v 3 issue 4: Learning is Fun

Learning is Fun
Learning can be and should be fun! This issue is full of products for your little one who is headed off to preschool. We have found cute labels, adorable lunch bags and more.

Cover byChristine Rozak

Fun Learning Products



1. The hunt is on and your child will have a blast adding, subtracting, counting and finding missing addends with the new game by Beyond Learning; Number Hunt! Number Hunt makes numbers fun and your child will beg to play again and again. Not only are your kids practicing their math skills but you’ll be supporting a company that is dedicated to making earth-friendly games (printed on phthalate-free laminated recycled paper with soy-based ink).

2. Mimi the Sardine's Lunchbugs are some of the friendliest lunchbags going: Eco-friendly (safety tested acrylic coated fabrics, 100% lead free), Mom-friendly (leak free, machine washable, odor resistant) and Kid-friendly (cute as a bug on a bag!).

3. We're taught not to label children, but we say that labeling everything they own is a pretty smart idea! Got Allergies? Then Allergy Labels from Oliver's Labels are just the thing. With Oliver's Labels, you'll be sure that your child's Allergy Labels will stay right where you stick them; all labels are waterproof, weatherproof, dishwasher proof, microwave proof, and tear resistant. A classic, Mabel's Labels Famous Sticky Labels should be in every mom's bag of tricks. They'll make it through the dishwasher, microwave, summer sun...and of course your kids!

4. A touch of preppy style makes the toddler backpacks from Four Peas a perfect choice. Whether you have a Little Rockstar, a Mini Sports Fan or a Funky Monkey, Four Peas has a super cute pack that will fit.

5. Your Baby Can Learn! The 5-Book Set teaches baby shapes, numbers, patterns, colors and propositions as part of a "multi-sensory reading approach" that helps little ones recognize words using several senses at the same time. Research indicates that language is easiest to learn in infancy, so hurry on over to The Infant Learning Company for Your Baby Can Learn! books.

6. There's nothing like curling up with a good book, and the Reading Kaboodle gives kids a comfortable and colorful place to do just that. Designed for carrying and reading books, Reading Kaboodles provide a cushioned mat, a comfortable head pillow, and are a generously sized.

this week's mom tips
Cleaning Tip: This summer, the new black is white, and we have a few great ideas to keep your whites whiter. 1. Use dishwasher detergent in your white loads to keep the whites super bright. 2. If you get a grease or oil stain, sprinkle cornstarch on the spot, allow to stand for a few minutes and then brush off and wash as normal. 3. For blood stains, spot treat with hydrogen peroxide and then wash as normal.



Green Tip: Summer's heating up, and we've got a refreshing idea that'll put your empty milk and soda bottles to good use! Fill your empty bottles with tap water, freeze, and use them to keep things cool on your next picnic.

Financial Tip: Believe it or not, being frugal can be fun. Visit Mommysavers.com to learn when your favorite stores (like Old Navy, Gap and tons more) do their markdowns, and save a fortune on this year's back-to-school shopping.

Parenting Tip: Back-to-school shopping is almost here, and now is the perfect time to teach your kids the value of money, the reward of hard work, and the importance of giving. Having a family yard sale is just the way to do it! This is what you'll need to do: 1. Set aside a day to help your children clean out their closets. 2. Help your children identify outgrown and unused items and then help them to decide which items should be sold, and which items should be donated. 3. Allow your children to help you make the donation, and organize the yard sale. (Tip: if you have older children, counting change at the yard sale makes for a great math lesson!) 4. Reward your child's generosity and hard work with the opportunity to use their yard sale earnings for back-to-school shopping.

Packing a healthy lunch
Packing your little one’s lunch box for school can be easy and fun!

A healthy lunch has the nutrients and energy children need to grow, learn and play. It usually provides 1/2 to 1/3 of the nutrients and calories children need each day. Parents should aim to hit four to five food groups in your child’s lunch, but don’t fret…it’s easier than you think!

Tips to make lunches healthier include making sandwiches with whole wheat bread, not wheat bread, know the difference between a fruit juice and fruit drink, and make lunches visually appealing (remember you aren’t there to make your child actually eat their lunch). Whole wheat bread has the entire wheat kernel and its naturally occurring nutrients while wheat break contains mostly enriched white flour. Fruit Juice is made only from juice from fruit and contains natural vitamins and nutrients. Fruit drinks are made of mainly sugar and water. Mix it up: color, texture, flavors and shapes. Keep serving sizes small, too. A fun way to get your child to eat the sandwich you prepare is to use large cookie cutters! Cut out their favorite dinosaur shape or a beautiful butterfly…cookie cutters can be found at Target, cooking stores or even dollar stores. Also, think about a small something added to their lunch box that will make them smile…maybe a sticker or a picture of something they love!

Examples of lunches that include five food groups are:

1/2 turkey & cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread
baby carrot sticks
100% orange juice box

peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread
banana slices
celery sticks
milk

Remember that as long as you are offering your child healthy food choices every day there is no need to be worried about one particular meal or day. By sitting with your child at regular meal and snack times and being a positive role model for healthy eating they will eventually catch on.

We would love to hear from you…what is your favorite recipe that you serve your child? Share your tips for getting picky eaters to eat at mealtimes! Your advice could be shared with our readers.