Is it time for preschool? Learn how to tell if your child is ready and why good preschools emphasize exploration over academic skills. Plus, what to look for and questions to ask when picking a school for your child.
The next time you think your child is "just playing," think again. Play has a fundamental role in your child's development. Find out why play is as vital -- or even more vital -- than reading, writing, and arithmetic.
You want your child to behave, and while it may not always be evident, he wants this, too! In fact, when discipline is provided with consistency and love, it helps your little one feel secure. How to accomplish this? Read on!
Tears and Smiles After a period of separation, be it half an hour or a whole day, your baby may react to your return in conflicting ways, seeming happy one minute and distressed the next. This is normal and healthy – it indicates that the bond you've created is strong and that with you she feels safe enough to be able to express her emotions freely. So how should you react to this release of emotion?
Little Helping Hands It's never too early to start teaching your child the importance of helping around the house and being responsible. At this age, he's ready to participate in simple tasks and should be encouraged to tidy up his toys when he's finished playing with them. And when you're in the company of others, or out and about in a public place, point out the gestures of politeness that people make – such as holding doors open or greeting one another upon arrival – so that it becomes second nature to him. In time, he'll hopefully mimick this behaviour without even thinking about it.
Sorting out Sibling Jealousy Now that baby is taking a more active role in the family, your older child may start to resent her intrusion. Children react to sibling rivalry in different ways, and responses usually takes a few months to surface. Some become withdrawn and quiet while others respond with anger or revert to babyish behaviours. Part of your job as parents is to help your children develop a positive sibling relationship.
My once laid-back son is now a belligerent 4-year-old. He has begun having tantrums and they start over the simplest of issues. I am at my wits' end. It's like someone has replaced my son. He has just started nursery school and has a 1-year-old sister, which I know causes him stress. However, this behaviour seems to be extreme. Does he need to see a professional or is this a normal stage of development? HELP!
To help empower children to learn manners in the family setting, the dinner table is a good place to start.
Blue Versus Pink At this point in her life, you toddler is probably just as happy to play with dolls as she is with toy cars. Her gender awareness has yet to develop. But look more closely over the next few months and you'll start to notice little habits and preferences that are more clearly girl-like - in the way she chooses to play, for instance, and in her emotional responses to situations.
What are some good questions to ask when screening pre-schools?
Our 2 1/2-year-old daughter is very easy-going and generous in nature (which is fantastic!). However, during play we have noticed regularly that other children take the toys she is playing with. She doesn't seem to be able to stand up for herself (although verbally she is very proficient) and take them back. Instead she just cries, forcing someone to intervene. In the past we have let children take things from her, choosing not to fight all her battles. However, we are now concerned that she is just going to become a "pushover". She seems to be an overly sensitive child. Do you have any suggestions?
As your child grows, he will make giant strides in three main areas of development: physical, cognitive, and social. What can you expect from age three to six years? Read on!
How can we get our 18-month-old to drink from a cup?
My 16-month-old son welcomed his new baby sister home a month ago and seemed to love her instantly. Now he's very upset. He won't eat like he used to and throws tantrums. I tried to introduce them properly by letting him touch her and show her all his toys. I try to pay equal attention to both except for breastfeeding the new baby and not my son. He recently stopped being breastfed. Is there anything I can do to help him?
Is your child shy around new people or unsettled by change? Sensitivities are common between ages two and seven years. For more about sensitivities and how you can help, read on!
Sibling Solutions As you plan for the actual labour and birth spare a thought for the other little person in the house to whom this is all a big inconvenience and upheaval. As you know from past experience, labour, once it kicks in, is an all-consuming affair, and it's easy to overlook small details on the day. So take some time now to think of ways to make the actual day of your baby's birth a positive and memorable event for your child.
Child Play's the Thing! Children learn from each other. Even though at this age your toddler isn't ready to actually play cooperatively with another child, spending time with peers allows her to discover many important things - how to share toys, how to predict and understand other toddlers' behaviour, how to use objects in new ways and how to have fun with others.
My son is 28 months old and we have a hard time dressing him. He only wants to wear pyjamas. What can we do?
Your little one still has lots to figure out about the world and the people in it. One thing that's pretty much settled, though, is Mummy's role: Mummy is her Mummy, and that's that. Now it’s time to broaden this view.
Does your baby turn towards new sounds? Does your toddler follow simple directions? Learn how questions like these can help you test your child's hearing and what you should do if you suspect a problem.
