SeLaVi23 asked:


I am running a very small private licensed daycare in my home and I only take in 2 infants unlike the other daycares in the area that will only take in 1 infant and 11 school children or toddlers. I do not take in any other children. I offer a more one on one care for the babies. Do you think parents would pay for that care.

Paul Banas asked:


Anemia is a common blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and is characterized by lack of vitality. It is estimated that around 7 percent of children in the United States experience anemia once by the age of 18 years. The most common cause of anemia in toddlers is iron deficiency.

Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein that primarily transports oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. Iron also aids different brain functions. Insufficient intake of iron leads to a shortfall in hemoglobin production, leading to poor mental functioning and a feeling of tiredness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anemia in babies include the following:

• Paleness

• Irritability

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid heart rate

• Swelling of the hands and feet

• Enlarged spleen

• Dark urine

Anemic children may also show symptoms of jaundice though several infants display symptoms of jaundice without being anemic.

Treatment

Owing to the number of possible causes of anemia, it is necessary to first identify the cause of anemia in your child. If you notice any signs of anemia, immediately consult your family physician. The diagnosis of the disease may include a blood test that measures the red blood cells in the body.

Depending on the cause, the possible treatment options may vary and include:

• Iron supplements (tablets, drops, and liquid)

• Iron-rich diet

• Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements

However, it is important to consult a doctor before you administer any medicine or supplement to your child.

For more severe forms of anemia, the treatment options may include:

• Blood transfusion

• Treatment of infection causing anemia

• Medications to maintain the level of red blood cells in the body

Tips for caring when your children have anemia

Fathers must keep in mind that the type, cause, and severity of their children’s anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. Rest assured, though, that children often tolerate anemia much better than adults.

In general, a child with significant anemia may tire more easily than other children and therefore need to limit activity levels. Make sure that your kids’ teachers and other caregivers are aware of the condition. If iron deficiency is the cause, follow the doctor’s directions about dietary changes and taking any iron supplements.

If the spleen is enlarged, your children may be prohibited from playing contact sports because of the risk that the spleen could rupture or hemorrhage if your children are hurt. Certain forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, require other more specific kinds of care and treatment.

Your baby needs to see the doctor on a regular basis. These visits are important for child health and child development.

Christopher Peace asked:


Wood or Plastic Blocks?

Blocks are one of the very first toddlers toys that most, if not all, children play with. The question that most parents have is whether to buy wooden or plastic blocks for their child. This is a question that most family members and friends will have too. You want to remember that the child’s age is the best guide to use when looking at the blocks in the toddlers toys section of the store or the catalogue. If you want to get the traditional wooden blocks you might be better of waiting until the child is three or four years old. Plastic blocks have been the best for younger children as they like to put everything in their mouths. Plastic blocks have become the toughest of all toddlers toys on the market today. Considering that younger children who are teething like to put everything in their mouths and chew on it, plastic blocks are the better choice for one main reason; no chance of them getting wood splinters in their mouths.

My Child Loves To Build Things

When your kids get to the building stage, there are no better toddlers toys than a good set of wooden building blocks. Do you remember playing with Lincoln Logs and/or Tinker Toys when you were younger? Most of us do. While Lincoln Logs may not be around any longer, Tinker Toys still are. As are other types of wooden building block sets such as the Medieval Castle Building Set. There are also different types of building sets for those who like playing with dominoes or marbles that are also toddlers toys. The four and five year olds will enjoy the Domino Race Play Sets and Kugelbahn Marble Track Construction Set due to the exciting, fast-paced action.

Choosing The Best Size Blocks for your child

The next question is always going to be what size blocks are the best to buy? That actually depends on how old your child is and what level they are at developmentally. Very young children need the larger, easier to handle blocks. The older children will be able to handle the smaller blocks easier because their dexterity to better then. You may end up spending several hours looking in the toddlers toys section just enjoying the selection or simply trying to find what you want.

Just a Toy?

This is something that many people may not think about right away. Most of the time parent and other adults only think of blocks as mere toddlers toys; but there are some types of wooden blocks that have become collector’s items over time. The problem with time is that the wooden block will fall apart or rot over time unless they are preserved the right way. The main thing here is that the kids do not care if their blocks will become a collector’s item in time; they only care that they can have fun with those blocks, that they can build castles with them and that they can teeth and bite on the blocks. They just want to have fun with those blocks right now.

Ajay R (articlesubmit.net) asked:


Got Toddlers? Got Chaos! Planning any kind of trip with toddlers can be complicated. There are certain things to keep in mind that might help preserve your sanity and possibly even let you have a little bit of fun together as a family.

Arrive Leisurely

Traveling with a toddler can take a toll on even the most patient parent. If you are flying, the experience can be exciting and will keep them occupied for about ten minutes before your little one is ready to start a full-scale exploration effort. In an airplane you do have the opportunity to get up and move around – take a trip to the restroom or, pilot willing, consider a trip to the cockpit.

Car rides can be complicated as well. Fortunately, toddlers are great at napping in the car, so you might consider leaving right before naptime and letting your enthusiastic one sleep the first couple of hours. A lot of parents also drive in the evening in hopes of a sleepy car ride for longer than a few hours.

While your toddler is awake, consider a favorite video, toys, books, coloring, action figures, snacks and anything else you can think of to keep them entertained. Plan on plenty of stops along the way to get out, change diapers and stretch legs. Rushing to get anywhere just makes things more stressful, so don’t get in a hurry.

Maintain a Routine

Your toddler probably has a nice nap routine at home, and vacation is not a time to wing it. If your little one naps at noon every day, move mountains to help them nap at noon on the road. Take a break in the hotel room or alternate separate parent activities so someone is there to help even the most reluctant toddler take a break in a busy day. Try to keep bedtime reasonably close to normal, too – a tired toddler is not a toddler that travels well.

Keep it Loose

If you are a scheduling fanatic when it comes to travel, toddler travel may not be for you. Plan activities with plenty of cushion time in between. Toddlers aren’t able to appreciate fine architecture, but they love a good fountain or the local zoo. Find activities that have a little bit of something for everyone – zoos, parks, beaches, hikes, wildlife, etc…

Mix “grown-up” activities in with toddler activities to give everyone something to look forward to. You might also want to pick a few of the most important landmarks to see and leave the rest for when your child has an attention span longer than fifteen minutes. Above all, just remember that this should be fun for everyone – even if you never leave the hotel pool!

Kathryn Lively asked:


Sometimes it cannot be avoided, taking a child under two on a plane for an emergency trip. Perhaps you have heard (or even experienced) horror stories of being trapped on a plane for two hours while a baby screeched the entire time. Maybe, too, you were the person who sat next to the harried mother as she tried to soothe her squirming infant. To be the harbringer of such misery is not a welcome prospect.

However, a plane trip with a toddler or infant need not be a harrowing experience, for the mother or other passengers. By taking precaution and taking care of your child, you can arrange for an easy ride.

Have the child’s birth certificate ready: Though you don’t need to purchase a ticket for a child under two (the child can sit on your lap for the flight), you will need to show proof of your child’s age and custody. Be sure to have your child’s birth certificate handy when you show your ID at check-in.

Consolidate personal effects and baby’s things: Most airports will allow you to take a stroller to your gate, though you will have to put the stroller through the X-ray. Therefore, be prepared to watch over your child in this time. A younger baby in a car seat will be fine, but remember to keep a firm hand on a toddler of walking age so he doesn’t stray. To this end, it is best to check in as much luggage as possible and carry only the essentials – ID, money, wallet, diapers and baby items. Rather than carry a purse and diaper bag aboard, it is helpful to consolidate everything into one bag. Less to carry, less worry.

Feed and change baby before boarding: Keep your baby clean and happy before boarding, and transfer that good feeling as you enter the plane. Try to coincide your baby’s mealtime as close to your flight as possible, and always keep snacks ready for the flight to calm any fits (graham crackers for a solid eater, an extra bottle for an infant). If you breastfeed, consult with the airline before your flight to determine if there are any privacy options, like the possibility of an extra seat in the back of the plane to use. If your flight is full, keep a baby blanket on hand should the need to nurse arise.

Sometimes, a trip will not always go as planned, and your baby may need changing during flight. Anyone who has had the arduous task of changing a baby on board a plane will tell you it is not easy! Consult with the airline before you leave with regards to your options. You may find, too, you are flying with some very understand passengers who may be willing to help.

Bring a diversion: A favorite toy or blanket, a book, or a set of keys may provide entertainment for a child unwilling to nap during flight. By keeping the child’s focus in one place during the flight, you can prevent fits and distraction of other passengers.

Have a bottle or pacifier for the descent: A child’s ears can be very sensitive to the drop in air pressure as a plane makes it descent. Just as your own ears “pop” so will the child’s, and it is a pain they cannot understand or bear. While adults will chew gum to relieve the discomfort, a child cannot do the same, so it is important to have a pacifier or bottle handy during descent. The ******* motion will help ease the pain of pressure for the child.

Planning ahead and proper diversion will help make a child’s plane trip easier, for the child, the mother, and fellow passengers.

peter radford asked:


Development

An infant between 12 months and 36 months old exhibits a number of changes that form part of its process of development. The following series of observations focuses on that particular time span, and highlights those changes that may be classified as a “milestone.” It will consider what may be defined as an average child covering specific time periods within this development phase.

Age - 12 to 15 Months

Physical

Able to stand erect without any help and without having to hold onto anything.

Is just about able to drink from a cup, but without the sense of fully controlling the action, such as accompanied by a certain amount of spillage.

Has the ability to turn the pages of a book, a few at a time, when given a suitable prompt.

Is able to participate in basic games, such as rolling a ball or possibly even throwing it in a random fashion.

In relation to the context of learning and recreation, the act of play is usually associated with a variety of props, such as animals and toys.

Mental

Is able to use words involving four to six letters, such as ball and spoons.

Ability to follow a simple instruction accompanied by an appropriate hand gesture, such as fetching an object, having first pointed to it, and asking the child to collect it.

The ability to realise that an object still exists even when it is out of view to the child, such as placing a toy in a box and closing the lid.

Jean Piaget, a well known child psychologist, conducted object permanence experiments with infants. His results reflected the fact that such awareness was particularly evident at the age of eight to nine months. Such experiments may lead one to understand why infants younger than about nine months do not exhibit a tendency to cry when their mothers are no longer there, viz. “out of sight, out of mind.” This concept can lead to “A not B” errors, where an infant looks for an object in a place where it should not be.

Emotional

Using words or gestures that the child will understand to signify particular objects, such as pointing at a toy and raising the arms to indicate picking up the toy, or alternatively, saying the word cup using an exaggerated movement of the mouth with the intention of receiving the cup from the child.

To use actions that will entertain the child, such as covering your eyes with your hands, and then removing the hands again, whilst playing the game peek-a-boo.

This game further demonstrates the inability of some infants to understand object permanence, which is regarded as an important stage in the development of a child’s intelligence.

Babies and Toddlers – How To Succeed

Peter Radford writes Articles with Websites on a wide range of subjects. Babies & Toddlers Articles cover Care, Infant Development Milestones During 12-36 Months. Website has many more.

View his Website at: babies-and-toddlers-how-to-succeed.com

View his Blog at: babies-and-toddlers-how-to-succeed.blogspot.com

John Keating asked:


Buyers and sellers are constantly entering and exiting the real estate market anywhere and at any time. While there are differences in each nation’s marketplace, there are also many similarities. The following are tips for homebuyers and real estate investors, no matter where they live. They are a general guide to aid wise decision-making.

Choosing an Agent

When selecting an agent to represent you choose someone familiar with your specific market and market area. Also, choose an agent who predominantly works with properties similar to those in your price range. An agent knowledgeable in these areas will help you find a suitable home or investment property faster.

Consider working with a buyer’s agent. They concern themselves solely with you, the buyer. Real estate agents who represent buyers and sellers may not give the focused attention you desire. An agent who represents buyers exclusively can approach the market’s entire home inventory without bias. There are no dangers of them favoring properties they list, because they’re not listing any properties to begin with.

Choose an agent who favors open, frequent communication. You don’t want an agent of the “don’t call me, I’ll call you” persuasion. You don’t want to play cat and mouse trying to track your agent down either. Select one who keeps you abreast of local market news and new sellers on the market. Make sure they communicate with you promptly concerning feedback from sellers on viewings you attend.

Mortgage Shopping

Do comparison-shopping when choosing a lender. Before you begin looking at property, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will make your star rise in the eyes of sellers. They tend to favor potential buyers already pre-approved, as there is less chance of the sales process stalling. If there are competing bids, you will have the edge, as others may not have secured financing yet.

When shopping for mortgages compare different institutions rates and services. Be willing to negotiate with them. It’s a competitive market and they may be willing to scale back their rate a bit. They may offer incentives for you to contract with them. At the very least, it doesn’t hurt to ask, they may surprise you with a “yes we can do that for you.”

Do Your Research before You Buy

Stay in control of the process. No matter where you are in the world, others may take advantage of you. You need to be a street-savvy buyer. You need to be as knowledgeable as those selling homes are. Understand the price spread between similar homes, those that received an upgrade and those that didn’t. Are the prices justified for upgrading done? Are you better off buying an unaltered home and upgrading yourself?

Research also involves researching real estate firms so you choose the one that’s best for you. Check the track record of the firm. Check the success of their local agents as compared to other agents in other firms. What’s the word on the street when it comes to an agent or agency? Talk to other homebuyers and investors to see what their experiences were like with a certain firm.

Have a Home Checklist Prepared Before You Go Out to Buy

You want value for your hard-earned money. To make a wise home buying decision you need a lot of information. As you spend time looking at many properties they may blur into one big picture. That’s why it’s beneficial for a real estate investor or homebuyer to have a detailed sheet pertaining to each home. These facilitate easy comparisons when it comes to making a final buying decision.

A typical checklist would contain these sections:

* The Home Section: Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, closets. It would include details about the yard space, and garage size. You could list condition of exterior and basement. You may want to list number of windows and if the home is energy-efficient. Any other details you feel are important would be put in this section

* The Neighborhood Section: In this section, you would document general appearance of homes and businesses. Traffic and noise level concerns. You may want to list availability of street parking, zoning regulations and garbage and recycling services. You could talk to neighbors about police protection and fire protection -availability and response. Your idea is to get a feel of what your comfort zone would be in this area. If you will resell the property these could be selling points.

* The Convenience Section: Here, you will list proximity to schools, shopping centers, doctors, dentists, workplaces, and childcare. You may want to include how close the home is to an airport, major highway, and public transportation.

All of the above tips will make your decision to purchase a property an easier one. They will remove much of the stress that goes with buying a home. The international real estate marketplace can be so different from country to country, but these tips will serve you well wherever you choose to buy.

jadynzmd asked:


I have a 3 yr. old who has the attitude of a 13 yr. iold & I can’t get her to stop being so hateful & smart with me, she even does it to my husband sometimes. But mostly me & I can’t understand why. We don’t talk to her like that. Could this be a result of sibling jealousy? We also have a 3 month old daughter.

Sudha Gupta asked:


Children are like lightning - here, there and everywhere. This is especially true for toddlers who are too old to be safely plonked in their cots and too young to take care of themselves. Research shows that most toddler injuries occur at home and almost 99% of them are easily avoidable with just a little bit of care and some commonsense tips.

 • Children tend to put everything in their mouths. So don’t give your baby any toy that he can choke on. Also make sure, once your toddler starts crawling or walking, that the carpet and the floor are free from any small objects such as buttons, loose coins, pins etc., that he might put in his mouth.

 • Don’t leave him alone to play with things like ribbon, wool or string because these can get wound round his neck or fingers and toes, cutting off blood supply. Take care to keep even small plastic bags away from the child since there is the danger of suffocation.

 • Cover electric sockets with a mask tape. The child is curious, he just might decide to stick his finger in it and get a bad shock. Similarly, make sure that things like matches or lighters are kept out of reach and out of sight.

 • Never leave hot drinks or glass objects on tables or on the floor. Avoid using hanging tablecloths that your child could tug and spill. Check to see that there is nothing to tempt your baby into tugging and pulling onto himself such as flimsy tables or even wires of a lamp.

 • When your baby starts crawling or walking, make sure that potentially dangerous areas such as stairs, banisters, railing on the balcony, windows, etc. are kept blocked or locked so that the baby can’t fall through, over or under them.

 • Always keep household chemicals, cleansers, bleach, medicines, alcohol, garden tools, sharp implements like razors, knives and scissors either locked away or completely out of reach.

 • Never leave your child alone while he is near water or fire, while he is bathing, eating or drinking. In fact this is the best safety precaution you can take. Always have a responsible adult supervising the child’s activities so that nothing injurious or dangerous can happen to the child.

These are a few very simple ways with which we can create a safe home for the child. They allow children to have the freedom to explore and experiment in order to develop and at the same time ensure their safety and security. 

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Paul Banas asked:


Toileting (or using the potty) is one of the most basic physical needs of young children. It is also one of the most difficult topics of communication among parents, child care providers, and health care professionals when asked to determine the “right” age a child should be able to successfully and consistently use the toilet.

Most agree that the methods used to potty train can have major emotional effects on children. The entire process—from diapering infants to teaching toddlers and preschoolers about using the toilet—should be a positive one. Often, and for many reasons, toilet learning becomes an unnecessary struggle for control between adults and children. Many families feel pressured to potty train children by age two because of strict child care program policies, the overall inconvenience of diapering, or urging from their pediatricians, early childhood columnists, researchers, other family members, friends, etc.

The fact is that the ability to control bladder and bowel functions is as individual as each child. Some two-year-olds are fully potty trained, and some are not. But those that aren’t should not be made to feel bad about it. There are also many cultural differences in handling potty training, therefore it is important that families and program staff sensitively and effectively communicate regarding these issues.

The purpose of toilet learning is to help children gain control of their body functions. If a child is ready, the process can provide a sense of success and achievement. Here are some helpful hints on determining when young children are ready to begin the potty training process and suggestions on how to positively achieve that task.

Ready, set, go!

Children are most likely ready to begin toilet learning when they:

• show a preference for clean diapers—a preference adults can encourage by frequent diaper changing and by praising children when they come to you for a change.

• understand when they have eliminated and know the meaning of terms for body functions. For example, “wet,” “pee,” “poop,” and “b.m.” are words commonly used by children to describe bladder and bowel functions.

• indicate that they need to use the potty by squatting, pacing, holding their private parts, or passing gas.

• show that they have some ability to hold it for a short period of time by going off by themselves for privacy when filling the diaper or staying dry during naps.

Become a cheerleader

• There may be times during the learning process when children accidentally go in their diapers or training pants. This can be very distressing and may cause them to feel sad—especially if they have been successfully using the chair for some period of time. When this happens, change the diaper without admonition—a caring adult can then try to pick up the child’s spirits with encouragement that she is doing well and will get better with practice.

• The most common cause of resistance to potty training occurs when children have been scolded, punished, or lectured too often about using the potty, or have been forced to sit on it for too long. This learning process usually is not fast or consistent. Children need your patience and support.

Have a plan

• Parents and child care providers should decide together when a child is ready and then negotiate a plan that will be consistent and manageable in both settings. Some questions may include the following:

1. Is special equipment needed—step stool, toilet seat deflector, potty chair?

2. Are extra clothing items needed?; and

3. Are good hygiene practices in place, for example, hand washing for children and staff, a system for handling soiled clothing, and a routine for disinfecting equipment?

• It’s a good idea for families and child care professionals to exchange information on the words for body functions most preferred by each child in order to avoid confusion and provide a consistent message for everyone engaged in the process.

Successfully learning to use the potty is a major accomplishment for young children, and patience and praise from the adults who care for them is an extremely important component to their healthy emotional and physical development. Each child will individually provide signals as to when he or she ready to make that leap. Good communication, appropriate expectations, and a consistent plan on the part of parents and caregivers make it easier to support this process and is the surest route to success.

Find features advice from experienced dads on parenting, pregnancy, newborn baby, child development, toilet training and on raising kids and teens.