My Tot's Routine Before Bedtime

The little guy in the family has dominated most of our rooms with his toys, books and little tot's stuffs. I used to have the bulk of his toys in the family room and then some in his room. But I decided to move all his toys to the family room and just leave the books and educational toys in his bedroom. I even moved his table and chairs and some art supplies to his room. This way he can concentrate on reading and learning and not get distracted with other toys. We have quiet time together and read or browse through all the books he is interested in. His potty is also in his bedroom, so he is always with a book when he's using it. I am planning to buy some lighting fixtures online that I will put close to his table and chairs because he likes doing some artwork too at night. He has this habit of going through all three areas in his room before finally retiring to bed - the book shelf; the table and chairs with all his art supplies and the toy bin with his wooden educational toys. Setting a special time and place for reading without any interruptions will develop your child's interest and love for reading.

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What Toy Is Right For Your Child?

There are so many toys in the market today, especially now that Christmas is almost in our midst. When I go to a toy store I always have something in mind to buy for my son, usually interactive and educational toys. But when I get there, the choices are just too overwhelming. Here are some tips on what toys to look for and what kids can learn from the toys. Depending on the age of your child and the things that they can learn from a particular toy, here are some tips and guidelines you can follow in choosing a toy.

• IT'S ALL ABOUT DISCOVERY (Birth to 1 1/2):

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1. Mobile, mirrors, soft books - kids can learn tracking object
2. Rattles and other toys that make sound - kids can learn connecting noises to objects
3. Stacking toys - kids can learn hand-eye coordination
4. Pull and push toys, activity tables - kids can learn how to crawl, walk, stand

• IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION (1 1/2 TO 3):
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1. Ride-ons, soft balls - for gross motor skills (bigger movements like running and throwing)
2. Clay, blocks, crayons - for fine motor skills (smaller movements like squeezing)
3. Play kitchen and tools, puppets - kids can learn pretend play and role-playing

• IT'S ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK (3 TO 5):
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1. Puzzles, board games, athletic toys - kids can learn social play, sharing (maybe grudgingly, but that's okay)
2. Dress-up clothes and props, paint kits - Make believe and imaginative throught
3. Instruments, building sets - Fine motor control, dexterity
4. Sand or water toys - for different physical properties (shapes, texture, volume)

• IT'S ALL ABOUT CURIOSITY (5 TO 8):
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1. Trivia, science and math kits - for improving concentration and memory
2. Computer games, learning software - for strategic thinking
3. Bikes, skate, scooters, jump ropes - for honing gross motor skills
4. Musical instruments, arts and crafts - for creative problem-solving

• IT'S ALL ABOUT INDEPENDENCE (8 TO 12):
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1. Hobby kits - for developing talents and interests
2. Karaoke, trading cards - for socialization
3. Knowledge-or strategy-driven board games - for playing competitively and fairly

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Homemade Toys

Have you ever wonder what to do with old socks, papers and cardboards? I saw this website where you can create homemade toys out of your junks. You wouldn't believe how much worn socks I have accumulated in a laundry basket. I am not very fond of sewing the holes in socks but I also can't bring myself to throw them. If you have the same dilemma like I do, check out RemedyLife.com/toys to get easy to follow instructions on how to make pinhole camera, sock monkey, origami crane and bath bomb out of your junks. This will not only entertain your kids, it will also save you lots of money.

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