v 4 issue 46: Red White & Ka-blue

Celebrate independence and take to the high seas with these fun red, white, and blue products.
PLUS: Tips for Toddler Tantrums.


Cover by Brenda Acuncius










1 Rock a Bibs are backed by the smooth ripples of creamy chenille while Headliner blankets steal the show with a soft minky side. What makes the whole gig worth the price of the ticket? The rocket red glare of the fabric. - rockabibbaby.com. Enter code ROCKON for a 20% off your total purchase thru 7/31/09.

2 Cookout season is here! Eat big and stay clean with Baby Bazzle. The Big & Bitsy Bibs look spectacular and work like a charm. Enter code: LOVEBB for 20% off your purchases.

3 We the people agree...if your kiddos pants are falling down, you need to get a Loop 2 Loop. Slide it through the belt loops of any pants and snap it to the 2 front loops for a snug fit without the use of a buckle. Great for tots in basic training. Note: Free Shipping thru 7/20/09.

4 Celebrate the 4th with the help of La Plates. This red and blue star spangled plate is great for picnics, cookouts, or a personal collection. Tons of other monogrammed and special occasion plates available. Enter code: TT10 for 10% off your purchases thru 7/12/09.

5 Hoist the anchor and set sail for a day of fun in the sun with this swim set from Cabana Life. Red and sand colored stripes are the backdrop for the large anchor print of these board shorts which come with a 50 spf rashguard shirt to complete the set.

6 Uncle Sam wants you to get the whole outfit! The "Free to Be" tank onesie is great, but how can you not get those leggings and hat to match. Adorable and irresistible. - zootiepatootie.com.

7 The Laugh My Diaper Off onesie from text message baby is made of SKAL-certified organic cotton and printed with natural inks made of soybeans and orange oils. The message is hilarious, but made for baby. 25% off all onesies thru 7/12/09.

8 March on over to Pixie Bows to pick up a spiffy little red, white, & blue hair accessory for the holiday. Various sized ribbons are securely fastened to an alligator clip with velcro for a no slip grip. Enter code: TOT15 for 15% off your total purchase thru 7/12/09.


Outdoor Grill Safety Tips:
NFPA offers the following grilling safety tips:

Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.
Place the grill well away from house siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and over hanging branches.
Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area: have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from the heat and flames.
Periodically remove grease of fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

For gas grills:
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test turn it off and get the grill serviced by a professional.
Never store propane gas tanks in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the tank and leave it outside.
If you have a grill fire that is out of control, immediately move a safe distance from the fire and call 911.

For charcoal grills:
Use only charcoal starter fluid to start a fire.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to get the fire going.
Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children, and away from heat source.

For flare-ups:
Be prepared to keep the fire under control. If it is possible, raise the grid that the food is on, spread out the coals evenly, or adjust the controls to lower temperature.
Normal flare-ups can be handled with a cup of water.


Toddler Tantrums
Few parents have made it through any child's toddler stage without having to deal with a few tantrums. They are one of the most difficult things mothers and fathers have to deal with when their children are young. You can save yourself a lot of frustration by taking steps to avoid them as much as possible. And when they do occur, remaining calm can help you put them to an end much more quickly.

What Causes Tantrums?
The toddler stage is one that is full of transitions. There is a huge amount of physical and mental development going on. He has the desire to be independent, but he still needs help with some things. He also has a long way to go with his communication skills, and sometimes he will know what he wants but have trouble relaying that information. All of these things can lead to frustration, and that is the root cause of many a tantrum.

Some toddlers also use tantrums as a way to manipulate. If parents give in to these tantrums, they will almost certainly be followed by more of the same. So when dealing with tantrums that are designed to ensure that the child gets what he wants, it is important to stand your ground.

Avoiding Tantrums
The best and most effective way to deal with tantrums is to avoid them in the first place. That may sound impossible, but it's not. It will, however, require you to determine what factors make a tantrum most likely to happen.

When your child has tantrums, is he usually tired or hungry? Or does he react poorly to situations that leave him bored? These and other factors can put your child in a bad mood and trigger tantrums. Remedying these situations before taking your child anywhere can result in him being more agreeable, and in turn lessen the chances of a tantrum.


Dealing with Tantrums
A tantrum will almost certainly occur every now and then. If it does, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Getting upset or angry will only add fuel to the fire.
Addressing the child's frustrations may put an end to the meltdown, or at least lessen its severity. If you don't know what it is that your toddler wants, ask him to tell or show you. If you know what he wants but he can't have it, explain that you are aware of his desires but can't fulfill them. Don't forget to tell him why.

Holding your child can sometimes help calm him down. Unless he is flailing his arms and legs wildly to the point that he is hurting you, holding him and comforting him with soothing words might improve the situation. But if this makes him more upset, it is defeating the purpose. In that case, letting him go and staying close by to make sure he doesn't hurt himself might be a better course of action.

If you are in public when the tantrum starts, don't panic. If you try to calm your toddler to no avail, take him somewhere quiet and as private as possible to cool off. When the tantrum is over, explain how you expect your child to behave before going back to your previous activity.

Tantrums are no fun for toddlers or their parents, but sometimes they happen. By remaining calm, you can avoid making the situation worse. Then you can use compassion to address your child's frustrations and put them to rest.