bebestages

Ever since we went on vacation with our first daughter, at the age of 18 months, she was never able to go to sleep alone again. After countless sleeping battles, I finally came up with the perfect idea to get her to go to sleep quickly. A few months ago, now this is 2 years later, I came up with the idea of sleeping fairies. As long as she closes her eyes and tries her hardest to fall asleep, the sleeping fairies will visit her and leave her a little present under the bed. This has worked perfect for her ever since. It doesn't have to be expensive either, a few times a week I will leave under her bed a small crafty gift that she can do the next morning. I've also left her change, a piece of gum, etc. I've even left her little notes from the "fairies" telling her how proud they are of her. She loves it and it's a great way to bribe her when she doesn't want to go to bed.

I'm sure you'll agree that it's almost impossible to do chores with the kids around. They often want to help, so here are a few ideas to keep them safe and having fun.Get a spray bottle and add water and lemon juice or vinegar. It's safe and an excellent glass cleaner. You can't go wrong with the swiffer, strap them to their little feet and they'll have have a great time sliding around.Turn laundry sorting into a learning game, have them sort clothes by color or play the matching game.Last but not least, feather dusters, they're not just fun to look.You're little one will love running around with this pretty feathery contraption.

• A few weeks before baby is due make sure you take care of all chores as possible, clean the things you have been meaning to clean. Ask someone to help or higher a maid service
• Wash all baby cloths
• Assistance at home with chores for at least the first couple of weeks is a BIG help. Accept the help that others offer
• Make to-do list for primary support person while you are in the hospital
• Prepare dinners for a few weeks and freeze what you can. If you are having guests over the first week or two, ask them to bring a dish so that you don’t have to cook

I’ve heard many parents ask the question, Should I give my toddler chores? My suggestion, don’t call it a chore. Of course we’re not expecting our 1.5 year old to clean the house, but we want to teach them to respect what they have and to be come responsible adults. Asking them to pick up their toys doesn’t make you a monster. We’re teaching responsibility, and yes responsibility starts when they are itty-bitty babies. If we don’t demonstrate to them when they are at their most vulnerable stage then you might just be creating a little monster that expects mommy and daddy to do everything for them. I find what works best is to ask your toddler to help you clean up, set the table, water the plants and so on. Remember you decided to take on the challenge of raising a child, and with that came the responsibility of molding them to be kind, helpful adults.