LilSugar

Kiddie Soiree: Bozo Gets Clowned

babysugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:00:00 -0800

I think it's creepy when horror movies incorporate circus music and clown images into their scary scenes. Though I don't mind clowns, I've seen a fair share of kids freak out the second they saw Bozo.

So it's not too surprising that the Nursing Standard magazine reports that children are afraid of clowns.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield asked 250 children ages four through 16 whether they liked the use of clowns. All of them said they found clowns scary.

Penny Curtis, a senior lecturer in research at the university said,

"We found that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

So before you book entertainment for your babe's next birthday, you might think twice about the options.

Source

Kidoodles: Thanksgiving Tablecloth

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:29 -0800

Since Thanksgiving is next week, we thought you could use a simple arts and crafts project to entertain your kiddos and help you prepare for the holiday. Let your children be in charge of the tablecloth. They will appreciate the opportunity to get involved and relish the chance to get a lil messy - all in the name of helping out!

You just need the following items:

A piece of butcher paper (white works well with all colors)
A few sponges
Festive colored paints
A few pieces of blank paper
Scissors
Plates or bowls for paints
Markers or crayons

For my guide to making a kid-friendly tablecloth, read more

First, measure the table so you know how much butcher paper you will need. Once you have that, cut the paper and place it on a flat even surface like the floor or table top.

Next, draw whatever designs you want to use on the tablecloth and draw them on a piece of paper no bigger than the sponge you will use.

Once you have completed your drawing, cut it out and trace it on the sponge. Then cut along the traced line so you have your sponge design.

Now you are ready for the fun part! Put some paint in the plates or bowls and dip one side of the sponge into the paint. Gently press it onto the butcher paper. Voila! Use different colors and shapes to fill the paper.

Once it's all dried up, let your little ones draw on the paper and write "Happy Thanksgiving" or "I am thankful for ...", or a saying of their choice.

Finally, put the cloth on the table and ask your lil helpers to set it with plates and silverware!

View 22 Photos ›

Does Your Family Take Professional Photos?

babysugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00:08 -0800

'Tis the time of the year for professional photographers to make their bundles of cash. Families are taking to the parks and beaches in their ironed shirts and their coiffed hair in hopes of taking the perfect photo for their holiday cards. While they make for gorgeous cards, the glossy black and whites also make ideal gifts for grandparents and they may make the spot right over the fireplace more attractive than ever. Those not willing to pay extra cash on the shutterbug have learned how to use the self-timer mode on their own camera and jump into the shot at the last minute often making their family portraits more realistic and even entertaining. (If you do take your own, make sure you read these tips!)

So tell us, do you hire the professionals to do the job or do you click away yourself?

Source

Will Self-Deprecating Video Help Papa Jon Win Brownie Points?

babysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:46 -0800

Jon Gosselin Goes Back in Time from Jon Gosselin

For better or worse, Jon Gosselin cannot go a day without being mentioned in the headlines. Lately, it's been all bad news for the father of eight - he's being sued, he's suing, he's breaking up, he's spending Christmas with Kate and the kids, etc. While his popularity plummets and his notoriety skyrockets, the reality show star is taking a different approach to garner new fans. In the name of self-deprecation, the good dad gone bad takes steps to turn back time. Love him or hate him, it's a pretty entertaining two-minute spoof on his real life, but I'm not sure it will earn him any brownie points. What's your take on it?

The Gifted Child: Gifts For a Newborn Baby

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:12 -0800

The best holiday present of all is a newborn baby! While you can't go out and buy a baby, you can buy things to doll them up in and entertainment tools to light up their wee eyes. Spoil babies rotten with some of these wooden treats, musical toys, and sassy threads. Baby may not get what's going on, but he'll love the attention being paid to him.

If you like it then you should put a name on it. Make it known that he is one unique child by giving him a present with his moniker scrawled across it. A baseball bat, a train, or a fuzzy topper will make for precious gifts with extra meaning. Snugglers will appreciate a cuddly blanket for a posh snooze in the crib while snowbound babes will enjoy a sled made just for them.

Did You Trade Dine In For Takeout After Having Children?

LilSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:13 -0800

Couples may enjoy white tablecloths and candlelight before baby, but after becoming parents hearing that there's an hour-long wait at a hot eatery isn't as enticing. Getting food to go allows mom and dad the chance to eat their favorite entrees without any of the worry of entertaining their tots during the experience or public mid meal meltdowns. Once you had children did you table your reservations and turn to takeout more often?

Does Your Child Watch Baby DVDs?

LilSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:32 -0700

The name says it all. Parents who wanted their child to be the smartest kid on the block loaded up on the brainy Baby Einstein DVDs hoping to boost their babe's brainpower. Some parents popped in the educational videos to gain an extra 20 minutes to themselves. No matter their intention, unsatisfied customers will be able to get their money back. The Walt Disney Company is offering a refund to anyone who purchased a Baby Einstein DVD between June 5, 2004 and September 4, 2009 ($15.99/DVD for up to four videos). This comes after a class action lawsuit was threatened against the brand for claiming the Baby Einstein DVDs are educational, especially as studies have found that TV time for little ones under the age of 3-years old is associated with attention problems later in life.

Still, many parents feel there is nothing wrong with a little downtime in front of the small screen and find these gentle cartoons to be good entertainment for their wee ones. Does your toddler or baby watch DVDs?

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800

It's Time to Bid Adieu to Jon, Kate, and Their 8

babysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:48:25 -0700

Turn out the lights . . . the party's over. The reality show that once focused on a fun-loving and wildly entertaining family is coming to a halt. Jon and Kate Plus 8 captured the hearts of viewers (including our own) all over the country. The adorable children and their parents made the TLC show a hit, but it was the parent's marital demise that made it a phenomenon. While many couples could relate to their bickering, it got to be too much for the Gosselins themselves and eventually led to the announcement of their separation and divorce. As it often happens, things have turned sour and until the two can reconcile differences and iron matters out privately, TLC is turning off the cameras and refusing to air anymore dirty laundry . . . literally.

Perhaps the lack of camera crews will allow the family to focus on what is important and bring some sanity, or at least normalcy, to the wee ones' lives. While 63 percent of LilSugar readers believed the show should be canceled, will you be sad to see it go?

If you want to dish about all things Jon and Kate Plus 8, join the discussion in the Jon and Kate Plus 8 Group in the LilSugar community!

Source: INFDaily.com

For a bittersweet look back at photos of the family and episode recaps and quizzes from this past season, read more.

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "School Days" episode

View School Days Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Time to Organize" episode

View Time to Organize Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Tea Party & Snakes" episode

View Tea Party and Snakes Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Farm to Table" episode

View Farm to Table Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Dude Ranch and Dress Up" episode

View Dude Ranch and Dress Up Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Battleship and Barber" episode

View Battleship and Barber Photos ›

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Beach and Kitchen Reveal" episode

Jon and Kate Plus 8: "Vacations & Renovations" and "Backyard Camping" episode

Source: TLC

When Mom's Away, the Kids Will Play

babysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

Mommy's going on vacation without the wee ones leaving daddy in charge. While many fathers are beyond capable of manning the house on their own, they often times need to be prepped like they're going into war. An instruction manual with schedules spelled out, babysitter information and playdate contacts are filed away for safe keeping should mother not answer the urgent call. But little does mom know...when she's away, the kids will play... at least differently from their usual routine.

Many pops are less than skilled in their cooking abilities, which means trips to McDonald's are common. A happy meal and a ball pit all in one - what could sound better? While the babysitter may only visit the house on a typical Saturday night, she may be invited to keep the crew company all day so that dad can get some sane alone time to check a few things off his to-do list. And if he's feeling in a social mood, he may just rent a jumpy house for the heck of it and invite his momless buddies and their kiddos over for some brews and lemonade. And on any given day, solo dads and their offspring can be found wondering around amusement parks as they provide endless hours of entertainment and food. Some fellows take the kiddos to the ballpark or the museum for a lesson in sports or ancient artifacts.

What does your man do with your kids while you're catching up on some Mom-Me time?