Kaleb learning to walk

Limit the amount of TV your toddler watches

Since your child is under age 2, it's best to keep TV-watching to a bare minimum. If you choose to allow some television, break it up into 15-minute increments. Much more than that, and your toddler's brain can shift to autopilot.

Once your child hits 2, limit his total viewing time to an hour a day — even that amount is a lot for an active toddler. You should also keep the television out of your child's bedroom and turned off during meal times.

Using Children Medicine Responsibly

* Important Guidelines for Parents

When it comes to treating your child’s cold, you can never be too careful. When giving your child any kind of medication, please consider these important guidelines:

Always follow labeled instructions.

Always use the dosage device that comes with the medicine. Learn more about how to give medicine correctly.

Keep all medicines out of reach.

Know the medicine’s active ingredients and the symptoms for which they are indicated.

Don’t give your child more than one medication intended to treat the same symptom at the same time.

Never use over-the-counter cough, cold.

How to Give Medication Correctly

1.Know your child's weight so that you can give the correct dose.
2.Read the package instructions carefully. Not all medicines should be given at the same hourly intervals or in the same amount. Follow the package instructions and give the full amount of medicine that is labeled for your child.
3.Always use the dropper, dosage cup, or other measuring device that comes with the medicine. Other items like kitchen teaspoons may not be accurate. Never use spoons, droppers, or cups that come with other medicines.
4.Make sure you're giving the right formula for your child's weight and age. Infants' and children's medicines are specially formulated, so you need to change formulas as they grow older. Don't give infants' medicine to an older child, or children's medicine to an infant.
5.Don't give medicine to a baby who is lying down; this could cause choking.

1yr. old check up

What can I expect at my child's 1-year checkup?
Expect the doctor to weigh and measure your child, check his eyesight and hearing, give him a head-to-toe, front-to-back physical exam, and vaccinate him. She'll also ask you questions about your child's overall health and nutrition and his physical and cognitive development, and give you some feedback based on your answers and her observations. She may also check your child's hemoglobin level (to look for anemia) and lead level (if there's a risk of environmental lead exposure), if these haven't been checked already.

How can I prepare?
Decide ahead of time whether you want your toddler to get the varicella vaccine (to prevent chicken pox) and the hepatitis A vaccine, both of which are optional but recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (learn why the varicella vaccine is considered a good idea). Be ready to answer questions about your child's sleeping, eating, teething, motor skills, communication skills, social skills, vision, and hearing. It also helps to bring a list of any questions you'd like to ask the doctor — and your child's immunization record if you have one, so that it can be updated.

What questions should I ask?
Consider asking about whether you should give your child vitamins or supplements and about treating health problems that may come up (like colds or injuries). Ask about any worries you may have about your toddler's health, development, or behavior, and about how to stimulate his development. Finally, ask about what you can expect in the coming months.

Easy Managing

Helpful shortcuts


Here are a handful of parent-tested ideas to make life easier:

Create your own ready-to-go meals and snacks. Fill a set of plastic bowls (with lids) or plastic snack bags with individual servings of your child's favorite finger foods so you'll have them at the ready when you need them for meals and outings.

Equip your car. Keep a supply of nonperishable drinks and snacks, diapers, and other necessities in your car so you don't have to spend time gathering things when you want to leave the house. Some moms keep a second diaper bag in the car for this purpose.

Go high tech. Pay bills, do your banking, and even shop for groceries online.

Soak before you wash. Fill your sink or a bucket with soapy water and place dirty dishes, bottles, and other cooking and eating items in there. When you get around to them, they'll be much easier to clean.

Invest in housekeeping supplies. Consider splurging on cleaning and laundry supplies that may cost more but will save you time or energy. Keep organized and clutter-free by using a good system of shelves, baskets, and other containers.

things that change when you have a baby

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara

How love blossoms between you and your child

1. Your newborn stares into your eyes — he's actually working hard to memorize your face. He doesn't understand anything else about the world, but he knows you're important.
2. Your baby thinks about you even when you're not around. Between 8 and 12 months old, he'll start to scrunch his face and look around when you leave the room — and he'll smile when you return.
3. Your toddler throws wicked tantrums. Nope, those screaming fits don't mean he's stopped loving you. He wouldn't be so hurt and angry if he didn't trust you so deeply.
4. Your toddler runs to you for comfort when he falls down or feels sad. Kids this age may not truly understand the meaning of "I love you," but their actions speak louder than words.
5. Your preschooler gives you a flower picked from the garden, a finger-painted heart, a sparkly rock, or another gift.
6. Your preschooler wants your approval. He'll start to be more cooperative around the house, and he'll look for chances to impress. "Look at me!" will become a catchphrase.
7. Your grade-schooler trusts you with secrets, like his first crush or his most embarrassing moment. You're his confidante, even if he shies away from your hugs in public.

How to encourage good homework habits?

Homework is not only an opportunity for your child to learn but also is a chance for you to get involved in your child's education. Teaching your child good homework habits in 1st grade will prepare your child for more challenging work assignments in later years. Here are 13 tips on how to get started from parents, teachers, the National Education Association, and the U.S. Department of Education:

1. Talk to the teacher at the beginning of the year. Ask about her homework policy: How much time should your child spend per night? First graders are rarely expected to work more than 20 or 30 minutes a night. What's her grading system? How does she use homework — to prepare for upcoming lessons, to reinforce work in class, to test ability levels? Her answers will determine how much you should help with the work.

2. Set up a regular time for homework. Some children work best right after school, before they lose focus. Others are restless and need to work off energy before they can concentrate. Some need to eat dinner first. Find a time that works for your child and stick to it.

3. Keep track of assignments. Most first graders need help staying organized. Most teachers send home an assignment list, but if your child's teacher doesn't, make your own calendar and ask the teacher to fill in assignments and due dates. Keep a homework folder and make sure all papers are in the right place each night.

4. Give your child a work space for homework. A desk or table works best. Provide a comfortable chair — one that's high enough for your child to write comfortably — and ample lighting. If you have a separate space for working, decorate the area with your child's favorite artwork.

5. Provide all the supplies. Pencils, pens, rulers, paper, — whatever your child needs for each assignment.

6. Turn off the TV. And the radio. And video games. Try not to talk on the phone in the same room. Give your child enough quiet time to finish the assignment. Your child may perform best if everyone in the family reads or writes during homework time. Some children work best with soft instrumental music playing in the background Remember what homework was like: It's hard to work in the bedroom if everyone else is having fun watching television in the den.

7. Go over the assignments together. Before your child begins working, talk about the homework. Make sure your child understands the directions. Ask questions: "Have you done this work before?" "Do you have everything you need for the assignment?" "When is this due?"

8. Help when appropriate. Talk to the teacher first, and find out how much you should help with homework. If she introduces new material in homework assignments, she might want you to work closely with your child (but give hints, not answers). But if she uses homework to reinforce material already covered, she might want your child to work alone. Either way let your child know you're interested in the work, and ask to see the finished assignment.

9. Check completed homework to make sure the work is finished. If you aren't home when your child finishes an assignment, ask to see it when you get home (and check the homework folder regularly). Depending on the teacher's request, you might not need to correct work or discuss mistakes, but you should stay aware of your child's progress and make sure all the assignments are completed on time.

10. Ask to see corrected homework. Get your child into the routine of showing you homework at every stage, even after the teacher has marked on it. You'll get a chance to praise the great work, and you'll be aware of which subjects are difficult for your child.

11. Call the teacher as soon as you notice a homework problem. If work is too difficult or too easy, or your child is having trouble concentrating, let the teacher know, and discuss ways you can work together to help. You need to talk to the teacher if your child regularly refuses to do homework, if you can't provide the materials necessary to complete an assignment, if you and your child don't understand the instructions, or if the work seems to take too long.

12. Praise good work. Point out specific things you like about it ("Your writing is really neat" means a lot more than a simple "Good job"). Frame it. Laminate it. Hang it up. This will show your child that homework matters, and regular praise will boost your child's ego.

13. Set a good example. Read and write in the evenings. If you're reading the paper, putting together a shopping list, or writing a letter, you'll demonstrate the importance of reading and writing

Teaching Table Manners

Teaching table manners is a long process and one that usually involves many years of prompts. What your child is ready to learn now, if he doesn't know it already:

Wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.

Put your napkin in your lap and use it only to wipe your mouth.

Don't comment about the food you don't like.

Put only as much on your fork or spoon as you can easily fit in your mouth.

Chew with your mouth closed.

Try not to slurp.

Use a knife and fork to cut food.


The best way to teach is as these situations naturally come up during a meal. If you model the correct manners (and sometimes gently nudge), your child will eventually catch on.

How can I get my 2-year-old to cooperate when I brush her teeth?

Mommys Question: My 2-year-old screams, thrashes, and twists away every time I try to brush her teeth. How can I get her to cooperate? Expert Answers Penelope Leach, child psychologist The simple answer is "with difficulty"! Still, dental hygiene isn't something you can — or should — avoid for long. In fact, as your child gets more teeth and eats more foods (including sweets) that might get stuck between those teeth, regular brushing becomes increasingly important. Some tips: Since 2-year-olds love copying most everything their parents do, it's well worth it to make sure that one of those things is toothbrushing. Start by buying identically colored brushes for her and you. Next, sit with your child on the bathroom floor so she can see what you're doing with the toothbrush and try to mimic it. Use a cup for rinsing and a bowl or the bathtub for spitting; each time your child puts the brush in her mouth, she earns the right to spit (undoubtedly a 2-year-old's favorite part of the process!). Once your child is willing to put the toothbrush in her mouth, let her "brush" your teeth while you do a thorough job on hers. If the ploy doesn't work, though, don't push it. As you've already discovered, you can't force the toothbrush into your child's mouth without hurting or at least scaring her. Some other tricks: Let your child climb up on a footstool (with you behind her for safety) so she can see herself in the bathroom mirror. As she stares at the reflection of the two of you, point to and count her teeth and yours. Then touch each tooth with the brush "to give it its share of toothpaste." (Kids younger than 2 should not use fluoridated toothpaste, however.) Use whatever kids' toothpaste she likes most — this may have more to do with what's on the tube than in it. No matter what kind she chooses, though, be careful to use only a tiny dab and store it in a place where she can't help herself. It may also help to name each tooth as you attend to it so she's persuaded that no single tooth should be left out. This will appeal to her sense of justice and help keep her mouth open when boredom looms. No matter how you tackle toothbrushing, don't assume that it'll be easy — and don't expect perfection. Few 2-year-olds are consistently cooperative about getting their teeth brushed. What's more, even if your child becomes positively enthusiastic about dental care and brushes her teeth with gusto, she lacks the manual dexterity to do a thorough job. Match her tooth-cleaning attempts with thorough cleansing of your own.

Balancing work and family

Your persona has changed since having a baby, and you may be wondering how much you should integrate your parent self with your workplace self. The answer depends largely on the culture and style of your particular workplace. Look around and observe how other moms and dads handle this matter, and let their example guide you. Do supervisors display family photos? Do many parents take advantage of options like flex time?

You may need to take time off or limit the hours you work because of your baby. In weighing which priority — baby or job — takes precedence in a given situation, it's best to take into account the flexibility of your workplace, total time off available, and your childcare arrangement. When your baby is sick, you may prefer to be with her yourself and let your spouse or sitter handle well-child checkups, for example. Or you may decide you want to be there for all doctor visits, scheduling them for your lunch hour or after work in order to minimize time away from your job.

Then, instead of focusing on the time you can't be at work, think about how to more efficiently use the time you do spend there. Consider keeping regular to-do lists, coming in early instead of staying late, and eliminating as much personal activity at work as possible. Some people are able to work through lunch in order to leave earlier, for example. Keep track of your progress and communicate with your boss about it on a regular basis so she can see firsthand that you're balancing your parenthood with dedication to your job.

Temperament

What exactly is temperament?
Your baby's temperament is how she thinks about and reacts to her environment. This includes sleeping and eating patterns, sociability, agreeability, how she responds to soothing, and other factors. Some babies are mellow. Others are sensitive and slow to warm to new situations. Still others have robust, high-energy temperaments. Experts now think temperament is largely inborn rather than a product of external factors and influences.

Can I predict my baby's personality by observing her temperament?
To some extent, yes. You began to form a picture of your baby's temperament when she was as young as 3 or 4 months old. At 10 months, your baby's personality is becoming more defined — you can start to more accurately imagine what she'll be like as she gets older by observing her actions and disposition in different situations. Look at overall patterns, not any one particular behavior: Your baby may act a certain way (or change her behavior) because of a temporary factor or a developmental stage she's going through, so don't be too quick to jump to conclusions about her personality.

Is there anything I can do about my baby's temperament?
If there's something about your baby's temperament that has you worried or that you hope to help her with (such as shy behavior), it's important to be understanding and not judgmental. Don't label your baby, criticize her, or otherwise make her think she's flawed or "bad," whether in private or in front of other people. Instead, sympathize, and encourage her when she behaves in a way that seems healthier. Recognize that you can't really change your baby's natural tendencies, although you can encourage certain behavior and help her to learn and grow in a way that supports her temperament.