I can do it all by myself! It’s the phrase all kids utter as they strive for independence. Help them help themselves, and help them gain confidence and know-how with these handy products that make doing lots of things easier, all by themselves.
Step Up
For a boost up to the bathroom sink or anywhere little ones need a lift, the Kids Wooden Step Stool is a staple for every household with children. Made in Little Colorado, Denver, with top quality solid pine, it’s sturdy enough to support an adult, and it features a built-in carrying handle for easy portability. Available in a variety of colors and finishes. $60 – $71.50. Artisticsenations.com.
More Please
When more food lands on the floor than in baby’s mouth, Tiny Tongs can help make mealtime mor
e successful and less stressful for tots and parents. The non-slip, ergonomically designed BPA-free utensils are perfect small hands and can help little ones grip bites of food easily. $7.99. Ages 12 months to 5+ years. Specialty juvenile products stores nationwide or tinytongs.com.
Sticky Stuff
The name synonymous with glue has done their iconic brand one better with a new formula for Elmer’s Glue-All that makes their classic multi-purpose glue stronger, more durable and longer lasting. It still dries clear and remains non-toxic and safe for children for school projects to quick fixes around the house. $1.99 for 4 fl oz bottle. Nationwide at major grocery stores, drug stores, big box retailers and craft stores.
Cool Pad
Practice writing the alphabet, draw or dood
le and erase and do it again with a quick swipe the multi-purpose Expo Learning Board ($5) and the Expo Click Fine-Point Dry-Erase Markers ($5). The double-sided personal dry erase board can replace pads of paper and keep junior from scribbling on walls, and the pens are AP Certified nontoxic and with no cap to remove or lose, so they are great for kids. Target, Walmart, Sears, Office Depot, and office supply stores nationwide.
Brush Up
Make brushing fun for kids with the ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush, in cool designs like Butterfly, Dolphin, Ice-Cream Cone, Mermaid, Skateboard, Firetruck and Soccer ball, and Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine and Hulk. Uses two AAA batteries. $5.29 – $6.29. Mass merchandise, drug and food stores nationwide.
K. Pearson Brown is a columnist and blogger living in Los Angeles. Follow her musings on motherhood and living in a two-mom household at www.outwithmommy.wordpress.com.
