Cookouts and Toddlers is Fun for All

Are you ready for some football? The Remeta household sure is. We have our outfits picked out, our cheese dip ready to be made, our beer stocked up, and the tv screen dusted off and looking shiny as a new penny (which, when you think about it, makes no sense - a penny, no matter how new, still looks copper to me).

Any big sporting event, cookout, or get together can be stressful for your kids. In an effort to make it easier for those of you with toddlers or preschoolers, here are few tips to follow along the way

- Make sure an early or mid-day nap doesn't get interrupted. I know it's tempting, especially if you have guests over, but make naptime for your little one a priority today. It's going to be a long, very busy day, and you want to avoid a mid-evening meltdown if at all possible.

- Keep the food coming. Make sure your football fan gets their regular meals, and let them snack throughout the day like everyone else. Nothing makes me madder than watching someone else eat something yummy and me not getting a taste. Since I'm 30, I'm guessing the experience has to be even more infuriating for a two year old. It will also prevent a drop in blood sugar that could bring on a case of the "Moody Blues".

- Remember a little quiet time never hurt anyone. At various points during the day, especially if you have unfamiliar guests over (unfamiliar to your toddler means "anyone who's name I don't say on a regular basis), take ten or twenty minutes away from cooking, laughing and partying and just sit in the living room with your little one on your lap, or go in their room with them and read a book. Our oh-so-independent toddlers still need some reassurance around strangers, and this is twice as important when you have to be less attentive than usual. It also won't hurt for your little Bears fan to have a couple minutes of quiet relaxation (If a few of these sessions just aren't possible, remember to shower your little one with hugs, kisses, or even winks across the room to remind them you are still paying attention to them throughout the day).