My kids used to love those lunch snack packs you get at the grocery store. They had sandwiches, drinks, and a snack. Some have pizzas that you could build in place of a sandwich, a drink and snack. After a while, they got expensive, not to mention unhealthy.

Kids like variety and so do adults. Let’s give them variety without breaking the bank and adding extra calories, by making Lunchables at home. We’ll start with the sandwich first, since it’s the main course of these types of lunches.

Sandwiches can come in many shapes and sizes. If crusts are not your thing, take a sharp knife and cut the bread into a cube. It isn’t necessary to pay extra to buy bread that has the crusts already removed.

The bread you choose doesn’t have to be traditional sandwich bread at all. Pitas, hoagie rolls, buns, and tortilla wraps make excellent sandwich packaging. It all depends on what kind of sandwich you are making.

For kids, messes are a regular occurrence. To avoid them at lunch, use a sandwich sealer. It is a round tool that will seal the edges of a sandwich once you make it. Use it for peanut butter and jelly, cheese sandwiches, ham, turkey, bologna, and the like. Cookie cutters can turn a regular sandwich into stars, moons, balls, and other fun shapes to keep kids interested and looking forward to lunch each and every day.

Since you are making the sandwich at home, you can use light or fat free condiments and meats to make them healthier. When you can, use slices of chicken and beef left over from dinner meals. A slice of chicken breast or a piece of roast has fewer preservatives than the lunch meat found in the grocery store, not to mention it’s nicer on the wallet too.

Most prepackaged lunches come with drinks and homemade ones should too. Most come with soda or another sugary drink that is not healthy for anyone. Choose twelve ounce water bottles and drink crystal sticks instead. These offer no calories but lots of taste. Fruit juice is okay if it is only eight ounces and 100 percent juice.

Snacks in the lunch meal are simple so there’s no need to go all out in this department at home either. Give the kids pieces of celery, some peanut butter, and some raisins. Let them make their own dessert creations. Raisins are naturally sweet. Even a cup of flavored yogurt or plain yogurt with granola makes a filling dessert with the right amount of sweetness.

Lunch made at home doesn’t have to be boring. You actually have more choices than you are given with store-bought products for kids and adults alike.

Bedtime routine.?

Try to make it is set as possible.? Say bath time, a small snack, brush teeth, story and cuddle time, tuck in and off to sleep.? Setting a routine helps him realize what is happening next and helps him feel comfortable so relaxing is possible.

Discuss the day

Helping him get his ideas and events out of verbally can help clear his mind to help him sleep. Even if he is not the best talker yet give him the chance to do it.? This will also help with his vocabulary.? This is also been found to work as they grow up to be more open and honest about the activities they had throughout the day.

Songs

This can be sung by you or on a CD just something to help calm him will help with the relaxation process.? A lot of parents find that soothing noises like the ocean or nature noises help with this.

Demonstration

If he has the chance to watch you relax and take it easy before bed, he will pick up little tips from you on how you do it. Often time’s toddlers want to be just like mommy or daddy.? Seeing you take it easy and unwind will show him it’s a good part of the day.

Story time

For a lot of children story time helps clear their mind of the day and focus on the story which helps them relax and pretend they are in the story.? Bedtime stories are a great way to end the day.

These are not the only ways to help your child relax but they are a great start as you start you will find different tips that work for your child. Remember what works for one child may not work for another so testing and seeing what works best for you.

Do you have any tips to share that have helped you relax your toddler?? Stop by our forum and let us know.

The snow maybe gone or in the process of melting and the days are filled with sun more often now then with clouds. Toddler are getting that itch to just go an enjoy it.

Here are some fun ways that you can help create some fun memories.

Sidewalk Chalk

It is so much fun just going outside and playing with chalk drawing pictures and sparking imagination. This helps get your little one outside in a safe location and bonding. With the chalk you can also play games like tic tac toe or hopscotch.

Nature Walks

With spring comes new flowers, greening trees and fresh air take a walk and discuss what is going on in nature. Look for slugs yes it is gross but little ones love to see things like that.

Head to the Park

Right now the park is the perfect temperature to enjoy and have fun, its not to hot yet and warm enough a light sweatshirt should be all you need. Let them run and wear out that energy.

Make and Fly a Kite

Spark the imagination and create a kite and go out and fly it. Since they are little they string does not have to be too long just long enough to get in the air.

These are just a few fun ways to get out of the house in to the fresh air. Do you have other ideas? Let us know

Road trips with your toddler can be enjoyable for all involved. Bringing along enough supplies to keep him occupied and his stomach full will help ensure his happiness. And a happy toddler is the key to a pleasant ride. Here are some things that have been found useful when traveling on long trips with a toddler.

Books

Toddlers love to read and look at pictures, having some of their favorite books at hand will help distract them while they are doing something they enjoy doing. This also encourages them to enjoy books and reading which will live with them forever.

Drawing supplies

A pad and paper works wonders to keep them occupied and have their creative juices flowing. They also have the magic wonders marker sets, which are great to use in the car so you have less mess. I have found little desks that hang on the seat in front of them to help them have a hard surface to work on.

Small Toys

Cars or dolls are fun to play with anytime in the car it can help keep them busy doing something they are familiar with. The key is to not make them too small so if they are dropped they can be picked up easy rather then having to hunt for something small.

A few things to help with the drive that aren’t necessarily for entertaining your youngster but helpful just in case.

Pillows

A pillow they may want a nap or want to get a little more comfortable. Car trips tend to make toddlers sleepy and having a pillow will help them take a nap a little more comfortably and sleep a little better. A well rested little one will make a happy tot and everyone is happier. They have small travel pillows pretty inexpensive now days.

Snacks

With little tummies they get hungry often and usually at the most inopportune time, having snacks on hand will help prevent having to stop a lot along the way. Raisins or crackers are great for car trips. Another idea is to bring sliced fruit. Bringing something to drink like juice packets are a good idea since eating can make them thirsty.

Planning ahead for the possible mishaps can make your trip more bearable and a lot more fun. Feel free to share ways that you help your toddler happy on road trips.

I know this is common and happens all the time but what happened to the thought ‘A Happy Mom makes a Happy Home’ Yes we can be happy taking care of the family but we also get run down and tend to think of ourselves as just moms or wives.? Try to remember your also a Woman.? A very special woman at that.? So take a few minutes today and do something just for you.

Its best to set aside what you want or need her to bring then let her add 2 or 3 more items that are important to her such as a teddy bear or their lovey. A carry on with wheels is a huge help for mom so she does not have to carry everyone?s back. With the wheels she can pull it, this also helps her feel like a big person seeing others pulling theirs.

There are a few things it?s a good idea for her to have with her. This also helps keep her out of your bag for what she may need from there.

Snacks- Graham crackers or gold fish are great snacks. The packaged fruit is also a huge hit. I often find myself getting special snacks that they can?t have at home like fruit snacks. Small Juices are usually ok to get through security they are only 1 or 2 ounces and that is in the guide lines however sometimes they do have issues so they take them so if you do take juice with you keep it on top so they don?t have to dig through everything.

Change of clothes- you never know when there may be an accident and you don?t want her stuck in wet or soiled clothing for a long time. Also a zip lock bag should be brought to put them if they are soiled.

Pull Ups Especially if your little one is newly potty trained. A lot of times its hard for them to hold it. There may be turbulence and getting up to go to the bathroom is not a good idea. So pull ups or diapers are a good idea.

Activities choose a few small activities that fit in her bag. Then let her choose what ones she wants to bring along with her. This helps her feel she has some control on what is going on.

A few things that mom should have in her carry on just in case. Gum or suckers something to suck on while taking off and landing. Keeping them in your bag can eliminate them being used through the flight. Tylenol is a good thing for the trip just in case a headache hits it gets in under control quickly. Band aids, toddlers tend to trip or fall and usually a band aid will fix any boo-boo even if there isn?t a blood.

If you?re going on a trip enjoy it pack so both of you can have fun during the travel time. Do what you can to help your child get prepared and feel comfortable and packing her own back can help with this.

I have found bringing little toys usually causes some more stress because I want to make sure nothing is left behind. That means taking about 5 minutes to search each area before leaving boarding the plane or getting off. With all the rush it is not a fun thing to tackle with your toddler wanting to get going.

Here are some fun ways to help keep your child entertained with out a whole lot of extra stuff and most if it gets left behind oh well. They are easy to replace or make more.

Pipe cleaner animals and shapes

Toddles love to create things. Pipe cleaners are soft light weight and can create many different thing. This helps expand their imagination and keeps them busy. You can get them pretty much anywhere and the possibilities are endless as to what you can do with them.

Magic Markers

An easy one is getting one of the magic wonders marker sets. It helps prevent them their seat from arriving to your destination covered with pen marks, plus these are just a lot of fun coloring and creating fun pictures.

Watch a Movie

A few planes these days have TVs in the seat that you can order a movie or Nick Jr for a small fee. If this is not an option for you why not take a small portable DVD player with you so you and your child can watch a favorite movie together on the trip. This is also a good idea for once you arrive. All too often hotels do not have anything good or perhaps safe for young children to watch past 11 am so the DVD player would play a double roll. You can bring a favorite or get a new DVD of your child?s favorite show.

This is the only thing that can’t be replaced as easy

Sock Puppets

Remember when we were kids and sock puppets were cool. Things changed and more toys have been invented, no one really thinks about these anymore. Why not make one or two and bring it along. To get your child’s imagination going, this also creates good memories. A plus is these are small enough to toss in your purse so you can pull them in and out as needed like you still have 5 minutes before boarding and he is getting antsy pull them out and play.

A fun site that explains how to make a sock puppet Kids Crafts:Sock Puppets

Creating things

‘Cheese Its’ serve a dual purpose they are a quick and easy snack but they can also be used to make things. I take a little in a bowl; they take them and make square houses or whatever they want to on the tray. This is an easy thing, however something that can keep them busy for awhile.

A Bonus tip: Make stitch cards, get some thick poster board cut out shapes and poke holds around the edge Tie a piece of yarn to one hole and they can stitch along. This helps improve fine motor skills and keeps them sitting still for a few minutes so you can have a minute to relax.

I hope your next trip is a pleasant one so you and your child can create life long memories.

Have any ideas?? Let me know, I am always looking for ways to keep my little two entertained when going to see grandma

How to Cope
When your child is between 8 months and a year if possible try to avoid taking him to a new childcare provider. With this being the time frame that the separation anxiety usually begins to appear. Although it will likely show itself even with familiar caregivers, switching to a new one at this sensitive time could make things much worse.

Telling your child when you will be back in terms that he can understand may help to alleviate his fears. He probably can’t tell time yet, so he’ll need something other than a number of hours. Tell him you’ll be back after lunch or naptime gives him a familiar event judge time. Do your best to stick to your word and be back exactly when you said you would lets him know that he can count on what you tell him.

Sneaking off when the child is not looking usually makes things worse. Even if your child is crying, telling him goodbye and meaning it is the best approach. Once you’ve left, it’s not a good idea to come back to check on him. Instead making phone call 15-20 minutes later can ease your fears while avoiding a second meltdown.

Separation anxiety affects most toddlers at some point. It is just part of growing up. Remaining calm, saying goodbye, and leaving when the time comes will help your child adjust. Setting a time to be back and sticking to it will alleviate his fears and build confidence.

What Causes Tantrums?
The toddler years are full of transitions. With all the physical and mental development that is going on. He has gotten the desire to be independent; however, he still needs help with a lot of things. Communication skills have a long way to go until they are easier to understand, this can sometimes cause a tantrum since he knows what he wants, but isn?t able to relay the information.
Tantrums can also be used as a way to manipulate by some toddlers. If parents give in to them often they learn that it is the way to get things. Dealing with these tantrums it is important to stand your ground.

How to Avoid Tantrums
Avoiding tantrums is the best and most effective way to deal with them. I know this sounds impossible, but it?s not. This will require you to know what factors make them happen with your child.
As the tantrum begins ask yourself is hungry or tired? Does he act poorly when he is bored? These and other factors can put your child in a bad mood and trigger tantrums. Remedying these situations before taking your child anywhere can result in him being more agreeable, and in turn lessen the chances of a tantrum.

Dealing With the Tantrums
Since tantrums will happen every now and then. The first thing you should keep in mind is to remain calm. If you are getting upset or angry it will only add fuel to the fire.

Addressing the child’s frustrations may put an end to the meltdown, or at least lessen its severity. If you don’t know what it is that your toddler wants, ask him to tell or show you. If you know what he wants but he can’t have it, explain that you are aware of his desires but can’t fulfill them. Don’t forget to tell him why.

Often times holding your child can sometimes help calm him down. Unless he is flailing his arms and legs wildly to the point that he is hurting you, holding him and comforting him with soothing words might improve the situation. If you try it and it is making him more upset, it is defeating the purpose. If this is the case, letting him go and staying close by to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself might be a better course of action.

If you are in public when the tantrum starts, don’t panic. If you try to calm your toddler to no avail, take him somewhere quiet and as private as possible to cool off. When the tantrum is over, explain how you expect your child to behave before going back to your previous activity.

Tantrums are no fun for toddlers or their parents, but sometimes they happen. By remaining calm, you can avoid making the situation worse. Then you can use compassion to address your child’s frustrations and put them to rest.