Starting Solids – How much should my baby eat?

I found my inner-parenting zen when I started feeding my daughter solids. Believe me, I do not get to experience this feeling often.

When we first started to feed her solids, my daughter ate very little if at all. She wasn’t all that interested. Then when she was just over seven months she refused to even let us feed her. Yet I experienced pretty much zero stress related to the introduction of solids. And you can too.

The secret to my success – and lack of stress – was in three simple sentences… Continue reading

Posted in Babies, Breastfeeding Your Baby, Feeding Your Baby in the First Year, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bullying in Preschool? Say it isn’t so!

Kicked in the stomach, struck in the face, pushed to the ground, told she was ugly and stupid, excluded from play and threatened with worse if she tried to cry for help.  Such was the life of my daughter – in preschool!!!  That’s right.  She was four years old.
Continue reading

Posted in Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Preparing for Kindergarten, Toddlers & Preschoolers, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Special Needs | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bullying Prevention. Parents “YOU” are vital!

As we enter bullying awareness and prevention week, you will probably hear your kids speak of activities, assemblies and announcements that are being done within their school. You’ll hear the “Ra Ra’s” of everyone standing up to bullying. However, once the dust settles from this week, it will be very important for you to keep the conversation going.

As parents, we must stop thoughts such as “boys will be boys” or “it’s a rite of passage”. Bullying is not a normal part of growing up. Adult intervention stops bullying – it is our responsibility. Continue reading

Posted in Children & Tweens, Children & Tweens with Special Needs, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Preparing for Kindergarten, Teens, Toddlers & Preschoolers, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Special Needs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Making Math Fun for Young Children (and Parents Too!)

Parents often confide in me their anxiety about helping their children with math once they start school.  Usually they are worried their own negative attitude and fear of math will be transferred to their children.  I always reassure them that they can show confidence and help children enjoy and understand math by simply having a little fun with math around the house.

Every day things that families do, such as the ones listed below, are all activities that help children to understand some basic math concepts. Continue reading

Posted in Children & Tweens, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Preparing for Kindergarten, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“WHOOP! There it is!” Pertussis (whooping cough): Are your kids protected?

Your kid’s not looking so good.  You’ve noticed cold-like symptoms for a few weeks.  Maybe he’s running a low grade fever – maybe not.  You’ve not been too concerned till tonight. He’s never lost his breath or thrown up as a result of a coughing fit.  And that sound – that “whooping” sound that he makes between coughs.  You’ve never heard that before either.  I used to work in pediatrics.  I’ve heard it.  And I understand some Halton families are hearing it in their homes as we speak because we’ve had some recent cases.  Oh, how I hate that sound! Continue reading

Posted in Babies, Before Pregnancy, Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Pregnancy, Prenatal Health, Preparing for Kindergarten, Teens, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment