Everyone has heard the old saying 'the terrible twos.' However, many parents who have actually been through the toddler stage with their child look back and think to themselves 'that wasn't so bad after all.' It's sad to think that there are parents out there who dread or aren't enjoying life with their toddler.
How can a parent enjoy their child during the toddler years? Here are a few tips:
1. Just relax and have fun. If you have a busy schedule then clear some time for dedicated play with your toddler. There is no reason to feel guilty for spending a few hours playing with blocks or reading a good book together.
2. Model good character traits early. This is a very important age when a child begins to form the character they will have for the rest of their lives. This is the time to lay a foundation of good character, respect for others, and knowing right from wrong. Model patience, respect, and truthfulness. When your child gets angry that something didn't work out right, help them work through the anger. That can be hard for parents who are impatient themselves. But if you teach your child self control now they will be better prepared for the teen years and adulthood.
Discipline is a difficult topic, but a parent who disciplines a toddler in love, with patience, will have much less need to discipline the child when he or she is older. It is much easier to deal with disobedience when the child is two than when he is 15. However, make sure it is truly disobedience and not just part of his developmental stage. There is a big difference. The child who is willfully being defiant and going against his parent's wishes is not the same as the child who accidentally spills his milk or who starts crying because she didn't get enough sleep the night before. So be sure to take these things into consideration.
3. Take a break if you need one. If you are at home with your child or children all day and feel like you need a break, call in some help. Whether you hire a teenage babysitter to watch your children a few hours each week or have a friend or family member take the children for a while, give yourself a break. Being a stay-at-home parent is hard. Just about everyone has to ask someone to help out during these years. Giving yourself a few hours off each week will make you a better parent, too. You will find that it gives you more energy, more patience, and a better perspective in being a parent. Your children will be more precious to you after you have had a few hours to yourself.
The toddler years are a wonderful time. Parents who understand the developmental stage and who take care of themselves as well can truly enjoy their toddler. Toddlers are full of wonder and everything is an adventure to them. They think you are terrific and love to spend hours playing with you as you build with blocks or play games or cuddle together.
Take advantage of this time and be available. Relax, enjoy your child, and build many memories to think back on when your child is grown and you find yourself missing those sweet years.
Find fun tips and toddler activities to enjoy with your toddler at 'Family Play and Learn' http://familyplayandlearn.com .
Friday, January 25, 2008
Potty Training Tips
Would you like to learn some tips for potty training your child? Would like that advice to be from a person with experience of potty training over 300 children. I have trained children both in their own homes and in daycare centers.
I have potty trained over 300 children and all of these children have been potty trained before the age of two. I'm not saying you have to do it this early but will say that in my experience it is possible to potty train nearly every child before they reach the age of two.
There are many opinions around on this subject but few people will have trained as many children as I have in the last 25 years. both in daycare and in the home
5 potty training tips that can help you succeed
Start Early
Start putting your child on the potty early sometime between 12 & 18 months is good. This isn't to get him to do anything but to get him used to sitting on it. Once a child reaches the age of two he is at the "no" stage and often doesn't like anything new being introduced into his life without it being a battle.
Think how much money you could save if your child is potty trained at the age of two instead of three years of age.
Make a Decision
One of the most confusing things for your child is if you chop and change. Make a decision as what day you want to start toilet training and then do it. Don't start potty training for a couple of days and think that tomorrow's going to be a busy day so lets forget about it and put diapers on again. This will confuse your child and make potty training much more difficult.
Be Consistent
At whatever age you start be consistent in the way you potty train, this includes the words you use. Every member of your family and any other adult involved in caring for your child need to do and say the same things. Therefore decide before you start how you are going to undertake potty training your child and once this decision is made stick to it.
Praise & Reward
Use praise and rewards for success and never punishment for accidents. This can be more difficult if you tired or are having a very busy day. If you would like a free potty training chart to use as an incentive then I will give you one at the end of my potty training course. If you let your child choose their own stickers to put on the chart then this will be an added incentive to use the potty or toilet.
When not to start potty training
Never start potty training when there is going to be a big change or a very exciting time in your child's life. What may be a little change in your life may appear to be quite large to your child. Going on vacation, Christmas time, moving home or having someone visiting for a few days are all times when it would be advisable not to start toilet training your child.
Have you made the decision to start this process with your child or are you just thinking ahead?
Whatever stage you are at this is process has parent will face at some point in their child's life. Approach toilet training with confidence and not fear and you will succeed much quicker and with less stress.
And along the way there may be questions you would like answered by a friend and expert. I would like to offer you a free potty training course
As you journey through your life as a parent you may find that there are other tips or pieces of information you would be of interest and help you in your life as a parent.
Maureen is an English Nanny and Parenting Expert who has worked with parents and children for over 25 years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_H_Lawrence
I have potty trained over 300 children and all of these children have been potty trained before the age of two. I'm not saying you have to do it this early but will say that in my experience it is possible to potty train nearly every child before they reach the age of two.
There are many opinions around on this subject but few people will have trained as many children as I have in the last 25 years. both in daycare and in the home
5 potty training tips that can help you succeed
Start Early
Start putting your child on the potty early sometime between 12 & 18 months is good. This isn't to get him to do anything but to get him used to sitting on it. Once a child reaches the age of two he is at the "no" stage and often doesn't like anything new being introduced into his life without it being a battle.
Think how much money you could save if your child is potty trained at the age of two instead of three years of age.
Make a Decision
One of the most confusing things for your child is if you chop and change. Make a decision as what day you want to start toilet training and then do it. Don't start potty training for a couple of days and think that tomorrow's going to be a busy day so lets forget about it and put diapers on again. This will confuse your child and make potty training much more difficult.
Be Consistent
At whatever age you start be consistent in the way you potty train, this includes the words you use. Every member of your family and any other adult involved in caring for your child need to do and say the same things. Therefore decide before you start how you are going to undertake potty training your child and once this decision is made stick to it.
Praise & Reward
Use praise and rewards for success and never punishment for accidents. This can be more difficult if you tired or are having a very busy day. If you would like a free potty training chart to use as an incentive then I will give you one at the end of my potty training course. If you let your child choose their own stickers to put on the chart then this will be an added incentive to use the potty or toilet.
When not to start potty training
Never start potty training when there is going to be a big change or a very exciting time in your child's life. What may be a little change in your life may appear to be quite large to your child. Going on vacation, Christmas time, moving home or having someone visiting for a few days are all times when it would be advisable not to start toilet training your child.
Have you made the decision to start this process with your child or are you just thinking ahead?
Whatever stage you are at this is process has parent will face at some point in their child's life. Approach toilet training with confidence and not fear and you will succeed much quicker and with less stress.
And along the way there may be questions you would like answered by a friend and expert. I would like to offer you a free potty training course
As you journey through your life as a parent you may find that there are other tips or pieces of information you would be of interest and help you in your life as a parent.
Maureen is an English Nanny and Parenting Expert who has worked with parents and children for over 25 years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_H_Lawrence
Sleeping Tips
My first born was not an easy baby or toddler. As an infant, he had to be sound to sleep before being placed in his cradle or crib. As he grew older, his sleep habits did not improve. He would cry unless he was asleep when placed in his crib unless he was completely asleep.
We tried everything. We would ride him around in the car. He would sleep while the car was moving, but the minute it came to a standstill, he was wide awake. We bought a cradle that had an automatic rocker. As long as it was in motion, he would sleep. Again, once it stopped its rocking motion, he was wide awake. We found that rocking him to sleep in a dark room was usually the best method, especially if he woke up at night. He was not interested in a bottle; he simply wanted someone to rock him to sleep while he sucked on his ever present pacifier.
We were advised to "let him cry." We were also told to go into the room periodically to reassure him, but to not pick him up. After several days involving an hour or more of crying, my husband and I gave up. It was just too painful for the three of us.
My husband and I talked it over. We decided that we would stay in the room with him until he fell asleep. We agreed to leave him in the crib and to not pick him up. We would avoid talking to or making eye contact with him.
In the beginning, one of us would lay down on the regular bed that was also located in his room. At first, he was suspicious. My son would pop his head up at frequent intervals to make sure that we were still there. We would continue to lie motionless on the bed. Finally, he would settle down and fall asleep. Even when he went to stay with his grandparents, the same ritual was carried out.
This continued for a while. Eventually, we would sit on the bed until he fell asleep. Then, we would sit in the doorway where he could see us. Finally, we were able to tell him that we would be in the next room if he needed us. We have tiptoed and even crawled out of his room many a night so we would not wake him!
Not long ago, one of the Nanny shows on television indicated that this was the best way to handle a child who did not like to go to sleep alone. My husband and I were quite proud that we had figured it out on our own.
I know this: If it worked with my son, it will work with your child!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherry Carroll has been an educator for twenty-two years. She has worked with regular and gifted education classrooms in grades 3-8, served as a SC Teacher Specialist with the SC State Dept of Education, and been a Curriculum Coordinator at an elementary school. She has received numerous awards and recognitions that include Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Work in the Area of Gifted Education.
Contact her at http://scberrysblog.blogspot.com
We tried everything. We would ride him around in the car. He would sleep while the car was moving, but the minute it came to a standstill, he was wide awake. We bought a cradle that had an automatic rocker. As long as it was in motion, he would sleep. Again, once it stopped its rocking motion, he was wide awake. We found that rocking him to sleep in a dark room was usually the best method, especially if he woke up at night. He was not interested in a bottle; he simply wanted someone to rock him to sleep while he sucked on his ever present pacifier.
We were advised to "let him cry." We were also told to go into the room periodically to reassure him, but to not pick him up. After several days involving an hour or more of crying, my husband and I gave up. It was just too painful for the three of us.
My husband and I talked it over. We decided that we would stay in the room with him until he fell asleep. We agreed to leave him in the crib and to not pick him up. We would avoid talking to or making eye contact with him.
In the beginning, one of us would lay down on the regular bed that was also located in his room. At first, he was suspicious. My son would pop his head up at frequent intervals to make sure that we were still there. We would continue to lie motionless on the bed. Finally, he would settle down and fall asleep. Even when he went to stay with his grandparents, the same ritual was carried out.
This continued for a while. Eventually, we would sit on the bed until he fell asleep. Then, we would sit in the doorway where he could see us. Finally, we were able to tell him that we would be in the next room if he needed us. We have tiptoed and even crawled out of his room many a night so we would not wake him!
Not long ago, one of the Nanny shows on television indicated that this was the best way to handle a child who did not like to go to sleep alone. My husband and I were quite proud that we had figured it out on our own.
I know this: If it worked with my son, it will work with your child!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherry Carroll has been an educator for twenty-two years. She has worked with regular and gifted education classrooms in grades 3-8, served as a SC Teacher Specialist with the SC State Dept of Education, and been a Curriculum Coordinator at an elementary school. She has received numerous awards and recognitions that include Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Work in the Area of Gifted Education.
Contact her at http://scberrysblog.blogspot.com
Developmental Milestones
Babies develop at all different rates but here's what to look for from 12 to 18 months of age.
At 12 months of age your baby starts to transition into toddler hood. As she becomes more active, her baby fat melts away and she begins to lose her baby features.
She understands much more than she can express and learns new words daily. That is why it is important to talk to her about everything, describe to her what you see and hear, as well as read to her daily. At this age, your toddler starts to use gestures to express what she thinks and feels. For example, she may take your hand, lead you to the kitchen, and point to the fridge and say "milk."
By about 12 months of age, children can follow a one-step command, such as "go get your toy." By 18 months, children should be able to follow more complex instructions consisting of 2 or 3 steps. At this time, children begin to engage in pretend play. They imitate their caregivers and by doing so, learn new skills. For example, you may notice your child pretending to vacuum or sweep one day.
At this time of development, your child starts to use tools, such as a spoon or toothbrush. She also begins to understand symbols and ideas. For example, while brushing her teeth, your child may pretend that the toothbrush becomes an airplane. Pretend play is a major developmental milestone. It allows your child to develop creativity and other intellectual skills.
You can enhance your child's development by doing the following activities:
- Read daily
- Encourage to use words and gestures to communicate
- Play games that provide instructions
- Provide toys that represent objects in your child's environment, such as a broom or vacuum cleaner. You probably already noticed that you toddler is active and ready to explore from the time she wakes up until bedtime (perhaps with a short break for a nap). Toddlers' motor skills advance exponentially. They walk, jump, and run in their quest to be independent. Keep in mind that they lack judgment skills, therefore they need a safe environment to pursue their discoveries.
At this age, you child should reach the following milestones:
- Learn new words daily
- Build 2-word sentences by age 2
- Understand 1-step commands by 12 months
- Understand 2- and 3-step commands by 18 months
- Use spoon
- Engage in pretend play
- Imitate caregivers
- Point to things
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition. Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com
At 12 months of age your baby starts to transition into toddler hood. As she becomes more active, her baby fat melts away and she begins to lose her baby features.
She understands much more than she can express and learns new words daily. That is why it is important to talk to her about everything, describe to her what you see and hear, as well as read to her daily. At this age, your toddler starts to use gestures to express what she thinks and feels. For example, she may take your hand, lead you to the kitchen, and point to the fridge and say "milk."
By about 12 months of age, children can follow a one-step command, such as "go get your toy." By 18 months, children should be able to follow more complex instructions consisting of 2 or 3 steps. At this time, children begin to engage in pretend play. They imitate their caregivers and by doing so, learn new skills. For example, you may notice your child pretending to vacuum or sweep one day.
At this time of development, your child starts to use tools, such as a spoon or toothbrush. She also begins to understand symbols and ideas. For example, while brushing her teeth, your child may pretend that the toothbrush becomes an airplane. Pretend play is a major developmental milestone. It allows your child to develop creativity and other intellectual skills.
You can enhance your child's development by doing the following activities:
- Read daily
- Encourage to use words and gestures to communicate
- Play games that provide instructions
- Provide toys that represent objects in your child's environment, such as a broom or vacuum cleaner. You probably already noticed that you toddler is active and ready to explore from the time she wakes up until bedtime (perhaps with a short break for a nap). Toddlers' motor skills advance exponentially. They walk, jump, and run in their quest to be independent. Keep in mind that they lack judgment skills, therefore they need a safe environment to pursue their discoveries.
At this age, you child should reach the following milestones:
- Learn new words daily
- Build 2-word sentences by age 2
- Understand 1-step commands by 12 months
- Understand 2- and 3-step commands by 18 months
- Use spoon
- Engage in pretend play
- Imitate caregivers
- Point to things
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition. Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com
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