It's never too early to start teaching your children about responsibility.  Even young toddlers can help out around the house.  In fact, toddlerhood is a great time to start teaching kids to pick up after themselves, set the table for dinner and more, because they are very eager to help.

My two and three year old children help with the laundry by putting their own clothing into the laundry hamper each morning after getting dressed and each night after putting on their pj's.  They also help me transfer clothing from the washer to the dryer, sort and fold socks, and even drag the laundry basket to the laundry room on occasion.

While I'm preparing dinner, I have my three year old set out the silverware and napkins.  He also takes care of his dishes when meals are over.  He enjoys helping so much; he often cleans up after his sister as well.  While I'm emptying the dishwasher and after I've removed the knives from the silverware holder, his job is to put away the forks and spoons.  These things are helpful to me and they make him feel grown up and proud.

As you go about your household tasks, think about what your child may be able to help with.  At first it may seem more like hindrance than help, as they learn to master the jobs.  Just remember to be patient.  You may have to demonstrate something a few times before they pick it up.  If the task is too hard, try again in a few months.  Their motor skills may not be developed enough for certain tasks. Be consistent in your expectations. In the long run, it will pay off.  You'll not only have taught your child responsibility, but independence as well.  Your child will be confidant and have the skills they'll need to succeed on their own.

By Guest Blogger from Mommies with Cents

I remember when I got pregnant I constantly heard, "This is going to change your life forever."  Little did I know that I would never understand this phrase until I had my children.  There are so many things that I wish I had known (or at least understood) before having children.

1. Babies eat nonstop.  Babies eat every 2-3 hours.
2. No matter how much I clean, my house will never be clean enough or even remain clean for a minute.  Having kids means owning more stuff.  Having kids means somehow food will find its way into the oddest places.
3. Taking a shower takes on a whole new meaning.  I have learned to wash my hair, body and shave in 5 minutes time it seems like.
4. It's amazing how much parents can function on such little sleep. Being a parent means never sleeping the same way again.  Becoming a light sleeper is almost imperative as children are always on the mind.
5. The day may have been long and hard making you wish it were over, but once it's over, you can't wait to spend time with your children again.
6. Wearing bodily fluid all day (that isn't your own) becomes a norm.
7. Most importantly though, something I would have never been able to know is how much love I truly have for all of my children.  There is definitely no greater love and bond between a parent and a child.

By Guest Blogger from Mommies with Cents

Mommy.  Daddy.  Daddy.  Mommy.  Mommy.  Mommy.  Daddy.  Does this sound familiar?  I have 3 children aged 4, 2 and 1.  These sounds are pretty familiar in our household.  Alone time with my husband is hard to come by, but I have always had the philosophy after my husband and I married almost 8 years ago that we would always make time for ourselves.  After having so many young kids, we have to get creative sometimes.  It can take a lot of effort, but we think it's best to always stay connected and not be lost in our children.  So, how do we do it?

The obvious answer is to hire a babysitter.  Since we are fairly new to the area, we do not know many people, so this is not always possible.  It can also get pretty expensive! 

Since I am pretty cheap when it comes to this, I always try to enlist the help of my family and friends.  With us, this can also be a challenge since our friends are all having children and our families live 2 hours away in different directions.

Since our friends are all having children, trade babysitting.  One night watch your friends' children and then another night they can watch yours.  This works out great because no money is spent and everyone gets to enjoy their evenings!

Set aside a few hours after the kids go to bed and stick with it.  The time spent may even have to be on the weekend while the kids nap.  Snuggle while watching a movie, take a walk or just sit outside together.  Wake up early and have breakfast together without having to feed the baby, or scrambling around to get the kids ready for school.

No matter what, make sure you spend alone time together each week.  The time spent will open communication and you will be able to enjoy each other without wiping noses, talking over screaming or picking up toys.

By Guest Blogger from Mommies with Cents

I was raised a picky eater. When I was younger, I would hide peas and milk in my cheeks and visit the restroom only to spit it all out in the toilet. I never really liked many vegetables, so I am not surprised that my children are not huge vegetable eaters either. So, how do we, as parents, handle picky eaters? Here are some ways to tame that picky side:

Do not offer sugary foods (or foods he/she is prone to only eat). I know my son won't eat his sandwich, if I offer a side such as chips with the sandwich.

Keep distractions to a minimum. If there are other children running around or the television is on, for a few examples, children will not focus on eating.

Hide food/nutrients in other foods you make. One of my secrets is to hide veggies in their meatloaf. The children have no idea it is in there and gobble up the meatloaf.

Make it fun. Turn sandwiches into shapes by using cookie cutters, dip veggies in butter or a sauce your child likes, or put food coloring in certain foods like mashed potatoes.

Lead by example. Your child is going to eat what you eat. If you never eat healthy foods, such as veggies, your child won't either.

Do not be a short order cook. Offer your child one option and stick with it. Keep trying by offering these foods to your children and eventually he/she will come around.

Don't use bribery. Your child will learn that they need to reject these foods in order to gain something out of the experience.

If you are concerned with your child's health due to lack of eating certain foods, or eating too many bad foods, consult their physician. Taking small steps to change their habits is definitely taking the correct approach to tackling your picky eater.

By Guest Blogger from Mommies With Cents