Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
Monday, December 19th, 2011
The need to feel secure is a serious matter when children are out of their parents’ care. Their emotional cues are the key to understanding what can help them in being comfortable and appropriately dependent. From thumb-sucking and pacifiers to “loveys and softies,” children must be allowed to discover and use the props that help them to comfort themselves and manage stress, especially when parents are absent. That children can use these props and tactics is a testament to their parents’ success in helping them to cope with life’s discomforts and uncertainties.
These objects are transitional. As children grow in their capacities to adapt to and manage change and troublesome emotions, they will give them up on their own. I advise parents not to take them away, especially during these transitions. On the contrary. Keep them in good repair! I have seen blankets and toys that were rags and shadows of their former selves, glues, patched, and re-stitched, still providing soothing magic.
Thumb-sucking into the second year can cause some tooth disruption if it is especially intense and prolonged. Pacifiers are kinder to the mouth and teeth because they distribute sucking pressure more evenly throughout the mouth. By the first birthday, the need for non-nutritive sucking usually starts to diminish, so that by 18 months, walking and talking are picking up the self-stimulation slack. Comforting should be spread out over rocking, cuddling, softies, etc., lessening the appetite for sucking.
Tags: Binky, Lovie, Pacifiers, Secure, Security blanket, Transitions
Posted in Development, Dr. Kyle Pruett, Tips, Toddlers | No Comments »
Friday, November 18th, 2011
It’s the modern parent’s dilemma: the time crunch. Sometimes it feels like there just are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all of life’s tasks—and still be an effective and loving parent.
Consider quality of time versus quantity of time. It’s all about compromising.
Vacuum tomorrow so you can cuddle up with your child and a good book instead! Prepare a few extra meals on the weekend to reduce dinner prep time during the week and free up time for a quick walk with your family. Set your morning alarm for a half an hour earlier to create time to eat breakfast together.
What compromises do you make to ensure quality time with your family?
Tags: Compromises, Family, Family time, Quality Time
Posted in Family, parenting, Tips | No Comments »
Monday, October 17th, 2011
You may cringe when you think about ending your child’s “binky” or pacifier-sucking habit. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “sucking is one of an infant’s natural reflexes. They begin to suck on their thumbs or other fingers while they are in the womb… Placing a thumb or another finger [or an object] in the mouth provides some children with a sense of security during difficult periods, such as when they are separated from their parents, surrounded by strangers or in an unfamiliar environment.”
However, as the ADA and most pediatricians in the U.S. will also point out, a prolonged sucking habit may cause problems with healthy growth of the mouth and roof of the mouth, as well as alignment of teeth. For these reasons, as well as the obvious social ones as your child gets older, it’s best to try to break the habit as early as possible. Most pediatricians will encourage stopping by age two, and many children will break the habit on their own between the ages of two and four.
To discourage your child’s habit, consider the following tips:
- Start by letting your child know that a binky is only to be used at bedtime and naptime. Give your child the responsibility of making sure that the binky is stored on her pillow or nightstand each time she wakes up.
- Peer pressure may encourage preschool-age children to break the habit at naptime while at school. Use this opportunity to encourage the elimination of a binky during naptime on weekends.
- Don’t put too much pressure on your child to pass up the binky. This may cause anxiety and can actually make it more difficult for your child to kick the habit. But, DO encourage every positive step in the process.
- Consider that sucking may occur when your child is feeling insecure. Comfort your child, address the stressor and try to resolve or redirect. Reward her when she avoids sucking during stressful situations.
- Ask your child’s dentist to talk with her while at six-month checkups. Believe it or not, for older toddlers and preschoolers, sometimes this is all it takes!
- When all else fails, you may want to consider the “Binky-Fairy”! Cuddle up with your child during a comfy, quiet, low-key time and break out your most creative skills to tell your child a story of the Binky-, Button- or Pacie-Fairy who collects pacifiers from children who are ready to be “big-girls” and “big-boys.” Let your child know that when she is ready, she can pack up her pacifiers to trade to the Fairy for a very special reward. Mention the Fairy on a regular basis—keep it fun, positive and low-pressure—and most importantly, let the decision about when she is ready be hers to make. You may be surprised how quickly your child is ready to make the trade!
Tags: ADA, Binky, Early childhood development, pacifier, Teeth
Posted in Development, Tips | No Comments »
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
- Assemble a travel kit in a small, easy-to-grab bag—this can make unexpected situations like emergent dashes to the rest stop or airplane bathroom, and other daunting places, that much easier to deal with. Include items like potty seat covers, a small pack of wipes, small trash bag, mini first aid kit, child-friendly hand sanitizer, mini coloring book and a few crayons and some age-appropriate snacks.
- If traveling by car, leave room in your itinerary for “zoomie” breaks. It can be difficult for a young child (and parents, too!) to sit in a car for hours on end. Take a 15-minute break now and then at a family-friendly rest stop or park to stretch, run off a little energy or make silly noises.
- Try to maintain some likeness to your child’s typical schedule. A child with a general sense of what to expect and when is generally a happier child!
Tags: Preschool, Summer, Summer travel, Toddlers, Travel
Posted in Family, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
These days, many airlines still allow children under the age of two to travel on their parent’s lap. But, did you know that the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommends otherwise?
The FAA says that “the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap” and “strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.”
Tags: Safety, Summer travel, Toddlers, Travel
Posted in Safety, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
Whether traveling via plane, train or car, the following here are some traveling tips for your next family vacation:
INFANT TO ONE YEAR
- Plan for an active stretch. A rest stop break or a playground – let them walk or toddle for twenty or so minutes before climbing back in the car.
- Bring music, mobiles, bubbles and books.
- Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.
- Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bib and a blanket.
- Even if you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location. Call ahead for a crib to be added to your hotel room.
- Be prepared and do not overload yourself. If time allows, buy what you can when you get to your destination.
FIRST STEPS (12-18 MONTHS)
- Many of the Infant travel tips apply here.
- Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach.
- Even in the cool weather, crack a window for fresh air. Stale air may make your little one grumpy. Remove heavy jackets and shoes for comfort.
- Bring music, books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane – bring/purchase headphones for music and rest it on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears.
- Have some active playtime just before leaving and plan for frequent stops. In an airplane, let children walk down the aisle periodically at their own pace.
- Airports can be a bustling place. This may be the one time you check your luggage at the curb. This way you can focus on your little one’s needs without the hassle of luggage in tow.
TODDLER AND GET SET (18-36 MONTHS)
- Many of the First Steps travel tips apply here.
- Play window games – count the silos, trucks or red lights.
- Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your toddler without having to spin around.
- Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, links, stuffed animals and puppets.
- Have your child help you pack a picnic lunch or snack and then serve it to everyone.
- A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby, airport, etc.
PRESCHOOL TO PRE-K (36 MONTHS +)
- ‘I Spy’ a blue car, a white truck and other objects you can see while moving.
- Laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons.
- Car-Ride Checklist – make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.
- Ask your child to keep score – gas prices, mileage or count out toll money.
- Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.
- If you’re using a hotel babysitter: 1– Check the sitter’s credentials, including criminal and/or child abuse clearances. 2 – Check the room and the equipment in the room. 3 – Carry your phone and check your phone service when you arrive at your destination.
Tags: Family vacation, Infant, Preschool, Summer travel, Toddler, Travel
Posted in Family, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
As parents, we have so many things on our minds—“Why isn’t my baby sleeping though the night anymore?” “Does my toddler eat a well-balanced diet?” “Will my preschooler be well liked by her classmates?” “Have I provided my kindergartener with the tools to succeed in school?”—the list goes on and on. It can be exhausting to plan and prepare for our young children’s day, week, life… You may think that enjoying a little “me time” takes away from your child—but it’s really quite the opposite! Relieving stress is an important part of staying healthy. To maintain sanity, make it a priority to schedule some “me time” in the busy to-do list that is the modern parent’s day-to-day life. Whether it is just a few minutes to yourself or a weekend getaway, “me time” can help us to “re-center” ourselves.
Feeling the time crunch? Try these quick (but still refreshing) tips:
- Exercise. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and manage your energy levels. A little goes a long way! Have your spouse watch the kiddies and go for a quick solo walk around the block.
- Meditation. Close your eyes and breathe deep. Focus on how each breath flows in and out of your abdomen for one minute, or until you feel more relaxed.
- Phone a friend. Take a few minutes to call that friend whose emails you haven’t had time to reply to. A brief conversation with another grown-up can help regain perspective. Plan in advance to focus on any “non-child-related” topic.
How do you fit a little “me time” into your hectic schedule? How do you enjoy spending this time?
Tags: Children, Excercise, Me Time, parenting, Stress, Tips
Posted in Family, parenting, Parents, Tips | No Comments »
Becoming a parent is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. There are countless surprises in the event itself, even if you are in the minority of parents who were able to thoughtfully plan whether and when this should happen to you. Parenting is an important job we feel must be done well, which makes it all the more uncomfortable to feel so clueless about what’s happening to you, your marriage and your body. Moms are supposed to ’just know’ what to do, and fathers are supposed to ‘just know’ how to help them. Neither of these maxims helps much because they are mostly wrong and arcane. And if you are an adult when you become a parent, you are accustomed to knowing what to do as you work your way through your daily life – it’s probably been a while since you felt this inept, sacrificed this much sleep, effort and confidence and all for what – a few gassy smiles and some drool?
A few noteworthy first timer tips:
- The ‘sensory surprise’ is my phrase for what catches many moms and dads off guard early on; holding the naked baby next to your skin (which is a very good thing to do) is calming and soothing for both you and the baby. Who knew? This touching, smelling, caressing stuff helps us find each other as sensory beings in this way too verbal world. This is especially true for dads who have been in the cheap seats for the physical/sensory aspects of the gestation.
- The ‘vocal surprise’ follows. When was the last time you found yourself singing or humming to anyone who would listen? Babies listen intently and seem to have an appetite for the human voice when it’s playing with sounds as in rhythmic speech, singing or cooing. Don’t hold back. This is the vocal equivalent of skin-to-skin cuddling and is just as enriching for both of you.
- The next ‘surprise’ for the first timer might be the magical effect of swaddling on a fussy baby. Firmly but tenderly securing the babies arms and legs in the swaddling blanket keeps the baby warm and secure and is an important thing to learn how to do well. It seems to automatically comfort most babies and makes you feel like you know what you’re doing – especially important for first-time dads.
- Two-thirds of his/her early life will be devoted to sleep, lumped into three-or four-hour segments at first. Sleeping through the night will come, but stomach capacities of the newborn aren’t initially adequate to this task. So get yourself informed about what to expect, problem-solving with your nurse/pediatrician ahead of time. Sleep issues are among the thorniest for first timers, so listen to the seasoned pros about whether to sweat or not.
- First time parents are often accompanied by first time grandparents. Here are a few tips for the first time grandparent:
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- Ask permission before rattling off advice. Egos are a little raw just now, so make sure you aren’t overstepping family boundaries.
- Support the parents, both of them. Show them your tricks only if asked; this child is theirs, not yours.
- Don’t expect much attention or entertainment when helping out.
- When you help, help them both. Helping your child’s partner is helping your child raise your grandchild.
Tags: Children, Development, First Time Parents, Infants, parenting, Parents, What To Expect When Your Expecting
Posted in Dr. Kyle Pruett, parenting, Parents, Tips | No Comments »
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
A good night’s sleep is essential for both you and your baby. The sooner your little one is sleeping well through the night, the sooner you can return to a beneficial sleep routine as well.
Newborns tend to wake frequently during the night until they reach about three months of age. This is when most babies begin to sleep for longer periods of time and develop a regular sleep pattern. By six months of age, most babies are able to sleep through the night, which can be anywhere from five hours on.
To help your baby reach the “sleeping through the night” goal, be sure to establish consistent bedtime and naptimes. Also, develop a bedtime routine that will be repeated in the same order, at the same time each night. Consistency is the key in helping your baby develop a healthy sleep pattern. Find appropriate activities for your baby’s bedtime routine that will help her become calm and relaxed. If a certain activity, such as bathing, seems to be too stimulating, consider moving that activity to another time of day.
It’s also okay to wake your baby in the morning or rouse her from a nap if she is sleeping longer than you would like. This will help her establish a healthy sleep schedule and to wake at the same time each day.
Putting your baby down to sleep when she shows signs of drowsiness, but is not yet asleep, will help her learn to fall asleep independently. This is advantageous to helping her fall back to sleep if or when she wakes during the night. Rather than crying for you to hold or feed her, she’ll be able to quietly fall back to sleep on her own.
Don’t be discouraged if these techniques take a while to work or don’t work for your baby. Each baby’s needs are different and there are various sleep training techniques available. Consult your baby’s doctor for other suggestions and remember to remain positive and consistent.
Tags: Bedtime, Infants, Naps, parenting, Preschool, Sleep, Toddlers
Posted in parenting, Parents, Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
In addition to their ABCs and 123s, preschool children are learning and developing life skills that will shape who they grow into as adults. One of these building blocks is learning to play well with others and accept each other¹s differences. Learning this at such a young age is critical, especially since, according to some research, bullying has become more common among two to six year olds.
Preschool-age children will often engage in unfriendly interactions with other children. It’s the nature of growing up and it’s important to be able to identify the difference between this type of exchange and bullying.
According to Sue Adair, Director of Education at The Goddard School, “Usually, in a bullying situation, the child doing the bullying is intentionally trying to hurt or upset the other child. A minor social spat is a normal occurrence in childhood play – one child grabs a toy from another and the other child cries. This behavior is not intentional and situations like this actually help children learn to forgive and share.”
“At The Goddard School, we use The Goddard Guide to Getting Along to help instill the importance of courtesy and respect in our Preschoolers through activities, songs and guided dramatic play,” states Adair. “Since children at this age are still learning how to play together, is it an important time to teach them about friendship, compassion, cooperation and kindness. Along with these traits, we believe the best way to prevent bullying is to build children¹s confidence. Confident children tend to avoid being bullied and also avoid becoming bullies themselves.”
Tips for Developing Healthy Confidence in Children
- Set the example. Ron Shuali, Founder of Shua Life Skills and author of Building the 21st Century Child: An Instruction Manual, stresses, “Teachers, parents and childcare providers should be aware of their own behavior all of the time. Adults serve as ‘models’ for children who respect them and may wish to emulate them.” Your child will pick up on whatever feelings you convey about yourself whether good or bad. Try to always speak positively about yourself and your child will follow.
- Praise and encourage. No matter what your little one does, whether it¹s a scribbled mess or a perfect reproduction of the Mona Lisa, be sure to praise them for their effort. Every bit of praise and encouragement you can give is another boost to their self-confidence.
- Develop a skill. If you child expresses interest in a particular hobby, help them master it by signing them up for classes or lessons. As they develop this skill on their own, they will become more enthusiastic about learning and trying new things and feel better about themselves overall.
- Trust. As your child grows, try entrusting them with age-appropriate responsibilities around the house. Allowing your child to take on their own responsibilities will help foster their independence and allow your child to feel more confident in making their own choices and decisions.
- Listen. What your child has to say is just as important to them as what you have to say is to you. Remember this when your little one is trying to express their thoughts, dreams and fears. Listen attentively and offer your own advice or guidance should they need it.
Tags: Bully Prevention, Bullying, Early childhood education, Preschool
Posted in Preschool, Safety, School, Tips | 2 Comments »
