Holiday Tips from Leigh-Allyn Baker from “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” Airing December 2 on Disney Channel.
Traveling with Tots
I have a few tips to make Holiday traveling with your toddler a bit easier.
1. You can thank the late, great Steve Jobs for tip #1. The iPad! Albeit an expensive convenience, it is one that is well worth the $$$. No longer do you have to bring crayons, coloring books, puzzles, games, blocks, cars or DVDs and DVD players. One lightweight iPad and a few clever downloaded apps can provide all of these things and more while making your travel bag a lot lighter and your trip through the security line a lot faster.
2. If you often face the dreaded “stop kicking the seat in front of you” scenario, there is a simple but often overlooked solution. Instead of sitting your husband next to you in flight, reserve him the window seat in front of your kicking toddler.
3. Give your toddler a new treat for car trips or plane rides. One of my favorites is Mrs. Grossman’s Peel and Play Activity Set. In one simple folder it reveals a setting for over twenty reusable stickers to create endless scenarios. Another classic yet creative way to pass the time is with Play-Doh. Challenge your toddler to make you a yummy cake. Then you can take turns singing Happy Birthday to each other.
Keeping the kids entertained during cold winter days
1. Go camping inside! Build a tent out of dining room chairs and extra sheets and blankets. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as time and bedding allows.
2. On rainy days, my husband and I move our cars and turn our garage into a toddler art studio. When we are finished, we roll up our art work, wrap a rubber band around the middle and place it in a small basket secured to the handle bars of our son’s tricycle. He then pretends he’s a newspaper delivery boy and rides around our garage tossing his “papers” to all of our pretend neighbors.
3. Cuddle up in a blanket on the couch and watch Good Luck Charlie. It’s good for the whole family!
Festive Cooking with your Busy Toddler
By far, the easiest and safest Holiday treats to make with your toddler are rice cereal treats. I opt for organic low sugar rice cereal, organic butter and mini organic marshmallows. To add a punch of protein, add a ½ cup of almond butter to the mix after the melting of the marshmallows. Of course, always make sure that the children enjoying these treats are not allergic to nuts. These treats are great for impatient toddlers because they can be actively involved in the making of these simple treats and not just waiting on the sidelines while Mommy does the hard stuff. For extra fun, let your child cut out different shapes and characters with festive cookie cutters. Decorate with sprinkles and frosting. Or for a healthier alternative, try decorating with carob and yogurt chips and chopped berries. And serve with a tall glass of low-fat milk.
Don’t forget to tune in to Disney Channel Friday, December 2nd for “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!”
I like the idea of doing rice cereal treats with my toddler niece. I’ve tried baking with her before and she was impatient and put her hands into everything so rice cereal treats would be a nice way to involve her without too much chaos.