Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts

Important Life Lessons To Teach Your Children

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It's crucial to raise your kids in a way that will enable them to stand up for themselves and be self-reliant. The first and most important role models in a child's life are their parents. The actions you take will be followed by your kids. And every parent wants their kids to grow up in a loving, honourable, and joyful atmosphere so they can adopt such qualities. They will become stronger, healthier and be more equipped to confront the world thanks to life skills. There are many life lessons that you can teach your children from cooking to physical activity.


​​Teaching them that they are deserving of respect and affection is crucial


Your child must be free to express their emotions. Give them all your love and respect, and encourage them to do the same for you. You are the primary role model that your child looks up to. Their future behaviour will be influenced by your behaviour and what you anticipate from them. 


A low-risk request is a good approach to practise: Your child want to don mismatched socks? Allow him! Even though you'd never wear a checkered shirt underneath a party dress, supporting your child's tastes and sense of style will help create the foundation for respecting this person's differences from you in the future. Your preschooler wants to stand outdoors and watch the water pouring down from the gutters as you are trying to get out of the storm. What does it look like to respect that difference? You may remark, "You're extremely thrilled about water today! ", fetch an umbrella from the house, wait inside with a large towel, or something similar. Let's take a bath for you. Staying outside in the rain is too cold.


Obstacles will make them more resilient


Your child must learn from you that difficulties make people stronger and provide opportunities for growth as people. You shouldn't jump to their aid, for instance, when they're having problems painting. Let them solve the issue on their own. They will improve their skills as a result. You can equip them with the means to address their own issues. They will become a better person as a result in the future.


They need to understand that you are what you think about yourself


In front of your children, you must never criticise yourself. Don't constantly complain about your 'laziness' or stupidity. Your child can begin to imitate you and adopt a pessimistic outlook. Create conscious goals for yourself and demonstrate to others how to attain them. She will comprehend things better as a result of this.


Being human, we all make mistakes


They need to learn that everyone makes errors occasionally and that we all have terrible days. We become preoccupied with problems, or the only thing that matters are the differences in opinion. 


Be kind and merciful to others


Teach your child to support others in the face of a mistake or difficulty. You must let your child observe your positive friendships. Show them, for example, how to seek emotional support after a difficult day and how to be aware of the emotions and difficulties of others.


Do you make fun of unrelated people? Do you criticise your friends or family while they aren't around? Do you occasionally behave degradingly toward your partner, pets, or even your children? Apples don't generally fall too far from the tree. Your words won't have much of an effect on your child's behaviour if you tell them to be kind while exhibiting negative, nasty behaviour. Children don't follow instructions; they act on what they observe. Set a great example for your youngster.


Some families like making fun of one another, but some kids can't handle harsh mocking. Some parents may not realise their mocking is harsh, but if your child cries and storms off in response, there's a good possibility they are feeling humiliated. Would you want your child to make fun of their peers the same way you do? Children frequently take it out on their peers, despite what some parents may believe they are doing when they "toughen up" or play with their kids. Children pick up on playfulness through the example that their families set. Children will believe that cruel taunting is acceptable elsewhere if it is accepted at home.


Effort pays off


There are obstacles to overcome at every turn since life is not all fun and games. Show your child that you do numerous things not just because you "enjoy" them but also because you want to gain anything from them in the long run. Give examples of your less favourite work that you nonetheless complete in order to live the better life you desire.


Never stop learning new things


Even as we age, we continue to learn. In life, there are countless opportunities to learn. We gain so much knowledge from our personal experiences. To encourage your child to learn new things as well, you must actively pursue your own lifelong learning goals.


Children are naturally curious as babies. They are eager to learn new things and are like sponges, taking up new knowledge and abilities. However, this innate desire of learning is frequently LOST along the way. Many kids end up detesting and even dreading learning new topics in school. Research has consistently proven that children learn best through hands-on experiences. Students learn best when they move, touch, and experience. For instance, research indicates that students are more likely to provide an accurate response when they act out a mathematical word problem than when they do not. Help them in any way you can with their school work, whether that's hiring a tutor or helping them with practice tests


Show others gratitude


When someone is good to your child or their family, you must teach them to say "thank you." Teach your child to contribute to the home or the community, even if it's just by doing the laundry. Above all, you should frequently reassure your children that you will always be there for them if they need you and will assist them as needed. Ask your child to keep an optimistic outlook so they can easily overcome obstacles they encounter in life.


For toddlers and preschoolers, the concept of gratitude might be challenging because it is high-level. In their earliest years and developmental phases, they are inherently self-focused. But as kids mature in gratitude, they learn to appreciate the wants and sentiments of others. How can we instil gratitude in our kids? One option is to discuss being grateful with them. not just for stuff, but also for deeds of kindness done by others.


Teach children to express gratitude to those who help them. That can be a friend who gives them a birthday gift, their server at a restaurant, their brother or sister who helps them pick up toys, etc. Inform your children of your gratitude for them. When telling your kids they are loved and special, be precise. I enjoy it when you assist your brother tie his shoes, for instance. 


Discuss your feelings of gratitude. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as by offering a blessing before meals or keeping a journal of family thankfulness. Support a cause or charitable organisation. Talk to them about the significance of your deeds of kindness, whether you are donating clothes or toys, taking part in a food drive, or baking cookies for a new neighbour. Be dependable. Gratitude is a skill that takes time to develop, just like any other.


Cleaning and upkeep of the home 


There is always little maintenance around the house that children may help with because they love to be your big helpers. Simple jobs include instructing them on how to put the garbage in bags or change the toilet paper roll. Children who are older can learn how to unclog a drain, change a vacuum cleaner bag, and change a light bulb.


Parents occasionally question whether or not they should assign their children chores. After all, managing the home should be their responsibility. And given that they will have to worry about duties for the rest of their lives, don't kids need a chance to "just be kids" for the time being? Most children also have extremely full schedules. They barely have time to tidy the house or mow the grass as they dash from one activity to the next. Giving your child tasks could be one of the most crucial things you ever do, despite your worries.


While giving your children duties will undoubtedly relieve some of your stress, this is not the only reason you should anticipate your children helping out around the house. Children benefit from housework, according to studies. Kids who participate in housework feel more a part of the group. Family members' assistance is beneficial to them and inspires them to act responsibly as citizens. Children who complete chores develop responsibility and valuable life skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. There are different chores suitable for different ages, so make sure you don’t overload them. 


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Keep A Healthy Relationship With Your Child As A Weekend Parent

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Are you a weekend parent? Ultimately, it’s possible that your partner is the main care provider for your child due to your relationship ending. This means that you will likely only see your child at the weekends, some evenings or in the holidays. The reason for this is that courts don’t tend to provide equal custody unless you live close enough for the child to go to the same school while they are with you. This can be restricting because it limits how far away you can move from your partner and you probably don’t want to be close to someone that you have split from. 


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Keep Things Amicable 


First, you need to make sure that you work to keep things amicable between you and your partner. It’s important to ensure that your child doesn’t feel as though they are entering a battle ground when they see you or that they have to choose a side. This should start from the beginning because rather than heading to court for a divorce you can explore an option like family mediation. This will put far less of a strain on the relationship your child has with you and your partner. 


Make Your Time Together Count 


Next, you should think about the time that you spend together when they are in your care or at your house. It’s important that you make the time, however limited, count. This might mean that you should avoid going on your phone or another tech device when you are with your kids. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are spending time that is focused on them or the both of you. 


Use The Tech At Your Fingertips


It’s important to use the tech at your fingertips when you are a weekend parent. You won’t always be able to see your child in person as often as you like. But there’s no limit on how often you can call them or speak to them. If you are comfortable with your former partner, then you can likely speak to them every day. That’s important as it ensures that you are a more active part of their life. It might seem unnecessary to ring them every day as very little is going to change in 24 hours. However, you can ask them about their day, make sure you keep up with their interests and be there if anything is wrong. 


Plan Activities 


Finally, you should think about planning out activities that you can enjoy together when your child is over or you are visiting. This will stop you from doing nothing for two days which can be dull for you and your child. Instead, you should think about engaging in lots of different activities. This could include everything from bowling to other sports or simple planning a movie night in the house. 


You might think that if you are only seeing your child on weekends or in the holidays then it could impact your relationship. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to guarantee this won’t happen. Here are some of the options we recommend. 


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PPD & Me: 5 Tips That Can Help You Manage The Situation

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Post Partum Depression is a very common issue facing new mothers and the symptoms can feel even worse in the post pandemic era. After all, we all (not just parents) have been more prone to bouts of sadness and a lack of energy. The truth is that there is no magic cure for the situation. On a brighter note, however, you can learn to manage PPD in a better manner.


The first step is to accept the situation and realize that it’s not your fault. You wouldn’t punish yourself for any other health complaint and should never consider ignoring PDD. Focus on the following responses, and you should see a noticeable improvement in the way you feel.


Focus on providing for your child


Becoming a parent changes your life forever. Even when you do not feel in control of personal matters, giving your child the best start in life will be a major triumph. Experts at Foryourlittleone can help you find the perfect baby products for the nursery and daily life. Aside from the right surroundings, you will want to master some nutritious meals for when your baby reaches the wearing stage. Remember that your childcare workers are available to answer your questions and provide any advice that you may require too. 


Establish a sense of organization


PPD can often leave you feeling all over the place. Therefore, restoring a sense of control should be one of the top items on your agenda. While it’s great to set long-term goals, learning to take each day as a new challenge is equally vital. There are many reasons to create a daily routine, but it will ultimately allow you to stay on the right track at all times. Likewise, you will find that a schedule is hugely beneficial for your child. It may help you with issues like establishing a positive sleep routine.


Talk


As a new parent, most of your time is dedicated to your child. While it is an amazing and beautiful thing, there is no doubt that it can leave you feeling a little lonely from time to time. Social activities with other adults will have a positive impact, and this should include time with non-parents too. Perhaps more importantly, you must also remember that keeping your PPD locked up inside will do you no favors. Mental health experts are available while even using forums like Whattoexpect can be useful. You will no longer feel alone on this journey.


Try to reduce stress


It would be impossible to eliminate stress from your life. However, high stress levels will continue to make your PPD symptoms feel worse. So, any opportunity to reduce stress should be grabbed with both hands. Gaining control of your financial health is a good starting point. Avoiding people and habits that trigger stress or responses that indirectly cause stress will help. If nothing else, it will free your mind and allow you to enjoy the moments where PPD isn’t in control. 


Live Healthily


As a new parent, your child will be the priority. Still, you must remember that a healthy and happy mom is a better mom. With this in mind, there should be no sense of guilt about taking care of yourself. Make time for meditation and exercise. Eat the right foods. And be OK with the fact that you need personal hobbies and daily activities that focus on you rather than your child. In many cases, your baby will still be involved. Even when they aren’t, the balanced lifestyle will allow you to become an even better parent while also reducing PPD.



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Newborn Checklist: Essentials You Need Before Your Baby Arrives

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Expecting a new baby is an exciting time in many parents’ lives due to the chance to welcome a new life into the world. According to Baby Center, just under 4 million babies are born in American annually. There is no shortage of advice for expectant parents regarding getting ready to receive their bundle of joy. Nevertheless, there are some bare essentials you will need for starters to prepare for your child. So, if you’re keen to find out which needs to be in place prior to your baby arriving, take a look at these points.

  1. A crib


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Securing a sleeping place for your child is perhaps the most essential arrangement you have to sort out before the baby arrives. Bassinet cradles and three-sided cribs are ideal for the first few months. Many cribs come without mattresses, so you must buy quality, comfortable, and fitting ones. Double-sided mattresses are popular among parents because you can use them for the baby and toddler years, giving a little extra "mileage" in usability. Alternatively, you can choose a certified mattress as a more sustainable choice for your baby. Consider getting more comfort items like crib sheets, light blankets, a sleep sack, and waterproof mattress covers.


  1. Diapering


Reusable cloth nappies and disposable diapers are the options available to parents for their child's diapering needs. Cloth nappies are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a great choice if you are big on sustainability. Also, cloth diapers are more pocket-friendly, considering that a whopping 27.4 billion disposable diapers are used in the US annually! While the idea of using cloth nappies may be new to you, you will get used to them after a while. And even though disposable diapers may seem more convenient, they are costly, more likely to rip during changes, and are less environmentally friendly. Therefore, consider which diapering options will best suit you and invest accordingly.


  1. Clothing


Some experts think you should secure at least six “onesies," about four infant gowns, and three blankets wide enough to swaddle the baby as a start to welcoming your child. You will also need about five pairs of pants, eight stretchy sleepers, a sweater and cap, and about six pairs of socks or booties, scratch mittens (to keep the baby from scratching his or her face), and some cardigans for winter. Experts suggest that you consider the fabric, safety, size, and comfort of your baby’s clothes when making your choices, so keep this in mind while shopping.


  1. Feeding


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Many nursing mothers will agree that bibs, burp cloths, nursing pillows, etc., are essentials for feeding your baby, whether you are breastfeeding or not. So, invest in these items before the baby arrives. You will likely need breast pumps and milk storage containers for convenience in case you have to be at work or somewhere else urgently. Should you choose not to breastfeed, you would need supplies like formula, bottles, and pacifiers. Also, a bottle brush and dishwasher basket will help clean your feeding items, so prioritize this when shopping.

  1. A Baby Support Pillow

Baby support pillows, like the ones sold by the topponcino company are a must-have for any nursery. They ensure that your baby is safe, comfortable and cozy whenever you have to put him or her down for a while. You can also use them to wrap your baby up while you hold him or her for extra support during those first vital months of nursing.



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Fun Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds

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When you’re a parent, one of the most important things you can do is build a strong bond with your children and ensure that they have strong bonds with all of their family - the more loving people a child has around them the better! 


For most people, bonding comes pretty naturally, but it is still a good idea to take the time to strengthen and solidify those bonds on a regular basis. Here are a few ways you can do that:


Tell personal stories


Kids love hearing personal stories about their parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles from the past. They enjoy hearing what their adult family members did when they too were young and care-free, and it’s a great way to show them that as well as being mom or dad you are a person in your own right. Sharing your past ‘secrets’ with them can also make them feel special and help to build a stronger connection between you. Just make sure your stories are appropriate!


Book a family photo session


What could be more fun than gathering everyone together for a family photo session? A good family photographer will know how to make the process lots of fun with jokes and a few well-placed props and you’ll get to show just how much you love each other not only in the moment but captured forever in the images your photographer snaps.


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Have a movie night


Something as simple as snuggling up together on the couch watching a favorite movie can be so special to a child. They’ll feel safe, secure, and loved and you won’t even have to leave the house or go to any special effort other than perhaps buying some of their favorite candy to chew on while the movie’s in progress so it’s perfect for those busy weeks when you just want to relax in your downtime.


Ask them about their life


One of the best ways to build a strong bond with children is by taking them more seriously and listening to them when they speak. Every day, you should make a point of asking your children not only about their day but at least one question about their personality such as their favorite book or what they love most about nature. They’ll feel more appreciated as a person and they’ll be more likely to open up to you in future if they know that you will listen, and more importantly, that you really care about what they think and feel.


Cook together


Cooking with children is a great way to get them interested in food and healthy eating, It’s also a great way to spend some quality time with them, especially if you sit down to eat whatever you’ve created together afterward. 


Go on vacation


Taking a family vacation where you can dedicate all of your time to each other is ideal for family bonding. You’ll build up more shared experiences and have unique adventures that you’ll all remember forever.


How do you strengthen the bonds with your children?


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Having a Baby? Here are 3 Top Tips to Ensure You’re Prepared

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Photo by Andreas Wohlfahrt from Pexels


Finding out that you’re pregnant is one of the most exciting experiences in your life. However, it’s also one of the most daunting. Although no one can be fully prepared for what comes your way, it’s good to do your research so that you’re as prepared as possible. Motherhood and fatherhood is a journey unlike any other, and without this preparation, it might come to the due date and you’re not ready for the changes.

Setting Your Kids Up For Success

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You want your children to be happy and healthy above all else. You also want them to grow up strong and secure in themselves and to be able to achieve whatever it is they want out of life. After all, as a parent, it’s your job to give your child everything they need in their first years of life! (And of course, for the next couple of decades too…)

Depression, PPD, and Decades of Living Through It: Chapter 3: Part 3

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So, now I'm pregnant!  That's fantastic, right?  That's what all the affirmations I'd been doing had been sending out into the universe and it happened!  YES!  Except I hate being pregnant or so I learned...

To read click:  part 1 and part 2.

Depression, PPD, and Decades of Living Through It: Chapter 1

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It scared me when I created the above title and picture that it has, in fact, been decades that I have suffered from depression.  I will be 38 in August and have suffered from depression since I was as young as 10 and probably earlier.  I read tonight a blog, www.wildtypebeauty.com, and was taken through this woman's inner struggle with depression and anxiety.  

The Struggle is Real - Getting Through Post Partum Depression and Forgiving Oneself

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I have been very blessed in life.  Is my life perfect?  No, not by a long shot.  Have I suffered from depression for the vast majority of my life?  Yes.  Had I thought that I had gained control of it by 35?
  Yes, I did. 
I was finally functioning like a "normal" person.  I was married, we were happy, and we were starting to try and make a family.