HaltonParents

Introducing solids to your baby: myths vs. facts

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

Looking back, I remember feeling so excited about introducing complementary solid foods to my babies. For me, it represented a celebration of growth, a time of bonding, and messy adventures! How I miss those picture-perfect moments of upside down spaghetti bowls and messy heads. I definitely don’t miss the confusion of when, how and what to feed my babies!

Recently, experts from Health Canada, The Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, and The Breastfeeding Committee for Canada released new evidence-based guidelines about starting your baby on solids. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Feeding Your Baby in the First Year, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Play, Growth & Development for Babies | Tagged 4mths and solids, baby foods, breastfeeding and solid foods for baby, feeding solid foods to your baby, how to feed solids, iron and solids, New guidelines for feeding babies, starting food with baby, when to start solids | 2 Comments

The teen brain and the missing gym bag!

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

I tried very hard not to get annoyed with my teenage son when he lost his gym bag. I know in the grand scheme of things, it not a big deal. But, it still bothered me that he couldn’t find it! The items were expensive.

It was a frustrating experience because in the past, he always took very good care of his things. No matter the cost, he rarely misplaced anything.

However, I’ve noticed some changes since he’s turned 13, one of which is that he tends to be forgetful. I questioned myself. “Is this MY perception?” or in fact a new reality. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teen Brain, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged behaviour, brain development, emotional brain, emotions, Mental Health, parenting teens, parents, Physical Health, rational brain, risk taking, teen behaviour, Teen Brain | 2 Comments

Autism spectrum disorder and wandering: A parent’s biggest worry

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Karen Hay, RN

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Cindy, the mom of a four-year-old boy named Christopher. Christopher has autism spectrum disorder. I was listening to Cindy describe her daily routine and her story really opened my eyes to the constant fear and worry about safety that a parent with a special needs child experiences.

Young Christopher has no concept of danger or fear, and like many children with autism spectrum disorder, he impulsively runs away – often darting away from his mom without warning. Even simple activities like going from the house to the car are a constant challenge for Cindy. Once Christopher bolted from her into the street and came within inches of being struck by a car. This all happened in a matter of seconds! Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Children & Tweens with Special Needs, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Teens With Special Needs, Toddlers & Preschoolers, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Special Needs | Tagged autism, autism spectrum disorder, child, child development, emotional health, families, family, Halton, halton region, Keeping Your Baby Safe, kids, Mental Health, parent stress, parents, Physical Health, preschooler, school, school health, Services, special needs, stress, support, toddler | Leave a comment

Accidental poisoning – A parent’s worst nightmare

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Maureen Harris, RN

“It only took a split second.” These were the words of a friend who shared with me a story that still haunts her today. Her 18-month-old daughter had accidentally taken her husband’s heart medication. Even though the pills were properly stored and locked, one must have dropped on the floor. Her toddler found it and put it in her mouth.

Luckily, she was able to act quickly. Her daughter was okay. But it left my friend feeling guilty and scared at the thought of what could have happened. Stories like this are more common than you might think. Medication is the leading cause of poisoning in children. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, 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, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged accidental poisening, childproofing, children, children and poisening, grandparents, ingested, kids, medications, parents, Physical Health, poisening, prevention | 1 Comment

Accept unsolicited parenting advice with a smile

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

It’s summer and as the sun starts to peak out from the clouds; you suddenly realize you forgot your baby’s sun hat. Trying out your new baby wrap seemed like a wonderful idea until the sun appeared. To appease your soaring guilt, you pick up the pace and head for home. Then it happens, someone stops to give you some unsolicited parenting advice! Continue reading →