Research shows that babies who are held or carried more (both during the colic spells & other times) are less susceptible to colic.

Truth about colic

Colic is simply crying that goes on & on and does not seem to have a cause, with 3+ hrs daily crying, 20% of babies are diagnosed with colic

Empowering your kids

Help tot feel more powerful by listening, making decisions whenever possible, & giving opportunity to experience competence by helping out.

Lullabies

Sing a Lullaby – The long loved lullaby does just that, it helps lull babies and toddlers to sleep.
From: Mommyscape.com

Expose your baby to about 30 minutes of light each morning. Why? Light suppresses the release of the sleep hormone melatonin; this helps set her internal clock — making it easier for her to fall asleep at night.

Toddler’s fighting.

Perhaps the only thing worse than seeing another child hit your toddler is seeing your toddler hit another child. Parents know that children won’t always get along, but it can be painful for parents to watch their children fighting-sometimes violently-with their peers.

From: Partnershipforlearning.org.

When to share

When teaching your kids to share, set realistic expectations.

Keep in mind that children really don’t understand the concept of sharing until 2 1/2 or 3 years of age.

From: CBS News.com

the magic of car toys

Pick out a few interesting toys and books just for the car. Defuse tantrums by strategically offering a toy or book.

Craft projects can help temperments

When child gets frustrated or bored do a project. Anything from coloring & cutting paper occupies his mind & changes attitude and actions.
From: LifeTips

Biting

Biting is not acceptable behavior.

Avoid play group meltdowns

Avoid play group meltdowns by keeping the visits short; no more than two hours at once.From: ToddlersToday.com

Toddler aggressive behavior

Toddlers often resort to aggressive behavior when they feel insecure. He may hit out at other children because he’s angry and wants to get your attention. Pick him up and cuddle him when visitors arrive or reassure him by sitting near him and making lots of physical contact.

Tired toddlers are not patient

Tired toddlers are not patient and this can make for a very frustrating shopping experience. Be sure that you are not planning your grocery shopping during your toddler’s normal naptime. It is best to go after your toddler has had a nap and had a chance to wake up for a few minutes.From: Suite101.com

Keep trips short and sweet

Staying inside all day is a bad, bad idea with this age group and will make time slow until it more or less screeches to a halt.

Teach discipline early in life

There are many good reasons to begin teaching discipline early in life.

If children do not grow up with definite guidelines of what is right or wrong, they will have no respect for rules or authority. The key to toddler discipline is patience, understanding, and consistency.

With these qualities, you can teach your toddler how to behave in social situations.

Teaching your child relaxation skills

Teach your child relaxation skills to assist her in calming down when she feels herself getting angry.

When one reacts emotionally rather than responds thoughtfully, regretful behaviors are often the result. By learning to take some deep breaths BEFORE the explosion, there is a greater chance that she will respond appropriately, rather than react negatively.

From: parenting.org Opens in new window

Tags: relaxation, temperament

Consistency and discipline

Your kids need to be able to predict how you will behave. Consistency tells your child he’s important to you.

From: babycenter.com.

Tags: discipline, kids

Considering time-outs

Consider a time-out. If your child is being very resistant or aggressive, placing him in time-out may allow for time to calm down, and to think about the choices he has.

From: parenting.org.

Tags: discipline, toddler

Being direct with children

Be direct. Direct requests are more likely to be followed. Avoid asking questions, especially when you are not offering a choice.

For example, don’t say, “Can you pick up your toys” (the answer is obviously no) when you mean "please pick up your toys".

From: parenting.org.

Tags: temperment, parenting, toddler

Understand what a time-out is – and isn’t

A time-out isn’t a punishment. It’s an opportunity for your child to learn how to cope with frustration and modify his behavior.

While your child is in a time-out, he’s on his own, so try to let him sit in solitude for a few moments. Any attention from you, positive or negative, will serve as reinforcement for his behavior.