*Shopping is taking a little longer at the store than you had intended, and your little one needs a snack.

*With daycare pickup, basketball practice and making a stop for quick cash at the ATM, you feel like you’re driving in circles. But you don’t want to give your son drive-through food just because you’re in the car.     

Here’s your solution: Baby Gourmet pouch baby foods.       

Since my son is older, I hadn’t paid much attention to the baby food aisles, so I was surprised at how many baby foods are available in handy pouches.

However, for this blog, I asked my co-workers to have their little ones try Baby Gourmet and offer feedback.

I even tried one of the pouches myself, and, while it’s not my food of choice, I have to say the taste was delicious and fresh.

Jennifer has two boys, ages 3 and 1. She had already been offering ”squeezy baby food packets” to her youngest.

“I usually save them for the checkout line at Target,” she said before the taste test.

So, what were the results of the Baby Gourmet trial?

“My boys have each tried one of the pouches you gave me and it was a hit!”

I think what surprised and impressed me as a mom of three were the varieties of flavors. I have a 17-, 13- and 6-year-old, and I wish I had had the advantage of these pouches. It would have made being on the go so much easier. And, I would have felt confident that I was offering something organic and nutritious, as well as quick and convenient.

Yes, Cheerios, are great, but look at these flavors:  

Juicy Pear and Garden Greens

Orchard Apple, Carrot and Prune

Harvest Pear, Pumpkin and Banana     

Sweet Potato Pie                                           

Roasted Squash and Fruit Medley

Apple, Sweet Potato and Berry Swirl

Apple Crisp

Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto

Tropical Banana Bliss

The pouches target babies around the ages of 6, 7 and 8 months, but those are just suggested guidelines, since children older than 1 can still enjoy these nutritious combos.

I had even hoped I could encourage my son who has special needs to partake, but he wasn’t interested. I thought since they tasted so good, they would be a good way to supplement picky-eaters’ daily diets. A few of my co-workers with older children also had the same experience. So the pouch is really for babies, as it’s advertised, and very young children.

Here’s another review from co-worker, Moran, whose son is just older than 1.

“My 14-month-old is sometimes finicky about eating certain vegetables or fruits, but he ate the Baby Gourmet meals with no problem and was often urging me to feed him the meals faster!” Moran said.

“He seemed to enjoy the different food combos, which all smelled pretty yummy to me. The pouch packaging made it easy to dispense and carry the food on the go.”

Moran also offered that her son enjoyed holding the pouch himself and eating the meal directly from it.

While children can eat directly from the pouch (oh, so handy!), like any other baby food container or eating utensil, the pouches still require adult supervision. They’re not chew toys.

But the product packaging appears to be a success with moms and kids. And, Baby Gourmet and other pouch baby foods are multi-use.

Would you have thought about adding the pouch baby food to pancakes or using them to fill muffins?

Other ways to use the pouch baby foods can be found at the Baby Gourmet blog site and ohdeedoh.com.

If you have a 6-month-old, toddler or young child, these pouches are definitely worth trying. They are perfect for busy lifestyles, and who isn’t busy?

So, I have a new slogan for Baby Gourmet.

You’re on your way … with Baby Gourmet.

– Linda Lynn

LLynn@opubco.com

Store locator for this product.

My 5-year-old son just started wanting his crackers lined up — perfectly. If one cracker is turned a little to the left or right, he protests.

The first time I noticed this was when he seemed cranky, distressed. I tried everything to appease him, thinking he might be wanting a different snack, might feel bad or maybe was just tired.

Then, I straightened his crackers, and the clouds parted.

Really?

This isn’t my first experience with childhood obsessions. My oldest daughter started lining up her toys at a young age. My youngest daughter had to have her silverware laid out properly on a napkin (even if paper) when we went to restaurants. This was rarely successful after our son was born, since he tended to grab anything that was on the table.

My sister tells a story about when our first child spent the night at her house. My daughter was crying about wanting her red socks. Those particular red socks were filthy, but my sister dug them out of the laundry and put them on my little daughter’s feet. … ahh, peace.

This is the same girl who would have me take her shoes off until I could get the little seam on the end of her tights to stay on top of her toes, instead of at the ends of her toes.

It’s these little things that can stress a parent — and a child.

Our son always says, “Thank you” and “Bless you.” But you better be quick with a return, “You’re welcome.”  He demands it.

At least he has good manners.

Linda Lynn

llynn@opubco.com

A huge permanent tooth … nestled right behind two baby on my 4-year-old’s bottom row.  I started calling him “shark tooth” because it reminded me of the multiple rows of teeth sharks have, and because he thought the name was cool.

Then the wiggles started. Those two precious baby teeth … the first ones to sprout when he was just a baby … started to wiggle.  I called his dentist and in he went to get it checked.

“Ms. Smith, the dentist will need to extract the two bottom front baby teeth.”  Extract??  At 4 years old?  Even the dental assistant remarked at how early this was for baby teeth to come out.  And I suddenly found myself unprepared.  I had no tooth pillow, no little treasure box, no cash! And my son didn’t even know who the Tooth Fairy was.  Not to mention the emotional unpreparedness.  I wasn’t ready for anything “baby” to go … and it does go … way too fast. 

In the end, it all worked out. My boy was a trooper – not one tear shed and he was all smiles, even with the huge gauze pad stuck in his mouth. The dentist put his teeth inside a  little glittery tooth-shaped box for the Tooth Fairy to snap up.  And I made that trip to the ATM.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

He’ll want to ask for something he already knows will be a hard sell.  “Mom, now don’t say no.  Just listen.  And just don’t say no.”

I sigh. “OK, what is it.”  And you know what? It works.  I’m such a pushover.  When my little guy asks so sweetly and pleadingly for something, it’s impossible to say no and he knows it.

The same thing happens when he knows he did something wrong and punishment is inevitable. “Mom, now don’t get mad, even just a little mad. OK? Promise?” 

Sigh.  “OK, what did you do?”  Again, he has complete success.  How could I get mad when he  prefaces his confession with that plea?

Or there’s the obvious deal-making.  “So if I drink all my milk, and eat all my dinner, then I get two ice cream sandwiches, right? Two healthy things means I get two treats.  That’s fair.” 

Sigh.

I’m really in for it, aren’t I.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

Workshops include:

Enhancing Language and Literacy Skills in Young Children
(for parents, caregivers of children from birth to age 5)
All three workshops are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 – Midwest City Library
Nov. 23 – Village Library
Nov. 30 – Choctaw Library

Temper, Temper! Handling Tantrums
Both workshops are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 9 – Midwest City Library
Nov. 16 – Village Library

Mealtime Hassles
Both workshops are 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Nov. 9 – Warr Acres Library
Nov. 17 – Edmond Library

Lullaby & Goodnight
10:30 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 – Warr Acres Library
3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 15 – Edmond Library

Boosting Your Child’s Brain Power
3:30 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 – Ralph Ellison Library

Child Guidance Services also offers screenings in speech, language, development and health.  Call 425-4412 to schedule a screening.  For more information go to www.occhd.org.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

Last night, as I’m reading through Putnam City’s Elementary School Handbook for 2010-11, I notice an entry under “conduct” called “corporal punishment.”  I’m expecting the entry to say something to the effect of “we don’t tolerate it, allow it, use it”  … something along those lines.  But it says something very different.  It says:

“The district recognizes corporal punishment as a means of discipline.” 

I have to say, I’m shocked.  As an Oklahoma “transplant” from Connecticut (where corporal punishment is banned), I did not expect that this was a means of discipline in any school district, in any state, but sure enough it is.   And not just small-town rural districts. We’re talking one of the biggest districts in the state.

I’m not necessarily upset about my son being subjected to corporal punishment, because I don’t believe it’s readily used on prekindergarteners. But what about other elementary school-age children?  Is this an effective and appropriate form of discipline for children while they are in school?  Or is this something that should be reserved for parents to use, in the privacy of their own home?

In the handbook it says it “shall be used only as a last resort and only after other reasonable corrective measures have been used without success.”  And to be fair, they do consult with parents first. But as a parent of a young child, I find it hard to believe that schools can’t take other action when it comes to a “last resort.”  There are many more states and school districts that don’t find the need to use physical force on students.  Why should this one?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.  Please e-mail me or comment below.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

For all workshops, pre-register by calling 425-4412.

Unless otherwise noted, all sessions are for parents and caregivers of young children.

Here’s what’s in store for this summer:

Terrific Two’s: Learn about your 2-year-old. Focus is on their developmental milestones.  All are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
June 1, Choctaw Library
June 16, Midwest City Library
June 22, Southern Oaks Library
June 19, The Village Library

Sibling Struggles: Learn methods to prepare children for the arrival of a new sibling and how to deal with sibling squabbles. Find out about sibling rivalry and what normal behavior is.  Both are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
June 2, Midwest City
June 30, The Village

Just for Fun: Games People Play(for children ages 8-12): Includes active games, quiet games and brain teasers. Kids will play games from the past and games from other cultures. Both are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
June 14, Southern Oaks
June 21, The Village

Toileting Triumph: Toileting doesn’t have to be a major challenge. Focus is on signs of readiness, why it can be frustrating and much more. All are from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
June 16, Edmond Library
June 29, Warr Acres Library
July 20, Ralph Ellison Library

Making Your Morning Manageable: Time to eliminate chaos and come up with a routine. Focus is what parents can do to make this part of the day more calm and enjoyable.
June 25, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Warr Acres

Lullaby & Goodnight: Find a routine that includes reading to your child, to ease bedtime and naptime challenges.  Sleep challenges will also be discussed. Both are 3:30 to 5 p.m.
June 30, Edmond
August 17, Ralph Ellison

Look Out, I’m Three!: Learn more about your 3-year-old. Focus is on developmental milestones. All are from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
July 7, Southern Oaks
July 8, Midwest City
July 13, The Village
July 20, Choctaw

Toddlers at the Table: Turn common concerns about toddler’s eating habits into opportunities to teach healthy habits. Both are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
July 12, Midwest City
July 21, The Village

Those Playful Preschoolers:Focus is behavioral characteristics and developmental milestones of 3- and 4-year-olds.  Activity ideas will be shared to keep little ones busy. Learn it’s OK for your preschooler to be “out of bounds.” Both are 3:30 to 5 p.m.
July 27, Warr Acres
Aug. 25, Edmond

Baby Basics: Main focus is typical concerns of parents. Colic/crying, separation anxiety, sleeping through the night and other issues will be discussed.
July 28, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Edmond

Reading Readiness: Workshop will explore the necessary reading readiness building blocks and parents’ roles in helping children become readers. Both are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 4, Midwest City
Aug. 9, The Village

Fun to be Four: Learn about your fascinating 4-year-old. Workshop focuses on developmental milestones.  All are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, Southern Oaks
Aug. 4, Midwest City
Aug. 10, The Village
Aug. 12, Choctaw

School Readiness: Facilitators will talk about support, encouragement and opportunity all children need for school success.
Aug. 10, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Warr Acres

Tripping Through Toddlerhood: Topics include, tantrums, biting, sharing and other common toddler challenges. Parents will learn how to minimize frustrations.
Aug. 11, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Edmond

Teaching Children to be More Cooperative: Focus is on when to discipline or ignore unwanted behaviors. Learn guidance techniques used by experts.
Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Warr Acres

To see the Oklahoma City-County Health Departments newsletters, including schedules for upcoming play groups, workshops, and health  and child guidance screenings, click here .

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

Here are some of the camps being offered this summer (costs vary-click on websites or call for more information):

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, Oklahoma City
606-7003
Dates: June 1 – Aug. 13
Preschoolers travel through time and learn performing arts basics. Camps conclude with a performance.  Other camps available for up to age 12.
oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

Casady School Summer by the Lake,  Oklahoma City
749-3192
Dates: June 7 – Aug. 13
Over 100 programs are available from pre-K to high school.
casady.org

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond
340-4481
Dates: June 7-Aug. 13
All types of artistic camp classes for age 2 through 8th grade.
edmondfinearts.com

Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City
425-0218
Dates: June 7-Aug. 6
43 themed camps offered for ages 4 to 15.
zoofieldtrips.com

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Norman
325-4712
Dates: June 7 – Aug. 6
Summer Explorers program is for ages 4 to 14.
snomnh.ou.edu

Ginger’s Kindermusik, Oklahoma City
722-2379
Dates: June 21-25 or July 19-23
Themed camps for children from birth to age 7 and piano keyboard camps for ages 7-8.
gingerskindermusik.com

Mad Science of Central Oklahoma, various locations
285-9643
Dates: June 21 – Aug. 6
Camps for kids age 4 to 12 include Secret Agent Lab, Science AdventureQuest and Little Agents Academy.
madscience.org/okc

Oklahoma City Museum of Art
236-3100
Dates: June 1 – Aug. 6
Themed camps for ages 4 to 16 focus on permanent exhibits and special exhibits.
okcmoa.com

Heritage Hall Day Camp, Oklahoma City
749-3002
Dates: June 1-July 23
Camps for ages 3 and older include enrichment, creativity, technology and sports options.
www.heritagehall.com

Victory School of the Arts, Warr Acres
440-2186
Dates: June 21 – Aug. 7
Classes offered for age 3 and older in all types of dance, tumbling and guitar.
victorydance.tv

Unpluggits Playstudio, Edmond
340-7584
Dates: June and July
Camp sessions have a superhero or dinosaur theme.
unpluggits.com

If you know of any other fun summer camps available for preschoolers, comment here or email me.

Happy camping!

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

Well, for the past month or so, my son has been asking me if he’s 4 yet.   He just couldn’t wait to change his age. Last weekend, he finally got his wish.  He even got up the morning after his birthday and said “I need to go look in the mirror and make sure I’m still 4!”

As with other ages, the changes just keep coming.   This past year:

Sports become the biggest deal.  You would not believe how serious tiny tots soccer can be.   Just ask the dads yelling from the sidelines.

There’s the first dental visit.  And I’ve already gotten the talk about orthodontia work in his future.  I guess I should start saving for braces now.

He mastered the art of manipulation.   You would not believe how smart kids get between 3 and 4.  They know how to play on your every emotion, twist your words, and somehow always find a way to get what they want.

There’s a new shyness.  He went to the doctor today and cried because he “didn’t want to be naked.” This was the same boy who was only too content running around the house in his underwear.  So out came the hospital gown … one covered in Bugs Bunny and the Tasmanian Devil, of course.

Don’t call him “baby.”  I used to be able to call my little man “baby” whenever I wanted.  Now, I get a lecture every time. “I’m not a baby. I’m 4.”   I have to admit, it broke my heart just a little.

Baby or not, they really do grow so fast.  I can’t wait to see what else this new age brings.

And by the way, he’s already asking when he gets to turn 5.  

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

According to their Web site, if you have ideas about what our community needs to be a better place for families or want to learn more about why the early years matter and what you can do to help, then this just might be perfect for you.

It meets for 5 evenings, from April 1 to May 13.  Free child care is provided as well as dinner.

For more information, call Smart Start Central Oklahoma at 523-3519 or click here.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com