We all know reading with our children is imperative to their development, and happily book stores and libraries are overflowing with choices. So Paige and Gretchen are checking in with Erica Perl, author and reading expert, to get her advice on how to pick great books to read with your 3-5 year old. Her ideas include looking for books that are concise and well written, have fun and engaging characters, and are visually interesting. Try to find books that you enjoy too, since you may well be reading them many, many times!
Getting children to take an interest in good oral hygiene is not easy, but Gretchen and Paige invited Valerie Woo, DMD to the show to talk about how it can be done. It’s important to be positive, consistent, and give motivators. A toothbrush with an angled handle can help kids reach all their teeth, but most children will need help until they have the dexterity to tie their own shoes. Our show is sponsored by Listerine Smart Rinse and Dr. Woo recommends a fluoride rinse, like Listerine Smart Rinse, to help protect kid’s teeth from cavities.
There’s a new (really new!) trend in crafting—techno crafting, and Paige is hooking us up with Alison Lewis, creator of www.iheartswitch.com, to show us how fun and easy it can be. Alison is an instructor at Parson’s school of design and has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show. Her fun and innovative projects combine technology and crafting to make super cool and unique items, like a lighted purse or “gadget gloves” that let you use your iphone without taking off your gloves. Yum! Check out her blog and book for easy, clear step by step instructions for making your own projects…like a light up snowflake ornament! Also watch a special HowTo video right here on MommyCast.com and learn how to make those neat light-up present boxes! Who doesn’t want that?
Paige’s newly discovered love of running has her in awe of our latest guest endurance runner Charlie Engle. Last year, Charlie and a few of his friends decided to run straight across the Sahara desert and they documented the entire expedition. The run took 111 days, went through six countries and covered over 4,300 miles. The fabulous film “Running the Sahara” documents each and every step of this amazing journey. Visit the website runningthesahara.com to get your copy of the film today. Enter “Mommycast” into the promo code and receive 20% of your purchase.
Speech and Language Pathologist, Maia Magder, teaches Paige and Gretchen about how infants develop speech and what parents can do to encourage them. She shares some important milestones for moms to look for, like when babies should be smiling and babbling. To learn more from Maia, visit her website.
