While it may not result in any major issues, a shorter-than-usual band of tissue may limit tongue movements.
A band of tissue known as the lingual frenulum holds the tongue partially to the front of the mouth. A small frenulum might limit the tongue's range of motion. This is referred to as a tongue tie.
A child with a tongue tie is unable to touch the top of their upper teeth with their tongue when their mouth is open or to extend their tongue past their bottom lip. Their tongue seems to be heart-shaped or notch-shaped when they extend it. A baby's tongue might be knotted if you can't get a finger beneath it, as they don't usually stick out their tongues.
How often do tongue-ties occur?
Tongue ties are common. People's definitions of this condition vary; therefore, it's difficult to pinpoint its actual prevalence. Roughly 8% of infants younger than one-year-old may have a mild tongue tie.
Is having a tied tongue an issue?
It's important to remember that tongue-ties are not always an issue. Many infants, kids, and adults have tongue-ties that don't give them any problems at all.
There are two primary ways in which tongue-ties can lead to issues:
They may make it difficult for some babies to latch on to the mother's nipple, which can lead to nursing issues. Both the mother's nipples and the baby's have pain when feeding due to this. Not every baby with tongue tie experiences it; a good number of them can breastfeed. When a breastfed baby is gaining weight well, gassiness or fussiness is not the result of tongue-ties. Bottle feeding does not provide any difficulties for infants with tongue-ties.
They may result in speech issues. Some kids with tongue-ties could have trouble saying some sounds, like t, d, z, s, th, n, and l. Speech delay is not caused by tongue-ties.
How should you respond if you believe your child or infant has a tongue tie?
See your doctor if you believe that your infant's poor latching is the result of a tongue knot. A baby may not latch onto the breast well for a multitude of reasons. To gain a better understanding of the problem, your doctor should carefully record all past events and examine your infant.
To receive assistance with breastfeeding, you should also see a lactation consultant. This is because there are numerous reasons why babies struggle to latch on, and with the correct care and assistance, many kids with tongue ties can nurse effectively.
If you believe that your child's difficulties pronouncing words could be related to a tongue knot, consult your physician. It just takes some time for many kids to pick up specific sound pronunciations. To be sure that tongue-tie is not the issue, it is also a good idea to get a speech-language pathologist's assessment.
What can I do about a tongue tie?
When necessary, a frenotomy—a surgical incision—can be used by a physician to relieve a tongue tie. A frenotomy can be performed with a laser or by just cutting the frenulum.
Still, there's no need to take any action regarding a tongue tie that isn't producing issues. Even though a frenotomy is a relatively simple operation, problems like bleeding, infection, or trouble feeding can occasionally happen. For this reason, doing it merely to avoid issues later on is never a wise idea. Only in situations where the tongue tie is obviously causing problems should the operation be considered.
It is also vital to understand that removing a tongue tie does not usually solve the problem, particularly when nursing. Research indicates that not all moms or newborns will clearly benefit from it. For this reason, consulting with a breastfeeding specialist is essential before choosing a frenotomy.
A frenotomy should be considered if a newborn with a tongue tie is not gaining weight and is not latching effectively, despite significant help from a breastfeeding expert. If it is carried out, it ought to be done quickly and by a professional with the necessary training.
What other information about tongue-tie procedures should parents be aware of?
A lot of doctors are ready to prescribe frenotomy even if the evidence for their advantages is unclear. If your child is being advised to have one, inquire about it:
Verify the precise reasoning behind the recommendation.
Find out whether there are any other choices, such as waiting.
Seek advice from another medical professional or speak with other members of your child's care team.
A child with a tongue tie is unable to touch the top of their upper teeth with their tongue when their mouth is open or to extend their tongue past their bottom lip. Their tongue seems to be heart-shaped or notch-shaped when they extend it. A baby's tongue might be knotted if you can't get a finger beneath it, as they don't usually stick out their tongues.
How often do tongue-ties occur?
Tongue ties are common. People's definitions of this condition vary; therefore, it's difficult to pinpoint its actual prevalence. Roughly 8% of infants younger than one-year-old may have a mild tongue tie.
Is having a tied tongue an issue?
It's important to remember that tongue-ties are not always an issue. Many infants, kids, and adults have tongue-ties that don't give them any problems at all.
There are two primary ways in which tongue-ties can lead to issues:
They may make it difficult for some babies to latch on to the mother's nipple, which can lead to nursing issues. Both the mother's nipples and the baby's have pain when feeding due to this. Not every baby with tongue tie experiences it; a good number of them can breastfeed. When a breastfed baby is gaining weight well, gassiness or fussiness is not the result of tongue-ties. Bottle feeding does not provide any difficulties for infants with tongue-ties.
They may result in speech issues. Some kids with tongue-ties could have trouble saying some sounds, like t, d, z, s, th, n, and l. Speech delay is not caused by tongue-ties.
How should you respond if you believe your child or infant has a tongue tie?
See your doctor if you believe that your infant's poor latching is the result of a tongue knot. A baby may not latch onto the breast well for a multitude of reasons. To gain a better understanding of the problem, your doctor should carefully record all past events and examine your infant.
To receive assistance with breastfeeding, you should also see a lactation consultant. This is because there are numerous reasons why babies struggle to latch on, and with the correct care and assistance, many kids with tongue ties can nurse effectively.
If you believe that your child's difficulties pronouncing words could be related to a tongue knot, consult your physician. It just takes some time for many kids to pick up specific sound pronunciations. To be sure that tongue-tie is not the issue, it is also a good idea to get a speech-language pathologist's assessment.
What can I do about a tongue tie?
When necessary, a frenotomy—a surgical incision—can be used by a physician to relieve a tongue tie. A frenotomy can be performed with a laser or by just cutting the frenulum.
Still, there's no need to take any action regarding a tongue tie that isn't producing issues. Even though a frenotomy is a relatively simple operation, problems like bleeding, infection, or trouble feeding can occasionally happen. For this reason, doing it merely to avoid issues later on is never a wise idea. Only in situations where the tongue tie is obviously causing problems should the operation be considered.
It is also vital to understand that removing a tongue tie does not usually solve the problem, particularly when nursing. Research indicates that not all moms or newborns will clearly benefit from it. For this reason, consulting with a breastfeeding specialist is essential before choosing a frenotomy.
A frenotomy should be considered if a newborn with a tongue tie is not gaining weight and is not latching effectively, despite significant help from a breastfeeding expert. If it is carried out, it ought to be done quickly and by a professional with the necessary training.
What other information about tongue-tie procedures should parents be aware of?
A lot of doctors are ready to prescribe frenotomy even if the evidence for their advantages is unclear. If your child is being advised to have one, inquire about it:
Verify the precise reasoning behind the recommendation.
Find out whether there are any other choices, such as waiting.
Seek advice from another medical professional or speak with other members of your child's care team.
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Hey guys, you know what's really cool? Small pets! They can be so adorable and bring so much joy. But here's the thing: some of them can actually carry bacteria that can be harmful to us. So, it's important to be aware of that and take the necessary precautions when handling them. Safety first, right? Turtles, iguanas, frogs, and other small pets can actually carry germs that have caused outbreaks of illness in multiple states. It's pretty crazy, right? Just thought I'd share this interesting fact with you all!
You know, when it comes to picking pets for kids, a lot of people go for small animals like turtles, iguanas, and frogs. They're pretty popular because they're super easy to interact with and don't require a tonne of attention, which is great for families with a lot going on. They may be enjoyable, but it might be best to stay away from them.
So, here's the deal. The reason behind all of this is... drumroll, please. Did you know that reptiles and amphibians can actually carry germs that can make us humans sick? It's true! According to Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, who's an expert in infectious diseases from Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the most common germs they carry is the Salmonella bacteria. It's important to be cautious when handling these reptiles and amphibians in order to stay healthy! Did you know that these animals actually prefer to live in warm and wet environments? It's crazy, right? And guess what? Salmonella, that pesky bacteria, just loves those kinds of places too! It's like a match made in heaven for them.
Have you heard about all the recent outbreaks of illness happening across the US? It's been pretty crazy!
Reptiles and amphibians sometimes have Salmonella. It's pretty interesting because, even though it doesn't make them sick, they can still carry the bacteria around. The CDC's warning on adopting those cute little pet turtles. Apparently, there have been some serious outbreaks of Salmonella illnesses and hospitalisations in 24 states. It's gotten pretty bad this year, so they're advising people to be cautious. Oh, by the way, did you know that other small pets like mice or hamsters, and even farm animals like chickens, can also carry and spread the bacteria? It's pretty interesting, right?
Salmonella can actually be spread to people in a bunch of different ways. It can happen when we come into contact with animals, their poop, food, or even things like toys and food dishes. Even the habitats where these animals live, like cages, tanks, aquariums, and water, can be sources of Salmonella exposure.
Dr. Hohmann says that they get the bacteria on their hands and then accidentally touch their mouths or noses. You know, this is something that tends to happen more often with younger kids.
People who are exposed to the bacteria can develop salmonellosis.
Who has a higher chance of falling ill?
Salmonellosis can affect anyone, but individuals 65 years of age and older, children under the age of five, and those with long-term medical conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms, including hospitalisation.
Young kids sometimes struggle with personal hygiene and understanding safety rules when it comes to handling animals. As we get older or if we have chronic conditions like diabetes, our immune systems can become weaker. This means that we're more likely to get sick and catch illnesses. It's important to take extra care of ourselves and stay healthy! In really severe cases, those pesky bacteria can actually make their way into our bloodstream. And once they're in there, they can spread to other parts of our body and cause infections.
What signs and symptoms does this infection have?
The main symptoms of this thing are diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If you happen to get infected, you might start experiencing these symptoms within six hours to four days. They usually stick around for about four to seven days before finally going away.
If you have a pet that might have Salmonella, it's a good idea to reach out to your paediatrician or primary care team for some advice. They'll be able to give you the best guidance on what to do.
There are definitely some situations where seeking immediate medical care is super important. For example, if you're experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, it's definitely time to head
If you or your child start experiencing any of these really serious symptoms, it's super important to get medical help right away.
diarrhoea and a temperature greater than 102°F; bloody diarrhoea that is so severe that you are unable to keep liquids down; Symptoms of dehydration include little to no urination, dry mouth and throat, or lightheadedness when standing up.
Toddler formulas are costly, unnecessary, and potentially unhealthy.
Once babies reach the age of one, they no longer need infant formula as their nutritional needs can be met through solid foods. Cow's milk or fortified plant milk like soy milk can be perfectly suitable for them without the need for excessive consumption.
In a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2023, it was found that toddler milks do not provide any additional benefits for healthy growth and development. It's understandable that some parents may feel hesitant to transition from formula to cow's milk, believing that formula is more nutritious or easier to digest. However, the marketing strategies used by formula companies frequently influence these beliefs.
Toddler formulas marketed as "follow-up formulas," "transition formulas," or "growing-up milks" are not medically necessary and are mainly designed to retain customers past the age of one. As the AAP emphasizes, some toddler formulas can actually be worse than cow's milk. Parents should be aware of the actual needs of older infants and toddlers and not let marketing claims influence them.
It's worth noting that specialized formulas for children over 12 months with specific medical conditions are not the focus of this discussion.
Toddler formulas are not subject to FDA regulation, unlike infant formulas. Infant formulas have strict nutritional requirements and are subject to regular inspections. On the other hand, toddler formulas are not required to prove their claims about nutritional benefits, leading to wide variation in their composition.
This lack of regulation is concerning because some toddler formulas can be unhealthy, with inadequate or excessive protein content and added sweeteners. These sweeteners can contribute to the development of a child's preference for sugary foods and potentially increase the risk of obesity. Moreover, toddler formulas are often more expensive than cow's milk, creating an unnecessary financial burden for families.
Instead of relying on toddler formulas, it is recommended to focus on the healthy diet groups for toddlers. Encourage a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein sources (such as meat, fish, beans, and nut butters), and dairy or dairy substitutes fortified with calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to limit added sugars and, after the age of two, reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. By establishing healthy eating habits early on, we can set children on the path to a lifetime of good nutrition.
Depositphotos
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, it is not surprising that children are spending more and more time on electronic devices. And while there is undoubtedly much to be learned, investigated, and created using devices, there are skills that devices cannot always teach and which children must acquire.
Play enhances executive function and mood regulation.
Children must acquire and practise executive function, emotional control, and general physical skills as they develop. The best method for children to acquire these abilities is through play, which is why we say that play is a child's work. As devices become more pervasive and as many children become more scheduled with lessons and organised activities, it can be easy to forget to schedule time for device-free play.
I also believe that parents and children are forgetting how to play. Parents used to bring toys for their children to play with while they waited to see me, but now they simply give them their phones. Devices are so pervasive and convenient that it can be difficult to put them down and find something else to do.
Play is necessary for optimal growth.
The Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University has devised excellent handouts for parents on age-appropriate games and activities to support their child's development. I especially appreciate those that involve the parent as well, as this not only benefits the infant but also your relationship.
For kids, swimming is a fantastic activity. It's a terrific way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. It's also an important safety skill.
Swimming can be challenging for kids with eczema, often known as atopic dermatitis. This is how parents may assist.
Swimming can be challenging for kids with eczema, often known as atopic dermatitis. This is how parents may assist.
Depositphotos
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin allergy. Both allergies to food and allergies to environmental factors, such as pollen or cats, can cause it. Additionally, excessive sweating, hydration loss from the skin, sensitivity to chemicals or other substances, or other factors may all contribute to it.
The sun and swimming might be helpful for eczema.
In fact, swimming in a chlorinated pool may help with eczema. Baths with bleach, which are frequently advised as an eczema treatment, essentially transform the bathtub into a swimming pool.
The sun and being in the water can both be beneficial for eczema. The secret is to maximise the positive effects while avoiding any potential negative effects.
What to do before and after swimming if your child has eczema
The following recommendations are for parents:
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin allergy. Both allergies to food and allergies to environmental factors, such as pollen or cats, can cause it. Additionally, excessive sweating, hydration loss from the skin, sensitivity to chemicals or other substances, or other factors may all contribute to it.
The sun and swimming might be helpful for eczema.
In fact, swimming in a chlorinated pool may help with eczema. Baths with bleach, which are frequently advised as an eczema treatment, essentially transform the bathtub into a swimming pool.
The sun and being in the water can both be beneficial for eczema. The secret is to maximise the positive effects while avoiding any potential negative effects.
What to do before and after swimming if your child has eczema
The following recommendations are for parents:
- Use sunscreen, especially one with zinc oxide or titanium, if you want to be outside. Look for delicate skin formulations and stay away from anything scented. Use UV-protective swimwear or clothing, especially if you struggle with shame about rashes.
- Before swimming, especially in a chlorinated pool, apply an emollient. The skin can be protected by applying some oil before swimming. You want your child to be able to hold on to things, and you don't want them to slide and fall, so don't overdo it on the palms or soles. The ideal emollient for your child should be discussed with your doctor.
- If it's your first time swimming in a pool, you might want to swim for a shorter period of time than usual to make sure the chemicals aren't too irritating. If at all possible, avoid entering a pool immediately after adding chlorine.
What to do when a child's weight is below what is healthy for their age
When talking about children's and teens' weight, which is a sensitive subject, people often talk about the health costs of being overweight or obese. Occasionally, however, a youngster must gain weight. While there are numerous ways to accomplish this, not all of them are healthy.
What to do if your child appears to be underweight
If you are unsure whether your child needs to gain weight, consult with your doctor before beginning any weight-gain efforts. It is certainly likely that your child's weight is perfectly normal. Given that one in every five children in the United States is obese and another one in every six is overweight, it's understandable for a parent to believe their child is underweight in comparison. Checking your child's body mass index, a measurement based on height and weight that is used for children aged 2 and older, is one approach to determining if their weight is healthy.
Losing weight or being underweight might be a sign of a medical or emotional issue, so discuss your worries with your doctor. They may want to see your child determine whether any evaluations are required. If your child is under the age of two, it is very important that you consult with your doctor regarding weight concerns and strictly adhere to their recommendations.
Choosing nutritious foods for a youngster who needs to gain weight
If your child is over the age of two and the doctor believes that gaining weight is a good idea, the best way to go about it is to use nutritious foods and healthy practices.
Three strategies for encouraging healthy weight gain:
Make sure you feed your child three times daily, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as two nutritious snacks (mid-morning and mid-afternoon). You can give your child a light snack if she or he finishes breakfast early. You want them to be truly hungry when you feed them, so try to limit their access to snacks and liquids between meals.
Provide nutritious, high-calorie foods. Consider nutritious fats and proteins. Some examples are:
Boil pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nut butter, and nuts.
Hummus
Olive oil and vegetable oil
Avocados
Meat
Whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and granola sweetened with juice,
Make the meal more delicious and nutritious by considering ways to add calories every time you make a meal or snack. For instance, you may add additional oil, butter, or cheese to pasta or nut butter to apple slices or toast.
What to do if your child appears to be underweight
If you are unsure whether your child needs to gain weight, consult with your doctor before beginning any weight-gain efforts. It is certainly likely that your child's weight is perfectly normal. Given that one in every five children in the United States is obese and another one in every six is overweight, it's understandable for a parent to believe their child is underweight in comparison. Checking your child's body mass index, a measurement based on height and weight that is used for children aged 2 and older, is one approach to determining if their weight is healthy.
Losing weight or being underweight might be a sign of a medical or emotional issue, so discuss your worries with your doctor. They may want to see your child determine whether any evaluations are required. If your child is under the age of two, it is very important that you consult with your doctor regarding weight concerns and strictly adhere to their recommendations.
Choosing nutritious foods for a youngster who needs to gain weight
If your child is over the age of two and the doctor believes that gaining weight is a good idea, the best way to go about it is to use nutritious foods and healthy practices.
Three strategies for encouraging healthy weight gain:
Make sure you feed your child three times daily, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as two nutritious snacks (mid-morning and mid-afternoon). You can give your child a light snack if she or he finishes breakfast early. You want them to be truly hungry when you feed them, so try to limit their access to snacks and liquids between meals.
Provide nutritious, high-calorie foods. Consider nutritious fats and proteins. Some examples are:
Boil pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nut butter, and nuts.
Hummus
Olive oil and vegetable oil
Avocados
Meat
Whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and granola sweetened with juice,
Make the meal more delicious and nutritious by considering ways to add calories every time you make a meal or snack. For instance, you may add additional oil, butter, or cheese to pasta or nut butter to apple slices or toast.
Introduction
Perhaps the very last thing you would like to do after your maternity leave ends is to take your child to an unfamiliar or odd environment for the entire day. Yet, the greatest thing parents can accomplish for their children is to register them in childcare.
If you've been contemplating the advantages of childcare and thus are concerned about how it will affect your baby, you may rest easy knowing that the household and families will continue to have the biggest impact on their development. Although many people believe that ideally, a child should stay at home and be cared for by their families, it is not always the case. There has been a great list of proof that sending a baby to daycare, like the one in Ringwood, offers a good number of benefits.
Regular Schedule and Activities
Even with the smallest children, daycare centers have a set daily plan. Here, meals, play times, and naps are scheduled as components of the day-to-day schedule. Varied and fun experiences like music and stories can encourage cognitive development and growth in older children. When you already get your child from daycare, their demeanor won't be all messy due to the organized and systematic day. This is due to the fact that their entire day adhered to a planned and well-organized schedule.
Academic Advancement
Children enrolled in daycare programs are introduced to a very structured curriculum that adheres to national standards and supports their growth academically. Children who attended daycare throughout their first four years and a half of life showed superior linguistic and cognitive development, according to the National Institute of Child Health And Human Development. Additionally, a study in 2016 indicated that at the age of 5, children who participated in regular childcare centers had math and reading skills that were noticeably better than those of comparable children who participated in home-based unstructured, childcare arrangements.
It would be an understatement to say that the last two years have been difficult for children and teenagers. Major worldwide events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have had an impact on our daily lives and put us to the test in unprecedented ways. Racial and political issues are also constants in the lives of young people of all ages.
Parents have a plethora of concerns and inquiries. What does all of this anxiety, instability, isolation, and change imply for my children? How can I assist them in coping? Will they be alright? The good news is that resilience, or the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and stress, can be learned and strengthened at any age. We can't keep our children from feeling unhappy, stressed, or having setbacks. We can, however, cultivate their ability to cope with and learn from adversity when it is possible.
How can families help their children develop resilience?
The relationship between parent and child, which is a significant contributor to healthy development in children and teenagers, is where resilience begins for every one of us. A safe, stable relationship with at least one caring and responsive adult is a powerful stress buffer, according to research on childhood trauma such as exposure to violence, divorce, mourning, and natural disasters. Recent research suggests that teenagers who feel linked to their parents or other caregivers, as well as their friends, and who have stable daily routines, are better able to cope with COVID-related stress (read more here, here, and here).
Parents may foster their children's resilience in five evidence-based approaches as we navigate the shifting demands of the pandemic (note: automated download) and the difficulties of our times.
All parents want their children to be successful in life — and by that, we mean not only having a good job and earning a good living but also being happy. And all parents wonder how they will accomplish this.
According to Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, it's less about academics and extracurricular activities and more about developing a basic set of abilities that enables people to overcome life's inevitable obstacles. All of these abilities fall under the category of executive function skills, which we utilize to regulate our behaviour. The majority of successful and happy people possess good executive function abilities.
What are the five most critical core skills?
ability to create and carry out concrete goals and plans.
Concentration is the capacity to concentrate on what is critical at any particular time.
Self-control entails exerting control over our responses to not only our emotions but also stressful situations.
Not only do we observe the people and things around us, but we also understand our place in them.
Flexibility is defined as the capacity to adjust to changing circumstances.
While these are abilities that children (and adults) can and do acquire throughout their lives, two critical stages are early childhood (ages 3 to 5) and adolescence/early adulthood (ages 13 to 26). During these windows of opportunity, children can benefit from learning and using these abilities. We'll discuss the second stage of adolescence in this post.
The most effective approach to acquiring any ability is to practice it. Here are some ideas for parents who aren't sure how to help and when to step aside.
Planning
When children are small, parents and caregivers naturally make plans for them. However, as children mature into adolescents, they must learn to do it on their own.
Take care not to micromanage your teen's life. Rather than that, establish some ground rules – simple ones like homework must be completed, kids require seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and regular exercise is critical. You may have additional ground rules, such as the requirement to attend family dinners or religious ceremonies. Then delegate the task to your teen. Intervene only if it is evident that ground rules are being persistently broken.
When teenagers have long-term projects, such as research or college applications, sit down with them and discuss how they intend to complete them. Allow them to generate ideas before you do!
Engage your teenagers in the planning of family activities and trips, as well as home renovations and other initiatives. Allow them to make some decisions (even if you may not always agree with them).
Awareness
Teenagers can be extremely self-aware, but primarily of their own world. Assist them in developing the ability to see beyond it.
Discuss current events and news articles. Discuss how things influence people and how different people may perceive them differently.
Take your teen on adventures—even a simple walk in the woods or a visit to a nearby town can provide them with the opportunity to look around and notice things they might otherwise overlook.
As a family, participate in community service events; demonstrate to them how they can make a difference.
Establish family rituals for checking in, such as over dinner. Allow everyone to share their day.
If you frequently trip over a building block, a doll, or a race car, you understand the difficulties associated with encouraging smaller children to put away their toys. The following are some ideas for encouraging children to clean up after themselves and maintain a neat home.
Make precise and targeted requests.
When you ask your child to put away a variety of items at the same time, you risk children forgetting at least one of your requests — or purposely skipping a few. Make one particular request at a time, such as "Please replenish the bin on the shelf with your blocks." Once your child has completed one activity, you can request that they put away a different toy.
Requests should be made in the form of a command, not a question, such as "Would you kindly clean up your blocks?" By posing a question, you allow the child to respond, "No." Additionally, unless you desire a group activity, frame the request for your child alone: "Please return your blocks to the container on the shelf," rather than "Let's tidy up the blocks."
Allow sufficient time for your child to cooperate, and repeat yourself only once.
Children, particularly young children, digest information more slowly than adults. After you make an initial request, mentally count to five to give a child time to process what you said and comply.
If after five seconds, you do not witness the desired action, repeat your request in a neutral tone followed by a possible logical consequence. For instance, If you do not properly store your blocks in the bin on the shelf, you will be unable to play with them for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, you can play with them.
Recite the five-count in your thoughts. If your child continues to refuse to comply with your request, state the following in a neutral tone: "To be fair, you did not place the blocks in the bin on the shelf, which means you will be unable to play with them for the remainder of the day. Tomorrow, you can play with them." You can then store the blocks out of the child's reach, ensuring that the toys are not used for the rest of the day.
Maintain your composure and choose logical conclusions
Two critical components of this technique are maintaining as much calm as possible and establishing a logical outcome.
Remaining composed is beneficial. You may be frustrated, which is understandable. However, it is preferable to pay as little attention as possible to disobedience. Even negative attention can encourage the conduct to occur more frequently.
Logical consequences are significant. Creating consequences that are prolonged and make no sense to the child may result in increased irritation and refusals. For instance, it would be illogical for the child to lose a week's television time for failing to put their blocks away. Rather than that, restricting access to the toy is a logical consequence.
Appreciate the behaviours you wish to see
Draw emphasis to behaviours you wish to see more frequently. When your child does put toys away, make a point of praising them. "Good work" can be perplexing: the child may not understand what he or she did well - sitting quietly, putting toys away, or something different. Rather than that, exclaim, "Excellent job putting the blocks in the bin on the shelf!"
Praise enthusiastically and reinforce the behaviour with touch, such as a pat on the back. If your child has difficulty processing sensory stimuli, particularly tactile stimuli such as a pat on the back, you might reinforce the behaviour with a nonverbal gesture such as a thumbs up.
You do not have to continue repeating commands until you are blue in the face and cleaning up after your children. The actions above can provide a break for you and teach your children to clean up after themselves.
Big emotions can be frightening. Anxiety, sadness, anger, and a variety of other strong emotions can quickly activate the fight-or-flight response in the body. That is true for adults, but it is especially true for children who are still discovering their emotions and learning to manage them. Now that school has resumed, there may be spillovers of strong emotions at school and home. While each situation, family, and child is unique, the following are a few evidence-based tips for parents to assist children and adolescents in navigating significant emotions.
Discuss your emotions.
To begin, it's beneficial to remember that emotions are natural. We all experience them, from pleasant to stressful. Children benefit from parents discussing emotions because it helps normalize feelings and teaches them that it is acceptable to discuss them with you. Additionally, regular conversations aid in the development of children's emotional competence and self-regulation abilities. This can be as simple as labelling your own emotions as they arise, associating emotional labels with specific physical cues, and discussing potential coping strategies. For instance, you could inform your child, "When I'm worried, I notice that my muscles and voice tremble. I've discovered that practising paced breathing and engaging in a grounding activity helps me feel better. Are you interested in practising with me?"
Try grounding.
Children and parents can experiment with a variety of coping strategies to assist in managing difficult emotions. Paced breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are two techniques that can be beneficial for calming the fight-or-flight response that may occur in response to strong emotions.
At times, emotions are irrational and extremely difficult to manage. Grounding is an effective tool for assisting children in remaining focused on the present moment and creating some distance from distressing thoughts during these times. Physical grounding strategies entail focusing on one's senses or surroundings, such as on the sensation of their breath during a breathing exercise or the soles of their feet while walking. Another popular option is "5-4-3-2-1," in which you list five visible objects, four tactile objects, three audible objects, two odour objects, and one taste object. Alternatively, you could assign a colour to each digit.
There are obviously times when washing up makes sense, such as when your child is grimy from a day in the dirt, is covered in sweat, paint, or other apparent dirt, or has had an explosive poop. If your kid has spent the day in a pool (the chlorine may irritate the skin), a body of water (there may be things in the water that are irritating or harmful), or covered in bug spray to fend off ticks and mosquitoes, it's also a good idea to wash off. When a smelly teenager takes a soapy shower, it's best for everyone in the vicinity.
For some skin conditions, a doctor may suggest daily bathing. To avoid illness, we must all wash our hands on a frequent basis. But, simply for the purpose of washing, a full-body wash? Not at all.
Instagram kid fashion is becoming more popular with time. Times are changing and kids outfits are no more just about wearing cute tulle dresses. More cuteness and style from the viral kids Instagram kid Siena Presley Smith. Her outfits and shoes are super dope.
Your child’s rooms are a place for them to play, spend time, learn, and grow. As a result, you want to put some time into the design and decoration of their room. Unfortunately, decorating these rooms isn’t always easy. You want a room that will not only be great for them as a young child but also one that can suit them for years to come.
This can be a tall order and can be intimidating or stressful for some parents. Thankfully, we are here to help you out with a few thoughtful tips. Without any further ado, this blog post is going to go over a few tips when it comes to decorating your kids’ room.
Find the Right Furniture
The first step to decorating a child’s room is to find the right furniture. Things like the colours of the walls and the art can be changed easily, but you don’t want to constantly be adding and removing furniture from a room. While everyone has their preferences, a child’s room should have a place to store their toys, a place for their clothes, and ample space to play or read.
You need to choose items that not only look good but are functional for your child. If you get a toddler a giant wardrobe that is 7 feet high, they aren’t likely going to be able to get much use out of it. Keep things the right size, and ensure things are as simple as possible. Except for the colour, feel free to get a little bold and creative with colour, as the room is for a child after all.
Now, it is also important to be reasonable. If your child wants each wall to be a different bright color, you may need to deny the request if it isn’t something you want to do. Especially with how many children change their favorite color frequently.
While some may be willing to go this far, if you aren’t, a nice compromise can be to get pieces of art in the color or style that your child loves. As their tastes inevitably change, you can simply change the art or pictures out without having to repaint the whole room once they outgrow their original color choice.
In addition to these types of furniture, finding the best mattress for kids is still an important part of decorating their room, so don't forget about it. You want to ensure your child can have a comfortable sleep every night to be happy and perform well at school.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative
Designing a children’s room gives you one of the best opportunities to get a little creative and unique. You don’t need to take it as seriously as you might take the design of your living room or master bedroom. Look for unique additions that will excite your child and fit the space perfectly.
For example, having a corkboard wall or a giant chalkboard could be a good inclusion, as could a fun bed frame or toy chest. Furthermore, many children like to put things that they have or make on display, so adding some shelves (whether built-in or on the wall) is often a good idea. All in all, let your mind run wild when it comes to designing your children’s room; you never know the cool ideas you will have or products you will find.
Get Their Input
(via https://pixabay.com/photos/child-girl-young-caucasian-1073638/)
Now, it is also important to be reasonable. If your child wants each wall to be a different bright color, you may need to deny the request if it isn’t something you want to do. Especially with how many children change their favorite color frequently.
While some may be willing to go this far, if you aren’t, a nice compromise can be to get pieces of art in the color or style that your child loves. As their tastes inevitably change, you can simply change the art or pictures out without having to repaint the whole room once they outgrow their original color choice.
While you want their room to look good, excite them, and remain functional, you need to ensure that your child's’ room is safe. If they are going to be in there alone, you want to ensure there are no potential threats to their safety or health.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to ensure the room is safe. The bed should be low, windows should have guards, large furniture should be stable and not prone to tipping, and have night lights to prevent falls. Keep cabinets locked, electrical cords should be secured, and access to any radiator should be blocked.
A good practice is to imagine that you are the size and age of your child. What things could pose a risk? Of course, as the child ages, certain things can be changed or removed as they become more responsible.
We hope the tips and information included in this article have been able to help you decorate your kids’ room.
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