Cake Pops for Kids

Cake pops are an easy way to keep kids occupied and it's so much fun. I did this with the kids I babysat and they had a great time. I did mine in a cake pop pan. 

Here is how you make them:
You will need:

• cake mix of your choice
  
• Chocolate Flavored Almond Bark (or white chocolate)
  
• Christmas Sprinkle Mix
  
• and what ever other topping you would like
  
• non-stick cooking spray
  
• You will also need place mats, bowls, and mixing spoons and measuring cups.

1. Mix the cake batter according to the directions on the box.
   
2. Spray the non-stick cooking spray on the top pan and the bottom pan.
   
3. Spoon the batter into each individual slot. Fill to top.
   
4. Put the top of the pan on and put the metal clips in to hold in place.
   
5. Place in the oven 350 for 15 to 20 min.
   
6. Take out and let cool for 15 to 20 min.
   
7. While cooling the cake pops, melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 90 seconds.
   
8. Stir chocolate around so that all of it is melted.
   
9. When cooled down, take the cake pops out carefully and set them on the place mat.
   

Let the kids dip the cake pops in the chocolate and decorate with sprinkles. Keep a eye on them with the sprinkles. You might need to pour a little bit in their hand, when they want some. Otherwise, you will have a ball full of sprinkles. There is all kinds of different styles that you can do. Just make it simple and easy. If you are doing this with the kids you babysit, be sure to ask the mother if it is okay that you use the oven. Also, kids will want to do the cooking part with you. Be prepared. You should always say, “Hot stuff and sharp stuff is what I do. Pouring and mixing is what you can do.” It is a very good learning experience for them. Tell them how many cups to put in the bowl. Kids love hands-on experiences.

 

5 Great Solutions to Calm Your Crying Baby

Babies cry for many different reasons whether they are mad, angry, upset, hungry, need their diaper changed or they are just bored. Distinguishing these cries can be difficult. Knowing the difference in these cries can help the parent, as well as, the caregiver. Learning the meaning of babies different cries can do wonders for you as a care giver. I know it has for me. Moms are very impressed when you can calm their crying baby when even they couldn't do it.


What does the cry sound like?


Is he/she yelling, crying?
And also, throwing a toy; smiling or laughing when you react?
Your baby might be bored.


Solution: It's a compliment when your baby signals that he/she wants your attention—it shows that you have bonded,”says Harvey Karp, M.D. author of Happiest Baby on the Block.  As your baby gets older, he/she gets bored with everyday things. Just like that mobile that’s been hanging from his/her crib enticing him/her. He/she eventually gets bored looking at it and wants to play with it, too. Your baby will need lots of new and different things to hold his interest. Engage him by playing your usual games in a variety of ways. For instance, “when you are singing a song, change the rhythm, speed up toward the end, make up words, or vary the tone of your voice,” says Dr. Karp.


Is he/she red faced crying, with eyes squinted shut?
And also, pushing or batting your hand when you go to reach for him/her ?
Your baby might be frustrated.


Solution: If your baby is frustrated that means she is not satisfied with what she is doing. Also your baby might be hungry tired or they might just want a toy to play with but they can't reach it. Try giving them what you think they need, whether its feeding them a nap or giving them the toy they wan to play with. Also use soothing expressions like shushing, or a short, repeated phase (It's okay, It's okay”)


Are his/her eyes frozen open?
And also, trembling hands and face,
remaining very still or crying out?
Your baby might be in fear.


Solution: It's difficult for babies to soothe themselves when they're scared, because they may not recognize what's frighting them, explains Paul Holinger, M.D., author of What Babies Say Before They Can Talk. A loud noise that is normal to you may be terrifying to your baby. Try cuddling your baby close to you say calmed hush toned words about what is happening. They probably won't understand what your saying but the hushed tone of your voice is all it takes.


Is he/she turning downs the corners of her mouth; arching up her eyebrows in the middle?
And also, a quivering chin, crying?
Your baby might be Distressed.


Solution: Even babies need their space. If you have been playing a exciting game with your baby for too long, they might get distressed. When that happens, so you need to bring him to a quite place to calm him down. Rhythmic stimulation helps to chill out. So, put your baby in the swing for a couple of minutes. He might even fall asleep and a nap will help, too.




Is he/she crying for hours and seems like it will never stop no matter what you do?
Is it also, during the first 3 to 4 months?
Your baby might have Colic.


Solution: This is where the 5 S's by Dr. Karp in his book The Happiest Baby on the Block come in handy.

1. Swaddling- Fold the corner of the blanket. Then place the baby so that his neck is on the corner of the fold then wrap each of the ends so that your baby's arms and legs are confined do not be afraid to make it snug.
   

2. Side/Stomach- Hold your infant on his/her side or tummy-down. The leopard hold is a excellent way. Hold your baby's head in your hand and let the baby's arms and legs hang down. You can use your other arm for support if needed.
   

3. Shhh.- When your baby is swaddled hold them as you rock and swing them. Make the “shhh” sound in his/her ear, as if you were quieting them down. Your “shhh” needs to be as loud as he/she is, getting quieter, as he/she quiets. (The shhh sound and the swaddling reminds him/her of the feeling and sound of being in the womb. This comforts him/her and lets him/her know you are there.)
   

4. Swinging-You can either swing your baby your self or put them in a mechanical swing.
   

5. Sucking- Once your baby is calm, offer him/her a pacifier, your finger, or bottle to suck.
   

Potty Training Tips

Potty training can be hard. Here are some tips:

• Whenever your child has a meal and something to drink, time how long it takes for he/she to urinate or have a bowel movement. Keep checking diaper while timing. Then, the next time he/she eats use the time that you timed before and put them on the toilet. Do this every time after he/she eats.
  
  
  
• Keep Asking. Toddlers get very distracted, especially while playing. Keep reminding them and asking them if they need to go, especially after they drink or eat something.
  
  
  
• Some toddlers are very interested in the big toilet. They like to be just like the big kids. Put a child seat on the toilet, so that they don't fall in. Some toddlers don't get it when you're telling them to use the little toilet. They think its one their toys.
  

• Always praise them when they go. Make them a sticker chart to keep track of successes.
  

• Have them wear pull-ups. It's a lot easier for them to pull down, when they have to go.
  Also easier for you to change them.
  

• Let the caregivers know your routine and reward system, so that they will know how to reward them and what time that they should be put on the toilet for potty training.

Top 5 questions to ask your babysitter?

Finding a babysitter can be tricky. Finding a great babysitter can be can be even harder. You want them to be responsible and respectable and actually interact with your kid.


So what should you ask your babysitter?

• Is your babysitter certified? You would want to look for a babysitter that is certified with Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  
• Does your babysitter have references? If the babysitter has references, it would be a good thing to call them. Babysitting is like any other job. Think of yourself as the boss of your company. So, be sure to do a background check.
  
• How much experience does your babysitter have? Good places to gain experiences are church nursery, school practicums, family member, and neighbors.
  
• Does your babysitter love what they do? You want your kid to like them. You would also want them to like your kids. They should love what they do. Babysitters that actually take a effort in what they do are great babysitters. This says that the babysitter is very interested in what they do and responsible.
  
• What are the rates? Consider what minimum wage is and consider that you are hiring a trained person to take care of your most prized possessions. Some sitters charge a flat rate; some charge more for extra children; some charge extra for children under 3; and some charge extra for late hours.