Children | Mother's Unite

How to Help Your Child WIth Separation Anxiety

June 20, 2011 by admin

There are not many children who do not feel some kind of anxiety when they are saying goodbye to their mother or father. It is normal, and usually goes away as they get older. In some cases however, separation anxiety does not diminish as they grow, it sometimes gets worse.

A boy crying because he is sad his hot dog fell

Image by david_shankbone via Flickr

If your child suffers from separation anxiety there are a few things you can do to help them for the times when you are going to have to leave them somewhere and say goodbye. With some practice and patience you can make your goodbyes easier.

Starting a ritual can make the goodbye predictable and can often be comforting for anxious children. If they know what is coming and how it is going to happen they are often able to cope better. A goodbye ritual can be just blowing them a kiss from the doorway as you leave, or a making a silly face as you walk by the window.

If your child is anxious about your leaving, don’t drag it out. Bring them to their caregiver, say goodbye and tell them you love them and then leave the room. If you stick around trying to comfort them it will make the goodbye more difficult. It will also make it more difficult for you to say goodbye as well if you see they are upset.

If your child does well when you leave them, make sure to praise them and let them know they did a good job when you return. Again, don’t dwell on it, but give them some positive reinforcement and then move on to other fun things they did while you were gone.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting Tagged With: Anxiety, Child, Parent

What to get Your Child for their 5th Birthday

May 15, 2011 by admin

Image via Wikipedia

Your child’s fifth birthday is one of the great milestones of her life. This may be the first birthday she actually remembers, so you need to make it extra special.

First, get her opinions and find out what kind of party your child wants, and when you can, do what she asks. It’s her special day, and she deserves special treatment. So, when she asks for something, if you can, let her have it. It’s okay to splurge a little. If she wants a particular type of decor, by all means let her pick it out. Creativity is something every child should develop, and letting her have a measure of creative control will teach her how her actions can change the world. This is true even if those changes are only tiny ones that don’t last very long. The party itself can let her develop self-confidence.

When it comes to birthday gifts, maybe your child wants American Girl doll clothes. Maybe she wants an outfit or two for herself. Listen carefully as your child describes what gifts top her list for this birthday. This is about more than just showing off the kinds of gifts you can afford to give. These gifts can provide an inspiration to your child and plant the seeds for future development. As a child grows older, the clothes she wore, even at a young age, or the outfits she put on her doll will help her develop and cultivate her own style. It’s clear that a fifth birthday is a celebration that requires thought and planning from both the child and parents.

Filed Under: Children, General Tagged With: Birthday, Child, Gift

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before You Give Birth

May 14, 2011 by admin

As a first-time mother, childbirth is an exciting time, but also a time of much confusion. You are sure to have many questions regarding the entire delivery procedure, as well as the well-being of the child and yourself throughout it all. That’s why it’s important to meet with a doctor beforehand to extensively discuss the procedure and address any concerns, especially since every birth is different. When you reach the later stages of pregnancy, be sure to schedule a meeting and prepare your questions.

First, you should inquire about aspects of the actual delivery. Ask the doctor how he or she performs a typical delivery, and if there are any foreseeable differences in the case of your pregnancy. Be sure to be as specific as possible by asking questions about every little detail, such as your positioning during labor, and certainly, what medications may be administered. If your delivery happens differently to what the doctor initially described to you, and you think something may have gone wrong, it’s a good idea to seek out the consultation of a local lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice, such as the birth injury attorneys California has to offer.

To help eliminate confusion and possible conflict during and after delivery, go through a miscellaneous set of questions with your doctor. This can include everything from religious birth rituals to circumcision. It’s recommended that you establish beforehand with your doctor exactly who is allowed in the delivery room, especially if you are using a midwife or other personal labor professional.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting Tagged With: California, Childbirth, Pregnancy

Safety First: Child Proofing Your Home

May 5, 2011 by admin

Image by s m i l e y via Flickr

Crawling, standing, and those first steps, your baby’s first year has many new experiences that are both exciting and a little worrisome for parents. Deciding how and when to child proof your home is another aspect to consider as your child begins exploring their environment.

The first year of your child’s life brings with it a natural curiosity to explore their environment. Your baby’s natural response will be to crawl and walk, exploring your home, while investigating how everything works. This is part of their learning process. Thus, it often becomes parent’s first concern to provide the safety necessary to protect their child.

One way to begin child proofing your home is to start low. Crawl around your own home and look for safety issues that could become a problem or harmful. Areas that are usual concerns include electrical outlets, exposed electrical wires, and cabinets or drawers with sharp or dangerous items.

Child safety sections often contain child safety products, which can minimize these issues. For instances, many places carry electrical outlet covers, child safety locks for cabinets and drawers, or covers for door handles. Other safety devices include locks for toilets, ovens, refrigerators, and even safety knobs for items such as water coolers and stove top knobs.

Begin with the the safety section in your local hardware store or any story which carries a large variety of baby items and consider the areas your baby can reach. Choose what is best for your family and your situation. Above all, you and your baby should feel comfortable and safe.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting Tagged With: Childproofing, Learning, safety products

Choosing the right sports shoe for your child

April 27, 2011 by admin

The time has come for your child to get their first real pair of sneakers. Whether it be for school or a new sporting hobby, it can be daunting just thinking about tackling the mall with your child. Running around picking up the most expensive shoes, demanding they have the newest and dearest out there to impress their friends…or maybe they don’t want them at all, scrunching up their toes, not walking properly in the sports store, tantrums and quarrels ahead.

It doesn’t need to be a battle and here are some tips to a peaceful, productive purchase of some new sneakers!

Plan. Talk to your child and set the expectation. If they are old enough, be clear on the amount you have to spend. Also plan to go shopping either in the morning or later in the afternoon, so there isn’t added pressure of a busy store.

Image via Wikipedia
Functionality. What do you need the footwear to do? Does it need to have a strong enough grip? Does it have the right support? For younger legs, Nike Clothes produce a great range of sneaker options, like the Nike High Top, which is a good shoe for ankle support.
Style. Is the color appropriate for school? Will your child struggle with laces? Is velcro a better option? Is your child going to be happy wearing them and not hide them at the back of the closet?
Fit. Ask the store to fit your child’s foot properly to ensure maximum comfort and performance with adequate room for growth.

These few handy tips may just make for a more pleasant shopping trip!

Filed Under: Children, General Tagged With: childhood, Health care, toddler years

How to Choose a Pediatrician

March 28, 2011 by admin

One of a mother’s most important allies is her child’s pediatrician, so it stands to reason you’ll need to give a lot of thought and care to choosing someone who is just right for your family.

It’s ideal to start looking for a pediatrician during the last few months of your pregnancy. Begin your search by talking to your family and friends. Gather their recommendations and find out what they like about the pediatrician they recommend – and what they don’t like, too. What is a small dislike to your friend may be a deal-breaker for you, so speak candidly.

Once you have a handful of contenders, find out if those physicians are a part of your insurance plan and do a background check. Conducting a check is easier than you think – all you need to do to get started is a quick online search.

Next, begin scheduling interviews with those doctors who meet your criteria. Every pediatrician’s office handles the interview process differently, but don’t worry. Just let the office staff know why you are calling and they will walk you through the process. Pay attention to how the office staff treats you when you call. As a new parent, you’ll be talking to the office staff a lot and you’ll want to make sure they are warm, competent and polite.

When you meet with the doctor, take a list of prepared questions but also judge the physician’s manner. You’re looking for a warm, compassionate pediatrician who shares your views, believes in preventative medicine, and is easy to talk to. You need to feel like you can comfortably share every concern with your child’s doctor.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting Tagged With: Health, Pediatrics, Physician

What to Expect in Your Baby’s First Four Months

March 24, 2011 by admin

All babies develop differently. That’s why when you see developmental guidelines for babies and young children age ranges are usually provided instead of hard and fast dates. So long as your child reaches the important developmental milestones within or near the age ranges, your baby is doing just fine.

While you can look at week-to-week development charts, those sometimes cause more worry for new parents who become upset when their baby doesn’t appear to be exactly on track. So here are some general milestones to watch for in your child. But remember, if you ever have any questions about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.

In the first few months, development will be rather slow. Spend this time caring for, cuddling and loving your baby. Some things to watch for in the first month include your baby to beginning to lift his head for short periods of time, and bringing his hands to his face. In month two, your baby should begin to smile and coo.

Once your baby is three months old, his development should grow rapidly. Your baby will begin to recognize familiar people and favorite toys, push down with his legs when you hold him in a standing position on a floor or table top, and gain better control of his head.

During the fourth month, your baby should become a better sleeper, sleeping for about a six hour stretch at night; be able to sit with assistance; and communicate different needs to you by using different cries. Your baby should also start experimenting with different sounds by babbling.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting Tagged With: Child development, Child development stages, Infant

Important Milestones in Five to Seven-Month-Old Babies

March 20, 2011 by admin

As a new parent, you will be amazed at how quickly your baby grows and changes. Once you make it past those first few months of endless feedings and late-night diaper changes, you will really be able to watch and enjoy your child as he grows and learns and his personality begins to develop.

Babies who are five months old are very aware of their environment and the people they interact with frequently. At this age a child will begin to pay attention to tiny objects, so you will need to be diligent about keeping small food pieces, small toys and other items out of baby’s reach. Children at this age learn about things by putting them in their mouths, and you don’t want your baby to choke.

Five-month-old babies are also beginning to understand cause and effect, so select toys like stackable blocks that will let them really explore this concept. Teething also often begins at this age, so be prepared for some crankiness and lots of drooling!

Once your baby is six months old, he should be able to hold a bottle, sit up easily without much support and make some two-syllable sounds. Babies at this age are also able to reach for and grab items that are beyond their immediate grasp, so again beware of what is near baby to avoid choking dangers.

Seven-month-old babies are usually ready to begin feeding themselves small finger foods. There are several products on the market made especially for this stage in baby’s development; or you can experiment with something simple and healthy like plain Cheerio’s cereal. At this age your baby should also be able to play the classic game peek-a-boo!

Filed Under: Children, Teenage Tagged With: Child, Children, Infant, Shopping

Calming Common Childhood Fears

March 16, 2011 by admin

Every child, at every age, will experience fear at some time. In fact certain fears, such as separation anxiety, are practically a milestone of development. Even so, there are things you can do to calm a fearful child at any age.

When your child is an infant, he or she can become frightened by simple things, such as a loud noise or a new face. To help, establish a routine for your child’s life and stick to it. Keep things in your baby’s life predictable, and offer a lot of love, kind touches and encouragement. This will help your child develop a sense of trust.

Preschool-aged children are often afraid of new people, new places and new experiences. Also at this age imaginations tend to run wild, and it can be difficult for them to tell the difference between what is real and what is imaginary. At this age, you can’t reason with your child or talk them out of being afraid. The best thing to do is to try to turn what they are afraid of into a different emotion. If your child is afraid of the dark, make up fun activities you can do in the dark to distract him.

In elementary aged children fears are often based on things happening in real life. A child who hears about a house fire on the news might develop a fear of his own house burning down, for example. In this case, try talking to your child to uncover what he is afraid of. If he has a hard time expressing his thoughts, ask him to draw a picture to help illustrate his emotions.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting, Teenage Tagged With: Children Youth and Family, Fear, Phobia

How to Deal with a Moody Teenager

March 9, 2011 by admin

All teens will go through a “moody” phase. In some children, you will barely notice a difference in their behavior while others will seem to be a completely different person. How, as a parent, can you handle this change in your child, and help him or her through it?

By building a relationship based on trust with your child.

For starters, the most important thing you can do is take the time to really listen to your child. Your teen is beginning to try to understand himself, the world, and how he fits into it. These are weighty issues. By being available and lending an ear – without offering judgment or complaint – you can help your child work through his issues and understand that he can trust you.

It’s also important that you respect your child’s increasing need for personal space and privacy. While every good parent knows they have to keep tabs on their child’s friends and activities, you also need to show your child you understand that he is becoming more adult and needs time to himself.

You can also establish a trustworthy relationship by showing your teen you have confidence in his decision making and abilities. Work on solving problems together, and give credence to his ideas. Teach your child that you think he is smart, and that his thoughts have merit.

By following these simple steps you will earn your teen’s love and respect, build a relationship based on trust, and be able to help him through any moodiness that arises.

Filed Under: Children, Teenage Tagged With: Adolescence, Child, Family, Parent