Bye-Bye Binky: Ending the Pacifier Habit

I could not pass up sharing this article. Marguerite Lamb has some practical approaches towards weaning your little one from his/her love of the pacifier. Personally, I like “The Gradual Approach”

By Marguerite Lamb from American Baby

Originally published in American Baby magazine, August 2005

This is quoted from a section of this article:

Weaning Your Child Off of Pacifiers

When to Stop?

Here is where opinions diverge. Marolyn Morford, PhD, a developmental psychologist in State College, Pennsylvania, recommends discontinuing the pacifier by a year. "At that age, a child's developmental needs do not include sucking," she says. Dr. [Karen] Breach [MD, a pediatrician in Charlotte, North Carolina] allows more latitude: "It's okay to make pacifiers the last thing to go. Once a baby is weaned and potty trained, then focus on stopping the pacifier."

It's a tolerant attitude echoed by Dr. [Richard] Dowell [PhD, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania]: "Ultimately, children develop higher level strategies to manage their distress -- usually beginning at around age 2," he says. "They phase out their pacifiers as they develop skills to replace them." Most kids willingly surrender their binkies by age 3 or 4.

How to Stop: The Three-Day Plan

Crib to a Toddler Bed . . . When is the Right Time?

First of all, don’t be freighted about the horror stories you hear from friends or read about online. Every child is different so, rest assure this is another one of those transitions that will be his/her new normal in time.

What are the signs your toddler/preschooler is ready for a toddler bed?

Children Learn What They Live

I have referred to this poetic saying several times when raising our own children. I found it to be a good reminder before I reacted to situations or issues that came up that I felt I wasn't prepared for. Love your children where they're at and embrace them for who they are.

If a child lives with criticism,

You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be a Perfect Parent

I’ve been reading a lot of articles, blog comments and Facebook messages from parents that seem to be struggling when caring for little ones. It seems there is more pressure placed on parents these days. Parents get messages from various sources like; go green . . . eat organic . . . is your house childproofed enough . . . protect from germs . . . no TV or screen time . . . eat healthy . . . no fast foods . . . sign them up for sports . . . stranger danger . . . is your child getting bullied . . . save money for college . . . place them in the best schools. The list is endless. No wonder parents are stressed. They can easily be overwhelmed with trying to be perfect.

Gratitude: How children develop the attitude of gratitude

We, as parents, can start inspiring the idea of gratitude even in our children’s first years. Be the reflection and model of what you’d like to see your children model in their future years. We can plant seeds along the way as they are growing and developing. By practicing gratitude with our own children and people around us, your children will see what the “attitude of gratitude” looks like and feels like.

You can model what it looks like by: 

Reading to Infants One-on-One

Overwhelmed with the numerous educational toys for infants? Relax and know that all your little one needs is your comfy lap, your voice, and a fun little book to share.

Trust Your Instincts. Experts say

Black Spider Craft for Halloween

A couple of years ago, my child care toddlers made spiders with paint and a paper plate. It was fun, simple, and easy. See the end result pictured. I hole-punched the plates and sent home some string for the kids to add the web at home. Since Halloween is coming up, I wanted to share this craft with parents who are looking for something easy and fun to do together with their little one(s).

Here are the supplies needed:

Life Lessons to Share

I found this blog under the name of Momista Beginnings. I was so impressed with an article the author, Misty from Southern California wrote which came in two parts. The articles are titled "Life Lessons To You, From Mom". Here is the link to the article part 1 http://momistabeginnings.com/life-lessons-to-you-from-mom-part-1/ and here is the link to the article part 2 http://momistabeginnings.com/life-lessons-to-you-from-mom-part-2/

These life lessons are so valuable that I must share. Here is the list:

Language Development Activities for Toddlers and Preschool Age

Toddlers at the age of one to about 18 months old, pickup on repeating what they hear from their environment, playmates, from being read to and the like. As toddlers grow and show interest in expanding their limited vocabulary at around 18 months or older, adults and teachers could help expand this interest with fun activities.

Music Appreciation and Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Toddlers & Preschoolers love to listen to music while playing. Quoted from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Children are natural musicians, and exposure to music during the early years enhances the learning process by promoting language development, creativity, coordination, and social interaction.

Caregivers can play an important role in incorporating music and movement into a child’s life.”