Toddlers often become upset when other children play with their toys. They see possession as ownership. They don’t understand the concept of sharing until three or four years of age. But you can plant the idea with statements, such as “If you share with them, they’ll share with you.” Try this approach: • First, if […]
Slowpoke eaters are usually not hungry. A few are just being negative. A good rule for these kids is, “That the meal was over when everyone else is done eating.” Then it’s time to clean up, clear away your child’s plate and put her down. Don’t keep her sitting at the table longer than other
If you’re sleeping with your child and want to change it, here are some suggestions. As you probably have learned, children don’t need to sleep with you, but they sure like it, and once it’s begun it’s rather hard to undo. I suspect you want to change this for the same reason other parents do
During the early months of self-feeding, many children will make a mess of their high chair and of themselves. If they mix their food with their hands or feed themselves that way, children should not be criticized or punished. This is a normal part of learning how to feed themselves, but when it comes to
Some children drop whatever they’re doing as soon as their parent picks up the telephone. Avoid part of this problem by making most of your calls during naptime or after bedtime. However, that won’t help you with incoming calls. Try this approach. • First, have a rule,”Don’t interrupt me while I’m on the telephone” and
Blessed is the child who has a loving grandparent. Don’t begrudge the fact that they’ve learned a lot since having you. Include them in your family life. Here are some ideas: • First, everyone needs extra help during those first weeks at home with a new baby, and the best person to call upon is
Your response to biting should leave no question but that you mean business. Make the rule absolutely clear, “Don’t bite. It hurts. We don’t bite people.” • First, give your child verbal disapproval in a sharp voice. Say, “No biting.” It’s fine to startle your child for this type of behavior. • Second, put him
A spoiled child makes unfair demands on others, does not respond to “no,” and constantly wants an adult to entertain him. The spoiled child gets his way with whining and tantrums. Spoiled aren’t happy, because they don’t get along with age mates or grown ups. They also tend to be poorly motivated to work hard.
Some children are ready to be toilet trained by 18 months of age, and many, by 24. Toilet training is a gradual process that takes from two weeks to two months. In general, it involves about four steps. First, purchase a potty chair and make it clear that this is your child’s special chair. Put
“Time-out” is the best discipline available for the irrational behaviors of young children. It’s especially helpful for behaviors that can’t be ignored, such as harmful or disruptive behaviors. “Time-out” means isolating your child in a boring place for a few minutes. “Time-out” has the advantage of providing a cooling off period for both you and
