Smag31

Selecting your family’s mix of enrichment activities is an ongoing process, but as each decision to participate is made, you, of course, must complete the process of incorporating the activity into your family’s planner. Without this blueprint, you’ll quickly find your family being unprepared and missing events. And, as you’re fully aware by now, with … Read more

Starting your little one on a diet of healthy, fresh food will encourage him to eat well in the future, and also improve his resistance to illness. Your baby may be reluctant to eat when he is feeling under the weather, but keeping him hydrated and offering small, nutrient-dense meals can help him to recover … Read more

There is no reason why your baby’s food has to be bland! Adding different types of herbs and spices will help her become accustomed to more sophisticated tastes. The younger she is when you start, the easier it will be for her to make the transition to family food. Q: Can I add salt or … Read more

Baby blues & postpartum depression Why am I upset? Your baby has just arrived, and you’re feeling on top of the world. So why are you crying? You are simply at the mercy of your hormones as they adjust. Like the majority of new moms, you’re going through a tearful phase and may feel overwhelmed … Read more

Keepsakes: creating memories When you are wrapped up in the day-to-day demands of caring for your baby and every new experience seems special and important, you think that you will never forget these times. However, children grow and develop so fast that, unless you take the time to record things in some way, you are … Read more

One of the largest areas of contention in any home is the tricky matter of chores. When children are added into the mix, a simple discussion about who could do what can easily descend into an argument about what is fair, who does the most, and whose fault it is that you have a messy … Read more

You and your baby will have a deep instinct for closeness and bonding which is driven by your need to nurture and his to survive. “Attachment” is a child’s overwhelming need to be near to a particular person who represents safety and comfort—this is usually, but not always, a parent. “Learning to ‘let go’ is … Read more

Of course, determining which pursuits benefit and appeal to each family member is only half of the process. The important issue of working the activities into your family’s schedule remains. caution Just because someone is good at something doesn’t mean it’s the right choice as one of that person’s enrichment activities. You cannot be in … Read more

You think your three year old should learn how to swim and attend the library story hour. Your five year old wants to play soccer on a team with his friends, not take piano lessons. Your eight year old would like to continue in Scouting, join little league, and try out for a part in … Read more

While many of the foods you offer your family may be a little heavy for your young baby, there is no reason why you can’t involve him in family meals, and purée some of the elements of every meal you prepare. Babies love to feel part of the crowd, and will enjoy eating the same … Read more

Some babies find the transition to solid foods easy, while others can be more resistant. Try to stick to a daily routine, even if you are out and about, or on vacation. It’s not always easy, but with a little ingenuity and a good thermos, you’ll soon overcome any problems. Q: My baby refuses the … Read more

Your toddler is too young to understand “right and wrong” or why certain behavior is unacceptable, but she understands and likes routine, and thrives on your approval. As she gets closer to two years, she will understand that most behavior has good or bad consequences. “All children crave praise, warmth, and positive attention, but if … Read more

During this six-month period, your toddler will go through a very complex series of changes, but will want a very simple range of responses. She will thrive on love and comfort, but also need an increasing number of very clear behavior guidelines and boundaries. “We found it hard to set consistent routines at first—but we … Read more

Following Through After the Activity or Event The last component of any activity—the wrapping up, cleaning up, putting things away, enjoying the accomplishment part—is the one most overlooked and neglected by people who tend to be disorganized. These people’s creative tendencies find the last step boring or superfluous. They want to get on to exciting … Read more

Baby massage Beneficial for you both Baby massage has long been associated with improved parent–child attachment. It’s an activity that allows you to focus on your baby, calm her with touch, and tune in to her body language. As a bonding activity, it is ideal if you’re a working parent and want to reconnect with … Read more

Creating a connection Building strong bonds The bond between you and your child can start before birth, with a rush as your baby is born, or more slowly over the first year as you get to know each other. This relationship will form the basis for her sense of security, give her the confidence to … Read more

Q: Where was the rush of love? A: It is a common misconception that bonding always happens with an outpouring of emotion and joy as soon as your baby arrives. While many parents do have strong feelings for their baby at birth, it’s just as normal for this to be a gradual process. If the … Read more

Restoring the peace All parents of toddlers need to become referees as well as skillful mediators at playtime. Sally, age 23 months, and Malik, 14 months, are making music with wooden spoons and empty pans. Sally abandons her spoon in favor of a saucepan lid, at which point Malik picks up the spoon. Sally screams … Read more

Play, fun, and learning are all the same thing to your toddler. She loves learning new skills and making new discoveries and you will notice fast and significant changes in her levels of understanding, reasoning, and speed of response during the months ahead. “Millie really loves action rhymes and songs. I find making up verses … Read more

Finger foods Melt in the mouth: Steamed soft carrot sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower florets Pear, banana, apple, blueberries, mango, peach, strawberries Avocado Bite and dissolve: Steamed new potatoes Toast fingers Miniature rice cakes Well-cooked pasta shapes Mini sandwiches with soft fillings  Bite and chew: Oven-baked potato or sweet potato wedges Cucumber sticks Cheese, cut into … Read more