This is an unlikely subject for a Nonny Tip, but, it works!
By the time the grands get to be about three years old, most of them are old enough to chew gum without swallowing it. It is such a treat for them, because most of them don't get a lot of gum at home. It is something you have to really watch them with so they don't take it out of their mouths and *lose it* somewhere! :)
A few years back I heard about chewing gum being used as a calming tool to help children with ADHD and other issues. It helped with focusing and/or calming down. It's amazing to me how on point this is! I decided to try it. It works. If you have a grand that is fidgety in a car seat or while doing an activity such as art or listening to a story….give them a half piece of gum. I usually buy regular gum or bubblegum. I know there is sugar in it, but, I'd rather them have a small bit of sugar than the fake stuff! It's pretty magical the focus they have when chewing gm.
Also, gum helps as a reward. One of the toughest challenges as a Nonny is car seats. UGH! I believe in them 100%. I'm an advocate for them being hooked in correctly and used until they are eight. BUT, it's a pain getting everyone buckled up. Soooooo, when they reach the age of being able to get in the seat themselves, I promise them gum if they climb up in the car and get in their seat and sit there until I get each person buckled in properly. This Nonny is not beyond a bribe.
I try to remind them every few minutes, *When you are done chewing, give the gum to Nonny.* It works most of the time.
Just a little Nonny tip to help make things easier. If you have any tips, share them with me in the comments. I'm always looking for new tricks of the trade!
And, just a couple of old pics of the three big boys!