parenting - Parenting Healthy

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The Goodtimer is the Good Behavior Reward Tool for Families

It is so simple and genius, the Goodtimer is a good/bad behavior tool for ages 3-10. Everything you need is in the kit and it interactively hands out a good behavior reward system via tokens. I am happy to share more with you as you consider gifts for families who especially are home together during COVID and may need a behavior tool like this.

Step one is to find a central location for your Goodtimer and plug it in then gather the kids to read the included book. It tells the story of this timing tool and its maker and how to make him work for your family.

As you read the book you come to pages you will complete – a page to write down rules for your home (not hit sibling, pick up toys after play, remember to brush teeth, etc..) and then a sheet to divvy up rewards (eg, 2 token = extra TV time…). Load your tokens into the Goodtimer and you are ready to promote and earn a good behavior reward.

When you first turn on Goodtimer (the quick start guide helps explain all of the buttons/features) it will give a cute (child) voice hello and LED green light #1 illuminates like my photo below in this post. You will choose a level 1-10 (1 is an 8 hour, 10 is 12 hours) and that is a time that a token can be released unless it spent a lot of time upside down!

What does it mean to be upside down? This means that as long as they are behaving your Goodtimer is up and on. If they break a rule or misbehave you would ask them to go turn Goodtimer upside down. This means it is not counting down towards a token at the point. To get the timer back up and running they should correct their behavior quickly so they can go turn Goodtimer right side up again and start earning again. Tokens are stored in the attachd tower and cannot be retrieved until Goodtimer releases one based on the level set.

Keeping track of progress along the way each day is easy. Goodtimer has the green LED (like above) and the more lights around the unit (360 degrees around until fully lit) releases a token. Also, as time moves on with good behavior and it adds more light, Goodtimer also gives an encouraging voice command – it will encourage your child to keep up the good behavior and that they have lit Goodtimer up a bit more and are closer to a token release.

What is really fun is that they will just be going about their day and when having a good day or in a good moment they will hear Goodtimer talk to them. It gives subtle reminders throughout the day that Goodtimer is “counting their good moments” and that they are still on track for a token.

Goodtimer is currently on sale! Hurry! The original retail price is $129.95 and if you press the orange triangle in the upper left corner of their website to sign up for emails you will save 25%. They also do flash sales so make sure you follow their FB page and you will see flash alerts! As I write this they are offering it at $48!! Keep your eye open and sign up for emails and follow them because every home needs a Goodtimer! Visit Goodtimer to order today!

Visit our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide for more gift ideas

Parenting

7 Issues Breastfeeding Moms Might Encounter

October 11, 2020October 31, 2020 Jennifer Landis

As breastfeeding moms, you have a lot on your plate. Every parent is different, which means your breastfeeding experience will differ from the other moms around you. While some moms have an easy time breastfeeding and never experience any issues with their milk supply or comfort, other moms will find themselves unable to breastfeed for one reason or another. Some moms fall somewhere in between. It’s important to realize that no matter who you are or what you’re experiencing, your feelings are valid and solutions are out there to help you.

Whether you decide to go for formula every once in a while or seek out solutions to the issues, it shows that you care deeply about the health of your child and your own body. Just remember that you’re not alone in any of these issues, no matter what you’re facing.

1. Soreness

For plenty of moms, breastfeeding can cause soreness both in the nipples and in the breasts themselves. The good news is that this discomfort often subsides. As your body adjusts to the routine of breastfeeding and your baby learns to latch, the soreness in your breasts and nipples will likely subside after the first week of breastfeeding. If the discomfort persists over time, you may be dealing with engorged breasts or an improper latch.

2. Ineffective Latch

There are a few reasons why your baby may not be latching easily. If your baby is just fidgety and can’t seem to latch based on temperament, skin to skin contact and nursing at particularly calm times might help them get the hang of it. Sometimes it just takes a week or so for them to latch. However, there could be more physical problems at play. If your child has a lip-tie or tongue-tie, some moderate medical intervention could be the key in helping with latch. If that happens to be the issue, tongue-tie and lip-tie surgery could be an effective route for solving the latch issue — that way, your baby will feel more comfortable and get the nutrients they need easily.

3. Work Obligations

Unfortunately, not every mom can stay home all day to breastfeed. Perhaps financial obligations require that you return to work shortly after giving birth, or you happen to be a busy working mom who loves your job and you want to show your little ones that you truly can do it all. Either way, offices and workplaces aren’t usually the best places for babies to hang out — but this doesn’t mean you can’t nurse. You can pump milk throughout the day to bottle feed when you’re apart and nurse once you’re reunited to get that skin to skin connection.

4. Anxiety

New mom anxiety can impact your routine in all different ways, and breastfeeding might be one of them. Postpartum anxiety can often manifest as feelings of dread, excessive worry, racing thoughts and trouble concentrating. Although anxiety and stress can impact your milk supply on a physical level, the trouble can be mental, too. Worrying about your milk supply and other nursing details can often be its own problem by stressing you out and throwing you off your game. Speaking to a mental health professional or even your OB/GYN about your postpartum feelings might yield some positive solutions.

5. Low Milk Supply Breastfeeding Moms

While sometimes low milk supply can be caused by definitive sources like stress or diet, plenty of moms tend to have a naturally low milk supply. Sometimes, low milk supply can be a bit of a mystery. Luckily, no matter the source of the issue, there are plenty of solutions that can help you boost your flow. From lactation teas to herbal supplements, you can increase your milk supply naturally, often in a matter of just a few days. Fenugreek in particular is a great herb that many mothers turn to for lactation support.

6. Fussiness or Biting

Sometimes, babies don’t want to sit still, even when they’re hungry. While some babies need to nurse in more calm, quiet environments, others simply need a bit of time to get used to the flow and sensation. Be patient and attentive as your baby is nursing. Sometimes, they’ll calm down after a few minutes. If your baby is a biter — even just with their gums — pulling them in a bit closer or putting your finger in the corner of their mouth can relax them a bit and keep them from clamping down.

7. Cracked Nipples

Sometimes, it’s not soreness of the tissue, but of the skin itself that causes discomfort. This is fairly common for many new moms. If you’re experiencing raw, cracked nipples as a result of nursing, try out a warm compress, saltwater rinse or lanolin ointment to soothe the skin and give you a bit of relief.

Nursing Your Way

Although you may run into some issues when nursing, you’ll find the methods and solutions that are right for you. Whether that means pumping from your desk, downing some fenugreek tea or taking extra care of your mental health, your baby will get the care and nutrition they need while you care for your own health, too. Every journey is unique, and you’ll surely find your flow.

*affiliate links appear in post

Visit our 2020 Fall-ing for Baby Series

Infant Toddler Products, Parenting

Is it the Right Time to Start Potty Training?

September 16, 2020September 15, 2020 Allison Jandu

One of the most common questions I hear as a professional potty training consultant is, “How do I know when my child is ready?” There are some classic signs and signals you can look for including: a general interest in the bathroom, asking for a new diaper when they are wet or dirty, hiding to have a bowel movement, staying dry for longer periods throughout the day, and waking up dry from naps and/or overnight. Your child should also possess basic communication skills, either verbal or physical, and the ability to understand and follow basic direction. These things usually start presenting themselves somewhere between 22 and 28 months, making this the ideal age to potty train.

Keep in mind, that it is also just as important for you to be ready as your child’s teacher and coach. If you are prepared to fully commit and remain consistent with a plan that matches your child’s unique personality and potty learning style, it is sure to make for a successful potty training experience!

Once you are ready to start the process, here are three unique potty training tips that you won’t hear anywhere else!

Tip 1: Take some time before you begin potty training to count down the days to no more diapers with your little one. About 3 to 5 days before you’re ready to start, wake up each morning and “x” off the day on the calendar together. Not only does this help your child mentally prepare for the upcoming change they’re about to experience, but it gives you the opportunity to build their confidence so they believe they can do it! This technique works really well for stubborn kiddos who tend to be resistant to change.

Tip 2: If your child ever seems anxious, apprehensive, or even afraid to release their pee and poop on the potty, try my bubble trick! Did you know that when you blow out air, it activates the same muscles we use to pass our bladder and bowels? It’s true! So while your little one is set up on the potty, try letting them blow bubbles. Not only does getting to do this typical outdoor activity inside entice your child to try, but it also relaxes them AND activates the muscles we use to pass our bladder and bowels! Gotta love an effective trick that is actually FUN!

Tip 3: When you’re ready to introduce underwear to your child, buy them in a size larger than what they would normally wear. Having the underwear be a slightly looser fit will help them remain more aware of their body’s sensations and urges and will be less easily confused with a diaper. This tends to reduce accidents, and who doesn’t want that?

If you feel like you need more support with your potty training journey, feel free to reach out to me via my website at www.pottytrainingconsultant.com and follow me on Instagram @pottytrainingconsultant!

-Allison Jandu

Potty Training Seat Option

If you are shopping for a toilet seat, let me show you about the 2-in-1 Potette Plus Portable Potty. It is portable for travel and a trainer seat as well. It has handles that fold to store and unfold to snap into place for portable set up. Asa a trainer seat it fits on most standard toilet seats. Learn more at Potette! You can purchase the Potette Portable Potty on Amazon.

For more topics like this, visit our 2020 FALL_ing for Baby Series HERE!

Healthy Living, Infant Toddler Products, Natural Products, Parenting

Mommy’s Bliss New Prenatal Supplements and Multivitamins for Moms

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 Erin Sluka

Comment: I was provided samples

Mommy's Bliss New Prenatal Supplements and Multivitamins for Moms

When attending BabyBoom last month I got to learn that Mommy’s Bliss was expanding to include ‘Mom’ in their product line up. That is, multivitamins and prenatal supplements for Mom. Mommy’s Bliss brings the safest ingredients together for baby and kids in the form of cough relief, tummy pain relief, gum relief, immunity and more. Now it is only fitting to include products Mom needs for her own health before, during and after pregnancy.

Mommy’s Bliss multivitamins have the essential vitamins and minerals your baby needs for healthy development plus the nutritional support you need for a happy, healthy pregnancy.

4 Prenatal Supplements and Multivitamins

They have 2 prenatal supplements – Prenatal Regularity Support Gummies and Prenatal Omega + DHA Gummies and there are 2 prenatal vitamins – Prenatal Multivitamins + Iron capsules and Prenatal Multivitamin + Probiotics capsules. All have natural ingredients safe for you and Baby’s body. These are free of artificial flavors or colors, dairy, gluten or soy and the top 8 allergens.

Mommy’s Bliss multivitamins and supplements are designed to target the issues affecting moms-to-be most: gas, nausea, constipation, low energy, and restlessness. Don’t forget to take care of YOU!

Mommy’s Bliss products are available at Target and Amazon. Make sure to visit Mommy’s Bliss website for more information about all of their products for Mom, Baby and the older kids too!

Want more baby topics like this? Visit our 2020 FALL-ing for Baby Series