Just imagine...

Bedtime simplified

Kristi — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:56:30 +0000

Bedtime can suck up a lot of emotional energy and can seem to drag on half the evening. I think I’ve hit on a few amazingly simply techniques that make it relatively peaceful and orderly most nights for our 2 small children. The first bedtime helper is how to get children to their rooms. Detecting that you want them to go to their room for the act of sleeping can cause lots of whining and tears, especially for the 2-3 year olds. Starting to walk around the house “like a monkey” or “making a train” in a sort of parade fashion gets them headed in the right direction and they are usually clueless where they are going. They are just following you and having a great time! We read books before bed, which is a fabulous ritual to start, but 3 books can turn into 13 and then pretty soon your child wants you to read the whole book shelf full of books. Early on start the mantra of ”3 books.” When you think they are ready let them pick them out, but don’t go over 3. This is good for early counting skills and it means you won’t be reading for an hour. They like the predictability of it and then you can always slip in special days when you might read one or two more. You’d think you were handing them a bowl of ice cream! Sweet Dreams!!

Doll House Remodel

Kristi — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:30:12 +0000

I had a doll house when I was little, it was also my mother’s doll house when she was little. Her Uncle Eddie had made it for her and I’m sure I loved it just as much as she did. So, of course when I had a little girl I was excited for her to play with this same doll house that has been saved with much love and care. It is simple, wooden, two bedrooms upstairs with a small bathroom and kitchen and living room on the ground floor. When my mother pulled it out of her attic is also screamed 1970′s, which was when it gained it’s funky green paint and vinyl floors. I got busy updating it right away. It was to be my daughter’s Christmas present when she was 3 years old. It was in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. I used left over paint from our own interior rooms in our house and gave it area rugs by using computer mouse pads that looked like rugs. No furniture had been saved so I looked for furniture that would be sturdy, durable and maybe even last for my daughter to pass down to her daughter! Plan Toys brand furniture was exactly what I was looking for. There were different designs to choose from and I could even get special extras like ironing boards and cute little tea pots. Christmas morning was magical and three years later it all still looks great and the Plan Toys furniture looks like it came out of the box yesterday. Now little brother plays with it too, and it still holds up to his abuse. Definitely a great investment for this little house.

Push the Button for Motion Sickness

Kristi — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:20:40 +0000

My children were born into a traveling family, since half their family lives overseas. My daughter is 5 and she has been to Europe 4 times already. From door to door it takes us about 24 hours. Motion sickness was something I’d been dealing with for awhile, but my children never showed any sign of having a problem. Unfortunately I can no longer say this. My daughter became sick and threw up all over herself and her Dad when descending into an overseas airport. I had been using an acupressure seed placed on my wrist to help with my symptoms. Luckily I had a few extra with me so I immediately put one on my daughter. We stayed overnight on our layover and had to get on another plane the next day. We were so worried that we’d have a rerun of the sickness from the day before. I continued to remind my daughter to “push her button” and we made it into a game. She began to remind me to push my button too and the time passed on the plane without another incident of sickness! I HIGHLY recommend getting some “buttons” for anyone traveling with small children, especially if motion sickness is something that runs in your family. They are small, convenient and can be used on anyone, unlike many medications. You can get them from Chinese medicine practitioners or from accupuncture practitioners. We will not go again without placing some acupressure seeds on everyone on our family- we like our buttons!!

Tips for Keeping Your Playroom Clean

Natalie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Playrooms are often paradoxical in nature. They are the ultimate stress relief one minute and the cause of parental stress the next. Sure, playrooms provide hours of play, but they also demand hours of cleaning, sorting and organizing, hours many parents simply don’t have to give. So what’s a parent to do? Rather than hiring a housekeeper or spending hours cleaning it yourself, consider implementing these “trick of the trade” to help keep the mess at bay.

1. Accessible Storage

Kids love to dump. Put a pile of toys in a bin and sooner or later it’s going to be dumped. The simply reality that many kids are unable to put lids back onto tubs, simply adds fuel to the fire. The best way to prevent dumping, therefore limiting the amount of toys out at a given time, is to use vegetable style bins or drawers (even cheap plastic ones) to store toys. Both of these storage options easily allow kids easily access and put away toys without having to worry about burdensome lids.
2. Limit the Number of Toys

Instead of increasing the amount of storage in your playroom, consider having a fixed amount of storage and limited the amount of toys. Selling gently-used toys or donating them is a great way to eliminate clutter. Rotating toys in and out of the playroom can additionally free up space as well as keep the toy supply fresh and fun.

3. Use Transition Times as Clean-up Times

Whether your heading out to the park or tuning in to their favorite show, transition times provide the perfect opportunity for clean up time. Snacks or TV can also be a source of motivation for kids.

4. Lead by Example

If your “playroom” is a mess, your kid’s will be a mess too. Kids learn their habits from their parents. Don’t expect your kids to maintain clean habits if you yourself can’t.

5. Clean-up Timer

With their short attention span, kids can quickly fly from one toy to the next. Setting up a timer in the playroom to go off every hour or less, (depending on your child’s age or activity level) can help kids get into a routine of putting away toys once they are done playing with them. When the timer goes off, kids must put away any toys they are not currently playing with. In doing so the mess will be kept at bay and will keep your child from being too overwhelmed when it is time for final clean-up.

6. Have a Proper Place for Your Playroom

While the basement or bonus room on the opposite side of the house may seem like the best place for a playroom, they rarely are. Kids want to be near their parents. They want to show them what they’ve created, get their help in building a castle, or simply feel as if they are part of whatever you are doing. The farther away a playroom is to the central gathering location of the house, the greater the amount of toys that will be strewn through the house. So if you have the option, a playroom off the kitchen or family room will often prevent toys from “leaking”out of the playroom.

Teething, Talking and Toys

Natalie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:18:19 +0000

The tooth-fairy needs a new job because she is about to be fired. I have come to realize that she has got it all backwards. Why pay children for lost teeth when you can be paid to give babies teeth? The thousands of dollars spent on Baby Orajel and Teething Tablets alone could buy enough fairy dust to put Tinker Bell to shame. Parents across the world (myself included) would easily pay $15 even $30 to have those first baby teeth miraculously appear overnight. No screaming, no drooling, no stuffy nose cranky baby, just a quick swipe of the credit card. Where do I sign? So please do me a favor, if she happens to be coming to visit you soon, send her my way. We need to talk.

While we are on the subject of talking, welcome to Just imagine’s blog. From toys to two-year-old tantrums, we’ve got you covered. Whether you are looking for that perfect gift for your grandson’s 1st birthday (you can never go wrong with Playmobil 123) or a new toy to entice your grade schooler off the couch (try Erector sets), you’ve come to the right place.

Every Home Should be a HABA Home

Natalie — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:03:22 +0000

Call me demanding, but I don’t want toxic paints and breakable parts on my child’s toys. When did an engaging, well-built, toxin-free and preferably battery-free (aka headache-free) toy become too much to ask for? A simple trip down any toy isle quickly demonstrates how far toys have come from the simple wood cars and fabric dolls of the past. Luckily, not all toys companies have followed suit and have remained true to the basic and simple nature of old-fashion toys. HABA, a family-owned and operated company for more than 60 years, in a perfect example. The majority of their toys are crafted out of wood, their safety standards exceed industry standards and to top it off, their toys are also well-built, educational and just plain cute. The simplistic nature of their toys and their dedication to producing safe, toxin-free, child friendly toys, is reminiscent of a time gone by. In a letter to their costumers, dated August 29, 2007, HABA’s own words demonstrated their dedication to child safety:

From the moment our children are conceived we devote ourselves to their safety. Pregnant mothers exercise, visit doctors and eat the right food. That responsibility continues long after our babies are born. We examine the formula they drink, the clothes they wear and the cribs in which they dream. But parents can only scrutinize so much. There comes a point when we must be able to trust that the suppliers we purchase baby products from are as equally dedicated to our children’s safety. This includes, to a very large extent, the toys with which our children play.

What else could a mom ask for? Toys that keep us sane and our kids safely entertained. The letter continues,
In the wake of the recent multi-million dollar toy recall of Chinese-made products, American parents are wondering “what can I buy that won’t hurt my child?” The answer is family-owned HABA. For over 60 years, this German toy company takes pride in the fact that they would never make a toy that they wouldn’t give to their own children or grandchildren…HABA places great demands on the quality and safety of its products, particularly on the careful selection and processing of the materials. Whenever necessary its products are checked by authorized, independent institutes to ensure their safety. And because HABA believes it is a privilege to make toys for children, they understand how awful it would be to take a beloved toy away from a child because it’s not safe. That’s why they make sure to get it right the first time.
(Insert a large sigh of relieve)… And that is why every home should be a HABA home. They get it. As parents themselves, they understand the importance of safety and peace of mind. That is also why Toyopia.com is spending countless hours to make the largest selection of HABA toys available to you. Sure, their toys may cost more than regular toys on the toy isle, but the care and love put into each toy is worth every penny. So when it comes to buying the safe and durable toys for your kids, HABA is the perfect place to start.
To view all of our HABA products click here, but be sure to check back regularly as new products are added daily!
For more information on HABA, including videos of their factory and product safety testing facilities, visit their informational website at www.habausa.com.

New Plan Toys in 2010

Natalie — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:27:01 +0000

Plan Toys not only look great, they are “green,” well designed and above all my kids love them! From my daughter’s Terrace Dollhouse to my son’s Cone Sorting, every Plan Toys set in our house is a coveted item for parents and kids alike. While my kids are drawn to their bold primary colors and appealing design, my husband and I are drawn to their durability and educational value. The newest editions to Plan Preschool line are no exception, from letter and number manipulatives to dexterity building games, Plan Toys has once again topped our “must have” list for birthdays and holidays this year. While some of the newest 2010 additions are not yet available, continue to check back at uTOYpia.com for availability. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of some of my favorite Plan Toys for 2010:

: Plan Toys Tumbling Tower

Block towers are a common place in my house, so this simplistic and eco-friendly design in sure to be a hit in our house. Tumbling Tower helps kids to learn numbers, patterns, shapes all while building hand-eye coordination and logical thinking!

: Alphabet A to Z

Any parents of a preschooler knows that learning letters is often not as easy or as fun as it seems. This Alphabet A to Z set however, takes learning letters to a new level as it allow children to physically hold each letter, thereby allowing them to study and learn the curves and angles of the letters. Color matching, animal recognition and directions for writing each letter are added bonuses in this letter learning masterpiece.

: Daily Activity Play

Three pattern cards, six wood figures and nine elastic bands. To the average adult this activity set may not be appealing, but to a preschooler its an endless invitation for hands-on manipulative fun. Whether they are connecting the family members together or simply experimenting with the magic of elastic bands, preschoolers will quickly be engrossed in this simple, but effective learning tool.

Tips for Encouraging Your Kids to Read

Natalie — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:58:29 +0000

Most kids love to read, but often forget that they do. A forward-facing bookshelf is not only very space efficient, it is also a great reminder for kids that reading can be fun. In his book, The Read Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease compares shopping for cereal with kids “shopping” for entertainment. When walking through the cereal isle, the super fun (often sugar-loaded) cereals are always front and center, at kid’s eye level and within reach. Why? Because grocery stores and food manufactures know that kids will want and often demand what the see right in front of them, so in other words, it works. Cereals displayed at eye level routinely out sell cereals on higher shelves. So, as Trelease suggests, why not use this approach to reading. By placing a forward-facing bookshelf in your play area, kids not only see the books, they will see the appealing front covers of the books and want to read. There are several different types of these bookshelves on the market, but there are a couple features you want to look for. First, ensure that the front cover of the book is visible (not hidden in a sling). Second, make sure it is deep enough to hold several books (so you don’t have to constantly rotate books). Third, check for durability as kids are often forget the art of being gentle. Lastly, make sure you have read The Read Aloud Handbook as it will benefit you and your children for generations to come.

Bottom Line: Forward-facing bookshelves = kids who read (by choice!)

The Grateful Mom’s Guide to Previously Neglected Necessities

Natalie — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:58:29 +0000

Moms have a unique perspective on life. From the minute that cute bundle of slimy joy pops out of us our “second lives” begin. Gone are the days of staying up late “just for fun” or catching every minute of your favorite TV show. But in return we are given the opportunity to find thanks in the previously unimportant and forgotten things in life. For years, we neglected their existence and even abhorred their presence, but now, under the premise of “motherhood,” we give them thanks.

1. Alarm Clocks: Yes, we loathed you, abused you and replaced you many times throughout the years, yet you always allowed us to press that snooze button over and over again (a feature our current “models” are severely lacking). Oh, and that programmable feature that lets us choose what time we want to wake up is amazing as well!

2. Country Music: Thank you for telling our story, especially when we are too tired to tell it ourselves or when our baby-free friends simply don’t understand…

•”Standing there in my own front yard with a baby on my hip.” Been there, done that…
•”Looking at me now you might not know this, but I’ve had my moments, days in the sun…” One mom, one baby, one screaming toddler, lots of poop and projectile spit-up…enough said.
•”Bedtime stories every night and that smile lets her know she’s somebody’s hero.” It’s good to know you’re a hero even when you look and feel like a villain.

3. Online Shopping: Sure, virtual models don’t quite do the trick, but there is never a line and no one gives you dirty looks when your kid is screaming. Better yet, you provide top-quality toys at amazing prices without having to wake up at 3am.

4. Time: Where did you go? You were so plentiful for so many years, but now you have left us. Long relaxing baths are nonexistent and bestsellers are often “read” via Red Box, but thanks are still in order. It is often said that “time cures all wounds,” but in the world of motherhood, the healing power of time penetrates deeper than mere flesh wounds. Time cures the most challenging plague of motherhood, phases. From teething and tantrums to bed-wetting and bullying, the fickle fingers of time have a funny way of not only helping us to survive, but helping us to forget.

5. Laughter: Babies’ laughter is equivalent to a shot of caffeine straight to the veins. Although it may take all the strength we can summon to create that smallest grin, hearing that first giggle does more than brighten our day, it reminds us why we love being a mom. And for that we are truly thankful.

So in this season of thanksgiving, let us all remember to give thanks to those everyday necessities that all too often get overlooked. Whether it be your child’s stalwart lovey or that simple man who gives you a smile as he walks his dog, take the time to show them your appreciation, for without them, our lives would be much more complicated then they already are.

A Few Tips for Parenting Acid-Reflux Baby

Natalie — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:53:03 +0000

Colic should be a four letter word. Nothing shatters the overwhelming sense of joy that comes with a birth of a newborn baby than the constant and relentless screaming coming from your sweet bundle of joy. As a parent of two acid-reflux babies, I understand the pain and heartache that comes with colic. From the sleepless months and constant feelings of inadequacy to the rude comments from strangers (and/or friends and family members), a baby with acid-reflux is a journey only understood by those whom have truly walked the walk and not just talked the talk. So in dedication to those whom pleas for help often fall upon deaf or naive ears, I’ve decided to take a quick detour from my standard playroom posts to share some of the lifesaving tools that helped me survive two tours in the land of colic.

Eight Essential Tools for Infant Reflux Survival

1. Colic Solved: The Essential Guide to Infant Reflux and the Care of Your Crying, Difficult-to- Soothe Baby by Bryan Vartabedian M.D. Written by a noted pediatric gastroenterologist and the father of two babies with acid reflux, Dr. Vartabedian will provide you with the peace of mind and understanding as to why your baby acts and reacts the way she does. As you acid-reflux bible, this is the you will quickly find yourself quoting to all your friends, family and even your doctors.

2. The Happiest Baby on the Block book or DVD by Harvey Karp: First, don’t let the title fool you, your baby won’t be the “happiest baby on the block,” so don’t feel guilty when it doesn’t happen. Harvey Karp however, does a great job explaining the innate comforting mechanisms ingrained in newborns. While these mechanisms may not “cure” your baby, knowledge of them will certainly help you understand why swaddling, shushing and swinging your baby may help them to feel better, even if they are still crying.

3. BABYBJÖRN BabySitter : Plan a bake sale, have a garage sale, eat rice and beans for a week, or anything else you need to do in order to afford this miracle chair. Half baby bouncer, half portable crib, this upright chair will provide you and your baby hours of much needed sleep. Don’t be fooled by significantly cheaper vibrating chairs, as they don’t provide the necessary incline needed to prevent the acid in your baby stomach from traveling up into their esophagus.

4. Miracle Blanket – Baby Swaddling Blanket: Quite simply the only swaddling blanket that works. Other swaddling blankets are either too complex or aren’t strong enough to keep the fussiest babies swaddled.

5. Homedics SS-3000 Soundspa Lullaby: This white machine has it all, three natural sounds (including a heartbeat), three musical selections, a timer, a plug (yeah! no batteries) and even an image projector that gently rotates one of three interchangeable disks. Even if the rotating disk dies out on you (a common complaint with this model), it is still worth every penny.

6. Everidis BioGaia Probiotic Drops: Many studied have shown that these probiotic drops have “cured” or lessened the effects of acid-reflux in babies. While your baby may not be cured, you and your doctor will most likely agree that giving these a go is worth a shot. I used them with both of my babies with varying levels of success (but still success nonetheless).

7. Britax Diplomat Convertible Car Seat: Acid-reflux babies and infant carriers simply do not mix. As explained in Colic Solved, these seats place the babies stomach at a angle that allows the acid to dump back into the esophagus. Britax Car Seats, while pricey, will save you hours of pain and screaming in the car as their seats allow the chair to be adjusted to a higher incline, provide more padding than the standards brands and consistently receive top ratings in crash tests.

8. An understanding pediatrician: Several different medications are available to help provide your baby some relief. Most pediatricians are understanding, but some will simply give you the “all babies cry” routine. If you truly believe your baby is not getting the medications he needs (and not all acid-reflux babies need medication), refer to Colic Solved and/or try another doctor.