Child Care Only

Raising a Child…Tough Work!

Fiona — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:05:08 +0000

How can I get my children to actually USE table manners?

Table manners are one of those pet peeves that all parents have and only some find the energy to enforce. Some simple rules to use from early childhood include not eating until everyone at the table is seated and served, and not interrupting when another family member is speaking. Be sure to insist that your child say please and thank you, and always stop inappropriate dinner conversations as soon as they start. These are some simple things that you can impart on your children so that in the future when they are dining with others, you can feel confident that they will be on their best mealtime behavior.

Read more in my article here: http://www.childcareonly.com/raising-a-child-tough-work/

Kids Pushing Your Buttons? Arguing? Demanding Your Complete Attention?

Fiona — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:37:39 +0000

How can I keep my older child from pushing my buttons? Pre-teens
and teens love to make their parents angry, or so it seems. The
best defense against your child’s attempts to get you upset is
to remain totally calm in the face of an argument. Do not let
your child maintain control over your emotions or a situation,
otherwise you will find yourself on the losing end of a lifetime
battle. If your child argues with you, simply respond by stating
your opinions on a situation and implement punishments that are
much less enjoyable than the excitement of you losing your temper.
This is the only way to stop you child from pushing your buttons
just to get a reaction.

Coping With Unsportsmanlike Behaviour, Sore Losers And Rivalry In Kids

Fiona — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:13:58 +0000

How can I stop my child from being unsportsmanlike? If you see
your child acting in an unsportsmanlike way on or off the
field, it is important to point out the behavior and ask your
child point-blank why it is that they would behave in such
a way. When the child gives you the reason for their behavior
be understanding and listen. Keep an open mind also, because
sometimes what seems like an unsportsmanlike behavior may
actually be a reaction to another behavior that you missed.
For example, your child may shove another child in order to
get the other child to stop kicking him or her. Keep the
lines of communication open, and make your expectations
perfectly clear to your child.

What are some ways I can play with an uninterested child?
Some young children, from the time of infancy, prefer little
to no interaction and stimulation from their parents and
siblings. It is important to never give up and start
ignoring the child, because children crave and need
attention regardless of how they react. Find out what it
is that your child likes, and share those things with the
child. If your quiet child prefers to read alone – then
read right along with them in your own book. Finding
experiences for bonding on the child’s terms will help to
open the child up to being able to participate in other
forms of interaction.

What are some ways to get my child to stop being a sore
loser? If your child is a sore loser, then you need to
talk to the child and make your expectations known. After
talking to the child, if the behavior doesn’t stop, you
will need to remove them from situations of competition
until they are confident that they can stop being a sore
loser. You need to appreciate and recognize your child’s
sense of disappointment – however it is critical that you
teach the child that acting out in response is not
acceptable behavior.

How should I handle sibling rivalry? There is nothing more
irritating to a parent than sibling squabbles. This is
particularly true when there is a sibling rivalry.
Competition between siblings is healthy if and only if
the children are equally matched against one another in
sports or activities where they have similar interest and
ability. And, you need to make it clear that such
competition is only acceptable as long as there is not an
end result of fighting. It is important to recognize the
emotions behind sibling rivalries, but you should never
take sides.

Celebrating parenthood, should my child sleep with me and teaching my child to be a good sport.

Fiona — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:27:28 +0000

How can I celebrate the successes of parenthood? Many parents do not take the time to celebrate the things that they are doing right as parents. This is important, because everyone needs to be recognized. Take a few minutes to look in the mirror and reflect on how far you have come with your children. And, thank yourself for a job well done, because no one benefits from well-raised children as much as the parents.
How can I become comfortable using a babysitter? First-time parents particularly become uncomfortable at the mention of the word. However, everyone needs an occasional break from parenthood and babysitters are often necessary to make it happen! Ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors and even your church, and feel confident knowing that if someone else is willing to entrust their children’s welfare to a babysitter – you can too. Start small, using a new babysitter for an hour while you run to the grocery store. Increase the time that you will be away gradually and watch how your children interact with the sitter. Over time, you will become more comfortable leaving your children with a babysitter.
How do I decide whether to let my child sleep with me? The decision of whether or not to allow a child into the parental bed for night-time sleeping is a completely individual decision. Just know that once you begin to allow your child into your bed, they will be much less inclined to fall asleep on their own. Therefore, decide early whether you are willing to sleep with your child every night. Some parents have discovered that infants in the parental bed make nighttime feedings easier. However, others have determined that putting the infant’s bassinet near the parents’ bed has the same effect.
What are some ways I can make my child’s room enjoyable for me? Many new parents forget that they will be spending a lot of time in their infant’s room. Therefore, decorate the room for your tastes and with a décor that is welcoming to you. If you place a comfortable rocker with soft pillows and a warm blanket in the room, you will find it a lot more enjoyable than if it contains only a crib and dresser. Realize that you will spend time in this room when changing your baby, putting him or her to sleep and even when he or she is sick.
How can I teach my child to be a good sport? Nobody likes a sore loser. The best way to teach a child to be a good sport is to practice good sportsmanship yourself. If you are overly competitive, your child will pick up on this and emulate your behavior. If your child is going to play organized sports, be realistic about your expectations and never yell or scream at an official that you think was unfair to your child. Be consistent. If you see your child do something that is not sportsmanlike – correct the behavior and discuss it with your child after the game or activity has ended.

Massive Summer Sale – Our Start A Daycare DVD's Are Half Price!!

Fiona — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:37:13 +0000

Roll up, roll up…..get your dvd's while you can! We are having a massive summer sale and are selling our Start a Daycare DVD Pack for only $39.95 (offer only applies in US) – that's Half the regular price folks! Offer valid until August 31st!! What are you waiting for?? Give the recession the old heave ho, get your cut price Start A Daycare Pack and you could be on your way to your own successful business in no time!!

Kids And Safety.

Fiona — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:45:53 +0000

How can I teach my child what to do in case of fire? Fire safety is one of the most important things that a child should learn from a young age. The first thing to tell your child is “stop, drop and roll”. This mantra will stick with them throughout their lifetime. Second, you should teach your child that if there is a fire they need to get the attention of ANY adult by yelling “Fire” and not “Help”. Finally, teach them to get outside and to run to a neighbor’s home to call 911. Arranging a meeting place where you can check to see that all family members got to safety.
How can I teach my child what to do in an emergency? Teaching your young child to dial 911, and explaining repeatedly that the number is only for use in a serious emergency is a good start. Older children will understand that they should only call 911 if their parent is unconscious or they are alone in the home. In addition to knowing how to call 911, even young children should learn their home address and phone number along with the full names of their parents. Remind your child that staying calm in an emergency is the most effective way to make clear judgments, but keep your own expectations realistic and know that children will panic. If you are leaving your child alone for an extended period of time, ask a trusted adult to check in on them occasionally.
What should I do to keep my child safe around water? All children need to know about the dangers of water and drowning. If you have a backyard swimming pool, put up a fence and raise the ladder if possible. A pool alarm is inexpensive and takes only a few minutes to install. Never allow your child to swim, or be near water, alone and be sure to teach them about the buddy system. These are lessons that will stick with them through their life and allow them to always be safe around water. Finally, enroll your child in swimming lessons. Neighborhood pools and schools often provide these. Knowing how to swim is the best defense against drowning or being injured in the water.
How can I keep my child safe around a hot tub? More and more families are installing hot tubs in and around their homes. Because of the shallow depth, many people overlook the importance of covers. Don’t make this mistake. Use a cover with a lock every time you get out of the hot tub. When children use the hot tub, it is important to let them in the water for only a few moments at a time, because the elevated water temperature can be dangerous for young bodies and lead to burns or dehydration. As with all dangerous household items, keep your hot tub chemicals under lock and key, because they can be very harmful if ingested or spilled.
How can I keep my child safe on the playground? Never allow your child to use playground equipment that is in need of repair. And, unless the equipment is placed on a base of mulch or rubber padding of at least 12 inches there is a significant risk of injury resulting from falls. Never leave your child alone at the playground, because if they should become injured you need to be there to assist them. Teach your child that pushing other children on the equipment is absolutely unacceptable, and do not allow other children to push your child either.
How can I keep my child safe when playing inside? You should never allow your child to run in the house because injuries can occur due to stairs and falls. And many parents have made a clear distinction between indoor and outdoor toys in order to avoid children throwing balls and other objects in the house. If you allow your child to play hide and seek inside of the house, make sure that they understand that freezers and refrigerators are off limits, along with other potentially hazardous locations such as storage closets that are used for chemicals or cleaning products. Have plenty of indoor friendly toys, games and activities available for young children in order to keep them safe inside your home.
What should I do to keep my child safe from poisons? The first rule of thumb for parents is to keep cleaning products and other chemicals out of the reach of children. This may be on a high shelf or in a locked cupboard. It also means not using your medicine cabinet for medication storage. Keep medications out of the view and reach of children at all times. Have the poison control number handy by every phone in the house in case of accidental ingestion, and never induce vomiting until you have spoken with a professional.
How can I keep my child safe when there are firearms in the home? The best option is simply to not have firearms in the home. But, if you must have them you should always keep them in a locked cabinet. Keep ammunition locked in a different location and NEVER tell your child where it is kept. Teach your children about firearms, and the dangers that they pose. Be honest with your child, because curiosity results in more firearms injuries than anything else. Toy guns are a bad idea, and if your child asks for a BB gun, dart gun or other firearm toy – tell them no.
What can I do to teach my child to leave houseplants alone? There are many varieties of houseplants that are poisonous to children and animals, so be aware of what types of plants you are growing in your home. If you know that a specific plant is dangerous, keep it well out of the reach of your child. Knowing what is growing in your home is important, because if your child should eat a piece of your plant and become ill – you will need to tell the poison control center or pediatrician exactly what the child ate that made them ill.

How will I know when it’s time to move my toddler out of his crib? Once they reach 30 inches tall, children should be moved out of their crib and into a bed. This is a safety concern, because taller children are prone to falling over the edge of crib rails. If you are worried that your child will fall out of a bed, use a guardrail. There are many options available, and the best is a rail that slides between the mattress and box spring for stabilization. Another option is a toddler bed, which places your child just a few inches off of the floor.

How would I know if my home contained lead paint? Any home that was built before 1978 could potentially contain lead based paint. Intact paint that is not peeling in any location is most likely not a hazard, however if your home is older and has peeling walls you will need to be aware of the dangers of lead poisoning. If you suspect that your home contains lead-based paint, you can request that a certified lead inspector perform tests to determine whether there is lead present and give you advice on what you need to do in order to keep your child safe.

How can I prevent staircase injuries? The best way to prevent your child from falling down stairs is to keep them away from the top. You should have a door, or locking gate in place on all staircases when your child is young. Teach your child to navigate stairs correctly as soon as he or she is crawling in order to make sure that they know how to go up and down should they find themselves on the stairs. Don’t allow your children of any age to run in the house, otherwise an accidental stair fall could result.

From First Day At School To Encouraging Interaction..More Parent Questions Answered

Fiona — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:13:39 +0000

With the remote control, watching TV can be a dizzying experience. I get confused with what characters go with what plot. What with that mysterious hand switching channels during commercial breaks, you find yourself following several shows at the same time. Sometimes you have to shout, “stop!” and confiscate the remote control. “Please decide which program you want and stick to it”.

Kids and TV

Fiona — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:27:12 +0000

Television today is still a “baby sitter” both for adults and preschoolers. When people are bored or simply want to rest, they watch TV. Some are not really interested to watch at all. They need the TV to put them to sleep. As soon as you turn it off, they wake up. With the remote control, watching TV can be a dizzying experience. I get confused with what characters go with what plot. What with that mysterious hand switching channels during commercial breaks, you find yourself following several shows at the same time. Sometimes you have to shout, “stop!” and confiscate the remote control. “Please decide which program you want and stick to it”.

That was supposed to be final but what’s this switching channel again? “Mom, there are commercial breaks!” would be the excuse. Today’s TV imports still have family-oriented shows and the rest are soap operas, game shows and their local counterparts which include slapsticks or tearjerkers, noontime variety shows, movie personalities’ song and dance, and movie Dom’s gossip sessions. These are the kinds of shows very young children are exposed to. Most of these are shown at times when kids are awake and those of school age are already home. Programming leaves much to be desired.

Read more in my article here: http://www.childcareonly.com/parenting/kids-and-tv/

Dealing With Teething, Money, Playdates, Disagreements And Reading…Phew!

Fiona — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:30:21 +0000

How can I help my teething child? Teething is one of those things that most first-time parents fear. A teething child will spend time going back and forth between cranky and miserable and this definitely takes a toll on both the child and the parents. To ease the pain of teething, consider giving your child a cold, wet washcloth to suck on. This will ease the pain and distract the child. Most pediatricians advise that you stay away from numbing agents, which can reduce the suckling instinct and reduce the amount that your child will eat while they are teething. If your child is running a fever, or has a runny nose, it is probably a sign that something else is happening because these are not signs of teething.

What should I do to teach my young child about money? Open a bank of your own! This gives you the ability to teach your children about money management without giving your child cash that they can spend frivolously or lose. The process is simple. Set up a spreadsheet on your computer that will serve as the bank register. Give your child an old checkbook, or make up some checks with the child’s name on them. When your child wants spending money, they will ‘withdraw’ it from their account. At the end of every week, you will ‘deposit’ your child’s allowance into the account instead of handing the child cash that can be lost or misplaced. This is a great way to keep track of your child’s spending habits and to ensure that your child isn’t losing money or spending it all on things that you would prefer they didn’t have. Read more in my article here:
http://www.childcareonly.com/parenting/dealing-with-teething-money-playdates-disagreements-and-readingphew/

Getting Kids To Eat Healthy

Fiona — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:20:50 +0000

What can I do to make sure my child is eating healthy? It is easy to make sure that your pre-schooler is eating healthy because you’re responsible for all of their meals and snacks. The difficulty begins when your child starts school, and you no longer have control over what they are eating and when. If you start teaching your child how to make healthy food choices from an early age, you are setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Keep plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand for healthy snacking, and restrict refined sugar as much as possible from day one.

How should I deal with a picky eater? Young children will frequently become picky eaters, or go through phases where they want to eat only specific types of foods. This is really nothing to be concerned about. These phases tend to come and go and unless they last for an extended period of time there is little chance of them becoming problematic. As long as your child is healthy overall and is within a normal weight and height range, your pediatrician will most likely tell you to just wait out the phase and not worry. Pay attention to what your child is eating over the course of a week or month, and you are likely to discover that she is eating a healthy diet in the long run.

Read more in my article here:http://www.childcareonly.com/parenting/getting-kids-to-eat-healthy/