Thursday, August 03, 2006

The Fifty-Second Week In Your Baby's Development

There's no single right way to raise a child, and there's no such thing as a perfect parent - or a perfect child. But here are some guidelines to help your children grow up healthy and happy:
Show them how much you love them.

Tell your children "I love you" every day. You can never give them too many hugs and kisses.

Listen to your children. Let them know you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.

Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared and protect them from harm.

Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, show them you're proud of them. Reward them with your love and attention.

Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong. For example, say: "Running into the street without looking isn't safe." Then tell him or her the correct behavior.

Be consistent in your rules and discipline. If two parents are raising a child, both need to use the same rules. Also, make sure baby sitters and relatives are aware of, and follow, your family rules.

Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and even cleaning house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually their way of getting your attention.

At twelve months old, babies usually range from 27.75 inches long and 18 pounds (10th percentile) to 30.5 inches long and 23.75 pounds (90th percentile).I think last time we went to the dr he was 22.5lbs. You know your baby has become a toddler when his favorite things to say are "No!" He'll shake his head and say no no. or "Me do it!" or "Mine!" Your toddler is trying to become independent and is busy forming his own identity. Offering Tyler choices whenever possible will help him feel independent. If he can't have his way, offer alternatives that he can choose instead.A fun activity for Tyler right now might be to scribble with crayons on a big sheet of paper; or try Color Wonders - markers that only show up on the special paper that comes with them. They could save your furniture and carpet from a rainbow of stains in the months to come.Tyler will still enjoy cuddling with you, despite his big-kid independence. When he's sleepy, he'll cuddle. He still needs reassurance that you will always be there to meet his needs and that you'll always love him. Enjoy this special bonding time with Tyler while you still can. Your little baby is growing up so fast.

Wow, I didn't realize how hard this "1st" birthday was going to be for me. Man, I started reading this "last" e-mail baby update and I got teary eyed!!! My baby is not a baby anymore, he's a toddler now! Wow, they grow up so fast. He'll soon be a big boy and won't want mom to hold his hand or give him kisses! Man, I just can't imagine that my little baby who kicked and rolled around so much in my belly is about to be a year old!! *Sniff, sniff*...must go now to wipe my eyes!!

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