Smag31 Q: I used to dress sexily but seem to have lost interest since having my baby—am I losing it? A: Having a baby and caring for her is a full-time job, which can mean that you probably don’t have much time to spend on yourself. Many women struggle to find time to do their hair … Read more
Q: I was in foster care when I was little. I can’t believe I’m part of a family now. How will I adapt? A: The whole process of having a baby can bring up many emotions and cause us to re-evaluate our lives and upbringing. Most parents, whatever their backgrounds, want a good life and … Read more
Probably one of the most distinct aspects of eldercare is that you’ll have to handle an increasing number of health-related situations. These events can be quite stressful, so you’ll want to do everything you can to plan your schedule so that they go as smoothly as possible. To do list Introduce yourself to the staff … Read more
How much time you’ll need to spend on your caregiving endeavors will depend on several factors including how much help your elder needs, where your elder is living—in his own home, in your home, in a retirement community, or in a senior care facility—and how much of the care you’ll provide personally. On average, a … Read more
Did you know… that it’s perfectly normal for your baby to become distracted while feeding? Even hungry babies can lose interest. Try to find a peaceful place to feed and talk to your baby quietly, so that he concentrates on you rather than what is going on around him. If he starts to come off … Read more
It can be frustrating when little problems and annoyances raise their heads, making it seem that breastfeeding isn’t the easiest option. The good news is that almost all problems can be resolved, and after the first few weeks, you’ll find that you settle into a comfortable, pleasurable routine with your new baby. Q: I find … Read more
All you need to do to help your child develop healthily is to listen, observe, and keep talking and responding positively to him. His brain is preprogrammed to do the rest, so there is no need to push or force development. In fact, doing this can slow development in other areas. “Your baby’s experiences and … Read more
Most children will take their first steps and say their first words during the next six months. It is an exciting time for both you and your toddler. Go at your toddler’s pace and resist making comparisons with other children; he will reach the same point as everyone else—in his own good time! “All children … Read more
Making Sure You Don’t Get Lost in the Kids The schedules for the adults in your family include Enrichment activities— Structured classes or activities on topics of interest Hobbies— Enjoyable pursuits in which you get absorbed for hours at a time Socializing— Getting together with people outside of your family Free time— Moments of peace … Read more
You can’t realistically expect the planner system you worked so hard to select and set up to work if you’re sabotaging its cooperative nature by not using it yourself. How long do you expect your children to check the schedule when they’re making plans if you aren’t keeping your part of the schedule up-to-date? How … Read more
Q: My daughter refuses to dress nicely for school. I don’t want her to get into trouble. What can I do? A: Your daughter is trying to fit in with her peers and be part of a group that probably all dresses in a similar way. The school will be used to students bending the … Read more
Q: My son is not “work ready.” What can I do to help him? A: There is a specific set of skills that will help your son do well no matter what job he goes for. These include attending every day unless he’s sick, arriving on time, appearing clean and tidy, and listening to instructions … Read more
Your baby’s first birthday will be a significant and emotional milestone for you and may trigger mixed feelings. The past 12 months will have been life changing and it is quite normal to feel a few pangs as you put away the baby clothes and start to look forward to your child’s next phase of … Read more
“Get ready! Your child is about to embark on an exciting journey into toddlerhood.” On the move Your baby’s horizons will suddenly expand as she learns how to walk and starts to view her environment from a whole new perspective New activities As your toddler’s hand—eye coordination develops, he will become more skilled at handling … Read more
Potentially risky behavior Smoking, drinking, and sex Most teenagers experiment with smoking, drinking alcohol, and sexual activity. Initially this is out of curiosity, because everyone else is doing it, and because it is pleasurable. How do parents know when experimentation becomes a problem? Smoking Preventing your youngster from starting to smoke cigarettes may be considerably … Read more
Q: I heard my son being teased by his friends for being a virgin, and I had very mixed feelings about this. A: This would no doubt make him desperate to lose his virginity, and you can probably empathize with that. On the other hand I am sure you do not want him to rush … Read more
Q: Even though we have a toddler, I’m still scared I’ll drop the baby. Do other dads feel like this? A: This is a normal and natural feeling and affects the majority of all new dads (and many moms!). Babies seem to be such fragile little creatures, especially because of their size compared to you. … Read more
Q: I hate the thought of being in the hospital—how soon can I go home with my baby? A: In most maternity units, there is a degree of flexibility as to how long you remain in the hospital after the birth. If you want to stay for as brief a period as possible, talk to … Read more
This time is an important transition for you and your baby. Whether she’s a slow starter or instant foodie, you’ll both take pleasure in the process of mastering self-feeding, introducing new tastes, and enjoying the world of food. Q: Can I wait longer than six months to introduce first foods? A: It may be tempting … Read more
Your baby’s first spoonfuls are exciting milestone for both you and your baby. It’s only natural to approach weaning with some anxiety—there are lots of things to consider as your baby begins his journey on the road to independence, but it’s a process you’ll both enjoy. Q: How do I know if my baby is … Read more