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Parenting

A Lesson in Gratitude: Thank You Letters for Santa

December 11, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment


How many kids write letters to Santa asking for the stuff they want for Christmas? We all know it’s a lot! But how many of those kids write thank you letters to Santa after Christmas? Probably not nearly enough.

A Lesson in Gratitude | Thank You Letters | Thank You Letters for Santa | Thank You Letters for Kids | Santa Claus | Letters to Santa | Gratitude

You might be saying, “But what does it matter?” It matters because it is an opportunity to teach children a lesson in gratitude. Teach children how to write thank you letters for the gifts they receive and the kind acts done for them because it is a worthwhile task. Raising grateful children reaps dividends as they grow older. Gratitude positively affects attitude and behaviors for everyone!

A Lesson in Gratitude | Thank You Letters | Thank You Letters for Santa | Thank You Letters for Kids | Santa Claus | Letters to Santa | Gratitude

Here are some tips to help you teach your children how to write thank you letters. It really doesn’t even matter if your children are pre-school age or teenagers. There are tips to help with every age:

  • No matter how old your children are, explain that receiving thank you letters makes other people feel happy.
  • Write the thank you letters as soon as possible, but skip out just because you think it might be too late. Later is better than not writing one at all!
  • Spend a little time with your child talking about the gifts he received and why he feels thankful for them. Help your child translate those thoughts into his thank you letters.
  • Keep fun, colorful craft supplies on hand for creating and writing thank you letters. This helps make it more fun so that your child will want to participate.
  • If your child isn’t writing yet, allow them space to draw or scribble on the thank you letter before adding the words. Try to write down your child’s own words about the gift. This makes those thank you letters more special to the recipients.
  • Let your child do as much as his age allows, including applying the stamps and dropping thank you letters into the mailbox.
  • Allow older children to come to the store and pick out their own cards if it helps create interest in the project.
  • Play music and drink hot cocoa while writing thank you letters to Santa to keep it fun!
A Lesson in Gratitude | Thank You Letters | Thank You Letters for Santa | Thank You Letters for Kids | Santa Claus | Letters to Santa | Gratitude

Make writing thank you letters a regular part of your child’s upbringing. It’s worth the lessons in gratitude he will learn and apply for the rest of his life!

For more tips on thank you letters, see Emily Post.

Filed Under: Crafts, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: A Lesson in Gratitude, gratitude, Gratitude Lesson, Letters to Santa, Parenting, Santa Claus, thank you letters, Thank You Letters For Santa

Ingenious Ways To Manage Your Child’s Halloween Candy {Without Hiding It!}

October 26, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Every Halloween, a lot of parents worry about how to manage their child’s Halloween candy. Do you resort to hiding it–and then re-hiding it every time your child finds it again? Well, there’s a better way. Today I’ve got some ingenious ways to manage your child’s Halloween candy–without hiding it. Free yourself from Halloween candy stress once and for all!

ways to manage your child's Halloween candy | Halloween | Halloween candy | parenting | tips and tricks | candy

Ways To Manage Your Child’s Halloween Candy

ways to manage your child's Halloween candy | Halloween | Halloween candy | parenting | tips and tricks | candy

As with anything else, the best way to manage is with a plan. Plan ahead for the Halloween candy you know you’re going to have to deal with, and you’re halfway there to maintaining control.

  • One way to plan ahead is not to buy your Halloween candy too early. If your house is like mine, everyone knows it’s there, and that means we’re all fighting to stay out of it before Halloween. That just doesn’t happen! So don’t buy it too early and you won’t be tempted {and neither will the kids!}.
  • If you get the chance to have a say in your child’s class Halloween parties, push for healthier choices. So many times our kids get sugared up before they’ve even left school–and trick-or-treating hasn’t even happened yet! A party full of games and healthy snacks is just as much fun, and I’m sure other parents will thank you for it.
  • Hiding the Halloween candy isn’t actually managing it. What happens when you hide it? The kids just go on an all-out quest to find it and when they do they’re going to eat even more than if you just let them have it in the first place. So there’s something to be said for establishing rules over the candy.
  • Rules to manage your child’s Halloween candy are individual, but I find that when they include all the times the kids CAN have some of their candy, they’re much less likely to go crazy. For example, your rules may state that you child can choose a piece or two of candy after meals, or as part of their after school snack. You might let your child choose some candy to include in his school lunch.
  • Practice some swap outs. Have healthier choices in your pantry that the kids like and can swap out some of their candy to get.
  • Some parents establish a candy buy-out after trick-or-treating. This allows your child to give you some or even all of their candy in exchange for money. For some kids, money is preferred over candy!
ways to manage your child's Halloween candy | Halloween | Halloween candy | parenting | tips and tricks | candy

Do you have any additional ways to manage your child’s Halloween candy {without hiding it}? Please share with other readers in the comment section. And before you go, check out these deliciously spooky Halloween snack ideas!

Filed Under: Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Candy, Halloween, Halloween Candy, Parenting, Tips and Tricks, Ways to Manage Your Child's Halloween Candy

How to Survive Your First Month As A New Mom

September 30, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As you anticipate that first month with baby, new mom worries may seem overwhelming. But there are several tips and tricks to know that will help you survive.

First Month With Baby Tips & Tricks

 A dear friend of mine is a recent new mom.  As I watch her go through the experience, I remember when I became a mom. I have such sweet memories of those first few months–it’s a profound experience to be a mom! But I also remember how overwhelming it is. You’re just home from the hospital and totally exhausted. And the reality that you are now responsible for someone besides yourself hits big. 

All new moms learn a lot that first month. I’m sharing what I’ve learned with you, and one day you’ll pass it on to someone else! 

First month with baby

Caring for the Cord

Today there are four simple steps to properly care for baby’s umbilical cord:

  • Keep it dry:  Allow the cord stump to dry out.  To do this, avoid covering it up as much as possible.  Fold baby’s diaper under the cord so that it stays out of the diaper.
  • Keep it clean:  When the cord stump gets dirty, use a soft cloth and warm water to carefully clean the cord.  Gently dab it dry with a clean cloth.
  • Sponge Baths Only: It’s important to keep the cord stump as dry as possible, so no full baths until the cord has fallen off.  
  • Leave the cord stump alone: Let baby’s cord stump fall off on its own. It should fall off within a few weeks of his birth. 
first month with baby

What Baby Wants

I remember one of my biggest concerns was how I would know what my crying baby needed? After baby came, I surprised myself with what I realized… I somehow just knew.  Baby didn’t always stop crying right away, but I knew what to do to help. I also realized I was doing all I could.  Even after all his needs are taken care of, sometimes baby just needs to cry.  And don’t forget, Dad can help and comfort baby, too! 

first month with baby

Caring for Diaper Skin

Although you never want to disregard something that causes your baby pain or irritation, diaper rashes are fairly normal.  Baby’s skin is adjusting to life out in the world and is super sensitive as a result.  Any time her bum is sitting in moisture for too long, a rash can occur. The best way to prevent and treat diaper rash is to apply a diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a great choice! 

A more concerning symptom you’ll want to watch for is a rash made up of many itchy little red bumps. The itchy little bumps can signal a yeast rash. If you see these bumps, consult your pediatrician for a prescription cream.

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is different for every new Mom and baby.  Some of your babies take to you without a problem but others may be finicky.  Dr. Jane Morton from the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto offers solutions to 10 of the most common problems with breastfeeding.

breastfeeding

About Bath Time

Sponge baths are recommended for the first month with baby, until the umbilical cord is gone.  After that you can make more of a splash.  

  • Set Up:  Be sure to prepare the bath area before you bring baby over.  Make sure there are no items within baby’s reach. But be sure that you have easy access to everything you need!
  • Position:  If you use a sink, face baby’s head away from the faucet.
  • Temperature:  Test the water temperature on the inside of your wrist. It should be warm but not hot. 
  • Cup:  Use a plastic cup to help rinse soap off of baby. Be careful of her eyes.
  • Timing: Notice how bath time affects your baby. If he gets energized with baths, plan them during the day.  But if bath time relaxes him, plan them right before bed or nap time.

 

Baby’s Bowel Movements

Breastfed babies have yellow, lose, seedy-looking stools. A formula-fed baby has stools of different colors and odors, but should still be fairly loose.  Watch for red, black or white stools, or stool that is hard like small pebbles. Report these signs to baby’s pediatrician.  

Caring for the Soft Spot

Another concern during the first month with baby is his soft spot. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is a thick, protective membrane on top of baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t grown together. This is normal, and allows baby to safely navigate out of the birth canal. Like any part of baby’s growing body, protect the soft spot as much as possible. However, it is not something to overly stress about. 

Hopefully you feel more prepared for that first month with baby. My other tip is to be sure and take time for yourself!

Filed Under: Babies, Parenting Tagged With: How to Parent, How to Survive Being a New Mom, Kids, New Mom Tips, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food

September 23, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Making homemade baby food is easier than it might seem when you have the right equipment. Here are 10 tools you need to make homemade baby food.

Your baby deserves the best. halfpfpintpeeps.com wants to help you give your baby the best. Keep reading to learn about tools that are all you need to make homemade baby food. For this and other amazing ideas for parents and kids, visit the blog and sign up for the weekly newsletter. #parenting #babyfood #halfpintpeepsblog
10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

1. Food Masher

With a food masher, you can make sure that your little one is able to dine safely. Not only can you mash food into the right size and consistency, but you can also mash regular items that you made for dinner.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

2. Babycook Food Maker

This type of device is an “all-in-one” tool, one that’s perfect for parents who are short on time but want to feed their little one homemade baby food. It steams, blends and reheats.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

3. Baby Food Storage

Once you’ve taken the time to make safe homemade baby food, you’ll need a way to store it. The 4-ounce baby food storage set is designed for this purpose. Free of BPAs and leak proof, these food storage containers are handy and convenient. If you prefer to keep things organic, then shop at Organic Lifestyle, which is a site that sells organic towels and bedding.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

4. Hand Blender

A hand blender is a tool that will make it easier for you to make homemade baby food. Use it to blend, crush and puree food to a safe consistency.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

5. “The Wholesome Baby Food Guide”

For healthy and tasty baby food recipes, consider getting “The Wholesome Baby Food Guide.” This handy book is filled with recommendations and advice about the foods that are appropriate for your child as well as the best ways to prepare them.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

6. Ice Cube Trays

It’s easier to make homemade baby food in batches. You can then freeze it in ice cube trays. Once they’re frozen, just defrost them when needed. If you need a cooking reminder, then consider using List Plan It. This affordable program will help you keep your daily life on track.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

7. Baby Food Mill

If you prefer low-tech tools, then get a baby food mill. They work by pureeing soft foods and grinding them through a mesh sieve. They’re easy to use and clean.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

8. Potato Masher

When your baby is ready to start eating clumpier food, use a potato masher to blend it down into a safe consistency. This tool will help you manipulate the texture of the food to create different consistencies.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

9. Steaming Basket

To soften veggies before blending them down into a safe consistency, you’ll need to either cook them in the oven or steam them. A steaming basket will make it quick and easy for you to soften them.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

10. Grapefruit Spoons

Scoop out the flesh of fruits, squash and potatoes with a grapefruit spoon. This tool makes the task painless. It also decreases food waste.

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food| Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food, Homemade BAby Food Recipes, Homemade Baby Food Stage 1, Parenting, Parenting Tips

Tools one, two, three, four and five were found at Parenting.

We came across tools six, seven, eight, nine and 10 at Baby Center.

Filed Under: Babies, Parenting, Recipes Tagged With: Baby, Baby Food, Baby Food Recipes, Baby Stuff, DIY Baby Food, Homemade Baby Food, Parenting Tips, Paretning

How to Clean Play Dough Out of Kids Clothing

August 15, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Play dough is a great tool. It gives your kids a different way to use their imaginations since they’ll be using their hands to make amazing things. The problem with play dough is that it can get stuck in your kids’ clothes. In most cases, you can toss the clothes in the wash and the machine will eliminate the stains. This is what to do if laundering them doesn’t quite work.

Kids might love playdough, but clothes don't! And it's hard for kids to really get into a sweet playdough project without getting some on their clothes. Let them have fun knowing it's not hard to remove it. You just need the tricks.... #halfpintpeepsblog #removeplaydough #playdoughhacks

Let it Dry

Don’t try to remove stuck play dough while it’s still soft. It’s important to let it dry completely. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush to remove as much of it as you can. A grout brush will work best, and you should be able to find a quality one at Hardware World, but a toothbrush may do the trick.

Once you’ve scrubbed off as much of the dried play dough as you can, soak the stained section in a cool bowl of water with a few drops of dish soap for around 30 minutes. This step causes the dough to release its grip on the clothing fibers.

Use a Stain Remover

Most play dough manufacturers make the product from a basic combination of flour, salt and water, which means that it’s probably the coloring in it that’s staining your children’s clothes. With the homemade version, the food coloring is the likely offender. Because of this, it’s a good idea to tackle the stain by applying a stain-remover to the clothing piece. Once applied, let it sit on the stain for about 30 minutes. Effective stain removers are available from Amazon, or you can pick one up at your favorite grocery store.

Toss it in the Wash

Launder the garment in the washing machine as you normally would. It should come out of the dryer stain-free. If it doesn’t, try soaking the clothing item in undiluted vinegar for 30 minutes or so, and then, toss it in the wash again. If you can still see the stain, form a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Use the toothbrush to apply the paste, and wash the item once more.

Suggestion # 1 is from The Creek Side House

Suggestion # 2 and # 3 came from Our Everyday Life

Suggestion # 4 is from The Balance

Filed Under: Cleaning and Organization, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Clean Play Dough, Cleaning TIps and Tricks, How to Clean Kids Clothing, How to Remove Play Dough, Remove Play Dough from Clothing

Cleaning Checklists For Kids Of All Ages

July 29, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Today I have some handy cleaning checklists for kids. These are so helpful for busy parents! If you’ve ever had trouble keeping your kids on track with their chores, these will help.

Cleaning checklists for kids are helpful for busy parents. Cleaning checklists help you keep the house clean and get help from the whole family doing it. Kids love checklists! #halfpintpeepsblog #cleaningchecklistsforkids

Cleaning Checklists For Kids

How many times do you ask your kids to complete a chore, only to have them report back less than ten minutes later with a half-done job?  Sometimes it’s hard to tell them otherwise when they’re proud of finishing.  The best way to ensure that their chores get done right is to make sure you explain what you want, and provide a check list to help them.  Here are some great cleaning checklists for kids of all ages.

Want to find a way to keep your kids on top of their chores? Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Kit Lists

Some cleaning checklists are great because they stay with cleaning kits for specific household chores.  Laminate them and have kids mark off each task as they go along.  Get free printables of these kit lists for every room of the house here from Must Have Mom.

Getting your kid to clean can be difficult sometimes. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

You’re A Star

These editable, weekly chore charts and activity lists help your kid feel like a star! If your child loves to get star stickers, they’ll love this. You can access this file at Etsy. 

Chore charts are a great way to keep your kids on top of their chores. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Checklist Stickers

If you like to make your own cleaning checklist for your kids  but need some cute stickers for it, try these Tidy Up hand-lettered stickers. They’re so cute! 

Having a checklist and stickers can be a great way to help your kids stay on top of their chores. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Paint Chip Checklists

Add some fun color to chore time with paint chips.  Simply write each task–or the steps for a task– on each color shade to make directions super easy to follow!  Find this colorful idea on Decluttering Your Life.

Writing your kids chores on paint chips can be a way to keep doing chores fun! Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Chores By Picture

Make chores easier for littles with age appropriate chore cards.  The pictures help your child decipher exactly what they need to do. This one helps your child clean up his bedroom. Get the printable here! 

Having pictures as a checklist is a great way for kids to stay on top of their chores. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Pick A Card, Any Card

I love these awesome chore cleaning cards! Each card covers the things that need to be done in each room of your home. Have each family member pick one randomly, and the card tells them what needs to be done. Get your own at Etsy! 

Cleaning cards are a great way to keep chores fun. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Magnet Chart

Like pushing buttons on the elevator, there’s something about moving magnets on a chart that kids find really exciting.  This is one chore chart idea that’ll really stick with your kids.  

Having a chore chart with magnets is a great way to keep kids excited. They'll love to watch the magnets move. Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Colorful Charts

Make jobs more fun with colorful charts you can edit and print right at home.  Get the downloads here.

Colorful chore charts are the way to go for kiddos! Here are some cleaning checklists for kids of all ages. These are guaranteed to help busy parents keep kids on track with the chores you want them to do!

Which of these cleaning checklists for kids is your favorite? Now here are 8 ways to get your kids to clean–without bribing them!

Filed Under: Cleaning and Organization, Crafts, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Charts for Kids, Chore Charts for Kids, Chores for Kids of All Ages, Cleaning Checklists, Cleaning Checklists for Kids, Kid Chore Charts

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