What are some activities that help develop fine motor skills in young children?
Peeling and placing stickers. Sticker books are great for this - we like the "paint by sticker" series, though it may be a little challenging for some little ones. My 4-year-old is awesome at it, but my 6-year-old (whose fine motor skills definitely need work) struggles a bit. I also really like the Phidal line of reusable sticker books - the quality is such that they truly are reusable!
Dot art with Q-tips. I like to reinforce letter and number recognition with this activity, too, by outlining a letter or number for him to paint by "dotting" the inside with a q-tip dipped in washable paint.
What are the best experience gifts for kids?
Swimming lessons
Tickets to see a favorite sports team play, maybe with a new team hat or t-shirt
What unusual item were you glad you packed in your hospital bag?
Disposable toothbrush: a toothbrush I'm willing to use for a couple nights then throw away at the hospital before I return home.
Cozy socks
What babyproofing tips do you have for new parents?
I discovered that a heavyweight hairband looped around both door handles was just as effective (if not more!) at keeping my cabinet doors shut than those cabinet latches made specifically for baby proofing. Plus, they were way easier (and less annoying) for me to take on and off, making it more likely that I'd always keep it on. This only works on certain handles, though, like pull bars and knobs.
Sturdy stair guards at the top and bottom of the staircase are a must once baby starts moving around!
