For Christmas my daughter wanted a horse.  Not a real one, but one of those FurReal ”Butterscotch” robotic ponies seen at Costco and Target over the holidays.  Besides the fact that I could envision a life-like pony scaring me silly at unexpected times–like during the night when checking on my sleeping child with its motion activated sounds or movement–a pony of that size would have taken up too much space. 

As it is, I already have to make room in our shrinking house for two other large stuffed horse toys–thank goodness there haven’t yet been any requests for a Pleo Dinosaur.

Until children came along, I didn’t realize that houses really have the power to shrink in size!  As children and toys accumulate, I’ve discovered that maximizing space is a necessary evil.  Good organization is key.  Regular de-cluttering is essential–although that’s sometimes really, really difficult, especially when it means throwing out or donating precious stuff.

When a bigger house or new addition isn’t practical, possible, or even a smart idea, there are simple ways to make your space work for your family.  Here are some ideas to get you started.         

1.  Hit the closet.  Add shelving, closet storage organizers, or other neat organization accessories, like a Prince Lionheart Closet Cubby.

2.  De-clutter.  Do you need those jeans you haven’t worn for three years?  Do you need to keep that board game which is missing a bunch of pieces? 

3.  Go for storage.  Opt for furniture or toys with built in storage or shelves.  For example, pick ”trundle” drawer storage, such as KidKraft’s train table trundle drawers, or under-bed storage baskets.

4.  Tune-in.  Check out popular television networks or websites, like HGTV, for small space living ideas.

With some creativity and discipline, it is possible to find comfort in a shrinking home!

Expectant and new parents have a lot to think about–beyond booties, diapers, and nursery gear.  Like naming the baby. 

For some, selecting a baby name is seemingly simple.  Others agonize for months.  There are plenty of tales about ”nameless” babies, and stories about parents not being able to leave the hospital with their new bundle of joy until they selected a name.

According to recent findings, when it comes to baby naming, baby-name remorse is not uncommon.  Even parents who spend a significant amount of time researching or thinking about baby names can come to experience name doubt.

Have you experienced baby-name regret, or are you worried about baby-name remorse?  How did you deal with the situation?

If you’re grasping for last minute ways to ring in the New Year with your family, here are 10 fun and memorable ideas you and your children are sure to love:

1.  Think local.  Check out your local newspaper (or online version) for family events and entertainment listings, like family-friendly First Night celebrations.

2.  Get active.  Grab your sneakers and head off to a New Year’s Eve running/walking race.  New Year’s Eve (and New Year’s Day) races are popular across the country.  Many offer same day registration and kid friendly courses.

3.  Plan a last-minute party.  Consider a ”kids only” party at noon.  Even if the guest list is limited to your own family members, it’s sure to be a lot of fun!

4.  Get artsy.  Pull out the paper, crayons, and paint.  Create party hats and New Year’s Eve decorations with your children.  Plaster the decorations throughout your house.

5.  Celebrate early.  Dig up a video clip of last year’s ”ball drop” or New Year’s Eve celebration (you’re sure to find an online clip) and play it for your kids sometime before their regular bedtime.  An early celebration means no tired children the next day!

6.  Preserve the past.  Create a time capsule or memory box with your children.  A time capsule or memory box could be as simple as a shoebox.  Put notes, photos, or objects from the past year into the box.  Store it until next New Year’s Eve–and then pull it out for a good time!

7.   Bake.  Cook something sweet or special together, like New Year’s Eve cupcakes and let your children decorate them!

8.  Stay up.  Challenge your children to stay up until midnight.  Plan a midnight celebration–maybe include a special snack or favorite beverage.

9.  Play games.  Make New Year’s Eve a game night.  Pull out the family favorites and laugh the night away.

10.  Dress up.  Encourage everyone to ”dress up” in costumes or fancy clothes and ring in the New Year in style.  The perfect occasion for playing with mom’s “grown-up” make-up, jewelry or shoes!

How do you plan to ring in the New Year?  What are your favorite last-minute family-friendly New Year’s Eve ideas?   

I’m looking forward to ringing in the New Year.  Besides the excitement and promise the New Year brings, it also brings closure to hectic holiday travel–which means the return of the regular bedtime routine. 

When away from home, the bedtime routine my children have come to know usually goes out the window.  That includes “bedtime” itself.  What typically happens is that I get so wrapped up in family/friend activities and entertainment that I lose track of time.  I also see my children having such a fun time playing with their relatives and friends that I hate to put an end to those evenings of holiday fun.  I confess, it’s also a lot easier to completely let go of bedtime routines while on the road, especially when it means a hiatus from bedtime struggles.  

I admit, though, we all fare much better when we observe regular bedtime routines.  Happier children.  More patient parents.  Fewer temper tantrums.  After a few difficult days (the repercussions of late bedtimes), I’m starting to rethink bedtime on the road. 

I’ve discovered that experts and parents alike often suggest that sticking with regular bedtime routines while travelling can help preserve family harmony on the road, especially when travelling with toddlers.

Here are three additional tips for making bedtime on the road easier:

1.  Travel prepared.  Bring familiar bedtime/naptime comforts, like favorite stuffed animals or security blankets.

2.  Take a bed.  Bring along the travel crib, Snuggle Nest, or child travel bed.  For travel bed ideas, check out Graco’s Travel Bed or the absolutely adorable KidCo PeaPod travel bed.  Comfortable and well-rested kids make happy ones.      

3.  Avoid overstimulation.  Build breaks and downtime into your travel schedule, including naps or quiet time.

 Tell us, do your children keep a regular bedtime routine while on the road?  If so, what advice do you have for other parents looking to do the same?    

EeBoo, the company which makes Tot Tower toys, has announced a voluntary recall of Tot Tower toy blocks.

The recall involves Tot Tower toy blocks purchased since January of 2003. 

According to the company, “There have been reports of isolated incidents of sheets of plastic film laminate being peeled off Tot Tower blocks,” and “this could present a choking risk to small children.” 

No injuries have been reported. 

For more information about the recall, check out eeBoo’s news release.

Christmas Eve is upon us.  If your day entails last-minute Christmas shopping, e-cards (or e-certificates) make perfect gifts.  E-cards get high marks for convenience, too–instead of dealing with traffic today, sit back and relax in front of your computer, and discover the easy way to check off those final names on your gift giving list.

It wasn’t until sometime after my second child was born that it dawned on me that children love textures, especially rubbing their fingers against soft, silky, or smooth fabrics.  Initially, I thought my kids’ interest in playing with certain fabrics was unique.  But, then I discovered plush toys with attached mini blankets and products similar to “Taggies,” Cuddle Cover Blankets, and HubbaCub Security Blankets on the market.  These products are specifically designed to offer infant and toddler tactile comfort–think cozy and chic security blankets!

Security blankets make great gifts for young children.  Perfect for the baby-to-be, infant, or toddler.  Besides providing companionship and calming fussy children, security blanket products are typically designed to retain “mom’s scent”–giving children added comfort when mom is away.

When I stumble across my kids’ security blankets, I have such beautiful memories of them snuggling with their blankets.  Security blankets are the ultimate keepsakes–the rare treasures that I plan to hold onto forever–at least until my children have children of their own.

Does your child have a security blanket?  If so, do you think it has positively impacted your child’s development?

I confess, I rarely think about the smoke detectors in my home–actually, I probably only think about them when my cooking sets them off!  But two recent events have me thinking about them today:  a friend’s scare with a chimney fire and a visit to the pediatrician, who said that she urges parents to change smoke detector batteries each year on their child’s birthday (a date that is sure to be remembered).

Besides making sure that your household is equipped with functioning smoke detectors (with fresh batteries), the U.S. Fire Administration reminds people (with or without children living in the household) to:

          * Plan escape plans and practice them

          * Teach everyone in your family when and how to call for help (i.e. emergency numbers)

          * Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it

          * Install carbon monoxide detectors (note:  you may be able to buy smoke/carbon monoxide combo units). 

For additional fire safety tips and resources, check out the U.S. Fire Administration’s Web Site. 

For a great selection of child home safety products, including stove guards, stove knob covers, and fireplace guards, pop on over to baby-Wise.com.  When it comes to child safety, peace of mind is priceless.

Pressed for affordable gift ideas for that little one in your life?  Here are 5 great gifts for tots: 

1.  Pony or Unicorn Stick.  Sure, playing with the broom is fun, but not nearly as much fun as the real thing.

2.  Bubbles.  What kid doesn’t love bubbles and bubble accessories, like a gigantic wand or bubble mower?

3.  Planes, trains, and automobiles!  Most little guys and gals alike love playing with pint-sized toy vehicles.  Mom and dad (and grandma, too), will appreciate the entertainment value–just pack a couple of vehicles in a diaper bag and pull out when needed to keep the little one occupied!

4.  Shape Sorters.  A classic, must-have gift.  Melissa & Doug makes terrific sorting toys.  Chicco and Sassy also make educational and fun sorters.

5.  Puppets.  Kids love puppet play, especially when they get to watch a show by Mom or Dad.  Finger puppets are a sure crowd pleaser!  

It’s easy to forget that finding happiness during the holiday season isn’t equally easy for everyone.  There are lots of people who spend the holidays alone, or feeling lonely.  This includes many single parents–both those spending time with their children and those apart from their children during the holidays.  

If you’re a single parent, consider checking out Jennifer Wolf’s About.com site for Single Parents–of course, after you finish checking out all of the goodies here! 

You’re bound to pick up a few tips on coping with single parent holiday blues.  Here’s a spiced-up rehash of Woolf’s single parent holiday suggestions:

1.  Single parents should acknowledge their feelings of loneliness.  Societal expectations can be tough on single parents, especially when it comes to exhibiting holiday enthusiasm.

2.  Don’t forget about the holiday traditions that are important to you.  Tweak the traditions, if you must, but do what you love this holiday.

3. Be adventurous.  Try something new this holiday as a way of “validating your own identity.”  Hey, this might mean planning special holiday crafts or activities with the kids, like making holiday greeting cards to send to family and friends–all you need is paper and an assortment of art accessories, like markers and crayons (My all-in-one top pick: the Alex Art Studio).

4.  Give to others.  Giving to others, like volunteering during the holidays or donating food or toys to the needy, can help you see beyond your own situation.

5.  Remember you.  This might mean something as simple as getting more sleep during the holidays or coming up with ways to eliminate some of the holiday shopping madness, by completing your shopping online.