Ethan's Mommy

Looking for a good starter atlas for my 3.5 year old. I'm leaning toward this one http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Beginner... but there's only one review. Any recommendations?

My 19 month old regularly gets complimented on her intelligence, and speech. When it is someone without children I don't have too much trouble responding politely. But, when its someone with similarly aged children (which it usually is) I have a very difficult time finding the right thing to say.

Somehow I feel like its rude just to say "thank you," and a specific compliment like that isn't easy to just throw back toward their child.

I'm invited to a birthday party for twin girls. I'm not sure what the best route to go gift-wise would be. Do i get two inexpensive gifts, or one nicer gift for them to share. I like the idea of getting them separate gifts, but as a parent of a child with way too many toys I'd much prefer my children have a handful of nice toys than a bunch of junk.

Also, if I go with 2 separate presents should the be similar or totally different?

We're considering purchasing season passes to a local theme park. On most days it would be just myself and my two children (3 yrs and 13 mos). On most of the kids rides it states: 'No height min. w/adult. 42” min. to ride alone. No infants.'

My 3 year old isn't tall enough to ride alone, so I'd obviously have to go on with him. Do you think my 13 month old would be considered an infant and be unable to ride.

Also, what books did you start with?

I've been trying to sell my outgrown travel system for several weeks now. I've dropped the price several times but still no luck. Just curious how much other people consider reasonable for it as I must still be asking too much.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26013076@N05/56062581...

*I am aware that it isn't advised to buy second hand car seats. But there are still plenty of people that do, and this is an unexpired, accident free car seat.

Do you medicated your child at the first sign of a fever, or do you wait until it exceeds a certain temperature?

What do you consider a _high_ fever?

I'm looking for suggestions for my son's third birthday gift. I'd like to find something that will really get played with.

I'm looking for suggestions for my son's third birthday gift. I'd like to find something that will really get played with.

My < 3 year old has been having a very difficult time sleeping lately. He very recently gave up napping on most days and has begun waking for several hours at night time. Last night he woke up around 1130, and didn't go back to sleep until around 2 as well as waking a few times fo shorter periods.

He's been really whiny and clingy during the day time. He'll occasionally come over to snuggle and tell me that he isn't feeling very well (I think he's referring to being tired, but I can't be completely sure) If I ask him whats wrong he just tells me "I don't know."

Can anyone think of a reason that a child would just stop sleeping like that? Any suggestions on helping him sleep better?

I'm looking to get my almost 3 year old into some sort of activity to keep us busy through the winter. We've done swimming lessons in the past, but unfortunately that isn't an option this year. What other types of activities do they have for that age group. I only know of Gymboree and Music together in our are . Both are overpriced chains, so I'd like to explore other options.

My nearly 3 year old has been asking to go to "school" for a while now. I've decided to send him 2 days a week in September (he'll be nearly 3.5 by them). I'm starting to look into different preschools for him.

We have a Goddard School down the street. I haven't really looked into it too much yet, but I always hear people saying how the Goddard Schools are "the best" but I've never really heard why. What is so great about them?

How do you handle it if you/your kids open a gift that you already have? Do you tell them you already have it hoping they will take it well and suggest you exchange it for something useful? Do you say nothing in order to avoid hurt feelings?

If you say nothing, do you: let it sit unused in a closet, re-gift it, exchange it without telling them, or something else?

We got a big package in the mail the other day. I haven't opened it yet, but the contents as well as the purchaser are listed on the package.

It is a picnic table for my kids ordered by my step-mother. They already have a picnic table. And I'm unsure about how to handle this. My dad and his wife live out of state and have no way of knowing that we already have one.

What do I say to my Dad when he calls? Do I tell him we already have one and risk hurting his feelings?

Do you thing they will honor a price that was clearly a typo?

I just purchase several toys marked at $1 that clearly shouldn't have been. I'm really excited by th bargain. Am I just getting my hopes up?

We participate in several childrens progams at our local library every week and I am contemplating getting them some sort of Christmas/Holiday gift. They are really a wonderful set of librarians and my son loves them to pieces.

Do you buy a gift for your librarian?

We're pretty poor at the moment, any suggestions for what would make a thoughtful yet inexpensive gift/gesture?

My mother is super excited about finding some real lead tinsel online for her x mas tree this year. I have 2 young children (ages 2.5 and >8 mos) that visit her fairly often, as well as my step sisters 4 year old and I'm a bit concerned. I mentioned my concerns about the lead to her, and her responses were "well, just keep them away from the tree then" and "We all grew up with lead tinsel, and we're fine now."

I'm just not sure how seriously to take this. Would I be overreacting to keep my children away from her house until the holidays are over with. Or is the risk really minimal enough that I would be doing more harm to my children by keeping them away from loving grandparents?

Preferably cheap.

Just curious about what others are spending. How may children do you have and their age(s). Do you spend the same amount on each child?

My son will be nearly 3 this christmas, and I'm looking for some book suggestions. We have loads of books, but many are becoming a bit babyish for him. Can you please list some books that your 3-4 year old loves.