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How To Start Potty Training Your Toddler

7 Steps to Potty Training Success

Potty training your toddler can seem like a daunting task, but with patience and perseverance you can help your child reach this key milestone.

Learning how to use the potty is a key milestone in your child’s life, but starting potty training can seem a little bit daunting. We’ve put together some tips to help guide you through the process, and with some perseverance and patience, you’ll soon have your child leaving nappies behind.

Know the signs

There are no hard and fast rules about when you should begin potty training. The majority of parents start between the ages of two and two and a half, but some children are ready much earlier while others may take a little longer to get to this stage.

There are however some key signs to watch out for. These include your child:

recognising when they’re passing urine and possibly telling you that they’re doing it;
knowing when they have a wet or dirty nappy;
showing signs that they need to pee, such as going to a quiet corner or fidgeting;
going to the toilet only once an hour or less frequently;
knowing that they need to pee and telling you in advance;
being able to follow instructions and sit on the potty or toilet.

The more of these signs your child displays, the quicker and easier potty training is likely to be. You should also try to avoid potty training during times of disruption or changes to routine, as consistency is the key to success.

Be prepared

Before beginning potty training it’s important to be prepared, and there are a number of key tools that will help to make the process easier.

A potty is of course essential – it helps to have one in your main room and in your bathroom, as well as a portable one for when you’re out and about. Purchasing a step stool to help your child reach the sink and, eventually, the toilet, is also a useful purchase.

Disposable ‘pull-up’ potty training nappies can come in really handy, particularly in the early days of potty training. However, these should just be a transitionary step, so also involve your child in buying some ‘big girl ‘or ‘big boy’ pants to help the potty training process seem special and exciting.

Do the groundwork

It’s important to lay the groundwork and get your child used to the idea before you begin potty training. In the run up to potty training, start changing your child’s nappy in the bathroom so that they get used to it as a place where people go to the toilet. As you change their nappy, explain what you’re doing and why so that they start to understand the meaning of a wet or dirty nappy.

It’s also a good idea to leave a potty where your child can see it and, if they’re happy to, encouraging them to sit on it for a minute or two when you change their nappy. Make sure you explain what the potty is for so they don’t just think it’s a fun new toy!

Getting started

The best way to start potty training is to make sitting on the potty a natural part of everyday life for your little one, so it’s important to keep a potty within easy reach. When your child shows signs of needing to wee, encourage them to use the potty, as well as encouraging them to sit on the potty after meals. If you know your child regularly goes to the toilet at the same time each day, try leaving their nappy off and suggesting they go on the potty – but don’t push it if they seem upset by the idea.

One useful tip is to dress your toddler in clothes that are quick and easy to change, avoiding items such as tights or clothes with lots of fiddly buttons. Some parents prefer to start potty training in the summer when children naturally wear fewer clothes.

Make it fun

A lot of children need some encouragement to start using the potty, so making the process fun can help to give them that extra incentive. For example, you could stack a few toys or books next to the potty so that they have something to occupy them while they sit on it. Some parents even make up a special potty song that they sing each time their child sits on the potty or toilet.

It’s also important to reward success. You could buy your little one a small toy when they hit certain milestones, but making a chart and awarding them stickers, or even just showering them with plenty of praise, can be equally effective. On the flip side, try not to act negatively if your little one has an accident. Just remain calm and let them know that accidents happen.

Involve others

Unless you are your child’s only caregiver, it is important to involve others in your potty training journey. As we’ve mentioned, consistency of routine is vital when it comes to potty training, so be sure to keep grandparents and other family members in the loop, along with your childminder or nursery if applicable. An outstanding nursery should be happy to encourage and support your child’s potty training routine in your absence, so don’t be afraid to let them know how they can help.

Be patient

Last but certainly not least, you need to be patient. Potty training can be a stressful process for children and parents alike, and it’s easy to lose your cool when your little one has his fifth accident of the day. But by remaining calm and positive, and praising progress, you can help guide your little one to potty training success.

Your Guide To The Chic But Family Friendly Living Room

Raising children comes with sacrifices. One thing you may have overlooked is how you’re going to find home decor that will brighten up your living room but still be appropriate with a school-age kid running in your home. By now you’ve probably realized that clutter is an uncontainable force and mess a constant threat. Despite your best efforts to contain the chaos to the kitchen or the den, your living room, where you’ve painstakingly selected the home decor, is a constant mess of toys, crayons, school supplies, and glitter.

You don’t have to give up your fashion-forward home decor ambitions just because you’re raising children. There are plenty of family-friendly ways to create a chic living room that doesn’t just look like it’s been taken over as a playroom.

Round Coffee Tables – A must-have in any home with young kids, rounded corners on your wood coffee table will help you sleep easy. Sharp corners, glass coffee tables, or metal edges are all things you want to avoid when you’ve got kids. They’re going to get rambunctious. They’re going to try jumping off the couch when you’re not looking. Fortunately, a rounded, solid wood coffee table can help elevate your living room.

Neutral Tones – Gray, greige, and charcoal furniture are very much in style right now. Gray upholstering also has the added advantage of disguising wear and tear. Advances in technology mean engineered textiles look more and more like natural textiles but are considerably more durable.

Movable Seating – Light, portable ottomans and plush poufs that you can rearrange are great for living rooms with kids. You can also create more storage space with an ottoman to cut down on clutter.

Toy Storage Window Seat – Not only are window seats the perfect nook to curl up with a book, they can also double as storage space. Open up the window seat storage to toys and kid stuff to keep it out of the way. You’ll make cleaning up the living room easy with nearby storage.

Sofa Storage – An ideal solution for homes that are tight on space, you can find chic leather sofas with storage space underneath. You know that raising kids requires a lot of stuff and a lot of storage.

Embrace Casual – If you keep losing your battle against chaos, you might try embracing it with a casual, thrown-together look. A light-wood coffee table decorated with coffee table books and plants can help absorb the chaos of toys and school supplies. Add some throw pillows that can be used on multiple pieces of furniture and easily movable chairs, and you’ve embraced the stylish but casual living room.

Don’t forget that besides home decor it’s also up to you to establish boundaries as your kids get older. Establish rules like “no drinks in the living room” or “no coloring on the coffee table.” As long as there’s a space where they can play and create without having to worry about making a mess, you can feel free to make some space of your own. Keep the rules clear and consistent and you can enjoy a stylish living room even with kids around.

How to Buy the Perfect Kitchen Knife for You

The chef’s knife is the single most important tool in the kitchen. It is used in the creation of virtually every dish, from preparing meat to slicing freshly baked bread. Whether you decide to chop, slice or dice vegetables, it can make a noticeable difference to the flavor they add to a meal, and if your technique can have such a marked effect, then so can your tool of choice.

That is why getting the right kitchen knife is so important. When you are creating dishes, the knife is the connection between you and your food, carrying out your minds will on the ingredients on the table in front of you.

Up until recently, a high-quality knife was a costly expense and often the purveyor of only professional cooks, but advances in technology have driven prices down, and even the best knives are now well within the price range of the home chef – you can pick up a high-quality knife for under £40.

With so many different knives out there, buying the right one might seem like a daunting task. Here are four features to consider when purchasing the perfect kitchen knife for you.

A comfortable handle

The single most important factor in choosing a knife is that it has to be comfortable. A good knife will feel light and balanced and fit in your hand when you hold it in a proper pinch grip. Textured handles give more grip which is especially helpful if you like to wash your hands frequently while cooking.

The right weight and length

A heavier knife always used to be equated with quality, but you don’t want a knife that is so heavy you have to put in a real effort to fight against gravity every time you use it. Pick a knife that feels reasonably light in your hand and doesn’t make maneuvering tricky. The blade length is also important. If it is too short, you’ll be leaning into your work, and if it is too long, you’ll be too far away from it.

Make sure it is sharp

The sharper the knife, the better the cut. Part of that sharpness comes down to the blade material which we will come to a minute. Knives will naturally go blunt over time and while sharpening them used to be a costly task involving sending the item off to an expert, there are all kinds of tools on the market these days such as electric knife sharpeners listed by knifeista.com that allow you to do it from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Get the right blade

There are many different metals that are used in the blades of cooking knives. If you want to keep costs down, go for stainless steel which is the cheapest, but as a result, it requires regular sharpening. Carbon steel is more expensive but harder and doesn’t lose its sharpness as quickly while Damascus steel provides a mixture of both, having a carbon core surrounded by layers of stainless. There are also ceramic blades which are ten times harder than carbon, yet so much lighter. The downside to them? They are prone to chipping.

The Essential Furniture Pieces for Your Baby’s Nursery

Designing your baby’s nursery is really exciting, especially when it comes to choosing all of the gorgeous furniture pieces that you’re going to include, and you want to make sure you do it right. It can be so easy to go crazy when it comes to the designing stages, buying every cute furniture item you see without really thinking about how practical or necessary it may be. The best thing to do is focus on the essential furniture pieces, and then you can add a few decorative touches to enhance the décor and create the perfect space for your little one.

Practical Pieces

Investing your money in the right places is important with your child’s nursery, as you want to know that the products you are purchasing are safe, reliable and durable. Starting with your baby’s cot, you need to find a design and style that works for you. There are lots of different cots available, from chic wooden designs with a slide down side, to chunkier designs that have a half-side to prevent your little one from escaping at any time. Look for your favourite design, with the right colour and style to suit the nursery décor to ensure you’re keeping to the décor style you want to achieve. Once you’ve decided on your cot, you can start to look at other items including a wardrobe to keep all of the little clothing hanging ready for use. Wardrobes are great for adding character to the room and maintaining the style that your cot has introduced. Try to keep the furniture pieces similar, whether that’s from the same range or using the same material to keep the décor within the nursery flowing smoothly.

Simple Storage

Even though your baby is only going to have small clothes, you’d be surprised just how much room they take up. Investing in some simple storage items such as a chest of drawers and an oak blanket box will help you to keep the nursery clean and tidy, with everything stored away safely. Whether you decide to stock the chest of drawers up with essential nappy changing products, or your blanket box is actually used to keep the teddy bears neat and out of the way, these stylish furniture pieces will help to keep the nursery organised and fresh with no clutter.

Dreamy Details

Whilst these features may not necessarily be furniture pieces, they work hand in hand with furniture pieces to keep your little ones safe and content. One of the most important things to include in your baby’s nursery is a set of blinds or curtains. Once you put your little one down for a nap mid-afternoon, you want to know they have a dark space to snuggle down and sleep, and blinds or curtains are ideal for this. The last thing you want is the sunshine shining through and interrupting your little one’s nap. Similarly, you may want to look at including a colourful lightshade, a soft rug and a calming mobile to help them drift off to sleep peacefully.

Traditional Touches

Once you’ve chosen all of your essential furniture pieces, you can look at the traditional touches that most nurseries have today. From a talk oak bookcase with a selection of classic nursery rhymes and stories, to a delicate trinket box on the windowsill and some cute teddy bears sat in the corner, you can create a special space for your baby to grow up and enjoy.

Traveling with Toddlers: How Prepared are You?

Just because you’ve become parents, doesn’t mean your adventurous streak has diminished — do you find yourself reading your child a bedtime story about far-flung lands and the great outdoors, only to wish you could pack up your bags and leave as a family tomorrow?

A lot of parents would say that while your child is still toddling, that’s the best time to take them on the road; once they’re of the age to go to school, you’re limited to official vacation times, which can make traveling as a family more expensive. As such, you may be thinking about taking your toddler on a family adventure soon.

Why you should travel with your toddler

Little people benefit from travel in all the same ways that adults do; it’s great for their development to explore new places and take in new experiences, especially if you can expose them to cultures and languages they don’t encounter at home. Of course, it’s also advised to try and maintain some of their daily routine, especially if you’re trying to potty train or encourage a new behavior. Attempt to wake them at the same time every day, regardless of where you are on the road, and get them settled in bed at a reasonable time too.

What you’ll need to pack

You may be aghast to discover how much more luggage you’ll need when you’re packing for a toddler too — from toys to bath products and spare clothes, you’ll soon fill up the bags! If your little one is yet to be potty trained, make sure you’ve packed some swim diapers if you’re going anywhere with water. If you’re in the process of potty training, you’ll be relieved to learn there are lots of travel size models available, including fold-up and disposable potties. Check out a parent guide to see which one is best for you and your toddler.

Depending on your child’s temperament, you may decide that taking a road trip is preferential to flying with the family, as such you should look for an adventure that’s closer to your doorstep. If you do opt for a flight, check with your air carrier to see what their policy is on traveling with strollers. Either way, make sure you’ve packed a lot of patience — as well as toys and games to keep the little one entertained!

Do your research, and see what child-friendly activities will be available on your destination. Remember that toddlers will want to move around and be stimulated constantly, so if your ideal vacation involves a lot of relaxation you may need to make some sacrifices! If you’re seeking some peace and tranquility, manage your expectations and make sure you place your child’s favorite toy at the top of the ‘must pack’ list!

There’s no time like the present…

While your child is still too young for formal schooling, you’ve got the freedom to take longer trips, at a time in the year that works for you. So, as long as you plan ahead and pack your bags properly, there should be nothing stopping you traveling with your toddler.

Best Gifts for a Miniature Schnauzer Owner

Dogs make wonderful pets and companions, and each and every one of us has a favourite breed that we enjoy the most. For many people, bigger dogs make the best friends: the likes of German Shepherds and Labradors are wonderful family pets, but they do take a lot of looking after!

For others, it’s the smaller breeds that make more sense, especially in homes where there is limited space. Cute, miniature dogs are wonderful to have around the home, and who can resist the glorious cheeky face of a Miniature Schnauzer?

Friendly, charming and a great friend for everyone in the family, these little and lively dogs are a truly wonderful pet. The problem is this: what can you buy as a gift for your Miniature Schnauzer-owning friend? The answer is there are many gift ideas out there – you just have to look a little bit deeper for some ideas!

Let’s have a look at why these lovely dogs are a great choice, and what you can buy as a gift for your friend.

Some Great Gift Ideas

So, you’re looking for gifts for your Miniature Schnauzer-owner friend? There’s plenty of choice, and some very simple ideas among them too. You might think first of all of a photo frame, into which you can put a favourite photo of the dog; this one always goes down well, as pet owners do like to keep pictures of their pets.

Or perhaps you could choose from one of the many examples of fridge magnets – popular with lots of people – and we have seen some excellent miniature schnauzer versions! We also found mugs, a great and practical idea that will certainly be used, plus a great choice of small schnauzer toys for all ages. These are not expensive, are great fun, and will certainly bring a smile to your dog-owning friend’s face.

We found everything from wall plaques to cushions, clocks and calendars, and even keyrings and more small and inexpensive items that would make a great gift for your dog loving friends, and it’s worth looking for the most original ideas – and none of them will break the bank!

Choosing Carefully

If you’re looking for a great tip for buying gifts, check out what your friend already has next time you are at their house. You might see they already have some of the things we have mentioned, so you can choose something different. There are plenty of original gift ideas for dog lovers out there, and you will be able to find something that costs very little and yet will be appreciated by your friend.

Check out the many ideas and reviews on the website we linked to and you’ll find some really great ideas, and all at sensible prices, plus plenty more that may interest your dog-owning friends. Your gift will be one that goes down very well, as everyone knows that for dog owners, the dog is the biggest thing in their life!

Can Cosmetic Products Cause Acne – What You Need to Know About the Products You Use

Cosmetics products are an absolutely massive industry raking in approximately $445 billion in sales. It’s made up of big brands, smaller indie companies, and everything in between – all of which are trying to convince consumers that their products are the best and most revolutionary.

The cosmetics industry encompasses not just makeup, but also skincare products such as lotions, creams, gels, powders – any of which can be applied to the skin. Now, here’s another interesting fact, according to the Healthy Skin Solutions website, these cosmetic products are the second largest contributing factor when it comes to acne in adult men and women? That’s right, those same products you’re using to perhaps cover up blemishes and acne could be the cause of it.

So, how can you ensure that you are picking cosmetic products that won’t cause more harm than good? Let’s take a closer look.

Do You Have Cosmetic Acne?

The first thing you will want to determine is if you have cosmetic acne. Cosmetic acne looks different than the traditional form of acne. It is made up of small bumps that are pink in color. They are usually found on the forehead, chin, and cheeks and looks more like a rash. They tend to pop up rather quickly and will remain until the product that is causing it is removed from your routine.

What Ingredients Cause Cosmetic Acne?

While people can have sensitivities to all kinds of ingredients, there are a few that are commonly known to cause cosmetic acne. They tend to be those that clog pores, which is the start of acne. The most common offenders include the following ingredients:

Lanolin – This is an oil you will find in various lotions and sunscreens. Unlike many other oils that are used, lanolin is able to penetrate the skin, which can cause it to clog up.

Also in the same category, meaning it is an oil that penetrates the skin, is isopropyl myristate. This particular oil is meant to help smooth out the skin and is often found in liquid foundations. This ingredient is also found in products meant to remove rust and clear out drains, which tells you just how potent it is.

Ideally, you want to be looking for products that are oil-free or are non-comedogenic. This means they won’t clog up your pores.

Red Dyes – Here’s another ingredient that can lead to your pores becoming clogged. These dyes are produced from coal tar, which often clogs pores. When shopping for blush, which is where you will often find this dye, opt for mineral-free powder or gel blushes.

Fragrance – Fragrances can most certainly lead to a reaction on your skin, so products should be fragrance-free.

Minerals – Another common ingredient in a wide variety of makeup products are minerals usually in the form of mica particles. These too can clog pores.

Being an Informed Consumer

By being aware of the ingredients that are known to cause skin issues and acne, you’ll be able to pick products that are much gentler and safer to your skin.

Famous Hampstead Heath Residents

Some of the Most Famous People Who Call Hampstead Home

For many years, Hampstead Heath has been a magnet for the great and the good. Why not join them in London’s exclusive rural village?

North London is without doubt growing in popularity among young professionals as one by one, districts that were once run down, receive the money and attention of developers. Yet while areas such as Finsbury Park, Dalston and Shoreditch have redefined themselves, there are some locations that have always been near the top of the list for property hunters in North London.

Ask any Hampstead estate agents and they will tell you that this is an area that sells itself. The ancient high street with its regular market, the exclusive properties and, of course, the beautiful rugged heath with its uninterrupted views across the city, just four miles to the south. Hampstead has it all – no wonder it is has been the home of choice for so many famous people over the years. Here are just a few of the people you might bump into when taking a weekend stroll on Hampstead Heath.

John Le Carré

The author of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, along with numerous other works of spy fiction is well-known for his love of Cornwall, and owns a mile of cliff close to Land’s End. But his main residence is in Hampstead, and if you spend some time in the Kenwood House café or the Wells pub, keep a look out for a distinguished-looking gentleman in his 80s.

Ricky Gervais

When Gervais moved into his £10 million home in 2016, the press arrived en masse to witness the wealth of home gym equipment that came with him. But the comedian’s favourite way of keeping fit is with a weekend amble on Hampstead Heath. Perhaps it makes him feel less guilty about those Sunday roasts at the Angel Inn in nearby Highgate, where he and his partner Jane Fallon are regular customers.

Ridley Scott

One of the most highly acclaimed directors of the late 20^th century, Ridley Scott turned 80 last year, but still divides his time between London, Los Angeles and Paris. He has owned his Hampstead home for almost 30 years, and his daughter, Jordan Scott, attended South Hampstead High School in the 1990s.

Thierry Henry

The French football legend bought his £10 million Highgate home at the height of his prowess in 2001 with model Nicole Merry, two years before they tied the knot. It is fair to say that his love affair with Hampstead lasted longer than his marriage, and today, you might see him strolling the village with the new lady in his life, Bosnian model Andrea Rajačić.

Boy George

The Culture Club frontman was one of the most recognisable characters in pop in the 1980s, and cuts a similarly unmistakable figure in the quiet streets of Hampstead. His singing career might have tailed off, but he still manages to grab the headlines. In 2013, he caused controversy by seeking to build a glazed extension on his grade two-listed mansion that overlooks Hampstead Heath. The local council rejected the application, saying it would be detrimental to the character and historical interest of the building.

4 Things You Should Take into Consideration Before You Adopt a Pet

Adopting is not only a great way to give a pet in need a second chance, it’s also the only way many families can get a new pet when they can’t afford to buy a pedigree puppy. While adopting a pet can be a great thing, it’s also a big commitment. You also have to understand that adopting a dog is not exactly like buying a dog and raising it and you’ll have to make some adjustments. Here are some of the things you’ll have to take into consideration before you adopt a pet.

Size

If you’re going to adopt a pup, you have to know how big it’ll be once it grows to adulthood. Big dogs need more space, and this could be a recipe for disaster if you live in a small apartment or you don’t have sufficient yard space. If you have limited space, go for a smaller dog breed that does well in secluded areas, like a Basenji or a Bichon Frise.

Be Prepared to Commit

You also have to be prepared to make a commitment to this dog who, in many cases, may have been neglected in the past. They might be difficult at first, but you have to take the time to let them adapt to their new environment. This could be a great time to retrain them if they haven’t been trained properly or at all. Sites like ourpetspot.com can teach you several training techniques you can use on adopted dogs that will work fast on any type of dog.

Check if Your Neighborhood is Dog-Friendly

Not only does your house have to be dog-friendly, but your neighborhood as well. If you don’t live in a neighborhood with plenty of green space for your dog to exercise, you might end up with a very sad puppy on your hands. Make sure you also understand the laws in your area; certain breeds might not be allowed or there might be some important municipal laws that you should be aware of.

You should also check which types of dogs are in the neighborhood; you don’t want to have to go to war every time you go to the dog park. You should also make sure that you’re close to a vet clinic in case of emergency.

Make Sure You Pick a Dog that Fits Your Lifestyle

You should never pick a dog that can’t keep up with you or you can’t up with. If you have a low energy lifestyle, then you might have issues with your dog. He might grow restless, destructive or develop behavioral issues.

You might also get disappointed if the dog you pick doesn’t enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do if you were looking for a partner for your morning jogs. Make sure that you do your research and ask about the dog’s temperament before you pick one.

Conclusion

Adopting a dog is one of the best gifts you can make to a pet in need. But it’s also a huge responsibility, so make sure that you know exactly what you’re signing up for before you make a decision.

5 Ways Single Moms Can Stretch a Part-Time Income

You might have a part-time job by choice or out of circumstance, but either way you can still make things work if you are a single parent. Those who are high income earners might get to go on expensive yearly vacations, but the other 51 weeks of the year they will be missing their family. Read the job descriptions website to find positions that won’t limit your time with your family and will still pay you handsomely. A part-time income can be plenty enough to care for your family if you follow these five helpful tips.

Live Off the Land

Just by growing a few staple vegetables, like tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage, you could save hundreds on your grocery bills. If you have space in your backyard to erect a chicken coop, you could completely eliminate the need to purchase eggs. Some families have gone as far as raising their own cattle and planting full sized gardens so that they can live in a more cost-effective manner.

Start a Family Based Business

Do you and your family make beaded jewelry for fun? Have you received oodles of compliments every time you bring your apple pie to work based events? Consider creating a family based business that can help you to pay the bills while getting in some extra quality time with your kids simultaneously. Chances are that your kids would love to help and having the chance to contribute would make them feel quite proud of their efforts.

Cut Out All the Extras

If you pay for basic cable you could spend more than $1,200 a year on in-home entertainment. Ordering pizza for dinner once a week can add up to another $1,000 a year wasted. Monthly car payments are another splurge that your family can avoid if you elect to walk, use public transportation, or ride a bike to local places. There are also car sharing services available for longer trips that can be way more cost-effective than buying and maintaining a vehicle year after year. Parents who believe that being there for their kids is more important than working full-time have to find other ways to decrease their family’s living expenses.

Share Your Home with Another Single Parent

It might not be reasonable for you to invite a single, childless roommate in your home if you have children, but sharing a space with another single parent can help both of your families to flourish. You would have to spend less money on babysitting services and you and your single parent roommate could take turns cooking dinner and cleaning. As long as you both have similar lifestyles, you might find that your new roommate becomes like another member of your family.

Coupon Constantly

Whether it’s time for back to school shopping or you’re getting ready to embark on your weekly grocery shopping trip, there’s literally a coupon for everything available nowadays. Want to rent a new movie over the weekend? Look for a coupon that will make your family’s entertainment choices cheaper, or perhaps even free. Cut the cost that you pay for shampoo, on afterschool snacks, and for every other tangible good that you and your family regularly enjoy.

Remember that families make up communities. Moreover, involvement in your community will make you feel even more capable of raising your family on limited funds. Attend local activities where you can find other like-minded parents and your income can go even further.