Kids Plates & Cups - Each Own Color

[Jenniferdawn]

I use the Ikea color system too. It works GREAT for us. The kids feel special that they have a certain color and their name tags by their coat hooks are the same color as well as their tags on their cubbies. We also have a helper chart where each child gets to help with a certain "chore" like watering the kids garden, being assistant chef to me, or getting to pick out the book for story time. The kids go to the picture job chart and they know what job is theirs because of the color that is placed next to it. It works great. I'm thinking about investing in colored blankets for nap time too...

[KDC]

I have each family bring a sippy cup at the beginning of the 'school' year. Every August I request a new cup. They carefully choose it and it's their cup for daycare. It gets put in the dishwasher, and washed out before every meal/snack. With 8 hands reaching up, regular cups spill often and I would spend about 1/2 hour a day cleaning up spilled milk, juice, water, etc. Cups stay in the kitchen!!

I haven't had duplicates yet (surprisingly!) and they all know which cup is theirs (and which cups are their friends). Typically by 15 months they know who's cup is who's.

For plates, I have different colors (some duplicates). I do this for allergy reasons, The yellow plates are peanut free, dishwashers can only do so much. I found these great plates at our local Jewel years ago, and I love them... but can't find them anymore. They have everything sectioned off, and a dipping spot at the top.

[themoorethemerrier]

The cups used to be our problem because I couldn't keep them separated with colors - I have 4 kids of my own and then I'm licensed to have up to 14.

I have 6 oz glasses; on each cup I placed wide produce rubber bands (blank side out) and using a ball point pen to label their names on each. Not only did they keep them straight, but the rubber band served as a grip. We have so much less spillage now!!!

[Countrygal]

The cups used to be our problem because I couldn't keep them separated with colors - I have 4 kids of my own and then I'm licensed to have up to 14.

I have 6 oz glasses; on each cup I placed wide produce rubber bands (blank side out) and using a ball point pen to label their names on each. Not only did they keep them straight, but the rubber band served as a grip. We have so much less spillage now!!!

That's a neat idea!

[MsKitten]

This is an Idea I grew up on but have forgotten about!! Im so glad you posted this!

Also I just wanted to give a shout out... I just moved back to my home state (Back to the South) From Southern CA! How neat that there are so many of you here from CA. It sure is beautiful there!

[Heidi]

I love to pretend to "forget" which cup belongs to which child, or "accidently" give someone the wrong cup. The kids get a kick out of being smarter than me!

[Countrygal]

Heidi, where did you get enough different colored plates/cups? I got some at WM, but there were only four colors.....

And, of course, we live nowhere near an IKEA and can't order the plates or silverware. :P

[texascare]

I use Walmart plastic sectional plates. Over the past couple of years I have been able to get all different colors. The only ones that are the same are green, but one is a bright green and the other a dark so the kids can tell them apart. I use Ikea silverware and each child has a matching color cup, but I love the rubberband idea! When a child enrolls I automaticly give them a "color". It teaches them matching, and colors. It also gives them a since of ownership as well. Also each child sits in the same spot each day at the table. Just like they have their own playpens. They walk to the table and stand at it and I put them in their booster seat. I am licensed for 12 but only keep 6 so it works out well for me!!

[adoreachild]

It will be better if you will write their names or paste their photos on their cups, so that they will hold only those one which will have their photos. Or you can arrange according to their favorite colors also.

[Kaddidle Care]

I use sharpie markers to write names on things. It will wash off eventually or if you want it to just scrub. It's also a good way for the children to start recognising their own names.

With the kids I've dealt with all the Princesses would have wanted the pink and it would be a disaster. Be thankful you have easy going kids that love their colors!happyface

[CozyHome]

My dckids all have their own cups that they use every day. We travel a lot so when we're out and about they can pick their own cups out of the box I pack in the stroller to hold them whenever they need a drink. The same goes for in the house and all summer I keep their cups full of water so they can go to the dining room table for a drink when they are thirsty.

I use the colourful Ikea plates and bowls because I learn over time which kid eats what and I can load up their plates accordingly when I'm serving the food. I started this system so I don't end up with as much food in the garbage.

[williams2008]

I love this idea and would love to use this method, but as of now all the kids bring their own cup from home. I made labels and put their name on them to help me out.

For plates I use the 3 section plates I had bought from Walmart. I would love to use the IKEA system, but the nearest store from me is like 5 hours away

[Rachel]

Williams, that stinks. I love Ikea :-)

Their new stuff is even better. The plates are bigger and they have a rim around them. They have purple now too :-)

[williams2008]

Williams, that stinks. I love Ikea :-)

Their new stuff is even better. The plates are bigger and they have a rim around them. They have purple now too :-)

Me too, I'm always on their site looking for things to buy. I have my shopping list saved just in case I get a chance to visit one of their stores!!!

[melilley]

Thanks ladies! I looked on Ikea and love the products you were talking about! Too bad they won't ship those items!