Hey Laura, What...?

Angela writes:

Is there a natural, non-toxic way for me to control weeds both in my grass and in my flower beds? I swear I could spend the next 30 days, 24 hrs a day pulling weeds in my yard and still not have them in control! I hesitate to use poison since I have small children and cats that I would prefer not to poison too! The problem really got out of control after my close relative said to me “You know those wishing flowers? I taught Drake how to blow them!” UGH, DANDELIONS!!!! The problem has only snowballed since. We also have issues w/a local favorite, Knap weed. I tried using strait vinegar in a spray bottle (in the beds only since it can scorch grass) but it really did nothing but...

Angela writes:

Saw your post about how to deal w/household ants but I have a bigger dilemma. We have ant hills/colonies INSIDE our newly installed sandbox. I have a feeling they were there before the play structure was installed and we thought putting down weed fabric would be enough to deter them and they have since resurfaced. Obviously I don’t want to use any toxic where the boys are digging around. Any ideas of how to get ride of the ant hills permanently

Ew. You’re not going to like my answer, Angela. My internet resources are all telling the same story. The most effective way of ridding your sandbox of ants is this: Remove the infested sand, treat the area, refill with new sand.

I have two kids+dogs questions to tackle today. This should be a long one!

Betty asked:

Hey Laura,

You have BIG dogs and SMALL children together in a household.  My question is 4 part:

1) How did you introduce the babies to the dogs? And vice versa?
2) How did you teach children to be gentle around the dogs? Children don’t know not to make fast movements, tug pull on dogs, not to grab their toys or food….etc. How do you teach them that?
3) Are you ever concerned that the dogs will bite or be aggressive with the children (especially your newborn)?
4) What breeds work best with children? Or is it really about training your dogs not the breed?

And David wonders:

So how do you help a 2 year...