News & Issues

Understanding Temperaments

July 23, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Image by migasun via Flickr

When it comes to raising children, it’s easy to look at others’ children who are so well behaved and think that you must be a failure as a parent because your child is the one screaming because you won’t buy him or her a cookie.

The fact is, though, that temperament plays a big role in your child’s development. Some children are more likely to be stubborn while others are shy and reserved. Some children are very sensitive to things like touch, taste, and sound while others could sleep through an earthquake. Your parenting style has no effect on your children’s inborn personalities. You can learn ways to deal with how they think and find ways that motivate them to behave, but sometimes, it’s beyond your control.

The first thing you’ll want to do is learn more about personalities. Figure out which one your child is and then learn techniques that can help specifically with that personality type. Remember too not to treat every one of your children the same. One technique might work for one child and not another.

One helpful thing is to find a method that can be adapted to your child’s personality. Love & Logic is a popular method that many parents live by. The method promotes patience and avoiding getting mad at your children. Instead it’s about showing love while implementing logical consequences to actions. It also involves having the child help choose the consequence. For example, if the child draws on the wall, you ask what they could do to rectify it, such as cleaning the wall.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Parent, Parenting styles, University of Washington

How Old is to Old for Thumbsucking

June 19, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

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It is not uncommon for children to suck their thumbs, but when should you start to break them of the habit? How old is to old for a child to still be sucking their thumb?For the most part, children will stop sucking their thumbs on their own when they are still very young. For those that continue to suck their thumbs the American Dental Association says it should be stopped when they are about 4 or 5 so it doesn’t cause damage. When their permanent teeth start coming in there is a chance it could cause problems that will last for a lifetime.

So if you are concerned about your child still sucking their thumb, how do you get them to stop? There are a few things you can do the help the process along. Since their thumb is with them even when you are not, you need to make it so they want to stop. Show them examples of other kids who do not suck their thumbs by having them over to play. You can also give them reminders when you see them put their thumb in their mouth, and give them things to do that require the use of both hands.

There are also some products available to put on their thumbs so it doesn’t taste good. If you don’t want to buy anything you could also use something from around the house that is safe for them to consume, but doesn’t taste good. Switch it up so they don’t know what kind of taste they are going to get if they put their thumb in their mouth.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: American Dental Association, Suction, Thumb

When Vegetables Can Be Harmful for Children

May 19, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

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The world is going to end? Dear, God! It was on the news recently, yes — about how the Apocalypse was coming (thankfully, a complete and total fallacy). But, Christ have mercy, we’re talking about how vegetables can be harmful? To kids? Really? The world would have to end if that was the case –

Don’t worry, the world’s not going to end, but be surprised — there are situations when vegetables can be harmful to eat. Contact all the class action attorneys in Los Angeles while you can. Keep these possibilities in mind, because the next piece of broccoli your child eats might be his or her last (not really!)

Dirty Produce

Wash your vegetables before you prepare or eat them. This is especially true if you’re worried about pesticides. They can be harmful. Many use water to wash their veggies, but do you know there are products out there that are designed to literally eliminate contaminants as well as clean the skins? Open your eyes. Some people even use soap and water to wash their veggies. That’s smarts.

Smart Gardening

There couldn’t be anything fresher than growing your own produce — but, again, be careful. A wealth of poisons exist and can be detrimental to the health of your children if they contaminate the veggies in your garden. So whenever your kids are out there helping with the produce, make sure they’re not pulling the hollies or yuccas out as well.

Who would’ve thought veggies would be harmful? It’s not their fault, though. Don’t worry — with a little vigilance, your kids can enjoy those Brussels sprouts with ease.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: garden, Los Angeles, Vegetable

Dating with Children

March 10, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

As a single parent, dating with children certainly adds a measure of difficulty. Depending on the age of your children and any additional circumstances (i.e. how much time they spend with you), the situation in regards to dating can be quite complex. However, there are some rules that could make this an easy process for all sides.

The level of involvement for your date and your children is one difficulty that should be kept in mind at all times. Most single parents want to make sure that the dating relationship is at a certain level before they are introduced to one’s children, which is reasonable. If it is in the best interests of the children, it is a good idea to have strong communication before, during, and after these steps in a relationship – for all sides, once again.

Do your best to be sensitive to all sides of the situation. You don’t want to place a lot of pressure on your date or your children in any way. Communication, just as it is in a dating or committed relationship, is important in such instances.

With the complexities surrounding dating with children, you may want to explore online dating. This can help if you don’t have time to go out and meet people, or wish to avoid awkward approaches. It can be easier, as well, in matching up with potential dates that have certain standards and values. For parents, certain criteria in a dating relationship are definitely more important than others.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with dating tips for single parents. Such as those briefly explored here, they can help you become more cognizant of issues that may appear. With communication and understanding, you will be able to date as a single parent and enjoy the dating world.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Child, Dating, Single-parent

Praising Your Young Child

February 5, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Praising your child is one of the best ways to teach your child when they’re doing something right, and, in turn, they will learn what things are wrong to do. There are a lot of situations where you should praise your child, specifically small children.

When your child is under a year old there are many instances where they need praising. Even though they can’t understand what you’re saying at this young age, tell them good job and clap for them when they do something good. At this age, you should praise them when they do certain things such as roll over or begin to crawl. These types of things are very good and essential for your child’s development.

When your child is young and can’t talk yet, it is difficult to know exactly how to praise them. Children can read body language quite well and know when you are excited or upset. When they do something good, let them know you are excited. You can do this by smiling, hugging, giving kisses, laughing, and clapping for them.

When they are a year and over they should be praised for other things. When they begin walking, you should praise them. At this age, they will begin to learn how to use the toilet. This is a difficult process and requires a lot of praise. You should praise them such as give them a piece of candy and tell them good job every time they go to the bathroom and even receive a bonus when they do it all by themselves.

When they are young, your child requires a lot of attention. Give them even more attention when they do something good. This will teach them that what they do is a very good thing and they will continue to do it. Remember to not spoil your child too much and give them a ridiculous amount of praise, but give them attention when they need it. If you’re not sure how much attention and praise to give your child, you may want to ask another mother for advice.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Attention, Praise

Helping Your Tween Child

January 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Children begin changing into teenagers around ages 12-14. During this time, they become confused. Everything about their life is changing. Their body is changing; they are changing schools either from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school. This is often a time where their interests change and their friends change. What can you, as a parent, do to help them?

Talk to them often about their problems. Because life is so confusing at this age, they will need someone to talk to. They may not want to talk to you, but the least you can do is try. At this age, they are more likely to talk to you than when they get a few years older, and talking to them will help build your relationship and show them that you care.

Try to explain things to them such as why their body is changing or that they are not alone with their problems and that you have been there too. The better you can explain these kinds of things to them, the less confused they will be about their life.

Let them have their space to think things over. You want to talk to them often, but give them their space when they want it. If they want their space all the time, though, you should consider talking to them because they may claim they want their space when they really need someone to talk to.

Try to be a helpful parent about their problems. For example, if you have a daughter, you may want to buy her pads and a chocolate bar when she’s on her period. Because this is new to her and she is often moody at this time of the month, she will feel better that you are trying to help out and acknowledging that she needs help with this.

Your children are very confused at this age and don’t really know what to do about things. Try to be a friend to them and show them you care and try to help them with their problems.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Middle school, Talk radio

Knowledge about Your Pregnancy Can Lead to a Healthy, Beautiful Child

January 7, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

One of the finest moments in a mother’s life is the revelation that she is pregnant. However, this incredibly emotional and joyous moment must be followed by the absorption and implementation of as much knowledge as possible about the stages of pregnancy and what the mother should expect during the next nine months.

Pregnancy information is available through several comprehensive and up-to-date online resources that explain in detail each and every week of a baby’s development. Important information such as the approximate dimensions of the baby during each week and when the major organs such as the heart, brain, nervous system, eyes, nose, hands, feet and limbs start forming and functioning is also very useful.

Expecting mothers should also take great care in choosing and formulating a baby friendly diet so that the baby gets the most nutrients out of what the mother eats and drinks. There are many online resources that have been put together by professionals such as doctors, nurses, pediatricians and nutritionists that provide detailed information about the benefits of milk, meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, and other foods that supply essential nutrients during pregnancy. They also warn about the dangers of smoking and drinking while pregnant, explaining how they can harm the child’s physical and mental development during pregnancy.

In special cases, such as when the mother has a medical condition or is considered a high risk pregnancy, are also covered by these comprehensive online guides. And, food for the mind is just as important as food for the body, so these online resources also offer valuable information on how to keep the mind peaceful and cheerful during pregnancy by doing things like practicing yoga, meditation, getting rest, and avoiding unnecessary stress.

A combination of peaceful mental activity along with a nutritious, balanced diet during each trimester of pregnancy is crucial to make a healthy, beautiful child and spread happiness for the mother, father and rest of the family.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Family, Human nutrition, Infant, Pregnancy

The ‘I Hate You’ Stage

January 4, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Your child is finally at that age you’ve been dreading since the moment they were born— the “I hate you Mom” stage. This usually begins around the time they are 14 and continues on and off, or occasionally constantly, throughout their teenage life. This is a scary time in not only your life, but your child’s life as well. What can you do to help them?
You have to be the parent, but give them their freedom. They may think that they are now in charge of their own life, but you are still their parent and you need to do what you think is right. They will think that you are being unfair, but you have to protect your child. The point is, just because they say they hate you and rebel, doesn’t mean you should give up and let them do whatever they want. They may be mad at you now, but they will thank you later.
As much power as you still have over their activities, you need to let them have their freedom. If they want to go somewhere or do something and you trust the situation, they why not let them go have fun? Don’t isolate them from the rest of the world. Even when certain situations seem bad, you need to learn to trust your child, or they will just rebel against you. If they are asking for your permission to do something, talk to them about it until you can trust that they are telling the truth. You need to let them have fun and they will appreciate this from you.
Talk to your child often, but don’t embarrass them, especially not in public. The more you talk to your child, the more they will trust you, but don’t over do it. Let them sit in their room alone when they want, but talk to them so they know you care. As much as they say they don’t, they really want you to care. Try your best to not embarrass them or they will remember it forever.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Child, Parent

Handling Jealousy Issues of Older Children with a Newborn

December 30, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

The firstborn child is the center of attention in the family unit. That is until another member arrives. Depending on the separation of age between them, it’s normal to expect differing degrees of jealousy. The older child is no longer the recipient of undivided attention upon the arrival of the new sibling. Keeping an eye on things will avoid much unpleasantness later.

As soon as it’s possible, start introducing the idea that there’s going to be an addition to the household. Work on easing fears before the next child arrives. Preparing the soon to be older child for the changes that are going to occur can help alleviate a lot of stress on them. Some children can’t wait for the arrival of a sibling, others will resent it greatly.

Children who feel threatened by the arrival of another child may start acting out. They may exhibit behaviors such as biting or kicking, which are absolutely inappropriate. It’s important to stop these actions quickly. Not addressing the issues may see the older child try to hurt their new sibling. In short, do not give in to tantrums or other poor behavior. Go straight for the harshest punishment possible, such as taking the child away from the activity at hand. Time outs don’t work since the child gets to return to whatever they were doing. It needs to be driven home that there will be no tolerating any actions that are out of line.

Work on reassuring the child that their status with the parent will not change with the arrival of the newborn. Stress the fact that they’re the one that the younger child will eventually look up to. The idea is to make the arrival of the next child as positive an experience as can be, and impressing that on the first born can make a difference.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Child, Parent, Sibling

Dealing With Developmental Setbacks

December 27, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Autism seems to be the big worry amongst parents these days, although it’s not the only mental development issue out there. Getting a confirmed diagnosis of an issue is enough to make the parent’s heart sink into their shoes. As bad as it may seem at the time, the reality is much different. So many childhood development issues are very well known these days. They come complete with methods and regimens on how to deal with these issues.

The first thing to do when getting a diagnosis is to not panic. It is not the absolute end of the world if a child is diagnosed with an issue. Many children have gotten through their setbacks and entered the world to be productive adults. It can be said that sometimes their minds don’t keep up with their bodies, then all of a sudden it will click together. Take a deep breath first then ask the doctor about the severity of the problem. The less severe the issue, the easier it is to handle. Easier is most certainly subjective in this situation.

Life does go on after the problem has been discovered. Things will evolve to a point where it seems normal that the child is the way they are. And the household will benefit strongly from everyone treating the child as if they were as normal as everyone else. Tip-toeing around the problem doesn’t do anyone any good and only reinforces the idea that there’s something wrong, which can be especially damaging to the child in question.

Understanding is key to coping with the situation. Research the Internet, ask questions no matter how dumb they may seem, seek out forums with parents who are raising children with the same issues. Listen to what the experts have to say and follow their advice as they have the widest knowledge on the subject.

Filed Under: News & Issues Tagged With: Child, Diagnosis, Parent