Enjoy Early Learning With Your Child For A Great Start And Priceless Memories

Becoming a parent is one of the greatest things we can do and there are endless rewards to be had when bringing up the baby. Yes, at times there can be frustration but everything considered it is a truly amazing experience.

The early years of your baby’s life are extremely important in terms of learning and development. Being a part of the mental development can be a great time for you to instil a foundation to your child’s knowledge and help make it easier to understand and build on that knowledge. Not only does this benefit your child’s abilities and give a great start in life but it allows you to really connect with your child.

Connecting with your child early on will make for a better relationship further down the line and will give your child stability in their life. There is nothing more powerful than the bond between parent and child and it is further enhanced being involved in the early years of learning.

Helping you child using early learning will give them an advantage with adjusting to the world and to help gain their trust in you. In order for the child to be able to develop properly and be able to socialize with others, they need to feel that they are loved and cared for and have the attention they need.

The early learning will help you bond with your child and this positive foundation will stay with the child until later life. The child will begin to discover family life and what it is all about giving a sense of security. This beneficial time you invest in the child will bring rewards when the child begins to grow.

Once you have decided that early learning is the path you are going to take, you must be sure to be consistent and actually enjoy the process. Children can pick up when adults are just going through the motions as opposed to actively taking part. If the child feels you are not really involved the purpose will be defeated.

The attention of the child must be kept but not to the point of exhaustion. Smaller sessions of quality learning is much better than long drawn out sessions where not much is accomplished. It is also important not to put the child off for next time so the sessions should be short and fun with interesting subject matter.

Pay attention to your child’s responses. Try not to move too fast before they are ready and not too slow with the chance of boredom. This may seem like a difficult feat, but you will get to know at what pace your child works and what is meant by certain responses.

Unfortunately, however, there is no set method. You child may be eager to learn one day but not the next. If your child is not in the mood for the exercises, try not to push them or it may be more difficult to get their attention the next time round. Your child will remember how they felt in the last lesson and if there were negative feelings, they may be less like to enjoy the next lesson.

Signs such as yawning, attention loss and falling asleep are sure signs that the lesson ought to be over or that a particular activity isn’t doing it’s job.

These early learning lessons will give your child a fantastic start in life and will positively impact on their achievements later on as well as strengthening the bond between you. Knowing that you have given your child a great start is satisfying for the parent and you will know what to do for the next one!

Learning about Milestones for Baby Development

Conception to Newborn

Interestingly, most women do not realize that milestones for baby development start well before birth. While pregnant, many of the developments are seen through ultrasounds, hearing the heartbeat, and other forms of technology. Once the baby is born, there are still developmental changes although not as easy to see. However, from birth to age one, your baby will go through tremendous changes, which include vision, hearing, motor skills, and even development of the cognitive system.

Your Baby’s First Month

In the first month of life, your baby will be going through major changes, specifically when it comes to reflex movements. For example, you will begin to see your newborn move the toes, draw up the legs, and even put his or her hand in the mouth. The baby will start using his/her new muscle control by moving the head, as the eyes try to focus more and more.

Keep in mind, even though your baby can see, his/her vision is only good up to 12 inches. Even so, you will notice the eyes trying to look around the room but your baby is not yet able to focus on anything. However, when the face is hit with bright lights, the baby will blink and find this and patterns intriguing. Even so, the sight of mom and dad’s face is the baby’s favorite.

During this first month, your baby will start to turn the head from side to side, react to sound, and begin to focus on familiar sounds and voices.

The First Three Months

During the first three months after giving birth, there are many things going on with the baby. At this time, your baby is starting to develop and grow, and soon, you will start to notice changes to his or her body on an almost daily basis.

The baby’s motor skills are becoming stronger and more focused, he/she can now lift the head off the ground when placed on the stomach, and the little hands will start to open and close as your baby discovers arms and fingers. Chances are that your baby will also try to put pressure on the legs, which results in the body pushing up.

Another huge change in the first three months of life has to do with the eyes. Your baby’s vision is becoming sharper and near the start of the fourth month, he or she will actually follow mom and dad or favorite objects. At this time, your baby now recognizes people such as parents, siblings, grandparents, and babysitters. Probably the most obvious development is the hand-eye coordination.

Your baby is also getting better with social skills. He or she will smile at things pleasant, laugh when people make faces, and even try to imitate the actions of other people.

Four to Seven Months

By the time your baby reaches six months, things are really changing. Now, without any support your baby can sit up. Some babies at this age are also able to stand with a little help, allowing the legs to support the body’s weight. Even reaching and grasping for furniture, people, toys, bottles, and other items is easy.

One of the most significant changes during these months is that your baby can now see in living color. Unlike before where vision distance was limited, your baby now sees things much further away and knows whom people are from across the room. If you were to enter a room, your baby would not only know you but also follow you with his/her eyes.

The baby’s cognitive thinking is also advancing. Your baby will probably respond to his/her name, repeat sounds made, and even start forming simple words. At first, the words will sound like gibberish but you can be sure your baby is creating short sentences in his or her own way.

Your Child’s First Year of Life

It is hard to believe, but now your baby is turning one. Because your child is moving about, he/she is going to have spills but this will not stop the child from pursuing walking and talking skills. Most children at this age can walk several steps or go from one piece of furniture to another. Simple words are also spoken, some recognized such as momma, dada, doggie, bottle, etc.

You will also discover that at around age one your baby’s cognitive skills are maturing. In fact, children will have a preference of friends, show interest in specific toys, and only want to eat certain foods, and so on. Although small and loving, your child is becoming independent. Do not be surprised if you start hearing an occasional “no” pop out of the child’s mouth, as he/she tries to move from baby to toddler.

Summary

Children are amazing but very individual. Most babies will go through similar stages but every child develops at a different rate and in his or her own way. Therefore, use the milestones only as a guideline, knowing that your child may do things earlier or later. In other words, do not assume because your friend’s baby was walking at one that your child will be walking at one.

Do It Yourself Education through Homeschooling!

If you’re looking to get your child into a do-it-yourself education, then here’s the most important question you need to ask yourself: WHO exactly is the ‘you’ in ‘yourself’? Most parents cannot afford to sit at home to teach their kids. They have to go out and earn to support their families. Thus, having the time to teach the kids at home is a luxury most cannot afford, especially single parents. Now what?

Luckily, parents today have a lot of alternatives when it comes to providing quality education via homeschooling to their kids. According to a statistical study done on this, more than one million kids are home schooled, due to different parents identifying different ways to make this work!

Having a two parent family makes homeschooling an easier choice, where one parent goes to work outside, while the other becomes a work-at-home career individual and takes on the main responsibility for the homeschooling. Most parents who opt for homeschooling do so because they do not agree with the principles being taught in public schools, intentionally or otherwise. Other parents do not believe that public schools are safe for their kids, with all the bullying and more sinister threats that one sees in the papers all the time.

However, the conventional arrangement of dad earning and mum staying at home is almost over and done with, especially in the west. The sixties came, and they conquered! Today, we have same sex couples, role reversals, extended families and so on- The options have increased, and the mix is quite eclectic now. Thus, these changes have ended up providing more options for homeschooling, since the person who is best suited for the job gets it.

Quite a lot of families today prefer to invite one of their older relatives or friends to stay with them. This is an understanding that goes back a long way. History repeating itself! It could be anyone: grandparent, older aunts or uncles, friends who need somewhere to live. These people make perfect homeschool education providers, since they have a lot of precious experience of life and are able to judge wisely what the student needs.

In today’s world, a homeschooled child can even get a secondary education, with the support of education laws. A person who has been homeschooled himself is the best person to homeschool another. However, even a person who has been to public school is ideal for this post, since he or she will know what to do and what not to do. But then again, anyone who has studied in a public school may not know any better, and might go back to the methods used on them.

Another option is to look for a quality neighbor who is already providing childcare facilities. They can be persuaded to do more than the essential babysitting, however. Of these neighbors, a few integrate homeschooling too.

Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle. You can have your child tutored too! This is newer than the concept of homeschooling. If you’re busy, having a tutor is a viable option to fall back on, and isn’t very expensive these days.

Tutors have been used in many countries and many eras, as the basic provider of primary education. The public school system is the new element in the scenario, reproduced from the Prussian system of the nineteenth century, and is considered to be a failure of great proportions!

A parent can get a tutor from any background, teaching any subject that they wish their child to learn. Some tutors specialize in music, others in languages, and yet others in sciences and so on. Some are ex-public school teachers who have rebelled against the system!

Most parents will initially doubt that they can manage to pay for a tutor to homeschool their kids. After doing the research, they may decide to use their time in running a business at home, which keeps them involved with their kids, and get a tutor for the homeschooling needs.

If your children are self-motivated and exuberant about learning, then homeschooling could be less of a task than you thought. In this case, you can give your kids the materials and resources, so that they do it themselves. A bit of guidance wouldn’t go astray, however! Such kids will be at the top of any classes they attend later, since they’re learning through self-motivation!

It’s a wise idea to do some research and learn all about the different options available for homeschooling before you decide to give up!

The Many Benefits of a Baby Massage

More and more, people are learning about the benefits of giving their baby a massage. Adults love massages and so do babies. Not only does a massage feel good, it has also been used for treating various health issues such as colic, asthma, and dermatitis.

As soon as a baby is born, they are exposed to sights, sounds, touches, smells, and all kinds of new things. Going through the birth canal and then being faced with the new environment is stressful. All of the different stimuli is being processed and used for their development, which is why gentle touch from parents is so important.

Numerous studies have been conducted that show babies are naturally interested in learning about their environment. This is why young babies will reach for things, roll over, and follow people around the room. All of these experiences are part of their development. After all, their world is now one full of sights and sounds that babies find fascinating.

With a baby massage, you can encourage exploration and development.

One of the most popular types of massages is working the hands in a kneading type motion, gently. This touch actually creates not only security in the baby but it also helps to relax. This close connection between baby and parent is special, something the baby is very much aware of and loving it.

A baby massage creates a unique opportunity for parent and child to bond and solidify their relationship. When you apply gentle strokes but slight pressure, you can reduce stress in the baby all while providing him or her with reassurance. Of course as the parents, you benefit by the bonding experience.

Additionally, when giving your baby a massage, you are also helping the mind. As your baby grows, all types of physiological changes are occurring and during a massage, these changes are heightened. Massage actually stimulates both mind and body, as well as helps to boost the immune system because of less stress.

The key with this is to make sure you are giving your baby a massage in the right way. For instance, touch should always be gentle, remembering that this tiny newborn has very fragile skin, bones, and muscles.

Even the atmosphere in which the massage is being given will be beneficial. You want to set time aside in a room where there is soft music playing, low lights, and even aromatherapy. This will help you relax, as well as the baby. As far as the best time of day for giving your baby a massage, we recommend 30 minutes prior to putting him or her down for bed.

Another consideration for the massage is being in a room that is not too old or too hot. The baby’s body is still adjusting to outside temperatures so you want him or her to be as comfortable as possible. Additionally, your baby will get the most out of the massage without clothes. The best option is to warm your hands, choose a soft, nice smelling lotion, and use slow, gentle motions.

Keeping the room darkened but light enough so your baby can see your face is the perfect atmosphere. This creates a peaceful, relaxing place so your baby is completely relaxed.

Most experts recommend a daily massage but no more than 10 or 15 minutes for each massage or the baby’s body could become sore. There are many benefits to a baby massage to include special bonding time, physical and psychological stimulation, relaxation, and a boost of the baby’s immune system.

Going Green with Elimination Communication

When it comes to buying diapers, new parents have more options than ever before. One of the newest, called EC or Elimination Communication is an incredible diaper tool that also supports green efforts. Sometimes, you will hear this diapering process also called Natural Infant Hygiene, which helps a parent understand when the baby needs to potty or have a bowel movement. The baby is actually more comfortable while the sheer number of diapers used is dramatically reduced.

Interestingly, while Elimination Communication is just now being heard partly because of the huge focus on supporting the environment, this is actually something that has been around for a long time. In this case, parents are taught how to recognize when the baby needs to go to the bathroom, which then gives the parent the opportunity to get him or her on the toilet quicker. The Elimination Communication system is widely used in several countries to include Asia and Africa. Simply put, the baby is taught to let mom or dad know when it is time to potty so a toilet can be used rather than getting the diaper wet or dirty.

We see many parents in the United States now using the Elimination Communication system as a part of the potty training process. The result is getting through this phase of the child’s life easier. Typically, babies are potty trained around 12 months of age. The most common method is placing the child on a child potty or an adult toilet with a special seat in anticipation of him or her going. The goal is to train the child that it is much better to use this option instead of going in the diaper. Obviously, throwing out dirty disposable diapers or washing cloth diapers that have been soiled is not a pleasant experience.

Therefore, using Elimination Communication offers a very effective and gentle way of potty training. Not only does this make things easier for the parent but it also shows the baby that the parent has respect. With EC, you teach your child that you are listening and taking appropriate action without forcing him or her into an uncomfortable situation.

If you think that the Elimination Communication system might be right for you and your child, then we recommend you try. Although there are many online resources offering a wealth of information, one in particular, www.diaperfreebaby.org is exceptional. On this site, you will learn all the Elimination Communication principles and be on your way to a diaper free life.

To get started, it is highly recommended that you choose a day when you know you will be home all day. Next, take the baby out of his or her diaper and allow the child to play in one designated room. If you like, an old sheet or towel could be placed on the floor just in case of an accident. As you play and spend time with your baby, simply watch for telltale signs that he or she needs to go potty. For instance, you may find one minute your child playing and the next, becoming quiet or going to a corner of the room. Other signs associated with the Elimination Communication system include the baby starting to squirm around or even cry. At that point, you need to pay attention and be ready to place the child on the toilet.

With EC, the goal is to encourage the child to take care of business in the toilet by using words or even sounds such as “psss”. Depending on the child and the number of times you have tried the Elimination Communication process, he or she may potty immediately or it may take some time. Another option that works quite well is to carry your child in a type of sling so he or she is close, making it easier to take note of signs. Interestingly, while you might think it dangerous to carry a baby around in a sling without a diaper, using the Elimination Communication system actually results in very few accidents. The reason – you are more in tune with the baby so you know when potty breaks are needed.

Although there are many wonderful benefits associated with EC, the one that most parents appreciate most is the fact they have a unique way of communicating and understanding their child. In fact, most parents that use this system agree they somehow know even before the child gives indicators. This allows the parent to take quick action so accidents are avoided.

With Elimination Communication, you can work on this part-time so there is no stress. You will need to determine what works for your situation in that sometimes a parent will only remove the diaper during playtime or after meals. The key to success is to make this a fun and stress free process, without putting any type of pressure on the baby to perform. Remember, the Elimination Communication system takes time to learn so if you and the baby do not learn immediately, that is perfectly fine.

As your baby nears the age of potty training, you should at least consider EC. Chances are you will find it works. Then, considering that you are using fewer diapers and supporting the environment, it makes sense.

Using The Power Of Books As Part Of Your Child’s Early Learning Experience

It is easy to under estimate the power of the written word. During our formative years, we all had certain books that made a big impression and that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Even from early childhood, there were stories that never failed to delight and although we didn’t realise at the time, reading was helping us have a better command of the language.

We remember some of those books in adulthood and they help keep the glimmer of childhood in us that will remain until we grow old. During the early learning phase, using books as an aid will greatly enhance the experience.

There is something magical about children’s books, you have the books for very early years with pop ups and only a word or two on each page with big exciting pictures. Then progressing to toddler age with slightly more words on the page, again with beautiful imagery. The pictures are instrumental in helping the child with their creative imagination and eventually pictures are no longer necessary.

The earlier books play a part in your child’s life, the better. Helping them discover a love of books is a valuable gift and will help in their vocabulary skills, not to mention endless hours of pleasure.

You can gradually wean your child on to books starting pretty much from day one, in fact, you can even read to the child during the later stages of pregnancy. Both mom and dad can share this responsibly.

It has been discovered that the unborn child can hear voices and relate the voices after birth. Reading to your child will help them recognise your voice after birth and give a sense of comfort. There are probably even more benefits that have not been fully researched yet in reading to your child before birth.

To help your child get the maximum benefit from books, sit with them so they can look at the pictures while you read. Even once the child has begun learning to read, it can help to read and they will follow the words. Then the child can have a go.

You can think of ways in which the child can benefit, there are many methods that are all effective. Eventually, they will be reading on their own, only needing help with the odd word. You will be amazed at the rate in which they learn.

Children often copy their parents and the activity in question can become part of their enjoyable activities. You have the power to instil a love of reading and books into your child which can only do good. Encouraging them to read and reading aloud to them will help them take an interest.

There are books available with audio CD’s to help your child follow the story and add an extra facet in the learning to read process. Children usually love new things, this can help to prevent the child from becoming bored and giving up.

Books are something that has stood the test of time. Sure, there will be exciting new technology to capture the imagination but nothing can supersede our own imagination and the power of the mind. Helping your child to read and enjoy books will give them a huge advantage with vocabulary and is something that they can always enjoy.

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