Aggression, Hitting, and Biting

Toddlers can sometimes turn into little wrestlers, but it's all part of their development. Encourage them to express themselves differently and help them learn about emotions. 😊🧡Why toddlers hitToddlers, with their developing independence and enthusiasm, sometimes grapple with communication limitations that can lead to episodes of frustration and, yes, the occasional bout of hitting. 🧗‍♂️Hitting usually peaks around age 2 or 3 for several reasons. First, toddlers are often testing limits as they explore their independence. Second, they're developing impulse control, but it's a work in progress, making it challenging to curb the urge to hit when frustration strikes. Third, as they begin to grasp social skills like sharing and taking turns, they might resort to hitting when things don't go their way. Fourth, when intense emotions bubble up – whether due to excitement, stress, anger, or sadness – toddlers may turn to hitting as a way to express themselves before they've fully mastered the art of words. 👶💬How to respond when your toddler hitsWhen your toddler tests the hitting waters, remain calm and consistent. Set clear boundaries and respond immediately, using a timeout strategy for one minute per year of age. Encourage alternative activities during this cool-down period, like playing with Play-Doh to help them manage their emotions. 🥁Avoid lengthy lectures and physical punishment like spanking, as they don't effectively teach emotional regulation. Use logical consequences instead – for instance, if they misbehave in a ball pit, remove them and explain they can return when they can play nicely. Remember, overstimulating environments can challenge their impulse control. 💁‍♀️Consistency is crucial in addressing hitting episodes. After the situation cools down, discuss what happened, emphasizing that while it's okay to feel angry, hitting is not an acceptable way to express it. Encourage them to find healthier ways to manage their emotions! 💪Ways to stop when your toddler hitsRecognize patterns in your toddler's behavior – if you notice they tend to get feisty right before a nap when they're overtired, create a soothing, low-key environment during those times. When you're out and about, say at the park or mall, and they're overwhelmed by the sensory circus, consider giving them a gentle breather. 🎈Boost positive behavior reinforcement by acknowledging their good moments. Celebrate when they ask politely for a turn on the swing instead of resorting to playground tussles. Show them the power of their words, making good behavior more rewarding. 😆Be mindful of their media consumption – some children's shows and games can contain intense scenes of shouting and shoving. 👓 Opt for high-quality, age-appropriate content, especially if your toddler is sensitive to the influences they encounter.

What if your baby falls?

Oops did your baby just fall off a chair? Let's go check them out if there is any serious injury!What should you do when your baby just falls off?👶The baby looks okay to youThe moment your baby falls off gives you an adrenaline rush.🏃‍♀️ You run as fast as you can to your baby to make sure that your child doesn't have any serious wounds.If the baby looks okay, probably the fall doesn't cause serious injury or break some bones.🦴 You still need to continue observing your baby for the next 24 hours to see if any symptoms develop. 👶The baby feels uncomfortableIf your baby is crying out loud, probably they must have gotten hurt or they are irritable because of the fall.😭 The best decision is to take them to the doctor to get checked out thoroughly. It's not necessary to keep the child awake although it's better to monitor their health when they are still active.🤾‍♀️ What is dangerous is that they probably fall on their head, feel dizzy and want to sleep but can't easily wake up. If they sleep, you should wake them after two hours to see if the child is still alert.💤Stay calm to identify serious signs👶Simple signsYou can't help feeling anxious when you see your child crying nonstop.😭 If the baby just has a light bump, their tears come from pain or fright and will not last longer than 10 minutes. 👶Serious signsConstant headache or dizziness can be the result of a serious hit.🤕 Your baby might be extremely irritable and cry incessantly. More severely, you may see them excessively sleepy and have a difficult time waking up. The baby might vomit after a strong hit on their head.🤮Treatment for your baby👶Treatment at homeIf you have successfully ruled out serious injury, you can treat your baby's mild bump at home. Wrap an ice pack🧊 in a thin towel or diaper and hold it onto the bump for fifteen or twenty minutes. You can nurse them or say something sweet to your little one to soothe them and distract them from the pain.😀If your baby is constantly in pain, you can give them the appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.💊 Avoid aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.👶Call the ER!If your child experiences loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, non stop bleeding, you have to call for an emergency.🚑 Any signs of a fractured bone, a concussion, inability to walk steadily or talk, prolonged screaming indicate your baby can be in danger. You have to talk to their doctor immediately and take the baby to the emergency room.👩‍⚕️

Never leave children in cars!

Let's say you were driving alone with your child to get some quick groceries.🚗 When you arrive at the parking lot, you find out your child is asleep in the back seat of your car. Now, the temptation might arise in your mind: 'Can I leave my child in the car and get things done real quick? It's only going to take a few minutes!'🤔Yes, I know it is tempting, but you gotta keep in mind that the definite answer is: You are never allowed to leave your child alone in a car, in any situation!Why is that?The internal temperature of a parked car may vary by up to 40°C from the outside temperature, especially in summer🔥. Under these circumstances, children can get dehydrated and suffer life-threatening heatstroke. This can even lead them to death!😨  Accidental leaving in carsRaising a child sometimes leads you to  get into unintended situations. If you are tired, stressed, or distracted, you might face the situation of accidentally leaving your child in the car. 😪 (If this has happened to you already, this actually happens quite a lot. So don't blame yourself, you are not alone!) To prevent this from happening, making a habit of always checking the backseat before getting out of the car would be helpful. Also there are many products that can help you, such as car seat sensors or back seat video monitors, so it would be good to get help from these devices as well.👍Accidental locking in carsSometimes children accidentally lock themselves in the car.😮 Newer cars often have auto-lock features, so it will be helpful if you can make a habit of winding windows down before putting children in the car. Keep your car keys with you all the time, and do not let your child play with car keys.🔑 Children might get curious about all the interesting buttons inside the car. Tell them pushing buttons in the car could be dangerous, and teach them not to do so!

Tips for Toddler Tech Success

Ready to launch your child into the world of smartphones and tablets? 🚀 Here are some clever strategies to make the most out of your toddler's screen adventures – it's all about tech-savvy fun! 🧒When is it OK for toddlers to start screen time?From 5 months, kids are curious about screens, but too much screen time can hinder their vital social and motor skill development. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding screens for kids under 18 months. 👶🚫 Between 18 to 24 months, you can introduce quality digital content, but remember to co-watch and discuss the material, as tots can't apply screen learning to real life just yet. 👨‍👩‍👦 How long should a child have screen time?As your little one blossoms from 2 to 5 years, it's all about balancing screen time with real-world adventures. Aim for one hour a day of top-notch content that sparks their curiosity. And for the older kids, it's all about striking that perfect screen time balance. 🕒  Keep a friendly eye on their screen time limits to ensure they have time for both tech-tastic exploration and good old-fashioned play! ⏳Tips for toddler screen time!Ready to fire up that tablet and dive into a world of learning with your little one? Check out these fun tips to make the most of your productive and educational screen time adventure! 👀💬Choosing Quality ContentLet's kick off your toddler's screen time adventure with a dash of quality! The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests picking awesome children's programming like PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop. And for unbiased recommendations, check out Common Sense Media – they've got the inside scoop on the best apps and games for kids. 👦🎮💬Preview and Keep Age-AppropriateBefore the grand toddler entrance, take a solo spin through children's websites, apps, and games. Make sure it's all toddler-approved, without any spooky stuff or ear-shattering noises. Stick to games and apps crafted just for your little one. 📱🌍 💬Interactive Learning and Time LimitsTime for some interactive fun! When you're both diving into the digital world, ask questions, add some commentary, and connect what's on-screen to real-life adventures. It's like a storytime session with a digital twist! 📚🔍 Keep screen time short and sweet, no longer than five or 10 minutes, as tots have pint-sized attention spans. For the older kids (2 and up), one hour a day is the max, even if they'd prefer more – and a timer can be your trusty sidekick for smooth transitions between activities. Enjoy the screen-time journey with your little one! 🌟

How to Encourage Pretend Play in Babies and Toddlers

Imaginative play isn't just for older kids; even the tiniest tots can join the fun. It's all about age-appropriate adventures, starting with those early interactions where your little one begins their journey of make-believe, long before they become a firefighter or tea party host! 🎲💛What is pretend play?Welcome to the world of imaginative play! 🌟 It's where children can experiment with different roles, from sailing on a cardboard ship to cooking imaginary feasts or even dressing up as grown-ups "going to work."Toys like play food and dress-up clothes add fun, but they're not essential. Using everyday objects that don't have a defined purpose encourages creative thinking. A pile of leaves can become a cauldron of soup, a laundry basket transforms into an airplane, and a stack of pillows becomes a mighty mountain. 🚀Even before your little one dreams of being a teacher or a soccer star, engaging in conversations with your baby lets them explore various roles and sets the stage for imaginative play. 🗨️ It's a world of endless possibilities from the very beginning!What are the benefits of imaginative play?In this magical land of make-believe, your child can master self-control as they cooperate and decide who plays the daring superhero or the wise wizard, all while learning to manage the occasional frustration. It's a bit like an emotional growth adventure! 🎆Creating a brand new world in their imaginations brings players closer, whether they're fellow pint-sized adventurers or parents joining in the fun. It's a bonding bonanza! 🎊 These make-believe escapades foster give-and-take interactions that knit hearts closer together.Moreover, pretend play acts as a safe haven for your child to tackle tough topics, allowing them to bravely face scenarios like doctor visits or the first day at daycare or preschool. It's like a therapy session led by their imagination! And let's not forget the linguistic growth spurt—dreaming up adventures and negotiating the rules involves using fancy words and complex ideas, helping your child's vocabulary and communication skills blossom. ✨How to encourage imaginative play for babiesPicture a world where even the tiniest tots embark on their social play adventure! They're not quite ready to become dinosaurs🦖 or doctors👨‍⚕️, but they're diving headfirst into the enchanting realm of role-playing. It's a delightful journey of exploration and practice, and it's oh-so-captivating!As they giggle and grow, here's the plan for their blossoming social interactions. Engage in lively conversations, encourage curiosity with age-appropriate objects, and sing along to action songs. As they approach their first birthday, show them the ropes of social interactions, explore the art of sharing, and play with a toy phone to have delightful pretend conversations. 📞👶 It's not just fun; it's a school of life! 🎉Encouraging for toddlersAt age 2, your child's imaginative play skills are budding, and they're ready to embark on creative adventures. You can guide them by providing dress-up clothes and props, encouraging role-playing scenarios, or setting up a stuffed animal tea party. 👗Use everyday objects in unexpected ways to ignite their creativity, and don't forget the animal dance party, where they can dance like different animals. As you play together, remember it's not just fun; it's a world of learning and growth! 🤗As your child turns three, get ready for a boost in imaginative play. Their little brain is ready to spin make-believe tales and explore new roles with less help from you. Your main role? Jump into the fun and join them in their enchanting world of imagination. 🎈Embrace their creative ideas, participate in role-reversal games, whip up culinary delights in a pretend restaurant, assist as they play doctor to their stuffed animals, and set up a home postal service for some imaginative mail deliveries. It's not just play; it's a world of learning and laughter, right at home! 🎢🎪

Skin rashes in babies and toddlers - Part 3

Phew, never knew there are so many viruses causing skin disease! Here is the last list of the skin rashes. Let's continue💪!✔️ChickenpoxYou might be familiar with Chickenpox! Chickenpox got its nickname because the bumps look like chickpeas🐤. Varicella-zoster virus is the cause of Chickenpox, and it spreads very easily to people who haven't had the disease or gotten the vaccine yet. A red, itchy rash starts out on the face and soon it spreads through the body. The blisters are very itchy, and the virus also brings fever and headache.✔️RingwormIf you have a dog or cat living at your house🐕, you are probably familiar with Ringworm disease. Ringworm is a fungal infection that forms red patches that grow ring-like round shapes. When a fungus lives on the skin or scalp in a warm and moist environment, it grows out of control and develops Ringworm. It can also be transferred by contact with infected people or animals like cats or dogs. Luckily the infection is mild, but the rash could be itchy and uncomfortable. Using antifungal cream will soothe the infected area🧴. ✔️ImpetigoImpetigo is a bacterial skin infection. It makes red rashes and brown, crusty oozy sores😵. Often these marks start to form around the mouth and nose and spread to other vulnerable parts such as the diaper area. The bacteria easily spreads from contact with an infected person, and it is more active in humid, high-temperature conditions. Antibiotics are used for treatment.✔️MeaslesMeasles shows similar symptoms to a cold at first. After 4 to 5 days, pink rashes will start to develop all over the baby's body, and coughing will start. Baby's temperature can rise up to 104°F🤒!  The symptoms last for 2 to 3 days and diminish in 7 to 10 days after the outbreak. However, if the baby gets bad Measles, it can lead to serious problems such as hearing loss, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain. Currently, The MMR vaccine is given to babies aged 12 to 15 months to protect against Measles.  ✔️Scarlet fever Scarlet fever is when your little one gets a red rash all over the body because of strep throat. A high Fever of over 103°F develops all of a sudden, and sore throat, and headache follows. The baby's tongue changes abnormally as well. It gets coated with white and red, which somewhat looks like a strawberry🍓! The disease can be easily treated with antibiotics, but it can be dangerous to miss the timing, so you should act fast if you see any of these symptoms arises!🏃‍♀️✔️Lyme disease Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of ticks🪲. Young children are exposed to Lyme disease because they are likely to play outside and spend time in woody and grassy areas, where ticks might bite. When the baby gets infected, a red rash starts to appear along with flu-like symptoms🤒. The disease easily goes away with antibiotics in the early stages. However, if it is left untreated, it can cause serious complications over time, so early treatment is important!

Skin rashes in babies and toddlers - Part 2

You thought the battle is over? Oh no, not yet! Here is the second part of the list of skin rashes you should be aware of!🔥✔️Food allergyFood allergy occurs when a baby is sensitive to certain food and an unusual reaction appears in his/her body🤒. Common allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Feeding a small amount of common allergen food one by one before starting baby food, or asking a doctor for an allergy test might help to distinguish which food your baby is allergic to. Allergic reactions can differ by individual, including a red, itchy rash, vomiting and nausea, watery and red eyes with sneezing🤧. Some serious reactions could cause trouble breathing or swelling of the lips and tongue. So if you notice any abnormal symptoms after feeding, observe the symptom carefully and discuss it with your doctor.✔️Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a common virus for kids under 5. The name originated from its main symptom which makes rashes and blisters on the baby's hands, mouth, and feet. Flu-like symptoms such as high fever and sore throat follow🌡️. The virus is very contagious and spreads very easily, so if your baby is infected with HFM, you should separate him/her from other young children🙅‍♀️. ✔️Fifth diseaseIf your baby has a low fever and cold-like symptoms for several days and a red rash starts to form on the cheeks😳, you need to doubt if it's Fifth disease. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. It is contagious, but only in the early phase which is before a rash starts to appear. This is common, especially in kids aged 5 to 15, but it also occurs in some toddlers and babies.✔️HivesBacterial infections, food reactions, plants or bug bites can make hives on the skin. It is a skin condition with red and raised bumps😵‍💫. They can be itchy, but mostly they don't bother your baby at all. It is hard to know what causes hives, but allergy is one of the major influences. If you could record the recent food or medication intakes💊, it helps to track down the possible cause of hives. It might look serious, but it's not contagious.✔️SunburnWhen your baby was exposed to sunlight for too long☀️, sunburn can develop on their skin! As you might already have experienced during previous vacations, sunburn can happen even on cloudy days. Especially since babies' skin is weak and sensitive, they are more vulnerable to the sun, and can feel more pain than we do😖! We all already know how to avoid sunburns. Put sunscreens when you bring your little one outside, and cover them with long sleeves to minimize sun exposure.

Emotion Coaching

Whenever your baby feels sad or angry, do you try to empathize with their emotion or just ignore and move on? Emotionally supportive relationships can be beneficial more than you think.😎Emotion coaching👪What is emotion coaching?Based on the principle that emotionally supportive relationships provide the best context for children to grow up, emotion coaching is the practice of helping your baby learn to self-regulate negative emotions when you tune in your child's feelings and show empathy.🤗 Because the kid is not capable of handling difficult emotions and having rich life experiences like adults, you are the ultimate guide who needs to accept and validate their feelings, helps them label emotions with words and instructs them to overcome hardships.🤱👪Why kids need you to emphasize?Young children lack our life experiences and are incompetent at reading others' feelings and intentions. Your kid needs you to guide them to learn and practice.👩‍🏫Some kids have a tougher time than others at mood management. The key is you can provide help and teach them to handle those emotional storms.😀Ways that emotion coaching works👪Notice signs before your child's emotions get intenseIs your kid looking a bit frustrated?😤 Although your initial reaction might be to ignore it and regard negative emotions as offensive, this is actually the golden opportunity for you to better understand your child and help them cope with it.💪Talk to your child how they look different now and ask the reason why they behave so.️ If you suspect a trigger, gently bring it up so that the child feels like they are being heard.😀👪Listen, validate and show empathyYou need to stay calm even though your child is furious in front of you.😌 What you really need to do is to relate to your kid's experiences by drawing parallels in your own life.Imagine when you are upset at your coworkers when something goes wrong at your work. That is also your child's feelings when they are rejected or humiliated at school.🏫 You can relate to the situation and understand why your kid feels that way.😇👪Find verbal labels for emotionsAs you listen and empathize with your kids, you can help them identify what exactly their feelings are.😍 Learning how to verbalize emotions teaches them to shift into a more detached and analytical point of view and view emotions as a normal reaction to a triggering situation. The method isn't merely telling your baby how they should feel. But rather to ask questions, align with our own experiences and help them understand their own emotions better.🤗👪Allow your child to take time to calm downPowerful emotions, such as anger, anxiety trigger a fight or flight response. They block the ability to reason and control impulses, making us vulnerable to overreacting.🛡️The same thing happens to your child. If your baby is highly distressed about an uncomfortable situation, let them take a pause and allow the stress response to wind down.😮‍💨 Don't be tempted to start problem-solving and expect them to reason with you when they are not ready.

Toddler Dance Classes

Got a little one at home with twinkle-toed feet? Whether your tiny dancer is already a ballet star in the making or just loves groovin' to the beat, toddler dance classes can be a fantastic way to boost their motor skills and let their creative spirit shine. So, before you leap into action and enroll your mini-mover, let's pirouette through this guide to toddler dance classes – it's bound to make you smile and your munchkin dance with glee! 🩰💃The Joys and Benefits"Ready to Dance? Absolutely! Your tiny tot, once just taking baby steps, is now a twirling whirlwind of spontaneous dance moves. 🌪️ By 18 months, they're practically the toddler version of Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers, so there's no shortage of dance schools and studios offering classes for two-year-olds.Why is it worth it? Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that these toddler dance classes aren't just fun; they're a fantastic way for your little one to get some exercise. They're also perfect for helping your growing gal get accustomed to group settings, especially if she's not yet in daycare or preschool. 🏫  Plus, dance classes for two-year-olds and toddler music classes tap into their natural love for all things musical. It's like introducing your little one to a symphony while they're still in diapers! 🎵 Choosing a ClassTo embark on your toddler's dance journey, start by gathering recommendations from parents and local community members. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Once you have a list of options, reach out to the schools to inquire about their two-year-old dance classes. Remember, at this age, it's all about fun, so avoid classes that focus on technique or require recitals and costly costumes. Check their absence and makeup policies for flexibility. 😎 Ask about parental involvement, as younger toddlers thrive in mommy-and-me programs, while older ones do well in small classes. Most studios offer observation options. When you've narrowed down your choices, visit the class space. Ensure it's clean, well-lit, and spacious enough for active two-year-olds. Finally, observe the teacher in action – a passion for teaching and a way with kids matter more than an extensive ballet background. 👀🔍  Gearing UpToddler dance classes won't have you emptying your pockets on extras, unless you find yourself in a class that puts on a fabulous show 🎭 at the end – and, in that case, you might be twirling towards an expensive costume. 💸 Now, when it comes to the dress code, it's a bit like a dance-off where every class has its own unique groove. Some of the traditional dance studios might have your tiny dancer donning leotards and tights, while the more laid-back programs let the little ones dress in whatever tickles their fancy and keeps them comfy. What really matters here is that your pint-sized performer can twirl, whirl, and pirouette to their heart's content in whatever outfit they choose! 👗🕺 

Rain Gear for Toddlers

Navigating puddles is practically a rite of passage for your little adventurer, and we've got the perfect toolkit to keep her cozy and (mostly) dry. Introducing the must-have toddler rain gear to make those rainy-day escapades a breeze. Let's ensure every splash💦 is a joyous one!An umbrella☔When picking an umbrella for your little one, go for a small, safe model. Look for features like an easy-to-grip handle and plastic knobs, so there are no sharp parts to worry about. Let your kiddo choose one with their favorite superhero🦸🏻 – it makes rainy days more fun!If your little explorer isn't quite ready to handle their own umbrella, go for a bigger option that you can carry. Think of those large golf umbrellas that can cover the whole family, reaching up to 68 inches. Choose a sturdy "windproof" model to avoid any unexpected flips on windy days. Because in the world of rainy adventures, we've got you covered (literally)☂️✨!A raincoat and rain boots!When it comes to dressing your little one for rainy days, think comfy and flexible. Whether it's a ladybug-themed jacket or a classic yellow slicker, avoid stiff raincoats that might cramp your tot's style. Instead, go for a softer, waterproof jacket that moves with your on-the-go kiddo. Look for ones with zip-in layers to keep them warm when it's damp outside. Choose a size that's roomy but not too big, and you can always roll up the sleeves for a perfect fit that grows with them. Safety first – keep those little hands🖐🏻 free!Now, let's talk about a must-have for puddle jumping💧 – rain boots! Just like regular shoes, make sure they fit well to avoid any twisted ankles. No need to spend a fortune here; galoshes are sturdy and hold up well, making them perfect for passing on to younger siblings or friends. Check with friends who have older kids – they might have a couple of outgrown pairs waiting for a new adventure! The goal is to keep your tot dry and stylish without breaking the bank☔.A stroller coverIf you're always out and about with your stroller or rely on walking in the city, think about getting a good weather-proof stroller cover. A cover that fits most strollers should work, but for the best protection, go for one made for your specific stroller model. Keep your little one cozy and dry, no matter what the weather throws at you☔🚶‍♂️👶!