Thursday, February 25, 2010

Toddlers & Tiaras

The blogosphere is all abuzz about the TLC series Toddlers & Tiaras--a reality show about the people and children involved with children's beauty pageants. What do you think?


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

5 "Steps" to Buying Kids' Shoes



Once your little one has taken their first steps, it is time to buy them shoes. Most parents buy kids' shoes based entirely on the way they look, however there are five important things you should consider before you choose their shoes:


1. Measurements


Your little one's feet are still developing, and you want to make sure they are getting the support they need while they practice walking. Measuring your child's feet will make sure you are buying the correct sized shoes and will make sure they are comfortable for those tender little toes. For simple instructions on how to measure your child's feet, check my instructions on the main Katie Bug Shoes website.

2. Prices

Kids' shoes run from the very cheap to the ultra expensive. However, once you've found a middle ground and a style of shoe that you are interested in buying, you can shop around and look for the best deal online. Considering that you have to buy new shoes for your toddler every few months, it definitely pays to get the best deal possible.


3. Friends & Customer Reviews


Before you settle on a pair of shoes, talk to your friends and see if they have experience with them. You can also read customer reviews online and find out if there are any reoccurring issues with the shoes you are considering.


4. Your Kids' Opinions


Your kids are the ones who have to wear them, so make sure they are comfortable enough. Ask them if they hurt, or if they feel good. Ask them if they think they look nice. A child who loves their new shoes will want to wear them everywhere they go; but if they don't like them, you'll be fighting them to wear them every step of the way (no pun intended).


5. Trustworthy Retailers


Make sure that the shoes you buy are from trustworthy retailers (online or off) with a good reputation. Check their return policy before you buy, find out what their shipping costs are, and note how communicative they are when issues arise.

As always, we hope you'll consider Katie Bug Shoes when shopping for your toddler's shoes. We are happy to answer any questions about our line of quality, stylish shoes for your little one.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Beautiful Baby Search - 2010



Have you entered your little on in Regis & Kelly's Beautiful Baby Search 2010?

There are thousands of the cutest babies, toddlers and preschoolers you'll ever see! Check out all the contestants on Parenting.com's website.

I'd love to hear who your favorite entrant is! Leave me a comment and link back to their page.

Poll: Your Kids' Shoes!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bedtime Rituals


By the time children reach toddlerhood, most parents have learned that the best way to manage them is through routine. Children (and most adults) thrive when they know what to expect, and routines also give a sense of security. At no time is this more true than at bedtime.

Getting children to sleep can be a real struggle. Their little minds race and the thought of missing even a moment of the action can seem like torture to them. Having a sweet, simple ritual for bedtime will help them settle down even when they don't want to admit to themselves they are tired.

A bedtime ritual can take the form of a story, a prayer, or singing songs. Some families make their own fun little rituals that are unique to them. For example, one family I know recites names of the members of their family tree, and sometimes tells stories about these different relatives which fascinate the children and give them a history lesson to boot.

The nighttime rituals can also include performing the same actions before bed. Your little one can brush their teeth, get a drink of water in a special cup, and get clothes ready for the next morning.

How ever you choose to structure your children's bed time, never forget that even the most mundane activities can be memorable and give you a chance to bond with them.

What kinds of bed time rituals do you have with your children?

Monday, February 8, 2010

What is the Government Doing With Your Baby's DNA?




I found this very strange article on CNN this week which discusses a little-known fact about infant DNA being stored by the government. Here's an excerpt:

Newborn babies in the United States are routinely screened for a panel of genetic diseases. Since the testing is mandated by the government, it's often done without the parents' consent, according to Brad Therrell, director of the National Newborn Screening & Genetics Resource Center.

In many states, such as Florida, where Isabel was born, babies' DNA is stored indefinitely, according to the resource center.

Many parents don't realize their baby's DNA is being stored in a government lab, but sometimes when they find out, as the Browns did, they take action. Parents in Texas, and Minnesota have filed lawsuits, and these parents' concerns are sparking a new debate about whether it's appropriate for a baby's genetic blueprint to be in the government's possession.

Did you know about this? Because I didn't. I don't think I'm opposed to the DNA being stored and used for science, but it certainly seems like parents should be informed and give their consent for such a think. Don't you?

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Joy of Squeaky Shoes

One of the best thing about selling kids' squeaky shoes is seeing how much fun little ones have in a new pair. Katie Bug Shoes has an entire line of stylish squeaky shoes that make learning to walk about a thousand times more fun.

Have you ever seen a kid in squeaky shoes? They love them! Check these videos out:





Television for Kids - Mixed Messages For Parents


When it comes to raising children, there are a million opinions on the "right" way to do it. But it is almost universally accepted that television is bad for kids. Or, at the very least it should be considered a last resort. The general consensus about television for kids is summed up in this post on KidsHealth.org:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.
The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development.
Most of us start out as brand new moms thinking that we'll NEVER let our kids watch TV. But after a while, it seems foolish not to at least once in a while. Before you know it, they are being educated and entertained by the likes of Elmo, Moose A. Moose, Dora and the rest of the gang. Watching these shows, you are constantly reminded by the networks that their shows are "like preschool on tv" and are "educational programming."

It is no wonder that many parents feel conflicted. If television is so bad for kids, why are there so many shows--in fact networks--dedicated just to pre-school programming? Why do young children seem to learn valuable information so quickly from watching TV? How can children's educational television be both harmful to their development and based on the research of educators and childhood development specialists?

These are difficult questions to answer--so I'm putting it to you. What do you think the real impact of television is on young children? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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