http://www.minti.com/members/kristen/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by Kristen Copyright 2009 Minti en-uk Kristen The other night I had an opportunity to get together with 41 other women to have a "Mom's Night Out."  These were women I knew from blogging and they had invited their friends as well.  I can't tell you the last time I went out without my family.  Even though it was a late night (almost 1 a.m.), I felt like ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8359/Taking-Time-For-You/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8359/Taking-Time-For-You/ Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:01:06 -0800 Kristen It's now looming overhead.  In a few hours, it will be New Year's Eve.  We will sit around the table and inevitably someone will mention New Year's resolutions.  Promises will be made and goals will be set.  I'll admit that in the last 10 years, I have scoffed at New Year's resolutions.  To me it seemed silly to pick one ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8111/New-Years-resolutions-Just-a-waste-of-time/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8111/New-Years-resolutions-Just-a-waste-of-time/ Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:05:27 -0800 Kristen Re: Minti - I need some reasurance, please.Asked by ph419alwaysQuestion:I don't have a parenting question, but rather a website question, but wasn't sure who to send it to, so I thought I'd ask it here (I hope it's ok). Before logging in, I had a better look at the Minti homepage and realised that anyone can clink on a members name ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6840/Internet-Security-Its-in-your-hands/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6840/Internet-Security-Its-in-your-hands/ Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:55:50 -0700 Kristen I'm a stay at home/work at home mom of two boys.  Starting my own business a couple of years ago seemed like a good idea but I never imagined how difficult it would become going from one child and a business to two children and a business.  Before I lost my mind, I decided to try out a few things ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6456/Balancing-work-and-kids-Its-even-harder-than-it-looks/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6456/Balancing-work-and-kids-Its-even-harder-than-it-looks/ Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:20:53 -0700 Kristen We finally sold our house and have a few short weeks before we have to move.  It is a little daunting realizing that the entire contents of our home must be packed up and ready to go in just three weeks.  How can we ever do it with a toddler running around everywhere and a crying infant needing attention? ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5757/How-to-pack-and-move-with-little-children-in-the-house/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5757/How-to-pack-and-move-with-little-children-in-the-house/ Wed, 02 May 2007 07:08:41 -0700 Kristen Not too long ago we took my son to get his first official haircut.  I had been cutting his hair up until then but frankly he was looking a little ragged.  The first time was crazy and not so great.  The second time was better because we changed it up a bit. Find someone who is good with kids.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5752/Taking-the-trauma-out-of-the-first-haircut/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5752/Taking-the-trauma-out-of-the-first-haircut/ Tue, 01 May 2007 18:57:33 -0700 Kristen I am finding myself more and more overwhelmed every single day trying to mother a newborn and a very active toddler.  Now that we are in the process of moving, it is difficult to stay on top of things.  These are a few of the things that I have tried to keep it all together. Get creative with your ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5705/Getting-the-mundane-tasks-done-5-minutes-at-a-time/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5705/Getting-the-mundane-tasks-done-5-minutes-at-a-time/ Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:53:31 -0700 Kristen It has been quite an adjustment here with a new baby and a toddler who has embraced the Terrible Two's with a fervor that is impressive.  I find myself trying to figure out how to juggle two kids without sacrificing one in order to meet the needs of the other.  We always like to say "the squeaky wheel gets the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5691/Juggling-the-little-ones-How-do-you-split-your-time-between-an-infant-and-a-toddler/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5691/Juggling-the-little-ones-How-do-you-split-your-time-between-an-infant-and-a-toddler/ Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:58:22 -0700 Kristen This week it finally started to warm up around here.  With the warmer weather comes yard work and planting of the garden and other shrubs around the yard.  This year our 2 year old is old enough to want to be included (or directly underneath your feet, depending on how you look at it--LOL) so we searched for ways to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5383/Including-your-kids-in-outdoor-yard-projects/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5383/Including-your-kids-in-outdoor-yard-projects/ Sun, 01 Apr 2007 10:36:04 -0700 Kristen Six week old Nathan and I just got back from our whirlwind trip to the BlogHer Business conference in New York.  The trip was last minute and every so slightly unexpected.  I decided to take the train because I knew that Nathan is not quite a fan of the car just yet and driving for hours and hours with a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5309/Travelling-alone-with-a-newborn/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5309/Travelling-alone-with-a-newborn/ Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:39:58 -0700 Kristen It's been 5 weeks since Nathan was born and so much has changed in our lives.  Big brother Ethan has surprised me by showing very little jealousy over the arrival of his new brother.  There are several things we did to avoid jealousy altogether. Give older siblings the time and attention they need.  Ethan was used to getting all ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5206/Involving-your-kids-with-your-newborn/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5206/Involving-your-kids-with-your-newborn/ Tue, 20 Mar 2007 19:53:33 -0700 Kristen The other day I was on the phone when I realized that my 2 year old Ethan was being too quiet.  It had only been a few minutes but I could tell that trouble was afoot.  I went upstairs to find him sitting in the sink with his hand in a bottle of children's Flintstone vitamins.  Vitamins that had a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5150/Childproof-isnt-always-childproof/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5150/Childproof-isnt-always-childproof/ Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:27:15 -0700 Kristen I just finished up the latest creative project at Chateau Cookie to help the family far away feel closer to ours and I just wanted to share it with all of you.  Now that we have 2 boys in the house, I decided to make both of my parents a photo calendar with pictures of the kids for each month ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4965/Creative-idea-for-putting-a-smile-on-Dads-face/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4965/Creative-idea-for-putting-a-smile-on-Dads-face/ Sun, 04 Mar 2007 13:23:46 -0800 Kristen Our newborn is only 2 1/2 weeks old and already it has been quite the roller coaster.  His brother was kind enough to give him his cold and then things seemed to get out of control.  A stuffy nose and then a cough.  I wasn't sure if I was reacting like an overprotective mom or if I was doing the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4957/Going-with-your-gut/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4957/Going-with-your-gut/ Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:44:33 -0800 Kristen Just last week when I was off having a baby, Ethan was over at his Aunt Jen's house.  Luckily for us, the birth of Nathan was smooth and without a lot of drama.  Jen was back home in bed by 11:30 p.m.  Ethan was having a high time with his cousins Madeleine and Carter and I wondered what would happen ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4815/IDSR-Helping-children-make-easy-transitions/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4815/IDSR-Helping-children-make-easy-transitions/ Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:57:59 -0800 Kristen On Saturday we celebrated Ethan's second birthday.  We wanted everyone who came to his party to see how much he had grown over the last year and we also wanted him to know how much we love him.  So these were some the decorating ideas we used. Lots of pictures--I printed up pictures of Ethan from his first birthday ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4676/Special-ideas-to-help-you-celebrate-your-childs-life/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4676/Special-ideas-to-help-you-celebrate-your-childs-life/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:31:08 -0800 Kristen  For his second birthday, Ethan's friend Alex gave him a set of paints for art projects.  I had been reading a book on how to develop your toddler's fine motor skills and decided to use the paints to help.  We decided to work on learning our colors and shapes, so Dad put a circle, square and triangle on a large ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4670/Using-fun-to-help-your-toddler-develop-his-fine-motor-skills/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4670/Using-fun-to-help-your-toddler-develop-his-fine-motor-skills/ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 09:20:59 -0800 Kristen Yogurt was a lifesaver at our house when our toddler Ethan was younger.  In fact, his cousin Carter is five and he practically lives on yogurt.  With all the health benefits that yogurt offers for your digestion, when is the best time to give your baby yogurt for the first time and what kind of yogurt should you be giving ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4253/Yogurt-When-is-the-right-time-to-give-it-to-your-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4253/Yogurt-When-is-the-right-time-to-give-it-to-your-baby/ Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:25:46 -0800 Kristen You are in final stretch.  But it just seems like pregnancy will never end and you will NEVER get a chance to hold that new baby of yours.  For me, I'm in week 37 and the complications seem to piling up.  What can I do to make it to the finish line? Try to take everything in stride.  There ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4251/Surviving-the-9th-month-When-pregnancy-never-seems-to-end/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4251/Surviving-the-9th-month-When-pregnancy-never-seems-to-end/ Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:27:01 -0800 Kristen Do you ever feel like no matter what time you wake up in the morning, you never seem to have enough time to get everything done before you are rushing out the door?  Here are some things that we do to take the stress out of early mornings. Lay out your clothes before you go to bed.  This seems ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4155/Avoiding-the-Morning-Mayhem/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4155/Avoiding-the-Morning-Mayhem/ Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:54:45 -0800 Kristen Last night Ethan slipped while in the shower.  Apparently he had gotten into some shampoo and the tub was very slippery.  His father was on hand to see the whole thing go down so luckily I was able to jump on First Aid detail.  Having had a couple of bump incidents in the past, I remembered that the most important ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4051/Dealing-with-the-bumps-in-life/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4051/Dealing-with-the-bumps-in-life/ Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:27:31 -0800 Kristen Having a newborn is such a daunting event in your family's life.  One day you are doing what you want to do, when you want to do it, and then suddenly you have this new, very tiny, and even more demanding person that is able to captivate your life overnight.  I have heard lots of moms lately who are so ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3975/Newborns-So-when-does-Mom-get-to-sleep/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3975/Newborns-So-when-does-Mom-get-to-sleep/ Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:14:53 -0800 Kristen When do toddlers stop having a nap? I know that it would probably differ from child to child but is it something that the child themselves decide or should I stop laying her down for a nap? I am thinking that stopping her naps may help her sleep better at night, Would this be a mistake? Help!While all children are ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3863/To-nap-or-not-to-nap-When-is-it-over/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3863/To-nap-or-not-to-nap-When-is-it-over/ Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:55:00 -0800 Kristen Are you one of those people that is just waiting for the other shoe to drop?  Waiting for a good thing to go bad?  I never thought of myself as this kind of person, but I had feelings just like this last night.  Derek and I went to visit the birth center where I plan to give birth to my ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3763/Preparing-for-the-worst/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3763/Preparing-for-the-worst/ Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:18:54 -0800 Kristen Speaking from experience, here they are... I never had morning sickness.  Good for you/lucky for you.  However, if someone is talking about their morning sickness, they don't want to hear about how you didn't have any.  This is the equivalent to being in a major breakup because your boyfriend left you for a college cheerleader and your friend mentions ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3556/Things-you-should-never-say-to-a-very-pregnant-woman/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3556/Things-you-should-never-say-to-a-very-pregnant-woman/ Fri, 29 Dec 2006 11:23:39 -0800 Kristen I'll admit it.  Between my husband and my son, there has been quite a bit of cookie consumption in the last week.  When I ask Ethan what he would like for lunch, he yells "Coooookiiiieeeessss!"  It is never a good sign when your child thinks that cookies can make up an actual meal.  So what can I do to get ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3474/Detoxing-after-Christmas-Getting-back-into-the-good-eating-habits/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3474/Detoxing-after-Christmas-Getting-back-into-the-good-eating-habits/ Mon, 25 Dec 2006 17:25:38 -0800 Kristen As you prepare for the end of your pregnancy, the doctors or midwives try to prepare you for everything that is going to happen when you give birth.  Lots of people make a birth plan and try to wrap their minds by preparing as much as possible.  There are some things that you should think about that maybe won't cross ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3422/Making-a-plan-preparing-for-what-happens-AFTER-you-give-birth/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3422/Making-a-plan-preparing-for-what-happens-AFTER-you-give-birth/ Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:06:14 -0800 Kristen Derek and I got all dressed up last night and went out to a fancy Christmas open house.  We were leaving Ethan with Jen so it was going to be just a night out for mom and dad.  My mom had given Ethan the cutest little suit and we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take an "all-dressed-up" ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3298/Getting-kids-to-dress-up-without-a-fight/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3298/Getting-kids-to-dress-up-without-a-fight/ Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:40:08 -0800 Kristen Activities for little busy hands (shared by my ever brilliant sister Pache)  These might get you through the witching hour or at least prepare dinner every once in a while. Band-aid baby- Buy dollar store band-aids and set up your own dolly doctor office.  Beanie babies and other stuffed animals make for great veterinary play too. Little hands love ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3054/How-am-I-ever-going-to-get-dinner-made/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3054/How-am-I-ever-going-to-get-dinner-made/ Sun, 10 Dec 2006 16:49:10 -0800 Kristen Yesterday we went to the Christmas tree farm and cut down our tree.  It was loads of fun but I was dreading the moment after putting it up that Ethan would realize it was there and want to pull it over on his head.  Toddlers are intensely curious and I knew that it would be to much to ask that ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3050/Avoiding-the-hassle-of-Dont-touch-the-Christmas-tree/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3050/Avoiding-the-hassle-of-Dont-touch-the-Christmas-tree/ Sun, 10 Dec 2006 11:19:38 -0800 Kristen Well, it happened.  Despite all my careful planning and preparation, we had a huge snow storm in the US last week that basically crippled air travel across the country for 72 hours.  I thought I was safe because a) we didn't get any snow and b) the snow happened 3 days before I was scheduled to leave for my trip ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2923/Getting-stuck-in-the-airport-How-a-short-flight-can-turn-into-the-longest-day-of-your-life/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2923/Getting-stuck-in-the-airport-How-a-short-flight-can-turn-into-the-longest-day-of-your-life/ Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:03:20 -0800 Kristen Here are some great ideas that my sister Pache passed along about things she does to survive a long line or unexpected wait with her 6 1/2 year old and her 4 year old.  I thought they were fantastic . Declare thumb fun.   "1,2,3,4 I declare thumb fun!"  Put your hands in a shake position and hold on after ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2892/5-Wonderful-Waiting-Games-Things-to-do-when-stuck-with-an-unexpected-wait/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2892/5-Wonderful-Waiting-Games-Things-to-do-when-stuck-with-an-unexpected-wait/ Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:07:03 -0800 Kristen Going to someone else's house for a holiday can be a stressful situation if you have toddlers.  You should never expect anyone else to "baby-proof" their home but there are ways to make your stay a little less stressful. Warn ahead.  We spent the week at my inlaws house 2 weeks ago and now we are at my parent's ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2866/Oops-there-goes-another-collectors-figurine-Baby-proofing-on-visits-to-see-Grandma/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2866/Oops-there-goes-another-collectors-figurine-Baby-proofing-on-visits-to-see-Grandma/ Sun, 03 Dec 2006 19:53:21 -0800 Kristen This morning I handed Ethan his father’s plate of scrambled eggs and told him to take the eggs into the other room to his dad.  With great care, he grasped the plate with both hands and very slowly walked into the other room.   This has become a morning ritual.  I make eggs for breakfast and Ethan carries his father’s ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2824/Dont-cry-over-spilled-milk/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2824/Dont-cry-over-spilled-milk/ Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:22:11 -0800 Kristen How do you know when your child is ready for a toddler bed?This is a tough question and there isn't no one right answer that fits every child.  I have a friend whose daughter stayed in the crib until she was 3.  In all that time she never once tried to get out of her crib.  Her brother was a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2808/Knowing-when-your-child-is-ready-for-a-toddler-bed/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2808/Knowing-when-your-child-is-ready-for-a-toddler-bed/ Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:53:53 -0800 Kristen Take the Christmas light drive.  Everyone knows where to find the one neighborhood in the area where it seems that every single house tries to out-decorate the neighbors.  As a result, the electric bills are sky high but you can’t beat the light show.  Parking at one end and allowing the kids to walk the block is a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2784/Fun-and-Free-or-practically-free-things-to-do-for-Christmas/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2784/Fun-and-Free-or-practically-free-things-to-do-for-Christmas/ Wed, 29 Nov 2006 17:48:33 -0800 Kristen The Christmas expectations are high.  Now that your toddler is more interactive and talkative, you find yourself feeling the pressure of the upcoming holiday and doing all those memory-making traditions that made growing up in your house so great.  Don’t fall into the trap.  While Nana and Grandpa would love to see the pictures of Toddler at the Christmas parade, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2779/Keep-it-simple-Surviving-Christmas-with-a-Toddler/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2779/Keep-it-simple-Surviving-Christmas-with-a-Toddler/ Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:08:56 -0800 Kristen Sleep is one of the biggest battles in our house.  If you go to sleep, you just may be missing the party or excitement.  Here are some of our tricks to making the bedtime routine for our toddler as relaxing and laid back as possible.  Brew a cup of  herbal tea.  Derek loves a nice cup of tea ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2706/But-if-I-fall-asleep-I-might-miss-something/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2706/But-if-I-fall-asleep-I-might-miss-something/ Sun, 26 Nov 2006 14:22:28 -0800 Kristen My friend Jennifer had a baby a little over a month ago.  When I spoke with her on the phone the other day, I asked her how it was going with the endless number of family members arriving to see the new granddaughter.  She laughed and said that as good as it was to have everyone there, it was nice ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2674/How-can-I-leave-my-baby-What-to-say-when-you-arent-quite-ready-to-leave-your-newborn-with-Grandma-for-the-evening/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2674/How-can-I-leave-my-baby-What-to-say-when-you-arent-quite-ready-to-leave-your-newborn-with-Grandma-for-the-evening/ Wed, 22 Nov 2006 08:15:34 -0800 Kristen The holidays are coming and now's the time to get together with all the family.  Yippee, right?  Probably only 1 in a million people raise their children the way their family or their partner's family raised them, so how do you deal with the stress of parenting differently and perhaps the comments that come your parenting choices?  Don't ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2614/Its-too-bad-you-are-messing-up-your-kids-Surviving-holidays-with-the-family/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2614/Its-too-bad-you-are-messing-up-your-kids-Surviving-holidays-with-the-family/ Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:30:31 -0800 Kristen Derek just came home from the hospital today after having surgery and it has been quite a transition.  Ethan is used to Dad carting him around on a whim and now things have changed.  We have had to implement some changes to make sure that Dad is safe and can recover properly and Ethan still gets the love and hugs ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2602/Helping-your-child-cope-after-a-parents-surgery-or-illness/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2602/Helping-your-child-cope-after-a-parents-surgery-or-illness/ Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:02:35 -0800 Kristen Staying busy on a plane is difficult for adults but it can be even more challenging for kids.  Here are some ideas for passing the time without losing your mind because the kids are going crazy. Let your kids do something scandalous.  The first 15 minutes of being on every plane ride involves Ethan standing on the armrest, turning ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2580/Tips-for-travel-with-toddlers-and-small-children-what-to-take-on-the-long-plane-ride/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2580/Tips-for-travel-with-toddlers-and-small-children-what-to-take-on-the-long-plane-ride/ Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:38:50 -0800 Kristen Isn't it funny how you always end up on a plane about an hour longer than anticipated?  This happened to us last night on our trip and I had to go to some extreme measures to survive.  Being pregnant isn't fun and being pregnant in a plane seat with no leg room and having a toddler crawl all over you ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2555/Pregnancy-and-plane-rides/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2555/Pregnancy-and-plane-rides/ Tue, 14 Nov 2006 08:24:16 -0800 Kristen We have all heard the advice that you had better sleep when you are pregnant because when that baby arrives, no more sleep for you.  Of course, if you have ever been pregnant, you realize that sleep does not necessarily come as easy as it used to come.  What are some tips for making the most of the little things ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2524/Pregnancy-Taking-care-of-you/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2524/Pregnancy-Taking-care-of-you/ Mon, 13 Nov 2006 05:14:03 -0800 Kristen We all know that the food on the airplane (if you still get any) is usually less than appetizing unless of course you are sitting in business or first class.  For those of us who have given up business class with the arrival of children, how do we manage to get these kids from point A to point B with ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2477/Plane-rides-Snacks-to-pack-to-keep-the-kids-from-complaining/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2477/Plane-rides-Snacks-to-pack-to-keep-the-kids-from-complaining/ Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:48:59 -0800 Kristen Plane rides have certainly changed in the past few years.  I remember the days when a 4 hour flight would guarantee you at least a meal and a snack.  Transatlantic or transpacific flights had multiple meals and sometimes even dessert.  Now you are lucky if you can even purchase a snack on a plane and even luckier if the snack ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2476/Traveling-on-the-plane-planning-for-the-food-dilemma/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2476/Traveling-on-the-plane-planning-for-the-food-dilemma/ Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:27:25 -0800 Kristen We are having some troubles in Toddlerville these days.  Ethan just doesn't seem to want to eat all the healthy things he should eat.  We have a few tricks up our sleeves and they seem to be working. Give food in a non-traditional way.  When jenlemen was over the other night, she gave Ethan some blueberries in a cup.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2451/Making-eating-just-a-little-more-fun/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2451/Making-eating-just-a-little-more-fun/ Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:25:36 -0800 Kristen We have all heard about the nesting instinct and how it supposedly kicks in right before you give birth.  Women tell stories of washing all the windows in their house or cleaning all the floors the day before they gave birth.  My husband kept asking me when the "house cleaning nesting instinct" was going to kick in when I was ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2431/Pregnancy-and-the-Nesting-Instinct-Sometimes-its-all-about-the-food/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2431/Pregnancy-and-the-Nesting-Instinct-Sometimes-its-all-about-the-food/ Sun, 28 Jan 2007 14:51:23 -0800 Kristen Today is election day in the United States and there has been a great "get out the vote" push.  It seems that as the years go by, people have become more and more apathetic about politics and taking advantage of one of our greatest rights.  How do we overcome that apathy?  By teaching our kids how important it is to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2383/Teaching-your-children-about-civic-duty/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2383/Teaching-your-children-about-civic-duty/ Tue, 07 Nov 2006 09:22:18 -0800 Kristen We recently moved our son from his cozy (and now too small) bassinet to his crib and it's been really difficult for him. Does anyone have any advice on how to make this transition easier? Thanks in advance! Put your child in the corner of the crib.  The bassinet is such a cozy place for a baby because there ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2362/Moving-to-the-crib-How-to-make-the-transition-just-a-little-easier/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2362/Moving-to-the-crib-How-to-make-the-transition-just-a-little-easier/ Sun, 05 Nov 2006 21:16:21 -0800 Kristen Last night JenLemen was kind enough to watch The Boy when we went out to celebrate our anniversary at a fancy shmancy restaurant.  She was forced to use the following tips to survive the night with our crazy boy when he decided that he was a little less than cheery at how things were going down.  Wave goodbye ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2356/Things-to-help-the-babysitter-survive-an-evening-with-your-extremely-attached-child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2356/Things-to-help-the-babysitter-survive-an-evening-with-your-extremely-attached-child/ Sun, 05 Nov 2006 19:10:28 -0800 Kristen The other day I met Derek at the park with Ethan.  As I walked up to the swing set, I noticed that beneath his jacket, Ethan was wearing pajamas.  At 4:30 in the afternoon.  At the park.  In public.  Part of me wanted to laugh and part of me wondered how many of the moms there had noticed (I'm sure ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2314/What-do-you-mean-I-cant-wear-my-glitter-shoes-and-my-pajamas-to-the-supermarket/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2314/What-do-you-mean-I-cant-wear-my-glitter-shoes-and-my-pajamas-to-the-supermarket/ Fri, 03 Nov 2006 05:20:54 -0800 Kristen We have taken Ethan on a dozen or so plane trips since he has been born.  Only through trial and error did we figure out the things we really REALLY needed to pack. The car seat bag can do double duty.  One of the first things we bought before our first trip was a $20 bag for Ethan's seat ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2290/Packing-for-plane-travel-Some-tips-to-make-your-life-a-little-easier/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2290/Packing-for-plane-travel-Some-tips-to-make-your-life-a-little-easier/ Fri, 03 Nov 2006 04:52:11 -0800 Kristen My friend Sarah is frantic making plans for her son's 3rd birthday next weekend.  He is very uncomfortable being the center of attention so she has decided to just have a small family party with his favorite theme--Baby Einstein.  She said that she hasn't seen her sister in several months because they live far apart and so she called her up ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2267/Some-ideas-for-dealing-with-family-members-that-ask-for-too-much/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2267/Some-ideas-for-dealing-with-family-members-that-ask-for-too-much/ Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:02:43 -0800 Kristen We are getting ready for our next 6 hour plane ride in a couple of weeks and I thought I would share a few things that have really helped us survive our trips in the past. Drop the luggage (and your spouse and children) off at the curb.  Unless you are taking a cab to the airport or getting ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2261/Tips-for-Plane-travel-with-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2261/Tips-for-Plane-travel-with-Kids/ Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:37:49 -0800 Kristen It's really difficult to be pregnant.  People that have never been pregnant can try to sympathize, people that have been pregnant can empathize, but unless the person you are talking to is pregnant at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME and has the same heartburn and inability to sleep, you really don't feel any better.  If you are like me, you might ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2228/Pregnancy-Remembering-that-Eating-for-Two-is-not-Eating-for-Two-Linebackers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2228/Pregnancy-Remembering-that-Eating-for-Two-is-not-Eating-for-Two-Linebackers/ Sun, 29 Oct 2006 06:46:42 -0800 Kristen For most people, your child's first Halloween is when they are a non-walking baby.  You dress them up as a Pea in a Pod or a Pumpkin, you take lots of pictures, you may take them to a relative's house to show them off and then you are back home in bed by 7:30.  OK, so this is how it ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2217/Halloween-with-a-toddler-Whose-idea-was-this-anyway/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2217/Halloween-with-a-toddler-Whose-idea-was-this-anyway/ Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:39:45 -0700 Kristen Ethan has been a little bored lately.  I'll admit it.  My being pregnant has not helped any matters because I am so tired all the time.  But I have noticed that he has a fascination with sifting and pouring recently.  When I was down at my sister's house last weekend, she gave me some great ideas about how to foster ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2193/Toddlers-Encouraging-age-appropriate-and-developmentally-appropriate-skill-sets/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2193/Toddlers-Encouraging-age-appropriate-and-developmentally-appropriate-skill-sets/ Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:05:42 -0700 Kristen My friend Laura is quite the feminist.  She has worked hard in her job and has gone straight to the top.  When she was 30, she and her husband decided to have a child.  She got pregnant and had a beautiful baby girl, Maddie.  Laura always swore that she was going to do whatever it took to make sure that ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2188/Gender-appropriate-toys-Is-it-a-big-deal-for-your-son-to-play-with-a-baby-doll/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2188/Gender-appropriate-toys-Is-it-a-big-deal-for-your-son-to-play-with-a-baby-doll/ Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:52:06 -0800 Kristen Ethan LOVES to play with anything electronic (read expensive).  Before we packed away the stereo, that was his favorite destination.  So many buttons to push and so little time.  We decided to focus on what things Ethan could do to be included in our technology overdose.  Give your child an old computer keyboard to play with while you are ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2155/How-to-include-your-child-in-the-technology-revolution-without-having-all-your-stuff-broken/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2155/How-to-include-your-child-in-the-technology-revolution-without-having-all-your-stuff-broken/ Wed, 25 Oct 2006 17:06:44 -0700 Kristen Ethan has been having a difficult time going to preschool.  Although he only goes twice a week for 3 hours a day, he still gets apprehensive right before I drop him off.  I read Tracey's advice on sending your child to school with a piece of  "family" with them, but I began to think about how you can help your ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2137/Helping-your-Preschoolers-teacher-make-the-adjustment-with-your-child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2137/Helping-your-Preschoolers-teacher-make-the-adjustment-with-your-child/ Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:30:59 -0700 Kristen Every parent of a toddler knows that it seems to only take a second for your toddler to take a perfectly clean room and make it look like a tornado blew through.  I find myself getting overwhelmed and just letting the clutter stay.  I mean, if Ethan is going to just mess it up again, why should I go to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2126/Teaching-your-toddler-to-clean-up-the-mess/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2126/Teaching-your-toddler-to-clean-up-the-mess/ Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:22:48 -0700 Kristen This morning I got a call from a friend to say that her daughter had given birth to a brand new baby boy.  There had been great drama involving the birth because her daughter was concerned that she would go into labor during heavy traffic times and that it may take 2 to 3 hours to get to the hospital.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2086/Childbirth-A-Case-against-elective-inductions/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2086/Childbirth-A-Case-against-elective-inductions/ Sat, 21 Oct 2006 19:55:48 -0700 Kristen Oh, no.  You have clicked on this article to find that there is no magic list of what to buy and what not to buy!  Why is that?  Because every baby is different.  Just before Ethan was born, his dad went out and bought big boxes of everything--diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, lotion.  He is a man who likes to be ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2062/Newborns-Buying-the-best-diapers-wipes-and-other-essentials-for-your-brand-new-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2062/Newborns-Buying-the-best-diapers-wipes-and-other-essentials-for-your-brand-new-baby/ Thu, 19 Oct 2006 06:31:02 -0700 Kristen You have gotten your 20 week ultrasound and found out the sex of your baby.  If you are like us, you have waited to find out the sex of the baby before even discussing names to narrow down the potential arguments to one gender.  But there are several things you can do to make the choice a little easier.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2053/Pregnancy-Picking-a-name-for-your-baby/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2053/Pregnancy-Picking-a-name-for-your-baby/ Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:06:33 -0700 Kristen Tonight I was listening in as Derek put Ethan to bed.  Ever since he was a newborn, Derek was actively involved in the bedtime routine.  As a nursing mom, this can actually be complicated, but we found ways to make it work.  He always gave Ethan his bath, talked with him about his day and read him books.  I started ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2012/How-to-keep-a-parent-in-your-childs-life-when-work-is-always-calling-him-away/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2012/How-to-keep-a-parent-in-your-childs-life-when-work-is-always-calling-him-away/ Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:35:58 -0700 Kristen This morning I woke up with a raging cold.  I could hear my mother's voice in my head.  "Treat your cold symptomatically."  Which basically means that you should try to fix each problem on its own in order to beat the whole thing.  So if your nose is running, taking an antihistamine will help "dry it out."  Liquid cough medicine ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2011/Fighting-a-pregnancy-cold-Practical-medication-free-tips-to-feeling-better/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2011/Fighting-a-pregnancy-cold-Practical-medication-free-tips-to-feeling-better/ Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:46:11 -0700 Kristen When Ethan was first born, I remember calling Derek's mom and asking if she wanted to talk to Ethan on the phone.  My parents were used to this but Derek's parents thought I was a little strange.  Nana was really surprised  when I asked if she wanted to talk to Ethan and didn't know quite what to say to him.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1987/Helping-your-child-get-to-know-grandparents-that-live-far-away/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1987/Helping-your-child-get-to-know-grandparents-that-live-far-away/ Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:09:20 -0700 Kristen Today Ethan and I went to the playground.  Normally Dad takes him but it was a long day and we just couldn't wait for him to get home.  When we arrived, we were the only ones there.  Ethan ran up the elaborate ramps and climbed up the stairs to go down the slide.  He "whooshed" off the end and landed ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1959/Playground-etiquette-Teaching-your-toddler-the-rules-while-protecting-his-right-to-play/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1959/Playground-etiquette-Teaching-your-toddler-the-rules-while-protecting-his-right-to-play/ Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:06:33 -0700 Kristen How do I get my child to walk? My babe will be 13 months and still isn't walking. He will walk with a toy sometimes now. But I feel like a bad mom as he isn't walking yet. What did I do wrong? My other son was walking at 9 months.When my son Ethan was 4 weeks old and you ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1948/Toddlers-When-should-my-baby-be-walking-and-what-can-I-do-to-help-him-along/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1948/Toddlers-When-should-my-baby-be-walking-and-what-can-I-do-to-help-him-along/ Thu, 12 Oct 2006 08:21:23 -0700 Kristen When my sister jenlemen suggested the Total Attention Challenge, it made me laugh.  The thing is, as a mom of a toddler who demands my attention for every second of every day, the thought of having to give him even MORE attention than he already gets drove me to near insanity.  Because the more undivided attention he gets, the MORE ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1889/The-ANTI-Total-Attention-Challenge-How-to-regain-your-sanity-as-a-parent-of-a-toddler/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1889/The-ANTI-Total-Attention-Challenge-How-to-regain-your-sanity-as-a-parent-of-a-toddler/ Sun, 08 Oct 2006 20:47:10 -0700 Kristen When I was pregnant for the first time, I remember waking up in the middle of the night with a tightness in my chest and I felt like I really needed to burp.  As the night progressed (and my sleep did not), I could not figure out what was wrong with me.  I realized that as I was in my ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1885/Pregnancy-Tips-for-dealing-with-heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1885/Pregnancy-Tips-for-dealing-with-heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ Sun, 08 Oct 2006 20:03:25 -0700 Kristen Just a few days ago, my neighbor stopped me as I was getting into my car.  She asked how parenting was going and I told her that Ethan was just a little more active than I had anticipated.  She laughed and told me that her 38 year old "baby" had suffered from the terrible 2's when she was just 18 ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1883/Toddlers-How-saying-yes-can-help-you-avoid-the-terrible-2s/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1883/Toddlers-How-saying-yes-can-help-you-avoid-the-terrible-2s/ Sun, 08 Oct 2006 18:58:30 -0700 Kristen Last night we decided to change the faucet in our bathroom.  Derek pulled out all his tools and we began to take the old faucet out of the sink.  Before long, 19 month old Ethan decided that he wanted to get involved in the action.  The only problem was that Dad was working with heavy pipe wrenches and fairly dangerous ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1802/Home-projects-How-to-include-your-children/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1802/Home-projects-How-to-include-your-children/ Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:28:12 -0700 Kristen Making dinner is sometimes a chore for whomever is responsible for doing it.  But if everyone gets involved and has fun doing it, the job gets done quickly and there is a sense of pride and accomplishment when it comes time to sit down and eat.  There are jobs for kids for kids of all ages.In our house, our toddler Ethan ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1773/Dinnertime-How-to-get-your-children-involved-in-the-kitchen/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1773/Dinnertime-How-to-get-your-children-involved-in-the-kitchen/ Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:36:05 -0700 Kristen Even before Ethan first began to babble as a young toddler, we tried to encourage him to communicate with us as much as possible.  We tried to teach him how to ask for things on his own and if he made any attempt to repeat the words we used, we would wildly exclaim, "That's RIGHT" and repeat the word correctly.  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1755/Toddlers-How-to-encourage-communication/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1755/Toddlers-How-to-encourage-communication/ Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:14:02 -0700 Kristen Yesterday I stumbled onto something really great and I just wanted to share.  Our son Ethan got a sudden growth spurt and we woke up to find that none of his clothes fit him anymore.  In the old days, I would just run out to Old Navy and buy him a couple of outfits on sale.  That has all changed ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1733/Finding-high-quality-childrens-clothing-at-low-low-prices/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1733/Finding-high-quality-childrens-clothing-at-low-low-prices/ Sun, 01 Oct 2006 08:48:54 -0700 Kristen Ethan and his father are the best of friends.  On the weekend, I am a bit of an afterthought.  As a stay at home mom, I cannot complain.  It really is my only chance to get things done on my own and to have some "me" time.  Ethan and his dad go the park, take the dog to the lake ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1692/When-your-child-is-really-attached-to-Dad/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1692/When-your-child-is-really-attached-to-Dad/ Thu, 28 Sep 2006 18:43:14 -0700 Kristen When you first find out that you are expecting a baby, you are excited and nervous all at once.  How will you know what to do, will you even do the right thing and how can you take care of this little person when you can barely take care of yourself sometimes.  You spend all 9 1/2 months getting ready ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1663/Theres-a-dog-How-to-prepare-your-pooch-for-the-new-baby-you-are-expecting/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1663/Theres-a-dog-How-to-prepare-your-pooch-for-the-new-baby-you-are-expecting/ Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:45:33 -0700 Kristen We are going on week three for Ethan's first foray into the world of preschool.  As a work from home mom, I expected a little separation anxiety but not the full-blown torment that he has experienced.  What do you do when your child just can't seem to adjust to being away from mom or dad if only for a couple ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1650/The-Preschool-Blues/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1650/The-Preschool-Blues/ Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:35:52 -0700 Kristen My son woke up and decided that he no longer wanted to wear a diaper.  I kind of understand this, since I really don't want to wear a bra.  However sometimes (or a lot of the time) we find ourselves doing things in life that we don't want to do.  When he started this, I asked him if maybe he ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1649/Potty-training-a-19-month-old-who-is-really-doing-it-on-his-own/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1649/Potty-training-a-19-month-old-who-is-really-doing-it-on-his-own/ Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:20:36 -0700