Q: My son is not “work ready.” What can I do to help him? A: There is a specific set of skills that will help your son do well no matter what job he goes for. These include attending every day unless he’s sick, arriving on time, appearing clean and tidy, and listening to instructions … Read more

Q: My daughter refuses to dress nicely for school. I don’t want her to get into trouble. What can I do? A: Your daughter is trying to fit in with her peers and be part of a group that probably all dresses in a similar way. The school will be used to students bending the … Read more

You can’t realistically expect the planner system you worked so hard to select and set up to work if you’re sabotaging its cooperative nature by not using it yourself. How long do you expect your children to check the schedule when they’re making plans if you aren’t keeping your part of the schedule up-to-date? How … Read more

Making Sure You Don’t Get Lost in the Kids The schedules for the adults in your family include Enrichment activities— Structured classes or activities on topics of interest Hobbies— Enjoyable pursuits in which you get absorbed for hours at a time Socializing— Getting together with people outside of your family Free time— Moments of peace … Read more

Most children will take their first steps and say their first words during the next six months. It is an exciting time for both you and your toddler. Go at your toddler’s pace and resist making comparisons with other children; he will reach the same point as everyone else—in his own good time! “All children … Read more

All you need to do to help your child develop healthily is to listen, observe, and keep talking and responding positively to him. His brain is preprogrammed to do the rest, so there is no need to push or force development. In fact, doing this can slow development in other areas. “Your baby’s experiences and … Read more

It can be frustrating when little problems and annoyances raise their heads, making it seem that breastfeeding isn’t the easiest option. The good news is that almost all problems can be resolved, and after the first few weeks, you’ll find that you settle into a comfortable, pleasurable routine with your new baby. Q: I find … Read more

Did you know… that it’s perfectly normal for your baby to become distracted while feeding? Even hungry babies can lose interest. Try to find a peaceful place to feed and talk to your baby quietly, so that he concentrates on you rather than what is going on around him. If he starts to come off … Read more

How much time you’ll need to spend on your caregiving endeavors will depend on several factors including how much help your elder needs, where your elder is living—in his own home, in your home, in a retirement community, or in a senior care facility—and how much of the care you’ll provide personally. On average, a … 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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

The first 12 hours, step by step What to expect after the birth It’s hard to imagine how you will feel at the start of your life with a new baby. What is more certain is that you will most likely be exhausted after the birth, and will probably experience a whole range of emotions, … Read more

At this age, your toddler’s life is a constant adventure and full of the potential for fun. Every activity, journey, movement, and sound he experiences is full of intrigue and excitement. Play is a natural instinct that leads, inevitably, to him learning and developing new skills. The activities your child enjoys naturally at 12–18 months … Read more

You’ll soon learn that what your toddler wants and what he needs are not always the same thing. Toddlers are very egocentric; they have no appreciation of the rights of others, and if they want something they want it now! This is because they have no sense of time and live in the here and … Read more

Not everyone finds it easy or possible to breastfeed, but you can be confident that formula milk offers your baby the nutrients that will encourage optimum health and development. Bottle-feeding also gives dad and other members of the family a chance to experience the wonders of feeding a new baby. Q: Is there anything I … Read more