Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Quick Parenting Tips on Toilet Training


1. Wait until your child is ready:
- The average child potty trains at 27 months.
- Child can use words to tell you what he needs.
- Child is able to pull clothes off.
- Child imitates you.
- Child has dry spells of up to 3 hours.

2. Give your child words to use such as “Go potty?”

3. Dress your child in clothes easy for her to pull off.

4. Use toilet training dolls and books to help explain.

5. Be ready for many mistakes!

6. Use a timer to remind your child to go to the bathroom.

7. Don’t compare your child to others.

8. Avoid training when child is experiencing stress:
- New baby expected or already here.
- Divorce.
- Moving.

9. Make it fun!
- Reward with stickers or play time treat.
- Praise for success but don’t yell at mistakes.
Share your advice on toilet training, funny stories, or success stories. We want to hear them!

Source: National Exchange Fund Foundation

For other parenting tips from the National Exchange Fund Foundation, visit http://www.preventchildabuse.com/parentingtips.shtml

Friday, May 27, 2011

Activity: Clothesline Theater

PRESENTING………a simple theater to set the stage in your backyard! 


Materials
·         2 (6-foot) lengths of polypropylene clothesline
·         3 old sheets
·         Paint
·         Clothespins
·         Dozen 1 1/4-inch binder clips
Instructions
1.       String up two parallel lengths of polypropylene clothesline 6 feet apart. Paint scenery on a background sheet, as we've done -- or pin on scenery cut from or painted on craft paper -- then use clothespins to attach the sheet to the line farthest from the audience.
2.       For the curtains, suspend two sheets from the front clothesline using 1 1/4-inch binder clips hung at 1-foot intervals. The clothesline should go through the clips' triangular centers, allowing kids to slide the curtains open and closed for dramatic effect. 
 
Does drama contribute to child development? 

You bet it does! Drama facilitates social and cognitive development. It deals with aspects of development like imagination and creativity; capacity for cooperation and sharing. It increases the ability to communicate and express. Good oral communicators find it easier to make friends and will find it easier in the long term to find and hold good jobs. Drama helps develop problem solving; independent thinking/mental development; self-reliance; taking initiative; decision making and improved self-confidence. Other areas of development include physical development and artistic development. 

Create this fun clothesline theater and let your child develop through drama! Enjoy the show!

Please make any comments below!

Source:  familyfun.go.com/crafts

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Parenting Conflicts- How to Find Ways to Agree



Do you and your spouse have different ideas on parenting? At some point, most couples do face problems as they share the responsibilities of parenting and manage day-to-day activities. How do you find ways to agree? Well, the following is a list of common problems and how to take care of them. Finally, the solution to your problems! 

Inconsistency

Often parents differ in their rules and expectations for their child. Mom might say one thing to a child and dad says a different rule. When these inconsistencies occur, one parent undermines the authority of the other. To resolve this problem, you and your spouse need to be clear with each other about what your rules and expectations are. Write them down. Find a compromise that you both can live with and stick by it!

Non-Communication

If you and your spouse do not talk about family issues, one might be left out of important matters. To resolve this problem, you and your spouse need to commit yourselves to communicate about every significant issue in your family life. At least once a day check in and discuss important issues of the day. Also talk about long-term issues. 

Confusion

Uncertainty about what rules to execute can create disorder. Parents that are perplexed about issues frequently do not make decisions at all, and leave their children confused about what is expected. To resolve this problem, you and your spouse need to resolve your own uncertainties on family matters and agree on a position. Then clearly inform the entire family about your decisions.

Competition

Sometimes rivalry can develop between parents over their children's attention and love, which can lead to a child being put right in the middle of the conflict. To resolve this problem, the two of you need to find ways to cooperate and not compete. Commit to work together toward a better relationship and family life. Don’t let differences weaken your common goals. Each needs to show some flexibility. Identify the areas in which each parent excels and let that parent exert leadership in the areas of his/her strength, so the decision-making responsibilities are divided.

The Impact of Parenting Conflicts

If you’re having marital difficulties, they are likely to upset the entire family. When a marriage suffers, parenting skills and children suffer as well. The most successful families do not neglect marital problems. These couples commit themselves to spending time together and working together to resolve any misunderstandings, jealousies or conflicts. They commit to communicate, praise, and forgive each other. They try to understand each other and they routinely examine their relationship and how it can be improved. Sometimes children are an excuse for not dealing with marital difficulties. Problems tend only to become worse with time. If you wait until children are older to address conflicts, you may not have a foundation to build on. Don't be complacent or let problems persist without solving them.



Share how you and your spouse/partner have been able to compromise when parenting conflicts have arisen. Share your advice or success stories!

This information comes from the book, “Caring for your school-age child: Ages 5 to 12” (2003) by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)….A reliable source!


Thursday, May 19, 2011

Resource Spotlight!

I’m sure many of you have heard of kids on the move. It is an agency that supports the development of young children and families in our community. Did you know that some of their services include PARENT TRAINING AND SUPPORT?

 Kids on the Move, has a great program called “Great Beginnings Class”. It is a series of three 90-minute classes for parents on communication development in young children (birth-to-age-3). These classes offer valuable information for ANY PARENT, but particularly those with concerns about their child's expressive communication (what he says) or receptive communication (what she understands).

Session 1: Building a Strong Foundation for Language Development: describes how and why children communicate and the developmental skills necessary for language development.

Session 2: Why Doesn't My Child Talk? Discusses how problems with hearing, oral motor skills, and cognitive skills can interfere with language development.

Session 3: Speech Strategies & Learning to Talk! Teaches parents specific things they can do to help a child learn to talk.

Hours of Operation: Meets on a weekly basis for a 3 week duration. Call for current schedule.

The general public is invited to participate on a space-available basis.

Languages Spoken: English Fees: $30 for series of 3 classes, unless part of other services.

Primary Contact: Jessica Nix, Early Intervention Specialist, (801) 221-9930 ext. 156

Address: 475 West 260 North
         Orem, UT 84057

If you would like more information, just call them!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Sign Language: A New Means of Communication

I don't have any children yet but I do have a young niece and nephew and I know how challenging communicating with them can be at times. I would imagine that communicating with your own baby can likewise be tough and often very frustrating.  You, as a mother, may often feel overwhelmed from all the different types of "cries" your baby has in order for he/she to try and communicate with you.  An idea to bridge that communication gap until your baby can start speaking may be sign language.

However, signing is not just a way to enhance communication between you and your baby, it also offers many other benefits.  Signing can be a source of bonding between parent and child.  It allows the baby to explore and enhance his/her developmental skills and generates curiosity. 

Researchers have also found that signing to your baby may decrease the amount of tantrums he/she may have as a toddler.  This is because signing makes communication between you and your child easier, and creates a more positive interaction.  Signing specific gestures allow your child to be able to make a request without crying and therefore decreasing the amount of frustration.

One mother shared that she saw the benefits of signing to her child when she went to put a clown doll in bed with her 16-month-old.  Her child signed "afraid" to her mother who then realized that the clown was actually the source of her fears, not the solution to them.

Interested?  Here are some websites and articles you can check out:
Baby Sign Language
Signing Baby
MSNBC Baby Sign Language Article
MayoClinic- Is Signing Beneficial?

Have you used sign language with your children?  Have you found it to be beneficial?  Let us know what you think!

Resource: http://www.signingtime.net/pdf/st/STResearch_Summary.pdf

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

How to get your toddler/preschooler to GO TO BED!


Have you ever had issues getting your toddler to go to sleep? I think almost every parent has had some kind of sleep issue with their children. Toddlers and preschoolers often resist going to sleep, especially if they have older siblings who are still awake. I know I didn’t like it when my older siblings got to go to bed before I did! Here are some suggestions to help your toddler or preschooler develop good sleep habits:
1.       Set up a quiet routine. Do this before bedtime to help your child know that it will soon be time to sleep. Read them a story, listen to quiet music, or give him/her a bath. Do not play with your child before bed, because active play may make your child too excited to sleep.
2.    Be consistent. Make bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child know what to expect and establish healthy sleep patterns.
3.     Allow your child to take a favorite thing to bed. It's okay to let your child sleep with a stuffed animal, blanket or toy. These often help children fall asleep—especially if they wake up during the night. Make sure the object is safe by looking for ribbons, buttons, stuffing or pellets inside toys or other parts that may be choking hazards.
4.     Make sure your child is comfortable. They may like to have a drink, a light left on, or the door left slightly open. Handle your child's needs before bedtime so that he/she doesn't use them to avoid going to sleep.
5.     Do not let your child sleep in the same bed with you. This can make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.
6.     Do not return to your child's room every time he complains or calls out. Instead, try the following:
o    Wait several seconds before answering and make your response time longer each time they call. This will give them a chance to fall asleep on their own.
o    Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into the room, do not turn on the light, play with him, or stay too long.
o    Move farther from your child's bed every time you go in, until you can reassure him verbally without entering his room.
o    Remind him each time he calls that it's time to go to sleep.
7.     Give it time. Helping your child develop good sleep habits can be a challenge and it is normal to get upset when a child keeps you awake at night. Try to be understanding. A negative response by a parent can make a sleep problem worse.
Be patient! It can be challenging but you can do it!
Source: “Sleep Problems in Children” by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2007……A reliable source!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Quarterly Topic: Attachment & Bonding


Bonding With Your Baby after Child Birth

Did you know the period after delivery is essential for bonding? If you have a delivery without complications, you can spend the first hour or so after birth interacting with your baby. This period is called the sensitive period, because babies are alert and responsive during this time.

This first experience holding, stroking, and looking at your baby is all part of the bonding process. Bonding helps lay the foundation for your relationship. Many of the core emotions you feel for your baby begin to develop during this brief period. As you have eye contact and perhaps even some mirroring of movements or expressions, you may feel a flow of protectiveness, awe, and love. This is part of the attachment process. 

It’s also normal if you do not immediately have strong feelings for your baby. Labor is a demanding experience and your first reaction to birth may be a sense of relief that it’s over. If you’re exhausted and emotionally drained, you may simply want to rest. That’s perfectly normal! When the strains of labor fade then request your baby. If your baby is taken to the nursery right away for medical attention, or if you are sedated during delivery, don’t despair. Bonding has no time limit. Your relationship will not be harmed because you didn’t hold her infant immediately. You can love your baby just as much and your baby can feel just as connected to you too. 

Share your bonding experiences, ask a question, or leave a comment!

The previous information is from the book, “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5” by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Resource Spotlight!

The Utah State Office of Education has prepared a useful pamphlet for parents with preschool aged children.  This pamphlet can be used as a guide to a child's learning before he or she enters kindergarten.  All children grow, develop, and learn at different rates.  Therefore, a child may be very successful in some areas while he or she also needs to develop in other areas.  Give your child plenty of opportunities to practice and learn these skills.  With some help, children can learn interactively from family or friends in a natural setting.  


These pamphlets will be handed out in all public and charter schools as well as during kindergarten orientation, to all parents who have children that will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2011. 


For more information contact:
Sue Okroy 
Literacy Tutoring Specialist/Early Childhood Specialist
Utah State Office of Education
Phone (801) 538-7765
or
United Way of Utah County
Help Me Grow
Phone (801) 691-5322
Email helpmegrow@unitedwayuc.org

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

How do I know if my child has a food allergy?

Allergies are among the most common chronic childhood diseases.  Allergies affect about 50 million children! Oh my! Unfortunately, many symptoms and illnesses are often confused with food allergies. So don’t you as a caregiver want to know the symptoms of food allergies and how to recognize and treat the symptoms?  Well that’s what we’re here for. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about food allergies.

A food allergy happens when the body reacts against harmless proteins found in foods. The reaction usually happens shortly after a food is eaten. Reactions can vary from mild to severe to life-threatening. This type requires immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of a food allergy include:
  • Skin problems
    • Hives (red spots that look like mosquito bites)
    • Itchy skin rashes (eczema, also called atopic dermatitis)
    • Swelling
  • Breathing problems
    • Sneezing
    • Wheezing
    • Throat tightness
  • Stomach symptoms
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • Circulation symptoms
    • Pale skin
    • Light-headedness
    • Loss of consciousness
Food can cause many illnesses that are sometimes confused with food allergies. The following are not food allergies:
  • Food poisoning
  • Drug effects
  • Skin irritation
  • Diarrhea
  • Food intolerance (food sensitivity)
  • Food additives (chemicals added to foods, such as dyes or preservatives)--rare
Any food could cause a food allergy, but there’s GOOD NEWS! Food allergies are often outgrown during early childhood. It is estimated that 80% to 90% of egg, milk, wheat, and soy allergies go away by the age of 5. One in five young children will outgrow a peanut allergy and fewer will outgrow allergies to nuts or seafood. Your pediatrician or allergist can perform tests to track your child's food allergies and watch to see if they are going away.

Please share how you’ve been able to treat the symptoms of food allergies in children!

Here are the links to find further information: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/asthma.cfm