Image by OneInstant via Flickr

While many new parents have been there before, be it with their own children or a friends (or relative’s child) parenting classes really can still make a huge difference.

While there are a great many different choices to think of when you are looking for a pre-baby refresher, finding one that fits you and your plans can be the best recourse.  If this is your first baby (or even your second) a class really can get you up to date on new and useful tips in birthing and those first important days.

There are a surprising amount to choose from, and if you are in or near a larger metropolitan area those choices can go even further. If you are considering  amore natural approach to childbirth (or, conversely you more than welcome the epidural) there is likely to be a class for you.

Don’t be nervous about not knowing much going into the class you choose, after all it’s very likely that there are people attending that will be in the same state as you.

Being nervous and even outright terrified is a very normal response to having a baby, and it does get better. Long after the lack of sleep, confusion, and worrying wear off (all things that are again, perfectly normal for a new parent).

The classes aim to help you through both the birth of your child and the time after that. They can help you feel a bit more confidant at a time where you will need all the confidence you can get.

Like many other skills that babies have to master, kissing and hugging are partly physical, partly cognitive and partly emotional. Before your child is able to pucker up and give you his wet and sweet kisses, he’s going to go through some exciting changes, and there are lots of loving ways that you can help.

Prelude to a kiss:

You may thought that your baby is finally giving you his first kiss (after smooching him for 6 months) but actually your child is in the stage of curiosity. He’s ability to open his mouth and put it in his daddy’s mustache makes him curious. (At this age, a child likes to put anything in his mouth because he wants to know what kind of toy is he playing with  or does it taste good.) Strictly speaking, your child isn’t really kissing at this point. For now, he’s only able to execute an open-mouth, or suction-cup buss. The ability to pucker up,which requires control of the muscles around the mouth will come after his first birthday. He may even bite you or suck on your face. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll say “Wow! you’ve given mommy a kiss!” . Your thrilled reaction is a crucial part of the learning process. If you express pleasure and kiss your baby back, he gradually comes to a realization that when he puts his mouth on mom’s cheek that’s called a kiss. Expect that pretty soon he’ll be showering you literally with kisses.

Huggy time:

About the only thing your baby savors as much as your kisses are your hugs. Touch is the most highly developed sense at birth, making the need to be held and cuddled an essential one. Believe it or not. embraces contribute to a baby’s ability to better manage her emotions. Remember that before you baby can initiate a hug, he has to achieve a developmental milestone which is reaching. This skill emerges by about 6 months, when he’s able to coordinate what he sees with the movement of his hands. He’ll start reaching and touching your face, and he will continue to do this because of your sweet reaction.  After this stage, he’ll start getting close to you by nestling ingto your comforting embrace.

There’s nothing sweeter than your baby’s hugs and smooches. So try to reach out, let your child express his love in his own little ways.

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setting limitations

bye-bye bottle

This is mine!

Study shows that the human body is estimated to be 60% to 70% made of water. Water regulates body temperature and allows the nutrients to travel to all the vital organs.The following are just few benefits of letting your child drink water.

• Water is important for their digestion. It helps the body get rid of waste in form of sweat and urine.
• Water plays a vital role in your child’s immune system. It helps the kidneys and liver to function well and eliminate toxins from the blood.
• Water keeps their joints lubricated.
• Water helps the muscles and organs to work efficiently.
• Water reduces craving for sweets which often causes dehydration.

But the real question is, How can you get your tots to chug the world’s healthiest drink?

• Serve it cold- Kids usually love cold water. If your anxious about letting your child drink ice-cold water, try mixing half ice cold water and lukewarm water. Or use a transparent glass with different fancy shaped ice. Your child will definitely enjoy watching while the ice melt  while sipping his drink. But be reminded that you can use this tip once in awhile because drinking too much cold water can expend double the energy to maintain the ideal body temperature.
• Put a little flavor and color – Naturally kids prefer sweet drinks. (Who doesn’t?) So to keep them drinking water try adding a pinch of sugar, a lemon strip or a mint strip.
• Accessible water station – Always have a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, on the countertop, or beside table.  Keeping it within your little ones line of sight will set off a positive signal to drink water whenever he is thirsty.
• Do it with them – Make it a habit as a family. Have a water chart and whoever gets the highest points will get a prize.

This is also a way for you to teach your kids  the other uses of water. You can make them easily understand this by purchasing  this dream kitchen.

This product will help your child understand the value of “water” in their lives. They basically need it:

• for cooking
• for cleaning
• for washing etc.

Where to buy:  Lifestyle Deluxe Kitchen

Price: $219.99

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Waterwheel

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When I was in preschool, I hated taking a bath. I feel that it’s taking too much of my so called “precious playing time”. My mom has to bribe me with stuff so that I’ll go inside the bathroom, but sometimes it really doesn’t work.

So now, I’ll give all the parents out there some few tips to make your child enjoy taking a bath.

• Some kids are naturally afraid of water. So try to covert their fears into something fun. Bubbles make all kids crazy! try making bubbles with your little ones. Be creative, use your hands or maybe sticks with holes on it.  I’m sure they’ll look forward to your next bathing session.
• Use soap and shampoo that won’t hurt their eyes. I’ll assure you that that there will be less crying time.
• Tub toys are welcome during their bathing time. They will surely enjoy the squeaky sounds. If  they want to bring their own toys (doll, barbie, robot etc.) Let them!. You can wash your child’s hair and let them do it with their toys. The next time you bathe your child, ask him what’s the first thing you should do. Before you know it, your kid knows how to take a bath my himself.
• Taking a bath should be fun for kids. No pressure just pure fun.

You see bathing your child is as easy as 123. Make your child enjoy it with you. You’ll see when they grow up, they’d always remember how you’ve been such a fun mommy and daddy to them.  Here are some squeaky tub toys that will make your bath time more enjoyable.These cute bath toys will make your child’s bathing time worthwhile. You can also use these toys to teach them the different kinds of animals and also the sounds that they make.

Where to buy: Mastermind Toys

Price: $11.95

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Safety First

Bath time!

Don’t you ever wish that you have enough space inside your toddler’s room, where you can have fun and just relax with them? I know what your thinking, “oh, it’s not possible”, “we’ll just use a different room”or maybe.. “we’d rather go to the mall” Let me stop you there. Do you know that you add confidence to your child’s life if you give time hanging around his room? Yes! You’ve read it right. If you think that your stepping on with their privacy, (we’re not talking about your highschool son or college daughter. We’re talking about your toddlers or your  preschool kids.) well you’re not. Your child needs to see that you’re part of their own world. Visiting their room is part of it. You give them confidence when you tell them that they did a good job in fixing their room, or two thumbs up for packing away their toys, or maybe by just allowing them to tour you in their imaginary museum. Kids are kids, let’s not pressure them to act like adults, let them have fun and enjoy every minute of their childhood.

price: $210

This convertible bed for your toddler gives so much fun and excitement for them. They are very attractive and durable. In fact you can teach your little ones how to fold it and use it as a way to commend them for doing it the proper way.

There’s a lot of things that you can do with it. You can use it while watching TV with your kids and unfold it when it’s time for their bedtime. Did I mention that it saves you a lot of space? Yes it does and it perfectly fits your tots.

I attached a link for a short video to give you an idea how to use this adorable convertible bed available in this site www.zacandzoe.com

video: Convertible bed for your toddler

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