Making sure their costumes are safe

With Halloween right around the corner, it's alarming to hear news that a shipment of over 1,300 children's costumes were destroyed due to lead levels that were 11 times the legal limit. It makes you wonder — is your child's Halloween costume safe?

If your daughter was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her pirate costume in the mail, you might want to start researching another option. According to King5 News in Seattle, an entire shipment of Halloween costumes was detained and destroyed there today because the levels of lead in the plastic elements of these bright and fun costumes was 11 times the legal limit, making them a danger to would-be trick-or-treaters. A similar costume is pictured in this article and currently available via various online retailers.

According to Customs and Boarder Protection Officers and the Consumer Product Safety Investigators — the two government agencies who are on constant patrol for unsafe toys and children's products arriving in the United States — they will be doing the same nationwide to any other shipments of costumes that were originated from the same Chinese port.

Although we're relieved to hear that these particular costumes were destroyed, now we're feeling a little paranoid about the Halloween costume that our child has been wearing since it arrived in the mail three weeks ago — does it contain lead too? There's no way to truly tell once you have it in your hands. The Consumer Product Safety Center does its best with the technology they have at hand, which is quite effective, to cut down on products entering the United States via our ports to insure that those products are safe for children, from toys to clothing to costumes such as these, and you can trust that they take issues such as lead levels very seriously.

You can also check the CPSC website for up-to-date information on specific children's items that have been recalled due to lead content.

Still searching for the perfect Halloween costume for yourself? These celebrity-inspired Halloween costumes will make you laugh >>

1. Buy new: Yes, brand-new costumes are going to cost you more, but hitting up thrift shops or second-hand stores for Halloween costumes for your children — where the costumes are older — is more likely to put them in danger of having a costume that contains lead.
2. Buy American: Products for children, such as Halloween costumes, are held to stricter manufacturing guidelines in the United States than in some countries which import similar goods to our country. In fact, thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, all products for children under age 12 must be tested by an approved lab for harmful chemicals.
3. DIY Costumes: Sorry to say Mom, but busting out that sewing machine that's collecting dust in the back of your linen closet is another great way to have a lead-free Halloween. You can even choose from organic-fiber fabrics to not just keep things lead-free, but as "green" as possible for your little ghost or goblin.

More on Halloween

Make Halloween work for you all year
Ultimate Halloween costume guide
3 Witch-inspired Halloween lunch box treats

Angelcare provides quality video and sound to monitor your baby’s every move in a single system. The under-the-mattress sensor pad detects all movement, whether your infant is awake or fast asleep. This versatile monitor lets you change all the options from the touch-screen on the parent’s unit, even deactivating video, movement or sound to meet your needs.

This revolutionary touch-screen, video-capable baby monitor allows you to pan, scan and zoom — you can even control the brightness. The stylish magnetic docking station for the handheld unit and wireless rechargeable battery-powered dock for the camera unit make this a great option for tech-curious parents. The talk-back option lets parents speak into the handheld monitor so their voices are projected through the camera unit.

If you’d like to be completely in tune with your little one, the VTech Safe & Sound Full-Color Video & Audio Monitor will give you a full audio-visual solution for the peace of mind you need, even if you’re up to 1,000 feet away. The split-video screen, infrared night-vision capability and two-way intercom system allow parents to watch their baby as if they’re in the room. The polyphonic lullabies, temperature sensor and vibrating alerts give doting parents an extra sense of independence.

iBaby Monitor makes it easy to check on your baby at home or on the go. The camera can follow an active baby with the click of a mouse or the swipe of a finger on your computer, iPhone or iPad. With infrared night vision, iBaby Monitor provides movement and audio alerts so you can keep a watchful eye on your angel from the next room or the next continent. The iBaby app can be shared by up to four users and even captures and sends photos.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite baby monitor in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

With years of experience under their belts, a lot of adults have perfected their internal alarm clock and have trained themselves to wake up exactly when needed. If you are tired of desperately trying to rouse a sleepy child every morning, maybe it’s time he discovers his own internal alarm.

Wake up sleepy head!

A large majority of us wake up to the painful shrill of the alarm clock blaring on the night side table. While frequently unpleasant, this rude awakening is, more often than not, effective. Parents of teens often play the role of back-up alarm clock to ensure their adolescent sleepy heads get up and get going. But, teens may already be equipped to wake themselves up each morning. "The subconscious mind has the ability to keep track of time even when we're not aware of it," says Tina Tessina, Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage. "If we know how to let the subconscious know what time we want to wake up, it will wake us. This ability is related to what we call the ‘Internal Clock’ that is in operation when we get jet lag, or have trouble adjusting to time changes."

Really, how much sleep should your teen get? >>

A valuable tool

Waking up in a timely manner is a skill that is necessary for teenage students and adult professionals alike, so it’s never too early to start perfecting an internal alarm clock. Introduce the concept to your teen and suggest it as a valuable scheduling tool. "Once mastered, it will help you keep on schedule and make life work in an orderly fashion," says Dr. Tessina.

Find out why teens sleep patterns change >>

Rise and shine

So, how do you teach your teen to tap into his internal alarm clock? Practice, practice, practice. "It actually develops by itself over time, if we adhere to a regular schedule," says Dr. Tessina. "People who wake up with an alarm every day for several months begin waking up without the alarm. However, it only develops spontaneously if a regular schedule is kept." Mentally setting the goal of waking up just before or at the same time as an actual alarm will help develop the rising habit over time.

Read about encouraging healthy sleep habits in your teen >>

Meditate to wake

Another way to develop an internal alarm clock is to teach your teen to mentally set the clock before bed. "Help her focus on what time she wants to wake up, develop a mental picture of a clock, showing the time she want to wake up, and concentrate on it before going to sleep," says Dr. Tessina. "With a little practice and consistency, she'll be able to spontaneously wake up within a few moments of the selected time." Verbalizing the goal is often helpful as well. For instance, say, "I will wake up at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning," before hitting the pillow at night.

Read more about parenting teens

Teaching your teens good money habits
Tracking your teen's texts
Teens tantrums: The son edition

We love spending family time with our kiddos. But Mom and Dad need some adult time too.

Plan a mommy and daddy date night

Without making an elaborate event out of date night, we've devised fun ways to get out with your honey on the cheap.

Scour online savings sites

Sign up for Groupon and local money-saving sites that offer up deals on everything from dinners to spa services at a fraction of the price. Keep an eye out for a deal at your favorite restaurant or on something new and exciting like rock climbing or a couple’s yoga class. Think outside the box when it comes to your special night out. Trying something new together is a great way to bond with your partner.

Hit up happy hour

Happy hour is more than just cocktail hour. Check out happy hour specials on appetizers and entrees at a new restaurant you’ve wanted to try. Early bird specials are often half off regular price or more… so go ahead and whet your appetite too!

Find some freebies

From a free concert in a local park to no-admission nights at museums on specific dates, there are freebies to be had! Search your city’s local events to discover some fun and free happenings right in your own backyard. Don’t let a tight budget stop you and your man from getting out on the town for a little bonding time sans the kids.

Moms! Check out these 5 date night outfits >>

Save on a sitter

If you're strapped for cash to pay a babysitter a small fortune to spend a few hours out, hit up your friends and family for a favor. We're guessing Grandma and Grandpa will be more than happy to spend some time your kids without expecting payment. Or ask your best mom friend if she wants to start a sitter swap in which you watch her kids one or two nights a month and she does the same for you, so you each can get some solo time with your partners without tapping out your savings account on a sitter.

More on parents’ date night

Making date night a priority

Top 5 romantic home dates

10 Hot winter date nights

Are your mom friends positive or poisonous?

Every mom needs a friend to confide in, but if yours leaves you feeling down when you actually needed a lift, it may be time to evaluate your friendship.

We all need girlfriends, but sometimes we have girlfriends we don’t need.

What is a toxic friend?

Friendships among mothers must have balance to work. Toxic mom friendships are not balanced — they are unequal, unsupportive and unsatisfying, which means one person isn’t getting what she needs from the relationship.

We all have a bad day now and then, and that’s when we need our mom friends the most. But toxic moms always seem to be having a bad day and bring a consistently negative vibe — judging your parenting skills or insulting your child — to the relationship.

“I dread calls from my so-called ’best friend,’“ says mother-of-four Pam, “because I know that she will criticize everything that comes out of my mouth… if she lets me talk at all. Usually our conversations are all about her needs. It's exhausting.”

The toxic hold

Whether you've talked with her in person or over the phone, the result is the same: You feel upset, frustrated, or just plain angry! Yet, for some reason, you just can't cut her loose — no matter how she treats you.

Why do you continue to allow her to make you feel bad? There are a number of reasons:

• Your friendship goes way back — she’s always been in your life.
• You’re not bold enough or brave enough to stand up to her.
• You can’t avoid her unannounced visits and unexpected calls.
• Your children are friends with her children.
• You don’t have good friends to take her place.

When you let a toxic mom friend into your life, you’re allowing yourself to be hurt. How often and how much you permit this are entirely within your control:

Do an honest assessment of your friendship. You can’t fix a toxic relationship with another mom until you've identified it.

Take responsibility. Every time you extend your hand in friendship to the toxic mother, you’re giving her an opportunity to hurt you . Make a serious effort to reduce the amount of time you spend talking to or hanging out with her — even if it means your kids may have to see less of each other.

Keep your guard up. If you decide to keep this person in your life, then you'll have to protect yourself — and your children. Be willing to say no to her demands or call her out on her criticisms and negativity, but don’t be surprised if she doesn’t get the message.

Spend more time with good friends. Surround yourself with moms who make you feel better — not worse — about yourself. Talk to these positive parents about how to handle your not-so-positive mom friend. After all, isn't that what friends are for?

End the friendship, if necessary. Breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes it’s necessary. When your toxic friend weighs heavily on you, when it affects the way you deal with others or when it becomes clear that things can never improve, it’s time to sever the relationship.

“Life is hard enough without cluttering your world with toxic friends,” says mom-of-two Janine. “Just say, ‘No!’”

More on friendships

How to break up with a toxic friend
Toxic friends: 5 Warning signs
4 Friends you just don't need

Family bonding in the kitchen

Family meals are a great way to stay connected to your family members, but preparing healthy meals takes work. Try these helpful tips for fun ways to get your kids to lend a hand in the kitchen and make mealtimes even more enjoyable for everyone.

Make kitchen
cleanup fun

Give everyone a job

When everyone helps prepare a meal, kitchen tasks seem to go much faster — and everyone has a lot more fun. Give everyone in the family a simple job that is appropriate for his age range. Little children can help by washing produce, opening packages, finding foods in the refrigerator or pantry, mixing ingredients and even loading the dishwasher. Older children can wash dishes, set the table, sweep the floor, chop vegetables, measure ingredients and follow simple recipes. Not only will your children learn responsibility and life skills, but they will also internalize important lessons on healthy eating habits that they can share with their own children someday.

Make it fun

Kitchen work does not have to be drudgery with so many ways to keep it fun. Choose family dinner themes like "Build Your Own Burrito Night," "Fun with Fondue," "Cowboy Cookout" or "Italian Café." Let the kids get creative in planning the menus and finding accessories to dress up your dinner table. Eat by candlelight. Cook outside on the grill. Plan dinners that are all finger foods. Eat dinner backwards, starting with dessert first. Your kids will love helping out when they have a chance to use their imaginations to plan any one of these fun-filled evenings.

Try kid-friendly recipes

Kids love using their creativity, and trying new things in the kitchen can be just as much fun as a science experiment. Get your little ones involved in helping you cook by trying some tasty and healthy kid-friendly recipes. Make smoothies together and let them choose the ingredients. Bake individual pizzas, allowing the kids to roll their dough into any shape they want and choose their own toppings. Ask their advice for which vegetables to put in your stir-fry or casserole. Bake breads or muffins and have the kids choose which fruits or veggies to add to the batter.

Play games

Turn kitchen chores into a game and let the fun begin. Set a timer and see who can shuck the corn fastest. Have a karaoke sing-along while you clean up from a big meal. Play games like "What Food Am I?" while you chop vegetables. Challenge the kids to make origami animals out of your cloth table napkins. Let your kids knead the bread dough into interesting shapes and have everyone guess what they are once they are baked. Before you know it, your children will beg routinely to help out in the kitchen, and mealtimes will be a blast for everyone.

More family fun

Family game night essentials
How to stock your pantry for impromptu family nights
50 Fun family night ideas

Making mealtime a breeze

Between shuttling the kids to school, rushing to work, managing the house and helping with homework, most moms will readily attest to the fact that mealtime can be one of the most challenging parts of their day.

Quick meals for moms

What mom has the time, energy or desire after a long day to pull off a gourmet meal on a nightly basis? Here are six simple tips moms can implement to make the most of their time in the kitchen and keep the stress of meal time down to a simmer.

Cook once, eat twice or thrice

According to healthy lifestyle writer and food coach Beth Aldrich, CHC, AADP, moms can create more than one meal from their dedicated kitchen labors! If you cook extra rice for your evening meal, you can use it as a base for a rice cereal in the morning. All you have to do is reheat it, add some butter, cinnamon and raisins and then you have a hearty breakfast all set. Use some of the rice as a staple in an olive-oil based tossed rice and veggie salad for dinner the following evening.

Clean as you go

Clever time-saving cooking tips go hand-in-hand with a tidy cooking space. Rather than spend valuable time cleaning all evening after dinner, Aldrich suggests keeping a warm cloth nearby to wipe up spills and messes, as opposed to having to scrub dried-on cooking stains later on. You can also cut down on last minute cleaning by soaking dishes and utensils after use.

Put your appliances to work

When chopping, prepping and steaming, rely on time-saving appliances such as a food processor, slow cooker, rice cooker and crock pot, says Aldrich. These appliances do all of the work, while you can indulge in more important things in the evenings — your family!

Get creative

According to Kuae Kelch Mattox, national board member for Mocha Moms, Inc., moms can take the time-consuming guess work out of meal planning by creating theme dinners such as Meatless Monday, Wacky Wednesday or Fishy Friday. This also makes dining more fun for the kids and gives them something to look forward to each weekday.

Pre-cut and freeze

Cut down on prep time by pre-cutting, freezing and storing fresh fruits and vegetables, says Mattox. By having food prepared in advance, you'll not only cut down on the time it takes to prepare meals but this method will also keep your food fresher, longer.

When in doubt, make soup

You should always keep a stash of dried beans, bouillon cubes or canned stock on hand in the pantry, says Mattox. When in a crunch for time, simply toss in frozen pre-cut vegetables, extra rice or pasta and enjoy the ultimate comfort food for a quick and easy meal!

More cooking tips for super moms

Super-fast lunch ideas
6 Simple and yummy cheese appetizers
How moms can model healthy breakfast habits

According to Frank, co-owner of Frankhaus, LLC, Cargot Roll & Go organizer: "While your family room may be filled with beans sprouting in a styrofoam cup, Legos and cracker crumbs, you can designate one room that is dusted and vacuumed once a week that features pictures in frames and end tables with coasters. There is no need to obsess over the whole house — one white-glove showroom is all that's needed."

Frank says moms should liberate themselves from extra housework by eliminating extraneous and under-utilized toys and gear that can be put to better use by being donated to Goodwill. There comes a time when a home — no matter the size — cannot accommodate 100 stuffed animals; infant gear becomes obsolete; and clothing, ice skates and Halloween costumes no longer fit. It's not a matter of cleaning — it's a matter of getting rid of useless items.

While taking on a task like washing dishes, moms can use the opportunity to soak their hands in warm water, gaze out the window and listen to their latest downloaded podcasts. When housework is done a little at a time, and reconfigured to make it a bit of an indulgence, "there's a transformation from work to maintenance," says Frank.

"I asked myself early on, do I spend my life scrubbing ketchup, milk and peanut butter out of my carpets and couches, or do I insist my kids eat in the kitchen," says Frank. When put like that, it's an easy decision. So after machine-washing the spots, and consequently the Scotch Guard, from my couch cushions, I had no choice but to blockade any and all food from leaving the kitchen. In the long run, discipline goes farther than elbow grease. And moms should take additional comfort in knowing that dirt being sucked into a vacuum cleaner is easily one of the most satisfying sounds.

According to Cara Mirabella, owner of TheHouseholdHelper.com, moms should set their timer for 15 minutes once or twice a day and tidy up. They can use that time to straighten out the magazines on the coffee table, put away some toys, grab their broom and do a quick sweep. Using a timer lets you know that there is an end in sight and often motivates you to move quickly.

More cleaning tips

10 Ways to clean faster
How to organize your family
Getting your family to help in the kitchen

Have you considered running for office?

It's important that parents get involved in the education of their children. Next time there's an opening for a seat on your local school committee, maybe one of the candidates could be — should be — you. Moms have a lot to offer in this area.

Is elected office
right for you?

In every city and town across America, the job of school committee member is absolutely essential — and totally thankless. The education of our children in public schools is highly personal in addition to being highly public. Everyone, but everyone, is a stakeholder it seems.

As parents, of course we have opinions of how our children should be taught certain things. We are their best advocates. Sometimes, as we get involved in volunteering in schools and learn about other issues, we can be good advocates of more than just our kids — we can be good advocates for all the kids. Sometimes leading a PTA committee just isn't enough!

One way to do this is to run for school committee. Should you? Well, maybe.

What does a school committee do, anyway?

School committee charters vary by town. At the most basic level, school committees work on school budgets, are a liaison between the public and the school administration, they hire certain administrators, and they set school policy. Some issues that come up fall into the gray areas on the edges, and while the school committee may not have a role in a particular issue, they may still be talking about it and hopefully trying to affect a positive outcome. They are neither a mouthpiece for the administration, nor intentionally adversarial. They should not be intentionally adversarial toward the public either. It's a delicate line they work.

Do you have the desire?

You really have to want to be on the school committee to run. There are requirements to fulfill to even get on the ballot, there's running, and there's serving, all of which take time and energy, and you may meet a lot of cynical negative people along the way. You really have to want it. If you are interested, contact your local elections board for information on requirements and deadlines.

Do you have the diplomacy?

There will be constituents for whom you can do no wrong, constituents for whom you can do no right, but most will fall somewhere in between. You need to be able to interact with each group respectfully, professionally and positively. It can be hard. School issues are highly personal to every parent, and sometimes parents will react strongly. Some may even cross an appropriateness line. You must be able to listen to and offer respect to even the most angry and seemingly irrational constituent.

Do you have an open mind?

The issues presented to you within the school committee may be totally unexpected. You will need to research an issue quite a bit to come to understanding. Likewise, there may be an issue about which you have definite beliefs. Even then you must research and try to understand so as to be able to make the best informed decision. Coming into the position with a hard and fast mindset does service to no one, even if you keep your initial point-of-view in the end.

Do you have the time?

School committees require time. Lots of time, and the vast majority of the time is not in the regularly scheduled meetings. You will need to research issues, talk with administrators, faculty, parents, kids and other town leaders. There may be training in your state for new school committee members, as well as opportunities to get involved on the state level — all of which take time.

Do you have the tenacity

People are going to get angry with you. They will. Every parent thinks they know what's best — and they do — for their kids. As a school committee member you need to be able to look at and make decisions on a much larger scale, for many, many kids. This isn't going to go over well with some people. They will get nasty. And you must be able to stand by your actions every single day.

If you have the energy and enthusiasm to run for the school committee after reading this, then you should seriously consider increasing your level of public service to the schools. You may be just what they're looking for.

More parenting tips

10 Tips to successfully re-enter the workforce
Checking up on your child's school
Making mom friends at the school yard

Growing up with Disney

When I was a kid, my grandparents took my sister and me on a cross-country road trip in a wood-paneled station wagon from Arizona to Florida to Walt Disney World for my first real Disney experience. I'll never forget that trip for many reasons, but what stands out the most is how amazing and magical the Magic Kingdom really was. With all our beloved favorite characters and the spectacular attractions, it was truly a fairytale experience.

My little princes and princesses

Three years ago, my husband and I decided to adopt from foster care. And in February 2010, we welcomed home our first daughter — a 6-1/2-month-old baby girl. Not soon after that — three weeks in fact — our son came to us at 21 months. And within a few months, we had another nearly 7-month-old daughter in our home.

As anyone who adopts from foster care knows, the process isn't easy — but it's oh-so-rewarding. We are truly blessed. And this week, we finalize the adoption of our second son — our fourth and final child. So now, we have our two little princesses and two handsome princes . Our family is complete and we have so many reasons to celebrate and be thankful.

Opportunity of a lifetime

We are celebrating together as a family with a wonderful opportunity. A cruise — and not just any cruise — a Disney Cruise. We'll be embarking on an adventure out of Galveston to the Caribbean on the Disney Magic.

Recently, Disney Cruise Line added Galveston as a port of departure, and we are thrilled to have the chance to take a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Magic with ports of call in Grand Cayman , Costa Maya and Cozumel .

From Galveston, Disney offers a variety of cruises including:

• 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 8-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 8-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise

And right now, they are offering some special rates for Galveston departures.

The Disney experience

I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to pass on my love for Disney to my kids. The cruise includes so many family and kids' activities that we are sure to have a blast. From the live shows to the deck parties and the youth clubs to the character greetings — we'll love every minute of it.

You can follow all the happenings on the trip on Twitter at #DCLTexas and learn more about the Disney Cruise Line on their website at disneycruise.com.

More about traveling with kids

Go RVing: Fun family travel
Simple tips for road trips with kids
Top travel toys for kids

Let your kiddo play his way in Pampers Cruisers, which have a three-way fit designed to give him all the freedom he needs. Just as quilt-y and soft as Pampers Swaddlers, they provide up to 12 hours of leak protection.

Luvs helps stop leaks while fitting snuggly no matter how your baby moves. These diapers feature a contoured shape and premium elastic sides and leg cuffs that stretch to fit with a blue core that guards against leaks.

You can count on the protection provided by HUGGIES Snug & Dry Diapers to let you focus on the adventures your little one takes you on daily. The snuggly fitting waistband and grip tabs ensure the diaper fits securely and a special layer keeps your baby dry by locking wetness away.

Fisher-Price Happy Days diapers are specially designed to provide the perfect, comfy fit. They provide premium protection, even during your baby’s active days. These diapers feature a Total Stretch waistband, a fit indicator and flexible leg cuffs. There’s even an umbilical cord cutout on the newborn size. Fisher-Price Happy Days are ultra-soft, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite disposable diapers in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

Blooming Bath creates handmade baby bathtubs made from lusciously soft and cuddly materials. These tubs are designed to cradle and cushion your baby better than plastic tubs and to provide a hassle-free experience to let you bond with your baby at bath time. It comes in four color options and makes a great shower gift.

Your little angel will learn to love bath time from birth up to 6 months in this comfy seat from Jahgoo. It’s easy to clean and is designed ergonomically with four suction cups so it’s always stable. It fits into almost any adult shower or tub and is available in two colors: Lime and white

The Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub from Boon is made to support your growing baby from newborn to toddler . It can be reclined, expanded, drained, collapsed and hung to dry. It’s also BPA-, phthalate- and PVC-free.

Let your little one enjoy bath time in this sporty and comfortable bath seat. The round shape of the bath support makes it easy to clean, and the ergonomic design and four suction cups provide exceptional stability. Designed for infants up to 6 months old, this support can be placed inside an adult bathtub or shower and is available in lime or white.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite baby bathtubs in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

Happy Bellies organic cereals are the first organic baby cereals to incorporate DHA for brain and eye development and the first baby food to incorporate the power of probiotics for your baby's wellness. Happy Bellies comes in green packaging made from 48 percent recycled content. Sold in three varieties, this cereal is filled with “good” bacteria to help strengthen your baby’s digestive system. It’s enriched with DHA and packed with iron, vitamins and minerals — all essential to Baby’s health.

Bright Beginnings Premium milk-based formula for infants up to 12 months old provides three benefits for your little angel. It’s fortified with DHA and ARA, the same nutrients found in breast milk believed to support brain and eye development. It also has valuable prebiotics like those found in breast milk, which support your baby's immune system. In fact, it has all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your baby needs for growth and development during the first year.

Beech-Nut provides nutritious food choices to support the growth and development of your baby. Their baby food is made with natural ingredients, which means you won’t find any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. In fact, the only thing you’ll find on a Beech-Nut label is the essential nutrients you want your baby to have.

Did you know one out of nine babies don’t get the iron necessary for healthy growth and development? Around the middle of their first year, babies' natural iron stores begin to diminish, which is why Gerber infant cereals provide this important nutrient for your baby's growth and mental development.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite first foods in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

The vintage look and romantic lines of the Graco Convertible Charleston Classic Crib adds instant charm to any nursery. The gender-neutral design fits any theme or decor. The adjustable three-height crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed or full-sized bed. JPMA, ASTM and CPSC safety certified, the crib’s non-drop side ensures stability.

Delta Children’s Products Solutions Curved 4-in-1 Crib is JPMA-certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. The crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed or full-sized bed and is made with strong, sturdy wood construction with three-position mattress height adjustment. Easy assembly.

The mid-century modern appeal of the Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib has charming spindles that give it an open feel which also allow you to keep an eye on your little angel from any angle. The four-position adjustable mattress lets you maximize comfort and safety. As your child grows, the crib grows with her, converting into a toddler bed and daybed. It’s also constructed with solid, sustainable New Zealand pine.

The cool, confident styling of the Kalani gives your child the comfort he deserves for a lifetime. With first-class engineering and a few simple conversions, the crib becomes a toddler bed or daybed — then it becomes a full-sized bed with wooden rails ! This JPMA-certified crib has a nontoxic finish and is lead- and phthalate-safe.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite crib in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

The Mijo is a simple, hands-free, safe and comfortable child carrier for parents on the go, whether it’s a quick run to the grocery store or a walk in the park. Kelty first introduced backpack-style child carriers to the outdoor world. Since their introduction, Kelty has refined their designs to create comfortable, easy-to-use — and most importantly, safe — child carriers.

The Baby K’tan is a soft hybrid baby carrier that acts as a sling, wrap and carrier. It allows parents to secure Baby in multiple positions from birth — hands-free and without the hassle of wrapping or buckling. The secret is its unique double-loop design, which gives added security for carrying and ease of use! The Baby K’tan is lightweight and compact like a sling, yet goes over both shoulders to evenly distribute Baby's weight like a structured carrier. There’s no other carrier like it!

Innovative Ergobaby designs allow this company to offer a broad range of baby carriers and travel systems for active parents. Ergobaby offers a collection of baby carriers, including organic, sporty, performance and original, providing a cool aesthetic and superior functionality.

The ergonomic waist belt and adjustable design of the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle provide optimal comfort. Easy adjustments allow you to choose how Baby’s weight is carried — on your shoulders, hips or both — giving you ultimate control and comfort. It fits your newborn perfectly with no extra insert needed and grows with your baby up to approximately 15 months... about the time they’re walking. As your baby grows, you can switch between carrying your child facing you or facing forward.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite baby carrier in the 2012 SheKnows Parenting Awards >>

Count your blessings. Revel in your successes. We hear these messages of positivity all the time as both parents and career women. But to be successful, you must also embrace your failures.

It’s not just about the successes

Kathy Ireland, the model, actress, designer and entrepreneur, was on Katie Couric’s show recently. Ireland is a highly successful woman who has gone from a swimsuit model featured in Sports Illustrated to a billion-dollar business owner.

On the show she spoke about how rejection in modeling helped her become more successful. “Criticism is a gift. Sometimes it’s wrapped in a nasty package... and sometimes we can learn from it,” says Ireland, a mother of three. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t let your fear paralyze you.”

Ireland’s words caught my attention as I prepared to write this column about how embracing failure can make us more successful. Who hasn’t failed at some point or another? But if we beat ourselves up or try to ignore our failings, we shortchange ourselves. Instead, we need to use it to push us ahead, as Ireland did.

Why failure matters

Failing is a hard thing. It hurts and makes us feel vulnerable. Doubt can creep in, tearing at our confidence —  if we let it. But there's the better way to look at failure.

We can use failure as a learning opportunity and grow from it. “Failing is very important because every time you fail, you have little clues that lead you to your goal. We place too much negativity on failing , that kids and adults alike are afraid to fail,“ says Jovim Ventura of InoPrints.

Your best bet when you fail? Instead of beating yourself up, let yourself feel the emotions — and then move on. “Failure tests your resiliency, and it helps you build faith in your ability to pick yourself back up again,“ says Nicole Bernardo, a confidence coach and strategist, who helps women create more meaningful relationships and careers.

How to learn from failure

So, how is failing a learning experience? Well, it gives you rock-solid evidence of what doesn't work. “If you fail one million times, you learn one million things not to do. That makes it that much easier to accomplish your goal,“ says Ventura.

It can also lead you toward things that do work as well. “Failing again and again helps you chip away at the stuff that isn’t serving you anymore and guides you to see a different path or idea that you hadn’t noticed before,“ says Bernardo. “It helps you become the best version of yourself.“

Using fails to succeed

Failures are a learning moment — and taking them as such can not only position you for future success but allow you to teach your kids important lessons about growing as a person. Your kids are watching, and when something doesn't go your way, your reaction matters.

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Mom, editor, author

Power mom Janice Min is the editorial director for The Hollywood Reporter and the former editor-in-chief of
US Weekly.

She’s also the author of a new book, How to Look Hot in a Minivan. She dishes on mom guilt, bouncing back after Baby and more.

Some moms just seem to have it all together. Janice Min, author of How to Look Hot in a Minivan and editor of The Hollywood Reporter, is one of them. But beneath the surface, she's a mom who's just doing her best — like the rest of us.

Min is a mom of three who has managed an intense and high-profile career while raising a family. She was on the rise in her career when she decided to start a family — it might seem like bad timing, but it was just right for her.

“Ninety-nine percent of women will feel like there is never any ‘perfect’ time to have a child. Your house will always seem too small, your paycheck not enough, and your career in a place where having a child might not seem advantageous,” says Min. “Everyone has to make the right choice for herself, but I would suggest that if you really would like kids, you bite the bullet and get going.”

For Min, becoming a mother actually helped her career a little too. “I'd like to say that becoming a mother probably made me a better manager, and really, a better person because I developed a level of empathy I don't think I had before. Also, it's worth pointing out, I've never seen more efficient people at work than working mothers. We really know how to cram it in,” says Min.

That mom guilt thing

We've all experienced it at one point or another: The dreaded mom guilt. Whether it's feeling like we aren't there for our kids enough or that we are being selfish by having a cup of coffee, we should really let it go. “We make sure everyone in the family — including the pet dog! — are eating well, groomed, and are well turned out before we pay any attention to ourselves. We deserve our own best efforts too,” says Min.

In How to Look Hot in a Minivan, she discusses a study that found kids wish parents would be less stressed out. “Most of us probably thought — or hoped — our kids' answer might be that they wanted more time with us. The fact is, we already spend so much more time parenting today than any generation before us, even when so many of us are working,” says Min.

So that afternoon at the salon or hour at the coffee shop? They are A-OK, especially if they will make you a less stressed mama. “To be clear, I'm not saying go turn into the ’Real Housewife’ of your town. But much like the free–range kid movement, I like the idea of being a free–range mom once in a while,” says Min.

Bouncing back after Baby

Stuggling with post-baby weight loss? Been there! Min recently wrote about how four months after giving birth, her manicurist asked her when she was due . So she knows first-hand what a challenge it can be.

But Min says by making healthy choices, you can do it. Her book includes nutritional advice and work-out ideas from Hollywood's best trainers and nutritionists that she says can be used by anyone — not just celebs. “We've all been on that precipice after giving birth where you think you may never lose the weight and the choice is to either let it all go and give up, or keep trying. If you keep trying, I guarantee it will happen. You may never look exactly the same again since pregnancy rearranges things differently than they were before, but you can get within pounds of where you once were if you eat wisely and exercise,” says Min.

Owning her mishaps

Being a successful editor and author doesn't make Min perfect. In her book, Min talks about the Top 10 Mom Mishaps — and she’s guilty of some too! “I've definitely tried to put on clothes that are too small. That's when you develop fat rolls you didn't even know you had. Not pretty. When the label says one size, and your body says another, it's time to size up,” says Min.

She’s also hanging on to a few Juicy track suits. “For some reason I can't part with them in my closet. Maybe because they were expensive. I'm guessing for Halloween one year I can be Jenny From the Block, circa 2003,” says Min.

Taking care of you

Moreover, taking pride in your appearance — just as you are probably teaching your kids to do — is a good thing. But you shouldn’t overdo it either, Min says. “I say, hold yourself to the same standards you would hold your own kids. If you look good, you'll feel good. We try to instill confidence and esteem in our kids all the time. Feeling pride in one's appearance is certainly part of that,” says Min. “The world won't end if you hit the gym for an hour or go get your hair cut. But if you're spending all your time and family's money on beauty treatments, well, ha, that's a different story.“

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If you want your children to conquer fears, build self-confidence, master social skills and hone their trouble-shooting capabilities, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a prescription for that — unstructured imaginative play.

The power of play time

Make time for unstructured play

It’s easy to hurry through each day with school, schedules, sports and extracurricular activities planned on what might seem like a never-ending loop... but it’s important to make time for completely unstructured, good old-fashioned play. Unstructured free play is child-directed, with no agenda, without planned activities or adult guidance. If you let your child initiate what he wants to make, create or play with, and allow him to direct how he spends his free play time, you’re setting him up to build critical skills that will help him later in life.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts and to learn self-advocacy skills.”

Engage at their level

While unsupervised play definitely has its pluses, there’s also a lot to be gained from playing with your child. When you ditch outside distractions and fully engage with your child in play, it can help strengthen the bond between you. Get down on their level and see the world from their point of view. Let them direct the activities while you give them your full attention as an active listener and participant. From building sofa-cushion forts in your living room to sitting on the floor for an elaborate make-believe tea party, showing your children that you’re all-in and ready to play in their world opens the door for you to really connect in a way that truly resonates with them.

Take it outside

Let nature be your guide. Whether you walk to a local park or even explore your backyard, there’s more room and less restrictions when your child is free to let her imagination loose outside. Twigs become makeshift pirate swords, bushes become fortresses, trees become lookout points and mud pretty much has endless possibilities.

Reassess your toy box

While the genius of imaginative play is taking something ordinary, or nothing at all, and making it into something out of this world, actual physical toys have their time and place, too. However, if you really want to foster imaginative play, you might need to reassess your toy box. Make sure you have plenty of active play toys — toys that allow your child to manipulate the outcome and be in the action — like building blocks and Lego sets. Dolls and stuffed animals can also help foster your child's imagination since they encourage make-believe and are the perfect companions for pretend play.

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Researchers recently discovered something interesting: Placing a cartoon sticker on apples made as many as 20 percent more of the kids studied choose an apple over a cookie. This and other strategies could help your kids make smarter food choices.

Encourage kids to eat well creatively

What if getting your child to choose a healthy snack was a mere sticker away? And what if that simple sticker could make an apple trump a cookie?

A new study by the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs in Ithaca, New York, looked at how familiar, fun characters influence kids' choices in the lunch room. Researchers looked at 208 kids ages 8-11 at schools in both suburban and rural areas each day for a week. Kids could choose an apple, cookie or both with their lunch. Some days, the food was offered with a cartoon sticker .

Study findings

So, did the sticker change what the kids decided to eat? Without the sticker, 91 percent of kids went for the cookie, natch. Less than one-quarter chose the apple . But when there was a sticker, everything changed. If the sticker was on the apple or both the apple and the cookie, 37 percent of kids chose the apple. The results were reported by researchers in a letter to the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

So what does it mean? Well, with a little creative encouragement, kids can be attracted to healthier choices.

Empowering kids

As a parent, you have the ability to empower your kids to make smart food choices by arming them with knowledge and getting them excited about good, wholesome food. Stacey Antine, MS, RD, founder of HealthBarn USA and author of Appetite for Life, says you can start by getting kids involved in making your family's meals. "Exclaim that they are now the family expert taste tester and their opinions matter. To be an expert taste tester there are three important rules: Must chew and swallow the food. Express opinions with a thumb up ; thumb to the side ; thumb down . If they don’t like it, they don’t have to eat it. No yucks allowed," says Antine.

Another way to empower kids to eat well is to grow some food with them, says Antine. A backyard garden or container garden can be a joy for parents and kids to create together.

More on raising healthy eaters

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Hello, fall! Oh, those brightly colored falling leaves. And the twigs. And so much more! Loving the change of scenery and season? Capture your fall love with your kids by creating these easy, fabulous fun crafts. Your kids will think you're the ”awesomest” when you start making wands, leafy bracelets and wall hangings with them. Ready?

This fun tote bag is perfect for trick-or-treating, lugging library books around or whatever you want. Be sure to use freshly fallen leaves that are still pliable — otherwise they might just crumble while imprinting the leaves on the tote!

You need:

• 1 large tote bag
• fabric paint in orange and bronze
• paint brushes — thick and a skinny one
• a paper plate
• freshly fallen leaves

Directions:

1. Lay out the tote on a flat surface. Squirt orange fabric paint on the paper plate. Using a fat brush, apply paint to one side of a leaf. Make sure all the brush strokes go in the same direction — and don't worry if the surface can't seem to be covered.
2. Press the leaf onto the tote bag where desired. Repeat with the same leaf or a variety of leaves to make a pattern .
3. Let the tote dry for 10 minutes. Then, squirt bronze paint on the plate. Using the skinny brush, paint details on the leaves. Also, paint the child's name on the tote.

Your kids will love these Halloween craft ideas too >>

Fall's here! Have your kids get creative with this fun DIY fall puzzle that your kids can put together and take apart whenever they want.

You need:

• 1 5-1/2 x 8-1/2-inch foam sheet
• colorful fall leaves
• craft paint
• brushes
• scissors

Directions:

1. Set out the foam sheet. Choose 2-3 fall leaves to use for the project.
2. Paint the fall leaves with craft paint .
3. Press the leaves onto the foam sheet to imprint the leaves on the sheet. Use a thin paint brush to write Happy Fall and 2012 on the foam sheet.
4. Let the paint completely dry.
5. Cut into puzzle shapes .

Also, check out our fun tutorial on how to make a fall welcome sign >>

More craft ideas

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Fall leaf prints tote bag