Top parenting stories this week
Coping with a Crying Baby
Here's what to do when your baby or toddler turn on the tears
by: Sharon Silver
Coping with Crying
- Unexplained tears are part of a newborn’s biology and usually peak around the two-month mark.
- By about five months old, crying becomes a form of communication.
- Toddler tears are often a sign of frustration, but they can also become a tool young children use to get what they want.
- The key is to teach children how to manage their emotional reactions to situations.
- Sometimes toddlers just need another outlet for their emotions, such as jumping up and down instead of having a temper tantrum.
haven’t met a parent yet who doesn’t feel a tug at their heart strings when their child cries. At the same time, I think most parents understand that crying is part of the language of early childhood. Here’s how to understand crying from baby to toddler. To view the full story click here.
What to do When your Child is Left-Handed
Obama is left-handed–and he's not the only left-handed superstar. Here's why it's great to be a leftie and what you need to know about raising a left-handed child.
by: Nancy Ripton
Left-Handedness
- 75 percent of left-handers have two right-handed parents
- Four of the last five US presidents, including Barack Obama, are left-handed.
- Left-handers need to do most tasks back-to-front, with equipment that wasn’t made for them.
- Most children show a preference for their right or left hand by age three.
- Teaching proper left-handed writing technique from an early age is essential.
arack Obama isn’t the only famous left-hander. Four of the last five U.S. presidents have been left-handed. (The righty was George W. Bush.) In fact, a large percentage of the world’s creative geniuses, ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to Jimi Hendrix, are left-handers. While being a leftie has some advantages, it also comes with it’s own set of drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know to help your leftie get ahead. To view the full story click here.
At What Age Should Children Start to Watch Television?
Find out what amount of television your child should watch and what age it’s okay to start.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Baby's First TV
- Children under age two should avoid watching TV whenever possible.
- Children who watch a lot of television during their early years are at an increased risk of childhood obesity, poor social development and aggressive behavior.
- Set a TV time limit, such as no more than 30 to 60 minutes a day, and stick to it.
- The average two- to five-year-old spends 4.5 hours a day watching TV or DVDs.
- TV and DVD watching is on the rise, but the viewing of quality children’s programming, such as Sesame Street, is actually declining.
t’s hard to find an infant or toddler who hasn’t watched at least some TV, but is it good for them? Here’s how to decide when it’s okay to let your baby first watch TV and how to get the most from children’s television programming. To view the full story click here.
Attention-seeking Toddlers
Does your child often demand your attention? Here’s how to cope with those constant interruptions.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Attention Seeking
- Teach your children how to tell if something is important enough to warrant an interruption.
- Don’t answer your toddler’s question when she interrupts–this only reinforces the habit.
- Teach your child to gently squeeze your arm if she wants your attention when you’re talking to someone else.
- Put together a box of activities or games specifically for when you’re busy and can’t be interrupted.
- Praise your toddler for using good manners, such as saying “excuse me” when she wants your attention.
t can be frustrating when your child constantly interrupts you, but attention-seeking is a common toddler trait. Here’s how to teach them when it’s okay to interrupt–and how to do it politely. To view the full story click here.
Why Babies Smile
Is your baby happy to see you, or does she just have gas? Find out what your baby's smile really means.
by: Nancy Ripton
Smiling Babies
- Babies smile during sleep from the day they’re born.
- Infant smiles have nothing to do with gas.
- Your baby will respond to, and smile at, auditory stimulus (such as your voice) before visual.
- At two to three months, your baby starts to look right at you when she smiles.
- By six months, your baby will have different smiles – open mouth smiles usually indicate more joy than closed.
t’s hard not to feel overjoyed when your baby gazes adoringly into your eyes and flashes a brief, but unmistakable smile. But is she really trying to communicate her joy at seeing you, or does she simply have gas? To view the full story click here.
