Parenting Tips...

Parenting Tips...




 
 
 
Take a Closer Look at Toilet Learning

Are you dreading "toilet training" your toddler? Have you heard or do you worry that this will be a difficult and upsetting time for everyone? Good news. If you assume a casual, relaxed attitude, both you and your toddler will do just fine.

"Toilet learning need not be a difficult or painful process, but usually it is a long one. It will probably take at least a year from the first suggestions to the time when your child is able to keep clean and relatively dry on her or his own. For a year or so after that, you should be prepared for accidents after some circumstances. Even a child who stays dry all day will not stay dry at night for some time to come." Why does it take so long? Learning to eliminate in the toilet involves a whole series of skills. Writing in

The sequence in which these skills need to be mastered

First, understand what they are supposed to do in the    bathroom.

Second, realize they are about to urinate or defecate.

Third, get to the toilet or potty chair.

Fourth, remove their clothing.

Fifth, climb up on the toilet or sit down on the potty chair.

Sixth, relax appropriate muscles to let urine and/or feces out.

   You can be most helpful to toddlers if you:

First, explain what you want them to do (this usually takes    repeated  explanations).

Second, encourage children to verbalize when they are about to urinate or  defecate.


Third, keep a training chair handy.

Fourth, provide easily removed clothing during this time.

Fifth, help your children learn to climb onto the toilet safely if a    training chair isn't used (a small stepstool often works well).

Sixth, acknowledge when your child "makes it to the  bathroom    on time."
   You can do other things to facilitate this process.

Teach your toddler the words your family uses for urinating    and defecating. If you don't label  things,  your  toddler will.

Check to see if your child fears flushing the toilet.
   Never force a frightened child onto a toilet. If there is fear,    your child is not  ready for this  process yet.

Treat accidents casually. Punishing, scolding, and shaming    may damage self  esteem and may  hinder  learning.

Try not to be too appalled if children finger paint or juggle  with    their fecal  materials. Wash them off and explain that all   feces    must go into the toilet  or potty  chair.

REMEMBER: the average age at which a toddler begins to    stay   dry is 2 years,    but    the range    is wide and often    varies   according to gender. Generally    girls mature in    bladder control   earlier    than boys. Many bright, healthy,    normal 3-year-olds   are    not yet trained.

  Take a closer look at Fears

To many parents, their toddler's fears make no sense at all. Daredevil children may become frightened by things that never scared them before-the neighbor's poodle, the dark, the splashy bath, ladybugs, loud noises. Frightened toddlers are often whiny and demanding. This makes them difficult to deal with. Let's look at a few of the most common fears of toddlers.

 Fear of separation. Toddler anxiety about separation is an indication of    growth. You used to be forgotten when you left. Now, your toddler worries about and puzzles over your departure. Always tell your    child that you are leaving. Sneaking out decreases trust. For a better separation, get your child absorbed in an interesting activity before you    leave.

 Fear of baths. Many toddlers worry about going down the drain with the    water. No amount of logical talk will change this. You can help by letting your    toddler play with a pan of water, then in the sink, and final over the edge of the tub (don't leave a toddler alone in the bathroom).

 Fear of dogs. Dogs are often loud, fast-moving, and unpredictable. Many    toddlers fear them. First share pictures of dogs with your child, then watch    one from a distance, and finally approach a gentle dog.


 Fear of loud noises. Though your toddler may love pounding on a toy drum,    the loud noise from a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer may be very Try letting your toddler look at and eventually touch things in your home    before you turn them on. If the fear seems intense, save "loud noise jobs" for times when your child is not tired and in a good mood,    or better yet, when he or she is not around.

 Fear of the dark. Parents often sheepishly admit that their toddler sleeps     with a night light (or the room light) on. Children can sleep with lights on    without damaging their health. Gradually reducing the amount
   of light works for many families. Some children decide on their own to turn    lights off. It is important not to rush your toddler.

Your toddler's fears depend on his or her level of anxiety, past experiences, and imagination. If any fears persist, make an effort to avoid things which trigger them. In a relatively few months your toddler will be better equipped emotionally to deal with his or her feelings. Accept your child's fears as valid. Support your child any time he or she is frightened. Eventually most fears will be overcome or at least brought under control; this is a sophisticated task for a little child.

Any Issues related to the child please write to us

  Take a Closer Look at Temper Tantrums

It's late in the afternoon of a long toddler's favorite word, "No." Giving day and you just need a few things.

in to little things before tantrums As you approach the check-out occur may actually eliminate some of counter, your toddler begins to the battles. squirm. "Down, down" can be heard throughout the entire store. You say "Please be quiet and hold still." With arched back and stiffened body, your toddler lets out a blood curdling "No No." People give you dirty looks.
Only a child being tortured could make such a noise. Actually your toddler is having a temper tantrum. Perhaps nothing causes parents more frustration than tantrums which are often emotionally and physically exhausting for all involved.

What causes them? Though toddlers may "throw" tantrums because a cookie isn't around a blanket is wrinkled, or a square block won't fit in a round hole ,they "have" tantrums because they get frustrated easily. Their ability cope when they don't get their own way is very limited. They are only now beginning to learn how to manage their own intense feeling .Tantrums most likely occur when they are hungry, exhausted or overexcited.

Here are some helpful hints

  Study your child's tantrum. Do you see a pattern?  Can you avoid conditions or redirect situations that   seem to encourage tantrums?

  Only offer real choices. Don't say "Would you like to  take your nap?" unless you are prepared to honor  your child's choices not to nap. In stead try ," It's  naptime now."

  Give your child a few minutes notice before you end an activity. This makes "changing gears" easier.


  Help your toddler withdraw from an activity or game if you see that it will end in  tears.

  Makes sure not top overuse your toddlers favorite  word, " No", Giving in to little things before tantrums occur may actually eliminate some of the battles.

  Set realistic limits but remember that your child is still  very young and will not  obey all of the time.

   Realize that tantrums usually are worse in public. Find a quiet, private place to help your child calm down. Concentrate on what your child must be   feeling.

  When a tantrum is in progress, you may choose to   ignore or hold your child. The choice will depend on  each situation. Your relationship with your child is   unique and you alone know how much you can  tolerate. However, offer your child comfort when the  tantrum is over.

  Try to remain calm. If you give in to anger, the  tantrum is likely to get worse instead of better.

  Don't be too upset if you "blow it" and handle the situation poorly. Where haveyou had training that helps you to act calmly when a screaming child  smacks you with a piece of toast? Just keep trying.

Some say tantrums are parts of a transition stage between babyhood and childhood. Others recognize tantrums as a valid form of release for young children. Despite what you believe and to a great extent what you do, tantrums will happen. They are a normal part of toddler behaviour. The father of toddler triplets offers the following advice: "Don't buy your kids hard shoes until they reach the age of three!"

Any Issues related to the child please write to us
  Five Keys to Good Discipline with Infants




First, Prevent situations where your baby might do something you don't like. Move that canning jar to a higher shelf. Put a gate on the stairwell. If your baby does something wrong, think of ways you could keep it from happening again. Create a trouble-free environment!

Second, Ignore behavior that is annoying but not harmful. If the baby pulls everything out of your sock drawer, just take a deep breath and ignore it. If you pay too much attention, it teaches your baby to do things like this to get attention from you.

Third, Distract or redirect your baby from things you don't want her to have or do. If she has your keys and you need them, don't just grab them; instead, interest her in some other toy or activity. The baby will then let go of the keys. It's easier to get a baby started on something else, than to take something away.

Fourth, Reward your baby with your loving attention when she plays nicely. Don't become a parent who only notices your child when she has done something wrong. Notice the good times, and give your baby a smile, a laugh or a hug. Your attention is your baby's most important reward--use it to encourage behavior of which you approve.

And lastly, give Freedom within limits. Your baby needs freedom to explore, but she also needs limits. You need good judgment to provide both. Babies kept in playpens or high chairs for much of the day have too little freedom and are too limited. A baby needs freedom on the floor to explore. That doesn't mean the basement stairs or garage! That is too much freedom and is too dangerous.

Any Issues related to the child please write to us
  Take a closer look at eating

You can lead toddlers to the table, but you cannot make them eat! Toddlers don't require as much food as they did when they were infants - they aren't growing as fast as they did earlier. The key to a toddlers appetite lies in the rate of growth rather than the size of child. A little thin toddler may out -eat a large chumky one because the first may be experiencing a growing spurt. Reduced appetite may cause you (or grandparents) great concern but if your child is ever curious, bright eyed with solid feeling flesh, and plenty of energy he or she is probably getting enough food.

Something else is happening at mealtime. Toddler hood brings intense strivings for independence, yet you still control much of your toddler's life . eating (or not eating) is a very powerful way a little child can control the environment (and adults) . here are some suggestions to help you prevent mealtime from becoming a battleground:

" Serve small amount of nutritious foods from each of the basic food groups (vegetable and fruit; bread and cereal; milk and cheese; meat, poultry , fish, and beans) This helps to ensure a healthy diet and encourage diversified food selection Placing a large amount of an unwanted food on you're a child's plate is asking for trouble.

" Allow your toddler to self feed . this encourages independence and promotes self confidence.

" Don't scoop up survivors from your child's eating area too quickly. Just because mangle carrots and pears look terrible to you , it doesn't mean they do to your toddler. He or she may make another pass at them if given a few minutes.




" Avoid tricks such as disguising one food with another. Tricks and punishments with food may encourage distrust and unhealthy attitudes. Such techniques don't remain effective very long.

" If sweets are used as a reward, they become more desirable in toddlers eyes. Give desserts and sweets no greater emphasis than other foods in the family diet.

" Introduce new foods one at a time, in small portions, along with familiar foods. Avoid fancy flavorings and sauces. If your toddler doesn't like a particular food, wait a few weeks and try again. Temporary dislikes are common at this age.

" Be a good model. Your eating habits and preferences are the best advertisement for a healthy(or unhealthy) diet.

" Toddlers who are forced to clean their plates learn that a clean plate is more important than a satisfied appetite. A frustrated toddler may resort to the "let's dump this stuff on the floor" technique.

" Make snacks nutritious . junk food can fill a toddler's tummy quickly and prevent consumption of good foods at mealtime.

" Reduce mealtime mess with an oil cloth or old plastic tablecloth under the highchair to catch crumbs.

Remember : few adults eat the way your child does now. It will get better!

  Milestones of Development
Body Development Personality Development Language Development
By 12 Months    
sits steadily for 10 minutes pulls to standing position
picks up objects with fingers
Develops some confidence with strangers.
Shows emotions
Cooperates in dressing
Waves bye-bye.
Understands no
Says two words
Turns many book pages at one time
By 15 Months
Cruises-walking while holding on
Stands by self momentarily
Scribbles with crayon
Walks a few steps
Lets you know if diaper is soiled
Doesn't listen to "no"
Throws/drops things from high chair, but wants them back
Says 5 words including people's names
Understands simple comments
Imitates adult speech
Points to body parts when named

 

By 18 Months  
Creeps up stairs by self
Walks without falling
Climbs stairs with hand held
Pulls or throws toys
Is impatient when difficulty
Is disobedient
May be "shy" with strangers
Takes off shoes

Asks for "more"
Points to pictures that are named
Says "all gone".

By 24 Months    
Runs without falling
Walks up and down stairs
Turns pages of book
Imitates housework
Doesn't share but gives if asks
Put on simple clothing

Uses 3- words sentence uses, I, me, mine.
Names and points to pictures
By 27 Months    
Walks on tip toes
Jumps with both feet
Stands on one foot
Washes and dries hands
Plays simple games with others
Bosses other children around
Gives first and last names when asked
Uses plural
Names, identifies colors


By 30 Months    
Copies a line of print
Shows need to go to toilet
Builds simple block patterns

Enjoys telling family stories
Shows concern, affection for parents
Dislikes attention given to siblings
Repeats parts of nursery rhymes, stories, finger play.
Uses size words:big;little
Uses 500+ words

By 36 Months    
Hops on one foot
Uses scissors to cut paper
Puts on coat, shoes
Climbs stairs placing one foot on each step

Lets others go first
Is less likely to have tantrums
Expresses some feeling verbally
Shows some pleasure in dealing with people
Understands in, out ,under
Listens for 5 minutes to stories.
Identifies objects by use
Acts out simple stories

Any Issues related to the child please write to us
  Ideal Immunization Schedule for the Infants
Age
Vaccine
Birth
BCG
Oral Polio Vaccine - 1st dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine - 1st dose
6 weeks
DPT - 1st dose
Oral Polio Vaccine - 2nd dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine - 2nd dose
10 weeks
DPT - 2nd dose
Oral Polio Vaccine - 3rd dose
14 weeks
DPT - 3rd dose
Oral Polio Vaccine - 4th dose
6-9 months
Oral Polio Vaccine - 5th dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine - 3rd dose
9 months
Measles Vaccine
15-18 months
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
DPT - 1st booster dose
Oral Polio Vaccine - 6th dose
5 years
DPT - 2nd booster dose
Oral Polio Vaccine - 7th dose
10 years
TT (Tetanus) - 3rd booster dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine - booster dose
15-16 years
TT (Tetanus) - 4th booster dose

Any Issues related to the child please write to us
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