still wash them to get them as clean as possible.

Wipe down things like bike or scooter handlebars and swingset chains with a sanitizing wipe once in a while. You can also lay everything out in the driveway or the grass and give it all a good hot water spray with the hose and some soap.

Don’t Forget Your Hands!

It’s not just the toys that need to be cleaned and sanitized. Your and your child’s hands are the things that touch toys most often. If your hands are covered in germs, and they usually are, then all the washing and sanitizing in the world won’t keep them clean.

Keep hand sanitizer in your purse to give your kids after they play. Be sure to wash your hands and teach your kids the proper way to keep their hands clean as well.

How to Clean Toys: Wrapping Up

All kids have a favorite toy: a beloved stuffed animal, a red racecar, a sandbox.

But the truth is that even these favorite toys can make your kid very sick if you aren’t on top of cleaning and sanitizing them. Knowing how to clean toys will keep your child, and you, as healthy as possible.

Check out our other articles for more parenting tips and resources.

The post How to Clean Toys and Keep Your Kids Safe appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Remove all toys
Asking a toddler to stay in bed when their favorite barn is in the middle of the floor is just cruel. Plus, a toddler with new-found freedom to move about his room can make one heck of a mess. We put all of his toys in his closet and put a child-proof doorknob cover on the knob. No distractions. No mess.

Use a Pack ‘N Play as a threat
If you are lucky, like we were, the slippery sides of a Pack ‘N Play make it harder to climb out of than a crib. We started calling it his “baby bed” and let him choose where to sleep. “Would you like to sleep in your big boy bed or the BABY bed tonight?” When he chose his toddler bed, we made it clear that if he got out of bed, he would have to sleep in the BABY bed.

Don’t close or lock the door
Closing the door on our toddler scared him half-to-death. We ended up putting a gate in the doorway and leaving the door cracked.

Don’t stay in the room with them if you can avoid it
With our toddler, staying in the room was not an option. If we started sleeping in his room while transitioning him to a toddler bed, we would have been staying with him in his room until he went off to college. Instead, we gave him a good night light and made it clear that we were there for him if he needed us.

Make sure you have a good bedtime routine
Changing from a crib to a toddler bed is hard enough. The rest of their bedtime should be consistent. Whether it is reading books, watching educational TV, or saying goodnight to all of their stuffed animals; a consistent bedtime routine will make it much easier to transition your toddler to a toddler bed.

For more toddler tips and dozens of toddler activities, visit WildEdisons.com

The post Spirited Toddler Info: Moving your Toddler from a Crib to a Toddler Bed appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Many of us weren’t so lucky. We didn’t get the opportunity to grow up in a happy and healthy household.

Sometimes, we have bitter memories of feeling shamed or unheard. Other times, the conditions we grew up in weren’t very ideal.

As adults, we get the opportunity to see that while we may have had less than ideal childhood’s, we can change that for our kids.

But we need to have a plan to move forward. We need to make smart decisions now that lead to providing the best home environment for kids.

Here are a few ways we can do that.

Provide Healthy Meals

Eating a healthy diet is a great idea for the whole family. Cooking meals with fresh fruits and vegetables mean your kids will grow up healthy and strong.

They’ll be able to ward off illnesses better and will have more energy. But they’ll also learn to crave healthy foods. This will help them make smarter food decisions later in life.

That means they’re less likely to develop health problems stemming from obesity like diabetes.

But cooking together also provides a good environment for kids. Not only do they learn a great skill, but cooking also teaches kids more about math and science.

When you all cook together, it becomes a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. And, studies show that eating together makes for a healthier, happier family.

Learn How to Listen

After a long day at work, it’s not unreasonable to want to come home and just zone out. But when you have a family, zoning out is rarely an option.

It’s easy when you’re tired to become impatient with your kids. But it’s important to learn to listen first and then speak later.

It’s no longer acceptable to believe that kids should be “seen and not heard.” Instead, it’s time that parents provide a healthy environment for kids by not quashing their emotions or dismissing them when they need to express themselves.

When kids feel free to express themselves, they develop faster psychologically. They also learn to control and manage their emotions better.

Bottling up emotions only leads to a big eruption and can eventually lead to health problems or poor decisions in the future.

Don’t hide your emotions from them. Parents often believe they are shielding their kids but most of the time, kids pick up on it right away.

While your children don’t need to know all the fine details of your struggles, it is okay for them to understand that you feel sad, or overwhelmed, or angry.

When you label and talk about your emotions, it lets them know that everyone has feelings. It also helps your kids build trust with you.

Clear Out All Clutter

Clutter is the result of poor decision making. Clutter is also exhausting and can lead to anxiety and depression.

Not exactly a great environment for kids.

It’s also really hard to find things when there’s a lot of clutter around. Get rid of clutter by sorting through everything you own.

Get your kids involved because the earlier the skills to get and stay organized, the easier life will be for them.

Organizing teaches you how to prioritize. It teaches you how to make smart decisions that lead to a great future.

You also learn to let go of items that make you feel shame, guilt, or fear.

Keep the Home Clean

Once the clutter is removed, it’s much easier to keep your home clean. A clean environment is a safe environment for kids.

Everyone in the family can perform a set of chores each week to help keep the home clean.

Someone can gather the laundry. Another can do the dishes. As you work together to create a healthy, clean environment, everyone benefits both emotionally and physically.

Here’s a helpful article cover good choices for removing dust.

Plan Family-Fun Activities

Don’t forget to include fun in your plans! That’s the best part about being a kid.

Plan activities outside of the home. They don’t have to be expensive, even a trip to a bowling alley can be a lot of fun.

Plan on having a game night at least once a month. Each member of the family can choose their favorite game. It’s a great way to spend time with one another and enjoy each other’s company.

Even taking walks together can be a great way to bond with each other.

It will be soon enough that your children will grow up and there will be less time to spend with them. Make sure they have plenty of fun activities to remind them of how great their childhood was.

A Good Environment for Kids Has Lots of Love

Love is the most important factor in any environment for kids. The best way to do that is to create a loving relationship and environment for everyone.

Spend quality time with them. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spend with them, that’s okay.

What they really want is for you to be present and not focused on other things. It really doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something done together.

When you’re spending time with your family, keep as many distractions at bay as possible. Turn off your devices or put them away for the time being.

Let your kids know that all you care about is them. It helps them create an emotional bond with you.

Keep Learning

Good parents are created by people who are willing and dedicated to making sure their kids live happy healthy lives.

Learning how to do that and become the parent you want to will take time. It takes a lot of effort.

This blog was created to help parents learn and grow so they can ensure they create lasting memories for themselves and their children.

The post How to Create the Best Home Environment for Kids appeared first on Wild Edisons.

One hot topic that many parenting websites and magazines cover is children’s multivitamins.

Some sources say they’re essential for your child’s health. Meanwhile, others say your kids will be just fine without them. Who do you believe?

It’s confusing, for sure, but we’re here to set the record straight.

Read on to learn more about children’s multivitamins and whether or not your child should be taking them.

Does Every Child Need a Multivitamin?

The short answer is no.

Most children don’t benefit from taking multivitamins. As long as your child is eating a varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, meat, and seafood, they should be getting everything they need.

Problems with Multivitamins

Children’s multivitamins can actually cause a number of problems for kids and parents.

Children can get sick if they take too many, which is a real possibility since many manufacturers make their products taste like candy.

Vitamins also can lull parents into a false sense of security, causing them to think their child is getting sufficient nutrients when they actually aren’t.

Multivitamins are not the most efficient way for kids to get nutrients, either. The body digests vitamins and minerals better when they come from food, rather than a pill.

Finally, multivitamins are expensive. Most doctors agree that parents are better off spending their money on healthy food instead.

Who Should Take Children’s Multivitamins?

That being said, there are some groups of children who can benefit from taking children’s multivitamins.

Some of these groups include:

Children Who Eat Vegetarian or Vegan Diets

It is possible to get all the essential vitamins and minerals from a vegetarian or vegan diet.

However, it is more difficult for children to get all that they need. This is because, in some cases, it takes a very large quantity of certain plant-based foods to provide kids with a sufficient amount of nutrients.

Children with Restricted Diets

Some children are picky eaters and refuse to eat fruits or vegetables.

Multivitamins are not a long-term solution for these children. But, while you’re working with them to diversify their diet, a multivitamin can help prevent deficiencies.

Children with Certain Medical Conditions

Some children also have medical conditions or take medications that interfere with nutrient absorption.

If your child takes medication regularly or has a chronic condition or takes a medication regularly, talk to a specialist like those found at The Pediatric Center and ask them if they think supplementation is necessary.

Which Vitamins are Essential for Children?

In order to ensure your child is eating a balanced diet, you first need to know what a balanced diet looks like.

Some of the vitamins and minerals that every child should be consuming (unless their doctor says otherwise, of course) include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development, as well as tissue and bone repair. It also promotes healthy skin, eyes, and immune responses.

Good sources of Vitamin A include milk, eggs, and cheese. Kids should also eat lots of yellow and orange vegetables, such as carrots, squash, and yams.

B Vitamins

B vitamins, including vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B12, aid in metabolism and energy production. They also are essential for a healthy circulatory and nervous system.

Good sources of B vitamins include chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, milk, beans, cheese, and soybeans.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes healthy connective tissue, skin, and muscles.

Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi. It’s also found in tomatoes and green vegetables like broccoli.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone and tooth formation. It also helps the body absorb calcium.

The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. But, it can also be found in milk and fatty fish like mackerel and salmon.

Calcium

Calcium also helps build strong, healthy bones.

It’s found in milk, cheese, tofu, and yogurt. You can also buy calcium-fortified orange juice for children who can’t tolerate dairy.

Iron

Iron is necessary for healthy red blood cells and muscle building.

It can be found in beef and other forms of red meat, turkey, pork, spinach, beans, and prunes.

How to Get Your Child to Take Vitamins

If your child does need to take a multivitamin, these tips will help you get them to take them with as little fuss as possible.

Store Them Out of Reach

In order to make them more appealing to children, many vitamin manufacturing companies have made their products extra sweet.

This does make them more appealing, but it also means that some kids end up craving them like candy.

To avoid your child accidentally overeating them and getting sick, be sure to store vitamins in a cupboard that’s out of their reach.

Offer Them After a Meal

Make sure your child takes their vitamins after eating. This helps you establish a routine, but it also ensures that they’re absorbing all the nutrients.

Many vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin D, are fat-soluble and can only be absorbed with food.

Use Chewable or Gummy Vitamins

Some children are completely resistant to pills or liquid medicines.

To make sure they get their vitamins, look for a chewable or gummy option.

Wait until They’re Older

If you’ve tried everything and your child absolutely refuses to take vitamins, don’t panic.

Many doctors believe that it’s fine to wait until they’re around age three or four before you need to worry about supplementation.

Once they’re out of the terrible twos, you also may find that they’re less picky than they were before, so multivitamins might not even be necessary!

Final Thoughts

Children’s multivitamins are good for kids who don’t eat a traditional diet or have medical conditions that make nutrient absorption difficult. However, not every child needs to take a multivitamin, especially if they’re eating a varied, healthy diet.

Do you want your child to eat a more balanced diet? Are you lost on what to feed them? Check out this post for healthy, toddler-approved snacks to make things easier!

The post Children’s Multivitamins: Do They Need Them? appeared first on Wild Edisons.