Q. I've heard all about "Mommy & Me" play-dates, swimming with infants, etc. Basically, I want my future child to have the best childhood I can give them. What should I get them involved in and at what ages? Does anyone have a detailed kid-raising manuscript about their experiences, regrets, etc?
A. This is from the child's perspective.
I had an absolutely wonderful childhood. The key to this was my beautiful mother who knew just what to do the entire seventeen years of my life. The most important things from my experience:
-Be genuinely interested in your child's life. Develop that confidentiality, almost like you were the big sister and not the mum. This will ensure an honest relationship, and in turn a more loving one.
-FUN! A sense of fun is the most important part of childhood, as it develops a child's imagination. This doesn't mean necessarily buying them lots of toys, it could just mean having an amazing playground in your backyard, letting them climb trees (little scrapes aren't worth saying no), giving them green cordial, anything! Be imaginative.
-Don't put pressure on them to perform from a young age. Always support them in any of their endeavors. But remember, be honest. If you think something's a bad idea, tell them diplomatically.
-Nurture their talents! Your child is an awesome dancer? Put him into ballet classes! Make sure there is one extracurricular activity after school, that your child does at least once a week. This develops a sense of identity in your child, knowing that they are good at something.
-Don't fight with your partner in front of your child. The only thing that would have made my childhood better would be that I never saw my mum and dad fight. It has a really scarring effect, and can make the child feel split in half. If you are experiencing trouble with your partner, make sure you argue only when the child is not around i.e. at school. Always keep a pleasant atmosphere in the house.
-Teach your child to read at a very early age. This is very important.
- Be involved in your child's social life from a young age. Host slumber parties, allow friends to come over and encourage your child to have an outgoing, friendly personality!
-Ultimately, bring your child up with Christian values. That is; be kind to others, nurture your spirituality.
-Keep your child close to nature, don't buy her/him thousands of video games, let the child play and explore in nature. This is really important, with the constant advancement of technology in mind.
Best of luck!
xx
I had an absolutely wonderful childhood. The key to this was my beautiful mother who knew just what to do the entire seventeen years of my life. The most important things from my experience:
-Be genuinely interested in your child's life. Develop that confidentiality, almost like you were the big sister and not the mum. This will ensure an honest relationship, and in turn a more loving one.
-FUN! A sense of fun is the most important part of childhood, as it develops a child's imagination. This doesn't mean necessarily buying them lots of toys, it could just mean having an amazing playground in your backyard, letting them climb trees (little scrapes aren't worth saying no), giving them green cordial, anything! Be imaginative.
-Don't put pressure on them to perform from a young age. Always support them in any of their endeavors. But remember, be honest. If you think something's a bad idea, tell them diplomatically.
-Nurture their talents! Your child is an awesome dancer? Put him into ballet classes! Make sure there is one extracurricular activity after school, that your child does at least once a week. This develops a sense of identity in your child, knowing that they are good at something.
-Don't fight with your partner in front of your child. The only thing that would have made my childhood better would be that I never saw my mum and dad fight. It has a really scarring effect, and can make the child feel split in half. If you are experiencing trouble with your partner, make sure you argue only when the child is not around i.e. at school. Always keep a pleasant atmosphere in the house.
-Teach your child to read at a very early age. This is very important.
- Be involved in your child's social life from a young age. Host slumber parties, allow friends to come over and encourage your child to have an outgoing, friendly personality!
-Ultimately, bring your child up with Christian values. That is; be kind to others, nurture your spirituality.
-Keep your child close to nature, don't buy her/him thousands of video games, let the child play and explore in nature. This is really important, with the constant advancement of technology in mind.
Best of luck!
xx
What are some activities I can do with my bored 2 year old?
Q. I'm a stay at home Mom with an infant and a 2.25 year old. She has plenty of toys but gets bored and acts out. We usually read books and play with playdough. She likes to watch Nick Jr shows, but I don't want her watching TV all day. What are some fun, fairly easy, and fairly cheap (or free!) activities I can do with her to help her have fun during the day?
A. color with crayons and markers (washable)
paint with washable paint (I put my toddler in her high chair for art)
play with play food
take a bath to just play
go to the park
go to Mc Donalds playland just be sure to bring antibacterial wipes
free storytimes/workshops at the library
an indoor gym place with $5 or so freeplay
take a ball to the park and just let her run around
dance to music
play dress up
have her "help" with laundry
have her "help" with dusting
draw with sidewalk chalk and blow bubbles
play shape searchers and look for shapes around the house
make sock puppets or paper bag puppets
Hope I helped. I have an almost 2 1/2 year old and I'm a SAHM too. It can get boring but the key is to stay busy if you can. Get out of the house at least once a day even if it's just for a walk.
paint with washable paint (I put my toddler in her high chair for art)
play with play food
take a bath to just play
go to the park
go to Mc Donalds playland just be sure to bring antibacterial wipes
free storytimes/workshops at the library
an indoor gym place with $5 or so freeplay
take a ball to the park and just let her run around
dance to music
play dress up
have her "help" with laundry
have her "help" with dusting
draw with sidewalk chalk and blow bubbles
play shape searchers and look for shapes around the house
make sock puppets or paper bag puppets
Hope I helped. I have an almost 2 1/2 year old and I'm a SAHM too. It can get boring but the key is to stay busy if you can. Get out of the house at least once a day even if it's just for a walk.
What are some activities I can do with my 14 month old?
Q. I am a SAHM with my 14 month old daughter. She is a very busy girl and I am finding that she is getting really bored with our usual activities. She likes to play outside, but it is really rainy for most of the year where we live so going outside is difficult. She also puts absolutely everything in her mouth so crayons, paper, etc, won't work. We read books a lot and stack blocks and stuff, but she really doesn't really play with many other toys. Any real suggestions would be great! Thanks!
A. Keep offering the crayons and coloring books, just discourage her from putting them in her mouth. That is how she learns!
Puzzles (the wooden ones with pegs are great for that age).
Blow bubbles.
Google the recipe for edible playdough.
Look for Story Stretchers on Amazon. There is a version for infants/toddlers. It gives ideas to turn favorite children's story books into math, science, games, music, arts and crafts and even snacks!
If you can, look for an activity such as Mommy & Me gymnastics or Gymboree that you both can participate in.
Look for a local playgroup at http://groups.yahoo.com
If you can, visit the local petting zoo, children's museum, etc. Most book stores and/or libraries have story times for little ones.
Sing, dance, let her help you clean (my little one would help 'fold' the wash cloths, likes to take a baby wipe and 'dust' the fireplace insert, etc).
Purchase some musical instruments, puppets, etc.
One of my last few answers might have some other ideas you want to incorporate, so check that out-it is for an older toddler, but a lot you could probably use as well.
I hope this helps, and wish you the best!
Puzzles (the wooden ones with pegs are great for that age).
Blow bubbles.
Google the recipe for edible playdough.
Look for Story Stretchers on Amazon. There is a version for infants/toddlers. It gives ideas to turn favorite children's story books into math, science, games, music, arts and crafts and even snacks!
If you can, look for an activity such as Mommy & Me gymnastics or Gymboree that you both can participate in.
Look for a local playgroup at http://groups.yahoo.com
If you can, visit the local petting zoo, children's museum, etc. Most book stores and/or libraries have story times for little ones.
Sing, dance, let her help you clean (my little one would help 'fold' the wash cloths, likes to take a baby wipe and 'dust' the fireplace insert, etc).
Purchase some musical instruments, puppets, etc.
One of my last few answers might have some other ideas you want to incorporate, so check that out-it is for an older toddler, but a lot you could probably use as well.
I hope this helps, and wish you the best!
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