Many parents think about buying a baby swing to allow them to get a break from endless rocking, shushing, and lullaby-singing. If that sounds like you, there’s no need to stress over all of the choices of baby swings before you. We’re here to help. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about buying infant swings so you can make a confident choice about whether it’s right for you and your family....
Signs of Readiness Generally speaking, most children will be ready to start using a spoon by around their first birthday. There are common behaviors you can watch for that will let you know your child is ready to try a spoon. Infants will usually turn their heads and clamp their mouth to signal they are full. As they get older, babies and toddlers often exhibit the same behavior before a meal....
Next, take the thoughts that were upsetting you and imagine picking them up and putting them gently into the box. Take the lid and cover the box so the thoughts don’t escape. Once the thought is boxed up, swipe the box aside. Out of sight, out of mind. Then get back to work. Don’t worry though these thoughts won’t stay in this box forever (that’s the next step). There is a time and place for everything....
Here’s where a baby registry can come in handy for all concerned: Just like registering for a wedding, registering for baby gifts involves picking out the things you really want and need and putting them on a list at a store that people can access. As each gift in your registry is purchased, it will be labeled as such. This way, you won’t wind up with three strollers or more onesies than a single baby could wear in a year....
For comparison, the “shushing” sounds in utero range anywhere from 70 to 91 decibels, while a vacuum cleaner is typically 70 to 80 decibels. In other words, the womb is not a quiet place! Once born, your little one suddenly finds themself in a disconcerting world of hushed tones and measured steps. Although designed for their comfort, this carefully guarded silence can leave them feeling detached, anxious, and isolated. No wonder your baby may be having trouble sleeping....
Your newborn baby will probably be eating every hour and a half to three hours and if feeding on-demand and following your baby’s cues remember that not all cries are ‘hunger-cries’ and you may have to set some limits (for example, not allowing him to feed every half hour).Most breastfeeding babies will eat for 10-15 minutes (although you shouldn’t time your feedings) on each breast every 1 1/2 to 3 hours (about 8-12 times a day) and bottle-feeding babies will take 1-3 ounces every 2-4 hours....
Do they send kids home with any sort of sniffle or is fever a requirement? Or, are they extremely lax in letting sick kids remain, creating an exposure risk to otherwise healthy kids? Parents should also find out what care options exist when a child care provider becomes ill. Some facilities offer a break if a child has an extended illness, and others offer a certain number of days as credit to be used toward vacation, illness or other types of absence....
Depending on your child’s age, you can start off with simple stories about the birth of Jesus and the three Wise Men. If you attend church services, take some time to discuss the different parts of the ceremony. If you aren’t sure where to start, your church leaders or fellow church-going families might have some insight to share. If you aren’t a religious family, Christmas still provides a great opportunity to discuss the topics of family, community, charity, gratitude, and tradition....
But just becomes the emotional struggle of infertility is common doesn’t mean you should ignore it. It doesn’t mean there isn’t another way or that you should just resign yourself to feeling this way. What follows is a list of 15 signs of infertility-related depression or anxiety. It is based on the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s list of signs you could benefit from counseling. As you flip through, consider whether these are struggles you have....
In many of those states, tax-free shopping dates are already underway too. With supplies on shelves and incentives to shop, parents may be concerned the supplies they need will sell out, or they may want to take advantage of tax-free shopping days themselves. If you’re shopping in-stores or online without a list, what supplies can you buy that will definitely be put to good use? Are Retailers Rushing Back-to-School? Why are supplies on shelves so early in the summer?...
Quotes About Parenting It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting and forget to look at the bigger picture. The quotes in this section are intended to remind you of the “why” behind parenting. They also are sure to bring a smile to your face when things get tough. “But kids don’t stay with you if you do it right. It’s the one job where, the better you are, the more surely you won’t be needed in the long run....
Names that start with “W” run the gamut from unique to popular and include everything in between. You’ll find just about anything your family requires and can keep your children on trend and on theme. Find the origins and meanings of popular names that start with “W.” Wade Origin: English Meaning: Traveler by the Ford Famous Namesakes: Actor Wade Williams is one of the famous people with this first name, but you may also see it as a last name, like former NBA player Dwyane Wade....
Hailey Origin: English Meaning: From the hay clearing Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hayley, Haylie, Haley Famous Namesakes: Actresses Hayley Atwell and Hayley Mills Peak Popularity: Hailey reached its peak on the U.S. popular names list in 2010. Hakeem Origin: Arabic Meaning: Wise Famous Namesakes: Former NBA star Hakeem Olajuwon Peak Popularity: Hakeem saw its biggest year in the U.S. 1989. Hallie Origin: EnglishMeaning: Praise the LordAlternative Spellings & Variations: HalleFamous Namesakes: Actresses Hallie Todd and Hallie EisenbergPeak Popularity: Hallie was popular in the early 1900s but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years....
There are several different types of behavior charts and reward systems that can help you encourage your kids to change their behaviors or stick to a routine. Plus they provide a quick and easy way to keep track of your child’s behavior together as a family. Here are four types of charts that can be especially effective. Sticker Chart To many parents, the idea of a sticker chart might seem a little simplistic....
Many teens become “boomerang kids” because they lack life skills. They struggle to get by without the financial, physical, and emotional support of their parents. Here are the basic life skills teens need to successfully gain independence from their parents: Work Skills Don’t assume that just because your teen made it through school that they’ll be able to hold down a job. The rules of the workforce are quite different from the confines of a high school....
The first step is recognizing that there’s nothing wrong with being sensitive. In fact, a sensitive child can be one of the kindest, most compassionate kids you’ll ever meet. But raising a sensitive child can pose some parenting challenges, especially when it comes to discipline. Understanding Sensitive Kids Emotionally sensitive kids become overwhelmed easily. They cry often, worry about getting into trouble frequently, and require a great deal of reassurance....
“At 8 months, your baby is getting in and out of the sitting position and possibly learning how to crawl efficiently—although it is OK if they are not,” says Lyndsey Garbi, MD, who is board-certified in pediatrics and neonatology and the chief pediatrician at Blueberry Pediatrics. “They also are babbling a lot and might start showing separation anxiety.” If you are wondering what else to expect during your baby’s 8th month of life, we take you through the basics of what you need to know below....
Cyberbullies Are Out for Revenge When kids have been bullied, they often seek revenge instead of coping with the situation in healthier ways. The motivation for these victims of bullying is to retaliate for the pain they have experienced. When this happens, these kids are often referred to as bully-victims. These bully-victims want others to feel what they have felt and feel justified in doing so. By cyberbullying others, they also may feel a sense of relief and vindication for what they experienced....
Sports Theme If your child is a sports fan or avid athlete, it’s a no-brainer. You’re all set for a party dedicated to his favorite team or game. You can decorate with team colors, or those that call the chosen sport to mind: black and white for soccer; red, white, and blue for baseball; green and brown for football; and so on. Or you can opt for an all-star sports theme, celebrating many sports with a fun mix of decor and activities....
