Real experiences by a Mom

Merits and Demerits of In-home Childcare

In-home childcare is chosen by many parents due to various reasons. However, some new parents would like to know more about the system and its advantages and disadvantages. You will find below a brief description of what the whole system is about and what it entails.

In-home childcare requires a caretaker who is ready to take care of your kids at your home. It is a very convenient arrangement for both the kids and the parents. The kids can stick to their schedule of sleeping, and you need not drag them to a day care centre in the early morning hours before you rush to work.

The caretaker at home will maintain your kids’ schedule of eating, bathing, playing and napping. This is not possible at a daycare centre, where all kids have to maintain a uniform schedule different from home. The kids have to adjust themselves to rules of the centre and get along with a large number of children. Hence, your kids cannot expect the comfort of a home-setting at the centre.

The caretaker at home is better equipped to accommodate the individual needs of your kids. Many parents have to work over time or stay late or overnight for business purposes. In such cases the caregiver at home can take care of your kids in your absence, even if you are late. This is one of the major advantages of in-home childcare.

The kids are safe and secure at home. They don’t come into contact with too many kids. In this way your kids can avoid contracting contagious diseases as so happens when one has to mingle with so many people. In this way, parents save on number of absenteeism from work to look after a sick kid.

However, there are some disadvantages. First of all, in-home childcare is very expensive. Everyone cannot comfortably manage the expense. You also have to follow government regulations regarding pay and remunerations because the caregiver is your employee. If the caregiver falls ill or unavailable for some days due to other reasons, it is difficult to find a replacement. You may have to stay back home to look after the kids. Besides, if you hire a live-in caregiver, you may have to make yourself comfortable with sharing your home with a stranger.

Posted on June 1st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Behavior, Child Care, Play, Sleep, Toddler, bath | No Comments »

Toddlers and Daycare Adjustment

Many parents feel overwhelmed by guilty when they have to leave their crying toddlers at the daycare centre. But they should listen to their head rather than the heart, because it is necessary for every working parent to leave their kids at the daycare center if there is no other alternative. The parents have to think of their work, livelihood and other practical necessities.

Hence, instead of feeling guilty parents should consider many aspects while choosing a daycare centre for their kids. They should consider their feelings, the daycare atmosphere, the caretaker, and the character of the kids themselves before taking a decision.

Apart from taking into account all your practical realities such as work and income, checkout the daycare centre into which you have admitted your kid. Find out whether your kid is comfortable in the daycare centre. This can be checked out by unannounced visits, talking to the caretaker about her attitude and qualifications, and also by talking to parents of other kids. You needn’t let you child see you when you make the unannounced visits but you can make sure how comfortable you kid is in your absence at the daycare centre.

Above all, subject your child’s character under an honest scrutiny. Some children are manipulative and may be taking you for a ride by feigning uneasiness. Some kids are used to getting their way, while some are of the emotional type. Checkout and evaluate their character and behavior at the centre both in your presence and absence before you withdraw the kid from the place. Some kids cry at the end of the day may be because they are unsure of your arrival, or due to some other reasons. Talk the matter with your partner, and may be both of you can take the kid to the centre alternately. Also, try to change your routine if necessary.

Kids, like adults, need time to adjust to a new place. Kids who go regularly to a daycare centre need at least one month to adjust while part time kids take about one to three months to do the same. Hence, parents need to take all matters into consideration before deciding to withdraw the kids from a day care centre. Take time and don’t be in a hurry. Otherwise, the kids might develop an impression that it is alright to give up something too soon with out even a try. They need your example and help to develop social skills and the ability to get along in life.

Posted on June 1st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Behavior, Child Care, Toddler | No Comments »

Toddlers and Oral Hygiene

Toddlers, like adults, require special attention to keep their mouth, gums and teeth clean and healthy. Hygiene of the mouth should start much before the first tooth appears. The gums should be regularly wiped with a soft wet cloth so that the tooth can emerge at a clean place when it chooses to appear.

Proper care of the teeth should start as soon as the first tooth appears because as each tooth emerges it immediately becomes susceptible to decay due to sugar contents in milk, fruit juices and formula food. The following tips would ensure proper care and hygiene of the mouth, gum and teeth and make these vital parts always healthy.

A regular checkup with the dentists is as good a habit as brushing twice a day. The kids should see a dentist as early as possible after the first tooth appears, or within age one. The dentist can check how the cleaning at home is working, and also monitor and fix any problems at the initial stage. This checkup should continue at regular intervals. And gradually, the visits will become a habit with the kids and they will continue to visit the dentists on their own after they have grown up.

Only a pea sized amount of paste is required for kids under age six, and the brushing should be done under supervision else they swallow the paste, which could be harmful. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and teeth, but while the kids are asleep little saliva is produced. Hence, it is necessary that they brush their teeth before bedtime. This will remove all sugar, food particles and bacteria from the mouth.

Other than brushing and regular visits to the dentist, regular flossing also keeps the teeth healthy. This norm should be practiced by the whole family to have a bright smile. Such practice help nip any harm in the bud as the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”

Fluoride toothpaste is the best option for brushing. The brushing should be done not only for the teeth but also for the tongue, that too, at least twice a day and also after every meal. This will help to get rid of harmful plaque and bacteria that cause cavities, gum diseases and foul breath.

Gum diseases are the result of plaque which usually remerges within 24 hours of cleaning. Baking soda is an effective medium to naturally whiten the teeth. Some toothpaste such as Arm & Hammer has sufficient baking soda formula content with micro polishers. These are capable of penetrating even the tiniest cavities, between the teeth, along the gum lines and gently remove the stains and particles to give you sparkling teeth and healthy gums. These ingredients also neutralize bacterial acids that cause foul breath and provide long-lasting fresh breath.

Posted on May 31st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Dental care, Toddler | No Comments »

Hypnotherapy and EFT for Toddlers

Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) are excellent stress-busters and are easy to use tools for parents to alleviate their children’s fears of any type or intensity. These provide effective, non-invasive treatment methods for abnormal behaviors arising out of any type of anxiety, phobia or stress. These tools not only heal the abnormalities, but also instill in the kids great confidence and hope. They become able to achieve their best where ever they are.

When the kids get better, it also reduces parental stress and improves their relationships with the kids. Hypnotherapy and EFT are simple to learn and can be easily practiced at home. These do not make use of any drugs, and are cheaper than most other treatments. Problems such as acute phobia to nail biting can be healed by the practice of these techniques. The stress and fear of the victims are replaced by comfort and confidence. Above all, learning of these tools is a long term investment as the kids can practice these techniques even after they grow up.

There are websites that provide information on these techniques, but parents had better visit a certified practitioner. Your family doctor or healthcare provider can help you locate a professional practitioner. Some important websites are the EFT network www.ngh.net, and www.emofree.com of the National Guild of Hypnotherapy. There are similar guilds in Canada. Make sure that the kids feel comfortable with the therapist before you choose one.

Hypnotherapy and EFT can be practiced in combination or you can choose either one for treatment of children of any age. The technique involves gentle tapping on the acupressure zones of the body. Older children can do the tapping by themselves. The tapping can be turned into an amusing activity. EFT is particularly effective for removing negative emotions and thoughts and fills the kids with positive and creative feelings.

Hypnotherapy is most suitable to older kids because the technique requires an attention span of about 20 minutes, which children over age four can easily achieve. Besides, it requires use of imagination because the therapist uses visualization and relaxation techniques to free the kids of negative emotions.

At home, parents can assist the kids with the tapping or do the work themselves. Visualization techniques can be used by telling kids imaginative stories. For example, if the kid is afraid of spiders, simply make out the story of a princess who daringly confronted a big spider in the forest, and how she killed it. Also ask the kids how their favorite comic character would have reacted if s/he had been confronted with the object of their fear.

Posted on May 31st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Behavior, Child Care, Toddler | No Comments »

An Environment Friendly Pediatrician for Your Toddler

All parents have to seek the help of a professional pediatrician for their toddlers on a regular basis as kids need medical help very often. At a time when environmental concerns are discussed worldwide, many parents would like to have the services of a pediatrician who has an environmentally sustainable perspective on treatment. Here are some tips to identify such a pediatrician to take care of your toddler’s health in a sustainable manner.

Environment friendly pediatricians can be identified by asking about their views on different topics. For example, ask them about their opinion on introducing solid foods. Green pediatricians will suggest introducing whole grains, fresh tastes or organic foods. It shows that they care for establishing in the new generation a healthier nutritional habit which is better than the older generation.

Green pediatricians will not readily prescribe antibiotics for ear infections. Instead, they will suggest that antibiotics are unnecessary as most of the ear infections will heal better on their own. It is in tune with their views on sustainability which also include reduced use of antibiotics. However, they may prescribe a tranquilizer in case of ear pain. Regarding eczema, they will most probably suggest an approach to reduce exposure to things that cause eczema or to gently moisturize the skin. It is because they prefer to treat the cause rather than just the symptoms. Besides, they would like to choose a treatment which is as gentle as possible.

As for a baby shampoos, they will advice a number of greener options for common baby products which may include Burt’s Bees, Baby Avalon Organics, Tom’s Maine and so on.

Also make sure whether the pediatricians use organic foods in their family. If they do so then it is a sign that they practice what they preach. Almost all green pediatricians experiment with organic foods at home before prescribing them to other families.

Moreover, observe carefully the pediatrician’s clinic. Watch out if there are any incandescent bulbs and strong odor of bleach or ammonia. These items are very non-green. Go out to the waiting room and see what type of diapers the babies are wearing. If they are wearing cloth or hybrid diapers then you can be sure that this pediatrician is a favorite of parents with environmental concerns.

Posted on May 30th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Child Diseases, Toddler | No Comments »

Toddlers and Lunch Bags

Similar to a heavy backpack, a heavy lunch bag too can cause additional strain and harm on the back and shoulders of the kids. Hence, parents should be careful and take certain precautions while burdening their kid with a lunch bag in addition to a backpack.

Lunch bags are usually carried inside a backpack. Hence, attaching the bag outside the backpack does not actually reduce the weight but it may dangle about and cause additional strain and imbalance to the kid. Instead, the lunch box should be kept inside the backpack and placed in such a manner that it comes closer to the kid’s back sot hat s/he does not lose equilibrium.

All the other heavier items such as water bottles, containers and thermoses should be kept inside the backpack. These too should be kept in a way that these come closer to the kid’s back. This will help the kid to maintain his/her equilibrium and avoid extra strain.

Lighter objects such as pencils, erasers, and other loose items could be kept in the lunch bag and then placed inside the backpack. Making the kid carry the lunch bag in one hand will cause additional strain and imbalance. Moreover, it will only help to restrict the child’s movement.

The important point for parents to keep in mind is that the combined weight of the backpack and the lunch bag does not exceed the prescribed limit of 10 percent of the body weight for younger kids and 15 percent of the body weight of older kids. Such precautions, though seem small enough, are very important to bring your kid back home in safe and fitting condition.

Posted on May 30th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Child Care, Toddler, school | No Comments »

Toddlers and Backpack Safety

Selecting the right backpack for school going kids is very important to avoid strains and sprains of their back and shoulders. Safety and ergonomics must be the criteria when selecting a backpack. According to medical professionals, the proper weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of the kid’s body weight, while it has been found that children usually carry an average of 17 per cent of their body weight. As a result, in 2003 alone there were about 25,000 cases of backpack related injuries in the US as reported by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hence, it is imperative that parents should spend some time together with their kids to evaluate backpack guidelines to insure maximum comfort, safety and correct use.

Proper care should be given to selecting the right backpack. It should have the following qualities:

1. A well-padded back. This will keep things from digging into the kid’s back and causing injuries.
2. Well-padded contoured shoulder straps. This will ensure comfort and prevent nerve compression.
3. A large number of pockets and compartments. This will prevent objects from moving around.
4. A waist strap. This will distribute weight onto hips and avoid extra strain on the shoulders and spine.
5. Made of lightweight material preferably canvas, which is lighter than leather.
6. Right size. The backpack should not go beyond four inches below the waist and should not extend over the shoulder level.

While packing a backpack the following points should be taken care of.

1. The total weight of the packed items should not exceed more than 10 per cent of the kid’s body weight. It can go up to 15 percent for older kids.
2. The heaviest objects should be put in such a way that it comes closest to the child’s back to keep the kid’s balance and avoid any extra strain.
3. The inside organizer compartments is ideal for keeping objects in statistic condition when the kid is moving.
4. Pack only the necessary items and remove each night all unnecessary items.
5. When properly packed the backpack should contour comfortably around the kid’s back instead of projecting or hanging out.

The following points should be noted while lifting and carrying the backpack.

1. Adjust both shoulder straps in such a way that the lower part reaches just above the waist, not over the buttocks.
2. While lifting the bag make the kid bend at the knees, not at the waist. Also, squatting or kneeling while lifting are also safe methods.
3. Both hands should be used to lift the backpack. Hold it close to the body while lifting.
4. Slip one arm through one shoulder strap followed by the other hand on the next strap.

If the kid can comfortably stand straight with the backpack over his/her back it is a sign that the backpack is properly packed, fitted and not too heavy.

Posted on May 29th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Diet, Toddler, school | No Comments »

Toddlers and Tattling

Tattling usually happens among siblings who tattle for various reasons. It is often caused by feelings of rivalry. Toddlers do it to take revenge, to get the better of the other, to manipulate or simply to attract attention. Tattling is common among older toddlers, but younger toddlers may do it among themselves, but they do it mainly when they are with older toddlers. A study in England made by Susanne Denham, of the George Mason University, reveals that toddlers as young as 1 ½ years tattle with their older siblings with great skill.

According to Denham, the younger toddlers do it to threaten and get the better of their older siblings. It may be also related to their developing moral sense. Tattling is a way for them to reestablish a rule that they consider others have violated. What ever may be the reasons, almost all the parents rightly disapprove tattling and look for ways to tackle and stop the kids when they engage in tattling.

First of all, find out if the kids are tattling because they are feeling un-secure and unsure of your help when they need it. Let the kids know that you are always ready to help them and hence it is unnecessary for them to draw your attention by tattling. Such a confidence building measure will gradually stop them from tattling. Also, give them enough time to develop their power of judgment to distinguish between correct and incorrect behavior. However, they need your immediate intervention and help if they are genuinely being harassed by an older or stronger kid.

Even if the situation at which two kids are tattling is safe, parents need to teach the kids to express themselves in an alternative way other than tattling. Make them understand that tattling is improper behavior and they should tell the persons concerned their reasons for being angry or displeased with someone. Promise them that you will help them if they tell you the reasons instead of whining. This will make them understand the reasons for your objections and eventually they will stop tattling and find better ways to negotiate an unpleasant situation by communication.

Also, by encouraging the kids to sort out their problems by themselves instead of coming to you always is another tactic that will enable them to develop their own problem solving abilities. Give them opportunity and time to negotiate and settle their problems among themselves, and intervene only when the situation gets out of hand. Then you can assist them to find a potential solution. While settling the matter, make sure that the tattler does not mislead you to punish an innocent kid.

Posted on May 29th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Behavior, Toddler | No Comments »

Toddlers and Lying

Toddlers between age one and four are unable to differentiate truth from falsehood. Hence, the concept of lying and telling the truth is beyond their understanding. Lying, therefore, cannot be considered as intentional from their part and they cannot be held guilty of it. They are over imaginative, and forgetful. It is easy for them to imagine that there is a spider under their bed, and quick to forget where they put their favorite toy.

They also suffer from what is called the angel syndrome. Influenced by their parents’ expectation to be good, they might start believing themselves that they always do the right thing. They think of something wrong they can do and feel happy when they don’t do such an act.

One or a combination of the above reasons makes a toddler speak things that seem to be a lie to the adults. Parents need to understand this character trait of their toddlers and tolerate their harmless lies to a certain extent. They believe in the fairy tales their parents tell them, and parents should sit back and enjoy some of the tales their toddlers tell. It is part of their normal development.

Toddlers also develop imaginary friends, which is also a normal process of their well developed imagination. Pretended pals also serve the important purpose of making a safe way to find out the type of personality they want to develop. Hence, they try to put the blame of some of their misdeeds on their imaginary friends.

Hence, punishing the toddlers for telling a lie is worthless. However, parents can nurture in them the importance of telling the truth by constantly encouraging them to tell the truth. If they tell a truth, acknowledge and appreciate their honesty. If they are punished after telling the truth, then they might think that they are punished for being honest. Instead, thank them for their honesty.

Also, parents can inspire them to tell the truth by couching the words of their questioning in such a manner that the answer will be in the form of a confession. If they are questioned in a direct manner, they might feel afraid to tell the truth and come out with a denial.

Toddlers are unable to understand and practice all the rules and expectations their parents impose on them. The kids might feel afraid to disappoint the parents and tell lies if they are overburdened with too much expectations and rules. Building mutual trust is another way of encouraging the toddlers to tell the truth. This can be done by keeping a promise and apologizing promptly if it cannot be kept. Also, be a role model to your child by always telling him/her the truth.

Posted on May 28th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Behavior, Toddler | No Comments »

More Tips to Make the Toddlers Say “Yes!”

Here are some more tips for parents to get over the rebelliousness of their toddlers, who at a certain stage of their development fall in love with the word “No!” and never want to say “Yes!” These additional tips are also every effective to make any hardened “No!” devil say “Yes!”

Try to get their full attention when you want them to do something. One method is to place your hands on each of their arms and tell them to do what you want by looking right into their eyes. This will draw their full attention, making them understand your seriousness and they will become a sort of obliged to cooperate.

Some toddlers like to do everything by themselves, such as brushing, eating, bathing and so on. When parents want to help them, they say “No!” One way to solve such problem is by taking turns. For example, if the toddlers want to get out of the car by themselves, but at their own leisure, then you have a problem. Try giving them some time, say — ten seconds — to do it. Start counting from one to ten. Before that, tell them if they don’t come out within the time, it will be your turn and you are going to help them. Usually, they will be out of the car before you count the number ten.

Leaving them to do what they want for sometime without getting angry with their refusal is another tactic. For example, if the toddlers refuse to get dressed then simply tell them that you are going to the laundry to wash some clothes. It often happens that the toddlers will quickly change their mind and call for you within a few seconds to assist them with the dressing.

Toddlers like to compete with their peers. For example, they want to do everything their friends do, that also one step better. Hence, if you want them to do something, tell them to show you how so and so does it. They will be eager to do it, may be better.

Small kids like to imitate their elder brother or sister. If there is an elder kid in the family s/he will like to play the big sister or big brother role. They like to egg the younger ones to imitate their actions. For example, they might prompt the younger ones to jump on the sofa. The younger toddlers refuse to obey when parents tell them to stop. Under this circumstances, tell the elder brother or sister to teach the younger ones the rules. They will be proud to play the big boy or girl who knows the rules and teach the younger ones what to do.

Another strategy is to give the kids an option to do their favorite task if they do another task you want them to perform. If the kids love to water the plant tell them they can do it if they pick up the pieces of paper lying on the floor.

Posted on May 28th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Behavior, Tips, Toddler | No Comments »

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