Your hopes There are as many personal reasons for having children as there are for not having children. For some parents, children represent the hopes, dreams, and ideals that are unmet in their own life; they represent the chance to “put right the wrongs” of the past; for others, having a child is the natural … Read more
What we’re going to look at here is how to make sure that you schedule your plans for smooth results—no all-night cleaning marathons, no last-minute runs to the gas station for bags of ice, and no short tempers. Things You’ll Need A calendar Your lists of important family dates—birthdays, anniversaries, and so on Your family’s … Read more
Newborn tests and checks Top-to-toe examinations Between 6 and 72 hours after the birth, your baby will receive a detailed examination from a doctor or pediatric nurse practitioner. The aim of this is to detect any abnormalities that may not have been picked up by the prenatal ultrasounds during pregnancy. If you need to see … 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
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
The bonding process Getting to know your newborn baby You may fall in love with your baby the moment you set eyes on him, or find that your emotions are initially mixed. Whichever your response, there are ways to help you and your baby “bond.” Some quiet time with your partner and baby after the … 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
At this age, your toddler is not being deliberately naughty and does not know how to manipulate. He is simply attention-seeking and exploring, with no capacity for common sense and little memory or reasoning ability. He simply can’t understand the world from someone else’s perspective. “The phrase that I repeat to parents constantly is ‘Praise … Read more
Q: What will happen once my baby is out? A: The doctor or midwife will first check your baby’s breathing and assure that the airway is clear of mucus or amniotic fluid. A few babies need help with breathing and are given oxygen after birth. This may be done while the baby is on your … 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
What to expect during puberty Physical changes As puberty begins, your child’s body undergoes the physical changes necessary to take her from childhood to adulthood. It is the hormone testosterone, produced by the testes, that kicks off puberty for boys, and for girls it is estrogen, produced by the ovaries, that gets things going. These … Read more
You and your partner Nurturing relationships after the birth The arrival of a baby can put a strain on relationships, since a couple may shower attention on their baby, but neglect each other. It’s important therefore to make time for each other. Arrange a babysitter and spend an evening out together to focus on your … 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: Is it too early for my son to be dating? A: Your son’s first date probably won’t seem like one to you. At this age, dating often means just being around each other, usually with other friends in a group. This works well as a means for your child to enter the world of … Read more
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: My child studies for hours on end. Should I put a limit on this and make her do something else? A: Achieving at school is clearly important to your daughter, and her motivation should be encouraged. However, her enthusiastic approach to studying is not necessarily the most effective. Pushing herself too hard may backfire … 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
The first months of your baby’s life may fly by, and as the gaps between feeds lengthen, and he becomes more alert and expends more energy, you may find that he is showing signs of being ready for solid food. Let your baby take the lead. Q: My four-month-old seems hungry all the time—could she … 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
Illness in a new baby can be a daunting and worrying time, and little ones can lose weight quickly when they are unwell. The most important thing is not to panic, and to follow your instincts. Your pediatrician will be a source of practical, reassuring advice, so be sure to talk to him or her … Read more