HaltonParents

The secret to raising a smart, healthy baby; it’s not what you think

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Andrea Scott RN

Expose them to nature.

The benefits of nature during childhood are endless:

Nature enhances creativity, problem-solving and curiosity as it provides endless opportunities for learning with tons of exciting things to play with.
You may find both you and your baby are in a better mood and get a better sleep after spending time outside.
Interacting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health and improve concentration in children.
Kids naturally move more when they are outside. Those who spend more time outside tend to be more coordinated and in better physical shape.

Posted in Babies, Depression & Anxiety After Birth, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged baby, benefits, health, Mental Health, nature, outside, Physical Health | 2 Comments

Separation anxiety: Is it possible to stop the tears?

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Karen Hay, RN

Have you ever had to peel a screaming child out of your arms for a daycare or kindergarten drop off? I can tell you from first-hand experience that it’s not fun. The stress it creates for everyone is tremendous.

My youngest daughter was what you would call a “spirited child”. She just felt things more intensely. Saying goodbye was one of those things.

My daughter’s separation anxiety reached a peak when she started kindergarten. Her teacher and I had to literally peel her wailing, flailing body off of mine when the school bell rang. All eyes were on us in that little fenced-off area for kindergarten kids. As I left the school yard with her screams echoing in my ears, pangs of guilt washed over me. I carried a feeling of worry with me all day. It was not the joyful start to school I had imagined. Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Preparing for Kindergarten, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged anxiety, attachment, attachment parenting, childcare, daycare, Full day kindergarten, Preparing for Kindergarten, preschoolers, saying goodbye, separation anxiety, Starting kindergarten, starting school, teachers, Toddlers & Preschoolers | 9 Comments

To mom from baby: Birth to three months

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

Hey it’s me, that little person you grew inside your belly. I’m out now, and thought I would share a few of my thoughts with you.

When I first arrived into your world it was a bit scary. The room was bright, almost blinding and the new sounds were crazy, even the ones that came from my mouth! But then you looked me in the eye, spoke softly and we connected. I felt safe when you cuddled me on your chest; as I lay with you, my skin next to yours, it was comforting to hear the familiar “lub-dub, lub-dub” of your heartbeat. I felt relaxed and happy to be close to you. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Breastfeeding Your Baby, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Preparing to Breastfeed | Leave a comment

How to get the info you need, when you need it

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Andrea Scott RN

Don’t miss another email! HaltonParents’ eBulletins are delivered to your inbox as baby grows. They keep you up-to-date on what you need to know and what you’ve been wondering about with your baby or toddler. I’ve been getting these emails for my little one and I love how they keep me on my toes. Seriously – thank goodness for the reminders to give my second-born his vitamin D and tummy time. Take that, mommy-brain!

Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, I think you’ll love the eBulletins as much as I do. Get great ideas, information and reminders about: Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Babies with Special Needs, Breastfeeding Your Baby, Breastfeeding Your Child, Depression & Anxiety After Birth, Feeding Your Baby in the First Year, Healthy Eating for Toddlers & Preschoolers, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Pregnancy, Toddlers & Preschoolers, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Special Needs | Tagged baby, ebulletins, emails, Halton, haltonparents, information, new parents | Leave a comment

Kids and Boredom – why it’s a good thing!

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

Last updated: January 31, 2025

“Mom, I’m bored!” Are you already hearing this?

I’ve heard several parents mention they need to keep their kids organized and occupied this summer because their kids are already complaining they are bored.

“Is it a bad thing for kids to be bored?” Doesn’t boredom give rise to some great creativity? Just because your kids are complaining of boredom doesn’t mean you have to solve this with structure. Continue reading →