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| My kids love playing with Play-Doh, but I hate cleaning the little bits that get stuck in the grooves of my wooden kitchen table every time after they do. What should I do? —Adela, Forest Hills, NY | |
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I hate the Play-Doh cleanup, too, Adela. Whether it’s because of the little pieces squished into your table and floor or the impossible-to-get-out smell that sticks around until dinner, it’s often tempting to steer your kid away from playing with the stuff. Creating with Play-Doh, however, is not just a fun activity for your kids—it’s a magnificent tactile play and sensory experience for your child that can help develop both fine and gross motor skills, says Kim Perks, an occupational therapist in Washington, D.C. Bottom line: Don’t ditch the ’doh! To minimize the mess, try covering your table with a splash mat designed for art projects. As it’s made to be put on the floor (and, therefore, not slip and slide), it will not only adhere to your table’s surface, but it will also make the post-play peeling-off a breeze. When it’s time to put everything away, just wipe if off with a damp cloth and then enjoy your clean tabletop! Check out the durable yet inexpensive splash mats from Children’s Factory Inc., which are available for $7 to $10 at www.kaplantoys.com. |
| I’m kind of obsessed with costume jewelry and am running out of space to store it. I’m looking for a really large jewelry box, but everything I find is too small. Am I out of luck? —Perri, Dover, DE | |
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I recommend checking out the McKenna Jewelry Armoire from Pottery Barn. Even though it’s large (16.5" x 10.5" x 10"), it has an embossed leather exterior with faux suede interior lining that make it very feminine and pretty. Of course, it’s got all sorts of storage compartments to keep your treasures organized and protected. There’s a large divided drawer; sections for rings, earrings and necklaces; storage for bracelets and watches; a mirror; and two travel boxes that nestle inside. It comes in ivory, porcelain blue and red, and it retails for $349 at www.potterybarn.com. |
| The product I’m loving this month: |
Take & Toss Dinnerware and Cups from The First Years The amount of stuff you have to pack when you take your kids on a trip—even if it’s only for a weekend—is insane. Make traveling a little easier with these inexpensive, disposable and lightweight cups, bowls and flatware. They come in varieties featuring all of your kids’ favorite characters (think Cars, Disney Princesses, Sesame Street, etc.), which will likely alleviate any dining disasters and help you maintain your kids’ regular eating schedules. When you’re done, just toss ’em in a plastics recycling bin and free up some room in your bags. Brilliant! (19-piece Variety Bag, $17.99, www.shop.learningcurve.com) |
Need a good laugh? Click here to read all about Chelea's life with two little ones—in her blog, “The Momtourage” |
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