Do you have a child who's afraid of the dark? Here's some advice for getting a peaceful night's sleep for the both of you:
1.Have the patience to deal with your kid's fear. After a long, busy day, it can be frustrating to try to coax a child to sleep so you can go to sleep yourself. Be mindful that your child needs your comfort and protection more than anything – and easing them through irrational fear is a step-by-step process. One night you’ll seem to have it all figured out. Days later you might be back to where you started (with your child clinging to you or standing at your door). Be patient.
It's inevitable. There will be times (plenty times) that the kiddos will have to just... wait quietly. Whether you're out for an oil change or needing to kill time before a playdate, being prepared is never a bad idea. Here are our picks for your Waiting Bag. These simple items can really save the day!
- Age-appropriate flash cards (colors, shapes, phonics, multiplication…)
- Coloring books and crayons
- Notebook with blank paper
- Pencils and pens
- Electronic games / tablet / iPad
- Books
- Child-friendly magazines
- Puzzle books (mazes, crossword puzzles, etc.)
- Hand-held puzzles (Rubik's cubes, etc.)
- Stickers / Sticker books
- Snacks- grapes, berries, crackers...
- Water bottle and/or juice box
- Baby wipes / Kleenex
- Homework / Schoolwork
Often summertime finds older kids and teens involved in lots of activities without too much time to be bored. Young children, however, may not have as many options besides the library and an occasional trip to the pool or Pump It Up. Television or video games may become a handy back-up. And while a little of screen entertainment for young children is fine, too much of it can result in increased reliance on screen technologies to feel satisfaction, taking the pleasure out of daily play experiences. The unintended negative consequence becomes children watch more and play less. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents to keep TV viewing for children under the age of eight to one hour or less a day.
Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth? Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
