The free parenting seminar will be at the Edmond library on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. It’s perfect for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 5. The experts from Child Guidance Services will answer questions and address concerns, and give out great information about issues related to eating.  Techniques and resources will be provided.

To register, call Child Guidance at 425-4412 to register.  For more information about this program and others, call 427-8651 or go to www.cchdoc.com.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

• Know what to look for — hives, rashes, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea 
• Start with one tablespoon for first feeding
• Start with cereals, then veggies, then fruits
• Try only one new food per week
• Have Benadryl on hand

Let’s all take 20 to 30 minutes and go for a walk and clear our heads.

– Linda Lynn   

When my oldest child was 9 months old, he got really picky about what he ate. His hands played goalie to his mouth and only a limited variety of foods was allowed in. Except the day he ate a junebug off the floor as he crawled around. I got there just in time to hear the crunch. It was gross. I’ll spare you the details.

Now the New York Times is saying here that kind of behavior might be instinctual, that babies who put everything in their mouths as soon as they get mobile might be protecting their immune system more than the ultraclean environments some live in today.

“In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system,” writes Jane E. Brody in the New York Times. 

Experts she quoted speculate that the increase in the number of immune system disorders – like asthma, allergies or Type 1 diabetes – diagnosed each year may be related to the idea that we should keep our children from germs of any kind.

The lesson here is that while cleanliness is still a virtue, it’s OK to allow some dirt in your house, and your children don’t always have to wash their hands after touching it. And if they eat a junebug or a worm or some other disgusting thing they pick up off the floor, then they might actually be helping their immune systems. 

 ~ Lillie-Beth Brinkman (lbrinkman@opubco.com)

 

First up – picking a venue. I’ve been doing a bit of research on some neat places in the metro-area that parents can have great birthday parties for young kids.  Here are a few:

1.  The zoo.  The Oklahoma City Zoo has indoor and outdoor facilities that can be reserved for parties and other functions.  There are classrooms in the Education Center, an area in the Canopy Restaurant and outdoor picnic tables.  If your child has a birthday in a warmer weather month, this is a great place to go.  Kids can see the animals as a group and take rides on the train and tram. For more information go to www.okczoo.com and click on “Facility Rental.”

2. Indoor play gyms. We picked Gymboree last year and it was a blast. The staff basically does all the entertaining and toddlers have a great time participating in games and indoor gym equipment.  And the best part? No cleanup.  The kids get to eat their cake on the floor while sitting on a big parachute.  Another place that offers indoor climbing fun is The Little Gym and for inflatable fun, try Pump it Up or Bouncin’ Craze.

3.  The classic pizza-and-game spots.  Who could forget Chuck E. Cheese? I remember spending a few great birthday parties there.  And there are a few in the metro-area offering food, games and more.  Although I think these may be more suitable for kids age 5 and older, anyone can have fun here.  Another is Incredible Pizza on Northwest Expressway. They have a big buffet and different-themed eating rooms.  They also have bowling, miniature golf and go-karts in addition to the many arcade games.  Celebration Station  and Andy Alligator’s also have indoor/outdoor fun and games, for older toddlers/kids.

4. Trains.  Kids love trains.  Just ask my son.  There are a couple of really neat venues that offer real train rides as part of the party fun.  The Oklahoma Railway Museum is open for parties from April to October.  They have two packages – one with and one without a train ride (but really, what’s the fun without a ride?)  And for the party, they can either seat kids in the waiting room at the depot or in a 1921 caboose.  Also, just east of the metro-area, is  L.O.C.O.  which is a Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma. They operate miniature trains that kids can ride on at their park.  They also give free rides the first Sunday of every month from 1-4 p.m. if you want to check them out.

5. Parks. There are a number of metro-area parks that have picnic facilities and playground equipment. Some in the summer have splash pads so kids can wear their swimsuits and stay cool.  It’s an inexpensive fun alternative to other venues, and it keeps the mess out of your house.  For a list of city parks and their amenities, go to http://www.okc.gov/Parks/.  You’ll also find out about programs and other opportunities for fun they offer.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started.  As I come across more between now and April, I’ll be posting them on this blog.  And if you have any birthday party suggestions, please let me know!  I’d love to list them so other parents can have it as a resource.  Comment below or email me.

~Erica Smith

esmith@opubco.com

I’m always saying I’ll do things different but there is no better time to set goals than the first day of the year.  

Here are my Top 5 parenting resolutions for 2009:

1. Make my toddler eat vegetables.  My friend bought me the cookbook “Deceptively Delicious” by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry’s wife).  I resolve to get broccoli or squash into every dish my child eats, even dessert.

2. Try to overlook the grosser things my boy does … such as drinking the bathwater.  Or sticking his dirty fingers in his mouth. Or dropping food on the floor then eating it before I can pry it from his hand. (This is going to be that resolution that I end up NOT keeping.)

3. Try to limit how many times he watches Cars or WALL-E.  We’ve both become addicted to those movies.

4. Try the “not-using-the-word-no-all-the-time” method.  For example: Instead of saying “No, you can’t have another cookie,” say “Yes, you can have another cookie … tomorrow.”  We’ll see how good that one works.

5. Get him potty trained.  I would literally pay someone to do this for me.  Or my son can use the “not-say-no” method just this once … “Yes, Mommy, I’ll sit on the potty … next year.”

What are your parenting resolutions?  Did you make any last year? Let me know by commenting below or emailing me at esmith@opubco.com.

Have a happy, safe and healthy New Year!

~Erica Smith