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Home Schooling and Interaction

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Home schooling has become more popular than ever before. Public schools are not always as safe, or as learning driven as they once were. Given the many different challenges that public school can present, the fact is that home schooling may be a way in which you can control the environment in which your child learns. It can also be a means to ensure that values which emulate your own are taught, as well as additional subject matter that you may feel is important.

Home schooling means a balancing act for most parents. Unless you hire a teacher full time into your home, you are doing a vast portion of the home schooling on your own. Balancing your own work or home efforts with the classroom needs of your child is something that may present challenges in its own right.

The Challenges of Home Schooling

Another challenge that is present in the home school environment is the need for interaction between children. There are various methods that you can use to ensure that your children who are being home schooled receive adequate interaction with other children and are socially well equipped to enter the work force and the adult world.

It is a fact that kids need to interact with other children. Their need to interact with peer groups is well documented. How can you accomplish this when your child is home schooled? To some parents or home school detractors, it seems like a difficult task.

How Do Your Find Means for Your Child to Interact With Other Children?

Realistically, it need not be hard. There are various social groups which are available for kids during the summer and even the fall months. In addition, there are recreational groups which take place through the school or in the summer months that will give your children interaction with others of their own age and interests.

Seek out any outside interests that your child may have. If they are interested in dance, then make it a point to enroll them in dance classes. If crafting or sports seem to be where their interests lie, then enrolling them in music lessons or in a baseball or softball team will help them to get the social interaction that they need and teach them at the same time the value of team sports.

In many areas, the home school is an extension of the school environment. Students who are taught at home are eligible to be enrolled in sporting teams from the school which they would attend if they were in public schools. In this way, the home schooled child is not penalized by not being able to play sports for their own area. Many different states are enacting ideas such as this to help the parents or teachers of home schooled children to attain viable social skills and give them the interaction they require for adequate social development.

You might also be interested in our Baby Boy Bedding or our Baby Girl Bedding Sets.

Filed Under: Kids, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

Welcome Home Beatrice! Bryce Dallas Howard Gives Birth

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Bryce Dallas Howard

The Twilight Saga actress Bryce Dallas Howard is a new Mommy after giving birth to “Baby B’… Beatrice Jean Howard-Gabel a sister to their four year old son, Theo.

Proud grandfather, Ron Howard, tweeted out the good news, writing, “Born Jan 19 2012 8lbs 6oz Bryce & Baby B are spectacular.”

Howard later added, “Beatrice’s arrival is hugely exciting for our family. Thanks for all the kind tweets folks.”

Bryce also had a star role in The Help.

Filed Under: Celebrity

Color and Charm with the Glenna Jean McKenzie Collection

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

You won’t be disappointed with the Baby Bedding Set from the McKenzie Collection. Vibrant colors, decorative shapes and magic create one of the most intensively amazing bedding and accessory collections available for baby. It is the Glenna Jean McKenzie Collection, displaying reds and greys next to white, black and green. Stripes, dots, circles and flowers accent the pillows and drapes designed as accessories. The McKenzie Mobile creates harmony with the overall look by including brown and white bears affixed to a red and white canopy.

Glenna Jean McKenzie

The 4-piece baby girl bedding set consists of a dust ruffle, bumper, fitted sheet and comforter, while the 5-piece set offers a lovely green tweed pillow or a diaper stacker as the fifth item. Several pillows add to the McKenzie appeal, such as the black pillow with red flowers, the floral print pillow and the rectangular stripe pillow in black and white.

Several different designs make up the Glenna Jean Garden Wall Art. The Bunny is a great display with the McKenzie collection. At 20 x24 inches, the artwork provides a cheerful scene against bar walls in the room, often positioned so baby can see it while settling down for a nap. Place it high enough to avoid extra artistic embellishments when baby reaches the crayon stage.

Wall hangings add a cute touch to walls, especially when positioned so baby can see the adorable decorations without being able to grab them. Glenna Jean’s hanging bear has a smile on his face as he sits on one of three boxes that attach to the wall. The three-dimensional affect caused by the depth of each 6 x 6- inch square has colorful red flowers, background and a black stencil flower on a white background. Teddy can relax by leaning against one box while sitting on another. Attach the wooden shelves to the wall either apart or close together.

Filed Under: Baby Bedding, Product Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Finley Baby Crib Bedding Sets from Glenna Jean

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Glenna Jean Finley collection is another exemplary display of bedding and nursery furnishing for special babies and children. You will find Finley items in the most exclusive stores and nurseries. The appeal draws parents and others searching for the perfect gift for baby. The collection features in such prominent publications as Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, a well-deserved recognition for this popular style.
A beautifully coordinated nursery gives baby a warm, safe environment. It is comforting to know the infant or toddler can sit and look at a book or play on a soft Glenna Jean Finley rug designed to match other pieces in the Finley collection. Nursery furniture, including the perfect chair for mom or dad and even baby several years from now, is creative with a welcome appearance. Even small items are perfect.
People unfamiliar with Glenna Jean collections might wonder about what makes them special. Love and care go into every design and creation to ensure the comfort of baby and mom. Handcrafted items ensure a uniquely precious long-lasting gift. The pastel colors of blue and yellow blend with the prints of cream and mint colors, perfect for boys and girls.

"Finley" the Gender Neutral Collection by Glenna Jean

With the exception of bedding made with tufted edging and tassels, the bedding is machine washable, using a cool water and gentle cycle. That makes it easy to keep the sheets and blankets safe to be near baby and avoids concerns about what to do when bedding requires washing.
Thanks to the different pieces that fall into the bedding sets and nursery accessories, there is an opportunity to expand the collection and continue the peaceful ambience that lets the entire family enjoy baby’s area.

Other benefits of selecting Glenna Jean Finley bedding include a warranty that provides a no questions asked refund if defective workmanship appears within ninety days. The reputation establishes this seldom happens, but it is nice to know just in case. Friendly customer service representatives make shopping for and discussing the collection comfortable. Shop with confidence knowing that Glenna Jean bedding is made in the United States by skilled artisans that care.

Filed Under: Baby Bedding, Product Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Glenna Jean Isabella Collection for Now and Later

January 6, 2012 By 2 Comments

 

Joy and excitement are two of the best emotions surrounding expectant mothers. Gifts will be practical, whimsical, fun and special. Perhaps the most special types of gifts are the ones that are beautiful, creative, durable and long lasting, such as the Glenna Jean Isabella Collection. The bedding and coordinated décor grows with your baby girl, promising years of happiness and comfort.

The four-piece Glenna Jean Isabella crib set has special designs and colors. Pink, cream and green create a delightful girl’s set in the bumper, crib skirt, quilt and fitted sheet. The fabrics composing the quilt include star jacquard, velvet, toile and gingham. Stripes and rosebuds, delicately embroidered for detail, complete the pattern. Wide pink satin ribbons serve as the ties for the bumper. The pinched pleat skirt has a double layer in toile and gingham to hold it in place.

Isabella by Glenna Jean ~ Crib Bedding Collection

Moms will treasure the Glenna Jean Isabella Kids Twin Three-Piece Bedding Set or Full Four-Piece Set with a toile duvet cover and skirt. The twin set has one gingham sham and the full set has two. The same beautiful pattern as the crib set, the décor is suitable for the baby as she grows. The quality is such that many girls can use the items for their own daughters someday.

Isabella Kids Bedding by Glenna Jean

Decorative cord and tassels enhance some Glenna Jean Isabella coordinate décor safe from baby’s inquisitive reach. The pattern continues in a comfortable child’s chair and tuffet. Design the special girl’s room with cream drapery panels and pink stars, complemented by a sheer window panel featuring star cutouts. The diaper stacker and birdhouse lamp with rippled moiré shade provide a warm ambience. Complete the look with the wall border and attach the coordinated hanging three-heart set on the wall. The room will welcome mom, baby and visitors with joyous beauty.

Filed Under: Baby Bedding, Product Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

How To Prepare For A New Baby

December 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

Babies bring joy to the lives of people especially their parents. After the nine months of pregnancy a mother is congratulated on delivering the new born kid. However, how to prepare for a new baby is an important lesson as the joy can be cut short if the parents had not prepared adequately for the coming kid.

Parents should perform some preparations for the expected young one even before it is born. These preparations can be summarized under the following steps, most of these things are general and does not depend on whether the bay is a boy or a girl.

Parents should purchase transportation items; these are things like car seat, and stroller. A car seat is necessary until a kid become a toddler and should be front and rear facing. Stroller is important to assist the baby learn to walk slowly.

Baby Crib Bedding Sets, Blankets, clothing, and bathing cloths like towel must also be bought in advance. This is to avoid last minute rush when the kid is already born and also helps reduce the cost involved especially considering the maternity cost which is reasonably high. Buying cloths in packs is far much cheaper as considered to purchasing each cloth as a single. Climatic condition must also be considered when buying the kids cloths to ensure its comfort on arrival.

Parents should ensure they have obtained enough baby wipes. They should avoid overstocking on new born kid items as the kid will grow faster than anyone can imagine, in a short while it will no longer fit in such items as it will have grow much bigger to a toddler thus it is advisable to buy these items depending on age groups and not on pounds.

Entertainment is a key necessity to any young toddler. Apart from eating and sleeping, a baby needs to play to be active and jovial. They like exploring using their hands and eyes, toys will help the kid in exploration. The best toys should produce some noise that attracts the attention of the kid thus making it happy. This also assists them in suckling as it increases the strength of their jaws. Another very important aspect is medical or health care kits. This comprises of some medicines and tools like a thermometer, nail cutter, and comb. Washing soaps for the kid are also very necessary.

Acquiring these basic necessities might be a problem to some especially those living under extreme poverty. One can try using some of these methods to obtain these facilities instead of waiting till the baby is born to receive items in form of gifts.

One way is borrowing them from who had babies recently but are now grown up. This is because majority of them might end up throwing them away as a way of disposing. Most of them will prefer giving them out to those in need of them instead of disposing them.

Shopping in some specific shops, some of these shops are much cheaper as compared to others and therefore those who are not that smart financially can at least afford buying in such shops. Other items are received in form of gifts from friends and well wishers.

Filed Under: Babies, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

How To Make Cloth Diapers At Home

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Diapers always come in handy in preventing a child from soiling his or her clothes. They are commonly used by babies. Normally, they come in different types which include the disposable and none disposable cloth diapers. The disposable ones are usually thrown away after use while the cloth ones are usually washed after use. Under cloth diapers there are also the home made diapers which are very economical to use. Here is how to make cloth diapers at home

Choice of the right fabric is very important. Some of the best materials to use are cotton, cotton knits, terry and flannel. These are quite affordable and easily accessible. If you do not mind spending a lot you can opt for designer fabrics. Fleece material can be used on the inner lining to help prevent wetness. Terry would be best for the soaker while a printed flannel would give it an attractive finish.

The first step is to get a disposable one, open it and trace out its outline making sure to leave a quarter inch from seam. Make sure to give a good allowance to give room for growth. Since babies grow fast it is necessary to make one that can be worn for a long time. There are many ways to go about cutting and shaping the diaper. To learn more on this you can go online.

Depending on the pattern that you have done, there will be a need to cut the shapes. The most preferred being in the shape of an hour glass. However, you need to be careful to ensure that one piece is derived from the inner material while the other is from the outer one. The length should be as long as that of the diaper. Make it as long as possible. It should then be placed on the wrong side of the interior material and sewn in place.

Take measurements of your little one’s thigh before cutting two strips of elastic bands a quarter inches from the leg opening. Make sure that the elastic is wide enough to allow free leg movements. A tight opening may cause so much pain to the infant. Run some stitched wrong side of the leg opening.

Join the hourglass shaped fabric together making sure that the right sides touch each other. Stitch it all round allowing a small opening to enable you to turn it inside out. Turn it inside out after you have stitched all round. Remember to finally close the front.

Cloth types come with a number of benefits. One of the main reasons being you spend less to make. You also save a lot as opposed to buying the disposables ones. They are reusable and may be use for quite a long time before wearing out. They are also environmental friendly as opposed to the disposable ones.

This simple piece of dress is very instrumental in the well being of an infant. Always wash cloth diapers properly after use. Learning how to design your own from home may take a lot of your time however, the amount of money saved may be worth the hassle.

Filed Under: Babies, Diapering, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Child Safety - What Your Kids Need to Know About Strangers

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is so sad that the world seems a much more dangerous place than when people grew up in the 1950s, ’60s and ‘70s. “Stanger Danger” are the new buzz words for keeping children indoors, which of course leads to all sorts of other problems - obesity and social isolation, just to name two - that society will be dealing with in years to come.

There have always been strangers, and some of them have been dangerous strangers, but the media and television have blown the cases of abduction and child molesters out of proportion, making everyone afraid. Yes, there are reasons for concern but that must not force us to make our children fearful of the whole world, rather let’s give them the tools and the confidence to keep themselves safe.

“Stranger Danger” is an easy catch-all of the things that can harm children but instilling fear isn’t the way to deal with the very real dangers that exist. Instilling common sense and how to deal with situation that may confront them is a much better way to keep children safe. Equipping kids with the knowledge of what to do if a stranger approaches them with offers of candy or requests for help looking for a puppy or even asking for directions, will give them strategies that work.

The first step is to communicate with your kids, and keep talking with them as they grow up because potential situations and solutions change.

The primary issue is who exactly are these “strangers” and what threats are they likely to pose? As we all know, not every stranger will pose a danger to a child, so how do they tell the difference between a “good” stranger and a “bad” one? Giving your child the information they need and can understand is vital at this point, so ensure they understand that even though they may not know them, police officers, teachers, clerks in stores, and security guards can be helpful if they feel scared or in danger.

What are the potential dangers? It could be someone approaching them and trying to lure them into a car or away from their school or playground; someone trying to touch them in ways that makes them feel uncomfortable or someone trying to get personal information from them, etc. Even very young children can understand what to do in these situations. They need to be taught how to walk away confidently without talking to a stranger, or to make lots of noise and commotion if someone tries to grab them, or that they should never open the door to anyone if they are home alone, or to run to the nearest house to get help if they feel threatened.

Role playing can teach your children how to respond if a dangerous situation should ever arise and having practiced what they should do will give them the confidence that could save them in the situation.

You might be interested in the Isabella Bedding by Glenna Jean at My Baby Bedding Shop.

Filed Under: Parenting, Safety Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The First Day of Kindergarten-Milestones in Your Child’s Life

April 30, 2011 By 2 Comments

First Day of School Jitters - Be Prepared

The first day of school can be an amazing event for your child. In fact, it’s probably going to touch you fairly deeply as well. That first day of school for a child is magical, with new faces, new friends, and new routines. That means, it’s not only a wonderful time of learning new things, but it can be a stressful time as well.

Going to school means that for the first time, your child will be away from you for at least a half day, if not a full day of new adventures. Depending on the child, they will be eager and anticipatory, or rebellious and wanting to stay home. Even the most eager child will be slightly nervous at the thought of not having you where he or she most wants you to be.

You can help with the nerves and the concerns by working with your little ones up until that big day arrives. Your efforts will see them well prepared for the first day of school. Start at least a week before the big day arrives.

Take your child shopping and within reason, let them pick out their favorite outfit to wear to the first day of school. Select the pencils, crayons and other items they will need for kindergarten. In most cases, the school will offer a supplies list from which you may work. Have your child help you to assure that nothing is forgotten and make a day of it.

If you’ve not had a regular bed time, now is probably the time to get into that routine. Begin by waking your child up just a little earlier each morning and they will naturally be more tired in the evening, leading to an earlier bed time without the combat zones that may erupt if you’ve not taken these steps. Getting your child used to an early rising and an earlier bedtime will see them well rested for that big day.

At least one time prior to the opening day of school drive the route that your child’s bus will take, or walk with them over the route they will take to school. If your child will be walking to school, assure them that you will be with them the first day to make sure that they know their way to their classroom and other important things.

Once your child has had his or first day of school, discuss it with them. Offer some additional contact and fun that evening, perhaps even celebrating such a milestone in their life by taking them out to dinner or for ice cream. Make a tangible treat for them the first day or two so that school attendance is associated with a positive, nurturing environment at home after the day is over.

 

Take a look at our JoJo Designs Baby Bedding Sets or our entire collection of Baby Crib Bedding Sets

Filed Under: Kids, Parenting

Encouraging your Little One to Read

April 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Reading is a skill that is often taken for granted. This is especially true in the technological age we live in. Children often do not take time to find out the wonders that can be found within a book. The skill of reading should be started early and it helps if the parents read with and to their kids. Some parents have their kids read to them because this encourages and helps them to develop their speed and skill in reading.

Kids who enjoy reading often start on books written about the types of things that they enjoy doing. This will vary according to what each child likes but if reading is treated as a fun thing to do they will be more interested in books. Turn off the computer and television to avoid distractions. Reading for fun and to learn information is necessary in today’s working world as well as school. The more kids read the better they will do in language and being able to express themselves adequately.

The chances are good that if you read, your children will learn to read -and more importantly, to develop a love of reading and books. Encourage kids to use the library. Kids who show off their reading abilities and read to others will gain a lot from the experience. If there is an older relative who has trouble reading, have the child read to them or have the children write and read a family history or newsletter. Anything that can encourage them to read, such as games in the car with signs is also a great idea. If they have pets, get them a book about that type of pet. Hobbies are a good way to encourage reading.

If a young child has trouble or does not like to read, first check if there might be an underlying reason why. Does he or she need glasses? Are they dyslexic or just have trouble with the phonics and process of reading? There are many different ways to help with these problems if they are the cause. Just having a pair of glasses that enables them to clearly see the letters and words will be liberating for a child with eye problems. If you are driving them anywhere, play a word game and have them read signs hunting for certain words.

Most of the time if an adult they respect can spend time with a kid, reading to them or listening to them read, it will be a starting point in interest for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Show them how to use a dictionary instead of looking everything up on the Internet. This will help them to keep the skills sharp so that they will know how to find out the meanings of difficult words they come across when reading. Play games with words and use different words everyday and when they ask what it means explain or just hand them a dictionary. Getting your kids to read is not difficult, but like any worthwhile task it takes time, energy and imagination. So go grab your favorite book and spend some time reading with your kids.

Take a look at her Glenna Jean Isabella 4 piece Crib Bedding Set or the entire Glenna Jean Isabella Collection.

Filed Under: Kids, Parenting
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