lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Family Ties: Happy Fourth of July

lilsugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:00:24 -0700

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in everyone. Growing up in San Francisco, we had our annual fireworks display. My grandparents would walk from their house next door armed with the biggest box of fireworks you could buy from a portable stand and extra sparklers for us kids. After dinner and a patriotic dessert, my dad, the master of ceremonies would line the edge of the lawn with collapsible chairs and organize our arsenal of pretty explosives. It was a chaotic, yet choreographed affair, with my father sporadically freaking out when my grandfather who loved his cocktails, would get close enough to ignite himself.

As my sisters and I sat holding our sparklers at safe distances, my brother, the eager apprentice watched my dad ignite towers, screamers and spinners, not knowing the practice would become illegal before he got a chance to light a wick. One after the other, we'd watch colorful fire shower above our heads and basketball hoop, believing that the small show in our backyard, interrupted by, "Dad, get out of the way," "Ooh" and "Ah" and the whooshing of the hose spraying down the greenery between explosions rivaled the big displays around the rest of the country.

Enjoy the holiday with your family!
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What Was Your Child's First Sign of Independence?

lilsugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0700

The sign of an accomplished mother is an independent child. Like mama birds encouraging their babies to fly the nest, you put time, effort and love into your kids so they will be able to fend for themselves. When did you first realize your child didn't need you as much? Source

What Was Your Child's First Sign of Independence?

When he could soothe himself.

When she slept through the night.

When he fed himself.

When she crawled away.

When he didn't mind if I left for a while.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Lil Tip: Independence Day

lilsugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

To Americans, the Fourth of July means independence so this week lilsugar will be giving you some quick tips on how to teach your tots to do things on their own. Accomplishing small tasks gives even the littlest of children a sense of pride. And, many of them can be incorporated in the things you do on a daily basis. Here are some ways to include your toddler.

Let them open and close all doors.
Have them climb into their carseat on their own.
Allow them to click the garage door open and turn lights on and off.
Have them put all the laundry in the basket.
Put them in charge of getting ingredients out of the refrigerator.
Encourage them to put on their own shoes, socks and clothing.

How do you encourage your kids to be independent?
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