Helping Your Child To Express Themselves Through Clothing
Research published in Reuters Health found that children who learn to express themselves are more likely to have good social and emotional skills. Expressing yourself doesn’t have to be verbal though – clothes can be an excellent way for your child to express themselves and start to show their personality. Through fashion and dress up, you can encourage them to discover more about themselves and let their personality shine out into the world. Some children will happily wear the same three shirts over and again, without ever exploring what else may be in the drawer. Some children, on the other hand, enjoy different outfits, and will become extremely excited about a new pair of shoes. What is certain, however, is that every child is different – they all have their own sense of style and taste, and this needs to be encouraged. Abandon gender stereotypes The first rule of fashion is this: boys don’t have to wear blue and girls don’t have to wear pink. Glitter doesn’t have to be exclusively reserved for a party. These old-fashioned gender stereotypes should be abandoned completely. Gender-fluid clothing can be worn by anyone, and it does not restrict the wearer. The top fashion designers are now creating streetwear that is durable, stylish, and suited to all genders, so why do we have to restrict children to ‘boy’s clothes’ and ‘girls clothes’? Instead, it is far more fashion-forward to just consider them to be ‘children’s clothes’. Let them design their own clothes There is no better way to express yourself than through art. Designing your own clothes is where art and fashion meet. Children will love to be able to create their own t-shirts, using slogans, colors and illustrations to reflect their personality. You can use t-shirt pens, paints, and even simple linocut prints to create patterns and prints that your children will be proud of. Tie-dye is another great way of letting your kids customize their existing clothing, using a range of bright colors to personalize their wardrobe. You can do this in a bucket, or in your washing machine. Using an app such as The Matboard or Vogue Runway is another great way of helping your child design their own clothes. They can learn about fabrics and styles, and have great fun at the same time. Do some dress up Fashion doesn’t have to be serious, and neither should a child’s wardrobe be. Rather than dressing up in superhero or princess costumes though, you can spark your child’s imagination, and encourage them to dress as people from different places, or people with different professions. Bring a little steampunk into their lives, and pair a long dress outfit with goggles and a Victorian top hat. Spend the day dressed as a country vet that is ready to look after their animal patients. Put together an outfit for a biologist from the planet Mars. You certainly don’t have to conform to brand names and cartoon characters. Take your child to the thrift store, and let them raid the shelves for the perfect outfit to travel to Antarctica with Shackleton in. Make dress up mean something more than replicating what’s on TV. Clothes for children are a wonderful way for them to express themselves. Encourage your children to have fun with fashion, and steer them away from gender stereotypes so they can truly be themselves.
Simple Ways To Encourage Your Young Child’s Love Of Music
Music can play an important role in your child’s development, and studies have shown that listening to music can enhance a child’s learning ability while giving them an outlet for self-expression. Moreover, engaging in activities that require music, or participating in music lessons, can also help to hone your little one’s creativity in an enjoyable way. Encouraging your child’s interest in singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument at an early age will benefit them as they grow, and it may even be a way to bring you closer together. Here’s a guide to nurture your child’s love of music. Enroll them in music courses New research has shown that children who take music lessons have better time management and problem solving skills, show increased self awareness, and are more responsible after one year of classes. Moreover, 85 percent of parents say that their child has a greater ability to finish tasks after taking music lessons. If your child shows an interest in music, whether that’s singing or playing the violin, guitar or piano, you can sign them up for online sessions with private feedback from instructors, or teach them yourself if you know how to play a musical instrument. If your child wants to learn how to sing, ask them if they want to learn how to sing pop, R&B, or musical theater so you can find the right vocal coach to teach them proper singing techniques for their chosen genre. Have a family music night Once a month, plan on having a family music night, when everybody can enjoy listening to or playing music. You can watch an online concert or a live concert at the park, or listen to buskers after having dinner in your favorite restaurant. You can also arrange to have a karaoke night at home, or spend the evening jamming while playing musical instruments. Allow them to expand their musical tastes Young children will listen to any kind of music, and as long as they love the song, it won’t matter which genre they’re listening to. So allow your kids to expand their musical tastes by exposing them to different types of music: play kid-friendly pop, classical, blues, jazz, rock, K-pop, or country. Not only will it help them develop a better understanding of music, but they’ll also gain a deep appreciation for music from different cultures. Encouraging your child’s interest in music can help them as they grow. Try these tips to nurture your kid’s love of music, and discover how they can become healthier and happier when you add more music into their lives.
3 Tips To Help You Unlock Your Potential To Be A Better Parent
Parenthood may be the most rewarding thing you do in your lifetime, but it does come with its own set of challenges and learning curves. As a parent, it’s not unusual to find yourself worrying about how well you are doing at the job. In fact, parents spend 37 hours worrying about their kids every week, and only 44-46 percent of parents think they are doing a good job , according to a study by Pew Research Center. These fears are not just limited to parents either. If you’re thinking of starting a family or expanding your brood, chances are that these questions will cross your mind. If you happen to be a part of this group, sticking to some basic ground rules can help you navigate the world of parenthood and be sure that you’re raising them well. Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Help Becoming a parent can be a shock, even if you plan it meticulously. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or parenting resources to get advice on how to adjust. Even before they are born, there is a minefield of information to digest. From choosing a safety-approved crib to learning about chemicals in plastics like Bisphenol A and its medical impact on your child’s health, there is a long list of things parents need to know. For parental concerns, rely on your support system, baby groups, and expert resources like The Nursing Center, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and your primary physician. For instance, multiple published reports, including one by the American Academy of Pediatrics, have linked the presence of BPA in plastics like baby bottles to behavioral disorders such as attention deficiency disorder. Stay On Top Of Your Finances One of the top worries for parents or those looking to start a family is finances. Parents are spending more on raising their kids than ever before – more time, more money, and more effort. While it is not new to want to see your children live a better standard of life than you did, it takes some financially savvy steps before you embark on parenthood and throughout your journey. For instance, consider improving your budgeting skills. Being able to manage your money increases your ability to stay on top of the financial obligations that come with being a parent. The average cost of raising a child is now $233,610. You may also want to think of securing life or long term care insurance. Having the security of these means you can rest easier, knowing that if the unimaginable occurs, your child will be protected financially. Encourage Play And Imagination Promoting play does more than present bonding opportunities for you and your child. According to multiple studies, encouraging play fosters healthy brain development. Play encourages your child to use their imagination and develop social, physical and emotional skills. It also helps to develop their communication skills, and allows them to attempt problem-solving on their own – a key aspect of encouraging their independence when they get older. To encourage more free play, set screen time limits, and don’t be afraid to get involved in roleplay or small world games with your child. Not only will you be aiding their growth, but your child will have wonderful memories of bonding with you as they get older. Get Comfortable With Doing It On Your Terms Finally, make room for errors. There is no rule book on parenting. While some tips may work for other parents, they may not work for you and your child. Remember to trust your instinct as a parent, and do what suits your relationship with your child. If you do make a mistake, learn to forgive yourself. Too often, parents place immense pressure on themselves to get parenting right, and focus too much on the ways they feel they may be failing. While you may not be able to save full tuition for your child’s college education, don’t forget to focus on the love and support you can provide to encourage them to pursue further education. While these tips will get you off to a good start as a parent, there is no guarantee. Each person’s parenting journey is uniquely personal. Embrace this, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Essential Emergency First Aid Tips for New Moms
The transition to parenthood has many psychological effects, and it is common to develop depression or anxiety. Having a baby is a daunting experience, and many first-time mothers need some advice from those with more experience. Learning first aid may help to ease your anxieties and provide you with the knowledge you need to help your baby should they injure themselves or become unwell. Have a look at some key techniques you may want to learn as a new mother. Dealing With Burn Injuries Around 75% of burn injuries in children are preventable, so it is best to look for burn hazards around the home and reduce the risks. If your child should accidentally burn themselves, don’t panic. Children do tend to run around and enter places they shouldn’t; this is very common, and not your fault. A burn is treatable at home if minor. Immediately run the burn injury under cold water for around five minutes. Burn bandages are included in first aid kits; therefore you should cover the burn after cooling. If you do not have a burn bandage, use something that will not stick to the burn. Protect the burn and prevent infection by washing with soap and water. Take your little one to the emergency room immediately if the burn is serious. The Value Of Basic First Aid Training Choking is a leading cause of injury among children under four years of age. It can result in loss of consciousness, and can even stop the heart. Should you find your baby unconscious and not breathing, you should immediately check the airways for any blockages and administer CPR. This will help to resuscitate your baby and help their circulation. Only do this if you are trained; new moms can benefit from receiving training on basic first aid. Schools in certain states are required by law to have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on hand; therefore, it may also be worthwhile to keep one at home to restart the heart in the unlikely event that your child suffers cardiac arrest. Again, you should be trained to use it, and must ensure the AED is designed for use on children. Tackling Fall Injuries Around 8,000 children are treated by doctors for fall-related emergencies every day. Therefore, it may be useful to learn some first aid techniques to lessen the impact. You should always keep a first aid kit at home to clean and dress any wounds. Apply pressure to the injury if it is bleeding, or apply a cold compress to reduce bruising. Look out for any head injuries and, should your baby or child feel dizzy, vomit or complain of increasing pain, take them to the emergency room. Child-appropriate painkillers can be administered if the injury is not serious. The first lesson of first aid in any situation is not to panic. Although it may be difficult when it is your own child, this will help you keep a level head and enable you to perform the correct first aid technique, preventing further harm. Learning first aid will lessen your worry and concerns as a first-time mother, but rest assured that it is there for emergencies, and you may not ever need it.
Few Reasons Why American Parents Are More Inclined Towards European Formula For Their Babies
As a parent you there won’t be a single thing left to ensure the health and wellness of your baby. When it comes to feeding, you would want to give your baby the best nutrition. To give them the best baby formula that has the right amount of wholesome ingredients that would help in your baby’s development. Typically, there are two types of formulas available for babies, that is European formula and American formula. European formula is widely used across the globe for an infant. Why are American baby formulas not a choice for many moms? As American formulas have the same ingredient as there are very less manufacturers for it. It contains preservatives and added color and flavor so it can cause harm to the health of your baby. Why has European baby formula gained popularity? The popularity of European formula for babies has been increasing for many years among American parents. You might be confused as to what to choose for your infant as you might be new to the milk formulas. European formulas might be the healthiest option for infants as these formulas contain 99% natural ingredients which do not cause any harm to your baby. All the ingredients in this baby formula are organically grown and GMO-free. GMO is the main cause, why your baby might have allergic reactions. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners or carrageenan. As carrageenan is banned completely in European baby formula. Even it is good for digestion. European baby formula had achieved more popularity among American parents, here are few reasons why American parent loves the European formula for their babies 1. Tastes like breast milk European baby formulas have the same ingredient that is present in breast milk. Lactose is the carbohydrate that is present in breast milk. Hence, the European formula is like breast milk. 2. They contain organic ingredients Breast milk is sweet in taste because of the presence of the main ingredient which is carbohydrate lactose. Even European formulas contain lactose; many other formulas have a presence of sucrose which is difficult to digest and may lead to obesity. The European Union in 2009 banned the use of sucrose in the baby formula due to concern of overfeeding and obesity in babies. European formulas are made with organic ingredients which are safer for your babies. The best formulas such as HOLLE are made with milk from biodynamic farms, which mean they are organic and pesticide-free. 3. Strict manufacturing guidelines European formulas possess high standards for organic ingredients. They do not contain any kinds of pesticides and chemicals as they abide by specific and strict requirements of their formulas. As European baby formulas possess high standards than American baby formula manufacturers, American parents are more inclined towards the European baby formula. Europe possesses strict guidelines for the production of baby formula and they do not allow fructose, sucrose, glucose, rice syrup, corn syrup, or carrageenan as an ingredient in the baby formula, hence it comes in the pure form. 5. They come in different stages The European baby formula comes into two different stages, stage 1 is “Infant formula” given to the babies after birth till the introduction to the solid foods that are between 4 to 6 months of age. And stage 2 is “follow on the formula” for the infants of 6 months until a year of age, that is when they start consuming solid foods. 6. They can be purchased online with fast shipping. As this formula has gained wide popularity, it is now easily available as their production has increased. Sometimes supermarkets may not possess a wide range of products of baby formula. You can buy it online as every online store has the availability of the milk formula and provides fast shipping across the globe. Few alternatives in ingredients for European formula for Babies Some parents are vegetarians, so they would opt for an option of milk formula that does not contain fish oil. There are many brands which produce a formula that does not contain fish oil and instead there will be goat’s milk in it. Goat’s milk is nutritious not for an infant, but also for young and adults. Goat’s milk is similar to breast milk while cow’s milk contains whey and casein type of proteins which are difficult to digest for the sensitive digestive system of your baby. Hence, European baby formula is an excellent choice for your baby fulfilling the nutritional requirements of your baby
How Baby Car Seats Help Keep Your Baby Safe On A Road Trip
By Daniel Clark Whether you just had a baby or have only begun to think about traveling with your child after their birth, baby car seats have become an essential for any and every parent with a baby below the age of 3. Even though keeping your baby close to you is an option, a baby’s seat is not only safer but also saves you from the sore shoulders that no one else is going to help you deal with. As a parent of one baby who has never travelled in the car with their baby before, it can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exhausting to even think about planning a road trip with your baby. However, you can only avoid road trips or hire a nanny for so long. You’re eventually going to want to take your baby with you no matter where you go, so why not start sooner than later? Baby car seats are of several types and depending on the age of your child, you can opt for the one that fits your list of requirements and go for the family picnic you’ve wanted to go for, for a while now. If the luxury of comfort isn’t enough to convince you of the fact that you need a baby car seat adjusted into your backseat, there’s are three different types of baby seats that help assure that no matter how old your baby is, safety and comfort will not be an issue: 1. Baby (or infant) seats: With a weight limit of 22-35 pounds, baby seats help seat your infant until they grow to be slightly bigger. These are meant to seat your baby in a rear-facing direction in order to help protect your child as much as possible in case of an accident. The back of the safety seat can help cradle the baby’s neck, head and torso in a crash. It’s recommended to follow through with a change in car seats depending on the baby’s weight, not age. As the baby grows to be stronger, they will gain weight, and be able to handle the weight of their own body. However, until your baby grows to be 35 pounds, they must be seated safely in an infant seat during travels. 2. Convertible seats: Recommended for infants and toddlers with a weight of 40 pounds being held with rear-facing seats and up to 70 pounds for forward-facing seats, convertible seats are multifunctional seats that help not only seat babies and toddlers but also young children. Even though you can seat your child to be sitting in a front-facing seat after a point, it’s always safer to seat them in a rear-facing seat since that will always help keep your child safer than the other. The biggest advantage of convertible seats is the fact that they are highly economical. You need not invest in a separate seat for your infant since the seat can accommodate both an infant or a toddler. baby-direct.com.au offers Maxi Cosi car seats for your baby, which are capable of keeping your child comfortable for as long as you want. Both, you and your child, can enjoy a car ride without any hindrance. 3. Belt-positioning booster seats: The last of all seats that you will use as your child grows is the belt-positioning booster seat. As your child grows older, they will be more interested in looking at everything that goes on around them. In order to fulfill their wish whilst also granting their safety, these seats can help seat your child until they can finally sit in the back seat normally. Through the various ages of your child, the right car seat will play a massive role in the happy road trips that you go for with your family.
Sugar Overload: Do You Know How Much Sugar Your Kids Are REALLY Consuming?
Sugar and spice and everything nice. Isn’t that how the saying goes? We associate sugar with all that is good. We call people and actions sweet. We reward our children with sugary snacks when they do well. Who else remembers focusing on the lollipop prize for sitting still at the barber or being good at the doctor’s office? Sugar has been reinforced into our subconscious to mean good, well-deserved, and rewarding. We may even catch ourselves judging an anti-sweets person, trying to figure out what is wrong with them. For Americans, the use of sugar has become an extremely common and unhealthy habit.
Deadly Enterovirus D68 Now in 47 States
What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children Nine American children died in recent weeks, who were infected in the 2014 enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) outbreak that has now spread to 47 states and the District of Columbia. So far, the viral strain has been detected in samples submitted for a total of nine children who died; many other samples from young children who are possibly infected with the virus continue to be tested.
Are Your Children Needlessly Being Poisoned by Flame Retardants?
In the 1970’s, the United States government implemented fire safety standards that now have manufacturers of many types of furnishings and household goods using toxic flame-retardant chemicals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. PBDEs are similar in chemical structure to PCBs, which were banned after they were found to be linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and impaired brain development in fetuses. But PBDEs are now being used prevalently by manufacturers of many products, including polyurethane foams for furniture; mattresses; plastics for television cabinets, computers, electronics and small appliances; wire insulation; carpeting; as coatings for draperies and upholstery — and on baby
Homework Headaches? 6 Tips for Parents of Young Children
Few children are predisposed to diving into homework with enthusiasm. Most have to be taught the discipline and sense of duty required to stay on task and get the often boring work done on time. Teachers can only do so much. When it comes to instilling good school habits at home, parents must play an active, hands-on role. Some children take to it better than others, but in any case, good parents stay informed of their children’s homework activities and provide whatever pressure is needed to make sure it gets done. But how do you parents avoid the homework headaches? 1. Get organized: Create a system in your household for keeping track of all homework. There are a few ways to do this, but perhaps the best option is to have a homework notepad in a common area of your house such as the kitchen. When your child gets home from school, have him or her write all the day’s homework tasks. Later, cross them off when they’re completed. Or, if you think your child has the discipline, have him or her bring a special notepad to school to write down all homework assignments as they are given.
What to do if Your Child is a Reluctant Reader
For young children, being able to read is an important foundation for all later education. But some children do not take to it as well as others. Some have difficulty learning how to read and hence cannot have fun doing it, while others simply do not enjoy books as much as their parents would like them to. In these situations, it is important for parents to play an active role so that the child does not fall behind. Reading does not have to be your child’s favorite activity, but he or she should be capable of enjoying it. And even if that is not possible, a strong proficiency with written words, letters, and sounds will
How Can I Help My Shy Toddler?
Your child has her own unique personality. She may be shyer than some or more outgoing. The way you respond to her basic temperament greatly affects and influences her. Sensitive and encouraging parents can help a shy child and abusive parents can make an outgoing, lively child feel withdrawn and disconnected. To help a shy child you can:
Getting your teen to talk about his or her feelings
Many 21st-century parents are very conscious of the importance of keeping the lines of communication open with their teens. This often comes at the expense of old-fashioned discipline and parent-child hierarchy, but for many parents the trade-off is worth it. In exchange for that old-fashioned stuff, you get a strong emotional connection with your child that is almost like a friendship, and you are rarely kept in the dark about important things. Still, even in this day of unprecedented openness between parents and children, some
Sibling Rivalry: What’s Normal, and When to Get Involved
Sibling relationships can be among the most complex in the world. With our siblings we share a special familiarity, plus lots of shared experiences that give rise to a unique understanding. With siblings, there are few secrets and very little mystery. Your siblings see you at your best and your worst, and they have known you when you are at your most vulnerable. In short, there is nothing simple about sibling relationships. The special bond siblings share is fantastic in many ways. Unlike
Should Kids Be Allowed to Have Caffeine?
Many parents have strange approaches to giving their kids caffeine. On one hand, we do not think of coffee and even tea as being appropriate beverages for young children, yet on the other hand, many parents allow their children to drink soft drinks practically to their hearts’ content. And while soft drinks are lower in caffeine than coffee, they have a good amount of it, and they deliver all the caffeine-related effects that coffee does. So while caffeine
Does My Child Have OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by repetitive and unwanted thoughts. These obsessions create actions made by the sufferer as they try to eradicate the anxious thoughts which are compulsions. OCD cases vary from mild to severe and manifest in different ways. With children suffering from OCD their obsessive thoughts can cause high levels of distress and anxiety often dominating their time and ability to focus and hold their attention on things. Research carried out estimates that 1.9% to 3% of children have OCD so out of 1000 children in a school 19 to 30 of them will probably have this disorder. OCD does not discriminate between ethnicities or social groups.
Hosting a Princess Tea Party
By Chris Molnar Oh the princess tea party — it’s practically a rite of passage for little girls everywhere. At some point your daughter will embrace this phase and celebrate it for all the dainty beauty that it is. This makes for the perfect theme of a party and your little princess can truly celebrate.