Family

Q: When will my baby sleep through the night? A: Like most parents, you may be eager to know when you can expect a little more nighttime sleep from your baby and for yourself. The good news: About 70 percent of babies sleep through the night by three months of age, usually lasting from their … Read more

So, now you have this great repository of knowledge about your family’s schedule. And, if it’s electronic, when it’s turned off and sitting there, it might just as well be a giant rock. Yes, we know we’ve told you to set up ground rules to have everyone check the schedule on a regular basis. But, … Read more

Your skillful toddler By the age of two your toddler will be far more steady on his feet, and as well as walking, will gradually discover new ways of getting around, such as running, climbing, jumping, and hopping. He is now able to hold a pencil in a writing position, can manage door handles, some … 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

Q: What is a stillbirth? A: A stillbirth is when a baby dies in the uterus after 24 weeks’ gestation before it is born. Losing a baby is very different than other losses, which may be partly due to the fact that we do not expect to lose babies in this day and age of … Read more

Toddlers tend to get a bad press—the “terrible twos” is a label they carry with them wherever they go. But for your child, months 24–36 are not so much a battlefield as a period of enormous adventure and personal transformation and for you, as a parent, they will be more rewarding than difficult. “I am … 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

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

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

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

Preparing for an Activity or Event Some people thrive on anticipation and preparation. They don’t have too much trouble handling this part of the scheduling. Other people focus on the event itself and often find themselves running around at the last minute. A smooth-running schedule must allow time for all of the preparatory activity. You … 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

As parents we have a responsibility to ensure that our little ones get everything they need to grow up strong and healthy. That doesn’t mean serving boring “health” food, but encouraging a fresh, delicious and varied diet that will provide your baby with all the key nutrients she needs. Q: My baby will eat only … 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

All of us are busy, and it does make sense to rely on some ready-made purées for your baby from time to time. Balanced by a regular selection of healthy, home-cooked fare, your baby will thrive and learn to appreciate different tastes and consistencies. Q: Is there anything wrong with using jars occasionally? A: There … 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

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

Q: My baby seems to cry all the time—I feel completely useless. Why can’t I get anything right? A: New parents tend to set such high expectations for themselves that, unless everything is going perfectly well all of the time, they feel as if they are failing in their role at some time or other. … 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

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