All I want for Xmas is ..."........

Hi all Moms,
Yes it is that time of the year where you have to give in unfortunately! But all dark clouds have a silver lining so let's look at buying that toy for your child more positively! Children love toys and we all know this, these are there treasures at young age so we shouldn't deprive them of these luxuries. Just a few tips to have in mind when you purchase these are durability, safety, age appropriate and of course optimal development.

Play is a very important part of a child's learning and development, they learn so many skills and ability through play. When you choose a toy keep in mind a child is developing cognitively. Physically, there language abilities and social and emotional skills. Yes sounds like a lot of jargon when you can't keep them still in a toy shop! Try and focus children may want so many things which is advertised through media but is there any benefit of your purchase ? Choose wisely buy toys which optimize there growth potential and develop many skills and talents.

Let me help you with an out line : from birth to six months stick to large toys which give soothing sounds and movement. Six months to one year large toys which cannot be swallowed and not too heavy. Why? This is the time the child is experimenting through there eyes and mouth, so look carefully at the materials which goes in to they toy.
One year to two stick to pull toys and building blocks yes physical and cognitive development is on the boom.
Three to five years buy toy which builds up there imagination skills.
Five years to seven years yes action toys ! There physical development is on a high ride.
Seven up wards they will have there likings and interest figured out so something to suit the skill

But last but the least avoid very male/female or Pink vs blue concept of strong gender defining  toys. Where the girls always get dolls and beauty accessories only to enhance there out look and appearances.
And boys with wrestlers , soldiers and swords and guns, which encourages aggressive behavior. Stick to neutral toys and always keep in mind these are optimal development years and all we need to encourage is the child's potential to gain many skills and talents!

Good Luck and Happy shopping!

Training for your child carer ? Watch!

Watch !
http://youtu.be/gwsARJtdND0

Tinker Bell ?

Vacant position a fairy Nanny ?

Hi Moms,
Is separation anxiety kicking in ? Looking for the perfect person to keep your baby or toddler happy while you are away?  I am afraid this is a tough and scary place to be, because no one can look after your baby better than you! So we need to face reality pick the second best choice but make it a good one. Something you need to consider is the separation anxiety in your child, how well you handle this initially before you move on and leave your baby or toddler behind.

The good news is Separation anxiety is normal during early childhood. It usually starts at about 6 to 8 months of age and lasts until about 2 and a half years to 4 years. This anxiety reflects the child's attempts to hold on to what is safe and comfortable and it will settle down as the child grows older and confident.  In the first few months of life the baby is attached to the main carer or carers, that is you MOM and DAD, this is because they learn the love, attention, comfort and nourishment you provide. The baby recognizes the special people in there life very early and clearly recognize the difference with family and strangers. When the child feels this special person in not there they get upset and reacts to that condition or situation. So how do we soft peddle this moments ? Start with establishing patterns where you are out only for a short time and come back and spend time with your young one and make them safe.

Unfortunately all  children have to learn I to deal with separations. It is part of life so let's make this difficult situation easy as possibles for them and us . If separations are managed well, it helps children to deal with separations better through out their lives. So let's move on and pick the best Tinker bell possible!

Always make sure your child care giver is through recommendation and check all given references. Make certain before you leave your baby or toddler with your care giver you spend time training them under direct supervision. Plan out the schedules for them always insist they follow the routine without upsetting your baby or toddler. The best way to see if the journey with your care give and you is a continuous path, check when you come back if they catch up on all your baby or toddlers day. Are there too many mess for you to pick up? Is the baby clean and happy?  Are they willing to work late ? Do they value your time where they inform you well ahead if they are running late or unable to come ? But most of all the connection your baby and toddler has with the care giver, if your baby's or toddlers response is not warm and cuddles to them that clearly shows that's what they are getting from Tinker bell while you are away !
Good Luck MOM

Hope u watch this!

http://youtu.be/iJoT9eRYAoA

Is there a Pinocchio in your child?

Hi Hi Moms,

Here's the thing, remember Pinnochio ? Yes we all do and he did stay with us all through our childhood and as adults. The story was super ! Pinocchio was created as a wooden puppet, but dreamed of becoming a real boy , But are all you Moms who have given birth to the real boys and girls now finding them going through the adventures of Pinnocchio?
If the answer is yes, simply remember that all children have the tendency to lie; but how often is the question and to what extent should it be tolerated becomes another one. Children starting from age three are known to lie every two hours and above four, it gets worse! So how do we handle this hurtful experience when the love, joy and pride of your life is caught lying?
 Step one is figure out why? Is it attention or they are worried they are in trouble with you. The main cause is the child not wanting to face the consequences of his act and you maybe a role model ! Ouch, yes but the truth hurts so each time you are tempted to avoid situations and lie think twice. Children first learn from you when you do simple things as lie about how old your child is when you purchase tickets for their merry go round ride. Be aware ! Always encourage truthfulness .
Getting back to our main character Pinocchio who is prone to telling lies and fabricating stories for various reasons. Pinocchio has been called an icon of modern culture, why? because the natural instinct to always be the best is within the child. As a Mom, keep in mind to encourage truth and tell the truth, handle situations calmly and never accuse. The most important thing is to love and understand your child. Be connected and be attached not forcefully or over protectively. Love them the way you want to be loved; that is with respect.
And of course we Moms need to be there to remind them the end of the story as Pinocchio had wonderful time in the land of play and lies  till the Squirrel tells him that boys who do nothing but play, lie and never work always grow into donkeys then he is sold to a circus and is trained to do all kinds of tricks. Got the drift !?

Good Luck!