Diaper Bag Essentials for Toddlers

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Huggies®. All opinions are 100% mine.

New parents often go to great lengths to make sure they're ready with all the diaper bag essentials for their newborn.

But as they become comfortable with their routine, they sometimes forget that the routine has to change a little as their child grows!

I can't count how many times I've had to rescue a mom from a messy situation because she wasn't prepared with what she needed in her diaper bag. Don't be the mom who's not prepared!

Have these diaper bag essentials packed and ready for your toddler!

1. Diapers

Of course, what good would a diaper bag be without diapers? When you have an active toddler, you want to make sure you have high-quality diapers that are going to be comfortable for long periods of time.

We got Huggies® Snug & Dry Ultra Diapers at Walmart.com and have found them to be great for keeping our daughter dry for long periods of time. The unique quilted liner locks away wetness better and the Leak Lock System with its quick-absorbing layers offer up to 12 hours of protection!

2. Wipes

You can never have too many baby wipes. You'll use them for far more than diaper changes. Washing your little ones hands before eating on the go, cleaning up spills in the car, and wiping sticky faces are just a few of the things you'll need them for.

3. Diaper Disposal Bags

The older your toddler gets, the worse those diapers are going to stink! Make sure you have a place to put the dirty ones while you look for the nearest trash can. You really don't want to leave a dirty diaper sitting out in the car!

4. Snacks

A hungry toddler is a grouchy toddler. Make sure you're always prepared with something to feed your little one!

5. Cup

Your toddler needs plenty to drink throughout the day. Make sure you're prepared with a full cup in the diaper bag!

6.Blanket

Sometimes you'll be out during nap time. If your little one will need to snooze in the car or stroller, make sure you're prepared with a blanket.

7. Change of clothes

Diaper blowouts aren't usually as much of a problem with an older toddler, especially if you're using high quality diapers like Huggies® Snug & Dry Ultra Diapers (available exclusively at Walmart.com.) However, your active toddler will find lots of ways to get dirty, whether it's jumping in the mud puddle or being a messy eater. Make sure you have clean clothes in the bag.

8. Pajamas

Many times you'll find yourself out later than you intended. Keep pajamas in the diaper bag and you can get your toddler into a fresh diaper and pajamas before you head home so they can go straight to bed.

9. Lovey/pacifier

If your toddler has a special animal, blankie, or doll, be sure to keep it in the diaper bag when you're out. If they get tired, you'll be glad to have it with you. If they still use a pacifier, make sure to have one (or two or three) with you also.

10. Toys

Chances are you'll end up somewhere that is boring to your toddler. Make sure you have a way to keep them occupied.

11. Hand sanitizer

If it's gross, your toddler will touch it. Be prepared.

You can buy the Huggies® Snug & Dry Ultra Diapers exclusively at Walmart.com.

Can you think of any other items you've learned to keep in the diaper bag?

35 Ways to Say “I Love You” to Your Child

You love your kids so much you could burst.  But do they know how much you love them?

Here are 35 actions you can take that will say “I LOVE YOU” to your child loud and clear!

1. Write notes

Write love notes to your child.  Send them in their lunch, leave them on their pillow, or put them beside their plate at the table.

2. Buy a prize when you go shopping

If you go to the store alone, bring them back a little something to say “I was thinking about you while I was gone.”

3. Take them somewhere fun

Go to the playground “just because”!

4. Play with them

Don't just watch your child play!  Get out there and throw the ball, swing on the monkey bars, or race your child across the backyard.

5. Read to them

Do your children know that reading is important?  Do they know that they are important?  Read to them and they'll know that both are important!

6. Fix their favorite meal

Just because you know they like it!

7. Make them “Queen for a day” or “King for a Day”

Treat them to royal service!  (Within reason!)

8. Look at them when they are talking to you

Look away from your phone or turn your face away from the sink full of dishes and look at your child when they speak to you.  Get down on their level as often as possible as look them straight in the eye.  By doing this your actions say loud and clear, “I'm listening.  What you have to say is important to me.”

9. Use a gentle tone of voice and respectful phraseology when speaking to them

10. Let them stay up a little while past bedtime to read or snuggle with mom and dad

11. Say “Yes!” when they ask if you can ____ (build a fort, make some popcorn, play outside, etc.)

— even if you're busy.

12. Give hugs and kisses

– You can never give a child too many.

13. Treat everything they say as if it's a big deal

– Because to them, it is!

 14. Compliment them

15. Don't interrupt when they are speaking

16. Write letters and send them in the mail

17. Give them appropriate boundaries

When you say “no” to the second helping of ice cream, “no” to staying up late, or “no” to mindless TV and video games, they know you are looking out for their well-being.  Love protects, even when it means saying no to something your child wants.

18. Let him help you in the kitchen

Kids always want to help with dinner.  They're thrilled when they can spend time near you and learn to do things that make them feel grown-up.

19. Take them on a date

Setting aside special time to take your child on a date makes them feel important.

20. Encourage

– Through success, and (especially) through failure

21. Tell stories about their childhood

Kids love to hear about when they were younger.  It makes them realize that they have always been special to you.  So much so that you want to remember every little thing about them.

22. Help with their chores

Kids need to learn responsibility, but sometimes just acknowledging that “This growing up thing is hard work.  Let me help you,” makes your child realize that you care about their feelings.

23. Ignore the phone

Ignore all those texts and emails from work.  Quit looking at Facebook.  Your child is  more important than those!

24. Call when you're away

Whether you're gone for 2 days or 2 hours, kids love it when you call and let them know you're missing them.

25. Make mental notes of what they like

Then surprise them with it.

26. Answer their questions

Don't ignore their questions or try to brush them off.  Answer their questions.  (Yes, all of them!)  Look up the answers if you don't know.

27. Smile

If you're happy to be around your child, make sure to communicate that to your face or your child won't know it!

28. Tell jokes

Kids love silliness.

29. Listen to their jokes

And they want you to think they're funny too.

30. Be honest

Lying isn't loving, even when the truth is painful.  Find a way to gently tell your child the truth.

31. Give a back rub

Gentle touches tell your child you're happy to be with them.

32. Sing to them

33. Tuck them in bed at night

34. Be sympathetic

If they're crying about something, it's obviously a big deal, even if it doesn't seem to you like it should be.  Don't dismiss it and tell them to “get over it”.  Say I'm sorry and give a hug instead.

35. Say “I Love You”

They want to hear the words from you!  So tell them!  You can't say these words often enough!

Find more encouragement for Christian moms on Facebook.

Guiding Children From Grouchy to Grateful

In this article about teaching kids gratitude:

1. What to do when kids complain.
2. Opportunities for teaching gratitude
3. Resources for teaching kids gratitude
4. Additional articles about kids and gratefulness
5. Product recommendations

The following article, Guiding Children from Grouchy to Grateful, is written by Mrs. Mark Schultz.

“I don’t want to wear that!”
“I don’t have anything to play with!”
“I’m tired of riding in the car!”

These can be grievously familiar words to any Mom because Mothers wage the war on
keeping their children from becoming spoiled brats. Each meal, bath time, training time, or
instructions lands us on the front lines. “Why aren’t my children grateful?” our soul groans
within us each time we hear a complaint. It’s time to take our children from grouchy to grateful!

When children begin to complain they need to be redirected.

When I hear complaining I ask the offender to give me 3 things they are thankful for. Each time I do this I not only keep them from wanting to complain next time, but also show them how blessed they are. This can also be a great way to direct dinner conversation at the table towards God-honoring speech.

Another opportunity for teaching thankfulness is when you’re riding in the car. This is a great time to take turns naming things you’re thankful for. Make a game of it seeing how many times you can go around the car saying things each person is thankful for. This exercise causes you to see everything for what it really is—a gift from God. Too often we take all of life for granted.

A wise person once asked,

“What if you woke up this morning with only what you
thanked God for yesterday?”

Thought provoking! It’s time to notice the seemingly little things.
Consider the beautiful lilies. Enjoy the sparrow. And be sure to thank the One Who made them.

My mother instilled thankfulness into me, and I want my family to understand the importance of being thankful. Thankfulness is important to God. One of the sins God warns us about is being unthankful. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was
darkened.” (Romans 1:21)

Also consider how God responded to the complaining of His people in the desert. “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and comsumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)

{Want to help your children go deeper into the topic of being grateful and content? My friend Kim at Not Consumed has a Biblical study designed just for kids called A Content Heart. You can get a copy of the study right here.}

What are you going to change to help bring an attitude of thankfulness into your home?

You may also like:

5 Ways to Cultivate A Heart of Contentment in Your Children

How to teach kids to be grateful for gifts

Are you having your own struggle with gratitude? You'll enjoy our study called A Heart of Gratitude: 60 Days of Praise and Prayer. Click here to get your copy.

10 Reasons Why You (Yes, YOU!) Are the Best Mother In the World

Do you end your days thinking no one could possibly be a worse mother than you? It’s easy to get discouraged and look at all your failures. But I’m here to tell you to put your chin up because you are the best mother in the world!

“To the Best Mom in the World”

That’s who the hand-drawn mother’s day card is addressed to. And you know what? It’s true! Your child means every word of it!

This is why you are the best mom in the world:

1. No one else’s hug feels as good as yours.

 2. Lots of people can cut up a sandwich, but nobody can do it quite like you do.

3. Your child is the smartest, most adorable person in the world, but you’re the only person who tells them.

4. You have the world’s best eye for beauty. Scribbled artwork and dandelion bouquets occupy a prominent place in your home.

5. Boo-boo’s will never feel better without your special kiss.

6. No one can nurse your sick child back to health as tenderly as you can.

7. Your good night kisses are the only ones that will help your child go to sleep.

.

8. No one else can sing your child’s favorite song as beautifully as you can.

9. No one’s face could ever light up the way yours does when you see your child’s smile.

10. No one could ever love your children as much as you do.

You’re the best mom in the world.

Find more mom-to-mom encouragement on Facebook:

Dealing with Sibling Rivalry in the Christian Home

Dealing with sibling rivalry doesn't have to be stressful.  Biblical principles should always guide our parenting, and that includes how we teach our children to treat their siblings.

“But I wanted the blue cup!”

“I had this toy first!”

“Stop doing that!”

These are phrases every parent with multiple children hears.

How do you teach your children to just stop it already?

I'm not going to pretend to be a perfect parent or to know all the answers, but when you're dealing with situations from a Biblical perspective, I can tell you you're not going to go wrong.

Dealing with our children's hearts is so much more important than simply changing their behavior.

Breaking up sibling bickering is no different.

Instead of asking “Who had the toy first?” the question should address the heart issue – “Are you thinking of others or yourself?”

If you find yourself constantly breaking up arguments between your children, here is what I recommend:

First, sit your children down and teach them from Scripture what God says about our relationships with others.

For example, he teaches us to be kind and to forgive when someone has wronged us (Ephesians 4:32); to put others before ourselves (Philippians 2:4), to be nice even if the other person is being mean to us (Matthew 5:44), and to do everything in our power to be at peace with others (Romans 12:18).

You'll want to give practical examples of what these things mean and help your child understand how he can apply them in his own life.  For example:

“If your brother yells at you, according to the Bible, is yelling back at him the right thing to do?”

“What are some ways you could put your sister first?”

Parenting should be proactive rather than reactive. 

We need to foresee the things our children will face and teach them ahead of time what the Bible says.  Then when the situation arises, we can simply remind our children of what they've already learned.

When an argument arises between your children, which is easier?  To say, “How can you put others first in this situation?”  Or to try to do an impromptu Bible lesson right there while the only thing your children want to hear about is who you're going to let have the blue cup?

If you need a little more guidance in teaching your children about the subject of sibling rivalry or you want something that will reinforce the concepts you're teaching them, I recommend this study for kids called My Brother's Keeper: Learning to Love Your Siblings God's Way

When I saw that Kim had come out with this new study, I asked her if I could have a copy to review so I could use it with my own kids and tell you all about it.

I love how attractive the graphics are!  Appealing artwork always makes learning more fun!  But beyond that, it is very in-depth and completely based on scripture.  Over the course of 4 weeks we'll be studying 10 different sets of siblings as we learn about God's design for families.

 After you have proactively taught your children what God's Word says about how they should treat others, including their siblings, you will need lots of positive reinforcement once those situations arise.

Instead of deciding who gets the biggest piece of cake, help your children decide it themselves.  Ask, “How can you each think of others in this situation?”

You may be surprised that after a while they will start to offer first choice to their sibling without even being reminded because they are learning what God wants for their life.  They are learning that they are happy when they choose to put others first.

Will they ever be selfish?  Yes, they still have a sin nature just like the rest of us.

But you will find that addressing the heart of the matter will help them make their own choice to be kind to their siblings instead of your constantly having to make them do it.

How are you going to be proactive in your parenting?  What do you need to intentionally teach your child?

13 Things I Want My Son to Learn Before He Turns Thirteen

Right now my oldest son is seven years old. Those years have flown by, and he will be a teenager before I know it! Very soon he'll be at the age where doing things just because mommy said so isn't going to be what motivates him. He's going to want to know all the answers and make his own choices. I want to do all I can to prepare him for that season of his life. And if I don't have clear goals in mind I'm not going to do very well at reaching them. I sat down and came up with this list of thirteen things I want my son to learn before he turns thirteen. This is what I'll be aiming toward as I teach him and pray for him.

Do I expect he'll have all of this down perfectly? Somehow I doubt it. (I'm still practicing some of them myself!) But I hope to at least have him headed down the right path. I'm not going to be content with leaving him to fend for himself when it comes to developing Godly character.

1. Fulfill Responsibility

When my son is given a job to do, he needs to learn how to set his mind to doing it. He needs to learn to say no to distractions, to quit lollygagging, and just get the job done! By the time he's a teen he'll be starting to think about getting a job outside of the home. That's not going to work out too well for him if he can't complete his work in a timely manner and do his best.

From scripture: Colossians 3:23

2. Respect Authority

I've been around teenagers enough to know that they're not always thrilled about being told what to do. Grown-ups aren't always “cool” or smart. My son needs to learn now that God has placed authorities in his life for a reason and that they need to be obeyed and treated with respect. (See also: 6 things my kids are not allowed to say to adults)

From scripture: Ephesians 6:1; Hebrews 13:17

3. Trust Mom and Dad

There will most likely be a lot of things my son wants to do that mom and dad are not going to allow. I want to lay a foundation of trust, love, and communication now so that when he is upset about not being allowed to do something he will still know deep down that it's for his own good. I can think of many times as a teenager that I chose to obey even though I was not happy about it. My parents had set up certain boundaries and I knew it was done out of love and for my own protection.

4. Work Hard and Use Initiative

I want my son to do his best in every thing he does; not just doing enough to “get by”. I want to see him excel in his academics, at his work, and in his service for God. I also want to help him learn to be sensitive to work that needs to be done without being told to do it. (A teenager who cleans his own room without being told? Is that possible? I don't know; but that's what I'm going to try to teach him!)

From scripture: Colossians 3:23

5. Tell the Truth

…even when it means he'll get in trouble.

From scripture: Proverbs 12:22; 17:7

6. Choose Good Friends

Choosing the right friends when you're a teeanger can make or break the direction you head in life. So many times a teenager wants to do what's right deep down inside, but they cave to peer pressure and choose a path that dishonors God just so they can be accepted by their friends. I want my son to have friends that will encourage him to do right and not pressure him to make the wrong choices.

From scripture: I Corinthians 15:33

7. Choose Purity

What an impure world we live in! Dirty magazines, nasty advertisements, lewd song lyrics and immodestly dressed women are constantly being flashed before my son's eyes. Combine that with his own sin nature that never leaves him, and the battle is in full force 24/7. I want to help him learn how to turn his eyes away from temptation and battle lustful thoughts with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. If he can practice now before his physical passions arise in full force, he will be ahead of the game. I want to make turning his eyes away such a habit that he will do it without even thinking about it. As far as replacing lustful thoughts; I can't know what's in his mind, but we are teaching him to do this with every aspect of life, such as if he's angry with a sibling. He should replace the angry thoughts with something good and wholesome. If he can learn to do this with other things he can learn to do it when it comes to lust also.

I Timothy 4:12

8. Protect his Siblings

At the moment I was typing this I looked up to see my son dash after his baby sister. She was headed toward a piece of metal she saw in the yard and he did not want her to get cut on it. I want my son to learn to be a protector of his wife and family. What better way for him to learn than to protect his siblings?

I don't want him to be afraid to stand up for them if someone is bullying them. I want him to warn them if they are making choices that will have undesirable consequences. I want him to chase guys away from his sisters who are trying to woo them for purely selfish reasons.

9. Have a Personal Relationship with God

Without a personal relationship with God, all these other things are just making my son into a “nice person.” I want him to understand first of all that he cannot be good without being endued with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Since he already professes faith in Christ for salvation, I want him to understand that he also needs to trust Christ for daily spiritual victory. I want him to understand that Christianity is not about following a list of rules; it's about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in obedience to him out of love. Learning to please God rather than just mom and dad will help my son do right whether mom and dad are around or not.

From scripture: I John 4:19; Romans 6:11

(See also: Helping Young Children Develop Their Own Relationship with God)

10. Treat Others Gently

Little boys are rough! I want to help my son learn to channel his endless energy into worthwhile pursuits. He needs to learn to release his energy only where appropriate and control himself when the situation requires it. Right now he is really good at just mowing people over or even pushing his siblings out of the way when he's focused on getting to a certain toy, running to a certain spot in the yard, or (cringe) trying to get past an elderly lady in the aisle at church. I want him to understand that a real man doesn't display his strength just by being the biggest, baddest, and most energetic. A real man best displays his strength when he can keep it under control. A real man uses his strength to help the elderly lady to her seat. A real man displays his strength by handing the toy to his sibling when he wants more than anything to play with it. A real man holds himself under control and chooses to walk indoors when he really wants to run and jump and play. A real man stops to help his little sister tie her shoe when his friends are starting a basketball game without him. A real man takes his focus off himself, slows down when he's going too fast, and stops to apologize and help someone up if he accidentally knocks them down.

From Scripture: Galatians 5:23 (meekness is a fruit of the spirit)

11. Choose Joy.

I'm not sure what makes teenagers grouchy sometimes, but it sure seems like that's a common characteristic! (I know I had my own share of grouchy moments as a teen!)

I'm sure changing hormones, changing nutritional needs, changing sleep needs, and confusing emotions all play a part, but I want my son to understand that joy is a choice, not a feeling.

From scripture: Philippians 4:4

12.Take Care of his Body and Exercise Self-control

“When I get older and have my own car and my own job, I'm going to go eat at Hardee's, Bojangles, Jack-in-the-Box, and Little Caesar's all I want! I'm going to eat hamburgers, pork chop biscuits, pizza, soda, and milkshakes.”

Yes, this is what my son aspires to once he gains a little more freedom.

Lovely.

I can't tell you how many times my mother told me as a teen, “You're going to pay for that someday,” as I stuffed my face with yet another piece of pizza or another helping of ice cream. I never paid for it with my weight, but I am continuing to pay the price with my health. I didn't take care of my body when I was younger, and my undisciplined choices have taken an unpleasant toll.

I want my son to understand that his body belongs to the Lord and that, while junk food tastes good, overindulging does not honor the Lord. The fact that his teenage body doesn't seem to be affected for the time being does not make it right.

From scripture: I Corinthians 6:19-20

13. Be Longsuffering and Forgiving

Sibling bickering between teens can sometimes be worse than bickering between younger children. The issues become bigger than just “You took the toy I wanted!” Instead teens are upset about the other sibling's half of the room being a mess, the fact that they won't leave them alone when they're hanging out with their friends, the fact that the other sibling won't keep their music turned off while they're trying to do their homework, or the fact that their brother borrowed their favorite shirt without permission.

Teenagers have a lot to forgive sometimes, whether it be annoying things their siblings have done or the hurtful way their friends made fun of their hairstyle.

I want my son to learn how to make the choice to forgive a sibling over a broken toy so that he will know how to forgive the deeper hurts that will no doubt occur as he gets older.

From scripture: Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 5:22

(See also: Dealing with Sibling Rivalry in the Christian Home)

Can you think of anything you would add to this list?