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How to keep your children active

How to keep your children active

How to keep your children active

By: Alejandra Jimenez

It is not easy to reconcile the busy day of parents who work, or the housework of stay-at-home parents, with the time and care that children need to stay happy and healthy. Nevertheless, we can’t let our routine make us leave out important details of our role as parents. These tips will help you keep your children active and happy, even if you can’t go outside:

Keep your children active
  • When you go shopping, generally you do not have too much time. And if you have to take your children with you, it will probably be better to sit them on a stroller or a shopping cart. However, little kids need to keep on moving all the time, and if you buckle them up you are depriving them of their natural need of movement. Let them walk next to you at the store and help you push the cart, or have them pick some of the groceries from the shelves.
  • If your kids are always at home or at indoor places only, you are restricting their freedom and exposing them to constant warnings, such as “do not put your shoes on the couch”, “do not run at home”, or “do not shout because you bother the neighbors”, for example. To make sure that your children are doing enough physical activity, visit frequently any safe outdoor place, so they have plenty space to run, jump, climb up and down, and shout as much as they want. If possible, bring in a ball and some toys to keep them entertained for a while.
  • Another excellent way to keep your children active is walking along a trail, at the beach, or at a lake shore, where they can observe some animals, search for treasures, collect  rocks of certain color, count stars, and many other activities.
Keep your children active

It is not easy to reconcile the busy day of parents who work, or the housework of stay-at-home parents, with the time and care that children need to stay happy and healthy. Nevertheless, we can’t let our routine make us leave out important details of our role as parents. These tips will help you keep your children active and happy, even if you can’t go outside:

 

  • When you go shopping, generally you do not have too much time. And if you have to take your children with you, it will probably be better to sit them on a stroller or a shopping cart. However, little kids need to keep on moving all the time, and if you buckle them up you are depriving them of their natural need of movement. Let them walk next to you at the store and help you push the cart, or have them pick some of the groceries from the shelves.

 

  • If your kids are always at home or at indoor places only, you are restricting their freedom and exposing them to constant warnings, such as “do not put your shoes on the couch”, “do not run at home”, or “do not shout because you bother the neighbors”, for example. To make sure that your children are doing enough physical activity, visit frequently any safe outdoor place, so they have plenty space to run, jump, climb up and down, and shout as much as they want. If possible, bring in a ball and some toys to keep them entertained for a while.

 

  • Another excellent way to keep your children active is walking along a trail, at the beach, or at a lake shore, where they can observe some animals, search for treasures, collect  rocks of certain color, count stars, and many other activities.
  • ​When it is not possible to take your children outside, music will always be your best ally to make them happy. Dance, sing along, and play together with any kind of rhythm.
  • Be an example for your kids by showing how physical activity helps them grow healthy and strong. Children’s habits are mostly influenced by their parents’ behavior. Therefore, every time you have the chance, choose walking instead of going by car (if you thing they might get tired, you may take a stroller). Do exercise together at home (yoga, dance). Enjoy together some outdoor activities, such as soccer at the park, fly a kite, swim at the pool.
  • Friends are a great motivation for your children. Invite one of their best friends to spend the afternoon playing at the swimming pool. Take them to a little and safe hill and teach them how to roll over. Let the kids play and exercise together at the park.
  • If you can afford it, enroll them in swimming lessons, a gym or any martial arts. Kids can get a lot of benefit from disciplines like these, even in the early years.

Remember, the main goal is making physical activities fun, so your children stay active without pressure or bad times.

Lee este artículo en español en ParaTiMami

 

Source: www.babycenter.com

Photography credits: Jonas Mohamadi

7 Smart Answers for Big Siblings’ Complaints

7 Smart Answers for Big Siblings’ Complaints

Have you ever wished to have a better answer for your children’s complaints about their siblings? Here are some smart answers to suggest:

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “Why are you going to have another baby? I don’t want anybody else”.
    Instead of: “You’ll see you will love the baby. You’ll have someone to play with”.
    Consider: “This is what you feel? Tell me more. Let me tell you that you will always be my only loved big child”.

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “Who do you love the most?”
    Instead of: “I love you both equally”.
    Consider: “That’s a hard question because you both are special to me. I love each one for being the way you are”.

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “¡Ga ga, gu gu… wa wa… momma”.
    Instead of: “Stop acting like a baby. You’re a big kid”.
    Consider: “Let’s pretend you’re a baby! Come now and sit on my lap”.
  • BIG SIBLING: “You always pay more attention to the baby than to me”.
    Instead of: “That’s not true! I pay attention to you all the time”.
    Consider: “Would you like us to spend more time together? I’d love to spend more time with you too. Do you want me and you to play alone later?”

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “Why are you always on her side?”
    Instead of: “I’m not always on her side. Sometimes you misbehave with your sister”.
    Consider: “That’s what you think? Why don’t you help me understand what you feel so I can be fair to both of you?”

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “I hate my brother”.
    Instead of: “That’s not true! You love your brother”.
    Consider: “Something your brother said or did made you angry”.

 

  • BIG SIBLING: “I wish the baby was never born”.
    Instead of: “How can you say something so unpleasant about your little brother?”
    Consider: “Sometimes you do like your brother, but now you don’t want him here. I know sometimes babies can be annoying, but when he grows up you’ll love to play with him”.

 

When your children argue, remember that family lasts a lifetime. Nobody can’t take your children’s shared story away from them. Nobody else shared all those years at home with their parents. This will be theirs forever, and will make a strong link between them”.

Lee este artículo en español en ParaTiMami

 

Source: www.babycenter.com

It’s Tooth Fairy Time!

It’s Tooth Fairy Time!

It’s Tooth Fairy Time!

Everybody knows that baby teeth must fall out to let the permanent teeth come in. The whole process takes at least six years.

Usually, children get very excited when they notice that one of their teeth is loose, because the Tooth Fairy will be visiting soon. But not all of them are happy about this rite of passage since sometimes they are afraid of feeling pain, or feel uncomfortable when eating, or may be worried about how they will look or talk without teeth.

Parents can help talking to their children about those fears, and letting them know they will probably will not feel pain. It is recommended to give them soft foods if they complain about discomfort when a tooth is very loose. Most baby teeth fall out on their own.

Children start getting their first baby teeth at the age of 4-7 months, in most cases, and should have all their 20 baby teeth by the age of 3 years.

Baby teeth usually fall out in the order your child got them. This means the two center bottom teeth are often the first to go, followed by the top two center ones. If your child’s baby teeth erupted late, they will probably fall out later.

Some kids lose their first baby teeth at the age of 4 years, while others start when they are 7 years old.

There are children who lose their baby teeth very young, when permanent teeth are not ready to come yet (this can be a consequence of an accident or a dental disease). In these cases, dentists use to put a temporary prothesis in order to keep the space for the permanent tooth, avoiding future teeth spacing problems.

If your child starts losing baby teeth before he/she is 4 years old, we recommend you to visit a dentist to make sure it is not due to a disease.

If your child is 7 years old and did not lose any tooth yet, although it is very common, it is also recommended to ask a dentist for an x-ray study.

When the permanent teeth do come in, you will find out they have ridges and may be slightly yellow. They are also much larger than baby teeth. Do not worry, because your child will grow into them.

Healthy toothbrushing habits become even more important now.

 

If you liked this article, you can find more interesting topics in our blog www.tip4mom.com

Visita también nuestro sitio en Español www.paratimami.com

 

Janita

Related article in Spanish: Cuándo comienzan a caerse los dientes de leche?

Source: www.babycenter.com

How can I teach my child that making fun of others is wrong?

How can I teach my child that making fun of others is wrong?

It’s very important to teach our children never to make fun of others. Children should learn that behaviors like teasing and bullying are harmful and affect our ability to relate to the people around us.

Making fun of others hurts everyone involved

We don’t often think about a child who makes fun of others as being a victim. But in reality, cruel behavior often disguises weakness and fear.

Making fun of others can be evidence of bad behavior learned at home, or can be a sign that a child is not comfortable in their own skin.

In some cases, children who have been victims of teasing lash out at other children to protect themselves.

Teaching values begins at home. Some parents fail to put a stop to behaviors such as making fun of others, simply because they don’t see them as a problem.

It may be that in their household, it’s normal to make unkind remarks about others. When this is the case, children copy what they see.

Aggression at home

When a child is making fun of others, it’s worth finding out why. A lack of affection or aggression at home can trigger bullying in children.

Kids who grow up in this kind of environment may take out their frustration on others, through verbal and physical attacks on their apparently weaker peers.

All parents should understand that making fun of others can trigger aggressive behavior in their child. It can also affect their performance at school and undermine their ability to form meaningful relationships with others.

In terms of discipline, parents who observe their children engaging in bullying must take action immediately.

Educating children on matters of emotions and relationships is something that takes time. Teaching a child not to make fun of others means helping them see that this kind of behavior is wrong.

Inviting children to put themselves in the other person’s place is one way to do this, by encouraging empathy.

Teaching Your Child not to Make Fun of Others

Making fun of others can lead to rejection, bad grades at school, low self-esteem, increased aggression and insecurity. It also exacerbates aggression and insecurity. It goes against every rule of social behavior.

Show them that others could do the same to them

When a child is making fun of others, they are trying to take control of a situation and get attention. This might be the only way to relate to others they know.

The best way to put a stop to this behavior is by talking to your child. Explain the damage it does to others, and how unpleasant it is to be on the receiving end.

It’s also important to show your child that making fun of others involves a risk. If they continue to do it, others may also decide to make fun of them or be aggressive towards them.

Lead by example

Parents must be a good role model and practice what they preach. It’s also important to reinforce positive behavior by praising the child when they do the right thing.

Love and affection are vital for teaching children not to make fun of others. A child who feels loved is less insecure, and far less likely to resort to aggression.

Respect and tolerance: fundamental values

When the child understands the damage caused by cruel words, they’ll learn to accept other people and respect their differences.

Developing values such as respect and tolerance will help your child to get along with others. As well as giving them a happier childhood, you’ll help them to grow up into a better person in the future.

Parental introspection

To teach your child not to make fun of others, it’s important to reflect on your own behavior.

Parents with low self-esteem who have difficulty forming friendships won’t be able to lead by example. For this reason, moms and dads must know and value themselves to help their children do the same.

What if my child is being teased?

When our children are on the receiving end of teasing or bullying, it’s especially important for parents to teach security and show them not to fear what others say about them. One strategy may include using humor to deflect cruel remarks.

If your child is being made fun of, offer them love and understanding. Reinforce their self-esteem and teach them to be true to themselves, regardless of what others may say.

 

If you liked this article, you can find more interesting topics in our blog www.tip4mom.com

Visita también nuestro sitio en Español www.paratimami.com

 

Janita

Source: www.youaremom.com

When the worst guests ever come to visit! Head Lice and Toddlers

When the worst guests ever come to visit! Head Lice and Toddlers

A very common infestation of tiny insects on the scalp and along the hair shafts, that spread head to head by contact. Head lice are extremely common among children in pre-school and elementary ages, and it is very likely that kids get reinfected unless all the parents in a group treat their children at the same time, even if some of them do not have head lice. A child may have only one or two lice, but if they are not treated, this number multiplies very quickly.

Head lice feed by sucking very small amounts of blood from the scalp, which causes intense itching. Head lice can’t fly or jump, but they move from head to head by crawling. Head lice are undiscerning creatures that will infest anyone’s hair, regardless of how clean it is.

What are the symptoms of Head lice?

The first sign of head lice is usually the itching, and you will see your child scratching their head repeatedly. If you examine your child’s hair closely, you might be able to see the lice. Once lice are fully grown they’re about 3mm long, but they camouflage very well. Some people call head lice ‘nits’, but this is the name for the empty egg shells left by hatched lice. They are creamy grey colored and very well cemented to the hair shaft, which makes them hard to remove. They are mostly seen near the scalp due to the warmth from the head that encourages them to hatch. Eggs can be removed by using your nails to pull them down the hair shaft.

What are the treatments and remedies of Head lice?

Treatment is either by wet combing – using a special nit comb and plenty of conditioner on wet hair until all signs of nits and lice have gone- or by using a proprietary over-the-counter lotion or shampoo. Some are chemical, others natural. You shouldn’t use any chemical treatment on children under two years old. You may find the best solution for your child through trial and error, or ask your pharmacist what is best to use as some head-lice have developed resistance to some of the treatments in some areas. Prescription treatments, including oral medication, are available if the lice are very resistant to other treatments.

How To Prevent Head Lice: Top Products to Help

I know there are a ton of head-lice treatments and prevention products out there. Here are three that moms in my area are using and recommending:

Lice Knowing You Detangler and Conditioning Spray

Lice Knowing You Detangler and Conditioner Spray

 

I recently purchased this at the recommendation of a mom friend who uses it regularly on her three kids. You spray it in your kid’s hair in place of your regular detangler and it helps keep lice away. It’s a little soapy when you initially apply it, but a quick comb-through and it’s gone. The herbal scent is pleasant and there aren’t any weird or scary ingredients, so it’s safe to use every day. An easy first defense for preventing head lice!

LiceGuard RobiComb Electronic Lice Comb

LiceGuard RobiComb - Lice-Zapping Comb

 

A friend whose daughter has had several bouts of head lice told me about this electric comb that kills nits and lice on contact. You comb through your child’s hair and when the comb encounters a louse or a nit, it zaps it with a tiny electrical charge. There are several different brands of these combs on the market, at varying price points. I haven’t purchased one yet but I’m definitely considering it.

Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo with Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus BotanicalsThis one was recommended to me by another mom friend who has three kids. She uses it on her kids whenever they get a notice about a lice outbreak at their schools, and so far, so good (they’ve never had head lice). Apparently the little buggers aren’t fond of strong herbal smells and oils like tea tree, menthol and eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary. This is not a tear free formula, so it will be tricky to use on my kids. California Baby offers a tea tree and lavender shampoo for kids that I’m eyeing for them instead. Another option is to add some pure tea tree oil to your family’s shampoos.

 

I tell my children not to swap hats and hair bands, coats and clothes, but they’re kids, and they forget. So I have to take matters into my own hands and begin preventing head lice now. Otherwise, I might be using my hands to painstakingly comb through their hair (and mine) to find and remove lice. I’m itching just thinking about it.

 

This guide

This article is not meant to substitute medical advice provided by a practicing medical professional – if you have any concerns, contact your physician immediately.

 

Janita

www.tip4mom.com

 

Source: https://www.mom365.com

The Many Mood Swings of the Terrible Twos

The Many Mood Swings of the Terrible Twos

The life of a two-year-old isn’t always easy.

One minute you might be happily coloring with your new markers, and the next your mom snatches them from your hand and scolds you for drawing on the wallpaper. At the moment, nothing can feel more devastating.

Anyone who’s parented a toddler knows what happens next. The young artist bursts into tears, possibly hits mom, throws the nearest object or runs away. Of course, as soon as she sees another cool, new toy, she’ll settle right down.

It’s perfectly normal to have a moody toddler, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Understanding what life is like in the world of a toddler can help you learn how to deal with terrible twos.

What is time?

Your toddler has a very limited concept of time. When he wants something, all he knows is that he wants it now. Not in five minutes, not in an hour (what’s an hour, anyway?). As such, when he doesn’t get his peanut butter and jelly exactly when he’s hungry, he may think he’ll never get his sandwich, even if you’re already in the process of spreading the jelly.

In some cases, the tears will stop as soon as you hand your toddler his lunch (or whatever it is he’s asking for). In many other situations, your toddler is making a request you can’t oblige. No, he can’t play with your kitchen knife. No, he can’t have candy before dinner.

Being told “no” isn’t fun, but luckily you can use that limited concept of time to your advantage, Parents explained. You can’t take him to the park right now, but he can play with his dinosaurs or his blocks. A new distraction becomes his new focus, and he’ll be happy once more.

Learning words takes time

Your toddler knows exactly what she wants. Unfortunately, she might not have the vocabulary to dictate that want. Even if she does, it might come out sounding like slurred and garbled nonsense. If parents had a nickel for every time they asked their child “what?,” they’d have very heavy pockets.

Not being able to clearly express their wants and needs is the source behind many toddler meltdowns. When your 18-month-old wants a cup of apple juice, but doesn’t know the word “apple” and can only ask for juice, she feels frustrated when she’s handed a cup of orange. She might yell, cry or throw the juice on the ground.

In time, she’ll learn the word “apple” and know how to ask for what she wants. Until then, be careful to communicate the names of her favorite items whenever possible to help her learn. When you pick up the apple juice, say “This apple juice is yummy” or “Do you want the apple juice?”

Additionally, teaching your child some simple baby signs can help alleviate language frustrations, LiveStrong explained. For example, to sign for “apple,” make your hand into a fist with your index knuckle extended. Touch the knuckle to your cheek and twist.

Emotional intelligence doesn’t come easily

When something has upset your toddler, all he knows is there’s a burning rage inside him. He might not know the words “mad,” “sad” or “frustrated.” He probably doesn’t know how to properly express those emotions, either; he’s only just developed them, after all.

Help your toddler learn about his emotions and how to display them. When his older brother knocks over his block tower, he feels mad. He might pick up his blocks and throw them at his brother. Tell your toddler, “That must have made you feel really mad.” Vocabulary will help your child understand that feeling mad is normal. Teach him that’s it’s OK to feel mad, but not OK to throw blocks.

Help your toddler learn about all his emotions, not just the negative ones. Help him identify when he’s happy, excited, sad, frustrated or mad. In time, he’ll not only learn how to determine his own emotions, but he’ll also start recognizing these in others – the first steps toward developing empathy, Parents noted.

Dealing with tantrums isn’t easy, especially when you’re in public or witnessing the third meltdown of a very tough day. It’s important to let your toddler know that throwing a fit isn’t the way to get what he wants.

Wait for him to calm down, then get to the bottom of the problem. In time, your toddler will develop a bigger vocabulary, a realistic concept of time and the emotional intelligence to stay calm, even when frustrated – it’s all a part of growing up.

 

Tip4Mom

 

 

 

Source: https://blogs.mom365.com

Photo: https://www.pexels.com