Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Top parenting stories this week
Baby Talk
Your newborn can speak. The problem is you don't know her language. Here's how to decode what she's saying.
by: Nancy Ripton
Baby Talk
- All babies make the same sounds.
- Babies have five “words” to communicate their needs.
- It is easiest to hear what your baby is saying during the pre-cry phase before she starts screaming.
- When your baby is hungry, she will say “neh” or “nah.”
- The sound “owh” is created when sound is added to the yawn reflex. It means your baby is ready for bed.
hat new mom hasn’t wished her baby could just talk? Well, it turns out your newborn can communicate her needs. The problem is, you just don’t understand her language. To view the full story click here.
Tummy Time for Babies
Why it's important for your newborn to spend time on her tummy.
by: Nancy Ripton
Tummy Time
- Tummy time prevents flattening of the head and helps with motor development.
- The best way to ensure your baby likes tummy time is to start early.
- Five minutes a few times a day is sufficient tummy time.
- Firm, comfortable surfaces will make it easier for your baby to push up when on her stomach.
ummy time is important because it prevents flattening of the head and enhances motor development. “Tummy time teaches babies to push up on their arms,” says child development expert Lora Lesak. Motor development occurs from head to toe, so if a baby is slow to develop shoulder strength, delays will trickle down to rolling, sitting and crawling.
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.
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.
Coping with Baby Tantrums
What to do when your sweet little baby has a sudden freak out? Here’s how to get a handle on baby tantrums.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Baby Tantrums
- Baby tantrums start around age one.
- A baby tantrum is due to an abrupt and sudden loss of emotional control.
- If you can identify the tantrum trigger (such as hunger or frustration), you can more easily calm your baby down.
- Keep your schedule as regular and predictable as you can.
- Give your baby toys that are geared to his age and ability level so he doesn't get frustrated.
- When your baby is overly emotional, keep yourself as calm as possible.
aby's first tantrum can take you by surprise. You'll be shocked at the shrieking, stamping and hitting that can come out of such a little body. Don't take it personally. Baby tantrums aren't about anything you've done wrong, but there are a few things you can do to help calm your little one down and prevent the kicking and screaming from starting in the first place. To view the full story click here.
