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Physics 001 For Toddlers
My two year old was playing with a balloon in the living room with my 10 month old. He was dropping the balloon to the baby and she would kick it back with her arms and legs flailing. I was keeping an eye on the situation because sometime Noah gets a little carried away when playing with his baby sister. Everything seemed harmless so I starting working on dinner. Not two minutes later did I hear a very loud “crack” followed by a very loud cry. Noah had found another ball to play with that was the same size and color as the balloon. The only difference was about 7 pounds!
Physics lesson 001 for two year olds:
- Things tend to fall downward
- Every Action there is an opposite but equal reaction.
- Not all balls are created equal.
The Last Vaccination is a Doozy
We took our 5 year old in last week for her kindergarten vaccinations which to our surprise was a total of FIVE (Eve was freaking out since we told her it was only going to be two shots) vaccinations: Hep A, DTaP, IPV, MMR and Varicella. I held Eve down and together we counted to 10 while the two nurses quickly administered the vaccinations. After the tears and the consoling, Eve took advantage of the prize box and the candy bribe promised weeks prior to the dreaded day. She was a little sore but felt well enough to brag to any passer by that she was now ready for kindergarten.
She seemed to tolerate the vaccinations until almost 24 hours later when she started complaining that her head hurt and the sight of her vaccination was itchy. She was running a fever of 102 and the site of her vaccination was bright red and was the size of a softball. I immediately called the nurse and she gave me some great information about vaccination reactions.
- It is very normal to have a reaction on the last of a series of vaccinations. -This was news to me and I wish I would have known.
- An itchy hive reaction in the spot of the vaccination is normal and you can treat it with over the counter creme.
- A fever of up to 102 can occur and can be treated with Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
**The fever was gone after a day and the large red area is almost gone after a week.
With all the news about vaccinations and the life altering repercussions when your child has a bad reaction I think its important for parents to know that having a reaction to vaccinations is normal. We shouldn’t be scared to protect our kids with vaccinations but I do think its important that we are informed. Since I have three little ones with vaccinations in their future my biggest take away with this experience is that I SHOULD expect a reaction when they get the final vaccination of a series and that calling the doctor/nurse for questions or concerns is ALWAYS the right thing to do.
What has your experience been with vaccinating your child? What important information have you learned?
Want to read more?
Vaccinations, Autism and My Decision for My Baby Boy
First Time Parents: Choosing a Pediatrician
Poop Pit Crew
Here I go again talking about poop. poop, poop, and more poop. I can’t help it, it is a big part of my day. I realized yesterday that I am actually the Poop Pit Crew.
I’m not a big Nascar fan nor do I pretend to know the ins and outs of what they do but I think there is parallel circumstances in which myself and the pit crew converge. If you have a toddler you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. The toddler races about the house, he bumps against furniture, skids out on the floor and unless its a complete crash and burn my assistance is not required. UNTIL, there is a blow out and I don’t mean tires. My little race car is very reluctant to take the time to stop for a change so I usually have to wrangle him down and change him as quickly as possible so that he can get back to the race. And in under a minute he is changed and off to the races and I am left with the aftermath.
I change about eight blow-outs a day (including my 9 month amateur racer). Each change requires timing, precision and speed. This job is not for the faint of heart, the pay is lousy, and it won’t make you famous but it is one of the privileges of being called “mommy”.
Want to join my Poop Pit Crew? I’m now accepting applications angela@momsfirststop.com
For additional poop entertainment check out these links:
Yes, I Admit I have a Pooping Problem
5 Tips to Relieve Baby’s Gas
Skid Marks and the Advanced Skill of Wiping
Swings, a Fun Time or a Method of Delivery
It began like any other day….up at 7am, toons and coffee until the entire sun rises. Then, because it was a nice day outside we geared up for a morning walk/ride/pull/carry what have you. Sunshine and fresh air, what could possibly go wrong?
At the time, my daughter Stella was 18 months, and my son Gage was 2 1/2. These ages are a very difficult time. The little tikes are often too big for baby stuff and too small for toddler things…stuck in a strange and frustrating middle.
Stella, being too small to ride a bike and too big to carry, opted for the tricycle that I could push via a long handle attached. Gage then talked me in to pulling him on a miniature plastic four-wheeler via a rope he’d tied to the handle bars. Writing this now, this all started out as a bad idea.
So off we go, me pushing Stella on the trike with one hand and pulling Gage on the four-wheeler with the other. We made it to the park with little consequence, aside from the professional maneuvering around the corners and on and off sidewalks that it took to get them there.
Then the swings…
Stella LOVES to swing. But of course, these swings weren’t the completely enclosed baby swings with the leg holes that she is safe in. These only have a back to them and free-fall out the front.
Gage is big enough to sit and hold on himself but again, too small to swing himself, thus requiring lots of assistance.
Ok, put Stella down and put Gage in the swing.
Wrong. Stella screaming…. “I wing!, I wing!”
Ok, hold Stella and lift Gage into the swing.
Wrong. Can’t do both, not an easy job.
Ok, put Stella in the swing…just set her there, just for a MINUTE until I get Gage in. Then I can push Gage real quick and hold on to Stella.
WRONG. That lasts for about two seconds. She face-plants into the rock hard dirt below (not far below, but below.)
“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!” I scream.
“WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!” Stella cries.
“MOMMY, STELLA FELL!” Gage yells.
Terrible situation is amplified by small pebble stuck up small girls even smaller nostril.
OK, I’ve seen this on ‘ER’…Trying to remember…Trying to remember.
Trying to pick the rock out with my finger up her nose.
Wrong, rock goes up further.
Trying to have her blow it out.
Wrong, she has no idea what I mean, and can’t hear me over her screams.
Ok, putting my mouth over her nose and sucking as hard as I can while hoping the neighbors aren’t watching out their kitchen window.
BINGO!
Crying gets quieter but is yet to subside. It’s been a traumatic swinging experience.
Ok, now to make it four blocks home.
Putting Stella back on the bike to push her home.
Wrong…screaming amplifies a zillion decibels.
Ok, I look at Gage. “Gage, I have to carry Stella home and push the bike so you’re going to have to pull your four-wheeler home for me ok?”
That lasts about half a block.
Gage crying, “Mommy I CANN’TT pull it anymoreeee!”
Ignore him and keep walking, he can do it. There is no other option.
He continues to follow but at a slower pace. Stella still crying, I’m still pushing the bike. Three and a half blocks to go…
A minute later.
“MOMMY I CAN’T PULL IT ANYMORE!”
Prod him, urge him on. “Come on Gage, you’re doing so great, you’re such a good boy!”
The psychology is not working.
“MOMMY!!”
He’s now laying in someones yard, four wheeler beside him.
“Gage, get up and walk!”
He gets up, pulls the four-wheeler into the middle of the road and lays down.
Now we’re all crying. Please nobody call the authorities.
“Come on Megan, you can make it.. Come on Megan, you can make it.”
The psychology is not working…
What a great day for a walk.
Want to read more stories about the adventures of Megan?
A Day In The Life.
Dear Jesus and Trace Atkins
A Determined Crib Midget
Skid Marks and the Advanced Skill of Wiping
Skid marks, racing stripes, whatever you choose to call them they are nasty. My daughter has been completely potty trained for 2 years now but she has yet to master the skill of wiping. Because she doesn’t wipe very well she ends up with horrendous skid marks on her panties and usually a rash on her bottom. It has gotten to the point that we have to send her to school with an extra pair of panties just to mitigate the problem and when I put her into the bath at night there will be shit-chips floating in the tub. Yuck!
I thought I might be the only parent plagued with this problem but after talking with my girlfriend and her husband this weekend I was relieved to find out that their 4 year old son has the same problem. Of course, these skids aren’t only found in our children’s underwear. Sometime when they are putting their underwear they choose to sit on the floor or bed and that is also where you can find the unmistakable brown streak. As a parent I think I find my daughters skids more embarrassing than she does.
I admit that wiping with toilet paper does come with a higher degree of difficultly. I even know adults that have trouble with toilet paper (you know who you are). Maybe the Europeans have it right with the bidet. I’m sure a quick shower of the crack would do the trick but I’m sure that comes with other obstacles. So, the question is what can you do? Well, I’ve asked around and have done a little research and here are a few things to try if your child is wiping handicap.
1. Flushable baby wipes – These seem to be a little easier for kids to manipulate and gets the area clean with less effort.
2. Adult inspection – Have mom, dad, or the adult on duty inspect for a clean crack. If it’s not clean, give a lesson on how you should wipe until the toilet paper is clean.
3. Mirror – keep a mirror in the bathroom so your child can check to see if they did a good job.
4. Positive reinforcement - Reward your child every day they have clean undies.
For more articles on my trials and tribulations with poop:
5 Tips to Relieve Baby’s Gas
My Son Found His Wiener
Cheap and Easy Baby-Proofing Solution
My husband and I have made an honest effort in getting our house baby-proofed however as much effort as you put into making your home safe there is still the unknown of visiting other places. I have a couple cheap and easy solutions for baby-proofing on the go.
Rubberbands - Cheap and easy solution for baby-proofing cabinets. I even use this for rooms that are rarely visited by my toddler.
Painter’s Tape - It makes a great impromptu electrical outlet cover. Use it to ’re-seal’ packages of crackers and boxes and bags of all kinds; you can also use it to keep diapers closed if the tabs break. Put it over the speakers on musical children’s toys and it magically lowers the volume.
7 Medicines You shouldn’t give your child
I just read a really good article from babycenter.com and I thought I would pass it on to you all. Some of this advice shouldn’t come as a surprise but its always good to stay up to date with the l atest information. -Angela
7 medicines you shouldn’t give your child
Children are much more likely than adults to have adverse drug reactions, so giving your child prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication is serious business. Here are some medicines you shouldn’t give your preschooler:
Aspirin
Never give your child aspirin or any medication containing aspirin. Aspirin can make a child susceptible to Reye’s syndrome — a rare but potentially fatal illness. Don’t assume that the children’s medicines found in drugstores will be aspirin-free. Aspirin is sometimes referred to as “salicylate” or “acetylsalicylic acid.” Read labels carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure whether a product contains aspirin.
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines
In October 2007 a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted to recommend that these medicines not be given to children under 6 years old. Little or no testing has been done to determine how effective they are in young children (although studies have shown them to be no better than a placebo in kids under age 2) and what dosages are safe. And an overdose can cause dangerous side effects. So if your preschooler is miserable with a cold , try other options, like a humidifier and plenty of liquids.
Anti-nausea medications
Don’t give your child an anti-nausea medication (prescription or OTC) unless his doctor specifically recommends it. Most bouts of vomiting are pretty short-lived, and children usually handle them just fine without any medication. In addition, anti-nausea medications have risks and possible complications. (If your child is vomiting and begins to get dehydrated , contact his doctor for advice on what to do.)
Adult medications
Giving your child a smaller dose of medicine meant for an adult is dangerous. If the label doesn’t indicate an appropriate dose for a child, don’t give that medication to your preschooler.
Any medication prescribed for someone else or for another reason
Prescription drugs intended for other people (like a sibling) or to treat other illnesses may be ineffective or even dangerous when given to your child. Give him only medicine prescribed for him and his specific condition.
Anything expired
Toss out medicines, prescription and OTC alike, as soon as they expire. Also get rid of discolored or crumbly medicines — basically anything that doesn’t look the way it did when you first bought it. After the use-by date, medications may no longer be effective and can even be harmful. Don’t flush old drugs down the toilet, as they can contaminate groundwater and end up in the drinking water supply. See what our expert says about how to safely dispose of expired medication .
Extra acetaminophen
Some medicines contain acetaminophen to help ease fever and pain, so be careful not to give your preschooler an additional separate dose of acetaminophen. If you’re not sure what’s in a particular medicine, don’t give her acetaminophen or ibuprofen until you’ve first gotten the okay from your doctor or pharmacist.
A cautionary note
These two types of medications aren’t 100 percent off-limits, but you should carefully consider whether and how to give them to your child:
Chewables
Most preschoolers can handle chewable tablets, especially those that are fast-melting. But keep an eye on your child when you give him a chewable, especially if he isn’t proficiently chewing solids yet. If you think chewables might be a choking hazard for your child, crush the tablet and put it in a spoonful of soft food, like yogurt or applesauce. (Of course, you need to make sure your child eats the entire spoonful in order to get the complete dose.)
Some herbal remedies
Many herbal remedies are gentle and safe, but just because something is natural, or derived from a plant, doesn’t mean that it’s safe for your preschooler. Herbal products can cause allergic reactions, liver damage, and high blood pressure. In certain doses or when combined with the wrong medications, they can be fatal.
Check with your child’s doctor or an alternative medicine practitioner before giving your child any herbal products. And always let the doctor know about herbal remedies your child’s taking before she prescribes a medication.
10 Chores your preschooler will love doing
It seems that my daughter changed overnight to wanting to do everything “myself”. This is a great time for preschoolers to gain self confidence but it also can be quite frustrating when they can’t do something on their own. Like most toddlers my daughter is eager to help with chores, and while her “helping” may not always be appreciated, keeping her excitement and the habit of helping out alive, should be.
10 Chores your preschooler will love doing:
Help cook – This is usually a messing proposition however nothing makes my daughter more proud than to tell people she helped cook something with mommy. I usually help her crack the eggs and stir anything that needs mixing.
Empty dishwasher – Right now I have only had her empty own the silverware tray (after I put away any sharp objects like knives). She loves to sort the spoon, forks and butter knives.
Wash fruits and vegetables – Again, this can be very messy however she loves to stand at the sink washing potatoes or anything else that needs rinsing.
Water plants – I fill up a plastic container partially with water and she walks around the house watering the plants.
Dust furniture – I keep a basket of old socks and cloths in the laundry room specifically for this purpose. She really enjoys putting the socks on her hands and walking around and dusting off the furniture.
Help with laundry – She puts her dirty laundry in the hamper, she puts dirty cloths in the wash machine and moves the wet laundry to the dryer. As a reward I let her turn the washer and dryer on by herself which is the highlight of the chore.
Feed younger siblings – My 1 year old son adores his big sister so any time she helps with him is big fun for both of them.
Garden – I bought my daughter her own gloves and gardening tools and she loves to pick weeds, berry’s, plant flowers and of course any sort of digging in the dirt is great fun.
Clean up after them selves: wash sink after brushing, putting dirty close in hamper, put away toys, put away cloths, clear their plate after a meal, clean up many of their own their own spills and messes
Use a hand-held vacuum – Most preschoolers are not big enough for a full size vacuum but a hand-held is just right