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Comparisons With Others Somewhere between six and 11 years of age, children begin to actively compare themselves to their peers. This newfound social comparison occurs for both cognitive and social reasons. Feeling Incompetent As Erikson noted, some children come to realize that their efforts are not as good as those of their peers and begin to feel inferior. Notably, though, feeling incompetent does not universally lead to low self-esteem. If a child’s poor performance occurs in a domain he doesn’t value, such as athletics, his self-esteem is unlikely to be affected....

Repetitive or cyclical behavior is very normal during toddlerhood. Doing the same thing over and over helps young children learn, and can be helpful for development. Sticking to consistent rituals or asking questions again and again also help toddlers feel secure. We turned to some experts to learn more about why toddlers like to do the same things (or ask the same questions) again and again, how to respond to repetitive behavior, and if there’s ever cause for concern....

This seems like a happy story—and it is. But if I hadn’t internalized mountains of “you better get on it before it’s too late” advice, I would have saved myself a lot of anxiety during an already physically and emotionally fraught period. Just seeing the words “elderly primigravida”—AKA elderly first pregnancy-on my medical forms made my toes curl. These types of terms are not only offensive to birthing people over 35, but also not always accurate in pinpointing medical problems....

Aside from impacting learning and academic success of the school, bullying also creates an environment where stress and anxiety are higher. As a result, it is in every school district’s best interest to address bullying issues in an effective manner. For instance, this might include identifying risk factors associated with bullying, intervening quickly and efficiently when bullying occurs, assessing current bullying prevention programs, and developing prevention programs that work. But, one of the first steps in accomplishing these tasks is establishing a list of bullying prevention goals....

Place empty bowls at the opposite end of the play area. Split family members into two teams and have them carry the corn from one bowl to the other using measuring cups. First to empty their bowl wins! The object of the game is to poke the end of the stick through the hoop, using only one hand. To make the game a little easier for younger kids, wrap the loop with masking tape so it’s not as floppy....

Feeling Like You’re Failing Although it’s not uncommon for parents to be hard on themselves, that type of thinking is counterproductive. Instead of beating yourself up, look at the little missteps as an opportunity to grow and learn. Allow your kids to see you make mistakes and learn from them. Demonstrating a growth mindset in your own life is a great way to teach them to be resilient and persevere in their own life....

Some unique names are actually traditional names that simply fell out of favor, such as Myrtle, Henrietta, Walter, Edmund, or Ethel. Or you might flip expectations by giving your baby a name that’s traditionally a nickname, such as Sadie, Hank, or Mac. Alternatively, you might consider spelling your child’s name in a unique way, using a last name as a first name, or combining two names into one. Other choices are words that aren’t traditionally used as names, such as Apple, Kai, Summer, or Blaze....

You can customize an outdoor party game with simple props or word choices. Try inventing a version of tag or a relay race that matches your party’s theme. Dragon Tag, Tails, or Sock Tag There are many versions of tag and most can easily be turned into a great party game. One option that kid’s love is “tails.” To play this game, start by giving each child an old sock to tuck into a back pocket or waistband (their “tail”)....

Kids sports are a ritual played out in millions of households across the States every weekend. Mom, Dad, the kids and maybe a grandparent or an aunt or uncle or two, all pile into the minivan and head on over to the local sporting fields for a fun day of soccer, baseball or another kids’ sport of choice. Played in hot or cold temperatures, sunny days or rainy ones, the commitment to the games by the participants (or at least their parents) rivals that of the U....

In short, employers can positively affect the cost of childcare for workers, but sometimes it takes a nudge to get them started. Employers reap the benefit of having more dedicated employees if they extend a helping hand financially, and it doesn’t even have to cost businesses anything in return. Child Care Support Working Parents Can Request From Employers Before you ask employers for support, be sure to first know and understand what your company may already offer in terms of child care benefits....

The good news is that ear infections are very common among children under the age of two, and they are also generally very treatable. Let’s take a look at how ear infections affect babies, what causes them, what symptoms to look for, when you should take your baby to the doctor, how to prevent them in the first place—and most importantly, what can be done so that your little one feels better....

A baby who is content one minute can suddenly melt down the next, like a switch has been flipped. Although tantrums can be both startling and frustrating, they are a completely normal part of your child’s development. At a year old, babies experience big feelings but don’t yet have the words to express those feelings. Something as little as a toy that’s out of reach or a shirt that doesn’t feel right can quickly lead to red faces, arched backs, ear–splitting wails, and kicking feet....

5 Core Components of Healthy and Effective Child Discipline Healthy discipline should include these five core components: A Healthy Relationship With Your Child If you don’t have a healthy relationship with your child, discipline isn’t likely to work. Your child will be much more motivated to listen to what you have to say when he respects your opinion. The need for a healthy relationship stems beyond biological parents. Step-parents, teachers, and daycare providers will be much more effective when they have a healthy relationship with a child....

After all, what’s not exciting about earning an income, holding adult conversations, and getting tasks done without constant interruption? If all that sounds better than changing diapers, then it’s OK. If you feel bad for being excited about going back to work, however, you’re not alone. Many moms feel as though they need to hide their excitement about returning to the workplace because there’s often a notion that women should want to stay home....

Structured play can take on many forms. It can be any physical or mental activity that teaches preschool-aged children new skills. The skills can be basic knowledge or help with their physical development. The goal of structured play is to have fun while teaching your child. Often, kids do not even know they are learning and adults have can have just as much fun devising new ways to keep the children active while learning!...

The short answer is that the best position for you will be the one that makes you feel the most comfortable. Research suggests that many people are still giving birth while lying flat on their backs, but it’s worth noting that a host of other positions are available that might be more comfortable and effective. “You can deliver in any position,” says Mimi Niles, PhD, MPH, CNM, an assistant professor and faculty fellow at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a practicing nurse midwife....

Blessed thistle, also known as holy thistle, has been used since the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague, promote digestive health and prevent infection. Today, blessed thistle is most commonly used to increase the production of breastmilk in nursing mothers. Blessed thistle is typically prepared as a tea using the tops, leaves, and upper stems or sold as a supplement in capsule, tincture, or powdered forms. In addition to promoting lactation, blessed thistle is believed to stimulate appetite and treat diarrhea, indigestion, colds, and flu....

When this happens, the nipples turn pale or white, and there may be a painful, burning sensation. Then, once the flow of blood returns, the nipples may look blue, pink, or red, and the burning usually turns into throbbing pain. Causes of Nipple Blanching The most common cause of nipple blanching in breastfeeding women is a poor latch. If your baby is not latching on correctly, the pressure of her mouth against your nipple can prevent blood from flowing to the area....