Survival Guide, Toddler

How to Entertain Your Kids for Next to Nothing

tony — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:42:59 -0700

Even though our children seem in constant need of entertainment, most budgets will not support weekly trips to Disneyland, Six Flags, or the latest Characters on Ice show. Below are some ideas on how to entertain those restless offspring when the wind seems to be whistling through the void in your wallet.

How to Deal with the Loss of a Pet

tony — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:34:47 -0700

The joys of owning a pet can truly be innumerable, and over time "Porter" the dog or "Boots" the cat can become a cherished part of the family. Eventually, though, the death of that pet can rock the emotions throughout your household.

How to Explain Things to Your Child in Ways They Understand

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:18:34 -0700

Have you ever tried to explain something to your kids using language that they are simply too young to understand? Or, worse yet, using language with your teenager that is more appropriate for a toddler? Either way can be a waste of your time and your child's time.

How to Deal with That Recurring Ear Infection

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:11:05 -0700

"Ear infection." Among parents that have lived to tell the tale, these are dirty words. They're the most common ailments that kids between the ages of 6 months and two years suffer from, and they can easily make a kid very miserable. This can mean sleepless nights, cranky days and general melancholy around the house -- no fun.

How to Baby-Proof Your House

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:09:28 -0700

Having a baby quickly changes a man's outlook on life. That box of magazines and videos you've been collecting for years? It's now a trunk full of evidence that you were once decadent and sleazy. All that loud music? Those CDs are now just glorified baby alarm clocks. And your man cave, filled with all your trophies, figurines, video games, comic books and posters? Sorry to tell you this, but your special place is a big, fat choking hazard.

How to Choose the Best Pediatrician

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:47:52 -0700

Finding the ideal pediatrician might be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make concerning your child. As a dad, you might be compelled at first to find the pediatrician with the most attractive nursing staff. While it might be the best choice for you, it might not be best for your child.

How to Survive the First Day of Daycare

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:44:28 -0700

Few things hurt a dad's heart more than dropping a toddler off at day care for the first time and watching them bawl their eyes out as you leave. The look on their face almost makes you want to run back and hold them until they stop crying. But that's the last thing you want to do if you want to encourage your toddler to feel comfortable about you leaving.

How to Eat Out with Your Toddler Without Defiling Your Family Name

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:41:58 -0700

If you've taken your toddler to your favorite restaurant and you can still show your face there, you've really accomplished something. But there's a good chance that you're still trying to master the art of taking your toddler out in public without getting embarrassed or creating havoc for those around you.

How to Teach Your Toddler to "Come Here" When You Say "Come Here"

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:39:05 -0700

As a huge fan of "The Cosby Show," I'm reminded of the scene in the first episode where Cliff (Bill Cosby) tells Rudy, his youngest daughter on the show, to "come here" and she insists on staying where she's at. This is definitely an instance in which art imitates life. If you have a toddler, you've probably experienced this situation yourself more than once.

How to Help Your Toddler to Share

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:18:28 -0700

It's not easy to share. Even as adults, we don't like to let other people use our stuff because they might put a scratch in it or mess it up somehow. It seems like the older we get, the more of a "mine" mentality we have.