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
Your toddler needs plenty of variety and lots of different nutrients from fresh, natural foods. Encourage your little one to try new foods regularly, and to enjoy versions of healthy family meals, and she’ll soon be on her way to establishing healthy eating patterns—and learning to love great food! Q: What does a varied “toddler” … Read more
Q: How can we parent as a team? A: No two people agree entirely on every parenting decision, so it’s natural that your toddler will check with each of you to see which one will let him have what he wants. Being aware of this means you can present a united front. Friction can be … Read more
Weaning is often a tricky and emotive period for toddlers and parents alike, because regular milk feeds are replaced with wholesome, nutritious meals. Don’t rush the process if you aren’t ready. As long as milk isn’t forming the main part of your toddler’s diet, you can continue to enjoy those comforting moments. Q: Is it … Read more
Q: Should I stay at home with my son or take him to day care? A: Many parents feel guilty and worried about taking their child to day care or leaving them with a nanny. However, good-quality childcare, balanced with loving and nurturing time at home, can bring huge benefits. At this age your child … Read more
You swore you’d never be one of those women who freak out over every line and gray hair, yet here you are, doing just that. You could blame it on vanity, but expert says the real reasons behind your panic aren’t nearly so superficial. Not long ago I went through a phase of feeling bad … Read more
For your family’s schedule to run smoothly, all family members must do their part. Preschoolers want to emulate the older members of the family, which gives you the perfect opportunity to get them involved without any hassle. All you have to do is remember to keep their involvement fun. Selecting Appropriate Tasks For you to … Read more
While healthy food is on the day-to-day menu, there is no reason why that all-important first birthday and other special events can’t provide an opportunity for a few treats. And with some tricks up your sleeve, you can provide party fare that is nutritious and delicious! Q: What are appropriate foods for my baby’s first … Read more
Weighing Activity Options for Preschoolers Back in “Participating in Enrichment Activities,” we discussed ways to select the structured activities in which each member of your family will participate. Table 1. Should You Involve Your Preschooler in an Enrichment Activity? Answer the question on behalf of your child. Enter the number of your answer a. Do … Read more
Consequences Helping your toddler manage his angry mood, or stop unwanted behavior, is challenging and time consuming, and time is often in short supply. If behavior-shaping is to work, your toddler will need to understand that there will be a negative consequence if he does not do as he has been asked—or a positive consequence … Read more
Some babies are undoubtedly persnickety, choosing the same foods over and over again, and turning up their noses at the sight of anything new. The good news is that you can still offer a delicious, varied, and healthy diet by using a few tried and tested tricks—and, of course, a little subterfuge when necessary! Q: … Read more
While a toddler’s tears and tantrums are distressing, this type of behavior is a crucial part of learning to grow up. If your child does not get angry and learn to manage his rage at an early stage, he will find it harder to express his true feelings and act appropriately as he gets older. … Read more
One of the best ways to introduce your baby to a variety of healthy foods and to discourage fussy eating is to encourage her to eat family food. So pull up her chair, and start encouraging healthy eating alongside the whole family. Q: Does it matter if my baby has tastes of foods that aren’t … Read more
Different kinds of play Physical and pretend Toddlers are discovering the sheer joy of using their bodies. This is a time for physical play—running, jumping, skipping, and play fighting. Puppies, kittens, and little humans all have a “play face” indicating this activity is just for fun. Parents and their toddlers will develop their own tickling, … Read more
Getting the behavior you want Why toddlers act the way they do Q: What motivates your toddler? A: The number one motivator for your toddler is your warm, loving attention. She wants to please and will work hard to be noticed, get your approval, and snare a cuddle or hug into the bargain. Most toddlers … Read more
Q: I’ve banned guns in my home, but my son “shoots” people with a stick. What should I do? A: The war toys on sale are so frighteningly realistic, it is understandable that parents try to protect their children from them. However, banning things tends to make them more attractive, and whatever you do, boys … Read more
Q: My daughter makes us late all the time because she wants to be independent. What can we do? A: “I do it” is your toddler’s way of telling you she is ready to be more independent. She’s experiencing a drive to use her growing dexterity and coordination to practice new skills and to keep … Read more
Buck Raper on Knives Buck Raper is the manager of manufacturing and engineering for Dexter-Russell, the largest and oldest cutlery manufacturer in the United States. Above, Buck holds a knife next to an edge sharpness and edge life test apparatus in their metallurgy lab. How did you come to work at Dexter-Russell? In a former … Read more
Q: Since my partner and I broke up, my son is sucking his thumb all the time. Have we damaged him? A: Thumb sucking is a very common comfort habit. It is a useful and effective form of self-soothing, which on its own is not a sign of emotional disturbance. It is not unusual for … Read more
Your relationship with your toddler is gradually changing. He still needs your help for most tasks, and craves your approval and involvement, but is becoming more independent and outward-looking and more aware of influences in his life—he remembers who people are and what they look like. “You will see more signs of self-awareness as his … Read more