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I have lots of various upcoming topics planned, so please stop by often or better yet, follow me on Facebook and subscribe to my blog! All the wonderful support is greatly appreciated and I send it all back to you as well! :)

Venturing Down The Homemade Deodorant Aisle Next…

August 29, 2014

After realizing how quick and easy it was to make my own Chapstick, I continued onto my next goal of making my own deodorant.  Now, if I was asked to try something out like this two years ago, I wouldn’t have given it much of a thought to try.  Fast forward to present day – where I have YET to try anything I haven’t liked and/or found beneficial I’ve made.

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{NOW AVAILABLE IN THE NATURAL MOMMAS ETSY SHOPCOME CHECK IT OUT!}

After stumbling upon this wonderful blog, Frugally Sustainable, I was instantly drawn towards a completely new direction into making my own healthier, more educated choices for my body, self, and beyond.  I realized how truly simple it was to make my own products, in place of the expensive commercial brands.  I had been using the ‘Crystal’ stick deodorant for about a year, so my body had adjusted to the daily life of ‘open Pitt’s’ per se, instead of ‘antiperspirants’.  My body had detoxed plenty from switching over to a natural deodorant but I was still stinkin’ (at least to myself I was).  Then after trying this deodorant from Frugally Sustainable with a probiotic mixed into it, it all fit perfectly together!  Now I smell like roses. 😉

From ‘Frugally Sustainable ‘s website:

“There are many reasons why we should be concerned about using anti-perspirants and commercially prepared deodorants! Here are just a few:

  1. There are hidden dangers in the active ingredients of conventional deodorant (i.e. Aluminum, Parabens, Propylene glycol, Phthalates, and Triclosan).  Current research shows a strong link between anti-perspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer, birth defects, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. These potentially hazardous chemicals have no place in our homes and certainly no place under our arms.
  2. Even with all of the options for an all-natural, “green” deodorant, it is simply too pricey for this frugal chick!
  3. Let the body do what the body will do! I believe that when we attempt to inhibit the natural functions of the body we negatively effect the rhythms created for a purpose.”

After using this type of natural deodorant, I had to try to make it myself to see if it was really that easy.  It took a few tries to get the right consistency that didn’t chunk up too much or was too hard on the skin to use.  Now its been over a year or more of using my natural probiotic deodorant and I absolutely LOVE it!  The latest and most favorite deodorant I made has the best smell by far too.  It has lavender, rose, and a little wild orange… mmm!  Needless to say, my pitties smell great!  🙂

{NOW AVAILABLE IN THE NATURAL MOMMAS ETSY SHOPCOME CHECK IT OUT!}

Ingredients used

Ingredients used

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Cocoa Butter

1 Tablespoon Shea Butter

1 Tablespoon Beeswax

2 1/2 Tablespoons Arrowroot Powder (add slight amount if omitting Baking Soda)

(1 Tablespoon Baking Soda, per preference)

1/4 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil

2 capsules Probiotics

15-20 essential oils (depending upon preference of strength)

Here’s the Scoop:

1.   Melt the butters and wax in a ‘double’ boiler (whatever you may have created, nothing fancy),  then remove from heat.

Wax and butters melting

Wax and butters melting

2.  Let cool slightly, then add the powder, vitamin E, essential oils and stir with either chop sticks or a whisk.

Well wisked ingredients

Well wisked ingredients

3.  After the mixture has cooled down some, add the probiotic powder (empty capsules & pour) then stir, stir, quickly stir to get the probiotics mixed well.

5.  Let the mixture sit in the bowl to cool for about 20 minutes.  Then stir well and scoop into the deodorant container.  I’ve found it easiest to spoon a glob in then lightly pound container on counter and repeat until full.

6.  Then place container in the freezer over night to let things settle.  And your ready to use as you would any other deodorant.  However, not much is needed, so a swipe or two is all (or three if necessary).  FYI: If you’ve just shaved, try to wait about an hour before putting it on, to let your pours settle first.

NATURALMOMMASCIRCLE

Our skin around the armpits area is really sensitive so its crucial to let your skin just breath as naturally as possible.  If we don’t give it a break, then the toxins just build up more and more, thus stinking things up more, and who wants to be around Mr. stinky anyways!  😉

Please come try my deodorant in the Natural Mommas Etsy shop!  I would love to hear of others natural deodorant ways as none of us are the exact same and all require different balances.

Thanks,

Natural Momma Jen

The Etsy Shop is Open!

August 24, 2014

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I promised to have my Etsy shop up and running shortly and I am very proud to say it is officially open for business, YAY!! 🙂  I still have some pictures to add and I’m sure I’ll be making some changes but for now I’m just glad to finally be to this point!  It has taken many months and lots of trial and error with labels, designs, printers, you name it – but it was all worth it.  Now I’m just crossing my fingers that I get a few sales.  Here’s the direct link to my Etsy store: HERE.

I have been slowly working on the next post but have had to wait on some pictures still.  But it will be about how I make my deodorant and how the probiotics help too!  I’m not much of one for bragging but I’d have to say that this probiotic deodorant is THE BEST ever!  After trying many different brands and types over the years, nothing could beat my deodorant.  However, every person is unique so what may work for me may not work for others.  But its all about discovering why your body may be reacting the way it is first and foremost.  If you miss this crucial step then your wasting your money and time.  So stay tuned but in the mean time, please check out my new Etsy store and let me know what you think!!

 

Much Thanks,

Natural Mommas Jen

Busy & Unexepected Hurdles but Natural Mommas is Back!

August 6, 2014

New Home

So I had these huge grandiose plans after my last post, in APRIL {oh my, where has the time gone}, but a few bumps in the road caused me to take a break for a bit.  But I’ve been anxious and itching to get my Etsy shop going soon, as well as share a bunch more here on the blog.  I’m excited and can’t wait for others to also experience some wonderful homemade products from Natural Mommas!  🙂

Update from the past few months:

My first bump in the road happened when I decided it would be better to have an actual domain name but with a little research the domain name I wanted was taken/bought {this happened in December 2013 when I had done this search and found out it.  In fact, it had just been purchased a few weeks prior, boo!}.  BUT just the other day I did a search too see if things had changed and it had said it was available.  Unfortunately though, it still wasn’t available after further research.  :(. So I went with the second best option –

NATURALMOMMAS.US !!!.US Domain

So, I’m elated to have that all squared away so I can finally complete the product labels and get my Etsy shop up VERY SOON, I promise!

Which brings me onto the next bump in the road from the past few months…My hubby’s work buddy offered to design a logo for free and give the ‘rights’ to me but after 2+ months of getting the run around from this fellow, he never followed through.  So needless to say, as thankful as I was for the offer, I wish I had just continued on.  However, I’m glad I didn’t…

This ended up being a blessing in disguise because now I can put my official NEW domain name ON the labels (instead of having to include the WordPress part) when I open my Etsy shop soon, WOOHOO!!  And I’ll just go with the original logo I had because it was easy and worked perfect anyways.  🙂

The second milestone recently was a purchase of our first home in May, YAY!!  So I’ve been Über busy with packing, moving, cleaning, fixing, unpacking and organizing the new place.  Also, it didn’t help that Hubby has been recovering from clavicle surgery since April too.  So, needless to say, I’ve had a lot on my plate but we finally feel settled in and we’re definitely enjoying our pool a lot during this hot summer!

It has certainly been quite the balancing act with work and family visiting, a mini-vacation, and D starting Pre-School!!  So lots of positive changes recently but I’m glad life is calming down a little (for a while at least, crossing my fingers).

Needless to say, I am ready to get back on track with this exciting project and I will be checking back soon!

Peace ❤

Part 2: The ‘Goods’ Intentions

April 19, 2014

Howdy again friends – I hope all is quiet on the western front, wherever you may be…

So now that you have a little background info about my little journey to the present {Part 1: Intro & Basics}, I’m happy to share the products you can also enjoy and try in the Etsy shop soon!  (I promise this will be my last post chatting about upcoming things… Life has gotten a little hectic with purchasing our first house and my other half needing surgery.  We’re hoping the curveballs are done for a bit so we can catch up but for now we’re just taking things day by day.)

The Products

I want to share with others my collection of homemade products I make and use on a regular basis because I believe these products will transform your skin back to its original glow and radiance you’ve been missing and you’ll feel rejuvenated!  I absolutely LOVE these products and swear by them (otherwise I wouldn’t be using them, right?!) and I want others to experience the ease and freshness that homemade products provide!  You’ll begin to notice the amazing healing powers that earthly ingredients can provide in comparison to the chemically ridden brand name products.

And YES, they really do work – marvelously in fact. 🙂 

Also, once you realize how EASY it is to make your own products, you’ll be absolutely amazed and hooked (like I am)!

It’s not only how each product feels but it’s also knowing what you’re putting on your skin.  Everything is completely natural and free of harsh chemicals and additives – leaving you with a much more refreshing, relieving, and rejuvenated self! 

The products I plan on selling in my Etsy shop will be…

  • Sugar scrubs
  • Whipped Shea Butter
  • Herbal Rose Facial Toner
  • Herbal Hair Rinse/Conditioner
  • Probiotic Deodorant
  • Chapsticks
  • DIY Laundry & Dishwasher Detergent Starter Kits

I’m SO excited to share these amazing products – I know you’ll LOVE them all!

There will most certainly be future blog posts about each of these products I make and sell, as well as various other recipes and topics exploring ways to choose a less-chemical ridden path toward natures beauty and beyond!

Up and Coming…

So while I’m patiently waiting for the final touches to come together for the products (waiting on the logo to be finished…), I thank you for your patience and invite you to please check out my very first attempt at making Chapstick here {My First Attempt at Making Chapstick} – Its Burt’s Bees recipe – it rocks!  🙂    

Also, stay tuned for upcoming topics here at Natural Mommas about how to save even more money for your family, learn more about the healing powers of essential oils, and beyond!  Check out some of my tips here {Couponing 101} and you can even start making your own LIQUID laundry detergent {Homemade Cleaning Products} & save LOADS of money instantly!  (I’ll be selling a DIY Starter Kit for laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent in the Etsy shop too!  It’s the perfect kit to help you jump-start your way into making your own cleaning products & beyond!)  

I have a few Guest Bloggers lined up as well and I’m always open for more guest bloggers – so please feel free to contact me. 🙂

I am also very excited to host the very first GIVEAWAY to celebrate the ‘Grand Opening’ of the ‘Natural Mommas Etsy shop’ – so stay tuned for more information regarding how to win BIG!!

My Final Thoughts

We all have something worth sharing and by sharing with others and beyond, we can empower each other to be even more knowledgeable and creative, thus passing that on and on, for generations to come.  We are all here together, all the same, for one purpose; so let’s enjoy each other’s differences together by further discovering and sharing our knowledge for one common goal – to better ourselves for future generations to come!

Natural Mommas is a space I hope lots find to be informative, inspiring, and worth sharing with others too!  I must say though I am by FAR not an expert, professional, chemist, nor doctor, so please seek professional advice for any health related concerns first.

I most certainly didn’t learn all of this on my own – a lot was through research from other websites, bloggers, friends, and my own experimentation – have brought me to where I am today.  With that being said, I ask that you please reciprocate and give proper credit when sharing from my blog, as I reciprocate the credit where credit is due as well.  I have put in many long hours towards sharing my passion with others and doing my small part for a less-chemical ridden world.  I thank you for taking the time to support Natural Mommas.  It is much appreciated from the bottom of my heart!  I would love to hear others’ stories, information, and tips, etc. so please comment, share, converse 🙂

I am so anxious for everything to come together for the Etsy shop but there are a LOT of little odds and ends that still need to be done.  My original goal was to have the shop officially opened by early May and to be shipping one of many Etsy orders soon after that!  However, there have been a few life changes recently that have forced me to set things here to the way side for a little bit.  So by June I think life may somewhat return to normalcy and I can concentrate again on the Etsy shop.  YAY, I can’t wait!!

I’m hoping that others love my products and their results as much as I do.  I believe it’s about feeling good about yourself from the inside-out; it’s about empowerment, and knowing that you ARE making the right choices for the best future ever.

Warm Wishes,

Your Natural Momma, Jen

Part 1: Intro and Basics

April 4, 2014

Since my last post about Etsy {Here I come Etsy} I have been working on a little two part intro about what lead me down the path I’m currently paving and what the Etsy Store will have.  I hope you enjoy 🙂

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

For about the past three years I’ve been experimenting with making my own cleaning products as well as my own toiletry products.  It has been such an enjoyable journey learning so many new things, and I’ve had such amazing outcomes thus far, that I truly felt compelled to share my discoveries with others.  So after using my own homemade products for a while, I decided what better way to share these amazing products than to open up my own little “Etsy shop” online!  (For those of you who haven’t heard of Etsy – it’s an online place where you can sell your own crafts, goods – you name it!)

A little background…

We are SO over-whelmed with brands and products which promise to transform us ‘overnight’ with their magical formulated cream; for a few small installments of course (…just a little over-exaggerated but you get the point ;).  Now, don’t get me wrong.  We’ve all fallen for the broken promises (of cosmetics & the like) but in the end not only is our pocket-book hurting; our body and skin end up taking a big toll in the long run.  I believe if more people could visually see all that’s happening within our bodies, just from the everyday products we use, we might think twice before using such harsh products with an ingredients list the size of the bottle and words twenty letters long!!

Now please don’t get me wrong – I know ‘we’ as a society would never intentionally use all these harsh, impossible to pronounce chemicals and numerous, unnecessary ingredients in our everyday products, if ‘we’ knew all the side effects they caused.  But we all do and hopefully with more awareness spread around, change will have to eventually happen in favor of less cancer-causing, carcinogenic chemicals in our everyday products.  Our future generations are depending on us to do what’s right.

Well it’s about time that we got back to the basics! !

I was fed up with paying so much for what I thought were ‘decent’ products but rarely did much, if anything, that was promised.  I just followed the norm of trying different products and just figured those were the options when it came to toiletry and cleaning products, right?  WRONG!  It wasn’t until after College, after having tried everything and anything and many skin break-outs (and scars) later, I discovered homemade remedies with everyday household ingredients.

I was instantly hooked!

Reading articles and blog after blog, I realized there was a HUGE array of options outside of the usual brand name stuff.  The first thing I noticed was the fact that all the ingredients were very simple and easy to pronounce, and mostly things I already had at home!  So I started experimenting and eventually found the perfect balance for my skin and hair.  Even through all the fun womanly hurdles like pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormones all out of sync, etc., I conquered clear, healthy skin, and much more!

I am so glad to have stuck with trying to find what works for my temperamental skin to achieve a healthy balance and beyond!

 

Stay Tuned to Part 2 – I’m going to chat about the products that will be sold in the Etsy shop and More 🙂

 

Here I come Etsy!

February 28, 2014
Natural Mommas Products Preview

Natural Mommas Products Preview

I have felt so disconnected with my little blog since the holiday season quickly scrambled by.  Then my work erupted with busyness followed by birthday celebrations and family visiting – so life’s been pretty hectic!  But in between all this madness, however, I have been slowly working on a few projects in my “spare time.”  One of those projects has been experimenting with making my own toiletries.  I’ve had such a FUN time, learned so much, and LOVED the results, to the point that I felt a calling to share these AMAZING products with others!  My niche has been found (for now, at least).

So I am VERY excited and HAPPY to announce that I am opening a little Etsy ‘shop’ to sell some of the homemade products I’ve made!!  🙂

A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFO

I’ve become quite frugal since my son was born (he just turned 3).  It was right around that time where I truly realized and became more aware of all the ‘unknown’ and other harmful chemicals that have invaded our everyday products.  Knowing I was now responsible or ‘making’ and raising a child, I found myself changing a lot of my ways, starting with the toiletries I used on and around my body.  First to change were the products I used everyday on my skin (soap, body lotion, deodorant).  I didn’t want to pass onto my child all the countless harmful chemicals in the products I used, which are known to have long term negative affects.  (At the same time I also switched the cleaning products I used around the house and laundry detergent).  It was an instant no-brainer for me and from then on I have gradually shifted towards using and making my own products.  If I buy something I will only get particular products which are free of all the unnecessary chemicals, like parabens.  (I’ll get into all these details in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!)

CUT TO THE CHASE

Long story short…..I’m hoping that by sharing what I’ve learned, this will help others make more educated choices for themselves and their family, starting from the outside-in, our skin, which is the largest organ in the human body.  I want to enlighten others about ways to make simple changes that will make HUGE differences in the long run!  I would love to bring further awareness about our options beyond store shelves and turn that awareness back inward within our own household shelves – getting back to the basics!

Knowledge truly IS power!  Sharing IS caring.  Knowing IS half the battle.  The rest IS just history, so ENJOY THE JOURNEY AND SHARE TOGETHER! 

I am so excited to announce this news and I can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks!  So please stay tuned….

Right now I am completing the labels for the products and a few other odds and ends.  Then I most certainly plan on sharing my secrets about the products I’ve made in the near future.

And if you haven’t done so already, please be sure to ‘subscribe’ to my blog and ‘like’ me on Facebook, so you get all the latest updates!

Much Thanks,

Natural Mommas

PLEASE HELP – SIGN THIS PETITION TO DR. OZ

January 30, 2014

PLEASE HELP – SIGN THIS PETITION TO DR. OZ

I’ve previously written about the problems certain baby carriers can cause.  I would love for your help in signing this petition to have Dr. OZ cover the growing subject around Hip Dysplasia.  

Much Thanks! ❤ 

 

 

1st Attempt at Making Chapstick

October 13, 2013

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We all have our favorite Chapstick that we can’t live without if stranded on a deserted island….mine is Burt’s Bees.  My lips would fall off without that perfect mixture of relief when needed and anytime in between.  When I knew I was going to make Chapstick I searched for their recipe….well of course I found it quickly and it became my first ever experiment making Chapstick.

017I took step by step pictures but really in the end, they’re not needed.  Just mix & melt all ingredients in a double boiler to melt, then add oils, mix well then pour into empty containers (here’s where an eyedropper comes in handy).  

 

 

 

026  It takes less than ten minutes to make and another ten to dispense into containers.  It was SO easy and done within thirty minutes!  And cleanup wasn’t bad – Dawn is your friend to help break down the oils when cleaning.  It was so much fun and surprisingly EASY!  I was amazed at how much I got from one recipe (about 19 Chap sticks).  The best part is the cost per container to make it – WOW – what a deal!!  How much would you guess per chap stick of the ‘Burt’s Bees’ it costs about??

Did you guess twenty five pennies??  –>  Well you’re right on the money- just $.25 per stick!!!  A QUARTER – and there’s zero harmful ingredients too.  All around a winner in my book!  🙂  

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The savings far exceeds the extra effort it takes to make it instead of buying the same thing for ten times the amount.  Plus you have lots of extra ingredients to try out other recipes!  🙂  

Stay tuned for more firsts in making my own products….In the mean time, please feel free to share your experiences making Chap stick in the comments section.  We’re all here to learn from each other 🙂  Thanks again for taking the time to check out my blog. . . . My goal is to share more frequently now that life has balanced itself out.  🙂  

Present, yet absent…getting back to blogging and so forth

July 25, 2013

keep calm I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve logged in here….not sure if anyone’s noticed anyways.  😉  Every time I sat down at the computer I had a list of things to complete and blogging was towards the bottom.  I felt so guilty because it was one of my goals and I didn’t meet it for blog writing.  Between D turning two, having visitors for a few months, work, and everything in between, I haven’t had much extra time.  And when I have had extra time, it’s been filled with sleep, catching up on something else, etc. and writing has been set aside I guess you could say.  I’d like to describe it as a really big writers block 🙂  But I’ve resurfaced with some new ideas, topics, possible business….we’ll see….

But since February (when I posted last) I have delved further down the making products homemade path and learned lots in a short period of time!  Most things I’ve learned are via online research, trial and error, as well as various friends who share similar interests in the area of natural products.

random side note:  My Dad was the one who initially kick-started my interest of making laundry detergent.  He sent me an email link to an article from Yahoo.com News many years ago – about how to make laundry and dishwasher detergent easily with a few cheap, natural ingredients.  So I thought I would give it a try because it was SO easy and I wouldn’t be out much money for buying the ingredients (and to find out later I can use those ingredients in many different ways!)  

So Much Thanks goes out to my Dad – I’m sure he never thought his one email forward would spark such eventual change to leading a (mostly) chemical free and natural lifestyle …..

 To Make Laundry Detergent My first major change to homemade cleaning products was around the time D was born (early 2011), making laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent.  I was astonished at how quick, simple and CHEAP it was to make and pennies per load in comparison to the major brands; plus it was free of all those chemicals that detergents contain!  I also think it works even better than Tide, the most popular brand people choose for cleaning their clothes.

I also used vinegar and water in a spray bottle for pretty much all the rest of my surface cleaning – tables, windows, counters, etc.  Streak free, really cheap, and chemical free!  Top favorites also mentioned here were Borax, baking soda and Shaklee products.

The prices at the store for laundry detergent are highway robbery in comparison to making it yourself!  There’s also that connotation people relate to when they hear, ‘just make it‘, and automatically think it’s way more work and time consuming to make than buying.  Some assume it’s really difficult and some possible skeptics (who only use Tide, for example) because homemade detergent would never clean as good as Tide (not!)  I’ll be the first to admit I was a total skeptic until I used my first batch to wash my clothes and they turned out clean; in fact just as clean and fresher smelling than using Tide!  I was hooked and haven’t used manufactured detergent since then.  (I’ve never calculated how much I’ve saved since making my own detergent but I have calculated that it costs about $.01 per load for the homemade detergent!  Steal of a deal!! )  That’s a true attest to the quote, “A penny saved, is a penny washed!”   🙂

In the end, it mostly comes down to lack of information, a portion just assume that’s the only option, and the rest is mostly due to lack of education, economic status, upbringing, etc.   The reasons are numerous and I don’t want to single out a certain status because it’s across the board, in all areas of status’.  As consumers, we have a choice in everything and anything but we just assume that what’s being sold to us at the stores are legit and not harmful to us – otherwise it wouldn’t be for sale….right??  Unfortunately, for the most part, we’re very mis-informed. 😦

I am excited to share here what I’ve learned in the realms of natural skin care and remedies for the every day person and family!  I am far from any expert but I have done a few years of research; can speak from personal experience and love to share my learning’s and experiments with others.  I want people to understand how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own cleaning supplies, skin care products and much more!

Please join me in this next venture and chapter in my blog: I hope that in my sharing what I’ve learned, it can be spread to others, and hopefully we can all help our world use less chemicals which harm ourselves, our human race and our future!

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Language and it’s endless benefits!

February 7, 2013

images (11)Exposing and teaching your child to at least one other language from the beginning can be beneficial in many ways for long term success.  You’ll give your child a step up in life and learning.  A baby essentially has a clean slate when their born so their constantly using all five senses to learn and take in all the world has to offer.  Learning from cause and effect, touching and feeling, tasting and smelling, singing and dancing, etc. all help create connections in the brain that are all a part of the building blocks for a lifetime of success.  The more the merrier!

When a young child is exposed to another language, it challenges the brain to selectively pay attention to and produce one set of words while suppressing the other which requires impulse control.  Even when in the womb a baby is beginning to distinguish different patterns in speech that it hears!

One thing we have done since D was a wee one was read to him lots.  We made sure that reading books to him was always a part of his daily activities.  When he was about seven months, we began a bedtime routine and made sure it included reading to him.  Since then he’s never once gone to bed without being read to first.  Reading to your child helps expand their vocabulary and imagination and beyond.  Even though they might not even be able to talk themselves yet, their constantly processing the various patterns and noises words make and slowly putting it all together.

Studies have proven that the more you read to your child, the quicker and better they will be at talking, reading, and writing.  imagesHowever, it’s not just reading to them that helps but also just talking lots to them throughout the day helps too.  You can even simply describe what the pictures are in a book instead of reading the words – called a “book walk”.  At the end of the day it’s hearing the words and describing what things are and seeing what’s being described when reading that teaches children language and much more.  Just talking about what you’re doing throughout the day, being conversational, even if they don’t talk yet, is huge.  If you do that then your child will hear well over 30,000 words per day!

Nursery rhymes are also great for many reasons too.  There’s lots of rhythm, rhyming, and repetition, which are all crucial to learning languages.  Also, when rhymes are put with music there is a higher level of comprehension and a broader understanding of language.  Nursery rhymes also help sharpen spatial reasoning which can lead to greater academic success in math and science and other areas throughout life.

images (12)When I was in grade school, we were introduced to both Spanish and French in kindergarten and then starting in first grade we chose one and started learning that language exclusively.  Our teachers would show us these videos called “Muzzy” and we would always get excited when we got to watch Muzzy.  It’s such a great educational video series that their still around and used twenty plus years later!  I also loved when we would learn and sing Spanish songs that had actions and dance to them.  I can even recall a few songs we learned to this day too!

D was first introduced to another language – Spanish – from his first daycare provider.  She watched him and her two boys, which were right around his age at the time (1.5-2.5), for about six months and he picked up a lot of Spanish words during that time.  At first I thought he would just get confused but in the end he didn’t at all!  She would tell us how he speaks Spanish with the boys but he wouldn’t at home with us much.  However, I’ll never forget after the second week or so going to her daycare he came home and starting calling water, “agua” (Spanish for water), and still calls it that (even though he knows it’s water and can say water he prefers calling it by the Spanish term).  But he was the perfect age where he was just starting to talk more and was almost 18 months at the time.  So I believe that this early exposure to another language had a significant impact on his current talking skills, which are pretty advanced for his age (23 months)!

Language is so intricate and distinct throughout the world.  It has evolved over time and continues to evolve, so we must take advantage of all the benefits language offers and teach our children from the start more than just our primary language.  Find a friend who knows another language and have them speak and read that language to your child every so often when their very young and as they grow.  Read to them lots and talk to them about what you’re doing throughout the day.  You’ll be giving them a head start for a lifetime!  🙂