Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three – Parenting
Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three
Adriana Copaceanu
No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes mind boggling to a baby shower planner than selecting the baby shower theme. There are almost too many ideas available today, and often the host of a party finds themselves suffering apoplexy at the idea of selecting a baby shower theme.
A small amount of creativity however will be sure to generate success, regardless of the baby shower theme selected. Keep in mind that the mom to bes happiness is perhaps the greatest priority. Not sure what theme to select Worried about what might go over well with the guests Turn to the expectant mom for guidance, and you are certain to come out a winner.
Selecting a baby shower theme should depend on just a couple of critical factors; For example, is the mother expecting a boy, girl, twins or more Twins are the perfect "theme" for any party of a mother blessed with multiples. You could for example, in this instance offer guests two of everything, including cake!
In times of old a shower was only held for the first child. This tradition has changed however of late, and it isnt uncommon for a mom to be to have a shower for each child, celebrating their uniqueness and the joy at bringing another new life into the world. Sometimes a variation of the same theme can be used at subsequent showers. Still struggling for ideas Consider some of the following:
Teddy Bears: What child does not love plush, stuffed and furry teddy bears! Teddy bear themes can be used for male or female children. Napkins, tableware and similar style decorations are sure to be found with teddy bears on them.
Colors: Often a mom to be seeks out gifts and accessories that complement or match the color she has selected for babys nursery. You might consider a baby shower theme that matches the color scheme of babys nursery. Guests can also be clued in on the invitation, and invited to bring items that will complement the nursery or wardrobe of the baby to be.
Cartoon Characters: Many parents select well known characters to incorporate into their nursery theme and these are easily translated into a baby shower theme. Some ideas include Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, or Bugs Bunny for example.
Shapes: Some parents may decide on shapes or even objects such as lemons, fish, cubes, circles and triangles to decorate their babys nursery. Again, finding decorations and accessories for the shower that match this theme should prove beneficial and inexpensive.
No matter what baby shower theme you select, you are bound to find hundreds of items to complement the event, including decorations, favors and even gifts. Once the baby shower theme has been selected, as a planner the next most important task is setting about planning for the actual party and getting invitations out to the guests to be.
Traditionally, the shower is held at the home of the host; this is not always the case however, and exceptions to the rule might be welcome in some situations. Regardless of where you decide to throw the party, be sure to give guests enough advance notice to plan on attending. This usually requires three weeks to a months notice, as most people are already too busy in todays society!
After selecting a baby shower theme, planning the party is easy. Once invitations have been mailed out and RSVPs have been received, plan on spending some time making a list of food items that will be needed, decorations you plan on acquiring, settling on party favors and deciding on a few fun games to play. Once you have all of these items sorted out, everything else is bound to fall together and you and your guests are sure to have a delightful time celebrating mom to be!
About The Author
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that dont blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas youll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm.
So You Want to Start a Home Daycare – Parenting
So You Want to Start a Home Daycare
David Leonhardt
I hang out with the other mommies. No, I am not a "Mister Mom" or a "Househusband". I do have one enviable situation, though. I work from home and I have the flexibility to say, "This morning I am going to spend with my daughters. I can play with them. I can sing with them. I can laugh with them. I can clean up their ice cream that drips all over me."
Or I can say, "This morning I am taking my daughters to the play center, where they can play with other children, sing with other children, laugh with other children and spill ice cream on other children instead of on me."
So I hang out with the other mommies.
Ive noticed that many mommies want to start a home daycare. The reasoning seams to go like this.
Im at home within my own children anyway.
So far I have remained relatively unscathed, with few permanent injuries.
How much trouble can a few extra children running around spilling ice cream on the rug cause
Lets tempt fate.
I have two children, a toddler and a baby. They are enough of a handful, and the baby cant even climb on counters...yet.
Before setting up your own home daycare, consider this: how many more inspiring diaper-changing hours do you want to spend each day Little Lady is on her sixth month of perpetual toilet-training. If there is a purgatory, this is it. Too old to just carry her treasures in her quick-change diapers, too young to just go on her own, stuck in the middle in a high-maintenance waiting room of sorts. Little Sister has a nickname: Poopasaurus, because...oh wait just a minute. I have to go clean up a mess. Another mess.
Ive already written about the challenges of dressing a toddler while shes running bounding over the couch at record-shattering speeds: http://www.thehappyguy.com/toddler-dress.html
Then there is the atmosphere. Now that Little Lady doesnt nap anymore, she can get mighty cranky. I know the feeling. It doesnt take much to get a good wail going. And she has lungs. Or she might break a few rules or a few toys. Or she might just disobey. It doesnt take long for a parent to lose patience.
Crying. Stress. Babies sense it, and Little Sister can get cranky, too. Its a whole wailing chorus. Before long, the tension in our house can get so thick you could almost cut it with a chainsaw. Almost.
Does it get any better in a daycare Yes. You can take in only children who are completely toilet trained. Unfortunately, those children can climb counters. And chairs. And tables. And balconies.
If you still want to tempt fate and see how many children it takes to cause irreparable damage to your house, your car and your body, here are four tips:
Keep all sharp objects, cleansers and medications in a safe place...like another town.
Laminate your couch. And your carpets. And your clothes. And your ceiling. And your food.
Get a good pair of industrial strength earplugs
Creative Ideas for Easing Separation Anxiety – Parenting
Creative Ideas for Easing Separation Anxiety
Nicole Brekelbaum
Does your child exhibit separation anxiety at daycare drop-off Do you spend more than fifteen minutes struggling to calm your childs fears You are not alone. All parents at one time or another have experienced guilt, fear and remorse at the very thought of leaving their hysterical child in the arms of a non-relative.
Separation anxiety affects both parents and children. Children display their discontent and fears by throwing temper trantrums, clinging onto parents for long periods and ignoring attempts by their daycare provider to calm their fears. Parents display separation anxiety by hesitating to exit the daycare, clinging onto their child for prolonged periods and performing disappearing acts when their child is not looking.
To help ease separation anxiety, change must start with the parents. Parents must first calm their own fears and insecurities. When children see parents more relaxed and confident at drop-off they begin to slowly warm up to their daycare provider and adjust to their new daycare setting. Parents can plan ahead of time by using some of these creative ideas to help ease separation anxiety.
Temporary Tatoos ...
Visit your local grocery store and ask your child to choose a temporary tatoo of his favorite cartoon character. At bedtime discuss going to daycare with your child. Offer to place the tatoo on his hand as a special reminder that you are with him always. Remind him at drop-off that when he looks at the tatoo, he will know that you love him dearly and will soon pick him up after work.
Popsicle Treats ...
Popsicles, especially on hot days, are a great treat for children. Purchase a pack with a variety of primary and secondary colors. Use the popsicles to teach him about secondary colors. Show him that two primary-colored popsicles can combine to form a secondary-colored popsicle. At daycare drop-off ask your child which color he would like to have at the end of the day. Ask him which flavor he thinks is associated with that color. Reassure him that he will be receiving his treat at the end of the day and that you will share precious time with him after returning from work.
Surprise Boxes ...
Keep surprise boxes in your vehicle. Explain to your child that he may open the surpise box if he is good throughout the week. The surprise box may contain baby photos of your child, his favorite storybook, a favorite snack and a simple craft item that he can quickly put together.
Healthy Snacks ...
Visit your local grocery store with your child and ask him to choose a variety of healthy kid snacks that he will pack and carry to daycare. Many children who are adjusting to daycare need something familiar to hold onto as they try to feel secure and comfortable being away from parents. If your daycare provider prepares meals, gradually reduce the number of snacks in your childs lunch box until your child starts eating the foods prepared at the daycare.
Bedtime Stories ...
Visit your local library and borrow books that focus on children going to daycare. Read these books at bedtime. From the pictures in the storybook your child will see other children going to daycare and will understand that he is not the only one experiencing separation anxiety. Ask your child about his day at daycare and try to determine if he is adjusting slowly or not adjusting at all. After a week or two most children adjust nicely to new daycare settings. For some children it may take longer.
If you suspect that your child is still not adjusting try to drop by the daycare unannounced to see if your child is interacting with the other kids. Look at his interaction with the daycare provider and the types of activities he is engaged in. Discuss any of your concerns with your daycare provider and allow time for adjustment. If there is no change after about a week or two try looking into other childcare options which may be better suitable for your child.
About The Author
Nicole Brekelbaum is the director at Young Achievers Inc. - A home-based learning center for aspiring youth located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been providing childcare in her home since her career switch from working engineer to childcare director and mom. Visit her companys website at http://www.youngachieversinc.com
nicole@youngachieversinc.com