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UltimateMama declared victory today!  It took her youngest one fourteen months but she finally likes macaroni and cheese.  UltimateMama is thrilled because mac n cheese is an easy and nutritious entree for the whole family.

UltimateMama's tips for children or kids trying new foods:

1. Never give up.  If your child does not like the food the first, second, third, or forth time keep offering it to them.  Space out the offerings. For instance, if you tried salmon last Friday maybe wait a few weeks before offering it again.

2.  Teach them to politely decline the food.  Your child, depending on age, may spit out food they do not like or verbally tell you they "hate it".  Encourage your child to say "thank you but I do not care for it" if they do not like a particular food. This may save you some embarrassment at friends houses down the road.

3.  Do not be afraid of condiments.  If your child does not like plain hamburger then dress it up with ketchup. Or if your child is not into chicken try it with mustard or ranch dressing. Celery may taste better to your child with peanut butter or cream cheese on it.  Try to keep it healthy but also a little fun.

4. Practice what you preach.  If you want your child to eat lemon sole and asparagus then you should eat it in front of them!

5. Show them others they love eat certain foods.  Have a favorite friend or role model eat the particular food in front of your child. If your child's teacher Miss Julie eats cucumbers in front of your child they may want to do just the same!

6. Go to the source. Visit farms, Greenmarkets, fruit stands and show your kids where the food comes from. Let them talk to the farmers and learn about different local varieties of fruits, vegetables, and produce. 

Do not be afraid to take a road trip with your kids.  As long as you do some necessary planning, you will enjoy your trip!  Most likely, you can always run to a store to pick up a forgotten item so do not fret.  UltimateMama wants you to be prepared when you go away with the kids for a long weekend.  

UltimateMama has a little travel advice for you:  plan now and relax later!  UltimateMama's list for Packing For A Long Weekend (3 days/2 nights) for a family of four is as follows:

Food and Beverages

– Cooler with ice packs

– Sippy cup for toddler – water

– Sippy cup for baby – water

– Sippy cup for toddler – milk

– Sippy cup for baby – milk

– Bumkins bibs

Take and Tosstravel utensils/flatware set (BPA free)

 Toss

– Healthy snacks:  yogurt, applesauce, crackers, peanut butter, fruit (pears, peaches, avocado), Cheerios, Chex mix

Swimming Pool/Gym

– Bathing suits for the four of us

– Swim diaper for the baby (reusable)

– Goggles for the toddler

– Sandals, sneakers

– Cover ups for the youngsters

– Gym clothing for adults

Accessories

– Portable crib

– Itinerary (car rental info, places of interest, restaurant info, hotel info – phone numbers for everything)

– Digital camera, extra battery, battery charger, extra memory card

– laptop

– Notepad and pens

– cell phones and chargers

– blackberry

– stroller

– twin mattress for toddler to sleep on floor

Bath accessories for kids

– Small travel Dove soap and Johnson’s shampoo

– Toothbrushes, covers, toothpaste

– inflatable bathtub

– Tylenol

Baby

– Package of diapers, wipes, Desitin, diaper bag

– Teething ring

– A few books

– 2 pajamas and Blankeaze

 – 3 or 4 onesies

– 3 pairs of pants

– 3 shirts

– 2 sweaters or cardigans

– 3 pairs of socks

– walking shoes

– mittens

– hat

– warm jacket

– bathing suit

Toddler

– 4 pairs of underwear

– Portable potty and bags

– A few books

– 2 pajamas

– 3 pairs of pants or jeans

– 3 shirts

– 2 sweaters or cardigans

– 3 pairs of socks

– walking shoes

– mittens

– hat

– warm jacket

– bathing suit

Mom

– make-up, comb, brush, toothbrush/paste, hair accessories, toiletry bag (deodorant, shampoo/conditioner)

– small purse and wallet

– 2 pairs of underwear

– 1 pair of pajamas

– 2 pairs of pants or jeans and belts

– 2 shirts

– 2 sweaters or cardigans

– 2 pairs of socks

– walking shoes

– mittens

– hat

– warm jacket

– bathing suit

Dad

– comb, contact solution, toothbrush/paste, shaving cream/razor, toiletry bag

– wallet

– 2 pairs of underwear

– 1 pair of pajamas

– 2 pairs of pants or jeans and belts

– 2 shirts

– 2 sweaters or cardigans

– 2 pairs of socks

– walking shoes

– mittens

– hat

– warm jacket

– bathing suit

UltimateMama has ranted how you should start saving for college the day your child is born.  UltimateMama should also point out that you should continuously monitor all of your child's college savings accounts and investments. 

Today, UltimateMama closed one of her low interest savings accounts and opened a high-yield savings account from American Express online. Get 1.50% APY with no monthly fees and no minimum balance today by going to americanexpress.com/savenow today!  Remember, rates are subject to change so be sure to monitor your accounts on a daily or weekly basis in order to maximize your child's college savings.  It is a bit of a pain to open and close accounts but your little one's future is worth it! 

UltimateMama believes parents should start saving for their child's college eduction the day they are born.  If you start immediately, the interest will compound over a longer amount of time. Once you have your child's social security number do the following:

– Open a savings account for your child at your local bank (your name or your partner's name will also be listed on the account)

– Look into 529 prepaid tuition plans as well as college savings plans and ask about the tax advantages

– Enter the stock market.  Either buy a basket of stocks that you select for your child's portfolio or explore the various mutual funds out there. 

However you decide to save for your child's education just remember to be consistent about putting money away.  Whether you set aside money from each bi-weekly paycheck or on a monthly or even annual basis make sure you start to contribute while your child is young so you are not panicking when the teen years approach and they have one foot out the door on their way to a college you cannot afford!  

UltimateMama was recently at the Gap when her three year old decided it was time to hit her!  A trantrum or meltdown erupted as this little girl turned into a little monster!  Shocked, stunned, and embarrassed UltimateMama put down the cute dark denim jeans embellished with hearts that she planned to purchase for her daughter and immediately addressed the situation. 

Since they were in a store a "time-out" seemed ineffective so UltimateMama gave her a "sit down and count to five".  Her daughter sat down on the floor of the store and softly counted to five. Then, UltimateMama explained that we as a society do not hit people or objects.  Despite her daughter's protests, they left the store empty handed as UltimateMama did not want to "reward" unacceptable behaviour with new jeans! 

UltimateMama's tips for dealing with children's meltdowns or tantrums:

1. Address the situation immediately.

2. Use a firm, businesslike voice (do not yell or appear flustered or frustrated).  Make sure you are calm, cool, and collected – fake it if you must.  If you act frustrated your child will pick up on it and act out more.

3. Leave the "scene of the crime".  Get out of the location (unless it is your home) right away. Whether it is a store, restaurant, park, or friend's house you need to remove your child from the situation.  Even if you have a shopping cart filled with groceries, you need to leave the grocery store immediately.

4. Talk to the child to unveal what triggered the tantrum.  Ask them direct questions like "are you upset about something that happened in school?", "do you feel that your little brother gets in your way?", "are you hungry?".  Sometimes kids do not know how to communicate their feelings and may not verbally express them unless you help them!

5.  Move on to the next activity.  If you are in a contained area like an airplane or religious service you may need to divert their attention to something more productive.  Pull out a book, a packet of stickers, a coloring book, or a magnetic pad and have them focus on something else.

6.  Offer your child a snack or some water.  UltimateMama knows that she can turn into a mean bear if she is hungry and her daughters are the same way!  Sometimes, a sip of water or a few crackers can calm down even the loudest voices and end the kicking and screaming.

7.  Suggest a treat or reward for good behavior and a penalty for continued bad behavior.  This can be tricky because you don't want to reward terrible behavior but if you remind your child that if they act in a nice manner then when they come home you will read their favorite book or play their treasured game with them they may switch to a "nice" child.  Moreover, if they continue acting inappropriately then you should tell them their favorite toy or stuffed animal will be taken away when they get home.

8. Offer support. Your child may be tired, hungry, or just bothered and may just need you to pick them up in your arms and give them hugs and kisses! Use common sense and do not take your child shopping for groceries or attire if they have been in school all day long.  Give your child a break and let them wind down after a long, hard day of learning and playing.

No matter how your child acted on a particular day, the best thing to do is to quietly creep into their bedroom at night and watch them sleep.  You will be reminded that your child really is a little angel. 

Another idea is to get out the old photo albums and look how your child is growing up before your eyes.  You will realize at various stages they might have lashed out and been uncontrollable but watching them grow is the best present you will ever receive from your children.

UltimateMama was not a natural at breast-feeding.  She's a great cook, keeps a clean house, can debate with the best of them, writes somewhat intelligently, but was not a born breast-feeder. 

On Sunday, February 21st 2010 The New York Times had an interesting article on Freda Rosenfeld, a certified lactation consultant, that is worth a read for all current and soon-to-be mothers. 

UltimateMama wants you to know that seeking out help is often a part rolling with breast-feeding.  Before birth, take a class on breast-feeding and childcare.  When you are in the hospital ask to speak to lactation consultants and nurses about breast-feeding.  Have them look at the way your breast-feed (your posture, positioning) and how the baby responds (latching on).  Take advantage of courses that are offered during your hospital stay, post-birth. 

Once you get home, seek help if you are still having difficulties or if you have any questions.  Go to your doctor for help or try to find a lactation consultant nearby through La Leche League or a referral.  They will often help you with breast-feeding basics and even coach you on your approach (NOTE: breast-feeding is not for the modest, many times the consultants or nurses will watch as you feed your baby and re-position you both). 

UltimateMama also wants to point out that a breast-feeding mama should not get worked up or stressed out if they are having difficulties so anyone nearby (fathers, friends, relatives) should support her 100%. 

UltimateMama is a fan of breastfeeding.  She encourages all mothers who had normal deliveries and healthy babies to give it a try.  Even if you last a day, a week, a month, three months, six months, or more then you are giving your child a healthy gift that only you can deliver. 

UltimateMama's top reasons for breastfeeding:

1. Bonding with your baby during these precious times.

2. Great for babies health, growth, and development.  Not to mention it protects babies from various infections.

3. Lowers mamas risk of developing breast cancer.

4. Helps babies immune systems – UltimateMama touched on this in point #2 but let us reiterate it!

5. Breastmilk it easy to digest.

6. Breastmilk is free (although UltimateMama will point out that mothers may want to invest in breast pumps, milk storage bags, bottles, nursing pads, nursing bras, nipple cream).

7. Breastfeeding helps mommy burn calories and get her body back in shape!

8. It is a portable feeding system  – grab your baby, a diaper bag, and go!  You can feed baby at parks, restaurants, friends houses, etc.

9. Breastfed babies have nicer smelling bowel movements (sounds funny but UltimateMama is completely serious about this one).

10. Good for cognitive development – some studies even show higher IQs for breastfed babies.  

UltimateMama will run to the Gap with her 25% off coupon this weekend to take a look at their new Spring collection.  She's sure she'll find something for the kids to wear to Florida for their March break.  Why she may even buy a new outfit for herself!  

Take a look at this 25% off coupon for clothing at the Gap in the next few days!  

Okay, so it is now February and your desk is filled with beautiful holiday cards (Christmas, New Year, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah) that have cute pictures of friends and family members.  Don't throw out these precious memories!  Work with your kids to create fun, beautiful artwork with the photos from old holiday cards.  UltimateMama has a few ideas of easy projects with holiday cards that you can do with babies, toddlers, and kids of any age:

– Scrapbooking:  Buy an inexpensive scrapbook and cut out pictures and names from the holiday cards and glue them into the book.  UltimateMama purchased a 12 inch by 12 inch scrapbook from a friend's school fair a few years ago and every year she helps her children decorate one page after each holiday season.  UltimateMama and her kids look forward to adding to their "friend photo scrapbook" every year and watching friends grow up! 

– Poster:  Buy poster board and loosely cut out pictures from the holiday cards and have fun decorating a poster for your child's bedroom wall or playroom.  Use markers, stickers, and glitter to add an extra special touch to your "friend photo collage"!

– Books: Punch a hole in the left corner of each card and attach all the cards together with a key chain ring so your child can flip through their "friend photo book" anytime and anywhere!

A little parental advice for you…this is what UltimateMama fed her children (ages 1 and 3) for dinner last night:

3 year old: Pork Chops, applesauce, steamed broccoli, cooked shells (pasta), milk, water

1 year old: Pork Chops, applesauce, steamed zucchini, cooked shells (pasta), milk, water

Quick and Easy Pork Chops

4 garlic cloves (one per pork chop)

3 teaspoons of basil (fresh or dried)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 thin boneless pork chops (about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick)

Turn on broiler. Peel and dice garlic finely. Combine olive oil with basil and garlic and rub on the four pork chops. Broil pork chops in a broiler pan for 3-4 minutes on each side. Turn only once. Make sure pork chops are cooked through (use a knife and cut into them to check).  Take them out of oven and cool for 6-7 minutes.