Happy Friday everyone! I got a ton of great questions for this week’s post. The Starbucks incentive was probably a bit helpful on that front! ;)

My husband is way more into his looks than me. When should I become concerned with his vanity? Do you think this is a sign of a mid life crisis? If your Hubby starts blowing off football games, poker, and cars for mani-pedis, fashion shows, and buys any more hair product, then worry. As far as the mid-life crisis, if he’s always been that way, then no. But if it’s sudden and unusual, I’d be concerned. Some men are just like that. As are some women. Unless it’s really bothering your everyday life, laugh at him!

What are the best exercises for all the Mommy “problem” areas, that you can do.. USING your children as the weights/props? This is such a great question, I consulted a website that has some really good ideas, check it out!! http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-27/exercise-with-baby.aspx

How do I know if my kid is too short? There are many factors that affect children’s growth. Genes, body composition and nutrition are involved. In addition, most pediatricians keep charts and follow the child’s growth curve through the years. I’ve read that children in early childhood (after age 2) usually grow at a rate of about 2 – 2 1/2 inches/year, up until they begin puberty, when their growth will slow to about 1 1/2 inches/year. They speed up in growth as they hit their peak at puberty, to about 3 – 3 1/2 inches/year for girls and 4 inches/year for boys. Growth then slows again in girls to about 2 1/2 – 3 inches/year after menarche (the first period) until they reach their adult height. If your child’s meaurements are a concern consult your pediatrician, if their measurements don’t follow along a typical scale, they may want to look further into his/her development.

My son is 15 months old and hates getting his diaper changed!! I’ve tried giving him toys, singing, etc. but it doesn’t help. This gets quite frustrating, especially when there’s poop!What should I do?? Have you tried putting a bottle of bubbles next to your changing area? My kids loved when I did this. Take the stick out and blow a round of bubbles as you undress him. Ask him to help you pop them. Blow another round as you’re taking the diaper off and wiping. Do a last set as your dressing him. Or buy a bag of balloons. As you lay him down talk him through blowing it up and tying it. Let him hold it while you change him. Talk to him about color, shape, sound (when you touch it). Good luck!

Why do chickens get so much attention and why are they crossing roads? Um, who let their kid ask a question? LOL. I think chickens are underappreciated so they made ‘jokes’ about them. As far as the crossing roads part, I have no idea what jacked up farmer is letting their chickens out for excursions into town, but they’re just asking to get hit by a car.

I have two year old twins who are struggling with learning to take turns and share. I am a firm believer in NOT buying two of every single toy, and actively teaching my kiddos how to share their toys, but sheesh! This is daily, if not hourly, challenge. Do you have any suggestions for helping two year olds understand how to take turns? The age is a challenge already, they are bound and determined to want what they want and everything is “mine.” But, if one twin has a doll and the other starts to grab at it, calmly say, “Amy has the doll right now, you can play with the kitty toy.” If it persists, repeat what you said. If they don’t want the substitute, “when Amy is done with the doll, you can play with it.” then to Amy, “when you are done, can Lola play with the doll?” Often just teaching one child to ask the other politely may get a desired response. Encourage using words and not yelling, crying, or grabbing the toy away. If bickering persists follow through with a consequence, like taking the toy away from both of them or having them take a time out.

Also i’ve seen some parents use a timer. Set the timer for a few minutes and have them look forward to hearing the ‘bell’ to signify their turn is up. Good luck!

I had an experience where I lost my child in a department store, like you recently did [in reference to one of my recent blog posts]. How can I prevent that from happening to me? Prepare your kid(s) before your trip to stay close, but in an event they get separated, have them find a store worker for help. Point out areas in the store where employees can be found (registers, pharmacy dept., security guard stations etc). And, I’m going to get some flack for this next answer. It defies what I wrote about a few months back. BUT, I would invest in an ‘emergency’ cell phone. For older, responsible children, use this option when you go to amusement parks, malls, or any large events. If your cell phone provider doesn’t offer a cost-effective plan, try buying a Pre-paid plan like Tracfone or Net 10. These phones work similar to big name company cells, only you pay as you go and the contracts (if any) are affordable.

Do you have any new forms of ways to encourage potty training? My 3 year old boy is refusing to potty train, and we don’t want to force the issue, but it seems we have tried every positive enforcement on him, and nothing. I wouldn’t normally care, but he is super sensitive and always has a diaper rash. Doctor said until he potty trains it is not gonna fully go away. Ack! Boys are known to train on a later schedule to girls, 3 is not abnormal. If your son isn’t into the ‘rewards’ of training, I would have to go with a nekkid-baby boot camp option. Considering the diaper is causing a rash, have him go without. Make the potty chair accessible and remind him often to use it when he feels like he has to go. You’ll have accidents. Help HIM clean them. Knowing that he is responsible for the mess, his consequence is to clean up. “Next time, you use the potty.” Whether he is taught to stand or sit, consider having his dad or a brother help out. Maybe a new face to the routine could encourage him to be “like the big boys.”

Now for the winner of the Starbucks giftcard! Thanks again for all your questions…congratulations to……TenaSoCal!! Email me with your deets at themomjen[at]gmail[dot]com and I’ll get that giftcard off to you!!

Keep your questions coming and visit me at my other watering hole, Cheaper Than Therapy. Happy Weekend!