In addition to being enrolled in a music class that starts in January, my daughter and I went to our first class at our local library this past Friday.  We loved it!  The teacher was wonderful, and it was great to get back out into the world of the living and into a room full of other parents, child care providers, and little ones.  These classes are extremely popular (they are free for one thing), so you must sign up in well in advance—registration opens on the 15 or 16th of every month.  I found myself rushing out of bed first thing this morning to make sure we were all signed up for January—as I clicked through the registration process and glanced out the window to see that the sun had not even risen yet, I realized that I had turned into one of those crazy parents who thinks their son/daughter needs to be enrolled in every class, group, infant band audition so as not to miss out on anything (before she even knows that there is food beyond breast milk).  The bottom line is that I, of course, want the best for my child (as do most parents who sign up for these classes). And I’m trying to think of myself as not crazy for setting my alarm to sign up, as I’m convinced it’s been the most effective way to find the best classes for me and my daughter.

-Samantha is a former LLD sitter, event planner, and elementary school teacher. She and her husband live in New York and are first-time parents

The Problem: Children can be playing nicely together at a birthday party or event when suddenly a conflict arises. Or perhaps two children are sharing and enjoying each other’s company when one leans over and grabs a toy, pushes the other child, or bites the other’s arm.

The Solution: There are a few ways Ms. Rosenbloom suggests for teaching young children better and more genuine ways of handling these situations:

• Instead of asking children to say “I’m Sorry,” teach them to “check in” with the victim. They may ask them if they’re okay or if they need help getting up.

• Make sure your child waits and listens to the response instead of just asking the question and walking away.

• For older children, help them to identify the other child’s emotions. This can be done by helping them think of a time they felt the same. This will also give them an opportunity to think of realistic ways they can help the victim.

For more information about teaching your children about “I’m Sorry” and other alternatives, check out Ms. Rosenbloom’s article.

-Mama Bell will be taking a break until January to make way for our new series: Modern Mary Poppins Chronicles. 

Well, the answer to my problem came from my mother-in-law’s suggestion. She knew of a woman who had grown up in her old neighborhood that was married with three of her own grown kids who might  be interested. I learned later that she was also the parent of one of my favorite students. Small world. After a phone call, interview and sigh of relief she was hired. I really liked  her. She was prompt, responsible, caring, helpful, capable of handling five kids,and seemed to genuinely like them. Five years later, after the last baby went off to school, she left our home, but never our hearts.Like had  turned to love over the years and she became part of the family as we became part of hers.

-Mama Bell, mother of five, lover of nannies, and brand new addition to the LLD in-house team!

• What is Jam with Jamie & what inspired you to start it?  

Jam with Jamie provides musical entertainment for birthday parties, playgroups, and events for children, from 0 to 5 years old, all over New York City and the Tri-State area. My inspiration stems from working as a music teacher in preschools and for the company, Citibabes. My mother encouraged me to start my own company to provide private entertainment for birthday parties and playgroups, so in 2008 I took her advice. I got my start at a family friends’ birthday party and from there Jam with Jamie kept growing and growing. Now, 5 years later, the Jam with Jamie team has six entertainers. We are currently in the works to expand to Nashville and Miami!

•  Describe a typical party appearance with Jam with Jamie 

Parties include live singing and guitar playing with one rockin’ entertainer who interacts with the children through instruments, animal puppets, shakers, parachutes, and bubbles to add to the fun. For forty minutes, children will be up on their feet dancing and shaking to familiar tunes, that even adults enjoy! It is truly fun for the whole family and specials requests are always welcome!

Jamie incorporates the theme of the party into the entertainment!

•  Tell us more about your new online Children’s Song Series!

We are so proud to announce our most recent venture with Howcast.com. There are 38 videos that children can sing and play along with at home. We hope we can spread the joy of music to little ones and help them connect to new songs and classics with these videos. Here is a link to one of our favorites, and please check out the others. It’ll keep you and your kids occupied for hours!

A couple of my favorite videos from the Children’s song series are Baby Shark and Two Little Blackbirds.

• What else are you up to?

When I am not performing at birthday parties I am also an actress. I have done a ton of children’s theater, even when I was a child myself! I have performed in “The Little Mermaid” and “The Velveteen Rabbit” at The Player’s Theater. I am currently performing as the rock and roll granny in the new Laurie Berkner musical, “Wanda’s Monster.” We were just nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for “Best Family Show” which I am very excited about. Look out for news on our upcoming run at The Vineyard Theater over the summer!

• How can I book Jam with Jamie for my party?!

Contact us through our website or you can call us at 917-822-0186. Also, follow us on Twitter.

-Jamie has been working with children of all ages as an actress, teacher, and entertainer for the past ten years. She has taught numerous music and movement classes in Miami, Florida and at Citibabes and Kaplan Nursery School in New York City. Jamie has also performed in many off-broadway children’s theater productions, most recently as the Rock and Roll Granny in Laurie Berkners’ new musical, “Wanda’s Monster.”  Learn more about Jamie on her acting website.

Happy 2 months to these lil’ darlings!

When I grew up my grandparents were in my life in every way. They visited once a week and brought treats and helped me out when ever they could. They were so full of love and I want to be that kind of grandparent. However, the distance that separates us makes this a problem with no immediate answer. I will for now enjoy the moments I have left with the two most adorable grandchildren I could ever have been blessed with and look forward to future visits.

I am thankful not only for them but to have been invited into my daughter’s home with open arms for this unforgettable experience. I do know that her opened arms were arms of sheer panic, but that’s okay. I’ll take it.

With happiness and tears,

Mama Bell

As a professional photographer, I love taking pictures at children’s birthday parties & events where the energy and excitement is contagious! Pictures from these events are cherished by families for years to come. Parents are often so caught up in planning and running the event, that they forget to pick up their camera, or they might not trust their own photography skills to capture the fun of the day. If you’re interested in taking event photography into your own hands, read below for some quick tips on how to perfect your party pictures.

• Photography tips

Great photography starts with nice, even lighting. Pick an event location that gets soft natural light, and you’re one step in the right direction! Take numerous shots, and edit them down later. If you take a ton, you’re bound to find a gem! Remember to take plenty of candid shots, in addition to the standard group ‘staged’ pictures. Have your camera ready at all times – often the best shots are unplanned. Most of all, be silly and have fun with the kids…it is a party, after all!

Sometimes, it’s okay to play with your food!

• Fun theme & prop ideas that photograph well

For older kids, consider a DIY photo booth with fun silly props, and a background made out of colorful fabric. This is a great way for boys & girls to act silly, and ham it up for the camera.  You’ll be able to capture a shot of everyone who attends the event.  As an added bonus, you can send the pictures out with thank you cards after the party.

How about a dessert-station at your event? Colored candy varieties displayed in vases, bowls, and cake plates are as fun to look at, and photograph, as they are to devour.  Any time you have cupcakes and lollipops, you’re bound to get some sweet shots of the kiddos. What child’s eyes don’t light up when they see a delicious treat coming their way?  Get the camera ready for some frosting covered fingers and smiles.

No one can resist smiling with a cupcake in hand!

Be mindful of what will be in the background of during major party photo ops like cake cutting and present opening. A bunch of balloons of one color tied together acts as a lovely and portable backdrop. Use the balloon backdrop to block messy areas so that your photos focus on the children, and not the (unfortunate, but realistic) party clutter in the background. Remember to photograph detailed shots of the decorations and food presentation before the guests arrive.

• Getting the kids to smile

Sometimes the best shots are when a child isn’t looking at the camera. Perhaps they are blowing bubbles, or concentrating on opening a present. When photography isn’t forced, the end result is unique and beautiful. Often times, using the words ‘say cheese’ will backfire by causing a child to shy away from the camera, or by producing a face scrunched toothy grin (which is super adorable, but we do want to see their faces!). For posed shots, ask children to look for the ‘bug’ or ‘fairy’ inside your lens. This creates a fun game that will get little ones to look toward the camera.

Saying “cheese” isn’t always the most effective way to get a lil’ one to smile

Hopefully these tips help you at your child’s next birthday party or event!  If you decide that you’d like to hire a photographer for the occasion, remember this advice – the photographer is there to get the feel of the event and to capture moments as they unfold. Let them focus on their job, so you can enjoy the event with your children. Have a list of ‘must have shots’ for your photographer, and discuss with them at the initial consultation. Do your research to find a well reviewed photographer in your area and then trust them to do a great job. You have better things to think about, like celebrating your little one’s big day!

 -Bethany Kruska is a Brooklyn based natural light photographer and owner of Shutter Happy NYC. Bethany is available for portraits, engagement sessions, weddings, birthday parties, personalized NYC photo tours, and any other fun event you have in mind!

My pre-k’er NEVER listens! I’m losing my patience & don’t know what to do. Help!

-Cousin Kel 

Me and a feisty pre-k’er

Dear Cousin Kel,

Losing your temper with a child this age never works  & chances are you’ve tried the all-understanding patient approach. . . and STILL he/she does not follow your instruction.

Here are a few tips & tricks I’ve learned along the way to get your feisty pre-k’er to follow your lead:

• Come down to their level. Literally!  Get on your knees or squat down and use a very excited or goofy demeanor (whatever is your style). They will instantly be distracted by how silly you are acting, and will usually fall right in line with what you’re doing.
• Change the subject. Make what you are asking your child feel like they’re in on a fun task or secret, and not just “obeying” you. For instance, make picking up their art supplies a competition. Tell your child that you have to clean up before the buzzer goes off in 1 minute & start a countdown. Or, tell your child to head to the designated ‘secret spot’ when they are done. Watch how fast those supplies are picked up!
• Bribery. Yes, I know it sounds bad, but it works like a charm, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Are you planning on buying your child something new soon? A pair of shoes, a bike, some new activities? Plan ahead. If you are getting these things anyway- fill your child in, help them look forward to it, and remind them every morning that acquiring it will strictly be a result of good behavior that week.
• The Good Girl/Boy Chart.When all else fails, try a simple reward system. I have done this with Panini sticker books. It’s the modern-day version of collecting baseball cards, kids can fill pages containing images of their favorite cartoons or sports players with stickers. Let each day reward them up to 2 or 3 stickers before bedtime- but don’t give them out too freely & ensure your child earns them. Don’t hesitate to not give stickers if they were very poorly behaved that day-those stickers need to be well earned!

Hope these tricks help!

-LB

Shannon read these to two lil’ boys and they couldn’t put the books down! Both enjoyed the real-life baby pictures and the bright colors. They especially liked the use of photographs of children and enjoyed all the different colors.

Shannon and the boys had a blast with the books!

LLD: What inspired you to write this book?

DD: As kooky and new-agey as it may sound, the idea for this book came to me during my morning meditation. As a children’s photographer, and a mother of two (now 17 and almost 14), I am very aware of the scarcity of children’s books using photography. I also loved the idea of babies looking at babies, and having a book that is very simple and clean for the littlest ones. And I also like to look at a page that is designed simply, so I think that other parents will also enjoy looking at it.

DD: Again, I really wanted to keep it simple. One object on a page, one color, that corresponds to the color of the letter that represents that object. The point is that even the earliest “reader” could make that connection, or could easily learn to make that connection.

Intently learning his numbers!

Always my #1 priority!

Now I know what you are all thinking…but don’t worry, I will always put the needs of my daughter first and foremost! However, I think one of the best ways to put her first is by taking care of my marriage. I need to find more time to spend with my husband and that is putting Avery’s needs first. This year, I definitely want this to be a focus of mine…which means I need to find more LLD sitters to help me out with my plan! She may not understand now, but down the road she will thank me for putting her Daddy first some days!

-Mindy is a former LLD sitter and lives in Chicago with her daughter and husband.