This is a natural phase, and should come after 4 or 5 years of age. The discovery and lure toward pretend weapons is expected however, children under four should not be exposed to violent influences from their peers or the media. It is not advised to encourage this type of play with toddlers – they are simply too young to comprehend any of the concepts. As children grow older they begin to understand how weapons have played a part of our history.  They may begin to ask questions about why people use guns and swords.

“A little film about a super mom who takes care of everyone except herself.” — Elizabeth Banks

For more information, read Kimberley’s book, “The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children.”

Social media has changed the world forever.  In just 140 characters or an update to your Facebook status, you have the potential to connect with a complete stranger in the same town or across the globe.  In an instant, Friendships are being formed.  Business is taking place.  People are connecting.  And the world will never be the same — But it isn’t that easy… Many people are standing on the sidelines of social media, unsure of how to jump into the conversation and contribute their thoughts.  There is uncertainty about how one can form bonds with people they have never met “face to face.”

Are you one of many asking the question, “how?”

That is why we are here and you can know one thing for sure… You are in the right place!  We have teamed up with Ricki Lake, one of the most engaged celebrities on social media, to share 5 tips for connecting with people in an instant on social media.

Watch this video to hear Ricki Lake’s #1 Tip for Connecting on Social Media

2.  Be Respectful.

Leave judgment at the door and respect that other people on social media have beliefs and opinions that are their own.  This is what makes them unique!  Just as in offline relationships, if you want to make friends, you have to be one first.  If you want people to respect you, start by being respectful of them.

3.  Be Inspiring.

People like social media for many reasons.  Many will share that they feel uplifted and empowered to live their best life by connecting with inspiring and positive people.  If you want to make a lot of friends on social media, be inspiring. Be encouraging.  Be a friend.

4.   Be Generous.

The more you offer to help others in life, the more “likeable” you will be.  When on social media you can help others by supporting their work.  Take the time to mention people, and give them positive feedback.  When  you re-tweet or share the content of others they feel good and are more likely to appreciate and connect with you.  Remember, “it’s not about me, it’s about we”.

5.  Find a Fun Community!

Following a hashtag community on Twitter or joining a group or community on Facebook is a great way to connect with people who are like you and who are usually looking for the same type of connection you are looking for.   Twitter and Facebook are the largest gathering of individuals on the planet.  Communities are simply small groups within.  Think of communities on social media as you would small break-out sessions at a very, very large conference.  The name on the door is the community.   Pick the door that tells you that you share common interests with those on the other side.  Then, open the door, step inside and say hello via a tweet or a post on the Facebook wall.  You will be surprised that many are waiting for… you!

If you are looking for a community that is based on friendship and connection, please join Ricki Lake and the Friends of Ricki for a very special announcement and a first hand look at social media connection on Ustream at http://ustream.tv/rickilake and using Twitter hashtag #FriendsofRicki at 5pm PST this Wednesday, February 1.  We look forward to seeing you and connecting with you there!

Do you have any ideas or questions about making connections on social media?  Please leave your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss.

I’ve been a supporter of Biophilia (which is the love of the outdoors) for years and I make efforts to provide natural play areas in my own back yard. My older son is a Mud King and my younger child is the mud prince  Everyday, all year round, you can find my boys sloshing, digging and creating in their custom mud pit.  Ah, the life of a child…

Adventures in nature peaks enthusiasms and joy  — so let kids get down and dirty where they learn, live and play.

A pacifier provides a serene state of calm for infants and young children — and The American Academy of Pediatrics states that pacifier use can actually prevent SIDS –sucking on a pacifier forces the airway to stay open. Pacifier use is now recommended at nap time and bedtime throughout the first year of life.  A Binky, or pacifier, is also a transitional object that helps relieve stress as children adjust to new situations.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Policy on Oral Habits, thumb sucking or the sucking on pacifiers is normal in infants and young children.

With my first son I took the paci away when he was nine months old, but he had a very calm temperament.  However, I now have a 2 ½ year old who still has his paci.  He has a very high-energy temperament and is not easy to console, but once he has his soft blanky and paci he immediately calms down.  What mom doesn’t need that kind of help every now and then?

If you are concerned about prolonged pacifier use and would like more in depth tips on how to slowly decrease pacifier dependency check out Kimberley’s book, www.TheGoToMomsGuide.com.

Ways to encourage a strong reader and writer:

- Talk to your children to help him learn to speak and understand the meaning of words. Ask questions that require more than one word answers.

- Read to your children every day.  Hearing words helps him become familiar with them.

- Spend as much time listening to your child as you do talking to him.

- Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write and draw.

Back in 2006 I wanted to film a TV pilot for cable called, “The Go-To Mom.” Where I’d offer fun-loving and expert advice to viewers who were raising young children. I wrote a script, lined up the moms who were to be featured and looked for a Hollywood crew to film it. I had hopes of shopping it around.

I had a baby that summer and had no time to carry this out, plus my hubby got booked a long job so I had no help. In frustration I set up my old Sony Handycam and began to film short 2-minute parenting segments. I hired a web tech to create a site for me. I loaded the first 12 shows and shopped them around to parenting destination websites. With in 5 months a few large sites bought my amateur shows. They liked the my credentials and that I was a licensed child and family therapist. It also helped that I loved to film video and kept the costs very low.

That model didn’t last for long. I couldn’t keep up with the work load. I priced my shows too low. I couldn’t pump them out as fast as I promised. Plus I was letting the sponsor own them at the time. Currently we license the shows and now have a pro-crew. At first I was the writer, camera-gal, editor and host. Today I am the sole executive producer. I have many cameramen, editors, co-hosts, large scale sponsors and new sister site called www.MommytoMommy.TV.

What once was a frustrating attempt to create a TV pilot has turned into an amazing and very rewarding business. Twitter raised my visibility and inspired me to write a book called, “The Internet Mommy.” Since that book, Jossey Bass/Wiley Sons bought my last book, “Emotion Coaching Young Children.” I am so thankful for those who continue to be a part of my platform and my social media campaign. My children inspire all my creativity and I am so humbled by them. They are my greatest teachers. The moms who co-host with me are my greatest supporters and I know I’d be nowhere with them. Truly.

If you have not seen my shows! Please take a look. I’d love to hear from you! Where there’s a child, there’s usually a parent with a question…

My best,
Kimberley