Pros and Cons of Having A Sandbox

My son received a birthday gift from my parents that I was not too thrilled with - a sandbox. Well, it's the container for a sandbox that has to be filled still with actual sand. And even though the summer is far behind us, I couldn't help but consider whether I should keep it or not.

My husband had mentioned getting a sandbox for our son to play in but I was not a fan of the idea. I was paranoid that he would eat the sand or get it in his eyes, and that animals and insects could get into it. But my husband and nephews have talked me into keeping this gift and the more I looked into it, the more I saw that they are right.

Firstly, by next summer the baby will be old enough to play in a sandbox, which will provide a new activity to do during the long summer days in the backyard. It will allow him to pass the time and be imaginative. It can also help him develop problem solving skills such as measurement, etc.

It will also help to build his immune system. If I keep him isolated and prevent him from doing the things that little boys like to do-get messy and play with dirt-he may be timid and unadventurous in the future. Children should be exposed to the outdoors as much as possible, and a sandbox will ensure this. As long as I am sure to maintain the sand, and keep it covered and clean there is no danger. And when the little one does get dirty, he can wash off in his kiddy pool.

Lastly, the sandbox that we got isn't too large and can be stored and cleaned easily.

So, I have lost this latest battle but at least there is still many months until it is warm enough to play in the backyard again!

The sandbox we got looks like the one shown below:


photo source: http://community.babycenter.com/post/a49728739/small_pool_for_kids

Four Tips on Little Toddlers Activities

 

1. Plan for them to put it in their mouth if you have a mouth  
2. Expect a toddler to be interested, leave it out for them to come back to later, or even the next day   
3.  Don’t do an activity with an intentional plan, it never works out with this age range
4.  Allow your toddler to explore whatever it is that you give them.  

Balancing School, Work, and Home Life

It was not an easy decision to go back to school during my first year as a first-time mom. I weighed  the decision for quite a while. However, the pros seemed greater than the cons. I would not have been able to attend classes or finish assignments when my son was younger. But now he is one years old and will be going to daycare soon when I start work in a few weeks. If I had to go to school when he was not in daycare already, I would not do it. I would feel too guilty to leave him when I was able to stay home with him during his first year. So much development happens in that first year, and I would hate to miss all of the milestones. It is important to take the time and grow that special bond between mother and child.

Since I am going back to work, though, I know that he would be going to daycare anyways. Also, I managed to find classes that take place when my husband is home from work. They are only a few times a week, and I am taking on a part-time load. That's not to say being a part-time student is easy, but it allows me more time to be home after work and when my husband is home- this way the 3 of us can spend quality time together.

What's more, I am not going to school for the sheer fun of it. I am furthering my education, which in turn will help make me better at my job, which helps to support my family. Getting an education is something that nobody can ever take away from you, and will benefit you in the long run.

I know that my son is too little to understand now, but I hope that I am setting an example for him when he gets older- that you can always accomplish what you put your mind to, no matter how old you are.

It is definitely a delicate and at times stressful balance to handle school, work, and family. But family always comes first, and if you manage your time wisely you will be able to manage just like I am.

New Ideas for an Old Tradition

What better way to celebrate the fall season with your little ones than to carve pumpkins! My son can't join in on this activity just yet, but I still have fun with it!

I came across a cute idea online, for a new and creative pumpkin carving idea-- A Cookie Monster!

Not only is this a fun and easy way to do an old activity- but a practical one too!


 All you need is blue spray paint, a pair of ping pong balls, and a black marker... oh, and cookies.

I got this idea from http://princesspinkygirl.com/creative-pumpkins/2/ while browsing online. Check out their other imaginative ideas for pumpkin carving.

DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is still a few weeks away, but as a new mom I am excited to think about costume ideas for my son's first Halloween! He won't understand what is going on, but I can still have fun with it.

Since I'm crafty, I'll be making a handmade costume for the little guy. Plus, I always wore handmade costumes when I went Trick or Treating as a kid. I came across two really cute ideas online, that I think I can do. I'll have to choose just one, but here are the best ideas I've seen so far:

Charlie Brown- perfect if your baby doesn't have hair just yet! Check out other costume ideas for bad babies at http://www.rookiemoms.com/15-costumes-for-bald-babies/

Cotton Candy Baby- Too cute! Find instructions at 

http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2014/10/06/diy-halloween-costume-cotton-candy/

Stay tuned to see which I pick.