LilSugar

10 Clocks to Get Kids Up and Out

LilSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:40 -0700

Up and at 'em! While some kids are up with the birds, others seem to need a splash of cold water to wake from a sound slumber. Help transition your children to getting up on their own with a personal alarm clock. From cute characters to ones that require your tot to chase them, there are a wide variety of tickers to make the process fun.

To see more pics of our fun finds, read more.

View 10 Photos ›

Mommy's Lil Helper: OK to Wake!

babysugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:00:39 -0700

If the early bird gets the worm, my daughter could open a bait shop and sell them wholesale. Maybe it's normal for a two-year-old to wake up before sunrise, but it's beyond rough to deal with a newborn all night and then a toddler at 5 a.m. I would be willing to dole out a decent chunk of change if I could get her to stay in bed for another hour or three!

The folks at American Innovative certainly know what that early morning wake-up call is like. In an effort to keep children tucked in and parents snoozing, they created the Ok to Wake! clock ($30) that changes from the purple nightlight to daytime green - signaling it's okay to get out of bed. Always up for a game, my daughter may not sleep later, but at least the clock will allow us to rest a little longer.

Do You Use an Alarm Clock?

babysugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0700

As a mother to a 22-month-old, the last thing I need in my life is an alarm clock. Aside from occasional use for early airport trips, my daughter is up with the roosters and ready to crow.

If there were ever a day where I thought sleeping in may be a reality, I'd go with it. I'd leave the kitchen a mess, phones ringing and the world waiting while my child let me rest peacefully. Dream on you say? Well, I would if I could.
Source

Traveling Sans Babies Has Its Advantages

babysugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:30:48 -0700

Look ma, no kids! Last weekend, mama got a break from pureed baby food, stinky diapers and bath time duty. The grandparents came to the rescue and watched my wee ones as I took off on a beach adventure with my hubby. While I missed the lil ones, there were certainly plenty of perks traveling as a childless passenger that I will never take for granted again.

Packing: For starters, instead of washing, folding and packing clothes for three people, I just tossed my clothes in a bag. Usually I skimp on my own wardrobe to ensure enough room for diapers and pajamas. This time, I packed extra dresses, a sun hat, more than enough shoes, and two, yes two, books!

Getting Ready: When the alarm went off, I showered, kissed the tots goodbye and walked out of the house. There was no race against the clock to clean, dress and buckle everyone. Also left behind? Prepared bottles, sliced fruit, crackers and a bag full of cartoon DVDs.

Getting There: When we pulled into the long-term parking lot, my husband and I jumped out of the car, grabbed the suitcases and ran to the shuttle. With kids, mama's got to unleash the car seats, strollers, and added baggage.

To see the rest of the reasons I look forward to adult travel and what bums me out, read more.

Security: Getting through security as an adult traveler is a breeze. It's as easy as taking off the shoes, putting the laptop in the scanner and walking through the detector. Add a toddler or two to the mix and mommy's tossing liquids left and right, de-robing wee ones, shoving car seats on X-ray machines and then putting it all back together again.

Flying: Ahhh... mum is seated, got her best book in her lap and her ear buds plugged in tight. She may even get to enjoy a glass of wine and a movie. If she's got baby with her, she's got someone tugging on her shirt, begging for a story, snack or a movie. Let's not even discuss diaper changing in the lavatory and keeping a screaming child quiet while other passengers glare at her.

Now that I sound like an ungrateful mother, let me tell you all the ways I missed my children terribly before I even left the house. The night before I left my babies with my parents, I took loads of pictures of them so I could stare at them on my camera during my trip. I also had to cuddle and love them to pieces. I snuck into my daughter's bed and cradled her before I finally crept into my own bed. I would have jumped in my son's crib if I didn't think it would wake him up. When I arrived at the airport, I ogled other tiny travelers wishing mine were with us. And, at the risk of sounding pathetic, I'll admit that I listened to the Dragon Tales soundtrack on my iPod because it made me feel closer to them. In the end, they had a terrific time with my parents and I'm 100 percent positive I am a better mother after a reinvigorating relaxing trip.

Do you have tips for traveling with or without the kids? Join our Mommy Club group and share your stories and tricks.

Ga Ga or Gag? Clocky Alarm

babysugar — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 08:00:31 -0800

Getting your child to get out of bed can be quite a challenge. My five–year–old niece could sleep through a hurricane. When she started school, my sister had to start to crow like a rooster to get her to rise.

They could have used one of these Clocky Alarms ($50) that can drop down three feet and roll around your room until you give chase and turn it off. Now if that doesn't get your child out of bed, then good luck.

What do you think of the Clocky Alarm?

Ease Back-to-School Jitters With a Few Easy Steps

LilSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:00:52 -0700

First day jitters are nothing new. As adults we experience them when we start a new job, move to a new city or go on a first date. For children who don't know any better, nerves can be scary.

Whether they are going to school for the very first time, attending a new school or even veterans of the back-to-school process, your lil one may be bottling up some trepidation for their first day. Before heading off to class, be sure to spend some time addressing their fears and seeking out the ones that they are too shy to discuss aloud. Take a look at our tips for reassuring your child.

Plan a visit. If your child's school offers it, see if her teacher can drop in for a visit and introduce herself to your tot. In doing so, your child will make a connection between the person who visited their home and the person in their classroom.
Go on a field trip. If the teacher can't visit your home, visit the teacher at the school. Show your child where his classroom will be, who his teacher is and where he can find the bathroom. One kiddo concern is the possibility of having an accident in school. By mapping out their route to the potty, you will alleviate that stress.
Schedule some dates. If your child is new to the school experience, or attending a new school, peruse the class list and arrange a few playdates prior to the first day. This way, when she enters her classroom, she will recognize some faces.
Set your clocks. The lazy days of Summer may have your lil one (and you) used to sleeping in and lounging around. Ease the shock of an early morning alarm by gradually pushing the clock back in the days leading up to the first day.

For more tips for easing back-to-school jitters, read more.

Talk it out. Discussing what school will be like and what the teachers expect will help quell fears. Talk about the fun things your child can expect like snacks, music and a water/sand table.
Read up. There are plenty of books about going to school, like First Day Jitters that may help your child relate to others that are experiencing some nervousness.
Plan a special meal. Let your lil one help plan a special celebratory meal they can look forward to once they have completed their first day – be it lunch at their favorite place after pick-up or their favorite dinner with the family at home.

Lil Tip: Race to the Door!

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:20:29 -0800

When time's not on your side, resort to friendly, family competition to get your kids (and yourself) out the door!

Whether you're running late because an alarm clock didn't go off, or it's just one of those days, divide the family into teams so you can speedily get bathed, dressed, and fed. Turn your front door into the finish line and whoever gets there first wins a prize.

Creativity beats being frazzled. And, the kids will think it's a game.

Source