If you are a mom seeking community and/or support group with other moms.. check out MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers).
MOPS is a Christian faith-based organization that hold events and meetings at local churches for mothers with little ones. MOPS typically meets once a week where you can build relationships with other moms as well as listen to speakers discuss a variety of topics such as nutrition, marriage, illness, etc. They also have a great childcare/"muppets" program where children from newborn to kindergarten can attend and enjoy a morning of songs, games, etc. MOPS is most of all a great place for us moms to share and listen to what others are experiencing and learning about life and motherhood along with you...
You can find a MOPS group near your area here.
With flu season just around the corner, none of us are looking forward to our kids catching some kind of bug/illness from the park, store, daycare, church, etc. We can only do so much to wash and wipe their hands when they are out and about... but what we can do is to help boost their immune system to fight the bacteria.
Most of us know that sleep and diet are major factors in strengthening our immune system... but probiotics is another way to ensure good health. Probiotics are ”good” bacteria that are ingested in some fermented foods (like yogurt) or via pill, powder or liquid supplement. These health-promoting, live bacteria take up residence in the stomach to keep bad bacteria in check.
According to Dr. Sears, probiotics:
-Boost intestinal immunity
-Promote a healthy gut environment
-Reduce intestinal allergies
-Produce healthful nutrients
Breastfeeding automatically promotes the development of healthy bacteria. But you are giving your baby formula, or would like to give probiotics to you baby in addition to the breastmilk, there are brands out there that are for children ages 0+ (such as this one below).
The other day my daughter took a nap at 1pm and didn't wake up until 5pm! Her bedtime is usually around 7/7:30pm but I knew she was going to have a hard time falling asleep that evening. So... instead of dreading the evening, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and told her that "we are going out to see the moon!".
Little did she know, I was planning to take her to the nearby mall to see the moon from a ferris wheel! She was already ecstatic about leaving the house when she was supposed to be getting in her pajamas and brushing her teeth... but when she saw that we were going to get on the ferris wheel she was squealing (and squeeking) with excitement. It was her first time going on the ferris wheel at night. It was dark. There were bright colorful lights. And when we were at the top, the moon was RIGHT in front of us... as if it was waiting to see my daughter all day.
Our spontaneous night out was A LOT of fun. I really just wanted to bless her because I love her so much. As we were spending time together that night, the Lord reminded me of how He takes us on these fun and spontaneous dates and adventures when we least expect it. Just as a parent loves surprising his child, the Lord enjoys blessing His children ... simply because He loves us.
My husband told me about a sermon he heard on the radio during his drive home from work. The message shared a lot of wisdom and insight about raising children.
Parents do not provoke your children because it easily leads to discouragement. And when children are discouraged, they easily sway from the light of the Word of God.
Here are three common ways parents can easily provoke children.
1). Overprotection
2). Nagging
3). Comparisons (to siblings, cousins, friends, etc. )
and
They also have a TON of wooden toys like this STACKING TRAIN:
and
ABBY & EMMA MAGNETIC DRESS-UP
As you can see, they have a HUGE selection.. you are sure to find something that your little one will enjoy! You can find their products at most toy and department stores such as Target, Toys R Us & Nordstrom.