In a recent survey of over 500 kindergarten teachers around the country, two-thirds of the teachers stated that the children in their classroom were unprepared for kindergarten. Two-thirds of the teachers said that the majority of students do not know their ABCs.
What can you do to prepare your child for kindergarten? Here are some suggestions from teachers.
Actively participate in your child’s education with pre-reading and reading activities, such as reading books together and practicing the alphabet.
Expose children to new experiences and talk with them about those experiences in order to improve their ability to speak and understand oral language and increase vocabulary.
Practice identifying numbers and counting with both verbal and written activities.
Work with children to identify shapes, colors, and objects in the world around them.
Place children in social settings with other young children so that they can learn together while they also develop manners and the ability to share and be respectful.
Age of Learning, Inc., which conducted the survey, has several online games to help your kids learn and be ready for kindergarten. Access is $7.95 per month.
Here is the third in Becky Suggs' series on her first pregnancy. Enjoy! You can read the first and second installments if you missed them.
My husband and I visited our first baby superstore last week. We are pregnant with our first child. Not having done much research on baby things, we were really just going to get the lay of the land – to figure out what we were going to need and get a ballpark figure of what it was going to cost.
While I consider both of us fairly educated people (we both have graduate degrees), as we walked down aisle after aisle, we realized just how much we have to learn. We looked at cribs and gliders, strollers and high chairs. We then moved on to bouncy seats and swings, changing tables and car seats. So many frills and fancy gadgets. Where was the basic car seat I sat in when I was little?
Each aisle brought more questions and more realization that we have no idea what we are getting ourselves into! By the time we left the store, my mind had shifted to the thousands of choices we would have to make. How do we decide between the swing that vibrates or the swing that rocks? What about the stroller? I don’t jog, but do I need a jogging stroller in case I start? How will we know what brand of diaper to use? What method will we use to potty train? Where will my child go to preschool … much less, college?
On the drive home, I laughed to myself. Yes, we’ve got a lot of choices to make. Yes, there are a lot of unknowns. But, I think it’s okay if we just start with the small stuff – like picking out a crib this week and maybe researching strollers next week. We have a lot to learn, but this is going to be a great adventure for all three of us!
Do you have any suggestions for Becky? What's your no-fail product that you love to tell others about?
Becky Suggs and her husband, Robert, live in the mountains of Glorieta, New Mexico, with their pug, Sadie. They are expecting their first child in April. In her spare time, you can find Becky reading, enjoying the great outdoors, filling in squares to the latest crossword puzzle, and spending time with family. She has a passion for both kids and camping ministries.
Superstore picture used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Fascinate your baby with bubbles and you will both enjoy playtime!
Blow bubbles as you are waiting for Daddy to get home, at the bus stop, in the car pool line, or at the doctor’s office.
Blow bubbles at the park and watch where they drift away.
Blow bubbles in the bathtub to make the bath water sudsy.
Blow bubbles so your baby can work on fine motor skills, such as holding the wand.
Blow bubbles and pop them as fast as you can.
Blow bubbles as you dance to music.
Your little one wants to explore her world. As her motor skills develop, she will be interested in stacking, pushing, pulling, and knocking things down! She will want to imitate Mommy in the kitchen and Daddy at the tool bench. Let your child explore unstructured play with the following age-appropriate toys.
Building blocks
Push-and-pull toys
Sorting and nesting toys
Soft balls
Riding toys
Washable crayons and paper
Toy kitchen (plastic)
Tea set (plastic)
Tool set (plastic)
Picture books
Toy instruments
Puzzles
Cars, trucks, trains (plastic)
Dress-up clothes
Do you have a favorite toy or activity for your 1- to 2-year old? My daughter has loved the Leapfrog Learn & Groove Table since she turned a year old. At 3, she's growing out of it but my son is about to turn 1!
Truth in the Tinsel is the kind of resource we love to share in ParentLife: a 24-day Advent experience for preschoolers and young elementary-aged kids. Each day has a Scripture, a craft, questions, and an optional activity that relates to the "lesson."
Here's the second post in Becky Suggs' journal on being an expectant mom. Read the first installment if you missed it!
My husband and I prayed for a very long time to have a child. Throughout the process, God reminded me in His Word, “Consider it pure joy…when you face trials of many kinds.”
Month after month, test after test … one little pink line. Consider it pure joy …
Based on the job I had and the time it required during certain parts of the year, we knew timing was important. We decided to try one last time before we had to take a break with when the baby would most likely be due. Consider it pure joy …
God graciously heard our cries and answered our prayers. Such joy as we told some of those who had been praying alongside us.
On the day of our first prenatal doctor’s visit, my boss at the ministry we worked with asked to have lunch with my husband and me before we left for the day. Through that conversation, I learned in just a short month, my job would be eliminated, along with many of my fellow employees'. Consider it pure joy …
I wish I could say that first visit, hearing the heartbeat and seeing our precious baby, was a joyful one for me. While I was so thankful for the gift God had granted us, joy was not on the forefront of my mind. I was grieving over the ministry in which I had invested so much of my time and energy. Consider it pure joy …
While I’m still wondering what God is teaching me through all of this, I know His plans are perfect. Though it’s not going the way I planned, God has a way of doing things His way and in His timing. Through it all, this precious life inside of me has brought me incredible joy. I have a new job around the corner … and I’ve heard motherhood is one of the greatest professions there is!
Becky Suggs and her husband, Robert, live in the mountains of Glorieta, New Mexico, with their pug, Sadie. They are expecting their first child in April. In her spare time, you can find Becky reading, enjoying the great outdoors, filling in squares to the latest crossword puzzle, and spending time with family. She has a passion for both kids and camping ministries.
Our Growth Spurts articles in the November 2011 issue discuss what your baby might eat for Thanksgiving based on his or her age ... but what should you pack if you're traveling with a little one? The answer: you will probably pack WAY more than you need, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Some items you will want to consider packing:
Portable crib. You may need to lay your baby down for a nap at Grandma’s house, or have a place for her to sleep at night.
Portable high chair. Baby will want to join the family at the table too.
Formula, baby food, bottles, snacks, and baby's utensils and bowls. Pack lots of extra, just in case Auntie’s kitchen is not set up to accommodate a baby.
Diapers, wipes, clothes. You can never pack too much!
What do you always forget to pack? I somehow manage to always pack way too much clothes for the kids and way too few items for myself. And I always, always forget baby shampoo!
We always want to keep you up-to-date on the latest health and safety recommendations for your children, and SIDS is a doozy! There are many, many pieces of advice on how to help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), including putting your baby on a firm surface, always putting him to sleep on his back, and avoiding overheating.
1. Infants should be breastfed when possible, because it has been shown to reduce cases of SIDS.
2. Infants should be immunized on schedule and go to all well-child visits.
3. Bumper pads should not be used at all. They can cause suffocation if an infant rolls against one and cannot roll away, or strangulation if the baby were to get caught in the pad's ties. Pediatricians assert that an infant cannot thrust himself against the rails of the cribs hard enough to harm himself.
In the past, bumper pads were often used to prevent babies crawling out from between crib slats and getting stuck; but in recent years the regulations have made it so the slats must be closer together.
To see a full list of the SIDS guidelines, you can visit HealthyChildren.org.
Your child can help prepare for the holidays this year! Give her some orange and brown crayons or colored pencils (or green and red for Christmas) and white construction paper or cardstock. She can draw on several pieces of paper.
When your child is done coloring, cover the drawing with clear contact plastic and use them as place mats or a table runner for your holiday table. (The clear plastic helps protect the drawings. You can use them on your table without the plastic, but the pictures cannot be cleaned afterward.)
What a wonderful opportunity to let your young child feel a part of the holiday celebrations! For older preschoolers, offer stickers, glitter glue, feathers, and tissue paper for additional decorating.
Elmo? Really? Well, if you toddler is anything like mine, he or she probably LOVES Elmo. (Libbie is growing out of it a little bit at just 3, but a year ago I think Elmo could have convinced her of anything.)
Tomorrow, November 4th, is Sesame Street's official "Put Down the Pacifier Day." On their Web site, there is a plethora of tips and videos from Elmo. You may not be ready to force your child to quit the paci cold turkey tomorrow, but Elmo's ideas and tricks might help the process along.
In conjunction with the celebration, they've also released Bye-Bye, Pacifier: Big Kid Stories with Elmo on DVD. The DVD includes three short stories about growing-up topics: giving up the pacifier, riding a tricycle, and getting a haircut. Elmo deemphasizes fear and helps kids realize that being a big kid is not so bad. I especially liked the song about how Elmo gave up the paci so people could understand his words!
So, what do you think? Could Elmo help get that paci out of your little one's mouth?
You probably have one or the other: a thumb sucker or a pacifier user. (Or a former one of either; in which case, congratulations!) My daughter was a total pacifier junkie. I feared breaking her of it, but just before she turned 2, we went cold turkey with great success. I've yet to deal with a thumb sucker, although I've said I wished my baby would just find his thumb and self-soothe!
Thumb sucking is normal behavior for infants; it is a way to feel secure, make contact with, and learn about the world. Most children stop sucking habits between ages two and four. However, frequent or intense sucking habits can affect a child’s bite and oral bone structure forms. If the habit continues beyond age three, a professional evaluation is recommended.
Strategies to Deter Thumb Sucking
Use Authority: The most effective way to deter children from thumb sucking is to have a pediatric professional talk to them (when old enough to understand) the possible results of a sucking habit, specifically about what can happen to their teeth and jaws. This advice, coupled with support from parents, may help most children kick the habit.
Be Positive: Always use positive reinforcement (rewards or praise) as opposed to negative reinforcement when trying to wean children off a habit.
Engage and Distract: Distractions often work to weaken the habit – when thumb sucking is noticed, ask the child to participate in an activity that requires the use of both hands (e.g. “patty cake” or a creative project).
Reveal Stressors: Try to determine and address any causes of anxiety or insecurity that may be causing a child to turn to thumb sucking.
Help Them Notice: Put a bandage on thumbs or create a secret signal between caregiver and child to help them realize what they are doing without inflicting shame.
If these approaches do not work, the pediatric dentist can recommend ways to change the behavior, including a mouth appliance that interferes with sucking habits.
Thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit is often easier to break. Offering alternative means of pacification may help break the attachment to the pacifier, such as a night-light, a special stuffed toy, or blanket. These alternatives can give the child a sense of security and comfort without detrimentally affecting their oral health.
Have you had to wean a child from a pacifier or sucking their thumb? What are your tips?
“Daddy, can we do the questions?” That request is music to my ears. Shortly after our son, Joshua, turned 5, my wife and I began teaching him a catechism, which is a series of questions and answers designed to explain basic biblical doctrine.
What We’ve Learned
We began asking Joshua a new question every second or third day as part of the prayer and snuggle time we have with him and his 2-year-old sister. Several things amazed us right away.
Joshua was able to answer many of the new questions correctly with little or no help. It is encouraging to see that what we talk about at home and what he hears at church are anchoring firmly in his mind and heart.
He was able to quickly and easily learn new questions. Children have an amazing capacity to absorb information. We want to pour the gospel into our children as much as possible to take advantage of this developmental stage.
He was eager to “do the questions.” Showing a little encouragement and excitement when he answers questions correctly goes a long way and is helping him have fun as he learns about God.
The catechism questions began fueling wonderful spiritual conversations about God, life, heaven, and his unchurched friends. Initiating spiritual conversations has become easier and more natural.
Our biggest surprise was that our daughter, Hannah, was learning almost as much as Joshua! Our hearts quickly began to melt when we heard our 2-year-old’s sweet voice articulating biblical truth. It reinforces the principle that you can’t start this process too early.
A Great Opportunity
As a parent, you know that summer is a mixed blessing of free time for your child. Why not invest some of that time into teaching your child a catechism or challenging your child to learn a Bible verse each week until school starts? Or do both and learn a verse with each question. Sweeten the challenge by offering a quality reward at the end of the summer if he succeeds. (God mentions rewards quite often in the Bible; there is nothing wrong with motivating a child similarly!) Let this summer be a life-changing summer for your child. Perhaps you will experience the same change as well!
Sample Questions
Q. Who made you?
A. God.
Q. What else did God make?
A. Everything.
Q. Why did God make you?
A. For His own glory.
Q. How can you glorify God?
A. By loving Him and doing what He says.
Q. Why should you glorify God?
A. Because He loves me and takes care of me.
Ways to Impact Your Child Spiritually
Find a church with Saturday evening services and attend a few during the summer. Attending a different church’s worship service may further energize your family’s walk with Christ.
Find different ministry opportunities in which to participate as a family (soup kitchens, clothes closets, etc).
Make it a goal to invite a friend to church each Sunday during the summer.
Encourage your child to keep a prayer journal during the summer.
Brian Dembowczyk is Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Assimilation at FBC Tampa, Florida. He is married to Tara and is father of Joshua (5) and Hannah (3). You can follow Brian on Twitter at @BrianDembo or check out his blog at missionaldiscipleship.blogspot.com.
In a world of malpractice suits and high-tech gadgets, it's no wonder obstetricians have begun wringing their hands a little.
Recently the New York Times reported that more hospitals are attempting to ban photography and video (including cell phone pictures) during baby deliveries. Their case is that videos and photos can be easily edited to make it look like things happened that did not occur. Not to mention the doctors and nurses may not want their faces plastered on Facebook.
Video taping can also be distracting to the medical professionals. A hospital room is not Hollywood.
It's a case, however, of rights. Do the hospitals have the right to tell people they cannot video a birth? Most allow pictures/video 30 seconds to a few minutes post-delivery.
These are pictures of my (Jessie's) birth with David in December. Obviously they were taken a few minutes after his birth. I can't see any reason why I would want to have pictures or video of the actual birth ... but I know some people do. What do you think? Should the hospitals be able to regulate cameras and video recording devices?
For our June 2011 issue, Joy Fisher wrote the article "Kids on the Move: Making Family Relocation Easier on Children" (p. 24). Here are some more tips from Joy on moving when you have younger children.
Our residential homeowner’s association held a block party not long ago. The realtor who helped us with the sale of our last home and the purchase of our current home lives a few streets away. Chatting with her at the picnic brought back memories of that moving process: we had a 2-year-old son and another baby on the way when we put our house on the market. When we finally moved (a whopping 3-mile trip), our second son was 3 months old.
If you are parents of preschoolers and planning a move, try these tips for a smooth transition:
Pack the clutter. Selling a house where preschoolers live can be tricky. Potential buyers don’t really want to see your stroller parked in the entry hall and baby bottles covering every inch of kitchen counter space. When your house is on the market, pack away everything but the bare necessities. Recognize that there will be days when you will need to ask your realtor not to show the house so you can relax your housekeeping priorities for a few hours.
Be ready to go. Property showings can occur on a moment’s notice; keep some toys, books, and even snacks in the car for times when you must grab the kids and leave for an hour or so.
Hope for the best but plan for the worst on closing day. Signing all the papers at our closing took twice as long as we expected. The baby spit up on our realtor’s dry-clean-only suit, and we were all frazzled and grumpy by the time we were finally able to cap the pen and walk away. Don’t hesitate to ask for a break if you or your child needs it.
Enlist help for the actual move. Arrange for little ones to pass time with friends or family if at all possible. Surround your preschooler with a special blanket or lovey and other familiar comforts of home, and let him sleep in his crib or bed in the new digs as soon as possible after departure from your old home.
Keep routines. No doubt you will encounter logistical problems as you sell your home, pack, and move into a different home. Even if you feel exhausted and frustrated, try to keep your young child’s regular routines and interactions with you intact.
Trust God. Most of all, trust God to care and provide for your family as you relocate. Put finding a new church home at top of your must-do list if your move takes you away from your family of faith.
Do you have any tips for moving with preschoolers?
Joy Fisher and her husband David love the home where they have raised their three children for the past 8 years.
In less than two months, my "little" guy, Jack, will turn 3 ... which means we're about to embark on our next big adventure ... potty training!
As you can imagine, being the editor of a parenting magazine I've read about the basics of potty training more than once <tiny bit of sarcasm>. You would think this means that I am more prepared than the average parent to potty train my own child. But that couldn't be further from the truth. To be completely honest ... I'm stressed about it already and we haven't even officially started! Reading the books and having head knowledge is one thing, but actually carrying it out correctly and effectively is another!
We've been talking it up for a few weeks with Jack and he's starting to show a glimmer of interest in the idea of using the big-boy potty. We even bought a potty chair this weekend to help him get used to it. He's very intrigued by the new addition to the bathroom. I am borrowing books and DVDs from friends to help engage him even more in the idea. We've even cultivated his love of M&Ms (not hard to do) in preparation for positive reinforcment! Everything is starting to indicate that he might finally be ready ... now if only I was as ready as he is!
I'm not sure why I'm not anxious to get started. I think part of me realizes that it is a HUGE milestone that officially marks the end of babyhood. As annoying (and expensive) as it is to change diapers, it is at least one way Jack still needs me. Once diapers are a thing of the past, he is one step closer to being independent. Next thing I know, he'll be moving out of the house (deep sigh)! OK ... maybe I'm being a bit overdramatic!
However, in reality, potty training is a big step ... one that should be celebrated! There's nothing left to do except to push aside the drama-queen thoughts and go for it!! I know it's a process that takes time ... but I'm hoping by the fall we'll have this potty-thing under our belts and be enjoying diaper-free freedom!
What potty-training tips do you have for me? What worked with your child? I'm all ears!
Before we left the hospital with our newest bundle of joy in December, we were required to watch a DVD.
Great, I thought. One more delay keeping me from my soft bed, toddler, and Christmas celebration. (Have you ever slept on a hospital bed? I'd rather just go straight home after delivery so I can sleep on my own pillowtop mattress.)
The DVD was actually sort of interesting, though. It was an encouragement to read to your children. A kindergarten teacher told that she could tell whether a child had been read to or not before their entry to school. The difference between the vocabulary level of a child who had been read to and one who hadn't was thousands of words!
As someone with a BA in English and a total bibliophile, I was thrilled to hear these stats. I've been reading to my daughter since she was a few days old. The small toddler period where she would not sit still for even a short picture book tore me apart.
Now, at two-and-a-half, Libbie will listen to a whole stack of books. She relishes trips to the library, "reads" books in her bed at naptime, and can recite most of Green Eggs and Ham.
As a parent who is striving to instill Christian values in her children, I do filter what she reads. She does not read books where rude behavior is tolerated or celebrated. Nothing with language I deem inappropriate. While we do read an abundance of books of every kind, I especially try to choose books that teach biblical stories or stress the love of Christ.
I'd love to hear your suggestions for other God-honoring books for children. My oldest is a toddler, so that's is where my list comes from, but I'd be grateful to have a list for my kids as they grow!
We are proud to have Dr. Linda Mintle in ParentLife each month answering questions submitted from readers. To submit a question for Dr. Mintle, e-mail it to parentlife@lifeway.com and include "? for Dr. Mintle" on the subject line. This month we have an extra Q&A from Dr. Mintle we wanted to share.
Q: My 2-year-old doesn’t eat much. He just is not interested in food. It is hard to keep his attention at the table, and I feel like I am getting in power struggles with him. Should I stop pushing him to eat more?
A: It helps to know what is normal for a 2-year-old when it comes to eating. Growth slows down a bit, and so your child does not need a large amount of calories. Few children at this age get all their food requirements at each meal. They are busy and social. Understandably, they are more interested in play and have limited attention for sitting still at the table.
According to MyPyramid.gov, a helpful Web site developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, an average male child, age 2, needs about 1,000 calories a day. This includes: three ounces of grains, one cup of vegetables, one cup of fruit, three cups of milk, and two ounces of meat and beans. You can go to the My Pyramid Web site, enter your child’s age, gender, height, and activity level and get a more personalized plan. There are many tips on the site to help with food ideas, snacks, and meal planning.
My advice is to not make the table a battleground. At this age, a child can spot an uptight grown-up in a minute and make mealtimes unpleasant. So go with the flow. Let him eat and leave. He can learn to sit longer as he gets older.
Thanks, Dr. Linda, for the advice. I could have substituted "daughter" in that question and sent it in myself. I'm still not sure if she's eaten a vegetable knowingly since she was 9 months old, despite the fact that we set them in front of her time and time again. It does get better, right? Have you dealt with a finicky eater in your household? - Jessie
In our March 2011 Growth Spurts section for "On the Way," you might have read about Healthy Baby Bags. These cheery green bags can be distributed to new parents at the hospital and help encourage successful breastfeeding.
The bags include nursing pads, milk storage bags, and information about the benefits of breastfeeding.
If you'd like to send your hospital a letter and further information about the Healthy Baby Bags, you can visit this blog post at By Moms for Moms, the Lansinoh blog.
Would you have liked to receive one of these bags upon leaving the hospital with your newborn?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease, highlighting the need for thorough oral care and regular dental visits. The ideal time for a child to visit the dentist is six months after the child’s first teeth erupt. During this initial visit, a dentist will be able to examine the development of the child’s mouth.
“Parents are surprised when I tell them that their infants can develop tooth decay and cavities soon after their teeth first appear,” says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Steven A. Ghareeb, DDS, FAGD. “We usually call this baby bottle tooth decay, which is caused by the long-term exposure to liquids containing sugars like milk, formula, and fruit juice.”
In addition to tooth decay, other dental problems, such as teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking, often start early. The sooner the child visits a dentist, the better.
There are many things that parents can do with their child at home to maintain good oral health:
Clean your infant's gums with a clean, damp cloth twice a day.
Ask your dentist when you may begin to rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on your child’s gums. Doing so will help your child become accustomed to the flavor of toothpaste.
As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
Help a young child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow during sleep and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.
By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction and supervision.
“The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by your good example,” says Dr. Ghareeb. “Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene.”
Children, like adults, should see the dentist every six months. Some dentists may schedule interim visits for every three months when the child is very young to build the child’s comfort and confidence levels or for treatment needs.
For more tips to ensure a child has good oral health, visit KnowYourTeeth.com. This video from BabyCenter shows some dentists' opinions on when you should take babies to the dentist as well as methods for cleaning the teeth of small children.
Have you taken your children to the dentist? If so, how early did they start going?
More than ever, parents are faced with a dilemma when purchasing toys for their children: Should they buy what their children really long for? Or should they buy a good, educational toy they choose on their child’s behalf?
In our society, children are constantly bombarded with advertisements promoting toys often designed to break within a few months, or be replaced by their own “newer” versions. The toys your children want are not necessarily the ones that are of great quality or of any value for that matter, but they are the ones advertised constantly, and the ones all their friends own at school: the “cool” toys.
Often, however, when children get these toys, they fail to play with them. The problem is that, if you observe closely, there is not much that they can do with the toy. It does not inspire the child’s imagination, or any other skills for that matter.
Look at what you are going to buy and, before you decide, ask yourself: How can my child play with this toy? What does it do? What skills does it promote? If you have good answers for those questions, chances are you are in the right path.
Here are a few factors to consider before approaching the check out counter this holiday season:
A child’s brain is most influential before the age of six. Babies are developing their sense of sound, sight, and touch, and familiarizing themselves with the world that surrounds them. Toys that assist in hand-eye coordination, visual skills, or any of their senses are a good choice. Look for toys with bright, attractive colors or patterns, mirrored or reflective surfaces, varied textures, and safe to mouth (meaning easy to wash!). Toys they can pull, chew, discover, hear, grab, and get a sound out of are some good choices. Lamaze has some good choices for young babies, but there are many exciting choices in the market. I also recommend soft blocks and cars, rattles, and washable books.
Toddlers are in a stage of exploration and are finding their independence. They are developing their motor skills and using their imagination. Ride-ons or anything that can be pushed or pulled are great choices. Even better if they have elements of everyday life that they can use to pretend-play, such as lawnmowers, grocery carts or dolls and strollers. These toys are also great for early walkers. Toys they can use in the sand or water are not only great but also necessary for their development. Non-toxic finger paint and shape sorters or puzzles are also perfect for their budding imaginations. You will find, however, that some of their favorite things to play with will be right in your kitchen!
Preschoolers are jumping, running, and interested in so many things! Good toys will challenge them and engage their imagination and reasoning skills. Vehicles and bikes are great for gross motor skills, while puzzles, building toys such as Lego®, Brio trains and tracks, and art supplies develop their fine motor skills (and their imagination and reasoning skills). Realistic dolls and house furniture and accessories of any size are great for role-playing and imagination as well. Science kits are amazing for this age group, and books and toys that help them learn to read.
Young children have well-established social skills and love to play in groups even more than they did before. Board games and group games are a great choice for this age group, as are art supplies and crafts projects, as well as more complex building sets and science kits. Books they can read on their own are a wonderful gift, and magic kits or circus-type toys promote better motor skills. I love to encourage outdoor toys for this age group as well, such as skates, basketball, jump-ropes and Chinese elastics, ping-pong, badminton, or anything that will promote healthy outdoor play and invite new friendships. Tweens and Teens are the age group that people struggle the most with. I have one at home and, personally, I find this age group fascinating! As veteran toy consumers, they are hard to impress. Often, the only toys they gravitate towards are video games. However, this is the perfect age to introduce them to some of the things you still like to play with as an adult! Our son loves to make animation movies. He inherited one of our cameras, and we bought him a computer and some plasticine. He also invites his friends over and together, they make movies which they later can post on YouTube. Choose things that will give your child a great sense of accomplishment, and engage them to the fullest. Other choices can be a real instrument and some lessons or a painting kit. Knitting or sewing projects (even a simple sewing machine), woodworking, clay, an easel, a pet they always wanted — the possibilities are endless. Look for toys that show you trust them and believe in them, and you can affect them for life!
While anticipation of a gleeful smile and wish fulfilled should, of course, play into your purchasing decisions, what you put under the tree can have a lasting impression on your child. A little research combined with a lot of love will ensure your child has an extraordinary Christmas with benefits that last far beyond the holiday season.
Natacha V. Beim is a renowned writer, speaker, educational leader, and founder and CEO of Core Education & Fine Arts. Born in Uruguay and raised in Montréal, Canada, she has traveled extensively and studied educational systems around the world. As a pioneer in the field of modern education, Beim continually pursues studies in the field developmental psychology focusing on the early years. Visit www.cefa.ca for more information.
What's your favorite toy to buy as a gift? I love to buy play food for my daughter's friends — either Melissa and Doug sets or some fun felt food from Etsy! - Jessie, Resident ParentLife Blogger
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is extremely common among infants and childrens. The Mayo Clinic says most children have been infected by age 2, whether you know it or not!
Signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection typically appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms. These include:
Congested or runny nose
Dry cough
Low-grade fever
Sore throat
Mild headache
A general feeling of unease and discomfort (malaise)
In severe cases Respiratory syncytial virus can lead to a lower respiratory tract illness such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis — an inflammation of the small airway passages entering the lungs. Signs and symptoms may include:
High fever
Severe cough
Wheezing — a high-pitched noise that's usually heard on breathing out (exhaling)
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, which may make the child prefer to sit up rather than lie down
Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
Infants are most severely affected by RSV. They may markedly draw in their chest muscles and the skin between their ribs, indicating that they're having trouble breathing, and their breathing may be short, shallow and rapid. They may cough. Or they may show few, if any, signs of a respiratory tract infection, but will eat poorly and be unusually lethargic and irritable.
Most children and adults recover from the illness in eight to 15 days. But in young babies, infants born prematurely, or infants or adults who have chronic heart or lung problems, the virus may cause a more severe — occasionally life-threatening — infection that requires hospitalization.
There is a medication used for RSV prevention, Synagis®. It is specifically used for children younger than 2 who are at high risk for serious RSV. It is not a single injection but must be repeated on a monthly basis during peak RSV season and repeated in subsequent years until the child is no longer at high risk. Those babies most at risk are those who were born prematurely, those less than 6 weeks old, those with congenital heart or chronic lung disease, and those with immune deficiencies.
If you are having a winter baby and have any high-risk history or know your baby may be premature, go ahead and talk to your OB and pediatrician about RSV. It may be difficult to secure insurance coverage for the shots, so you may need to get the ball rolling.
Does your toddler have problems waking during the night? Here's something extra from our November 2010 Growth Spurts: 1 to 2 Years expert, Vanese Delahoussaye, Ed.D.
Snoring — If your child is waking because of snoring, he may have sleep apnea (pauses in breathing), usually because of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If your child snores, talk with your pediatrician.
Nightmares — Some children are bothered by nightmares as early as 18 months of age. If your child is awakened by nightmares, he may be scared or afraid to return to sleep. You may need to spend extra time comforting him and allowing some time for him to be ready to get back in bed.
Normal toddler development skills — Some of the normal developmental phases, such as separation anxiety, increased drive for independence, increased physical ability, and development of imagination results in your child realizing his ability to get a response from you.
Secondhand smoke — Exposure to secondhand smoke causes poorer sleep quality and is associated with asthma, sleep apnea, and difficulties falling asleep.
Other causes — Other causes might include fear or anxiety; pain, such as teething or earache; illness; becoming cold; not staying covered; restless leg syndrome; or noise.
To Nap or Not? An overstimulated, overtired child is less likely to fall asleep quickly and sleep through the night. Routine naps or quiet times during the day also help to prevent dinnertime meltdowns which often lead to an earlier than usual bedtime for an overtired and upset child.
My first thought is always hunger when my 2-year-old wakes in the night. Maybe I'm totally wrong! (But she does often refuse dinner. — Jessie, ParentLife Blog Guru)Do you have a "go-to solution" for night wakings?
Here's a little "extra" from our Growth Spurts: Birth to 1 Year article "Ah-Choo!" by Evelyn Hanes, R.N. — something we couldn't quite squeeze in the November issue of ParentLife! The article speaks about when to take your infant to the doctor.
Your doctor’s office is not just for well-child checkups. Most offices have a “sick” area in the waiting room. During the worst of cold/flu/RSV season, they may take you immediately to a treatment room. This helps protect those who are not sick.
If your child is particularly fussy, he may not wait well. Ask for an appointment at the beginning of the day or immediately after the office lunch break for the shortest wait. Come with your biggest supply of patience! Your sanity may depend on a having a well-stocked diaper bag. Bring a couple of favorite toys and books as well as a snack and something to drink. Extra diapers and clothing are always a good idea. And do not forget the pacifier and “blankie” or other comforting object.
Try to keep your baby in your lap. The less he is able to touch toys and surfaces in the waiting room, the less chance he will pick up other germs. If your child does touch anything, keep his hands out of his mouth and wash them thoroughly as soon as possible. If at all possible, do not sit beside anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
It does not take long to realize that babies do not get sick on an appointed schedule. They get sick in the middle of the night or when you are out of town! Even in these inconvenient times, you should still have help readily available. All physician practices have a plan for handling after-hour problems. Find out what your provider’s plan is and do not hesitate to call when you think your child is sick.
Have you struggled with whether to take your infant to the doctor or not? How do you decide?
Before I had my son, I knew nothing about children. I never had siblings or cousins to "practice" on and babysitting wasn't my thing. So the first time I walked into the big baby warehouse with my husband I was floored! Who knew babies needed so much stuff?
Well, I've since found out that children don't need much. Diapers, clothes, a lot of love, and — if you don't have empty boxes and plastic containers around — a few toys will keep them occupied for hours.
Picking out toys for our children, though, can be quite cumbersome. If you frequent one of the big toy warehouses you may know all too well the temptation to buy every single toy in the store. Even trips to the consignment sale and discount store can tempt you into buying more than needed, because the toys are such a good deal! Toys are tricky. As parents, we want to provide our children with every opportunity to learn, but we don't want to overwhelm them with so many choices that they don't even know where to begin.
I've decided to be quite choosy with the toys my son has at home. The toybox isn't overflowing, so we try to be very purposeful with the toys he has to play with. The goal is for each toy to help instill the Word of God in his heart and reinforce the principles and stories of the Bible.
Instead of choosing a cartoon coloring book, I'll choose one with a Bible story theme. Instead of letting him watch cartoons on TV, I'd rather he watch something like VeggieTales. When he's learning shapes, we'll choose the toy pictured here most often so he can hear the story of Noah's ark.
Being choosy with toys won't necessarily ensure that our children will grow up to love God with all their heart, soul and strength. But I want to utilize every opportunity to teach my son (and future children) about God and His Word. I want to live out Deuteronomy 6:5-9 and literally repeat His Word to my children, talk about it when we sit in our house, walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up.
Christine Satterfield loves Jesus, her family, and the church. She spends as much time as possible playing with her son, and she's constantly cleaning his toys. You can find out how she cleans them on her blog iDreamofClean as well as learn other household cleaning tips and tricks for the busy mom.
I'm pretty sure that those women who say they love being pregnant are lying.
It's not that I don't love feeling the baby move (except when, say, he's sitting on my lungs so I can't breathe at all). But pregnancy doesn't agree with me. I do not love it. I love the results.
Most of my current pregnancy has been characterized by intense fatigue. Some days, I can barely make it to the end of the day. Many days, I join my toddler for naptime.
And yet, as a pretty new stay-at-home mom, I feel like I should be getting my daughter out and about all the time. She needs to see the other kids, I tell myself. I sacrifice my sanity to go to playgroups and museums and meetings. We both end up exhausted.
I was really encouraged by several "more experienced" mommas lately. One is author and actress Lisa Whelchel, who gave this interview and advised moms to just be moms. Another friend who came home to be with her son after working full-time experienced the same "have to's" — have to keep the house perfect, have to be a perfect chef, have to do crafts, have to have the kiddo in every playgroup imaginable. After months of this, she was burnt out and admits the most important thing is being a mommy.
Last week, I backed out of several activities with my local MOMS club. Good things, but not as important as being a good mom. An exhausted woman does not make the best mommy to an insanely active almost 2-year-old. I keep clinging to the fact that these are the last few months I have alone with my Libbie. If making them count means doing puzzles with her on the floor and reading books all day, I am happy with that solution.
Do you struggle with the "have to's"?I'd be happy to read any pointers from moms — and dads! — with more experience.
We are proud to have Dr. Linda Mintle in ParentLife each month answering questions submitted from readers. To submit a question for Dr. Mintle, e-mail it to parentlife@lifeway.com and include "? for Dr. Mintle" on the subject line. This month we have an extra Q&A from Dr. Mintle we wanted to share.
Q: My child is 3 years old and still sucks on her pacifier. We want her to stop, because we read that this can harm her speech and oral development. Can you offer some tips on how to help her stop?
A: Saying goodbye to the pacifier can be traumatic for some kids. Experts usually recommend you begin trying around 18 months because of developing tooth alignment, language development, and even ear infections.
We actually had a ceremony with our son where we wrapped the pacifier and sent it to another child who was much younger and needed it. Our son gave a speech that was quite moving, said his goodbyes, and moved on with life. He told us weeks earlier that he was ready to give it up, and we allowed him to take the lead. We suggested the ceremony, and he really liked the idea. It doesn’t always go that well, so here are other ideas.
First and foremost is to never shame a child for sucking her thumb or using a pacifier. Don’t nag or chide or you will most likely engage in a power struggle. No threats or punishments. Anxiety will rise and the child will feel the need to hang on to the object even more! Some kids go cold turkey like our son did and others, like our daughter, gave it up gradually. Knowing your child makes a difference in how you approach this, so here are a number of ideas that have worked for different children:
Limiting the time of usage and places it can be used, e.g., naptime
Offering a reward or special treat for exchange
Poking a hole in it and deflating it
Creating distraction by playing an instrument, singing, or doing something else with his mouth
Using a reward chart
Going cold turkey
Some kids will cry for a few nights and then be done. It is also important to time the weaning. You don’t want to try this if your child is sick or experiencing a major change. Our first attempt with our son was when we moved him into his big boy bed. That was not the time to give up the paci! Once he adjusted, we had success! And you will too.
Traveling with an infant or toddler can quickly become a bad experience (both for you and for the travelers around you) if you are not prepared. Take it from me! My family (including my almost 2-year-old) just returned from a trip to Texas to visit extended family — an 18-hour drive! Thankfully, our trip was a very positive experience.
If you are traveling this summer with your an infant or toddler, keep the following pointers in mind.
Remember to build in plenty of extra time, especially if you are driving. We did our best to stop about every two hours to let Jack run and wiggle. That kept him happier in the car. It took us longer to get do our destination, but keeping him comfortable and happy was well worth the time.
Stock up on small, inexpensive toys to entertain your child when you most need it. We borrowed some "new" toys from friends and family and bought a few of our own. When Jack got bored and started to fuss, we simply gave him a new toy and that made him happy. One of his favorite travel toys was a Magna-Doodle, which is great because we didn't have to worry about crayons melting or ink getting all over him or the car. Check your local dollar store or clearance shelves for some fun travel toys.
Remember to only pack toys that you can live with. If a toy is annoying to you at home, it will more than likely annoy you even more when you travel.
Be sure not to be too quick to pull out a new toy. Pace yourself so that you have plenty of options for the whole trip.
Stick to a familiar routine as much as possible but be flexible too. Routines help your child know what to expect and create a sense of peace and calm. Even though we were sleeping in unfamiliar places, sticking to our bedtime routine helped Jack know it was time for bed. At the same time, being flexible was important. At home, we lay Jack down awake and let him fall asleep on his own. However, in a hotel room with us present that would have taken him hours, so I rocked him to sleep each night. We created a new routine for the trip. By the third night, Jack was familiar with the new routine and fell asleep much faster! Be willing to adapt your routine as necessary.
Don't forget your child's favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or comfort object. I don't know what we would have done if we had forgotten Jack's favorite blanket.
Be sure to pack extra everything if possible. We actually only brought one package of baby wipes for the trip and ran out. We had to make a stop on the first leg of our trip home just to buy baby wipes. We used more than normal because we were in unfamiliar (often unclean) places.
If you are lucky ... maybe your child will do a whole lot of this while you travel:
For more trips for traveling with your baby (especially a newborn), don't miss our Birth to 12 Months Growth Spurt article "Baby on Board" this month. It provides many more travel tips as well as some fun travel toys!
On Thursday, over two million cribs made by seven different companies were recalled due to the concern that babies can suffocate, become trapped, or fall from the cribs. Is your crib one of them? Be sure to find out. For all of the recall information, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)'s Web site ... or click here.
Summer vacation is here, which means traveling for many families. Are you flying with your young child anytime soon? If so, be sure to keep the following kid-friendly flying tips in mind.
Ask yourself what supplies you will need to have on hand to take care of any normal or special needs for your child.
Use a child restraint system for children under 40 pounds. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be put into a child restraint system appropriate for their weight. Children under the age of 2 may legally be carried on the lap of an adult without a safety seat, but a restraint system is recommended.
Be aware of emergency equipment or procedures that apply to your child: Pay attention to the standard preflight emergency briefing and ask a flight attendant if that particular aircraft has emergency equipment (such as life preservers) specifically designed for small children. If emergency oxygen masks deploy, put your mask on first so that you will be able to help your child.
Take all essential items for the children in carry-on luggage. Take enough food, diapers, medicine, and other items to last through possible flight delays and lost luggage.
Small children enjoy reaching out and exploring, but if your child is on the aisle, she could get hurt if her little arm gets bumped by a person or serving cart passing down the aisle. Ideally, two responsible adults should sit on either side of the child or seat the child on a row with a window on one side and a responsible adult on the other.
Avoid bringing along toys that are sharp, heavy, or that break easily.
For more great flying tips, be sure to visit www.airsafe.com. Also check out Emily Carter's article "Growth Spurts: Birth to 1 Year — Baby on Board" in the June 2010 issue of ParentLife.
It wasn't long ago that I was working diligently to prepare a nursery for our little boy, Jack. I vividly remember wanting everything to be organized, clean, and beautiful. Every parent wants Baby's room to be safe and clean. Consider the following 10 tips from Dr. Benjamin Tanner.
1. Identify the germ “hot spots” within your nursery and clean them often. Germ hot spots within the nursery are the areas that come in contact with waste in diapers and other body fluids, either directly or indirectly. Diaper waste — and the millions and millions of germs in it — can be spread by hands and objects that come in contact with it. Since germs are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy to spread many of them to clean surfaces without knowing it. Areas where most bacteria typically gather include:
Changing Table – This is the place where diaper messes and germs are transferred from the diaper to baby’s skin – and possibly mom’s hands. And a dirty diaper likely has more germs inside it than anything else in the nursery.
Laundry Hamper – Studies have shown that laundry, especially if it has come in contact with bodily fluids, can harbor great quantities of bacteria and even spread them to clean clothes through normal washing cycles.
Floor – Germs on the floor are not a concern for adults, but the floor is where babies lay, crawl, and play. Most floor germs aren’t of the harmful type, but it’s still a hot spot to keep an eye on.
Toys/Toy chest – The average toy isn’t loaded with germs, but toys will transmit them easily if they become contaminated, since toys come in contact with playmates’ hands, skin, and mouths.
2. Learn the difference between cleaners and disinfectants, and which is appropriate for your nursery. Cleaners remove most soils, but may spread germs around. Disinfectants actually kill germs when used correctly.
To use a disinfectant correctly in a nursery, remove your baby from the spray or wipe zone and apply the product liberally. After the label-specified contact time elapses, wipe off the surface with a wet cloth or paper towel to get rid of any irritating residual chemicals so your baby’s delicate skin does not touch these chemicals.
It’s also wise to disinfect hard floors and vacuum carpets routinely to keep germ levels low. Tip: Disinfectants say “disinfects,” “antibacterial,” or “sanitizes” on the label
3. Set aside a special place in the nursery for disinfectants so they are readily available for quick cleaning but safely out of reach of children. Even “non-toxic” cleaners can be dangerous to children, so keep cleaners on a high shelf in the closet or a child-proofed drawer of the dresser.
4. Keep messes (and germs) to a minimum when changing dirty diapers in the nursery.
Establish a quick, mess-free diaper changing routine, and keep supplies handy and close by.
Create a dedicated changing area that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
Take extra care to handle diapers from the outside surfaces and avoid touching waste.
Get rid of diapers in a hygienic fashion that keeps germs sealed away. I recommend the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System. It seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary trash can and plastic bag. Diapers only touch the disposable film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean. The Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System also has Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
5. Keep soap and warm water, or where soap and water are not available, antibacterial hand wipes, nearby to use after changing your baby in the nursery. This will help stop the spread of germs within the nursery. Tip: When soap and water are not available, consider using an antibacterial hand wipe, such as Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hands and Face Wipes. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hands and Face Wipes are clinically proven to be just as effective as gel hand sanitizers in killing 99.99% of germs, and also clean away dirt and messes.
6. Keep baby bottles away from germ hot spots, such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean. Harmful germs can grow very quickly in formula and breast milk — be sure to keep bottles clean and dry when not in use.
7. Keep a special hamper inside the nursery to use specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. This special, separate hamper will help prevent bacteria on heavily soiled laundry from spreading throughout the rest of the nursery. Also, take special care when laundering heavily soiled baby clothing and bedding to prevent the spread of germs through the laundry.
Use hot water and/or chlorine bleach.
Dry laundry in a hot dryer cycle.
8. Take special precautions within the nursery when baby is sick to prevent spread of illness to other children and throughout the rest of the nursery.
Disinfect nursery “hot spots” more frequently.
Reduce time other children spend in the nursery and with Baby.
9. Take special precautions in the nursery when you or other family members are sick to keep from giving your infection to baby and spreading throughout the nursery.
Cover all coughs and sneezes.
Wash hands before contact with baby and when entering the nursery.
10. Reduce pet access to the nursery.
Reptiles and birds frequently harbor dangerous germs, like salmonella. Make sure that children wash hands well with soap and warm water after handling reptiles and before coming into the nursery, and keep bird bedding/litter out of the nursery altogether.
Dogs and cats are less risky but still may carry certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Cats may harbor a parasite that is of particular concern to pregnant women — if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, avoid changing cat litter to reduce exposure to the parasite toxoplasma.
If a pet makes a mess on the carpet, make sure to spray it with a non-bleach disinfectant after cleanup to prevent those germs from spreading to baby during playtime.
What tips have you found to be helpful to keep your baby's nursery clean? Are there products that you have found to be helpful?
The ParentLife team has some great news we wanted to share with you!
Our most recent edition of Babylife (special edition of ParentLife) won a Bronze Eddie Award from Folio Magazine — a magazine serving the entire magazine publishing industry. The Eddie and Ozzie Awards is the largest awards competition in magazine publishing. The Eddies recognize editorial excellence, while the Ozzies recognize excellence in magazine design.
There were lots of categories, but we earned Bronze Eddie in "Supplemental Annual/One-Shot, Full Issue," third only to Golf Digest Index 2009 and Discover.
We are so excited and truly honored to receive this prestigious award!
BabyLife will soon be getting an updated cover with the same award-winning content! If you don't have a copy, be sure to check it out!
I'm struggling to let go of my little boy! No ... he's not graduating from high school and going off to college like so many parents are dealing with these days. He's not even moving from elementary school to middle school this fall or headed off to summer camp soon. After all, he's not even 2 yet ... but I'm still struggling. Confused?
You see ... often working moms have to put their children in day care because it is their best (or only) option. But my husband and I have been blessed with wonderful mothers that live close enough to take turns caring for Jack on the weekdays while we are at work. I'm not saying it's easy to leave him every day, but at least I completely trust his caregivers because I know they care for him just as much as I do. They truly take care of him as if he was their own ... except for maybe the occasional spoiling that grandmothers are entitled to!!
But lately I have been wondering if Jack would enjoy going to a mother's day out or weekday preschool program and being around other children. Being the worrier that I am, I worry that without frequent interactions with other children and adults Jack is missing some important social development skills. I also think structure is healthy for every child and it would be good for him to get used to structure. I wonder if he would start talking more often and more clearly if he had the chance to interact with his peers more than just on Sundays. Not to mention that fact that Jack LOVES other kids. His face lights up when other kids are around.
Being totally honest and transparent ... I still get nervous leaving Jack with preschool volunteers at church. We recently took advantage of a parent's night out hosted by our church and I had knots in my stomach for the first 30 minutes after we left him. But it turns out, he was in great hands and had a blast!
So that is where the letting go comes in. I really want Jack to benefit from a mother's day out/preschool setting (not to mention give the grandparents a break), but I have a very hard time trusting other people to care for my child. The thought of leaving Jack with people that don't love him like I do and I don't know very well terrifies me.
All of this makes me wonder if it will ever get any easier? What will it be like to send him off to kindergarten, elementary school, summer camp, ... ? The list goes on and on (and I'm breaking out in a sweat just thinking about it)! All I know is that I have to learn to trust that God is in control ... and though it's hard to fathom, He loves Jack even more than I do. Jack belongs to God (not me) and his every move is in God's hands. I just need to pray that God will help me loosen my grip when the time is right!
Does it ever get any easier to let go? Do you struggle trust issues like I do ... with others ... with God? What helps you as you face these challenging situations?
In her May 2010 ParentLife article "A Step of Faith," Mary Ann Bradberry helps parents of infants feel more comfortable taking their babies to church and leaving them with church caregivers. But what do you do when conflict arises between you and your child's teachers?
Misunderstandings between parents and teachers often are inevitable. However, because the church is a partner in the spiritual development of your child, it is essential to work out differences. These tips may help create a positive outcome when you face a conflict.
Talk to the teacher. However, avoid an angry outburst when picking up your child. Instead contact the teacher to discuss the situation. If the teacher is unwilling to talk with you, contact the person responsible for the preschool ministry.
Listen carefully. Ask specific questions to get the facts about the situation. Use open-ended questions such as “Can you explain to me the policy for contacting parents when a baby is upset and cannot be soothed by a teacher?” Follow-up with more specific questions and express your concern about not being paged or notified that your child was upset. Often teachers want parents to enjoy a worship service without interruption.
Brainstorm a solution together. Often expressing your desires will solve the problem. Most conflicts arise from miscommunication between parents and teacher.
Be sure not to miss "Seven Signs That Babies Matter" (p. 9 of May 2010 ParentLife) for characteristics of a quality church program for infants.
Have you ever had a problem with your child's teachers at church? How did you handle the conflict?
Are you an expectant mother? Having a first child can be overwhelming – with the new bundle of joy comes the new lifestyle, new responsibilities, new sleep schedule, and so much more. An alarming amount of parents can get overwhelmed, particularly in the first few weeks of bringing the baby home. This could be a lot less of a stressful experience knowing some tips beforehand. BornFree has provided some tips below to guide first-time parents in ensuring a more pleasant experience.
Get your home in order before the baby arrives: Clean, organize, and find a place to store all baby products, so they can be easily accessible.
Find the places that are open all night and who will deliver to your home – keep a running and accessible list of nearby pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. and have these numbers readily available.
Keeping your baby safe is the most important. Products that are BPA and chemical free are essential. BPA-free bottles (as well as extra BPA-free nipples) should be ready and plentiful. Consider using BPA-free pacifiers, teethers, and training cups too.
Try and lock down a sleep schedule ahead of time to adjust to both your needs and your baby needs. Taking turns between parents is a great way to ensure both parties are tending to the baby while taking care of their own health as well and getting as much rest as they possibly can.
Read up beforehand and do not be afraid to ask your pediatrician questions before the baby even arrives in your home such as what to expect for feeding, sleeping, and general care of your child.
BornFree has generously provided ParentLife with one Smart Start Gift Set to giveaway this month. The gift set is packed with BPA-free products including one sterilizer, three 5-ounce bottles, one 9-ounce bottle, one twin pack level 2 nipples, one day and night silicone pacifier, and one twister brush set! Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog during the month of May will automatically be entered to win this starter kit. A winner will be drawn randomly on June 1, 2010. So let us hear from you!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
What tips for new mothers would you add? What did you find the most helpful as a new mother or father?
In the April 2010 issue of ParentLife, dietitian Beth Bence Reinke explores the pros and cons of homemade baby food and store-bought baby food. Maybe you have decided to make your own baby food, but what foods work best?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting iron-fortified rice cereal when your baby is 4 to 6 months old. Then add one new food every 2 to 3 days.
For ages 6 to 7 months, these starter foods work well for making easy-to-digest, pureed, homemade baby food:
Cooked, puréed legumes like split peas and lentils
O-shaped oat cereal, teething biscuits
Cheese and yogurt
Mashed, cooked egg yolk (not whites, which can be allergenic)
Chopped table foods like meats, cooked vegetables, fruits and pasta as your baby shows readiness for coarse textures
Wait until your baby is 12 months old to add whole cow’s milk and egg whites. Always follow the advice of your pediatrician for adding new foods to your baby’s diet, especially if allergies run in your family.
Which baby food do you prefer -- store-bought or homemade? We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
It is amazing how a haircut on a toddler can make a "baby" suddenly turn into a "big boy." I experienced this firsthand last week. My 20-month-old, Jack, has had a few haircuts here and there — short trims but nothing drastic. We tried to taking him to a salon once and it was not a pleasant experience, so the past few times, my husband has cut Jack's hair at home.
Last Monday we decided it was time to cut it again. We've kept it fairly long for quite some time, but warmer weather is just around the corner and it was starting to get in his eyes, so we decided to go for a shorter cut this time. I was nervous, but ulitmately, I knew it was time!
So we put Jack in the bathtub (without water of course, makes for easier cleanup), brought in his favorite snacks and toys, and broke out the clippers. This plan worked well the last time we trimmed Jack's hair, but this time was a different story. He was not at all interested in cooperating. He cried, screamed, and wiggled through the whole experience (which made this mommy want to cry right along with him). One of his wiggles caused Jason to take a fairly big chunk out of the side of his hair. We finished up as best we could, but Jack was making it difficult. So we gave up. (As a side note: I thought Jack would be mad at us for at least a little while afterward, but he bounced back quickly as if nothing had ever happend ... much to my relief!)
The haircut looked passable ... but Jason and I weren't happy with it ... especially with the super-short patch on the side. So Tuesday, much to my protest, we tried it again. This time, we brought the laptop into the bathroom and popped in one of Jack's favorite DVDs. He sat still and cooperated without a single tear this time. It was like he was a different child. Jason was able to shorten everything up and blend in the sides without any trouble.
The result ... my baby is now a big boy with a big-boy haircut. I was in mourning for a few days, but I got over it and realize now that it adds to his super-cuteness!
I don't have any deep insight or thoughts to share based on this experience. I'm just curious ... What was your child's first haricut like? What tips or tricks do you have that you could share with other ParentLife readers? Do you cut your child's hair or do you take him to a salon? We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or e-mail us at parentlife@lifeway.com.
When Jack was in the 6 month to 1 year phase, bath time was a constant struggle for us. My little mover and shaker did not want to sit still and wanted to stand up constantly (even though he was not very stable on his feet ... even out of the bath tub). My husband, Jason, and I dreaded every bath at that point and it always took both of us. But I'm happy to say that not long after his first birthday, bath time became fun for all of us! And now ... we look forward to it!
In her March 2010 Growth Spurt article "Fun in the Tub," Christi McGuire provides some great tips for making bath time safe and enjoyable. But what do you do if your baby hates bath time? Consider these possible bath-time troubles and simple solutions.
My baby won’t sit down. Bathe your baby standing up! It’s easier to wash all the creases and crevices that way.
My baby screams during bath time. Perhaps let your child sit in the bathtub with no water in it to get used to these surroundings. Gradually turn the water on so she can get used to the feel. Use only 1 inch of water for her bath instead of the typical 2 to 3 inches. Allow her to bathe in her swim suit or diaper if that gives her more security. Do not pour water over her, as this might scare her more. Rinse her with a wet cloth instead.
My baby will take a bath, but is sensitive to water in her eyes. Refrain from pouring water over her head to rinse the soap. Instead, use a wet cloth. Allow her to wipe her eyes often with a dry towel.
My baby always has a bowel movement in the bathtub. Bathe your baby in a baby tub placed inside the big tub. When she has a bowel movement, it is contained in the smaller tub, which is easier to clean and disinfect.
My baby feels insecure in the big bathtub. Keep bathing her in the baby bath tub, or even the kitchen sink, until she feels secure in the big bathtub. Try using a bath ring; she may feel more secure.
My baby gets active after a bath and not ready to go to sleep. You do not have to bathe your baby before bedtime. Choose a time that works for you. Bathe her in the morning when she is alert and ready to play. Or bathe her in the afternoon before the busy routines of the evening begin.
More Bath Time Fun Everything is more fun with music! Try singing the following songs with your baby in the bathtub.
To the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” sing these words: Wash, wash, wash your hair; wash your hair all clean. Scrubba-dubba-rubba-bubba, wash your hair all clean. (Continue with face, hands, body, etc.)
To the tune of “Rubber Duckie, You’re the One,” sing these words: Baby Emma, you’re the one, You make bathtime lots of fun, Baby Emma, I’m awfully fond of you; Woo woo be doo Baby Emma, joy of joys, When I kiss you, you giggle with noise! Baby Emma, you’re the best baby in the world, it’s true! Doo doo doo doo, doo doo
To the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” sing these words: This is the way we wash our hair, wash our hair, wash our hair. This is the way we wash our hair, so early in the morning. (Continue with face, hands, baby, etc.)
To the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus,” sing these words: The soap in the tub goes wash, wash, wash; wash, wash, wash; wash, wash, wash. The soap in the tub goes wash, wash, wash; all over your body! The wash cloth on your belly goes swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish. The wash cloth on your belly goes swish, swish, swish; all over your belly!
Tell us your favorite bath-time tips! We'd love to hear from you!
I have a fantastic stroller! In fact, it has served us very well over the past 20 months and has plenty of life still in it. It is sturdy, dependable, not too heavy, and easy to use. But I must confess ... I have defintely been guilty of stroller envy every now and then.
You see ... the travel system (car seat and stroller) we chose comes in a variety of colors. Before Jack was born, I had my heart set on the green and grey color scheme. But when Jack decided to make his arrival into the world one month earlier than expected, we had to quickly purchase our car seat separately rather than taking the time to find the whole travel system. The only car seat available near us came in orange and grey. A few weeks later we were able to find the stroller in the matching orange and grey and our travel system was complete!
Every once in a while, we will be out shopping and see a family pushing around my favorite green and grey travel system and I experience a small twinge of stroller envy. Sad ... but true!
Just this weekend, my husband and I were discussing how funny it was that when I was pregnant, I spent so much time and effort choosing all of the baby gear and hunting for my favorite styles and patterns. I would spend hours online and in the stores trying to decide which ones I like the best and trying to predict what our little one would like the most. But when all is said and done, baby gear is used for such a short period of time that the style and pattern don't matter. What matters is the safety, durability, and practicality of the gear. I am reminded of this fact every time I go down into our basement at home and see the exersaucer, swing, and bouncy seat (among other gear) packed away where styles and patterns don't matter at all! We loved these things while we used them, but before we knew it, Jack had grown out of them.
The insight I'm trying to take away from this is that it doesn't matter what color your stroller is or if your swing and bouncy seat match the nursery decor. What matters is the time spent soaking in life with a baby, because before you know it ...
... your baby ...
... becomes a little boy!
In the March 2010 issue of ParentLife, our "On the Way" department for expectant provides helpful tips for narrowing down what kind of baby gear you really need — the essentials! If you are an expectant parent (or if you know someone who is expecting a baby), be sure to check it out!
My little boy, Jack, will be turning 2 in only four months, and I have a feeling that I'll be putting Jennifer Holt's tips for reclaiming 2s from tantrums (in the March 2010 issue of ParentLife) to good use! But sometimes it is not just your child that needs a time-out. Parents need time-outs too. Consider the following extra tips from Jennifer!
Mommy Time-Outs
Sometimes despite all our best efforts, toddlers can get the upper hand. If you feel your blood pressure rising, it might be a good idea to take a time out of your own. Here are some ideas.
Walk away to a quiet place. If you are in your own home, be sure your toddler is in a safe place and take a moment for yourself. You may even need to go outdoors.
Get distracted. Turn on your favorite TV brain drain or put your mp3 player headphones in. It’s OK to take a moment for yourself before you lose your temper.
Get a drink of water if you can’t physically walk away. It will cool your body down and hopefully your emotions.
Make a phone call to a friend. I’m sure you know someone else who has children who can sympathize!
Just breathe. If you know any deep breathing techniques, they can be helpful. If not, just take a series of five deep breaths, filling your entire stomach with air from your nose, then pushing the air out through your mouth.
Damage Control Many times you can see the writing on the wall just before your toddler explodes. When you see your child escalating, try some of these tips. Eventually, your child may learn to self-soothe with these same techniques.
Pretend Play. Ask your child to pretend he is someone else. What would Thomas the Train or Spiderman be doing right now? What would they say?
Start the Music. Singing a happy song (with hand motions!) often helps. I love to use “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” even when you’re not so happy.
Physical Touch. If you have a sensory kid, she may respond to a tight hug, a back scratch, or a rocking motion.
Distraction. Carry a favorite toy or snack in your purse as a distraction. Sometimes a “stress ball” or squeezable toy will help children to self-calm.
What are your favorite (and effective) ways for dealing with tantrums?
Keeping your infant or toddler safe from harm is a difficult job. Many dangers lurk even in your own home. But there are things you can do to reduce the chances of accidents. Keep the following keys to safety in mind.
Never underestimate your child’s ability. Be safe rather than sorry.
Stay one step ahead of your child by thinking ahead to what she might get into next.
Emphasize safety in all you do with your child. For example, point out traffic signals that tell you it is safe to cross the street.
Be a model of safe behavior. Always wear safety belts, bike helmets, life jackets, etc.
Never leave your young child unattended.
Take safety precautions in your home. Keep medicines and cleaning products locked away.
Make sure activities are age appropriate.
Keep emergency phone numbers posted in the home and saved in your cell phone.
If your child has an allergy or medical condition, such as asthma, epilepsy, or diabetes, make sure she has a medic-alert bracelet or necklace.
For even more child safety information, be sure to read the Growth Spurts article "Child Safety" in the January 2010 issue of ParentLife.
In the December 2009 issue of ParentLife, we chose to cover a topic that is very close to my heart. In our monthly column "On the Way" (for expectant parents), we provided information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about bringing home a premature infant. I can tell you all about this from firsthand experience!
Due to pregnancy complications, my little boy (Jack) was born one month early. Because he was early, his lungs were not as strong as they needed to be, and while I'm not sure he was ever in a life-threatening situation, he needed help getting the oxygen he needed. He spent a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where the amazing nurses took fabulous care of him until he was strong enough to come home!
The day we brought him home was very exciting and very scary. For a week, nurses had been there to help us take care of him and oversee that we were doing things correctly. In fact, the night before we brought him home, the hospital allowed us to "room in" with him. They have a special room right next to the NICU where parents are allowed to stay overnight on a test run before sending a baby home. We were responsible for his care all night, but it was comforting knowing that a nurse was only steps away at all times if we needed her! Suddenly, we were home with this tiny life. It's scary enough bringing home a full-term, healthy baby. But add to that a month of prematurity and breathing issues and it was downright scary. It took us some time to relax and trust that Jack was doing fine and breathing on his own without any trouble.
While the first few weeks with Jack were scary for us, we are very blessed that everything turned out fine and there have been no long-term problems. Not every family, can say that. Many families have babies that spend much more time in the NICU and have long-term complications to worry about. That is why the ParentLife team felt it was important to provide expectant parents with information related to this topic. We want to provide encouragement and support to families, especially those going through a difficult time.
How have your family helped support parents going through a difficut time like this? Or have you been in this kind of situation? Where did you find encouragement and support? What advice would you have for those wanting to help? How can ParentLife provide more support?
The Levels of Biblical Learning (LOBL) is a simple but important ministry tool developed by experts to provide parents and teachers with visible milestones as you guide kids in their spiritual growth. The Levels of Biblical Learning gives a coordinated approach from birth through preteens by using 10 concept areas — God, Jesus, the Bible, Creation, Family, Self, Church, Community & World, Holy Spirit, and Salvation.
Let me just give you an example. This Christmas, you can talk about Jesus' birth with your child in an age-appropriate way. You can start when your child is a baby ... laying the foundational concepts and then building on them as your child grows.
Babies to 2s
God chose a family for Jesus.
Jesus was born.
3s to Pre-K
Angels told Mary and Joseph that Jesus would be born.
Jesus was sent to earth by God.
Kindergarten
People in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born.
God sent Jesus to earth because He loves us.
Grades 1 to 2
Prophets in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born.
God sent Jesus to earth because He loves us.
Grades 3 to 4
Old Testament prophets revealed God's plan for Jesus to be the Savior.
In the December 09 issue of ParentLife, Christi McGuire provided some childproofing tips for Christmas. But there is even more you might not have thought of. Consider the following tips.
Poisonous Holiday Plants Especially during this holiday season, keep the following list of plants out of reach of your baby.
Poinsettias — Poinsettias cause little reacion in most people; however, ingestion by small children may cause skin or smouth irritation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Holly — Ingesting small amounts can cause mild stomach irritation and drowsiness; ingesting large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and extreme drowsiness.
Mistletoe — Ingesting small amounts may cause mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ingesting large plants may produce serious poisonings.
Amaryllis— This plant can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Christmas trees (pine, fir, spruce) — Most Christmas trees are not poisonous, but sharp needles can cause skin irritation and bleeding or choking.
Poison Alert: Toothpaste
Look closely at your toothpaste tube and you will see a warning label. Since 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration has required a poison warning label on all fluoride toothpastes, which contain the active ingredient of Sodium Fluoride, a toxic poison. Although only 1 percent of the toothpaste contains this toxic ingredient, you need to call the poison control center if your baby ingests more than the tiny amount needed for brushing teeth. Toothpaste that is pink, sparkly, and tastes like bubble gum may be easily mistaken for candy, posing a poison hazard for your unsuspecting baby.
Socket-Lockits™ Check out this stylish new way to keep your baby safe! Socket-Lockits help reduce electrical and choking hazards in your home. Their unique patent-pending design incorporates:
Self-locking barbs to prevent tiny fingers from pulling covers off
A convenient pressure-button release to make removal easy for adults
A variety of designs printed with non-toxic ink to match any décor
Play is an important aspect of how young children learn. In this month's issue of ParentLife, Dr. Rebecca Isbell discusses the different forms of play and how they are beneficial to children in her article "Time to Play."
Do you need some ideas for how to play with your child? Try these fun, simple ideas!
Look at Me! Begin with simple instructions for your child to follow. Next, let her give the directions for you to follow. Enjoy the experience, suggest funny motions, and laugh with your child.
Puppet Drama. Have several hand puppets that are easy for your preschooler to use. Let your child select her puppet and you choose yours. Use a voice that goes along with the puppet and talk to your child’s puppet. Give her the opportunity to talk in the voice of the puppet chosen. When interest fades, try a different puppet.
Literature Drama. Read a story to your child that will encourage dramatic play. After the reading, talk about the characters and what they said in the story. Then act out the story. Enjoy the process and do not be concerned about the “correctness.” This play should be enjoyed by you and your child.
Musical Freeze. Select a CD that has music that you and your child will enjoy. Explain that when the music stops she should freeze (stop moving). Play the music for about two minutes and then stop the music. It is helpful to move with your child. Next, vary the time the music plays. Sometimes the music will be short and other times the music will last longer.
What is your favorite way to play with your preschooler?
I can honestly say that my little boy, Jack, has been an easy baby so far. He may be busy all the time and in constant motion, but he is fairly laidback when it comes to changes in routine and environment. He made the move to baby food without any complaint. He gave up his pacifier completely on his own around 9 months. The swtich from formula to milk was a breeze. And now baby food is history and he is eating table food. That's why I assumed that moving him from a bottle to a sippy cup would be a piece of cake.
Well ... I was terribly wrong. We tried for one weekend to offer him milk in a sippy cup to see how it went. Each time, he got excited when he would see his milk but he took one drink and pushed it away. He had no desire to drink his milk in anything but a bottle. More concerned with the amount of milk he was getting then the cup, I caved each time after about 10 minutes of trying and moved the milk to a bottle.
Many of my friends told me they made the switch cold turkey. If their babies didn't take milk from the cup, they just didn't get their milk. It worked really well for them, and they made the transition within days. But I'm just not sure I'm ready for that yet. I'm not sure I can be that strong!
I am encouraged that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends making the switch to a cup by 18 months. That means that we have a little over 4 months to make the transition. We have at least made the switch to bottles with soft, sippy-cup style spouts. It's at least a step in the right direction.
So I'm curious ... how did you transition your child from a bottle to a sippy cup? What worked? What didn't work? Are their other transitions that you struggled with ... such as moving from a crib to a toddler bed? Share your tips with us and other ParentLife readers by leaving a comment!
I am the mother of a very busy little boy. Jack is 13 months old and is walking very well. He is constantly on the move exploring every corner of the world around him. There is never a dull moment when he is around. Needless to say we have to keep a constant eye on him.
When Jack turned 1, we went to see his pediatrician for a well-child checkup. Does anyone else stress as much as I do over the developmental surveys that you have to fill out? You know ... the ones that say Is your child pulling up on furniture?Can your child pick up finger foods using his pointer finger and thumb? (and many, many more specific questions). I agonize over each question ... wanting to answer it honestly and sometimes nervous about what my answers might mean.
I knew Jack would score very well on his motor development (as evidenced by his perpetual motion) ... however, when I got to verbal development, I was a bit concerned. I couldn't honestly say that he was saying specific words (knowing what they meant) or that he understood me when I gave simple commands. But I filled out the survey to the best of my ability and decided not to worry about it. When the pedicatrician, who is famous for being overly cautious, talked to us about the results he seemed fairly concerned ... concerned enough that he wanted to test Jack's hearing (a traumatic event for both of us). But Jack passed with flying colors (just like I knew he would), and the pediatrician decided we would wait and see how things progressed over the next three months.
Since then, we have made an even bigger effort to to read to Jack as often as he will let us (he generally doesn't like to stop moving long enough to read a book) and to label all of the things in his world. Since the doctor visit, I can tell he has made progress ... especially in comprehension. If you ask him where your nose is, he can tell you without hesitation. We're still anxiously waiting on that first official word, but my mind has been set at ease for the moment.
For information about your child's language development, be sure to check out the 1 to 2 Years Growth Spurt article "Communication Counts" in the August 2009 issue of ParentLife.
Have you ever been concerned about a certain aspect of your child's development?
Do you have a child under 2 years old? Or are you expecting a baby in the near future? Be sure to check out BabyLife -- the special edition of ParentLife designed for expectant parents and parents with infants and toddlers. Filled with tons of practical information on what to expect in those first two years.
Here are a just a few of the helpful topics included in BabyLife:
Basic care and developmental information for 5 different stages: On the Way, Birth to 6 Months, 6 to 12 Months, 12 to 18 Months, and 18 to 24 Months
Are you looking for faith-based clothes for your baby or toddler?
Check out Faith Baby (www.faithbaby.com). Faith Baby, a Christian children's clothing Web site, promises one-of-a-kind designs to enlighten the heart and celebrate faith. Faith Baby offers high-quality clothes and gifts for babies and toddlers featuring positive messages to rejoice in God's smallest blessings.
The site offers an alternative to the recent trend of "attitude-wear" for babies by featuring positive messages of Christian faith on onesies, tees, pants and accessories with a stylish, modern sensibility.
Ideal for baby showers, birthdays, baby dedications, or simply to celebrate one's joy over the birth of a new baby, Faith Baby products are made of super-soft 100% cotton. Onesies come in a variety of colors in sizes from 3 to 6 months to 12 to 18 months. Toddler t-shirts come in four color options in sizes 2T to 4T. The new "frilly" infant pants are one-size fits most from 6 to 12 months, and will soon be available in new color variations.
For most first-time mothers, the prospect of caring for a newborn produces serious apprehension. For unwed teenage mothers, that sense of anxiety is multiplied exponentially. To alleviate some of that stress, The Kentucky chapter of the Baptist Nursing Fellowship (KyBNF) developed an innovative program called Baby Boot Camp based on the devotional book of the same title by Rebecca Ingram Powell.
During the five-hour seminar, young mothers learn the fundamentals of infant care. Most of the participants have no idea how to care for a baby, so the first component of the program is baby basics. Under the tutelage of a professional nurse, students use lifelike dolls to learn how to hold, feed, burp, bathe, and diaper their own bundles of joy.
The second component of the program focuses on wellness. "We teach them that in order for them to be totally well, they have to be mentally well, spiritually well, and they have to be physically well. In order to take care of themselves and their babies, they have to be happy in life," says BNF President, Jessica Childers.
At the end of the day the new mother's get a big surprise ... a baby shower! Each of the girls is sent home with a laundry basket overflowing with donated baby supplies. The baskets are so heavy that the girls need help carrying them out. For many of them, the generosity of strangers is overwhelming.
The Baby Boot Camp program has been a wild success. To date the KyBNF has held a dozen camps and has reached more than 100 girls and their families. In response, they have just written a "How To" guide for use by other state organizations that are interested in adopting their ministry.
Amy Hammond Hagberg is an author, speaker, radio host, wife, and mother. Amy's award-winning work has been featured in publications all around the world. Learn more at www.amyhagberg.com.
Baby Boot Camp is a very special ministry to parents in need. What ministries are you involved in or know of that relate to parenting?
Has your child had a big project due at school and needed your help? How much should you step in? Do you find that the majority of school projects reflect Mom's or Dad's work more than the student's? Ouch! The truth hurts.
Why is it that we sometimes step over the boundary line and do things on our child's behalf? This tendency doesn't happen overnight. Parents often are caught in a pattern of doing things for their kids, rather than stopping to teach or coach them how to do things for themselves. The following are three guidelines for fighting this trend.
Step back. It is OK for kids to make mistakes. We sometimes forget that trial and error can be the best part of learning. We would rather step in and make things right. Or we are living vicariously through our children and take things personally when our children make mistakes.
Build in time for interruptions and teachable moments. Kids learn by asking questions, hands-on experimenting, and connecting new things with what they already know. We are sometimes too busy for our child's questions or to stop and teach a life skill. We have to fight packing our schedules so full that there is no time left for life's interruptions. Unfortunately, all too quickly the question "Dad, will you help me?" turns to "I can't do this! You'll have to do it."
Place the journey together higher than the finished product. Too many times, we focus on the end product. We want our child to make the perfect project or we must have the clothes folded a certain way or we are not happy. Resist the urge to refold those clothes or make the project the way you would have done it. Life is a journey together, so enjoy the time along the way!
Have you ever had trouble with this "doing too much" boundary? How do you discern where to draw the line?
It's hard to believe, but the ParentLife team is already starting to make plans for 2010 and we need your help! We want to make sure the topics we cover are practical and helpful to your everyday life. So tell us ...
What parenting questions do you have (or hear your friends asking) related to this specific stage of parenting?
Leave us a comment and let us know. Or e-mail your ideas to parentlife@lifeway.com. (Please include in your comment or e-mail the ages of your child/children.) We want to use this information to plan the topics we will cover in our "Growth Spurts" section in 2010.
My baby boy turned 5 on Tuesday! I can't believe it. It seems like it was just yesterday when Christopher made his entrance into the world. But he was destined not to be a baby for long. Almost from the beginning he wanted to be like his big brother. Christopher walked and talked earlier, liked the shows and games his brother watched, and wanted to play sports with his bro -- no matter that Christopher is five years younger. How quickly this time has passed!
We thought about the reality of these changes as we completed an "All About Me" poster for Christopher's preschool to display on his birthday. We spent a day perusing every photo we had of Christopher to pick out our favorites (this is one of our favs of the boys). Then came the whittling down process. We chose photos representing every year of his life and included every family member: aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and first cousins. Sound tiring? It was! But afterwards, we looked with amazement at how blessed we are as a family.
Of course, we celebrated Christopher's birthday in many traditional ways -- delivering cupcakes and treats to his school and opening presents between slices of pizza and video games at Chuck E. Cheese's. We certainly made several more great family moments! But it is hard to top a poster overflowing with five years of memories. It will become a keepsake for our family, reminding us of how God has been good to us!
What about you? Share with us some of your favorite ways to celebrate birthdays and capture memories of years gone by.
I like to consider myself to be a laidback person, but those closest to me know I'm not. However, I've shocked myself (and many of those around me) by being a more relaxed mom than I thought I could ever be. I'd say my parenting style is fairly relaxed ... except when it comes to one topic in particular -- schedules.
A few months into Jack's life, I become obsessed with his daily schedule. I wanted everything to be exactly the same every single day. I felt he should eat and sleep at the same times every day. It's not that I wanted to set the schedule and control every minute of his life. I was fine with letting him set the schedule. But I couldn't understand it when he didn't fall into a recognizable pattern every day. I just assumed that I must be doing something wrong.
I've read it a million times, but for some reason, it did not sink in -- Every baby is different. Some babies just don't fall into a perfect pattern like others.
After a couple of exhausting months of worrying, I finally gave up. I decided to completely follow Jack's lead on a day-by-day basis. I can't tell you what a difference it made in both Jack and me! After letting go, I felt as if a burden had been lifted off my shoulders. I was able to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying every moment with Jack.
And would you believe, not long after I quit obsessing, Jack fell into a basic pattern. It's not exactly the same every day, but it's close. It would seem that my unnecessary anxiety was affecting his behavior.
What about you? Does your young child follow a schedule every day or is every day different? Are there things you find yourself worrying about unnecessarily?
One of my favorite parts of Valentine's Day is helping the boys pick out their Valentine cards for school. They are not that much different than the cards I picked out as a young boy, except for the characters on the front of the cards (although I think Scooby-Doo® has remained popular across all these years). And this year? My sons both picked out NASCAR® cards to give to their friends!
Although Valentine's Day is about more than giving chocolate and flowers, these tokens of love still remind us of the source of unconditional love -- God. Perhaps our greatest task in parenting is to show our children unconditional love on a regular basis. If you are like me, when I am tired, frustrated, or angry, I realize that I can only love my children unconditionally with God's help. So as you open your cards and eat candy hearts, remember to give thanks to God for sending Jesus -- His greatest gift of love!
What do you plan to do this year with your kids on Valentine's Day? What are your Valentine's Day traditions?
Who doesn't love a child in footy pajamas? There is just something irresistible about them!
Before my son, Jack, was born, I couldn't wait to put him in cute pajamas. (See Jack to the right, exhausted after playing all day in his footy pajamas!) It didn't take long after he was born, however, to realize just how frustrating footy pajamas can be! I
almost never get footy pajamas snapped correctly the first time. It usually takes me at least two tries to get the snaps together right, especially if Jack is having a wiggly day (which is most days). Who's with me?
After over 6 months of footy-pajama frustration, I have learned a couple of things.
First of all, I have learned to slow down. As I'm putting Jack in his pajamas, I tell myself, "Just take one snap at a time, and it should come out right." Sometimes I try to do too many things at one time and work myself into an exhausted mess. These are the days I am learning to stop, take a deep breath, and refocus. It may be a silly analogy, but I have to tell myself to take things one "snap" at a time.
Secondly, I have learned that some everyday tasks just take more tries than others. As a parent, I certainly am not going to do everything right on the first try. It might take me several tries to figure out the best way to bathe a wiggly baby, establish a bedtime routine that works, or discover ways to make reading books a daily event. Thank goodness for second (... and third ... and fourth) chances!
Do you ever have days like this? What everyday things (like footy pajamas) have you found inspiration in?
The funny thing is, my frustration does not keep me from putting Jack in footy pajamas. In fact, he spends most of his time in them!
Being the mother of a 5-month-old is definitely teaching me a lot of things. One of the things I have learned is that parenting can be compared to being involved in a giant guessing game.
From day one of your child's life, the guessing begins.
• Why is he crying? • Is he wet ... hungry ... sleepy? • Is my baby getting enough to eat? • Should I wake him up to eat if he is asleep? • Will I ever sleep again?
Just about the time you start to feel as if you've figured the game out, your baby moves to the next phase or shakes up a his routine and the guessing begins all over again.
• Is my baby ready to try solids? • Is he teething and if so, what can I do to make him feel better? • How do I get him into a consistent routine? • Is he reaching the developmental milestones he should be?
Sometimes, guessing can be downright exhausting.
However, we can take away a couple of insights from this parenting guessing game.
1. As a new parent, there is no feeling quite like the satisfaction you feel when you finally figure out how to best meet your child's needs, even if it is only for a moment. Every correct "guess" works to build your confidence as a parent. And after a while, you are not quite as afraid of guessing wrong.
2. There is great peace in knowing that God is in control. You may feel insecure, but you can rest in the fact that ultimately, God will guide you as you care for your child. All you have to do is seek Him and trust Him.
Do you ever feel like you are playing a guessing game? Or do you have even more insight to share with ParentLife readers? Leave us a comment and tell us about it.
ParentLife Online is here! We are excited for the opportunity to communicate with you online. ParentLife Online will be updated daily during the week with commentary from the ParentLife staff, content that goes deeper into topics appearing in our print magazine, product reviews, and helpful links to parenting sites and the latest parenting information.
We also want to hear from you! Respond to our posts, send us ideas for articles, and submit your writing and queries to be considered for ParentLife.
Meet the Editor in Chief
Hi there! I am William Summey, the editor in chief of ParentLife. I have been working on ParentLife for 7 years, initially as editor and now as editor in chief (EIC). As an EIC, I help edit the magazine but function as team leader, helping everyone do their jobs as best they can.
I have been married to my wife, Christy, for 15 years. We have two boys, Jonathan (10) and Christopher (4).
One of my passions is to help encourage parents in their parenting journey. One of the best ways to encourage others is by being open and honest about parenting struggles and challenges. By building community, we are all stronger. I hope that our blog can be a small piece of that community for you!
What are the parenting issues you feel most strongly about? I would love to hear from you!
Your little one wants to explore her world. As her motor skills develop, she will be interested in stacking, pushing, pulling, and knocking things down! She will want to imitate Mommy in the kitchen and Daddy at the tool bench. Let your child explore unstructured play with the following age-appropriate toys.
In conjunction with the celebration, they've also released 
In a world of malpractice suits and high-tech gadgets, it's no wonder obstetricians have begun wringing their hands a little.
These are pictures of my (Jessie's) birth with David in December. Obviously they were taken a few minutes after his birth. I can't see any reason why I would want to have pictures or video of the actual birth ... but I know some people do. What do you think? Should the hospitals be able to regulate cameras and video recording devices?
Now, at two-and-a-half, Libbie will listen to a whole stack of books. She relishes trips to the library, "reads" books in her bed at naptime, and can recite most of Green Eggs and Ham. 
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Our most recent edition of 
But lately I have been wondering if Jack would enjoy going to a mother's day out or weekday preschool program and being around other children. Being the worrier that I am, I worry that without frequent interactions with other children and adults Jack is missing some important social development skills. I also think structure is healthy for every child and it would be good for him to get used to structure. I wonder if he would 
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It is amazing how a haircut on a toddler can make a "baby" suddenly turn into a "big boy." I experienced this firsthand last week. My 20-month-old, Jack, has had a few haircuts here and there — short trims but nothing drastic. We tried to taking him to a salon once and it was not a pleasant experience, so the past few times, my husband has cut Jack's hair at home.
Sometimes despite all our best efforts, toddlers can get the upper hand. If you feel your blood pressure rising, it might be a good idea to take a time out of your own. Here are some ideas.
Due to pregnancy complications, my little boy (Jack) was born one month early. Because he was early, his lungs were not as strong as they needed to be, and while I'm not sure he was ever in a life-threatening situation, he needed help getting the oxygen he needed. He spent a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where the amazing nurses took fabulous care of him until he was strong enough to come home!
Let me just give you an example. This Christmas, you can talk about Jesus' birth with your child in an age-appropriate way. You can start when your child is a baby ... laying the foundational concepts and then building on them as your child grows.
Look closely at your toothpaste tube and you will see a warning label. Since 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration has required a poison warning label on all fluoride toothpastes, which contain the active ingredient of Sodium Fluoride, a toxic poison. Although only 1 percent of the toothpaste contains this toxic ingredient, you need to call the poison control center if your baby ingests more than the tiny amount needed for brushing teeth. Toothpaste that is pink, sparkly, and tastes like bubble gum may be easily mistaken for candy, posing a poison hazard for your unsuspecting baby.
I knew Jack would score very well on his motor development (as evidenced by his perpetual motion) ... however, when I got to verbal development, I was a bit concerned. I couldn't honestly say that he was saying specific words (knowing what they meant) or that he understood me when I gave simple commands. But I filled out the survey to the best of my ability and decided not to worry about it. When the pedicatrician, who is famous for being overly cautious, talked to us about the results he seemed fairly concerned ... concerned enough that he wanted to test Jack's hearing (a traumatic event for both of us). But Jack passed with flying colors (just like I knew he would), and the pediatrician decided we would wait and see how things progressed over the next three months.
Do you have a child under 2 years old? Or are you expecting a baby in the near future? Be sure to check out 
From day one of your child's life, the guessing begins. 
