2under3

Over the past few years, the giving of gifts has begun to spiral out of control in my life. We spend the equivalent of a whole month’s salary on gifts each year. The joy of giving has disappeared, replaced by a nagging sense of obligation. I am constantly running around buying things for other people that they don’t really want or need. It’s expensive, stressful and completely monotonous.

Finding activities suitable for two small children can seem like a daunting task. The days can become pretty monotonous unless you make an effort to get out and about, and everyone sleeps better after doing something new and interesting. Even better, keeping kids entertained can lesson boredom-induced whining – and everyone wants a little less whining, right?

Before you had kids, dining out was fun, wasn’t it? Sharing an appetiser or sipping a chic cocktail with quiet, interesting conversation was the ideal way to spend a Friday evening. Enter children; enter chaos. It’s no wonder many parents choose cheese on toast at home over venturing out with the smallest family members.

So you’re going out. Finding a babysitter that you trust and that your kids will love can seem a daunting task. This is particularly true if you don’t live near close family that you know and trust.

When children are young, and particularly when they’re close in age, it can be difficult to inspire a bond. Conflict is typical, and parents find themselves playing referee more often than not.

For me, when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child I had every intention of returning to work within a few months. I felt powerful, important and totally in control. I had a beautiful career all mapped out and the baby was going to fit neatly into this plan.

Last month we reviewed the Strider Running Bike and this month the team at Strider Sports have kindly donated a brand new Strider Running Bike, valued at $229, for one lucky 2under3 member to win.

Kids love finger food, possibly because it is presented differently to a ‘normal’ meal served on a plate and eaten with a knife and fork. These kebabs are quick and easy to make for the parent – and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

A yummy snack – really versatile as you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner… and you can even pack it up and take out as snacks-on-the-go. My kids love patty cakes, so we call these Eggy Cakes and I manage to sneak heaps of veges in without them even knowing.

I would like to share my last two years of my life with you. It has been the most amazing, heart-stopping and breath-taking moments of my life. Having a child is a miracle but to hear you are having three is unbelieveable!
It started off with just James, my son, and I. It had been …

From the first moment my newborn son felt warm water lapping up around his chest, bath time was a breeze. The kid was always high-strung, quick to unleash his tiny temper over the smallest of issues. I found that while a stint in the baby swing didn’t work and a ride in a car rarely helped, a dip in the bath was the surest way to restore harmony and calm both our nerves.

We had been married a few months when we decided to try for a baby. It was only a month or two later when I realised I might be pregnant. I went to the chemist and bought a home pregnancy test. In those days it was quite a complicated affair involving mixing solutions in a …

Becoming a mother is the most difficult and stressful thing I have ever had to do. It’s also been the most natural and wonderful. I have no explanation for this contradiction – it’s just the way it is. A rollercoaster of highs and lows, and an awakening of something inside of me that I never even realised existed.

It was always a certainty – I was never, ever going to have children, I mean never! I remember my Nana always used to say to me, “Oh, you’ll change your mind one day. Your Aunty was adamant that she would never have kids and now she has two of them!” As it turns out, my Nana was right.

When I discovered I was pregnant for the second time, my first bub was only six months old. I had no idea what I was in for! The first few years were a constant stream of getting one child out of a phase (like breastfeeding, dummies, nappies, teething or night waking), only for the other to grow right into it! Sometimes it felt like déjà-vu!

When Rosie was born, we called her our little old lady. Her skin was wrinkled and dry, and peeled for the first few weeks no matter how much baby lotion we used. When the ‘milk rash’ started to turn into large scabs on her cheeks, I knew something wasn’t right.

Suitable for all children, this website offers a unique selection of products designed to maximise sensory awareness as well as motor, language and cognitive development among children with diverse abilities.

Environmentally friendly products for the home and all the family (including Rover and Fluffy). Range includes BPA free bottles and lunch boxes, baby skin care, head lice prevention, household cleaning, sunscreen, pet products, menstrual products and more.

Aussie Farmers Direct is a free home delivery service providing fresh products that are 100% Australian owned and produced. Their goal is to help the Australian farmer win the battle against the large multinationals by delivering a broad range of products direct to the consumer. Another major benefit is that, by supporting Australian products, you …

Be the first to “be-in-the-know” each and every week. Fans of sister site Missy Confidential will already be familiar with online savings up to 70% off retail prices, sign up to Kids Confidential It’s free! Subscribers receive and email with the coolest kidstuff and hottest maternity sales discounts, special offers and shopping events. Kids is your VIP Guide to bargain hunting.

CALUNA loves is a family friendly online boutique. Products are useful, beautiful and unique. There is an emphasis on eco friendly, BPA free, lead free and recycled products.

Enjoy your holiday as soon as you arrive at your destination. Avoid the hassle of finding the shops and standing in line by using this beverage and grocery shopping service

Australian online department store. Thousands of bargains, huge range and easy delivery.