Getting past the “picky-eater” stage

If your child is going through a picky-eater stage, invite over a friend who is the same age or slightly older whom you know “likes to eat”. Your child will catch on. Group feeding lets the other kids set the example.

Empathizing

Empathizing with a child, as opposed to minimizing her feelings, helps her recover more quickly from disappointment and teaches her how to regulate her emotions within a situation.

Choosing a proper car seat

Avoid car seats that require you to adjust the buckle from the back of the seat. The better car seats allow you to make adjustments from the front and have raised belt slots for buckling ease.

Socializing your toddler

Around the time he turns 2, your toddler will start to actively reach out to other children. But as with any other skill, he learns how to socialize with others by trial and error.

Scheduling naps

To make the most of toddler naps, try to settle down at the same time and in the same place each day; try not to let him sleep in the car or stroller, which could disrupt his nap schedule.

limiting meal times

Limit mealtimes to about 20 – 30 minutes. Research shows that most toddlers eat whatever they are going to in the first 20 minutes.

Make plans to spend time together.

For Valentine’s Day, make plans to spend time alone with your toddler doing something he/she enjoys.

Choosing clothes for Valentines Day

For Valentines’ day, let your little one help you in picking out their clothes for today. See how many clothing items your child can find that are red or pink.

Read a Valentine’s Story.

Lots of libraries will be doing Valentine’s day specials for Valentines.

Focusing on frugal activities for Valentine’s Day

Teach your children to enjoy Valentine’s Day by focusing on frugal activities instead of getting caught up in consumerism, like baking instead of buying, and focusing on free entertainment can make the day fun and unique.

Making Valentine’s mailboxes

Instead of using the standard shoe box for your kids Valentine’s mailbox, decorate an empty cereal box instead. It fits better in their backpacks.

School and ADHD

School creates multiple challenges for kids with attention deficit disorder, but with patience and an effective plan to overcome these obstacles, your child with ADD/ADHD can thrive in the classroom.

Visiting day care

One of the best ways to put your child at ease prior to starting day care is to have him or her visit the facility or family day care home, preferably more than once, for short visits.

Weight milestones

During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. Her weight will double by 5 to 6 months, and triple by her first birthday.

Nap time todder

Stay firm but calm. Although it’s frustrating having to deal with a toddler who won’t nap, the best thing you can do is not show her that she’s getting to you.

Being afraid of the bath

Some toddlers become afraid of the bath. If this happens, take your toddler’s fears seriously, as they are very real to her. To help overcome a fear try taking a bath with your toddler.

Six servings of grains

Kids ages 12-24 mos need at least 6 servings of grains each day, so snack time is definitely a prime opportunity to sneak some in. Cheerios and other low-sugar cereals are a great quick and easy option.

Day care guide

When meeting with day care directors or caregivers, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable. It’s a good idea to have a written list with you so that you don’t forget a key query.

Speech and development

Kids acquire speech, like all the other developmental skills, at their own pace. Most children who talk late eventually catch up.

Scary experiences

A deeply stressful or scary experience such as a car accident or fire challenges a toddler’s sense of security. Dealing with the source of the trauma timely can reduce the toddler’s anxiety.