If there's something that every mom of a young child values so very much above all other things: it's sleep. In winter a blocked nose is just another obstacle to a peaceful night. Trying to spray the kid in the nose just adds to the torture. So, I've always been open to non-invasive ways to unblock … [Read more...]
World Allergy Week: Four Steps to Save A Life
13-19 April is World Allergy Week and I found myself in the luxurious Fine Living in Parkmore to listen to some experts disseminate awareness of this condition. It was highly informative and good to hear some practical advice on how to recognize the signs of when allergies are at their worst … [Read more...]
Energy Management for Kids
We are all aware that the resources of this planet are limited and we need to manage what we have as best we can. Everything is energy and these principles can be applied across the board, but I think the one form of energy that we are all very aware of that needs to be managed is electricity. Load … [Read more...]
Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes for Kids: And Win a Philips Sonicare
My heart was touched the other day. Some food had gotten stuck in my tooth. Nicky ran off to the bathroom to fetch one of the interdental brushes I sometimes use. He is really becoming more aware of objects around him and their uses. He will fetch one when he has things stuck in his teeth too, … [Read more...]
23 Kids Play Areas in Johannesburg Where Mom Can Relax
There recently was a thread on the Mamahood Gauteng group about a mom looking for places for her 16 month old toddler to play. I thought I would collect the list of places as a reference for moms who want to relax or work while their kids play. I have put this list into two groups: … [Read more...]
We met Barney today! (Thanks @SharonVW @MamaMagicSA)
These days I seem to be very lucky with winning competitions on blogs. I won a meet and greet with Barney through the Blessed Barrenness, Sharon van Wyk. I've actually been keen to go to the Mama Magic Show just to check out all the cool things for toddlers. This show is not just limited to … [Read more...]
Pirates and Princesses: Lovely new kid’s range at Sheet Street
I know when we eventually manage to get Nicky to sleep in a separate bed that we will need some interesting bedding for him to get excited about. I look forward to the day when he is not waking up at night and can enjoy his own little spot to sleep in. In the meantime I will salivate at the … [Read more...]
Yelling Update
For those of you wondering how it is going with my yelling resolution after reading that book about how to stop yelling and start connecting, this post is an update on that. Initially it was a bit discouraging to merely tick every day off as a failure. Crumbs, I yell every day. It sucks!!! I … [Read more...]
Five Free (Homemade) Toys for an 18 month old
As I've mentioned before, you don't need a lot of money to amuse a child. They are more interested in real objects. But there are some things you can put together using things you have lying around the house anyway, which you can utilize. 1) A rustling pillowcase: Babies and toddlers love the … [Read more...]
Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
There I was. I was doing it AGAIN. Yelling at Nicky. We were messing around on the bed and he was having fun taking the Calpal bottle in and out of the box. All of a sudden he just threw it at me, hitting my chin. And my response? To yell. "Aaah! Nicholas you can't DO THAT!" A few seconds later, … [Read more...]