Children who wet the bed do so because they are not physically capable of staying dry through the night. And unless they have other symptoms, it is almost always completely normal. That doesn’t make it any less frustrating for children and their parents, however.
When a baby finds his or her thumb for the first time, it can be sweet to watch. However, after a few years, this habit can cause angst for parents who wonder if they should step in and help their child break the habit.
A toddler that talks back to you or is defiant can be frustrating. However, it is important to remember that these behaviors are very common (and normal!). What’s more, with a little positive discipline you can stop these unwanted behaviors as you guide your toddler into better behavior.
A toddler that talks back to you or is defiant can be frustrating. However, it is important to remember that these behaviors are very common (and normal!). What’s more, with a little positive discipline you can stop these unwanted behaviors as you guide your toddler into better behavior.
Once children reach about 18 months of age, they begin to realize that they have some control over the world around them. While this is a positive development in terms of building self-confidence, it can also lead to some defiant behavior, including the frequent use of the word “No!”
Many parents wonder how they can help their child continue on the path toward independence without allowing back talk. Thankfully, there are several ways to accomplish this:
Playing sports benefits children in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, many parents move too fast when it comes to placing their children on competitive sports teams, putting undue pressure on children and parents. It is important to remember that when it comes to physical fitness the focus should always be on having fun and learning new skills. And don’t worry, there will always be time for competitive sports as your child grows and expresses an interest.
Moving a child from a crib to a “big kid” bed is a rite of passage some parents would prefer to put off as long as possible. After all, nothing is more comforting than placing your child in their crib knowing they can’t escape.
When you first move your child out of their crib and into a big bed, you may think they will never sleep through the night again. Fear not, however! After a period of adjustment, you and your child will both be sleeping soundly through the night once again!
Transitioning your child from their crib to a bed can be a challenge. It may seem like just yesterday that you finally got your baby to sleep through the night and now you face sleepless nights once again as your child (naturally) tests the limits of this newfound freedom.
Many kids will get up several times a night because instead of rolling over and falling back asleep, they prefer to show up at your bedside. One of the reasons they do this is because their new sleeping situation can seem scary. After all, being by themselves in larger bed with no sides can make them feel insecure at first. Thankfully, with time and a whole lot of patience, things will get better.
If you are contemplating the big switch, here are some tips to make it go as smoothly as possible:
- Reinforce your child’s bedtime routine. If your child is used to a snack, bath and a story before bed, follow this same pattern when they move to a big bed. This will help your child adjust. Speaking of adjustments, don’t make the move out of the crib when there are other big events taking place. This includes potty training or a new baby. Expecting? Make the transition at least three or four months before your due date so your child doesn’t feel like they are being pushed out of their crib.
- Read about it. There are plenty of good books you can read to your child that talk about how exciting it is to graduate to a “big bed.”
- Get your child involved. If possible, let your child pick out the new bed. If you already have one, at least let them pick out some bedding to make it feel like their own. You can make the bed extra cozy with the blanket from their crib and stuffed animals.
- Allow plenty of extra time at bedtime. You may want to start your child’s bedtime routine earlier than usual the first few nights to allow for some inevitable ups-and-downs.
- Let your child know they are doing a great job. For every small step toward adjusting to their new sleeping arrangement, let your child know how proud you are of them. Maybe they only got up twice during the night instead of every hour – that’s progress – and it needs to be acknowledged!
You may think your child will never stay in their bed all night. But it will happen. It just takes a period of adjustment for you and your child.
Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.
Grateful children are more optimistic children. Ask any child development expert and they will tell you that grateful and optimistic children are happier for the rest of their lives.
An article on romper.com, How to Fit Your Child for Their Own Pair of Rose-Colored Glasses, explains why this is true. According to Dr. Deepika Chopra – who is quoted in the article – “Optimism is much more about resiliency, overcoming struggles, and being able to hold a feeling of frustration, anger, disappointment or sadness.”
These are qualities that are especially important right now as children and families struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
“At the very same time, it (optimism) means holding space for hope that something better will come, which is so important especially now,” Chopra goes on to say.
While it’s OK (and very natural) for children to feel a wide range of emotions, it’s important for them to make optimism a priority. As the parent, you can help your child adopt a more positive outlook on life. A bonus is that you will start to feel more optimistic, as well.
Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.