Splitting Bills Fairly BF + 2 Kids?

goreh0use

My BF & I have been living together for just under a yr. we split rent 50/50 for the most part. Occasionally, 1 of us would pay slightly more, but that was usually 'cause 1 of us loaned the other some $ for something. For other bills, we kind of paid as we went - he'd pay storage, I'd pay electricity, I'd pay his phone, etc.
Recently, he suggested we start splitting everything 50/50. He said that "it's really what is fair." Seems logical. However, he has 2 small children from a previous relationship that stay w/us part time. 

They stay w/us an absolute min of 9 days a month, though it is more often than not 11-12 days a mo, but has been as much as 14 days.

My BF makes considerably more a mo than I do. However, he has deductions from his check (child support [which is calculated as if they were w/us 8 days ea. mo], new tools for work, & paying back for an overage of unemployment he received yrs ago). After deductions, his actual take home pay is about $350 more per mo than mine.

I often pay for things like toys & kid art supplies, food & clothes for the kids, etc. I do this because I love his kids. I also sew, so often make clothing & toys for the kids, either upcycling old clothes or using bought materials.

I do all of the cooking, including almost always packing the kids' lunches for school.

Currently, my car is inoperable, but when it is running, he uses my car most Mon.s, every Thur, & every Fri to transport the kids to & from school. I take the bus those days. 

He usually pays most of the out-of-the-house entertainment costs, like going to 1 concert a mo, 1 dinner out a mo, & perhaps a movie. I usually pay for 1 additional dinner out a mo.

Now, knowing all of this - is it fair of me to ask that the split be more like 60/40 considering the fact that the children's costs are an integral part of our monthly budget? Or should it still be 50/50? 

With 50/50, I rarely have even an extra $20 a mo to spend in JUST me (new clothes, makeup, etc.) I'm ok w/ that i

Answer
Short answer. 50/50 seams fair, but its not.
50% of a total take home is what it should be.
So if one makes $200 a week, you pay 50%
on that amount =$100. If the other makes
$300 a week they pay 50% of that amount
=$150.

R&Sers would you get your kids a gift card or...?

Annalissa

My 12 year old wants a gift card for Christmas clothes (she want to make her own choices in clothes...thatâs fine) Iâm only putting $100 on this card, but sheâs unsure where she wants the card from, Kohls, Jc Penny, or even Wal-Mart.

Well I told her I could possibly buy two cards with $50 on each, but then I was in Wal-Mart picking out some odds and ends when I came across the Wal-Mart visa debit card. I have a visa debit myself and love it, but Iâm not too sure if that is over the top for a 12 year old. This way sheâll be able to grab some clothes at different stores and not have to worry about being confined to one store.

Should I get one and put in in my name so I can still approve of items? (sheâs not getting anything sluttty , not under my watch) or should I put it in her name? Is that even allowed with visa debit cards? Will it have to be put in my name anyway?
That's what I mean , a pre-paid card
chieko,

You have no idea what you're talking about, we live on a once source income, my husband and he only makes $14 an hour. We are not rich, we can not afford to through money around, we had to put the billd off just for christmas this year, with hopes to catch up in the next few months.
My mother bought my daughter clothes with ducks and bears on them and she was humiliated at school. She wants to pick out her own clothes and at age 12, I think she is old enough to pick out a shirt she actually likes.

But I'd love to see all this money you claim I have, maybe you can find it and tell me where it is.
Sorry typed too fast..we live on One income and we had to put the bills off, just so my kids can have a good christmas.
chieko,
Oh excuse me for wanting my kids to go to school with decent clothes, perhaps youâll be happier if I went to the salvation army to buy my kids clothes..or maybe just to make you happy I should send them with their old pants with wholes, stained clothes. Thatâll boost my kids spirit right? Oh and a pre-paid card is not consumer debt, weâll be able to pay our bills in the next few months, with no problems, itâs all calculated out. I feel sorry for your kids if you have any, it seems you could care less what they wear. Fashion is one thing but appropriate clothing for school is different. Oh and Iâm not angry with you, just shocked that you donât give a crud about kids, or their clothes. I feel very sorry for your children to have such a heartless mother.
See there, no kids..you couldn't possibly understand what parents go through. I also go to the salvation army for myself, why?..because I was raised poor too, but my children come first, unlike you who seems to only care for herself.

I'm blocking you now because you are becoming a pain in the butt and if you have no kids and are not a parent, this question was not for you anyway.

I was addressing the Parents and since you are not one the you have no reason to be here.
Thanks Kerri

Answer
Anna
The gift card is a great idea for choosy kids, I noticed you were only buying clothes which is wonderful that you let your kids pick out clothes that suites them, good clothes could really boost self confidence and if the bears and ducks scarred her then itâs best that you go with her while sheâs spending, which Iâm sure you will because sheâs only 12.

I also noticed a couple of negative people on here, but you know what Anna? Donât worry about them, I also bought my kids clothes that they hated, over and over and my kids did everything they could to avoid wearing them. Get the card, let them pick out the clothes they like and you donât have to worry about taking clothes back or having your kids upset that you bought clothes they donât like.

Iâve been through this, I have a couple of kids myself, one who's 12 as well and I know kids refuse to wear things they donât like.

Besides, have you ever seen the âThereâs no way in h*ll, Iâm going to wear thisâ face as your kid opened her present?
Have you seen the stunned, big eyed, no breathing face with the dull sounding, âuhhâ¦thanks momâ as your kid tosses the box aside?

Iâve seen both of those, Iâve also seen clothes hidden, clothes âlost at schoolâ and clothes simply thrown away. Iâd rather get the card for clothes, that way you know you didnât waste your money.

Besides $100 will not go a long way anyway, I spent $75 at kohls and only got four shirts, defiantly not a whole wardrobe. Buy every thing else, toys and such but defiantly let your kids pick out their own clothes..

Gift cards are not the lazy way out, sometimes itâs the only way kids will get the clothes they really will wear, instead of opening the package and tossing it aside. As a mother, I understand your dilemma. Iâd go with a pre-paid visa or master card, you keep it and only break it out when you both agree on something acceptable.

God Bless

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Little kid cars? that run on batteries?

Celine

anyone know where I can find a bigger plastic car that runs on batteries for older kids?

Answer
are you talking about a toy car like hotwheel?

Dont kids play with toys any more?

trekkie_fr

I see kids ages like 9-12 (Sorry kiddies but that is children) doing everything except play with toys lately.

I see them on cell phones,or 10 yr old girls dressing like hookers wearing way too much make up. I have even seen kids that age walking down the street smoking like its no big deal. They even talk about sex like they really know first hand what its like. ( Kinda scary I think)

Is it just my area here or are kids now a days trying to grow up too fast?

whose to blame for this?

When I was that age I was playing with cars,He-mans, Gi Joes and that sort of thing.
cancan: you gave me an idea for another question.

Answer
Kids toys are different these days - cell phones are the new "walkie-talkies". They play video games of cars, he-man, and GI Joe.

As for the "grow up too fast" argument, there are a few things going on that really don't go well together.

Twelve year olds have more knowledge (as you pointed out) about sex and other adult topics than newlyweds did a few generations back.

At the same time, the children aren't responsible for their actions as they are still children. Unfortunately, parents are limited in their right to discipline their children and many lack discipline themselves.

So, children remain children despite their abundant adult knowledge until long after they should've become adults. The nation is full of 20 year old children, and 12 year old girls dressed like hookers.

What's the solution? Turn off the fking TV and talk to your kids. Teach them responsibility. Be open with them about them becoming adults. Don't close your eyes and mumble abstinence - it isn't reasonable and it doesn't work. Instead, validate their emotions and facilitate their decision making.

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Does Babies R Us Tell You That They'll Call Back After An Interview Or Do They Hire You On The Spot?

ILoveRavio

Okay...so I had a group interview at Babies R Us. I came in an hour and a half early. After the group interview, two candidates were sent home and four of us remained. I was amongst the four who had the 1:1 interview with the manager. This was part two of the interview (made it to the big leagues). They told me that they may call me after two days (48 hours) after the date of the interview or I could call back to check the status of my application. Does this mean that I am hired? Would they have hired me on the spot if they were interested or is this how the hiring process is? Anyone with any prior experiences?

Answer
Below are a few interview experiences shared by applicatants who applied at Babies R US. Good Luck !!!

Sales Associate Babies ''R'' - InterviewbSan Francisco, CA (Jul 2012 took 3 days)
Before I start, I just want to add that this is a newly built location. It's still in the process of being built so my interview may be different from many others. I applied online then a day after I received an email stating that they had no positions available for me. 2 days after that email, I received a phone call for an interview. Like many others on here, I researched this site.
When I got there, I was expecting a group interview but instead I got a 1:1 interview with the manager. He asked 3 questions, none of them being difficult what so ever. First question was to introduce myself. Next question, he as what I did in my previous job. Third, he asked my availability. Afterwards, he did all the talking. He explained to me about their goals as a company. He talked about the sales associates job, etc.
3 days later, I got a call and I was hired.
Interview Questions
What did you do in your previous job?

Cashier at Babies ''R'' Us-Interviewed in Fresno, CA (Dec 2011 - took 1 week)
I interview for Babies R Us in December 2011. I was contacted by HR to come in for an interview. Overall I had two interviews. The first interviewer was a shift manager and only took less than 10 minutes. He asked basic questions, such as what I was currently doing (school) and my future plans for after that. He asked about my prior work experience as a cashier, and then asked about my availability. 5 days later I got a call to come in for a second interview with the store manager. He asked the same questions, along with a couple scenario ones. I was offered the job on the spot.
Interview Questions
If a customer came up to you and asked for your help, but at the same time you got a call to come to the register because it was busy, and you saw a kid spill something on the floor, what order would you put these in as most important?
Describe a time when you did something that ended out not working your way.?

Cashier and Sales Associate at Babies ''R'' Us-Austin, TX (Oct 2011 - took 3 days)
I applied, they called me back for a group interview. It was at 7am before the store opened and only 3 of the 5 scheduled actually showed up.
We first told our names and favorite cartoon character.
Then we were asked to make a toy out of mega blocks as a team and then market it back to the panel of managers. Halfway through, they "recalled" all the yellow blocks and we had to rebuild without them. The trick on this one is they dump out a certain number of blocks for you to work with, but never say you can't go back to the bin they came from and grab more.
Then we did and individual interview with the panel where they asked what game system I would recommend for a 4 year old boy. I answer 3DS which was new at the time and they LOVED my answer because it's portable, has lots of games and makes them lots of money when they sell it.
They called me back a couple days later and I was hired.
Interview Questions
Your name and favorite cartoon character?.
They dump out a pile of mega blocks and tell you, as a team, to build a toy and then come up with how it's powered, what it does, the age range and the price for it. The time limit is 5 minutes.Halfway through, they come and "recall" one color of block and you're forced to start over.
A mother comes in looking for an electronic game system as a christmas gift for her son, he is 4. What would you recommend?

how to make a differance in the world?

Gabriel

so I'm 17, super ready for Senior year! but I'm a little concerned about college. Look I don't want a meaningless "desk job" I don't even care about making too much money. I just want to make a difference in this world (if that doesn't sound to corny) do you guys have any Ideas?

Answer
There's so many things that you can do to make a difference, but it just all depends on your interests. For example, you can volunteer in a children's hospital. Here, you would deliver meals and snacks to patients, greet people at the information desk, or play with the sick children.
For more general information about hospital volunteering, go to: http://www.ehow.com/about_4672638_hospital-volunteers.html
I stumbled across this website. It's the children's hospital site for Boston, and if you scroll down it has all of the same services that volunteers would do at hospitals any where else: http://www.childrenshospital.org/about/Site1394/mainpageS1394P5.html
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You can also put together care packages to send to soldiers. Care packages consist of things like chapstick, travel-sized shampoo and conditioner, razors, soap, first aid kits, small board games, etc. These sound like everyday things, but these are items that could greatly help out our soldiers who are out there in harsh conditions. In addition to that, you can write them a letter and include your contact information and hope that they write back. It can be cool to talk to a soldier, and you can include a copy of some of the letters under the community service portion of your college application! Sending care packages is so easy to do, so you can do that from home in addition to any other community service.

For general how-to information on sending care packages to soldiers, go to: http://www.ehow.com/how_4490375_send-care-package-soldier.html
For a more detailed list of general care packages, go to: http://www.hugsforsoldiers.org/node/11
For holiday packages, see: http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/Holiday_Care_Packages.html#christmas

You can send care packages just to a general place, such as: http://www.operationshoebox.com/
You can also "adopt a soldier" which means that you would be sending care packages to one (or more if you would like) specific soldier: http://anysoldier.com/
Another "adopt a soldier" program: http://adoptaussoldier.org/
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Another thing you can do on the side is to donate box tops to the poorer schools around your town. My mom does this; she collects box tops, which are each worth ten cents a piece, and after every couple of months she donates them to the schools that could truly use the extra money. It's so quick and easy to do and it's something else that you can do from home. The website has it centered around donating to your own school, but if your school is well-off then it's always better to donate to the schools that really need it. Just show up, tell the main office that you would like to make a donation, and that's it!
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You can also donate toys/clothes/items that you don't often use anymore to your local goodwill or salvation army center. This is very quick and easy as well, and something that you can do on the side of anything big.
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Another option is to tutor kids at the nearby elementary schools/middle schools or shelve books at your local library. Just contact the school and/or library, tell them you're interested, and ask them if they could use your help.
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Sometimes the neighborhood gets a little dirty, so picking up trash could always help. Go around with a trashbag and pick up any litter that you see laying around. It may not feel like you're getting recognized, but people will be glad that their neighborhood is a little cleaner.
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Putting a portion of your weekly money (whether that's an allowance or job salary) towards different causes is another idea as well. Some options:
Donate money to japan: http://blogs.forbes.com/elizabethwoyke/2011/03/11/how-to-donate-money-by-cellphone-to-japan-quake-victims/
Donate money to kids with cleft lips: http://www.causes.com/causes/295743-cleft-lip-and-palate-foundation-of-smiles
Donate money to children in need: worldvision.org
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There's a lot of other things that you can do, such as serving food at your local homeless shelter, assisting the workers at your local animal shelter, sending packages (like care packages) to battered womens' shelters,and/or buddying up with an elder at your local nursing home. To find your local places, for example, to find your local homeless shelter, just google "local homeless shelter" and there will be directories for nation-wide.

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At what age do kids learn to share with others?

angelbaby

My daughter is very good about sharing some things, like snacks, but her and the sitter's daughter go back and forth with each other over toys. They are 2 yrs. and almost 3 years, and both like to say "Mine." Do they ever learn to get along with each other that way?
The sitter is great with them, she's good at dealing with it, and trying to teach them the right way. It's just one of those things that seems like no matter how often you try, it doesn't work. But I guess it will eventually when they both understand better...

Answer
At any age you will just have to keep working with them to teach them to share. If they dont share toys and such, take it away from them till they learn to share. Or You can say "Ok you can play with it for a little bit but then its her turn you got to share." Then set a time limit and when her time is up make her hand over the toy.

What are some good learning toys to buy a toddler for Christmas?

lysistrata

My son is 18 months old and I am not sure what to get him other than what I already have. I wanted to get him something specifically aimed at learning, not just fun time.

Answer
It may sound weird, but at this age - EVERYTHING is a learning toy. Your child will be able to learn from anything. Kids are sponges at this age and absorb everything from how something feels, to the noise it makes, to the way it moves, etc.

My son always loved things with wheels. He would flip cars over just to play with the wheels - especially ones that you could pull back, and then they'd go forward on their own. You could see the excitement in his face when he figured out how to do this on his own. =)

I've read articles that said constantly giving your baby toys that are teaching, and learning things can actually be detrimental. They say it limits a child's imagination. If a toy is telling your child that something is a bear.. then it's a bear. Nothing more. It's not a magical bear with super powers.. or a bear that loves to eat vanilla pudding.. it's just a bear.

My son does have some learning toys, but I've found he doesn't like them that much. (He likes cause and effect toys like keyboards/pianos.. those pop a shape things, etc where you have to do something to make something happen)

Here's a list of the top 5 educational toddler toys :

http://toys.about.com/od/learningtoysbyage/tp/learningtots.htm


*monkey*

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who is looking for kids toys,clothes, and other things also a wedding dress?

mom of 2

i have kids toys, clothes,toy box, gate(like a play pin) good for outside or when you have a little one and you cleaning the house. also a wedding dress/ sweet 16. looking to sell it instead of throwing it away and need the money for my kids. want to see pictures email me amanda.ortiz88@yahoo.com thanks for looking
want to know more write me

Answer
go on ebay or etsy.
this isn't really the place to sell things

Chica from Sprout on PBS KIDS?

KOMomma

Is there a Chica doll that i can purchase on-line? I tried SproutOnline.com already..thanks!

Answer
If your feeling crafty, you could try to make Chica. As for the squeaking noise, get a little doggie toy and stuff it in there. lol My daughter LOVES sprout and always squealed when she seen Chica, lol but I could NEVER find it anywhere online!!

Just find a good pic of Chica and try it. Here's a start...
http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.90538693.jpg


And on this site, looks like someone DID make Chica and maybe you can contact the seller and see if she's still making them or CAN make you one for your little one. Good luck
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.83933045.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php%3Flisting_id%3D28445921&usg=__7tvFw2ZVYxZmYNvNLWR8BkntOKM=&h=573&w=430&sz=48&hl=en&start=2&sig2=UhyqgOvnCP03Clj48Fd9tw&um=1&tbnid=vfIjfNZzAkdLuM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpbs%2Bchica%2Btoy%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3Dmdg%26um%3D1&ei=-oTJSrGOJabktAPx3JjNBA

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Tips for baby-sitting 5 kids of all ages?

Julia

In a few days I'm going to be baby-sitting five kids. I'm sitting for: two 4 year old girls, one 5 year old boy, one 2 month old girl and one 9 month old boy. I want to know if anyone has any tips for: toys to bring for the 4 and 5 year olds, ways to keep the older kids busy while i tend to the little ones, fun art projects for the older kids. Thank you so much! :)
PS: the kids are my cousins but the 5 year old (and his 2 month old sister) live in Washington DC (i live in Minnesota) and the 4 year olds see him very much so if anyone has any ideas to have them all playing together and getting to know each other.
THANKS SO MUCH :D IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG JOB SO ANYTHING HELPS :D :) :D :) :D :)

Answer
I use to keep a group of kids all diff. ages during my late teens.

What I usually did was ask the older kids if they could help me. Most kids under 5 love this. So you can ask the 4yr old girls & 5yr old boy to be your special helpers. They'll feel important.

The 2mt old most likely will sleep a lot so make sure you have a baby monitor or something to hear her.
The 9mt old may be crawling so you need to keep an eye on him/her too.

I wouldn't suggest art projects. The 9mt old could find one of the small items and choke on it.

Playing outside while you watch will help get out most of their energy. Keep a baby monitor on so you can hear sleeping babies.

Coloring with crayons will keep them busy too just keep a basket for the crayons so they don't roll off the table since the 9mt old could get one and chew on it.

When the babies sleep you can read books to the kids then maybe after the story they could draw their favorite parts.

30mins videos work well too when you are busy with the babies.

Have fun

Toys for Kids Area...ages 3 Months to 12 Years?

brfloridab

work in a kids area of a fitness club that is non-profit. We rely mainly on donations to keep the kids entertained and we're short on toys again. They either disappear or they have broken peices so they need to be discarded. We aren't allowed to ask the general public for donations, so my co-workers and I have been taking turns bringing in stuff. This year, my Christmas donation is going to be oversized Legos as we need something that is safe for kids ages 3 months to age 12. It's difficult to find gender neutral toys or things that girls can play with as Barbies around allowed as the small kids can put the hair into their mouths on the dolls. We mostly have Happy Meal toys right now as those are cheap and have been donated.

What are some good toys for both genders? We have Transformers and little robots and cars for the boys, but we need some stuff for the girls. I was thinking about plastic play food, but that's only good for kids to like age 5. What can we get for the older kids so they don't get too bored? It seems past age 8 they're all "technology kids" and video games and hand held electronics aren't allowed to be brought in to the Kids Klub since we've had things break and get stolen. Any ideas are most appreciated. Thank You!!

Answer
You really do great work.

I think some blocks toys, building toys and pretending toys and figure toys would be okay.

Good luck to you. :)

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What are the most popular toys to get this year?

Susan L

I don't have any kids so I'm just curious what they are.

Answer
Top Toy for Girls: Digi-Makeover Interactive Make-up Kit

Top Toy for Boys: Air Hogs Radio-Controlled Storm Launcher

Top Toy for Teens: Nintendo Wii

Top Seasonal Toy: Fisher-Price Little People Children's Nativity Set

Top Toy for Family Play Time: Cosmic Catch

Top Infant Learning Toy: V.Smile Baby from VTech

Top Toy Girl 3-5: Baby Alive Doll

Top Toy Boy 3-5: Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price

Top Toy Girl 6-9: Amazing Allyson

Top Toy Boy 6-9: ESPN Fast Action Footbal

Top Toy Girl 10+: Designer's World Plug n' Play TV Game

Top Toy Boy 10+: Fly Wheels XPV (Xtreme Performance Vehicle)

What are some great interactive, possibly physical toys for a 5 year old?

Wiss

My daughters birthday is on the 30th, and I would really like to get her something fun, that she isn't going to go through in a day or get tired of easily. Can anyone suggest any great toys your kids enjoyed? Thanks for the help!

Answer
my kids at 5 played every single day with their set of wood blocks, and virtually every day with their wooden marble track (Haba makes a great, though very expensive, one). For active toys, they rode bikes a lot, and the currently popular toy in our house is a disco light (they have "dance parties" practically daily). No toy really competed with the couch cushions for forts, though. :-)

edit -- oh, and we also have a gymnastics mat and a wedge mat (for somersaults, etc.). they get a lot of outdoor use and indoor use for "shows" and "olympics" in our basement.

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i dont want to share my babies toys with the other kids..is that bad?

bornNbread

so my hisband is getting into the army and i am an autism specialist for the school district...at the time we moved to our current home our previous home was flooded and we lost everything so we had to look for something fast and cheap. we got this little cottage in a very rural area surounded my other lil cottages..whose resides some shady people...anyways we have a wonderful daughter so like all happy parents we buy her tikes, and toys, and give her a happy, joyfull, cheery childhood..we got her a lil playhouse with a swing and a slide, a trike, and some other toys for her to play with outside. in the begining i was more than welcome to share her toys with the other kids because i knew that they were on welfare and did not have what we have. so it was all good for a few weeks but then i come home from work and the swing is broken, some things were missing, the flower patch i worked so hard on was demolished and to top it off, my daughter went and asked for her bike back and they did not want to give it back! (i came along and asked for it back) so now i dont let anyone other than my daughter and her true friends to play with they toys and the club house area, and now all the other parents are kind of mad at me for not sharing..meanwhile they can buy beer and smoke weed (yea i can smell it, and have already turned them in to the police) EVERYDAY! and they are mad that i have a good job! so i dont know, i want to be a good parent and teach my child values like sharing and playing nicely, but i dont want our hard earned money get broken into peices! is that wrong?

(once my husband finish boot camp and training we will be moving----this is not the home we plan to stay in for the rest of our lives)

Answer
Sounds like you had to learn the hard way. My own mother was the one who told me not to let the neighborhood brats play with my son's toys. They figure that the toys are not theirs, so it doesn't matter if they break them.

My son still has all his toys and they are all still in good shape because I didn't let the other kids play with them. Of course the other moms on the street like to call me stuck up, but they call me this as their own kid is sucking on a stick and playing with a rock....

I don't think you're wrong.

How many toys do your children have (roughly)?

Supermommy

Big compared to smaller one's? I'm thinking about going through my kids toys and getting rid of most of the smaller one's because they are cluttering my floor and they have enough bigger one's I don't see the need for all of these. I have a 2 year old and an almost 6 month old. For my son's bday (he just turned 2 but his party is next month) he is getting a train table and a kitchen. These things will keep him more than occupied. Thanks.

Answer
Billions and billions.

4 ride on toys, 2 rocking horses, 400 mega blocks, a kitchen, a tool bench, 4 sets of tools, 2 sets of dishes, 2 sets of food, a blow up ball pit with 300 balls, 6 bouncy balls, severals cars and dolls, about 200 stuffed animals, 2 giant stuffed bears, 3 toy laptops, and thousands of small little hand toys. And that is just what I can think of off the top of my head. You really don't expect me to count them all do you?

I have two yr old twins and they have too many toys. They still have little rattles that are for babies. But they still play with them. For Christmas my son got a work bench and several sets of toy tools. My daughter got a kitchen and several sets of play food and dishes. But they play with all of the stuff. I am going to get rid of some of the teether rings and rattles. My little sister is pregnant with a little boy and I am going to give them to her.

But my carpet is covered with toys. I laugh about not knowing what color my carpet is. We have way too many toys but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love my kids and want them to have anything. And at your kids' ages toys are how they learn. they learn colors, counting, textures, sizes and many other things. You want to get rid of the smaller toys. What is the 6 mon old going to play with? A train table and a kitchen aren't really toys that are appropriate for a 6 mon old.

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Any music ideas for 6-8 year olds?

SSdance

I am a dance teacher. Summer dance classes are starting next week, and am getting tired of all of the music I have. I need mostly things that are upbeat for the young (like 6-9 year old) Jazz classes. Any Ideas?

Answer
Of course a lot of oldies are good to use...some of these might work too

Kidâs Songs (Disney & More)

Jem & the Holograms--When Itâs only me & the music, I Got my eye on you, Universal Appeal, Depends on the mood Iâm in, People who care
Disco Mickey Mouse Album- Disco Mickey Mouse, Mousetrap, Macho Duck , Watch out for Goofy, Welcome to Rio
AnimanaicsâThere is only 1 of you, U.N. Me, Iâm Cute, Iâll take an island, Quake! A Quake!, Monkey song
Will Smith-- Wild wild west, Summertime, Men in Black, parents just donât understand

Rockin RobinâBobby Day
Raining Sunshine - Miranda Cosgrove (cloudy w/ a chance of meatballs)
If Iâm gonna eat somebody it might as well be youâTone Loc (From Fern Gully)
Batty RapâRobin Williams (Fern Gully)
Once Upon a time in NYC-Billy Joel (Oliver & Co)
Perfect isnât easy-Bette Midler (Oliver & Co)
Chilly DownâLabyrinth
Magic danceâLabyrinth
Rainbow ConnectionâKermit the frog
Dumb DogâAnnie
Muppet show theme
Purple people eaterâSheb Wooley
Happy trailsâSons of the pioneers
See you later alligatorâBill Haley & the Comets
Who put the bopâThe Big Bopper
Letâs go to the moviesâAnnie
Hard knock lifeâAnnie
Baby Bumblebee
Fraggle Rock theme
Farmer in the dell
Hokey pokey
Puff the magic dragonâPeter, Paul & Mary
Yankee Doodle DandyâJames Cagney
My bonnie lies over the ocean
Monster mash
Yellow polka dot bikini
Witch doctor
A dream is a wish your heart makes âCinderella
So this is love--Cinderella
Can you feel the love tonightâLion King
God help the outcasts-Hunchback of Notre Dame
I swear I saw a dragon-Peteâs Dragon
I have the powerâShe-ra: Secret of the sword
"A Whole New World" (Aladdin)
"Circle of Life" (The Lion King)
"Beauty and the Beast" (Beauty and the Beast)
"Under the Sea" (The Little Mermaid)
"Hakuna Matata" (The Lion King)
"Kiss the Girl" (The Little Mermaid)
"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" (The Lion King)
"Poor Unfortunate Souls" (The Little Mermaid)
"Jolly Holiday" (Mary Poppins)
"A Spoonful of Sugar" (Mary Poppins)
"Let's Get Together" (The Parent Trap)
"The Ugly Bug Ball" (Summer Magic)
"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" (Song of the South)
"Love Is a Song" (Bambi)
"Some Day My Prince Will Come" (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
"Be Our Guest" (Beauty and the Beast)
"Part of Your World" (The Little Mermaid)
"One Jump Ahead" (Aladdin)
"Something There" (Beauty & The Beast)
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (Mary Poppins)
"Candle on the Water" (Pete's Dragon)
"Main Street Electrical Parade" (Disneyland)
"The Age of Not Believing" (Bedknobs & Broomsticks )
"The Bare Necessities" (The Jungle Book)
"Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)" (Mary Poppins)
"Let's Go Fly a Kite" (Mary Poppins)
"It's a Small World (After All)" (1963 New York World's Fair)
"The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" (The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland)
"Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" (Cinderella)
"When You Wish upon a Star" (Pinocchio)
"Colors of the Wind" (Pocahontas)
"You've Got a Friend in Me" (Toy Story)
"Be Prepared" (The Lion King)
"Out There" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
"Heffalumps and Woozles" (Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day)
"Portobello Road" (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
"Stay Awake" (Mary Poppins)
"I Wanna Be like You" (The Jungle Book)
"Oo-De-Lally" (Robin Hood)
"Are We Dancing" (The Happiest Millionaire)
"Once Upon a Dream" (Sleeping Beauty)
"Pink Elephants on Parade" (Dumbo)
"Little April Shower" (Bambi)
"Just Around the Riverbend" (Pocahontas)
"Oogie Boogie's Song" (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
"Substitutiary Locomotion" (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
"Love" (Robin Hood)
"Thomas O'Malley Cat" (The Aristocats)
"That's What Friends Are For" (The Jungle Book)
"The Siamese Cat Song" (Lady and the Tramp)
"Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale" (Cinderella)
"I Wonder" (Sleeping Beauty)
"Baby Mine" (Dumbo)
âSteady As the Beating Drum" (Pocahontas)
"Belle" (Beauty and the Beast)
"Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians)
"Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly)" (So Dear to My Heart)
"A Step in the Right Direction" (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
"Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)" (Pete's Dragon)
"Everybody Wants to Be a Cat" (The Aristocats)
"When I See an Elephant Fly" (Dumbo)
"I've Got No Strings" (Pinocchio)

What are kids into in Switzerland?

Abbymex

I am going to visit a family friend in Geneva, and I am going to bring some presents for her kids, but I don't know what they are into over there.She has 3 sons, and their ages are 6,8 and 14. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Answer
Kids in Switzerland are a lot like kids anywhere else. They usually know the same famous TV shows and characters and keep up with much of the same trends as North America. I think it depends a lot on the individual personalities of the kids - different kids like different things. Perhaps see if you can find out the kids interests. If not, I suggest perhaps bringing something for the kids from your country - a specialty or souvenir of the region - a sports item from a local team is a wonderful idea. I know that the movie "Cars" was popular here around Christmas time. Since movies tend to come out later here than in North America perhaps you could get them accessories or toys from one of the latest Disney films. I also found that in North America there were a lot of discovery stores that I haven't been able to find here - perhaps something really cool from such a store - maybe a model to build or something similar for the older kids (hard to say of course without knowing the kids). Another fantastic idea for the younger boys is a lego set - I have rarely met a boy here who doesn't like it. Note that DVD's have a different regional code here and won't play on the machine unless the machine has been fixed to play them. Remember, of course, that in Geneva French is spoken and you would have to consider whether the children speak only French or some English as well.

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CA has outlawed toys in Happy Meals, so are they happier now?

GOZ2FAST

AZ still has em, come on over and get your toy :)

Answer
McDonald's is selling "Hope in a box" now! Apparently it has replaced the toy in the Happy meal.

As part of the campaign to stave off âChildhood Obesityâ, putting toys in happy meals is discouraged because supposedly toys in happy meals encourages kids to eat unhealthy foods. So McDonalds has replaced putting toys in happy meal boxes withâ¦wait for itâ¦HOPE! Thatâs right, hope in a box, in a happy meal box.


http://craighillberry.com/2010/in-the-news/ronald-mcdonald/

Kids toy...slide with car on top that kid rides down?

vanessa o

I saw this on a Regis and Kelly commercial, and thought it was one of the top toys for 2010, but when I watched the show today it wasn't there. Its a slide that has a car at the top. Kelly Ripa slid down the slide on the car in the show commercial. Does anyone know what toy I am talking about? I really want to get one for my son.

Answer
Do you mean this toy
http://www.mothercare.com/Step-2-Up-Down-Rollercoaster/dp/B002ABH1RC/ref=sr_11_1/280-6630382-3599346?_encoding=UTF8&mcb=core

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toddler toys are their favorites?

Sexy Ma

What is your toddler "boys" favorite toys and are worth the money?

Answer
My 2 1/2 year old is absolutely in love with Diego. (It has been a life saver in so many areas! We did his room entirely in Diego, and it actually helped him transition from his crib to the toddler bed with no problems. Anytime he doesn't want to go to bed we just get him excited about his Diego bed!)For Christmas we bought him the big rescue center and his grandpa got him a different one. We can now just buy him the extra animals that go with it when we want to get him a new toy. He gets so excited about these! He takes the animals with him every time we go somewhere that he might get bored, including restaurants. They make a little case specifically for them.

As for other toys that have been worth the money, he likes any form of toy car. He has everything from hotwheels to tonka trucks. I love watching him dig through his toy box and picking out all of the cars (no matter what size) so he can play with them together. He also loves animals (part of this stems from his love of Diego) and dinosaurs. We bought him the little packs of 50 animals and 50 dinosaurs for about $2.88 at walmart and these have been amazing! He can sit there and make each animal noise (again learned mostly from Diego) and he loves to make the dinosaurs roar.

The best toys to get for your son are whatever suits his personality. If he has a tv show that he loves, get toys that are related to that. For my son it not only ensures that he plays with them, but it also makes him get more into the educational shows. He's learning spanish, animal noises, and counting way before I thought he'd ever learn it. The only things that I really try not to waste my money on are toys like leapfrog and baby einstien. He's never really gotten that into them, as there is nothing in them that he can relate to. I've known several people who spent alot of money on these things for their kids to never touch them. I know they are supposed to be very educational, but so far my son has learned more from the toys that you would think of as mere novelty.

Good luck!

Essential toys for toddler boys?

Sweetpea h

I want to buy some toys for my son, who will be one this fall. He really doesn't have many toys right now, he'd rather play with the remote. But we want to get him some more interactive, imagination/or educational toys. The only toys I can really think of are blocks and maybe a pedal car. I don't really want to introduce him to war toys, though. What are the favorite toys is your little dude's toy box? We are talking like, 1-3 year old here.

Answer
I've got two boys ages 3 and 2. They love playdoh, if he still puts stuff in his mouth you may have to wait a bit on that. Ride on toys a great one is prince lionheart ladybug, a flying squirrel is good too, puzzles, toy story action figures (buzz and woody), play kitchen, baby dolls, pop beads, walmart shopping cart, shape sorter, elmo toys, play phone, brio pull along daschshund, ball pit, sand box, easel (finger painting), lite brite (small parts), sit and spin they didn't do this till 2, tonka trucks, drums, play tools, candyland factory game, busy bee honey tree game, lucky ducks game, gator golf

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Baby gadgets?

Kewl

What is the most absurd/useless baby gadget, toy or piece of equipment that some one gave you or convinced you to buy when you were pregnant?

My father-in-law thought I should get a baby-cam. It was a video version of a baby monitor.

Some one else bought me a basinet that we used for 3 weeks tops.

Everyime I turned around someone was trying to sell me something that I could not live without. It started to make me wonder how babies ever survived when there were not baby wipe warmers:)

Answer
hahaha some of my favorites were: The baby "leash" yeah that got thrown away immediately. 2 ounce bottles (good for a week I guess) The wipe warmer as you mentioned was never used because I change my kids all over the house, the wipes travel. Thus the changing table is pretty useless other than it's nice to stack things on such as spare diapers, wipes, burp rags and bibs.
Of all of the "useless" things I recieved here's the topper: The dr. spock book. I haven't looked twice at it.

Is fencing a sport for snobby rich kids or no?

illinigal1

so if fencing is a snobby sport would that make field hockey a snobby sport?

i'm jsut confused b.c. my friend fences but hes not exactly snobby but hes super rich.

Answer
Snobby rich kids? I don't think so. The kids are the most well mannered you will find compared to just about any sport because the rules demand gentlemanly (or ladylike) and courteous behaviour. Lots of rules in this sport.

As for the rich? I am not rich but I do budget for my child's lessons and equipment (and forgo the latest electronic gadgets and designer clothing). Fencing is within reach of anyone's budget. The costs get high if you travel out of state for competitions.

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most popular toys of 2012?

Flossy

Filling out a keepsake journal tor newborn son - there are a couple lines to write in the years hottest toys - I need a litte help from parents with kids who actually play with toys since obviously my son is to young to be into toys!

Answer
TENAGE
MUTAN
NINJA
TURTLES

Do You Think 2012 Will Happen?

I am a per

I'm just thinking cuz you adults make this global warming and if it does happen then people who like 13 or younger have to live with the consequences.

Thanks x

Answer
Oh yeah? Do you use electricity every day? Do you eat fast food? (Does it make itself?) Do you have toys, including electronic toys? Do you have any idea how much energy it takes to make them? Have you EVER bothered to look it up? You're obviously using the Web. You have a computer and a broadband connection. "You adults." Kids are just as guilty, sweetheart. At least "we adults" admit to it. You buggers think you're saints. Ha.

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I need help creating a Subvertisment Idea?

Kathy

Please help!!! I need an idea for a project in my digital toolbox class. I need to use photoshop to merge together at least 3 images to provoke an idea or message. Like choosing an issue in society and using a brand to extort it.

For example:

An image of an overweight kid standing in front of McDonalds to show that McDonalds will make you fat and causes obesity in children.

An image of a hand tattooing a baby a picture of a Disney character to provoke the message that Disney is forced into our childhood minds from birth.

A slogan would be helpful too since we have to make one...

Thank you!!!

Answer
How about some product related to getting/staying slim - Diet Coke, 'Lite' .... whatever is common in your country eg. http://www.heruni.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/diet-foods.jpg stocked to the hilt on the kitchen shelves, but the family is obese & lazy ?

Watching supermodels walk the ramp & trying to emulate their figure, etc. by becoming anorexic ? You could show magazines with Size 0 model photos, posters in the room, etc. while the girl tries to emulate in front of a mirror.

Something similar with Health drinks, sugar-free foods, etc....

New gadgets from Apple that kids get hooked on or enticed by ? Almost a status symbol too, with people lining up for hours/days in front of stores before a new launch...

Movie franchises & their related products - whether toys, masks, clothes, or whatever - kids dreaming of Being that character & trying dangerous stunts or picking up wrong attitudes/habits ?

Hope these spark off ideas...

Do I have a chance at getting into UC Berkeley?

L2107

I'm a junior right now. I have a UW: 4.00 GPA and W: 4.72 GPA. I've taken 4 AP classes so far (APUSH, Comp Sci, Art History, Chemistry). I just took my first SAT in March and got my score which was 2070 (620 CR 800 M 650 W) which I am not too impressed with but am kinda on the edge of whether to take it again or not in October. I've taken the Korean SAT and got a 770 and im going to take the Chemistry SAT and Math II SAT this year. (both sat's i am fairly certain i will get over 750). I want to major in computer science or programming and for my extracurriculars I've been playing the drums and guitar at my church since 7th grade, i've recently started programming my own windows phone applications this year and will continue to do so, i've taken a job recently as a beta tester for a mobile phone app company, i've volunteered at my church's VBS and other activities since 7th grade also, i've made many visual effects videos which are posted on youtube.
So with this is it a good enough of a chance to get into UC Berkeley? I feel that because my SAT Score is lower than the average at Berkeley I won't stand a chance.
i am a california resident

Answer
GPA is strong, you've taken some AP's which is good, your SAT score is a little above average for UC Berkeley students which is good. Your extracurricular activities relate to your intended field of study which is very beneficial. The main weakness is your SAT II scores. I hope you're aware that with the crazy curve on most language tests, a 770 on Korean is only equal to 26th percentile and is thus rather unimpressive (http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/SAT-Subject_Tests_Percentile_Ranks_2011.pdf ). Other than that, it seems like a strong application, but you'll still want to try and differentiate yourself as much on college applications as possible, because there are plenty of kids who would just love to go into a major dealing with computer anything and who tinker around with various gadgets and what not. Based on where you are right now, I'd say about 60-70% chance of getting in.

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Any suggestions as to where to buy toys NOT made in China?

Dewayne

Hello,
We've often thought of seeking out toys not made in China, and it would sure be nice (that is, easier) if there was a particular maker or store or website that sells such toys. Any suggestions?

Answer
Products Made in USA
Made in USA Products
BuyAmerican.com
Justice Clothing
Still Made in USA
The Union Shop Online
The Union Mall
U.S. Stuff


Non-MIC Toy Stores StoryBoards
ImagePlay
U.S. Made Toys

Roy Toy Manufacturing, Maine, USA




Non-MIC Toy Brands Ajafield
Bear Creek Toys
Gardenkids
Kathy's Kreations
KNEX (construction sets)
Lauri
"POOF" (foam Products)
Smethport
Toys N Things
Turner Toys
Woodlinks

Non-MIC Toys Aaron's Balloon Animals
Amazen Marbles
Anadex Bead Roller Coaster
Antlantis
Bimini Ring Game
Berlin Flyer Wagons
Blues Clues Coloring Books
BoNZ Wooden 3D Dinosaurs
Breyer Horses
Briarpatch Games
Bubble Party
Bubble Tumbler
Bubble-Go-Around
Claytoon
Colorforms
Crayola Crayons
Creativity for Kids
Curiosity Kits
Dino Works
Easel Paper
Eye Witness Kits
Fabulous Fiddlestix
Fun Ride
Francis Family Toys
Great American Puzzle Factory Jig Saw Puzzles
Holdale Baby Bingo Bed
Holdale Big Wooden Beads
Hug-A-Planet
Lauri Travel Packs
Magic Cloth Toy Collection
Magic Science
Marshall Brodien Magic kits
Monster Puppets
Nature Net
Paint-A-Tyra-Dino and Wooden T-Rex kit
Perler Beads
Pipsqueak Playhouse
Playground balls
Play Doh (the original by Hasbro)
Radio Flyer wagons and vehicles. (not Flexible Flyer sleds)
Remo Brand Drums
Replogle Globes
Rock Tumbler
Sand Castle Creations, doll clothes from soggy Newport, Oregon
Scientific Explorer Kits
Sculpy Brand Clay
Simplex Play Board Wooden Puzzles
Slinky
Sportsfun Hi Walker Stilts
Sportsfun Hop-A-Roo Hoppy Ball
Sportsfun Scooteroo (skateboard/scooter)
Sportsfun Pogo-A-Roo (pogo stick)
State to State Game
Stomp rocket
Toobers and Zots
Tweber Backyard exploring gear, Children's nature products.
University Games
Visible Man or Woman Anatomy Models
Volcano Kit
Wild Goose Science Kits
Wild Wood of West Virginia (wooden figures on rockers)
Wonder Board Magnetic Set
WoodKrafter Kits

Non-MIC Shoes Vegatarian Shoes, UK

What toys do 8 year olds play with?

J Clark

firetrucks
lgo
atcion figures
cards video games
Do they like hot wheels
science kist

Answer
Besides all kind of toys you have mentioned, I recommend you to give some exciting science tools for young curious minds. It could be a telescope with guide book to explore the night sky. Another choice is to give kids microscope to explore the microscopic world. Another option is an infrared stealth binoculars for night vision.

Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.

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What toy can I make using household items for kids 6-12 years old?

natalie

Answer
If they are 6-12 years old they are old enough to make the toy themselves with just a bit of parental guidance. If you've got the room for it you can make a cardboard castle with a washing machine box (appliance stores are happy to get rid of them) or multiple boxes bolted together. You can use half used cans of whatever paint is in the basement to paint them. Older kids could use a utility knife to cut windows. I've seen this done with a refrigerator box, opening up the box so it could be stored flat and have it set up like a staggered storefront.

You could have them build a puppet theater and make puppets from old spare socks and buttons, fabric scraps, etc. The kids could write a script and reall plan a show.

you can do at home science experiments (get a book on ideas, but one is to pour some vinegar into an empty water bottle, fill a balloon up with a little baking soda with a funnel, carefully attach the balloon to the neck of the bottle, keeping the baking soda end flopped over so the baking soda doesn't fall in, then lifting the baking soda end up so the baking soda falls into the vinegar, causing a big fizzy mess and making the balloon inflate from the gas produced. Hope that made sense.

You can make rag dolls.

Kids that age are often interested in cooking; teach them to cook. Not a toy, but something to keep them busy and fun to do for kids.

6 year old wetting herself?

Nisha N

My daughter will be 6 in june. She has been potty trained since 21/2. Since starting kindergarten at almost 4 she started wetting herself. Not at home. A year now she also started wetting herself at home. She has a 3 year old and a 11/2 year old sisters. She doesn't seem to care that she wets herself. I make her change her sheets and her clothes herself. She seems to rather play or watch tv than take 2 min and go to the bathroom. She's been to the dr and anything medical was ruled out. She wets herself and tells no one. Only when we ask her then she will say. We have to constantly tell her to go to the bathroom. We never had to do this before. She wears pull ups at night now cause of the constant wetting and i have started waking her up 2 times at night. She gets nothing to drink and the dr put her on " minirin" to help with the night wetting. don't seem to be working. She is a very emotional, sensitive, shy child but very smart. I have tried ignoring it...see if she would stop.. i tried talking endlessly asking why she does it but she always say she don't know. I have taken away toys. Nothing works. I asked her if she is scared of the toilet or is it too big or small with the home and kindergarten toilet. She knows how to use it and never had a problem before. I need help. She is starting school in August and i am getting worried. Why is this happening?

Answer
Sometimes kids go through what people call a back slide. they feel llike they aren't getting enough attention with siblings around, and they do things like that so that they can get the attention that they crave. My 4 year old tells me all the time that he wants to be a baby again like his new brother and when I ask him why he tells me because he wants me to treat him like a baby with the cuddling and the kisses, SO I started treating him like a baby, when he wanted something to drink I gave it to him in a bottle, when he told me that he can't drink out of a bottle he wanted his cup I told him big boys get cups babies get a bottle, he quickly said he was a big boy and didn't mention wanting to be a baby again. Another thing that it could be and I know that this may sound impossible, it sexual abuse. I was molested when I was a baby and then after I was adopted my adopted father molested and raped me from 7 until almost 15 when I was taken from them, I wet the bed as a sort of defense mechanism, my doctor said, like My subconcious thought if I was dirty then it wouldn't happen anymore, I wet the bed until a year after I was taken away and then I felt safe and stopped completely! I know that may not be the answer you were looking for but that is a classic. I am sure that it isn't your daughter's issue but you may want to look at all possiblities especially if the doctor says that it isn't a medical condition like a small bladder or an over active bladder!!

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what toys are educational for kids 1-5 years old?

lucianagra

toys

Answer
How about puzzles, kids love giant floor puzzles. You can also start them on games, memory ones or candyland etc.. Playmobil makes great, durable play sets for both ages. Any toys that let your child's imagination flow free with interactive play will always be educational. Sometimes the simpler the better. Save the V-tech for when kids are on a car trip but not for everyday play. There's plenty of time for them to be looking at a computer screen.

Best toy for a 1 year old?

Q. From experience what do you think is the best toy for a 1 year old? My son's birthday is coming up and I want to get him something he will really enjoy. Thank you.

Answer
All kids of that age like music, and Fisher Price has a some nice toys that aren't too obnoxious. There's always the obvious choice of a toy truck, like a big classic tonka truck. Wagons are good. A toy that all of my kids liked/like is the Little Tikes Endless Adventures Sand and Water Table. It's a great outside toy.

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