If your family has selected an electronic planner (or if you’re still considering this option), then this section is for you. Here, you’ll learn how to set up your electronic scheduling system, train your family in its use, and make sure you’ve input all the supporting information you’ll need to keep the system running smoothly. … Read more
Hobbies Hobbies, activities we enjoy and can get absorbed in for hours at a time, can really help us to be more interesting and pleasant people. They can be something as neat and confined as doing crossword puzzles or as messy and far flung as playing paintball. Their common thread is that they relax us … 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
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
Some of the best family memories come from family vacations, when everyone put aside the routine tasks and “got away from it all.” And although some of us will feel nostalgic when we recall all-night packing sessions and mad scrambles to get a hotel room when the destination town was booked solid for a motorcycle … 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
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
Oven-baked Sweet Potato Wedges These sweet potato wedges are a tasty and healthy alternative to fries. I have left the skin on the potato because it contains a lot of extra vitamins and fiber. To vary, sprinkle on some Parmesan; or, for babies over a year, make the wedges a little spicier. They are good … 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
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
Finger foods are a wonderful way to introduce your baby to various tastes and textures, and will help to encourage independent eating. Your baby will enjoy the process of feeding himself as well as the new variety of foods that you offer. The more you encourage this process, the easier the transition will be. Q: … 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
With so many delicious, nutritious foods available, you can be forgiven for becoming confused about what your baby should and shouldn’t be eating. It’s a good idea to start slowly, and take your time in introducing new foods. Once your baby gets used to the idea that food can be fun and delicious, she’ll be … Read more
Although your baby’s diet will be expanding dramatically over the coming months, his usual milk will remain a large part of his diet until he approaches his first birthday. It’s reassuring to know that if your little one is a slow weaner or a fussy eater, the nutrients in breast milk or formula will help … 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
Food allergies are on the rise, but still remain uncommon in little ones, and are very often outgrown. It helps to be aware of the symptoms, and to know where to turn. The best advice is not to panic, and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Q: How will I know … Read more
Best toys for babies Helping your child develop When your baby is born, you’re on a learning curve like no other. Alongside the focus on feeding and sleeping, you may also be wondering what she needs to learn and develop well. Toys to cuddle Every baby needs plenty of cuddles from you and they’ll love … Read more
Myths and misconceptions Is it true that… Q: I will spoil my baby if I pick him up as soon as he cries? A: No! Your baby is crying because he needs you and his only way to call too you is to cry. When you go to him right away and wrap him in … Read more
No matter what type of planner your family decides to use, you will always have a certain amount of paperwork that needs to be managed: mail, flyers, invitations, directions, concert tickets. Having an easy-to-use method for handling all of this paper can save your family many hours and much frustration. note EZ Pocket Home-Date Organizer, … Read more
Q: Sometimes my baby cries and turns away when I give him a toy. What does this mean? A: Timing is everything when you introduce a new toy or game. If your baby is ready to sleep or has been playing for a while, a new activity is likely to be overstimulating, and he may … Read more