How-To Guide
                                                                                                              

5 Tips for Grocery Shopping with Kids   

By: Shelly Aultman, Licensing Social Worker Huntsville Region 
Published June 1, 2011                                                                                                              

 

If you've ever gritted your teeth while trying to control a rowdy kid at a grocery store, you'll enjoy these tips to make "Shopping with a Smile" a reality!

 

We've all seen them: frazzled parents gritting their teeth and attempting to control a rambunctious bunch of kids at the grocery store.

 

  1. Make your child a shopping list. 
    Use clip art and make a list of 5 items for your child to keep an eye out for. Try getting clip art of things you know he/she needs, such as bananas, milk, vegetables. This will help him/her to feel involved and teaches responsibility.
  2. Bring a snack. 
    We all get hungry while grocery shopping. Bring in one juice box and one bag of animal crackers, etc. Sometimes while shopping your child can become really anxious and this will begin an impulse buying habit.
  3. Bring a small toy. 
    I have a boy so we bring in one hot wheels, but feel free to choose his/her favorite toy. Your main goal is to keep your child occupied and depending on the situation in the cart. You may notice in the grocery store aisles they now have toys hanging on the aisles and can become distracting for your child.
  4. Review the rules before you enter the store. 
    I find that my son always does better when he knows what I expect of him. If he/she knows what is expected then it gives them inclusion of shopping experience and teaches responsibility. Keep the rules short and sweet, and I always make the last rule, “To have fun, and tell him that rules were made to help us have fun!”
     
  5. Go to the potty before you start shopping. 
    There is nothing worse than getting half-way through your shopping trip with cold items in the basket and your child has to use the bathroom. Each family is different Try to have fun with the shopping experience and not to make the child feel like it’s a chore and rigid experience.

05 Tips to PottyTraining Success

By: Cecelia Borden, Assistant Manager Oxford Region
Published May 23, 2011 

 

Teaching your child to use the potty needn't be hard work. But it does require significant preparation for both the child and the parent.

 

Maybe the first time he/she "goes potty" promise to have a "potty party". Complete it with singing of the "potty song," light every candle in the house, cake and ice cream too!

 

Here are five tips to keep in mind as you are preparing for the potty.

 

  1. Comfortable setting
    Have the potty in a comfortable setting; you want to make sure that he or she feels warm. If this place is the same spot for time outs, chances are this will not create warm feelings of comfort.
     
  2. Happy affair
    Make it a special moment for them to feel happy. You can sing to them or even make up a family song for him/her to sing together. Perhaps choose their favorite nursery rhyme or be creative.
     
  3. 30 minutes after meals
    After your child finishes a meal you can prepare them for light exercise and prepare for potty. Have the potty times 30-45 minutes after meals. If you get into the routine of taking them to potty area right after a meal you can teach the child that this is the routine and they will know what to expect. It’s important to time these moments or you might miss a golden opportunity and find him or her quite in a corner smiling!
     
  4. Positive Energy
    Let them see you preparing for the potty in a positive light. Make potty training a routine so they feel you have emotional and physical energy to do it. Even if your child shows signs of potty training readiness, you may not be ready for it as a parent.
     
  5. Be consistent
    After trial and error you will find a system that works, but you must be consistent in using executing the training system. Make sure all of your child's caregivers — including baby sitters, child care providers and grandparents — follow your potty-training routine.

 

The secret to success? Patience — perhaps more patience than you ever imagined.

 

Have you recently been potty training? How’d it go? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your comments on our Facebook Page. Click Here to watch a "Potty Party."

05 Tips for a Successful Biological Visit

By: Shelly Aultman, Licensing Social Worker Huntsville Region
Published September 06, 2011      


Whether you are a divorced parent or foster parent, biological visits can be stressful for both the child and adult. Here a 5 tips to take the stress out of any visitation.

1.    Know the child:

  Have a routine set for when the child returns home. Some children need time to journal or set in their room for an hour to re-group. Some children need a distraction after the visit, go for a walk with the child or have an activity planned.

2.    Manage Expectations:

  I know I feel better when I know what is expected of me and what to expect. Review with the child the day’s schedule, times and locations. Review public transportation rules set by the transport. Review behavior expectations.

3.    Have a back up plan:

  If the visit is rescheduled or does not happen have a back up plan. Take the child to a movie, skating, or to the park. Something to get the energy out.

4.    Build Connections:

 Send a disposable camera with the child. It will be nice to remember time spent with biological family with photos.  Visitation photos are a nice addition to the child’s life book as well.

5.    Take the time while the child is on visitation to pamper yourself.

 Take a long bath, get your nails done, read a book, or spend time with a friend. You need to make sure to take time out for yourself. Those dishes are not going anywhere!




                                                                                                                     

             
     

Copyright 2011, Seraaj Family Homes, Inc.