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Welcome to Forty Carrot's Blog Site!
Good Beginnings Last A Lifetime: A Parenting Blog
Rebecca Lockwood, Parenting Educator & Blog Facilitator
Rebecca has been with Forty Carrots' parenting programs as a Parenting Educator for 5 years. She has an M.A. in Psychology and is currently is completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a child/family concentration. Rebecca launched our Parenting Blog in December 2008, and most recently she is the face behind the Forty Carrots Facebook page. She completed the Infant Mental Health training based out of New York City and initiated the Infant Mental Health Program at Cyesis with mothers and their babies. Rebecca facilitates Talk and Play (TAP) classes at First Step, SOLVE Maternity Homes at Manatee County, and Riverview High School with the Cyesis Teen Program.
All Blog Postings
Summer Pool Safety
POSTED BY Rebecca on 06/01/2009
The summer's here! Many of us are finding ourselves in and around water more often. Its a good time to freshen up knowledge of pool/water safety.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Beat the Heat
POSTED BY Rebecca on 05/28/2009
Its hot. The kids are out of school. Here are some fun, refreshing ideas to do together.
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Thursday Three: Ways Parenting is Like a Pair of Shoes
POSTED BY Rebecca on 05/21/2009
Whether you prefer flip flops or stilettos, parenting is more like a pair of shoes than you think.
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The Benefits of Imaginary Friends
POSTED BY Rebecca on 05/10/2009
Many parents express concern over imaginary friends, but these unseen playmates can have real value in our children's development.
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Thursday Three: More Dr. Seuss
POSTED BY Rebecca on 05/07/2009
I shared some of his rhyming wisdom before, but this time I have some other words of wisdom from Dr. Seuss. Saying these may not sound as cute as the others, but they certainly have value.
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Thursday Three: Activities To Do Instead of Watching TV
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/30/2009
Some ideas for families to do together in place of watching TV in honor of TV Turn Off Week.
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TV Turn Off Week
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/26/2009
A family attempts to go an entire week without TV as participants of National TV Turn Off Week... albeit a week late.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Make Stressful Situations More Manageable
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/23/2009
We all know there are times when parenting can be quite stressful. Here are some ways to help diffuse high stress situations.
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Thursday Three: Dr. Suessisms
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/16/2009
Hidden amidst the nonsense of his rhymes, Dr. Seuss may have actually known what he was talking about.
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Moms Don't Sleep
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/12/2009
Even when Moms are resting, our hearts and minds can be filled with thoughts of our children.
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Rituals and Routines
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/05/2009
Many people think of rituals and routines around December, but the truth is they occur throughout the entire year. Many religions have important holidays this time of year, and holidays tend to mark special rituals for many families.
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Thursday Three: Spring Break Ideas
POSTED BY Rebecca on 04/02/2009
In case you are trying to come up with some activities while your children are out of school for Spring Break, we thought we would share some suggestions.
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The Best That I Can Do
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/29/2009
Any mom knows that some days are better than others. One day you can successfully check off every item on your to-do list, get in a workout, shower and have time to create a fabulous home cooked meal. Other days, just getting that shower in is a stretch.
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Thursday Three: Things I Learned from Winnie the Pooh
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/26/2009
He may be a "tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff", but Winnie the Pooh has said some true gems of wisdom making him more than just a "silly, willy, nilly old bear".
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Thursday Three: Ways for Frazzled Parents to Relieve Stress
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/19/2009
Raising children is a highly involved mission that can be stressful. It's important for parents to take time to release the stress and tension they may be feeling.
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Navigating the Co-Parenting Relationship
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/15/2009
Being on the same page is a goal that most parents strive for. Below we discuss some of the common roadblocks and building blocks in creating a successful co-parenting relationship.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Bring Back
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/12/2009
With all the high tech gadgets out there, it can be refreshing to watch children allow their imaginations to soar by playing with simple objects.
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Letting Children Solve Their Own Problems
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/08/2009
Giving children the space and security to solve their own problems promotes confidence and creativity.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Use Humor to Lighten Up Family Life
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/05/2009
Children feed off parents' reactions and emotions. Using humor can be one way to lighten things up at home.
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Helping Children Adjust to a New Sibling
POSTED BY Rebecca on 03/01/2009
Even though children may be excited about a new sibling's arrival, it can still be difficult adjustment. Here are some ideas to help ease the transition.
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Thursday Three: Benefits of Family Meals
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/26/2009
Eating together as a family can be challenging, but it also comes with many benefits.
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Thursday Three: Things a
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/19/2009
Want to be the coolest parent on the block? Consider learning one of these neat tricks!
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Safety Proofing Tips
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/15/2009
Preparing for a new baby is more than simply making sure you have all the necessities, it also means making sure your house is safe for the baby! Here are some tips for safety proofing.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Show Your Children You Love Them
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/12/2009
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, here are some nonverbal ways to show your children you love them.
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Thursday Three: ALMOST Free Activities to Do With Your Child
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/05/2009
A few weeks ago, we gave you three free activities to do with your children. As a follow up, you can try these three activities that are $5 or less.
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Saying No Effectively
POSTED BY Rebecca on 02/01/2009
As parents its important to set limits for our children, but sometimes this can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions from Dr. David Walsh's book "No: Why Kids- of All Ages- Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It".
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Thursday Three: Uncommon Circle Time Requests
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/29/2009
Children love music of all types. Sometimes when we gather together to sing at the end of parenting classes, their song requests branch out beyond typical childrens songs.
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Preschool Registration
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/25/2009
Selecting a preschool for your child can be difficult. Our decision this year found us focusing on quality and goodness of fit more than anything else.
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Thursday Three: Ways to Display Your Children's Artwork
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/22/2009
Instead of letting your childrens artwork collect dust in piles all around the house, try these ways to showcase their talent!
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First Lessons in Temperament
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/18/2009
We can use our knowledge about our own temperament and that of our children to guide us as we navigate the unknown waters of parenthood.
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Thursday Three: FREE Activities to Do With Your Children
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/15/2009
Doing things with your child doesnt have to cost money. Here are some free activities you can do together!
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Thursday Three: Ways to Redirect Challenging Behavior
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/08/2009
Children learn by getting into things and by how we respond to their challenging behavior. Here are three techniques for redirecting challenging behavior while staying calm.
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Winter Class Offerings from a Mom's Perspective
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/05/2009
Our winter registration is up and running. Come see what classes we are offering and this mom's insight into the benefits of each type!
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Thursday Three: New Year's Dissolutions for Parents
POSTED BY Rebecca on 01/01/2009
Need help coming up with a manageable New Year's Resolution? Here are some ideas about what we can stop doing that will decrease stress and increase pleasure.
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Answering Your Parenting Questions: Social Interaction and Potty Training
POSTED BY Rebecca on 12/29/2008
This week, we answer your questions and provide tips related to preschooler's social interactions and potty training.
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Thursday Three: Unusual Christmas Requests for Santa
POSTED BY Rebecca on 12/25/2008
Children say the funniest things, and what they ask Santa for is no exception.
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Answering Your Parenting Questions: Parental Preference and Picky Eating
POSTED BY Rebecca on 12/22/2008
This week, we answer your questions and provide tips related to parental preference and picky eating.
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Thursday Three: Things You Can't Make a Child Do (aka
POSTED BY Rebecca on 12/18/2008
Knowing the things we can and can not control in our children decreases frustration for all.
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We're Blogging!
POSTED BY Rebecca on 12/16/2008
Forty Carrots has entered 21st century technology with the launch of "Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime: A Parenting Blog". Check it out!
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