Poor baby!
Chewing on everything, drooling all day long.
There is really no way of knowing when those first little teeth will break the surface. My babies all were around 10 months which is thought to be quite late. I have seen babies pop a tooth as early as 8-10 weeks old!
Please beware of some symptoms that can accompany teething. Acidic smelling diarrhea, sore red bottom and a low fever. I have seen it over and over again and I have also heard and read from Doctors that these symptoms have nothing to do with teething.! Then why, may I ask them, do the symptoms go away as soon as the tooth break the surface?
Granted it may not affect 100% of all babies this way but I do believe it is quite common.
Providing something that they can chew on is good (other than the breast :( ) is a good thing. Keep a bib on the baby and change it often and that will help with the laundry and change the diaper as soon as there is any evidence . A cold cloth to chew on or a teething toy is good plus a low dose of baby pain reliever will help get you over the hump.
Mom it won't last forever.... Make sure YOU get your rest so that you can help your child endure the discomfort with out adding your irritation/frustration.
You are doing a good job!
Blessings!
PS I found that on the few times I was "bit" while nursing that a quick reaction and tap on the thigh was enough to stop the biting from becoming a habit. Not pleasant for anyone!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Children and Toys
Do yourself a favor....
Notice that a 2 year old plays totally differently with toys than a 3 year old. I had the privilege of helping pick up after a 2 year old today. The room was all clean and within minutes the book case was emptied and the various containers holding blocks and play food etc were strewn across the room. That is what 2 year olds do. They like to "dump and strew". They can play with blocks for a few minutes and then their little hands just start to push and scatter, knocking down everything in sight.
My suggestion to moms of toddlers is to put "messy" toys up out of reach so that they can be gotten with assistance and picked up before the next toy is taken out. Realize also that toddlers are not "into" toys so make it easy on your pocketbook when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. They need bigger things that are good for large motor skills. Stuffed animals, a dryer box to play in, dolls etc.
After 3 years of age you will find that the fine motor skill will start to develop. Matchbox cars will become an interest. Smaller blocks and puzzle pieces will not be so frustrating. Children will learn to play by themselves better and their imaginations will start to grow. You will be able to direct and reason with your child alot easier at these ages and they will be able to pick up much better by themselves. Still, watch and take note of what toys are working and what are not.
Don't feel like you cannot return a toy if it is being overlooked or not going to be of interest to the child (they are too expensive to just be kicked around a broken) or perhaps you would just stash it away for a later time. Remember the suggestion about a box of "rainy day" toys to be gotten out when you have depleted all of your resources. Also keeping a box of toys in the attic and switching them out every 4-6 months really works well too.
Have fun! Do yourself a favor if these "little" pieces are driving you crazy and just collect them and put them away for another time.
Blessings!
Notice that a 2 year old plays totally differently with toys than a 3 year old. I had the privilege of helping pick up after a 2 year old today. The room was all clean and within minutes the book case was emptied and the various containers holding blocks and play food etc were strewn across the room. That is what 2 year olds do. They like to "dump and strew". They can play with blocks for a few minutes and then their little hands just start to push and scatter, knocking down everything in sight.
My suggestion to moms of toddlers is to put "messy" toys up out of reach so that they can be gotten with assistance and picked up before the next toy is taken out. Realize also that toddlers are not "into" toys so make it easy on your pocketbook when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. They need bigger things that are good for large motor skills. Stuffed animals, a dryer box to play in, dolls etc.
After 3 years of age you will find that the fine motor skill will start to develop. Matchbox cars will become an interest. Smaller blocks and puzzle pieces will not be so frustrating. Children will learn to play by themselves better and their imaginations will start to grow. You will be able to direct and reason with your child alot easier at these ages and they will be able to pick up much better by themselves. Still, watch and take note of what toys are working and what are not.
Don't feel like you cannot return a toy if it is being overlooked or not going to be of interest to the child (they are too expensive to just be kicked around a broken) or perhaps you would just stash it away for a later time. Remember the suggestion about a box of "rainy day" toys to be gotten out when you have depleted all of your resources. Also keeping a box of toys in the attic and switching them out every 4-6 months really works well too.
Have fun! Do yourself a favor if these "little" pieces are driving you crazy and just collect them and put them away for another time.
Blessings!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Practice Makes Perfect
Years ago I attended a Family Homeschool Camp for a week. IT WAS WONDERFUL!
One day as some of the moms sat out under the trees talking, a young mom spoke to me about how her little one just ignored her when she called and how frustrating it was. Her little girl, around 3 was playing with children within viewing distance.
I told her that she was being given a perfect opportunity to work on the behavior. I suggested that she call her daughter right then. "Brittany, come here please" Brittany looked up but continued to play. She called again. No one came. I then encouraged her to go and get her. She did and brought her back to where we were sitting and spoke at length to her about coming when called. She had her little one sit with her for 5 minutes or so, again reminded her to come when called and let her go. About 20 minutes later we went thru the whole process again. After an afternoon of practice Brittany's behavior changed. She came when called.
Now...... this is wonderful but you MUST be consistent or you will lose any progress immediately. It will truly be worth it in the long run. Just mean what you say.
During our week of summer Cousin Camp, one of the rules is "to come when you are called" I follow this very strictly. While having a bunch of little ones in my care, I feel it mandatory that they come when called ~ the FIRST TIME~. It is the only rule that can break our Primary Rule of *Ice cream everyday*
Yes a couple of campers have gone without ice cream for a day but I assure you it only happened once~
Parents~ MEAN WHAT YOU SAY! Sat what you mean!
Blessings!
One day as some of the moms sat out under the trees talking, a young mom spoke to me about how her little one just ignored her when she called and how frustrating it was. Her little girl, around 3 was playing with children within viewing distance.
I told her that she was being given a perfect opportunity to work on the behavior. I suggested that she call her daughter right then. "Brittany, come here please" Brittany looked up but continued to play. She called again. No one came. I then encouraged her to go and get her. She did and brought her back to where we were sitting and spoke at length to her about coming when called. She had her little one sit with her for 5 minutes or so, again reminded her to come when called and let her go. About 20 minutes later we went thru the whole process again. After an afternoon of practice Brittany's behavior changed. She came when called.
Now...... this is wonderful but you MUST be consistent or you will lose any progress immediately. It will truly be worth it in the long run. Just mean what you say.
During our week of summer Cousin Camp, one of the rules is "to come when you are called" I follow this very strictly. While having a bunch of little ones in my care, I feel it mandatory that they come when called ~ the FIRST TIME~. It is the only rule that can break our Primary Rule of *Ice cream everyday*
Yes a couple of campers have gone without ice cream for a day but I assure you it only happened once~
Parents~ MEAN WHAT YOU SAY! Sat what you mean!
Blessings!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Language and Speech
I feel prompted to write this because of all the babies I see trying to learn to talk around a pacifier*.
It does not work.
I took elocution lessons growing up and I can see many areas where it has helped me. Not only being able to speak in front of people but also the ability to get a message across with clarity and understanding.
Pronunciation and wordage is important in this society even though it is being used less and less correctly. When children are around 15 months they should, on the average, have at least 15 words that they are using properly. I've seen children who have a whole vocabulary at this age and others who are still making more noise than anything else.
As parents we need to be aware of this. Our ears often become accustomed to our child's language as we understand them and thus do not correct them on their words. Start today to listen afresh as to how your little one is talking. Is he/she speaking clearly? If not take them on your lap and have them look at your mouth as you speak the words and then have them repeat. Pick one or two words a day to work on by asking them thru-out their play time how to say certain things.
A tape recorder is good for this as well where you can make a tape of words that they can repeat after you. This is also a great time to begin to use flash cards teaching colors, shapes etc. Introduce a new card or two after they have the first 4-5 memorized.
This really is important. The earlier that you catch and work on these language skills the better. The older the child the harder to break the habits of incorrect speech.
I also believe it is best not to teach a toddler any other language until he has a good grasp of the English language* It is just too confusing for little minds to decipher between all the words and meanings at such a young age.
*Personally I feel the pacifier should be gone at 2 and between the ages of 1 and 2 should be kept in the crib for nap times alone. It is like anything else. You just need to put your mind to it, spend the couple of uncomfortable days and rid the house of them. Perhaps you could replace it with a small new stuffed animal or something to lessen the "sting" of the ajustment.
* If the family is bilingual the child should just do fine as he hears both languages being spoken interchangeably.
Blessings!
It does not work.
I took elocution lessons growing up and I can see many areas where it has helped me. Not only being able to speak in front of people but also the ability to get a message across with clarity and understanding.
Pronunciation and wordage is important in this society even though it is being used less and less correctly. When children are around 15 months they should, on the average, have at least 15 words that they are using properly. I've seen children who have a whole vocabulary at this age and others who are still making more noise than anything else.
As parents we need to be aware of this. Our ears often become accustomed to our child's language as we understand them and thus do not correct them on their words. Start today to listen afresh as to how your little one is talking. Is he/she speaking clearly? If not take them on your lap and have them look at your mouth as you speak the words and then have them repeat. Pick one or two words a day to work on by asking them thru-out their play time how to say certain things.
A tape recorder is good for this as well where you can make a tape of words that they can repeat after you. This is also a great time to begin to use flash cards teaching colors, shapes etc. Introduce a new card or two after they have the first 4-5 memorized.
This really is important. The earlier that you catch and work on these language skills the better. The older the child the harder to break the habits of incorrect speech.
I also believe it is best not to teach a toddler any other language until he has a good grasp of the English language* It is just too confusing for little minds to decipher between all the words and meanings at such a young age.
*Personally I feel the pacifier should be gone at 2 and between the ages of 1 and 2 should be kept in the crib for nap times alone. It is like anything else. You just need to put your mind to it, spend the couple of uncomfortable days and rid the house of them. Perhaps you could replace it with a small new stuffed animal or something to lessen the "sting" of the ajustment.
* If the family is bilingual the child should just do fine as he hears both languages being spoken interchangeably.
Blessings!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I'm SORRY!
Friends, I have written the same blog for my "Musings with Marnie"
and this Parenting/Family Blog. (Please forgive me :) if you have
received this twice.) I feel that it is important.
and this Parenting/Family Blog. (Please forgive me :) if you have
received this twice.) I feel that it is important.
Parents please work with your family/children on this most important
tool....It WILL make a difference in their life for years to come. It
may take time in the beginning to work that stubbornness out but
with patience and practice it will come easier. Don't overlook it.
tool....It WILL make a difference in their life for years to come. It
may take time in the beginning to work that stubbornness out but
with patience and practice it will come easier. Don't overlook it.
I appreciate you all!
Remember dealing with your child when they needed to say that
they were sorry? They have pinched someone, taken a toy, tattled
etc and you have stepped in and said "Now say you're sorry to
your brother" It's amazing how hard that word is to say. Many a
child has had to be punished simply because they would not
follow through with this word, the gaze goes down, the feet
shuffle and stubbornness comes to the surface.
child has had to be punished simply because they would not
follow through with this word, the gaze goes down, the feet
shuffle and stubbornness comes to the surface.
So interesting.
And then after threat upon threat they FINALLY say
"I'm SORRY !" You can hear it can't you? A two word
sentence filled with rebellion. It's that "I may be sitting
down but I'm standing up on the inside~ type thing."
Sooooo how you doing with this word in your life now?
Now that you are grown are you able to say it easier? Have
you ever actually let yourself feel sorry? Has your heart ever
hurt because you have caused someone pain or discomfort?
Are you able to own it?
Get in front of a mirror and say it....."I'm sorry" Practice it
until it flows easier. Perhaps you need to actually say you're
sorry to yourself for things that you have allowed into your
life and choices that have landed you where you are. Start
there first....Forgive yourself don't be caught off guard if
you cry, its totally alright.
When dealing with children I have tried to teach that there
are three other words that are of equal importance as well
and that is "I forgive you" I feel these words need to be said
to "tie up the deal" If the other person does not say anything
you might prompt them by saying "Can you forgive me?"
Be prepared...if they hesitate or say no perhaps the
wound is deeper than you realized. DON'T become irritated
and or frustrated . You have taken time to get to the place to
say it , let them have some time as well. God will give you
the grace to be gracious. Simply say it again and tell them you
will be praying that they can find it in their heart to forgive you.
Friends there is SUCH HEALING in these words. Healing if
the words are said with feeling and remorse and salt if they
are not.
I think that we should look for places and situations where
we can say we are sorry. I think that it makes the ground
fertile between two people. Loosen up, if this blog has riled
you ...if you dare, look at the reason why.
Beloved you have been forgiven much, allow the Lord to
work this into you. It has the power to open closed doors
and build bridges where there are none.
Well done good and faithful servant!
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A Word on Twins.
Now I have never mothered twins, but I do have a couple cautions that I would like to share with the parents or relatives of twins.
1. The children are different! They may look very much alike BUT they have their very own personalities, quirks and issues. Please treat them individually.
2. When one does something the other one does not have to follow suit. Please treat your children as singular people. Do not double them up on everything. If one plays the piano don't insist that the other one do the same. If one goes to play at a friend's house don't insist that the other be invited as well.
3. Birthdays and Gift giving time.
Make it individual again! PLEASE don't get them each the very same toys, clothing, books etc etc etc. Let them learn. Let them have the experience of seeing their twin get something different than they. Let them have their won identity, choices and friends.
Dress them alike for a while, if you desire, but even that I would not carry far into their child hood. Again treat them as individuals. It will not take away from their special bond but will help them to become their own personality.!
Just my opinion!
Blessings!
Friends....I would LOVE to come to your home to speak about parenting issues. If you would gather some of your friends, with children close to the same age as yours, I would count it a privilege to spend time with you listening and talking thru any and all parenting issues. Also, if you would prefer I would be more than welcome to open up Gilead's Balm for your get together so you could leave your little ones at home with a sitter or Dad and have a night out. Just email me at marnie.gileadsbalm@gmail.com
1. The children are different! They may look very much alike BUT they have their very own personalities, quirks and issues. Please treat them individually.
2. When one does something the other one does not have to follow suit. Please treat your children as singular people. Do not double them up on everything. If one plays the piano don't insist that the other one do the same. If one goes to play at a friend's house don't insist that the other be invited as well.
3. Birthdays and Gift giving time.
Make it individual again! PLEASE don't get them each the very same toys, clothing, books etc etc etc. Let them learn. Let them have the experience of seeing their twin get something different than they. Let them have their won identity, choices and friends.
Dress them alike for a while, if you desire, but even that I would not carry far into their child hood. Again treat them as individuals. It will not take away from their special bond but will help them to become their own personality.!
Just my opinion!
Blessings!
Friends....I would LOVE to come to your home to speak about parenting issues. If you would gather some of your friends, with children close to the same age as yours, I would count it a privilege to spend time with you listening and talking thru any and all parenting issues. Also, if you would prefer I would be more than welcome to open up Gilead's Balm for your get together so you could leave your little ones at home with a sitter or Dad and have a night out. Just email me at marnie.gileadsbalm@gmail.com
Sunday, October 2, 2011
A reader writes: "my seven year old will call me stupid, idiot and or fat at will. His
anger can escalate in an instant over nothing. What is going on? This has been
a problem since spring. BTW he behaves wonderful in public."
Well first things first.
Thank God He behaves in public!!!!
That saves some of the embarrassment!
Because I have never been around this child or his family I can only give "basic" counsel.
I see that he has lived to be 7, making me believe he has not always been this way. (smile)
First I would make sure that the mom does not feel these words describe her in any fashion.
If there is even a twinge of truth here I want to remind her that she is the child's MOM and
there is NEVER any reason for this type of disrespect to come from a child.. on ANY level.
I would also ask where the dad is in the scenario. I would hope involved. If the child does it when the dad is not present the mom should speak to her husband about it and have him
come in on the discipline. Children need to be taught to respect and it goes much
easier if both parents are on the same page.
Some day soon take this young man aside to talk. Go for a walk or a ride together so that you will have his undivided attention. This needs to be done when everything is calm,
maybe even over a treat of some kind.
When you are alone with him tell him you have been very bothered by his behavior, speak
about recent scenes and or behaviors that have been unacceptable.
Talk to him about respect. Find a good book at the library on the subject.
After you know that he understands what you are talking about let him know that he is
not going to be allowed to speak that way or act that way anymore. Let him know firmly
and clearly what the consequences will be if he continues.
He may have a game or favorite show that can be subtracted from his life or perhaps an
earlier bedtime would get his attention or even a chore that he must do. But whatever it
is it needs to be something that will make an impact..(Don't send him to his room full of
toys)
At 7 years old he is still testing boundaries. If he is in the public school system there is a
chance he is hearing alot that he may not have seen or heard at home.
Take care of it fast. Clamp down hard. I just pray that you and your husband will stand
firmly together to guide this young man in the way that he should go.
I am willing to talk with you one on one if you would like.
WIN~
Blessings!
anger can escalate in an instant over nothing. What is going on? This has been
a problem since spring. BTW he behaves wonderful in public."
Well first things first.
Thank God He behaves in public!!!!
That saves some of the embarrassment!
Because I have never been around this child or his family I can only give "basic" counsel.
I see that he has lived to be 7, making me believe he has not always been this way. (smile)
First I would make sure that the mom does not feel these words describe her in any fashion.
If there is even a twinge of truth here I want to remind her that she is the child's MOM and
there is NEVER any reason for this type of disrespect to come from a child.. on ANY level.
I would also ask where the dad is in the scenario. I would hope involved. If the child does it when the dad is not present the mom should speak to her husband about it and have him
come in on the discipline. Children need to be taught to respect and it goes much
easier if both parents are on the same page.
Some day soon take this young man aside to talk. Go for a walk or a ride together so that you will have his undivided attention. This needs to be done when everything is calm,
maybe even over a treat of some kind.
When you are alone with him tell him you have been very bothered by his behavior, speak
about recent scenes and or behaviors that have been unacceptable.
Talk to him about respect. Find a good book at the library on the subject.
After you know that he understands what you are talking about let him know that he is
not going to be allowed to speak that way or act that way anymore. Let him know firmly
and clearly what the consequences will be if he continues.
He may have a game or favorite show that can be subtracted from his life or perhaps an
earlier bedtime would get his attention or even a chore that he must do. But whatever it
is it needs to be something that will make an impact..(Don't send him to his room full of
toys)
At 7 years old he is still testing boundaries. If he is in the public school system there is a
chance he is hearing alot that he may not have seen or heard at home.
Take care of it fast. Clamp down hard. I just pray that you and your husband will stand
firmly together to guide this young man in the way that he should go.
I am willing to talk with you one on one if you would like.
WIN~
Blessings!
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