Toddlers and eating fruit

Fruit kebabs are a lot more fun to eat than plain old fruit. Use flavored yogurt or low-fat chocolate pudding for dipping.

From itsamomsworld.com.

How to tell the difference between allergies and colds

Does your baby have allergies or is it just a nasty cold? One easy way to tell is to simply wait a few days. If the runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes seem to improve or go away then he more than likely has a cold. However, if the symptoms persist despite everything then nasal allergies may be to blame.

From: Thelaboroflove.com.

Save money on electricity

Lighting is responsible for about 11 percent of a home’s energy bills, and those continue to march up across most of the country, at a time when home prices are falling and job growth is soft.

It’s true that a compact fluorescent bulb uses about 75 percent less electricity than an incandescent, but the most energy-saving bulb of all is one that’s turned off.

From thedailygreen.com.

Ask for help when picking up toys.

Ask for help when picking up toys. You may think your toddler is too young to help with toy pick-up (and other messes they create), but kids do it every day at daycare.

From: ehow.com.

Giving your child a haircut

Always trim the bangs first because that’s the most important part. That way, if baby has a total meltdown and you decide to quit, at least the front will look neat.

From: diylife.com.

The power of hugs

Generous hugs go miles to making a fretful child feel better. If your toddler gets scared, comfort him.

Remember, Mom and Dad have so much power to make everything right again.

From xomba.com.

Keep from getting overwhelmed

Write a ‘to do’ list for the week on a dry-erase board. Having everything written down keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

From: Huggieshappybaby.com

Intuitive Parent Quiz

Want to learn how to become a more sensitive and intuitive parent? Take this quiz to discover your toddler’s true personality type so that you can learn how to better meet her needs.

From: Toddler Temperment Quiz

Household chores make kids happier

Get your kids involved in household duties at an early age.

Research suggests that kids who are involved in household chores from an early age tend to be happier and more successful.

From: academyforcoachingparents.com

Being non-judgemental

Practice and hone your skills at being non-judgmental.

Start labeling feelings and avoid name-calling. Say, "he seems angry," rather than, "what a jerk." When your kids are whiny or crying, saying things like, "you seem sad," will always be better than just asking them to stop.

Depriving kids of the feelings they’re experiencing will only drive them underground and make them stronger.

From: academyforcoachingparents.com