Kid Tips

My friend, Rachel, did a post a while back on Baby Tips, things she learned as a mom over the first year of her daughter's life. It was so helpful, in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, that I've been wanting to do my own for some time. Today is her one year blogging anniversary (hooray!) and she is inviting everyone to help celebrate by posting their own tips. So now is the perfect time to enlighten you with all the wisdom I have gleaned from 6 years of child-rearing. So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my "Kid Tips".

First, some rules regarding sleep:

NEVER let your baby sleep on his stomach, or with stuffed animals, and definitely not on their stomach with a stuffed animal

or with a blanket - because it might wind up over their face.

Do not let your children share a crib - with each other or with the above-said stuffed animals.

Second: Enforce good hygiene habits early on.

Like brushing their teeth.

And bathing

But it is important to remember that as they get older, it sometimes really is easier to hose them off outside.

Now for some safety tips around the home:

Keep your child away from electrical outlets and light bulb sockets.

And do not let them play with any kind of open flame.


Avoid sugary foods and desserts.

but encourage them to try new foods.

Discourage nasty habits, like picking their nose...and bathing in their food.

From an early age, encourage them to enjoy yard work, like collecting raking leaves.

but also always encourage them to take time to stop and smell the flowers.

Encourage a love for reading as soon as you can.


It is also important to teach respect:

For their siblings,

And for adults, especially when they are being spoken to by an adult.

And finally, encourage them to celebrate their unique fashion sense,

but also teach them the importance of dressing for the occasion.

Also, go back by Rachel's blog and check out this year's addition - Toddler Tips!