LilSugar

Jon and Kate Plus 8: Family Music Video

LilSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:58:37 -0700

Jon & Kate plus 8 kids in music video "Together"

Last night's episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 was full of surprises. First, Kate took her five lil ladies - Madelyn, Cara, Alexis, Hannah, and Leah - to paint pottery and didn't freak out about the mess. Then, while Jon and his mini mes - Aaden, Collin and Joel- were at man camp working out and drinking smoothies, Joel introduced himself as "daddy's son". Just when you thought it couldn't get any more entertaining, the Gosselins went to New York City and recorded an inspirational family song and music video aptly called, "Together". Check it out!

Kids Can Get Into the Wii Action With Pet Rescue!

babysugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:00:55 -0700

When Nintendo branded its latest video game technology, the Wii, it must have had families in mind. Moms can do yoga, dads can practice golf swings, teens can bounce to Rock Band, and now the wee ones can get involved with games like Knowledge Adventure's JumpStart's Pet Rescue ($40). Preschool-age tots who are awestruck by their older siblings slinging the remote around the living room can do the same as they search for lost pets in an adventurous learning environment. And while it may be geared towards a younger crowd, it hasn't stopped the more mature sisters from sneaking on to enjoy the animal exposition.

To see what we liked about it and what left us wondering, read more.

Like any other Wii game, youngsters can explore their imagination as they create a unique avatar and accompanying pets. Once the character is set in motion, players experience a jaunt to the virtual library and down a water slide all whilst improving memory, listening and motor skills. During their journey, they will also unknowingly practice pre-reading skills. Give a kid a workbook or a video game that both have the same goal and I'd bet the lass will choose the latter. Possibly the best feature of the game is that children get to keep and care for their rescued pets, which entails feeding, grooming, training and playing with them. It is a valuable life lesson and it may keep the lil guys from begging for a real dog. Hallelujah! That's music to many a mom's ears. The only tough part of the game is getting an early stage preschooler to manage the remote. Though it is targeted for tots age 3 to 6, in my control group, it was the 5 and 7-year-old who enjoyed it most.

Taking the Fear Out of Baby's First Budget Haircut

LilSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:00:35 -0700

The first cut may be the deepest, but it doesn't have to be painful for mother or child. Taking the plunge and giving your lil one their first haircut is a momentous occasion for new parents. Though tradition says to wait until the first year before snipping away the baby curls, 22 percent of lilsugar readers clipped before their child's birthday. While moms may book a salon appointment for the perfect photo opp, a baby's cut can be done at home for those on a budget. And, we promise, no bowl is involved! To check out our tips, read more.

Take your tot to the salon with you so she will recognize the spray of the water bottle, the shine of the scissors and the combs and brushes that will be used for her cut.
Prepare your kiddo by talking about how he will be getting a haircut like Mommy and Daddy.
Plan the cut for a time when your child is well rested and in a good mood. First thing in the morning or right after a nap and snack are usually ideal.
Enlist the help of a friend or family member to entertain or distract the child during the process. A high chair may be a good seating option.
Give your child some toys or a spray bottle and turn on a video or the music he likes to keep him entertained.
Wet the child's hair with a spray bottle and comb the hair in the natural direction of growth.
Pull small sections of hair between your index and middle fingers, cutting the hair below the fingers in a straight line.
Start in the back of the head and then work your way around to the front as you gain confidence.
Cut small amounts first, knowing you can go back and cut more as needed.
Be prepared to take small breaks to play with the child throughout the process.
Invest in a pair of clippers that will only lop off a certain amount.

Non Voyage: Bringing the Deep Heart of Texas Home

LilSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:39 -0700

As our non-voyage moves across the country, we head on south to the great state of Texas where cowboy hats and boots abound. The destination offers up a number of kid-friendly activities that can be experienced right at home.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center introduces both kids and adults to wildflowers and other native plants. Pack up the kiddos for a lil hike and see just how many different flowers they can find on the trip.
The Alamo may be one of the main attractions in San Antonio due to its historic place in the Texas Revolution and the role Davey Crockett played in the battle. Help tots re-enact the battle by building a real-life backyard fort. Allow them to eat, sleep and play in the fort for a day and see how creative they can be with their limited space.
Austin is known for its live music festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. Check your local calendar to see if there are any live shows planned for your area. If not, start your own! Gather up the neighborhood kids, have them each pick a song they want to "perform" and call all the parents around for an evening of fun and music as your tots take the stage. To make the evening even more festive, consider adding some colored lightbulbs to the lamps.
You can't get more Texas than a little line dancing. Grab your tots and swing them round with an afternoon of toe stepping just for them. Either search for some line dances on YouTube, or use a video as your guide.
If the plains of Texas are calling out to you, consider recreating the ultimate ranch-hand experience with these ideas.
Chowing down has never been more fun than when you let your kids build their own meal. Tex-Mex-style items like burritos, tacos and fajitas are delicious and nutritious. See who can include the most colors in their creation.

Non Voyage: Rev Up for the Ranch

babysugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:31:57 -0700

Giddyup lil doggies! It's time to get the wee ones fired up for some time on mama's kickin' dude ranch. Heading to the Big Sky territory may not be in the credit cards this summer, but there's plenty one can do to create the same atmosphere in their own backyard for a ranch style non voyage.

First off, invest in a musical triangle that can double as a dinner alarm. The kids will get a kick out it when mama hollers, "Cooome and geeeet it!"
Serve up a ranch style breakfast with eggs, biscuits, bacon and grits on a red checkered table cloth.
Get a bail of hay and spread it around the lawn. If you have a wagon, toss the tots in for a mini hayride while they sing songs along the way.
Visit a petting zoo where the wee ones can learn about small animals.
Set up the kiddie pool for an afternoon of fly fishing!
Take the kids to a local stable for an afternoon of horseback or pony riding.
Build a campfire and bring out the musical instruments for some entertaining improvisation.
For the final night, gather the troops for a talent show. The youngsters will enjoy preparing for it all week and the results are sure to be enjoyable. Make sure the video camera is charged up!

The Custody of Michael Jackson's Kids in Question

LilSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:44:22 -0700

The death of American icon Michael Jackson has rocked the world. The man known for his single glove, moonwalk, and videos was a musical legend. While fans and famous friends of the musician mourn, those most affected by the 50-year-old's passing are his children - Prince Michael Jr., 12, daughter Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7. The kids have spent their lives sheltered from the public often out sporting veils, masks, and blankets to shield their identities. Now in the wake of their father's death, who will care for the youngsters?

Prince Michael and Paris Katherine's mother, Debbie Rowe, was once married to Jackson and petitioned for custody, but the children have always lived with their dad. The surrogate mom of Prince Michael II was never made public. One report said that the singer's wish was to have his longtime confident and the children's nanny, Grace Rwaramba, raise them if something were to happen. Meanwhile it is said that Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine, have also expressed interest in adopting their grandchildren. But, given the late king of pop was very public about his tumultuous relationship with his father, this may be unlikely. Hopefully, all involved will put the children's interests first and help them through this tragedy.

Would You Rather Read About Mommy Time or Take It?

LilSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:59 -0700

There's buzz about the new book, If You Give a Mom a Martini ($12). Written by two mothers looking for ways to sneak in 10-minute intervals of me time while raising their kids, the text offers readers 100 ways to spend their time from having a quickie with the hubby to taking the long way home and rocking out to music in the car. While it's a clever concept, I'm curious if any mama is so far submerged in her children's lives that she needs obvious suggestions for how to fill free gaps. Flipping the pages to digest the offerings takes up about 30 minutes, three intervals I'd rather spend tackling my wish list of to-dos. Here's a few off the top of my head.

Build a sandcastle on the beach at sunset.
Sit and watch how peacefully my children are when they sleep.
Drop what I'm doing and give my kids my full undivided attention.
Zone out.
Have an uninterrupted telephone conversation.
Donate the bags of clothes I have bagged for giveaway.
Make homemade peitit fours with my daughter.
Play dinosaurs with my son.
Film a fun Father's Day video with my kids for their daddy.

Tamra Davis Cooks Up a Show For Her lil Beastie Boys

LilSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:00:59 -0700

Rachael Ray claims that a meal only takes 30 minutes, but she doesn't have a toddler running into the kitchen and latching onto her leg or a preschooler who needs help reaching the scissors. That half hour easily grows into three-quarters of one.

After spending many years building her career as a film, television and music video director - she has both Tone Loc's “Wild Thing" video and Billy Madison to her credit, Tamra Davis hit the kitchen. Wife of the Beastie Boys's Mike D. and mom to two young sons, she now has a series of web-based 3 to 5 minute cooking videos called The Tamara Davis Cooking Show, which feature primarily organic, kid-friendly recipes.

Filmed in Davis's homes the shorts show Tamra's kids running in and out of the room, offering to help and eventually tasting most of her creations. She said:

"I really hope to inspire moms to make delicious, healthy meals for their families. I always wanted to put a camera in a woman's hand, now with my passion for children's health issues I want to put a pan in her hand too."

Texts and Tunes: Captain Bogg and Salty

LilSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:06 -0700

Ahoy, Matey! From time to time tots become obsessed with characters and themes whether their parents like it or not. If pirates fit your child's fancy before long your home is overrun with bandanas, eye patches and even toy parrots to perch on their shoulders.

Indulge your lil Blackbeard with the songs of Captain Bogg and Salty, the Portland, OR based band that mixes pop sounds with pirate themes to put out tunes that the entire family can sing together. The five bandmates come from diverse backgrounds in musical theater, sketch comedy and children’s theater making their live concerts and videos a change of pace from some of the acts you'll find on your iPod. The group describes their original songs as "pirate jigs, mermaid lullabies, and rock chanteys," and they make the perfect accompaniment to your junior Captain Hook's exploits around the house. The band is currently touring the country appearing at children's theaters, so be sure to check their schedule for any appearances close to your shore.

Texts and Tunes: The Laurie Berkner Band's Rocketship Run

LilSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:00:00 -0800

If your tot spends any time at all in front of the Noggin network, you are likely to be familiar with The Laurie Berkner Band. The band's videos are often featured in the network's "Move to the Movement" segments, as well as the popular Jack's Big Music Show. The band's fifth CD, Rocketship Run ($14), will get your feet tapping and your lil ones dancing with its catchy tunes, funny lyrics and upbeat tempo, which Berkner calls a human temp - 100 to 120 beats a minute, the same rhythm as walking. The former nursery school music teacher's songs encourage self-expression while subtly teaching small lessons through their lyrics. The CD's folk rock songs, including the title track, will become staples in your car's stereo system, without you feeling like you are succumbing to kiddie music.