Journal

Toddlers are infamous for tantrums and other behavior issues. To encourage listening and cooperation, follow these parenting tips. Life can be frustrating for toddlers. Though eager to be independent, young children can’t always move as swiftly as they’d like or clearly express their needs. They also tend to have trouble dealing with limits, compromise and disappointment. This can lead to tantrums and misbehavior. But you can teach your toddler to behave well by providing love, clear rules and a degree of routine. Consider these practical parenting tips. Show your love Make sure your displays of affection for your child outnumber any consequences or punishments. Hugs,Read More →

While many toddlers are sleeping through the night, sleep issues can still be common at this age. And this lack of sleep can lead to toddler tantrums and general crankiness. Keep in mind that your toddler still needs up to 14 hours of sleep a day, so it’s important that you stick to a routine that includes plenty of naps and an early bedtime. The toddler stage also typically includes the transition from sleeping in a crib to sleeping in a big kid bed, though parents shouldn’t feel pressured to make the switch at a certain age. If your child is still comfortable in a crib,Read More →

Injuries are the leading cause of death for children under age 4. Many of those injuries can be prevented if you follow some basic safety guidelines. Keep these safety tips in mind: Sharp Objects: Consider removing sharp objects from reach when you have a toddler. Cutlery and knives should be locked away in a safe place. Objects like bottles and plates which can easily create jagged edges when broken, should be kept out of reach. Poisoning: Toddlers explore by putting everything in their mouths. Use safety caps on any toxic household products and medicines—and keep them out of sight and out of reach. Store the numberRead More →

Even the best of parents struggle with how to discipline a toddler. Follow these simple strategies to keep your 2- and 3-year-olds in line. Pick Your Battles If you’re always saying, ‘No, no, no,’ your child will tune out the no and won’t understand your priorities. Plus you can’t possibly follow through on all of the nos. Define what’s important to you, set limits accordingly, and follow through with appropriate consequences. Then ease up on little things that are annoying but otherwise fall into the “who cares?” category — the habits your child is likely to outgrow, such as insisting on wearing purple (and only purple).Read More →

The importance of play Play is central to your child’s learning and development. When your child plays, it gives him/her lots of different ways and times to learn. Play also helps your child: build confidence feel loved, happy and safe develop social skills, language and communication learn about caring for others and the environment develop physical skills. Different types of play Unstructured, free play is the best type of play for young children. This is play that just happens, depending on what takes your child’s interest at the time. Free play isn’t planned and lets your child use his imagination and move at his own pace.Read More →

Talking with children about child sexual abuse: You might feel uncomfortable or uncertain talking about tough topics like child sexual abuse. That’s natural. But talking about sexual abuse with your child or the child you’re caring for helps to keep your child safe. That’s because talking helps your child understand what sexual abuse is and gives your child language to talk about this issue too. Also, open and honest conversations send the message that your child can always talk to you and that you’ll listen no matter what. If you’re not sure how to start, you can talk about sexual abuse as part of conversations about relationships and friendships, respect andRead More →

About self-esteem Self-esteem is liking yourself, feeling worthwhile, believing in yourself and knowing what you do well. Self-esteem gives children confidence to: try new things and try again when things don’t go as planned do things that they might not enjoy or normally be good at face challenges rather than avoid them. When children try new things, face challenges and bounce back, they learn and grow. This is why self-esteem can be an important part of child development. Babies and self-esteem Newborns and very young babies don’t really have self-esteem. That’s because they don’t yet see themselves as being their own person. But you can still layRead More →

What is positive attention? Positive attention is the way you show delight in your child and warmth in your relationship through: smiling at your child making eye contact and using caring facial expressions showing physical affection – for example, hugging your child using words to celebrate and encourage your child showing interest in your child’s interests, activities and achievements. Why positive attention is important From birth, children need experiences and relationships that show them they’re valued, capable human beings who bring pleasure to others. Positive attention, reactions and responses from key grown-ups help children build a picture of how valued they are. Your child’s self-image builds upRead More →

About numeracy and maths skills Numeracy is the ability to recognise and apply maths concepts in all areas of life. Numeracy skills involve understanding numbers, counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, adding and subtracting numbers, and so on. Children and adults need numeracy and maths skills to do everyday things like: solve problems – for example, have I got time to walk to school? analyse and make sense of information – for example, how many wins does my team need to get to the top of the competition? understand patterns – for example, what number would the next house in this street be?Read More →