Pet or No Pet? linking post at: http://www.familyresource.com/blog/category/lifestyles/pets/

   

This article recommends that you choose a low maintenance pet like a cat, a rodent, a reptile, or a fish. It suggests that as a dog relies on you giving it attention and playing with it non stop, these types of pets are more for looking at rather than playing with. However, you always want to be careful when picking out a family pet in making sure that its behavior is complimentary to a child. Does the child sense attachment, or do the seem uninterested? The more a child takes to the pet, the more likely they are to take better care of it. You also want to make sure that the child is at a decent age to handle some of the responsibility of taking care of their pet. This is a helpful tool in teaching them good character and helps build confidence and raises their self-esteem in taking on a duty of their own.

Building Stronger Families and Relationships

In this article, the discussion of parenting couples comes to the surface. Healthy and positive relationships should be modeled so that children learn how to behave appropriately. Children tend to take after the patterns and behaviors which take place around them. When entering into a time in life where family is considered, there is a responsibility for adults to be adults on and off stage. When their personal relationship with one another is right, that allows for a more stable foundation when their family is concerned. There needs to be a regard set in place where mutual respect and consideration are gathered. In taking care of a family it is important to take care of your relationship with your husband or wife. Maintaining together time where parents get a night out and call in a babysitter is a crucial part of holding together a family as well as keeping your marriage strong. Separation and divorce take a toll on family structure in that hope is lost, and adjustment is required. Getting used to the fact that "things just weren't working out." Think things through before diving in to things too quickly!

 

Podcast on One Day as a Kid

One Day as a Kid, looks at how a kid spends their typical day at the YMCA.

Interview Script with Jessie, a student at the YMCA.

Introduction/Summary:

Hello! Today we’re here in Laguna Niguel at John Malcom Elementary School at the YMCA, and today we’re going to be talking to one of the kids at the YMCA to see what their day is like here at John Malcom Elementary School.

Wow! There’s a lot of kids around here! Oh, excuse me! What’s your name?

Student: Jessie

Hi Jessie! How are you doing today?

Student: Good!

Hey, so you go to the YMCA?

Student: Yes.

Cool! And what grade are you in Jessie?

Student: Third grade.

Wow! Third grade! Do you have fun at the YMCA?

Student: Yes

Wow! So what do you do? After school you go to the YMCA, and what do you do next?

Student: We play games.

And what kind of games do you play?

Student: Handball outside.

Do you spend the whole time outside, or do you go inside?

Student: Inside, and we play the Wii.

Yeah! What kinds of things do you do when you’re inside? Besides playing the Wii?Do you guys have all sorts of games?

Student: Yeah.

Like what kinds of games?

Student: Air hockey.

Wow! Air hockey! I bet the boys like that one.

Student: Yes.

And you said you have the Wii. What else do you have?

Student: Basketball.

Okay.

Student: you know like when…

When you shoot hoops?

Student: Yeah.

Cool! Wow! Are you good at that?

Student: Mmmm… yeah!

Okay, and what about, so you have the Wii, you have basketball, you have air hockey. Is there anything else that you do inside?

Student: Board games.

Board games! Oh, okay. Those are always fun, do you play like in a big group?

Student: Mmmhmm.

Awe! Okay so then you said outside, you said you guys play handball, what else?

Student: Big toy.

You guys play on the big toy, is that like a big playground?

Student: Yes.

Wow! So do you have like slides, and like monkey bars…

Student: …and swings.

And swings? Awe, cool! So then what do you do, so sometimes you go inside and sometimes you go outside. Is there anything else that you do at the YMCA?

Student: Snack. Healthy snacks.

Yeah! You guys have, what kinds of healthy snacks do you have?

Student: Crackers.

Crackers, and do you guys have fruits or vegetables?

Student: Yes.

What is your favorite fruit and vegetable?

Student: Grapes.

And what about your favorite vegetable?

Student: Green beans.

Green beans? Oh, well that sounds like you guys get lots of healthy nutritious food at the YMCA too!

Student: Yes.

And do you guys do homework at the YMCA?

Student: Yes.

Do you have lots of it?

Student: Yes. Sometimes.

Wow! Well that’s very cool! Who are your teachers at the YMCA?

Student: Miss Annie, Mr. Tim, Mrs. Michelle, Mrs. Allie, Mr. Evan, and Mrs. Ashley, and those are all our teachers.

Oh! So that’s, what? Six teachers and helpers? Wow! Do you enjoy being around them?

Student: Yes, I enjoy Annie.

Oh! Good! Well thank you Jessie for talking to me today! Hope you have fun at the Y!

Student: Thank you!

Bye!

Student: Bye!

Not to give a sare, but avoid one. Linking post @: http://www.familyresource.com/blog/category/parenting/child-safety/

CAUTION!  CAUTION!  CAUTION!  CAUTION!  CAUTION!  CAUTION!  

This article gives some of the statistics found according to the U.S. Department of Justice of things to be aware of:

* 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.

*203,900 children were the victims of family abductions

*58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions

*115 children were the victims of "stereotypical kidnapping," These crimes involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently)

Some of these statistics are hard to believe, but just to be on the knowing side of things is better than carrying regrets, or at least doing your best to prevent situations like these from happening.

Safety Tips!

The U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety commission) gave a cautionary note to families with young children on hidden home hazards. 33.1 million are injured by consumer products in their homes every day. There are many who are unaware of the simple ways that one can encounter hazards without even knowing it. So take note of these things!

1. Magnets. Since their small size is so attractive to young children to want to put these things in their mouths, if more than one is swallowed, the two pull together and can get stuck preventing substances from passing through the body or blocking airways. Magnets will serve as a blockade, and cause the body to malfunction until cleared away.

2. Recalled Items. Pay special attention to items, toys, and products that have a recall on them. Get rid of them immediately, especially if reports from the CPSC are issued. Don't take the chance of dismissing what may seem like a relatively mild and harmless situation from turning into a serious and dangerous situation.  

3. Unstable and heavy objects. Watch out for furniture, electronics, tv sets, book shelves, or heavy objects that are not placed securely. The chances that these things could tomple over and cause injury is something to always be aware of, because you never know what could go wrong. One tip would be to use safety brackets to secure things in place. Also be aware of earthquake hazards and your placement of items that could fall!

4. Windows and dangling objects. Be careful that windows are not easily openable by children. Their curiosity is climbing especially starting right around nine months when they begin crawling and creeping around aimlessly. Also dangling things that young children are likely to tug and pull on could result in injury, so keep an open eye.

5. Pools and Drowning hazards. Keep a close eye on unguarded areas such as pool areas and spas. If you have a young child, you may want to consider getting some type of fencing or guard to put around the pool to prevent potential drowning hazards.  

Linking Post @http://www.familyresource.com/blog/2009/03/15/kid-music-the-jimmies/

This article goes into a specific band called "The Jimmies" which is a kid band that plays upbeat music full of energy and volume. Parents comment that they just want to duck and cover after being exposed to some of the music that kids and the younger generation listen to now. However, this band is bearable for parents to listen to and carries a good beat that is catchy and not your typical "Pop goes the Weasel." Music again is a cure for the soul, and helps release the wavelengths of the mind into an easy to listen, soothing environment that allows for relaxation and concentration, but some music achieves different things like loud, increased volume. As long as it is enjoyable, this is where the purpose lays.

Music for the Ears

The sound of music serves as a remedy and it also proves to be an effective learning tool for young children. Programs like "Baby Einstine" founded by Julie Clark who aimed to create interactive experiences for the developing mind of a child. In the world of discovery, there is much to consider in this shared world of understanding. Clarkʻs aim was to uncover a new, exciting, and fun world for babies to enter into their being and existence within the universe of wonder.

In "Baby Einstein" their goal is to create a world where the baby is the central part of a developing universe. Their goal is accomplished by using tailored methods that engage and interact in the way that a baby would. It integrates music, poetry, art, language, and nature in a way that enriches the developing mind in a playful, fun and interactive way.

"Baby Einstein" uses hands on experience, and engages the viewer to clap along, sing along, and move along in the journey of development. The first three years of development are the most critical. It is important for parents to interact with their kids by broadening their horizons and curiosity. By installing feelings of happiness, healthy habits, and smarts, this enables a baby to forgo life with a fresh beginning towards the road of accomplishment and high achievement.

Linking Post @ http://www.kidsculturecenter.com/

This is a site that promotes culture in kid's development. Even the idea of adoption from different countries around the world.  This is a good way to install culture variation into family dynamics. The idea is to promote a more diverse atmosphere and an acceptance of various other cultures! On a personal note, I was adopted, and my experience has been great, but others may of had a different experience.

Stages & Ages

Though the days turn into weeks, to months, to years, children become adults, and the stages will pass before you know it!

Before you begin on the path to parenthood, it is important to choose a Doctor who you can trust! Someone who is reliable, local, kind, and sharp minded. You want to make sure that your baby is going to be in the hands of someone you know and can trust.

The Two weeks stage: As you begin to prepare for the road ahead, it is important to wise up! Change is on the break, and the better prepared and aware you are of this change, the more able you will be to handle situations properly and decrease the level of unpredictability. 

 Two months of Miles of Smiles. You will enjoy this stage as their facial expressions begin to take shape and form. Those faces of confusement, excitement, fear, frustration will engage in the communication process.

Four months. Their personality will begin to emerge and reflect your own as they will pick up and mimic the expressions that you display and show them. They will begin to interpret your response to them and begin to form patterns of thinking.

Six months. Observation and socialization. They want a part of what you have. Around the dinner table, they begin to imply, point, or grunt for what they want. All this time, they have watched you interact with others around, and they want to engage too!

Nine Months. Call it the stomp and stumble. Be sure to watch them carefully. As some may say "You have to watch them like a hawk!" They will begin to take off here and there and everywhere. Make sure to not let distractions miss them heading for places like the stairs, outdoor pool areas, the kitchen, and the garage.

One Year! You've made, and so have they! They are only going to continue to grow and learn and mature from this point on. Establishing healthy, and positive behaviors, pattens, and habits is crucial at this point.

15 Months. Into this, pulling out the diapers from the hamper, they will get into everything that is within hand's reach! Be sure to use caution and keep dangerous tools, objects, and harmful things out of their path.  They are into the 'do' of things. They don't want you to spoon feed them anymore, they want to do it themselves! Independence is theirs and begins to develop!

Two Years. More independence! "Mine" becomes one of their favorite words. You may say to them, "Now Jimmy, you need to share that with your friend." They don't get that concept at this age. By mirroring proper behavior, they will eventually begin to follow. Discipline is something that needs to be brought in.

Three Years. As the babyhood years seemed so pleasant and easy, don't start kicking your feet up too soon! Childhood development will almost put you back at starting point A. It is like learning something new for the first time. The thing to remember is keep a firm attitude, and a little discipline will not hurt. Cooperation is what you want, so make sure that you give affirming and positive rewards for good behavior, as well as consequences for bad behavior.

Four Years.  Self reliance integrated with responsibility builds good character. Accomplishment and the recognition of these things is important to guide them with. They will come to distinguish that completion of a task brings self-confidence.

Ten Years. Pre- Adolescent age can be a test of patience, when the attitude starts to kick in and it begins to get a little frustrating. Kids are influenced by their friends a majority of the time, and start to rebel against your will as parents. If you give enough room and some discipline, you want to try and find a balance somewhere in between.

Teen Years. The problem is more attitude. They want the independence, and the choice, the freedom. The one thing that you hear as a kid is "I'm doing this for your own good," "Or you'll understand once you are older," or "It's because I love you." These comments are things that are heard a lot. It is not that you don't care, but don't smother them!

Linking Post @ http://www.familyresource.com/blog/2009/02/11/top-3-herbal-remedies-for-kids/

This link serves as a FYI on natural remedies. It is important to be careful of the dangers and allergies that could be present while taking herbal substances. Make sure to read labels so that you do not overlook or miss anything! Three of the top herbal remedies you can give to children are: 

1. Chamomile, which is good for calming the nerves and for winding down children before they go to bed. CAUTION! Should not be used for allergies of "Ragweed" or "Daisy Family Allergy."

2.  Garlic helps with cleansing and serves as an anti-viral product. A flushing of the inner system is 

best done with garnishing plates and dishes with some garlic. CAUTION! Should not be taken if you are on any kind of blood-thinning medication or have food allergies to garlic.

3.  Omega3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, flax seeds, and nuts. They are very good for your brain which help promote learning.

One last final note: Always consult a doctor or a professional before you start using herbal supplements for yourself or for your children. 

Linking Post @ http://childdevelopmentblog.info/

This is a good link to help understand some of the basics of kid's minds and the things that help them grow into healthy thinkers, speakers, manipulators, and learners. This link also has some good stories about the interaction children encounter on the playground, with the toys they play with, computer technology and its influence, and many other good story topics on children's development.

Let 'em Play!

When the idea of children's play centers began back in the 1970's, it opened a door to a world full of ideas, plans, precautions, and helpful tips for the future concerning children's growing need for play.

One important tip is to keep the child's safety as a center concern. They have a lot of energy and will exert that energy causing their coordination to sometimes become disconnected. 

Play time affects children's development in cognition, social skills, use of language, and motor skills and is a part of how their minds dip into creativity. "Play leads to discovery, reasoning, manipulative skills, divergent production and improves problem solving (Dansky, 1980; Sylva, 1977)." Many of these skills will also be needed as they mature into adults.

Researchers are beginning to identify ways to provoke children's play in new and imaginative ways which promote cultural awareness.  

It is explained that the experiences of childhood, especially play, help form the brain's circuits. If neurons are not used they may die (Begley, 1996).

High emphasis is placed on children's physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Too much of kid's every day activities involve occupying couch space and sitting glued to the TV or video games, and this must change! Parents, keep them active and participating in new and fun activities like sports and youth programs like the Ymca or Boys & Girls Club.

Researchers say that play time is crucial and is even therapeutic. "A growing body of research reviewed by Landreth (1995) concludes that playing helps children to resolve conflicts resulting from child abuse, family disruptions and other trauma."

One last final note. Kids enjoy playing, but it is also good for them. Even though it is easy to let them convince you that they'd rather watch Batman or Disney channel, keep them going and try and keep up with them if you can!

                                                                                          

What is SIDS?

SIDS is something that a parent never wants to encounter.  SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome which can occur in infants ages 0-12 months.  Researchers have identified ways to prevent this type of occurrence from happening.

*Always place baby on their back while sleeping! Never on their stomach! (could cause suffocation.)

*Remove any extra blanketing, stuffed animals, or pillows from baby's crib.

*Place a fan in the baby's room to help increase ventilation, and reduces CO2 buildup that may gather around a baby's face.

*Never overheat a room!

*Keep monitoring and checking on them especially while sleeping (even though this may mean little to no sleep for you).

EXTRA Note:  This article helped me understand and become more aware of one of many threats and dangers that can happen during early childhood development.  This is a post that I hope others will benefit from and will raise their conscience level.  Even the most simple steps towards prevention can help!

Kid+ology

Introduction

This blog will go into child development, roles, patterns and behaviors.  Through research and study of past and current expertise, I hope to embark in this journey of learning and growing in my understanding and appreciation for kids and their physical, social, and emotional make-up.  I have seen the contributions that kids have already made and I am eager to see what contributions will be made, but are yet to come.

For additional information on beginning to understand different aspects of development, you can go to my "Additional Links"