New Book for Parents On-the-Go with Toddlers {Book Giveaway}

Free Spirit Publishing presents On-The-Go Time, the tenth book in the award-winning Toddler Tools series of board books by author Elizabeth Verdick and illustrator Marieka Heinlen.

It offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children coping skills to ease transition times and handle everyday routines with confidence and cooperation.

Description:

On-the-Go Time was written to help take the hassle out of shopping and running errands with little ones. In the book, toddlers learn simple tools and encouragement to keep moving, cope with the changing scenes, and be super helpers in the car, at the store or library, and on the road. What do they do when they’re on-the-go? Listen, follow along, and even lend a hand. If they’re struggling with transition times, or feeling disappointed or overstimulated along the way, they can take deep breaths to calm down.






Tips for Holiday Shopping

Each book also contains a section of tips for parents and caregivers. Here are few tips from On-the-Go Time to keep toddlers moving (just in time for holiday shopping):

* Keep to a schedule. Make it easier on everyone by running errands or scheduling appointments in between your child’s meals and naps. This will ensure your child is rested, fed, and ready to go. Don’t try to cram too many stops into one trip—this often leads to frustration, tears, or meltdowns.

* Make a “go-time” list. Your child will do a lot better on-the-go if you’ve made a visual schedule ahead of time. On a piece of paper, draw a representation of each place you’ll be going: a book for the library, an apple for the grocery store, a stamp for the post office. Then your child will know what to expect and look forward to.

* Get ready, get set. Before you leave home, give your child a chance to use the bathroom, get a drink and snack to take along, and choose a favorite toy to bring. Make sure you always have a handy stash of diapers and wipes, underpants and extra clothes, raingear, juice boxes, small toys, and other essential “go-time” supplies. It’s helpful if your child eats beforehand or brings along a snack—especially if you’re running several errands. Full tummies mean calmer children!

* Prepare for challenges. You can use every one of these tips and still have one of those terrible outings where your child melts down in public. What to do? Take a few deep breaths and have your child do the same. Avoid yelling, making threats, or bribing your child with treats. Sometimes, it’s best to simply pick up your child and leave until you’re both calmer and can return to the scene. (You wouldn’t be the first parent or caregiver who had to leave a cart full of groceries behind.)





My big concern is about Brandon running off and grabbing things off the shelf. That's one reason why I always have to bring out his stroller when I'm shopping alone with him, but he's getting too big for the stroller now. I'm trying to find ways to deal with it. The book kinda helped him to understand not to misbehave or respect other people around. We don't want to cause a scene or make trouble.





{GIVEAWAY}

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to WIN a copy of "On-The-Go Time" Board Book from the Toddler Tools Series. Chosen winners will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends December 23, 2011 at 12:01am EST).

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Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from Free Spirit Publishing at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.