Emma's Children

08/28/2015

A new mum's body and how/why we produce is truly fascinating. Excellent read!

To produce breast milk, mothers melt their own body fat. Are you with me? We literally dissolve parts of ourselves, starting with gluteal-femoral fat, aka our butts, and turn it into liquid to feed our babies. Before and after giving birth to my daughter 10 months ago, I was inundated with urgent di…

08/22/2015

More than just the ABC song: Fun toys for letter learning!

I especially love the Melissa & Doug "water works" activity book. Kids love the invisible ink marker!

Give your little scholar an edge in phonics with these super fun games and toys.

08/21/2015

If friends offer to help with a new baby, what things would you appreciate most?

Bringing over dinner? Watching the baby while you take a bath? Taking the dog for a walk?

“What Can I Do To Help?” If you say this to a mama and she looks at you like it’s a trick question, don’t give up. Sometimes asking for what we need is tricky, you know? Especially when we love, respect, and can’t imagine you scraping lasagna off our plates and taking out our trash! [&hellip

08/14/2015

Have a family game night before they head back to school. This is definitely the ultimate list.. so many great ideas!

#10 "Classification" would be a good one to get their minds working and #25 "Pudding Pictionary" looks like good, messy fun! Which are your family favorites?

85 indoor activities for the whole family! Yep, you read that correctly, 85 brilliantly, amazing indoor activities to brighten the mood and get the family playing together!!

08/08/2015

Get the outside with these fun neighborhood games! Summer isn't over just yet :) Scholastic Parents

You played ’em when you were a kid — now it’s your child’s turn to have fun. Pick one of these kid-pleasers and try it on your gang this evening!

08/05/2015

Picky eating in children linked to , and - finicky eating habits may be part of a more complicated psychological story. Thoughts? I'd love to hear from parents with picky eaters.

In some children, finicky eating habits may be part of a more complicated psychological story.

08/03/2015

: My husband and I have found it helpful to plan our nighttime approach ahead of time. The key is getting clarity right up front about what we'll do if our son wakes up. Negotiating a sleep philosophy at 2:00 a.m. is not good!

08/01/2015

: Use children's books to help teach your children manners - that way, it isn't all coming from you! http://childrensbooksguide.com/manners

As a parent, there are lots of different important things that you want to make sure to teach to your child. For many parents, good manners and behavior come near the top of the list. This is understandable; being polite and knowing how to act in certain situations is a vital part of having a happy…

07/31/2015

I love Dr. Seuss! I was so excited to hear the news this morning. A lost manuscript was published on Tuesday, and is the first new story from Theodor S. Geisel or "Dr. Seuss" in 24 years.

"What Pet Should I Get?" was found in a box in the author's studio by his widow after his death and rediscovered 2 years ago. Can't wait to read it to Ella :)

07/30/2015

Putting into perspective. Photos like these can help (us too!) learn to estimate healthy portions. How do you teach your kids about healthy servings?

Although these particular examples are for an adult diet, providing visuals can help kids picture portion sizes for a variety of foods.

Besides photos and portion control containers, you can use household items to help them estimate serving sizes. For example, 1 oz. of pretzels (1 serving size) is about the size of a tennis ball or 1/2 cup of vegetables (1 serving size) is about the size of a computer mouse.

What's the most important part of a nutritious diet? Most of us can automatically recite the answer: fruits and vegetables. And yet it can be tough to eat the daily recommended amount of produce, and most Americans simply don't. I've certainly been among that 75% — the estimated percentage of us who…