When you have to tell your child no because it they might harm themselves, or because they can’t have something at a store, you shouldn’t feel like a bad parent because your child isn’t getting exactly what they wanted.

I think that it is good for children not to have absolutely everything thing that they want.  Everything that they need is a different story, but they are people and need to realize that just because you want something doesn’t mean that you can have it.

If there is something that your child really wants, maybe this is a good time to teach them to save their money and learn the value of a dollar.

Don’t get me wrong Alex is pretty spoiled, but even he gets told no from time to time.

Try to encourage your children to experience different foods. With a wide variety of foods to choose from you are also helping to have the learn to try new things.

There are so many things that you can get a toddler to eat that a young child will not (if they have never tried them before) such as beats, or even olives.

I think it is wonderful to try to give new foods to your children, don’t always expect that it will stay that way. I think every child goes through the faze of chicken fingers, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Give them what they like, just try to through in some new things too!

If your baby’s teeth are damaged it can actually cause the adult teeth to be the same way, depending on how bad they are.  Baby teeth really are just as important as permanent teeth, and since they wont fall out until around age 7, these are the teeth that your child will have for a while.  Help her keep them healthy.

I have heard many different things about when to take a baby to a dentist.  I have heard no later than a year after you baby gets their first tooth, and 18 months, and some not until they are 3 years old.

I would say to contact the dentist that your family goes to and ask them when they should see your baby and go by that.  If  your baby isn’t having any problems with their teeth, then your dentist may tell you to wait a little while longer.

I wanted to take this post and use it to say thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, and anyone else who is caring for their baby.  In this crazy world where all you hear about is the abuse that is happening I think it is important to recognize the people who love their children very much and do everything in their power to make them have the best life possible.

I hope that you are smiling while you read this because you know that you fall under that category.   Being a parent is hard work and you do it well!  Thank you!

Sometimes it can be hard for new parents to leave their baby. This can be especially hard for mommy’s, but know that it is ok for you to have some adult time. Whether it be to have a date with your significant other, or just to have some time alone to read a good book. It is good for both the parents and the child. Find someone you know that you can trust and take them up on the offer to babysit. If you are not comfortable with an over night visit, just leave your baby for a few hours at a time.

This is a new year and a time to leave the past in the past.  Start fresh and make a point to spend more time with the ones that you love, especially your family.  Your baby needs you to make them a priority.  I know it is hard for working parents and stay at home parents who are just always busy.  The laundry can wait and the dishes aren’t going anywhere so walk away and go color with your baby or read them a story.  It will mean more to them then anything else in this world.

You are probably overflowing with new toys in your home after all of the Holidays, so I will let you in on my stratagy.  Any gifts that Alex got that are made in China we put up in our spare bedroom clauset this way if they end up not being recalled he can play with them.  Also wanted to let everyone know that red is one of this big problem colors.  You really can’t be over cautious, this is scary.  If you have to put away some toys, don’t feel bad about it, you could be saving your child!  Also for future you could as people to not buy your child/children toys that were made in China until this lead stuff is straightened out.  Something else to look at is plates, cups, bowls, and silver wear with charters on them.  Eating off of lead is very dangerous.

Your baby can’t speak yet so they can’t tell you what is going on. You have to use your best judgment to know what is right for your baby. If you feel uncomfortable about a situation then don’t do it. You don’t have to do anything to please other people, as long as your baby comes first you are doing the right thing!

Holidays normally mean doing a lot of visiting and having a lot of visitors. Your baby still needs their nap and to be eating at the same times that they would if this wasn’t a Holiday season. Sometimes this means taking some extra items when you leave the house, such as a pack, play, blankets, snack foods and even extra cups or bottles. If you are not at home and your baby needs to take a nap ask if you can use a spare room so that your baby can rest peacefully, so it may be a good idea to bring a set of baby monitors as well. You want your baby to have a happy Holiday, so keeping him/her well rested and on their regular schedule can help!