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Soft Sense
Despite the squirming and protesting that often accompanies getting kids dressed up, most kids really want to look good, but they also have to feel good in their clothing. Tags, seams, buttons, zippers, certain textures and trims can irritate many children to the point of distraction and discomfort and are especially troublesome for children who experience sensory sensitivity. Called “tactile defensiveness” by doctors and therapists, sensory sensitivity is a common symptom of autism, Aspergers, sensory processing disorder and many developmental disabilities. Soft Clothing for All Children now offers simple, stylish togs designed for children with tactile defensiveness. Created by two moms, the clothing is tagless and flat seamed, made from soft brushed and bio-washed cotton for ages 4-12. As their slogan says: “dressing up without the drama.” www.softclothing.net.
Safe and Pretty
The growing body of evidence that BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates found in many plastics, including those we eat from, are truly a danger and most especially to young, growing bodies, is making it hard for parents to justify the convenience of the old plastic bottle/sippy cup approach. But it is also difficult to imagine a glass tumbler in the hands of your two year old. A delightful solution is offered by Silikids, who have created safe, washable and stylish silicone covers for glass baby bottles and tumblers. Silicone, an inert material derived from natural elements, doesn’t react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes. It’s non-toxic, hypo allergenic, does not promote bacteria or fungus growth, and it does not transmit taste to food. And, in this case, it is also very pretty! $7.95 for a 6 oz. glass. Available locally at Twin City Green in Minneapolis or find online at www.silikids.com.
Healing Hearts
Losing a baby is a wrenching experience that carries its own special type of grief. Families who were anticipating joy must come to grips with profound loss. Among the many support systems that are growing to address the difficulty of this time is the website Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort. It offers women products for physical comfort, herbal remedies and spiritual nurturing, as well as a space to find resources, honor their grief and express their loss. Because many people are touched by a miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death (death in the first 28 days of life), the site also offers struggling family members suggestions about what to do and say, and ideas to comfort and support grief and healing. www.babylosscomfort.com.
Did You Know?
A 2010 study indicated that one quarter of imported food spices and products surveyed contained detectable lead. On average, imported spices contained double the amount of lead found in U.S. brands.
–From the American Academy of Pediatrics’ journal
Just Dad and Me
The Fill-in, Tear-out, Fold-up Book of Fun for Girls and Their Dads
By American Girl Publishing
Along about age 10 or so, girls who have been daddy shadows, content to just be hanging with Dad, start to change. It takes a lot of fathers by surprise to discover the easy-going relationship that naturally defined their interactions with their daughter starts to become forced as their little girl heads towards teen-dom. Count on American Girl Publishing to come up with some great ideas to stave off the eye-rolling, “Oh Dad, you just don’t get it!” phase. Designed with tweens in mind, this useful resource offers checkbox style lists for comparing likes and dislikes, thought-provoking questions to ponder together, tear-out to-dos and many suggestions for simple bonding, big projects and traditions in the making that will ultimately appeal to both generations. $10.95.
Mommy Prayers
By Tracy Mayor
Before we actually become parents it all seems somehow doable and not only that, we secretly imagine we will be better at it than our struggling friends. Then the baby comes and in the chaos and craziness of learning how be a mother, you discover that you aren’t a supermom and all the resource books and carefully crafted strategies don’t seem to apply to your child. We are sometimes left only with the desperate plea heavenward to save us from disaster.
Clearly Tracy Mayor knows just how you feel and in this delightful, slightly irreverent book of prayers you will find not only a kindred spirit, but also a good chuckle and that might just be the answer to your prayers. Great gift for new moms! $17.99. Prayer at Preschool Pickup:
“Dear God, Please let me be on time… Or, if it is somehow your will that I be late, please fill the small, tight heart of the program director with mercy and pity so that she doesn’t charge me the completely outrageous one-dollar-per-minute late fee.”
Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars
Grandma’s Bag of Tricks
By Sharon Lovejoy
In this age of iEverything, it is good to be reminded that children have not really changed so much – they are still keen on playing dress-up, they love to go on a mission, digging in the dirt still holds singular thrills and special adventures with granny are the best. Melding wonderful memories of times shared with her own grandmother, a delight in the natural world and a finely honed sense of playfulness, author Lovejoy has packed this book with marvelous ideas, projects, recipes and tips for memorable visits with your grandchildren. Faerie mailboxes, building hideouts, pumpkin pots and making paper are among the 130 wonder-filled activities to fill your special times together. $14.95
www.EveryoneBreathe.com
If your child is diagnosed with asthma you want all the information you can get. This site offers resources to help parents understand the underlying disease and identify triggers, plus includes downloads such as an asthma diary, caregiver checklist, healthcare action plan and more.
www.GoCampingAmerica.com
This site offers an easily searchable nationwide resource of private campgrounds and RV parks along with any fun family activities they may feature, as well as area events calendars. It also includes information on unique accommodations, including onsite RV rentals, cabins, park models, yurts, safari tents and teepees. Plus find camping tips, hot new gear and a kid’s page with recipes, games and tips for lovin’ the outdoors.
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