First Time Parents Guide if Feeding Problems Develop on Baby

Preventing feeding problems is much easier than correcting them. When, despite parent's good intentions, feeding problems do develop, there should be an analysis of the causes. Then parents should agree on and firmly adhere to a course of action.

What is feeding problem? It's when a child fails to eat as his parents expect him to. Whether these expectations are right or wrong the results is the same - tensions which create unhappy family situation.

Most feeding problems fall into two classes. One is the child's not eating enough, or what the parents think is "enough." The other is the child's not eating specific foods the parents would like accepted. Usually these are "good for you" foods such as milk, meat and vegetables. It's well for these parents to remember a child's appetite is a good guide to how much he should eat and there is no one food which a child must eat.

Few feeding problems develop in the first year. Growth is rapid, foods needs are high and babies' appetites are good. Parents are satisfied with the volume they eat. It's in the second and third year's, when growth rate, food needs and intake diminish, that trouble is more likely to occur.

Everybody likes attention. A toddler is likely to get it, the first few times he eats less than usual. Whether it's mild coaxing or forced feeding, the child knows he's being noticed. Pretty soon he knows that refusing food is an attention-getter. It can even be more fun than eating. The remedy is to be alert to ignore the lowered intake.Most toddlers go through a normal stage of saying "no" to everything, even when they don't mean it. If it happens to attract attention, saying "no" at mealtime can get to be quite a game and a habit. It should be ignored like any other play for attention.

Some youngsters use refusal of food as a bargaining device in obtaining certain desires. It's most unwise ever to bribe a child to eat. Families should always maintain the attitude that eating is a privilege, not a favor.

Babies are great imitator and quickly follow the example of a parent or older brother or sister. When they eat at the family table family member can help by being willing to set good examples. Only favorable attitudes, by word or gesture, should be expressed toward food. Too much discussion, even of the favorable type, is unwise.

Mealtime surroundings should be clean, bright and cheerful and the atmosphere a happy one. There should be no unnecessary distractions which draw a child's attention from eating. Decorations, conversation or activity should not be overdone. A desire to play can be a strong distraction for toddlers.Sometimes firm policies have to be made or its control.

Wise parents use every opportunity to develop and maintain a toddler's interest in food. Even though it's slow and untidy, self feeding should be encouraged. Protect the floor with newspaper and put the baby on his own. The food may often miss its target but baby's interest will be maintained through his sense of accomplishment. Toward the end of the meal, when the baby tires, he'll usually appreciate help with the last few spoonfuls.

Mealtime discipline, such as stress on table manners, can deter a toddler's interest in food. Training of this type is more effective in the later pre-school period when there's better muscular coordination. In the meantime, some progress might be made through imitation of good examples set by older family members.

Dawdling at mealtime is a common problem. Like refusal off food, it can easily become an attention-getter and is therefore ignored. Allowance should be made for a small child's lack of skill. But if a meal stretches beyond a reasonable period, it's well to remove thee food calmly and without comment.

Ending a meal for dawdling or outright refusal of food should be done in the most matter-of-fact way and without discussion or argument. The success of this procedure depends on the parents' calm firmness in withholding all additional food until the next regular meal. This is a hard thing for parents to do even when common sense and scientific evidence indicate a few hours of hunger can't hurt a child. Young children simply don't starve themselves.

This discussion shows most feeding problems to be psychological in origin and nature. Occasionally the blame may rest in the diet itself. Diets too high in fat, sweets or starch appetite is poor, the interval between meal might be increased. Sometimes feeding smaller portions helps. Seeing too much food can blunt appetite.

Sufficient fresh air, exercise and sleep are other factors known to have a favorable influence on appetite. In today's casual living, most youngsters get enough of these but they are worth checking if appetite is poor.

A Child have a Higher Risk of Dehydration

A dramatic reduction in the amount of fluid in the body causes dehydration, which can be a serious, even life threatening, condition if left untreated. And children, especially babies and toddlers, are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults because they have less fluid reserves and because they are sick more often.

The biggest cause of dehydration in youngsters is diarrheal illnesses

There's the fluid loss from the diarrhea and in addition kids feel lousy, so they don't drink.

Symptoms of dehydration in children include dry mouth, no tears and a lack of urination. Babies less than 3 months should urinate at least once every 6 hours; toddlers should wet at least three diapers a day, and older children should be going to the bathroom at least two to three times in a 24 hour period.

Signs of more serious dehydration include sunken eyes, lethargy and a loss of elasticity in the skin. If you notice these symptoms or a lack of urination, contact your child's doctor.

The first line of treatment of dehydration is drinking fluids, preferably an oral electrolyte solution designed especially for children. Sports drink designed for adults aren't as effective as the ones made for kids.

Encourage you child to take small, frequent sips of a pediatric electrolyte drink any time they're sick with a fever or diarrhea. More serious cases of dehydration may require intravenous rehydration.

Simple Tips To Keep in Touch With Your Child While You Work

Here are tips on how to stay connected with your little one while you work:

• GIVE HIM A CALL. Set aside a regular time to get in touch with your child throughout the day so he has something to look forward to. Your coffee break and lunch break can be opportunities for you to make that call. You might want to synchronize your clock with your child when he is most alert, his caregiver can let your child know when you are about to call. Even if your toddler may not be able to speak to you yet, just hearing your voice will reassure him.

• LEAVE YOUR PHOTO. Let your child keep a small picture of you which he can hold on to when he suddenly feels your absence. Seeing your face can be a source of comfort for him.

• RECORD YOUR VOICE. Sing his favorite song, rhyme, or say a few encouraging words for your child like, "Mommy will be home soon!" "Mommy misses you!" and digitally record it for your child to listen to whenever he misses you. Ask his caregiver to play the recording at certain hours of the day like before he takes a nap (a lullaby); when he takes a bath (a bath song); when he's playing; or just because!

• MAKE LOVE NOTES. Surprise your preschooler by sticking a short note inside his lunchbox to remind him how much you love him and wish him a fun filled day at school.

Factors That Contribute To Your Child's Height

Height often plays an important role in people's lives. Medically, pediatricians use growth chart to make sure that a child is growing at the proper rate. In May sports, such as volleyball and basketball, being tall is an important factor.

"Height is might" that is what most people would say. While Filipinos are not genetically predisposed to be a tall race, most parents still wish that their kids grow up to be taller than most children. But what exactly makes a person tall?

There are many factors that contribute to a person's height. Knowing what influences growth and development will help children achieve their optimum height.

1. Genetic make-up. Children inherit their parents attributes, so tall parents, in general, will produce tall off springs. Traits such as physique are also passed down from parents.

2. Prenatal Factors. While a baby is still in his mother's womb, the mom's habits, amount of exercise, and choice of food affect the child's development. Expecting moms need to stay in the pink of health to avoid any complications such as hypertension, anemia, and congestive heart failure, which could cause low birth weight in babies and a higher chance of perinatal morbidity incidence.

3. Nutrition. It is important to plan a balanced diet and incorporating a lot of "grow" foods in your child's meals. Include meat and egg in his meals, which are packed with protein. You must also encourage your child to drink milk, fortified with bone developing calcium.

4. Vitamins. Vitamins help maintain and facilitate the proper functioning of certain organs and organ systems found in a child's body. The following vitamins perform a vital role to ensure that the body efficiently absorbs nutrients and keeps the body's systems in prime working condition.

5. Exercise. While there are no definite exercises that promote height enhancement, certain activities like stretching help improve posture, since incorrect or poor posture contributes to slouching. This, in turn will make a child appear shorter than he actually is. Discrepancies in the vertebral curves, muscle coordination, strength, physical and mental health, and fatigue are leading causes of postural changes in a child.

6. Sleep. The daily amount of sleep your child gets affects his height. Growth hormones are secreted deep sleep. It is advisable for your kid to get sufficient sleep to boost a child's height.

Simple Tips on How To Reduce Computer Eyestrain on Your Child

Computer eyestrain is a common complaint among office workers, regardless of job, age or gender. With the growing popularity of computer use at home and in school, even children are now at risk.

The underlying cause of the problem is the eyes inability to focus accurately at the distance of the computer screen, eye experts say. This is because of the soft edged characteristics of the pixels that make up the words and images on the screen.

If your child suffers from computer eyestrain, follow these tips:

Don't ignore the problem; see an eye doctor. Those who suffer from symptoms of eyestrain. Frequent headache, tired, dry or burning eyes, blurred or double vision should see an eye care professional who can evaluate their eyes and prescribe eyeglasses to alleviate the stress.

Use proper lighting. Glare on walls and finished surfaces, reflections on the computer screen, outside light and bright interior lights can all add to computer eyestrain. Close drapes or blinds. Reduce lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes (or by lowering their intensity). Use an anti-glare computer screen.

Modify your child's study area. Adjust the chair so your child views the computer screen from a 10 to 20 degree angle. Place written pages on a copy stand adjacent to the monitor and light them with desk lamp if necessary, keeping that light off the screen.

Remind him to take frequent brakes. Experts recommend taking a 15 minute break for every 2 hours of work.

Teach him to refocus his eyes. Train him to look away from the computer screen every 10 or 15 minutes and focus for several seconds on a distant object. This allows him to blink, which wets his eyes. Dry eyes can lead to further discomfort.

Remind him to blink more often. Because computer users blink about five times less frequently than normal, tell your child to make a conscious effort to blink while working at the computer.

Whats The Best Time To Get A Pet For Your Child?

Well for me I don't think I would get Keona a pet, one thing is that it would be an added expense. Although having a pet for your child is one of the best ways to teach your child to be responsible, but I would rather let her learn other ways to be responsible, minus a pet hehehehe.

But if you want your child to have a pet, I think the best time to get your child a pet is when your child starts showing interest in animals and expresses the desire to have a pet. It is important that he is already able to follow instructions and is ready to be taught how to properly take good care of animals.

It is also recommended to get a pet that is of small size or breed, easy to handle or manage, is of good temperament, and matches the child's personality and interest. Young or newly weaned animals are preferable so it would be easier for them to adapt to the child and vice versa. It is also best if parents can research on the animals they plan to get for their child to see if the pet would be appropriate for their kids, their lifestyle, and budget.

What Causes Constipation in Children

A CHANGE IN SCHEDULE

Something in the child's daily rhythm could have changed such as yaya leaving, moving house, traveling, or even a change in the usual schedule. It can happen if there is a change in the child's routine or availability of an acceptable bathroom like when they go to school. They withhold stool during the time they normally go and the stool stay longer in the gut or colon.

It is important for your child to move her bowels when she feels the urge. It is the job of the colon to absorb water, and if the stool that is meant to come out is retained for whatever reason, the colon absorbs more water from the stool, making it drier and harder than usual. This starts a vicious cycle with the child withholding defecation and causing further stool retention.

NOT ENOUGH WATER OR FIBER

We need water to dilute the concentrated food we eat. We also need fiber for bulk to push the stools forward. If your child has a viral illness that leads to fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, he will need more fluid than usual. Many parents of constipated children clearly recall a viral illness heralding their child's constipation problem. If your child doesn't drink enough water, his stool will become hard. So when your child is sick, you must hydrate him even more.

TOO MUCH MILK FORMULA

There only a certain volume of milk our gut can take. Going above that means not giving the digestive tract the chance to digest. Milk cannot replace food. Protein in milk is very different from food. It can settle, ferment, and bubble inside.

Knowing The Pro's and Con's of your Thermometer

There's no single way to take your child's temperature, but some methods are more precise than others.

METHOD:

Rectal

ACCURACY:

The Highest

PRO:

It's the best choice for kids up to age three or whenever an exact reading is critical.

CON:

Older kids don't like it.

TIP:

Have you child lie across your lap or in his back with his legs up

METHOD:

Oral

ACCURACY:

Good

PRO:

Most kids four and older can use them correctly, and there's no need to remove their clothing

CON:

The reading can be thrown off if your child doesn't keep the thermometer under her tongue until it beeps.

TIP:

If she's just had a hot or cold drink wait 15 minutes.

METHOD:

Armpit

ACCURACY:

Adequate

PRO:

It's very easy to use.

CON:

If the room is chilly, you may get false or low reading.

TIP:

Many doctors recommend adding 0.5 degree Celsius to the reading for greater accuracy.

METHOD:

Ear

ACCURACY:

Varies

PRO:

It's fast and convenient

CON:

Doctors say the tip is difficult to insert properly, especially for kids under one.

TIP:

For a more precise result, pull child's ear slightly up and back before inserting.

METHOD:

Forehead

ACCURACY:

Varies

PRO:

Temporal artery models record the temperature in seconds and are comfortable for kids.

CON:

It's the most costly type of thermometer.

TIP:

It must be slid midway between the eyebrows and upper hairline for an accurate reading.

8 Ways to Educate your Child about Mobile Phone Safety

Mobile phones make it easy for people to send and receive content. Even the unwanted and inappropriate ones. Your child is not an exception. Sexual offenders typically use the mobile phone as bait, as means of connecting with their would be victim. Much like Internet safety, supervision and regulation are the best ways you can protect your child from falling prey to abusers. Some steps you can take:

1. Program only your number and numbers of other people who have a legitimate reason for calling your child (such as caregivers or classmates). Teach your child to never answer calls from other numbers.

2. Some phones can be programmed so that they do not receive calls from unprogrammed numbers.

3. If your child receives a text message from an unknown number or person, your child should never answer and should show this to you.

4. Give your child the cellphone only if you will be apart, and make sure it is turned off when she is in class or it is time to do homework. You may also want to establish a phone curfew, by asking them to surrender their phones to you at a certain time of the night.

5. Set budget caps for load. She can only use a certain amount from her allowance or she cannot spend more than a certain amount in a week or month.

6. Ask from time to time who calls or texts her.

7. Even if your child is older (say, in high school), she should never entertain texts or calls from people claiming to be girls or boys her age who wants to be friends.

8. Even if the text message is from someone they know, if the content make them uncomfortable, they should tell you right away. Emphasize that you will not blame her or get mad.

Important Reminders When Raising Twins

The most important aspect in raising twins is allowing them to discover their own person. Here's how parents can build individuality in them:

• Never compare. Avoid labeling (such as "the smart one" or "the athletic one") because this will limit her potential. Make it a habit to call them each by their names.

• Identify each child through an item. (such as a different backpack or shoelace) to discourage people from guessing based on physical appearance (such as "the heavier one")

• Dress them similarly but not identically. This will help the child know that she is her own person and has her own things; give them their own closet space for their belongings.

• Spend alone with with each child. This will allow you the opportunity to see each child's personality as a while and not just as a part of the other.

• Build each child's interest without forcing one or the other to be the way; like taking one twin to a soccer game and the other to a guitar class.

• Show affection to each child with individual praise and recognition. Make sure you give all this equally no matter what.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Child

Parents adopt various "rules" when it comes to naming babies. The more practical ones include giving your child a name that..

• is easy to pronounce in most languages
• others can easily spell
• is short and singular (for someone with long surnames)
• is not owned by an infamous character
• hasn't already been "coveted" by a relative
• has a meaning you like
• goes well phonetically with your surname
• doesn't form monikers or initials that might be made fun of (like P.O.O. or R.I.P.)

What Causes Teeth Grinding on Children and How to Stop Them

Teeth grinding or bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorder, as three out of 10 children grind their teeth. Thankfully, most outgrow it. The cause of bruxism is unknown. In children, teeth grinding may be a response to changes in the mouth, such as pain or erupting teeth.

Stress is also a recognized cause of bruxism. A tired child or once who worries about school test or arguing parents can experience enough stress to prompt teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques such as drinking a glass of milk before sleeping and listening to soft music can help calm a child and reduce stress. Hyperactive kids, those with certain conditions such as cerebral palsy or who are on certain medications can develop bruxism.

Bruxism usually goes undetected with no adverse effects. But it can cause the wearing down and sensitivity of teeth or chipping of their enamel. In extreme cases, it can cause severe pain and jaw problems. Wearing a mouth guard can help reduce further damage on the teeth.

Simple Internet Guide For Parents

The internet isn't called the information superhighway for nothing. It's one of the best educational tools your children can have, and many schools incorporate tasks that would require your child to go online. But the internet does not judge the quality of the information it provides. So as a parent, that's your job. Here are some tips and rules to protect your child:

• Learn how to use the Internet. This is very important if you want to be the right guide for your child. Check out www.netlingo.com for a list of cyber words a parents should know.

• Set down Internet rules in your house. Considerations include how many hours of Internet time during weekdays and weekends, what items can be downloaded, which websites are prohibited, etc.

• Ask your children never to give out your address, phone number, last name and other pieces of information that could identify them or you. Also, don't let them share password with anyone, except you.

• Make sure your kids tell you right away if they receive any message that's mean or improper.

• Tour the Internet with your child to get a sense of what sites he likes to visit, the blogs he reads, and the social network he belongs to. Be involved with his Internet friends as you are with his other friends and activities.

Simple Tips to Encourage Your Child's Imagination

Do you sometimes wonder if playing make believe does your child any good? Yes, undoubtedly. Below are some of the reasons why you should encourage your child when he plays doctor, or when your child plays house.

Develop social skills. By playing around pretend, your child learn how to relate with other people's feelings. They become more willing to play fair, to share, and to cooperate.

Build self confidence. When your girl stands in front and imagine herself a teacher or plays mother, that boosts her confidence and affirms she has abilities and gifts.

Boost intellectual growth. Using the imagination is the beginning of abstract thought. This is important when the child starts to go to the school where a child will have to learn that numerals stand for a group of objects, that letters symbolize sound, etc.

Practice language skills. When your child plays with the neighboring kids or her own siblings, they talk a lot. This helps boos her vocabulary, improve sentence structure and enhance communication skills.

Work out fears. When your child indulges in role playing, it helps him gain a sense of control over things that are big and fearsome, like monsters for example. It also helps him vent confusing feelings he might have.

So read to your child daily before he sleeps, or make up a story of your own. Books offer children the opportunity to visit other worlds and create new ones of their own.

Important Road Safety For Kids

Everyday thousands of children walk to school, playgrounds or the homes of their friends, often close to, or having to cross, busy roads. Parents and schools do their best to reduce the risk of accidents by sending children strong messages such as "Stop, look and listen" and "Look left, look right, look left again, before crossing the road."

Tests show that primary school children have poor peripheral vision (seeing what's coming from the side) and directional hearing (hearing where things are coming from). And they are not good at telling how far away an oncoming vehicle is, or judging its speed. All this means that it is simply not enough to make sure that young children thoroughly learn and understand the rules of the road.

The most important message is that adult supervision is necessary when children are near traffic, and critically importnt when they have to cross the road.

10 Golden Rules of Child Rearing

Raising children can be the most wonderfully challenging adventure of your life. Here are 10 useful reminders and rules.

1. Children are not pets.
2. The life they actually live and the life you perceive them to be living is not the same.
3. Don't take what your children do too personally.
4. Don't keep score cards on them - a short memory is useful.
5. Dirt and mess are breeding ground for well being.
6. Stay out of their rooms after puberty.
7. Stay out of their friendships and love life unless invited in.
8. Don't worry that they never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.
9. Learn from them; they have much to teach you.
10. Love them long; let them go early.

Your Child Has Not Yet Begun Talking

There are some babies that reach 13 months but still has not begun to talk yet. Because of this some are worried, some might think there might be a problem with their child's language development. Experts says that a common red flag is the absence of your child's first word at about 12 to 18 months. At this age, your child must already have at least 25 words in his vocabulary. Take note that a word is something he says specifically for an object or a person. It's not just a random set of sounds he makes, as in babbling. You might think your child's first word is "mama" but if he call everyone and everything else "mama", then it's not considered a word.

There are also some babies who don't pass through the babbling stage - this is also a cause for concern. They could be deaf or have some other problem.

You should expect your child to start talking between one to two years old. Some parents tend to wait for a child to talk until he is three and already going to school, but if there's a problem, it's not good to waste time.

7 Resolutions for Closer Family Ties

1. I will talk to my children more often. Some parents only talk to their kids when they get in trouble. But family discussions need not be like a third degree interrogation. Chat them up while on the road or doing the dishes together. Show that you are there to listen, not to judge.

2. I will listen and learn. Don't be afraid to see things from your children's point of view. As they mature, they can make more decisions and express themselves better. Understand and take their perspective seriously.

3. I will be a good role model. Role modeling is important because you are your child's first teacher, and no matter how much your child may seem to dislike you, deep down he wants to be proud of you and emulate you.

4. I will be more demonstrative and affectionate. Affection is very important in the development of your children as well as the development of your family. Touch is the universal language of love. Hold your children's hand, pat them on the back or shoulder, hug them.

5. I will boost self esteem. Bonding time is enjoyable for children only if they feel accepted, loved and wanted. Encourage them to be confident in small or big house or school projects, because their self esteem lowers as they grow older.

6. I will spend more face time with my family. With the 3G cell phones and other techie stuff, we think a call, a text message or a chat window passes off as communication. But this only works if you want to inform your kids of something. Take the time to really connect with your children by making face time.

7. I will make sure we stick to our resolutions. Change is a long and arduous process that needs consent and commitment from all family members. If kids are determined to have more family bonding moments, it'll be easier to repair gaps and silences; otherwise, give it some time and don't give up.

What to Do When Your Child has Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils become infected and swollen. The tonsils, those fleshy lumps at the back of the throat on each side of your mouth, help babies build up immunity to germs, however after the child's first year of life they become unnecessary.

If you think your child has tonsillitis here are the things you should do:

• Bring your child to the doctor. Although most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics, it is important that the child with a sore throat visit the doctor. Why? To make sure that if the tonsillitis is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, he gets treated properly. Untreated tonsillitis caused by this germ can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease or inflammation of the kidneys.

• Rest. Both children and adults with tonsillitis need rest to recover.

• Relieve pain and fever. Tonsillitis is one of the infections that cause intense pain and very high fever. Giving over the counter painkillers or anti fever medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help make your child comfortable.

• Fluid up. A child with tonsillitis needs to drink lots of fluids, even if drinking hurts. Do not worry if your child has not eaten much a few days, as long as he is drinking. Offer cold drinks or ice cubes to suck on. Jelly and ice cream may be given, contrary to popular belief too avoid sweet treats. Children should be brought to the doctor if they have not managed to drink anything for about 15 hours.

• Gargle. A gargle every few hours with warm salt water (one level tablespoon salt to one cup water) can relieve sore throat, remove secretions and promote healing.

• Consider surgery. Some people who have frequent bouts of tonsillitis will require an operation to remove the tonsils. Ask your doctor if he thinks that a tonsillectomy is in order.
  

Useful Tips for your Childs Teething Troubles

Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 7 months. Each time a tooth breaks through or erupts, the skin over the tooth will become red, swollen and shiny. Some children may find this painful. They may fuss and have trouble sleeping. To reduce the pain of teething, the following measures are useful:

• Gently but firmly massage or press on your baby's gum with a clean finger or soft cloth. But stop if this upsets your child more.

• Give baby something cold to suck or chew on. If he has started solids, a frozen banana or a block of ice may be soothing (don't leave a baby on his own with these). You may also try freezing moistened flannel or plastic teething rings.

• Rub teething gel on the gums if the child is very upset. Use as directed on the packet. Teething gels can be bought over the counter at local pharmacies. Paracetamol drops or syrups may also help.

Take your child to the doctor if teething troubles last longer than three days, or if he has high fever, diarrhea, sore ears, or refuses to drink.